The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (March 27-April 2, 2023)

Civilians told to surrender illegal weapons

BASILAN - The military has urged civilians in the southern Muslim province of Basilan either to Continue on page 2 Continue on page 2

Bill to incentivize halaloriented enterprises praised

COTABATO CITY Muslims are strongly supporting a proposed law seeking to provide halal-oriented enterprises in the Bangsamoro autonomous region with a special investment and incentive code.

Member of the Parliament Ali Sangki has introduced PB No. 138 or

(Mindanao

the “Bangsamoro Halal Investment and Incentive Code Act of 2022,” which proposes to create a special halal tax regime with incentives over capital gains or personal income taxes, exemptions from corporate taxes, as well as port duties and taxes, and adjustments of capital

allowances and losses, hopes to entice more investments in the region.

A halal-friendly investment policy, according to MP Sangki, could boost BARMM's bid for a share of the world halal market, which is estimated to be worth more Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5

Philippines, U.S. to hold largest ever joint war games

THE PHILIPPINES and the United States will hold their largest ever joint mil-

HE PHILIPPINES and the United States will hold their largest ever military exercises next month, Filipino and American officials said, as the long- exercises next month, and American officials said, as the time allies seek to counter China’s growing regional influence time allies seek to counter China’s growing influence.

A total of 17,680 soldiers will take part in the annual drills, which for the first time will include

live-fire exercises in the Continue on page 2 Continue on page 2

ISIS still a threat in Southeast Asia

THE PHILIPPINES remains an attractive site for Islamic State (IS) operations now and in the future, Nikkei Asia quoted Mimi Fabe, a professor of financial terrorism at the National Police College of the Philippines, as saying.

“The ISIS HQ still Continue on page 6 Continue on page 6

E-Waste, panganib sa kalikasan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

- Nagbabala ang environmental group BAN

Toxics sa hindi sustenableng produksyon at pagkonsumo ng mga kag-

amitang elektrikal at elektroniko na nagdudulot ng

Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5

North Korea mobilizes 1.4 million volunteers to fight U.S., South Korea

OVER A million North Koreans have volunteered to join the Korean People’s Army (KPA) amid

the mounting anger and indignation against the United States and South Korea over the two na-

tion’s joint military exercises.

According to the Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5

DIPOLOG CITY - Adunay 210 ka senior citizen sa Barangay Santa Filomena ang nakadawat sa plastic container sa biscuit nga gipahigayon sa covered court.

Kini tipik sa Gugma Ayuda ni Nanay Nene Outreach Program sa kagamhanang probinsyal sa administrasyon

Continue on page 6 Continue on page 6

(Chariz Velasco)

Sulu ranked No. 1 in improved peace and order

SULU – Governor Sakur Tan said Sulu is now ranked Number 1 in improved peace and order Continue on page 2 Continue on page 2

Provincial government photo shows the Peace and Order Council Meeting held at the Capitol in Patikul town.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Young Muslims in Marawi in Lanao del Sur province display the ISIS flag in this photo taken before the 2017 siege in the city by pro-ISIS groups Abu Sayyaf, Maute and Dawlah Islamiya. (Photo by The Mindanao Examiner)

A U.S. Department of Defense photo shows soldiers conduct situational training exercises during exercise Warrior Shield in South Korea, March 14, 2023. The exercise showcases the soldiers’ capabilities.

A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command shows the illegal weapons surrendered by civilians in Lantawan town in Basilan province.

Examiner)

Philippines, U.S. to hold largest ever joint war games

Continued from page 1

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disputed South China Sea and a simulated defense of a tiny Philippine island nearly 300 kilometers (190 miles) south of Taiwan.

The countries will also stage an amphibious landing on the western island of Palawan, the closest Philippine landmass to the Spratly Islands — a flashpoint for Beijing and Manila.

“Any armed forces has the right to conduct military exercises,” said Colonel Michael Logico, the Philippine spokesman for the war games called Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder.” “It’s really part of our combat readiness,” he said.

The announcement comes less than six weeks after Manila and Washington agreed to restart joint patrols in the South China Sea, and struck a deal to give U.S. troops access to another four military bases in the Southeast Asian

country.

The countries have been seeking to repair ties that were fractured under President Ferdinand Marcos‘s predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

Beijing’s growing assertiveness on Taiwan and its building of bases in the South China Sea have given fresh impetus to Washington and Manila to strengthen their partnership, which is underpinned by a mutual defense treaty.

The exercises, scheduled for April 11-28, will involve more than 12,000 American, nearly 5,000 Filipino and 111 Australian soldiers – about twice as many as last year, Logico said.

A U.S. official confirmed the figures. One of the drills will involve military helicopters landing on Calayan island, off the northern tip of the main island of Luzon. The maritime and coastal defense drill has been held in the past, but this will be the

first time on Calayan. It will also be the first time Philippine and US navy frigates will fire their weapons towards the South China Sea from waters off Zambales province, north of Manila, Logico said.

Previous live-fire exercises were held on land. The Americans will also use their Patriot missiles, considered one of the best air defense systems in the world, and the HIMARS precision rocket system during the drills.

The Australian troops involved will mainly take part in “special operations” type exercises, Logico said, while Japan will send an observer delegation. This is the first Balikatan to be held since Marcos took power in June 2022. Marcos has insisted he will not let China trample on the Philippines’ maritime rights – in contrast to Duterte who was reluctant to criticize Beijing.

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the

SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO

entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys, ignoring an international ruling that its claims have

no legal basis. The Philippines and several other countries have rival claims. The US and Australian em-

bassies in Manila did not immediately comment on the exercises. (AFP, The Defense Post)

Civilians told to surrender illegal weapons

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 surrender their illegal weapons or register their firearms with the police.

The call came after the military collected recently nearly three dozen illegal weapons from civilians in Lantawan town.

Army officials said the weapons were handed over by Lantawan Mayor Nursiya Ismael to the military at the headquarters of the 19th Special Forces Company in Isabela City.

“The loose firearms were surrendered by the residents from the different villages of Lantawan town” said Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan.

He said the surrendered weapons included two M16 rifles, one grenade launcher, four Garand rifles, one Carbine

rifle, five shotguns, two .45-caliber pistols, and 14 .38-caliber pistols, one Uzi submachine gun, one KG9 submachine gun, one .357-caliber pistol, and two .22-caliber pistols.

Col. Frederick Sales, the deputy commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, attributed the surrender of the weapons to the collaborative efforts of the 4th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Bernard Samin and the town’s mayor. “It is also a result of the military’s implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons program in the province of Basilan,” he said.

Sales was referring to the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, a globally

agreed framework for activities to counter the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and control the negative consequences of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Through the program, the military in Basilan collected 370 illegal weapons and recorded 4,323 firearms over the past years.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the military and local government’s efforts in Basilan and called on civilians to surrender their illegal firearms or apply for a gun permit with the police. “We commit to continue our efforts to free the communities from the cradle of violence and sustain peace in Basilan and its nearby provinces,” Galido said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sulu ranked No. 1 in improved peace and order

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 situation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and he commended authorities and the public for strongly supporting the peace and development efforts of the provincial and municipal governments.

Tan, chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), recently convened the body to provide the public with updates on the security situation, issues of social concern and other matters relevant to public order and safety.

“We are now number ranked Number 1 in peace and order. Maganda ang sitwasyon natin dito sa Sulu, mas marami tayong pwedeng magawa ngayon. Magtulong-tulong tayo na mas pagandahin pa ang ating probinsiya. Bigyan natin nang oportunidad ang pag-unlad dito sa Sulu,” Tan said after receiving reports from the police and military, and other stakeholders.

In light of the much improved peace and order situation, Tan encouraged all stakeholders not to be

complacent, rather to seize the moment, and double the resolve to move forward and increase productivity to create better opportunities for everyone.

The PPOC also recommended the following: Strengthen programs on education as a catalyst of peace and development in every enabling environment; a progressive practice of culture and tradition to help eradicate so-called gun culture mentality, and to help prevent clan war or family feud; to further improve the traffic situation in the capital town of Jolo; aggressive campaign on motorcycles with loud

muffler, and to promote four stroke or Euro 4 compliant motorcycles; to maintain the cleanliness program in all municipalities.

It also adopted the position of the five governors in the BARMM who called for the postponement of the Barangay elections until the implementation of the full decommissioning of weapons of Moro Islamic Liberation Front members; the condemnation of the February 17 ambush on Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr that wounded him and killed four of his aides. (Mindanao Examiner)

Provincial government photo shows the Peace and Order Council Meeting held at the Capitol in Patikul town. (Mindanao Examiner)

BTA proposes to create Ligawasan Development Authority

COTABATO CITY— In an effort to regulate and manage the exploration and development of natural resources in Ligawasan Marsh, a measure establishing the Ligawasan Development Authority (LDA) has been introduced on first reading in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

The LDA will rationalize, develop, utilize, restore, and conserve the natural resources of Ligawasan within the areas of responsibility of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In his explanatory note for BTA Bill No. 137, also known as the “Ligawasan Development Authority Act of 2022,” principal author Mohammad Kelie Antao highlighted the historical significance of Ligawasan to the residents of Maguindanao, noting that it has been an integral part of their lives for their social and economic survival and that it has been one of

their significant havens, particularly at the height of the modern Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination.

A threat to the maintenance of the dwellers’ historical life in the area and its ecology, according to Antao, is posed by the constant exploitation and usage of the natural resources by the dwellers without alternative acts to preserve their historical existence.

In addition to its historical and environmental significance, he said “there is a need to urgently address the problem so that these resources would give sustainable economic advantages to the constituents, the region, and the country.”

The Liguasan Marsh, the biggest wetland in the Philippines, is spread across the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, covering a total area of 288,000 hectares and hous-

ing about 100,000 families. It makes up about 10% of the Mindanao River Basin.

The LDA shall cover all the provinces and municipalities of the Bangsamoro region that hold parts of the Ligawasan enclave as their respective areas of responsibility, including Maguindanao del Sur and the municipalities of Ampatuan, Datu Piang, Talitay, Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, Buluan, Pandag, Mangudadatu, Datu Paglas, Paglat, and SK Pendatun; Maguindanao del Norte and the municipalities of Mother Kabuntalan, Northern Kabuntalan, and Southern Kabuntalan; and the 47 villages under the Special Geographic Area from the municipalities of Pikit, Midsayap, and Pigcawayan.

The bill also aims to generate long-term revenue while protecting the environment for the benefit of Ligawasan communities, the region, and the country. The proposed measure is also

Bill seeks college scholarship program

COTABATO CITY – The proposed bill to provide financially disadvantaged but academically capable and highly motivated students in the Bangsamoro region with access to college scholarship grants was introduced in first reading.

Also known as the Bangsamoro Scholarship Act of 2022, the proposed measure authored by Members of the Parliament, Diamila Ramos, Abdulazis Amenoden, Suharto Ambolodto, Mohammad Kelie Antao, Eddie Alih, and Nabila Pangandaman, aims to make tertiary education accessible to all.

A Bangsamoro Scholarship Program will be established under Parliament Bill No. 140 for Filipino residents of the region who have graduated from recognized private or public schools in BARMM and whose family income is insufficient to support their bachelor’s degree.

Scholars in the program are guaranteed admission to any state university or college in the region identified by the Education Ministry.

Free tuition and other school fees, financial assistance for research projects and internships, allowances for necessary books, supplies, equipment, clothing, or uniforms, monthly living, transportation, and other miscellaneous education-related costs are also provided to students.

After graduating and acquiring a bachelor’s degree, scholars are required to complete three years of return service in any private or public institution in the BARMM.

The MBHTE will be in charge of implementing, evaluating, awarding, entering into

BARMM legislators bat for creation of parliamentary districts in Special Geographic Area

scholarship contracts with scholars, and monitoring the program. It will also ensure the timely release of benefits and entitlements for the scholars.

As the implementing agency, it will also be responsible for ensuring that no scholarships are duplicated and that those who are underserved by national government financial assistance programs are prioritized.

It will also provide access to equal opportunities and special privileges to those involved in the peace process, including former combatants, their families, and the MILF and MNLF communities.

MBHTE will provide a web-based portal and information system for the scholarship program in order to manage the application and submission of requirements, as well as the database and profiles of scholars and appli-

cants.

In the proposed measure, a Bangsamoro Scholarship Coordinating Council headed by MBHTE will be created to coordinate and consult with ministries and other agencies and offices of the Bangsamoro government in implementing said scholarship program.

The BSCC will be composed of the region’s Science and Technology, Health, Agriculture and Fisheries, Trade and Investment, Environment, Labor, Indigenous Peoples ministries; youth and women’s commissions; and other agencies and offices.

MPs Michael Midtimbang, Susana Anayatin, Basit Abbas, Ali Solaiman, Ali Sangki, Abdulwahab Pak, and Hamid Malik are the co-authors of the proposed measure. (LTAIS- Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

COTABATO CITY – A measure that seeks to divide the Bangsamoro Region’s Special Geographic Area into two parliamentary districts has been filed by Bangsamoro lawmakers on the last day of session before its mandatory adjournment.

Member of the Parliament Mohammad Kelie Antao, the principal author of Parliament Bill No. 122, has proposed splitting the SGA into two districts, with separate representatives for each.

The SGA is composed of the 63 barangays in North Cotabato that voted yes in the 2019 plebiscite to become part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

MP Antao explained that the creation of two parliamentary districts in the SGA is essential as it will provide constituents with representatives who will advocate for them before the legislative body.

Parliamentary district seats are defined in the re-

cently approved Bangsamoro Electoral Code as seats in the Parliament for those elected under a registered regional political party or coalition using a proportional representation system.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law states that the Parliament may undertake new redistricting by law to ensure more equitable representation of constituencies in the Parliament.

Redistricting, merging, or creating parliamentary districts will be based on the number of inhabitants and additional provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas that will become part of the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction.

Under PB No. 122, the first parliamentary district will be composed of 33 villages with a cumulative population of 103,233 and an annual income of P120.66 million.

The 33 villages are Balacayon, Buricain, Datu Binasing, Datu Mantil, Kadingilan,

More bills tackled, resolutions approved in Bangsamoro Parliament

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Parliament has filed various bills and lawmakers adopted a resolution expressing gratitude to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his continuing support and concern for the Bangsamoro peace process.

Among the bills were the Bangsamoro Palliative and Hospice Act of 2022; the Bud Dajo Day Act of 2022; the BARMM E-Governance Act of 2022; the Small Farmer and Fisherfolk Scholarship Act of 2022; the BARMM Digital Public Library Hubs Act of 2022; the Bangsamoro Green Building Act of 2022;

the South Upi Municipal Hospital Upgrade Act; and the Bangsamoro Commission for Senior Citizens Act of 2022.

Other bills that entered second reading include measures seeking to create the municipalities of Pahamudin, Kadayangan, Kabalukan, Northern Kabacan, Kapalawan, Malmar, Tugunan, and Ligawasan in the BARMM Special Geographic Area.

Following the sponsorship speeches of Members of the Parliament Engr. Aida Silongan, Mohammad Kelie Antao, Abdullah Hashim, Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., Jaafar Apollo Mikhail

Matalam, and Ali Salik, the bills were referred to the committees on local government and finance, budget, and management.

The Bangsamoro Parliament also approved a committee report on proposed Resolution No. 49, requesting the Supreme Court of the Philippines to create a committee on Shari’ah bar integration and to consider the adoption of the draft rules integrating the Philippine Shari’ah Bar.

They also approved a resolution asking the BARMM Chief Minister's Office to provide all Bangsamoro government offi-

cials and employees, including those covered by contract of service and job order, with relief assistance not to exceed P15,000.

A resolution declaring March 27 as a special non-working holiday in the entire Bangsamoro region to commemorate the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was also adopted.

The Parliament adjourned sine die its first regular session on March 21 after deliberating on the bills and adopting nine resolutions. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Lower Pangangkalan, Libungan Torreta, Matilac, Patot, Upper Pangangkalan, Lower Baguer, Simsiman, Central Labas, Kapinpilan, Malingao, Mudseng, Sambulawan, Tugal, Tumbras, Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kudarangan, Nabalawag, Olandang, Macasandeg, Dungguan, Bagoinged, Barungis, Bulol, Buliok, Gli-Gli, Kabasalan, and Rajamuda.

Meanwhile, the villages of Bualan, Lagunde, Panicupan, Manaulanan, Balong, Pamalian, Makabual, Tapodoc, Balongis, Batulawan, Fort Pikit, Gukotan, Nabundas, Nunguan, Nalapaan, Kibayao, Kitulaan, Langogan, Manarapan, Nasapian, Pebpoloan, Tupig, Buluan, Nangaan, Pedtad, Sanggadong, Simone, Simbuhay, and Tamped will comprise the 29 barangays in the SGA second parliamentary district.

The second parliamentary district has a total land area of 515 square kilometers, a combined population of 112,210, and an annual income of P125.17 million.

Antao said that the proposed bill’s passage would hasten the region’s social and economic growth.

According to the Bangsamoro electoral code, parliamentary districts are apportioned based on population and geographical area for redistricting purposes, provided that each district includes, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territorial jurisdiction and has a population of at least 100,000 people.

Along with Antao, the proposed bill is introduced by MPs Mohagher Iqbal, Atty. Lanang Ali, Jr., and Engr. Aida Silongan. (LTAIS- Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Google map photo of the Liguasan Marsh in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

co-authored by MPs Mudjib Abu, Tawakal Midtimbang, Suwaib Oranon, and Bassir Utto. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

North Korea mobilizes 1.4 million volunteers to fight U.S., South Korea

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

North Korean state media KCNA, more than 1.4 million young people across the country volunteered to join the KPA.

It also branded the U.S. as an imperialist state and South Korea as an American puppet and traitors “hell-bent on reckless manoeuvers to unleash a nuclear war against the DPRK, the number of young people who volunteer to turn out in the sacred struggle for defending the country is increasing day by day.”

DPRK refers to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea also

known as North Korea.

“They signed the petitions to join and rejoin the KPA with the pledge of heroic youth to deal merciless crushing blows of punishment to the enemies bringing dark clouds of a nuclear war while crying about occupation of Pyongyang and achieve victory in the great war for national reunification before others,” the state media said.

It said over 950 000 workers from the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex, the Sunchon Area Youth Coal-mining Complex,

the Pyongyang General Electric Cable Factory 326, Oguk Farm in Anak County and other industrial establishments and farms, and over 180 000 in North Phyongan province volunteered to join and rejoin the KPA.

“Not only university students but those of senior middle schools across the country expressed their will to join the struggle to defeat the aggressors, holding rifles in their hands as the children’s vanguard members did during the Fatherland Liberation War,” KCNA said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Bill to incentivize halaloriented enterprises praised

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

than $4 trillion, and only the Bangsamoro region, through the Bangsamoro Board of Investment (BBOI), is able to provide incentives to interested firms looking to invest in new projects related to the halal industry, Islamic banking, and finance.

Once PB No. 138 is enacted, qualified enterprises may avail themselves of the halal investment and incentive scheme, which includes “pioneer status” and investment tax exemption.

Pioneer status is a form of tax exemption that is granted to companies that participate in or produce halal-promoted activities or services for a period of five to ten years, while the investment tax allowance is an incentive granted based on the capital expenditure incurred on industrial buildings,

plants, and machinery used for halal-promoted activities or the production of halal-oriented commodities and services for a period of five to ten years.

PB No. 138 also specifies the specific activities that are eligible for the incentives, which include high-tech activity in the Halal manufacturing and services sectors, as well as other activities that directly benefit the region's economy; halal industrial parks or free zones; halal economic corridors and value chain facilities; halal banking and finance; a halal educational and technological hub; agricultural and fishery industry sectors; halal-accredited hotels; and the tourism sector.

New companies in Halal food production, existing companies doing diversification projects in Halal food production, as

well as existing companies upgrading and expanding their existing plants, are also eligible to receive the tax incentives.

The Special Investment and Incentive Code will be administered by the BBOI, which is an investment promotion agency of the Bangsamoro government with the authority to grant tax incentive packages to local and foreign businesses operating in the region.

"As for the 11 million Filipino Muslims in the country, the surge in halal-producing industries in the region will provide a steady source of supply of essential halal commodities, giving Muslims opportunities to fulfill their religious obligations related to the stringent requirements for food consumption," said MP Sangki. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Immigration to deport Vietnamese father, daughter

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippines is set to deport a Vietnamese man and his daughter who jumped from a ferry here while trying to evade deportation.

Police said the 37-year old Nguyen Thanh Truc and his daughter were recovered by crew members of the M/V Antonia and the duo was brought to the Zamboanga City Medical Center before turning them over to the Bureau of Immigration which ordered their deportation on March 19.

The Bureau of Immigration said the duo arrived here with incomplete documents from

Sandakan City in Sabah, Malaysia along with Filipino deportees. "The Bureau of Immigration instructed the crew of said sea vessel to deport the aforementioned foreigners due to incomplete documents which prompted the father to jump into the sea along with his daughter," police said.

No other details were released by the authorities on Truc's background and the Vietnam Embassy in the Philippines have not issued any statement or whether it was informed about the incident.

It was also in the same

E-Waste, panganib sa kalikasan

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 peligro sa kalikasan. Ayon sa BAN Toxics, kasama ang Pilipinas sa may pinakamalaking ambag na waste electric and electronic equipment (WEE) o e-waste sa Southeast Asia na tinatayang umabot sa 3.9 kilos bawat Pilipino noong 2019.

transporters, at mga pasilidad para sa treatment, storage, and disposal ng mapanganib na basura.

basurang ito na naglalagay sa atin sa mapanganib na sitwasyon,” dagdag pa ni Lorenzo.

ferry that a Filipino Muslim, Razmel Abdul Rahim, 31, drowned after jumping from the fourth level window on March 15. His body was recovered two days later, according to the Malaysian newspaper, The Star, which reported the incident on March 18.

It was unclear whether Rahim was evading deportation or had committed suicide. The ferry was carrying 653 Filipino deportees. There was no immediate statement from the Philippine authorities on the death of Rahim, whose place of origin remains unknown. (Mindanao Examiner)

Ito ay nasa ulat rin ng Global E-waste Monitor ng United Nations at maging ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ay nagsabi na nakapagtala ng 32,664 metric tons na e-waste ang bansa sa parehong taon. Lagpas sa 24 milyong yunit ng mobile phones ang ibinasura sa taong 2021 lamang, batay naman ito sa isang pag-aaral na lumabas sa Global Nest Journal.

Nagkakarga ng mapanganib na metal, kabilang ang lead, cadmium, mercury at hexavalent chromium, at flame retardants katulad ng polybrominated biphenyls at polybrominated diphenyl ethers ang e-waste. Saklaw ng RA 6969 o Toxic Substance and Hazardous Nuclear Waste Act of 1990 ang regulasyon sa mga ito. Nakasaad din sa DENR Administrative Order 2013-22 guidelines na obligadong magrehistro sa EMB ang mga generators,

“Taun-taon, naglilikha at nagkokonsumo ang mundo ng bulto-bultong electric and electronic equipment na nagreresulta sa tone-toneladang basura o e-waste, kung saan maliit na bahagdan lamang ang narerecycle. Tulak ng industriyalisasyon, urbanisasyon at tumataas na kita, ang suliranin sa e-waste ay nagdudulot ng matinding panganib sa kalusugan ng tao at kalikasan, lalo na sa mamamayan ng mahihirap na bansa,” ani Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics Policy and Research Officer.

“Maliban sa nililikha sa loob ng bansa, isa pang pinagmumulan ng e-waste ay ang basurang nanggagaling sa ibang bansa, kahit pa mayroong pandaigdigang kasunduan na tinatawag na Basel Convention. Pinapakita ng datos at mga pag-aaral na malaking bahagi ng e-waste ay nagmumula sa mayayamang industriyalisadong bansa bilang export na used-EEE, second-hand at mga sarplas na kagamitang inaangkat naman patungo sa mga mahihirap na bansa. Itinatapon sa bansa ang mga

Hindi pa lumalagda ang Pilipinas sa Basel Ban Amendment na nagbabawal sa iligal na pagpasok sa bansa ng imported hazardous waste.

“Pinaka-ulnerable ang mga basurero, kababaihan at bata, at mga komunidad sa paligid sa panganib ng e-waste dulot ng hindi ligtas at hindi wastong mga paraan sa pagbaklas, pag-aayos, pagkukumpuni, at pagbebenta ng mga gamit nang gaheto at elektroniko. Ilan sa mapanganib na mga pamamaraan ay ang pagsusunog ng PVC-coated na plastic, pagbaklas at pagtapon sa CRT glass na may lead, paggamit ng mga toksik na asido sa printed circuit boards, at pagputol at baklas ng plastik na naglalaman ng BFRs,” sabi pa ni Lorenzo.

Itinataguyod ng BAN Toxics ang sustenableng produksyon at pagkonsumo upang mapigilan ang pag-abuso sa ating likas-yaman at limitahan ang ‘di-sustenableng mga paraan na nagtutulak sa hangganan at kapasidad ng mundo. (Mindanao Examiner)

ISIS still a threat in Southeast Asia

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Continued from page 1

regards Philippine terrorist organizations as reliable conduits for terrorism financing, recruitment of combatants and child soldiers, involvement of women in terrorist smuggling of weapons as well as ammunition, a place to get multiple identities and, in certain areas, as safe havens for foreign terrorist fighters,” Fabe said.

One of the most notorious organizations in the Philippines is the jihadi and kidnap-for-ransom group Abu Sayyaf, which has two factions. One of them is allied with IS and is the largest IS-linked group in the Philippines. “All of these groups are operating in Mindanao Island, while two other transnational organized crime groups which are sympathetic to ISIS-linked groups have a footprint in Luzon,” Fabe said.

Fabe said the IS headquarters is fully supportive of the Abu Sayyaf factions. The support comprises terrorism financing and the transfer of training techniques, including the sending of IS fighters to train newly recruited combatants and child soldiers in Mindanao.

Mindanao

In May 2017, Abu Sayyaf and the IS-linked Maute Group seized control of Marawi city in Mindanao and laid siege to it for five months before the Philippine military regained control. The attack marked the most serious bid by IS to gain a foothold in Southeast Asia, unsettling governments across the region with its ferocity, impeccable planning and abundant logistics. More than 1,100 civilians, militants and security forces were killed. An attack of such scale has not been repeated since.

According to Fabe, the careful monitoring of Marawi and the larger Lanao region, where the city is, plus efforts at preventing and countering violent extremism by security forces has led to the maintenance of peace and order in the area.

Nikkei Asia also quoted Colin Clarke, director of research at The Soufan Group intelligence and security consultancy, as saying that IS is still very interested in Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, where the group can use sectarianism as a recruitment tool.

“IS is opportunistic and will continue to look for openings to rebuild its networks throughout Southeast Asia,” said Clarke. “IS has continued to spread propaganda and recruit ... and there are some concerns about the group making inroads in Singapore.”

Clarke said IS is in rebuilding mode at the moment. “Its goal is to remain relevant and look for power vacuums it can exploit. It is also likely seeking to rebuild its external operations capabilities, because conducting successful attacks is the most effective recruitment tool. ... It proves relevance when many analysts are claiming that the group is finished,” Clarke said, adding, IS is strong in Af-

rica and Afghanistan but suffering significant losses elsewhere.

At its height, IS held about a third of Syrian territory and 40% of Iraq. It drew an estimated 30,000 foreign fighters to its caliphate, including citizens from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, before its defeat by a U.S.-led coalition.

Nikkei Asia said four years after the fall of the IS caliphate in Syria where it lost territories and followers, the extremist group’s ideology remains entrenched in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines, where risks of attacks are looming.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, it reported that a counterterrorism expert warned that IS supporters are working together with former terrorism convicts to form a group to carry out attacks in the run-up to, during and possibly after the country's presidential elections due in 2024.

Muh Taufiqurrohman, a senior researcher at the Jakarta-based Center for Radicalism and Deradicalization Studies (PAKAR), told Nikkei Asia this group of IS supporters is targeting polling stations, police and non-Muslims, viewing them as enemies of IS that must be destroyed.

"The Indonesian government should watch out for former and current Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) members, ex-convicted terrorists and supporters of Islamic caliphate who are gathering to form an interorganizational group to carry out attacks in 2024," said Taufiqurrohman.

This group is working with former terrorism convicts because they have "military skills and access to weapons."

Though JAD is the biggest IS affiliate in Indonesia, responsible for some of the major terrorist attacks in the country since 2016, Taufiqurrohman said IS supporters outside of JAD are the most active in Indonesia at the moment, as JAD has been weakened following the arrests of its leaders and many of its members.

“Currently, the most active IS supporters are not from JAD but young people who are active on social media ... and they want to carry out attacks even though they don't have the paramilitary skills,” said Taufiqurrohman.

He also said JAD members and other IS supporters are conducting paramilitary training as preparation for future jihad operations. The training includes self-defense, archery and learning how to make bombs from the internet.

A former IS member who spoke with Nikkei by phone said that 90% of IS recruitment is done via social media. “They [IS members] are very active on Twitter, Facebook, Telegram and Instagram,” said the former militant, who declined to be named. He was imprisoned for four years for supplying weapons and channeling 1.3 billion rupiah ($85,000) from Syria to Indonesian militants.

He warned that propaganda from IS remains potent, adding that IS recently released an audio recording calling for supporters to make a baiat (pledge of allegiance) to the new caliph, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurayshi, and to carry out terrorist attacks.

"It is dangerous if nothing is done to counter such a narrative," said the former militant, who is currently helping Indonesian authorities in de-radicalization efforts for convicted militants.

He said IS recently started translating its messages into 17 languages, including English, French and Russian as well as Indonesian, to spread its propaganda.

In the long term, the biggest threat comes from the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which has 6,000 to 8,000 active members, some with military skills, who are highly committed to realizing their ambition of an Islamic state in Indonesia, said PAKAR's Taufiqurrohman.

JI was behind the October 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people, the biggest terrorist attack following 9/11.

Singapore

In Singapore, the IS threat is one that exists in social media, including the online gaming space, “which is why developing psychological resilience of youth to extremist ideological manipulation is very critical as a key line of defense,” said Kumar Ramakrishna, professor of national security studies and dean of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Research.

Two teenagers who were self-radicalized online were detained recently in the citystate. One of them, age 16, had joined multiple Islamic Statethemed servers on the gaming platform Roblox.

“My own view is that the general IS strategy is to employ cyberspace as a 'force multiplier' in its radicalization and recruitment efforts around the world, and certainly in Southeast Asia, including of course Singapore,” Kumar said in the same Nikkei Asia report.

“IS ideologues have always maintained, especially since the loss of their territorial holdings ... that its cyber warriors or influencers are just as important as its physical warriors,” Kumar said.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, Ahmad El-Muhammady, assistant professor at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization, said that while the majority of Malaysians reject the Islamic State group's narrative, a small number still find it attractive and embrace it.

“They even try to promote it through social media platforms. I believe IS's threat remains, but in the form of narratives and ideology. It exists at the potential level. If we don't manage the potential threat, it may escalate to an actual threat,” Ahmad said. (Mindanao Examiner, Nikkei Asia)

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Senior citizens, nakadawat sa ‘Gugma Ayuda’ ni Gov. Nanay Nene Jalosjos

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 ni Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos.

Si Barangay Captain Benjie Maligro mipaabot sa iyang dakong pagpasalamat ngadto ni Nanay Nene sa walay puas nga suporta nga gipaabot niini ngadto sa Barangay Santa Filomena ilabi na sa mga edaran.

Malipayon si Maligro nga nakadawat sa maong ayuda ang mga senior citizen gumi-

kan kay karon pa sila nakapahimulos sa maong programa sulod sa pipila ka tuig ang nakalabay ug walay bulok sa politika ang nakadawat niini.

Ang maong mga senior citizen nakadawat usab sa vitamins alang sa pagpahimsog sa ilang kalawasan.

Si Paul Jarantilla, 94 anyos, usa sa nakadawat sa maong ayuda ang mipadayag sa sa iyang dakong pagpasalamat ngadto kang

Governor Nene tungod kay karon pa sila nakadawat sama niini nga ayuda alang kanila nga mga edaran.

Samtang si Lilia Dalugdog, 80 anyos, ang nalipay ug nagpasalamat ni Governor Nene nga nakadawat sa biscuits ug vitamins gumikan kay dili na sila makagasto aron sa pagpamalit niini gumikan sa kamahal sa palitunon karon. (Krizchelle Baes)

Follow traffic rules, take precautions: Police

PAGADIAN CITY – Police appealed and reminded motorists to be extra careful while travelling and to strictly follow traffic rules at all times.

Police made the appeal following a recent deadly crash between a truck and a passenger van in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province.

Two people were killed and at least 12 others injured in the collision along the highway in Balintawak village. Police said a cargo truck driven by Arnold Lumapgid Quirante, 45, collided head on with the passenger van on March 19. The victims were rushed to hospital, but Quirante was declared dead by doctors. A minor, who was near the ac-

cident, was also hit and died while being operated on.

The van's driver, Henderson Saberon Husayan, 44, and his 11 passengers, including Quirante's helper, all sustained injuries, according to the police. It identified the injured as Marina Donaire Husayan, Renelin Tois Dagooc, Brigitte Isabel Imperial, Ruby Jane Salagada, Lovely Charlene Laronggo Abarico, Susanna Calago Etac, Esmeralda Bedeo Armero, Elsie Evidientes Cabrera, Adrian Gabunelas Gama and two other minors; and the truck helper, Ariel Damandaman Quirante.

"Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, the Nissan Urvan was traveling from Pagadian City to Vin-

cenzo Sagun town while the Mazda Dropside was traveling from Dumalinao town to Pagadian City, and upon reaching the place of accident, the Mazda Dropside overshot and accidentally bumped the Nissan Urvan traveling on the opposite lane," police said.

"All of the persons on board the said vehicles were brought to the hospital for immediate medical attention due to injuries sustained, unfortunately, the driver of the Mazda Dropside was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician Dr. Liza Monjardin Jaron while one of the minor passers passed away while undergoing medical treatment," it added. (Mindanao Examiner)

Drive

by Engr. Carlos Cornejo (Cebu City)

IF THE kind of work involved in your company consists of straightforward tasks such as repetitive data entry work, an assembly line job, selling goods, then the carrot and stick incentives would easily work. Carrot would mean giving cash bonuses and sticks would be punishments or penalties if there are failures in delivering the goods.

But if your company is into intellectual work such as software design, learning (university or school), or consultancy work, the carrot and stick system of reward would not work in the long run. Your workers would need a higher form of motivation to work and get the job done and this book by Daniel Pink, “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” could help you with that.

Dan Pink would recommend Three Intrinsic Drivers: Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose.

Autonomy. When Atlassian, an Australian software company, allowed their programmers to have a complete day of freedom by giving them a free day to work on a project of their choice or when they were paid to work on whatever programming code they wanted, with whomever client they wanted, they came up with several new product ideas and dozens of creative solutions to existing problems. The initiative raised the motivation of the employees as well as their creative skills.

Atlassian co-founder Mike CannonBrookes told author Daniel Pink, “If you don’t pay enough, you can lose people. But beyond that, money is not a motivator.” What motivates people beyond equal pay is work autonomy.

By giving yourself and others a degree of flexibility within a rigid framework with a choice of tasks, free time to work on side projects, choice of technique, and the opportunity to pick team members, you will spark the intrinsic drive of autonomy. Author Daniel Pink calls these the four T’s of autonomy: freedom to pick the task, the time, the technique, and the team.

Mastery. When Swedish shipping company, Green Cargo, wanted to overhaul their performance review process, they implemented a key finding by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: when workers are given tasks slightly above their current skill level and stay in a state between boredom and anxiety, they are more engaged, more motivated to work, and more creative.

Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey

Green Cargo implemented Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s findings by changing the way they conducted performance reviews. During each performance review, managers now needed to determine if their employees were overwhelmed or underwhelmed with their current work assignments. Then the managers needed to work with each employee to craft Goldilocks work assignments: work assignments that weren’t too hard, not too easy, but just right above their current skill level current level.

What effect did Green Cargo’s new performance review system have? Employees were more engaged and reported feelings of mastery over their work. After two years of these new performance reviews, Green Cargo became profitable for the first time in 125 years.

Dan Pink says, “One source of frustration in the workplace is the frequent mismatch between what people must do and what people can do. When what they must do exceeds their capabilities, the result is anxiety. When what they must do falls short of their capabilities, the result is boredom. But when the match is just right, the results can be glorious.”

Purpose. Sheryl Sandberg, the chief operating officer of Facebook, would always start her meeting with workers by stating the company’s mission and vision. She said, “You have to repeat your mission and your purpose...over and over and over. And sometimes you’re like, doesn’t everyone already know this? It doesn’t matter. Starting out the meetings with ‘This is Facebook’s mission, this is Instagram’s mission, and this is why Whatsapp exists (is critical)’.” When Sheryl Sandburg starts her meetings by stating the mission, she’s sparking the third intrinsic driver: a sense of purpose.

Purpose is the reason organizations like ‘Doctors Without Borders’ can get highly skilled doctors to willingly travel to poor villages around the world, live in harsh conditions, and get paid very little money to do so. These doctors are motivated to work because they are fueled by a sense of purpose they get from helping others. All companies have a purpose, which is to serve society in selling an item or offering a service. Leaders need to tap into that service or purpose mindset to motivate workers and not just to go work every single work day to earn a living.

OPINION

Taking care of our conscience

by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu City)

CONSIDERING THAT our conscience plays a very important role in our life, we have to see to it that we take utmost care of it. It is supposed to be where we hear the voice of God who tells us what is right and wrong, what is good and bad. It is our immediate guide as to how we have to think, speak, act and react.

But we should see to it that it is truly God’s voice that we hear and not just our own ideas or the voice of another entity, which if it is not God, then it is something that is opposed to God.

We are reminded of this aspect of our life in that gospel episode where Christ was confronted by some leading Jews, accusing him of not following the Sabbath law because he cured a man who was ill for 38 years on a Sabbath. (cfr. Jn 5,1-16)

For our conscience to truly hear the abiding promptings of God, we need to always anchor our mind and heart on God. We have to always remember that we are meant to live our life with God. We should be wary of our tendency to live our life on our own, especially when we are quite gifted with intelligence and other talents. Such gifts should never take God away from our mind and heart. Rather, they should work to make our consciousness of God’s constant presence and interventions in our life sharper.

When we notice that we are already relying more on our own powers and are slowly distancing ourselves from God, we should immediately correct it. The ideal condition for us should be that we be sharply aware of God’s presence and interventions. There should be no moment when we are

not aware of God in our life.

This, obviously, will require a certain discipline, considering that we have this strong tendency to be on our own. In fact, right at the beginning of human history, during the time of our first parents, Adam and Eve, who were created in the state of original justice, that tendency already occurred. That is why they fell into sin, causing all of us to be born with original sin, that is, not in the state of grace as God wanted it for us in the beginning.

Again, for us to contain this tendency, we need to truly live by faith, which would require us total obedience and humility before God. This is the constant challenge we have to tackle. But while it certainly requires great effort and sacrifice, we should remember also that God always gives us the necessary grace so we can do what he wants us to do. We just have to correspond to that grace through obedience and humility.

The goal to pursue is that even though we may feel very awkward and unworthy about this, we should feel God’s presence all the time, we should somehow see him, have a living encounter with him, engaging him in a continuing dialogue of love. To be sure, he initiates that dialogue with us. We should just learn how to correspond. Yes, to be keenly aware of God in our life, and to discern his constant promptings should be the normal thing in our life. When we realize that we are more aware of our thoughts independently of God, we should realize that we are taking the wrong track and, therefore, should correct ourselves promptly.

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 connoisseur thinks.

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 lover 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 backyard 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 want 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)

OPINION

Padilla insults politicians in push for Cha-cha

By Tita Valderama (Manila)

IN PUSHING for amendments to the 1987 Constitution, Sen. Robin Padilla is trying to promote an image of himself as a sincere legislator at the expense of politicians. Papogi, some would say of the neophyte senator who is used to the klieg lights as an action star.

Padilla prefers to be classified as a revolutionary rather than a politician. He had said he was just forced into politics but has remained a revolutionary to this day.

“Kunin n’yo na lang po ang salita ng isang rebolusyonaryo. Ako po’y hindi pulitiko,” he told a media forum recently.

Padilla wants the public to trust him that — he is sincerely committed to amending only the economic provisions of the 36-year-old Constitution.

By describing himself as a revolutionary, Padilla makes a sweeping insinuation that politicians don’t have a word of honor and are only after their personal interest in seeking changes to the Constitution.

“Ako po’y mag-iingay kapag ang usapan dito’y napunta na sa pulitika. Maniwala po kayo sa akin, hindi po ako kapit-tuko sa posisyon na ‘to,” he said.

In past administrations, from the time of the late president Fidel V. Ramos, proposals to amend or revise the 1986 Charter were almost always associated with efforts to either extend or remove term limits for national and local officials, even if some initiated the moves with a promise to touch only the economic provisions that they find restrictive.

Padilla was apparently aware of it. That’s why he wanted to dissociate himself from the previous Chacha initiatives. And he is doing it in a way that is unwittingly insulting to politicians who were behind moves to amend constitutional provisions other than the socalled nationalistic economic provisions, or those that limit the participation of foreign investors in economic activities in the country.

Even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was not spared Padilla’s self-serving statements for his Cha-cha push. Dismissing Marcos’ stand that Charter change was not a priority for him, Padilla said it was understandable because “this is not in [the president’s] mandate.” But he recalled that when Marcos was a senator, he also saw the benefits of amending the economic provisions of the Constitution to attract more foreign investments.

But while Padilla insists that his drive for constitu-

tional amendments was not for any political agenda, he sounds like traditional politicians who claim that efforts to tinker with the Constitution is for the country, even if the changes they propose include removing the provision on term limits that directly affect them.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, for instance, justified the swift approval recently of House Bill 7352 which, if enacted, will be the enabling law to Resolution of Both Houses 6. He said last week that the 301 House members who co-authored the twin resolutions were “in a rush to amend these restrictive provisions of the Constitution” and that they were working hard “because the public interest is at stake.”

“Hindi pulitika, kundi ekonomiya ng bansa. Hindi eleksyon, kundi misyon na iahon ang mga kababayan natin sa kahirapan,” he said, adding, “Kailan pa naging kasalanan ang mag-trabaho nang mabilis para sa bayan?”

Whew, big words! Doesn’t he sound like a superhero from a movie whose mission is to save the weak, the poor and the oppressed? Many of the politicians like Romualdez have been in public office for so long. Are the constituents they serve living better now? Or do they remain poor because they have not succeeded in their efforts to amend the Constitution? Is the Constitution the only stumbling block to their promise of a better life?

Senators and congressmen are supposed to be representatives of the people in the legislature. But why don’t they listen to the surveys which say that a majority of Filipinos reject their Cha-cha initiative?

So much public money and time have been wasted on these public consultations by legislators on their proposed amendments. If previous efforts to amend the Constitution that had the backing of former presidents Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during their time did not succeed, how can it be acceptable now when the incumbent president says it is not a priority?

The Constitution is not the problem. Investments may not be coming in because of factors such as inconsistencies in policies, corruption, law and order, labor issues and the like, not because of the Constitution.

Even if he doesn’t want to be classified as a politician, Padilla should stop wasting precious money and time to push for Cha-cha. (This column also appeared in The Manila Times and VERA Files.)

Pictures in the News

Photos from the Office of the Sulu Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Radyo Pilipinas Jolo, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin

Across :

1. Physicians’ org.

4. Orchard fruit

9. Bro’s sib

12. Min. part

13. Icy precipitation

14. Explosive initials

15. Loyal to one’s country

17. Summer cooler

18. Cut grain 19. Creepy 21. Unlock

Down :

1. Venomous snake

2. “Oh, give ___ home...” (2 wds.)

3. Cameron Diaz, e.g.

4. Japan’s continent

5. Falling sound

6. Teacher’s favorite 7. Maui garland

8. And so forth (2 wds.)

9. Beatle Ringo ___ 10. Delhi’s country

26. Tusked animal

27. Cone-bearing tree

31. Lid

32. Tiny insect

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Coordination needed in addressing ASF in Cebu

The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry said sample collection was conducted in backyard farms of those areas as part of the disease investigation and surveillance. The samples were submitted to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory and tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction, the gold standard for test-

ing and confirming the ASF virus.

The agency said it continues to gather data to determine the extent of the outbreak in Cebu.

Garcia cited the Local Government Code’s (LGC) provision on the proper course of action in addressing ASF threats that require coordination and prior approval from the local government. She also issued a

memorandum addressed to the mayors, the Department of Agriculture, and the Philippine National Police, to observe the provision provided by the Local Government Code or RA 7160 in implementing projects and programs.

The governor stressed that under the LGC, no project or program shall be implemented by government authorities without obtain-

DOJ takes precautions in handling Degamo slay case

slay and who may be vital doon sa ating investigation,” he said.“Dahil po ilalagay na sila sa international lookout bulletin, mayroon po tayong records kung saan sila pumunta, anong petsa po sila umalis – iyon po ‘yung mga relevant data na makukuha natin dahil ilalagay po natin sila sa lookout bulletin,” he added.

ing prior approval from the local legislative body, and without consulting the appropriate local government units in cases involving pollution or extinction of animal species.

Garcia's recent memo is a reiteration of the provincial government’s policy not to implement culling pigs within the 500-meter radius, citing the effect on the livelihood of the hog raisers. Her order came after the DA-7’s ASF coordination office announced recently it would adhere to the national protocol in handling the highly contagious diseases of pigs, which is culling.

As part of the intervention, Garcia ordered hog raisers to stop feeding leftover food as ASF virus could infect pigs that can consume contaminated pork and other meat.

NEGROS ORIENTAL – The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will take further precautions in handling the case of murdered Gov. Roel Degamo after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he wants the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to issue a Blue Notice against the suspects in the killing.

“Well, we have taken precautions and we will take further precautions kasi padagdag nang padagdag‘no iyong mga kaso natin. So all those that are in relation to the Degamo slay, we have taken concrete steps na maglabas po ng international lookout bulletin, pinagpag-usapanpo natin ang paglagay ng mga tao sa blue list, sa Interpol ‘no – Blue Notice,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said. The color-coded notices, according to the INTERPOL website, are international requests for cooperation or alerts allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information and are issued by the General Secretariat at the request of a member country.

The Blue Notice states: “To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.”Clavano said the notice will allow the government to monitor the movements of the respondents. “We hope to do that maybe next week just so that we are aware ‘no doon sa movements ng ating mga respondents who may very well be involved in the Degamo

Clavano noted that cases have been filed against the four gunmen that were arrested near the scene of the crime. He said the government is investigating 10 more people.“Mas marami pa po ‘no sa sampu iyong na involved sa investigation ho natin. Lumalabas po sa mga statements na mayroon po tayong parang layering na tinatawag ‘no – so mayroon po tayong mga gunmen, mga directly involved po doon sa assassination bilang driver, lookout iyong mgaganoon… tapos meron ho tayong handler or parang middleman ‘no na tinatawag. So ito iyong nagsisilbing parang layer of security doon sa ating mastermind,” he said.

Clavano said the case buildup is “solid” and the government “just have to close all the little gaps.”He said Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves “is one of those that we are suspecting to be the mastermind behind the Degamo slay.” He, however, noted that everyone has the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. “We cannot condemn ‘no, we have to let the wheels of justice turn. Hindi tayo pwede mag-convict sa media agad-agad, kailangan po dumaan sa tamang proseso,” he said.

Clavano said there are still eight cases filed against the lawmaker, following the dismissal of one illegal possession of firearms case that was dismissed. “So iyon po ‘no, gusto ko lang linawin iyon na,yes, na-dismiss po iyong kaso ni Congressman Arnie Teves doon sa isang kaso pero hindi po ibig sabihin na klarona po iyong kaniyang record. Marami pa po siyang hinaharap na kaso ng illegal possession of firearms and explosives kasama po iyong mga anak niya and he still considered one of the suspects/as a mastermind behind the slay of Governor Degamo,” he said. Reports said Teves, whose travel authority expired on March 9, has yet to return to the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

Garcia cited the World Health Organization’s advisory that although ASF could not transmit to humans, it is commonly introduced into a herd after feeding contaminated pork products. Through this, the virus would spread between pigs by direct contact with an infected one, or ingestion

of contaminated materials like food waste, feed, or garbage.

She likewise urged Cebuanos to continue patronizing Carcar City products made of pork like chicharon (pork grind) and lechon or roasted pork. “The chicharon, hotdog, sausage, as well as their inasal (lechon), they are okay. And besides, what is there to fear? And I repeat

this to all Cebuanos, you can eat them, especially if they are delicious. And if they taste bad, don’t eat them,” she said.

Carcar City Mayor Mario Patricio Barcenas said they would continue educating the public that it is safe pork despite the detection of ASF in three of its 15 villages. (John Rey Saavedra)

Cebu Pacific ramps up operations

CEBU - Low-cost airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) said it will ramp up operations to and from Cebu province with new routes and increased flight frequencies in some destinations, including additional fleet at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

It said these boosts are expected to result in additional 76,000 seats per month, adding, direct flights to Taipei will also be offered daily starting June 23, bringing CEB's total international network via Cebu to five. Earlier, it announced the resumption of flights to Hong Kong on March 26, and to Narita, Japan on May 1.

"Cebu Pacific is proud to have its largest base outside Manila in one of the best air-

ports in Asia. We are excited to further expand our Cebu hub to connect more travelers to some of the world’s best beaches and islands,” CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog said.

Iyog said CEB now operates in 23 domestic destinations via Cebu, and 11 of these will have more frequencies. These destinations include Butuan City, Caticlan City, Bacolod City,

Siargao Island, Dumaguete City, Legazpi City, General Santos City, Surigao City, Clark, and Puerto Princesa City.

“Two additional aircrafts will be based at the MCIA to support the expansion, bringing the total fleet at the Cebu hub to 13,” she said.

CEB flew its maiden voyage from Manila to Cebu on March 8, 1996. (Maria Cristina Arayata)

CEBU CITY – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has encouraged coordination in ad-

EBU CITY – Governor Garcia has coordination in addressing the African swine fever (ASF) virus that hit three villages in Carcar the African swine fever (ASF) virus that hit three in Carcar City and in the towns of Liloan, Tuburan, Sibonga and also Bogo City and in the towns of and also City.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia

Gov. Roel Degamo

Cebu Pacific Airplane