Edge10 issue 218, February 4-5, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

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EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

WORTHY INNOVATION. OFW Watch president and founder Myrna Padilla leads the launching of OFW Watch mobile app held at AMYA building 2 along Tulip Drive corner Quimpo Blvd. in Davao City on Friday afternoon. OFW Watch mobile app and its volunteer support network is a private sector initiative, in

MCM hosts 3-day cup

By JUDIE VEGA

M

alayan Colleges Mindanao successfully held the three-day MCM cup 2018 last February 1-3 at the MCM Campus along McArthur Highway featuring twenty two public and private schools who participated in the multi-intellectual-skill competition.

Dodjie S. Maestre-

campo, MCM executive vice president and COO said during his opening remarks that the competitions were aimed to encourage students all over Mindanao to excel in different aspects of learning such as knowledge, skills and attitude.

“The participating schools will compete in

ASEAN connected AirAsia officially connects Davao and Kuala Lumpur

A1

MCM,P12

partnership with DOLE) and OWWA, which aimed to empower the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to help themselves, help each other and help the concerned government agencies. Lean Daval Jr

CLICK AWAY

1st OFW Watch mobile app launched

By JIMMY K. LAKING

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takeholders on Friday launched the country’s first Overseas Filipino Worker Watch Mobile App that sought to make life more livable for the country’s 10-million OFWs abroad by providing them with a mobile and social networking technology with which they could access to help protect themselves.

“Help will be just a click away,” said Myrna Padilla,

chief executive of�icer of the Davao-based Mynd Consult-

ing. “We may be a nation of OFWs but we are not helpless.”

The innovative technology is a joint undertaking between Padilla’s company and the Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

She said the technology sought to take advantage of

the technical savvy of most OFWs who have mastered the use of smartphones and social networking technology to communicate with their families back home.

Through the ‘volunteer switch’ function of the technology, volunteers in the network would be able to receive alerts in case an

CLICK,P10

2 NEWS NPA finance exec nabbed in Butuan EDGEDAVAO

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�inance of�icer of the rebel New People’s Army who handles the group’s extortion activities in Mindanao was arrested during a joint 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army-PNP CARAGA Inter-agency Law Enforcement Operations in Barangay Bading, Butuan City on February 2, 2018.

The arrested NPA leader was identi�ied as Leonida Guao @Lea/Ligaya/Laya, described as the �inance of�icer of the NPA for the whole of Mindanao.

With the help of the community, the arrest was made by virtue of warrant of arrest under Criminal Case number 5809 (murder) issued by Regional Trial Court Branch-7, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. The arrested terrorist is now under the custody of PNP CIDG CARAGA for further legal processing.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

Meanwhile, Lt. General Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of the different government agencies and the community that led to the arrest.

“The arrest gave justice to the victims of their atrocities, particularly those Indigenous Peoples they brutally killed, the common people who have been victimized by their extortion and terroristic activities, and those who have lost their livelihood brought about by their arson and sabotage activities. This arrest is a result of the cooperation of the whole community and the different law enforcement agencies. It also proves that the terrorists cannot run away from the long arm of the law. “ Lt Gen Madrigal Jr. said. PR

Two NPA cadres yield to PA in Davao del Sur

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GAAB, MALUNGON, SARANGANI – Secretary of Guerrilla Front 51 of Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC), Alvie Marie Salvaleon Cominador @ ARA together with the staff of�icer of SRC 3, Shane Rosete Cacdac @NEO surrendered to the joint elements of the Philippine Army’s 39IB and 73IB in Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur on February 1, 2018 .

Alvie Marie Salvaleon Cominador @ ARA, 34 y/o, embraced the communist ideology since 1999 when she became a member of Kabataang Makabayan.

After three years she became a full time member of NPA and rose in the hier-

archy eventually becoming the Front Secretary of GF 51. She served the NPA for almost 16 years.

“Gi mingaw na ko sa akong pamilya labi na sa akoang mga anak, dili gyud ko mka dali dali ug uli para maka bisita sa ilaha kay tungod naa ko sa kalihukan, ug gi kapoy najud ko sigeg tago tago kay ang mga tropa nag sigeg operate.” I miss my family specially my children, I can’t make myself available to them in times when they need me the most, because I am in the (CPP-NPA-NDF) movement.

And I’m tired of hiding in the jungle and evading the intensive military oper-

TWO,P10

Malacañang calls for probe into frigate deal issue

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ANILA -- Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. on Saturday called for an investigation into the multi-billion Navy frigate contract entered into by the previous administration with a Korean �irm.

This is in connection with the statement of Magdalo Partylist Representative Gary Alejano saying that Hyundai Heavy Industries was banned to participate in state-led bids in South Korea due to the �irm’s alleged bribery cases in other countries.

“Congressman Alejano, salamat po. Dahil sa iyong sinabi iimbestigahan na po natin yung inyong mga kakampi

noong nakalipas na administrasyon,” the Palace spokesperson said in a Malacañang press brie�ing held in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

“Kung totoo na blacklisted iyong binigyan nila ng kontrata, dapat managot iyong mga opisyales ng mga nakalipas na administrasyon at sabihin sa atin bakit naging ganoon ang kanilang naging desisyon,” Roque added, reiterating that the contract was already a done deal in the previous administration.

The Duterte administration, he said, merely performed a ministerial function in giving the Notice of Award to the winning bidder, pursu-

MALACAÑANG,P10

ELATED. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio delivers a message during the officiating ceremony of AirAsia’s Davao-Kuala Lumpur flight held at Marco Polo Davao on Thursdaynight. Lean Daval Jr

Air Asia launches Davao-KL route

By ANGIE SAVERON

A

irAsia has officially launched its new route, Davao City to Kuala Lumpur on February 1.

The route now operates four times weekly between Davao City and Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

The launching, held at the Marco Polo Hotel, was attended by City Mayor Sara Duterte, tourism assistant secretary Eden Josphine L. David, AirAsia deputy group CEO - digital transformation, corporate services Aireen Omar and Riad Asmat, AirAsia Berhad CEO. “On behalf of the City

Government of Davao I thanked the Air Asia Group for believing the capacity, the potential and the promise of Davao City and we will do our best not to disappoint you,” said Mayor Sara Duterte in her speech.

She expressed her gratitude to Tony Fernandez the founder and Group CEO of AirAsia for choosing Davao City as the newest point of destination out of Kula Lumpur.

She said that this route is an expression of Air Asia’s commitment to ASEAN connectivity and to the growth of the ASEAN states.

“Rest assured that we at the City Government are doing everything that we can to make the Davao Tourism experience as enjoyable as possible by covering all fronts, tourist sites, accommodation, dining options, peace and order situation, traf�ic and transportation and all aspect fundamental to a pleasant travelling experience,” she added.

The mayor said that

air connectivity is a major component in strengthening tourism, business and foreign relations as it creates more direct people to people linkages and as far as the ASEAN community they are excited for this route to not only bring the two cities closer but also Mindanao and it’s industry to its Malaysian neighbors and vice versa.

Omar said that AirAsia is excited about its �irst international route to Davao.

He said it does not connect Davao to Malaysia, but

AIR,P12

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

DTI seeks public sector support for Halal trade

By ANGIE SAVERON

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rade undersecretary Nora K. Terrado called on the public sector in Mindanao to collaborate in producing Halal products by way of promoting tourism.

PIONEERING. OFW Watch mobile app project manager Paul Domag demonstrates how to use the mobile app’s features during its launching held at AMYA building 2 along Tulip Drive corner Quimpo Blvd. in Davao City on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr

DCHS Broadway musical underway

By JUDIE VEGA

I

n celebration of its 65th Founding Anniversary, Davao Christian High School (DCHS), the school’s Parents-Teachers Fellowship will be staging a Broadway musical and movie hits dubbed as ‘ Annie and the Sound of Music’ on February, 17, 2018 at the DCHS V. Mapa Campus Auditorium.

Mila Aceron , president of DCHS Parents-Teachers Fellowship said the activities are meant to raise funds for the development of the Davao Christian High School.

Aceron said that the fund-

raising projects of DCHS Parents-Teachers Fellowship for the continuous development of the DCHS Senior High School Building.

Aceron added that the Christian High Musical will be bannered by the school’s very own talented students and teachers with Nemuel Danuco as over-all director; Hyacinth Kayle Solon as acting director; and Benjamin Bautista as voice director.

“There will be two shows scheduled on February 17; the �irst will be on 2 p.m. and

DCHS,P10

PRRD vows to choose investors for IP lands

A

ddressing an Indigenous Peoples Leaders’ Summit inside a military camp on Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to personally choose the investors who would develop their ancestral domains that are presently under the in�luence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

He said Lumads may want oil palm and other agriculture-based projects or, if they agree, go into a mining partnership.

Duterte asked for a map showing the distribution of Lumads (Indigenous Peoples) in NPA-in�luenced areas and said “ako na mismo” (I will personally)… “ako na’y mamili sa investor” (I will choose the investor), he told the Panagtagbo alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan (Gathering for Peace and Progress): An Indigenous Peoples Leaders’ Summit, at

the covered court of Camp Panacan.

“Ako na mismo para walang graft and corruption,” he said.

He pointed to where the Lumads in NPA-in�luenced areas: the Manobo, Ata, Matigsalug “dito sa bandang Apo, Talomo Mountain” and Manobo and Higaonon in Andap Valley Complex in Surigao del Sur. He said the Manobo and Higaonon Lumads in “Kitanglad mountain (in Bukidnon), Loreto, San Juan, Esperanza” in Agusan del Sur (there is no San Juan in Agusan Sur but San Luis, San Francisco and Santa Josefa), may, if they agree, enter into a partnership with mining �irms while B’laans in Malapatan, Alabel and Maitum in Sarangani may want to focus on agriculture.

He acknowledged that government has neglected

PRRD,P10

She said Mindanao has always been a Halal producer and that this is the right time for the public sector to help out.

“If we infuse the community collaboration to increase our productivity and focus on Halal, we can have a very targeted mission like a Muslim-friendly tourism effort that will create jobs and services,” she said during the launching of AirAsia’s Davao- Kuala Lumpur Route on February 1, Thursday.

She said that Davao City has the right policy neces-

sary and the leadership in both government and the community including the industry to make the Muslim-friendly tourism to happen.

Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose said that the Philippines welcomed close to 120,000 Malaysians last year and he hopes that the new route opened by AirAsia will entice more Malaysians to visit the country.

He said that Halal restaurants in the City

DTI,P10

4NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

BFAR: Galunggong flourishing in Palawan

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ood-sized and matured round scads, commonly known as “galunggong,” are making a comeback in northern Palawan seas, as well as the Mindoro Strait, according to the �isheries and aquatic bureau in the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) region.

The return has been notable in the waters of Ulugan Bay here, El Nido, Coron, and Taytay, in the northern part of the province, and also in the southern Palawan town of Quezon, said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Mimaropa Assistant Regional Director Roberto Abrera on Friday.

“After three years of seasonal implementation of

the commercial ban, many �ishermen are now telling us that their catches have improved, and they are already catching good-sized round scads,” he stated.

The round scads being caught are now 16.4 to 19.4 centimeters after the imposition of Joint Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2015, consistent with the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

Although they still need to verify reports, it looks like the �ish had also made a return to Mindoro Strait, which connects the West Philippines Sea to the Sulu Sea, and separates Mindoro Islands to the Calamian Islands, Abrera said.

“We’ve also received reports that say big spe-

BFAR,P10

Mayon’s sulfur emission lowers, but eruption threat remains

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ANILA -- Mayon Volcano’s sulfur emission has lessened, but a hazardous eruption by the restless volcano is still possible, state geologists told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a health-threatening gas with a pungent odor.

The condition around Mayon remains under alert level 4, and surrounding communities are urged to stay vigilant, said science research specialist Maria Concepcion Barairo of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

“Latest data on SO2 and other parameters we’re monitoring continue to indicate such unrest there,” Barairo said, adding the volcano’s reduced sulfur emission is no reason for the surrounding communities to be complacent.

Scientists said SO2 was among the volcanic gases that escape into the atmosphere through a volcano’s various openings. Once released, they said, SO2 could reach varying distances and altitudes. Exposure to SO2 could irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, they said.

In its bulletin released

MAYON’S,P10

IHS Markit sees 3.9% inflation rise

I

HS Markit , a global leader in information, analytics and solutions for the major industries, foresees the country’s headline in�lation in the �irst month of the year will increase to 3.9 percent from 3.3 percent in December 2017.

IHS Markit Asia Pacific Chief Economist Rajiv Biswas, in an e-mail Friday, said the newly implemented Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law has pushed in�lationary pressures in January 2018.

“The Philippines headline CPI (consumer price index) in�lation rate is expected to surge higher in January due to higher impact of sharp rises in retail petrol prices following a spike in world oil prices in 2017 and higher excise tax on fuel,” said Biswas.

“The TRAIN tax reform package will also push up indirect taxes on certain other speci�ic products such as sweetened drinks,” the economist added.

The government roll out the TRAIN Law at the start of the year.

To counter government revenue losses from lowering personal income tax rate, the TRAIN Law imposes higher excise tax on fuel products -- PHP2.50 per liter on diesel and PHP7 per liter for regular and unleaded premium gasoline.

It also slaps sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax of PHP6 per liter on beverages using caloric and non-caloric sweeteners while higher SSB tax of PHP12 per liter for those using high fructose corn syrup.(PNA)

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PGH offers free autopsies on supposed Dengvaxia victims

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ANILA -- The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is offering to conduct medical autopsies on children whose death are being linked to Dengvaxia, as part of its ongoing investigation of the dengue vaccine controversy.

In a press brie�ing on Friday at the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Maria Cecilia Lim, a forensic pathologist who was part of the 10-man experts’ team formed to conduct a review of the cases, said the PGH medical experts were offering to do the autopsies for free.

“The PGH is offering the expertise of its staff for free for Dengvaxia autopsy,” Dr. Lim said, as she emphasized that only forensic pathologists knew how to do

medical autopsies because doing medical autopsies was10 times more dif�icult than forensic autopsies.

She said that if the parents of the deceased patients did not want or were unable to go to the University of the Philippines-run PGH, the Philippine Society of Pathologists’ independent team was willing to pitch in.

“If you feel that you don’t want the services of the PGH, the PSP is also willing to help the public with these investigations and medical autopsies,” she added.

Lim was among the 10man experts’ panel, who had reviewed and came up with initial �indings on the 14 cases of children who died after receiving the Dengvaxia vaccine.

Based on their report, of the 14 children, only three died of dengue shock syndrome, with two cases being attributed to a possible vaccine failure.

The rest of the cases could not be attributed to Dengvaxia, the initial report said, since some of the cases presented showed pre-existing health conditions and had developed illnesses, which could not be directly linked to the administration of the vaccine.

The deaths, the report added, could just be coincidental and available data at that time could be insuf�icient to arrive at a de�inite conclusion.

The investigation of the PGH was a review of the medical records of the children, in cooperation with the Department of Health

With the disclosure of the �indings, the experts’ panel recommended further investigation on the cases of the three children, who died of dengue shock syndrome, including tissue evaluation using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

About those who had co-morbidities, the experts also recommended the conduct of a medical autopsy to determine the nature of their illnesses and further �ind out other possible reasons for their deaths.

“The reason for performing autopsies on these patients is to determine the cause of death, and if it’s possible that the vaccine played any role in the deaths of these children,” Lim explained.

She is now undergoing interview/custodial debrie�ing at Hqs 701Bde. At around 3:00 p.m. of the same date, Hon Jayvee Tyron Uy, Governor of Compostela Valley Province, facilitated the surrender (without �irearm) of another CPP-NPA Terrorist regular member and two (2) CNT supporters to Lieutenant Colonel Oscar B Balignasay Jr, Commanding Of�icer of 25IB, Camp Kalaw, Poblacion, Monkayo, CVP. The surrenderees areWinnie Bañaga @Manny, 36 years old, married, resident of Purok 18, Brgy Mainit, Nabunturan, CVP, and a Political Guide (PG) of the CNTs;Marcelino Paña a.k.a Kulafu/Marsing, 62 years

old, married, contact person (supporter) of CNT group, and a resident of Purok 6, Lower Buay, Brgy Baylo, Monkayo, CVP; and Virginia A Escalera a.k.a. Ares, 46 years old with live-in partner, President Hugpong sa Kababaihan (organized by CNTs in CVP), and a resident of Purok 7-Bliss, Brgy Baylo, Monkayo, CVP. The surrenderees are undergoing further interview at Hqs 25IB. Meanwhile, Provincial Governor Tyron Uy issued his of�icial statement regarding the rebels who surrendered before the government and the role of Provincial Local Government Unit on these surrenders: “The Provincial Govern-

ment of Compostela Valley welcomes the in�lux of former rebels who decided to denounce their allegiance with the New People’s Army and go back to the folds of law.

Their decision is a step forward in our goal to achieve lasting peace and stability in our communities.

As local chief executive and Regional Peace and Order Council Chair for Davao Region, I am aware how crucial the role of the local government units in this drive to bring peace to our people.

Local government units stand in the frontline of law enforcement, delivery of social services and information dissemination.

Moreover,

PGH,P10

Officials facilitate surrender of NPA terrorists

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awab, Compostela Valley Province (CVP) -- a certain Nenita LABARTINE a.k.a.

CYNTHIA , a member of CPPNPA Terrorist (CNT) voluntary surrendered without �irearm (FA) to 701Bde through the effort of Brgy Kagawad Francis Pormares of Brgy Sainz, Ml Guenares at Headquarters (Hqs) 701Bde, So Magay, Brgy Don Martin Marundan, Mati City.

Accordingly, said surrenderee is 46 years old, a resident of Daticor Compound of said brgy and a 3 yrs member of Underground Mass Organization (UGMO).

Nenita revealed that she was frequently contracted by aka BAYTOL to purchased goods for the NPA terrorists.

OFFICIALS,P12

MANILA-BOUND. People wait to board a C-130 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force bound for Manila at the old Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

5 ECONOMY Dominguez confirms exit of SEC official F inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Friday con�irmed the resignation of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Blas James Viterbo for health reasons.

“Viterbo’s resignation is con�irmed. Irregular heartbeat is (the) reason he gave,” he told journalists in a Viber message.

Reports quoting SEC Secretary Armand Pan as saying that Viberto tendered his resignation to President Rodrigo R. Duterte through

NEW ROUTE. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, government key officials, AirAsia deputy group chief executive officer Aireen Omar and chief executive officer in Malaysia Riad Asmat lead the officiating

ceremony of airline’s Davao-Kuala Lumpur flight held at Marco Polo Davao on Thursday night. AirAsia flights four times a week from Davao City to Kuala Lumpur and vice versa. Lean Daval Jr

DepEd urged to address teachers’ bonus backlog T

he Department of Education was urged Friday to address the delays in the delivery of performancebased bonuses of public school teachers.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian made this call, noting that these delays have been a problem of DepEd since school year 2012 to 2013.

Gatchalian, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Education, described the long delay as “unaccept-

able.”

“Ensuring that teachers are properly compensated for their hard work and dedication to the youth of this country is something that should be at the top of the government’s to-do list. Our teachers deserve better than this,” Gatchalian

said in a press statement.

The senator, meanwhile, urged DepEd to streamline their clearance processing mechanisms to ensure that no further delays will occur.

At present, teachers have yet to receive their bonuses for school year 2 ‎ 0162017. This is the �irst time the delay has reached the following �iscal year.

DepEd Undersecretary Jesus Mateo earlier blamed

he Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority threw its full support to the government’s anti-smuggling campaign by signing a cooperation agreement with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to improve the latter’s capability in �lushing out illegal activities in the Port of Subic.

SBMA chairperson and administrator Wilma T. Eisma signed an accord Friday with Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña for the construction of a new building here to house the Port of Subic’s BOC of�ice, as well as a training facility for the proposed Customs Academy.

The Philippines is reportedly one the few remaining countries in the world that lacked an of�icial school for its Customs personnel.

“We’re a hundred percent in support of this proj-

ect because we are aware of what this means to the Philippine economy, to law enforcement, as well as to the local industries and image of the Subic Bay Freeport as a center of commerce,” Eisma said.

“Smuggling bleeds the economy dry, and everything we have been building in Subic all these years would come to naught if illegal activities like this were not stopped,” she added.

Eisma pointed out that the SBMA, particularly its Law Enforcement Department, has been working closely with the BOC in combatting smuggling.

Last December, SBMA law enforcers foiled an attempt to bring out of the Subic Freeport some PHP40-million worth of expensive liquors.

The agency’s Seaport Department also black-

listed brokers found to be involved in that smuggling operation, Eisma said.

Eisma and Lapeña, along with Port of Subic District Collector Fidel Villanueva and Philippine International Trading Corp.

President and CEO Dave Almarinez, also inspected on Friday three shipments that were seized by the Subic BOC for various violations of customs laws.

The �irst shipment involved a 10x20 container van of Thailand white rice with an estimated value of PHP10 million that lacked the required import permit from the National Food Administration.

Lapeña said the supposed consignee, the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC), which is the trading arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), had denied ownership of the said ship-

failed biddings and delayed processing of clearances.

Public school teachers have asked the DepEd and Department of Budget and Management to address the delayed release of their bonuses.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition said there was no reason for government to delay its release since there was already funding allocation as early as �iscal year 2016. (PNA)

ment through its president, Dave Almarinez.

The Subic BOC also con�iscated 18 units of Vespa scooters from Italy, a part of a 112-unit shipment worth PHP30 million, which were seized for gross undervaluation and falsi�ication of import documents.

Lapeña said the undervaluation resulted in a discrepancy of more than 70 percent of the duties and taxes due thereon.

The third shipment consisted of 8,865 bottles of expensive liquors and spirits that the SBMA turned over to the BOC after seizure in late December.

Lapeña said the liquors were initially admitted into the Subic Bay Freeport for storage and eventual re-exportation, but were boarded in a close van in an attempt to smuggle them out of Subic to avoid payment of duties and taxes. (PNA)

Dominguez last February 1.

Pan said Viberto wanted to “prioritize his medical check-up.”

Effectivity of the Commissioner’s resignation depends upon the acceptance of the President, he said.

Viterbo was appointed to the SEC’s policy-making body for a seven-year term by former President Benigno Aquino III on May 20, 2014.

Prior to this, he was a member of the government-owned Development

DOMINGUEZ,P10

South Cotabato posts P21.6M from mining

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he provincial government of South Cotabato surpassed its revenue target from mining and quarry taxes last year, reaching an “all-time high” of P21.6 million.

Nencita Acain, mines and geosciences division chief of the Provincial Environment Management Of�ice (PEMO), said Friday the total collections in 2017 increased by nearly P3 million when compared to the previous year that reached P18.7 million.

She said the monthly average collection also surged to P1.8 million from last

year’s average of P1.56 million.

Due to the increase in tax collection, the provincial government’s share has increased to P8.3 million from P7.5 million in 2016.

The of�icial attributed such accomplishment to the aggressive collection efforts of the Provincial Treasurer’s Of�ice and their strict implementation of mining and quarry policies.

Acain speci�ically cited the proper enforcement of mining regulations and the crackdown against unlicensed mine tunnels and

SOUTH,P10

CDO collects P576M from permit renewal

SBMA, BOC join hands to fight smuggling T T

he city government has collected P576.4 million from business permit renewals for 2017, which represents a 27.45 percent increase from the previous year.

City treasurer Ramon Mendoza attributed the increase to City Hall’s automated system, which enables businesses and individuals to transact online.

“For example, kung magkuha ka sa imo billing, dili ka na necessary moanha sa City Hall. You just have to do it online in the tips of your phones,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza pointed out that when the online transaction wasn’t fully implemented yet in 2016, the city’s collection from business permit renewals only stood at P452 million.

The local government has reported that it has already already collected P10 million from its online payment system since it became fully operational last year.

In addition, Mendoza

said the City Treasurer’s Of�ice is expecting a steady increase in collection for business applications in the years to come because of the recent reforms implemented by the local government. These included the speedy approval process for business permits as well as the strict implementation of the government’s anti-red tape campaign.

Mendoza said the City Finance Of�ice has already wrapped up its annual processing of business permits last January 31, with the �inal number of registered enterprises, both recurring and new, tallied at more than 14,000.

The �igures represented an increase of 3,000 compared with the 2017 record of only 11,000.

Mendoza said the local government is now focusing on the renewal of business permits of the hundreds of concessionaires in its public markets and other LGU-controlled enterprises. (Mark D. Francisco/PNA)

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

British firms eye prospects Fisheries output B

plunged in 2017

As 50 UK firms set to tour the Visayas

ritish companies are now eyeing business opportunities in Visayas as they a set trade and investment mission to Iloilo next month.

British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) Chris Nelson said in a brie�ing Friday that the

business group is organizing the business mission to Iloilo from March 8 to 9, in line with the British Embassy’s

Great Festival.

Nelson said BCCP targets to bring in 50 �irms based in the United Kingdom as delegates to the business mission in the Visayas.

He cited British companies that are interested to tap opportunities in the

country’s infrastructure sector -- be it transport infrastructure or ports, among others.

This is in line with the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build Program which accelerates infra-

BRITISH,P10

T

otal �isheries production went down by 1.04 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year’s level, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported.

PSA noted output reductions in commercial by 6.89 percent and municipal �isheries by 1.05 percent; while aquaculture performed better by 1.68 percent.

The volume of output of

commercial �isheries, which comprised 21.97 percent of the total �isheries production, reached almost 947,000 metric tons.

The PSA report released Friday attributed the decline in output to less unloading of species in Navotas Fish Port, which was brought about by frequent rainfall and numerous weather disturbances that

FISHERIES,P10

VAT rate cut seen not last option to help poor

R UNMINDFUL. Workers are silhouetted as they conduct a maintenance job on the metal structure of a billboard in Lanang, Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

eduction in the current 12 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) rate in the Philippines to help the poor cope with higher prices of several goods may not need a cut in the VAT rate per se.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III stressed this, noting there are other options aside from cutting the VAT rate.

He cautioned people “to be very careful” on suggesting any reduction in VAT because of the huge task to �inance the Duterte administration’s massive infrastructure program, among

others.

The current government plans to spend at least PHP8 trillion until 2022 to construct necessary infrastructure nationwide, especially in Mindanao.

There have been several moves calling for the reduction in VAT rate, one of which is Senate Bill No. 1671 �iled by Senator Risa Hontiveros last January 30.

The bill, which seeks to cut VAT rate to 10 percent, is aimed at helping the poor cope up with the effect of the tax reform, which reduced the number of sectors or

VAT,P13

ONE NETWORK BANK, INC. (A RURAL BANK) Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2017 (Head Office and Branches) ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale (AFS) Financial Assets - Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets - Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans - Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security - Net Loans and Receivables - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures - Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment - Net Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets - Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities Designated at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitute d) Others Bonds Payable - Net Unsecured Subordinated Debt - Net Redeemable Preferred Shares Special Time Deposit Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P

P

P

P P

P P

Amount 952,747,802.18 734,947,392.44 1,462,692,333.25 0.00 1,103,712,820.21 344,044,340.39 0.00 0.00 20,722,546,883.38 0.00 0.00 21,045,453,653.29 0.00 322,906,769.91 142,130,581.94 0.00 1,847,907,605.70 16,323,959.32 0.00 902,822,783.61 0.00 28,229,876,502.42

0.00 23,247,212,176.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 55,709,019.28 512,811,729.80 0.00 23,815,732,925.88 3,704,914,726.56 -387,935,178.63 1,097,164,028.61 0.00 4,414,143,576.54 28,229,876,502.42

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advisory/Consultancy Derivatives Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a) Gross NPLs b) Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c) Net NPLs d) Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a) 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises b) 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a) Total CAR (%) b) Tier 1 Ratio (%) c) Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) Deferred Charges not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received

P

P P

Amount 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 17,600,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,435,244.11 28,035,244.11 21,917,920,236.60 872,466,583.31 1,845,129,788.22 8.42 972,663,204.92 4.44 2,558,294,084.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.30% 0.28% -6.86% 14.27% 13.42% 13.42% 0.00 0.00

We, Salvador R. Serrano and Jesus Antonio S. Itchon of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.

(SGD.) SALVADOR R. SERRANO (SGD.) JESUS ANTONIO S. ITCHON Central Operation Group Head President SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 31st day of January 2018 at Davao City, Philippines, affiant exhibiting their Driver’s License No. N02-10-008839 and N11-79-028720, respectively.

Doc. No. 54 Book No. XVII Page No. 12 Series of 2018

ATTY. PERSIS NIÑA M. MULA-ENRIQUEZ Notary Public Roll No. 59994 ; 03/22/2012 IBP No. 024531 ; 01/06/18 – Davao City PTR. No. 9734206 ; 12/20/17 – Davao City One Network Bank Corporate Office, Km. 9, Sasa, Davao City Serial No. 2018-120-2019 until December 31, 2019

Member: PDIC

7 SUBURBIA RISING 8 Reds surrender in Sultan Kudarat

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

B

INSIDE THE FOREST. The Forest Tour at the Banana Beach Resort in Tagum City is one of the most exciting experiences to be done as visitors go inside the 60-hectare century old forest and watch hun-

dreds of wild pigs and Philippine long-tailed macaques monkey freely roaming around. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

AGUMBAYAN, Sultan Kudarat -- Eight more communist rebels in Sultan Kudarat province had decided to return to the folds of the law Friday, an Army colonel said Saturday.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB), said the rebels decided to come down after getting exhausted in the military’s relentless pursuit operations against the New People’s Army (NPA).

Cabunoc said to date, a total of 111 rebels had surrendered to the 33rd IB. He identi�ied the eight as Romeo “Taiwan” Dongco, 29; Jun-Jun Okom, 29; Nasio Dungco, 28; Binta Okom, 50; Batoy Tayak, 49; Goong Tugi, 47; Justin Tugi, 21; and a child warrior named Raffy Blah, 16.

Cabunoc said three of

DOH eyes surveillance nurses for Dengvaxia patients

Mayor, barangay leaders Z surrender guns, ammunition

Z

AMBOANGA CITY -- A Sulu town mayor and his barangay captains on Friday surrendered high-powered firearms in response to the campaign against unlicensed firearms in the province.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the weapons were surrendered to his command at about 1 p.m. Friday by Mayor Anton Burahan of the island municipality of Pata.

Burahan was accompanied by barangay chairpersons and other municipal government of�icials when he turned over the �irearms to Sobejana.

Sobejana said Burahan surrendered three 81-mm mortar tubes, one 90 Recoilless Ri�le, one barrel of caliber .50 machine gun, four M-16 Armalite ri�les, three M-14 ri�les, �ive Garand ri�les, one M-79 Grenade Launcher, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

“The genuine gesture of Mayor Burahan and his constituents in giving up voluntarily

their war materiel can be a good example to all other government of�icials and the Tausogs as a whole who are bearing arms illegally,” Sobejana said.

He said the surrender was brought about by the relentless campaign of Joint Task Force Sulu against illegally possessed �irearms.

“It is our goal to make Sulu a gun-free province. As we exert efforts to transform Sulu from terrorism to tourism, we want also to espouse the hashtag from Arm to Farm,” he said.

He said Sulu could have a bright future with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.

Burahan and his barangay chairpersons surrendered the �irearms and ammunition two days after government troops recovered an arms cache during a combat operation in Barangay Pisak Pisak, Pata.

Recovered on Jan. 31 were a caliber .50 machine gun with 150 rounds of ammunition, three baseplates for an 81-mm mortar, a bipod for an 81-mm mortar, a tripod for an 81-mm mortar, eight rounds of ammunition for an 81-mm mortar, four rounds of ammunition for 90 Recoilless Ri�le and 50 rounds of ammunition for 60-mm mortar.

(PNA)

check along the highway, responded to the shooting incident that transpired at a commercial district here and engaged a group of gunmen in a shootout.

The police identi�ied these gunmen as Sugar Rey Dimaano, David Adolfo, and Mario Pagaduan dela Cruz.

Dimaano, police records showed, was a drug surrenderer.

Investigators also considered illegal drugs trade as one of the motives for the shooting.

Bombeo urged the local government to shoulder the hospital bills of Yamuta who is still �ighting for his life at a private hospital in Davao

City.

Bombeo said granting �inancial help to Yamuta could, at least, ease the burden of his family, particularly on the hospital bills.

Initially, Mayor Joseph Evangelista paid Yamuta’s hospital bills at the Kidapawan Doctors Hospital, Inc. (KDHI) after he was rushed there due to gunshot wounds on his head.

But Yamuta was transferred to the Davao Doctors Hospital in Davao City for further treatment, according to the city councilor.

Relatives told Bombeo that Yamuta’s vital signs have stabilized. (Malu Cadelina-Manar / MindaNews)

them had executed an af�idavit linking a local government of�icial to the communist NPA terrorists.

“He facilitated the organization of the lumads as NPA �ighters purposely to reclaim our ancestral lands. He welcomed Ka George and Ka Makmak in his house to recruit us in May 2015,” said one former NPA rebel.

Cabunoc did not name the local of�icial.

The recent surrender of eight rebels was facilitated by Bagumbayan Mayor Jonalette de Pedro and Chief Insp. Gary�lor Mar�il of the Bagumbayan town police of�ice.

Cabunoc said he expects more rebels to surrender due to the ongoing military operations against NPAs in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat.

(PNA/Photo by 33rd IB)

AMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) is hiring nurses to monitor hospitals of patients admitted brought about by the drastic reaction of Dengvaxia vaccines.

Dr. Joshua Brillantes, DOH assistant regional director, told the Philippine News Agency that they will assign surveillance nurses in each of the provinces and city of Region 9.

Brillantes said they have received reports that some physicians in private practice have injected the vaccine to their patients although the region was not included in the mass vaccination of Dengvaxia.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, former city health of�icer, have received report that four children were injected with Dengvaxia vaccine by pediatricians in this city.

Brillantes said these surveillance nurses will be employed for �ive years since children injected with Dengvaxia vaccines will have to be moni-

tored for a period of �ive years.

He said they will coordinate with the hospitals in the region for a speedy monitoring of Dengvaxia patients.

Dengvaxia, manufactured

by French pharmaceutical giant Sano�i, has been granted marketing authorization in 2015 by Mexico making it the �irst vaccine to be licensed in the world for dengue prevention.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued licenses and approved its used in the country.

The DOH reported that 733,713 children from three regions in Luzon have been vaccinated with Dengvaxia under the agency’s schoolbased immunization program launched in 2016.

The DOH has suspended the dengue vaccination program after it was reported that Dengvaxia could develop complications to children who has not yet suffered dengue. (PNA)

Kidapawan City Council puts on hold proposals to commend wounded SWAT team member DSWD to intensify fight vs.

K

IDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews / 03 February) — The legislative council here has put on hold proposals to give a wounded member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team commendation for his valor and heroism.

Kidapawan City councilor Jivy Roe Bombeo, author of the resolutions, said the council has yet to dig deeper into the incident that involved Police Of�icer 3 Erick John Yamuta, SWAT member who was critically wounded after he engaged in a shootout with a group of armed men on January 27.

The proposals were referred to Councilor Francis

Palmones, chair of the Committee on Peace and Order; and Councilor Ruby Padilla-Sison, chair of the Committee on Human Rights of the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Kidapawan.

Bombeo, in an interview over radio station DXND here, said the council is set to invite to a question hour city police director, Chief Inspector Ramel Hojilla, to shed light on the issue.

Initially, Bombeo said he was shown footages of the close-circuit television (CCTV) that captured the shooting incident.

Based on the CCTV footages, Yamuta, who at that time was doing a security

4Ps irregularities in ARMM

C

OTABATO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWDARMM) is strengthening its current drive against irregularities in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) In the region.

ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Masuhud Alamia, concurrent DSWD-ARMM secretary, said on Tuesday that a series of activities related to this drawback are scheduled for local government units this month.

An immediate measure is up for implementation to address 4Ps-related problems, according to DSWD-ARMM. For a start, Alamia said an ‘LGU Assembly on Social Welfare Protection’ is set for Jolo, Sulu on Feb.6 where of�icials would be informed on the regional government’s seriousness in imposing the program’s rules and regulations to prevent anomalous actions during 4Ps payouts.

During the event, Jolo of�icials are expected to present to Alamia their mechanism on addressing its 4Ps’ prob-

DSWD,P12

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

T

Maximum Tolerance

he case of the two Davao City policemen now facing charges for allegedly physically abusing three minors in a barangay hall boils down to failure to exercise restraint and maximum tolerance.

The cops have been placed under “restrictive custody” and Mayor Sara Duterte has ordered an investigation of the incident. Mayor Inday warned police that while minors committing crimes should be taken into custody, force should not be used against them unless they chose to �ight. The minors were picked up for causing a riot and violating curfew hours. They also reportedly mocked at the police who took the act as disrespecting them as agents of

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

authority.

But when is mockery or disrespect an act short of a �ight or attack against persons of authority to deserve such punishment?

Certainly this case of the two cops does not fall under the justi�iable act. Likewise, beating up minors does not fall under the act of stopping an aggression but is already an act of abuse on the part of the policemen.

Cops should be reminded of the basic tenets of exercising self restraint especially when dealing with minors. Verbal attacks from minors as to amount to disrespect and ridicule may not suf�ice to justify policemen to commit physical abuse.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ANGELIE SAVERON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO JUDELYN VEGA MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters ARMANDO B. FENENQUITO JR. NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Correspondents Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

A Colonel’s Enduring Legacy When talking about legacy, not too many will agree that Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL) is an enduring bequest that dates back seventy-�ive years ago, years before the Commonwealth government was organized under American dictates.

The original penal farm constituted of 28,816 hectares of unexplored lands and forests which are now part of the town of Kapalong, Davao del Norte, and the city of Tagum.

On January 14, 1932, under an earlier direction made by Col. Paulino Santos, the same military of�icer after whom Gen. Santos City was named, the Compañia Maritima’s vessel S/S Mactan, then anchored at the San Ramon Penal Farm, sailed for Davao, carrying prison of�icials, employees, and trusted inmates, the colonos.

The contingent, which included some employees from the Bilibid Prisons at Azcarraga Street, Manila (prior to its transfer to Muntinlupa, Rizal), �irst dropped by Zamboanga where Col. Santos, the �irst director of Prisons, was set to join along with other members of the group.

Those who were the 74-man party were Col. Santos, Pablo J. Norona, the �irst Dapecol superintendent; Severo G. Yap, Dapecol assistant superintendent; Guillermo Peralta, superintendent of Department D of the Bilibid Prisons; Dr. Mariano Diman-

lig, surgeon; Juan Acena, forest ranger; privates Servito, Legaspi, Refnosea and Garcia, prison guards from San Ramon Penal Farm, and the sixty-four colonos.

The group also brought with them tons of supplies, heavy equipment, and construction articles, which were needed in opening a new penal colony.

The trusted inmates “were carefully selected prisoners, on instruction from Col. Santos, for their industry, physical aptitudes [and for] having the best prison conduct records.”

Upon arrival of the delegation arrived in Davao, the colonel’s of�icial biography disclosed, Col. Santos, Norona, Acenas, and two Japanese guides provide by Tagum Trading, “spent the �irst couple of days blazing trails through thick virgin forests in search of a suitable site for the base of operations.”

When the group �inally pitched camp at the mouth of Tuganay River, the Camiling, Tarlac, native colonel, in agreement with his companions, named their new headquarters Camp Mactan, after the ship that brought them to Davao. Camp Mactan was considered “an ideal base of operations” and the terrain of the penal reservation suitable for agricultural production, which was part of the colonel’s plan to grow staple crops to sustain the food needs of the

“The Shape of Water,” an other-worldly fairy tale set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962, leads this year Academy Awards with 13 nominations. “Dunkirk,” a movie that depicts the Dunkirk evacuation of World War II, closely trails with 8 nominations while “Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri,” the story of a mother who rents three billboards to call attention to her daughter’s unsolved murder,” receives 7 nominations.

Which among these three will get the most awards this coming March 4? The awarding will be held at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.

The three aforementioned �ilms are vying against each other in the Best Picture category. Although there are supposed to be 10 �ilms to be nominated, only nine made it to the �inal list. The other six nominated �ilms: “Call Me by Your Name,” “Darkest Hour,” “Get Out,” “Lady Bird,” “Phantom Thread,” and “The Post.”

Of the nine nominees, “Dunkirk” seems to have the edge. As movie critic Jeffrey M. Anderson puts it: “Christopher Nolan’s �irst history movie is bold, visceral, and powerful, with many moving sequences – though some of his �ilmmaking choices can be challenging.”

Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water,” should not be discounted too. It “elegantly blends whimsical fairy tale

with a fresh spin on classic monster movies for a delightful experience,” to quote the words of Screen Rant’s Molly Freeman.

“Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri” may also pull a surprise. After all, this dramedy starts with cleverness and wit, then opens up into something truthfully human.

Only �ive directors of the nine Best Picture nominees were nominated: Paul Thomas Anderson for “Phantom Thread,” Guillermo del Toro for “The Shape of Water,” Christopher Nolan for “Dunkirk,” Greta Gerwig for “Lady Bird,” and Jordan Peele for “Get Out.” Gerwig made a distinction as the �ifth female director to be nominated in this category. Only one won so far – Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker” in 2010.

The three other women who were nominated for Best Director were Lina Wertmuller, Jane Campion, and So�ia Coppola.

Gerwig, however, is considered a dark horse, along with Anderson. It is one of the three remaining directors who will get the top prize, although critics are beating on Nolan.

Now, let’s talk about the acting department, which has four categories: two for leading roles and two for supporting roles.

In Best Actor, two black actors were nominated: Daniel Kaluuya for “Get Out” and Denzel Washington for “Roman J.

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa inmates.

A plus factor in the selection of Camp Mactan was its accessibility by launches and small water crafts that could transport prisoners, supplies, and farm produce from the base to the receiving station in Davao, where excess production could be shipped to Manila.

To hasten the development, Col. Santos, three months after opening the colony, returned to Davao “bring [along] with him more colonos… along with a large contingent of technical experts in agriculture, agronomy, animal husbandry, �ishery, forestry and a team of engineers.”

The success of the penal colony was made tangible in the next few years. Through the collective efforts of the technical experts and the trusted prisoners, vast areas reserved for agricultural cultivation were opened and administrative structure started to shape the landscape.

As �irst prisons director, Col. Santos observed how penitentiaries in Germany, France (Paris), England (London), and the United States were managed.

Later, in line with the modernization of the penal system in the country, a government center, a medical facility, houses for employees, jails for inmates, a grains storage, irrigation system, roads and railways, and semi-permanent bridges were constructed inside the reservation.

Most of these developments took place prior to Col. Santos’ recall to military service when Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon appointed him brigadier general and assistant chief of staff of the Philippine Army. Less than year later, he was promotion to the top echelon of the Army with a rank of major general.

The colonel’s military reinstatement was not just a tribute to his brilliant ideas in transforming Philippine penology into an agriculture-based department. Many pundits agree it was a gesture of recognition for his leadership and courage when

he belatedly earned a Medal of Valor, the highest military honor, in the 1917 Lanao del Sur campaign.

His award, the �irst for any Filipino soldier and bestowed by American Governor General Frank Murphy, reads: “For exceptional conduct and conspicuous courage displayed at Bayang Cotta, Lanao del Sur on 26 July 1917.

“Then a Philippine Constabulary Second Lieutenant, Paulino Santos was tasked to participate in the Bayang Cotta campaign in which three companies of Philippine Scouts were also involved to neutralize bands of Moro outlaws. Among them was the group of Ampuan-Agos, the most famous of all Lanao outlaw chiefs.

“The fully armed bands, numbering about 500, were entrenched in a well-constructed and forti�ied cotta surrounded with barbed wire and bamboo spikes. Lieutenant Santos led government troops in assaulting the outlaws’ position. With the use of scaling ladders, they stormed the cotta and killed 30 outlaws.

“In this gallant act, one PC soldier was killed while �ive others were wounded.

Lieutenant Santos sustained a near-fatal gunshot wound at the back of the head.”

The Medal of Valor was �irst awarded on November 15, 1935.

Oldman is the sentimental favorite.

As usual, the Best Actress category is highly competitive this year. For one, there’s Meryl Streep again, receiving her 21st nomination for “The Post.” This makes her the most nominated performer. She also won three Oscars: one for Best Supporting Actress for “Kramer vs.

Kramer” (1979) and two Best Actresses for “Sophie’s Choice” (1982) and “The Iron Lady” (2011).

A nomination is enough. And so the four other nominees has to �ight it out against each other to win: Sally Hawkins for “The Shape of Water,” Margot Robbie for “I, Tonya,” Frances McDormand for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and Saoirse Ronan for “Lady Bird.”

In the Best Supporting Actor, two actors from one movie, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” were nominated: Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell.

Of the two, Rockwell has the edge.

At 88, Christopher Plummer becomes the oldest acting nominee ever.

His performance in “All the Money in the World” earned him a nomination; the role was �irst shot by Kevin Spacey.

The remaining two nominees were Willem Dafoe for “The Florida Project” and Richard Jenkins for “The Shape of Water.” Winning several awards from critics, Dafoe is most likely to win the award.

Lesley Manville, who played the

sister of Daniel Day-Lewis in “Phantom Thread” was up against Laurie Metcalf (“Lady Bird”), Allison Janney (“I, Tonya”), Mary J. Blige (“Mudbound”) and the returning Octavia Spencer (“The Shape of Water”).

There are two awards for writing: Adapted Screenplay and Original Screenplay. The nominees for Adapted Screenplay were Virgil Williams and Dee Rees for “Mudbound,” Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber for “The Disaster Artist,” James Ivory for “Call Me by Your Name,” Scott Frank & James Mangold and Michael Green; Story by James Mangold for “Logan,” and Aaron Sorkin for “Molly’s Game.”

Nominated for Original Screenplay were Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor; Story by Guillermo del Toro for “The Shape of Water,” Martin McDonagh for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani for “The Big Sick,” Jordan Peele for “Get Out,” and Greta Gerwig for “Lady Bird.”

The �ive nominees for Foreign Language Film were as follows: “A Fantastic Woman” from Chile, “The Insult” from Lebanon, “Loveless” from Russia, “On Body and Soul,” from Hungary, and “The Square” from Sweden.

Now, the envelope, please!

The Envelope, Please!

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

Israel, Esq.” Washington scored another record as this was his eighth nomination.

He has already won twice: as Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989) and Best Actor for “Training Day” (2001) Another Oscar winner is Daniel Day-Lewis who is nominated for “Phantom Thread.” His three Oscars were for: 1989’s “My Left Foot,” 2007’s “There Will be Blood,” and 2012’s “Lincoln.”

The last two nominees – and one of them is most likely to get the coveted trophy – are newcomer Timothée Chalamet for “Call Me by Your Name” and former nominee Gary Oldman for “Darkest Hour” (he was previously nominated for 2011’s “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”). Of the two,

10NEWS CLICK AWAY... FROM 1

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

OFW is in trouble, thereby alerting other OFWs within the vicinity.

Another feature, the “Emergency SOS” button, provides OFWs an avenue to report concerns of abuse or mistreatment.

Other features include an OWWA-provided work journal for OFWs to record working conditions. The OFW can post status updates, photos and videos, to include situations involving distressed OFWs---monitored remotely by DOLE, OWWA and the Philippine Overseas Labor Of�ice.

Party List Rep. Anice-

to Bertiz said recruitment agencies will be required to install the technology into the smart phones of all the OFWs processed by their of�ices.

Labor undersecretary Joel Maglungsod said the technology addresses the problem on how to monitor millions of OFWs abroad.

“Hopefully, it may help reduce instances of abuse suffered by our countrymen abroad,” he said.

He described the technology as part of the social dialog between government and the OFWs who

are spread out all over globe.

Padilla, herself a former domestic worker, said the OFW Watch Mobile App provides a bayanihan solution to the problems and risks faced by OFWs abroad.

“Now with this App, they are just a click away from assistance,” she said.

Vice-Mayor Bernie Alag said the introduction of the app to a global audience is a welcome development. “We are committed to helping promote, help and protect this technology,” he said. (JKL)

tion, @ARA said. It can be recalled that last January 15, 2018, Deputy Secretary of Far South Mindanao Region of CPP NPA, Noel Minioto Legazpi @Efren together with his wife Jeanalyn Defensor Bendalian @Wendy the medical staff of FSMR surrendered to the troops of 27IB in South Cotabato.

Since then, notable number of NPA terrorists surrendered to the units under 1002nd brigade.

“With our intensive security operations and

continuous collaborations with our stakeholders, we can array our efforts in attaining lasting peace.” Lt Col Rhojun Rosales 39IB commander said.

The former rebels will be presented to the LGU of Davao Del Sur for immediate assistance and subsequently enroll them to the CLIP (Comprehensive Local Integration Program).

They will be provided a livelihood assistance to assist them in starting a new and peaceful life.

“We are calling the at-

tention of the remaining NPA terrorist of GF 51 and other Communist NPA Terrorist who are still hiding, to grab this opportunity to return to the folds of law together with your �irearms.

You deserve to have a peaceful life with your family. Most of your high ranking of�icials and members are already enjoying the support program of the government.” Colonel Roberto Ancan 1002nd Brigade Commander said. PR

ant to a provision of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform law.

Meanwhile, the Palace spokesperson praised Ilocos Norte for being chosen by giant international cruise liner Star Cruises as a cruise destination.

“The Super Virgo, one of its luxury liners, can accommodate up to 2,800 passengers and 1,100 crew members. We’re con�ident that we can surpass last year’s 99,147 foreign travelers in Region I,” Roque said, citing the Accommodation Establishment Data of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

He also assured that the

government, through the DOT, would assist in the building of a world-class port facility in Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

“Kung nagkaroon po tayo ng mas magandang puerto dito sa Currimao, we can expect more cruise liners to call on the Currimao port,” Roque added.

Roque also congratulated Ilocos for marking its 200th founding anniversary. He particularly noted the Broadway-like production of the Tan-ok ni Ilokano Festival in Laoag.

“That is one of the best festivals that I’ve ever witnessed, bordering on probably the best,” Roque said. (PCO Content)

cies of �ish like yellow �in tuna, blue marlin, and tanigue are now being caught anew by �ishermen in the straight. We need to still verify this, but what’s interesting is that it’s like there is a restaurant underwater, where these �ishes go to feed,” he said.

He said these observations indicate that conser-

vation efforts are succeeding in ensuring that the population of the round scads will �lourish again.

“Of course, three years are not enough to guarantee that the threat against the population of round scads is already over in northern Palawan,” Abrera said. (PNA) were not updated on the PAO’s investigations.

“We haven’t had a chance to look at their �indings because these weren’t shared with us,” she lamented. (PNA)

should be Halal certi�ied so that this will be patronized by the Muslim travellers.

“Gusto natin na ma develop talaga ang Halal industry dito kaya tinutulungan rin tayo ng Malaysia sa certi�ication we would like to be able to penetrate the Halal mar-

ket not only in the ASEAN but also other parts of the world like the Middle East,” Jose said.

He said that there are a lot of manufacturers of food and non-food products here in the city that can be Halal certi�ied.

Meanwhile, she expressed concern also over the Public Attorneys’ Of�ice’s (PAO) conduct of forensic examinations on some children who died after receiving Dengvaxia.

Lim said the PGH experts

structure projects across the country.

The BCCP chief considers the Visayas a new growth opportunity area for UK �irms as this part of the country is expected to grow 7.7 percent to 8.3 percent in the next �ive years.

Data from the Philippine

Statistics Authority showed that from January to September 2017, approved investments in investment promotion agencies from UK companies increased by 10.9 percent to PHP4.79 billion from PHP4.32 billion in the same period in 2016. (PNA)

prevailed in the country from May to September.

It said limited �ishing operations in Zamboanga Peninsula due to the existing inventory of canned sardines during the third quarter also contributed to lower output.

The PSA added municipal �isheries production reached 1.13 million metric tons during the year.

About 85.45 percent of the volume was credited to unloadings in municipal �ish

landing centers, while the remaining 14.55 percent was contributed by inland �isheries subsector.

Aquaculture, which had a share of 51.91 percent to total �isheries, posted 2.24 million metric tons last year.

Seaweed harvests accelerated in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi during the second semester, as a result of favorable weather conditions that prevailed in the provinces. (PNA)

Saturday, Phivolcs reported that Mayon’s SO2 emission level on Friday was at an average of 1,583 tons.

Phivolcs reported high-

er average daily SO2 emission levels of 2,299 and 3,428 tons on Jan. 31 and Jan. 30, respectively.

“SO2 emission levels

TWO... FROM 2

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TRAVELING COMPANION. A young boy carrying his dog yawns as he and his mother wait for a pub-

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lic utility jeepney along Jacinto extension in Davao City early morning of Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

can’t be the same every day,” noted Barairo, saying various conditions, including those within Mayon, may limit the SO2 emission.

Mayon Volcano’s SO2 emission on Friday still exceeded this gas’ normal level of approximately 500 tons per day, noted Barairo.

She said some people had already reported smelling

sulfur with Mayon’s continuing unrest.

That smell might even intensify if Mayon’s SO2 emission rises again, Barairo said, adding that people around Mayon must heed the local authorities’ advice on actions to take to stay safe while the volcano is restive. (PNA)

Bank of the Philippines’ (DBP) Board of Directors and the bank’s representative to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Board.

He was also a supervis-

ing senior at KPMG Philippines before becoming a legislative-technical staff lawyer of then Senator Manuel Roxas II and eventually the Senator’s chief of staff. (PNA)

processing plants in smallscale mining areas in T’boli town.

Records from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau showed that T’boli town’s gold rush area hosts a total of 159 small-scale mine tunnels.

Some 100 tunnels are situated in Barangay Kematu and 49 in the neighboring Barangay Desawo.

The agency noted that

34 tunnels are operating within the Minahang Bayan with active permits, 47 have no permits and three had been abandoned by their owners or operators.

The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board issued a cease and desist order in October last year to 75 mine tunnels after being found to have been operating outside a declared mining area and lacking proper permits and licenses. (PNA)

the second at 6:30 p.m. ,” she said.

Tickets are pegged at P350 (orchestra front), P200 (orchestra back), and P250 (balcony).

Tickets are available at the

School Director’s Of�ice (look for Ms. May Ann) and the DCHS C.P. Garcia Campus Admin Of�ice. For ticket inquiries, please call or text Mila at (0922) 882-0828 or (0927) 440-2222. (PR)

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EDGEDAVAO

(From third left to right) His Excellency, Ambassador Charles Jose, Ambassador of the Philippines to Malaysia; Aireen Omar, Deputy Group CEO - Digital, Transformation, Corporate Services of AirAsia; Honourable Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, Mayor of Davao City; Nora Terrado, Undersecretary of Trade and Industry; Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia; and The Honorable Mohd Jafri Mohd Sharif, Consul of Malaysia in Davao at the AirAsia Davao-Kuala Aireen Omar, Deputy Group CEO - Digital, Transformation, Corporate Lumpur route officiating ceremony in Davao, Philippines today.

Services of AirAsia

ASEAN connected AirAsia officially connects Davao and Kuala Lumpur

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 marked a milestone for Davao’s travel and business community as AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, officially launches its four-times weekly Davao, Kuala Lumpur flights. Although the flight has already been operating since December last year, the event held at the Jade Room of the Marco Polo Davao was the official launch ceremony of the route.

Officiating the Davao - Kuala Lumpur route were Honourable Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, Mayor Davao City; Eden Josephine L. David, Tourism Assistant Secretary; Aireen Omar, AirAsia Deputy Group CEO Digital, Transformation, Corporate Services and Riad Asmat, AirAsia Berhad CEO. Aireen Omar, AirAsia Deputy Group CEO Digital, Transformation, Corporate Services said,

“AirAsia is excited about our first international route to Davao. We do not only connect Davao to Malaysia, but we also

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio poses with AirAsia’s cabin crew.

bring Davao closer to our extensive network of destinations in Asean, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and the US”.

“We are committed to growing tourism beyond the most famous tourism hotspots. We look forward to work closely with the Davao City Mayor, airport authorities and government bodies to put Davao on the map of must-visit destinations in

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ENTERTAINMENT

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SKY GIVES ACCESS TO FOUR ONLINE STREAMING SERVICES BINGE-VIEWING and online streaming this 2018 has become more convenient for One SKY subscribers with their access to Netflix, HBO GO, iWant TV, and SKY On Demand, four sought after online streaming services of Filipinos.

Access to all four services gives One SKY subscribers a complete online entertainment experience as they can watch more movies and series with their family anytime, anywhere.

“Our promise to our subscribers is that everything that they need is under One SKY. Our dream is for families to conveniently bond over their favorite shows and movies whether they catch it online or on cable television,” said Jerome Almirante, SKY head of converged products and digital division.

SKY subscribers can binge the award-winning series about Queen Eliza-

beth II and her royal family in “The Crown” (Netflix), discover why the female-focused drama “Big Little Lies” was a big winner at the Golden Globes (HBO GO), witness stellar performances on “America’s Got Tal-

ent” (Blue Ant Entertainment on SKY On Demand), and follow the thrilling adventures of moonchaser Ryan Magno in the “La Luna Sangre” spinoff, “Youtopia” (iWant TV).

These streaming services are best enjoyed with One SKY’s fiber-powered unlimited broadband plans: 100Mbps at P3,899/month, 50Mbps at P2,899/month and 25Mbps at P1,899/ month.

Access to Netflix and HBO Go requires separate subscriptions to these services. HBO GO

is exclusive to SKY and is available to One SKY subscribers whose cable TV channel line up includes HBO Go. Access to cable channels on SKY On Demand also depends on the channels included in their SKYcable TV channel line up. iWant TV’s free access is available to SKY subscribers, allowing them to watch the three latest episodes of ABS-CBN programs and stream ABS-CBN, MOR and O Shopping on their devices.

Selected One SKY fiber-powered plans are available in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna,Batangas, Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos and Iloilo.

One SKY is one of the digital initiatives of ABSCBN, which is transitioning into a digital company. SKY is the cable and broadband unit of ABSCBN.

Kyla launches new single ‘Fix You and Me’ FRESH from the launch of her latest single barely two weeks ago, Kyla is set to release the second track in her double lead singles under Star Music, the R&B ballad “Fix You And Me,” on MOR 101.9. Catch its music video on MYX and find out how its story is connected to the singer’s just released music video for “Only Gonna Love You,” the first part of Kyla’s double-lead tracks.

Jonathan Manalo composed and produced the two new songs, while Bright Bulb Productions produced the videos, directed by actor John Prats, together with team members Sam Milby for editing and Angelica Panganiban for creatives. The country’s Queen of R&B is celebrating her 18th anniversary in the music industry and is launching her album very soon.

Download the “Fix You And Me” track in digital stores starting Friday and catch its music video premiere on MYX at 6pm. For more details on Kyla’s music, visit starmusic.ph, like Star Music on facebook. com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ StarMusicPH.

Sirkus continues to wow viewers, netizens VIEWERS AND NETIZENS can’t get enough of the new fantasy series Sirkus. On its first two weeks, the new GMA Public Affairs-produced program posted winning numbers over competition and was also one of the top-trending topics on Twitter.

Netizens lauded Sirkus’ cinematography and amazing CGI effects that complemented the intriguing storyline of fraternal twins Mia and Mikoy, played by GMA Artist Center stars Mikee Quintos and Mikoy Morales. The amusing banter between La Ora (played

by Cherie Gil) and her minions has also won the hearts of viewers.

This Sunday (Feb. 4), Mia

and Mikoy’s magical journey continues. After narrowly escaping La Ora and her minions, Sirkus Salamanca makes

its way to Playa, a beautiful seaside town. Master Leviticus (Gardo Versoza) has decided that it’s time for the team to

take a break. Having nowhere else to go, the twins tag along with the Sirkus.

What the Sirkus doesn’t

know is that it’s the twins’ 16th birthday—the first one they’re spending away from their parents. Without any family to celebrate with, the twins console each other with stories from their childhood. Master Leviticus, overhearing the twins’ stories, then decides to give the children something special for their birthday: the truth about Sirkus Salamanca.

Master Levi recounts the history of the Sirkus and how Astra (Chariz Solomon), Al (Sef Cadayona), Sefira (Klea Pineda), and new character Martel (Andre Paras) became a member of the Salamanca family.

Join Mia and Miko as they discover that families come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t dare miss Sirkus this Sunday, 6:10 p.m. on GMA-7.

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AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat.

DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado.

Asean,” she added.

The direct flights from Davao to Kuala Lumpur connects Davao to Malaysia’s capital city via AirAsia’s biggest hub, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which has the direct connections to regional cities across Malaysia as well as the rest of Southeast Asia. Travellers from Davao connecting to other flights beyond Kuala Lumpur can use AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service that connects flights conveniently from one flight to another with your baggage tagged through to your final destination.

In her speech Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte welcomed AirAsia’s new route “We thank Mr. Tony Fernandez and AirAsia for choosing Davao City as its newest point of destination out of Kuala Lumpur. This route, an expression of your commitment to ASEAN connectivity and the growth of the ASEAN member states is truly a welcome development for the Philippines and Davao City.”

“Air connectivity is a major component in strengthening tourism, business, and foreign relations as it creates more

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio share a light moment with the AisAsia Malaysia team. direct people to people available for booking on- on iPhone and Android linkages and as part of line at airasia.com from devices, as well as mobile our ASEAN community now until 18 February site at mobile.airasia.com. we are excited for this 2018 for the travel period Congratulations to new route to not only between now until 31 July AirAsia on making bring our two cities closer 2018. The promotional Davao more connected but also Mindanao and fares are also available to ASEAN and the rest of its industries to our Ma- on AirAsia’s mobile app the world. laysian neighbours and vice versa.” she added.

The new route signifies the third direct route from Malaysia to the Philippines after Manila and Cebu. AirAsia also connects guests to other cities in the Philippines including Clark, Manila, Caticlan, Kalibo, Tacloban, Palawan, Cebu and Tagbilaran.

As part of the celebration, all-in-fares from PHP1599 one-way are AirAsia’s crew together with the Kalumon Dancers.

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

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Davao Light turns over electrical laboratory tools to Sto. Tomas National High School

A

s part of its support to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) K to 12 program, Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation formally turned over electrical laboratory tools to Sto. Tomas National High School (STNHS) last January 10, 2018. The formal turnover ceremony was held at the STNHS in the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

As part of its support to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) K to 12 program, Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation formally turned over

and equipment for e.Labs being used for the Electrical Installation and Maintenance Course (EIM). These e.Labs are those that were donated by Davao Light and the Aboitiz Foundation to public high schools within its franchise.

“We are grateful for Davao Light and the Aboitiz Foundation for the support that they have extended to Sto. Tomas National High School. This will truly help the students in enhancing

electrical laboratory tools to Sto. Tomas National High School (STNHS) last January 10, 2018. The formal turnover ceremony was held at the STNHS in the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del

Norte.

The project, which is dubbed as electrical laboratory (e.Lab) Plus, aims to provide Electrical Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and additional tools

The department is also monitoring camps in Daraga, Albay, particularly nine public schools and relocation centers.

During a recent Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting, it was also agreed that each national government agency would manage evacuation camps in city/municipalities affected by Mayon’s restiveness with the �irst class Municipality of Daraga and home to

the picturesque Cagsawa Ruins assigned to DPWH. On the other hand, DPWH Assistant Secretary Eugenio Pipo, Jr. lauded the men and women of DPWH Regional Of�ice 5, for attending to the needs of internally displaced persons who were forced to �lee or leave their homes as a result of the volcanic eruption.

He directed Versola to setup a 24/7 DPWH Assistance Desk in evacuation camps and address the complaints or

refer these to the concerned government agency or local government units.

The DPWH of�icial has convened a meeting with all the District Engineers of Bicol Region for a more organized and effective management of evacuation camps in Daraga.

It was reported that some 80,000 people have been evacuated due to the volcanic activities of Mt. Mayon which started three weeks ago. (PNA)

sig-Marikina Expressway.

These projects are under or will undergo feasibility studies.

“Our government is pushing for the realization of these major road projects that are necessary to ease traf�ic congestion within city roads,” she said in a statement.

Cabral said the CLLEX Phase 2, which would be a 35.7km. extension of the existing CLLEX Phase I from Cabanatuan City and San Jose City, was under procurement of the Transaction Advisory Services and Feasibility Study.

The feasibility study of the approximately 180-km. Que-

zon-Bicol Expressway, which will start at Pagbilao, Quezon and will end at Maharlika Highway in San Fernando, Camarines Sur, will be completed by the third quarter of the year.

The public works department is also preparing the Terms of Reference (TOR) and Estimated Budget for the contract (EBC) of three other projects: the Batangas CityBauan Toll Road Project, a 10km. road from Batangas City to Bauan, Batangas traversing the municipality of San Pascual, Batangas; 60-km. Davao-Digos Expressway, which will start from Bukidnon-Davao Nation-

al Highway in Davao City to Digos-Sultan Kudarat Road in Digos City; and the 24.72-km.

Delpan-Pasig-Marikina Expressway that will start in Manila, pass through Makati, and terminate at Marcos Highway in the city of Marikina through the Pasig River.

The EBC of TPLEX Extension, which is an approximately 54-km. toll road starting from the end of TPLEX Section 3B in Rosario, La Union to F. Ortega Highway at San Fernando, La Union, is also being prepared while its TOR has been transmitted for approval.

(DPWH)

their skills to prepare them soon in any electrical-related profession.” said Atty.

Allan Rey T. Montana, representative of Sto. Tomas Mayor Daniel Batosalem Jr..

Moreover, during the speech of Dr. Aser Samsona, Principal of Sto. Tomas National High School, he stressed to the EIM students that their skills will be their source of income once they will have their own families.

He also said to make good use of the tools that Davao

Light has given as this will help them become globally competitive in the near future.

Also present during the ceremonial turnover were Davao Light’s AVP and former Panabo branch head Engr. Ronald Chan, incoming Panabo Branch Manager Engr. Paul Michael Cazar, Community Relations Manager Fermin Edillon, Davao Light team members, and the faculty and students taking up EIM course at STNHS.

DPWH oversees mayon evacuation camps in Daraga, Albay 2 dengue deaths linked to

M

ANILA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is constructing over 300 temporary toilets with bathing areas in 56 evacuation centers for the Mayon volcano evacuees.

In a statement, DPWH Region 5 Director Danilo Versola said the immediate construction of restrooms aimed to address the need for hygiene and sanitation facilities in evacuation camps.

M

DPWH speeds up PPP projects

ANILA -- At least six public-private partnership (PPP) projects, which are expected to decongest major highways in Luzon and Mindanao, are being prioritized by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) this year.

DPWH Undersecretary for Planning and PPP Maria Catalina Cabral said the undertakings the department planned to implement include the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Phase 2, the Quezon-Bicol Expressway, the Batangas City-Bauan Toll Road Project, the Davao-Digos Expressway, the TPLEX Extension, and the Delpan-Pa-

Dengvaxia failure: experts

M

ANILA -- An expert panel from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) said Friday that two out of 14 deaths linked to dengue may be due to “vaccine failure”.

In a press conference, UP Manila-PGH Department of Pediatrics chair, Dr. Juliet Aguilar, said vaccine failure refers to the development of the speci�ic disease being prevented by the vaccine in a person who is “appropriately and fully vaccinated”.

The PGH Dengue Investigative Task Force reported that three out of 14 schoolchildren died of the so-called “dengue shock syndrome” after receiving the controversial anti-dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia.

However, Aguilar emphasized that such �indings “require further validation”.

“But we cannot say that talagang vaccine failure. Pwede, pwedeng hindi (It may or may not be). But we cannot categorically say. That is why we need some more tests,” said Aguilar.

“Nagkaron ng sakit or in other words hindi naprotektahan yung nabigyan ng bakuna. So kahit na sabihing tama ang pag-

kabigay ng bakuna, tapos husto pa rin sa proseso, kasi may mga sakit kasi na may incubation period na exposed ka na tatamaan ka na agad, (The patient may not have been protected. So even if the medicine was properly given, and the processes were right, there are diseases that have incubation period),” Aguilar said.

The expert panel saw vaccine failure in two out of three cases of dengue shock syndrome classi�ied as “causal association”.

The panel said “causal association” was the relationship between two events in which the second one is a consequence of the former.

In their analysis, they found the two patients had not developed antibodies for dengue as seen in the clinical records.

It is suspected that one of the patients had dengue incubation when vaccinated, as the patient died four days after receiving the �irst dose.

“So wala siyang anti-bodies against dengue. Talagang na-contract niya yung disease.

Ang sabi namin, ang interpretasyon namin, nagduda kami, bakit napakabilis ng naging course ng sakit niya,” the expert said. (PNA)

12NEWS AIR... FROM 2

also brings Davao closer to an extensive network of destination in ASEAN, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and the US. “We are committed to growing tourism beyond, the most tourism hotspots.

We look forward to work closely with the Davao City mayor, airport authorities and government bodies to put Davao on the map of must-visit destination in ASEAN,” Omar added.

Charles Jose Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia said that the new route is another venue to strengthen the bilateral relation of both countries.

“The opening of this route is to promote connectivity, accessibility and it also promotes friendship and understanding between the two people. Our relationship is not only being forged between governments but more importantly this friendship and understanding is being forged between the people,” he said.

He said that this route will promote people to people exchanges. There will be tourist coming, business people, investors, traders and students.

“So once both sides get to know each other better, that would promote friendship and understanding.

And this people in�luence government policy so people from both side look at each other in a friendly way that cover very well in terms of our bilateral relations,” he added.

Duterte-Carpio said that Davao City is ready to

receive visitors she made mention of the achievement of breaching two million tourist target set by Department of Tourism last year.

“Just last year we breached the the two million tourist arrivals and we hope to achieve better numbers this year ,” she said Celebratory all-in-fares from P1599 once-way are available for booking online airasia.com from now until February 18, 2018 for the travel period between now until July 18, 2018.

The promotional fares are also available on AirAsia’s mobile app on Iphone and Android devices, as well as mobile site at mobile.aisasia.com.

The route signi�ies the third direct route from Malaysia to the Philippines after Manila and Cebu. AirAsia also connects guests to other cities in the Philippines including Clark, Manila, Caticlan, Kalibo, tacloban, Palawan,Cebu and Tagbilaran.

Omar said that there are currently four �lights per week with 80 percent load. She is hoping that with more attraction, more stability in terms of the demand they can increase it to a daily �light.

The �light schedule of �light numberAK591 will depart Davao City, Philippines at 2:55 (1455) in the afternoon and arrive at 6:45 (1845) in the evening at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Flight schedule for �light number AK590 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 10:25 (1025) in the morning and arrive at Davao City 2:25 (1425) in the afternoon.

Julius Randle had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram added 16 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Lakers.

Josh Hart �inished with 15 points and 14 rebounds, helping Los Angeles to a 56-38 advantage on the boards.

Spencer Dinwiddie had 23 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for the Nets. Rookie Jarrett Allen, playing the center spot Lopez occupied for nine seasons in New Jersey and later Brooklyn before getting dealt to Los Angeles in the trade that brought D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn, had a season-best 20 points. ‘’He was the face of the franchise here and now I am here trying to become the face, too,’’ Allen said of facing Lopez. ‘’Just going back and forth. I mean, it’s a good challenge.’’

Lopez came out on the win-

ning end of it, blocking Allen’s shot with 1:41 left to preserve a twopoint lead, then scoring on a short running hook.

The No. 10 pick in the 2008 draft by the Nets, Lopez has had to navigate a new role in Los Angeles, where the Lakers like to play small and fast. But they needed his big presence in a low-scoring fourth quarter. ‘’It’s just been different all season but I just try to stay ready,’’ Lopez said.

Allen was 6 for 6 for 16 points in the �irst half, but Lopez answered with 12 points in the third quarter, going 5 for 5 from the �ield with a pair of 3-pointers to send the teams to the fourth tied at 85.

The Lakers shut the Nets out for more than �ive minutes while scoring 11 straight to open a 9687 lead.

ed the Lumads but he is trying to �ind a way. “Karon, gitagaan mo’g ancestral domain. Ang problema, wala ninyo gamita” (You were given your ancestral domain.

The problem is, you didn’t use it), he said.

He said he is aware of �ighting within the tribes

over prospective investors. “I’m just being brutally frank with you.”

“Tinuod man na because it is owned in common. Wala’y individual titles ang ancestral home” (It’s true because it commonly owned.

There are no individual titles for ancestral home), he

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said.

“Pero ug mag sige lang mo’g samok, wala gyu’y mahitabo. So ako’y mamili sa investor” (But if you keep on �ighting, nothing will happen. So I will choose the investor), the President said.

In a statement, Jerome Succor Aba, co-chair of Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination, said “it is your government and the corporations that are making trouble.”

Oil palm, Mining Duterte, who served as mayor of Davao City for 22 years, recalled how Paquibato district, an area considered to be held by the NPA, would have been developed now as investors wanted to put up an oil palm plantation there.

He said the people of Paquibato objected to the entry of oil palm allegedly because it will affect the water supply. But Duterte asked: “Unsaon man diay ang

tubig? Pasagdan lang nimo na sa ilalom sa yuta? Ug makatabang nato na?” (What will we do with the water? Leave it under ground?

What if that can help us?).

“What’s the valid reason for disallowing the planting of (oil palm)?” Duterte asked., adding palm oil has many uses, among them for biodiesel.

“So ako na’y mangita ug investor. Muingon mo’g dili mo’g mina, eh ‘di dili. Wa’y mina. Ug muingon mo’g gihugaw-hugawan ang inyong lugar, barahon nato” (So I will look for an investor. If you say you don’t like mining, then there will be no mining. If you say they are polluting your area, we will prevent them).

Duterte said Manobo and Higaonons in “Kitanglad mountain, Loreto, San Juan, Esperanza” can go into partnership with mining �irms, if they agree. (MINDANEWS)

LGU’s also have a �ine grasp on the dynamics of peace and con�lict in their respective localities.

This knowledge coupled with the AFP’s resources surely spells half of our pursuit to bring an end to armed conflicts in our province.

We were able to achieve this leap through the strengthened coordination between the local government units and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Provincial Government along with all constituent municipal and barangay governments will never waver from its responsibility.

The Local Government Code of 1991 tasks local government units to take part in the maintenance of peace and order in their areas of jurisdiction. We will continue and even enhance the implementation programs that aim to solve the insurgency problem.

We will soon launch the improved Comprehensive Local Integration Program to facilitate

the reintegration of our former rebels into the society. We will continue to bring social services closer to our people through our initiatives like the Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan, Bayanihan para sa Karunungan, and Kusina ng Kalinga.

These we embark to ensure that we create an environment conducive for peace.” Major General Noel S Clement, Commander 10ID lauded the Governor’s effort in attaining peace in 10ID’s area of responsibility.

“Regional Peace and Order Council is truly an effective instrument in bringing down the CPPNPA terrorists’ capability in terms of manpower and firearms. With the local officials headed by the Governor and people’s support and cooperation, it’s just matter time for all parts of the Region that all remaining CPP-NPA terrorists and its supporters will redeem allegiance to our government.”PR

five exciting events featured this year as they vie for the title,” he said.

Maestrecampo said that this year theme is ‘I’m in the now’, is inspired by the state of mind of the Mindanao Millennial about the latest trends, issues, arts and culture impacting the community.

Maestrecampo told the Edge Davao that the cup would test the school competitors’ abilities and level of excellence in the categories

opened in this year’s edition.

“Through MCM Cup 2018, we continue to sound off our advocacy for outcomes-based education and academic excellence for the upcoming years with more challenges that make us all excited and more passionate,” he said.

Maestrecampo said that the first edition would field them in the mathematics, science and brain masters jousts, and in the artistic categories of chorale and speech-

OFFICIALS... FROM 4

MCM... FROM 1

Brain Masters. The Overall Champion of the MCM Cup 2018 held at Malayan Colleges Mindanao, General Douglas McArthur Highway, Matina Davao CIty with the theme of “ I’m in the now”. MCM choir competitions.

In the confirmed registered list are: Binugao National High School, Brokenshire Science High School, Catalunan Pequeño National High School, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Davao Central College, Davao Chong Hua High School, Davao City National High School, Davao Wisdom Academy, Holy Child College of Davao-Mintal Campus; The Holy Cross of Malalag, Maryknoll College of Davao City, Mintal Comprehensive High School, Our Lady of Fatima, Pablo Lorenzo High School, Philippine

Academy of Sakya-Davao Inc., Philippine Science High School, San Pedro College, Sirawan National High School, Saint John Paul II College of Davao, Saint Peter Toril and the Wisdom Islamic School, Davao City Inc. “Participating schools that will make it to the top will get sash, medals and trophies plus scholarships,” he said.

The MCM opens in June this year, with its senior high school and the baccalaureate courses in engineering and architecture, computer studies, arts and science, business and other related courses.

Water service interruptions in some Buhangin, Doña Vicenta Village, Toril, And Bo. Pampanga areas

D

avao City Water District has scheduled four separate sets of water service interruption to give way to completion of service improvement projects.

First set is on February 7, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM affecting some areas in Buhangin, particularly, Purok Anahaw, Mt. Carmel Village, Sta. Teresita, Mahayag, Purok Talisay, Santol Street, and portion of San Nicolas (right side of Carlos P. Garcia Highway from corner Santol Street to corner Mahayag Street).

Second set is on February 8, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM affecting Doña Vicenta Village Phase 2.

Third set is on February 8, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM affecting some areas in Toril, specifically, Macleod, St. Jude Village, Macleod Street (from junction of Davao-Cotabato Highway to junction of Daliao Street), and portion of Daliao Street (from junction of Macleod Street to junction of St. Jude Village).

Fourth set is on February 9, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM affecting these areas in Bo. Pam-

panga: Don Lorenzo Homes, San Roque Village, and portions of Doña Asuncion Village particularly the streets of San Jose, Magalang, Apalit, Macabebe, Dao, Angeles, Mabalacat, Candaba, and Balibago.

These water service interruptions will give way for DCWD’s crew to tap the newly installed pipelines to the existing DCWD pipelines for the mainline improvement at Mother Cabrini Street in Purok Anahaw, Surveyor Street in Doña Vicenta Village, Macleod Street in Toril, and Magalang Extension in Doña Asuncion Village respectively.

Once all the improvement works in all sets are completed, DCWD will be able to accommodate additional service connections.

On behalf of the DCWD management, general manager Engr.

Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water service interruptions.

Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or

WATER,P13

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DECEDENTS ANTONIO E. CUIZON AND BALDOMERA L. CUIZON

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANTONIO E. CUIZON who died on April 13, 2004 and the late BALDOMERA L. CUIZON who died on October 03, 2008 at Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DECEDENTS executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.323; PageNo.65; Book No.05; Series of 2011, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. WILFREDO S. CASAS. 02/04,11,18

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

WATER... FROM 12

later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-

DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. Contact 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Katrina Belen M. Roble)

lems and issues, even as the regional government would also urge LGU of�icials for their full commitment in upholding the clean implementation of government’s programs and projects.

Also, a “watch/awareness program” would be launched in same event to allow concerned citizens to have an active in �ighting corruption.

The plan covers the activation of DSWD-ARMM hotlines

DSWD... FROM 7

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao

AFFIDAVIT –SAME IDENTITY I, SANDEEP RANI JOSHI, of legal age, married , Indian Citizen, and a resident of V.P.O Bhaini Baringan, Teh.Raikot.Dist. Ludhiana, Punjab, India, and now residing at Cattleya St., Landmark III, Sasa, Davao City , Philippines, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law hereby depose and say that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

I was married to RAJ KUMAR JOSHI on April 23, 2000 at Ghuman, Teh Raikot ,District Ludhiana, Punjab, India under Hindu rites. This is evidenced by our MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE issued by the Office of the Hindu Marriage Registrar.

However, in my Indian Passport, my name was inaccurately registered as ‘SANDEEP RANI”. The inaccurate entry of my name included also those in other official documents issued in the Philippines, such as my Philhealth ID, LTO Driver’s License, Bank records, etc: Such discrepancy in my name may be due to human errors committed by third persons under circumstances beyond my personal control; I hereby certify that I, SANDEEP RANI JOSHI, compared to that person named “SANDEEP RANI” refer to one and the same person.

That I am executing this affidavit toattest to the truth of the foregoing facts, to apprise the concerned authorities of the matter, and for other legal purposes it may serve, having been read and interpreted to me in a known language or dialect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ihave hereunto set my hands on this 12th day of January 2018 in the City of Davao, Philippines.

SANDEEP RANI JOSHI Affiant Passport No. H2343064 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on this 12th day of January 2018 at Davao City, Philippines, affiant exhibiting to me her sufficient evidence of identity as stated above.

PER Doc. No. 132, Page No. 28, Book No. 91 ,Series of 2018 of the NOTARY PUBLIC KENNETH L. DABI

where citizens can call or send issues and concerns. Similar activities are lined up for other ARMM areas later, which

include the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi. (PNA)

PAL opens Davao-Siargao flight

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13

EDGEDAVAO

AVAO CITY – Philippine Airlines mounted a new flight from here to the country’s surfing capital in Siargao Island, the company announced on Thursday.

The new round-trip flights would start on March 25 this year and would be flying the Davao City-Siargao route four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Siargao has the flight code IAO, and would leave Davao City

at 7:00 am arriving at Siargao at 8:15 am. The plane would leave Siargao 30 minutes later and arrive at the Davao airport at 10:00 am.

The DVO-IAO-DVO flight is the latest Davao City connection served by Philippine Airlines.

The airline previously mounted flights to Clark, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro City and Zamboanga City.

PAL would use its turboprop Q400 aircraft. (MTC)

VAT... FROM 6

items that are VAT-exempt.

Dominguez said Finance of�icials have not calculated the impact of any reduction in VAT rate.

He said any move on this needs further discussions and pointed out that “we have to be very careful about reducing the VAT rate.”

“There might be a possibility to reduce the rate by eliminating all exemptions, that is one possibility, but we haven’t calculated that

yet. But de�initely we have to look at all the alternatives,” he said.

The Finance chief noted that while the current VAT rate in the country is 12 percent, the government only collects 4.7 percent as percentage of GDP. He, thus, hopes for improved collection to a level of at least 7 percent by eliminating exemptions. (PNA)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

Notice is hereby given that the estate with OCT NO. P17783 of the late ROMEO LUMBAY SABIO has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.415; Page No.83; Book No. XC; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC VICTOR D. SEDERIOSA.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANATALIO ORTEGA TORRES with special power of attorney has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.7; Page No.2; Book No. 11; Series of 2018, of the NOTARY PUBLIC CHERYL T. LIMBING

14

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Roach likes Pacquiao vs Mathysse

SHAPING UP. Lucas Matthysse (left) versus Manny Pacquiao (right).

F

ollowing his eight round TKO of Tewa Kiram at The Forum in Los Angeles, Argentinean puncher Lucas Matthysse who captured the ‘regular’ version of the WBA welterweight title - expressed interest in facing Manny Pacquiao in the near future.

Matthysse (39-4, 36 KOs) is hoping that a Pacquiao �ight can happen sooner than later.

“I always want to �ight with the best. I’ve already said that I would like to do

T

it again with Danny Garcia or a �ight with Manny Pacquiao, and I hope that one of those �ights will happen,” Matthysse said upon arriving back to a hero’s welcome in Argentina.

Those feelings are reciprocated by Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach.

“I love that �ight, one of his trainers was here the other day,” said Roach to BoxingScene.com on Thursday morning from the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.

he Court of Appeals has denied a request by the POC leadership for a temporary restraining order after a Regional Trial Court rendered null and void the elections for president and chairman in the Philippine Olympic Committee held November last year.

Despite the CA ruling, Peping Cojuangco, POC president, remained adamant and let his lawyers do the talking.

He walked out of a general assembly meeting when ABAP President Ricky Vargas, who opposed Cojuangco but was DQ’ed on a technicality, attempted to bring the issue before the NSAs. Cojuangco’s legal eagles said the issue might be elevated to the Supreme Court which is likely to take much time if ever.

This is a delaying tactic because we know how slow the wheels of justice grind here. On the positive side, we are hoping the SC will promptly throw it out for lack of merit.

This concern is going to cause a big

“I took him downstairs, I gave him the tour a little bit, he pointed at a picture of Pacquiao and said, ‘We want him’ and I said, ‘I would love for you to have him.’”

Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KO’s), who is rumored to be facing former champion Mike Alvarado in mid-April, has not fought since losing the WBO welterweight belt to Jeff Horn on July 1st at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

Matthysse believes that he’s a new and improved

�ighter after hooking up with veteran trainer Joel Diaz in 2017. The contest with Kiram was their second �ight together, as Matthysse aims to position himself or some major �ights.

When asked how a �ight between the 39-year old Filipino legend and the 35year old ‘Machine’ would go, Roach stated - “I think it’s a great �ight, two guys who are a little bit older and not as big of punchers as they once were but it’s a very good action-packed �ight.”

Lakers edge Nets 102-99

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EW YORK (AP) -- Brook Lopez smiled through a tribute video that showed his highlights stretching back to when he played in New Jersey in red, white and blue uniforms.

Then he went out and added a few more - this time at the Nets’ expense.

Lopez scored 19 points in his return to Brooklyn, making the Lakers’ �inal basket with

1:28 left to help Los Angeles hold on for a 102-99 victory on Friday night.

The Nets’ career leader in scoring and blocked shots also had a big block down the stretch as the Lakers did just enough to avoid a third straight loss. ‘’Brook was great tonight,’’ Lakers coach Luke Walton said. ‘’He did a good job. We don’t win that game without him obviously.’’

LAKERS,P12

CA denies TRO; Cojuangco miffed

black eye for the country as it prepares to host the 2019 SEA Games here.

With a Damocles sword hanging over his neck, Cojuangco is a lame duck and might not be recognized by the member-nations sitting in the SEAG Federation Council where he, ex of�icio, is the automatic chair because the Philippines is hosting the regional sportsfest.

This internal quarrel in the POC is not an ordinary spat that can be brushed aside or swept under the rug.

It is a BIG embarrassment to the Duterte administration and to a large extent will mirror his political leadership before the ASEAN community of nations.

The RTC has ordered for new elections only for the posts of president and chairman set on Feb. 23.

Not surprisingly, the POC charter was hastily amended to bene�it the likes of Cojuangco and his minions who are undoubtedly enjoying being like the ambitious, pesky �lies atop the carabao, in a manner of speaking.

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba There used to be a provision in the POC constitution and by-laws that provides for a three-fourths vote of “no con�idence” to oust an abusive, non-performing POC chief.

If, however, foreign ministers in the ASEAN will move to quickly calm down the issue, they could, collectively,

vote to designate DFA Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano or his duly-appointed designate, as the SEAG Federation Council chair. (I am hoping Cayetano names PSC chair Butch Ramirez in his stead to the SEAGFC position if this happens.)

The SEAG is the product of the ASEAN unity and is not an IOC-sanctioned sports meet. That is why indigenous sports such as arnis, pencak silat, sepak takraw and others native to other ASEAN members are included whenever a host country opts to include them in the regular calendar of events.

Therefore, Cojuangco’s threat that the International Olympic Committee might come in to suspend the Philippines does not hold water.

The ASEAN ministers’ collective leadership thru the SEA Games Federation Council calls the shots and awards the hosting to a member country they see �it and deserve to stage the games.

Cojuangco is 83 years old. He has

served the country as many-time congressman of Tarlac. Isn’t it time for him to graciously leave the reins of Philippine sports to the younger generation as he had already sat on the throne as the longest serving POC president?

What is exactly there at the POC that they are aggressively �ighting for?

Prestige? What prestige? Is it about money? Lots of it.

Even Cristy Ramos Jalasco, FVR’s daughter who was elected POC head in 1996, did not aspire for a re-election even if she could. The lady had a deep sense of ‘delicadeza’, that’s why.

Now, the sports public has plenty of legitimate reasons why Cojuangco should step down. He has been POC chieftain since 2000 and what can he be proud of after 4 consecutive Olympic stints?

Nada. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)1 Chron.

29:17. “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

PARA GAMES

VOL. 10 ISSUE 218 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2018

2018 Araw ng Dabaw Para Games set March 1

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

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welve events will make up the 2018 Araw ng Dabaw Para Games set on March 1 at the iconic Rizal Park in downtown Davao.

Organizer James In�iesto revealed the events for this year’s Para Games after getting the approval of the city government under Mayor Inday Sara Duterte who has been supportive of the sports competitions for special athletes.

“We are happy to announce the staging of the raw ng Dabaw Para Games which will be one of the sporting highlights of the annual festivities,” In�iesto said.

The events are wheelchair table tennis which offers a ttal of P3,250 in cash prizes, table Tennis for the deaf (P3,250), standing /crutches table tennis (P3,250), chess: for the visually impaired (VI) (P3,250.00), chess for the

SPECIAL ATHLETES. Philspada Mindanao president James Infiesto (third from right, standing) during last year’s Araw ng Dabaw Para Games. orthopedically handicapped (OH) (P3,250.00), volleyball for the hearing impaired (HI) (P5,000.00), goalball for visually impaired (VI)

(P5,000.00), 3 on 3 wheelchair basketball (P5,000.00), wheelaton for men (P3,250), wheelaton for women (P3,250), fun run for the

visually impaired (B1-Completely Blind) (P3,250), fun run for the visually impaired (B2-Partially Blind) (P3,250), and fun run for the visually

impaired women (P3,250).

Individual winners will also receive medals while the team winners will take home trophies in addition to the

cash prizes.

“We invite everyone to come and support our special athletes,” said In�iesto.