Edge10 issue154 November 3-4, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FIRM GRIP. Davao City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum (right) talks to police officers assigned at the Roman Catholic cemetery as he personally checks deployed personnel and

security measures being implemented in various cemeteries around the city during the observance of All Souls’ Day on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

ABUSIVE COP

Accused of punching trader, illegal discharge

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he Talomo Police Station has formally �ile charges against a police of�icial who punched and threatened a businessman after a road altercation Tuesday afternoon.

The investigators sued Chief Insp. Christian Antonio Duterte

Garcia, 46, who was identi�ied as deputy regional chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for Region 12 for grave threat, illegal discharge of �irearms and slight physical injury.

This after the CIDG of�icial

physically confronted the businessman, identi�ied as Honesto Cabacungan III, by punching him in the presence of police of�icers and by �iring his handgun. Garcia was submitted for inquest proceedings before City Prosecution Of�ice on Thursday

morning.

Talomo Police Station commander Chief Insp. Ronald L. Lao bared, on the afternoon October 31, Cabacungan was driving going south traversing Cordillera Street at Central Park

ABUSIVE, 10

DASHING THROUGH AN EVOLUTION

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

Aeromechanics from the Philippine Air Force inspect one of President Duterte’s presidential choppers at the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 11 while the chief executive solemnly observes Undas in Davao City with his family. Lean Daval Jr

Undas ends with no untoward incidents

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he celebration of Undas in Davao City was to everybody’s expectation.

“There was no single untoward incident to break the peace,” said Davao City Police Of�icer spokesperson P/SInspector Maria Teresita Gaspan.

She attributed this to police presence in the cemeteries and public places to ensure peace and order and safety of the public.

The DCPO had a �ield day

con�iscating a total of 936 prohibited items during the duration of Undas.

“The con�iscated items from the people going to the cemetery included such items as cigarettes and lighter but otherwise, there was that bothered the peaceful observation of Undas,” said PSI Gaspan.

The seized commodities included: 307 Lighter, 21 bottles of beer, three Bottles

UNDAS,10

Over 70% of Americans see drugs as serious issue

P

eople who believe drugs pose a serious problem in the United States rose for the �irst time in a decade to 71 percent, a Gallup study released on Wednesday has found.

The study showed 71 percent of those Americans polled believed that illegal drugs were an “extremely” or “very” serious problem in the country, an increase from the

65 percent last year, which ended a decade-long decline.

The study said a steady 32 percent said the drugs problem was “extremely serious.”

Women overall showed more concern over drugs than men, with 77 percent saying drugs were an extremely/ very serious problem, while 64 percent of men said the same.

OVER,10

Stiff fines v. those who burn wastes

By JUDIEE VEGA

I

ry seminar community service, and imprisonment for as long as six months or both. Violators are allowed to pay the �ine within one week from the issuance of citation ticket.

Pusod said the penalties apply to those who do not seg-

regate their garbage. “If you were caught for three times, you will be paying times three also,” she said.

She added that her of�ice has introduced applied segregation at the dumpsite because it cannot impose segregation in some barangays.

She said Davao City residents who violate the solid waste disposal guide will be issued with �ines and violations.

The CENRO has also

strengthened its monitoring of the littering, scattering, throwing and dumping of waste matters in public places, non-segregation of solid waste, and open burning of solid wastes.

Pusod said her of�ice has �ielded teams that conduct daily inspection in the villages for the implementation of the Clean Air Act of 1999 as well as on the implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the act Providing for Ecological Solid

Interested bene�iciaries should take and pass the exam scheduled at 1 p.m. on November 6 at the City Library, Sangguniang Panglungsod Building. Scholars who will graduate from the program also get a chance to land an employment in various Universal Robina Corp. factories .

Under the INJ, which GBF has also undertaken in part-

nership with JG Summit Inc., applicants should be single Filipinos aged between 1725 years old and should have at least graduated from High School - either through public schools or the Alternative Learning System.

Applicants should also have good scholastic records and moral character; and with total annual household income

not exceeding P200 , 000.

Interested applicants may submit the following application requirements to the City Library Of�ice: Accomplished Application Form with 2x2 photo; One page essay with the topic ‘Why do I deserve to be a Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Scholar?’; and , Transcript of Records. CIO

t is strictly prohibited to burn garbage in Davao City with violators facing fines ranging from P300 to P5,000 to include possible imprisonment.

This was the stern warning issued by Virginia Pusod, head of the City Environment & Natural Of�ice (CENRO) during the I-Speak press forum at the city engineer’s of�ice on Thursday.

Penalties range from P300 to P5, 000, including mandato-

STIFF,10

Iskolar ni Juan bares 50 slots for city youth

T

he Iskolar Ni Juan (INJ), a project of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, has announced that it is now accepting application for the 50 slots of scholarships for underprivileged youth in Davao City.

The INJ is a fully-subsidized one year Technical-Vocational Education and Training Scholarship Program.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

No reward for cops who kill druggies in ops: PNP

T

he Philippine National Police on Thursday clari�ied that it is not offering any rewards or cash incentives to operatives who have allegedly killed drug suspects in the line of duty.

This was emphasized

by PNP deputy spokesperson, Supt. Vemily Madrid, in wake of the recent Social Weather Stations survey showing 65 percent of Filipinos do not favor giving cash incentives to police of�icers who have neutralized drug suspects.

In the same survey, 15 percent agreed with this alleged move while 20 percent remain undecided.

“There is no policy for giving cash rewards to police who killed any drug suspect. Linawin ko, wala namang order na talagang papatayin yung mga (There is no such order that you have to kill) drug suspects so how much more yung giving of cash rewards to those police of�icers who were able to kill drug suspects,” Madrid stressed. (PNA)

PN assets deployed to lift Marawi siege

N

ewly-acquired ships and helicopters of the Philippine Navy were continuously deployed during the �ive-month battle to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists.

Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, PN �lag-of�icer-in-command, identi�ied the ships as the newly-acquired BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

“The PN vessels (which were deployed during the Marawi Siege) include LD601 and LD-602, her sister ship, these are the products of our PN Modernization Program (that we) were able to complete,” he added.

BRP Tarlac was delivered and commissioned in May 2016 while BRP Davao Del Sur was also activated May this year.

Both ships have an overall length of 120 meters,breadth of 21 meters, draft of �ive meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons and a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

Both vessels are capable of transporting 500 troops, two rigid-hull in�latable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters.

Mercado said the ships were utilized to transport

PN,10

BONUS. A paramedic from Search And Rescue Auxiliary (SARA) provides a free blood pressure check up to an elderly woman who visited her depart-

ed loved ones at the Roman Catholic cemetery in Madapo Hills, Davao City during the observance of All Souls’ Day. Lean Daval Jr

US group gives hearing gadgets to Dabawenyos T he US-based Starkey Hearing Foundation would start its free hearing aids distribution to Dabawenyos this month.

“We will distribute free hearing aids to around 1,300 patients in Davao from November 27-30,” said Megan Baiocchi, Starkey International Development Director for Asia Paci�ic Region.

Baiocchi said Starkey, one of the world’s major players in the hearing aid industry,

has embarked on a sustainable hearing program and is actively involved in the Philippines. Its program in the country, is considered the strongest program worldwide.

“We have 6,000 patients in �ive cities including Davao,” she said.

Starkey Foundation, headed by Country Coordinator Ellaine Dimayuga, had conducted a mission in the city in August. During that time, quali�ied applicants were able to avail themselves of free ear screening and check-up, which was conducted in coordination with the City Health Of�ice.

CHO Chief Dr. Joy Villafuerte said this is the �irst time for Starkey to provide free screening and free hearing

Duterte reorganizes TF Bangon Marawi

P BEACHTIME. A passenger ferry sails along the Davao Gulf near Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) on Thursday. Thousands of beach goers took ad-

vantage of the observance of Undas to spend a day at the beach with their families. Lean Daval Jr

aids in the city. While Starkey provided the screening and the experts, the city government shouldered all other expenses, including transportation, accommodation and other logistics required for the event held at the Almendras Gym. Those who availed themselves of the screening last August and who got �itted for hearing aids will receive their customized units and batteries for free this month. CIO

resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte reorganized the composition of Task Force Bangon Marawi.

The President signed Administrative Order No. 9 last October 27 ordering the change in the structure of the Task Force as he saw the necessity of a full-blown reconstruction, following Marawi City’s liberation from the control of ISIS-backed terrorist groups.

Task Force Bangon Marawi is now headed by the Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), with the Secretary of Department of National Defense (DND),

the former Task Force chairman, and the Secretary of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as Co-Vice Chairpersons.

“The Chairman of the HUDCC as head of the Task Force Bangon Marawi shall have operational control and supervision of the said Task Force and the overall responsibility to ensure that the objectives of this Order are accomplished,” AO No. 9 said.

Further, the Sub-Committee on Housing, formerly under the Of�ice of the Cabinet Secretary, will also be headed by the HUDCC, which will be “primarily responsible for the

DUTERTE,10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

PH production PMI perks up start of Q3

A

nticipating increase in demand for the last quarter of the year, the country’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index regained its strength in October after two months of almost �lat growth.

IHS Markit Manufacturing PMI for the Philippines in October rose to 53.7 from 50.8 in September.

“After two months of marginal growth, there was a �lurry of activity in the Philippines manufacturing sector at the start of the fourth quarter. Demand for Filipino manufactured goods strengthened noticeably, with order book growth picking up to a �ive-month high,” IHS Markit Principal Economis Bernard Aw explained.

This also made the Philippines to top other ASEAN member states in the survey as Vietnam posted a production PMI of 51.6; Singapore at 51.3; Myanmar at 51.1; Indonesia at 50.1; Thailand at 49.8; and Malaysia at 48.6.

The Philippines’ manufacturing score last month was also higher than the ASEAN average of 50.4.

The monthly report has also attributed the growth in manufacturing PMI to the availability of capital equipment which boosted production capacity of Philippine factories.

Moreover, higher employ-

ment was also recorded last month.

“Greater demand lifted production volumes, which in turn prompted �irms to hire more workers,” Aw said.

The IHS Markit report added that business con�idence in the Philippines remained elevated despite optimism fell to its lowest since the survey started in January 2016.

Among the concerns of companies include shortage of raw materials and the in�lationary pressures due to peso depreciation.

“Further weakening of the peso poses a problem for manufacturers, especially those that rely on imported inputs for production. Input cost in�lation picked up sharply, which led �irms to raise prices in order to preserve pro�it margins,” Aw said.

“Charges for Filipino goods increased at the fastest rate on record. This signals that in�lationary pressures are building in the Philippines, suggesting that consumer in�lation may trend above BSP’s in�lation expectations. That will compel the central bank to consider tightening monetary policy as early as this year,” he added.

But local companies are still optimistic about higher sales forecasts, marketing activity, new models and planned business expansions. (PNA)

Policy finalized to pave way for LNG facilities

T

he Department of Energy is �inalizing the guidelines of the Philippine Natural Gas Regulation, a policy issuance that would govern the entry and development of lique�ied natural gas terminal and its related facilities in the Philippines.

“The PNGR will serve as the regulatory framework in the promotion of the Philippines as an LNG emerging market characterized by a liberalized/competitive environment and market-based pricing,” said DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos.

In addition, Marcos said the implementation of the PNGR is hoped to pave the way in meeting Secretary Alfonso Cusi’s target to have the ground breaking for an LNG import facility by 2018.

With the policy in place, the Philippines can readily start importing LNG to safe-

guard the anticipated drop in the supply of the Malampaya natural gas in 2022 coupled with the forthcoming termination of its concession by 2024.

The recent public consultation (Pub-con) drew clari�ications on implementing guidelines concerning permit application, permitting and clearances of other government agencies, reporting requirements and import and supply requirements.

Also discussed during the pub-con were gas quality standards, import accreditation validity period, anti-�lipping protection, the effect of Executive Order 30, the third party access (TPA), transmission and distribution of gas, aggregation, incentives and the gas mix.

Some 47 companies and institutions representing lo-

POLICY,11

VITAL COMMODITY.An oil depot is seen from a passenger ferry along the Davao Gulf near Davao City on Thursday. Prices of petroleum products are expected to increase in December as Saudi

Arabia, one of the leading exporters in the world, is planning a big hike for its Asian customers. Lean Daval Jr

Regional task forces vs. smuggling sought

To beef up operations in the regions

F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has directed Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña to spearhead the creation of interagency task forces at the regional level to unify and beef up anti-smuggling operations in the provinces.

Dominguez, in issuing his directive at a recent Department of Finance executive committee meeting, said the cooperation among the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue along with other relevant government agencies, should go down to the regional level to ensure that provincial operations against suspected illicit trading practices are well coordinated.

We would like the cooperation between the BIR and

the Customs to go down to the regional level. They have to be meeting regularly on the regional level, not only in the national headquarters (in Manila),” Dominguez told Lapeña.

Dominguez said he wants the BOC and BIR to strengthen their cooperation at the regional level against anti-smuggling activities, considering that most of the illicitly traded goods entering the country are being sold outside Metro Manila.

He recalled, for instance, the joint operation conducted recently by the BIR and the National Bureau of Investigation on a commercial establishment in Cabanatuan City that was found to be storing 480 master cases of illicitly traded cigarettes.

A few weeks after assuming of�ice, Lapeña unveiled his �ive-point program for the BOC, which include eliminating the “tara” system, increasing revenue collections, and strengthening the government’s anti-smuggling efforts while improving the incentives and rewards systems for employees.

Lapeña said that topping his priority list is the weeding out of corruption at the BOC, which he plans to do by im-

he Social Security System on Wednesday assured its members that the pension fund has institutionalized mechanisms to address administrative complaints against its employees and of�icials.

“Such mechanisms ensure all parties are given due process,” the pension fund for workers in the private sector

said in a statement.

“SSS guarantees its members that the Investment Reserve Fund, which came from members’ contributions and investment income, is intact and well-protected,” it added.

The statement was issued following reports that some of its of�icials are facing charges for allegedly using the agency’s accredited stock brokers for

their own bene�it.

Reports said SSS Commissioner Jose Gabriel La Vina has �iled a complaint against SSS Executive vice president for investments Rizaldy Capulong, equities investment division chief Reginald Candelaria, equities product development head Ernesto Francisco Jr. and chief actuary George Ongkeko Jr.

plementing the “no tara, no gift and no-take” policy at the bureau.

His �ive-point program, Lapeña said, involves the following: 1) stopping corruption, 2) increasing revenues, 3) ensuring trade facilitation 4) strengthening anti-smuggling efforts, and 5) enhancing the personnel incentives, rewards system and compensation bene�its for BOC personnel.

Lapeña has also made good on his promise to implement the “one-strike” policy at the BOC, which has led to the relief of the district collectors in the Port of Manila and the Manila International Container Port and further recommendations to likewise remove other personnel in these two of�ices.

(DOF)

La Vina alleged that the four are liable for “serious dishonesty and grave misconduct” since some of them used SSS-accredited stock brokers for their own bene�it.

He said the previous SSS administration prevented possible abuses by its investment of�icers by requiring them to declare all their investments

SSS assures safeguards vs. erring execs T SSS 11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

OFW urges curbing of human trafficking

T

raumatized by what she described as “inhumane treatment and slavery” in the hands of her employers, Joan Masa, a housemaid in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) said she had learned her lessons and is not thinking of going back as an overseas Filipino worker yet.

Interviewed by the media on Wednesday (Nov. 1), Masa, who is one of the 105 distressed Filipinos repatriated from UAE, said she is relieved to be home after her ninemonth stay in the Gulf state.

“Overworked po talaga, wala kaming rest day and

unpaid ang salary, so naisipan naming mag-runaway and then dumiretso po kami sa Philippine Embassy,» she narrated.

“Doon sa embassy, ‘di po kami pinabayaan doon, inasikaso po kami at lahat po ng needs namin ipinagkaloob po nila sa amin at ito po nakauwi kami ng buong-buo,” she added.

Masa, who stayed with her employer for six months and three months under the embassy’s care, shared that cases of human traf�icking of Filipinos are prevalent.

“Marami tayong kababayan sa embahada na kail-

angan ng tulong(We have a lot of countrymen at the embassy who need help),” she said, sharing there are still numbers of Filipinos who can’t go home.

“Kailangang masugpo (ang illegal traf�ickers) para hindi na maulit yung dinanas namin, para wala nang kababayan natin na makakaranas nung sakit at sakripisyo na dinanas namin dun(Illegal traf�ickers should be stopped so that no one will ever get to experience the pain and suffering we went through again),” she added.

Compared to her overseas

start importing LNG to safeguard the anticipated drop in the supply of the Malampaya natural gas in 2022 coupled with the forthcoming termination of its concession by 2024.

The recent public consultation (Pub-con) drew clari�ications on implementing guidelines concerning permit application, permitting and clearances of other government agencies, reporting requirements and import and supply requirements.

Also discussed during the pub-con were gas quality standards, import accreditation validity period, anti-�lipping protection, the effect of Executive Order 30, the third party access (TPA), transmission and distribution of gas, aggregation, incentives and the gas mix.

Some 47 companies and institutions representing local

and foreign stakeholders as well as prospective businesses interested in venturing into the natural gas industry in the country attended the consultations.

Previous public consultation focused on the regulatory framework covering the de�inition of terms, structure and operations of upstream, ownership, franchising, roles and responsibilities of the DOE and the operator, competition and gas pricing policy, incentives, insurance, establishment of evaluation committee and other relevant laws.

The DOE encourages the public to engage in making the proposed policy more comprehensive by sending their comments and suggestions to their of�icial email until November 2017. A copy of the proposed policy is downloadable at the DOE of�icial website. (PNA)

etail prices in Metro Manila declined for the seventh straight month in September due mainly to slower gain of heavily-weighted food index, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday.

The annual increase of the General Retail Price Index (GRPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) slowed down to 3.2 percent in September 2017 from previous month’s 3.3 percent and August 2016’s 3 percent.

The PSA attributed the decline to the annual gain of food index, which was slower at 5.4 percent; machinery and transport equipment index, 0.5 percent; and miscellaneous manufactured articles index,

0.6 percent.

It said higher annual increments, however, were observed in the indices of beverages and tobacco at 4.7 percent; crude materials, inedible except fuels, 3.4 percent; and manufactured goods classi�ied chie�ly by materials, 1.4 percent.

On a monthly basis, the GRPI in NCR went up by 0.6 percent in September from 0.3 percent registered the previous month.

The PSA noted food index picked up by 1.3 percent due to higher prices of beef, milk, rice, loaf bread, fruits, vegetables, raw peanuts, powdered tonic drink, coffee, cooking oil and �ish sauce.

OFW, 11

Policy finalized to pave way for LNG facilities

T

BRISK BUSINESS. A vendor peddles bottled water and candies outside a public cemetery in Davao City on Thursday where thousands of people trooped to observe All Souls’ Day. Lean Daval Jr

he Department of Energy is �inalizing the guidelines of the Philippine Natural Gas Regulation, a policy issuance that would govern the entry and development of lique�ied natural gas terminal and its related facilities in the Philippines.

“The PNGR will serve as the regulatory framework in the promotion of the Philippines as an LNG emerging market characterized by a liberalized/competitive environment and market-based pricing,” said DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos.

In addition, Marcos said the implementation of the PNGR is hoped to pave the way in meeting Secretary Alfonso Cusi’s target to have the ground breaking for an LNG import facility by 2018.

With the policy in place, the Philippines can readily

105 distressed OFWs arrive home from UAE R T

he Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said they plan to bring another batch of distressed Filipinos home from the United Arab Emirates following the successful repatriation of 105 Overseas Filipino Workers yesterday.

At around 9 a.m., distressed Filipinos onboard Philippine Airlines Flight No. PR657 landed in Manila along with Ambassador Constancio Vingno.

In an interview, DFA Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola told reporters that most of the 105 Filipinos are undocumented and have escaped from employers.

“Most of them are household workers… some were caught by the immigration because of overstaying. They usually enter through tourist visas,” she said.

According to Hans Leo Cacdac, chief of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, there are still about 130 Filipinos living in their shelter in Abu Dhabi.

He said the government will try to send them home “by end of this year”. Cacdac explained that the process is �irst come, �irst serve basis.

“Depende kasi, kung sino ang naunang dumating doon sa shelter na kailangan iproseso agad, ito ay idinudulog sa UAE immigration authorities para mabigay ang kanilang exit visa (It depends on who arrive at the shelter �irst and have their documents processed.

We refer them also to UAE immigration authorities for the issuance of their exit visas),» he said.

According to Arriola, the process usually takes at least

one to two weeks at most it may take a month of processing.

“Minsan yung mga amo nila, nagsasampa ng kaso. Kung wala namang objection yung sponsor nila, nakakauwi sila ng mabilis (Sometimes their employers �ile a case and if there is no objection they can be repatriated earlier),» she said.

Citing the signing of the Philippine-UAE Memorandum of Understanding on Labor Cooperation this year, as well as the signing of the Law of Domestic Workers which is expected to take effect in November, Arriola and Cacdac are

105, 11

Retail prices in NCR fall for 7th straight month

RETAIL, 11

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

Women cross a rice field in Barangay Matabao in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Sunday (October 29, 2017) with colorful umbrellas over their heads. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

2 terrorists involved in drug trade nabbed in Sarangani

J

oint operatives arrested two alleged members of a local terrorist cell that supposedly doubles as protector of a major drug group in an operation late Wednesday night in Maasim town in Sarangani Province.

Gil Cesario Castro, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12 director, identi�ied the suspects as brothers Faroon Lumatao, 35, and Alhotaibby Lumatao, 36, both listed as high-value drug targets.

He said the brothers were alleged members of the Ansar Al-Khalifa Philippines (AKP), which has pledged support to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

“Both are protecting

the El Patron Drug Group that operates in South Central Mindanao,” he said in a statement.

Armed with a search warrant, Castro said they stormed the residence of the suspects in Barangay Kanalo, Maasim around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

The operation was backed by elements from the Maasim municipal police station and the Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan led by Col. Adonis Bajao.

Seized during the raid were plastic sachets containing about 40 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride

2,13

Cavendish banana to be tested in Mindanao A

ustralian researchers are planning to conduct field trials in Mindanao for a genetically engineered Cavendish banana that was developed to resist the highly destructive Fusarium wilt or Panama disease.

Colin Melvin, commercial services director of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia, said Mindanao, including Region 12, is an ideal site for the �ield testing being the center of banana production in the country.

“There is an opportunity for leadership for Mindanao, particularly for the region, that relies heavily on the ba-

nana industry,” Melvin said in an interview over TV Patrol Socsksargen.

A team from the QUT led

by Dr. James Dale, the lead researcher on the transgenic banana, earlier visited the city to grace a regional banana congress.

Dale, director of QUT’s Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, said they have been testing the Fuasar-

ium wilt-resistant bananas in the last three years.

He said they had bred out a banana that is “something different from Cavendish” that is resistant to the disease.

The team also developed a breed of Cavendish banana that is highly resistant to Fusarium wilt, he said.

“We isolated a gene out of the 25,000 banana genes to develop a wild banana into Cavendish,” he said.

Dale said they have done �ield trials in Australia in the last three years in land or soil that were heavily-infested with Fusarium and the results have been promising.

He maintained that the genetically-modi�ied bananas are very much safe for human consumption.

Fusarium wilt, now with tropical race 4 strain, is a soil borne fungus that attacks the roots of the banana plants and turns leaves into wilted yellow.

Its original strain, which �irst emerged in Panama, was highly that destructive and had wiped out banana plantations.

The disease has infested banana plantations in parts of Mindanao, with around 15,500 hectares accounted in the Davao region.

city �ish port complex in Barangay Tambler.

Engr. Alexander Argame, DOST-MIRC science research specialist, said they �ind the city a viable site for the road train’s test run due to its well-maintained and wide road networks.

“The roads, especially the curves, are wide enough so I think we will not have a problem with its deployment here,” he said.

The HERT, which was launched by DOST in 2015, is a “40-meter long train-like bus” that can run at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour and is mainly powered by hybrid diesel fuel and elec-

tric-powered battery.

The train consists of �ive interlinked air-conditioned coaches that can hold up to 240 passengers per trip.

Argame said the HERT, which is the �irst prototype developed by DOST-MIRDC, is “powered by a generator set and a series of batteries.”

He said each coach is “powered by an electric drive motor that runs the coaches.”

Lagare said the city would use the train for free for at least �ive months under the supervision of the DOST-MIRDC. He said it would be operated by the city’s newly established cooperative of tricycle

Indonesian nabbed in Marawi village GenSan to start trial of road train developed by DOST

A

n Indonesian national believed to be member of the terror group that laid siege on Marawi City was arrested at 7 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Loksadatu by members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, Col. Romeo Brawner, Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force Ranao said.

Brawner said the Indonesian national, identi�ied as Muhammad Ilham Syahputra, was turned over by the BPAT to the Marawi police.

Syahputra, 22, of Medan, North Sumatra, is one

of seven Indonesians on the list of the Philippine military for their alleged participation in the Marawi siege.

Syahputra was reported killed in June.

Senior Supt. John Guyguyon, Lanao del Sur police chief, said the Syahputra had no passport when arrested but he had ammunitions, a Caliber 45, grenade, money, and improvised explosive devices.

Civilian participation Syahputra’s passport, however, was among several items recovered by the military during military op-

INDONESIAN,11

T

he city government is planning to start next week the trial run of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) “40-meter train-like bus” dubbed Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT).

City Councilor Dominador Lagare Jr., chair of the city council’s committee on transportation, said the �inal preparations are underway for the deployment of the road train in major streets and highways here.

The road train arrived late last week from Cebu City, where it had completed a sixmonth test run.

“We will �inally test and

experience the road train and we’re targeting to start that next week,” he told reporters.

Personnel from the DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), which developed the HERT, assessed last August the possible routes here for the road train’s test run.

As earlier agreed with the local government, the HERT will serve routes along the national highway and the city circumferential road.

It will start in Barangay Katangawan then pass through the public market in Barangay Lagao, portions of the city proper and Barangay Apopong, and proceed to the

CAVENDISH,13

GENSAN,11

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

SSS bags 2017 gov’t D best practice award

Fundraising up for families of Igorot heroes in Marawi

T

he Social Security System (SSS) bagged the 2017 Government Best Practice Award (GBPR) from the Development Academy of the Philippines for its implementation of the AlkanSSSya Program to intensify social security coverage among informal sector workers (ISWs).

SSS President and Chief Executive Of�icer Emmanuel F. Dooc received the award last October 11, 2017 with other recipients namely; the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 9, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region 5, and the City Government of Valenzuela.

“From the 15 entries submitted by government institutions and local government

units, we are greatly humbled that DAP has commended our innovative and strategic approaches to make AlkanSSSya Program more sustainable for our growing number of members in the informal economy,” Dooc said.

Launched in 2012, the SSS AlkanSSSya Program is an “out-of-the-box and wholesale approach to cover workers in the informal sector as well as

to develop their �inancial discipline of saving.” As of June 2017, AlkanSSSya has 1,395 program partners — 402 in National Capital Region, 583 in Luzon, 215 in Visayas and 195 in Mindanao Region.

In a span of six years, the program has expanded its membership among Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), barangay employees, community-based organizations, market vendors, farmers, jail inmates, jeepney operators and drivers, cooperative members, golf club caddies/umbrella girls, and pedicab operators and drivers.

During the �inal presentation of the pension fund’s entry titled “AlkanSSSya Program: Towards Intensi�ied Coverage of the Informal Sector”, SSS Senior Vice President

for Administration Group and concurrent OIC for Public Affairs and Special Events Division May Catherine C. Ciriaco emphasized that convenience, affordability, and sustainability are the program’s three salient features that led to its successful implementation.

“As we recognize the vulnerability of informal sector workers in terms of their nature of work and irregularity of income, the SSS established an integrated payment system which makes payment of contributions simple and affordable. Similar to piggy banks, members can save a part of their daily income for as low as P12 per day in personalized metal compartments installed in locations accessible to them so that they can complete their

SSS, 11

ifferent fund raising events will be held in this city to raise funds for the families of the Igorot policemen and soldiers killed in action in Marawi at the height of the government’s offensive against the Maute terrorist group.

Igorot is the collective name of natives of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Attorney Alexander Bangsoy, a businessman who spearheads the Cordillera Binnadang group, in an interview on Thursday said that aside from receiving donations from individuals and groups, they would also hold golf and football tournaments for a cause.

“Binnadang” a Kankanaey word, is a century-old practice of Cordillerans of extending assistance or help to families in times of death or suffering.

Kankanaey is the indigenous spoken language of people from the Cordillera specifically from the Mountain and Benguet Provinces.

The fund raising effort dubbed “Cordillera Binndang Fund Drive for Cordillera Marawi Heroes” was launched to assist the families of the eight killed policemen and soldiers from Cordillera, similar to what was done for the families of the 14 Igorot Special Ac-

tion Force (SAF) troopers who died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.

At present, Bangsoy said they had PHP80,000 deposited in a BPI account.

He noted that for the 14 SAF families, they were able to raise PHP2.5 million which they divided equally among the families of the fallen troopers.

The golf tournament will be held after the annual FilAm Golf Tournament on December 16 while the football tournament is scheduled on December 7 and 8.

“We have been doing the fund raising for eight years now and we are expecting more participants because this is for a cause. We will also be asking the mayor, of�ice of the mayor and Baguio Country Club to co-sponsor with us,” Bangsoy said.

He said that donors of the Cordillera Binndang Fund Drive for Cordillera Marawi Heroes can deposit into the account 8‎ 123-0427-01 with swift code BOPIPHMM - the of�icial account for the Binnadang fund drive.

A Facebook account will also be created for transparency and update on the fund drive. This will also be used to run stories of the Cordilleran heroes. (PNA)

Coconut bills get full support from partylist

B Julius Gutang worked for six years as a welder in Saudi Arabia. He now runs his own business. He arranges flowers which he sells for

50 to 200 pesos outside the Davao Memorial Park in Dvao City on All Saints’ Day, November 1, 2017. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO

Visa upon arrival to attract millions of Mazuist to PH

T

he Department of Tourism on Thursday said the implementation of the visa upon arrival (VUA) program will drive more Chinese tourists, particularly followers of Mazuism to look at the Philippines as its next festival hub.

In 2009, the Mazu culture has been added to the “List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said, “as a country

blessed with so many heritage festivals ourselves, the Philippines can draw out from Mazu cultural tour festival’s overwhelming turnout year on year.”

As per the DOT, around 300 million Mazuists worldwide celebrate Mazu’s birth, a Chinese sea goddess, every 23rd day of March on the lunar calendar and also observe her ascent every 9th of September.

Teo said the department’s

plans of growing cultural festival in the country would de�initely pave way for cultural diversity to �lourish.

“As a melting pot of many different cultures, religions, the Philippines stands to bene�it in embracing this centuries-old Eastern belief,” she said.

Teo bared that a Chinese Mazu Cultural Center would soon rise in Manila Bay under the auspices of Friends of the Philippines’ Foundation (FPF).

The said hub will feature a six-meter-high Mazu statue at the bay showcasing many tourism, business, leisure, and cultural activities.

“This should become a centerpiece for economic and cultural exchanges between Chinese and the Philippines, promoting the valuable Mazu culture as well as advancing Sino-Philippine friendship,” the tourism chief said.

Teo was among the key

VISA, 11

ills proposing to revitalize the coconut industry and use the coconut levy fund got the full support of the An Waray Partylist.

Partylist Representative Victoria Isabel Noel said Thursday these bills are essential legislations that would help the country’s marginalized coconut farmers.

“Our tree of life, properly nurtured and never neglected, can ensure a sustained quality of life for employed farmers, lessees and tillers who can, in the process, be direct participants in and bene�iciaries of the industry,” Noel said.

The bill on revitalizing the coconut industry aims to promote the rapid, steady and continuous integrated development and growth of the coconut industry in all its aspects and ensure that the coconut farmers, farm workers, processor, lessees and tillers and their families, shall become direct participants in, and bene�iciaries of, such development and growth, thus increasing their income and uplifting their quality of life.

“Among its primary goals

is to hasten and advance industrialization in the coconut industry and the diversi�ication and proper utilization of coconut products and by-products,” Noel added.

The bill, if it passes into law, will bene�it the Eastern Visayas region, with coconut as one of its major products.

Revitalizing the industry would likewise boost the recovery of the region from Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which damaged a major part of the industry and displaced thousands of coconut farmers.

Noel also expressed her full support for House of Representatives Bill 5745, which provides for the use of the coconut levy funds. The bill will establish a Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Trust Fund, which is seen to bene�it the “poor and marginalized” coconut farmers.

It also provides that PHP10 billion of the initial trust principal to be used within two years from the approval of the “Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan” by the President of the Philip-

COCONUT, 11

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

P

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

In Sara’s hands

residential daughter Mayor Sara Duterte will play a very important role in the country’s pursuit for lasting peace.

Being the person the Communist rebels wish to take the peace talks to, Mayor Sara has her father’s blessing and support for a localized peace talks. That means Mayor Sara will carry the brunt of reviving the peace talks in the hope of �inally putting an end to the decades old con�lict.

NPA-Southern Mindanao spokesperson Rigoberto F. Sanchez had said in a statement that they were open to hold talks with Mayor Duterte. With Mayor Sara, the NPA said

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City JAMILA C. CANONIGO AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09104501042 Tel: (088) 852-4894 Circulation Marketing Specialist

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance OREAL L. REAL Marketing Assistant

it would gladly discuss any matter that she would like to take up with the revolutionary movement, the duties and responsibilities of the people’s democratic government, the role of the NPA, the ongoing all-out war of the AFP, and the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations.

All this is because the NPA recognize the mayor’s willingness to talk to the NPA as a group and not as individuals to achieve substantial gains in the peace process.

Given the President’s imprimatur, it is hoped that the localized peace talks, if it �inally materializes, will eventually pave the way for the long cherished peace.

EDGEDAVAO

O

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

‘Battle of Brisbane’

N July 2, 2017, eight-division boxing champ Manny Pacquiao was led again to the lion’s den and lost his WBO diadem in a bout that, like his rigged defeat to Timothy Bradley in 2012, was decided by ‘three blind mice,’ or to put it more appropriately, biased judges.

Hyped as the ‘Battle of Brisbane’ for publicity reason, it was not the �irst event that was named after Queensland’s capital city where the Pacquiao-Jeff Horn confrontation was held.

The original ‘Battle of Brisbane’ was a war-time incident that took place in Australia. For two successive nights, American personnel and Australian servicemen and civilians engaged in a riot on November 26-27, 1942, even though the protagonists were allies.

The 1942 incident was not actually a battle in its strictest sense; rather, it was more of a city invasion where the methods used included injurious protests, looting, and other forms of attacks. The bloody riot ended with one casualty and hundred were reported injured.

The trouble erupted as a result of the stationing of US troops in the territory, which arbitrarily expanded the local population and, by extension, affected the condition of the place.

Accordingly, many of the edi�ices

and structures around Brisbane were taken over by the American. One account reported that the “city was forti�ied, schools were closed, brownouts enforced, crime increased, and many families sold up and moved inland.”

The ‘Battle of Brisbane’ commenced with a simple case of an intoxicated American private accosted by a US military police (MP) while talking to three Australian and was being asked to present identi�ication. While the US trooper was looking for his ID, the American MP became impatient and arrested the soldier.

One argument led to another, which resulted in the arrival of more US MPs. The Australian servicemen and civilians who were observing the incident rushed to assist their own MP at the scene. Outnumbered, the Americans retreated to a nearby PX store with Private James R. Stein, the U.S. trooper that was accosted. Private Anthony E. O’Sullivan, the American MP, was wounded in the scuf�le and carried to safety by his comrades when tempers erupted.

Reports said on the �irst night an Australian serviceman, Gunner Edward S. Webster, was killed, while eight other people suffered gunshot wounds. The following night, eight U.S. MPs, a serviceman and four American of�icers were hospitalized from inju-

ccording to the 2012 estimate by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos or NCMF there were 10.7 million Muslims in the Philippines. That is approximately 11 percent of the total population of the archipelago composed of 7107 islands.

Most Muslims live in parts of Mindanao, Palawan, and the Sulu Archipelago – an area known as Bangsamoro or the Moro region while some have migrated into urban and rural areas in different parts of the country.

ISLAM WAS NOT SPREAD BY THE SWORD Islam was �irst brought by Arab traders in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, 200 years before the Spanish invasion. These Muslim merchants originally came from present-day Malaysia and Indonesia. They landed in the Sulu islands and preached Islam to the indigenous population and built the �irst mosque in the Philippines in the town of Simunul in Tawi-tawi in the mid-14th century.

The Islamic Propagation reached as far as the Kingdom of Tondo in current day Manila in Luzon, in the Northern Philippines. It is notable to see that there was no clear record of armed conquest made by the Muslims against the local people and it seemed that they embraced Islam voluntarily.

Muslims believe that the past Muslims were invited into Islam by the good manners possessed by the preachers towards Islam. Different states and colonies embraced Islam without being subjugated by a Muslim

military.

As time went on, the Muslims prospered under these Muslim states which had trade relations with nearby islands and even far off countries like India and China. By that time, the Philippines does not exist yet as a country rather as a group of islands where different sultanates rule over different lands where many of these are Muslim governments.

The Philippine islands was only named as the Philippines because of King Philip who was the king of Spain during the colonization of the Philippine islands which some refer to as Maharlika islands.

The �irst attempt to conquer the Philippines was made by a Portuguese sailor working for Spain named Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. He is also known for being leading the �leet of ships that is �irst to circumnavigate the world. He was able to convert some people to Christianity according to historians but he failed in Christianizing and conquering Mactan in Cebu in the central Philippines when a local Muslim chieftain Lapu-lapu lead a counter-attack against the superior �ighting force of the Spaniards who were armored and wielded �irearms.

Lapu-lapu led a group of warriors armed with machetes, sword, and bamboo spears and fought the wellarmed and armored conquerors on the seashore.

Lapu-lapu killed Ferdinand Magellan thus earning himself the title as the �irst Filipino freedom �ighter.

A

VANTAGE POINTS

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa ries. The Australians won.

In the 2017 ‘Battle of Brisbane,’ Horn, an Australian, won. The judges were unanimous in gifting him the WBO crown, but the veterans of world boxing bouts and the sports analysts of huge media organizations, were almost unanimous in saying the verdict was a farce.

Battles, whether fought inside the sport arena or in actual combat, are viewed differently from various lenses.

To seasoned researchers, for instance, the Battle of Leyte is regarded as the greatest naval battle in history. To his-

toriographers, the perspective changes, depending on the elements used in measuring the signi�icance of an event.

The ‘Battle of Manila Bay’, which led to the takeover of the United States of the Philippines, was nothing but a mismatch. But this was not the case of the American writers who magni�ied the incongruity into a full-blown naval battle when actually there was none.

The farcical details introduced in many accounts about the supposed naval encounter have since been corrected and the event is now given lesser signi�icance.

Locally, the fall of Davao hero Datu Bago to colonial invaders led by Don Jose Oyanguren has also been given the same treatment. Some writers called the ‘Battle of Davao Gulf’ a display of courage for a Pinoy hero; others called it a mismatch between an invading Spanish contingent using steam-powered ships and native �ighters armed only with local cannons and indigenous �ighting tools.

In the 2017 Brisbane battle, Pacquiao battle an enemy that was determined to use bulk, body, and bravado in bullying the Filipino icon against the ropes. No excuses here, but the tactics used, some of them at the least, did not re�lect the sporting rules of a decent game.

But blame should not be on Horn

who, the analysts repeatedly mouthed, was ‘the hungrier �ighter.’ Boxing, in general, has never been a fair game given the number of dubious decisions that have decorated its walls. In the �irst Bradley-Pacquiao match, the judges, without compunction, ruled in favor of Timothy even if the street urchin, as an ignorant boxing bystander, knew the American had lost by a mile.

In truth, a commentator was right in saying, boxing is a ma�ia sport, an athletic event in�luenced in secret by the wishes of promoters, players, and other underground characters.

In today’s landscape, battles, whether on the ring or in the frontline, are de�ined by so many parameters and often contradicting de�initions. A winning invasion, even it costs more casualties for the aggressor, is won because the goal has been achieved brutally.

For winning the match, Horn should be deprived of the credit to celebrate. For Pacquaio, his loss once again revives the soundness of a thousand and one advices which called on him to wrest on his laurels and, for that matter, retire from any �ight anymore.

Satchel Paige, the legendary American Negro league baseball and Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, once said: ‘How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?’

Moro in a negative light because according to theme, calling the Filipino Muslims as Moros of the Muslim lands as Bangsamoro is af�irmative of the subservience of the Filipino Muslims to the colonial rule that named them as such. But this is very far from the truth.

In contrary, being called a Moro is af�irmative to the Bangsamoro identity as unique nation and is af�irmative to the resilience of the Moro people.

THE MORO RESILIENCE In 1575 the Spanish started spreading Catholicism in the Philippines through the use of missionaries.

But these missions are often accompanied also by conquest and invasion where the vanquished Filipinos are subjected to forced labor and other cruelties.

This has been recorded in history as an era of human rights abuse that even the Non-Muslim freedom �ighters and intellectuals like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio tried to address.

Though much of the Philippines converted, the Moros, however, stood �irm in their faith.Great Muslim leaders such as Sultan Kudarat of Mindanao and Raja Sulayman of Manila and our very own Datu Bago of Davao City continued the legacy of Lapu-lapu in their �ight for freedom.

Upon the fall of Muslim territories in Luzon and Visayas in the Central Philippines, most Muslims �led to the Muslim strongholds in the area that is now known as Muslim Mindanao or Bangsamoro.

The Moros have a history of resis-

tance against Spanish, American, and Japanese rule for over 400 years. But now, since the cessation of hostilities between the government and the Muslims, the Moros are collectively known as progressive partners to peace and progress of the Philippine government.

COMMITMENT TO PEACE The Filipino Muslims are known as traders and professionals in different �ields. Many Filipino Muslims have made their mark in academics, sports and others which proves that the Moro race is committed to peace and cooperation with its country.

Although a minority, Muslims in the Philippines enjoy the privilege of practicing their religion freely. The Philippine constitution protects freedom of religion and protects the Muslims from being discriminated or being religiously pro�iled. Muslim civil law is also honored in the Philippines such as on issues of allowing a Muslim man to marry up to four wives, issues of inheritance and others.

Upon the presidency of President Rodrigo Duterte much hope is seen specially in the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which will pave way to a new Bangsamoro political entity which will further the political and economic interests of the Bangsamoro even more which will safeguard its development by granting it more autonomy.

Watch Mensahe TV via Cignal channel 184. You may send to us your questions, comments and suggestions to mujahidnavarra@gmail.com.

Islam in the Philippines

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Mujahid Navarra

Lapu-lapu is continually remembered today by having his silhouette used by the Philippine National Police in their of�icial Seal as a sign of bravery.

THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD MORO When the Spanish returned to the Philippines in the mid-1500s after the failure of Ferdinand Magellan to conquer Cebu, they conquered Manila where they encountered more Muslims under the leadership of Raja Sulayman whose castle stood in the area now known as Intramuros.

This discovery led them to call the Filipino Muslims as Moros which is in reference to the Moors who occupied Spain for more than 800 years whom they have recently conquered by invading Andalus or Muslim Spain.

Some Muslims see being called a

9

10 NEWS Lands... FROM 12 Subdivision in Bangkal.

It seemed that at this juncture, Garcia also crossed the road only to apply the brake, almost hitting the victim’s car on rear. The victim said the CIDG of�icial was murmuring while he parked his car on the road side.

Cabacungan told Garcia not to watch the road because it might cause them an accident.

The victim then disembarked from his vehicle to confront the police of�icer but the latter pulled his pistol and �ired it on the air, prompting Cabacungan to rush to his vehicle and sped off.

However, Garcia chased Cabacungan and a few meters after the victim saw the personnel of Mobile Patrol Group and sought help.

Cabacungan alighted from his car going to the police of�icers, but Garcia arrived in the area and immediately went out of his car and punched the

victim on different parts of his body.

“In our report, our police from the Mobile Patrol Group saw the police of�icial punched the victim,” Lao said.

Lao said that Garcia should learn a lesson from this incident not be easily swayed by his emotion and by immediately �iring his gun.

He said after Garcia was brought to the police station, the respondent asked to be admitted to the hospital due to some ailments that he felt after the incident.

“He (Garcia) was complaining for chest pain that’s we gave attention on it and we sent him to Davao Adventist Hospital and the doctor told us that he needs to be admitted that time,” Lao said.

Lao said the attending physician found that Garcia has slow blood �low and he also suffered asthma attack.

Garcia is set to be discharged on November 2 .

of liquor, six bottles of island mixers, 19 Bolo, 12 Scissors, 108 Grass Cutter, 55 Blade, 68 cutting tools, 69 pack Cigarette, 48 sticks of cigarette, six hammers, �ive butane, 33 gallons paint, 17 Speakers, two garden tools, one Saw, 11 screw driver, three star screw, eight trowel, four steel (one foot size), one chisel, four matches, 72 umbrella, one guitar, one lawn mower, �ive knives, one steel tape, one set of playing cards, �ive ball pen and three scythe.

“I think they (the people) bought this items because they did not now it was prohibited or some people were aware that the items were prohibited but they still brought these with them,” Said Gaspan.

Security personnel con�iscated all the prohibited items because this is included in the security measures laid out by the DCPO. “We con�iscated the item even if they say they will only use it for the lighting of the candle or we will only use this to clean the graves, this because it may be cause untoward incidents. So our efforts are preventive,” said Gaspan.

She said that even those minor who were allegedly caught drinking alcoholic beverage inside the Toril Memorial Park on November 1 were rescued and were turned over to City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO).

She said that the number of con�iscated items this year is lower compared the previous years. This is attributed to the involvement and compli-

ance of the public with regard to the security measures being imposed by the DCPO. “They are very supportive with our protocols, the Do’s and Don’ts and the prohibited items inside the cemetery,” said Gaspan.

Meanwhile, as of two o’clock in the afternoon of November 2, 2017, there were a total 239 established assistance hubs (AHs) with 93 Police Commissioned Of�icer (PCOs) and 1,720 Police Non Commissioned Of�icer (PNCOs) in Region XI. Davao City Police Of�ice established 40 AH with 29 PCOs and 635 PNCOs. The Davao Occidental Police Provincial Of�ice (DOCPPO) 16 AH established with three Police Commissioned Of�icer (PCO) and 42 Police Non Commissioned Of�icer (PNCO). Davao del Sur Police Provincial Of�ice (DSPPO) 32 established AH with nine PCOs and 274 PNCO. The Davao del Norte Provincial Police Of�ice (DNPPO) established 62 AH with 18 PCOs and 260 PNCOs. Compostela Valley Provincial Police Of�ice (CVPPO) established 30 AH with 11 PCOs and 151 PNCs. Davao Oriental Police Provincial Of�ice (DOPPO) established 47 AH with ten PCOs- and 262 PNCOs. Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU) established four with �ive PCOs and 44 PNCOs. Regional Maritime Unit (RMU) established four AH and four PCOs and 26 PNCOs. Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU) established three AH with three PCOs and nine PNCOs.

UNDAS... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

NEEDED RESPITE. A father, with his children in tow, takes a rest in front of traffic enforcers from the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) who are assigned to manage the flow A total of 246 Road Safety Marshals were deployed comprising of 16 PCOs and 230 PNCOs. DCPO deployed 58 RSM comprised of two PCO and 56 PNCOs. DOCPPO deployed 12 RSM comprised of three PCOs and nine PNCOs.

DSPPO deployed 23 RSM comprised of four PCOs and 19PNCOs. DNPPO deployed 51 RSM comprised of three PCOs and 48 PNCOs. CVPPO deployed 74 RSM comprised of four PCOs and 70 PNCOs and DOPPO deployed 28 RSM comprised of 28 PNCOs.

The study showed older people were more concerned than younger generations. A positive correlation was found between age and the percentage of those who said drugs were an extremely/very serious problem.

Overall, those with annual incomes under USD 30,000

and living in towns or rural areas were most likely to identify drugs as an extremely/very serious problem.

The results were released as US President Donald Trump declared a public health emergency over the opioid crisis. (Xinhua)

much needed equipment combat vehicles artillery, ammunitions, various logistics requirements and military personnel critical to the successful conclusion of the Marawi City operation.

Also deployed for recon and air strikes missions were the Agusta Westland AW-109 combat utility and attack helicopters of the PN. These aircraft were acquired during 2014 and 2015 period.

“On the other hand, our pilots aboard of our Agusta helicopters (AgustaWest-

land AW-109s) provided the aerial intelligence surveillance and (recon) operations and the air strikes day and night to support the operating ground troops,” the PN chief added.

Around 920 Maute Group terrorists were killed in the �ive-month campaign that started last May 23 when government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.

In the �ierce �ighting that followed, around 165 government troops were killed and this includes 35 marines. (PNA)

OVER... FROM 2

PN... FROM 3

of traffic near a public cemetery in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

STIFF... FROM 2 Waste Management Program .

Pusod reminded the public that the open burning of solid waste is strictly prohibited in the city. She added that anyone who will be caught in the act of burning solid waste in an open area shall face penalty.

Penalties in violating the ordinance include �ines ranging from P300 to P5, 000, including mandatory seminar community service, and imprisonment as long as six months. Violators are allowed to pay the �ine within one (1) week from the issuance of citation ticket.

Out of 182 barangays in the city, 103 are accessible to garbage collectors. The rest could not avail themselves of the service due to distance.

The CENRO is working out to provide the service to all ba-

rangays.

“The garbage that CENRO would accept is only residual (di-malata ug di namapuslan) or special waste (di malata, di mapuslan) and we are still implementing “No Segregation, No Collection Policy” ordinance and some barangays need to be educated,” said Pusod.

Pusod encouraged the Dabawenyos to abide with the ordinance, and to provide space in their backyard for biodegradable wastes, and collect and sold the recyclable materials.

She also urged every resident to study carefully the solid waste disposal guide and for comments and suggestions or any report violating the ordinance they may call the 24hour hotline at 2440094 or 2272655.

immediate rehabilitation and construction of temporary or permanent shelters, and the restoration of water, electricity, and other public utilities.”

On the other hand, the Sub-Committee on Security, Peace and Order will now be co-headed by the DND and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

They will be responsible for the restoration and maintenance of peace and order, and

the continuity of public services in Marawi City.

President Duterte declared Marawi City freed from the Maute group last October 17, which marked the start of the city’s rehabilitation period.

The reorganization of Task Force Bangon Marawi re�lects the shift in government’s priority in rebuilding and developing war-affected areas in Marawi. (PNA)

DUTERTE... FROM 3

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS AND CULTURE

DASHING THROUGH AN EVOLUTION DAVAO LIFE is now beginning to be more stimulatingly and intellectually active and creative. In the artistically industrial world of advertising and cinema, a gamechanger might have possibly just rolled back into town in a form of a burly but adorable man with dreadlocks as long as Rapunzel’s—his name is Mr. Mike Zafra.

His surname might already be familiar to some, as his family owns the long-operating Midtown printing company in the city.

Mike has a lifelong passion for filmmaking and music; he started videography as a child and then moved onto producing music.

“My family and I moved to the US when I was about nine years old and during high school—with the use of my old-school videotape camera, I would just start filming anything and everything from random friends skateboarding to school projects—which my teacher complimented me on. Straight out of high school, I worked for a techno/house music record label.

I have hundreds of vinyl records that I would use to produce music for LA’s underground scenes. This gave me the opportunity to travel all over the world DJ-ing professionally for several years. During college, however, I studied biology or pre-med but just wasn’t feeling it, because obviously, my passion was someplace else,” the filmmaker shared. Eventually, Mike finally decided to quit the sciences and focus on his side jobs and finally enrolled at LA’s California State University studying film.

After university, Mike combined his two passions by creating music videos, events and visual presentations for local musicians.

His experience led him to feature film and commercial work, gaining a deep understanding of the intricacies of physical production.

He is also an accomplished editor and has cut hundreds of pieces of content for Emmy-winning studios and networks.

Helping to expand his family’s business, he put up a branch of

his successful production company back in LA with foreign partners called “Cinedasher y” here in Davao, it is one of LA’s leading multi-platform production companies creating content for g r ou nd bre a k i n g trans media experiences and has directed, produced, or crewed on projects for Fortune 500 clients such as Google, Hyundai, Cisco, Fox, and Dodge. They aim to produce and direct internationally top quality video projects at a local cost.

“Our production company here is unlike any other since we offer a wide range of services, aside from printing, of course, we do conceptualization, writing, filming, postproduction for both corporate use and artistic filmmaking. Another thing that is unique about us is that we have our own pool of talents so that our clients don’t have to worry about sourcing out their own,” Mike states.

Personally, it has been an exciting meet-and-greet with Sir Mike and his producer, Mrs. Cherry Ledesma—like how local newspapers are helping promote local artists, it isn’t all about the money after all—but the advocacy of the arts here in our wonderful and ever-growing city. The company has great plans of organizing creative events fashioned after festivals abroad that can further influence and uplift local artists.

If you are interested to be part of this movement or might just want to be part of their pool of talents, you may contact Cherry Ledesma at c.ledesma@greyandgreen.tech/+639063579614 or visit their studio at MPCI Building Bonifacio St. Life is here and we can make it more colorful and meaningful.

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

FESTIVAL OF UNITY

THE COLORS OF SAMBUOKAN 2017 EVEN IF THE WEATHER DID NOT COOPERATE, the street dancers of the City of Mati were still able to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm to send artistic message in the festival through dancing on Sunday, October 29.

The contingents were not able to perform their final showdown at the Mati Sport Complex as intense rain poured over Davao Region which urged the Festival Execom to cancel the showdown in interest of safety. The judges,execom and coordinators also decided to share the prize at stake to all entries in which 2 winners (Elementary and Secondary) during the preliminary

round will get bigger share.

On the other hand, Mati City Mayor Carlo P. Rabat promised to stage a special event on February 2018 for the Final Showdown. The winning team will be sent to join Kadayawan 2018 in Davao City.

“We will still provide you with financial support and all of you are still qualified for the same big prize” said Mayor Carlo.

UP AND ABOUT

Digital the way to go for culture and arts

A PLDT executive encouraged the country’s cultural and heritage agencies to harness the power of social media to inspire among Filipinos a better appreciation of Philippine culture and history.

Carlo Ople, vice president for digital marketing of PLDT Enterprise and International Carrier Business, said government units and brands should take advantage of the relatively low cost of advertising on digital media.

“The cost to reach one person on Facebook is less than 1 centavo. In three years, this will rise to six times or 10 times this

amount,” he said.

Ople added that social media could help them achieve virality. He said a social media post, when done right, could have an impact equivalent to that of a commercial shown for a week on primetime TV. Ople was invited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to speak before representatives of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, National Historical Commission, National Library, and National Museum.

The NCCA and PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications has a longstanding partnership on initiatives such as

the Kultoura Philippine travel guide app, which was launched in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Inno-

Pub Media.

During his talk at the NCCA office in Manila, Ople said that the Philippines had nearly 70

million internet users, almost all of whom were on Facebook.

“Filipinos’ internet usage is seen to hyper-accelerate in the next two to three years.”

This, he said, is also the reason why PLDT and Smart are continuously expanding and enhancing their fixed and mobile networks.

Ople, however, reminded the training participants that it is not enough to be present online and accumulate a lot of followers.

“Having a website does not make you digital. What being digital means is you’re able to move fast, change fast, and decide based on the rich data available to you,” he said.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

AIRASIA GROUP CEO LAUNCHES MEMOIRS

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AIRASIA GROUP CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes today launched his memoirs, Flying High, a look back at his journey from music man to airline man.

The book was unveiled at a starstudded affair at Marini’s On 57 in Kuala Lumpur today, in the shadow of the Petronas Twin Towers.

The launch was attended by AirAsia Co-Founder and AirAsia Malaysia Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia Malaysia Independent Director Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, AirAsia Malaysia CEO Aireen Omar, AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail, AirAsia Thailand CEO Tassapon Bijleveld, AirAsia Group CEO for Indonesia Dendy Kurniawan, and AirAsia India CEO Amar Abrol.

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, “Flying High is a story about the power of dreams. When I first started AirAsia with Datuk Kamarudin, everyone thought we were crazy. They said we had no business running an airline and it wouldn’t work. If we had listened to them, we would have given up before we even started and this book wouldn’t exist.

“This book is proof that dreams do come true, and I hope it will encourage others to pursue their true passion. Believe the unbelievable, dream the impossible and never take no for an answer. Even if you

fail, it doesn’t matter because at least you’ve tried and you can do it again, so trust in your gut feeling, don’t listen to anyone else’s advice and go ahead - write your own incredible story.”

Flying High recounts Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’ journey from a young boy growing in Malaysia to a homesick British boarding school student with a tuck box full of dreams, all the way to his time at Warner Music and finally as AirAsia chief - with plenty of stops along memory lane in between.

Learn about what drives Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and the moments that shaped him, including a chance encounter with Virgin

Group founder, Sir Richard Branson that eventually led to Fernandes’ first job out of university.

Published as Tan Sri Tony Fernandes returns as the face of the second series of Apprentice Asia, the book is an inspiring personal story of an exceptional business leader who created Asia’s first budget airline and democratised air travel in Asia, building AirAsia into a multi-billion-dollar company in the process.

Retailing at RM86.95 (inclusive of GST), Flying High is available now at all major bookstores, prebook on bigdutyfree.com and on board AirAsia flights and on bigdutyfree.com from 6 November 2017.

EDGEDAVAO

A4INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

POLICY... FROM 4 cal and foreign stakeholders as well as prospective businesses interested in venturing into the natural gas industry in the country attended the consultations.

Previous public consultation focused on the regulatory framework covering the de�inition of terms, structure and operations of upstream, ownership, franchising, roles and responsibilities of the DOE and the operator, competition

and gas pricing policy, incentives, insurance, establishment of evaluation committee and other relevant laws.

The DOE encourages the public to engage in making the proposed policy more comprehensive by sending their comments and suggestions to their of�icial email until November 2017. A copy of the proposed policy is downloadable at the DOE of�icial website. (PNA)

and have these approve by their superiors.

He claimed that Candelaria and Francisco endorsed each other’s stock holdings and these were approved by Capulong.

He added that these stocks were handled by SSS-accredited stockbrokers even if one of these brokers only handles high net worth investors and corporates. (PNA)

work in Hong Kong, Joan said her employment in Abu Dhabi was the “worst”.

“Halos ang tulog namin two hours lang, gigising po kami ng 8 ng umaga tapos ang tulog na namin 5 o 6 (ng umaga) (We only get to sleep for two hours only, we usually go to sleep 5 or 6 in the morning then we have to wake up at 8 a.m.),» Masa recounted.

She said the daily grind was almost the same when it is Ramadan season wherein households are busiest.

“Wala po yung pahinga, kahit po pag-ihi bawal po tapos po yung pagkain namin limited kung ano yung matira ‘yun lang (There’s actually no time to rest, you can’t even use the restroom and our food is limited to leftovers only).”

Asked if she would con-

sider working abroad again, Masa answered not for now.

“Hindi na. Sa ngayon, hindi na po muna, talagang medyo traumatic po ‘yung nangyari sa amin doon, para sa akin hindi po makatao, slavery po talaga (Not for now.

Our experience was really traumatic, it›s inhumane.)»

Joan, like the other 104 Filipinos who went home on Wednesday, received a certificate from the goverment to be presented at any Overseas Workers Welfare Adminstration (OWWA) of�ices to claim livelihood �inancial assistance worth around PHP15,000.

According to OWWA chief Hans Leo Cacdac, the government will strengthen efforts against illegal recruiters who typically attract innocent victims through social media. (PNA)

optimistic that cases of human traf�icking and illegal recruitment will decrease.

“With the new law of the UAE, we are really hoping that mababawasan na yung cases na ganito,” Arriola said.

Last October 5, the DFA

also repatriated some 51 distressed Filipinos as a follow-up on their September 18 and 19 efforts of sending combined 79 others home.

Since May 2017, 545 distressed nationals were repatriated by the Embassy. (PNA)

Price hikes in petroleum products such as gasoline, lique�ied petroleum gasoline, diesel, kerosene and engine

oil resulted to a 2.5-percent increase in its group’s index for mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials.(PNA)

operators and drivers.

The of�icial foresees that the deployment of the road train will help ease the city’s traf�ic problems, especially during the peak hours in the morning and late afternoon.

He hopes that the city could eventually adopt the technology as solution to local

public transportation and traf�ic problems, which is mainly attributed to the oversupply of tricycles in the streets.

“The direction of the city is towards mass transport. We cannot fully develop if tricycles will remain as our main mode of transportation,” he said.

(MindaNews)

SSS... FROM 4

OFW... FROM 5

105... FROM 5

RETAIL... FROM 5

GENSAN... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 11

Jack Ma thanked for taking down fake ads F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Jack Ma recently discussed ways on how to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines through affordable electronic commerce innovations pioneered by this Chinese magnate in his multibillion-dollar Internet-based selling platform Alibaba.

In their meeting in Malacanang, Dominguez also thanked Ma for acting swiftly last March on the Philippine government’s request to take down advertisements of digitally printed fake cigarette tax stamps in Ma’s Alibaba. com and AliExpress sites.

The request to take down the ads was in line with the campaign of the Department of Finance (DOF) to combat the proliferation of counterfeit cigarette tax stamps and illicitly traded tobacco products in the Philippine market.

Dominguez said he, along with several DOF and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) of�icials, will meet with Ma again in China next year to hold more extensive discussions on how to ensure an “enabling” �inancial regulatory environment for e-commerce growth in the Philippines, with MSMEs as the primary bene�iciaries.

“We are planning to visit him. He invited us to have further discussions in China.

We will visit him probably in January with Central Bank

erations in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on April 21 to 23.

The operations led to the killing of some 30 Maute members, according to a press statement issued by the Western Mindanao Command. Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Westmincom chief The press statement also said soldiers recovered an ISIS �lag, ri�le and fragmentation grenades, assorted bomb-making materials, a passport of an Indonesian national named Muhammad Ilham Syahputra, three motorcycles, two sacks of rice, a video camera, cellular phones and assorted camou�lage uniforms.

In a statement, Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee, said the arrest by a village defense force “validates the local government units’ position that civilian participation is essential in our collective effort to secure our communities from terrorist elements.”

“Crucial in our security effort to fully restore normalcy in the controlled area is to maintain vigilance by our residents,” Adiong said.

He added the need to “develop and strengthen” the civilian security plan as proposed by the Provincial Peace and Order Council of Lanao del Sur “to inspire further people’s initiative in order to compliment our state forces’

ongoing clearing operation down to the barangay level.”

“Quiet person” According to kumparan. com, an Indonesian news portal, Syahputra left Medan in 2016 purportedly to work in Bandung, West Java.

A kumparan.com article on June 2 said Syahputra was “a quiet person” who spent his time reading the Qur’an and was often asked to be a muezzin in the mosque nerar his sister’s house. A muezzin calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque.

The report said Ilham worked in Malaysia for two years from 2014, in an airport cargo company. But he communicated with his sister regularly and even sent photographs.

When he left in late 2016, communication was no longer as frequent and she did not know where her brother was working, the report said.

Syahputra’s arrest in Marawi came a day after a straggler was killed inside the main battle area.

His arrest also came nine days after Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana announced on October 23 the termination of all combat operations in Marawi City exactly �ive months after it started.

President Rodrigo Duterte on October 17 declared in Marawi City that it has been “liberated from the terrorist in�luence.” (MindaNews)

INDONESIAN... FROM 6

(of�icials). We’ll review the regulatory environment here so that we don’t have regulations that choke the growth of e-commerce,” Dominguez said.

The BSP, along with industry stakeholders, jointly launched the National Retail Payment System in December 2015 to create a safe, ef�icient and reliable electronic retail payment system in the country.

In March this year, the BSP came up with two electronic fund transfer payment schemes--the Instapay, which caters to MSMEs, and PESO Net, which supports the bulk payment transactions of large companies.

“We must look at our (�inancial) regulations and ensure that it will not stymie the growth of our MSMEs,” Dominguez said.

Ma, who began his

$23-billion business empire in his small apartment in Hangzhou, China, told Dominguez during their meeting that he wants to help develop the digital market in the Philippines to create a cashless society and connect the country’s e-commerce markets to other markets in Europe, China and other countries across the globe.

Ma said he wants to assist developing countries like the Philippines in building their digital technologies so that even small enterprises can bene�it from globalization.

He also informed Dominguez that he intends to invest in the Philippines in the next �ive years, most likely in the country’s service industry.

“The Philippines has the best service and has the heart to become key players in the industry,” Ma said. (DOF)

personalities from across the globe invited by the FPF in the recently concluded Mazu cultural tour festival held at Tin Hau Temple at Coloane in Macau.

Two months since the Department of Justice rolled out the VUA option to Chinese citizens, DOT said arrivals from China surged by 54.92 percent

from 61,766 arrivals August 2016 to 95,687 of same period this year.

“If these �igures are any indication, the Philippines can certainly piggyback on VUA to attract more Chinese travelers considering that a huge number of this market is package-tour buyers,” Teo said. (PNA)

monthly contributions to SSS,” Ciriaco said.

The six-year implementation of the microsavings scheme resulted in additional membership of over 100,000 with an equivalent collection of P537.31 million as of June of this year.

With the signi�icant results achieved by the AlkanSSSya Program, the SSS was also awarded by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and ASEAN Social Security Association in 2015 for promoting inclusive growth among informal sector workers.

The SSS Chief also cited their next steps in achieving the overall sustainability of the

program such as aggressive information campaign among the informal sector and by introducing new registration and payment platforms.

“We cannot achieve program sustainability without our member’s high level of appreciation on the longterm bene�its of being an SSS member. That’s why we are continuously creating innovations as we aim to bring SSS closer to all working Filipinos regardless of their economic class. We’re also planning to enhance our policies and guidelines in selecting organized groups to ensure the overall sustainability of the AlkanSSSya Program,” Dooc concluded.

pines.

The measure provides that the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Trust Fund Committee shall be created, under the Of�ice of the

President, which shall monitor the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan and approve disbursements out of the trust fund. (PNA)

VISA... FROM 7

SSS... FROM 7

COCONUT... FROM 7

12 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

Biotech crops reduce use of pesticides

Photos taken from the net

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

he Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that up to 35% of the losses in the annual crop production worldwide are due to pests – insects, weeds, plant diseases, rodents and birds. Of the estimated one million insects in the world, between 150 to 200 species frequently cause serious damage to crops.

When losses due to pests are combined with postharvest losses, worldwide food losses would amount to 45%. “This is almost one half of the world’s potential food supply,” the FAO pointed out.

This is the reason why most farmers around the world use pesticide to control these pests.

For a long time, no one seemed to question the safety of pesticides. Not until 1962, when marine biologist and writer Rachel Carson wrote the now classic Silent Spring. In her book, she described how pesticides cause long-term hazards to birds, �ish, other wildlife, and humans, but provides only short-term gains to controlling the pests.

Despite her �indings, pesticide use continues to soar.

“Farmers now apply abut one

pound of pesticides per year for every person on the planet, 75% of it in industrial countries,” Peter Weber, a researcher with the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute reported some years back.

In the Philippines, most farmers are using chemicals to control pests that attack rice.

“Pesticides are like bombs being dropped in the food web creating enormous destruction,” said entomologist Dr. K.L. Heong, who once worked with the International Rice Research Institute.

Pesticides are killing more than just the pests. “Some pesticides harm the living organisms other than the targeted pest,” observed the Davao-based Technical Assistance Center for the Development of Rural and Urban Poor. “Some travel to the food chain to bioaccumulate in higher organisms.”

Health experts claim pesticides can enter the human body through the lungs, digestive system, or skin. Depending on the pesticide, health effects can be immediate (acute) or they can occur after years of lower-level exposure.

Long-term effects of pes-

ticides include skin disorders, damage to internal organs (liver, kidneys, lungs), increased sensitivity to pesticides and effects on the progeny.

Now, if Filipino farmers want to stop using pesticides to control those attacking their agricultural crops, all they need to do is plant biotech crops.

A report from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) said farmers who planted biotech crops have reduced pesticide spraying.

There was a “decreased environment impact from herbicide and insecticide use by 19%,” the report said. From 1996 to 2015, there was a reduction of pesticide applications by 8.1%. In 2015 alone, a reduction by 6.1% was noted, it added.

The reduction was made possible through the use of biopesticides. For years, many organic farmers have used a bacterial pesticide called Bt to control a variety of pests that attack agricultural crops.

Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis, a common soil bacterium so called because it was �irst isolated in the

Thuringia region of Germany.

It produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects.

Scientists, through genetic engineering, have taken the Bt gene responsible for the production of the insecticidal protein from the bacterium and incorporated it into the genome of plants. As such, the plants have a built-in mechanism of protection against targeted pests.

Aside from corn, Bt is also introduced in cotton, poplar, potato, rice, soybean, tomato, and more recently eggplant. “The protein produced by the plants does not get washed away, nor is it destroyed by sunlight,” said a brie�ing paper published by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology. “The plants are protected from the insects round the clock regardless of the situation.”

Since Bt crops are able to defend themselves against pests, the use of chemical insecticides is signi�icantly reduced. A study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture showed that 8.2 million pounds of pesticide active ingredients were eliminated by the farmers who planted Bt crops in 1998.

Currently, there are more than 200 types of Bt proteins identi�ied with varying degrees

of toxicity to some insects.

A recent report said that the Philippines stands to be a global forerunner in healthful, pesticide-free growing of traditionally intensively-sprayed eggplant. The country is among the world’s top 10 eggplant production with a production of around 200,000 metric tons annually.

In the past, Filipino farmers spray every other day or 60-80 times in an entire four-month eggplant cropping season. They do this to eliminate the highly infesting moth “fruit and shoot borer” (FSB).

Damage caused by the FSB, whose larva consumes the inner part of the eggplant, results to nearly 80% of yield loss, especially during the high incidence of infestation.

But thanks to Bt eggplant, they can now do away with pesticide spraying by as much as 100%. “Producing the no toxin-laden eggplant is now possible,” the report said.

“Researchers on Bt eggplant from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños have experimentally demonstrated that it is effective, and the use of this technology can dramatically reduce the current use of toxic chemical insecticides,” pointed out Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., an academician at the Na-

tional Academy of Science and Technology.

A �ield trial was also conducted in two barangays in Pangasinan, the country’s biggest eggplant producer.

“All throughout three trials, the superior ef�icacy of Bt eggplant in stopping by virtually 100% infestation of FSB was observed in the three eggplant varieties tested – Dumaguete Long Purple, Mara, and Mamburao,” the report said. “All three varieties – unsprayed by insecticides – were planted both for Bt eggplant and non-Bt eggplant.”

Dr. Desiree M. Hautea, who led the study, concluded: “Commercial production of Bt eggplant has great potential to reduce yield losses to FSB while dramatically reducing the reliance of growers on synthetic insecticides, reducing risks to the environment, to worker’s health, and to the consumer.”

Their report was �iled with the peer-reviewed journal PLOS (Public Library of Science).

Meanwhile, ISAAA said that while biotech crops are essential, they “are not a panacea.” It explained: “Adherence to good farming practices, such as rotations and resistance management, are a must for biotech crops as they are for conventional crops.”

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

2... FROM 6 or “shabu” worth around P440,000, a brown envelope containing documents detailing monetary transactions, a ri�le grenade, a hand grenade, a 40mm grenade launcher, seven rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, several bank deposit slips, cheques, savings account passbook, and a bag containing bills in different denominations.

The raiding team also found a black ISIS �lag at the house of the suspects.

Castro said the suspects, who are currently detained at the PDEA-12 headquarters here, would be charged with violation of Section 11 or possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 9516 for illegal possession of ammunitions and explosives.

Last month, anti-drug operatives seized about a ki-

logram of suspected shabu worth around P5 million, drug paraphernalia, suspected ecstasy, laboratory equipment, assorted �irearms, explosives and ammunition in a raid at the house of Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. The mayor was not around during the raid but later surrendered to known political ally Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao.

Lopez was tagged by PDEA-12 as alleged protector of the AKP and the El Patron Drug Group.

AKP had been blamed over a string of terror attacks in Sarangani and neighboring areas these past years.

Its alleged founder, Mohammad Jaafar Sabewang Maguid alias “Tokboy,” was killed in an encounter with police operatives in January at a beach resort in Kiamba, Sarangani. (MindaNews)

Dr. Remedios Flamiano, local banana grower, said the disease could eventually wipe out banana plantations in the region and even the entire country if it remained uncontrolled.

“We need to intervene now while the disease inci-

dence is not yet extensive,” she said.

Region 12, which has more than 100 active banana growers, hosts about 32,800 hectares of banana plantations that produce around one million metric tons of banana annually. (MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 13

Davao fire displaces 81 families

S

ome 81 families were displaced after a massive fire broke out Wednesday evening at Zone 5, Purok Mahayag in Buhangin here.

According to Police Regional Of�ice 11, the �ire was triggered by an unattended lighted candle inside the house of Rizalino Monleon around 5 p.m.

The �ire immediate-

ly spread to neighboring houses, which were also made of light materials.

The �ire was put out at 6:15 p.m.

Authorities estimated some P1.5 million worth of

properties destroyed.

City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO) head Maria Luisa T. Bermudo said the city government has already dispatched its “Kusina ng Bayan” to provide hot meals to the displaced residents staying at the Buhangin Gym. She said the city has already provided sleeping

mats and blankets to the �ire victims.

She added that monitoring and assessment have been ongoing to determine the bene�iciaries who will receive �inancial assistance from the city government – P10,000 for house owners, P5,000 for renters, and P2,000 for boarders. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

CAVENDISH... FROM 6

Julita Ramos, 88, visits the grave of her husband Eugenio at the Davao Memorial Park on All Saints’ Day, November 1, 2017. Her husband passed away ten years ago. She thanks neighbors and

strangers who helped her cross the street and ride the jeep from her residence in Matina Aplaya to the memorial park, carrying her cane and a small plastic chair. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

Honda introduces Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle W

hen carmakers release a new fuel cell car, they always assert that it’s no longer a science experiment.

Built on a dedicated platform that also spawns a plug-in hybrid and full-on electric vehicle, the Honda Clarity is the one that realizes that hydrogen-powered cars now drive just like a battery-powered electric one.

This is future technology, available today. We’ve driven it and it was awesome.

Segueing to a bit of science, a fuel cell vehicle functions much like a battery-electric one, except it produces electricity via a chemical reaction where hydrogen (stored in a compressed state in the car) combines with oxygen (in the air). Electricity is produced continuously as long as fuel (in this case, hydrogen) is supplied. This is dif-

ferent from a battery-electric car which relies on chemicals already stored in the battery.

This entire process is done in wafer-like layers called a fuel cell.Now, the biggest challenge for automakers is how to shrink the size of that fuel cell stack. Honda, which has been dabbling in fuel cell technology for over 20 years has pretty much reduced the size from one that resembles an ice chest to one that’s closer to a carry-on luggage. In addition, ef�iciency has gone up with the Clarity achieving over 60 percent stack ef�iciency. In fact, the entire fuel cell assembly—cell stack and motor have now �it under the hood of a car for the �irst time, taking up roughly the same footprint as a V6 engine.

With a part of our program dedicated to a test drive at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, mental images of

a Civic Type R wailing at full throttle or an NSX hammering a corner crossed everyone’s mind. However, as we approached the entrance of the circuit, we were greeted with an eerie silence. From the frantic hand gesturing of the track marshals, we knew that there were cars on the circuit. But where were they? A white car zoomed by, but it didn’t make a sound. It was like a thief in the night, with the telltale tire rumble the only indication that it

was moving. Soon, it was followed by a red one as well.

Again, nothing audible. What trickery is this, we thought?

That trickery is pretty much how a fuel cell car drives.

After our names were called, we were given some time to settle in and re-orient ourselves with the Clarity’s cabin. For now, it felt pretty much like typical Honda fare: three LCD screens as gauges, a touchscreen infotainment at the center, and a push-but-

ton PRND shifter �loating up the transmission tunnel.

What’s more, nothing looks out of place. There are no protruding bumps or anything like that to indicate its unique power source. It has �ive seats, a roomy interior, and respectable trunk space.

Of course, Honda’s gone out of their way to give the Clarity some luxurious trimmings such as open-pore wood accents and even Ultrasuede on the dashboard. It looks great, but it’s also environ-

mentally-friendly. Materials with a reduced environmental footprint have been used for nearly 80 percent of the interior surface areas.

Securing our seatbelts, the Honda engineer instructed: press the “Engine Start” button. The gauges lit up and then, nothing. For a few seconds, there were some puzzled looks—did we break the future? Will we be the embarrassment of the entire Philippine del-

egation? Then, Mr. Engineer looked at us and said, “Go, go, go.” Gingerly applying the throttle, the car moved, and we went.

The car did make a pleasant melody, but it was more to warn pedestrians and cyclists that a silent car is rolling off near them. After the chime died down, it was the sound of near silence. There’s a slight fanlike whirring sound, but only because the Clarity uses an electrically-driven turbo air compressor to feed oxygen into the fuel cell. Aside from that, it’s the just the sound from the tires and the nonstop instructions from Mr. Engineer.

Apparently, since a fuel cell takes a few seconds to get to peak generation, the Clarity FCV also has a small lithium-ion battery pack that acts as an energy buffer.

It’s the secret to this car’s admirable performance and though it can eat through its power reserves in less than half a minute, the fuel cell would have taken over by then. Regenerative braking then feeds the battery once more keeping it topped up.

Otherwise, the Clarity FCV drives similarly to something like an Accord.

The steering and brakes are precise, and the body motions controlled. For sure, it feels a bit nose heavy through the tighter bends, but again, it’s somewhat typical of its size and girth.

Though our laps around

Twin Ring Motegi were capped at 60 km/h, Mr. Engineer was getting a bit impatient (we were the second to the last in our group), so he told us to press the Sport mode and gun it. And gun it we did. The accelerator response felt shaper, but it was the same eerie silence around the track, except perhaps for a tire screech or two. The regenerative braking is supposed to be more aggressive under this mode, but we were too busy wrestling this car to notice.

We were also too busy shuf�ling around the different activities to actually notice the Clarity’s styling. It’s somewhat polarizing, but it’s also equally futuristic and different. If we were to imagine what a 2025 Accord would look like, the Clarity probably won’t be that far off.

With hydrogen �illing stations remaining a niche in our fossil fuel world, we can’t predict whether fuel cell vehicles will go down as a failed experiment or will signal the start of a sea of change. While the world decides on the fate of hydrogen fuel, at the then and now, the Honda Clarity brings forth a, pardon the pun, a clear vision of a clean future. We may take regularity for granted, but the Clarity wears it proudly on its sleeve. It feels less of a science experiment and more of a regular car that beamed in from tomorrow.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

WHAT’S WRONG CAVS?

Cavs drop to 4th straight loss C

LEVELAND (AP) -There’s not much more for the Cleveland Cavaliers to talk about.

A day after a clear-theair team meet-

CLEAR VIEW. Thadeus Young of Indiana gets a a clear view of the basket against Cleveland’s Jae Crowder.

ing, LeBron James and his teammates didn’t get any better.

Thaddeus Young scored 26 points, Darren Collison had 25 and the Indiana Pacers sent Cleveland to its fourth straight loss, 124-107 on Wednesday

night.

James had 33 points and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough to keep Cleveland from losing for the �ifth time in six games and falling to 3-5.

James was upbeat following Sunday’s 19-point loss to New York and pointed out it was still October. He was in a far less positive mood Wednesday, saying three times, ‘’It’s a new month.’’

The Cavaliers held a

lengthy meeting before Tuesday’s practice to discuss their

RULES... FROM 16

sion, but when he arrived at the venue, four other board members - Dioceldo Sy (Blackwater), Mert Mondragon (Rain of Shine), Raymund Zorilla (Phoenix), and Dickie Bachmann (Alaska) – were also there to discuss his removal from his post as commissioner.

“This move does not sit well with the rest of us board members. Any move should be made in the proper forum and must be covered the league’s rules and regulations. Any move

T

beyond this is de�initely not allowed, “Non said.

Non cited that the group backing the move to remove Commissioner Narvasa has the habit of changing commissioners at a whim, citing the decisions to remove Commissioner Noli Eala and Sonny Barrios in the past.

“If we allow that to happen, then this will weaken the Commissioner’s Of�ice and turn it into a puppet of whoever is the most powerful among the team owners,”Non said.

he Duterte government has this “Build, Build, Build” program with the intention, of course, to bring this country to better living conditions.

While there is still military presence in Marawi after its liberation from the terrorist Maute group, Professor Henry Daut of the Mindanao State University and his team have conducted sports activities aimed at healing the wounds brought by the unwanted con�licts that greatly affected the children in Marawi.

For months, Prof. Daut and his dedicated volunteers have organized Sports for Peace events and

struggles, but the defending Eastern Conference champions have lost by a combined margin of 58 points in their losing streak. ‘’A lot of teams are playing well right now,’’ James said. ‘’We’re not. That’s just a simple fact.’’

The Cavaliers still have issues to work out, especially on the defensive end. Cleveland led 69-68 in the third quarter, but Indiana hit four straight 3-pointers and built an eightpoint lead.

Indiana was 16 of 26 from 3-point range. Cleveland had allowed the second most 3-pointers in the league going into the game.

Victor Oladipo scored 23 points for the Pacers. Bojan Bogdanovic added 17, and Domantas Sabonis had 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Cleveland has battled injuries since training camp and

STIFF,13

Irving, Celtics beat skidding Kings

B

OSTON (AP) -- Jaylen Brown has already �igured out he’ll receive a lot less attention from opposing defenses when he’s on the �loor with Kyrie Irving.

Brown has also realized he’ll get some open shots, too.

Brown scored 22 points on 7-of-8 shooting in three quarters, and the Boston Celtics coasted past the skidding Sacramento Kings 11386 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory. ‘’Kyrie and (Al) Horford

are going to draw so much attention, especially Kyrie,’’ Brown said. ‘’I’m just licking my chops anytime they double-team Kyrie. I’m just trying to be as ready as possible to take the pressure off them.’’

Irving also scored 22 for the Celtics, who posted their 11th consecutive win over the Kings in Boston, dating to their last loss on Jan. 19, 2007. Terry Rozier added 12 points, and Daniel Theis had 10 points with 10 rebounds.

Rebuild sports in Mindanao

I strongly believe this should be continued while the national government are in the works rebuilding the war-torn city.

We just hope that there will be no retaliatory attacks by any remnants of the terrorist group (I hope they are all gone!) and that way, the children in Marawi can also start rebuilding their lives through sports for peace activities by the good professor.

It is just sad that terrible things happen in Mindanao because history has shown us that whenever there is con�lict or war, the innocent children are the most affected.

The Sports for Peace in Mind-

CLEAN SLATE

By MOSES P. BILLACURA anao years ago has been formed for this very purpose and we are glad that Prof. Henry with the help of Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, the founder of the pro-

TO THE HOOP. Kyrie Irving of Boston drives to the basket.

gram has done their part with the help also of corporate backers.

At the recent event, the Jollibee mascot was there to entertain the kids at the evacuation center and at least at that time, the kids smiled and forgot the horrors of the con�lict even for just a day. The Jollibee burgers were actually just a bonus.

I know that chairman Ramirez has been thinking of the kids in Marawi for weeks now and could not wait to do something for them again.

This will, again, give chance to corporate backers to show its corporate citizenship in Mindanao by

reaching out to chairman Ramirez and Prof. Daut and start discussing in what they they can help.

And let us continue to pray that there will be continued peace, again, in that city and nearby cities and urge fellow Mindanaoans to be vigilant for their children and grandchildren do not deserve such disturbance of the peace.

“The kids of Mindanao have the right to enjoy sports because we see sports development as basic as food, clothing, shelter and health care”.

Those are actually not my words but of the good chairman Butch Ramirez, a son of Mindanao.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 154 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017

RULES PREVAIL

P

Narvasa stays as PBA commissioner

hilippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Chito Narvasa is not going anywhere. This is because the rules, policies and principles that govern the Philippine Basketball Association are on his side.

“They cannot just act on a whim. What they are doing is not in accordance with our by-laws and constitution. All �ive teams – San Miguel, Ginebra, Star, Kia and Globalport – stand behind Commissioner Narvasa. He enjoys our full support and we have prevailed upon him to stay and do what is right,” Robert Non, San Miguel Beermen governor, said on behalf of the �ive teams who refuse to succumb to pressure from the renegade bloc seeking for the ouster of Narvasa.

Non said such move by disgruntled members of the PBA board led by Talk and Text is unauthorized and not binding under the league’s bylaws and constitution.

“These of�icials do not constitute the majority need-

ed to remove or appoint the commissioner and thereafter, make any changes in the PBA structure, “said Non. Under the PBA rules, a majority in board is two-thirds of its current membership, which is eight of the current 12 members. In this context, only a majority vote of twothirds of the league board membership is required by its by-laws and constitution to remove Narvasa.

San Miguel, Star, Ginebra, GlobalPort and Kia representatives were unable to attend yesterday’s unathorized meeting as the notice was only given last October 30, a violation of the seven (7) day rule for such.

“So without this clear majority, all changes being made by these renegade members are not allowed, including the appointment of Rickie Santos as of�icer-in-charge, and would not be binding on the whole board membership,” Non said.

“This includes as well the misrepresentation of NLEX

STAYING ON. PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa will stay in his post according to a PBA statement released to media last night. board member Ramon Fernandez as PBA chairman, when in fact, the sitting chairman is still Globalport’s Mikee Romero,” he added.

Non continued that these seven board members cite

loss of con�idence and poor performance as the reason for calling for Narvasa’s removal, but they cannot cite any instance that would back their claims up, save for the MVP teams dissatisfaction with the

recent trade consummated between the San Miguel Beermen and Kia Picanto.

Non said he was informed that prior to yesterday’s meeting, �ive members of the renegade bloc, met with Narvasa at

the UCC Cafe in Libis last Oct. 30.

Narvasa attended the meeting on the belief that it was only with Fernandez to discuss PBA’s planning ses-

RULES,15