Impluwensya ng ISIS laganap sa ARMM
Sulu leadership praised, peace and development efforts pushed
Muslim pilgrims disgruntled with Cebu Pacific Air
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Strong faith drives worshipers to Protestant church despite deadly attack
More groups reject dirty coal-fired power plants
Communist rebels kill 7 soldiers in new attacks
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U.S. Marine Killer of Pinoy Transgender Sought
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arious patriotic groups are calling on Filipinos and the government to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction over a U.S. marine accused of killing a 26-year old t ransgender inside a motel in Olongapo City in Zambales province. Private First Class Jo- his head slumped in the toiseph Scott Pemberton, of let bowl and believed to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Ma- have been strangled to rines, out of Camp Lejeune death. in North Carolina is being Pemberton, who is besuspected of killing Fili- ing held onboard the USS pino transgender Jeffrey Peleliu in Zambales, is part Laude inside Celzone of the U.S. contingent holdLodge on October 11. ing a joint military exercises Laude's body was found in the Philippines. inside the bathroom with Philippine authorities
S
ulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan has inspired students who participated in the two-day “Research Fair and Inter-School Project Exposition” held recently at the Notre Dame of Jolo College in Sulu province in southern Philippines. Vice Governor Tan was
ARMM
and the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service are jointly investigating the murder. Three other marines who were with Pemberton before the killing are also being investigated. Asser over eignty Assertt S So ereignty eignty,, Demand JJustice ustice “We call on the Filipino people to assert the country’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over the case, including custody and investigation of the perpetrator, and his prosecution. We
demand justice and accountability. We call for the immediate junking of the VFA and the EDCA, which are threats to the Filipino people’s liberty and security,” said Cristina Palabay, Secretary-General of the human rights group called Karapatan, referring to Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. She said the murder of Laude by a U.S. serviceman is the most recent vivid vio-
lation of people’s rights, a consequence, she added, of lopsided military agreements between the U.S. and the Philippines. She said the VFA and EDCA have become licenses for numerous gross transgressions, especially on the rights of Filipino women and children. Palabay also warned that the issue of jurisdiction and custody over the case may go the way of all previous cases where criminal accountability of U.S. soldiers in Philippine territory
“Inspiring”
invited by the organizers as keynote speaker to the event where he talked to students on
various topics. The participants were so excited to interact with him and had asked
Southern Mindanao
Davao
his secret to his success as a hardworking entrepreneur and a respected politician and philanthropist. Those who attended the fair were students from Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trade, Jolo National High School, Jolo Agricultural School, Jolo School of Fisheries, Mindanao State University-Laboratory High School, Sulu College of Technology, Sulu Laboratory High School, Notre Dame of Jolo High School, Notre Dame of Jolo for Girls and Sulu State College-Laboratory High School. “To be invited to stand
before you and share my experiences with our youth leaders gathering here and my thoughts on entrepreneurship, requires some passages from my past and flashbacks of my youth; the challenges I have mustered and gone through; and the inspirations that drove me and still driving me even beyond what others have set upon themselves as limitations,” he told the students. As a young man, Vice Governor Tan said he worked hard and had one thing in mind and that is to save every single cent and he even man-
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had been exonerated under the pretext of the military agreements. She cited that in 1987, an American serviceman stationed in the U.S. base on Olongapo City was accused in the rape of a 12year old girl had been whisked out of the country to avoid prosecution. The child later died from sepsis because parts of a vibrator that was inserted in her vagina remained stuck for seven months. Continue to page 3
aged a shanty - in what was then called Tabuh Sanaw – where he bought empty Coca-Cola bottles and collected deposits for each bottle at the Coca-Cola plant, and all these aside from selling ice and ice candies and also supplied bakeries with firewood. “A portion of what I earned from my daily routine was stashed and kept as savings. Maybe most of you are having the impression that I was born rich and that everything was delivered on my behest on a gold platter. I would not be where I am today without the sacrifices, the sweat and that burning desire to dare to dream big dreams,” he said as the crowd listened intensely to the politician who, up to now, sells Coca-Cola products. Continue to P age 2 Page
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The Mindanao Examiner
“Inspiring”
Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan during the “Research Fair and Inter-School Project Exposition” held recently at the Notre Dame of Jolo College. (Photos by Franzie Sali) of his once advised him that savings to use for the expanfrom Continued fr om page 1 He said he was not born it is more profitable to fish in sion and branching out to the day-to-day operation of the business. In forming a rich, but he had persevered stormy or troubled waters other ventures.” “As a businessman, I management team, he said in life because of his strict which means that be bold discipline and the goal in life enough is to take risks or dare don’t spend my business trust, loyalty and confidence to succeed no matter how to cross uncharted and less earnings to fund a lifestyle, are all essential, aside from hard or difficult it was to fol- travelled waters where com- but it is extremely important the working experience and low his dream for a better fu- petitions are minimal. Be- for a business to stay on the the drive needed from your cause of that, he said - when business. Do not lay content subordinates for the success ture. “Maybe most of you are the business of barter trading at a small success, but rather of the endeavors. He said by harnessing having the impression that I was a boom in his earlier use it as a foundation for was born rich and that every- times – he crossed the seas to much bigger investments. both the physical and menthing was delivered on my the barter ports of Singapore The variables are there for the tal resources of the people behest on a gold platter. I and Labuan in Malaysia with taking if you have the neces- under the employment of a would not be where I am to- groups of fellow traders and sary resources at your dis- company, a good manager day without the sacrifices, started buying and selling posal but reserve something must strike a balance beyou can fall back on when tween profits and the welfare the sweat and that burning commodities. “While most of them things will not turn out the of the employees and never desire to dare to dream big (fellow barter traders) con- way you envisioned. There is take as your own the dues dreams. He said relative to the centrate on almost the same no guarantee of a one hun- that are rightfully for the emtheme of the event “Entre- products, I always look for dred percent success and ployees or the workers. “When any of you inpreneurship – A Key Towards non-traditional goods with you may have to start over Developing Entrepreneurial little or no competition at all and over again until you tend to put up a business of Mind,” is to put into action and upon reaching home my reach fulfillment. Do not de- your own, be it small or big, the principle of theory and goods will be sold-out first spair at failures. It is always a make sure that you have and I will be ready to set sail comfort to have saved ample knowledge of the practice. “You must start young in again while my friends are enough capital to start on business environment; the developing that acumen or still collecting their pro- your own. I don’t believe in law of supply and demand; that Sixth Sense to see and ceeds,” he said, relating to relying on banks or lending the resources available at think beyond the ordinary students his life story as a institutions to fund my busi- your disposal or the capital; and be daring enough take young entrepreneur. ness ventures, which when set a goal and stick to it. I “While docking or lay- you think about it, they earn would not have dirtied my the first step that will open many doors of opportunities. ing their anchor, traders usu- more than you do and you hands buying empty Coke There is a saying which states ally spend their time waiting will be doing all the work for bottles then if the market for - The Ocean is full of abun- in restaurants and hotels them. If possible, never allow it was not available or if I dant wealth and riches, but while I eat and drink at my anything or anyone to earn could not have profited from if it is more of your safety that vessel tinkering my calcula- and benefit from your toils my earnest toil. Inspire youryou consider or entertain the tor and computing my sav- and sweat,” he told the stu- self with the thought and belief that you can make it if you fear of being drowned, then ings and profits. I can relate dents. just stay on the shores and to you some more stories, but He said as an entrepre- really try and give your best.” “Any business venture is put away your time watching the main point here is the neur grows business vensunsets,” Vice Governor Tan dedication and the resolve to tures, it is important to have not merely about profits fully concentrate on the busi- a support staff with good alone or stacking up your told the students. He said an Indian friend ness at hand and to pile up managerial skills to assist in coffers with wealth. There are social responsibilities that are attached to your accumulated riches. You will notice that big and successful corporations have set up foundations to realize their Pursuant to the provision of Sec. 1 of Rule 74 of the Rules advocacies for the commuor for the country, like of Court, notice is hereby given that the Estate of the late nity providing schools, scholarDAVID C. ANG, who died on July 22, 2014, in Mandaluyong ships, building places of worCity, was extra-judicially settled in a public document ex- ship and many other worthecuted by his heirs on September 13, 2014, before Atty. while services. On my own, I Ernesto S. Go, a notary public for and in the City of have done that and many Zamboanga and entered into his Notarial Register as Doc. more,” Vice Governor Tan No. 43; Page No. 9; Book No. 57; Series of 2014. told the participants, who applauded him several times. HEIRS OF DAVID C. ANG He also told the students to always put their trust in BY: God. “In the Islamic concept, DOMINIQUE JEANNE TE ANG wealth and power, is an Amanah or trust from God. Daughter One is entrusted with riches
NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE DAVID C. ANG
or influence as a test or one is denied of it as a blessing that he may escape the punishment of misusing God’s Trust. Allah knows best,” he said. He also talked about his political career. He said after completing his second term as provincial governor, he sought for re-election and eagerly embarked on a political campaign trail in all 19 towns in Sulu. He said during one of his sorties, he met an old friend who learned that he was seeking re-election. Vice Governor Tan said his friend told him that he will pray for his political success and to make the story short, he said he lost in his bid to be elected again and that for the next six years after he lost, he took a political “siesta” or hiatus. He said the next time he met that same friend, he told him he lost the election and that maybe he did not pray enough for his victory. The politician said his friend replied that he prayed to God to give what is best for him. “True enough, during the six years of political inactivity, I made up for lost time to bond with my family. The family has always been and will always be the cornerstone of my life,” Vice Governor Tan said. “I pursued with vigor my business interests which I was not able to do while serving my term as a public servant. For having found the time for my two passions, the family and business, I was recharged to make another attempt for the governorship and, Alhamdulillah, the rest is history.” He said travelling in life’s many roads, he encountered humps and bumps, but he was able to stand up every time he fell and continued on with the journey on the route he set for himself. “A thirsty and lonely traveler on a dry and burning dessert,
Oct. 20-26, 2014
always search for that hidden oasis in the vast expanse to quench his needs. In all of my dealings as a businessman and a politician and during rough and trying times, I found my oasis in my father’s words. My late father was also an astute businessman and a former mayor of Maimbung town. He told me - Sakur, I may leave you with tons of money, but in foolishness and recklessness, you can lose in an instant what I have toiled and sacrificed for to attain in so many years. But I will leave you with a good name. Protect and keep it always clean and it will help you in more ways than one,” Vice Governor Tan narrated. “In the business community, reputation is very important. No big establishment will deal with anyone whose reputation is questionable. Alhamdulillah, I can always count on the reputation of my family and of my name. Having gone this far in my life is there anything else left to do? The answer to that lies in my name - my father gave me the name Abdusakur - Abdu in Arabic means servant or slave, and Sakur or Shakur is one of the attributes of Allah meaning (the) One who gives a lot of reward to even the smallest of deed. So I am the grateful servant of Allah who will continuously strive to fulfill what is expected of him by his family, his people, his province in full servitude to God as Allah’s slave,” he added. The students were all left in awe following Vice Governor Tan’s inspiring talk and many of them vowed to follow his footsteps – to be a good citizen, successful entrepreneur and God-fearing and respected political leader – that will lead the people and Sulu into greatness once again. (Franzie Sali)
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Oct. 20-26, 2014
Impluwensya ng ISIS laganap sa ARMM KALIWA’T-KANAN ang denial ng pamunuan ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) sa mga umano’y recruitment ng ISIS sa magulong lugar, ngunit hindi naman nito maipaliwanag ang mga ibat-ibang larawan ng mga Muslim sa social media na nagbibigay ng kanilang suporta sa mga jihadists na nakikipaglaban sa Iraq at Syria. Unang itinanggi ng pamunuan ng ARMM ang ISIS recruitment noon matapos na sabihin ng pulisya at militar na walang nagaganap na panghihimok ng naturang grupo sa mga Muslim. At nitong huli ay mariing itinanggi naman ng ARMM ang ISIS recruitment sa mga estudyanteng Muslim na sumusuporta sa mga jihadists. Sa teknikal na aspeto ay wala pang balita na may mga Arabong ISIS mem-
bers ang nasa ARMM upang mag-recruit, subali’t ang dami na umanong mga Musim ang nag-pledged ng allegiance sa Sunni group na ang layunin ay palaganapin ang Islamic caliphate na siya naman umaakit sa mga Muslim sa ARMM. Maging ang Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters sa Maguindanao at Lanao del Sur; at ang Abu Sayyaf sa Basilan at Sulu ay nagpledged na rin ng allegiance sa ISIS. At gayun rin ang mga estudyante at kabataan sa Marawi City at iba pang lugar sa ARMM, at sa hanay ng mga bilanggong Muslim sa Camp Bagong Diwa sa Bicutan. Sa kabila ng pagtanggi ng pamunuan ng ARMM, umapela naman si Lanao del Sur Gov. Bombit Adiong sa kanyang nasasakupan na huwag sasanib sa ISIS.
“We certainly cannot allow religious extremism to escalate into armed movement,” wika pa ni Adiong. Bagamat hindi agad matukoy ang laki ng puwersa o ang bilang ng mga sumusuporta sa ISIS sa Lanao at sa ibang bahagi ng ARMM ay marami naman ang hindi sangayon sa pagka-brutal ng naturang grupo sa kanilang pananakop sa Iraq at Syria. Sa sobrang brutal ng ISIS maging ang Al-Qaeda ay ayaw na dumikit sa kanila. Sinabi naman ni dating Pangulong Fidel Ramos na mayroon 100 mga Pilipino ang sumama sa ISIS sa Iraq. Naunang kinondena ni Saudi Arabia Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al alSheikh na ang ISIS at AlQaeda dahil sa kanilang pagiging brutal at tinawag pa itong "enemy number one of Islam" at walang kinalaman sa pananampalataya.
Mga supporters ng ISIS at bitbit ang kaparehong bandera ng jihadist Sunni group sa isang rally sa Marawi City sa Lanao del Sur. (Mindanao Examiner Photo) "Extremist and militant ideas and terrorism which spread decay on Earth, destroying human civilization,
are not in any way part of Islam, but are enemy number one of Islam, and Muslims are their first victims," ani ng
Grand Mufti sa pahayag na inilabas ng Saudi Press Agency. (May karagdagan ulat ni Moh Saaduddin)
U.S. Marine Killer of Pinoy Transgender Sought
Mindanao Examiner Photo
Muslim pilgrims disgruntled with Cebu Pacific Air MANILA – Muslim pilgrims from Sulu and Basilan provinces who arrived Manila last week onboard a Cebu Pacific plane from Dubai have complained their baggages were offloaded by the airline company without informing them. Airline officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport also failed to assist the pilgrims. About 200 pilgrims on Cebu Pacific Flight 5J7945 were shocked to learn that their baggages
were not in the plane. The Filipinos, who returned from the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Islam’s holiest sites, were angry over the incident. One of the passengers, Sulu veteran journalist Zenaida Masong, also complained about the poor services of the Cebu Pacific. “Nobody from the airline company is talking to us and we don’t even know what happened to our bags
and many pilgrims are not happy with this incident,” she told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. She said two Sulu muftis – Tuan Aberin and Tuan Jack - who were with them also tried to talk to airline personnel to inquire about their luggage, but also got no reply from them. There was no immediate statement from Cebu Pacific about the complaints of the pilgrims. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued fr om page 1 from And also the rape of a woman by U.S. Marine Daniel Smith in 2005 was the first case where a member of the U.S. military was tried, convicted and sentenced for a crime on Philippine territory. However, the local court ruling on the landmark case was overturned when Smith was secretly transferred from the Makati City Jail to the U.S. Embassy’s custody in 2006. “In both cases, the issue of US government custody on the perpetrators from the US military was invoked,” Palabay said. Scr ap All U.S. M iliScrap Militar yA ccor ds tary Accor ccords Opposition lawmakers Rep. Neri Colmenares and Rep. Carlos Zarate also expressed frustration with the Aquino government for not asserting authority over Pemberton. Colmenares said Pemberton should be in the custody of the Philippine government. “The case proves once again that concerns over the one-sidedness of the Visiting Forces Agreement (and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement are
not imagined. We have seen how Filipinos can become helpless victims by U.S. military forces in our very own country under the unequal agreements like VFA and EDCA,” he said.
Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude Zarate said the agreements must be scrapped. “This is also the reason why we are urging the Supreme Court to junk the EDCA. It is not only unconstitutional and unequal, but most importantly will subvert our justice system and sovereignty,” he said. Justice Will P ail Prrev evail Herminio Coloma, a government spokesman, said Manila and Washington will follow the provisions of the VFA in seeking justice for Laude’s murder. The VFA contains specific provisions on the legal pro-
cesses to ensure that justice will prevail, he said. Coloma cited Article 5 of the VFA on criminal jurisdiction that the “Philippine authorities shall have jurisdiction over United States personnel with respect to offenses committed within the Philippines and punishable under the law of the Philippines.” He said Article 5, Paragraph 6 also states that the “custody of any United States personnel over whom the Philippines is to exercise jurisdiction shall immediately reside with United States military authorities, if they so request, from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings.” The U.S. Embassy has confirmed that Pemberton, from New Bedford, Massachusetts, is being held onboard USS Peleliu. “The United States will continue to fully cooperate with Philippine law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation,” it said in a brief statement. (Mindanao Examiner)
Aquino urgently wants emergency power to deal with power crisis PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino has told Congress to immediately grant him emergency powers so the government can contract additional generating capacity to address the looming power shortage next year. Aquino said the sooner Congress grants him emergency powers, the earlier the government can prepare to solve the impending energy crisis. “Ngayon, ang hinahabol natin kung ipapasa ninyo ipasa naman ninyo sana nang mas maaga kaysa mas matagal dahil iba na rin ang marami tayong oras para asikasuhin itong isyung ito,” he said.
Aquino cited the Interruptible Load Program as one of the government’s options to avert the possible shortage of 300 megawatts during summer next year. “Maraming mga pinaplano mula sa tinatawag na Interruptible Load Program hanggang doon sa pagkukumbinsi na magbawas tayo ng paggamit ng kuryente. Pero ang hinahabol nga natin na nandiyan na lahat 'yan bago dumating ang Marso,” he said. Aquino has invoked Section 71 of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 in seeking emergency powers from Congress.
But opposition lawmaker Rep. Neri Colmenares said Aquino’s request for emergency powers means “sweetheart deals, corruption, take or pay, and high electricity rates.” “Apologists of President Aquino should not split hairs on this issue and call a spade a spade. The President asked for emergency powers just like Republic Act 7648 during Ramos’ time and the essence of this power is to ask Congress for authority to enter into negotiated contracts for additional generating capacity. But up till now the Department of Energy (DOE) has not sufficiently laid out the reason for emergency
powers because as their own data show there is enough power supply,” Colmenares said. “We are one with the Filipino people in opposing emergency powers because it would make life harder for everyone due to power rate hikes. Based on DOE figures as of 2013, the installed capacity for Luzon grid (according to DOE figures) is: 12,790MW and dependable capacity is: 11,469MW. The peak demand for the grid is just at 8,700MW plus (this happens on summer - May in particular) -- and the portion of Meralco (Manila Electric Company) in that is at 6,121MW (based on 2014 figures),” he added.
Colmenares said that deducting dependable capacity from peak demand, there should have been allowance for reserves amounting to 2,700MW. This is more than the 400 MW deficit that Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla claims. Based on the DOE figures itself, even in a tight supply condition, there should be more than enough supply, according to him. “Now, even if there would be a short fall of electricity the government can still tap state-owned power plants like the Malaya power plant and the Sucat power plant. These power plants should be immediately rehabilitated and recommis-
sioned instead of being sold to the private sector,” Colmenares said. “It has come to our knowledge that the bidding for the 850-megawatt Sucat Thermal Power Plant in Muntinlupa City has failed so it is government owned and should be used. In fact, even with just the Malaya power plant alone running its full dependable capacity at 610 MW, it can already offset the supposed power deficit of 400 MW being aired by Petilla. If the government is to operate the Sucat power plant as well at 850 MW, then, there would be no power crisis for at least three years,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 20-26, 2014
Sulu leadership praised, peace and development efforts pushed SULU – Top police and military officials have expressed support to the local provincial leadership as Sulu continues its efforts to promote peace and development. Sulu Governor Totoh Tan has recently presided over the Peace and Order Council meeting participated by representatives from various sectors here. Heads of regional government agencies also visited Sulu and met with Governor Tan and discussed projects for the province. Engineer Pama Dimapanat, regional head of the Department of Transportation and Communication, also led senior officials to the province where they discussed with Governor Tan and Vice Governor Sakur Tan
on how to further improved the operations of the local airport and seaport, and other offices under it, including the provincial Land Transportation Office, the Maritime Industry Authority, among others. The officials also joined the Peace and Order Council meeting together with the different mayors and security officials. Lieutenant General John Bonafos, the Armed Forces’ Vice Chief of Staff, and Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, chief of the regional naval forces, was also present during the meeting. Yoma was accompanied by Major Jose Wilfredo Panes, of Joint Task Force Group-Sulu and Colonel Alan Arrojado, of the Philippine Army.
They were joined by Chief Superintendent Noel Reyes, of the regional police force, and Marine Colonel Maximo Ballesteros, the local brigade commander, and other officials. Undersecretary Nabil Tan was also present in the meeting. Police Director General Alan Purisima also visited
Sulu and met with the governor and vice governor before inspecting the provincial police office where he spoke to policemen. Governor Tan and his vice governor introduced Purisima to the different town mayors who were there to welcome the police chief. Purisima also handed over several patrol vehicles
to the different police chiefs in Sulu. His visit to the province left the police force with high morale and renewed their all-out support to Purisima’s leadership. Purisima vowed to also support the provincial police force in its effort to maintain peace and order in Sulu. Governor Tan thanked all those who visited Sulu
Top military and police officials visit Sulu province. And participants to the recent Peace and Order Council Meeting in Sulu province in southern Philippines. (Photos by Franzie Sali)
and their support to his leadership and in return he said he will continue to rally behind the various programs of the police and military authorities, and the regional government agencies to bring the province to a greater height in terms of peace, development and progress for the benefit of the people. (Franzie Sali)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 20-26, 2014
Western Mindanao Command renews pledge of allegiance to Code of Ethics
UCCP worship service October 12, 2014 in Pikit town in North Cotabato province in southern Philippines.
Strong faith drives worshipers to Protestant church in Cotabato despite deadly attack NORTH COTABATO – Members of a Protestant church have flocked to North Cotabato’s Pikit town and joined a worship service and offered prayers to those who were killed and wounded in a grenade attack just this month. Two church members were killed and several more wounded after unidentified men on a motorcycle fired a rifle grenade on the victims during a midweek worship service at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Pikit town. The UCCP identified the fatalities as Felomena Ferolin and Gina Cabiluna. And the wounded as Jeremias and Jerome Dandan, and Virginia Manolid. Bishop Hamuel Tequis, who is assigned to South East Mindanao Jurisdictional Area, led a delegation of church leaders to Pikit where he joined the worship service. He also condemned the deadly attack on the church. “The UCCP condemns the dastardly act of bombing the UCCP Pikit worship service; and yet, we journey to Pikit with a most important intention to comfort the bereaved and join as a presence of solidarity and support to our church members,” Bishop Tequis said. The Bishop read messages sent to UCCP from around the world during the worship service. UCCP
churches across the country also prayed for the community during their worship services. “We want to make sure that the members know that many are thinking of them and praying for them during this difficult time,” Bishop Tequis said. He said church leaders continue to seek further information on the motive and identities of the perpetrators of the grenade attack. He said they visited the injured and expressed condolences to the families of Felomena Ferolin and Gina Cabiluna. “We also hope to support the community in gathering data and documenting accounts of what transpired in Pikit on October 8,” Bishop Tequis said. He said the UCCP has encouraged inter-faith, tripeople efforts to build unity, justice and peace, in response to the attack. “Many UCCP members have expressed feelings of fear, grief, and disbelief that this happened during a worship service. We must provide counsel, care, and spiritual guidance for our members. This is a moment in our faith journey, where we must choose to act for peace. And by choosing to continue to work together as Christians, Muslims and Lumads, we will seek peace based on justice in our land,” Bishop Tequis said. Rev. Jerome Baris, National Program Coordinator for Justice, Peace and Human Rights, said UCCP General Secretary Bishop
Reuel Norman Marigza has called for sober-minded vigilance and cautioned church members not to rush toward hasty judgment until the motive and identities of the attackers are known. “We will do our part to seek justice and build peace,” he said. Bishop Marigza has strongly condemned the violent attack on the church and said no circumstance or reason can justify such deplorable act on a house of worship leading to the death and injury of worshipers. He urged authorities to act speedily in thoroughly investigating the incident to uncover the perpetrators and their motives for this dastardly act and told followers to remain soberminded, yet vigilant. “Even as we press for justice, let us not do anything that will further escalate the violence,” he said. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack. The UCCP is a local Christian denomination that resulted from the merger of the Evangelical Church of the Philippines, the Philippine Methodist Church, the Disciples of Christ, the United Evangelical Church and several independent congregations. It is also active in human rights advocacy and many humanitarian missions in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
Photo released to the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper by the Western Mindanao Command shows Brigadier General Orland de Leon, Chief of the Office of the Ethical Standards and Public Accountability, leads officers and soldiers, including civilian employees, in the renewal of their pledge of allegiance which coincided with the 24th anniversary of the promulgation of the Code of Ethics. ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines has renewed its pledge of allegiance to the Armed Forces’ Code of Ethics. Brigadier General Orland de Leon, Chief of the Office of the Ethical Standards and Public Accountability, led officers and soldiers, including civilian employees, in the renewal of their pledge of allegiance which coincided with the 24th anniversary of the pro-
mulgation of the Code of Ethics. Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, Chief of the Western Mindanao Command, also read a message sent by Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang. In his message, Catapang said: “Our annual commemoration of the AFP Code of Ethics is a manifestation of the armed forces’ ardent desire to continually become an institution that the Filipino people can trust and depend on…But
today, we also recommit ourselves to the AFP core values essential to the honorable accomplishment of our tasks before the Philippine flag and amongst our fellow soldiers.” Guerrero also urged all military and civilian personnel to continue to reflect and uphold the provisions of the AFP Code of Ethics. The Western Mindanao Command also gave certificates of appreciation to six civilians for their support to the military. (Mindanao Examiner)
Philippines rolls out plan vs. deadly Ebola virus MANILA - The Department of Health said it rolled out a multi-sectoral response plan against the Ebola virus disease amid lingering concerns that the deadly virus may enter the Philippines. Health Secretary Enrique Ona this plan contains the interim guidelines for disease surveillance, notification and reporting of suspected Ebola virus disease cases; clinical management including laboratory testing from suspected cases; and infection control.
A government spokesman Herminio Coloma also said that the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City would serve as the national referral center for testing and analyzing emerging and reemerging infectious diseases using the same methods being applied by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He said the RITM had so far examined 18 suspected cases of Ebola, which all rendered negative results, thus
making the country still free from the disease. “Ang lahat ng mga dapat na paghandaan ay pinaghahandaan ng ating Kagawaran ng Kalusugan at pinapatatag ‘yung ating depensa diyan sa Ebola Virus Disease at sa iba pang mga infectious diseases,” Coloma said. There are currently over 8,000 reported cases of Ebola epidemic, which started in West Africa, with more than half confirmed deaths already.
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 20-26, 2014
Communist rebels kill 7 soldiers in new attacks DAVAO CITY – Communist rebels killed 7 government soldiers in separate attacks in southern Philippines in retaliation to the brutal slaying of a farmer and his son by the military, a spokesman for the New People’s Army said. Roel Agustin said rebel forces ambushed members of the 66th Infantry Battalion in the town of New Bataan in Compostela Valley province. He said another NPA unit also attacked soldiers from the 67th Infantry Battalion in Baganga town in nearby Davao Oriental and in Trento town in Agusan del Sur province. He said the rebels seized several weapons from the slain soldiers. Agustin accused troops from the 66th Infantry Battalion as behind the murder of farmer Rolando
Dagansan, 43, and son Juda, 15, in New Bataan town on October 12. He said the two victims belonged to the Mandaya tribe. “The two Mandaya Lumads came from harvesting corn in their farm in Kabityan and were on their way to their home in Taytayan at 3 a.m. when soldiers attacked them. Their bodies were badly disfigured with so many gunshot wounds and their heads were defaced while Rolando’s arm was amputated. They were killed by a ruthless Army unit who concealed its fascist operations by using as pretext a purported medical mission in Manurigao.” “Thus, it is only fitting that the tactical offensives launched by the New People’s Army Comval
Davao East Coast Sub-Regional Command on that same day is revolutionary justice for the Dagansans and other victims of military fascism, like Gregorio Amancio who was killed by the 66th Infantry Battalion inside his house last July 19 also in New Bataan town,” Agustin said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. The Eastern Mindanao Command has ordered an investigation into the deaths of the civilians. Agustin said rebel forces would continue offensive operations in the southern region, a known communist strong hold in the Philippines. He also dismissed military pronouncement that many provinces were liberated from communist con-
trol or influence. “The NPA’s offensives give lie to the AFP’s pronouncement that the fascist troops are already done in clearing Davao Oriental and some parts of Compostela Valley of the revolutionary movement. Red fighters have engaged the 67th Infantry Battalion four times in Baganga, once in Trento in Agusan del Sur; another in Compostela, and conducted three sniping operations and one harassment operations, all resulting to platoon-sized fatalities and platoon-sized casualties against the AFP unit over the last few months,” Agustin said. “The AFP is daydreaming if it can obliterate the NPA and stifle strong opposition of revolutionary forces and the masses against large-scale mining.
As more army battalions are poured in the impoverished and typhoon-ravaged areas of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental under the (anti-insurgency campaign) Oplan Bayanihan, the people's army escalates further its tactical offensives. Likewise, the revolutionary masses are ever prepared to intensify the people’s war against a fascist, corrupt and hated U.S.Aquino regime,” he added. The rebels are also holding two army soldiers - Privates Marnel Cinches and Jerrel Yurong – who are members of the 8th Infantry Battalion. Both Cinches and Yurong were unarmed and on their way to the village of Buntungon in Impasugong town in Bukidnon province, also in southern
Philippines, when rebels captured them on August 22 and declared the pair as prisoners of war. Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, the regional military chief, has ordered security forces to pursue the rebels who are holding the two soldiers. The military said the NPA has kidnapped at least 21 soldiers the past four years in eastern Mindanao alone and used them as political propaganda. The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. The armed conflict in the Philippines is the world’s longest-running communist insurgency in the world. (Mindanao Examiner)
More groups reject dirty coal-fired power plants
Onw of the patients who benefit from the medical mission i Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province in southern Philippines.
Mercy workers hold medical mission in Marawi The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions
Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Don Micael Moleño 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
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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
MARAWI CITY – Dozens of people have benefited from a medical outreach mission conducted by Project BOSS or Brotherhood Operation Surgical Services together with Mabuhay Deseret Foundation and Philippine Band of Mercy in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province in southern Philippines. Bel Yenko, of the Project BOSS, said the joint humanitarian project was held at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center. He said Dr. Amer Saber, the Chief of Hospital, and their fraternal brother in Alpha Phi Omega, helped in the mission. Over 60 patients – cataract and cleft lip cases – availed of the free medical services. Yenko said it was also the first time for members of the Philippine Band of Mercy to travel to Marawi City and to see a world-class, 275 bed capacity hospital with the latest and modern medical equipment and machinery, and a scenic elevator overlooking Lake Lanao. He said Amai Pakpak Medical Center is the only government hospital with such amenities. “This will be the start of our continuing service to the people of Lanao del Sur in cooperation with Amai Pakpak Medical Center and PBM,” Yenko said. (Mindanao Examiner)
THE PHILIPPINE Movement for Climate Justice along with other organizations launched the the Reclaim Power week, a global convergence of efforts to raise the urgency of transforming energy systems away from dirty fuels and towards a public and community-controlled alternative energy systems. Gerry Arances, PMCJ national coordinator, said the Reclaim Power is a global effort on climate justice by demanding serious, deep and drastic emissions reduction globally. He said reduction can only be possible if all people and communities unite to ban dirty energy projects and fight for clean and democratic alternatives. Arances, also the lead convener of the recently established Power for People, said the Reclaim Power Global Week of Action on Energy will include a series of activities running from October 10 to 18 - the highlight being consolidated actions all over the country against coal on October 17. The Power for People, a national campaign network composed of people’s organizations, electric cooperatives, lawyers and members of the academe from different parts of the country coming together to address issues in the energy sector by advancing alternatives, spearheaded the activity. The Power for People network is a means for concerned organizations and individuals to advance their campaign against coalfired power plants and to demand that the government ensure the utilization and development of renewable energy. On October 10, there will be a mobilization against the World Bank to protest against its continued financing of dirty and harmful energy.Another activity that will take place during the Reclaim Power week is an action on waste incineration which is an-
other major concern for environmentalists and communities in the country. "Different waste-toenergy incineration technologies are being peddled these past few years as a cofuel if not an alternative altogether to coal. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency, found that compared with source reduction, reuse and recycling, waste incinerators contribute far higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycles," said Paeng Lopez, of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, a member organization of PMCJ. Clint Pacana, Executive Director of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. and member of P4P said: "These initiatives include holding our own government accountable for its push for coal fired power plants and repeated display of skepticism towards renewable energy. Like in Mindanao, instead of rehabilitating the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex to ensure the continued enjoyment of low cost electricity, the government is pushing for its privatization along with the increased number of coal fired power plants in the region." Juliet Aparicio, of Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc. said the Aquino government should seriously consider tapping renewable energy as source of power in the provinces. "Sa halip na pagkalulong sa maruming enerhiya galling sa coal, dapat na pagtuunan ng pansin ng gobyerno kung paano magagamit ang mga potensyal na mapagkukunan ng renewable energy sa aming probinsya," she said. The government has approved the construction of a new 1,250MW coal plant in Atimonan in Quezon province, in addition to the expansion of
875MW to the existing 1,195MW of the Pagbilao and Mauban coal-fired power plants. Atimonan is one of the stop overs of the People’s Walk for Climate Justice and while the "climate walkers" are on their way to the major stopping point, a forum that discusses the ill effects of a coal plant is being held today in the community which will host the hazardous project. Atty. Jose Aaron Pedrosa, of Sanlakas, said Aquino's declaration of a power crisis by 2015 is a situation conjured precisely by the government's policies on the energy sector with the EPIRA as its face. "The people cannot simply expect the grant of emergency power to provide a solution to a crisis that was borne out of the same law,” he said. EPIRA refers to Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. He said the real power crisis that has beset the country for more than a decade is the continuing lack of electricity access of more than 2.5 million households, sky-high electricity rates, market manipulation and pollution of big power player and the control of the power industry - from generation to distribution - by a few corporations. "To address the real energy crisis would require an overhaul of EPIRA and the abandonment of the government's privatization paradigm," Pedrosa said. Climate Change Commissioner Yeb Sano, said the Philippines is now at a critical juncture and the choices are laid down for the people to decide. "We can choose the same path taken by the biggest polluters or we can leapfrog into a more caring, just and sustainable world. Fossil fuels represent the biggest cause of climate change and economic injustice. Renewable energy can uplift people’s lives and protect the environment. We need to seriously reflect on these choices," he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Oct. 20-26, 2014
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Senior citizens makadawat og lifetime health insurance
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abaw sa 6 milyon ka senior citizens sa nasud ang mamahimo na unyang lifetime members sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). Kini ang gipahibalo ni PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander Padilla atol sa forum nga gipahigayon ning bag-o lang kalabot sa kasaulogan sa Elderly Filipino Week nga gipangunahan sa PhilHealth ug Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Ang mga benepisyaryo sa Philhealth nga Lifetime Member Program
(LMP) ipanghatag sa tibuok kinabuhi nga dili na magbayad pa sa premium. “Our LMP is open to those who have made 120 monthly contributions to the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), and have reached the age of retirement,” matud pa ni Padilla. Apan gi-klaro usab ni Padilla nga kadtong mga nag-trabaho pa sa ilang age of retirement, dili kwalipikado ubos sa LMP. Ang DSWD nisuporta sa Senate Bill No. 712, usa ka lakang nga nagtugot sa PhilHealth sa pag-apil sa tanang senior citizens sa nasud. Ang maong balaodnon
naaprobahan sa ikatulo ug kataposang pagbasa sa Senado. Atol sa maong forum, ang DSWD, PhilHealth, Social Security System ug Government Service Insurance System milagda og manifest for the promotion alang sa bastante nga social services ug protection sa mga senior citizens. Ang Elderly Filipino Week gisaulog matag tuig gikan Oktubre 1 hangtud 7 agig pagsunod sa Presidential Proclamation No. 470. Ang kasaulogan karong tuig nagdala sa tema nga: “Ang Nakatatanda ay Yaman, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan Kanilang Kapakanan.”
Cebu pushes for organic farming
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Farmers in Cebu province, particularly in the town of Santander, have dumped conventional farming, saying it is not only expensive, but is also unsafe for human consumption because of chemical fertilizers. Now, in lieu of harmful fertilizers, farmers have began using vermicast and one of them, Roberto Patrimonio, said aside from using vermicast, he also developed homemade liquid fertilizer or what he termed Nature Farming Technology System (NFTS). He said the results are surprisingly the same as compared to the traditional chemical fertilizer-based farming. "Ang gidak-on sa puso sa mais parehas raman," (The sizes of the corn ears are just the same)," said Patrimonio, who became a member of corn-
ARMM
based Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) since 2009. In the same year, Patrimonio learned to produce his own vermincast fertilizers. Vermicast is a term for worm manure, also called "castings" and Vermicompost is a product which contains worm castings in combination with other forms of decomposing organic matter. Patromonio is now an FSTP coordinator in the village of Liptung in his own town of Santander. He said in order to be effective in his advocacy against chemical farming, he needs to show the results to the farmers so they may understand the benefits of vermicast. He said that is the reason he ventured into vermicast production and NFTS. This year, Patrimonio has 20 vermicompost plots in his backyard. He sell this for only P400 a bag to local buy-
ers in Santander as well as in its neighboring town of Oslob. Patromonio said his own liquid fertilizer is made from indigenous micro-organism (IMO), fruit plant juice (FPJ), fermented fruit juice (FFJ) and fish amino acid (FAA). “Kung akoy papilion, ari ko sa NFTS kay safety imong baol ug ang imong lawas. Ang imung yuta ma fertile pa sulod sa siyam ka bulan hangtod sa upat ka tuig (If I were to choose, I go for NFTS because your farm and your health is safe. And your land will remain fertile for nine months to four years),” he said. According to the Provincial Agriculturist Office, IMO operates as soil conditioner and gives nutrients to the soil and plants. It also speeds up plant growth and can be used to spray the bedding of swine and helps in the process of composting organic matter. FPJ, on the other hand, gives
Southern Mindanao
Davao
Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and Police Director General sign deed of donation.
Police finally gets key to own house
T
he Cebu provincial government has formally donated to the police force the 5,000 square meters of property located in Sudlon in Cebu City which is the site now of the two-storey Cebu Provincial Police Office building. Governor Hilario Davide III said the donation also included the building which the provincial government also built in 2009. Police Director General Alan Purisima received the donation following the signing in Cebu of the deed of donation just recently. Regional police chief
Prudencio Tom Bañas and provincial police chief Noel Gillamac witnessed the signing ceremony. Many towns in Cebu are also willing to donate land for police offices. Davide also assured the continuing support and commitment of the provincial government to the police force. Purisima praised the provincial government for its support to the police and said: "It has always been a dream of every police station to have a place that it can call its home. Today that dream has become a reality."
resistance to plants against pests and parasites and it adds more fats to plants and makes leaves greener. It can also help maintain vigor for humans. FFJ is also a good source of potassium for plant growth and sweetening of fruits, adds more resistance against pests and improve soil fertility. FAA provides nitrogen and root hormone, which results to greening of leaves. It also helps the flowering of plants (foliar fertilizer) and eliminates smaller organisms. Mirabel Amado, organic farming focal person of the provincial government, said many farmers have already developed their own vermicompost and NFTS especially FSTP farmers. She said the provincial government is giving free technical assistance on NFTS to all local governments in Cebu. She said NFTS can be applied in all plants, crops, vegetables, and even to animals. Aside from being cheaper and nontoxic, NFTS is also sustainable and environment-friendly. The provincial government is pushing for the implementation of organic farming throughout Cebu in line with Republic Act 10068 or the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. (Xerxes Alkuino)
Korean fugitive arrested
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ilipino authorities have arrested a South Korean man wanted in his country for money laundering after agents of the National Bureau of Investigation tracked him down in Cebu province in central Philippines, ABS-CBN Television reported. It said Jung Bon Young was arrested inside a hotel in Cebu City. The fugitive is reportedly residing in Cebu for many years now and has es-
He said the support of the provincial government boosts the morale of policemen and contributes to their individual confidence and performance. Bañas, on the other hand, said they are highly motivated and inspired by the support of the provincial and local government officials. Gillamac said the provincial police office will be named Camp General Arcadio Maxilom as endorsed by the Municipal Council of Tuburan and the Cebu Provincial Board. (Xerxes Alkuino)
tablished several businesses there. There was no immediate confirmation from the Korean embassy, but the report said an unnamed consul is expected to fly to Cebu to escort the fugitive back to his country. It was unknown why immigration officials failed to locate the Korean, who was also implicated in illegal gambling operations in his country. (Cebu Examiner)
Mas hugot nga screening sa mga OFWs, ipatuman sa DOH
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lano sa Department of Health (DOH) nga magpatuman og medical clearance sa mga Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) nga mamaule sa Pilipinas gikan sa mga nasud nga apektado sa Ebola virus. Matud pa ni Health Secretary Enrique Ona, himuon kini aron mahibaw-an kun nagbaton ba og exposure ang mga Pilipino sa usa ka tawo nga nagkasakit o
Western Mindanao
Cebu
namatay tungod sa Ebola. Mahimo usab nga parte sa medical clearance ang magpabilin sila sa ilang panimalay sulod sa 21 ka adlaw human mobalik sa Pilipinas. Himuon sa DOH ang medical screening sa mga OFWs nga maggikan sa tulo ka nasud – ang Liberia, Sierra Leone ug Guinea. Matud pa ni Ona, naa na sa kapin 40 ang gi-monitor karon sa DoH.
Manila