Caraga infocus June 23 - 29, 2018

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JUNE 23 - 29, 2018

Contents An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 64

June 23 - 29, 2018

Army, ACE launch mobile computer literacy program in Surigao Norte town P. 4

7 ASEAN News: PCW, PCOO tie up for ASEAN gender mainstreaming confab

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DOE News: CUSI BRINGS ELECTRICITY TRADING CLOSER TO AUTONOMY

SSS News: SSS Charter Amendment bill advances in Senate floorT

Regional News DOH intensifies campaign for 8 safe motherhood, healthy baby 9

Nominations for Bayaning Pilipino Awards to be accepted until July 15

celebrates 30th CARP year, 10 DAR hands P59M production loan Provincial News DAR Agusan Norte trains coop 13 officers on basic computer

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literacy

Mindanao News OPAPP holds ‘Bangsamoro 26 Peace Process’ forum in Zam-

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AgNor SP urges health facilities for free lab exam, blood smear test for malaria

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Negosyo Center Bayugan trains BuB cooperators on BEST Game

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PCOO chief joins Naliyagan Festival 2018 in AgSur

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LGU-Surigao Norte, SMPC ink MOA on universal health care

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SAP Bong Go vows to push for Tandag Airport’s runway extension

boanga City

National News

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AFP: No cover-up in Samar ‘misencounter’

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PNP to sustain crackdown on street crimes, says chief

ID still valid despite 30 Voter’s printing stoppage

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Crime volume in Maguindanao down in 1st half of 2018

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News Briefs Citing the need to get a travel clearance for minors going abroad, Jessie Catherine Aranas, chief of Protective Programs & Services under DSWD Caraga explained that because of incidences of child abductions, a Filipino minor child, regardless of civil status, is required to secure a travel clearance issued by the DSWD if the child will travel out of the Philippines, either alone or with an adult other than a parent. She further stressed that a DSWD travel clearance is valid for a period of 1 year from the date of issuance and shall be valid for multiple travels within the validity period, provided the conditions under which the travel clearance was issued have not changed. If a change in condition occurs like a change in travelling companion, a new travel clearance must be obtained.

Butuan City newly-elected barangay officials formally took their oath at FSUU gym. Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the barangay is the basic political unit. The barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.

Following the surrender of a former Squad Leader of Squad 1, Platoon 1, Guerrilla Front Committee 14 (GFC14) identified as Joseph Piodos Panocillo alias ‘Ivan’, 23 years old and resident of Sitio Triump, Brgy. Sta Cruz,Rosario, Agusan del Sur, LTC Jaime Datuin, commanding officer of the 75th Infantry (MARAUDER) Battalion, 4ID, PA, encouraged all the Communist Terrorists to lay down their arms and live a peaceful life.

He assured the public that the surrenderee will receive financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

With the joint effor�s of the LGU Tandag headed by Mayor Alexander Pimentel, 36IB Phil Ar�y, & PNP, 3 Communist NPA Ter�orist (CNT) leaders of GF30 voluntarily sur�endered at Purok Mercur�, Telaje, Tandag Cit�. The CNT leaders were identified as: Her�ano Quezada a.k.a. “Rado” CO of SDG Platoon GF30; Donita Mar�inez a.k.a. “Clara” a Medical Team Leader; & Romanito Molino a.k.a. “Tata” Team Leader of Team Baking, Squad Uno, SDG platoon, GF30, all of NEMRC. The local government unit of Bisilisa, Dinagat Islands emerged as the first place under the Class B municipality (4th to 6th class municipality) category of the Search for Outstanding Literacy Program conducted in Caraga region. All regional winners will be endorsed to LCC Secretariat for another validation as official entries to the 2018 National Literacy Award.

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Cover Story

Army, ACE launch mobile program in Surigao Nort BUTUAN CITY - The 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, together with the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) and local government of Gigaquit thru Mayor Elvira Egay launched on Tuesday, June 26, the Mobile Computer Literacy Program (MCLP) for the 42 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

The Mamanwa tribe in the said municipality offered a ritual as the launching starts at the covered court of Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. Local residents in the area, employees of the local government unit and other guests witnessed the event.

Mayor Egay, in her message, thanked the 402nd Brigade, Phil. Army, together with ACE for choosing Gigaquit town as the beneficiary of the Mobile Computer Literacy Program. She explained that the IP beneficiaries will be trained on the use of computer with the assistance of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) trainers.

“We do not only teach them how to read and write, we also want them to learn how to use the computer, and give them the opportunity to excel using the modern technology,” said Mayor Egay.

The lady mayor also said the local government unit has allocated a Php 100,000.00 fund intended for the IPs training. She strongly supports the initiative of the 402nd Brigade and partners, in its effort to build sustainable peace and development in its area of responsibility.

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e computer literacy te town By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

Lieutenant Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, commander of 36th Infantry Battalion, said the Mobile Computer Literacy Program will empower the participants and will mold them as peace and development advocates. He added that the beneficiaries composed of IPs and out of school youths will enjoy the one-month training inside the 40-footer van equipped with 21 high-tech computers and other necessary gadgets.

“The Philippie Army in Caraga region will continue to provide basic computer literacy program to the IPs and other marginalized sectors in the area, as we see them as partners in nationbuilding, and we see to it that their potentials are recognized to full extent,” said LTC Trinidad.

Also, Atty. Francisco Pobe, regional election director of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Caraga and ACE president, said their organization has provided backpacks, slippers, notebooks, pens and towels to the 42 beneficiaries of the MCLP. “ACE also gave Php25,000.00 cash assistance for the meals expenses of the beneficiaries for their one-month training,” he added.

Meanwhile, 402nd Brigade commander Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, emphasized that more IPs and out of school youths in the region will be benefitting from the said program.

He also encouraged other partner stakeholders to take part and help promote the welfare of the IPs. (PIA-Caraga)

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ASEAN

PCW, PCOO tie up for ASEAN gender mainstreaming confab By: Jelly Musico

forms part of the country’s commitment” to the implementation of the ACW Work Plan 2016-2020.

“It seeks to increase the understanding of ASEAN sectoral bodies on gender mainstreaming,” Verzosa stated in her letter dated June 14.

MANILA -The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has teamed up with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) as the country hosts the Senior Officials Conference on Gender Mainstreaming in the ASEAN SocioCultural Community (ASCC) Sectoral Bodies this week.

She said the conference also aims to come up with a set of recommendations to mainstream gender perspectives in the plans and activities of the various sectoral bodies of the three ASEAN pillars.

The three ASEAN pillars include political and security community (APSC), economic community (AEC), and ASCC.

In her letter addressed to PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, PCW Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa has requested for media coverage of the three-day conference slated on June 27-29 at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

Versoza has specifically requested the Philippine News Agency, Philippine Information Agency, People’s Television Network, Inc. and Radio Television Malacanang to cover the event.

The Philippines chaired the ASEAN She said the PCW is the Philippine in 2017, the same year the regional focal point to the ASEAN (Association bloc of 10 nations celebrated its 50th of Southeast Asian Nation) Committee year anniversary. on Women (ACW).

The ASEAN member countries Verzosa said the conference is include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, one of the three conferences aimed Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the at mainstreaming gender perspective Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and across the three ASEAN pillars “which Vietnam. (PNA) 7

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Regional News

DOH intensifies campaign for safe motherhood, healthy baby By: Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY – With the aim to based delivery, postnatal check-up promote health care for mothers and and healthy timing; and birth spacing children, the Department of Health through family planning in the region.

(DOH) Caraga has intensified its campaign for a safe motherhood.

“We want to ensure that pregnant women will deliver and recuperate Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr, DOH safely. The agency has identified four Caraga regional director, said they crucial indicators for safe motherhood, wanted to overcome the unmet needs these include pre-natal visits; post natal of reproductive health services and visit; deliveries by skilled birth attendants; improve the maternal care delivery and facility-based deliveries,” Dr. system of the region by sharing Llacuna said. awareness of vital information on maternal and child health care to In 2017, Llacuna said, the DOH mothers and health care providers; has targeted 90 percent for all the and give emphasis and importance four indicators, of which, 84 percent of of complete antenatal care, facility- pregnant women were able to have JUNE 23 - 29, 2018

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Regional News four pre-natal visits; one on the first he said. three months of pregnancy, one on With the stigma that comes the second three months of pregnancy and two on the third three months or with teen-age pregnancy and the fear of the consequences of the said trimester of pregnancy. pregnancy, DOH strongly advocates There have been 97 percent that health should be the priority above turnout of Post-Partum Visits, 92 percent all, especially for pregnant women. of the deliveries were done by skilled birth attendants and 92 percent facility“Also, we would underscore the based deliveries, he added. importance of planning the family.

Proper spacing and the use of the most Dr. Llacuna also admitted that convenient, safe and effective family they fell short of their targets. “We fell planning method is highly advocated short of our targets for the number of for. Together with our local government pre-natal visits; this is because of the units, we will continue to strive so that no fact that our would-be mothers fail to mother would die giving life,” Llacuna identify pregnancy at the first trimester said. (NCLM/DOH/PIA-Caraga) or the first three months of pregnancy,”

Nominations for Bayaning Pilipino Awards to be accepted until July 15

By: Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY -- The annual search for the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino is ongoing and nomination will be accepted until July 15, 2018 to continue to herald true heroes of today and pay tribute for their accomplishments in the field of public service.

“It’s has been more than a decade of conferring due recognition to our modern day unsung heroes. It’s primary ideal to enhance our Filipino values system and to recognize those who are helping the grassroots,” said Fr. Nilo Tanalega, project director.

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Regional News are also accepted for nomination.

For this year, three categories will be launched, namely, Individual The project is a joint effort of the (Bayaning Pilipino), Youth (Bayaning ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. and the Kabataan) and Teacher (Bayaning UGAT Foundation. It seeks to promote the Filipino values of humanitarianism, Guro). industry, determination and dedication A Filipino citizen between the to public service. ages 15-32 years old at the time of For queries, email them the nomination period who is actively serving the community is qualified at bayaningpilipinoawards@yahoo. for the youth category. On the other com or call the persons incharge at (63hand, teachers who have at least 10 2) 426 6496 (direct) and 426-6001 local years experience of teaching in the 4873. Nominate your hero now. (VLG/ elementary or secondary level either in PIA-Caraga) public or private educational institutions

DAR celebrates 30th CARP year, hands P59M production loan By: Joie Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY -Twenty-three agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations received a production loan amounting to PhP59 million during the opening ceremony of the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) The production loan, released under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), will benefit more than 1,400 farmers in the five provinces of Caraga region.

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DAR 13 Regional Director Alejandro Otacan led the distribution ceremony, together with Assistant Director Engr.

Daylinda Narisma, Linbert Fajunio and 10

Regional News Arnel Caalim of the Land Bank of the Philippines Lending Center Agusan del Norte and Surigao Sur, respectively, and Joy Maso of the Department of Agriculture.

past 30 years is indeed a product of collaborative efforts of the DAR and its partner agencies,” he said.

In the same occasion, DAR and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation In his message, Otacan urged the (PCIC) also distributed over PhP6.6 farmer beneficiaries to honor CARP by million indemnity checks to 469 farmers respecting, protecting and making the to cover the damages to their crops. land productive.

Under the APCP, crops are covered “This will ensure food for your home, with insurance which premium is paid your family, your community and fellow by the government. The insurance will cover damages brought by pests and Filipinos,” he added. natural calamities.

Otacan also thanked all the partner agencies for their support in the APCP is implemented in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines implementation of CARP. and the Department of Agriculture.

“The achievement of CARP over the (DAR-13)

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Photo Gallery Barangay Information Officers Network Capacity Training 28 - 29 June, 2018 ALberto’s Bed and Dine, Butuan City

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Agusan del Norte Provincial News DAR Agusan Norte trains coop officers on basic computer literacy By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte conducted four batches of Basic Computer Literacy Training to 35 Cooperatives of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) within the Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in the province.

Provincial Agrarian Reform The four batches of training, which Program Officer II Andre B. Atega, CESO V, said that the training was aimed at were conducted on April 16-17, 19-20, addressing the competency gap in 25-26, and 27-28, were participated basic computer skills. in by 144 coop officers, secretaries, bookkeepers, treasurers, auditors and Likewise, the activity enabled selected staffs. coops to comply with on-time submission of Cooperative Annual Progress Report Roselyn Saldua, one of the (CAPR) and Cooperative Audited participants, said the training was Financial System (CAFS) thru web- very useful and timely considering the based info system established by the submission of reportorial requirements to Cooperative Development Authority CDA was slated April 30. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) (CDA).

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Agusan del Norte

Provincial News

AgNor SP urges health facilities for free lab exam, blood smear test for malaria By: Aimee B. Sienes Local lawmakers saw the need to eliminate malaria in the province for the safety of the constituents against such disease.

Photo Courtesy of Fishersci.com

It was known that malaria is the 8th leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines. It is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, which is characterized by periodic and sequential attack of chills, fever and sweating and has been one of the serious diseases that affect people in the developing countries.

tBUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte encouraged all public and private health facilities in the province to conduct blood smear for malaria parasites and provide free laboratory This disease, which is curable and exam to all febrile (feverish) patients/ preventable, is dangerous for pregnant clients especially those coming from women and for those belonging to the malaria endemic areas in the province. extreme ages, especially the young children (under five years old), who This move stemmed from the may rapidly become ill and may even latest survey in which 32 provinces die within few days if not attended in the country have been declared immediately, and even among migrant/ as ‘malaria-free’ and 41 provinces, mobile workers who are engaged including Agusan del Norte, were on in activities like mining, construction ‘elimination’ status; and nine provinces workers, laborers and forest workers. were declared malaria endemic.

Lawmakers expressed concern Through the efforts of Provincial and urged the need to accelerate Board Member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr., the transition from malaria control the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed or prevention to sustained malaria and approved Provincial Resolution No. elimination in the province. (LGU130-2018 containing such move during Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del its 82nd regular session recently.

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Provincial News Agusan del Sur Negosyo Center Bayugan trains BuB cooperators on BEST Game The training was aimed to equip the participants on the right attitude, system to use, proper planning and know the right people to tap and hire for business.

The said participants are managing BuB projects on Furniture Shop and Metal Craft.

BAYUGAN CITY – The Negosyo Center (NC) here has recently trained some 45 beneficiaries of Bottom-upBudgeting (BUB) on entrepreneurship using Business Expense Saving Training (BEST) Game.

“I am very thankful, through this seminar that we were able to know and compare the way we run our business,” shared Hernani S. Dublin, Jr., one of the participants of said training. (DTIAgusan del Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PCOO chief joins Naliyagan Festival 2018 in AgSur By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, (PIA) – Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) joined the Agusanons and Caraganons in this year’s Naliyagan Festival celebration in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

from the different municipalities and lone city in the province.

Andanar said he was happy that he got the chance to converse and interact with the indigenous peoples (IPs) from various tribes.

He also thanked Gov. Plaza for the On his arrival, PCOO Sec. Martin warm welcome and for helping the Andanar, together with Governor government in its campaign against Adolph Edward Plaza and other local fake news/disinformation. officials, visited the 14 competing entries for the Municipal Tribal Booth Contest The good secretary also attended and learned about the local products the Bai Naliyagan Talent Presentation 15

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Agusan del Sur

Provincial News held at Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center and expressed his optimism that the next beauty queens who will represent the country will come from Agusan del Sur.

Sur’s province-wide festivity, which coincidentally starts on June 12 which is the Philippine Independence Day and culminates on the Foundation Anniversary on June 17.

Andanar further recognized the great efforts of the local government of Agusan del Sur of bringing out the best of all Agusanons by showcasing not just the vibrant beauty of pageant contestants and pleasing character of its people but also the rich culture and unique products/resources of the province.

Incepted in 1993 during the incumbency of the late Gov. Democrito O. Plaza, the festival is the recognition of the Manobo people’s loyalty to their tribal leader Datu Lipus Makapandong.

Meanwhile, Gov. Plaza also thanked Sec. Andanar for taking time to visit the province to join the Agusanons during the back-to-back celebrations.

He also said the secretary is always welcome in Agusan del Sur. Naliyagan Festival is Agusan del

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Naliyagan is a Manobo word which means “the chosen one” or “the most loved one”. It is a weeklong celebration of socio-cultural and arts exposition of indigenous tribes in the entire Agusan valley and displaying their skills and culture through ritual activities, exhibit of native products, ethnic games and a host of sporting tournaments and special events. (VLG/ JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Surigao del Norte Provincial News LGU-Surigao Norte, SMPC ink MOA on universal health care By: Susil Ragas SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, (PIA) - - The provincial government of Surigao del Norte and the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the implementation of the program “Boosting Universal Health Care via Formula One Plus or F1 Plus.”

facilitate the effective and sustainable delivery of basic health care services.

The said MOA was formally signed by Governor Sol Matugas and SPMC representative Dr. Ma. Elinore Alba-Concha which was witnessed by provincial officials and employees as well as barangay doctors during the Monday Morning Sharing on June The partnership aims to address 25, 2018 at the Provincial Convention primarily the shortage of specialty Center, Surigao City. (PIA-Surigao del physicians at the Surigao del Norte Norte) Provincial Hospital (SDNPH), a wellfunctioning level one 50-bed capacity health facility situated in Sta Cruz, Placer town catering to the health needs of all Suriganons especially the indigent and poor.

As stipulated in the MOA, an P8million fund will be allocated for the implementation of the program to cover the charges of the SPMC. The fund also serves as a referral fund for the Medical Assistance Program (MAP), a financial assistance intended for the indigent and poor patients referred from SDNPH and other areas in the province to address issues on No Balance Billing policy.

The MOA is another local government unit-initiative on health services delivery network and to 17

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Surigao del Sur SAP Bong Go vows to push for Tandag Airport’s runway extension By: Greg Tataro, Jr. Provincial News

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go first made clear that he has no penchant for making promises. However, he vowed to help out in ‘coming to fruition’ the strong desire of the provincial government of Surigao del Sur to have a more comfortable length of runway for Tandag Airport.

to culminate on June 19, declared as special non-working holiday for the entire province under R.A. 7671 since January 10, 1997.

The long time “close buddy” of President Rodrigo Duterte had sought the understanding of the waiting crowd for arriving late owing to a hectic schedule but was serious about the bid of local officials headed by SAP Go was the guest of honor Gov. Vicente “BB” Pimentel, Jr. on the and speaker during the opening matter. SAP Go came here by plane program for the 58th Araw ng Surigao via the said airport. del Sur held at Tandag City Gymnasium on June 15, 2018.

Responding to the press, he was in agreement for such a need especially The five-day celebration is going that “Surigao del Sur had a great JUNE 23 - 29, 2018

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Surigao del Sur

Provincial News

potential for the tourism industry,” Go destinations),” he went on saying in noted.

Cebuano dialect.

Also, one of the desires of the “I have immediately called up Sec. (Arthur) Tugade in this regard,” local officials here is to have a daily referring to the expansion/extention of flight, hence Resolution No. 1073-18 dated June 5, 2018 was passed by the runway here. the Sangguniang Panlalawigan under In response, the Department of Vice-Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. Transportation (DOTr) chief was quoted “Requesting the Management of Cebu to have said that the proposal would Pacific for a Daily Flight from Cebu City to Tandag City and Vice Versa in the be under “study.”

Province of Surigao del Sur.” “Importante man gud ang airport At the moment, the said airline labina nga sarado ang Boracay ug ang Surigao del Sur ang nakita nga adunay only flies three times weekly on mga guwapo nga tourist destinations Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in (An airport is very important especially Tandag City. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/ that Boracay is shut down and Surigao PIA-Surigao del Sur) del Sur is seen with many best tourist

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DOE News

Cusi brings Electricity trading closer to autonomy

ORTIGAS CENTER – Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Monday welcomed the first election of members of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) board of directors, a step that moves the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) closer to attaining Independent Market Operator (IMO) status.

Fifteen board members, including 11 sectoral representatives, were elected during PEMC’s Annual General Membership Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

The

elected

board

members

were Emmanuel V. Rubio (SN Aboitiz Power), Victor Emmanuel B. Santos Jr. (First Gen), Elenita Go (SMC Global Power), Juan Eugenio L. Roxas (FDC Utilities, Inc.), Rolando M. Cagampan (Meralco), Allan L. Laniba (LEYECO III), Felino Herbert Palpallatoc Agdigos (Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative), Gilbert A. Pagobo (Mactan Electric Company, Inc.), Noel Villas Aboboto (Team Energy), Atty. Ronald Dylan P. Concepcion (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines), and Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan (Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines).

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DOE News While PEMC and the IMO will be Four new independent directors were also elected namely, Rauf A. Tan, independent from the government, Atty. Oscar E. Ala, Jesus Lim Arranza, the DOE will maintain oversight of the WESM operations. and Peter Leslie Wallace.

“The DOE’s involvement with the WESM needs to be close enough for the Department to understand key developments, while keeping enough distance from the market’s daily functions. The Energy Department will remain the ultimate guardian of WESM The election of a new PEM Board rules and manuals. Together with the brings the industry a step closer to the Energy Regulatory Commission, we will protect our consumers against industry long-delayed transition to the IMO. breaches and anti-competitive Cusi has remained firm in calling behavior,” Cusi said. for the IMO’s establishment, which Under the transition plan approved is already overdue for more than a decade from what the Electric Power earlier this year, the IMO will manage Industry Reform Act of 2001 originally operations of the WESM while PEMC will remain the spot market’s governing required. body.

“It has been a fruitful two years.

Now we look forward to a new era, as PEMC’s elected representatives take over the reins of governing the electricity market,” Cusi said in a speech during the event.

Photo Courtesy of Manila Bulliten

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Social Security System

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SSS News

SSS Charter Amendment bill advances in Senate floor

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said he was grateful that Senate Bill 1753 that aims to amend the 21-year old SS Law has finally gathered the attention of the Senators after the Committee of Government Corporations and Public Enterprises (GCPE) and Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development led by Gordon presented Committee Report No. 300.

provide Dooc.

meaningful

benefits,”

said

Gordon presented the bill citing the need to amend the existing law for the benefit of the pension fund, its members, its pensioners and its stake holders.

The bill, if enacted into law, according to Gordon, will expand, protect, and grow the fund so there will “We are grateful to Sen. Richard be pension for all when the time of their Gordon in pushing the amendment of retirement comes. some provisions of the SS Charter. This “This is a wonderful bill for the is a long-term solution to maintain the viability of SSS in order to continuously benefit and welfare of our people. Its JUNE 23 - 29, 2018

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SSS News very title alone, speaks of lengthening or for that matter making sure that the viability, long term viability of the SSS is ensured. When the retirees’ pension was increased by P1,000 last year, the fund life of SSS immediately decreased by ten years… That’s why it has become imperative for us to see to it that this bill is approved,” he added.

It will also institutionalize the mandatory coverage of overseas Filipino workers to protect them in times of contingencies.

tDooc added that the proposed amendments will be beneficial not only to the 2.3 million pensioners of the SSS, but also to the 15.3 million actively paying members and some 700,000 The proposed amendments registered employers. to the pension fund’s charter will expand the power of the Social The SS Law amendment is also one of the Security Commission (SSC), enabling options eyed to answer the clamor to it to enhance SSS’ benefit system and grant the second tranche of the P2,000 to condone penalties of delinquent additional benefit for SSS pensioners. employers without prior approval from “As you can see, up to this point, we do the President of the Philippines. not have the power to grant additional In addition, the bill will allow the benefits. This proposed amendment, if SSC to diversify SSS investments to passed into law, will give us the power generate and boost earnings of the at the SSC level, to enhance the benefit pension fund, to determine monthly system of the pension fund,” Dooc said. salary credit and contribution tables based on actuarial studies, and to Dooc added that the SSS hopes that further improve the benefits being the amendment of its charter will be approved this year. disbursed to its members.

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Mindanao News

OPAPP holds ‘Bangsamoro Peace Process’ forum in Zamboanga City By: Teofilo Garcia, Jr

Lorena, a lawyer, sought to dispel the notion that once an area is named Bangsamoro, it is for, or dominated by, Muslims.

He said the region’s name will be changed to Bangsamoro since the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is “more confusing.”

“Because if you talk of Muslim ZAMBOANGA CITY--Bangsamoro, Mindanao, the impression is that the which will soon replace the Autonomous residents are all Muslims,” he added.

Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), is not an “Islamic State.”

Lorena has also allayed fear of non-muslims, saying the proposed Commissioner Jose Lorena of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) provides Bangsamoro Transition Commission equal rights to all the Bangsamoro (BTC) said that Bangsamoro is a residents. “secular state,” where the residents are Muslims, Christians and highlanders or “In fact you can be a chief minister the Lumads. even if you are a non-muslim, even if your are a christian,” he said.

Lorena made this clarification here on Saturday during a media “Bangsamoro is not a Muslim forum entitled “Understanding the political entity,” he further said.

Bangsamoro Peace Process” organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser The objective of the forum is to on the Peace Process (OPAPP). provide a venue for local journalists, who are also covering the neighboring The other resource speaker in island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and the forum is OPAPP Undersecretary Tawi-tawi, to understand the entire Nabil Tan, the chairperson of the Bangsamoro Peace Process, including Government Implementing Panel for the passage of the BBL. the Bangsamoro Peace Accords.

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Mindanao News “This is part of the over-all campaign conflict in Mindanao,” the OPAPP said of the Duterte administration to resolve in a letter to the Zamboanga Press Club, the decades-old problem of armed Inc. (PNA)

Crime volume in Maguindanao down in 1st half of 2018 By: Edwin Fernandez

COTABATO CITY – The police provincial office’s proactive approach against illegal drugs and petty crimes resulted in the reduction of crime volume during the first half of this year in Maguindanao, a police spokesperson said Monday.

Non index crimes include negligent manslaughter, non-aggravated assault, forgery and counterfeiting, fraud, embezzlement, stolen property, vandalism, weapons, prostitution and common law vice, sex offenses, narcotic laws, gambling, offenses against family & children, driving under Senior Insp. Jemar Delos Santos, the influence, liquor laws or put simply Philippine National Police - Autonomous crimes that does not directly involved Region in Muslim Mindanao (PNP- life and death of a person.

ARMM) spokesperson, lauded the Maguindanao PNP provincial office, Chief Supt. Graciano J. Mijares, led by Senior Supt. Edwin Wagan, for the PNP-ARMM regional director, attributed accomplishment, a first in the province the improvement to the massive police for the past five years. campaign against criminality and illegal drugs.

From January to May, Maguindanao only recorded 166 Mijares assured the public that the index crimes, or about 38 percent police “will continue to move forward lower compared to 268 index crimes and defeat the crime offenders” in the committed during the same period last region’s five provinces and two cities. year.

The ARMM comprises the cities Delos Santos said non-index of Lamitan and Marawi, and the crime was 280 or 25 percent lower as provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawicompared to 375 cases last year.

Tawi, Basilan and Lanao del Sur.(PNA) Index crimes, as defined by PNP, involve crimes against persons such as murder, homicide, physical injury and rape, and crimes against property such as robbery, theft, carnapping/ carjacking, and cattle rustling.

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National News

AFP: No cover-up in Samar ‘misencounter’ By: Priam Nepomuceno MANILA -- There will be no cover-up on the investigation on the misencounter between Philippine Army (PA) forces and policemen in Sta. Rita, Samar where six police officers were killed and nine others were wounded.

Our actions moving forward from this is to assess our existing coordinated processes and systems with our brothers in the Philippine National Police so that similar unfortunate incidents will not happen again,” he added.

This was the directive given by Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-ofstaff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Tuesday.

Detoyato also said the entire AFP extends its sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and comrades of the six police personnel killed in the incident.

“We have already mounted joint and independent investigations and we assure (the public) that this (investigation) will be transparent and that no-cover up will be allowed to happen in our mutual desire to discover the actual circumstances of our actions.

Around 9:20 a.m. Monday, elements from the 1st Platoon, 805th Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 of the PNP and troops from 87th Infantry Battalion had a misencounter in in Sitio Lonoy, Barangay San Roque, Sta Rita, Samar. (PNA)

Photo Credit of gmanetwork.com

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National News

PNP to sustain crackdown on street crimes, says chief By: Benjamin Pulta MANILA -- There will be no letup where there is no existing ordinance in in the government’s campaign against support of this drive. street crimes, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar “I want to reiterate that the PNP will Albayalde assured on Tuesday. do everything within the bounds of the law. We assure the public that our drive In a memorandum, Albayalde against street crimes is attuned to the instructed all regional directors to existing Police Operational Procedures oversee the strict implementation of with due regard to the human rights and laws and local ordinances through the dignity of apprehended individuals,” arrest of violators, such as those drinking Albayalde said. (PNA) and smoking in public places, roaming the streets without shirts, using karaoke beyond the allowed time, minors violating curfew hours, and others.

“Be reminded that among our operational thrusts is the active presence and aggressive deployment of our policemen as an urgent intervention to prevent the occurrence of common street crimes,” Albayalde said.

He added that operations and initiatives will be active in the coming days through the conduct of Oplan Sita, Oplan Bulabog, Oplan Bakal, and other anti-criminality operations all over the country.

In addition, local police units were instructed to coordinate closely with local and barangay officials in the enforcement of ordinances, and to initiate enactment of ordinances through the Local Peace and Order Councils or Sangguniang Bayan in areas 29

JUNE 23 - 29, 2018

National News

Voter’s ID still valid despite printing stoppage By: Mary Judaline Partlow DUMAGUETE CITY -- The voter’s identification card is still a valid ID card for government and other transactions despite the Commission on Election’s (Comelec) stoppage of its printing.

Lawyer Gildu Agoncillo, election officer of Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, made this assurance Thursday afternoon, as the Comelec is about to start the resumption of its registration of voters from July 2 up to Sept. 29, this year.

For those who already have it, the voter’s ID card is still valid, he added.

Agoncillo also disclosed that there are still hundreds, if not thousands of voter’s ID cards that remain unclaimed at their office, especially for those who registered from 2012 onward.

The clarification came to answer queries from the public whether those He urged the owners of these ID who have not yet received a voter’s ID cards to claim them from his office. card, including new registrants, will still be able to acquire one.

Meanwhile, the Comelec here is gearing up for the resumption of While it is not a requirement for a registration of voters and related person to present his voter’s ID to be able activities on July 2. to vote, it is a valid identification card used/accepted in various transactions “This is a comprehensive (activity) in both government and private offices to include registration of new voters, and entities, such as banks. updating of entries, transfer, reactivation, biometrics, change of status According to Agoncillo, the and others,” Agoncillo said.

Comelec announced last year that it had stopped printing new voter’s The voters’ registration is from ID cards because of the proposed Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. national ID system.

Agoncillo disclosed that his office “Until further notice, we will no is also preparing to establish satellite longer be issuing new voter’s ID cards,” registration in the barangays although Agoncillo said. they are still finalizing the dates. (PNA) JUNE 23 - 29, 2018

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