A happy 'balut' success story
NPA amazon arrested in Zamboanga del Norte PAGE 2
Parak dinakip dahil sa droga PAGE 4
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Pa, son missing nearly a month after their arrest in Maguindanao province PAGE 7
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communities in 14 provinces and four cities, which were implemented by national agencies and local governments under the PAMANA program, he said. Lorena said: “We would be happy to discuss this further with Senator Binay to clarify any misconceptions regarding the DAP allocation to OPAPP peace and development initiatives as well as on the GPH-MNLF peace process.” Aquino approved DAP The OPAPP website has no entries on where its funds went or how its budget was spent, but President Benigno Aquino approved the DAP in 2011 on the recommendation of the Development Budget Coordination Committee and the Cabinet Clusters as a “stimulus package” by the government for the projects. From 2011 to 2012, DAP funding reached P142.23 billion - P83.53 billion in 2011 and P58.70 billion in 2012 – and most
of the funds went to healthcare, public works, housing and resettlement, agriculture, tourism, road infrastructure, school infrastructure, rehabilitation and extension of light rail transit systems, and electrification project in the villages. Last year, some P15.13 billion in DAP funds were also released by Abad and these went to the police and redevelopment of the Roxas Boulevard in Manila and other rehabilitation projects in areas affected by typhoons. Aquino said the DAP funds came from the savings of various government agencies and is legal, citing Article VI Section 25 (5) ng 1987 Constitution. “…the President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the heads of Constitutional Commissions may, by law, be authorized to augment any item in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective appropriations.” And Book VI Chapter 5 Section 39 of the 1987 Administrative Code: “Except as otherwise provided in the General Appropriations Act, any savings in the regular appropriations authorized in the General Appropriations Act for programs and projects of any department, office or agency, may, with the approval of the President, be used to cover a deficit in any other item of the regular appropriations….” “If there is a singular legacy that I am leaving and sana, masanay ang kababayan natin na ito ang kaya ng g o b y e r n o n g pinapatakbo nang matino,” Aquino said. ( With a report from J. Magtanggol)
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OPAPP FUNDS QUESTIONED
A
F i l i p i n o human rights group called Karapatan has questioned the allocated funds for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process after it uncovered a huge amount of money channeled from the controversial Disbursement Allocation Program of President Benigno Aquino. The program was declared unconstitutional and illegal by the Supreme Court and Karapatan said the OPAPP under Secretary Teresita Deles received as much as 400% more from its approved budget included in the General Appropriations Act or GAA for 2011 and 2012. It said a total of P2.294 to 2.542 billion went to OPAPP for 2011 and 2012. The amount covered the combined GAA 2011 and 2012 approved budget of P475 million, and the P1.819 billion and P248 million given through DAP in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Wher e's the money? Where's Cristina Palabay, Karapatan’s Secretary General, said while OPAPP acknowledged the P248 million it received from DAP in 2012, but she noted the amount was not included in the Malacañang’s release of DAP-funded projects. “Is the OPAPP deliberately evading public scrutiny by not including their proposed projects for proper allocation in the GAA? Did they find DAP as a way to evade scrutiny for the large amount of money that goes to OPAPP?” she asked. “Whatever magics the OPAPP and DBM do, such huge amount of people’s money supposedly spent for the peace initiatives of the government did not translate in concrete gains for the people. At best, only al-
ARMM
Various groups protest illegal use of government funds. lies of the administration benefited from the DAP funds,” she added. DBM refers to the Department of Budget and Management headed by Secretary Florencio Abad, who is behind the DAP. “The government’s peace initiatives have become a business venture rather than a sincere effort to go into the root causes of the armed conflict and solve poverty, landlessness and joblessness. Presidential pork (barrel) oils OPAPP to put up every obstacle it can think of in the peace the process, especially with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, as it continues to ignore all previously signed agreements and commitment. The government continues to insist on the surrender of the members of the revolutionary movement as if this will end the armed conflict,” Palabay said. PAMANA pr ojects projects She said even in the guise of livelihood projects through the Payapa at Masaganang
Pamayanan or PAMANA, OPAPP could not boast of judicious use of billions of people’s money especially because it is allegedly being used to finance paramilitary groups like the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army or the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade. She said both groups are involved in several cases of human rights violations in the Cordillera region and Negros provinces. The CPLA received P264 million supposedly for projects coursed through PAMANA while the RPA-ABB got P31 million. “The peace process should serve the interests of the majority of our people and just a few groups that sow terror. Through DAP the money stolen from the people are used against them. With OPAPP, it becomes worse as paying lip service to the peace process only denies the people of a venue where their basic social and economic problems can be discussed and
Southern Mindanao
Davao
solved,” Palabay said. Senator Nancy Binay also questioned – in a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing - why the Moro National Liberation Front, through the OPAPP, was given P1.8 billion in DAP funds. She said Abad failed to clarify issues related to DAP and OPAPP. Peace pr ojects projects O P A P P Undersecretary Jose Lorena said their DAP funding allocation in 2011, which amounted to P1.8 billion as reflected in the DBM report, was used for different peace and development initiatives in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities across the country, and in support of several existing peace tables and not in support of the MNLF peace process alone. Of this amount, nearly P 704 million was used to fund 219 projects - such as community infrastructures, post-harvest facilities, local roads, and water systems, among others - in MNLF peace and development
Western Mindanao
Cebu
Manila
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Aug. 4-10, 2014
‘Fire Olympics’ held in Sultan Kudarat
Participants to the DENR forum on Invasive Alien Species.
DENR holds forum on Invasive Alien Species KORONADAL CITY - With the rising prevalence and spread of so-called Invasive Alien Species - which pose serious threats and harm to the country’s existing environment and natural resources - the Ecosystems Research and Development Service of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has conducted a forum here in an effort to instill greater consciousness and promotion of stakeholder’s awareness and knowledge on the threats of
IAS.
Dozens of participants from various government agencies and local governments and the academe attended the forum where DENR Regional Director Datu Tungko Saikol spoke about the IAS. He said IAS threaten biological diversity or biodiversity which includes various forms of life. They also pose potential adverse impacts to the environment, Saikol said. Dr. Carmelita Villamor,
of the Ecosystems Research Development Bureau, who spoke in the forum, distinguished what are alien species in contrast to IAS. She said alien species, also called exotic, non-native or non-indigenous, are introduced intentionally or unintentionally. They become invasive if they are spreading and colonizing native organisms. The pathways of these species, according to her, are through means of transportation such as aircraft and through
3 sugatan sa pananaga sa Zambo Sur PAGADIAN CITY - Tatlong katao ang seryosong nasugatan matapos silang pagtatagain ng isang 18anyos na binata na sinasabing may sakit sa utak sa bayan ng Roxas sa Zamboanga del Norte province. Sinabi ng pulisya na nadakip rin ng mga parak ang binata na nakilalang si Joseph Bulanda sa Barangay Dinoman na kung saan naganap ang krimen. Nabatid na unang
tinaga ni Joseph ang kapatid nitong si Jeneth, 21, habang natutulog ito sa kanyang kuwarto kamakalawa ng madaling araw. Sa leeg umano pinuntirya ni Joseph ang kapatid at matapos ay sinugod naman nito ang kapit-bahay at tinaga naman sa mukha at braso ang 73-anyos na biyudang si Marcosa Becada At isibnunod naman ang kapit-bahay na si Raul Emotin, 38, at sa ibat-ibang
bahagi naman ng katawan ito pinagtataga. Mabilis rin na tumakas si Joseph, ngunit nahabol pa rin ito ng mga parak sa lugar at nadakip. Matagal na umanong may sayad sa kanyang ulo si Joseph subali’t dahil sa kahirapan ay hindi naman ito maipagamot ng kanyang pamilya. Hindi pa mabatid kung ano ano dahilan ng pagwawala nito. (Mindanao Examiner)
commodity exchange and activities such as fisheries, agriculture, forestry and reforestation; and trade, travel and tourism. DENR Regional Technical Director for Research, Dr. Bighani Manipula, also discussed the topic on IAS found in the Allah Valley Protected Landscape. Foremost of these species are the so-called Bamboo piper or locally known as “buyo-buyo”, with the scientific name of Piper aduncum L. It is considered as invasive because it competes with other crops thus lowering the quality of production, Dr. Manipula emphasized. Manipula said other common examples of IAS are plants like Japanese acacia, Lantana, Mani-mani, Talahib and Yemane (Gmelina arborea Roxb.). Also belonging to IAS are some pets, aquarium animals and plants, namely Rose-ringed Parakeet, Grey Squirrel, janitor fish, and Water hyacinth, among others. (Concepcion Valdez and Manuela Locsin)
Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection who joined the 'Fire Olympics' in Sultan Kudarat. SULTAN KUDARAT – The Bureau of Fire Protection in Sultan Kudarat province held a two-day “Fire Olympics” in an effort to enhance the capabilities of fire fighters to response in various disasters and calamities and not only fires. Fire volunteers from Lebak town emerged as the champion in the Olympics and followed by Tacurong City and the
towns of Kalamansig, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat rescue team, and Esperanza and Lambayong towns. The awarding of trophies, plaques and cash were led by Superintendent Victor Bivares, Assistant Regional Fire Marshall for Administration; Sultan Kudarat Provincial Administrator Florante Malinao and Sultan Kudarat Fire Marshall Bayani Zambrano. (Rose Muneza)
For all your publications and advertisements in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur, please call Richard Suarez 062-2142706 and 0910-7348600
NPA amazon arrested in Zamboanga del Norte ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – Philippines authorities are holding a female member of the communist rebel group New People’s Army following her arrest in the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte. The rebel, Luzviminda Elopre who also goes by the name Minda Elopre, alias Nanay, was arrested by police and military forces in the village of Sicayab in Dipolog City on July 27.
Police confirmed the capture of Elopre after she was tracked down at her hideout in the village and officials said the rebel is currently being interrogated to exact information about her organization and other members of the group. It said Elopre is facing murder charges in connection with her group’s violent campaign aimed at putting up a separate state in the country. No other details were
made available by either the police or the army, but the arrest of Elopre was carried out by the Zamboanga del Norte Public Safety Company, Dipolog City Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division, Provincial Intelligence Branch, Regional Highway Patrol Unit 9, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 9, Military Intelligence Group 9, and Military Intelligence Battalion. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Got Heart Community Shops now in Davao City DAVAO CITY - Got Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization, has opened two Got Heart Community Shops in Davao City in southern Philippines. It said the stores are located at Unit 7, 5/F, The Peak, Gaisano Mall of Davao along J.P. Laurel Avenue and at 37 Ecoland Subdivision, Phase 1. The first Got Heart store opened on Esteban Abada at Loyola Heights in Quezon City in 2013. Sharing the same vision with Peace and Equity Foundation, the store sells organic produce like coffee from Atok, Benguet; muscovado sugar from Lau-an Antique; salad greens and vegetables from farms in Balibago and San Jose Tarlac; kerobee
products such as banaba, lemongrass, guyabano from Benguet; organic rice planted and harvested by Aetas from Tarlac;
Mangyan honey from Pola, Oriental Mindoro; and hand-made crafts such as T’nalak, pillowcases, brass bells, accessories made by
T’boli artisans. "Got Heart began a social enterprise by buying and selling organic products from farmers, out-ofschool youth, and indigenous groups. Together with the Peace and Equity Foundation, Got Heart aims to help selected communities improve the quality of their lives through sustainable growth and development," it said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. It said aside from natural food and indigenous products, the newly opened store in Davao also features artworks of Jeff Bangot, Anton Cadayona, Jun Cayas, Victor Damaguing, Kublai Millan, Jon Traya, and Melissa Yeung.
Cacao plantation, palalawakin sa Zambo Norte
Maricris Huit and her successful balut business in Zamboanga Sibugay's Ipil town. (Photos courtesy of DOST.)
A happy 'balut' success story ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY Couple Calixto and Maricris Huit used to have three manually-operated incubators for their balut processing business in the town Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province in southern Philippines. Balut is a local street food – fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside – boiled and eaten right from the eggshell. Being manually operated, the machines worked slowly and the products were not 100% balut sa puti which is typically 17-days old that is a favorite among many Filipinos. Thus, in 2012, the couple received assistance from the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program’s (SETUP) which assists the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises in the adoption of technology innovations to improve their operations and expand their business reach. With a grant of P349,000 from the program, the Huit couple were able to purchase an automated 18-rack bay egg incubator with a digital thermostat control system and a load capacity of 80,000 per cycle. Aside from equipment acquisition, DOST’s technology interventions also included manpower development training, process improvement, and system improvement for mechanized production. After benefiting from this assistance package, Maricris’ and Calixto’s “balut worries” is over. The facility which used to produce between 1,000-2,000
eggs a day now can churn out 5,000 balut sa puti eggs every day. Sales have skyrocketed. Before, they merely posted average sales of 216,000 balut eggs a year and annual earnings of P 2.16 million, but now, their Marc’s Balut Processing Facility was able to sell at least 360,000 eggs on the first quarter of 2014 alone, translating to a whopping P3.24 million in gross sales. According to Maricris, they are now getting orders from the cities of Zamboanga, Basilan, Dipolog, and Cagayan de Oro. “Through word of mouth, our customers increased, especially those in Zamboanga,” she said. From six workers, she said the business has grown to hire additional workers and now the facility has 22 regular personnel. Despite the success, the Huit couple are not stopping at this point and they plan to buy another incubator to keep up with the demand, and to have their own poultry in order to have a continuous supply of fresh eggs. To augment their supply, they buy fresh duck eggs from Manila, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija. But for now, the family is certainly enjoying the fruits of their hard work and the DOST interventions. “My husband and I were able to buy a car and we can now send our two boys to better schools,” she said, referring to their sons Marc Alexi, 10, and Marc Audei, 3. “We also get to go on family outings more often now,” Maricris said. “I feel that the business is more stable now.”
Z AMBOANGA DEL NORTE - Limang agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations sa Zamboanga del Nor te ang makikinabang sa kasunduan na nilagdaan ng Department of Agrarian Reform sa Western Mindanao at Kennemer Foods International, Inc. para sa pagtatanim ng mga cacao na pangunahing sangkap sa tsokolate. Sinabi ni DAR regional spokeswoman Maria Socorro Reambonanza na libo-libong magsasaka ang makikinabang sa Cacao Production and Purchase Agreement. Tinatayang aabot sa 200 ektarya ng lupain sa loob ng Agrarian Reform
Communities ang inaasahang matataniman ng cacaob at mismong Land Bank of the Philippines pa ang siyang magpi-finance ng halos P80 milyon loan para sa cacao production sa ilalim ng Agricultural Production Credit Program. Ayon kay Reambonanza, aasistihan ng DAR ang mga agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations sa paghahanda ng mga kakailanganing requirements ng banko. "The KFI through Mr. Allan Datu-Iman said that they have a long term growing program for the cacao farmers. KFI will provide the high quality cacao seedlings, training, supervision and
a buy-back guarantee of the harvest," ani Reambonanza. Pinangalanan rin nito ang 5 napiling agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations at ito ay ang Gabu, Balas, Lawigan Agrarian Reform Cooperative sa bayan ng Labason; San Miguel Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative sa Mutia; Siari Valley Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative sa Sindangan; Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries ng Marcelo Multi-Purpose Cooperative sa Kalawit; at Depane, Don Jose Aguirre, Gupot, Linay, Linga-tongan, Saluyong Agrarian Reform, Cooperative sa
bayan ng Manukan. Target rin ng mga coops na palawigin ang plantasyon sa 1,500 ektarya, ayon naman kay provincial agrarian officer Rizzel Villanueva. "The DAR-KFI partnership will bring the desired outcome of increased farmer’s income and farm productivity. That compelled us to expand our target from 200 hectares to 1,500 hectares cacao area in the entire province," wika ni Villanueva. "A minimum of 15 hectares will be established per municipality as pilot area to serve as catalyst for good cultural practices of cacao growing." (Mindanao Examiner)
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Kidnapped construction foreman freed in Indanan town ZAMBOANGA CITY – Abu Sayyaf militants have freed a Filipino construction foreman after nearly two months in captivity in the southern Philippines, local government officials said. Officials said Remigio Lingayan, a resident of Zamboanga City, was freed in the village of Bunot in Indanan town. Lingayan, accompanied by policemen, was immediately flown to Zamboanga City and welcomed by Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar at the Philippine Air Force base. Salazar thanked Sulu
Vice Governor Sakur Tan for helping in the safe release of Lingayan. Salazar previously sought Tan's assistance in recovering Lingayan, who was earlier reported beheaded by Anadolu Agency. Lingayan was met by his anxious family in the military base. No other details were made available by authorities on the release of Lingayen or whether ransom had been paid to the kidnappers. Lingayan was kidnapped along with his brother-in-law Joselito Gonzales on June 4 while
Parak dinakip dahil sa droga PAGADIAN CITY – Isang parak ang dinakip ng police intelligence at ng PDEA agents matapos nitong bentahan diumano ng hinihinalang shabu ang isang undercover cop sa Pagadian City sa Zamboanga del Sur. Kinilala naman ni Insp.Dahlan Samuddin, ang regional police spokesman,ang dinakip na si PO2 Murphy Mangubat. Sinabi ni Samuddin na ang anti-drug sting operation ay inilunsad ng Police Intelligence Branch ng Zamboanga Del Sur Police Provincial Office sa pangunguna ni Chief Inspector Restituto Pangusban at ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency matapos na mabisto ang
diumano’y ilegal na aktibidad ni Mangubat. Nadakip ito sa Kagawasan Village kamakalawa ng hapon matapos na bentahan ng droga sa halagang P500 ang isanfg PDEA agent. Nabawi sa suspek ang 7 sachet ng diumano’y shabu, walong aluminum foil, isang .45caliber pistol at 17 bala at maging ang motorsklo ng parak na ginagamit nito sa kanyang pagbebenta ng droga. Sinabi ni Samuddin na mahigpit ang kautusan ng pulisya sa mga lumalabag sa batas at kahit miyembro umano ng kapulisan ay walang sasantuhin ang liderato ng Philippine Nationa Police. (Mindanao Examiner)
The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Joanna Valerie Wee Graphics/Video Editor Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES Mark Navales Central Mindanao Richard Suarez Pagadian City Zamboanga del Sur
Alan Navales North- South Cotabato Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Ely Dumaboc/ Jun Feliciano Zamboanga Peninsula The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines. The Mindanao Examiner Television is broadcast in KISMET Cable TV and Pagadian Cable Television Channel 63. Our business and editorial offices are located at Units 15, 3rd Floor, Fair Land Bldg., Nuñez St., Zamboanga City Phone & fax: 062- 9925480 Mobile: 0917-7103642 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
working on a construction project in the province. They were travelling for Jolo town from Maimbung town on a vehicle when flagged down by gunmen. Gonzales was believed to have been killed by the Abu Sayyaf. Quoting a Philippine military report, the Anadolu Agency, said Lingayan was hit by bullets when soldiers and policemen tried to rescue him during the fighting. There were no official report from either the police or military about the beheading of Lingayan, but the fighting had killed and wounded at least 40
soldiers and militants. The militants, whose group is tied to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, originally demanded P7 million from the poor families of the two victims and threatened to decapitate them if ransom is not paid. The Abu Sayyaf is also holding several foreigners kidnapped in Tawi-Tawi province and Sabah in Malaysia and brought to Sulu, where government officials and residents have repeatedly denounced and condemned the atrocities of the militant group. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar meets with freed kidnapped construction foreman Remigio Lingayan. (Photo by Joey Bautista)
Philippines economic growth excludes poor women, children despite anti-poverty program MANILA - Women and children still belong to the 23 million poorest in the country and the government Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps hardly augment their condition, according to the Center for Women’s Resources. “IMF-World Bank may congratulate Mr. (President Benigno) Aquino for a rising economy but millions of Filipino families could hardly eat three full meals a day. More than 23 million Filipinos are considered poor while the richest 50 Filipinos get 25% of P12-trillion of the country’s GDP,” Jojo Guan, CWR executive director, said. Guan noted that the president’s central poverty alleviation program for women and children hardly make any dent in poverty. She said the program, which provides cash grant for indigent families, increased its
beneficiaries since 2011 with a total of P168 billion budget from 2011 to 2014. Yet, data from the National Statistical Coordination Board shows that poverty incidence among women did not change significantly from 25.9% in 2009 to 25.6% in 2012; and for children, the poverty incidence had risen from 35.3% in 2009 to 35.2% in 2012. “The data is still conservative considering the revision of poverty measure in the country. The revision in 2011 lowers the poverty threshold to Php46 per Filipino per day, acknowledging the lowest provincial costs. This reflects a low increase of poor by only 23,911 individuals,” Guan said. Guan stressed that lack of economic opportunities for the majority has maintained the impoverished condition of families. More than 10 million or one in three are either unemployed or underemployed.
While the National Capital Region has the highest minimum wage at P429 to P466 only, and the rest of the regions receive only P200.00 to P300.00 at the average and women, who mostly belong to the unpaid or lowly paid workers, get lower than the minimum wage. “Mr. Aquino promised gender equality in his social contract, but his policies have marginalized women more. Only half or 51% are included in the labor force. There are 2.3 million unpaid women workers and female workers still receive lower wages than their male counterpart,” Guan said. She said the influx of migration is another indication of economic deficiency. Women comprise the large number or 90% of household service workers. They have increased sharply from 96,583 in 2010 to 164,396 in 2013. “Around 400 women are forced to leave their
families behind to work as domestic helpers, cooks or laundry women abroad. Due to these jobs’ private setting, women become more vulnerable to abuse,” she said. Guan said CWR study indicates that a policy shift would help uplift the economy and its growth would genuinely trickle down to people at lowerincome levels. As it is, the dependence on the private sector to uplift the economy through the public-private partnership has resulted to high costs of services and unlimited increase in the prices of basic commodities. “So long as President Aquino believes in the framework of 4Ps, the economic growth will remain an exclusive privilege of the rich. Yet, women will tirelessly check such policies and express their discontent as they continuously experience hardship,” she said.
The Mindanao Examiner
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Philippines working to stabilize energy woes MANILA - President Benigno Aquino has ordered the Department of Energy to review the projected demand and supply of electricity on the island of Luzon for 2015, as well as all available options to deal with a possible power shortfall in the summer months, a government spokesman Herminio Coloma said. “Ongoing pa iyong pag-aaral at ilalahad ang pagpapasya ng Pangulo kapag nakumpleto na ang pag-aaral na hiningi niya hinggil dito,” he said.
The DOE has previously warned of a power shortage as the demand for electricity increases during summer and suggested that Aquino be granted emergency powers to deal with the impending crisis. But Coloma assured that the government would not pass on to consumers the costs of increasing next year’s power supply. “Siya (Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla) na mismo ang nagsasabi na base sa kanyang simulations, hindi naman ito
Daughter of restaurant owner abducted PAGADIAN CITY – Five gunmen snatched a nineyear old daughter of a restaurant owner in downtown Olutanga in Zamboanga Sibugay province in the southern Philippines, security officials said. Officials said the gunmen barged in the restaurant and abducted the girl and fled towards the coastal area where a motorized boat was waiting for them. Witnesses told soldiers and policemen who responded to the abduction that two of the abductors were brandishing M16 automatic rifles while the others carried handguns,
according to Capt. Franco Suelto, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division. He said they deployed soldiers from the 44th Infantry Battalion to help the local police force track down the abductors. “Troops were sent to pursue the abductors and we are working closely with the local police to determine who were behind this abduction. We also alerted army detachments in the town about this incident,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the abduction. (Ely Dumaboc)
5 dead in Basilan clashes BASILAN PROVINCE - Two government militias and three Abu Sayyaf militant were killed in fierce fighting in the restive province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, officials said. Officials said the fighting erupted in the village of Sungkayot in Ungkaya Pukan on following a military operation that targeted Abu Sayyaf militant Sulayman Ajanti, who was killed in the clashes. Two other militants Botong Aliman and Madie Umangkat were also slain in the fighting. Two automatic rifles were also recovered by troops from the slain militants.
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Two government militias – Adzmin Hasalal and Ummal Kulok - were also wounded in the fighting that left two of their relatives Damman Hasalal and Jakaria Kulok, who were militias, dead. No other details were made available by the Philippine Army in Basilan province and the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City on the clashes or the progress of the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf. Philippine authorities have largely blamed the Abu Sayyaf to the spate of attacks and ransom kidnappings in the southern region. (Mindanao Examiner)
inaasahang hahantong sa mas mataas na pagsingil,” he said. “Ibang iba naman ang sitwasyon noon dahil mas malawak at malalim ang kakulangan noong panahong iyon. Ngayon naman ay limited extent and limited duration lamang ang inaaddress ni Secretary Petilla,” he added. Coloma said that the government will ensure a stable power supply at reasonable rates for next year. “Sa lahat ng pagkakataon, ang isasaalang-alang ng pamahalaan ay ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan at ang hindi pagpataw ng dagdag na pabigat sa kanila dahil dito,” he said.
Rebels free 4 prisoners-of-war DAVAO CITY – Philippine communist rebels have freed four policemen they captured in the southern province of Surigao del Norte, the army said. It said the four officers - PO3 Vic Concon, PO1 Rey Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Roquiño – were released by the New People’s Army in the neighboring province of Agusan del Norte. “The four policemen who were kidnapped by the NPA in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte were freed in an undisclosed location in Agusan del Norte. The policemen will undergo medical
check-up and stress debriefing,” Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. No other details were made available by the army on the release of the policemen. The four captives had been freed after the military agreed to a five-day cease-fire to allow the negotiations for the safe release of all the victims. The officers were taken prisoners on July 10 after rebels stormed a police station in Alegria town, sparking a fierce fighting that left more than a dozen people dead.
The Philippine military ordered the ceasefire with the communist rebels in the towns of Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigakit, Claver and Alegria in Surigao del Norte; and in Santiago, Kitcharao and Jabonga in the province of Agusan del Norte. The order was contained in a “directive issued by higher headquarters.” The Eastern Mindanao Command earlier rejected NPA demand for a cease-fire, but the order was overturned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the safety of the police officers. (J. Magtanggol)
Pa, son missing nearly a month after their arrest in Maguindanao province COTABATO CITY – A 14year old Muslim villager and his father remain missing nearly a month after government troops arrested them on a village near Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao province in the southern Philippines, according to the Kawagib Moro human rights group. It said the victims Mohammad Abdulkarim and his son - were heading home to the village of Dapiawan from their neighboring town of Sharif Aguak when soldiers from the 45th Infantry Battalion arrested them July 3 for a still unknown reason. Kawagib Moro which recently finished a factfinding mission said it also recorded many cases of human rights violations
against civilians allegedly committed by soldiers in Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. It condemned the abuses. “For the longest time, these civilians have had to endure the fascism of the mercenary troops of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) resulting to lose of life, security, and property. In this holy month of Ramadhan, it is revolting that common Moro people, adults and children alike, have to be victims of human rights violations from the hands of the forces that are supposed to deliver peace and security in Moro communities,” it said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. It also said that troops,
belonging to the Mechanized Brigade, have been encamping in civilian community in Dapiawan village which is a gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. “In the guise of protecting people and going after members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the mercenary army is targeting civilians and putting them at risk of further violations,” Kawagib Moro said, adding, an infant was also wounded after being hit by a stray bullet in one military operation in the province on June 7. “These are not the only cases of gross violation of human rights of the AFP against the Moro people. The fascist and mercenary troops have a long record
of utmost contempt and inconsideration to life and security of civilians. It is convulsing to note that in the face of President Aquino’s pretense of peace in the Bangsamoro, the Moro people are still suffering and victims are yet to claim justice.” “With these, it is expected that Kawagib Moro together with the Moro people will continue its vigilance, expose any form of violation to their rights, and ardently struggle to claim justice and peace in Mindanao,” it said. There was no immediate statement from the 6th Infantry Division or the Mechanized Brigade on the allegations and accusations of the human rights group. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Teenager killed in own farm in Zambo Sur PAGADIAN CITY – A teenager who was gathering fallen coconuts on their farm was fatally shot by a gunman in the town of Tambulig in Zamboanga del Sur province, police said. Police said Joseph Flores, 15, was with his
mother when the gunman suddenly appeared and without warning opened fire on the victim and killing him instantly in the village of Lower Liason. The assailant escaped after the shooting leaving behind the teenager’s mother. A villager, Jerry Amrad,
phoned the police to report the murder and police said the victim was shot several times hitting him in the head and body. The motive of the killing is still unknown. Police said it is investigating the murder. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Military forces pursue NPA rebels in Bukidnon province CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Four soldiers were wounded and a still undetermined number of communist rebels had been killed and wounded in a clash in the town of Quezon in Bukidnon, an army spokesman said. Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the fighting broke out last week in the village of Cawayan after patrolling troops encountered a group of New People’s Army rebels,
sparking a firefight. Caber said troops were deployed to the village after residents sought the military’s help to stop the extortion activities of rebels in the area. “The soldiers were on security patrol to protect the people and communities from NPA harassment and extortion activities,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. He said Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, the regional military chief, ordered
troops to pursue the rebels. “The order of General Cruz is to track down the rebels, pursue them until they are captured and brought to justice. There is no other way for rebel forces to escape the law, except to surrender peacefully,” Caber said. The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a separate state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Aug. 4-10, 2014
An emotional President by Jess Dureza
Aquino seeks more funds to continue DAP projects MANILA - President Benigno Aquino said he will asked Congress for for supplemental budget for this year to make sure that ongoing projects funded by the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program or DAP are completed. The Supreme Court has declared the DAP as illegal and unconstitutional, but Aquino insisted the program is beneficial to public. Because of the Supreme Court ruling, Aquino said he will sought the cooperation of Congress in passing a joint resolution that will clarify definitions and issues that
are the center of debates on the DAP. "Nananawagan din tayo sa pakikiisa ng Kongreso, upang maipasa ang isang Joint Resolution na maglilinaw sa mga depinisyon at kaisipang tila pinagtatalunan pa, at iba pang mga usaping kayo lang sa lehislatura, bilang mga nagsulat ng batas, ang makakapaglinaw," he said. Aquino also sought the cooperation of Congress in passing the proposed P2.6 trillion National Budget for 2015. "Sa unang araw po ng trabaho matapos ang SONA, ihahain natin sa Kongreso
ang panukalang P2.606 trillion na 2015 National Budget," he said during his State of the Nation Address. The administration drew up the 2015 budget with the participation of the public and using strategies that will ensure that funds are only allocated to projects and programs that will truly benefit the people, he said. "Umaasa po tayo sa pakikiisa ng ating mga mambabatas na pagtibayin ito, bilang pangunahing instrumento sa paglikha ng pagkakataon para sa sambayanang Pilipino," he said.
Police arrest ex-soldier tagged in 3 killings in Zambo Sur PAGADIAN CITY – A former army soldier accused as behind several killings in Zamboanga del Sur province had been arrested by police forces during an operation in the town of Roseller Lim, officials said. Officials said Edison Acosta was a former member of the 55th Infantry Battalion and also included in the region’s list of illegal drug watch. Acosta, who was implicated in at least three murders, had been arrested in the village
of Perfecto by joint police forces from Roseller Lim and Bayog town. “There is no bail for Acosta who is facing several murder charges,” said Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, a regional police spokesman. He said Acosta was tagged as behind the alleged killings of Depore village chieftain Francisco Arado, 59, and his secretary Edita Navarro, 51, in an attack in April 2012 in the mining town of Bayog. The attack also wounded
Ernesto Mancao, 62, a former small scale miner. Samuddin said Acosta was also the prime suspect in the murder of a politician Damerl Ulao in the town of Roseller Lim in June 2013. Ulao was travelling in a motorcycle when ambushed by a gunman. It was not immediately known if police were able to establish the motives and the brains behind the three killings, but Acosta is still being investigated. (Mindanao Examiner)
Inuman nauwi sa trahedya sa Zambo ZAMBOANGA CITY – Nasa kritikal na kondisyon ang dalawang magkaibigan matapos silang barilin at tagain ng itak ng isang grupo ng mga kalalakihan habang nasa inuman sa Zamboanga City. Ayon sa pulisya, naganap ang atake sa Wing Go Subdivision sa
Barangay San Roque. Nasa kasarapan ng inuman sina Marvin Alvarez, 27, at Kenny Advincula, 25, kasama ang tatlo pang iba ng biglang dumating ang grupo ng mga lalaki na armado ng itak at baril at bigla na lamang silang tinira. Sa ulat ng pulisya ay
tinaga sa leeg at mukha si Marvin, samantalang may tama naman ng bala si Kenny sa kanyang katawan. Matapos umanong atakihin ang dalawa ay mabilis na nagpulasan ang mga kalalakihan at iniwan ang mga duguan biktima. Masuwerte naman nakaligtas ang tatlong kasamahan nina Marvin at Kenny sa atake. Naisugod sa hiwalay na pagamutan ang dalawang biktima at ngayon ay nasa kritikal na kalagayan pa rin. Sinabi naman ni Insp. Dahlan Samuddin, ang regional police spokesman, na maaring may matagal ng alitan ang dalawang grupo. Nakilala na umano ang nasa likod ng krimen at ngayon ay pinaghahanap na ng pulisya. (Mindanao Examiner)
WHEN President Aquino choked a bit trying hard to hold back tears towards the end of his SONA last Monday, he was obviously emotion-filled. Contrary to what critics say, I think it was normal and spontaneous. He is human just like you and me. And he succeeded in putting a check to it but not before it was noticed by a whole nation watching. If not for the TV cameras zooming in on presidential sister Kris and the other Aquino sisters who were also shedding tears in the gallery, it would have been no big deal. END IS NEAR - His emotions got the better of him when he recalled his late parents, Ninoy and Cory, and that he did his best to continue their legacies - with acceptance that his end was near as president, with about less than 24 more months left. And beleaguered in all fronts with his survey results now plummeting due to recent setbacks and missteps. It sounded to me like a "swan song", saying an early goodbye. I don't blame him for feeling bad. But he should not also bedrudge the Pinoys for it. This trend happens to all previous presidents when the end is near. They become lame ducks and P-noy is no exception. How he will handle this is what is crucial. SAVE THOSE TEARS - Of all presidents I have seen (some I personally served) this is the first time I saw a head of state becoming emotional while facing the whole nation. FVR was able to rein in his volatile temper with a smiling facial veneer when in public, although we could see his jaw tighten in some difficult instances. GMA managed adroitly her Hello Garci "I'm sorry" speil, although the infamous "Hyatt 10" still abandoned ship nonetheless. ERAP kept his jovial self for the public while unceremoniously removed and imprisoned. Yes, presidents should be made of sterner stuff. They need emotional strength not only in confronting challenges while in office but most important when they are no longer in office as the floodgates of accountability and responsibility shall then be wide open. The way President Aquino exacted these standards on others (like GMA, JPE, Senators Bong and Jinggoy, etc) during his watch, he should likewise measure up to them after 2016. He must steel himself when that time comes. So save those tears for now, Mr. President. INKs VS CATHOLICS? - I was amused reading some heated exchanges in the social media, obviously between
a few Catholics and INKs as a result of what the INK head said when he mentioned about the "dwindling" Catholic church during its centennial celebration. The Iglesia church is homegrown and has gathered its millions of flock far and wide all over the globe, but retaining the distinct Filipino way of faith and nationalism. There is really no reason for this enmity if we listen to the way His Holiness Pope Francis had been conducting his papacy: ecumenism and unity are hallmarks. We can all be one. Let's all be one! RENEGOTIATION - I'm glad to know that the GPH and MILF panels are holding a marathon 10-day meeting in Davao City to take a 2nd look ( aka "renegotiate" ) at what was signed and crafted that did not pass the constitutional review of Malacanang. The Supreme Court ruling on the DAP was a reality check for all those who thought the Constitution could be malleable and flexible enough to accommodate the "borderline" issues on constitutionality in the CAB and the draft BBL. (I thought we learned lessons from the failed MOA-AD!) It also disabused the minds of all, especially among the MILF leaders that what Malacanang wants, it can get. That trust has been eroded. That confidence is no longer there so it is prudent to mitigate the risks and do some readjustments while we still can. My unsolicited advice is: a) for the MILF to consider changes with an open mind instead of digging in and proclaiming that what was signed was cast in stone and no longer subject to renegotiation; b) for the GPH to first own up and acknowledge its mistake of making the MILF believe that what was already signed was good and okay and who gave false and misleading assurances that the unamended Constitution was flexible enough, only to change gears at the last minute; and c) get the stakeholders on board in the renegotiation. One final word: If there are persons on either side who cannot accept these parameters, I now strongly advise them to stand aside, resign and be not in the way in the difficult search for that still elusive formula for peace. Someone has to take the bullet! (info@advocacymindanow.org) DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Mindanao Examiner or any of its staffs and employees.
4 soldiers wounded in NPA attack FOUR GOVERNMENT soldiers were wounded in an attack by communist rebels in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said. Officials said the soldiers, members of the 1st Cavalry Squadron under the 1st Infantry Division, were on a military truck heading to training in Zamboanga City when New People’s Army rebels attacked them near the village of Maragang in Tigbao town. Capt. Franco Suelto, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the attack sparked a firefight, but it was not immediately known if there were rebel casualties. “The soldiers were bound to Zamboanga City on board their service vehicle when the NPA chanced and fired upon the soldiers. The soldiers returned fire toward the NPA position and a brief firefight ensued,” he told the regional newspaper
Mindanao Examiner. “It is unfortunate and sad that the NPA continue to sow terror and violence just to pursue an irrelevant ideology. The soldiers were on administrative movement on the way to a training exercise when they were treacherously attacked by the NPA. It is a random and unplanned move on the NPA side due to their predicament and hardship in the presence of soldiers in their traditional mass base.” Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, denounced the attack and ordered troops to pursue the rebels. “The 1st Infantry Division together with the stakeholders denounced this cowardly attack to our peace-loving soldiers. I ordered the troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion and the detachments of 5th Infantry Battalion to relentlessly pursue the NPA group responsible on this dastardly act. The
Army will show the futility of their armed struggle and induce them to abandon the armed struggle and engage in peace negotiations with the government,” Barrientos said. “Rebel forces in Zamboanga del Sur were forced to transfer and hide near populated areas, particularly along national highway of Tigbao town, due to the pressure from intense and persistent pursuit operations of the military complementing peace and development efforts of Bayanihan teams in the traditional lairs of NPA in the province of Zamboanga del Sur. The NPA is on the run after series of recent encounters with military and successive surrenders of members in the province,” he added. The NPA has been fighting for many decades now to overthrow the democratic government and install a communist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
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ocal Mayor Jonas Cortes has u n v e i l e d Mandaue City’s new official seal and the slogan “I am Mandaue” that refers to the responsibility and contribution of every residents here for the city’s progress. Cortes said the new seal is in blue, yellow, and red and green which is a transition from its inception up to the present. It was launched ahead of Mandaue’s 45th Charter Day celebration on August 30. Local officials
also joined the launching of the new seal and the new slogan. The mayor also enumerated his many accomplishments and thanked residents and different sectors, including civil employees, and legislators for their unwavering support for his various programs and administration. He also said that Mandaue is doing well on the on-going implementation of the Performance Governance System, a transparency and ac-
countability program in partnership with International Solidarity Agency. “This is my legacy, this is a standard or system of good governance that whoever succeeds has to continue,” he said. C o u n c i l m a n Diosdado Suico, chairman of the Executive Committee, said the City Council passed resolution asking President Benigno Aquino to declare August 29 a special non-working holiday, to enable residents to celebrate the Charter Day, because August 30 falls on
Saturday. Last year, Aquino signed Proclamation 628
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declaring Mandaue’s Charter Day celebration, which fell on a Friday, spe-
cial non-working holiday. (Cebu Examiner and Mandaue News Service)
SINKHOLE!
H I L I P PI N E authorities warned villagers to stay away near sinkholes after a 20-meter swallow hole was discovered on Bantayan Island off Cebu. The sinkhole, about 40 meters deep, was discovered at Sitio Dapdap in the village of Langub near Kinatarkan in Santa Fe and residents in the area had been told to take extra precaution. Authorities have cordoned off the area because of the dangers it posed to the locals. Al Berador, chief geologist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the Visayas, said the area is not safe among the residents. He said his group is monitoring the sinkhole. Loreto Alburo, the re-
Cebu provincial government photo shows the sinkhole in Santa Fe town. he Cebu Capitol Public Employment Service Office or PESO will vie for the National PESO Award when it competes with other PESO regional awardees on October 2014 in General Santos City in Mindanao. The Cebu Capitol PESO was given a slot to participate in the na-
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gional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the collapse of the cave roof in the area resulted to the formation of a sinkhole and may have been trigged by the intense and prolonged precipitation brought about by Typhoon Glenda. “We will be identifying a possible relocation site within the islet where these affected communities will be able to live safer and continue to live normally without fear on the geological hazards like sinkholes,” Alburo said. Locals have reported cracks in the village as early as July 26 after noticing a slight sloping ground in Sitio Dapdap. More than 100 families have already evacuated to safer grounds and
Capitol’s PESO eyes national award tional selection after it has been awarded as the 2013 Regional Best PESO in Region 7 on June 19 in San Juan town in Siquijor province. The honor automatically qualifies the PESO to have a chance to bag the National PESO Award three months from now. PESO head Dr. Mathea
Baguia, who received the plaque in behalf of the Cebu Provincial Government for the 1st Class Provincial category, said that the regional winner was chosen based on criteria, which her office had complied with satisfactorily as compared to other PESO in the region.
Southern Mindanao
Davao
This includes services and programs implemented, core services delivered like referral and placement, labor market information, career guidance, and employment coaching, among others. These initiatives led to referrals and job placements of applicants in local and
overseas opportunities. Also in terms of labor market information, Capitol’s PESO has provided thousands of job openings as well as career guidance and employment coaching in 2013 compared to the PESO in other provinces in Central Visayas.
Western Mindanao
Cebu
some were sheltered at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Sinkholes are common where the rock below the land surface is limestone, carbonate rock, salt beds, or rocks that can naturally be dissolved by groundwater circulating through them. As the rock dissolves, spaces and caverns develop underground. Sinkholes are dramatic because the land usually stays intact for a while until the underground spaces just get too big. If there is not enough support for the land above the spaces then a sudden collapse of the land surface can occur. These collapses can be small or they can be huge and can occur where a house or road is on top. (With a report from Eddie Llamedo) PESO-Capitol has other programs that are unique to Cebu only, such as the valedictorian and salutatorian scholarship program, inclduing its Special Program for the Employment of Students and the special job fair for Persons with Disabilities, which is a joint project of PESO-Capitol and Provincial Social Welfare Office. (Ramon Gallardo)
Manila