BEIJING - The majority of Asia-Pacific countries don't welcome NATO's outreach in Asia and certainly will not allow any Cold War or hot war to happen again in Asia,
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THE United States will continue to work with regional allies to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, despite challenges emanating from China, Secretary of Defense Continue on page 2 Continue on page 2
tion ug uban pang mga stakeholders ang mipahigayon sa STI-HIV/AIDS, Continue on page 7 Continue on page 7
MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named lawyer Gilberto Teodoro Jr. as the new De-
He replaced Carlito Galvez.
ZAMBOANGA CITY –
Naging sanhi ng perwisyong trapiko ang pagtibag ng City En-
gineer’s Office sa isang bahagi ng kalsada sa kahabaan ng Don Alfaro sa Barangay Tetuan at umani
ito ng sari-saring batikos mula sa mga apektadong motorist.
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following an operation by security forces against proISIS groups Dawlah Islamiya and Abu Sayyaf in the
southern Muslim province of Basilan.
The Western Mindanao Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5
SULU – Malaysia hailed a French court decision setting aside the US$15 bil-
lion (RM69 billion) award in a case brought by eight heirs of the Sultan of Sulu
regarding territorial claims related to the Continue on page 6 Continue on page 6
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Mangudadatu of Maguindanao Del Sur; and Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi - who are behind the Bangsamoro Governors’ Caucus, read the manifesto.
The event, held in Cagayan de Oro City, was also streamed live on social media accounts of the provincial governments of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Maguindanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.
The caucus, the governors said, is a platform that will advocate and promote the issues their constituents have identified as critical and important. They said the caucus is committed to support the peace process and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and will engage in dialogue towards greater cooperation and collaboration with the national and regional government and multisectoral groups.
Their positions and recommendations will be based on data and evidence to promote the rights and welfare of the constituents. In their consultations with constituents, the following issues were identified as critical
and needing immediate action – the rule of law, peace and order, inclusive governance and development.
The caucus believes that sustainable peace and development can only be achieved under a strong regime of rule of law, adding it will engage with the national government and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, and other stakeholders in strengthening rule of law and democratic institutions in the region, according to the governor of Sulu.
“We will strongly advocate for and make sure that regional policies and laws are consistent with the Constitution, the Bangsamoro Organic Law and other national laws, when called for, we will, support legal challenges in courts against regional laws and policies that violate the Constitution, the BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law) and other national laws,” Tan said.
Adiong, whose province hosted the event, also read part of the manifesto, saying “maintaining peace and order is the joint responsibility of the national and regional
governments, LGUs (local government units) and law enforcement agencies. The caucus notes that the security challenges in the BARMM are not sufficiently addressed because of the unclear and overlapping mandates of law enforcement agencies and the peace mechanism.”
The Lanao del Sur governor said the caucus will reach out to the national and regional governments and the peace mechanisms towards improving coordination and interoperability in law enforcement in the BARMM communities. “We will monitor and call out relevant national and regional agencies, local and international decommissioning bodies and the peace mechanism to visit and to find ways to fast track, the implementation of the declamation in process,” Adiong said, referring to the provisions of the 2014 peace deal between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front whose leader, Ahod Ebrahim, now sits as Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
Ebrahim was not in-
vited to the conference.
The governor of Maguindanao del Sur said in order to address feelings of marginalization by citizens, which trigger rebellion and violent extremism, governance and development in the region must be inclusive. She said public funds must benefit the greatest number of constituents. “The caucus will promote equitable share representation and participation in budget policies and programs across geographic, political and ethnic groups in the region,” Mangudadatu said.
Mangudadatu said public institutions must reflect the diversity of citizens, adding the parliamentary system offers an opportunity for greater participation and representation of groups which are historically marginalized in governance. “In elections, the Parliament gains political legitimacy and will be accountable
to citizens. The caucus strongly advocates for the conduct of the May 2025 regional and parliamentary elections and electoral policies that will promote, not inhibit, greater participation and representation in development and governance of the greatest number of citizens and groups,” she said.
“The caucus is appealing to the BARMM government to immediately convene the Council of Elders for greater participation, and representation of local government units and sectoral groups, in governance,” she added.
The governor of Tawi-Tawi, who was last to read the manifesto, said: “To the stakeholders who share our advocacies. The caucus looks forward to working and collaborating with you, towards our common goals. To those who seek to understand the position of the caucus, we invite you to dialogue
with us towards finding a common ground. In the end. We are all working for the same goal - sustainable peace and development in the region.”
In February, the four governors also issued a collective manifesto following the ambush of Adiong’s convoy in Lanao del Sur that killed three of his security men and a civilian aide. Adiong was also wounded in the attack.
The manifesto called for the immediate shut down of all MILF forces due to violence in areas where former rebels are actively operating, especially in Maguindanao, Cotabato City and North Cotabato, and for the government to postpone the Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan elections set in October until the decommissioning process are completed as part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
(Mindanao Examiner)
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Lloyd J. Austin III said in Singapore.
The Indo-Pacific is the U.S. military's No. 1 area of focus and China is the pacing challenge, Austin said. "As you look at our budget request … our budget request is directly linked to our strategy, and you see us continuing to invest in things that are relevant to our efforts in this region," he said.
The United States continues to send its most modern and capable weapons systems to the Indo-Pacific. In addition, the Defense Department has budgeted more than $9 billion to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. DOD continues to invest in research for systems tailored to the region, including work on hypersonics, deterrence of cyberthreats and more.
Austin was recently in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue – the premier meeting of defense ministers and experts in the region. He addressed reporters traveling with him soon after Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu spoke at the event. "I would just say that … it's interesting to listen to …
what he says, what's most important is — watch what they do," Austin said, expressing his concern about China's "irresponsible behavior" in the South China Sea. "We've seen close intercepts and the coercive behavior … in the waterways," he said.
He noted that, as he arrived in Singapore, there were reports of an incident where a Chinese ship came within 150 meters of the USS Chung Hoon and a Canadian vessel, which were transiting the Taiwan Strait. Two weeks ago, a Chinese aircraft intercepted a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft operating in international airspace. "I call upon leadership to really do the right things, to reign in that kind of conduct because I think accidents can happen that could cause things to spiral out of control," Austin said.
Austin spoke of the April 2001, referring to the "P-3 incident" where a Chinese pilot rammed a Navy P-3 aircraft. The Chinese pilot died, and the Navy plane had to make an emergency landing on China's Hainan island. "In those days, we were talking to, and it was still very dif-
ficult to manage that crisis. Imagine now if something happens and we don't have clear communications how difficult that's going to be and what could happen in the short term," Austin said.
He said it's interesting to hear what Chinese leaders have to say, but what they actually do is more telling. He noted the dangerous activities continue. The freedom of navigation operations the United States and other nations engage in are perfectly legal. "They should be interested in freedom of navigation, as well, because … it would affect them," Austin said.
The Chinese also use the international commons. "If there are no laws, if there are no rules, things will break down for them very quickly as well," he said.
Chinese defense leaders have refused invitations to meet with Austin. The Chinese said it's because the United States has sanctioned Li Shangfu. "I am personally sanctioned in Russia," Austin said. "But I can — if I want to — talk to the Russian minister of defense." (Jim Garamone)
COTABATO CITY – In a remarkable display of unity and solidarity, members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gathered Wednesday to participate in a public consultation for a proposed measure that aims to establish an office dedicated to providing comprehensive support to MNLF and MILF veterans.
Under BTA Bill No. 44, the office will provide financial, medical, social, and other forms of assistance, in recognition of the sacrifices of the brave mujahideen and mujahidat who have fought for the cause of the Bangsamoro.
The bill defines "Veteran Mujahideen" as members of the MILF and MNLF who are at least 55 years old as of the time of the measure's effectiveness and who had rendered revolutionary services in the protracted wars
for self-determination between the Bangsamoro people and the national government for at least 20 years between 1969 and 2014.
The public consultations held simultaneously in the cities of Cotabato and Marawi brought together not only MNLF and MILF veterans but also mujahidat and their children, creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
Member of the Parliament Basit Abbas described the public consultation as a "historic event," with the MILF and MNLF uniting as one after coming from different factions. "This is very significant because we feel that both MNLF and MILF are united. We disregard our faction. We put aside our differences and work together for the interest of all mujahideen and mujahidat," Abbas added.
Abbas reiterated that “it became clear how important this bill is to the veterans who
endured immense hardships and fought for the Bangsamoro people and future generations,”
Bangsamoro Parliament’s Social and Services Development Committee Chair Engr. Aida Silongan urged her fellow lawmakers to back the bill's immediate passage, emphasizing that "those who have truly sacrificed will be the main priority."
Ustadz Abdulwahid Tundok, commander of the MILF 118th Base Command, expressed his appreciation for the Bangsamoro Parliament, acknowledging that it is a long-awaited recognition of their sacrifices.
He emphasized the importance of establishing an office dedicated to meeting the various needs of MNLF and MILF veterans, including financial support for livelihood programs, medical assistance, social welfare programs, educational opportunities for their
City, other MPs held a separate public consultation to gather comments from stakeholders in Maguindanao and the BARMM Special Geographic Area.
children, and psychological support for the traumas they endured.
He also asked his fellow mujahideen to have patience while the Bangsamoro government is in the transition period and building the foundation.
Rumina Malaguiok, wife of the renowned Tani Malaguiok Top 90 MNLF, passionately shared her experiences since 1970 from the front lines of the Bangsamoro struggle.
Geographic Area, whose parents are both mujahideen and mujahidat, feels overwhelmed at the chance of her parents' plight finally being recognized. She expresses her desire for the success of the law and prays that the benefits "will not just be words but will be put into action and given to the veterans who fought for the Bangsamoro."
lack of education, or other employment-related needs. Once approved, qualified recipients will receive a monthly financial allowance, free medical care at any hospitals, health centers, or other facilities supervised by the Ministry of Health, and be exempt from taxes, fees, and other charges imposed by the Bangsamoro Government.
COTABATO CITY – Public consultations were recently held simultaneously in Marawi City and Cotabato City, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Bangsamoro region.
The consultations aimed to provide a platform for IDPs, community leaders, and other stakeholders to express their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the proposed measure.
The Bangsamoro Parliament sought to personally engage with the affected individuals and listen to their sentiments, ensuring that their voices were heard in the legislative process.
The proposed bill, known as BTA Bill No. 32 or the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Act, was introduced by the Government of the Day and has been identified as priority legislation.
It not only aims to protect Bangsamoro residents who are displaced to areas outside BARMM but also addresses the rights of non-Bangsamoro residents who are displaced to areas within the region.
The number of IDPs in the BARMM has risen dramatically over the past few years, according to the Ministry of Social Services and Development.
During the consultations, the MSSD presented alarming figures, highlighting the press-
ing need for measures to protect IDPs.
Since 2013, an estimated 159,289 individuals have been displaced in Mindanao, primarily due to armed conflict, natural disasters, crime or violence, and clan feuds. In 2022 alone, within the BARMM, 58,915 and 68,911 individuals were displaced due to natural disasters and armed conflict, respectively.
Recognizing the urgent need to address the plight of IDPs, the proposed measure aims to establish a comprehensive framework for their protection, rights, and welfare. It seeks to address the multifaceted challenges faced by IDPs, including their physical safety, access to basic needs, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities.
In Lanao del Sur, Presiding Officer Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman assured attendees that all insights gathered during the consultations would be thoroughly discussed by the Committee on Social Services and Development. She emphasized the importance of carefully considering the inputs provided by stakeholders.
As an IDP herself, Samira Gutoc, head of the Marawi Rescue Team, stated that the proposed legislation includes provisions that will foster an environment conducive to protecting conflict victims and the economy.
Meanwhile, in Cotabato
Atty. Raisa Jajurie highlighted several salient provisions of the bill. These include ensuring access to basic needs, the right to health and education, freedom of movement in and out of evacuation centers and settlements, recognition and replacement of documents, and security and protection for IDPs.
She underscored the significance of this bill in providing immediate relief and humanitarian assistance to IDPs, their families, and communities.
The Bangsamoro Government, along with its ministries, agencies, offices, and constituent LGUs, will play a crucial role in executing the mandate of the proposed legislation.
While there is currently no national law in the Philippines specifically addressing the rights of IDPs, she emphasized the significance of regional efforts in establishing mechanisms and sustainable solutions.
The consultations in both cities allowed the Bangsamoro Parliament to engage with a broad range of perspectives and consider the diverse needs and challenges faced by IDPs across the region.
Another round of public consultations is scheduled to be conducted in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in the coming weeks. Atty. Jajurie said that the committee is targeting the presentation of the committee report in July.
(LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
Maluiagok vividly described the difficult journey undertaken by the Bangsamoro fighters in their pursuit of peace and a brighter future for future generations as she recalled her days as a field medic in different areas in North Cotabato and Maguindanao. "To know that the government is considering an office to support veterans like us is a glimmer of hope. It shows that our efforts have not been in vain, and our contributions are being recognized," she said.
Jennatosalam Gayak, 26, a member of the MNLF youth sector in Midsayap, Special
Hundreds of MNLF and MILF members, both in Marawi and Cotabato City, actively engaged in the consultation process, raising concerns and suggestions to further enhance the proposed measure.
Some of the points raised during the consultation include the inclusion of veterans living outside BARMM, eligibility requirements for the program, the validation process of beneficiaries, educational assistance for the veteran’s children, and legal assistance for combatant cases, among others.
The bill gives priority to those who are less fortunate and lack employment opportunities due to their elderly status,
The computation of financial requirements will be discussed in the committee, according to MP Raissa Jajurie. It will also establish and maintain an effective and reliable data-gathering and evaluation mechanism for determining and selecting qualified beneficiaries, as well as extend assistance to qualified beneficiaries, their spouses, and minor children.
The Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Affairs Office will be placed under the operational supervision and control of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety as one of its component divisions. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
COTABATO CITY A measure has been introduced to institutionalize a comprehensive framework for resolving disputes in the Bangsamoro region.
Recognizing the pressing need for an effective and inclusive approach to dispute resolution, Bangsamoro lawmakers have crafted BTA Bill No. 59 that will create an alternative system and mechanism for addressing conflict.
Violent disputes have been a ‘perennial problem’ particularly in the BARMM Special Geographic Area, and the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao, as well as some parts of the island provinces of the region, according to MP Mohammad Kelie Antao, one of the principal authors of BTA Bill No. 159, or the “People’s Alternative System of Addressing Disputes Act.”
As a result of the situation, he said, people are
forced to leave their homes and businesses, lives are lost, and economic activities are disrupted.
Antao said that if this problem isn’t addressed, it will “greatly affect the collective desire of the Bangsamoro and Philippine governments for the constituents of the region to feel and enjoy the fruits of normalization, including but not limited to political stability, social order, and economic growth.”
The PB No. 159 seeks to establish a People’s Alternative System in Addressing Disputes (PASAD) to serve as a program and a movement for addressing disputes between parties through neutral third parties, or PASAD providers.
PASAD providers, as defined in the bill, are neutral third parties, either individuals or groups that help parties keep their disputes out of litigation using flexible but
legally binding dispute resolution processes. The PASAD provider will facilitate the proceedings and determine how they will be conducted. They will also assist the parties in reaching a satisfactory resolution and suggest options for dispute settlement.
Under the proposed measure, a regional office for PASAD, under the Ministry of Public Order and Safety, will be established. PB No. 159 was also principally authored by MPs Tawakal Midtimbang, Mudjib Abu, Bassir Utto, Suwaib Oranon, and Eddie Alih and co-authored by MPs Baileng Mantawil, Diamila Ramos, Abdulwahab Pak, Abdulaziz Amenodin, Denmartin Kahalan, Don Mustapha Loong, Ramon Piang Sr., Adzfar Usman, Michael Midtimbang, and Dan Asnawie. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
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Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 suffer from hypertension.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure of one’s blood vessels is too high or reach 140/90 mmHg or higher. Risk factors include older age, genetics, obesity, physical inactivity, high-salt diet, and excessive alcohol intake.
PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. stressed the importance of preventive care, encouraging Filipinos to register and avail themselves of the “PhilHealth Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama” or “Konsulta Package.”
“Layunin ng PhilHealth Konsulta na maagang makita ang anumang karamdaman at maagapan ang paglala ng sakit gaya ng hypertension. Kasama sa paketeng ito ang konsultasyon,
MANILA - The U.S. Agency for International Development has announced new grants worth over P20 million ($370,000) for higher education institutions working on innovative programs to improve the lives of out-of-school youth. Administered through the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program, the announcement includes two types of grants: the “O2 GAIN Grants,” which will address local development priorities for out-of-school youth, and the “O2-ASPIRE Grants," which will support partnerships between Philippine and U.S. HEIs on out-of-school youth advancement. The grants will help fund academic research, develop technological solutions, and enhance the quality of services for out-of-school youth.
laboration.
“Working together, we have been able to make progress and open doors for thousands of out-ofschool youth to better education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Director Washburn.
my gratitude to the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program and all the organizers for their vision and dedication for making this summit a reality.”
health screening, laboratory at mga gamot,” Ledesma said.
“Sa unang konsultasyon ay mayroong health risk assessment kung saan malalaman halimbawa kung hypertensive ang isang tao, mabibigyan s’ya ng gamot, at mamo-monitor ang kanyang kondisyon. Sa ganitong paraan ay maiiwasan ang paglala ng karamdaman. Mahalaga ang primary care dahil makakaiwas tayo sa magastos na gamutan,” he added.
The PhilHealth Konsulta Package includes targeted health risk screening and assessment, initial and follow-up consultations, standard laboratory tests and 21 essential drugs and medicines including anti-hypertensives listed in the Philippine National Formulary such as enalapril,
metoprolol, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide and losartan. “Gamitin natin ang ating mga benepisyo sa PhilHealth Konsulta upang makaiwas tayo sa mas magastos na gamutan bunga ng paglala ng kondisyon ng pasyente sa mga sakit na maaari namang maagapan gaya ng mataas ng presyon ng dugo,” Ledesma said.
He said all PhilHealth members are encouraged to register and avail themselves of the Konsulta Package. Registration may be done through self-registration via the member portal at www. philhealth.gov.ph or at any PhilHealth Local Insurance Offices in their area.
Ledesma also assured that PhilHealth is paying P9,000 for confinements due to hypertension in accredited Levels 1 to 3 hospitals.
(Mindanao Examiner)USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn announced the new grants during the Opportunity 2.0 program’s Higher Education Learning Summit in Quezon City, which brought together more than 200 USAID partners from across the Philippines. The summit highlighted the pivotal role of higher education partners in building a better future for out-of-school youth and provided stakeholders a space for further col-
To date, Opportunity 2.0 has supported around 35,000 Filipino youth by helping them gain employment, start their own businesses, or go back in school. “I am confident that this learning summit will facilitate meaningful exchanges, foster collaboration, inspire innovative approaches, and find common ground to address the complex needs of out-of-school youth,” said Commission on Higher Education Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera. “I therefore express
“Education is the cornerstone of all progress, and higher education institutions play a pivotal role in order to accomplish this as they serve as homes for training the minds of the youth and preparing them for the challenges of the ever-evolving world,” said Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto. “We view our higher education institutions as our beacon of hope. We are confident that with your help and support we can make outof-school Filipino return to studying and get the quality education that they deserve.” (Mindanao Examiner)
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Command confirmed the report, saying members of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion recently recovered Ahmad Ibrahim Rullie, whose parents Rullie Rian Zeke and Ulfah Handayani Saleh were tagged in the January 2019 bombings of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel in downtown Jolo in Sulu province.
“While conducting a focused military operation targeting Sulu-based Dawlah Islamiyah-Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leader Mudzrimar Sawadjaan and Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Pasil Bayali, troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion were able to seize the harboring position of the target at Sitio Lobloban in the village of Guiong in Sumisip town
and rescued an Indonesian national,” the military said.
The teenager was raised by Sawadjaan following the death of the Indonesian couple and eventually escaped a massive military operation in Sulu and fled to Basilan. Sawadjaan and Bayali and their followers managed to escape the operation launched on Monday, June 5.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, also issued a brief statement and said:
“He (Ahmad) is still young and we are hopeful that with proper guidance and counseling, he will be able to walk back on the right path and build a better future.”
No other details were made available by the military.
The Islamic State in Iraq
and Syria or ISIS claimed responsibility for the deadly twin blasts carried out by the pair in Jolo. ISIS, in a statement released by its Amaq News Agency, said the first bomber detonated an explosive belt, while the second attacker blew himself up outside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral and killed and wounded dozens of people, including soldiers deployed in the area.
The Long War Journal also reported that ISIS described its target in Jolo as a “Christian temple,” saying that it was bombed during a “gathering of the Crusaders to perform their polytheist rituals.” Authorities said a total of 20 people were killed and over 70 others wounded in the blasts. (Mindanao Examiner)
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mineral-rich Sabah in Borneo, the New Straits Times reported.
Quoting Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, of the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), the Malaysian newspaper said the Paris Court of Appeal ruled on Tuesday, June 6, that the arbitration court, which mandated Kuala Lumpur to pay the sum to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, the former rulers of the region, lacked jurisdiction in the case.
"The Paris Court of Appeal had upheld Malaysia's challenge against the partial award rendered on May 25, 2020 by Dr Gonzalo Stampa in the case brought by eight claimants, citizens of the Philippines, who are purported heirs of the long-defunct Sultan of Sulu," Azalina said in a statement.
Azalina said the court's decision meant that the claimants could not rely on the award in France for any purpose. "The Paris Court of Appeal found that the arbitrator wrongly upheld his jurisdiction. This decision, which is final and binding, is a decisive victory for Malaysia in its ongoing pursuit of legal remedies, which Malaysia is confident will result in comprehensive defeat for the claimants and their funders," she said.
Malaysia identified the eight descendants of the Sultan Jamalul Kiram as Sultan Muhammad Fuad Kiram I, Nurhima Kiram Fornan, Sheramar
Kiram, Permaisuli Kiram-Guerzon, Taj-Mahal Kiram-Tarsum Nuqui, Ahmad Nazard Kiram Sampang, Jenny KA Sampang, and Widz-Raunda Kiram Sampang.
Last year, a French arbitration court ruled that Malaysia must compensate the descendants of the Sulu sultanate for their territorial claim. Malaysia then filed an application in Paris to invalidate the award, while a Luxembourg court had suspended the enforcement of the payment. In March, a Paris court upheld the restraining order obtained by Malaysia, preventing the enforcement of the award, according to the report.
Azalina also said that the Sulu claimants had previously targeted Malaysia's diplomatic assets in France based on this partial award as part of their abusive strategy, which now had to be withdrawn following the court's decision. "This decision implies that the Paris Court of Appeal will annul the purported Final Award in which Stampa remarkably awarded the claimants close to US$15 billion. Malaysia is seeking to have the annulment recorded in a court decision as soon as possible, which should lead to the collapse of the claimants' global enforcement efforts to date," she said.
She added that Stampa had issued the Final Award despite his appointment having been annulled by the same Spanish court that had previously appointed him on the basis that Malay-
noong nakaraang buwan.
Dalawang bahagi sa Don Alfaro ang tinibag at pawang magkatabi lamang, subali’t maraming lugar sa naturang kalye ang butas-butas, gayun rin sa maraming kalsada ng nasabing barangay. Hindi naman mabatid kung bakit kailangan wasakin ang pira-pirasong bahagi ng kalsada sa halip na tapalan na lamang ito ng aspalto na siyang ginagawa ng nakaraang administrasyong Climaco.
Napuna rin ng mga taga-roon na ilang araw nakatengga ang tinibag na bahagi ng kalsada ngunit wala naman nagta-trabaho doon. Nitong nakaraang linggo lamang ito na-sementohan.
sia had not been properly served ahead of that appointment process. "In defiance of Spanish court orders instructing him to cease acting as arbitrator, in an unprecedented move, Stampa transferred the arbitration proceedings to France and issued his Final Award. Stampa's sustained actions in defiance of Spanish court orders have resulted in a significant abuse of the international arbitration process," the newspaper quoted Azalina as saying.
Azalina said the decision would also put an end to the efforts of the claimants and their funder, Therium, to enforce the unlawful awards and thereby extract windfall damages from Malaysia. She also added that the government would continue to take all necessary actions, including legal actions, to put an end to the claims and to ensure that Malaysia's interests, sovereign immunity and sovereignty were protected at all times.
Lawyer Paul Cohen, the legal counsel of the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, has recently sent a letter to the Attorney-General's Chambers and demanded immediate payment of the purported Final Award of US$16.412 billion. The Special Secretariat on Sulu Claims had condemned the letter, but the Attorney-General subsequently responded to Cohen's letter on May 31, listing all the indisputable facts of the claim.
It added that Malaysia had, on December 14, 2021, filed a criminal complaint before the Spanish Public Prosecutor against Stampa following the blatant disregard to the judicial decisions in Spain by the latter and the claimants. The report said the claimants have attempted to arbitrate this non-commercial matter in a few European countries, namely France, Spain, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
There was no immediate statement from any of the eight Filipino heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, but sources told The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper that only their lawyers were authorized to speak on their behalf.
The Philippine government has distanced itself from the Sabah claims being pursued by the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr last year said his administration would not relinquish even a square inch of the country's territory. “From what I understand, the case is in the nature of a private claim by the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu with Malaysia. Therefore, it is not an issue of sovereignty or of territory at the moment,” said Trixie Angeles, then Press Secretary.
Exceptions:
proposed Permit Area shall be subject to Section 19 of RA 7942 and Section 15 (“Areas Closed to Mining Applications”) and Section 16 (“Ancestral Lands“), of the DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-
Among other things
a) The following shall be closed to mining applications areas with valid and existing mining rights, existing mining applications, and areas expressly prohibited by law.
b) The following shall also be closed to mining applications except upon the written consent of the concerned government agency of private entity subject to the evaluation and validation by the Bureau, areas near or under public or private buildings, cemeteries, archeological and historical sites, bridges, highways, waterways, railroads, reservours, dams or other infrastructure projects, public or private works including plantations or valuable crops.
c) Applications for mineral agreement of financial or technical assistance agreements covering, small scale mining areas, civil or military reservations, areas covered by Certificate of Ancestral Domain claims, or areas of ancestral land as may be defined by law shall require prior written consent of concerned individuals, groups or other government agencies having jurisdiction over the area/s applied for.
*Notes
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Tila “lucky pick” sa Lotto ang naging pagpili ng City Engineer’s Office sa kung anong bahagi ng
kalsada ang wawasakin upang muling ma-sementuhan. Ilang metro ng kalsada na umano’y lubak-lubak ang tinibag mula pa
Matindi rin ang trapiko sa naturang barangay mula pa noong nakaraang taon dahil sa ginagawang drainage system sa Don Alfaro at kailangan pang i-detour ang mga sasakyan sa ibang mga kalsada. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.
Wang made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on remarks of leaders of many countries, including Indonesia and Singapore, that they don't want to see a "new Cold War" or be forced to choose sides between China and the U.S. during the recent Shangri-La Dialogue.
Wang said those remarks are a clear indication that many countries in this region are alerted by and opposed to certain country's attempts to set off a "new Cold War" in Asia and force regional countries to choose sides. What countries want in this region is to maintain strategic independence and keep the
region stable and prosperous.
What is particularly concerning is that certain countries, while claiming to champion freedom and openness and aim to preserve peace and prosperity in the region, have been in fact patching up various military blocs and extending NATO's influence into the Asia-Pacific, he said.
The attitude of the majority of countries in the region is very clear. They oppose the emergence of military blocs in the region, don't welcome NATO's outreach in Asia, don't want a replica of bloc confrontation in Asia, and they certainly will not allow any Cold War or hot war to happen again in Asia, Wang said.
"Asia is the most economically dynamic and promising region in the world, it can offer
a vast stage for win-win cooperation, and should not be divided into isolated, exclusive blocs," the spokesperson said, noting that Asian countries welcome common efforts to succeed together and do not welcome schemes that could bring trouble to this region.
Wang said China firmly supports ASEAN centrality and an inclusive regional cooperation architecture, and would like to work with ASEAN countries and other partners in the region to uphold the spirit of open and win-win cooperation, oppose any rhetoric or action that incites bloc confrontation in Asia, and together make sure that Asia will remain a pillar for peace, a pacesetter for development and a promising land for cooperation. (Xinhua)
“The President’s articulation of his statement about not giving up a square inch of territory will have to be reduced into writing and into specifics, after which, we will announce these to you if they are in any way related to the Sabah claim. At the moment, wala pa pong articulation, so we have to wait,” she added.
Angeles was referring to a statement of Marcos during his first State of the Nation Address. The president said while his administration pursues the “friend to all, enemy to none” stance, it would not relinquish even a square inch of Philippine territory.
Marcos said the Philippines will be a good neighbor that will always look for ways to collaborate and cooperate with the end goal of mutually beneficial outcomes. He did not say anything about the historical claims of the Sultanate of Sulu on Sabah.
The Sultanate of Sulu, founded in 1457, continues to lay claim to Sabah which it obtained from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on Borneo Island. The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of World War II. The Sulu Sultanate said it had merely leased North Borneo in 1878 to the British North Borneo Company for an annual payment of 5,000 Malayan dollars then, which was increased to 5,300 Malayan dollars in 1903.
The Sultanate of Sulu is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north. But North Borneo was illegally annexed by Malaysia in 1963 following a referendum illegally organised by the Cobbold Commission in 1962, the people of Sabah voted overwhelmingly to join Malaysia. (Mindanao Examiner)
1. The approval of and Environmental Clearance Certificate, with all the necessary public consultations, shall be required prior to any and all mining construction, development and production.
2. The Notice must be accompanied bya map sketch plan with index map showing the nearest municipality(ies) and any major environment features(s).
V. Size of the Area:
VI. Duration of the Permit
6,359.55 Hectares
The Exploration Permit shall have a term of two (2) years renewable for another two (2) years each but in no case shall exceed a total term of six (6) years for non-metallic mineral exploration or eight (8) years for metallic mineral exploration.
VII. Relinquishment
The permittee shall relinquish at least 20% of the Permit Area during the first two years of exploration and at least 10% of the remaining permit area thereafter.
VIII. Extent of Operation to be Undertaken
Phase I - Reconnaissance Geological Mapping
II - Detailed Geological Mapping
III - Geophysical/Geochemical Exploration
IV - Drilling and Sub-surface Exploration
V - Preparation of Mining Feasibility Study
Any and all persons having adverse claims, protest and/or opposition to the above mentioned application(s) are hereby notified that there adverse claims should be filed within thirty (30) days from the last date of publication/posting, directly either to the Regional Office concerned or through any concerned Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of DENR for filing in the Regional Office for purpose of its resolution by the Panel of Arbitrators and/or the concerned appelate body(ies), pursuant to the provision of Republic Act 7942 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. Adverse claims, protest or opposition should be accomplished in accordance with Section 203 and 204 of DAO No. 201021, and copy thereof shall be furnished to the applicant/contractor by adverse claimant. For further particulars, apply of course your inquiries to the Regional Director, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Regional Office No. IX at Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca, Zamboanga City.
Exceptions: The proposed Permit Area shall be subject to Section 19 of RA 7942 and Section 15 (“Areas Closed to Mining Applications”) and Section 16 (“Ancestral Lands“), of the DENR Administrative Order No. 201021. Among other things
a) The following shall be closed to mining applications areas with valid and existing mining rights, existing mining applications, and areas expressly prohibited by law.
b) The following shall also be closed to mining applications except upon the written consent of the concerned government agency of private entity subject to the evaluation and validation by the Bureau, areas near or under public or private buildings, cemeteries, archeological and historical sites, bridges, highways, waterways, railroads, reservours, dams or other infrastructure projects, public or private works including plantations or valuable crops.
c) Applications for mineral agreement of financial or technical assistance agreements covering, small scale mining areas, civil or military reservations, areas covered by Certificate of Ancestral Domain claims, or areas of ancestral land as may be defined by law shall require prior written consent of concerned individuals, groups or other government agencies having jurisdiction over the area/s applied for.
*Notes
1. The approval of and Environmental Clearance Certificate, with all the necessary public consultations, shall be required prior to any and all mining construction, development and production.
2. The Notice must be accompanied bya map sketch plan with index map showing the nearest municipality(ies) and any major environment features(s).
V. Size of the Area: 6,685.849 Hectares
VI. Duration of the Permit
The Exploration Permit shall have a term of two (2) years renewable for another two (2) years each but in no case shall exceed a total term of four (4) years for non-metallic mineral exploration or six (6) years for metallic mineral exploration.
VII. Relinquishment
The permittee shall relinquish at least 20% of the Permit Area during the first two years of exploration and at least 10% of the remaining permit area thereafter.
VIII. Extent of Operation to be Undertaken
Phase I - Reconnaissance Geological Mapping
II - Detailed Geological Mapping
III - Geophysical/Geochemical Exploration
IV - Drilling and Sub-surface Exploration
V - Preparation of Mining Feasibility Study
Any and all persons having adverse claims, protest and/or opposition to the above mentioned application(s) are hereby notified that there adverse claims should be filed within thirty (30) days from the last date of publication/posting, directly either to the Regional Office concerned or through any concerned Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of DENR for filing in the Regional Office for purpose of its resolution by the Panel of Arbitrators and/or the concerned appelate body(ies), pursuant to the provision of Republic Act 7942 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. Adverse claims, protest or opposition should be accomplished in accordance with Section 203 and 204 of DAO No. 201021, and copy thereof shall be furnished to the applicant/contractor by adverse claimant.
For further particulars, apply of course your inquiries to the Regional Director, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Regional Office No. IX at Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca, Zamboanga City.
COTABATO CITY – To ease the financial burden on Muslim government employees under the Bangsamoro government, some Bangsamoro legislators proposed a measure that will integrate zakat and the individual income tax return.
Members of the Parliament Mohammad Kelie Antao, Mohagher Iqbal, and Atty. Lanang Ali, Jr., the principal authors of BTA Bill No. 160, proposed that the zakat and the ITR be jointly integrated or collected simultaneously.
Zakat is an obligation that every earning Muslim must fulfill by giving to charities 2.5 percent of his net income.
The explanatory note accompanying the bill emphasizes the need for a more efficient system, stating, “We are experiencing different systems of deduction. We pay the income tax return in full, and we also give the obligatory zakat in full.”
The measure seeks to address this issue by incorporating zakat into the ITR, reducing the burden on Muslim government employees while also simplifying the taxation process.
The proposed measure will only apply to regular, contractual, and holders of political and appointive posts in the government service under the BARMM.
The finance officer of government offices will deduct both the ITR and the zakat due from each employee’s salary.
The ITR will be remitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, while the zakat will be given to Lujnatul Uliya, or an office run by Muslim religious leaders responsible for collecting zakat.
Under the proposed measure, representatives from the Bangsamoro Parliament, the Darul Ifta, and the national government will discuss and resolve issues.
Some P25 million will be appropriated annually, pending the resolution of issues and the approval of the national government, to subsidize the amount of ITRs corresponding to the amount of zakat not remitted to the BIR. The corresponding amount from the subsidy will then be paid to the BIR in lieu of the unremitted taxes.
(LTAIS- Public Information, Publication,
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1 former military general Carlito Galvez.
The 58-year old Teodoro is a graduate of Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Major in Financial Institutions from De La Salle University – Manila. He completed his law degree and graduated at the top of his class at the University of the Philippines.
He achieved the top rank in the 1989 Philippine Bar Examinations. He furthered his legal education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Law from Harvard University.
Teodoro has extensive
experience in both the private and the public sectors. He served as a threeterm Member of Congress, representing the First District of Tarlac, and previously held the esteemed position of Secretary of Defense under President Gloria Arroyo’s administration, where he became the youngest to hold the position at the age of 43.
Teodoro also assumed the role of Chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council during his tenure as Secretary of Defense.
Throughout his career, Teodoro has received
numerous accolades for his leadership and academic excellence. Notably, he was recognized as a Leadership Awardee and Seminar Academic Excellence Awardee during his time at the Air Command and Staff College, Air Education and Training Command Philippine Air Force Command and Staff Course in 2001.
In 2003, he attended the Joint and Combined Staff Officers Course, Class Nr 1, JCSC in Camp Aguinaldo, where he was honored as a Leadership Awardee. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1
Teen Pregnancy, Mental Health and Adolescent Reproductive Health Education Summit sa mga nagkalain-laing tulonghaan sa sekondarya ning dakbayan.
Tumong ning nasangpit nga kalihukan mao ang pag-edukar ug paghatag og kalamdagan sa mga nagtubo nga kabataan kon ugaling aduna man sila’y gi-atubang nga mental ug health issues ug uban pang mga problema nga sarang mahinagbo niini.
Gipahigayon ang culmination ning nasangpit nga aktibidad didto sa Zamboanga del Norte National High Schoo-Turno Campus (ZNNHS) diin kini gitambongan sa mga pinili nga Grade 10 stu-
dents. Atol sa gipahigayon nga hamubong programa, si konsehal Marilou Calibo, chairman sa Committee on Education and Culture ug maoy representante ni Mayor Darel Dexter Uy, ang midasig sa mga magtutungha nga mosubay gayod sa maayong dalan sa kinabuhi tungod kay ang gobyerno, partikular ang kagamhanang lokal sa Dipolog ug ang DepEd, ang nagpakabana alang sa maayong ugma sa tanang magtutungha.
Dugang niya nga importante nga mag-ampo kanunay, maningkamot dinha sa pagtuon ug maminaw sa mga tambag sa mga ginikanan aron makab-ot ang maayong ugma. Samtang si City Schools Division Superintendent
Dr. Maria Liza Tabilon ang mipadayag usab sa susamang mensahe ngadto sa mga kabataan. Nasayran nga kining maong aktibidad ang gisugdan niadtong Enero 13 ning tuiga diin kining nasangpit nga education campaign ang ginahimo matag adlaw’ng Biyernes dinha sa nagkalain-laing secondary schools nga sakop ning dakbayan ug karong adlawa gitapos kini dinha sa ZNNHS. Lakip sa mga mitambong niini mao ang mga buhatan CHO nga gipangulohan ni Dr. Benson Panaguiton, POPCOM, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Arlene Jatico ug mga magtutudlo sa nasangpit nga tulonghaan. (LTD)
Across
Weekly
Answer to last week’s crossword:
to last week:
Cotabato Newspaper Dealer Cebu Newspaper Dealer
The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is available in Cotabato City’s lone newspaper dealer Bernadette Guotana at “Goutana Copy Center” at Stall 5. For subscription, please call 0997-5412615. And for all your publications, please call BARMM Bureau Chief Mark Navales at 0916-6885389
Zamboanga Newspaper Dealer
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For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Villamero’s Enterprises at these numbers (062) 955-8677 and 0917-1223496. Located at Campaner Street, Zamboanga City and serving Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Rodil Ybañez at these numbers (0923) 1670009. Located at G/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan Cebu City
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CEBU CITY – The provincial government here has taken over the operations
EBU CITY – The government here has taken over the of the two famous tourist destinations in Badian town – the world-renowned two town –Kawasan Falls where canyoneering is a major attraction, and the Lambug Kawasan Falls where is a attraction, and the Beach which is known as Cebu’s paradise Beach which is known as Cebu’s paradise.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the provincial government will place safety measures in Kawasan Falls where an abandoned hydropower plant and structures damaged by Typhoon Odette posed danger to visitors who wanted to take a dip in the area’s cool water.
“I don’t want a black mark on Cebu tourism, particularly Kawasan Falls which is recognized as one of the most beautiful falls in the world,” Garcia said in justifying taking over the tourist destination.
The governor said canyoneering activities in Alegria town are temporarily suspended but may continue with caution on the Badian side.
Canyoneering is one of the spectacular attractions in the two neighboring towns. Kawasan Falls is shared by the two municipalities but most of the area falls within Barangay Matutinao in Badian near the border of Alegria.
Garcia also announced taking over the operations of Lambug Beach in order to implement the demoli-
tion of an unused concrete port whose structure affected the natural distribution of the sand towards the beachfront.
“Right beside the port there continues to be scouring of the sand because of this port which is abandoned. So we already sent equipment there to clear it and take it out,” she said.
Garcia said she is also imposing the legal easement on the beach while helping existing resort operators get access to financial assistance through the
Unlike in Kawasan Falls where visit is still prohibited for safety,
have said they are putting up more cellular towers in the country, they face major challenges, including legal and regulatory barriers.
tiple state and law enforcement agencies.
CEBU CITY – Over two dozen journalists from different parts of the country attended a twoday seminar on cybersecurity here organized by the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
The 15th Annual Media Seminar, titled “Building Blocks: The U.S.-Philippine Partnership for a Prosperous and Cyber-secure Digital Economy,” on June 6 and 7 also brought various speakers who tackled different issues, among them Internet Infrastructure, digital economy and business cyber health.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also spoke virtually from Manila. Press attachés Kanishka Gangopadhyay and Stephen Dove spoke at the seminar.
Mary Grace Santos, of the Better Internet PH or BIP, a coalition of stakeholders pushing for accessible, reliable, affordable, and secure Internet for all Filipinos, discussed the major Internet challenges in the country.
Santos noted the poor Internet access in many areas, especially in the provinces, saying the Philippines lags behind other Asian countries. One example, she said, quoting a report by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, is the Bangsamoro autonomous region where only 1% of villages have access to broadband facilities.
Although major telephone companies (Telcos) such as PLDT-Smart and Globe Telecom
Santos noted the followingrestrictive and outdated licensing process, current licensing limits building and operation of broadband networks to Telcos only; ISPs (Internet service providers) were just resellers, no framework for infrastructure sharing each provider digs road, lays own fiber, puts up own poles, and until recently own towers and costly, cumbersome network rollout and RoW (right of way) approval such as various permits, requirements from local governments and private associations.
But that’s not all, she said the legal and regulatory barriers under Public Telecommunications Policy Act (RA 7925) also require network operators to secure a Congressional franchise and Certificate of public convenience and non-telco ISPs were not allowed to build Internet network, even if not telephone-based and while there is a need to expand broadband networks, the high barriers, prohibitive cost persist.
Secure Connections, a coalition of cybersecurity stakeholders supported by The Asia Foundation, said cyberattacks this year have exposed more than 1.3 million records (roughly 800GB) of highly sensitive data under mul-
According to the Philippine government survey in 2021, although many government agencies have good awareness of cybersecurity posture, the majority of them have low awareness of national policies, international standards, low organizational capacity, lack of necessary cybersecurity skills and expertise. And over half of agencies do not have a Computer Emergency Response Team.
Secure Connections identified the major gaps in these problems: policy awareness, organizational capacity, cybersecurity skills, financial resources, leadership support. It said the country lacks a national policy directive mandating government agencies with jurisdiction over critical infrastructure (CI) to promote information security and has poor awareness and adoption of minimum information security standards that will protect CI institutions across the board. The country also has no clarity in institutional arrangements on cybersecurity such as enforcement, monitoring, and assessment; response to and reporting of cyber incidents; and mitigation of cyber risks.
CI refers to the following sectors: Banking and finance, Government, Broadcast media, Health, Business process outsourcing, Telecommunications,
Emergency services, Transportation, Energy and Water. They are assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, that are considered so vital that their destruction or disruption would have a debilitating impact on national security, health and safety, or economic well-being of citizens, or any combination thereof.
Carlos Ely Tingson, SVP, Kroll Cyber Threat Intelligence, who spoke on Philippines Business Cyberhealth and how it affects the economy, said many organizations in the country are most concerned about data loss (70%), with 59% of the most recent cyberattacks reportedly causing it.
Tingson cited the 2022 State of Incident Response Report and said compared to other countries across Asia-Pacific (APAC), businesses were also much more concerned about intellectual property (60%); while 60% of respondents cited business interruption as the most significant consequences of a cyberattacks in the Philippines, 29% also cited regulatory fines, higher than in any other APAC country.
He also identified the threat incident types year over year and these are Email Compromise, Ransomware, Unauthorized Access, and Web Compromise. The direct cost of cybercrime, according to Tingson, is financial losses associated with a cyber-security incident and opportunity Loss
due to Reputational Damage and its Impact to the broader ecosystem and economy.
John Avila, Senior Economic Growth Specialist, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), said they have partnered with the Philippines to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth through development assistance in various areas.
He said among the USAID projects providing technical assistance to advance the digital economy are the BEACON or “Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) Activity,” which is a five-year project designed to comprehensively support inclusive and resilient economic growth in the country in order increase productivity, facilitate trade, and foster innovation by improving the digital infrastructure ecosystem.
And SPEED or “Strengthening Private Enterprise for the Digital Economy,” which seeks to expand the participation of Philippines small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the digital economy. Focusing on business to business and business to consumer e-commerce, Avila said SPEED works with the private sector and government to mobilize and maximize available resources in the digital economy for enterprise-led economic growth. (Jeng Fernandez)