Edge Davao 10 Issue 39

VOL. 10 ISSUE 39 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 26 - 27, 2017

3 OF 5. For the second time, EDGE DAVAO became the winningest community daily in PPI Civic Journalism Community Press Awards when it won three of the five categories during the 21st National Press Forum on ASEAN @ 50 Beyond the Headlines, May 24-26 at H2O Hotel on Thursday. EDGE DAVAO won Best in Photojournalism, Best in Environmental Reporting and Best Edited Community Newspaper.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

NO CURFEW But guidelines in place for residents and tourists to follow

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HE Public Safety and Security Command Center gave assurance there will be no curfew to be imposed in Davao City during the 60-day duration of Martial Law. During his arrival speech on Wednesday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte indicated he would impose curfews in certain areas in Mindanao such as Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat,

North Cotabato and Zamboanga, following his Martial Law declaration for the whole Mindanao on May 23.

“There’s no curfew imposed in Davao city and the Mayor is not contemplating of any,” said PSSCC Chief Benito de Leon on Thursday.

But De Leon said the residents and tourists in Davao City should cooperate in following the guidelines set by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

for Martial Law in Davao in order to ensure the safety of the citizens in their day-to-day activities.

De Leon strongly encouraged the public to abide by the guidelines and particularly discouraged them from staying outside of their residences for whatever purpose.

He also advised people to report any suspicious persons or activities that will happen in their area so that the police

will be able to respond immediately.

On Wednesday, Mayor Sara released the guidelines for the general public of Davao after the declaration of the President Duterte of Martial Law in Mindanao. This was after the Maute terrorist group attacked Marawi City on Tuesday, threatening the safety of the island which prompted the President to declare martial law.

ML wont affect classes opening

By REBECCA ESPERA

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HE Department of Education will not suspend anything in relation to the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

“We are not going to suspend anything and classes will open as scheduled, ” said Department of Education spokesperson Genelito Atillo.

Atillo the Dep-Ed’s central office has no advisory on anything that would be re-aligned in so far as class opening schedules are concerned.

Given that there was no advice from the Central Office of moving the schedule of

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 39 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 26 - 27, 2017

TOEING THE LINE. Resident of Barangay 23 Mini Forest in Davao City gather at a covered basketball court for identification verification during the “Operation Bolabog” on Thursday morning (25 May 2017). The operation was meant to verify non-residents as part of the city’s tightened security measures. Mindanews photo

Troops rescue 120 trapped civilians in Marawi City

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T least 120 civilians were rescued as troops continue to fight the remaining members of the Maute group in Marawi City, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of Westmincom, on Thursday said 78 of the 120 civilians were rescued at the government-run Amai Pakpak Hospital.

The group consists of eight patients, 21 hospital staff, and 49 construction workers.

The remaining 42 are teachers who were trapped inside the Dansalan College. The Maute group burned a build-

ing of the school.

“According to sources, the militants were bringing along with them two wounded members and sought medical care from the hospital staff upon their arrival. On the process, they also held captive all 78 civilians in the hospital,” Galvez said.

Galvez pointed out there are politicians who are harboring the Mauter group followers. He did not identify them.

“Many people in Marawi and in other areas are denying the presence of a looming terrorism threat in their communities. Sadly, we even received

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LTO stresses use of helmets for kids riding motorcycles

By REBECCA ESPERA

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HE Land Transportation Office for Region XI on Thursday has called on motorcycle owners to comply strictly with the requirements of Republic Act 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcyle Act. Assistant Regional Director Neil Canedo said one major requirement is the use of helmets for children while riding motorcyles.

“Gina enforce ang Republic Act nga kadtong pag drive ug motorcycle, dapat ang bata makapatong sa pedal, dapat naay helmet, na dapat makagakos man siya tibuok kamot

niya sa ga-drive sa motor,” said ARD Canedo.

He also stressed the use of helmet for children as elaborate under the measures mandated by RA 10054, otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

Meanwhile, exclusion on such abovementioned specifics can be applied, notably, when the child has to be immediately transported to seek medical attention. This exception is predetermined in the Sec. 5 of the implemented Act. Canedo also said that the age definition of bata or child is 18 years old and below, in

reference to the stipulations on the Act. He also reiterated that the vehicle referred to on this Act is the two-wheeled motorcycle.

The Land Transportation regional office has also expressed hope that motorists will strictly obey the rules of RA 10666 together with RA 10913, which the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was signed on 4th of April 2017 but is now on put hold on motion by Senators Tito Sotto and Grace Poe. The said senators put the IRR of RA 10913, known as Anti-Distracted Driving

Act, on hold for review due to “feeling nila overacting ra kaayo ang [details] sa IRR”, said ARD Cañedo, which on the IRR includes the crucifixes, rosaries, and the likes.

As to ARD Cañedo on his brief mention pertaining to RA 10913 in relation to the inclusion of crucifix and rosaries as listed to be distractive items, the LTO holds expectations of a full support from the Church by saying “actually nakita lang nako ha sa media nga wala may problema ang Church, ingon sila mo-suporta man sila ky Republic Act man na”.

is confident that the President will truly adhere to the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution.

Del Rosario also condemned the Maute Group for the atrocities that caused hardships to people in Marawi City.

“The peace-loving people of Davao del Norte and the Davaoenos in the Davao region condemn in the strongest terms the senseless act of terrorism against the people of Marawi City. We feel their suffering and dastardly disruption of their normal lives, as we pray for the quick resolution of the conflict. We cannot al-

low the terrorists to win. That is why, we hail President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for putting Mindanao under martial law to preserve our people and the Republic,” he said.

Del Rosario said Duterte’s “sound judgment is highly called for since there are also pressing security concerns in other parts of the island.”

“We understand the discomfort of many sectors critical to the declaration. However, we are confident that the President respects the safeguards, particularly enshrined in our Constitution, designed to prevent abuses and human rights

violations,” he said.

Although Marawi is far from Davao Region, Del Rosario called for vigilance to ensure public safety, as he urged his fellow local leaders to support the president’s campaign against terrorism and other forms of criminality.

Del Rosario is confident that Mindanao will “emerge stronger, more resilient, more progressive and more peaceful” with the martial law declaration.

Davao Occidental Governor Claude Bautista said: “The declaration of martial law is

Ex-DILG chief defends Duterte’s ML declaration Davao leaders urge residents to stay calm amid tight security

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ORMER Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael M. Alunan III on Wednesday defended President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s swift action declaring martial law in the entire Mindanao to stop the reign of terror perpetrated

by Islamist terror groups in the region.

In a press statement, Alunan rallied the Filipino people to support the President’s move “to clampdown on the clear threats to human security” when Maute members in cahoots with the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group attacked Marawi City on Tuesday, killing people, including civilians.

The terrorists also burned a Catholic church, jails and other buildings, sowing terror in the entire city as people were screaming as they ran for their lives.

Alunan hailed the President’s move to stop Islamic militants from their rampage killing. The terrorists also kidnapped people, including a Catholic priest.

The military and police engaged the terrorists in a heavy fighting since Tuesday.

President Duterte declared martial in Mindanao for 60 days to clampdown on the clear threats to human secu-

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OVERNORS and city mayors in the Davao region have expressed support to the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, urging residents to stay calm amid the tighter security measures imposed by local government units in collaboration with police and military forces.

Backing President Rodrigo Duterte, the Davao leaders believed the declaration of martial law is the right thing to do to safeguard Mindanao.

Davao del Norte Governor and Regional Development Council (RDC) XI chairman Anthony del Rosario said he

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Eastmincom awaits ML implementing guidelines T

HE Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) is awaiting for the guidelines of the implementation of the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao by President Rodirgo R. Duterte.

This after the Maute Group took-over Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday.

EMC public information officer Maj. Ezra L. Balagtey said, in a statment, that they are just waiting for the guidelines from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on how the decla-

DSWD on red alert after Marawi siege

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HE Department of Social Welfare and Development activated its red alert status earlier Wednesday to monitor and to prepare for the possible consequences of the ongoing armed operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf Group in Lanao del Sur. As of today’s 10AM report from the DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau (DREAMB), the incident has already affected barangays Sarimanok, Basak, Malutlot, Bangon, Tuca, Caloocan, Marinaut, and Makilala in Marawi City. Residents are not allowed to go out of their respective houses for security reasons and the city is now blocked by government forces and members of the ISIS-backed militants.

Locals from Cotabato City are also advised to take extra-precautionary measures following the declaration of a triple red alert status by their city government due to sightings of alleged terrorists in their area.

Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo has already met with concerned DSWD officials regarding the response operation of the Department on the incident which she will immediately report to President Rodrigo R. Duterte. She also directed nearby regions in the conflict-affected areas to prepare for possible augmentation support since affected residents are expected to seek refuge in nearby regions.

“We are already anticipating evacuees from Marawi so our regional offices are now on call 24/7 to address the needs of affected residents and to monitor the situation on the grounds, as well as, to provide us regular situational reports,” stated Sec. Taguiwalo.

“The DSWD is ready to provide relief assistance to the people of Marawi and to assist the evacuees in coordination with DSWD-ARMM. We will ensure that the people’s well being, life and rights are upheld and protected,” she added.

The Department currently maintains 169,094 Family Food Packs (FFPs) and standby funds amounting to P1,033,579,086.81 in the Central Office (CO) and all DSWD field offices (FO) in Mindanao.

ration will be implemented on the ground.

Balagtey said that while the implementing guidlines are yet to be released, the EMC reiterates its call for the public to be vigilant and remain to be calm.

“And to immediately report to law enforcement units any suspicious-looking individual or activity in their vicinity,” he said.

Balagtey said all of their units remained to be on heightened alert after the incident in

Marawi City.

“Security operations were intensified in urban areas of Eastern Mindanao particularly Davao City, General Santos City and Cagayan De Oro City to prevent diversionary attacks,” he said.

Balagtey said the EMC is taking the necessary measures to secure the maritime, coastal and land areas and mantain peace and order.

“In coordination with the Philippine National Police, Local Government Units and oth-

er Law Enforcement Agencies,” he said.

Meanwhile, farmers group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) condemned the Martial Law declaration.

KMP secretary general Antonio Flores said Declaring a Mindanao-wide Martial Law “only puts innocent civilians at risk of state perpetrated human rights violations.”

“Martial law is not justified nor the solution,” he said.

Flores added that the declaration is a pretext to escalating

abuses of the state forces and attacks versus civilians.

“We need to remain vigilant and condemn Duterte’s Martial Law declaration,” he said.

But for Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, there is no reason to be scared with Martial Law. “Kung hindi ka kriminal, hindi ka member ng Maute at ISIS there is no reason na matakot ka (If you are not a criminal or a member of Maute and ISIS, you have no reason to be scared),” Duterte-Carpio said.

She advised the public to cooperate with the security measures being implemented by authorities for safety and security of the city.

The mayor added it will be good if these people will bring identification cards or other documents and present it, if asked in the checkpoints.

Duterte-Carpio released a guidelines for Dabawenyos covering the period of Martial Law after declaring the city under state of hold and secure.

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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Crackdown on terrorism wins China’s full support

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BRIGHT NOTE. Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo signs the Joint Action Program on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism 2017-2019 prior to the press briefing at the Four Seasons Hotel in Moscow, Russia on May 24, 2017. The signing

of the agreement is a manifestation of the joint pursuit of Russia and the Philippines towards a wider range of cooperation. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

HINA has expressed strong support to the Philippine government’s efforts to suppress terrorism by declaring martial law in southern island of Mindanao. ”Terrorism is the common enemy of mankind. China understands and firmly supports the Philippine government in cracking down on terrorism,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press conference on Wednesday.

Last Tuesday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law after the Maute group stormed a village in Marawi City, capital of Lanao del Sur province.

According to media reports, around 18 people, including five soldiers, were

killed and 31 others were wounded in the ensuing firefight.

The Maute group, which has declared allegiance to the Islamic State or ISIS, reportedly burned buildings, including a Catholic church and took a priest and several worshipers hostage.

The incident prompted President Duterte to cut short his five-day official visit to Russia to personally address peace and order in Mindanao.

Before leaving Russia, President Duterte met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President Duterte had requested President Putin to grant the Philippines a soft loan to purchase firearms to combat terrorism, particularly

OP military officials in the Caraga region have vowed to respect human rights in the implementation of martial law in the area.

Col. Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade based here, said they put up more checkpoints at entry and exit points following Tuesday night’s declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte putting Mindanao under martial law following the firefight that erupted in Marawi City between government troops and the Maute Group. ”This is to deter any threat groups that may conduct hostile or offensive actions against civilians, business establishments, government installations and other vital facilities,” Gacal said.

He said the Army is enhancing security measures with the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government units to maintain peace order in the area. ”Rest assured that the

Army will always adhere to the principles of the IHL (International Humanitarian Law) and respect people’s human rights in all our dealings,” Gacal said.

Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada said they are constantly coordinating with the local police and military forces to ensure the safety and security of the city.

The mayor called on the public to be vigilant and immediately report to authorities the presence of suspicious individuals.

Lt. Col. Rommel Pagayon, commander of the 26the Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Sur, said that Major General Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, instructed them to respect the human rights in the implementation of martial law. ”We would like to assure the public that your Army will strictly observe the provisions of the IHL and the rule of law,” Pagayon said.

Lt. Col. Randolph Roxas,

‘No ID, No Entry’up T for Cotabato City I

N support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, the Cotabato City government has started implementing “No ID, No entry” policy, the city mayor here said Thursday.

The decision was reached after Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi met all village officials in an emergency meeting

Caraga military officials vow to respect for human rights

Wednesday night in the aftermath of the bloody terrorist attacks by ISIS-inspired Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf.

Sayadi first directed all village chiefs to intensify visibility and to conduct checkpoints “in areas where it is necessary.”

“This is to ensure (at barangay level) that no intruders will be able to penetrate and

disturb the residents,” she said in a statement.

Residents and travellers will expect tightened checkpoints along the city’s entry and exit points to be implemented by Army-led Joint Task Force Kutawato (JTFK).

Heightened alert is also implemented in the coastal areas and communities living

near riverbanks.

In declaring “No ID, No Entry” policy, Sayadi said all those entering the city from north and south section of Cotabato City.

Every motorist is required to log-in to checkpoints and present valid identification cards after reports that some

nounced.

In a news release issued Thursday, the Department of Education emphasized that schools will not be used as evacuation centers.

In Marawi City, the pro-

vincial capitol and the Mindanao State University will serve such purpose, it said.

The department also reminded concerned sectors “to ensure the neutrality of schools and temporary

learning spaces as zones of peace”.

“Similarly, students, teachers, and personnel must be spared from any form of violence, intimidation, or threat,” it added. (PNA)

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School opening in Mindanao to push through on June 5

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HE opening of classes in public elementary and high schools, including those in Mindanao, will push through on June 5 as scheduled, the Department of Education has an-

House receives copy of martial law declaration

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HE office of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has officially received from Malacañang a copy of Duterte’s Proclamation No. 216, declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao.

The House of Representatives received the copy of the martial law proclamation at around 10:26 p.m. Wednesday night.

In a radio interview on Thursday, Alvarez said there is no need for Congress to immediately convene to discuss the President’s declaration of martial law, noting that the Constitution does not require immediate congressional re-

view upon submission of the report.

“Ngayon, kung ito ay i-report niya personally, we have to convene Congress para tanggapin at pakinggan yung kanyang report. Pero kung ito ay gagawin niya in writing, hindi na kailangan na mag-convene kami agad-agad, unless mayroong desisyon yung mga miyembro na kailangang mag-convene kami at pag-usapan yung kanyang report,” Alvarez said.

According to the 1987 Constitution, the President is mandated to submit a report, whether in person or in writing, to Congress within 48 hours from the proclamation

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FULFILLED. Mountain bicycle riders from Davao City disembark from a ferry boat at Babak Port in thr Island Garden City of Samal on Thursday. Bicycle enthusiasts frequent the island due to its challenging terrain and scenic view. Lean Daval Jr.

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6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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PLDT Enterprise 1Q revenues up at P8.5B L EADING telecoms and digital services provider PLDT Inc. has sustained its leadership in the Enterprise market as its revenues reached P 8.5 billion for the first quarter of the year, up 13 percent compared to the same period last year at P 7.55 billion, driven by strong demand for data and information and communications technology (ICT) services.

Its wireless enterprise revenues grew 15 percent year on year while ICT and fixed services improved 11 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, data and ICT posted a 24 percent growth in the first quarter compared to the same period last year and now accounts for 66 percent of total enterprise revenues.

“We are seeing a growing acceptance and adoption among our enterprise cus-

tomers, both large, and small and medium businesses, of cloud-based solutions, disaster recovery, and digital services.

PLDT is well positioned to meet this need because of the expertise we have assembled through partnerships with leading tech companies and the unmatched capacity and resilience of ePLDT’s data center network,” PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Jovy Hernandez said in a statement.

PLDT’s Enterprise business initiated several partnerships with IT industry leaders in the early part of the year to further strengthen its portfolio of digital business solutions offered to the country’s enterprises including Microsoft and Cisco.

Its digital arm ePLDT has also added two new data cen-

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WHATEVER IT TAKES. A villager displays different varieties of fish he is selling at his community in Brgy. 23-C, Isla Verde, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

Uniqlo opens first store in Davao City

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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N its fifth year in the country, Uniqlo opens its first store in Mindanao region today, May 26 at SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

Uniqlo Philippines Chief Operating Officer, Katsumi Kubota, said that they have chosen to have their first Mindanao store in Davao because they are positive with the city’s economic growth.

“We have confidence in the Mindanao market, as all

of the Filipinos have shown appreciation to the Uniqlo brand since 2012, when we arrived to this country,” Kubota said during the Uniqlo’s media event on Wednesday. “We want to deliver Uniqlo all over Philippines, particularly Davao because it is the largest city in Mindanao.”

Kubota also expressed his appreciation to the Filipino customers who enjoy Uniqlo experience, from their prod-

ucts, services and people.

According to Kubota, they have brought most of their products to the Davao branch except for winter clothes.

They are also set to open two more branches in Mindanao, specifically in SM City Davao and SM Cagayan de Oro on June 2 and June 30, respectively.

Uniqlo is known around the world for its LifeWear-innovative clothing that is universal in design and comfort-

able to wear. The new UNIQLO stores will offer LifeWear essentials for men, women, kids and babies.

Uniqlo is a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer that has over a thousand stores worldwide. It has been in the country since 2012 with 36 other stores all over the Philippines, particularly in Central Manila, Makati, Metro Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu and Davao.

DOF czar says ML declaration has no impact on growth thrust F

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the country’s growth momentum remains on track despite President Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao on Tuesday night to quickly and decisively contain the threats of lawless elements in a limited area distant from the island’s major business centers.

“The economy is in no way threatened by the imposition of martial law. The military is in full control of the government installations and major infrastructures on the island,” Dominguez said.

“Martial law will ensure that these facilities are protected so that business trans-

actions will be unaffected,” he said.

He pointed out that President Duterte himself, upon his arrival from Russia, said at the airport that the government is prepared to do “anything and everything” to put an end to the lawless violence and restore normalcy in the affected areas as quickly as possible so as not to affect the economy.

Dominguez noted that, “The economy is rapidly growing; it is expected to grow by 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent during the year with both internal and external demand contributing evenly to growth. “ Although Marawi City

is Lanao del Sur’s economic hub, he said “the threats by lawless elements are contained in areas far from Mindanao’s major business centers and the military is doing everything to minimize these.”

“Martial law in Mindanao for a limited period is intended to protect the flow of commerce, protect the innocent and eliminate future threats to the communities,” Dominguez said.

As noted by President Duterte, the “compelling reason” for the declaration of Martial Law was the involvement of elements linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group in the

Marawi conflict and that the whole of Mindanao was put under military rule to allow the government to best respond to the possibility of the terrorists seeking sanctuary or sowing terror in other parts of the South.

“The President is determined to protect the lives of innocent civilians and he will apply everything within his legal means to stop these extremist terrorist groups from further threatening the people of Mindanao and undermining government efforts to lift people up from poverty and transform Southern Philippines into a major growth center and investment destination,” Dominguez said.

NFA assures enough rice in Marawi City T HE National Food Authority has assured the public that there is enough rice in Marawi City, which is currently being gripped by a running gun battle between government troops and the Maute terrorist group.

“We assure all residents of Marawi and the rest of Mindanao that we have enough rice in NFA warehouses in the area. We are ready to issue rice to relief-giving agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Red Cross and local government units anytime they would need it to distribute to the affected residents,” NFA administrator Jason Laureano Y. Aquino said.

As of May 24, the NFA in Marawi City has 38,000 bags of rice in its warehouse. “We have instructed our field per-

sonnel to be ready to respond to any need for rice stocks for the victims. Our warehouse in Marawi has been padlocked with reinforced security personnel inside to guard the stocks. We also have enough personnel to release them when needed, and we have coordinated with the local police and military for the safety of our stocks and personnel,” Aquino said.

NFA rice stocks for the whole of Mindanao, which has been placed under Martial Law, currently stands at 1,504,190 bags. The food agency’s offices in other regions, if necessary, is ready to augment the buffer stocks in Mindanao to effectively meet the residents’ rice requirements during the 60day implementation of Martial Law in the area.

“We shall continue to aug-

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BIR slaps 3 businessmen with tax evasion charges

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S part of government’s campaign to go after tax evaders, the Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday filed a tax evasion complaint before the Department of Justice against three businessmen from Cainta Rizal, Caloocan City and Quezon City for their alleged failure to pay a total of P151.7 million in income taxes.

The BIR said the Marlyn Young, treasurer of Condi Commercial Corporation; Alfredo Belen Jr., President of PSTI Food Supplies Inc., and treasurer Lothat Vogt; and Quicksellers Corporation President Richard Lee and Treasurer Danila Dela Fuente were sued in section 255 in re-

lation to sections 253 and 256 of the tax code.

The BIR said Condi owed the government P12.8 million in income taxes for 2007 while PSTI Food failed to settle P11.4 million in taxes for 2007 and Quicksellers Corporation, on the other hand, was assessed with tax liabilities amounting to P127.43 million for 2010.

Condi is engaged in the business trading of good such as condiments, food stuff and beverages on wholesale or retail basis with registered business address at 27-C, 15th Avenue Bo. Socorro, Murphy in Quezon City.

PSTI Food is engaged in business of trading goods suc

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317 Middle East OFWs get assessment from TESDA

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TOTAL of 317 overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East completed their onsite competency assessment under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) held in various countries in that region.

The Middle East consists of the countries located east of the Mediterranean Sea and west of India. They are Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan.

In that region, 252 OFWs received certificates of completion after they passed the assessment held in Riyadh, Al Khobar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Jeddah where it got 79.49 percent certification rate.

Some of the qualifications given assessment were courses such as Computer System Servicing NC II; Technical Drafting NC II; Visual Graphic Design NC III; Events Management NC III; Food and Beverage Services NC II; Caregiving NC II and Massage Therapy NC II. The Onsite Assessment Program of TESDA kicked off in Riyadh and Al Khobar last April 28-30, 2017.Then it proceeded to Abu Dhabi where the same

program was held in Jeddah on May 5-6; Jeddah, May 4-8; and the in Dubai, May 12-13.

Records showed that 76 OFWs from Riyadh and Al Khobar took part in the OAP while 70 of them received certificates, giving 92.11 percent certification rate.

In Jeddah, 112 out of 130 passed the assessment (86.91 percent certification rate); 27 out of 39 from Abu Dhabi passed (69.23 percent certification rate) and 43 out of 72 also passed (59.7 percent) from Dubai.

Apart from the onsite assessment of OFWs in the Middle East, representatives from TESDA met officials and conducted inspection in areas which applied for program registration and accreditation as the agency’s assessment center.

TESDA Director General, Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong said that the OAP aims to determine if the OFWs possess the competencies required in a preferred work.

“The program seeks to support the goal of bringing the Filipino overseas workers out of low skilled, low paying and oppressive service work, and assist them to land in higher skilled, better paying and decent work” said Mamondiong. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 7

Investors told not to fear Martial Law declaration Center says ML aimed at lawless armed groups

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HE Public Safety, Security and Command Center of Davao city on Thursday assured business investors and tourists they have nothing to fear about the declaration of Martial Law in the whole of Mindanao.

“Tourists and investors should realize that Martial Law does not target people,” explained Ret. Gen. Benito de Leon, PSSSCC chief. “In fact, it makes Davao more secured from lawless elements out to

sow havoc.”

De Leon gave the assurance following reports that guests and tourists bound for Davao City are cancelling their reservations in certain hotels after the declaration of Martial Law. De Leon added that tourists should not panic, but rather feel safe because the police are on their Red Alert level, which means that security forces will be tight in the City.

He also said that Martial

Law should be treated as a welcome development for the people of Davao, rather than something to be afraid of.

The PSSCC Chief called the public to correct the notion that Martial law will make the lives of Mindanaoans miserable.

“As opposed to the worries of the people particularly outside Davao, na magiging papahirapan yung buhay natin dito, mali ‘yun. It is for the security of Mindanao. The tar-

get of this is only the criminal elements.”

Moreover, the Chief said that motorists should expect tight security especially in check points because they will be conducting round the clock security at entry points of Davao.

De Leon revealed that he will meet with the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center and the Department of Tourism officers to have a discussion regarding the issue.

ARMM okays P33M shipping yard project for Tawi-Tawi

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HE Regional Board of Investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) has approved the construction of a P33.5 million shipping yard in Tawi-Tawi province.

RBOI Chairperson Ishak Mastura on Thursday said the board granted the Bongao-based J. Sayang Shipping Lines, Inc. to establish a shipping yard to provide services to traders from the ports of Basilan, Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Polloc, Maguindanao going to Malaysia and other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Mastura said the shipyard could accommodate 494-metric ton capacity general cargo vessels.

“The P33.5 million cargo transport project will directly create 230 jobs. The project will aid local traders since there will be easy transport facilitation of their cargoes for market distribution,” Mastura said.

“The traders are engaged into exporting of agricultural and marine products to Malaysia, Indonesia and other ASEAN countries as well as importing various consumer commodities from the same nations,” he added.

He said the project could enhance the country’s economic relations and open new trade avenues with the nation’s neighboring countries in the ASEAN. “We need more of this kind

of projects since the Philippines have opened its doors for business especially that the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration is now in full swing.

The ARMM also has strong business linkage with the members of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), so we have to take advantage of these opportunities available to us,” he said.

The registration of J. Sayang to RBOI will allow the company to avail of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives being provided by the government.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said that having more players in the shipping industry could mean ARMM’s active participation in the ASEAN business cooperation.

“We should work together and position the region in the ASEAN map to fully benefit from the economic integration,” he said.

“ARMM has a lot of advantages especially the island provinces which are strategic trade locations considering its geographic vicinity to our neighboring countries, the existing centuries old barter trading and the cultural similarities,” he said.

“We need a strong local business community to make this happen and succeed in the process while the government will provide the necessary support mechanisms like providing incentives,” he added.

(PNA)

NO LET-UP. A street food vendor entertains a customer at a makeshift stall at Roxas night market in Davao City on Wednesday evening. Dabawenyos continue to flock to their favorite food stalls in the city’s night market a day after President Duterte declared martial law. Lean Daval Jr

VAT exemptions for coops deemed unfair to taxpayers

R

ETAINING the value-added tax exemptions for all cooperatives that already enjoy almost all types of tax-free privileges--including the 750 prosperous ones that earned a whopping P34 billion combined in 2015 alone--is grossly unfair to the almost 100 million Filipinos who are non-coop members and have to pay their fair share of taxes.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that studies show that only 7.6 million members of the country’s 9,431 registered cooperatives benefit from the VAT exemptions, of which more than half—or about 4.2 million Filipinos—belong to rich cooperatives that have annual gross sales of over P5 million.

“The VAT leakage in this sector is big because the Co-

operative Development Authority (CDA) cannot audit coops properly and distinguish sales to members and non-members. There are also many fake coops that take advantage of the system,” Chua said.

“Moreover, not all coops are poor, some can be very rich,” he added.

CDA data show that cooperatives with gross sales of over P5 million reported a combined total income of P34.2 billion in 2015. This figure still excludes their income from credit operations and only involves 750 cooperatives, Chua noted.

On the other hand, 8,314 coops with gross sales of below P3 million earned only P3.3 billion, excluding income from credit operations, during the same period.

“There are many ways to help coops, but VAT exemption is not the right way as it goes against the principle of a VAT. The VAT is a consumption tax and is wrong to use it as an incentive. It is not a tax on profit. We can use the budget to target their specific needs,” Chua said.

Chua said the government can also improve ways of providing assistance to members of cooperatives through better credit information and other regulatory reforms to ease their way of doing business and land administration.

According to Chua, only the Philippines and Kazakhstan provide VAT exemptions to cooperatives.

The substitute bill containing moderate modification to the first package of the proposed Comprehensive Tax

Reform Program of the Duterte administration, which was already approved by the House ways and means committee last May 3, removes the VAT exemptions for cooperatives, except for those selling agricultural produce and those falling below the VAT threshold of P5 million.

These cooperatives exempted from the VAT will instead pay the smaller 3 percent percentage tax, Chua said.

In one of the earlier hearings on the CTRP’s first package, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, a senior vice chairperson of the House ways and means committee, advised cooperatives to focus on sound fiscal management, rather than relying on continued tax incentives, to ensure the success of their economic endeavors.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

E

Helpful reminders

DGE Davao has published on its issue on Thursday an advisory from the City Information Office on worthy guidelines during the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao. It is worth knowing all these things to be informed and empowered during this period.

Just a few things to remember in general: * Davao City is implementing a “Hold and Secure” method in ensuring the security of our people.

This is a modification from the first declaration which is a lockdown. In other jurisprudence, the terms “lockdown” and “hold and secure” are used commonly where there exists ongoing violence or attack or threats on school premises. When the school is declared under lockdown, students are herded to a safe refuge and all doors to the premises are closed barring entry and exit.

In a “hold and secure” situation, the premises doors are closed and no access (entry and exit) is allowed, but the activity, for example classes, continue inside classrooms. * During the existence of the hold and secure order in Davao City, it is best to call 911 immediately to report suspicious-looking persons, materials and actions by group of persons. * Everyone must exercise prudence in planning activities, so if it not important it is best to stay indoors. * Travel to and from Davao City is discouraged, as well as in other places in Mindanao, unless there is an urgent matter that needs to be attended to. * Never leave home if you do not have business or matters to attend outside. * Travelling via motorcycle convoys is discouraged.

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* Expect more checkpoints. Make sure that you have updated vehicle registration papers, and driver’s licenses. Ensure that you have valid and existing licenses for your guns [License to Own and Posses Firearm (“LTOPF”) and Permit to Carry (“PTC”)]. * Courtesy and cooperation is enjoined in checkpoints with the AFP and PNP personnel. * In the conduct of checkpoints, turn off headlights and turn on your overhead lights during inspection and allow the inspectors to smoothly make the inspections.

Always bring a valid personal identification document. * Minors are extremely discouraged to go out of their residences except when accompanied by adults. Late nights and consuming excessive alcohol is also discouraged. * Business establishments and schools are required to create emergency plans for their respective premises. * Schools are encouraged to implement tighter security measures by properly screening guests. * Tourists are discouraged from going to areas that are not included among the main tourism areas of the city and always bring your passports and other proofs of identification.

Keeping in mind all these friendly reminders will keep one trouble-free in these times. On top of all that, everyone is enjoined to be cooperative and not agitated.

Let us remember that the very purpose of Martial Law declaration is not to give way to abuses. It is provided for in the Constitution as a primary safeguard to all citizens during extreme situations.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 39 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 26 - 27, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Where art thou peace?

“I

T is possible to live in peace.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

*** Why is peace so elusive? “Peace is not the product of terror or fear,” pointed out Oscar Romero, a bishop of the Catholic Church in El Salvador. “Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the silent result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all. Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity. It is right and it is duty.”

Peace is rare. Someone once said that less than eight percent (8%) of the time since the beginning of recorded time has the world been entirely at peace. In a total of 3,530 years, 286 have been warless. Eight thousand treaties have been broken in this time.

“Peace, peace; where there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14).

American president Ulysses S. Grant wrote in 1868: “Let us have peace.” In 1955, Seymour Miller and Jill Jackson urged: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” Even before that, when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, the angels chorused: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

But until now, peace is elusive as ever. Nobel peace prize win-

ner Mother Teresa commented: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Dwight David Eisenhower pointed out: “We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom.”

Someone once said that without war, there is no peace. John Andrew Holmes, in Wisdom in Small Doses, penned: “Yes, we love peace, but we are not willing to take wounds for it, as we are for war.” Filipino national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, wrote in ‘Hymn to Labor,’ “For our country in war, for our country in peace, the Filipino will be ready, while he lives and when he dies.”

It reminds me of a story I read. It goes this way: “Tell me the weight of a snowflake,” a coal-mouse asked a wild dove. “Nothing more than nothing,” was the answer.

“In that case, I must tell you a marvelous story,” the coal-mouse said. “I sat on the branch of a fir, close to its trunk, when it began to snow – not heavily, not in a raging blizzard – no, just like in a dream, without a wound and without any violence. Since I did not have anything better to do, I counted the snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch. Their number was exactly 3,741,952.

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

When the 3,741,953rd dropped onto the branch, nothing more than nothing, as you say – the branch broke off.”

After saying those words, the coal-mouse flew away.

The dove, since Noah’s time an authority on the matter, thought about the story for some moment, and finally said to herself, “Perhaps there is only one person’s voice lacking for peace to come to the world.”

Even Martin Luther King, Jr. himself longed for peace. “One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal,” he said. “We

must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means.”

British singer John Lennon, when he was still alive, also thought of world peace. “Imagine there’s no heaven,” he sang. “It’s easy if you try, no hell below us, above us only sky.

Imagine all the people living for today. Imagine there are no countries.

It isn’t hard to do: Nothing to kill or die for, no religion too. Imagine all the people living life in peace. Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can. No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man. Imagine all the people sharing all the world.

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.”

“Do you know what astonished me most in the world?” asked French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. “(It’s) the inability of force to create anything. In the long run, the sword is always beaten by the spirit. Soldiers usually win battles and generals get the credit for them.

You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war. If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots.”

War, indeed, is not the answer.

“I have seen war,” said American president Franklin Delano Roosevelt. “I have seen war on land and

sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded. I have seen the dead in the mud. I have seen cities destroyed. I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war.”

It is only when the war is over that peace can totally be felt. In Hiawatha, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote: “Buried was the bloody hatchet; buried was the dreadful war club; buried were all warlike weapons; and the war cry was forgotten. There was peace among the nations.”

Is peace really impossible to attain?

“If you want to make peace,” said Moshe Dayan, “you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.” Martin Luther King, Jr. also said, “One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means.”

The peace we are longing for will really happen. When that happens, no one knows. But the time for peace will come when, as the Holy Bible states so, “they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spares into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).

below the poverty line in Sulu was 55%, significantly down from the 89% recorded in 2003 but still an alarmingly high level. Every other person was unable to meet his or her basic needs. In Basilan the official statistics say poverty incidence was 37%, practically half of the 66% recorded in 2003. However, this implies that every third person was presumably unable to meet the basic requirements for food, shelter, clothing, education, health.

Aside from the unbelievable drop in poverty in Tawi-Tawi in 2015, the other startling revelation in 2015 was Lanao del Sur, the base of the Maute Group, an ISIS-affiliated group allied with the ASG. Poverty incidence practically doubled between 2003 and 2015, from 39% to 72%.[3] It is no surprise, therefore, that this poorest region in the country is also the most troubled, beset by strife. There are generations of people in Sulu and Basilan who have known nothing but war, fighting

and fleeing, being at the mercy of militants and the pursuing government forces.

It is a vicious cycle, poverty breeding discontentment and militancy, leading to fighting which disrupts the normal patterns of life and the ability of people to scrape out a living, which keeps them in a state of poverty.

Needless to say, the economic condition of a people impacts their health. One proxy indicator of health conditions would be life expectancy. Whereas for the Philippines as a whole average life expectancy in 2009 was 72 years, for the ARMM provinces average life expectancy was: Tawi-Tawi — 54 years Sulu — 57 years Maguindanao — 58 years Lanao del Sur — 60 years Basilan — 63 years[4] Living in an ARMM province reduces your life expectancy by 10-20 years compared to the norm elsewhere in the country!

Addressing challenges posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (5): Poverty

The issue of poverty is undoubtedly a major contributing factor to unrest in an area. Let us look at the data on the ARMM over a 12-year period.

Poverty Incidence Provinces Basilan

%

66%

Lanao del Sur

39%

Tawi-Tawi

70%

Maguindanao Sulu

* Out of 77 provinces. ** Out of 81 provinces.

2003

Rank*

56%

89%

%

75

37%

77

55%

49

72

76

72% 57%

13%

2015

Rank** 59 81 80 77

???

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, Family Income and Expenditure Survey, 2003 data obtained from the Philippine Human Development Report 2005.

The Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) for 2003 showed the shocking levels of poverty in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2003: 89% of the population in the province of Sulu living below the poverty line, 70% in Tawi-Tawi, 66% in Basilan. For the ARMM as a whole, poverty incidence was measured at

64%.[1] Looking at the statistics since 2003, there appear to have been reductions in poverty levels in the country as a whole and even in the ARMM as a whole. But in 2015 – the latest year that the FIES was undertaken – the ARMM was still the poorest region in the country, with an average poverty incidence for the

COMMENTARY

BY VIC M. TAYLOR

region of 54%.[2] (As an aside, one wonders how accurate this data is, particularly in troubled regions like the ARMM. Given the level of violence that exists in this area, one can ask whether a sufficiently representative sample of the population in each of the violence-wracked provinces in this region is covered by the survey or whether it is limited to centers of population where normally higher levels of income would be earned.

In 2015, for example, Tawi-Tawi was recorded to have an astonishingly low level of poverty, measured by the PSA at 12.7%, an 80% reduction from its level in 2003! Hence, it is very possible that the regional level of poverty is higher than what is reflected in the official statistics.)

In 2015 the official statistics say that the percentage of people living

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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ML... FROM 1

classes, he said the classes will start as scheduled on the 5th of June 2017, for the school year 2017-2018.

We expect everything to be normal, he said.

Saying that the martial law is actually the result of a peaceful country, Atillo said the education department is fully supportive of Duterte’s action.

He said martial law is the

strongest defense against violence as being played out in Marawi City.

The Dep-Ed in the region is expecting, as per projection, an influx of new students numbering to 40,933.

He said that with the expected addition, the Dep-Ed’s student population in the region will total 1,099,103 students for the incoming schoolyear.

inmates of Marawi City jail were freed by Maute Terror Groups who attacked the city.

Some of the inmates were Maute members from Cotabato City.

“In the exercise of public safety, we deem it necessary that everyone going in and out of the city is well accounted for,” Sayadi said.

The mayor said residents are advised to always bring identification cards whenever they go out of their homes.

“Children must always be accompanied by parents and those without IDs must not go around without companions.

The nightly curfew for minors is also still in effect,” Sayadi in a statement also said. (PNA)

in Mindanao. ”We believe under the leadership of Present Duterte, the Philippine government will surely safeguard security and stability in the Mindanao region,” Lu told the media.

Maute Group’s attack in Marawi City took place a day after a bomb explosion killed at least 22 people and injured 59 others at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.

The ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.

Chinese President Xi Jin-

ping joined world leaders in expressing their condolences over the death of innocent civilians, including children, in the Manchester concert explosion.

President Xi sent a condolence message to British Queen Elizabeth II, saying “Chinese people stand firmly with the British people at this difficult time.”

President Duterte had also sent his ‘deepest sympathies’ to the families of the victims of the Manchester incident.

(PNA)

commander of the 36th Infantry Battalion, and Lt. Col. Emil J. Cruz, commander of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, also gave assurances they will respect people’s human rights in their areas of jurisdiction.

The military officials in the region called on the public to stay calm and to cooperate with the PNP and the military in the implementation of security measures.

(Noel B. Najarro/PNA)

ter facilities bringing to nine the total facilities operated by the PLDT Group.

The telco expects to have 10 data centers with a total rack capacity of about 9,000 by the end of the year as it aims to strengthen its leadership in providing data center and managed ICT services.

“PLDT has been expanding its digital infrastructure in line with the roadmaps of key industries to fully serve the growing ICT needs of enterprises and government

agencies for disaster recovery, cloud-based digital solutions, and a resilient network that these solutions will leverage on,” PLDT Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto stated.

Along with its Home segment, PLDT’s fixed line revenues amounted to PHP 16.3 billion, comprising 46 percent of its consolidated service revenues which now exceeds its consumer wireless revenues at 41 percent with PHP 14.75 billion.

products. These coins may be used to increase users’ chances of getting cash, and other interesting surprises like shopping vouchers from Snapcart’s partner brands in the in-app game called Snaptastic.

Users also get a chance to earn up to 2x the normal cashback when they level up from regular to bronze, silver, gold and platinum which they can achieve when consistently snapping receipts.

Snapcart accepts all grocery receipts from supermarkets,

drug stores, and pharmacies except those that are not related to grocery shopping such as phone credit top ups, utility payments, etc.

Reynazran Royono, Snapcart’s Founder & CEO said, “There is no difference in feature between android and iOS version, users in both systems will receive the same features.

The subtle differences will be in the user interface design, due to the different design guidelines from the Google and Apple.”

No ID... FROM 4

RELAXED MODE. A group of police officers gathers at a police outpost chatting just meters away from Malacanan Palace on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

Troops... FROM 2 reports that there were even politicians supporting the group in some way,” he said.

“This threat is something that needs to be eliminated and completely destroyed because if left to thrive, it will soon poison our communities and take our freedom and our precious lives away from us,” he added.

“We are therefore calling on all citizens not only those in Marawi (City) but also in other areas of Mindanao to join us in the fight. We have to make noise and disallow these terrorist to destroy our communities. Let us all make a strong stance against this menace before it gets us,” he further added.

So far, 13 Maute group members were killed as of Tuesday. Of this number, troops recovered two cadavers.

The government forces have recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle and a cache of bomb-making components from the safehouse of the Maute group.

Five soldiers were killed while 31 others were wounded in the ensuing firefight.

Two policemen and a security guard were also killed.

The gun battle started when joint military and police forces raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who is being protected by the Maute group.

of martial law.

Alvarez said the proclamation of martial law would be in effect for 60 days unless Congress decides to either shorten or extend the period.

“The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President,” the Constitution read.

“Upon the initiative of the

President, the Congress in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined

by Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it,” it added.

The lower chamber would likely review the martial law proclamation in its session next week, the Speaker noted.

“May session naman ang Kongreso hanggang next week at puwede po natin mailahad para talakayin iyan,” Alvarez said.

ment and replenish our rice stocks in Mindanao to ensure that we can meet any need for the staple food during the duration of this man-made calamity,” Aquino said.

Aquino explained that the NFA’s reason for existence is to ensure that there will always be sufficient rice supply for the people whenever emergencies

or calamities strike. “In cases like these, whether the calamity or emergency is natural or man-made, the government, through the NFA, should always be ready to provide the most basic need for food for the affected people. It is one of the most important obligations of government,” Aquino added. (NFA-PR)

as processed foods with registered business address at SEB Commercial Center San Isidro, Taytay, Rizal while Quicksellers is engaged in business of

the sales distribution of Unilever products with registered business address at 978 Castaneda St., Namayan, Mandaluyong City.

House... FROM 4

NFA... FROM 6

BIR... FROM 6

Ex-DILG... FROM 2 rity Islamist terrorism, communist insurgency, syndicated crime and ecological destruction,” Alunan said.

“Right now the immediate focus is on Marawi and environs. Let us rally around the President, our beleaguered local government units and their constituents, and our security and safety forces. Let us rally behind the flag!” he added.

Alunan said the raid on Marawi City was similar to the Ipil, Zamboanga del Sur incident on April 3, 1995 where some 200 Abu Sayyaf terrorists killed 53 people, burned the public market and looted banks before fleeing.

He also condemned the terrorists for killing innocent civilians, especially those who could not recite certain Islamic verses.

Worse, militants use human shields when they are

pursued by government forces, he said.

“People of Marawi, resist extremism and resist the terrorists. Unite and work closely with authorities. Defeat the threats to your lives, children, homes, businesses, schools, places of worship, and above all your precious freedom,” Alunan said.

He also said that “local government units must have their peace and order councils, crisis management teams and emergency services in place and working round the clock to protect t heir constituents and bring them to safety.”

Teamwork and information dissemination are crucial in defeating terrorism, he added.

Aunan also urged the Filipinos here and abroad “pray for peace” for the country during this crisis. (PNA)

the right thing to do to safeguard Mindanao and for the President to take immediate steps to solve the situation (in Mindanao).”

Bautista asked residents of the province to stay calm and vigilant.

“Strategic collaboration from all levels of the government as well as the people is what we need to face this crisis,” Bautista said in a text message.

Bautista on Tuesday asked army and police officials to secure the highways and boundaries of all the municipalities of the province, including entry and exit points. He directed them to take strategic steps to avoid the possible spillover of the violence in Marawi City. ”What need in the current situation is a strong collaboration with all stakeholders to provide total security for the people.

Meanwhile, Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas is also in full support of martial law to suppress lawless violence and prevent the possible spread of

terroristic acts in Marawi to other parts of Mindanao. ”It is important that the military and police protect the safety of the civilians as respect for human rights must be upheld at all times,” he stressed.

Compostela Valley First district Representative Maricar Zamora called on her constituents to be mindful that people in Marawi are under siege, and “so government need to address lawlessness.” ”We urge everyone to remain calm and sober, and remain wary,” Zamora said, reminding people that the entire island is under military rule.

Zamora advised the public to be mindful of their movements and to always bring an identification card as a precaution.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has issued guidelines for Davaoenos to observe during the martial law period, as she downgraded the city’s status from lockdown to “hold and secure” method in ensuring the security of the residents.

Davao... FROM 2

Crackdown... FROM 4

Caraga... FROM 4 PLDT... FROM 6

Snapcart... FROM 11

INdulge!

The north south art exchange TO FURTHER THE EXCHANGE OF CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG FILIPINOS, the CordilleraMindanao (CorMin) Art Exchange is being held at the Annex Event Center of SM City Davao. The exhibit, one of the highlights of the ongoing Visit Davao Fun Sale campaign of the Department of Tourism XI kicked off last May 20 with much pomp and cultural pageantry.

With the goal to strengthen the relationship of Baguio and Davao cities in the field of the arts, the event connects artists and showcase their craft to the community. The afternoon started with the opening of the, the CorMin art exhibition in the mall. A colourful ceremony that includes the introduction of the guest artists, textile exchanges, and

URBANISSIMO A2

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URBANISSIMO A1 cultural performances that encouraged participation of mall goers followed.

It was nice to see the different art styles, philosophies and techniques from the different featured artists with a few standouts such as Rene Pilapil’s “Bridge”, Joel Geolamen’s tribal weaves series, and the playful sculptures by scrap iron sculptor Danilo Mori.

Later in the afternoon, a live painting session called Dabawenya Alla Prima was be held featuring reigning Mutya ng Dabaw 2017 Reina Kobayashi. Artists from Davao and Baguio painted her portrait on canvass using various medium: oil, acrylic, graphite, or charcoal. Two other models from Baguio and Davao wearing their respective tribal attire also join the live sketching

“

The CorMin Art Exchange connects artists and showcase their craft to the community.

session.

Live music from Davao’s loved performing artists will also filled the air throughout the afternoon.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel stories, events, and foodie finds, in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

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Uniqlo comes to Davao

By KENNETH IRVING ONG

NOW SHOWING

May 24 – 30, 2017

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FINALLY ARRIVING ON MINDNAO’S SHORES, after opening in the Philippines five years ago, Uniqlo is set to open its first store in Davao at SM Lanang Premier today and at SM City Davao on June 2 after a colourful VIP shoppers preview last May 24.

Known around the world for its innovative, high-quality clothing that is universal in design and comfort and made for everyone, everywhere, Uniqlo is no stranger to Dabawenyos who want affordable yet high quality clothes that employ the latest fabric technologies and styles.

“We at Uniqlo are thrilled to open our first two stores in Davao in SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao Annex. We are looking forward to bringing our high-quality and innovative LifeWear pieces closer to Dabawenyos,” said Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer, Uniqlo Philippines.

The new Uniqlo sores

will offer a full range of LifeWearessentials for men, women, kids and babies. This includes Uniqlo shirts, pants, dresses, proprietary clothing technology products such as AIRism and Heattech, as well as Uniqlo Sport.

Judging from the number of excited VIP shoppers attending the event, it can be said that Uniqlo will be a true Dabawenyo favourite.

Shoppers attending the opening of the Uniqlo store at SM Lanang Premier today can meet Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. Shoppers who purchase Php 2,500 worth of Uniqlo products from May 26 to 28 get a free limited edition Uniqlo 5th Anniversary tote bag.

Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer, Uniqlo Philippines (center) opens the ceremonial sake barrel together with (from left) Uniqlo Area Manager Binnah Kim, Japanese Consul to Davao, Tomoko Dodo, Uniqlo Store Manager Rose Velardo and SM Lanang Premier Operations Manager Therese Manalo ((right)

The Utsuwa Taiko Group visualise the sound of their Taiko drums.

A4 INdulge!

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Psychiatrists could help smokers quit: health expert

S

MOKING cessation clinics would need psychiatrists in helping smokers quit the habit, a pulmonologist of the Medical Center Manila (ManilaMed) has said.

Psychiatrists could help smokers determine the root cause of their dependence on tobacco, Dr. Gian Carlo Arandia has said.

“There are patients who turn to smoking because they have some form of depression. That is why it is very difficult to make them quit. That is a different problem. We talk to them to turn to a psychiatrist,” Arandia explained.

It would thus be a good idea to include psychiatrists in the DOH’s smoking cessation program to ensure that collective efforts are made to achieve better results in helping smokers abandon smoking for good.

With the impending implementation of Executive Order 26 on establishing smoke-free environments nationwide, the Department of Health (DOH) is anticipating a rise in the number of smokers who would want to give up smoking, by preparing smoking cessation clinics.

According to the DOH, smoking cessation or the treatment of tobacco dependence refers to techniques that would encourage smok-

ers to stop using tobacco and avoid a relapse. These techniques include motivation, guidance and counseling, telephone and internet support, and appropriate pharmaceutical aids.

The EO, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last May 16, limits smoking in public places to designated smoking areas (DSAs) and bars the selling and distribution of tobacco products to minors.

It also the bans the sale and distribution of tobacco products within a 100—meter radius of schools, public playgrounds, youth hostels and recreational facilities frequented by minors. The order likewise prohibits the placement of tobacco ads outside point-of-sales stores.

A World Health Organization (WHO) document on “Policy Recommendations for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence”, released in 2003, stated that as statistics indicate, it will not be possible to reduce tobacco-related deaths in the next 30-50 years unless adult smokers are encouraged to quit. Because of the addictiveness of tobacco products, many tobacco users will need support in quitting, it said. (LSJ/ PNA)

Consultative meeting of Muslim leaders on peace and order in Comval a success

A

HIGHLY attended consultative meeting among Muslim community leaders in Compostela Valley was held to strengthen relationship and unity as well as to discuss peace and order in the province on May 25, 2017 at Big 8 Hotel, Tagum City.

The consultative meeting which was already planned out months ago by the provincial government was coincidental and timely especially with the Marawi incident.

“This is our effort to reach out to the Muslim population of Compostela Valley. Although we have consultations in the past but this is the first time that all organizations of our Muslim leaders gathered as one,” Gov Tyron Uy said.

“It is necessary that we hear their opinions and sentiments. This is to ensure that

our decision-making processes are Muslim-friendly, participatory, equitable and representative to the interest of the Muslim people,” he added.

The governor also assured them in relation to President Rodrigo Duterte’s Martial Law declaration that as long as “we are law-abiding citizens, we have nothing to worry.”

The governor earlier issued a statement of support to the President’s declaration while expressing his sympathies to the people of Marawi and calling all citizens for vigilance.

Meanwhile, giving inspiration is Commissioner Samira A. Gutoc of Bangsamoro Transition Committee who also presented the situationer and challenges in Lanao. She is also the founding Convenor of the Young Moro Professionals.

“The role of the YMPN is to deliver the right picture of the Moro to the rest of the Republic, to bridge the gap between the Republic and the Moro by being model professionals as they live the Muslim tenets in the workplace thus correcting the misconceptions, and promote positive image of the Bangsamoro,” Gutoc presented.

Also giving their messages of support and solidarity are Senior Board Member Arturo Uy, MGen. Rafael C. Valencia, Commanding Officer of the 10th ID, Philippine Army (PA), and PC/Supt Manuel R. Gaerlan, Regional Dir. of PNP-Reg. XI. PNP Provincial Dir. Marvin Manuel Pepino, DILG Prov’l Dir. Noel Duarte, SP Committee Chairman on Muslim for Islamic Affairs Randy Opisan, and other local officials and

guests were also present signifying their strong partnership and collaboration among the Muslim community and the government agencies.

On their part, the different Muslim leaders also expressed their support saying that they will not allow any atrocities and terroristic acts to happen in their localities and call on for peace and unity.

Exceeding the target participants of 250, the various Muslim leaders represented their different organizations like the Kagan Council of Elders; Federation of Datu and Imams; Provincial Council of Muslim Women; Muslim Youth; Madrasah, Ustadzes and Administrators Association; Arabic Language and Islamic Values on Education (ALIVE); Muslim Professionals of Comval; and Sultanate Group. FE F MAESTRE

Snapcart Philippines is now available in Android and iOS

A

SIA’S most promising ‘cashback’ mobile app, Snapcart, has officially launched its iOS version last March 2017 to build on the growing number of its users in android.

Rolled out last August 2016 in android, the mobile app has now around 130,000 downloads on both android and iOS. “iOS is a very big part of the Philippine market. It’s about 20% of smartphone users and so we need to cater to that big margin of market as well and provide them with the value of Snapcart which is getting cash backs from receipts”, said Snapcart Co-founder and Chief

Data Officer, Teresa Condicion.

Snapcart is a mobile app that gives its users cashback incentives by simply taking a snap of receipts from groceries, pharmacies, and cosmetics. Users can cash out through phone credits, bank-to-bank transfer, and vouchers such as Zalora. In return, data gathered from receipts provide real-time shopper insights to the app’s partner brands.

To give its users an interactive experience with the app, there is an in-app bonus page where users can accumulate coins just by filling out in-app surveys, watching videos, taking selfies with their favorite

F SNAPCART, 10

MULTI PURPOSE PAVEMENT. [from left] Municipal Area Coordinator for KalahiCIDSS Jean S. Bautista, Barangay Captain Noli S. Uy, Barangay Sub-project Management Committee Chairman (BSPMC) Danilo O. Palaruan and KalahiCIDSS Area Coordinator Francis B. Pineda cut the ceremonial ribbon during the blessing and inauguration of Kalahi-CIDSS Php 793,480.00 Two Units MultiPurpose Pavement in Sitio Kilongag, Barangay Bolila, Malita, Davao Occidental.

The newly inaugurated sub-project will benefit 217 households in the barangay.

Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, one of the core programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is a community-driven development (CDD) program of the Philippine Government aiming to empower people through sustainable development, enhanced participation in local governance, and management of poverty alleviation projects. (DSWD/ Photos by Francis B. Pineda)

Weather fluctuations, gender affect energy consumption: PIDS study

E

NERGY consumption in the country is affected by weather deviations and gender, according to a study published by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

In the Philippines, very few have analyzed energy use within the context of both weather variability and gender. Senior Research Fellow Connie Bayudan-Dacuycuy’s policy note titled “Examining energy use and weather variability through the gender lens” aimed to analyze how energy consumption in households vary depending on the dominant gender in the household and weather fluctuations in an area.

The author identified at least four energy sources in the study: electricity, LPG, charcoal, and organic sources

(such as biomass and fuelwood). Electricity is the most popular with around 75 percent in rural and 89 percent in urban households.

During extreme weather events, such as tropical cyclones, energy prices are affected because they affect the supply side, the study said.

The Philippines is visited by an average of 20 typhoons yearly.

“Typhoons can destroy trees [that] provide more sources for firewood and can bring about heavy rains [that] wash out possible sources of biomass. It also disrupts the processes to produce these energy sources. Firewood takes longer time to dry up and charcoal making halts. Heavy rains brought by typhoons can cause landslides or damages to roads, which can affect the transport of LPG,” Dacuycuy

explained.

Also, data from the Household Energy Consumption Survey and the weather data from the Philippine Atmospheric and Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration showed that as heat index increases, energy consumption also increases as “households turn to the most convenient energy source to power cooling appliances.”

The study defined heat index as a human discomfort index that measures the temperature that the human body perceives or feels.

The Philippines is characterized by high temperature, high humidity, and abundant rainfall, which can all affect a body’s temperature.

The same result is drawn from households with higher income level, as these house-

holds are able to afford appliances like air conditioning units, water heater, and have floor areas that are bigger, thus requiring more energy.

Those with higher income opt to use more expensive and cleaner energy sources, and not the cheaper ones like coal.

Dacuycuy noted that, “poverty is a binding constraint to the adoption of cleaner, safer, and more efficient energy sources.”

In terms of gender, energy consumption was measured depending on household type: balanced, male-majority, and female-majority.

Data showed that female-majority households have the highest electricity and LPG monthly consumption. Based on the study, heating water and cooking can increase electricity consumption.

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Constitution provides safeguards versus martial law abuses: Panelo

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel on Thursday said the public have nothing to worry over the proclamation of martial law in Mindanao as the Constitution provides sufficient protection against any abuses.

“The public should not be alarmed by the President’s proclamation because the Constitution itself provides ample safeguards to ensure the responsible implementation of martial law,” Presidential Chief Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo said in a statement sent to media.

First, he pointed out that the proclamation of martial law is limited to a period of 60 days.

Panelo said that in case rebellion or invasion persists and public safety requires it, any extension would be subject to the approval of Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its members.

Second, Congress and the Supreme Court has the power to revoke the proclamation of martial law.

As provided in the Constitution, Duterte is required to submit a report to Congress within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law.

Congress, voting jointly, can revoke the proclamation by a vote of at least a majority of its members.

“The President cannot set aside the revocation,” Panelo

pointed out.

Likewise, any citizen may require the Supreme Court to review the declaration of martial law in an appropriate proceeding.

The SC is required to decide upon the matter in 30 days.

“To be clear, it is provided in the Constitution that a state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies. The Constitution also does not authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to function,” the President’s legal counsel said.

“Given the safeguards provided by the Constitution, and the President’s pure intention to do everything within his power to maintain peace and order and ensure the safety of the public, there should be no reason for the public to be anxious about the proclamation of martial law,” Panelo said.

In the meantime, Panelo maintained that President Duterte is justified in proclaiming martial law in Mindanao under the present circumstances.

Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law on Wednesday following violent clashes between government troops and members of the terrorist Maute Group.

EDGEDAVAO

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Bataan bishop asks for prayers for peaceful end to Marawi crisis B

ATAAN Bishop Ruperto Santos has asked for prayers for a peaceful solution to the Marawi crisis.

“It is at this moment that we have to turn first to God, to beg Him to let peace and order reign in our country,”

the bishop of the Diocese of Balanga said. Santos hoped that the Maute and other terrorists group would renounce violence and have change of hearts.

“Though different in faith and customs, we are all Filipinos. We have the same

God who wants both our goodwill and salvation,” the prelate said.

He called on citizens to be calm, law-abiding and caring for one another. “We must renounce violence and destruction and always be ready to help and (be) of

service to one another,” Santos said.

The Bataan bishop is chair of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

OPLAN BOLABOG. A police officer checks the identification card of a student during the “Oplan Bolabog” at Isla Verde in Davao City Thursday morning (25 May 2017). The operation was meant to verify non-residents as part of the city’s tightened security measures. Mindanews photo

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SPORTS 15

Hundreds join PSC-baked Mindanao children’s games

Roach says Manny’s timing is off, warns about dangerous Horn

T

RAINER Freddie Roach hit town and immediately went to work with his superstar ward Manny Pacquiao.

He didn’t like what he saw.

“His second day of sparring today is maybe the worst I’ve ever seen so far,” trainer Freddie Roach was quoted by the media. “His timing is really, really off.”

Manny Pacquiao is seriously attending to his senate duties which consumed much of his time and the energy of his 38-year-old physique.

Roach has been pushing the fighting lawmaker not to take the 29-year-old Aussie lightly who knocked out his last three opponents.

Pacquiao gives priority to his promise to his constituents to be the best public servant he can be.

“He’s dangerous with the right, he’s has a real good right hook, and that’s something that Manny’s been hit with before,” said Roach of Horn.

He must be referring to Juan Manuel Marquez’s right hand which hit Pacquiao’s mouth causing the champ to fell face

T

CONCERNED. Freddie Roach expressed concern over the delay in Manny Pacquiao’s training. first to the canvas during their fourth encounter.

Pacquiao sparred with lightweight Leonardo Doronio (15-14, with 10 KOs) and super lightweight Sonney Katiandagho ( 11-2, with 6 KOs) as reported by philstar.com.

Both boxers gave Pacquiao nice exchanges in five rounds sometimes hitting the eight division world champion. This caused Roach to comment that their training is way behind schedule.

But the legendary trainer is still confident his favorite

boxer can catchup after the senate goes on a recess.

“He needs to use his speed, his footwork, and his boxing ability’” commented Roach on Manny Pacquiao’s techniques to beat Horn.

Horn won his last three bouts by stoppages against American Randall Bailey, German Rico Mueller and South African Ali Funeka. They were not world class fighters like Pacquiao but were considered worthy opponents.

Horn used superior body work which broke Bailey

down and did not get off his stool after the end of round seven.

Horn beat Mueller by TKO at 2:19 in round 9. Mueller lost for the first time in six years and was stopped for the first time in his career.

Horn blasted the 38-yearold Funeka with two-handed blows right from the opening bell. The referee stopped the fight 30 seconds into the sixth round when Funeka was wobbling in his feet after a second knockdown after receiving flurry of punches to the head.

ing the rights of LGBT people.

However, a compromise was struck in March to partially erase the impact of the House Bill 2 law limiting anti-discrimination protections for lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people. ‘’While we understand the concerns of those who say the repeal of HB2 did not go far enough, we believe the recent legislation eliminates the most egregious aspects of the prior law,’’ NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said

in a release. ‘’Additionally, it allows us to work with the leadership of the Hornets organization to apply a set of equality principles to ensure that every All-Star event will proceed with open access and anti-discrimination policies. ‘’All venues, hotels and businesses we work with during All-Star will adhere to these policies as well.’’

Despite Silver’s intentions, the Equality NC and the Human Rights Campaign has concerns that no protections

for non-discrimination policies for the LGBTQ community have been put in place by the Charlotte or the state. ‘’North Carolina’s discriminatory law prohibits the city of Charlotte from implementing non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ residents and visitors attending the All-Star Game. Nothing has changed that fact,’’ said HRC senior vice president for policy and political affairs JoDee Winterhof.

‘’The closeout game is always the hardest.and Boston is going to make it even harder,’’ said LeBron James, who rebounded from a playoff-low 11 points in Game 3 to score 34 in Game 4.

James had been saying that he felt like the Cavs needed to go through some adversity after a blistering 10-0 start to the postseason.

The way they responded Tuesday night - particularly on the defensive end - is a good sign for their prospects of wrapping up their third straight Eastern Conference crown on Thursday.

Boston shot 47 percent from the field and 35 percent from the 3-point line in the first half of Game 4 on their way to building as much as a 16-point

lead.

While Irving’s scoring ignited the Cavs’ comeback, it was made possible thanks to Cleve-

a lot bet-

Charlotte to host 2019 All Star Game

HE NBA All-Star game is headed back to Charlotte in 2019, a couple of years later than anticipated.

The NBA announced that the All-Star weekend will be held Feb. 15-17 in Charlotte and the game will be played at the Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets.

The league had selected Charlotte to host the 2017 AllStar game, but later moved the game to New Orleans because of the state law restrict-

Cavs eye closeout in Game 5 I

T took 10 games and halfway through the third round of the NBA playoffs before the Cleveland Cavaliers finally encountered their first true dose of resistance this postseason.

After cruising to a 2-0 Eastern Conference finals lead over Boston, the Cavs were humbled at home in a Game 3 loss, and needed a 42-point night from Kyrie Irving to battle back from a 16-point hole and win Game 4.

The chatter about an NBA Finals’ matchup of two teams with unblemished playoff records is gone, but the challenge from the Celtics has sharpened the focus of the defending champs. Cleveland is expecting another unflinching effort in Game 5 from a Celtics team that isn’t backing down despite facing a 3-1 deficit in the series.

land’s defensive effort over the final 24 minutes. Cleveland limited the Celtics to 41 percent from the field and 29 percent from beyond the arc. ‘’We have to go in with a bunker mentality that we had in Game 1 and Game 2, to go out and do what we do, but we have to defend,’’ James said. ‘’We have to execute offensively. We have to have low turnovers, and we have to try to make them miss because some of those guys play

ter at home.

That’s just how the game be played.’’

Everyone will have one eye on Irving’s left ankle. He rolled it late in the third quarter of Game 4 when he stepped on Terry Rozier’s foot. Irving stayed on the floor and finished the game, but with a day off between games there will be interest in how tender his ankle is at tipoff.

HE first Mindanao Children’s Games opened Thursday with 500 participating in the boys’ 3-on-3 basketball and girls’ volleyball events at the Almendras Gym in Davao City.

According to the Mindanao Children’s Games Secretariat, some 600 kids have also registered in the Larong Pinoy games, scheduled later in the afternoon.

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, gave an inspirational message during the opening ceremony that ushered in the three-day tournament, which is under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Sports for Peace program.

“I started in sports when I was 11 years old. Nakabyahe ako sa Pilipinas at iba-ibang bansa, nakapag-aral, nagkatrabaho at natuto dahil sa sports (I traveled around the Philip-

pines and other countries. I was able to study, work and learn because of sports),” said the Zamboanga City-based athlete, who gamely posed with the participants, aged 12 years and below, after her speech.

PSC chairman William Ramirez, who was also in Davao for the Barangay Sports Education Lecture Series, said that the true gold mine in sports are found not in high-level competitions but in “the children whose lives we touch and change through sports”.

Councilor Antonette Principe-Castrodes, who represented Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as keynote speaker, said sports is “a suitable diversion from delinquency”.

The city government of Davao welcomed the PSC’s efforts to make sports available to the youth. (PNA)

Rebisco-PSL bows to Japanese side

R

EBISCO PSL Manila managed to stir up the hornet’s nest in the first set, but Hisamitsu Springs of Japan got back hard to fashion out a 25-17, 25-10, 25-14 victory at the start of the Asian Women’s Club Championships Thursday at Boris Alexandrov Sports Palace here.

Jaja Santiago scored 16 points in trying to power the Filipinas who were taking on the two-time champion Japanese club right on their first tune-up game as a core of the Philippine squad.

Fajardo scored four points and 11 excellent sets while Ces Molina, Rhea Dimaculangan and Jovelyn Gonzaga had three points each. Mika Reyes and Rachel Anne Daquis scored two points apiece, while Aiza Pontillas made one marker.

Rebisco which had 18 errors, mostly on attacks, which according to head coach Francis Vicente did very well but lacked speed and

coordination that Hisamitsu, the 2002 and 2014 champion team, brandished with impunity.

“Why are you so sad?” Vicente asked the team during the team also sponsored by Asics, Grand Sport and Turkish Airlines.

“You learned from them.

You didn’t play badly. We just need more speed. More volleyball IQ. You got the Japanese coach worried in the first set.

Be proud,” Vicente added.

The Filipinas got the Japanese fired up with Santiago’s unstoppable forays in addition to Kim Fajardo’s sneaky net drops.

But Hisamitsu soon caught up on the plays and made the lanes impenetrable with highly organized floor defense.

Middle blocker Fumika Moriya topscored for Japan club with 14 points, while Yuka Taura and Yuka Imamura chipped in 12 and 11 markers, respectively.

A STEP AWAY. Lebron James and Kyrie Irving are just a win from the NBA Finals.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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SHAPING UP Melindo-Petalcorin showdown in Melbourne looms

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

N

njb@edgedavao.net

OW it’s shaping up afterall.

An All-Mindanao, All-Pinoy championship megafight could happen between newly-crowned IBF lightflyeight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo and former WBA interim lightflyweight titleholder Randy Petalcorin.

For neutrality sake, the fight is being eyed in Melbourne, Australia where the Gen. Santos City native Petalcorin has a growing fan base having fought there three times.

IBF Australia representative Ben Keilty reportedly hinted about the possibility of a MelindoPetalcorin fight in

Australia. Kelly said the fight would be big for both Filipino and Australian boxing.

Petalcorin has fought three times in Melbourne since 2013 and all his fights where sold out. That means, he has already that drawing power in the land Down Under.

According to a report on Philboxing.com, the Cagayan de Oro-born Melindo, who knocked out Japanese cmapion Akira Yagaeshi in a single round demolition last Sunday, is celebrating in Cebu with ALA Promotions and

enjoying the victory, after all the hard work has paid off since turning professional in 2005 and with 38 bouts to date.

Philboxing.com also reported that Petalcorin was in General Santos City at the Sanman Gym, watching the live link of Melindo winning the IBF Light Flyweight world title in devastating fashion in Japan. Petalcorin last week became a father for the first time with a baby son.

Petalcorin will be the no.

3 ranked in the next IBF listing with no. 1 and no.

2 spots vacant so he will be the next highest name rated to fight Melindo.

“Well done Melindo on winning so well. Congrats but now I would like to fight him for his IBF title,” said Petalcorin.

Melindo has 9 months before he has to meet his mandatory IBF defense and in the mean time Melindo can fight a voluntary defense and chose any opponent

listed. Petalcorin, rated IBF no. 3, hopes to get a shot at the newly crowed champion as voluntary challenger next.

Two weight division world champion Gerry Penalosa on Monday at the Elorde boxing gym, while watching senator Manny Pacquaio train, told Philboxing.com, “What a top win from Melindo. Will be good to see Petalcorin fight Melindo for a all Filipino world title fight. That will be a great fight.”

Sanman Gym CEO Jim Claude Manangquil said, “Randy has been wanting to fight

Melindo for years. Let’s just make the fight happen. Everybody wants to see who is the best light flyweight in the Philippines,” said Manangquil in the same report.

The IBF world title fight could take place in September in Melbourne, the sporting capital of the world.

Melbourne hosted the Australia Open Tennis, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and AFL Grand Final.

The fight with Melido versu Petalcorin could be held in neutral ground in Melbourne and with only 2 hours forward the time zone in Melbourne and Manila, it would be perfect to have the fight beamed back live to the Philippines on TV.

DREAM MATCH. Randy Petalcorin celebrates after winning the WBA interim lightflyweight title. He is being line dup fora fight against compatriot and fellow Mindanaoan Milan Melindo, the new IBF champion.

Mindanao Children’s Games underway

T

HE first Mindanao Children’s Games opened Thursday with 500 participating in the boys’ 3-on-3 basketball and girls’ volleyball events at the Almendras Gym in Davao City.

According to the Mindanao Children’s Games Secretariat, some 600 kids have also registered in the Larong Pinoy games, scheduled later in the afternoon.

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, gave an inspirational message during the opening ceremony that ushered in the three-

day tournament, which is under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Sports for Peace program.

“I started in sports when I was 11 years old. Nakabyahe ako sa Pilipinas at iba-ibang bansa, nakapag-aral, nagkatrabaho at natuto dahil sa sports (I traveled around the Philippines and other countries. I was able to study, work and learn because of sports),” said the Zamboanga City-based athlete, who gamely posed with the participants, aged 12 years and below, after her speech.

PSC chairman Wil-

liam Ramirez, who was also in Davao for the Barangay Sports Education Lecture Series, said that the true gold mine in sports are found not in high-level competitions but in “the children whose lives we touch and change through sports”.

Councilor Antonette Principe-Castrodes, who represented Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as keynote speaker, said sports is “a suitable diversion from delinquency”. The city government of Davao welcomed the PSC’s efforts to make sports available to the youth. (Jean T. Malanum/PNA)

SURVIVORS. Members of the Philippine Sports Commission team that was safely evacuated out of Marawi City on Thursday.