The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (May 1-7, 2023)

Marawi siege victims still homeless

MARAWI CITY - Grand Mosque Chairperson

Saidamen Pangarungan said he wished for the total healing of his fellow internally displaced persons

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The 2017 crisis in Marawi City has left hundreds dead and more than 300,000 people displaced. (Photo by Mark Jhomel via Wikimedia Commons)

Military urges NPA rebels to surrender peacefully

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –

Following the mass surrender of the communist rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) in eastern Mindanao, the Philippine Army has urged other fighters to yield and avail of the government’s amnesty program and live peacefully with their families.

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MILF infighting threatens peace in South C

MILF Chief Minister Ahod ‘Murad’ Ebrahim

UP

embarks on pioneering study into ‘Rugby’ abuse

MANILA - Scientists from across the University of the Philippines (UP) are pioneering a first-of-

its-kind multidisciplinary study into the chemical, physical, and psychological impacts of solvent

abuse on the country’s thousands of so-called “Rugby boys and girls.”

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Sabah extends curfew due to kidnap threats

TAWI-TAWI – The Malaysian state of Sabah has extended anew its

dusk-to-dawn sea curfew following fresh threats of ransom kidnappings from

(SIM) registration, the Department of Information and Communications Tech-

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nology (DICT) announced a 90-day extension.

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OTABATO CITY – The violence and infighting among Moro Islamic Liberation

OTABATO CITY – The violence and among Moro Islamic Liberation Forces (MILF) have further place the leader of the former rebel group Ahod Forces (MILF) have further the leader of the former rebel group Ahod ‘Murad’ Ebrahim in a position where he failed to control his warring top com- ‘Murad’ Ebrahim in a position where he failed to control his warring top commanders in Maguindanao del Sur, one of the provinces of the Bangsamoro Autono- manders in del Sur, one of the of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where he sits as Chief Minister mous in Muslim Mindanao where he sits as Chief Minister.

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Tight security for Basilan

BASILAN - Security forces have imposed tighter measures in the Muslim province of Basilan following the seizure of materials in the manufacture of improvised explosives from a man who engaged policemen and army soldiers in a gunfight in Lamitan City.

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Police investigators examine a burnt van at one of three bombing sites on the island province of Basilan in southern Philippines where Muslim militants disguised as policemen and army troops detonated bombs and opened fire Tuesday April 13, 2010 in Isabela city, triggering clashes that killed at least 11 people, including three marines and three militants.

U.S. Defense officials detail progress with Indo-Pacific allies

DEFENSE LEADERS charted the progress made in ensuring a free

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The Navy’s Arleigh Burkeclass, guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon practices underway replenishment with a Philippine navy’s ship in the South China Sea, April 17, 2023.

(Library photo / Al Jacinto)

(Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Andre T. Richard)

A Philippine Army photo released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner shows the surrendered NPA rebels. (Mindanao Examiner)

Abu Sayyaf and other criminal gangs.

MILF in fi ghting threatens peace in South

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Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BILF) under Commander Moat Sindatuk and Commander Bobby Adam of the 118th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

The town is just 54 kilometers from here, the seat of power of the BARMM where Ebrahim and other senior MILF officials he appointed hold office.

The sporadic battle, according to police and military reports, had killed at least a dozen MILF fighters from both sides in Datu Ampatuan town and forced thousands of civilians in several villages to flee to safety. Worse, the bloodshed occurred on the last day of the holy month of Ramadan.

The BILF is the armed

wing of the MILF which signed a peace deal with the Filipino government in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations. However, despite the accord, members of the MILF are still fully armed and even expanded their territories and its members increased tenfold from a mere military estimate of 12,000.

The clashes also forced security forces and armored troops carriers to deploy and secure vital government installations and highways linking the province to North Cotabato province to ensure the safety of travellers and civilians.

The latest fighting was not the first as both groups also clashed in recent years while trying to wrest control of territories.

This further bolstered reports that Ebrahim is losing or had no total control over his MILF commanders and members, and that the once largest rebel group in the South has allegedly become a private army, and the others dependent on what the government promised them as part of the provisions of the peace deal.

Last February 7, MILF forces held hostage 39 elite army soldiers in the village of Dilimbayan in Maguing town in Lanao del Sur province and released them a day later after security officials negotiated for their freedom.

The soldiers were all disarmed and brought them to an MILF camp where heavily armed men guarded them throughout the night. The infantrymen, part of a group

that stormed a communist rebel base near the town, were returning to their rendezvous when MILF forces surrounded and captured them.

Members of the government’s ceasefire committee negotiated with their MILF counterpart and successfully recovered the soldiers after their release.

It was unknown whether MILF gunmen returned the weapons they seized from the Special Forces soldiers after the disgraceful incident. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sabah extends curfew due to kidnap threats

Sabah is a Malaysian state occupying the northern part of the island of Borneo. Sabah is also known for its beaches, rainforest, coral reefs and abundant wildlife, much of it within parks and reserves. Offshore, the Sipadan and Mabul islands are noted diving destinations. Authorities have extended anew the dusk-to-dawn sea curfew in Sabah due to threats of ransom kidnappings. (Google Map / Mindanao Examiner)

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This was confirmed by acting Sabah Police Commissioner DCP Datuk Jauteh Dikun, according to Malaysian media, which quoted him as saying the curfew covered areas up to three nautical miles off Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau near the southern Filipino border province of Tawi-Tawi.

Jauteh said the existing threats from cross-border criminals and kidnap-for-ransom groups necessitated the curfew extension.

“Our intelligence sources detected that KFR gangs as well as the Abu Sayyaf group were still

attempting to enter the country’s waters and carry out kidnapping activities and other cross-border crimes,” he said, adding, the curfew would also ensure the safety of international researchers or foreign tourists visiting islands in Sabah.

According to the Daily Express, the curfew, which was extended for the 209th time under Section 31(4) of the Police Act 1967, was first implemented on July 16, 2014. Under the curfew, residents in areas covered by the rule are required to stay at home from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. while outsiders are not allowed to enter the curfew zones.

“The curfew will also allow security forces to

look after the safety of Sabahans and others travelling at sea and those living on land in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. It will also enable us to enforce the law and monitor the movement of vessels, as well as create a sense of security and confidence among chalet operators and fishermen through the omnipresence of security vessels implementing the curfew,” Jauteh said.

Jauteh said he had given the authority to district police chiefs to issue permits to any applicant who fulfilled the necessary requirements to conduct fishing activities or ply through the water routes in the curfew areas. (Mindanao Examiner)

Tight security for Basilan

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Police, backed by infantrymen, were to serve a warrant on Ganim Muksin in his house in the village of Maganda, when he opened fire on security forces sparking a brief firefight that eventually killed him. There was no report of casualties on the government side.

Security forces searched the house and recovered a container filled with ANFO or ammonium nitrate fuel oil,

blasting caps, igniter, black powder or gunpowder, electric switch, and a container full of iron nails. Muksin's .45-caliber pistol was also recovered by policemen.

Officials did not say whether the slain man was a member of any radical or rebel group, but the Abu Sayyaf and Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front are known to operate in the province.

On April 19, a lone gunman also shot and wounded an army soldier, Private Jimmy Gaffud, in Lamitan City. The 25-year old soldier was on a motorcycle driven by Sergeant Ronie Ubalde, 36, when the gunman attacked them. Ubalde was unhurt in the shooting. The unidentified assailant fled after the ambush. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the shooting. (Mindanao Examiner)

Transfer of Bangsamoro Government Center to Maguindanao del Norte approved at committee level

regular session this May. She added that this will encourage the Bangsamoro government to expand its development and progress to other areas of the region.

Bangsamoro Government Center in Parang will be autonomous from the local government unit and will report directly to the regional government.

Sultan Mastura to the south, all within Maguindanao del Norte Province.

COTABATO CITY - The proposed measure that would transfer the administrative capital of the Bangsamoro Government to the municipality of Parang in Maguindanao del Norte has been approved at the committee level.

The Bangsamoro Parliament's Rules Committee promptly deliberated

BTA Bill No. 43 with the position papers, comments, and recommendations of various stakeholders the day after its public consultation with various stakeholders.

After conducting a feasibility study, Parang was determined to be the most ideal municipality for the BARMM's new ad-

ministrative capital. The new administrative center, once approved, will house the offices of the Chief Minister and Wali, the Bangsamoro Parliament, ministries, and offices.

COR Chair Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba said that the committee report will be presented in the plenary on the second

Parliament tackles proposed Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute

COTABATO CITY - The Bangsamoro Parliament’s Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Committee continue to deliberate on the proposed measure that would establish the Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute.

Under BTA Bill No. 39, the Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute (BAFTI) will lead the formulation of the regional agriculture and fisheries extension agenda and budget.

It will prioritize research on modern agriculture and fisheries trends.

CAFAR Chair Matarul Estino said that repre-

sentatives from important stakeholders will be invited to further discuss the proposed legislation in order to prevent duplication and save government funds.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture will be consulted to discuss the possibility of Al-Amanah

Islamic Bank serving as a partner lending conduit for the Agricultural Credit Policy Council to make interest-free loans available to BARMM cooperatives and social enterprises. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Health Committee Oks inquiries on vaccination program, establishment of hospitals

the Secretary-General.

Committee reports, according to COH Chair Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., will be presented in the plenary when the second regular session resumes.

Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the Parliament shall fix by law the permanent seat of the Bangsamoro government anywhere within the territorial jurisdiction of the region, taking into consideration accessibility and the efficiency with which its mandate may be carried out under the BOL.

The selection criteria for the new government center, according to the committee's presentation, include location and accessibility, land availability and suitability, infrastructure and utilities, economic, institutional, and social services, social and political acceptability, peace and order conditions, and the potential to enhance BARMM development.

The committee said that the results of the feasibility study showed not just the need to relocate the government center but also the most ideal location for it to establish a new capital, the fast-growing town of Parang.

According to the proposed measure, the

A committee will be formed called the Committee on the Establishment of Administrative Capital to lead and organize the preparation, development, and implementation of masterplans, strategies, processes, and timetables that will serve as the framework for the development of Parang as the new administrative center of the Bangsamoro government.

Why Parang?

Parang Mayor Cahar Ibay said the municipality is “ideally best for establishing the development and implementation of the master plan for the new seat of capital of the Bangsamoro government.”

Based on the data of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality of Parang has 102,000 population, 17,000 households, and 25 villages. It also includes the seven villages of Bongo Island.

Strategically placed in Maguindanao's northwest, Parang is bordered by Matanog Municipality to the north, Barira and Buldon to the west, and

The presence of the Polloc Freeport and Economic Zone creates a potential gateway to national and international direct commercial links that will provide a favorable environment for investment and trade, as well as employment opportunities that will stimulate economic growth and inclusive development.

The regional office of the Philippine National Police is also located in the municipality which is just 31 kilometers from Cotabato City and 36 kilometers from Awang Airport.

It is also a municipality in the province that produces agricultural products, including agro-industrial and high-value commercial crops.

“We firmly believe that our locality is appropriately and capably suited as an advantageous setting for the establishment of BGC, which will offer quality services that can be easily accessed by constituents across the Bangsamoro region,” said Mayor Ibay. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Lawmakers deliberate on proposed ‘Kuliyyah Institution’

COTABATO CITY - Members of the Committee on Basic, Higher, and Technical Education deliberated on Parliament Bill No. 31, also known as the Bangsamoro Regional Institute for Higher Islamic Studies Act of 2022 which seeks to establish a Kuliyyah Institution that offers a baccalaureate and postgraduate courses in Islamic and Arabic studies.

The Committee agreed to invite resource persons from the Regional Madrasah Graduate Acad-

emy and the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education to further discuss PB No. 31.

Resolutions 104, 153, 157, and 190 were

also discussed and referred to their respective CBHTE subcommittees. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

COTABATO CITY - The Bangsamoro Parliament’s Health Committee has approved several proposed resolutions, including measures to conduct inquiries on vaccination programs, and the establishment of hospitals.

Based on the approved resolutions at the committee level, the Committee on Health (COH) will conduct an inquiry on the framework strategy, the implementation of all types of vaccinations, the status of

emerging and re-emerging diseases in the region, and the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) overall plan for the establishment of hospitals.

The COH also adopted a resolution directing the MOH to inform and update the Bangsamoro Parliament on the status of community-intended health projects to include facilities, equipment, human resources, extensions or outreach, and training by submitting a report through

Meanwhile, the committee also agreed to look into the alleged delayed signing of contracts and release of salaries for human resources in health, including those under the Nurse Development Program, Rural Health Midwives Placement Program, and other nationally funded programs.

The COH also posed an inquiry about the MOH's hiring and promotion of employees. Four special subcommittees were created to look into the several issues and concerns on health programs. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Ambulances for Lanao Sur town lauded

care access.

The effort aimed to reduce emergency-related mortality in Marawi City and Tamparan town by making it easier for people who live far from big medical facilities to get health care.

COTABATO CITY – Stakeholders thanked Deputy Speaker Atty. Paisalin Tago who recently handed over

two land ambulances to selected communities in Lanao del Sur province as part of his initiative to increase health-

The Transitional Development Impact Fund of Deputy Speaker Tago supported the purchase of the emergency vehicles. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

UP embarks on pioneering study into ‘Rugby’ abuse

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The Novel Approaches to Treatment of Addiction and Depression using Animal Models is a three-year research program spearheaded by the UP Manila National Institutes of Health (UPM-NIH), the National Center for Mental Health, the UP College of Medicine, the UP Philippine General Hospital, and the UP Diliman College of Science Institute of Chemistry (UPD-CS IC). It is being supervised by internationally-renowned neurobehavioral scientist Dr. Gregory Quirk of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine.

“Attempts to treat toluene or ‘Rugby’ addiction have been largely unsuccessful due to severe withdrawal and craving symptoms that trigger relapse. What is needed to help adolescents overcome their addictions are new treatments that reduce toluene withdrawal and craving,” said program leader Dr. Rohani Cena-Navarro of the UPM-NIH.

“Rodent models have been used to develop such pharmacological treatments for other addictive drugs, but no such model has been developed for toluene. This collaboration between scientists and clinicians hopes to address this societal problem using laboratory animals,” she added.

This research is being supported by the Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

Origins of ‘Rugby boys of and girls' and

The densely-populated urban streets of the Philippines are home and playground to as many as one million street children, many of whom are adolescents from the poorest families or even abandoned by parents.

Left to fend for themselves, many turn to substance abuse to alleviate their hunger by inhaling toluene—an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent found in cheap and easily-obtainable contact cement, popularly sold under the “Rugby” brand name in local hardware

stores.

Estimated to number in the thousands nationwide, these young people eventually develop a physiological addiction and resort to begging, scavenging, or stealing not only to quell their hunger but also to sustain their toluene addiction.

Seeing groups of young boys—and girls—running around the streets sniffing bags of glue has become so commonplace to the ordinary Filipino citizen, that the colloquial term “Rugby boys” is now a widely-used pejorative.

Substance abuse among street children is a long-standing societal issue that requires proper public health intervention. Acknowledging the need for local research to tackle inhalant abuse among adolescents will be very significant in providing recommendations and strengthening ongoing support systems, policies, and interventions.

Social issues and sex issues sex differences

So where does science fit into this societal issue? This is exactly what this team of researchers hopes to achieve by developing the first Addiction Research Laboratory in the country, using animal models.

“In the years to come, it is our hope that the establishment of this Addiction Research Program will further open opportunities for research addressing the craving and withdrawal stages of addiction,” said UPD-CS IC’s Dr. Grace Gregorio, who is researching how toluene affects rats in an effort to understand the solvent’s effects on people.

She and her fellow researchers are also looking into sex differences in the effects of toluene exposure, which represents a novel approach that has never been done before. “I bring in my analytical chemistry expertise to this meaningful undertaking by measuring toluene levels in the blood of male and female rodents,” Dr. Gregorio said.

“There is much that we, as a society, don't know and understand about solvent abuse. One of our research specialists,

Jariel Bacar, rightly points out that girls can be affected too— and in very different ways from boys. The project is looking into what these differences are,” she explained.

Tailored treatments for treatments

solvent-addicts

The first-ever model of its kind for toluene-based solvent addiction in the Philippines, this research is paving the way for new treatments for overcoming withdrawal and craving. The team hopes to translate their findings for use in human subjects as an attempt in addressing the pervasive drug addiction and chronic relapse in individuals. Such experimental treatments for toluene have not been deeply investigated anywhere else in the world, because inhalant abuse is not as rampant in more developed countries.

Now in its second year, the project has already completed its first two phases: identifying validated methods to quantify toluene in rodent blood and establishing the long-term effects of toluene after chronic exposure. Using validated methods, the team is investigating the effects of chronic exposure that last long after the drug has been stopped. These include increased craving for the drug, increased anxiety, and impaired social functioning, all of which increase the likelihood of relapse following treatment. Novel treatments will be tested to diminish these withdrawal symptoms and restore the brain to its pre-addiction state.

Ultimately, Novel Approaches to Treatment of Addiction and Depression using Animal Models aims to address one of the greatest challenges faced by today’s researchers: interweaving science into the fabric of a complex, busy, and highly diverse society to serve its well-intended purpose to the community that needs it the most. By the end of the project, the researchers hope to have developed tailored treatments for boys and girls who are addicted to toluene.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey

COFFEE LOVERS in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwakbut 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 Zam-

boanga 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)

The research team behind the multidisciplinary research program, Novel Approaches to Treatment of Addiction and Depression using Animal Models. Top row (L-R): Ajina Carampel (MDPhD Student), Richelle Manalo, Dr. Grace Gregorio (UPD-CS IC), Dr. Rohani C. Navarro (Program Leader), Dr. Gregory Quirk (Supervising Scientist), Jariel Bacar and Johanna Munar (Project Technical Specialists I). Bottom row (L-R): Joannes Luke Asis (MD-PhD Student), Noel Agrava (Lab Aide), Brett Castro (University Research Associate), Dr. Bryan Bulatao (Project Leader), Herbert Montalban (Lab Aide), and Arturo Bermejo III (Project Assistant).

SIM registration period extended

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It said for still unregistered SIMs during the 90day extended registration period, the Department is reviewing the phased implementation of one or a combination of the following: barring access to value-added services, disallowing outgoing calls, and/ or the extension of the reactivation period for deactivated SIMs.

“The foregoing measures shall be the subject of an amendment to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11934 and shall be implemented pursuant to applicable laws, rules and regulations. The technical capacity and capability of the country’s three public telecommunication entities (PTEs) to execute the proposed measures will also be considered,” the DICT said.

With the extension of the registration period, the DICT urged the PTEs to recalibrate their strategies to increase the number of registrants. Also, the DICT said it will assist PTEs and government counterparts in addressing concerns on the identification requirement for SIM registration.

The DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will intensify the rollout of programs to help those in the marginalized sectors and those who live in unserved and underserved areas of the country to register their SIMs.

“The public is advised to follow DICT’s social media channels and website for official announcements on the implementation of the SIM Registration Act. The Department urges Filipinos to take advantage of the extended SIM registration period to promote accountability and responsibility in using SIMs and sound the death knell for cybercrimes and text scams committed by unscrupulous perpetrators,” it said.

Marawi siege victims still homeless

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 (IDPs) here, who have been continuously haunted by the tragic memories of the 2017 siege by Muslim extremists allied with ISIS.

Pangarungan said among his fervent wishes include the immediate restoration of the destroyed houses and other structures in the city. He said six years had passed and many locals have failed to return to their homes.

He said their ultimate desire would only be realized if the Marawi Compensation Board, which was established through the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, took swift action on their urgent concerns.

“Ang daming na-dislocate na Muslim settlers dito

sa Marawi. Sana ang Marawi Compensation Law ay kailangan na ma-implement agad so they (Marawi Compensation Board,) can act immediately on the claims of all homeowners affected by the siege,” Pangarungan said.

Pagarungan said he also prayed for the recovery of the country from the Covid-19 pandemic that affected everybody, especially the economy. He also desired sturdy support for the programs implemented under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We should all unite together…suportahan natin ang administration natin para maka-recover tayo sa pandemic at destruction caused by the siege in Marawi,” he said.

The House of Representatives approved in September 2020 the consolidated version of House Bills 3418, 3543 and 3922 which seek to compensate Marawi residents whose properties were lost or destroyed in the May 2017 battle.

Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman and Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan authored the House Bill 3543. The bill seeks to provide compensation to owners of real estate properties destroyed in the war at P1,500 per square meter for residential houses and P2,000 per square meter for commercial establishments. The Senate approved Senate Bill 2420 on January 26.

(Claire R. Gigje, Mindanao Examiner)

Military urges NPA rebels to surrender peacefully

The low turnout was largely blamed on the slow Internet services, especially in the provinces, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, especially Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi provinces, and other far-flung areas in the country.

Many post-paid cell phone subscribers too were not fully knowledgeable on how to register their SIMs which forced

them to pay other people offering their services for a fee ranging from P50 to P100 on social media platforms, but many also fell victims to scammers. And worse, those who shared their SIMs and identification cards to unscrupulous individuals on Facebook use this modus operandi to create bogus GCash accounts without the knowledge of the victims for their scams. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Just recently, a senior NPA commander and his wife, including eight ranking leaders, surrendered to 23rd Infantry Battalion and other intelligence units of Joint Task Force Diamond in Butuan City.

Those who yielded were rebel leader, Lino A. Namatidong, his wife Reyna N. Namatidong, Regional Staff, Education and Propaganda; and eight others NPA ranking leaders - Nestor P. Namatidong, Squad 3 Team Leader; Ronnie N. Polistico, Squad 4 Leader; Angleo L. Pal-ot, Squad 2, Regional Sentro De Gravidad Compaq Political Guide; Lyka N. Lagaolao, Squad 4 Medic; Jerry P. Inantag, Sub-RSDG MTJ Eagles, SRC1 mem-

ber; and Besto Tumanan, Gay-gaya Tumanan, and Ronald A. Dungogan, all Squad 4 members.

They also surrendered three shotguns, two M16 automatic rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, an AK47 assault rifle, a Carbine rifle, and a Garand rifle. The rebels were all under the Headquarters Force Neo and Sub-Regional Committee of the Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, chieftain of the Eastern Mindanao Command, lauded the surrender of the rebels and the army units involved in the operation for encouraging the leadership of Namatidong to return to the fold of government

through peaceful means.

“We are looking into the possibility that the surrender of Namatidong would induce more capitulation in the coming days, especially from his downline members. Thus, I urge those remnants of the CTG (communist terrorist group) to yield peacefully just like your other comrades unless you want to follow those who have already died for a useless cause,” Almerol said.

He said the mass surrender was also the result of their persistent calls for the rebels to yield to spare their lives from the intensified military operations. The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state. (Mindanao Examiner)

A post on Facebook offers SIM registration for a fee. (Mindanao Examiner)

U.S. Defense officials detail progress with Indo-Pacific allies

states across the region invest in their own capabilities, their connections with regional partners and their relationships with the U.S.," said a senior defense official speaking on background. "That's because they share our vision about what our free and open Indo-Pacific looks like."

RUSH SALE P

600,000

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and open Indo-Pacific region and what more needs to be done during a recent testimony before the House Armed Services Committee.

Jedidiah P. Royal, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific affairs, discussed U.S. force structure in the region, steps made to improve contacts and military capabilities with friends and allies and how the United States and its allies will proceed.

China is America's pacing challenge, and the nation is increasingly using the People's Liberation Army "as a tool for coercion in support of its global aims, and we have in turn seen the PLA conduct more dangerous and aggressive activities in the region," Royal said.

In the last year, Chinese aircraft and ships conducted inherently risky intercepts increasing the unacceptable danger of an accident. "The PLA continues to conduct coercive military activities in the Taiwan Strait, the South and East China Seas, and beyond," he said. "With our allies and partners across the region, the United States has called out such behavior."

The United States has condemned the People's Republic of China's use of military-grade lasers against an Australian aircraft and a Philippine ship, both operating lawfully in their respective Exclusive Economic Zones.

"Additionally, we have seen continued coercive PLA behavior along the Line of Actual Control with India," Royal said. "For the sake of preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, we must never accept military activities intended to undermine the rulesbased international order through coercion and aggression."

China is not transparent about most of its defense activities, but what is especially worrisome is that the nation is engaged in a significant and fast-paced expansion, modernization and diversification of its nuclear forces.

"While the end state of the PRC's nuclear force expansion remains uncer-

tain, the trajectory of these efforts points to a large, diverse nuclear arsenal with a high degree of survivability, reliability and effectiveness, encased in an opaque posture," Royal said. "This could provide the PRC with new options before and during a crisis or conflict to leverage nuclear weapons for coercive purposes, including military provocations against U.S. allies and partners in the region."

Other disturbing developments involve China embracing rapid technological change to accomplish military goals. "Of particular concern is interest in biotechnology and other areas that may have peaceful purposes but that also enable weapons development, including advanced biological and chemical weapons," he said.

Officials are also disturbed by China's lack of interest in developing important lines of communication that underpin a stable defense relationship.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has said on many occasions that even at the height of the Cold War, U.S. and Soviet military leaders had lines of communication.

"The Department of Defense believes strongly in maintaining open lines of communication between Washington and Beijing to ensure competition does not veer into conflict," Royal said. "Immediately after downing the PRC high-altitude balloon in February, the department submitted a request for a call between Secretary Austin and the PRC Minister of National Defense because we wanted to ensure there was no misunderstanding or miscalculation in Beijing about our actions. Unfortunately, the PRC declined our request."

He noted this was not the first time Chinese officials refused to communicate with the secretary, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or other department officials.

The United States is strengthening force posture in the region and sharpening American military capabilities alongside allies and friends. "We're seeing

The United States will maintain its emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. Royal said deterrence in the region is strong and real for two reasons: "First, the U.S. military remains the most capable and credible fighting force in the world," he said.

"The major investments in the President's Budget Request will help keep it that way.

"Second, the United States is not the only Indo-Pacific power seeking to uphold peace and stability in the region by investing in greater capability and connection," he continued. "The alliance and partner network both in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond is our greatest asymmetric advantage, and it is gaining even greater strength."

He noted that Japan has decided to increase substantially its defense budget over the next five years and to introduce new capabilities, including counterstrike.

The United States and South Korea are taking clear, meaningful steps to modernize and strengthen that treaty alliance, including by expanding the scope and scale of our combined exercises and deploying some of our most capable platforms to the Korean Peninsula at a faster tempo.

The United States and the Philippines are working together to modernize the Philippine military. "We are working together to accelerate allied capabilities in the air and maritime domain," he said.

"With India, we are making major investments in our defense ties to uphold the regional balance of power," Royal said.

The Australia, United Kingdom and United States security pact may be the best example of this collaboration, Royal said.

"Finally, we continue to fulfill our commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act," he said. "The has formed the bedrock of peace, stability and deterrence in the Taiwan Strait over the last four decades, and it is sustained by strong bipartisan support for providing Taiwan with self-defense capabilities, as well as for maintaining the U.S. capacity to resist any use of force that jeopardizes the security of the people on Taiwan." (Jim Garamone)

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Local governments urged to scrap GM crops

AGUSAN DEL SUR – The Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) have urged local governments in Mindanao to support the growing clamor of local farmers, scientists, and consumers against the commercial release of genetically modified crops Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant.

It said the Supreme Court granted them a “writ of kalikasan” to stop the commercial propagation of genetically modified rice and eggplant products over environmental and health concerns and compliance with legal requirements.

“We, in MASIPAG, encourage local government units in Mindanao to promote and uphold the people’s right to a balanced and healthful ecology. We reiterate that genetically modified (GM) crops like Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant have dangers of irreversible damage to the environment, biodiversity of rice and eggplant, and human health,” said Leo XL Fuentes, regional coordinator of MASIPAG Mindanao.

In 2021, the Department of Agriculture (DA) approved the propagation of beta carotene-enriched Malusog Rice, also known as Golden Rice, in 17 pioneer production ar-

eas across the country, including here in Mindanao namely Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato.

Golden Rice, patented by transnational agrochemical corporation Syngenta, is a type of rice inserted with genes from maize and bacterium found in soil. Proponents of the said technology claim Golden Rice will serve Vitamin A-deficient children, mothers, and pregnant women, especially in areas with severe malnutrition.

However, data shows that beta-carotene content in Golden Rice is measly and inconsistent. On the contrary, a wide array of safe and low-cost vegetables, fruits, and other crops are a dependable source of nutrition for communities.

Vitamin A deficiency and other malnutrition issues confronting many households can also be traced to the lack of access to sufficient, nutritious, and safe food due to poverty, according to MASIPAG Mindanao.

“The commercial propagation of Bt Eggplant was also approved last year. Bt or Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil bacterium injected into the genes of eggplants to produce its own toxin to kill the eggplant fruit and shoot borer, a common

pest that consumes and damages eggplants,” it said. Organic farmers and other residents in Davao City also opposed the conduct of field testing for Bt Eggplant in 2010, as it exposes local varieties to contamination, and runs counter to the local organic agriculture ordinance that pushes for organic farming systems and practices.

“The entry of GM crops into farmers’ fields threatens the rich genetic diversity in the region. For years, thousands of traditional varieties of crops have been developed and taken care of by small-scale farmers and indigenous people,” Fuentes said.

He said that GM crops do not represent genuine development. Fuentes called on the government to promote safe, healthy, and sustainable food production by supporting genuine pro-farmer agriculture and a pro-people food system.

MASIPAG is a farmer-led network of people’s organizations, NGOs and scientists working towards the sustainable use and management of biodiversity through farmers’ control of genetic and biological resources, agricultural production and associated knowledge. (Mindanao Examiner)

The USS Kansas City leads the USS Hopper as the ships sail in formation while underway for Navy surface warfare advanced tactical training in the Pacific Ocean, March 18, 2023. (Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Mark D. Faram)

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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

May 1-7, 2023

Across :

1. Slow-moving mammal

6. Decline 9. Furious 12. Prohibition

13. Originally called 14. Vital statistic

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Answer to last week’s crossword:

Down :

1. Right away!

2. Delicate fabric

3. Woodwind

4. Twister

5. Deary

6. Register

7. Ladybug, e.g.

8. Leather strap

9. Chinese dialect

10. CIA employee (abbr.)

11. ___ Plaines

17. Snakelike fish

19. Steal from 21. Make a doily

23. Baseball’s ___ Rose

24. Hurried

30. Purpose

31. Continuous

33. Popeye, e.g.

34. Landed manor

35. Chimpanzee, e.g.

37. Stop

40. Give up

42. Space org.

43. A Baldwin brother

44. Richard ___ of “Chicago”

45. Bumped into

46. Friend (Fr.)

47. Capone and Gore

Weekly Sudoku:Answer to last week:

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Mayor wants learners stay in class, not home study

CEBU CITY – Mayor Michael Rama said students should remain in the classroom

EBU CITY – Mayor Michael Rama said students should remain in the classroom instead of sending them back to online classes in their homes following fears by instead of them back to online classes in their homes following fears local lawmakers that the rising summer heat would affect the learners local lawmakers that the summer heat would affect the learners.

“Why would you not allow children to be in their schools? You send them back to their homes… don’t you think it is also hot in their homes?” Rama said.

Rama’s remarks came after the Cebu City Council

passed a resolution requesting the School’s Division to plot a measure that would go back to blended learning modalities adopted at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The mayor expressed some misgivings about go-

ing back to online classes or modular lessons would affect the learner’s performance, saying that reading and comprehension lessons can be best taught in person rather than remotely done online or through modules.

Australia sees Philippines as promising tourism market

CEBU - Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong (HK) Yu PSM said she sees the Philippines as a promising tourist source market amid a growing segment of high-value leisure travelers looking at the country as a holiday destination.

She attributed this to the more than 400,000 people of Filipino descent who attract families and friends to visit Australia. “The Philippine tourism market has so much potential to grow. Before the pandemic there were nearly 160,000 arrivals from the Philippines to Aus-

tralia,” she said.

The envoy said 4% of these went to Australia to study, 31% for holiday vacation and a big chunk or about 43% visited either relatives or friends. She emphasized that people-to-people ties remain a strong driver of travel between the two states.

During his five-day official visit to Manila recently, Australian Tourism and Trade Minister Don Farrell said Canberra hopes to further increase these connections and attract more Filipinos to visit the country.

“Children who are unsupervised by teachers would be tempted to play online games or watch videos instead of answering their modules. It might end up with parents doing the assignments,” he said, stressing that teachers should not expose children to the extreme heat of the sun to avoid exhaustion and stroke.

Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Nimfa Bongo said a guideline has been circulated to the campuses laying down procedures for blended learning should the heat index here would increase to a “danger” level.

“So far no one applied for it. Other schools observed blended modalities such as shifting of classes, with one group reporting in the classrooms and the other group in their homes,” she said in a radio interview.

Bongo said children’s health and safety should be considered in deciding which modality would be observed amid the hot season. (John Rey Saavedra) Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong (HK) Yu PSM.

“We want to build on this link between our two countries. We've got lots of things in common, not just the fact that we all speak English so it's an easy place for Filipinos to come to Australia, it’s also very easy for Australians to come to the Philippines, and of course you get such a wonderful welcome,” he said.

There are at least 31 direct flights a week from the Philippines offered by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Qantas. Direct flights are available between Manila and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

Farrell also formally launched in Manila Canberra’s tourism campaign Come and Say G’day which highlights Australia’s vibrant cities and nature destinations, among others, and also met with various ranking government officials, including National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan to discuss ways to strengthen ties in mining, tourism and infrastructure. (Joyce Ann Rocamora)

Modern bus ride to Camotes Islands now available

CEBU CITY – Backpackers and excursionists planning trips to Camotes Island Group will enjoy safe bus travel from this capital city starting on May 4, according to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Director Eduardo Montealto Jr.

Montelto said the inclusion of a route to Camotes, located north of Cebu province, will largely benefit travelers who prefer riding a bus in going to and from the island’s tourist spots. He said an ongoing agency research indicated that many individuals would just carry their backpacks and hop on buses or board a vessel to visit different destinations.

This prompted the capitol to boost the land transport system serving Poro, San Francisco, Tudela and Pilar towns on the island group. Montealto said

a missionary route will be covered with a special permit pending the issuance of a memorandum circular that will make the Camotes trip permanent and open to all interested transport cooperatives and companies.

He said the four experimental bus units originating from the Cebu South Bus Terminal will no longer pass the Danao City Port in taking a Roll-on Roll-off vessel to Poro; instead, it will take the Liloan Port, which is much closer to this capital city.

“The Cebu provincial government is in constant communication with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the finalization of their Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP). The final LPTRP will include the Cebu City-Camotes route,” Montealto said, adding that Bohol

province will also submit its own LPTRP.

Once the DOTr issues the notice of approval, Montealto’s office will certify that the respective Provincial Board of Cebu and Bohol are authorized to pass an ordinance laying down inter-town routes.

According to the LTFRB data, Cebu’s LPTRP will cover 138 routes and 72 in Bohol. “LTFRB-7 commends Governor Gwen Garcia for her persistence in passing Cebu LPTRP which will cover an estimated 3,500 modern public utility jeepneys. Not included here are units and routes of the tri-cities (Cebu, Mandaue, and LapuLapu),” Montealto said, adding, in Bohol, 550 modern jeepneys are up for inclusion in its LPTRP. (John Rey Saavedra)

Cebu Mayor Michael Rama