Mindanao Daily News (December 30-31, 2022)

DHSUD holds talk with causeoriented groups on housing issues

Committed to ensuring the success of their centerpiece housing project, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar has engaged community and cause-oriented groups in an open dialogue for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.

and representatives from various cause-

oriented groups namely Renato Reyes Jr. of BAYAN, Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna, Estrelita Bagasbas of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), Mary Joy Guevarra of Gabriela, Jaime Valdez of Anak Pawis, Maria Fe Hullipaz of Samahang Maralita sa Temporary Housing-Tondo Chapter, and Andrea Trinidad of Urban Poor Coordinating Council-National Capital Region attended the meeting at the DHSUD Central

NDRRMC: 29 reported dead in flood-hit areas

BY JOEL CALAMBA ESCOL, Managing Editor

MDNN NATIONAL –The national office of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has tallied a total 29 persons to have died in flood-hit areas in the country during the aftermath of the shear line-driven storm, reports reaching MDNN National said.

Of the 29 fatalities, the highest number of casualties was recorded in Misamis Occidental with 18 people dead, while other casualties were also recorded in the Bicol Region with 6 fatalities; 3 in Region 8; and 2 in Region 9.

In a progress report made by the Office of Civil Defense – RDRRMC Operations Center based in Cagayan de Oro City and furnished to MDNN by Regine James, Operations Center Duty Personnel –the identities of those who died in Misamis Occidental were already known, and they were: Fe Sencil, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental; Felicidad Dangcalan, 68, Jimenez, MisOcc; Mark Lester Dampas, 20, Tudela, MisOcc; Jestoni Lapat, 27, Tudela, MisOcc; Elenita Calamian, 43, Brgy Mialem, Oroquieta City; and Mario Sambiog, 70, Brgy Mialem, Oroquieta City.

Gingoog City is one of the affected areas in Northern Mindanao. As of December 28, the NDRRMC situational report says there are more than 20 recorded deaths but they have to be validated first by the concerned local government units (LGUs).

Businessman Jose Acuzar named new Housing secretary

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 30) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed real estate businessman Jose “Jerry” Acuzar as the new secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

Acuzar took his oath before Marcos at Malacañang on Friday.

He is the chairman of the real estate company New San Jose Builders, Inc. (NSJBI) whose projects include residential and commercial condominiums, as well as the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, the largest indoor arena in the world.

Acuzar is also the owner

Oroquieta’s commercial district flooded

By FROILAN GALLARDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews) – Flood waters overflowed the banks of Layawan River, spreading a wide path of destruction in the commercial district of Oroquieta City on Tuesday.

“The river rose by more than four feet and resulted in the closing down of the commercial district of Oroquieta City,” Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal was quoted by the Philippine Information Agency as saying.

Oaminal said the flood waters in Layawan River continued to overflow its banks for the second straight day since Christmas Day as torrential rains continue to batter Misamis Occidental.

In Misamis Oriental, local officials find it prudent not to send home more than 7,185 families or 38,410 individuals who have sought shelter in various evacuation camps in Gingoog City. “We are constantly moni -

toring the weather and we think there will be more rains in the coming days,” said Fernando Vincent Dy Jr., head of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the shear line, or the point where warm and cold air

meet, will continue to dump more rains over Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao in the following days.

Oaminal said the death toll in the Misamis Occidental floods has climb to seven even as heavy rains continue to batter Oroquieta City and four municipalities –Aloran, Jimenez, Tudela and Clarin.

“All of our flood control system has collapsed. We

did not expect so much rain,” the governor said. Oaminal said the only good news is that the highway linking Ozamiz and Oroquieta cities is now passable to all types of vehicles as of 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Shaina Nagtalon, of the Philippine Information Agency in Misamis Occidental, said communication is down in Oroquieta City and the

Leaders

Flooded streets in the municipality of Tudela in Misamis Occidental.

Photo: MisOcc Provincial Police Office

China ready to help PH following killer flash floods

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA – A Chinese official on Wednesday said Beijing stands ready to give assistance to those affected by the shear line-induced rain showers that triggered flash floods and landslides in several parts of the Philippines, leaving at least 25 dead and 26 missing.

“I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the victims of the recent flash floods that struck the Philippines during this Christmas weekend. My heart also goes out to all the bereaved families, may they find peace and cour-

Plant trees before seeking building permits: solon

By Leonel Abasola

MANILA – Senator Jinggoy Estrada has proposed tree planting as a requirement for seeking building permits nationwide as part of the government’s program on forest rehabilitation and mitigate the effects of climate change.

In filing Senate Bill No.1444 or the "Green Measures Act" last November, Estrada said before getting building permits, developers must plant at least five trees in order to enhance environmental quality, and preserve the environment for present and future generations.

“All applicants for building permits of residential, commercial, industrial and public building development projects are hereby mandated to submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in addition to other requirements imposed by local government units (LGUs).” Estrada said in his explanatory note.

The proposed measure mandates any person, firm, corporation, department,

office, bureau, agency or instrumentality of the government intending to construct, alter, repair or convert any building or structure, to set aside and properly maintain areas adequate for planting and maintaining trees and flora.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture, shall issue the Implementing Rules and Regulations and also be tasked to monitor the trees planted.

The said agencies, Estrada

said, will also determine the number of trees to be planted, taking into account at least one tree for every 500 square meters for commercial or industrial permits; one tree for every 250 square meters for housing and development projects.

Estrada said the same agencies will also determine what species to be planted, and must prioritize indigenous species, taking into considerations climate and topography and the use of growing endemic ornamental plants or trees and fruit bearing trees is recommended for residential lots. (PNA)

Is hereby declared null and void. The said receipt was lost in our files and may have been stolen. Thus, the use of said Official Receipt is non-official and will not be honored by the Management of Mindanao Daily News Publishing Corporation. The user could be held criminally liable.

age amidst this difficult time,” Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said in a statement on his official page.

He noted that China has always stood in solidarity with Manila as “good neighbour, relative and partner” especially in times of disaster.

READ: Death toll from shear line-induced rains climbs to 25: NDRRMC

“We wish all those affected could overcome the grief and hardships, regain their strength, and rebuild their home at earliest date,” he said.

Some 102,476 families

in nine regions, including Mimaropa, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, Northern Mindanao and the Bangsamoro, have been affected by intense rains caused by a shear line over Christmas, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Of the casualties, five were reported in Bicol region, two in Eastern Visayas, two in Zamboanga Peninsula and 16 in Northern Mindanao.

At least nine were also injured, the NDRRMC said. (PNA)

Fireworks-related injuries climb to 32: DOH

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) has posted seven more fireworks-related injuries, bringing the total to 32 from Dec. 21 to 27.

The DOH logged the additional injuries on Dec. 27 from its 61 sentinel hospitals across the country.

"Sa kasalukuyan, ang kabuuang bilang ng mga kaso ng pinsala dulot ng paputok ay nasa 32 na mas mataas nangkumpara sa naitala noong nakaraang taon sa sakop na petsa (At present, the total number of injuries by fireworks is 32, up by 39 percent compared to the same period last year)," it said Wednesday in a statement.

As New Year nears, the DOH reminded the public to keep celebrations safe by using alternatives to firecrackers.

"Umiwas sa paputok para maaaring magdiwang nang kumpleto at ligtas ang buong pamilya ngayong Pasko at Bagong Taon (Avoid fireworks to be able to welcome Christmas and New Year with the family complete and safe)," it said. (PNA)

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)

Senator Jinggoy Estrada (File photo)

Firecrackers (File photo)

ESTELA N. SALDIA Municipal Civil Registrar

By Zorayda Tecson

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga –

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Luzon (BFAR-3) has released some 30,000 tilapia fingerlings along Camachile River in the mountainous part of Floridablanca town, this province.

The move is part of the agency’s “Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa” or BASIL program that aims to repopulate freshwater bodies with fish species such as tilapia and carp.

BFAR-3 Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz, in an interview on Wednesday, said the communal stocking activity is one of the interventions that could help increase fish supply in the area as well as augment the livelihood of the indigenous peoples (IPs). “This is to increase pro -

ductivity and eventually improve the living condition of the IPs, who are generally dependent on the river for their livelihood,” he said.

Cruz, meanwhile, asked the residents to observe safe, proper and environmentfriendly fishing practices to ensure that the benefits of water resources are maximized.

Municipal agriculturist Myrna Manio De Vera thanked the BFAR for continuously supporting the fishers in their town.

Aside from the fingerlings, the BFAR has also been providing other livelihood interventions to the IPs such as gillnets, portable solar lamps and spear guns.

“The least we can do is to provide them with a set of skills and tools that suits their needs and their culture and can support

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to China will proceed from Jan. 3 to 6, the Chinese Embassy in Manila confirmed Wednesday.

The Embassy in a text message said "preparation is going as planned" and no changes were made regarding the dates despite rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in China.

The Department of Health earlier said it sees no need for Marcos to delay his trip amid the outbreak as long as the delegation follows the recommended health protocol.

"Ang mga bisita po ng ating presidente sa ibang bansa ay importante para sa ating ekonomiya (The President’s visits to other countries are important to our economy) and if the precautions are there, he is fully vaccinated, and complying to (sic) minimum public health standard, the risk (of infection) would be very low," DOH Officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Dec. 27.

The chief executive is flying to Beijing upon the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

In a presser Wednesday, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) said this visit is expected to reap economic benefits for the Philippines,

especially as China has become the country's close economic and trade partner in the past years.

FFCCCII president Henry Lim Bon Liong said the group will be joining the Philippine delegation in January.

"We believe this historic state visit is very important to the growth potentials of Philippine economy because China is our most important economic partner, the world’s emerging new economic superpower, and our neighbor," he said.

NOTICE

NOTICE IS hereby given that the intestate estate of the late CARLOS D. PARAGUA which left a Savings Deposit at Veterans Bank that at the time of his death , he left no will, testament and have not incurrec any debt whatsoever and that there are no other properties are involved in the Extra-Judicial Settlement Among Heirs with Special Power of Attorney under the notarial registry of Atty. Leon O. Montilla, Jr. per Doc. No. 380, Page No. 76, Book No. 236 Series of 2022

MDN: Dec 31 2022,Jan 7 & 14, 2023

"This state visit of the Philippines is a great opportunity to use our high level diplomacy to promote more Philippine business and economic cooperation with China," he added.

He also expressed hopes the visit would also create progress in the terminated joint oil and gas exploration talks. (PNA)

NOTICE

NOTICE IS hereby given that e late JAIME L. BERNAT SR. who died intestate and left no debt sometime on March 27, 2022 at Davao Doctors Hospital, Davao City leaving personal bank deposits which are conjugal to wit : Land Bank of the Philippines, San Francisco Branch, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur in the name of Jaime T. Bernat, Sr. S.A. no. 0971-2133-45 P583,977.50 as of April 8, 2022 and DBP San Francisco Branch, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur S.A. 00-522228-845-1 P191,761.48 in the name of Jaime Bernat, Sr. as of april 22, 2022 is the subject of Extra-Judicial Settlement of Estate of Engr. Jaime T. Bernat, Sr under the notarial registry of Atty. Alfredo J. Carmelo per Doc. No. 378, Page No. 76, Book No. 85, Series of 2022

MDN: Dec 31 2022,Jan 7 & 14, 2023

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – The PHP5.268trillion national budget for 2023 remains supportive of the Marcos administration’s goals to create jobs and reduce poverty, the Department of Budget Management (DBM) said Wednesday.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman made this remark after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Dec. 16 signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11936 or the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023.

The fiscal year (FY) 2023 GAA, which is 4.9 percent higher than this year’s GAA, will serve as the roadmap toward robust economic growth and the creation of more quality and green jobs over the next six years. “We will do this by steering

our economy back to its high-growth trajectory as encapsulated in our Medium-term Fiscal Framework. Of course, we will be needing the consolidated efforts of all sectors to sustain inclusive and resilient growth in the near term,” Pangandaman said in a press statement.

She described the Marcos administration’s first spending plan as a “starting point” of the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which aims to address immediate concerns of the country, such as inflation by protecting the purchasing power of families and consumers.

The 2023 national budget also targets to mitigate the socioeconomic scarring brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the DBM, the indicative budgetary allocations under each of the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda are:

–Food security - PHP 174 billion (of which PHP156.6 billion will be used to support banner programs of the Department of Agriculture such as the National Rice, Corn, Livestock and Fisheries Programs)

–Improved Transportation - PHP976.5 billion (of which PHP894.2 billion and PHP82.3 billion will go the Department of Public Works and Highways and

of

a

both petitioner finally decided to legally break or severe their marriage bond for years, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; petitioner seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on October 30, 2014 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on January 16, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED.

Iligan City, Philippines, this 21st of December, 2022. (SGD) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge

MDN: Dec 24, 31, 2022, & Jan. 7, 2023

Party(ies) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/its written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ its oral testimony(s).

WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 28th day of September 2022 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

FINGERLINGS DISPERSAL. Indigenous peoples (IPs) release fingerlings along Camachile River in Floridablanca, Pampanga on Tuesday (Dec. 27, 2022). Some 30,000 tilapia fingerlings were provided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to the IPs in a move to help increase fish supply in the area. ( Photo courtesy of BFAR Region 3 )

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (File photo)

AL JACINTO - Z a MB oanga - 0917-710-3642

OSCAR LEDESMA - B ukidnon - 0905-692-5925

Christmas news dumps and cops dressed up like Santa Claus

“There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited I dare say… Christmas among the rest … I believe that it has done me good and will do me good and I say God bless it.” A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens PR operators sometimes release bad news or documents on Friday afternoons or the day or days before and after important holidays. This technique is called the Friday news dump. One US television show “The West Wing” even had an episode dedicated to this technique called “Take Out the Trash Day”. This is done because less people read news on weekends and even less on holidays. As such, there will be fewer people to notice or react to the news. The days prior to and after special holidays such as Christmas and Chinese New Year for some Asian cultures also have the same effect with holiday cheer adding as a deodorizer. Some people also time actions which they know will be published and receive negative reactions also during this time in the hopes that people will not notice it or if they do they won’t care.

I always make it a habit to

search the news during the week before Christmas or any holiday to see if anyone used this technique. Last week I was not disappointed.

On Dec. 21, 2022 or a few days before Christmas, the Cebu City Council finally approved on final reading an ordinance which it had been trying to push for a couple of months despite opposition.

The ordinance in question granted the city council the power to subpoena persons to testify and bring documents in aid of inquiry or investigation AND granting itself the power to punish with contempt the failure of anyone to heed the said subpoena.

This ordinance runs counter to long standing jurisprudence of the Supreme Court which states that local legislatures unlike Congress and Courts DO NOT have the power to hold anyone in contempt. When I read the article on this Cebu city ordinance, I recalled the words of my law school professor, the venerable Atty. Jacinto Jimenez, who succinctly put why such an ordinance is untenable.

Imagine if this ordinance is left unchecked and unchallenged. Local Government councils would be able to compel anyone to

Hints and Traces

Lessons from the Lord’s presentation

ON the fifth day of the Christmas Octave, that falls on December 29, we are made to consider the law of the time then which was about the duty to present to the Lord the first-born male for his consecration. (cfr. Lk 2,22-35)

Obviously, the child Jesus could be exempted from this law, and we can suppose that both Mary and Joseph would know this. Still, they proceeded to follow the law, giving us the precious lesson that like them, we should try to behave like any ordinary person, following the just laws and customs of the time and place, and choosing to forgo certain privileges that we may have. That’s humility in action.

That’s how we should behave. We may be quite privileged in life because of the many gifts and other endowments God and others may have given us, but we should never feel entitled to anything. Instead, our attitude toward these privileges should be one of willingness to serve more, doing a lot of good while passing unnoticed, and all for the glory of God and for the good of all.

We should sharpen our desire to serve and not be

served, always following the example of Christ who said, “The Son of man has not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt 20,28)

Let’s remember that to serve is the language and the action of love. It authenticates any affirmation of love that we make, converting it from intention to tangible reality.

This is the attitude meant for us, with God himself as the exemplar. Imagine, Christ served us by dying on the cross. Before that, he shocked his apostles when he insisted that he be allowed to wash their feet. That was to give example to them, and us, so that what he did we would also do.

The angels too, superior to us in nature, are made to serve us, following a divine law articulated by Christ himself when he said: “Let him who is greatest among you become as the youngest, and him who is the chief as the servant.” (Lk 22,26)

Another lesson we can learn from the feast of the presentation of the Lord is that like Christ we should be ready to be a “a sign of contradiction.”

We may ask, why should Christ and all Christians who try to be faithful be a ‘sign

attend their hearings. There could be an instance where a person or officer of an organization whose actions affect the whole country could be called by each and every LGU local council. With 82 provinces, 148 cities and 1,488 municipalities in the Philippines each with their own local council that would be a lot of hearings and a high possibility of being found in contempt by one or more council. Also, if these LGU councils can be given this power why not the barangay councils. The Philippines has at present 42,047 barangay councils. There are other reasons why giving LGU councils this power would be unwelcome by many sectors but the prospect of multiple synchronous and asynchronous hearings is what should be most troubling.

Had the news of this ordinance been released at any other time, there would have been an immediate backlash from many people and organizations. By timing the release on that date, this landmark

of contradiction’? There can be many answers. But we can already gather a lot of ideas simply by taking note of what Christ himself taught and did.

In the first place, in the gospel of St. John, we are already given a description of the intriguing figure of Christ: “He was in the world that had come into being through him, and the world did not recognize him. He came to his own and his own people did not accept him.” (Jn 1,10-11)

From there we can already get the idea that Christ is someone who will go through contradictions of sorts. And his teachings would bear that out also. Consider some words of his:

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt 20,16)

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Mt 16,25)

We just have to realize that this whole business of being a “sign of contradiction” is part of the unavoidable tension that exists between the natural and the supernatural aspects of our life, the material and spiritual, the temporal and eternal, etc.

ALLAN

RUFINO

VICENTE

RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS Vice President for Special Projects

DANTE SUDARIA, JR. Vice President for Digital ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice president for FINANCE

Atty. Gilberto Lauengco, J.D.

Roy Cimagala

Visayas

OCD monitors 153 W. Visayas calamity-prone villages due to LPA

By Perla Lena

ILOILO CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas is monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) affecting Visayas as of Wednesday morning and keeping an eye on 153 barangays in the region vulnerable to flooding and landslide.

OCD information officer Cindy Ferrer said in an interview that member agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are currently on blue alert for the holiday season and to monitor the possible impact of the weather system.

“We have 153 barangays that are prone to flooding and landslide unlike in the previous LPA when we have not recorded any barangay that was susceptible to flood and landslide,” she added.

“Although they are not called to report to the EOC (Emergency Operations Center), they are on standby for deployment or reporting,” Ferrer said.

She also reminded travelers of possible cancellation of trips and getting stranded as a gale warning was hoisted over Western Visayas on Wednesday morning.

The presence of the LPA closely followed the effects of shear line in the region where around 229 families or 868 individuals from Negros Occidental and Aklan were affected by flooding and strong winds.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) reported that 60 families were displaced

after their houses were badly damaged by coastal flooding but opted to stay with their relatives and friends as of 5 p.m. on Dec. 27, according to the DSWD's disaster response operations monitoring and information center (DROMIC) report.

Other than those displaced, the rest of the residents did not evacuate since the flooding has subsided

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Kagawaran ng Pananahanang Pantao at Pagpapaunlad ng Kalunsuran Regional Office 10

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Milares Estate Corp represented by Ms. Vivian S. Vestil has filed with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development a sworn statement for the sale of condominium units within the 6-Storey Tuscanias Tower 2 located at St Ignatius St, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City , specifically identified/described as Lot 1332-B-4-B-2-B, Psd-10-014754, that the registration statement and all papers attached thereto are available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon and upon proper application; and that copies thereof shall be furnished to such person upon payment of the proper fee.

Any person with valid objection to the registration of the project may file his objection in writing with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, 2F Gateway Tower, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, not later than five (5) days from the last date of publication per Board Resolution No. 812 series of 2007.

Cagayan de Oro City, December 21, 2012.

Limketkai Center, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro

but since they are in coastal areas their livelihood was affected since most of the residents are fisherfolk, said lawyer May R. Castillo, DSWD-6 information officer.

The coastal flooding left 26 houses destroyed and 34 partially damaged.

The same report showed that 212 affected families

28 PDLs in Leyte freed in time for New Year

By Sarwell Meniano

PALO, Leyte – At least 28 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) were released from detention in Leyte jail facilities on Wednesday in time for the New Year.

These PDLs were detained in the provincial jail in Kauswagan village of this town and sub-provincial jails in Baybay City and Hilongos town.

Provincial jail warden Lt. Col. Joselito Villas said all PDLs released from prison passed the criteria as reviewed by members of the Leyte management, screening and evaluation committee.

“They are ready to return to the community, spend the New Year with the loved ones, and become productive after years of detention,” Villas told reporters during a press briefing here.

Regional prosecutor Erwin Maraya congratulated the PDLs for qualifying for the early release program.

“The best New Year is best spent with family and friends. We hope not to see you again,” Maraya told the PDLs.

The PDLs were released as part of the good conduct time allowance and through plea bargaining agreements.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Kagawaran ng Pananahanang Pantao at Pagpapaunlad ng Kalunsuran Regional Office 10

PAUNAWA

lpinauunawa na ang Milares Estate Corp. ini-representa ni Gng. Vivian S. Vestil ay nagharap sa Kagawan ng Pananahang Pantao at Pagpapaunlad ng Kalunsuran ng isang panunumpang nakatala para sa bilihan ng condominium units sa 6-storey Tuscania Towers Tower 2 na matatagpuan sa St Ignatius St, Kauswagan Cagayan de Oro City at sinakop sa Lot 1332-B-4-B-2-B, Psd-10014754, ang nakatalang pahayag at ang lahat ng kasulatang nakakabit doon ay nakahanda sa pagsusuri ng sinumang tao na nagtataglay ng ligal na interes doon pagkaraan ng wastong aplikasyon; at ang mga kasulatan ay ibibigay sa nabanggit na tao pagkatapos ng kaukulang bayad.

Sinumang tao na may kapani-paniwalang pagtutol sa pagkatala ng proyekto ay maaring magbigay ng nilagdang pagtutol sa Kagawan ng Pananahang Pantao at Pagpapaunlad ng Kalunsuran, 2F Gateway Tower, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, na hindi hihigit sa loob ng limang araw mula sa pinakahuling pagkalathaha ayon sa Board Resolution Blg. 812, seryi 2007.

Lungsod ng Cagayan de Oro, Pilipinas, ika-21 ng Disyembre 2012.

Limketkai

WRECKED. Coastal flooding due to shear line badly damaged houses in Kalibo, Aklan on Dec. 25. The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas has on standby a total of PHP47.16 million funds and worth of food and non-food items for residents in the region, said DSWD-6 information officer lawyer May R. Castillo, in an interview on Wednesday (Dec. 28, 2022). (Photos courtesy of Kalibo Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office)

FREED. Some of the 28 persons deprived of liberty released on Wednesday (Dec. 28, 2022) during a ceremony at the Leyte provincial jail in Palo town with the members of the Leyte management, screening and evaluation committee. The PDLs were released as part of the good conduct time allowance and through plea bargaining agreements. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

TRUTH | JUSTICE | PROGRESS

BUSINESS

ALLAN M. MEDIANTE

AC Logistics Waste Management Company and Ten Knots Group Forge Partnership for Waste Management in El Nido Resorts

By Kris Crismundo

MANILA – AC Logistics Holdings Corporation (AC Logistics) through its subsidiary Integrated Waste Management, Inc. (IWMI) and Ten Knots Phils, Inc., a subsidiary of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation that operates multiple resorts in El Nido, Palawan, recently signed an agreement for the transport, handling, and management of hospital and hazardous waste across the island resorts of El Nido.

IWMI is one of the leading waste management companies in the Philippines specializing in the handling of hazardous waste that include industrial and hospital wastes, among others. IWMI takes pride in serving 40% of medical establishments in Metro Manila.

The recent pandemic resulted in an increase in volume of hospital waste like face masks, hazmats, PPE’s, vials & syringes, diluents and expired medicines that requires proper handling and disposal. Javier Hernandez, President & CEO of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation noted, “As our businesses grow and the tourism industry re -

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late CONRADO GEROCHE JOVERO, SR. who died on October 30, 2004 at his residence at Prk. Bliss, Brgy. Poblacion, Polomolok, South Cotabato and ERLINDA NEQUINTO JOVER who died on November 20, 2019 at Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital, Polomolok, South Cotabato, left “Unit/Lot No. 1, located at Bliss Site, Polomolok, South Cotabato”; is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Under the Notarial Registry of Atty. JAVIER J. BAYAN, per Doc No: 207; Page No: 42; Book No: XXIX , Series of 2022.

MDN: Dec 17, 24 & 31, 2022

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late MANUEL S. SONCIO who died on October 19, 2001 at South Cotabato Provincial Hospital-Koronadal, South Cotabato left, House No. 33 and Lot, located at Bliss, Polomolok South Cotabato, is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Waiver of Rights, Under the Notarial Registry of Atty. LEMEREGIN SALVAÑA ALAO, per Doc No: 319; Page No: 65; Book No: 1 , Series of 2022.

MDN: Dec 17, 24 & 31, 2022

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late DIOSDADO M. DELA TORRE, who died intestate on July 29, 2018, left a RESIDENTIAL UNIT NO. 44 erected at Bliss Site, Polomolok, South Cotabato is the subject of DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF THE LATE Diosdado M. Dela Torre with WAIVER OF RIGHTS, Under the Notarial Registry of Atty. LEO J. CORDOVA, per Doc No: 169; Page No: 34; Book No: CCCLVII , Series of 2022.

MDN: Dec 17, 24 & 31, 2022

covers, the challenge of managing different types of waste escalates, too. We at Ten Knots are only too glad to work with IWMI in addressing these challenges and meeting our sustainability objectives.”

IWMI is in the forefront in ensuring the responsible handling and disposal of hazardous waste. IWMI has been in the business of collecting and treating infectious and hazardous wastes for more than 30 years, and has been compliant with RA 6969 and DAO 2013-22. Being ISO 14001 Certified, IWMI has been one of the most trusted partners in the industry, with clients ranging from government to private institutions.

“It is an honor to be working with the Ten Knots Group in ensuring proper waste management in hotels and tourism estates. Our team is excited to collaborate with the group’s El Nido Resorts and Lio Beach in exploring innovative solutions and practices that protect

El Nido’s communities and natural environment. Through this partnership, we hope to encourage more organizations to institutionalize proper hazardous waste management and ensure long-term positive impact.” – Chito Pacheco, President of IWMI

IWMI is part of the Ayala Group’s logistics subsidiary – AC Logistics Holdings Corporation. IWMI will be in charge

of collection, transport, and proper treatment and disposal of Ten Knots Group’s medical and infectious wastes. Full ser-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 14- FAMILY COURT Bislig City, Surigao del Sur Fc1bis0014@judiciary.gov.ph/ 09460438881

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION TO CAUSE THE CANCELLATION OF THE SECOND REGISTRATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MIZZA GOLISAO DAVINES a.k.a MIZRAIM GOLISAO DAVINES IN THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF HINATUAN UNDER REGISTRY NO. 2004- 00167 AD THE CORRECTION OF ENTRY OF CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH UNDER REGISTRY NO. 90-188, IN THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF LINGIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR, SPECIFICALLY, ENTRY NO. 1 THEREOF PERTAINING TO PETITIONER’S NAME, FROM MIZZA TO MIZRAIM.

vice includes documentary evidence of how the generator’s hazardous wastes are treated and disposed.

MIZZA GOLISAO DAVINES a.k.a MIZRAIM GOLISAO DAVINES Petitioner, -versus- SPEC. PROC. NO. FC-07-H

THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF HINATUAN, SURIGAO DEL SUR AND THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF LINGIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR, AS WELL AS ALL OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST THAT WOULD BE AFFECTED THEREBY, Respondent. x------------------------------------------------/

ORDER

Petitioner MIZZA GOLISAO DAVINES a.k.a MIZRAIM GOLISAO DAVINES, through counsel filed a verified petition praying before this court, after due notice and hearing, issue an order:

1.) Directing the office of the Local Civil Registrar of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, to cause the cancellation of the Certificate of Live Birth of the petitioner under Registry No. 2004-00167:

2.) Directing the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Lingig Surigao del Sur to cause the correction of entry in Certificate of Live Birth under Registry No. 90-188 specifically petitioner’s name from MIZZA to MIZRAIM.

filed by petitioners and alleging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on January 18, 2012 at Linamon, Lanao del Norte, both petitioners had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this Court, both of them can be served summons and other legal processes relative to this case at their resident at Purok 3, Tipanoy, Iligan City and Jamille St., Brgy., San Miguel, Iligan City, respectively; That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for each other for some reason of which both petitioner finally decided to legally break or severe their marriage bond for years, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; petitioner seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on January 18, 2012 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on January 20, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED.

Iligan City, Philippines, this 23rd of December, 2022.

(SGD) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge MDN: Dec 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

3.) Other reliefs are also prayed for

Finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, let its initial hearing be set on May 12, 2023 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning. All persons who may have ground/s to oppose the petition are ordered to appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted

Let this Order be published, at petitioner’s account once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao/ Surigao del Sur Province. Let copies of this Order, together with copies of the petition and its annexes, be furnished to: (a) the Local Civil Registrar of Lingig; (b) the Local Civil Registrar of Hinatuan; (b) the Solicitor General: and (c) the Provincial Prosecutor of Surigao del Sur Province. SO ORDERED.

GIVEN IN CHAMBERS, this 7th day of November 2022 at Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines.

YUSSIF DON JUSTIN F. MARTIL City Civil Registrar

From left to right: Cezar Christopher Gregory G. Pacheco, Jr. – President of IWMI, Javier D. Hernandez – President & CEO of AyalaLand Hotels & Resorts Corp., Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt – Director for Sustainability of Ten Knots Group, Janet A. Bautista – VP for Business Development of AC Logistics

Mindanao MisOcc town mulls new residential site for flood-hit families

By Nef Luczon

JIMENEZ, Misamis Occi

dental – The local government here is considering the relocation of families residing in coastal areas to safer zones to avoid getting ravaged by flash floods again.

In an interview Wednesday, Mayor Joselito Chiong said some 88 families are likely to be affected by the planned relocation since they reside near the shorelines that are considered "no-build zone.”

Chiong said coastal communities were affected by flooding on Dec. 24 when a shear line affecting Northern Mindanao brought heavy rains into the area.

"These families were given alternative livelihood

before the flooding incident, but others returned to fishing since that is their main source of income," he said.

Chiong said the local government has continued with its disaster response after 14 out of the town's 24 barangays were flooded due to shear line rains.

Even the mayor’s house in Barangay Rizal was also flooded.

Merlita Moreno, 38, a solo parent with three kids, was one of the residents in Barangay Tabo-o whose house was destroyed.

"That night (Dec. 24), we were awoken by my elder sister, and when I looked at the place we were already partly submerged in the floodwater. I could no longer salvage our things as we left for safety," she said.

Moreno and 38 other families, or 150 individuals are sheltered at the local gymnasium.

The local disaster risk reduction management unit recorded 6,695 affected individuals or 1,590 families as of Wednesday.

Of the number, 1,126 families or 5,021 individuals were placed in six evacuation centers.

The municipality recorded three casualties - two died of drowning, while one died of cardiac arrest after being rescued from his flooded residence.

Meanwhile, the municipality has yet to repair its water system as the main pipelines from its seven sectors were damaged in the recent flood.

DSWD-11 aids shear lineaffected residents in NorMin

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office in Davao (DSWD -11) is set to distribute food

packs this week to families affected by shear line-induced rains in Region 10 or Northern Mindanao.

In a Facebook post DSWD-11 said it is pre -

paring 5,000 family food packs (FFPs) to be delivered to Iligan City on Wednesday (Dec. 28).

"The DSWD, as vice chairperson for disaster response under the Re -

DECLUTTERING SOCIAL MEDIA

By: PATRICK F. MINERALES TEACHER – II CAMAMAN-AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR VIRTUAL WORLD

SOCIAL media takes so much of our time. We spend more hours in the virtual world than in real life. We browse our News Feed instead of conversing with each other. We update our IG stories instead of enjoying the party. We travel only to have something to post; we don’t even sit down to just marvel at the sights and appreciate how beautiful this world is.

We are easily stressed out when we’re in the cybersphere. We hate the “oversharers,” flood likers, game invite senders, political analysts, bullies and the list goes on.

Overwhelming content on social media can stress you out. Why are there people who share photos that trigger trypophobia? Who in their right minds post photos of poop? Why does this couple publicize their arguments on Facebook and send each other sweet nothings after a few days?

Social media has every person in the crowd and admit it, we do not like most of them. Hence, it is important to declutter your social media and maintain a circle that you want. Follow these tips and you will surely have a good social media experience: Unfriend ‘friends’. Do you have friends on Facebook that

you do not even talk to in real life? Come to think of it: Out of your 1,000 friends, you only talk to around 40 of them. As much as social media helps you connect with people, it may also lead you to connect to the wrong ones. Unfriend people you do not even know, people you do not interact with when you see each other, and people whose presence simply annoys you.

Unfollow irrelevant content. Does the page post relevant content? Does the content make a good impact on you? If no, ditch it. Do not also forget to unfollow pages that share sex scandals, fake links (and news!), viruses, scams, networking opportunities, and those that you just do not like.

Leave groups. That group was created for a School Acitivity, 5 years ago. You do not need to be part of that group anymore. Leave Facebook groups that are no longer in use. Do you really think that group is still useful? You can always PM your colleagues if you need something.

Mute. We always have that one Twitter friend who tweets everything – from her food to the shows she watches to her shoes to her boyfriend to her ex-boyfriend to her clique to what time she sleeps. If you do

not want to unfollow her, you can always click the “Mute” option. You can also mute those who overshare, who tweet about their relationships all the time, who are political analyst wannabes. In short, generally annoying people.

Check your profile. Always ensure that your profile only contains the basic information. Your description of yourself should be simple and straightforward. Also, never put your phone number in your profile unless you want some creepy strangers texting you in the middle of the night.

Categorize. It is important to organize your social media followers or friends. Facebook and Twitter allow you to make lists. You can categorize your friends as co-workers, family members, schoolmates, friends, and the like. This way, you can easily filter your friends and customize who can see your posts.

Decluttering your social media can give you a feeling of relief. Social media cleanup is definitely one way to free your mind and avoid stress. It will make you more productive, connect you with the right people, and be in control of your virtual world.

their separation. Since their separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on July 27, 1996 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on January 27, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDRED.

Iligan City, Philippines, this 29th day of December, 2022. (SGD) OSOP MANGOTARA ALI

Dec 31 2022, Jan 7, & 14, 2023

sponse Pillar of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), is mandated to augment food and non-food items to local government units affected by different types of disasters," the statement said.

As of Dec. 27, the NDRRMC reported that the death toll of shear line-induced rainfall, which triggered heavy rains and floods in the Visayas and Mindanao, has climbed to 25.

Still undergoing confirmation are reports of 22 fatalities -- 16 in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), five in Region 5 (Bicol), and one in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Reports on two missing persons in Region 10 are also being verified. (PNA)

WASHED OUT. The aftermath of the houses in coastal Sitio Becor, Barangay Tabo-o, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, that were damaged by a flash flood on Dec. 24. On Wednesday (Dec. 28, 2002), the local government said it plans to relocate the affected residents to safe zones as it plans to implement a no-build zone near its shorelines.

(PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

FOOD AID. Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD -11) hauls the food packs on Tuesday (Dec. 27, 2022), set to be delivered to Iligan City on Wednesday. The agency prepared 5,000 family food packs for families affected by shear line-induced rains in Region 10. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-11)

18 die in MisOcc massive flooding, says Gov Oaminal

By Che Palicte MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

Governor Henry Oaminal has confirmed that there were 18 fatalities in the province during the aftermath of the shear line-driven storm that hit Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas and some parts of the Bicol region.

In his report to the Department of National Defense (DND) OIC Usec. Jose Calingasan Faustino Jr, who conducted an assessment to the extent of damage in the province during his visit, the governor said as of December 28, five people had died in Aloran, five in Oroquieta City, three in Jimenez, one in Tudela, and three in Clarin.

The assessment made by the national government in Misamis Occidental was also attended by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Usec. Raymundo B. Ferrer.

“So we’re coming here to ask our Governor what we can do right away to help, and we’ll get other govern -

ment agencies involved and meet with them to help,” said Usec Faustino during the briefing.

Faustino said he would convene with other government agencies to help the province in terms of infrastructure assistance, cash for work (TUPAD), and Integrated Livelihood Program (Kabuhayan) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other agencies.

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Meanwhile, during the briefing, Governor Oaminal also told DND and OCD officials that some 5,116 families are now in different evacuation centers put up by the province and local government units (LGUs).

The affected families in the province include towns such as Oroquieta, with 825 families or 6,000 individuals in the evacuation area; Aloran, with 564 families or 1821 individuals; Panaon, with 151

families or 541 individuals; Jimenez, with 1532 families or 6447 individuals; Sincaban, with 303 families or 1247 individuals; and Tudela, with 759 families or 3,380 individuals.

Clarin town had 550 affected families or 2288 individuals, and Ozamiz had 45 families or 142 individuals affected. Lopez Jaena recorded 421 affected families or 1757 individuals;

Plaridel had 182 affected families or 728 individuals; and Baliangao also recorded 5 affected families or 22 individuals, report said.

FATALITIES

In a progress report

made by the Office of Civil Defense – RDRRMC Operations Center based in Cagayan de Oro City and furnished to MDNN by Regine James, Operations Center Duty Personnel –the identities of those who died in Misamis Occidental were already known, and they were: Fe Sencil, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental; Felicidad Dangcalan, 68, Jimenez, MisOcc; Mark Lester Dampas, 20, Tudela, MisOcc; Jestoni Lapat, 27, Tudela, MisOcc; Elenita Calamian, 43, Brgy Mialem, Oroquieta City; and Mario Sambiog, 70, Brgy Mialem, Oroquieta City.

Seven other reported fatalities but still to be confirmed by DOH include Risalyn Traya Dado, 6, Aloran, MisOcc; Hernan Estacoja Caimor, 75, Aloran, MisOcc; Eudesia Dayon Regalado, 87, Aloran, MisOcc; Rito Regañon Malinis, 59, Aloran, MisOcc; Wilfreda Abelo Acle, 74, Pines, Oroquieta; Luchi Maisling, 38, San Vicente, Oroquieta and Florentino Gabule, 53, Pines, Oroquieta.

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that VCDU Realty Corporation has filed with this Office a sworn registration statement for the sale of house & lot packages in VCDU ROYAL I SUBDIVISION located at Barangay Libertad, Butuan City and more particularly described as Lots 1- 27 of Block 1, Lots 1- 55 of Block 2, Lots 1-25 of Block 3, Lots 1 - 23 of Block 4, Lots 1 - 22 of Block 5, Lots 1 - 6 of Block 6, Lots 1 - 21 of Block 7, Lots 1- 22 of Block 8, Lots 1- 31 of Block 9, Lots 1- 30 of Block 10, Lots 1 - 48 of Block 11, Lots 1 - 4 of Block 12, Lots 1 - 20 of Block 14, Lots 1 - 22 of Block 15, and Lots 2 - 4 of Block 16 all in Pcs-13-003755 containing an area of 69,751.00 sq. m. and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) Nos. 157-2018000975, 157-2018000976, 157-2018000811, 1572018000837, 157-2018000855, 157-2018003696, and 157- 2018003698.

The foregoing project is utilizing specifically Lots 1 - 78 of Block 3, Lots 1 - 79 of Block 4, and Lots 1 - 10 of Block 6 of Sherwood Subdivision located at Barangay Ambago, Butuan City, as its compliance pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7279, as amended by Republic Act No. 10884.

All papers relative thereto shall, upon request be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon.

Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be issued after five (5) days from the last day of publication.

Butuan City this 20" day of December 2022.

(SGD) CRISTIE Y. REYES, EnP OIC- Director

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that VCDU Realty Corporation has filed with this Office a sworn registration statement for the sale of house & lot packages in Sherwood Subdivision located at Barangay Ambago, Butuan City and more particularly described as Lots 1 - 78 of Block 3, Lots 1 - 79 of Block 4, and Lots 1 - 10 of Block 6, Pcs-13-003755.

The foregoing portion of the projects are being utilized as compliance for VCDU ROYAL I SUBDIVISION located at Barangay Libertad, Butuan City in accordance with Section 18 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7279, as amended by Republic Act No. 10884.

All papers relative thereto shall, upon request be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon.

Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be issued after five (5) days from the last day of publication.

Butuan City this 20" day of December 2022.

ASSESSMENT. Cabinet members led by Department of National Defense (DND) OIC Usec. Jose Calingasan Faustino Jr. and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator, Usec. Raymundo B. Ferrer, together with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental headed by Gov. Henry S. Oaminal and First Division Commander BGen Antonio Nafarrete, conduct assessment and briefing on the extent of the damage brought about by massive flooding in Misamis Occidental. - File Photo by PIA-10/Misamis Occidental

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Kagawaran ng Pananahanang Pantao at Pagpapaunlad ng Kalunsuran Regional Office Caraga

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Kagawaran ng Pananahanang Pantao at Pagpapaunlad ng Kalunsuran Regional Office Caraga

0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776

E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Fri-Sat, December 30-31, 2022

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION

SPL. CIVIL ACTION NO. 092-07-2021 OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff, - for –- versus –

ILUMINADA GENOBATEN-ESPINAS, Defendants.

x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - /

TO:

Expropriation

“SEC. 2. Entry of plaintiff upon depositing value with authorized government depositary. – Upon the filing of the complaint or at any time thereafter and after due notice to the defendant, the plaintiff shall have the right to take or enter upon the possession of the real property involved if he deposits with the authorized government depositary an amount equivalent to the assessed value of the property for purposes of taxation to be held by such bank subject to the orders of the court. Such deposit shall be in money, unless in lieu thereof the court authorizes the deposit of a certificate of deposit of a government bank of the Republic of the Philippines payable on demand to the authorized government depositary.” [Emphasis supplied]

14. In compliance with the notice requirement, plaintiff hereby serves, simultaneous with the filing of the instant Complaint, a Notice to Take Possession (attached as Annex “A”) upon the defendant.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

ILUMINADA GENOBATEN-ESPINAS Brgy. Kulasihan, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte

G R E E T I N G S!

WHEREAS, on August 23, 2022, the Court issued an order granting the plaintiff’s Motion to Serve Summons by Publication, which reads as follows:

“In today’s hearing, plaintiff through its counsel, Atty. Patrisse Bea Prospero, is in Court who reminded this Court of the plaintiff’s Amended Motion for Leave of Court to Effect Summons by Way of Publication, plaintiff is availing and invoking the appropriate provision of Section 17, Rule 14 of the Revised Rules of Court, the Extra Territorial Service. Finding the said Motion with Leave of Court to Effect Summons by Publication and the Amended Motion for Leave of Court to Effect Summons by Way of Publication to be proper, the same is hereby granted. Let Summons by Way of Publication be served to defendant Iluminada Genobaten-Espinas of this case.

XXX SO ORDERED.”

WHEREAS, Complaint reads: C O M P L A I N T (With Urgent Prayer for Issuance of Writ of Possession)

Plaintiff, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), by counsel, respectfully states that:

1. Plaintiff is a private corporation created and existing under Philippine laws, -with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City. It may be served with notices and other court processes through its Right-of-Way Department (ROWD) – Mindanao Division, Maria Cristina, Iligan City, copy furnished the afore-mentioned principal office.

2. Pursuant to Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9511, plaintiff was granted a franchise to operate, manage and maintain, and in connection therewith, to engage in the business of conveying or transmitting electricity through a high-voltage back-bone system of interconnected transmission lines, substations and related facilities, systems operations, and other activities that are necessary to support the safe and reliable operation of a transmission system and to construct, install, finance, manage, improve, expand, operate, maintain, rehabilitate, repair and refurbish the present nationwide transmission system of the Republic of the Philippines.

3. Under Section 4 of the same law, plaintiff was granted the power of eminent domain, subject to the requirements of the Constitution and existing laws.

4. Plaintiff is engaged in the business of transmitting electric power from the generating plants of power producers to distributors. As such, plaintiff’s business is imbued with public interest.

5. To address the country’s growing power demand and ensure continuous, reliable and efficient power supply, there is a need to interconnect the three (3) major power grids of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao into a single national grid. Aside from the sharing of systems reserve, the interconnection will also help optimize utilization of indigenous energy resources such as natural gas in Luzon, geothermal in the Visayas and hydro in Mindanao. Owing to this necessity, plaintiff must immediately construct the transmission lines that will transmit power to distributors of electricity not only in Mindanao but also in Luzon and Visayas. This undertaking is for the use and benefit of the public and part of it is known as the MINDANAO-VISAYAS INTERCONNECTION PROJECT (MVIP), integral part of which is the KOLAMBUGAN-LALA 20kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT (Project).

6. The said MVIP of NGCP is the first project certified by the Department of Energy (DOE) as an Energy Project of National Significance (EPNS) pursuant to R.A. 7638 of DOE Act of 1992, as amended, entitled to all the rights and privileges provided under Executive Order No. 30, series of 2017, as evidenced by the Certification dated 8 May 2018 issued by the Energy Investment Coordinating Council. It is targeted to be energized by December 2020.

7. Defendant ILUMINADA GENOBATEN-ESPINAS, is of legal age, Filipino and with last known address at Brgy. Kulasihan, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte where she may be served with summons and other processes of this Honorable Court. However, if necessary, plaintiff undertakes to cause service of summons to her by publication pursuant to Sections 16 and 17 of the Rules of Court, since her whereabouts and/or exact address cannot be determined despite diligent inquiry.

8. Plaintiff intends to expropriate portion of a parcel of land identified as Lot No. 4, PSU-12-000277, situated in Brgy. Kulalsihan, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. The said property is declared in the name of Iluminada Genobaten per Tax Declaration No. H-070019 (07), respectively. It is more particularly described below together with the affected area sought to be expropriated consisting of 1,110 square meters, as shown in the attached Sketch Plan and Technical Descriptions, to wit:

Declared Owners Iluminada Genobaten Lot No. 4, PSU-12-000277

Tax Declaration No. H-070019 (07)

Total Area 35,779 sqm.

Classification of Land Agricultural Affected Area 1,110 sqm.

BIR Zonal Value Php45.00

BIR Zonal Value of Property Php49,950.00

Cost of Improvements Php60,000.00

Total Php109,950

Machine copies of the BIR Zonal Valuation applicable to the subject property, Report on the Counts of Improvement, are attached and made integral parts of this complaint.

9. To enable plaintiff to construct and maintain the Project, it is both necessary and urgent to acquire, upon payment of just compensation, the portion of the defendants’ property, to ensure stability and reliability of the power supply in Mindanao and other regions of the country.

10. Plaintiff negotiated with defendant through her nephew, Alcion Genobaten Dayao for the acquisition of the affected portion of the subject property and to pay the cost of improvements therein that may be damaged by the construction of the transmission line project. However, no agreement was reached between the parties.

11. Considering the urgent need for plaintiff to enter the subject property to implement and commence the necessary construction activities therein for its Project, plaintiff has no other recourse but to file the instant complaint.

12. Section 13 of R.A. 11361, provides that Rule 67 of the Revised Rules of Civil Procedure governs plaintiff’s expropriation cases. Under Section 2 of Rule 67 of the Revised Rules of Civil Procedure, plaintiff may already enter and possess the portion of the subject property during the pendency of the expropriation case.

13. Section 2 of Rule 67 of the Revised Rules of Civil Procedure states that:

15. To comply with the deposit requirement, plaintiff, notwithstanding that R.A. 10752 does not specifically apply to it, shall deposit with the Honorable Court an amount equivalent to the 100% of the BIR zonal value of the land sought to be expropriated plus the cost of the affected improvements, in the total amount of ONE HUNDRED NINE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS (Php109,950.00) consistent with the purpose of the said law and OCA Circular No. 113-2019 to simplify the deposit requirement in expropriation cases for the benefit of the defendant and in the interest of immediate implementation of projects intended to benefit the public.

16. Upon deposit of the provisional amount, plaintiff would have fully complied with the requirements for the issuance of a writ of possession as mandated by law.

17. In a long line of cases and pursuant to OCA Circular No. 113-2019, once the above requirements are complied with it, it becomes the ministerial duty of the trial court to issue the writ of possession in favor of the plaintiff, without need of any further hearing. Therefore, the Honorable Court can already immediately issue to the plaintiff an order to take possession of the property and start the implementation of the project.

`18. Plaintiff intends to present three (3) witnesses, namely: a) Engr. Herminigildo D. Itoc, b) Engr. Nolito L. Notar, and c) Michael E. Encarnado, to establish, among others, NGCP’s authority to exercise the power of eminent domain, the propriety of its exercise in this case, and the bases for the determination of the just compensation. Copies of their Judicial Affidavits (with attached Exhibits “A” to “J”) are attached as Annexes B, C, and D and made an integral part hereof. Plaintiff intends to present additional witnesses if necessary.

P R A Y E R

WHEREFORE, premises considered, plaintiff most respectfully prays of this Honorable Court to:

1. ISSUE a Writ of Possession in plaintiff’s favor; authorizing plaintiff to enter and take possession of the property subject of this complaint that will be affected by the construction and implementation of the Project, consisting of 1,110 square meters, more or less, as described in paragraph 8 hereof; demolish the affected structures standing therein; order defendant to vacate the same; direct the Philippine National Police (PNP) to assist plaintiff in the implementation of the said writ of possession so that project construction can immediately commence even during the pendency of the case and/or for the conduct of the counting of affected improvements, if necessary;

2. ISSUE an Order of Expropriation declaring that plaintiff has a lawful right to take possession and acquire the affected portion of the property specified in paragraph 8 hereof;

3. After the determination of just compensation, to authorize the payment thereof by plaintiff to the defendant after deducting the capital gains and documentary stamp taxes for the transfer of the affected portion of Lot No. 4, PSU-12-000277, in the name of plaintiff, all other outstanding taxes under the National Internal Revenue Code, and all outstanding realty taxes and dues under the Local Government Code, which plaintiff shall remit to the Government;

4. ISSUE a judgment after determination of just compensation, declaring plaintiff as the lawful owner of the affected portion of Lot No. 4, PSU-12-000277 consisting of a total area of 1,110 square meters, more or less, described in paragraph 8 hereof;

5. DIRECT the Municipal Assessor of Kolambugan and/or Provincial Assessor of Lanao del Norte to cancel Tax Declaration No. H-070019 (07) and/or issue new and separate tax declaration covering the portion of the subject property sought to be expropriated herein.

Plaintiff prays for other relief as just and equitable under the premises.

Iligan City for Tubod, Lanao del Norte. 13 November, 2020.

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES Power Center, Quezon Avenue cor. BIR Road Diliman, Quezon City

By:

LUIS MANUEL U. BUGAYONG

PTR No. 0599223 – 01/04/2021 – Quezon City

IBP Lifetime No. 010191/Rizal Chapter MCLE Compliance No. VI-0012003 Roll of Attorneys No. 38002

GORDON S. MONTOJO

PTR No. 0599215 – 01/04/2021 – Quezon City

IBP Lifetime No. 010193/Quezon City MCLE Compliance No. VI-0012024 Roll of Attorneys No. 44910

JULES BOY R. VALDEZ

PTR No. 0599221 – 01/04/2021 - Quezon City

IBP Lifetime No. 012616/Quezon City MCLE Compliance No. VI-0012045 Roll of Attorney’s No. 63350

RIGHT-OF-WAY DEPARTMENT – MINDANAO DIVISION

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES Maria Cristina, Iligan City

By:

(SGD) KERTH JOSSEF M. ABLANQUE

PTR No. 9890045 – 01/06/2021 – Iligan City

IBP Lifetime No. 012019 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0011641 Roll of Attorneys No. 60170

(SGD) JUNELLA G. LIMPANGOG-ABARQUEZ

PTR No. 9890044 – 01/06/2021 – Iligan City

IBP No. 128123 – 01/04/21 – Iligan City

MCLE Compliance No. V-0022527

Roll of Attorneys No. 58980

NOW THEREFORE , the abovementioned Defendant is hereby summoned and required to file with the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Branch 07, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, her ANSWER to the above-quoted complaint within sixty (60) days from publication of the summons and to serve copy of the said answer upon plaintiff’s counsel at his given address indicated in the complaint. Defendant are further reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a Motion to Dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte, December 15, 2022.

(SGD)ATTY. AISA B. MUSA-BARRAT Clerk of Court VI MDN: Dec 17, 24 & 31, 2022

Housing...

from page 1

Office on Thursday.

Secretary Acuzar presented the administration's plan to address the 6.5 million housing need in the country through the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.

The project aims to build six million housing units in the next six years.

During the dialogue, the groups have shared their first-hand experiences of relocating to government housing projects and provided insights for consideration in program implementation.

They further expressed appreciation of the program’s strategies, noting the program’s sustainability.

KADAMAY-Southern Tagalog meanwhile, requested for a separate meeting to further discuss their interest to participate in the flagship housing program, which Secretary Acuzar approved.

“This dialogue is a testament of our administration’s flagship housing program's inclusivity. We, at DHSUD, recognize and value each sector of the economy. When we conceptualized the program, we had everyone in mind. You have my word—every Filipino family can avail of this program,” said Secretary Acuzar.

With the growing interest in the housing program, Acuzar reiterated his openness to dialogue with all who wish to participate.

“DHSUD remains open to everyone who wants to join the Pambansang Pabahay Program. Let us all work together to ensure that this housing program succeeds,” he added.

Businessman...

from page 1

of the famous heritage destination Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan.

The DHSUD is the primary government agency in charge of the management of housing, human settlement, and urban development.

Its attached agencies include the National Housing Authority, the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, the Social Housing Finance Corporation, and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation.

Acuzar succeeded Eduardo del Rosario as the department’s second secretary since its creation in 2019.

(CNN)

Flood...

from page 1

Seven other reported fatalities but still to be confirmed by DOH include Risalyn Traya Dado, 6, Aloran, MisOcc; Hernan Estacoja Caimor, 75, Aloran, MisOcc; Eudesia Dayon Regalado, 87, Aloran, MisOcc; Rito Regañon Malinis, 59, Aloran, MisOcc; Wilfreda Abelo Acle, 74, Pines, Oroquieta; Luchi Maisling, 38, San Vicente, Oroquieta

and Florentino Gabule, 53, Pines, Oroquieta.

But according to the national office of the NDRRMC on Wednesday, only four fatalities have been confirmed, while 25 other fatalities are still to be validated and confirmed by DOH, report said.

The NDRRMC also said 407,224 individuals or a total of 105,971 families were affected by the rains, floods caused by the shear line-driven storm that hit Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas and parts of Luzon.

The shear line-driven storm, according to weather experts, is a phenomenon in which the cold front and a warm front meet, which causes the heavy downpour.

The National Government, according to NDRRMC, has already extended assistance worth P35,591,115.29 to the affected victims in the floodhit areas in the country.

Flooded...

from page 1

towns of Aloran, Clarin, Tudela, and Jimenez.

In Gingoog City, an 18-yearold farmer was reported to have drowned on Christmas Day and two more dead were reported drowned in Bukidnon.

Gilbert Conde, Office of Civil Defense assistant director, said this brings the number of fatalities in Region 10 to 10.

Conde said the number of evacuees in Region 10 totaled to 14,456 families or 67,733 individuals.

He said 2,130 families or 9,216 individuals were from Oroquieta City and the municipalities of Aloran, Jimenez, Tudela, and Clarin.

Dy said Gingoog City has the biggest number of evacuees with 7,815 families or 38,410 individuals staying in Lugod gym and various evacuation centers.

He said local officials found it prudent not to send the evacuees back home because of the bad weather.

“We think the weather would still be bad until the New Year. It is better to hold the families than rescuing them again,” Dy said.

Meanwhile, the local government of Cagayan de Oro sent a relief convoy of seven vehicles, including an ambulance, for Misamis Occidental.

Cagayan de Oro information officer Ivy Guantero said the convoy vehicles are bringing food packs consisting of rice, noodles, water, and sardines. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Budgets...

from page 3

Department of Transportation)

–Affordable and Clean Energy - PHP10.2 billion to support the Department of Energy’s commitment to ensure a reliable and secure mix of energy resources through its various programs

–Health Care - PHP342.4 billion (of which PHP314.6 billion will go to the Department of Health and Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

for the provision of access to health care services through the construction, rehabilitation and upgrading of health facilities and purchase of medical equipment, as well as the provision for the National Health Insurance Program for social health protection)

–Education - PHP778.6 billion (of which PHP720.4 billion, PHP31.7 billion, and PHP16.2 billion, respectively will go the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the safe reopening of schools)

–Social Services - PHP239.1 billion (of which PHP196.7 billion will go to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to implement its various social assistance programs including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances, among others)

–Sound Fiscal Management - PHP21.6 billion (of which PHP13.1 billion, PHP5.2 billion, and PHP1.7 billion, respectively will go to the Bureau of Internal Revenue and DBM)

–Bureaucratic EfficiencyPHP15.6 billion to digitalize government process and operations including facilitating the transformation and digitalization of the whole-ofgovernment, with the vision of streamlining the bureaucracy.

(PNA)

Freed... from page 5

Most of those released were imprisoned due to drug-related charges.

Jhonny Reoma, 42, detained for possession of illegal drugs in October 2018 is in high spirits and thankful for the opportunity to be released after four years of detention at the sub-provincial jail in Hilongos town.

He was supposed to be released in 2024 but qualified to regain early freedom due to good conduct.

“I will go back to my old job of selling fish and not be involved in illegal drugs since life in prison was very hard. My wife left me when policemen arrested me. I want to spend more time with my daughter,” Reoma said.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority listed all the names of released PDLs, including their contact information for inclusion in skills and livelihood training.

“We encourage you set an example in your communities. Your families are excited to see your change,” said Leyte Provincial Administrator Maria Corazon Alvero.

Since 2016, some 200 PDLs have been released early, including 70 who returned home this year.

The Leyte provincial government manages the provincial jail in this town and six provincial jails in Baybay City and the towns of Palompon, Calubian, Abuyog, Hilongos and Carigara. (PNA)

Monitors...

from page 5

were from three barangays in Aklan and 17 from five barangays in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. All affected families in Negros Occidental were displaced.

Castillo said Regional Director Carmelo N. Nochete assured that the region has placed on standby a total of PHP47.16 million in funds and worth of food and non-food items for residents affected by the bad weather.

Meantime, the 126 passengers stranded in San Carlos City in Negros Occidental going to Toledo, Cebu due to a gale warning on Tuesday were allowed to sail as of 5 a.m. of Wednesday, the OCD said. (PNA)

If one is to “use” the season let it be for something worthwhile even if not traditional like the cops of Peru dressed up like Santa Claus.

This is just my oblique Christmas observation. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody.

End... from page 12

In Sulu Province, police authorities arrested three persons involved in the smuggling of fuel with an estimated amount of P832,000, a police official said.

The suspects were identified as Saji Ella, boat skipper, and his two crewmen, Arilon Ansuk and Ella Jamil.

are set to be unloaded in the reported area.

Police investigators have found that the diesel is allegedly owned by a certain Lorin of Pangutaran, Sulu while the boat was also owned by a certain Alyabir Lakibul with a known address at Taganak in Tawi-tawi.

In Zamboanga del Sur, three individuals were also arrested by police authorities and the raiding team seized more than One Million (P1.1-M) worth of smuggled cigarettes.

The police identified the suspects as Radzmer Ainami, 18, driver and a resident of Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province; and his two truckmen, Al-Sharif Ammad, 27, and Mohhamad Nul Kasidi, 26, both residents of Barangay Kampung Islam, here.

"We have ordered the materials needed, but we have standby pipes so that our workers will initially do the repairs. Hopefully by Friday, one of the sectors will be operational," Chiong said.

To date, the town of 30,000 is relying on alternative sources of water from free-flowing springs in the area. (PNA)

New... from page 8 Cops... from page 4

ordinance has flown under the radar and has been relatively unnoticed. This is a clear example of the use of what we can now term the Christmas news dump technique.

Unfortunately with due respect to the members of the Cebu City Council, I have to say that not only was this done in bad taste but eventually this will not hold. The practice of news dumps is not an altogether effective tool if the controversy is too hot or if it personally affects a particular group of people in the Philippines who are contentious and litigious by nature. There are about 40,000 living lawyers in this country and many of them will surely feel personally compelled to act on this attempt to clear what can be perceived as a legal abomination. Worse, the very act of subverting the most beloved of Philippine holidays for a questionable purpose is a magnet for a strong backlash.

As a former city administrator, I will always support measures to empower local governments. This move, done during this Christmas time, however leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

On the other side of the world in Peru, a group of police officers conducted a drug raid wearing Santa Claus and elves costumes. According to the team leader wearing Christmas costumes allowed them to blend in and execute their raid without drawing much attention. The drug dealers reportedly could not react in time upon seeing Christmas costumed cops barging in their den. Some of the suspects even thought that it was a joke. This is for me a proper albeit devious use of Christmas as a cover for an operation. I can just picture and hear the arrested persons screaming at the elves-cops saying “Is there nothing sacred anymore?” I just hope that Christmas remains a time for something greater than earthly concerns.

The suspects were arrested by operatives in the seawaters of Barangay Mauboh, Patikul, Sulu, according to Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao.

Verceless said Sulu Maritime Police Station in coordination with other police forces immediately launched a seaborne patrol after they received a tip from concerned individuals that smuggled petroleum products

Col Verceles also reported that the three arrested persons were accosted in the morning on Friday along the national highway in Purok 2, Barangay Guitran in Dumingag.

The suspects, the police official said, had failed to present pertinent documents of the cargo they were transporting when flagged down by police operatives - and this led to their arrest. -- with PNA report

Globe sets up Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging communication lifeline in flood-hit Gingoog City

Leading digital solutions platform Globe is offering Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging (LTLC) in flood-hit parts of Mindanao beginning December 28, 2022.

Two stations were initially set up at the San Luis National High School in Ramos 2, Brgy. San Luis and at the Arturo Lugod Gym in Brgy 22A in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. They are operational until December 30, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Globe's LTLC sites will provide a vital lifeline for affected communities, enabling them to stay connected with loved ones and access important information during this difficult time. The company will continue to assess the need to add more areas.

Heavy rains and flash floods caused widespread damage and disrupted Christmas celebrations in Mimaropa,

Bangsamoro, and Regions 5, 8, 9, and 10. It affected over 44,000 families and led to the evacuation of about 10,000 families. The agriculture sector also suffered losses estimated at P60 million.

Gingoog, together with Misamis Occidental, has been placed under a state of calamity due to the floods.

The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, and events like these highlight the importance of resilience and preparedness.

Globe is committed to doing its part in building stronger, more resilient communities and relentlessly provides assistance through initiatives such as LTLC sites.

For more information about Globe and its efforts to support communities in need, visit www.globe.com.ph.

GCash cautions users vs scams posing as SIM registration links

As Philippine telecommunications subscribers prepare for the SIM Registration Act, GCash is warning its users to be extra cautious against scammers who may take advantage of the mass registrations.

“We would like to reiterate our warnings to our users that GCash will never send links via SMS, email, and messaging apps. We have been receiving reports that some telco subscribers are getting messages that their accounts have been restricted if they don’t preregister their SIM card,” explained Winsley Bangit, Chief Customer Officer of GCash.

“Our users should never click the link provided in these messages and instead check the official channels

of their telco providers for the information on how to register their SIM card starting December 27,” Bangit added.

GCash is also assuring its customers that their funds and account will remain safe as they go through the registration of their SIM cards as mandated by the law. But to ensure undisrupted access to GCash accounts, the e-wallet is encouraging its customers to promptly register their SIM Card with their respective telco provider.

To report scams and other fraudulent activities, users can visit the official GCash Help Center at https://help.gcash.com/ hc/en-us, message Gigi on the website and select, “I want to report a scam.”

Smuggling rampant in Mindanao in year end

BY JOEL CALAMBA ESCOL, Managing Editor

WHILE THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT is seriously looking for money to help aid the country's ailing economy, billions of funds were denied by smuggling operators.

In three separate raids in Zamboanga City, Sulu and Misamis Oriental this week alone, billions worth of contrabands like cigarettes, red onions and fuel were seized.

At Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, operatives of the Bureau of Customs seized a total of Twenty Million (P20-M) in

red onions illegally shipped by unnamed smugglers.

Atty. Justin Roman Geli, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in Northern Mindanao said the contraband was declared as bread and pastries.

“Examination of Alerted Shipment consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. with Bill of Lading (BL) nos. SITTARCD1460239 and SITTARCD145254 with container numbers TLLU1127887 and OTPU6548034 declared as Bread and Pastries found positive to contain undeclared onions,” the CIIS reported.

The top e-wallet assures funds are safe as telcos register users starting Dec. 27

GCash cautions users against scammers posing as SIM Card Registration channels