Caraga Infocus - July 21 - 27, 2018

Volume 2, No. 68

July 21 - 27, 2018

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Contents An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 68

21 - 27 July, 2018

Feature: Claudy steps up for Brgy. Datu

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ASEAN News: ASEAN, China hopeful for ‘substantially completed’ COC in 2018

DOE News: DOE WOOS INVESTORS FOR ENERGY PROJECTS IN CAGAYAN VALLEY

SSS News: SSS to open loan facility for pensioners

Regional News DA Caraga boosts 8 production 9 10

white corn

PNP Caraga chief to focus on lowering traffic accident DA envisions rise of corn industry in Caraga Region

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Provincial News Guv prioritizes education for 16 Agusanons

Mindanao News

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Mindanao Institute bags championship in drum, lyre competition

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AgSur consumer groups to practice organic farming

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53 SLP beneficiaries join entrep seminar in AgSur

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DOLE releases livelihood grant to Surigao Norte coop

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Voters’ registration kick off day turns out well

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3 NPA members Tandag City

surrender

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ARMM provides relief aid to Jolo fire victims

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Over 1K cops tested negative for drug use in N. Mindanao

National News

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PRRD to sign BOL right after House ratification

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MILF, MNLF qualified members can join military vs. BIFF: Lorenzana

in

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New Briefs With this year’s theme “Ugaliing magtanim, Sapat na nutrisyon aanihin,” the Nutrition Quiz Bee & Poster Making Contest held at Robinsons Place, Butuan City focuses on the message of family food gardening. Said activity is spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga, together with partner agencies.

Mr. Joselito Nobillos of Winrock International and party visited the office of DTI Dinagat Islands to talk about Lobster productivity in the province and the interventions of DTI in the lobster industry particularly in marketing.

The local government unit of Mainit in Surigao del Norte, together with DILG and PDEA Caraga, conducts a Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Reactivation Seminar cum Oath-Taking of BADAC Members and Awarding of DrugCleared Barangays held at the Kasili Convention Center in Mainit, SDN. (Dindo Abellanosa, PDEA-13)

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur thru the Provincial Tourism Office spearheaded an orientation on the Creation/Strengthening of Local Culture & Arts Councils & Cultural Development Planning Workshop under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 held today at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City.

The accomplishments and awards received by the 401st Brigade, Phil. Army is also a tribute to the fallen comrades-in-arms who sacrificed their own lives in the battlefield for the accomplishments of the unit mission, expressed MGen. Andres Centino, commander of 401st Brigade, Phil. Army during their 46th anniversary celebration held at Camp Datu Lipus Makapandong, New Leyte, Brgy. Awa, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

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Erma Suyo, Agusan del Norte PDRRMO chief said that Provincial Climate Change & Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Convention, different science-based studies and initiatives are presented that can be utilized for Climate Change Adaptation measures as basis for local planning.

Cover Story

Feature: Claudy step

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July 21 - 27, 2018

laudy Loraine Oreja given her time for vo community in Datu, She was able to manage he day job working as a gove volunteering – serving as Management Team Chairp volunteering was never an

“Sugod pa gane ga gane tana ako na kay d Pagkahibayo nako na mu proyekto, nasayangan a nako so, ako tag-ingganyo man lagi mu attend nan m nako sila na mu-attend kinahanglan 100 percent g bisan ang isa ka bayay tag Sunod kon jaoy mga semin gajud na dapat muintra a isa man jaon na dapat nila ang mud crab na project want to engage with the was busy. But when I learn project was mud crab fat mind and did not want to that is why I began enco participate, because Ka 100% participation – at le household. I also encoura seminars because it was re 4

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ps up for Brgy. Datu

ajud bagan mudili na daghan ako trabaho. ud crab fattening ang ako ba na balibaran o ang mga tao kay dli meeting, tag-ingganyo kay ang Kalahi-CIDSS gajud ang attendance g-isa ka representante. nar support ra ako pirmi ang mga volunteers kay a himuon para makuha t (At the start, I did not implementation since I ned that the proposed ttening, I changed my waste the opportunity, ouraging the people to alahi-CIDSS demands east one member per aged them to attend equired),” she said.

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Claudy was a bit shy during the interview – a typical characteristic for newbie volunteers of the program. But through their exposure with KalahiCIDSS, they have learned how to cope with their environment and use their voice to encourage and empower others.

“Ang empowerment bagan jaon na strengthen kaw kay ako sab medyo may pagkamasipogon man sab ako jaon dili ako karajaw tig-storya. Pero mu try gajud ako bisan dli ako mahibayo mu try gihapon para dili sab sila muhaod magsipog-sipog (Before, I was shy and passive but because of Kalahi-CIDSS I was empowered and strengthened. Even though sometimes I doubt myself, I always try my best to participate so that other volunteers might also be encouraged to be active,” she said.

Community Driven-Development is one of the most effective community empowerment schemes recognized by World Bank. It enables the people to address local problems with the help of the government’s financial and technical support.

This process is being utilized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KalahiCIDSS) to address the existing problems in the communities. (Russ Cleppin M. Paster/DSWDCaraga/PIA-Caraga) 5

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as, a mother of five, has olunteerism in their little Pilar, Surigao del Norte. er time despite having a ernment employee, and Barangay Sub-Project person. She shared that easy job for her.

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Social Security System

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SSS News

SSS to open loan facility for pensioners By Lilian Mellejor DAVAO CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) will roll out a loan window for pensioners who are victims of loan sharks, whose scheme involves the taking of ATM cards as pawns or payment guarantee.

This was announced by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Dooc in an interview on the sidelines of the SSS Sulit Forum at Grand Men Seng on Tuesday.

Dooc said that initially, only Dooc said SSS will set aside PHP10 pensioners who have not reached billion under the loan program for the age of 80 may qualify for the loan pensioners starting September, from program. which, pensioners can borrow up to PHP32,000, depending on the amount According to Dooc, borrowing of their pension and with only 10 percent money with high-interest rates were annual interest. among the issues raised by employers during Tuesday’s Sulit forum, which aims He said the interest rate is lower to raise awareness on social security compared to the rates offered by and the benefits of the SSS coverage. loansharks, commonly at 3 percent per month or 36 to 42 percent annually.

Dooc said qualified pensioners will be enrolled in insurance to guarantee “Makakatulong ito sa ating mga their payment in case of death. (Lilian pensiondao lalo na taas ng mga bilihin C. Mellejor/PNA) ngayon.

Pagulong-gulungin natin Volume 2, No. 68

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ang pera (This will help our pensioners especially with the current high prices of goods. We will revolve the money),” Dooc told reporters.

Regional News

DA Caraga boosts white corn By: Aurelius P. Arais, production

“We are fast tracking the process to materialize the project this upcoming corn planting season between July to October this year,” Guimary said.

For 2019, another three areas are targeted for corn model farms to be established but locations are yet to be determined.

July 21 - 27, 2018

BUTUAN CITY -- In a bid to further As per guidelines, DA will provide promote white corn consumption, the the required seeds, fertilizer, pest Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga and disease control inputs as well as is set to establish a white corn model marketing support. farm in the town of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. White corn will be mixed with rice or as the so-called Rice Corn Blend An orientation was recently (RCB) on a consumer preferred ratio. conducted on the said undertaking at The RCB initiative has been led by the the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) PhilMaize Federation in collaboration in Esperanza. with the National Food Authority (NFA).

Personnel of the MAO headed by municipal agriculturist Jose Zaldy Manug, municipal corn coordinator Jovie Ego-ugan with members and officers of Guadalupe Farmers Entrepreneurs Association (GuaFEA), and selected farmer cooperators of the said corn model farm attended the orientation.

It aims to encourage the Filipinos to eat white corn to help the country attain food sufficiency and enjoy the health benefits corn has to offer.

Corn is known for its low glycemic index and it is considered good for people with diabetes and for those body conscious individuals. One will feel full much longer than consuming DA Caraga corn program pure rice. coordinator Melody Guimary disclosed that around 50 hectares of farm will In the Philippines, Cebu is be showcased as model farm of white considered as leading in terms of corn corn as per target of the current year. consumption. (Aurelius P. Arais, DACaraga/PIA-Caraga) 8

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Regional News

PNP Caraga chief to focus on lowering traffic accident of 4,612 crimes were reported in 2018, which is higher than 3,932 crime volume listed in 2017.

However, 3,968 or 80 percent of crimes were solved in 2018 among the 4,612 crimes compared with only 1,938 or 47 percent cases in 2017, Romana refers to the record from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD).

Crimes related to murder, homicide, rape, robbery and theft posted a significant slide to 5.98 percent with only 942 totaled crimes in 2018 compared with 971 crimes in 2017.

BUTUAN CITY -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga regional director PCSupt. Noli A. Romana vowed to bring down incidents of physical injuries attributed to traffic incidents and help in finding a solution to the traffic problems in Caraga region.

Romana said the crime rate in Caraga region rose to 17 percent from January 1 to June 2018 compared with the crime rate during the same period in 2017 due to Non-Index Crime that increased from 581 in 2017 to 750 in 2018.

“We will give our best to be able to help in the traffic problem and I am also appealing on the people in Caraga to continue working with our cops and partner agencies to sustain these substantial gains in bringing down crime incidents in the region,” Romana added. (PNP Caraga/PIACaraga)

“Traffic incident in our region is not only the concern of the police but it concerns other agencies. So, we will be coordinating with them,” Caraga’s top cop said.

Data also showed that a total Volume 2, No. 68

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Romana noted that the downtrend of index crimes was the result of combined efforts of the PNP, other law enforcement agencies, local government units and the community.

Regional News

DA envisions rise of corn industry in Caraga Region By: Aurelius P. Arais,

Photo Courtesy of Herminaise Landero

July 21 - 27, 2018

BUTUAN CITY -- To keep up the momentum of the thriving corn industry in Caraga Region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking for possible areas for the expansion of corn production.

From January to March 2017, the volume of corn production in Caraga Region was 1,079 metric tons (MT) while in the current year for the same period, data showed 2,144 MT. Also, the area harvested in the 1st quarter of 2017 covered 424 hectares, while for this In the recent 2nd Regional Corn year on the same period, it reached Congress (RCC) held in Butuan City, 650 hectares.

Melchor Bautista, chief statistical specialist of the Philippine Statistics Meanwhile, a total average yield Authority (PSA) Caraga reported an of 2.54 MT per hectare was recorded increase in the volume of production, for the 1st quarter of 2017 while 3.30 MT area harvested as well as its average per hectare was recorded for the same yield per hectare based on the period.

2017 data and the 2018 1st quarter preliminary estimate.

Melody Guimary, DA Caraga’s regional corn program coordinator said 10

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Regional News

the challenge that lies ahead is how to 34,034 hectares. keep up the momentum until the end “What we are aiming now is to of 2018 and even beyond. surpass our previous records through our “Though our yield and volume massive interventions for the farmer, not of production posted an increase we just production support but technical are not yet confident since the area and marketing support,” Guimary said. planted has slightly declined over the DA Caraga Regional Executive past years due to some other reasons such as change of crop planted,” she Director Abel James Monteagudo posed a challenge to all the participants said. of the 2nd RCC, comprised of corn One of the strategies of the coordinators from various LGUs in the agriculture department in the region is region as well as farmers, to work as a to look for other areas potential for corn team to achieve the goal in an easier way. production.

“Currently, we are coordinating with our partners in the local government units (LGUs) to help us look for potential areas for corn production, so we can coordinate with the owners to venture into corn farming,” Guimary stressed.

“In sports just like basketball, you cannot win if you don’t know how to work as a team, same is true with an organizational goal such as in the agricultural sector, every member has to work in a team,” he explained.

Caraga Region’s corn industry In 2017, based on PSA data, Caraga Region posted a volume of has been the bread and butter of more corn production reaching 119,980 than 32,000 farmers. (Aurelius P. Arais, metric tons from an area spanning DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Photo Courtesy of Herminaise Landero

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DOE News

Doe woos investors for energy projects in Cagayan Valley

“Energy security is a major driver local government units, local distribution of our economy. We need everyone to utilities/electric cooperatives and the be on board for our energy security,” private sector attended the briefing.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

Adhering to the principles of The Secretary is hopeful that the the DOE’s E-Power Mo movement, forum would enable Cagayan Valley the Department’s Investment to bring in more energy investments in Promotion Office (IPO), headed by Chief Investment Specialist Lisa S. Go, the years ahead. organized the event to underscore Among the topics discussed the significance of energy investments were the current energy activities and in making the Philippines globally projects in the region; the benefits for competitive. communities hosting energy projects “All of our regions should be from the electricity sales of generation plants; as well as the regulatory updated with the latest energy requirements and registration processes developments for them to actively take of energy projects. part in the planning and implementation of our programs and projects,” Sec. About 80 participants from various Cusi concluded.

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SANTIAGO CITY, ISABELA – The Department of Energy (DOE) Thursday presents investment opportunities in the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II) during the Luzon-leg of the Energy Investment Briefing at the Wendall Hall in Oryza Hotel.

Photo Gallery

DICT-Pipol Konek La

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Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 26, July 2018

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aunching

Provincial News

Agusan del Norte

Guv prioritizes education for

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde Agusanons

July 21 - 27, 2018

BUTUAN CITY -- Education remains as one of the top priorities of Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba as the provincial government allotted close to PhP479.9 million for the improvement of public schools’ facilities in Agusan del Norte.

Gov. Matba said since the implementation of the K to 12 program, a total of 157 teaching items for the 1st and 2nd batches and 109 for the 3rd batch were allocated in the province, having a total of 2,858 teachers in 166 elementary schools and 45 secondary In her recent State of the Province schools.

Address (SOPA), Gov. Matba said 338 classrooms for the secondary schools Some 6,000 sets of backpacks with a budget of PhP468 million were containing various school supplies, constructed in 34 school sites and 37 according to Gov. Matba, were also classrooms were also repaired and distributed to children, while 10,932 rehabilitated at a cost of PhP11.9 million day care children were provided with for Senior High School. services such as nutrition and medicines.

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Agusan del Norte

Provincial News The governor said the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education or GASTPE grantees have increased from 4,598 in SY 2016-2017 to 5,338 in SY 2017-2018. Similarly, Matba said the Alternative Learning System, which provides opportunities for drop-outs in the elementary and secondary levels, out-of-school youths, and adults who are unable to complete the requirements of basic education, has continued to grow in number as well.

Gov. Matba also said the province was able to employ 657 students under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) and provided scholarships to 250 students under the Provincial Special Education Program (PSESP) and 19 Indigenous People (IP) students under the Indigenous Peoples Scholarship Program.

“We also worked harder to preserve the culture of our IPs and Muslim brothers and sisters,” Gov. Matba said. For this, we continue the “In 2017, over 80 percent of the programs of the IP Education (IPEd), total 2,650 enrollees completed the and Madrasah Education, she added.

(NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte) course,” she said.

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Mindanao Institute bags championship in drum, lyre competition By Jessica O. Mellejor

Provincial News

Agusan del Norte BUTUAN CITY -- The Mindanao Institute (MI) located at Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte bagged the championship title in the Drum and Lyre Competition held at the Provincial Capitol Ground here during the recent founding anniversary celebration of the province of Agusan del Norte.

R.T.R. National High School and SPED Buenavista.

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MI bested other contenders in the Best in Musicality & Majorette awards.

Candelaria Institute got the ďŹ rst runner up and Best in Choreography while the 2nd runner up and Best Uniform went to SPED Buenavista and Best Band Master Eight contenders coming from was awareded to Guinabsan National both public and private schools in High School. the province participated in the competition to include the Jabonga The champion received P50,000; National High School, M.I. Cabadbaran 1st runner-up - P30,000; 2nd runner up City, Nasipit National Vocational School, - P20,000; and P15,000.00 was given Magallanes National High School, each to the non-winners as consolation Candelaria Institute of Cabadbaran prizes. (NCLM, LGU-Agusan del Norte/ City, Guinabsan National High School, PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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Agusan del Sur

Provincial News

AgSur consumer groups to practice organic farming

to remove possible Ailyn Aleman of MAO-San vegetables Francisco shared to the group the pesticide residue, which is not good for benefits in organic farming. Aleman said human health. in planting vegetables, temperature In cleaning, Aleman clarified that and location shall be considered. it shall be dipped into the water-vinegar “In a cool and shady area, the solution or rinsed it with the baking soda best plants are those leafy vegetables solution. She further mentioned that locally known as “petsay (pechay), plants that were not much exposed to letsugas (lettuce), alugbati (Malabar chemicals as they grow were “pako spinach), sibuyas (onion), and luy-a (young fern), dabong (bamboo (ginger),” while plants which can sustain shoot), saluyot (jute), kulitis (nettle) and from direct sunlight are “malunggay moringa.” (moringa) and amargoso (bitter The group then agreed to adopt gourd),” said Aleman. and practice this type of farming.

Aleman also advised the group, In the coming months, they will start before cooking vegetables especially growing plants, which seedlings shall be if sources were not determined and provided by the MAO while monitoring how it was grown, it shall be washed will be conducted and rewards will be thoroughly specially sayote (chayote), provided to the best grower. (JPG/DTIcarrots, eggplant and other leafy Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Volume 2, No. 68

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SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur (AdS), in partnership with the local government unit here thru the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), recently convened the members of the consumer organization - Pagpakabana sa Katungod sa Konsumador sa Agusan del Sur (PAKKADS) and convinced them to practice organically grownfarming in their respective areas.

Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

53 SLP beneficiaries join entrep seminar in AgSur

July 21 - 27, 2018

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Some 53 beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently participated in the entrepreneurship seminar held at the barangay halls of San Vicente and Magsaysay, this municipality.

The participants were introduced to entrepreneurship thru workshop using Business Expense Savings Training (BEST) Game Module.

The BEST game is a comprehensive training instrument designed to stimulate positive intervention in developing small businesses.

It is a reality-based business The seminar was organized to equip the future entrepreneurs and game in which the participants had help them understand how to manage the opportunity to experience how to a business. They will soon start their operate business in real life. trading business funded thru SLP. Anthony Mark S. Cataloña of “I am thankful for this seminar as DSWD-SLP and Rezel May C. Goloran I learned a lot about business,” said of the Negosyo Center Provincial Hub Liela Dagaang, SLP beneficiary of San facilitated the seminar. (DTI-Agusan del Vicente.

Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur 20

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Surigao del Norte

Provincial News

DOLE releases livelihood grant to Surigao Norte coop

GIGAQUIT, Surigao del Norte - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Norte Provincial Office released recently a livelihood grant worth Php775,200 to the local government unit (LGU) of Gigaquit for the enhancement of chicken egg production of Cawayan Agra Farmers Cooperative (CAFACO).

CAFACO chairperson Teresita A. Natad expressed her gratitude for the additional funds provided by DOLE for their project.

“This enhancement assistance is a big help for the farmers to increase production of their products,” Natad said.

CAFACO is already operating for about 22 years with 71 members.

The first release for the project was in December 2012 amounting to Php490,149.82 which was spent for raising 600 chicken and for the Volume 2, No. 68

construction of brooder house, poultry house and the stock room for the eggs.

The said project brought them the award as the Best Livelihood Project in the province of Surigao del Norte in which they became representative to the regional level this 2018.

After the search for the Best Livelihood Project last February, the officers and members of CAFACO submitted a proposal to DOLE for the enhancement of their project aiming to continually help the members and to provide indirect employment to the people of Gigaquit, and to supply the increasing demand of egg in the market.

Kabuhayan Enhancement is the second component of the DILEEP which provides additional capital to the existing livelihood undertakings such as the chicken egg production of CAFACO to enable them to grow into viable and sustainable business.

(Romelyn B. Bactol/DOLE Caraga/PIASurigao del Norte)

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Ronabeth Bermudez Cabañas, focal person of the DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), handed over the livelihood check for the project enhancement to the representative of Mayor Elvira A. Egay, Senior Private Secretary Carlos M. Egay, together with the officers and members of CAFACO and PESO Manager David Nueda.

Provincial News

Surigao del Sur

Voters’ registration kick off day turns out well By Greg Tataro, Jr.

July 21 - 27, 2018

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – The resumption of the voters’ continuing registration in Surigao del Sur was said to be a success despite the absence of mass produced modified registration forms, according to the Commission on Election (COMELEC) here.

July 2, 2018 to September 29, 2018.”

“The info dissemination had worked well in our favor with the help of media,” the provincial poll chief gladly said in an interview.

Palanan bared that at least clients came to the nearest COMELEC offices Atty. Ernie Palanan, provincial to seize the chance to register. election supervisor (PES), admitted that such a situation was no longer new to In a separate interview, Florephi state workers like them, saying that they Botona, Tandag City acting election have to make do of what they have in officer, backed up the account of Atty.

Palanan. order to keep the ball rolling.

“Some 90 registrants came to our Based on Resolution No. 10392 promulgated by COMELEC on June 19, office,” she stressed. (Radyo Pilipinas2018, “The period for filing of application Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) for registration as voters shall be from 22

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Surigao del Norte

Provincial News

3 NPA members surrender in

By Nida Grace P. Barcena Tandag City

Photo Courtesy of Tagmalinao Pnp Sdspmfc

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, (PIA) -- Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) yielded to government forces over the past weeks here, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently disclosed.

The former rebels revealed that the mass base supporters of the CommunistNPA Terrorists (CNTs) are already dwindling due to the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte tagging the NPA a terrorist organization, to include the relentless campaign of the armed forces in the area.

“Numerous members of GF30, NEMRC intend to surrender because of the hardship and low state of morale in our ranks,” Ka Rado said. “Martial Law Report said the three former is indeed effective,” he added.

NPA members left the armed struggle and surrendered to the army due Meanwhile, Tandag City Mayor to the hardships experienced in the Alexander Pimentel gave cash incentive organization, false hope in the armed to the three surrenderees during the revolution, and unequal treatment of press conference. Ka Rado received senior and superior cadres.

P20,000 while the other two received P10,000 each. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) Volume 2, No. 68

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In the recent press briefing at the Tandag City Police Station, the AFP identified the surrenderees as Hermano Quezada alias “Rado”, a company leader of SDG Platoon, Guerilla Front 30 (GF30); Donita Martinez, alias “Clara”, Medical Team Leader of SDG Platoon, GF30; and Romanito Molino alias “Tata”, team leader of Team Baking Squad Uno, SGD Platoon, GF30, all of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

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ASEAN, China hopeful for ‘substantially completed’ By: Joyce Ann L. Rocamora COC in 2018

ASEAN

MANILA-- The Philippines, alongside China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), expressed optimism that the negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) will be “substantially completed” within 2018.

“In terms of attitude as soon as possible, in terms of actual as we aspire for a deadline as soon as possible for this year, but if we have to make an educated guess, it could be anytime towards the end of the year or next year until we actually have a COC that “The hope is that by November, I think will satisfy everyone,” the official when our leaders meet, we will have added. it,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters before leaving He said, however, that Singapore, for the 51st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in the 2018 ASEAN chairman, already Singapore. asked Beijing and the regional bloc to Volume 2, No. 68

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Photo Courtesy of Jewishpolicycenter.org

ASEAN

July 21 - 27, 2018

mitigate their expectations because ants, etc. who were not bullish about a COC approved by all parties “is not the COC, now everyone is,” he said, that easy to come out.” but did not go into details about the ongoing negotiations.

While he called the ongoing discussions as a “sign of progress”, CayFor more than a decade, China etano admitted that the negotiation and ASEAN have reaffirmed their comprocess is slow since talks are held mul- mitment to work towards the early tilaterally. adoption of the COC. But it was only during the 20th ASEAN-China Summit “Even the framework itself just the in the Philippines in November last year framework, the negotiation was ex- that development on the document haustive but then if you look at what began to move forward. the framework is to many people, they may say, “that’s all?,” he said.

China, Taiwan and some ASEAN member states including the PhilipHe called on the public to under- pines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam stand that the negotiation takes time. have overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. In the past meetings, he said the parties agreed to start drafting a docuDuring the ASEAN Foreign Minisment which contains points that the ter’s Retreat in February 2018, SingaASEAN and China could agree on. pore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan admitted that the COC negotiation “The problem with the negotia- will be “very complicated” and will retion of the COC (is) anyone can throw quire all parties to “ultimately exercise in a deal breaker then we don’t have political will” to resolve sensitive issues, an agreement. We have to take ad- adding that territorial claims will not be vantage of the fact that in the past, resolved with the COC alone. (PNA) there were regional players and claim-

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Mindanao News

ARMM provides relief aid to Jolo fire By: Teofilo Garcia, Jr victims

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze was put out before midnight, adding that the total damage ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The regional has yet to be determined. government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said it “We are currently monitoring the has mobilized its resources to provide situation on the ground as we continue assistance to the thousands of residents to assess immediate needs and mobilize displaced by the almost 10-hour fire resources for our brothers and sisters in that hit a densely-populated area in Sulu,” Mawallil said.

Jolo, Sulu, on Tuesday.

“Let us keep the people of Sulu Led by Regional Gov. Mujiv in our prayers, as we work together to Hataman, the ARMM Humanitarian help them through this difficult time,” Emergency Action and Response he added.

Team (ARMM-HEART) flew to Jolo on Wednesday and distributed relief He said that additional relief goods to the displaced residents. goods for the fire victims was airlifted by a C-130 cargo plane on Wednesday Amir Mawallil, ARMM’s Bureau of afternoon from Cotabato City.

Public Information (ARMM-BPI) director, said the regional government has He said the distribution of the provided initial financial assistance of relief assistance was undertaken in PHP1,000, 25 kilos of rice and other food coordination with ARMM’s Department supplies, to every family. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-ARMM), Department of Interior Mawallil said that about 5,000 and Local Government (DILG-ARMM), families with more than 30,000 as well as the Armed Forces of the dependents were displaced by the fire. Philippines (AFP). (PNA) Volume 2, No. 68

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Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan earlier disclosed the fire broke out shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday in one of the houses in Barangay Bus-bus. The fire spread towards Barangays Walled City and Lambayong and razed about 2,600 houses.

Mindanao News

Over 1K cops tested negative for drug use in N. Mindanao By: Jigger Jerusalem Photo Courtesy of RMN.ph

Agency in the region.

He said all policemen subjected to the drug test had tested negative for drug use.

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“We are doubly proud and confident that our campaign against illegal drugs is gaining headway,” he said, adding the result “manifested that our internal cleansing program is effective in keeping our ranks, particularly our [DEUs], drug-free.”

“Our drug enforcement units can now walk with pride that on one among them were found positive. This CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – has given them moral ascendancy to More than a thousand law enforcers enforce the law to the fullest extent,” belonging to various anti-drug units he added. in the region have tested negative for illegal substance, the Regional Police Police Supt. Rodolfo Hernandez, Office in Region 10 (PRO-10) said PRO-10 intelligence chief, said the Monday. random drug test was part “of our continuous campaign to cleanse Police Supt. Surki Sereñas, PRO-10 our rank of misfits and undesirables, spokesperson, said all the police officers particularly our anti-illegal drugs from the drug enforcement units (DEUs) operative.” in Northern Mindanao were subjected to the surprise drug testing during the For his part, PRO chief Timoteo First Anti-Illegal Drugs Summit held at the Pacleb said the drug testing will ensure PNP regional headquarters on Friday. “that only those personnel whose service reputation are unsullied, those Sereñas said PRO-10 saw it fit to whose record are unblemished and conduct the surprise drug test during those whose character are beyond the summit, which was conducted suspicion remain in our special unit such by the Philippine Drug Enforcement as the Drug Enforcement Unit”. (PNA) 28

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National News

PRRD to sign BOL right after House By: Jelly Musico ratification

session of the third regular session of the 17th Congress on Monday.

“Despite all that has been said [for] or against the Bangsamoro Organic Law by all sectoral groups, I make this solemn commitment that this administration will never deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the basic MANILA -- Malacañang on legal tools to chart their own destiny Tuesday said President Rodrigo Duterte within the Constitutional framework of will sign the Bangsamoro Organic Law our country,” Duterte said.

(BOL) as soon as it is ratified by the House of Representatives.

“When the approved version is transmitted [to] and received by my “The President to sign it into law is office… The law has been passed for the House to ratify the bicam version actually and I intend to… Give me 48 of the bill. So if it will be ratified later, hours to sign it and ratify the law,” he then the President can sign it tonight,” added.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a regular Palace press briefing.

Since the proposed law was not signed during SONA, Roque said “a Duterte was not able to sign ceremony of sort” should highlight the the BOL as scheduled before his third signing of the BOL seen to end decadesState of the Nation Address (SONA) long conflict in Mindanao. on Monday due to the House’s failure to ratify the bicameral conference “Because the BOL did not take committee report on the proposed center stage in the SONA, there’s measure. some kind of ceremony here in the Palace to highlight the singing,” Roque It was only the Senate that said. (PNA) unanimously approved the bicam report hours before the joint opening Volume 2, No. 68

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In his SONA, Duterte has expressed commitment to sign the BOL after reading the bicameral conference version.

National News

MILF, MNLF qualified members can join military vs. BIFF: Lorenzana

By: Priam Nepomuceno government, through the AFP, is willing to intensify its operations against the BIFF should it carry out its threats to launch more attacks.

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He added that they will seek the help of the MILF and MNLF to eliminate the threat.

Earlier, Lorenzana said he strongly welcomes the MILF’s announcement that it is willing to disarm and decommission MANILA -- Qualified members 30,000 to 40,000 of its fighters once the of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front BOL is passed into law.

(MILF) and Moro National Liberation “(This announcement is) very much Front (MNLF) could be absorbed in the military should the Bangsamoro Islamic welcomed. If this happens, peace will at Freedom Fighters (BIFF) carry out its last reign in the Muslim Mindanao area. threat of intensifying its attacks following The effect will be far-reaching: the land the House of Representatives ratification and people will be more productive, of the bicameral conference committee investments will pour, infra development report on the Bangsamoro Organic Law can proceed unimpeded,” he added.

The BOL seeks to create a new Bangsamoro (BOL) on Tuesday. political entity that would replace the This was emphasized by Department Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao of National Defense (DND) Secretary (ARMM). The bicameral panel approved Delfin Lorenzana when asked on how the reconciled version of the BOL last July the MILF and MNLF can help the Armed 18 after six days of marathon hearings.

Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fight the The bill provides for the 75-25 BIFF threat once they are disarmed and wealth-sharing term in favor of the decommissioned.

Bangsamoro. This increases the share “Several ways: we could absorb of the Bangsamoro in government tax those qualified to join the AFP, or we revenues by 5 percent compared with could organize them into CAFGUs or the current 70 percent being received by SCAAs (Special CAFGUs),” he added. the ARMM from national internal revenue taxes, fees, and charges, as well as taxes The DND chief also said the imposed on natural resources. (PNA)

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MOBILE APP

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

Regional Office

Associate Editor

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