Edge10 issue 221, February 8, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221• THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RATIONED. A resident buys National Food Authority (NFA) rice for P27 per kilo at an authorized NFA rice dealership store at Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday. Authorized dealers are being allocated by the NFA with just 30 sacks of rice a week instead of the usual 150 sacks due to the current supply shortage. Lean Daval Jr

UN INQUIRY Sought on killing of tribal leader by NPAs

BY ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he Police Regional Office 11 is calling on the United Nations to investigate the killing of a tribal leader by members of the rebel New Peoples’ Army in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

PRO 11 spokesperson C/Insp. Andrea dela Cerna said in Wednesday’s AFPPNP Press Corps media brie�ing that there’s a clear human rights violation on the part of the rebels since they attacked Datu Banadjao Mampaundag and his son Jhonard early morning of February 4 in Sitio Igang, Barangay Palma Gil in the

said town.

“We will be calling the attention of the United Nations to look on this matter because it’s a clear violation of international human rights,” she said.

Dela Cerna said that after shooting the victims, the rebels waylaid a responding ambulance with an improvised explosive device (IED).

“What we see here is, even our civilians and even the driver of the ambulance was also put in danger during that time,” she said.

She said there are testimonies from the people who witnessed the attack of the rebels that could prove their claim.

Dela Cerna also said the family of the victims wanted to �ile a case against the perpetrators but decided to do it after the burial. “We already have witnesses with their af�idavits so, in the following days we will be

UN,P10

Man meted 8 years for meter tampering

INDULDGE A1

DLPC warns against theft of electricity

A

n unlicensed electrician in Davao City was sentenced recently to suffer imprisonment of a maximum of eight years in jail after the court found him guilty of tampering an electric meter of the Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC).

The accused is Romeo

Obusa Elisan Jr., who was found guilty of violating Section 79 (a) of Republic Act No. 7832, otherwise known as “Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994”, in an 11-page decision handed down

by Judge Emmanuel C. Carpio of Regional Trial

MAN,P10

One lovely

evening

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

PHOTO JUDGE. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte examines the entries of the photo contest during the 45th Founding Anniversary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) at the NEDA Central Office in Pasig City on Tuesday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

NFA limiting selling of rice Chieftain urges IPs to resist NPA threat T T

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

he National Food Authority is limiting the selling of NFA rice in Davao City markets due to low inventory.

NFA Davao City Manager Leonila Selpa bared that their warehouses only have 35,929 bags of rice as of Wednesday, which will be enough to last until the next delivery of stocks.

“In our inventory, our stocks are dwindling,” she said.

Selpa said the NFA is implementing the �ixed scheme

of distribution every week unlike before the low supply that they can give many sacks of rice to the retailers depending on their capitalization.

She said the NFA gives 40 bags to some instituional agencies, then the inside the market major retailer are given 30 bags while 20 bags for the minor . The outside the market retatilers are giv-

en 10 bags and the Bigasan sa Parokya Outlet or churchbased retailers are now given also 10 bags.

In Davao City, there are 210 total accredited retailers, 131 of it are outside the market retailers, 66 are inside the market while 13 are churchbased retailers.

“We are trying to stretch it so that the NFA rice is still vissible and accessible in the markets to serve the poorest of the poor,” she said.

Selpa however, clari�ied that there is no rice shortage

in the city since there are still NFA rice available in the markets.

“The are other regions already stopped selling NFA rice because of low inventory,” she said.

Selpa said the NFA also wants to retain buffer stocks that will be used for emergency in case of calamity.

“We give priority for relief operations and supplemental feeding programs,” she said.

She said of�ice prioritzed to give the supplies to Depart-

NFA,P10

By ANGIE SAVERON

he Ata Manobo leader Datu Lumansad B. Sibogan called on his constituents to resist the advances of the rebel New People’s Army in their communities.

“Let us not be fooled anymore,” Sibogan told the AFP-PNP press corps brie�ing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Sibogan said his Ata-Manobo constitutents in the municipality of Talaingod in Davao del Norte were greatly aggrieved by the death of Datu Banadjao Mampaundag and one of his sons.

Their deaths were attributed to 14 members of the NPA un-

der one Commander Rommel, according to Sibogan, currently the presiding of�icer of the council of elders.

He said that the CPP-NPA had been using his constituents during rallies, in exchange for assistance that were never ful�illed.

He added that the NPAs had been using the name of President Duterte in deceiving them, by promising them sacks of rice and cash once they agree to be brought to Manila or Davao City.

He said the promises were never ful�illed.

He said that the lumads also do

he Commission on Appointments on Wednesday con�irmed the ad interim appointment of Francisco Duque III as secretary of the Department of Health.

Senator Gregorio Honasan II, chair of the CA’s committee on health, endorsed his con�irmation to the powerful body, saying that Duque is the right man for the job considering his wealth of experience in the department

he once held, and in government in various capacities.

The endorsement was strongly seconded by Senators Manny Pacquiao, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Joseph Victor Ejercito, and Ralph Recto, as well as Davao Oriental Rep. Joel Mayo Almario.

His con�irmation comes at a time when the country is reeling from the Dengvaxia controversy, which has cast a

Davao cited by ASEAN as ‘Clean Tourist City’ Duque confirmed Despite issues on its landfill as DOH secretary D T CHIEFTAIN,P10

By JUDIE VEGA

avao City has been selected as recipient of the 1st Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Clean Tourist City Award during the Asean Tourism Forum at the Shangri-La Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand on January 26.

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte formally received the award from new Davao Tourism Regional Director Antonio Fernando Blanco. The cities of Pasig and San Carlos in Negros Occidental received

the same award.

The City Information of�ice added that the city was chosen for conforming with the criteria and requirements set by the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (ACTCS), which include a solid Environment Management Program, Cleanliness, Waste Management, Awareness-building about Environmental Protection and Cleanliness, Green Spaces, Health Safety, Urban Safety and Security, Tourism Infrastructure and Facilities.

Chinkie Golle, executive director of the Interface Development Interventions, Inc. who took part in the initial assessment of the city’s government’s solid waste management said the overall evaluation for the local government unit’s tourism destinations was positive. She said the city has an effort to ensure that the tourist destinations are well-maintained.

“The award comes with a challenge for the city to improve its waste management.

The increase in the volume of tourists will also result to an increase on the volume of waste we produce,” she said.

Last November, the Environmental Management Bureau con�irmed that the sanitary land�ill in Tugbok District has been spilling out leachate that spilled into MatinaPangiriver.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice said actions have been taken to address the spillage, and

DAVAO,P10

DUQUE,P10

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

IPs to wage pangayaw vs. NPAs, supporters

By ANGIE SAVERON

A

ggrieved tribal communities in tribes in Talaingod, Davao del Norte are poised to wage armed hostilities (pangayaw) against the CPP-NPAs and their tribal supporters any moment now.

Datu Lumansad B. Sibogan told the AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao Press Brie�ing on Wednesday that the pangayaw has the blessing of the council of elders.

Following tradition, the tribal warriors will use bows and arrows and bladed weapons.

The activity is beyond control of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples but the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Nation-

al Police assured the public that they will implement their mandate of protecting the people.

“We will target those who do not belong inside our territory, even our relatives who joined the CPPNPA,” said Sibogan.

He said that the 30 tribal leaders already agreed to conduct the Pangayaw to remove those who do not belong in their territory.

He said they will prioritize a group of 30 Ata-Manobos who joined the CPPNPA. “Those who will die belong to the e CPP-NPA,” he said.

“The NCIP, AFP AND PNP cannot stop us from conducting pangayaw be-

40 ex-NPAs want to join the military

M

ore than 40 New People’s Army rebel surrenderers, out of the 215 taken to Manila for a three-day tour, have expressed their desire to join the military.

This was stressed by 701st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Reuben James Basiao during a chance interview at Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday.

He added that the request of the above-mentioned rebels, who are quali�ied to join the military, are being considered and eval-

FOODWARE GALORE. Bakery Fair chair Bien Enrico Ah of Filipino-Chi-

1 to 3. Ah said during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall

promotes the upcoming 10th International Exhibition on Bakery, Confectionert and Foodservice Equipment and Supplies dubbed Bakery Fair 2018-Davao slated at SMX Convention Center in Lanang on March

techniques in baking, gain competitive intelligence about the market leaders and track industry trends and opportunities. Lean Daval Jr

IPS,P10 nese Bakery Association, Inc., together with Chef Hannah Granado, that the event will showcase the technological advancement and

uated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Basiao stressed that procedures former NPAs need to undertake in joining the military are similar to the ones being administered to civilians interested in being part of the AFP. The surrendered rebels came from the Eastern Mindanao. They arrived from Davao City from Manila on Tuesday.

AFP public affairs of�ice chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia said that the exNPAs �lew aboard one of the Air Force’s Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” cargo

More streetlights sought in Davao

By JUDIE VEGA

C

ouncilor Conrado C. Baluranhas called on the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Davao Light and Power Company to fast-track the installation of the streetlights to ensure the safety and welfare of city residents.

In a privilege speech

40,P10 during the Council’s regu-

lar session on Tuesday, Baluran said that for almost

two months now, there are still no streetlights being installed along the7.5 kilometers mini-diversion road traversing Bangkal to CatalunanPequeño leading to Puan and Calinan.

“This is detrimental to lives and limbs to both pedestrians and motorists

also said during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall that the agency is targeting to attract eight million international tourists this year, a million higher than last year’s 6.7 million arrivals. Lean Daval Jr

MORE,P10

Filipina missing in Taiwan quake

T NEW TACK. Assistant secretary Eden Josephine David of the Department of Tourismdot (DOT) gives the agency’s lined up programs for this year such as farm tourism, faith tourism and halal tourism. David

who are driving during night time,” he said.

According to Baluran, studies show that darkness results in a large number of vehicular crashes.

Baluran said that the installation of street lights will be a great measure to

he Department of Foreign Affairs Wednesday con�irmed that a Filipina is missing after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien County in Taiwan.

A team from Manila Economic and Cultural Of�ice in Taiwan, led by Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, is now deployed to personally check on the condition of Filipinos in the area, the DFA said.

In a television interview, MECO chair Lito Banayo said the initial onsite report of Chavez was that authorities were still searching the area where the Filipina caretaker was working.

At least four establishments were reported to

have caved in and tilted dangerously.

“They’re also checking the hospital right now if there are any Filipinos injured but so far wala namang namatay (no one died),» Banayo said.

According to Raul Dado, executive director for the DFA-Of�ice of Migrant Workers Affairs, there are a total of 133,577 overseas Filipinos in Taiwan as of latest data submitted to Congress.

According to reports, 145 people were missing, 225 were injured and four were con�irmed dead following the deadly quake which struck the popular Taiwanese city. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Tugade wants uniform rental at Marina halted

D

MEGA SALE. Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) president Alexander Divinagracia (center) provides details on the upcoming 9th Davao Mega Travel Sale slated on February 16 to 18 at Abreeza mall.

Divinagracia, who was joined by DTAA internal vice president Jesyl

Dela Cruz (left) and Gian Caguiat of GMC Travel, also talked about the current state of the industry during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall. Lean Daval Jr

epartment of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Tuesday ordered a stop to the practice of collecting a uniform rental fee from applicants of a Seafarer’s Identi�ication and Record Book at the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

Tugade directed Marina to ensure that there will be no fees collected from the applicants by the Marina Employees Cooperative (MEC) for borrowing uniforms during the picture-taking session.

He reiterated the order after a video posted by a netizen showed applicants are being charged PHP25 each for borrowing the uniforms from MEC. Applicants were not given corresponding receipts for the use of the uniform, the netizen added, hinting that the money collected would

be divided among the MEC members.

The netizen also said the fee charged for the uniform is excluded from the payment for the brown folder and stamp that an applicant would secure from the Marina main of�ice on Taft Avenue, Manila.

If applicants would need to get a Certi�icate of Pro�iciency or Certi�icate of Competency, they would also be required to pay additional PHP25 during picture taking, the netizen added.

“Itigil niyo na ‘yan. That is an unnecessary �inancial burden to our people,” Tugade said.

Cease and Desist Order Heeding Tugade’s directive, DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Felipe Judan

TUGADE,P10

ASEAN united Bigger take home pay on KSCIP bid

assured under TRAIN

For individuals earning P250T yearly

T

he Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act effectively increases the take-home pay not only of salaried workers earning P250,000 yearly and below but also of those with annual taxable income from P250,000 to a maximum of P2 million.

These represent some 943,967 or 13.48 percent of salaried workers, based on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) database. On a monthly basis, this is equivalent to a taxable income of around P21,000 to P170,000.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said individuals

earning above P250,000 a year but less than P2 million used to shell out about 30 percent to 32 percent of their net taxable income for their personal income tax (PIT) payments.

But under the �irst �ive years of the TRAIN’s implementation, they would only pay between 20 and 30 percent for the PIT,

he said.

The TRAIN also provides tax relief to over six million or 86 percent of compensation earners with taxable income of P685 per day or P20,833 per month and below as they will be exempted from paying the PIT. The 13th month pay and other bonuses not exceeding a total of P90,000 are also taxfree under the TRAIN. Based on BIR database, around 2,038,202 or 29.11 percent of salaried workers are minimum wage earners who are already exempted from the PIT even be-

fore TRAIN, while 3,987,509 or 56.96 percent are new bene�iciaries of the TRAIN’s zero-tax provision.

For those earning above P250,000 but not more than P400,000 annually, the tax brackets have also been adjusted under TRAIN so that they get to pay only 20 percent of the excess of over P250,000.

Individuals earning above P400,000 but not more than P800,000 a year will pay P30,000 plus 25 percent of the excess of over P400,000, while those receiving more than P800,000 but not over P2

BIGGER,P10

A

ll 10 ASEAN countries have agreed with the King Salman Center for International Peace (KSCIP) initiative, said Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

“I will bring it up to Saudi Arabia,” he told Malaysian media on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 2018 here today.

“I believe we are on a good platform. Whether it is successful or not depends on how we convince our people.”

“And if we allow Daesh to �lourish, I’m afraid it cannot be controlled later,” he said.

The King Salman Center for International Peace aims

C

Understanding (MOU) with Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi for the realization of the projects under a Public-Private Partnership scheme.

Under the MOU, the CECC would invest and �inance for the projects for continuous development while the city government provide necessary assistance and information through a technical working group to ensure the success of the projects.

The CECC has eyed the sprawling areas of Barangays Tamontaka 3 and Kalanganan 2 to build its state-of-art airport and seaport projects, respectively, over a combined amount of Php1.4-B upon approval of the national government.

Over the past two years, consultants hired by the city government have carefully studied the projects to ensure its feasibility and capital returns to the investors. Gui-

ani-Sayadi said the new city airport would not hamper the operations of the Awang airport in adjacent Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, as the main target of the city airport is to decongest the current Awang air�ield operation for its services to the Central Mindanao area.

The proposed seaport, meanwhile, is expected to bring more traf�ic in the incoming and outgoing

CHINESE,P10

ASEAN,P10

BTr rejects bids for 7year T-bond

Chinese bizmen pour in P4-B T investments in NorCotabato hinese investors are set to pour in some PhP4-billion worth of investments in this city this year with the inclusion of a modern airport, seaport, and sports complex among major infrastructure projects.

On Monday, the �ive-man visiting investment team from the Chinese Engineering Construction Company (CECC), which had been in this city the past two days, inked a Memorandum of

to rectify the perception of the international community towards Islam commenced operations in Malaysia May last year.

The center works closely with the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (GCCEI) launched by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and United States president Donald Trump in Riyadh last year.

Hishammuddin arrived here Monday to attend the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Retreat held in conjunction with the Singapore Airshow 2018.

Singapore currently holds the ASEAN Chairmanship.

he Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) auction committee on Tuesday rejected all bids for the seven-year treasury bond (T-bond) after banks asked for high yields.

The BTr offered the debt securities for PHP20 billion and banks submitted PHP25.824 billion worth of bids.

However, banks asked for rates ranging between 5.034 to 5.273 percent, which National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon claimed surpassed their estimates.

“We see that their rates are really way beyond our estimates, of what the reasonable rates that we expect for this tenor, for this new issu-

ance,” she told reporters after the auction.

In the secondary market, rate of the seven-year �ixed income paper stood at 5.9432 percent in the morning session Tuesday.

De Leon declined to give a range of their rate estimate for the seven-year paper but said factors covered in their rate projection include the higher-than-expected four percent domestic in�lation rate last January, and rates of the same tenor debt securities in the past auctions.

She said consensus estimate for in�lation last January was only 3.5 percent, hence banks’ worries on the in�lation path along with ex-

BTR,P11

ECONOMY 5

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

BSP: Inflation to hover around 4%

T

DATA WHIZ. Alan Lloyd Libre, chief operating officer of MainStat Data Analytics, gives members of the media the company overview and the services it offers while announcing its upcoming grand launch on February 12 at 85-0 Arcade Bldg., Ilustre Street, Davao City during this week’s edition of Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall. Lean Daval Jr

Duterte signs EO on Marawi rehab To commence projects in affected areas A

s part of efforts to rehabilitate Marawi City, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed an executive order expediting the commencement of projects in the city’s affected areas.

Duterte signed on Monday Executive Order 49 “Exempting the National Housing Authority from the National Economic and Development Authority Guidelines on Joint Venture Agreements to Ex-

pedite the Implementation of Recovery, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation Projects in the Most Affected Areas of Marawi The order underscored the “urgent” need to exempt

ANILA -- Torre Lorenzo Development Corp.

(TLDC) is diversifying its projects outside major cities in the country with its Dusit Princess Lipa Hotel project in Lipa, Batangas.

In a press conference Wednesday, TLDC Chief Executive Of�icer Tomas Lorenzo revealed the company’s partnership with Dusit International to build the �irst international brand hotel in Lipa City and also the entire province of Batangas.

Lorenzo said TLDC has seen Lipa as a fast-growing market for luxury hotels, noting the demand from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are living in Batangas.

Lorenzo added that the Dusit Princess Lipa Hotel is within Tierra Lorenzo Lipa property, also a premium residential condominium development of TLDC in southern Luzon, which many of the takers are OFWs. The group targets the completion of the premium hotel project in Lipa by 2021.

Dusit Thani Philippines, Inc. President and Vice Chairperson Evelyn Singson said Dusit Princess Lipa Hotel will change the landscape in the city, as this will provide worldclass services to tourists and promote Batangas -- particularly Lipa City -- as a tourist destination.

Singson said Lipa boasts

the NHA from the coverage of the NEDA Guidelines of JVAs.” It is meant to simplify documentary requirements and procedures to hasten the start of rehabilitation projects.

Moreover, it stated that all JVAs to be entered into by the NHA shall comply with guidelines which the NHA shall formulate and issue under the supervision of the HUDCC in consultation with the NEDA, the Public-Private Partner-

ship, and the Department of Budget and Management.

Rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City are currently being undertaken by the national government agencies led by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) with the NHA as an attached agency.

The HUDCC is the head of the Task Force Bangon Marawi. (PNA)

its rich history, old houses, food, the famous Taal Lake, and also has golf courses which are attractive not only to local tourists but to foreigners as well.

“We are building them (hotels), so that people will come,” Lorenzo said.

Moreover, TLDC and Dusit will be opening dusitD2 Hotel in Davao City by the end of 2018, followed by the turnover of residential units of Dusit Thani Residences Davao.

Both projects are within its Davao luxury complex in Lanang, Davao City.

Diversifying outside the metro, the partnership also covers Dusit Thani Hotel at

Lubi Plantation in the Davao Gulf.

“We intend this to be a destination island,” said Singson.

“It’s very similar to what we have in Maldives,” she added.

Meanwhile, TLDC Chief Finance Of�icer Emmanuel Rapadas said the company is investing some PHP9.4 billion for its projects in Batangas and Davao -- PHP3 billion for the Dusit Princess Lipa Hotel and the three residential buildings in Tierra Lorenzo Lipa; PHP4.5 billion for dusitD2 Hotel and Dusit Thani Residences Davao; and PHP1.9 billion for Dusit Thani Hotel at Lubi Plantation.

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas considers as temporary the elevated domestic in�lation rate this 2018, which is expected to “be around the high-end” of the government’s 2-4 percent target range for 20172019.

In a statement posted on the central bank’s Facebook page Tuesday night, BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said monetary of�icials expected in�lation “to be around the high-end of the National Government’s target rate of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage points in 2018 before settling above the midpoint of the target range in 2019.”

“The higher in�lation in 2018, due largely to the immediate impact of the TRAIN Law, is seen to be temporary,”

he said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday reported that rate of price increases registered a faster rate of four percent in the �irst month this year, up from the 3.3 percent in December 2017 and the 2.7 percent in January 2017.

Core in�lation, which excludes volatile food and oil, registered at 3.9 percent, faster than the three percent last December and 2.5 percent in January last year.

PSA traced this development primarily to faster in�lation rate of the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages to 4.5 percent from the previous month’s 3.5 percent and the double-digit rate of the alco-

orries on in�lation and its impact on the interest rates, among others, are causing the sell-off in equities around the globe, including the Philippines.

After the end of Monday’s trading, the Dow Jones shed 4.6 percent after posting its record-high of 26,616.7 points last January 26.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) has been also on see-saw after posting record-highs, with the latest historic level of 9,058.62 last January 29.

A day after registering its highest level so far, the Philippines’ main equities index fell

to 8,910.48 points and continued to skid for two more days.

It only took a breather last February 2 before decelerating again and ending Tuesday this week with a 0.76 percent, or 65.58 points, drop to 8,550.42 points.

These volatilities, however, would not have a big impact on the Philippine government’s borrowing program for 2018, National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon told journalists Tuesday.

Economic managers have set the external borrowings this year to account for 26 percent of total �inancing program, slightly higher than

BSP,P11

Global equities rout little impact on PH W

GLOBAL,P11

Golden Bay firm eyes P3-B sales from project

M Torre Lorenzo builds 1st luxury hotel in Batangas M

ANILA -- Golden Bay Properties expects to generate PHP3 billion in sales after the launch of a new of�ice project in the Bay Area in Pasay City, its foray into real estate.

The company on Wednesday partnered with a topnotch architectural, engineering and construction team to start construction of the Aspire Corporate Plaza, a 10-story of�ice space building development that would sit on a 3,500-sq.-meter lot behind its Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant.

“It (property) is a booming market. It is a booming industry right now. We have a lot of middle income businesses that want to purchase their own of�ices. We have the Chinese market,” Golden Bay Properties Chief Operating Of�icer Jardin Wong told re-

porters.

Wong said the �irm targets to spend about PHP2.3 billion on the of�ice project, a �irst for sale in the Bay Area.

“After our recent groundbreaking rites, we realized that there are many other entrepreneurs, not just Filipino-Chinese, who are also looking for of�ice spaces that they can call their own,” he said, adding that of�ice space ownership is a wiser move.

Wong said its partner, Megawide Construction Corp., was ready to start the project construction next week. Construction is expected to take one year and eight months.

He said about eight companies had already purchased all units in three �loors, comprising 40 percent of the of�ice space building development.

GOLDEN,P11

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Soldier killed by suspected NPA

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Suspected communist rebels on Monday killed a soldier who responded to a report of the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Anticala, some 23 kilometers east of Butuan City.

Capt. Anthony Pueblas, spokesperson of the 402 Infantry Brigade identi�ied the slain soldier as PFC. Roger Badayos.

Pueblas said they noticed the rebels are increasingly encroaching the villages around Butuan City, trying to envelop the highly urban center.

“The encounter happened around noon Monday as our troops approached the village,” Pueblas said.

He said the encounter was the second incident involving the NPA �ighters. The �irst encounter happened on the same day in Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte.

The NPA rebels have

Udenna firm to infuse P625M into water system of Monkayo

By CHA MONFORTE CORRESPONDENT

T

he municipal government of Monkayo in Compostela Valley is in the process of granting a 25year franchise to a private water company to operate the municipal water system.

“We will be investing a total of P625 million, and for the �irst year P100 million to build a water treatment plant,” Federico Noe Goco, program manager of the Udenna Water Integrated Services, Inc. told those attending the Sangguniang Bayan’s public hearing Tuesday on the proposed ordinance granting the private company a franchise to engage in the business of water supply and distribution.

The sanggunian reasoned out that there is pressing need to address the insuf�iciency of potable water supply services in the municipality.

The town’s waterworks system has since been operated by the local government unit and it has been encountering dif�iculties of improving it as the town population increases while it does not have the technical expertise and �inancial resources to rehabilitate and expand the existing water

system.

Mayor Ramil Gentugaya, in an interview, acknowledged they need an expertise in improving the water system, from the source in Buay river in uphill Barangay Salvacion down to household connections.

He said that part of the agreement would be for Udenna to assume the P23 million balance of the P45-million loan contracted earlier by the previous municipal administration. The loan from Land Bank was sought to rehabilitate the waterworks system.

The mayor is presently rehabilitating the system’s piping connections from Buay source after these were destroyed by recent typhoons.

He said that Udenna is one among the biggest and expert water companies in the country, adding that the �irm has pledged to make their Monkayo project “a benchmark” for their next projects in various sites nationwide.

Goco said that based on Udenna’s �inancial projections the average tariff they would collect would

UDENNA,P11

Hundreds of unregistered vehicles impounded in Sultan Kudarat

C

OTABATO CITY – Traf�ic enforcers, backed by the military-led Task Force Talakudong (Protection), impounded Tuesday a total of 274 motor vehicles in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

In a report, Chief Insp.

Danile Celestino, Isulan police chief, said those impounded comprised of 232 single motorcycles, 41 tricycles and one multicab.

Celestino said violations of the impounded vehicles ranged from expired drivers’ licenses, questionable

of�icial receipt and certi�icate of motor registration.

He says that their periodic Oplan, Dakop Salakyan (Vehicle Apprehension), intends to seize dubious vehicles used by lawless elements for their nefarious activities in the Isulan area.

Celestino said owners could claim their respective vehicles in the Isulan police impounding area if they pay the corresponding amount for violations as speci�ied by the Land Transportation Of�ice. (PNA)

been very active after President Duterte ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to destroy the NPA. On Feb. 4, 2018, suspected NPA rebels killed Datu Benadjao Mampaundag and his son, Jhonard Mampaundag in their house in Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao City.

The father and son had just arrived from the “ Panagtagbo Alang Sa Kalinaw and Kalambuan (Gathering for peace and development) where President Duterte spoke to them at a military camp in Panacan, Davao City on February 1.

The Mampaundags along with several leaders of the Indigenous Peoples or Lumads, reportedly expressed support to the call of President Duterte “to distance themselves” from the

NPA rebels.

Capt. Tere Ingente, public information of�icer of the 4thInfantry Division said Lumads form 60 to 80 percent of the NPA cadres in Mindanao.

Ingente said the rebels are targeting leaders of the indigenous people who are supporting the Army.

She said rebels abducted and later beheaded Mar Acebedo Bocales while he was out hunting for wild animals in San Miguel, Surigao

del Sur last Jan. 29.

Bocales and his family who were allegedly members of Magahat-Bagani Force, a paramilitary group, were among the suspects in the September 1, 2015 killing of Emerito Samarca, Executive Director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (Alcadev) and two Lumad leaders.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) International

SOLDIER,P11

BANANA PLANTLETS. Before they can be planted in the field, the plantlets produced by tissue-culture laboratories need to be weaned and hardened. This method is done in order for the banana plants to be planted are free from any viruses or diseases. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

PDEA monitors GenSan ports for drugs

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12 has stepped up its monitoring at the city airport and several seaports here for the possible entry of illegal drug shipments.

Valente Cariño, PDEA12 Regional Director, said Wednesday they have launched regular inspection of cargoes and related shipments at the city airport, Makar port and other private seaports for the possible presence of illegal drugs.

He said the move is in line with a directive from the PDEA central of�ice for the strengthening of the the “airport and seaport interdictions” within its area of responsibility.

He said they stationed a team led by its K9 unit at the city airport in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).

The of�icial said the team is composed of four trained canine handlers and two Belgian Malinois “narcotic detection dogs.”

“The drug-snif�ing dogs were trained to detect and identify shabu, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin, which are the illegal drugs commonly abused in the country,” Cariño said.

The city airport, which is classi�ied by Caap as an alternate international airport, is Region 12’s biggest airport.

It serves eight to 10 domestic �lights daily to and from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo

of the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pac�ic Air. Cariño said the “narcotic detection dogs” conduct inspection by snif�ing on the baggage of passengers and commercial cargoes passing the airport’s departure and arrival areas.

“This is to detect possible presence of illegal drugs and prevent their shipment in and out of the region,” he said.

Cariño said he also assigned another inspection team for the Makar port and seaports operated by private �ishing companies.

He said the team, which was backed by their K9, initially conducted a surprise inspection last week in one the �ishing vessels of a private �ishing company in Barangay Tambler here.

The agency coordinated with the company for the conduct of random drug testing among its employees as part of their advocacy campaign for a drug-free workplace, he said.

The of�icial said the �ishing vessel, which was then about to depart from the port, turned out negative for the presence of illegal drugs.

“The establishment of airport and seaport team is important to prevent the entry and exit of illegal drugs in the region. Since drug traf�ickers use the vast shoreline, besides air, as their means to transport illegal drugs, it is but necessary to seal our ports and prevent it from becoming a drop-off and transit point,” Cariño added. (FKA/ PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

SUBURBIA RISING 7

Two hundred seventeen former members of the New People’s Army board a C-130 aircraft for Manila on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 for an “educational tour” and dinner with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang on February 7, Photo courtesy of East MinCom

Troops, crime group clash in Zambo Z AMBOANGA CITY -Government security forces clashed with a syndicated crime group involved in extortion and kidnapping activities in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, a top police of�icial said Wednesday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 9 director, said the clash happened at around 12:08 p.m.

Tuesday in Sitio Monob, Barangay Daniel Maing, Kalawit,

Zamoanga del Norte.

Beltran said joint police and military forces were on combat patrol when they encountered more or less 20 gunmen, who are said to be members of a crime syndicate.

He said the �ire�ight lasted for around 30 minutes after which the armed men �led towards the hinterlands.

He said there were no casualties on both the gov-

TROOPS,P11

Surigao official seeks probe of nude carabao ride in Siargao

G

ENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island (MindaNews / 07 February) – An of�icial of Surigao del Norte has called for an investigation of reports that a foreign national was organizing nude carabao (water buffalo) rides in this town.

Marlon Coro, president of the Provincial Councilors League of Surigao del Norte said he received a complaint about the activity being done

by British national Liam Cox. Several residents condemned the activity saying it doesn’t �it the local culture.

Cox said he regretted what happened and had apologized for it. light of recent events, it has come to our attention that some of the photos from our Carabao Ride that were posted on our social media pages caused quite a public

stir. We sincerely apologize to anyone whose decency and good custom may have been offended.

“The ones we posted were behind-the-scenes photos of a shoot in the mountains with our friend who is an international tattoo model.

No private parts nor any indecent pose were shown. Rest assured, consent was given by all participants across all angles of this happenstance.

All photos have now been taken down. Again, we are sorry if you felt slighted,” he said.

Cox was seen in photo together with two foreign visitors who experienced the Carabao Ride.

Cox, who owns Druken Carabao Ride, organizes this ride for foreign guests and in turn pays the local farmers

SURIGAO,P11

Governance reforms get boost in GenSan G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -The city government’s efforts to improve its operations and governance systems received a major boost after it passed four of the seven assessment areas for local government units last year.

The local government has received a recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the successful implementation of its programs and projects on disaster preparedness, business friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management, and tourism, culture and arts.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Tuesday such result was

based on the series of assessments conducted by the DILG from March to September 2017.

He expressed satisfaction with the results of the assessment and vowed to continue with the ongoing reforms, especially in the other assessment areas.

The city government is working on passing this year the assessment on the �inan-

cial administration, social protection and peace and order aspects.

The seven assessment areas comprise the core components of the evaluation for the Seal of Good Local Governance, which is implemented by the DILG. “So far so good and I am happy with this result. This is the result of our concerted efforts,” the mayor said in a statement.

He cited the support from city government of�icials and employees, private sector and other local stakeholders.

Rivera said the city government is initially targeting to achieve this year the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping.

Passing the Good Financial Housekeeping, which is a sub-area of the �inancial administration component, will open up more opportunities for the city in terms of funding grants for various projects, he said.

In his letter to the local government, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero expressed optimism that the city will sustain its good practices and initiate innovations to achieve better performance.

He assured the DILG will continue to partner with the city government to ensure better performance and the delivery of basic services to local residents.(PNA)

2.

Galigo’s group, who were all in civilian clothes, also included Sumugod and Lustro of the HPG-South Cotabato.

Morales said the involved policemen have already been relieved from their assignments and currently undergoing investigation at the regional Crime Laboratory/ SOCO and HPG headquarters.

The erring policemen are under the operational control of the PRO-12, but not administratively.

Dismissal sought for cops in mauling of security guard in Koronadal

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police authorities in Region 12 are seeking the dismissal from service of a police of�icer and several other personnel tagged in the mauling a security guard at a bar in Koronadal City last week.

Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) director, said Wednesday they recommended the conduct of summary dismissal proceedings against Chief Insp. Armando Galigo Jr., and

three other erring police personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory/Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) and the Highway Patrol Group in Region 12.

Galigo, chief of the South Cotabato Soco unit, and Police Of�icers 3 Edmund delos Reyes, Joven Sumugod and Reymart Lustro are accused of mauling security guard Randyl Almacin at the entrance of Mc Grille Bar in Koronadal City early on Feb.

The incident, which was recorded by the establishment’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, happened after Almacin asked the policemen to deposit their �irearms before entering the bar.

The CCTV footage showed Delos Reyes, who was assigned at the Soco unit, punching the security guard several times in the presence of the visibly angry Galigo.

Police investigators said

DISMISSAL,P11

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

EDITORIAL

T

When lowest is the most corrupt

here is reportedly a syndicate among those contracting government projects and this is spreading the corruption venom in public of�ices.

The syndicate, as revealed by President Rodrigo Duterte, is into contracting big-ticket government projects, hunting them everywhere and then divide the ‘loot’ among themselves out of the proceeds of the project. It is this practice which prompted the President to think that the concept of awarding a government project to the lowest bidder is a “source of corruption” in the country. This practice runs smack against the Government Procurement Reform Act which considers it a crime when two or more bidders connive to ensure a project is awarded to a pre-arranged lowest bid. The penalty for such a crime is imprisonment of six to 15 years.

In essence, it does not necessarily mean that the lowest bid is the best and most advantageous to the government. It is instead a source of corruption. Which makes us wonder why there are so many reported completed projects which are actually undone or

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un�inished.

To end this practice, Duterte wants the bidding process replaced with the Swiss challenge method. How does this system work? A Swiss challenge is the course the government takes when dealing with unsolicited proposals. This is when the government invites private groups to make competing offers, while giving the original proponent the right to match them.

The Swiss challenge system was adopted in the P10-billion Apo Agua bulk water project to improve the service of the Davao City Water District by tapping Tamugan River.

Although the Swiss challenge is not applicable to certi�ied priority infrastructure projects under Republic Act No. 7718, or the Philippine Build-Operate-Transfer Law, it could still work for other government projects falling under the bidding requisites but not classi�ied as priority.

This system is worth looking into considering the lowest bid system has practically become a cash cow for corruption.

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

the national association of newspapers

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

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09101864939 Tel: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The suicide boats of Lupon

uring World War II, the most active and the most lethal naval base in Davao Gulf was found at Piso Point, in the territorial con�ines of Davao Oriental.

It was home to Japanese Patrol Torpedero (PT) boats that harassed the UN Navy doing their surveillance work in the gulf.

These pesky boats hid under tree canopies and thickly vegetated coves.

Even commercial steamers, considered as non-combatants, were not spared from harassment by enemy patrols which had an operational base at Piso Point, in Lupon, on the eastern section of Davao Gulf.

On May 10, 1945, Lt. Cmdr. Edgar D. Hoagland, naval commander of the 24th Division with control over PT boats, was assigned to conduct a special survey to identify areas north of the city and on the eastern seaboard for Japanese in hiding. Though he failed to spot enemy positions during his surveillance, he belatedly learned a lesson when the attack boats assaulted his Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) vessel.

That same day, the guerrillas relayed information to the command center saying the suicide boats were camou�laging under thick mangroves to keep them invisible from a distance. A mission led by Marine Maj. Richard E. Maulsby, a Mitchell bomber pilot, and Marine 1st Lt. Doit L.

Fish succeeded in �lushing out the crafts by torpedoes, killing all the Japanese boat operators and burning their equipment four days later.

Lt. Cmdr. Hoagland’s own account of the destruction of the suicide boats four days later was spine-tingling. When he and his crew found a totally equipped enemy PT boat base, he ordered one of his men to �ire �ive rounds into the camou�lage that was hanging just opposite their position. In his biographical book Sea Hawks, he wrote: “The netting was shot, fell down and caught �ire from the incendiary shells. It exposed a PT boat, bow on, with torpedoes and guns, backed into the mangroves… It was not a simple suicide craft, but a fullblown PT boat, which had to be supported by complete base and supplies…

“Five more rounds thundered in, the shells ignited the gas tank, and the boat caught �ire. More netting was shot down, which exposed a pile of gasoline drums.

One round ignited the gasoline and started an enormous �ire, which spread to an ammunition dump. The dump blew three hundred feet in the air with a tremendous blast, and ammunition continued to detonate. The burning gasoline ignited a second boat, which blew up.

“We stayed in the cover for three hours

“There is much euphoria about developments in biotechnology and about the bene�its they promise to bring to society,” warned Reuben Olembo of the United Nations Environment Program. “But there are also risks and dangers associated with this technology.”

Biotechnology is a modern technology that makes use of organisms (or some parts) to make or modify products; improve and develop microorganisms, plants or animals; or develop organisms for speci�ic purposes in a more precise manner.

“All plants, animals and living organisms have cells, the basic unit of life,” explains a fact sheet published by the Biotechnology Information Center of the Laguna-based Southeast Asia Regional Center for Agriculture. “Within cells are hereditary materials generally composed of deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA).

“There hereditary materials (that determine a trait) are called genes. Through biotechnology, the gene fragments can be inserted from one organism to another, within related and unrelated species, to improve speci�ic traits,” it adds.

There are �ive tools used in biotechnology. There’s gene cloning, where scientists identify and isolate speci�ic DNA fragments which are introduced into a self-replicating genetic element so that the fragment can be reproduced and expressed in the target organism.

Tissue culture is a technique that involves culturing plant parts and animal cells under laboratory conditions.

Microbial culture, on the other hand, is a method of multiplying microbial organisms. DNA-marker technology involves the identi�ication of DNA fragments associated with a certain desired trait and its utilization.

Genetic engineering, the most controversial among the tools, is the manipulation, introduction and expression of speci�ic genes or DNA in the target organisms.

This is the method used in developing genetically modi�ied organisms (GMOs).

“By transferring genes across species barriers which have existed for eons, we risk breaching natural thresholds against unexpected biological processes,” warned Dr. Peter Wills, a theoretical biologist at Auckland University.

The bone of contention is on GM products. “Any politician or scientist who tells you GM products are safe is either very stupid or lying,” wrote David Suzuki in an article which appeared in “Canadian Media Star.”

Greenpeace, in a press statement, also said: “It’s now possible to do stuff that only writers could imagine before and build up completely new life forms. The argument that we need genetically-modi�ied food to feed the world is complete bull.”

One of the biggest concerns related to GM foods is that an allergen (a protein that

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa and discovered four more boats, which we damaged heavily, but they could not be set on �ire; the gas tanks must have been empty. A chemical dump was exploded and it emitted dense white smoke… The roar and smash of our shells, with no return �ire, relieved the tension and increased our con�idence that we could pull this off… without casualties.”

The twin-engine Michelle bombers that replicated the detonations of Lt. Cmdr. Hoagland’s team on ground level dropped 500-pound bombs over the treetops and the pilots engaging in tracer �ire in

enemy location. More aerial drops were to ensure there was no turning back.

First introduced in the later part of 1943, the suicide boats, the counterpart of “the kamikaze planes, kaiten submarines, fukuryu suicide divers or human mines, and shinyo suicide boats.”

“These fast motorboats,” an online article said, “were driven by one man, to speeds of around 30 knots. They were typically equipped with a bow-mounted charge of up to 300 kg (660 lb) of explosives that could be detonated by either impact or from a manual switch in the driver’s area. These attack boats also carried two anti-ship rockets mounted on launchers located on either side of the boat behind the driver.”

“The similar Maru-ni, which were used by the Imperial Japanese Army,” the Wikipedia item continued, “were equipped with two depth charges, and were not actually suicide boats, as the idea was to drop the depth charges and then turn around before the explosion took place. Although the chances of boat and crew surviving the wave from the explosion might seem slim, a small number of crewmen successfully escaped. The depth charges used were... armed by a delayed-action pull igniter.”

Estimates placed the number of sui-

cide boats introduced during the war for the Imperial Japanese Navy at “6,200 Shinyo... while Maru-ni [were produced] for the Imperial Japanese Army. Around 400 boats were transported to Okinawa and Formosa, and the rest were stored on the coast of Japan for the ultimate defense against the expected invasion of the Home islands. The main operative use took place during the Philippines Campaign of 1944-45.”

This original Japanese concept of using suicide land or sea attacks in tilting the balance or saving a losing war was also used by the Germans.

Decades later, the Islamic terrorists used the same tactic to in�lict maximum damage on their targets. A Reuters report dated January 31, 2017, says it all: “Two crew members on a Saudi warship were killed after an attack by three ‘suicide boats’ which caused a large explosion. The vessel was targeted off the western coast of Yemen by the armed Houthi movement. Three sailors were also injured in the attack. The attacks follow weeks of combat on Yemen’s western coast between the Iran-allied Houthis and the coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognized government.”

very important part of safety testing before a crop can enter into the food market,” ISAAA says. “A variety of tests and questions must be considered to determine whether the food poses any increased risk of allergenicity.”

Another concern is antibiotic resistance as some GM crops contain genes for this kind of trait. Scientists, it is said, use this trait as a market to identify cells into which the desired gene has been successfully introduced. There are those who believe that these marker genes could move from GM crops to microorganisms that normally reside in a person’s gut and lead to an increase in antibiotic resistance.

“The likelihood of antibiotic resistance genes moving from GM crops to any other organisms is extremely remote,” ISAAA points out. “Even in the unlikely event that it happens, the impact of this transfer would be negligible, as the markers used in GM crops have limited clinical or veterinary use.”

Foods derived from GM crops have reportedly undergone more testing than any other food in history. Before entering the food market, they are assessed consistent with guidelines issued by several international agencies like World Health Organization, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and Organization for Economic Cooperation for Development.

These are the guidelines used: * GM products should be regulated

in the same way as foods produced by other methods. The risks associated with foods derived from biotechnology are of the same nature as those for conventional foods. * These products will be judged on their individual safety, allergenicity, toxicity, and nutrition rather than the methods or techniques used to produce them. * Any new ingredient added to food through biotechnology will be subjected to pre-market approval in the same way a new food additive, such as a preservative or food color, must be approved before it reaches the food market.

“The products of modern biotechnology cannot be enjoyed fully by the people unless uncertainties regarding their risks to human health and the environment are minimized and managed, if not eliminated,” said Leonardo Montemayor, former agriculture secretary.

The 2010 report of the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation on GMOs (genetically modi�ied organisms) has this ready answer: “The main conclusion to be drawn from the efforts of more than 130 research projects, covering a period of more than 25 years of research, and involving more than 500 independent research groups, is that biotechnology, and in particular GMOs, are not per se more risky than conventional plant breeding technologies.”

Are GM foods really safe?

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

cause an allergic reaction) could be accidentally introduced into a food product.

Fortunately, scientists know a lot about which foods trigger allergic reactions in adults and children. Ninety percent of all food allergies are associated with only eight foods or food groups: shell�ish, eggs, �ish, milk, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts and wheat.

“These, and many other food allergens, are well characterized and so it is extremely unlikely that they would ever be introduced into a GM food,” assures the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), also based in Laguna.

“Even so, allergenicity screening is a

10NEWS UN... FROM 1

�illing the case against the suspects,” she said.

For his part, Davao del Norte Police Provincial Of�ice (DNPPO) Investigation and Detective Management Section head Chief Insp.

Werenfredo Regidor said the suspects will be sued for two counts of murder.

Regidor said there 12 suspects who perpetrated the crime with nine of them are already identi�ied but could not divulge the identity since the case was not yet �iled.

However, Datu Sibugan Lumansad, chairman of Talaingod’s Council of Elders, bared that the group that killed the victims were under one Commander Rommel. “Ang gihimo niyang pagpatay, nagsakay siya og skayanan sa Ulticon,

nagpahatod siya sa balay ni Banadjao para ilhon nga sila sundalo, pagsaludo ni Banadjao kay Cafgu man siya didto na nag stra�ing and duha ka tao (What he did to kill, he rode a vehicle and went to the house of Banadjao for him to be recognized as soldier, Banadjao salute to the vehilce since he is a Cafgu. After which, two men strafed the house),” he said.

Lumansad disclosed that Rommel is his relative and part of their tribe but was recruited by the rebels and became the commander. “Mao na siya ang tigpamatay sa amoa (He is the killer in our place),” he said.

He said he wants the NPA to be out of their ancestral domain because they are ones who created chaos and divided their tribe.

Court (RTC) Branch 16.

In the decision promulgated last January 19, 2018, Judge Carpio sentenced accused Elisan “to suffer the Indeterminate Sentence ranging from Two (2) Years, Four (4) Months and One (1) Day, medium period of Prision Correccional as minimum to Eight (8) Years and One (1) Day, medium period of Prision Mayor, as maximum.

The case stemmed from the arrest of Elisan during an entrapment operation set up by the Davao City San Pedro Police Station on October 2, 2014, wherein the accused was caught in the act of tampering an electric meter after receiving P10,000 in marked money from a retired police of�icer

who posed as “customer.”

The prosecution presented 10 witnesses, while the accused presented himself as witness in the trial.

In a statement, the management of Davao Light advised its customers to immediately report any information about a similar modus operandi of unscrupulous electricians, saying that those caught stealing electricity face the prospects of penalties such as paying the cost of stolen electricity and worse suffer imprisonment if charged criminally.

It also informed customers that electricity pilferage is dangerous as it could lead to electrocution and �ire incidents which happened many times in the past. ANTONIO M. AJERO

ment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Disaster Risk Reduction Management Of�ices (DRRMO) and Local Government Units.

Selpa said the NFA General Manager Jason Aquino

is recommending to the NFA council for the importation to replenish the rice supply.

She said it might take a long time since it will undergo bidding process before purchasing of new rice supply in the country.

that at least P42 million has been allotted to rehabilitate the sanitary land�ill.

The city has also allotted P100 million to purchase lot for a new land�ill facility.

Davao City has set policies to keep its remaining environmental frontiers intact and rehabilitate those that have been damaged.

The ACTCS is aimed at promoting and encouraging cities in ASEAN member countries with a tool that will improve the quality of tourism, not only by increasing their marketing competitiveness but also improve the situation of local residents by providing them livelihood to alleviate poverty.

not understand why they need to go to Manila or Davao.

“Once in Manila, they are asked to stand the whole day for whatever reason,” he said. “That is not part of our tradition.”

He said the CPP-NPA have been bene�itting from Lumad territory as sources

of food and herbal medicine.

He said that the Ata Manobo’s were abused and their human rights were violated. He said that the CPP-NPA did not ask for permission from the council of elders to enter their territory or to �ish on their riverbanks.

MAN... FROM 1

NFA... FROM 2

DAVAO... FROM 2

CHIEFTAIN... FROM 2

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

VISIBLE. Police officers conduct a routine foot patrol at a coastal community under the jurisdiction of Sta. Ana Police precinct in Davao City. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO), which currently has 12 police

precincts, is proposing to put up additional precincts to serve and protect the community better. Lean Daval Jr

DUQUE... FROM 2

forming of such order was already posted at Marina of�ices since Feb. 6. It also reiterated a long-standing policy that applicants must bring their own uniform and shoulder board.

Meanwhile, Ma. Soterania Sinel, director of Marina’s

Manpower Development Service, clari�ied that those involved in the collection of uniform rental fees are neither employees of MARINA nor MDS, but were directly hired by the MEC as staff of the cooperative. (DOTr )

prevent accidents from occurring.

“As an individual and as a government entity, we should be more of a precautionary than be of reac-

tionary,” he added.

Baluran asked for an urgent resolution and subjected to a committee hearing.

million will be taxed P130,000 plus 30 percent of the excess of over P800,000 under the TRAIN. Before TRAIN, compensation earners receiving over P250,000 to P500,000 a year were taxed P50,000 and 30 percent of the excess of over P250,000, while those earning P500,000 and above were taxed P125,000 plus 32 percent of the excess of over

P500,000.

Thus, under the old tax schedule, if you are an individual taxpayer with no dependent and who earn a little above P500,000 a year, more than one fourth of your annual income will go to paying the PIT, which is unfair because you get lumped in a tax bracket, which also includes very high income earners. (DOF)

Hishammuddin described the ties between ASEAN Defense Ministers as very close.

“We have the opportunity to discuss matters relating to terrorism, especially on

Daesh in Asia,” he said.

Hishammuddin also said the same matter was discussed by ASEAN Defence Ministers during a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PNA)

goods for Cotabato City and its neighboring towns and provinces.

New road networks serving the new mega-projects are also in the pipeline, the mayor said.

“We saw that this city has big potentials and could make huge revenues through big investments,” Bin Liu, CECC chief executive of�icer

and head of delegation, said in Chinese and translated by an interpreter.

“With the coming of the Chinese investors, I am sure that others will slowly follow. Eventually, we will be able to prove that Cotabato City is a force to reckon with.

They just wait and see,” Guiani-Sayadi, for her part, said.

(PNA)

cloud over the government’s overall immunization program.

Duque was appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the post on Oct. 26 last year to replace Paulyn Ubial, whose appointment as health secretary was rejected by the CA. On Dec. 1, he suspended the government’s dengue immunization program following Sano�i Pasteur’s announcement that Dengvaxia may increase the risk of severe dengue in those with no prior infection.

In the two con�irmation hearings he attended – on Wednesday and last Jan. 31 -- Duque outlined to the CA the DOH’s �ive-year heightened surveillance plan for some 837,000 children who received Dengvaxia.

He added that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth) is prepared to

shoulder the costs should a vaccinated child be hospitalized due to dengue.

Aside from the dengue vaccine, Duque was also asked about other issues, such as the overstocking of medicines and the implementation of the reproductive health (RH) law.

Duque said overstocking of medicines did not happen under his watch, stressing that he would not permit such “wasteful” practice if con�irmed.

He also said that the DOH is committed to implementing the RH law following the Supreme Court’s lifting of a temporary restraining order.

On public mistrust to vaccination due to the Dengvaxia controversy, he said the DOH would do everything to regain public trust in the government’s other immunization programs. (PNA)

cause it is in our culture.

Pangayaw is self-governance this is our own law our own policy in our territory,” he added.

He said they will only use spears, bladed weapon called tampilan and arrows as their weapons on the conduct of pangayaw. He

said he does not fear of dying because he will die on their territory.

“We will not use guns because we are not authorized to use it and because it is not ours. Only the police and soldiers are authorized to use them,” he said.

planes.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier pledged to bring to Malacañang and tour the former rebels in Manila during his visit in Panacan, Davao City last

December 21, 2017.

The goal is to awaken the surrendered NPAs to a better perspective in life particularly in peace building and nationalism. (PNA)

immediately directed Marina to issue a Cease and Desist Order to MEC and other enti-

ties from engaging in uniform rental services to seafarers.

A Notice to the Public in-

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INdulge!

FOOD

Shrimp in Spiced Coconut Milk.

EDGEDAVAO

Hotel Manager Ken Kapulong in a celebratory mood with Seda Abreeza’s Misto making it to Adding the finishing touches to the Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Philippine Tatler Dining’s Best Restaurant list for two years in a row.

Malabar Black Pepper, Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms.

WITH LESS THAN A WEEK TO GO before Valentine’s Day, hotels and restaurants around Durianburg are now in high gear to make everyone’s love day a memorable one. I know for a fact though that Seda Abreeza’s Misto all-day-dining restaurant is already prepared to make that day extra special.

Fresh off its inclusion for the second time in a row in Philippine Tatler Dining’s Best restaurants Guide for 2018, Misto is offering a 3-course winepairing dinner which I was able to preview last week. The menu, beautifully prepared by Executive Sous Chef Giovanna “Bang” Flores-Sibala, also comes with a delectable dessert spread and Seda Abreeza’s signature Slowcooked Angus Roast Beef short plate for carvery.

Dubbed as “Date Night,” February 14 will be a showcase of elegantly plated dishes paired with beautiful wines from Chile and Italy for every course. To match the fancy dinner, a movieinspired setup with sweet harmonies of all-time favourite romantic films will fill the venue with

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

One lovely evening

love.

A Crab Stick, Avocado, Pickled Ginger, Baby Herbs and Greens with Honey Calamansi Dijon Vinaigrette which is paired with a nice Sauvignon Blanc by Apaltagua starts the dinner followed by a slightly spicy Shrimp in Spiced Coconut Milk soup , and Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Malabar Black Pepper, Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms for main

Executive Sous Chef Giovanna Sibala and the luxurious dessert buffet. course. Both the soup well which the spread of and the fish course are treats such as Strawberpaired with a Pinot Noir ry Mousse Cheesecake

by Pionero Soñador.

Parfait, Chocolate Torte For the Slow-cooked Cake, Valentine Velvet Angus Roast Beef short Cupcakes, and Valenplate, a fruity and el- tine’s Day Oreo Pop. egant Merlot also by PiFor those who want to onero Soñador was the do a staycation on Valenwine of choice. While tine’s Day, Seda Abreeza Assistant F&B Manager Jules Melencion presents the wines for the a sweet Lambrusco Bi- also has Valentine room 3-course dinner service. anco by Casa Bella pairs packages available from

Crab Stick, Avocado, Pickled Ginger, Baby Herbs and Greens with Honey Calamansi Dijon Vinaigrette.

The movie-themed table setup for Misto’s Date Night.

February 10 to 18, 2018. and a Valentine present.

Guests checking in on The Valentine Date these dates will receive Night dinner is at a special Valentine pres- Php1,680 nett per perent. There will also be a a son and reservations are special room and dinner a must. Seda Abreeza’s package on February 14 room packages are at and includes overnight Php5,500 nett a night accommodation in a De- while the special Valenluxe Room, buffet break- tine room and dinner fast for two persons, Val- package on February 14 entine dinner for 2 adults, is at Php7,800 nett.

A2INdulge!

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

WHEN FLAVOUR AND COMFORT MEET

FILIPINO CUISINE is one of the most diverse cuisines in the world. With more or less 135 distinct tribes located all over the archipelago, it’s no wonder that Filipino cuisine’s taste and depth of flavour is very much reflective of the life, culture and tradition of the people in general. Despite the diversity, one thing is prevalent -- Filipino cuisine is truly comfort beyond comfort.

Like the rest, Filipino cuisine has had its fair share of makeovers.

Nonetheless, we still long for the naked taste of the dish that makes us crave even while we are eating.

And this is what Pueblo’s Cafe is.

Tucked outside of the city’s vibrant metropolis, Pueblo’s Cafe is a definite restaurant to visit.

Opening their doors to the public last January 18, this beautiful cafe is one more reason why Filipino cuisine is truly a most comfortable cuisine to the mind, body and soul.

Not only true for locals but to everyone who’ve tasted the many dishes that we have.

At a glance, Pueblo’s Cafe does not look the part. You won’t see any trace of our tradition or culture. Even the loud colors are not present. It’s very classic yet has that modern feel to it. The play of black and white all around makes it even more mysterious. One would think of a cafe serving pastries of colors, shapes and flavours. Lo and behold, it’s very Pinoy to the core.

Paying homage after his mom’s maiden name, Citoy Misa opted for a restaurant that’s as homey as you can ever get. It’s like coming home and expecting a delish spread of Filipino food on the table. At Pueblo’s Cafe, that’s how it is...every single time.

Their menu is downright Filipino. From local faves to childhood staples, you’d be delighted of the many reminiscent flavours they have on their menu. Every recipe on their menu has their own story to tell. Of which, recipes handed down to them were used to make the experience even more memorable. To an extent, it feels like you are part of the family.

Of the many dishes available, one must not fail to try their soulful Beef Kare-kare (the bagoong on the side has a world of its own!) and nibble on some of their pritong manok that’s served whole. The crunch

is inevitable, more so is the tender meat on the inside. For that lokalista kick, it is a sin to forego their cup of thick sikwate and homemade suman.

The cuppa of chocolate is the next best thing to Mary Grace’s cuppa.

That’s not all. With such a deep and flavorful repertoire, you’d surely not think that the person behind these amazing dishes is a millennial chef whose passion is perfecting the many delish Filipino dishes we have.

Chef Leeland Pajo and Citoy collaborated on the menu. Like the restaurant itself, the diversity and broadness of their experience greatly contributed to what Pueblo’s Cafe is today.

Pueblo’s Cafe is locat-

ed at B8&B9, The Crest, Robinsons Highlands, Diversion Road, Davao City TRC Speaks: Hidden, picture perfect and of course, their kare-kare is beyond delish! The cafe itself is simple yet very classy and elegant. I love that it’s not intimidating and has that air of mystery specially with their menu. Who would have thought that their menu is all pinoy? right? I am so looking forward to the transformation on the upper deck. Indeed, this is somewhere I’d keep coming back to.

For my latest food finds, follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and Facebook @theroyalchefeats. Happy eating, royalistas!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3 UP AND ABOUT

KZ TANDINGAN COMPETES Have a romantic IN CHINA’S “SINGER 2018” celebration at

SOUL SINGER, composer, and recording artist KZ Tandingan marks her debut on the global stage as she goes up against international music stars in the hit Chinese singing competition “Singer 2018” on Friday.

KZ, who rose to fame in the Philippines after winning the local version of “The X Factor,” joins “Singer 2018” in its current season’s fifth episode, following three consecutive weeks that

saw British singer Jessie J as the audience favorite.

“Singer 2018” is China’s most popular reality TV singing competition and pits professional singers from around the world against each other,

as they vie to win audience votes.

The votes decide each week’s winner and eliminated contestant. Following the eliminations, the show introduces a new challenger.

KZ is up against Taiwanese pop singers An-

gela Chang and Sam Lee this season, while former contestants of the competition include ChineseAmerican pop star Coco Lee and Hong Kong singer Sandy Lam. The Filipina singer is currently a mainstay alongside some of the most popular artists in the country on the Philippines’ top-rating variety show “ASAP,” which airs on ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment company. She has also released two albums under ABS-CBN’s record label Star Music.

After her win on “The X Factor Philippines,” KZ went on to achieve success as both a singer and composer and became known as the “Soul Supreme” with chart-topping hits such as “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako” and “Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak.”

KZ’s debut in “Singer 2018” will air on China’s Hunan TV on Friday (February 9) at 8 pm. The season will culminate in a live finale on April 13.

Marco Polo Davao

CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF LOVE with Marco Polo Davao’s romantic room and celebration package this Valentine’s Day. Avail of its room package at Php 5,100.00 nett for a Premier Room inclusive of breakfast in bed or breakfast for two at Café Marco, bottle of wine, box of chocolate praline and 15% off on Valentines dinner in any of its restaurants. Promo is valid from February 10 until 18, 2018.

Treat your loved one to a wide array of intercontinental or Cantonese dishes at Café Marco or Lotus Court for only Php 1,500 nett. On February 10 to 17, have an exclusive dining experience at Polo Bistro and avail of their various choices of set menus for only Php 1,500 nett.

Cap off your evening in style with a Red Hot Party at Eagles Bar with an admission fee of Php 200.00 nett which also includes one round of cocktail drink.

For inquiries and reservations, you may call (082) 221 0888.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 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 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

BTR... FROM 4

pectations for interest rate hikes by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Federal Reserve added to the �inancial institutions’ decision to ask for higher yield for the T-bond.

The BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) will have its �irst rate setting meet this year on Feb. 8 and some analysts have projected it to start increasing rates this

month to address possible in�lationary pressures from the higher commodity prices, among others, due in part to the impact of the tax reform.

The �irst package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law took effect on Jan. 1, 2018, cutting workers’ income tax rate and making their �irst PHP250,000 annual income tax-free. (PNA)

holic beverages and tobacco index to 12.3 percent from 6.4 percent last December.

The �irst package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN ), which took effect January 1

this year, gave workers’ �irst PHP250,000 annual income a tax-free rate but hiked excise taxes on fuel and sugar-sweetened beverages.

(PNA)

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the 20 percent earlier target, in line with the plan to take advantage of opportunities before the Federal Reserve implement more rate hikes.

Last January, the government sold USD2 billion worth of 10-year United States (US) dollar-denominated global bond.

De Leon said tapping the offshore market last January, even with volatilities already high, was “a very good move” for the Philippine government since demand for the Republic of the Philippines (ROP) bond remained high.

(PNA)

These include Southeast Asian companies engaged in business process outsourcing and construction, he added.

Wong targets to sell the of�ice units within the year, noting that the company will keep premium units for its own use.

The project comprises 73 of�ice units and three retail units. A 184-sq.-meter of�ice unit sells for PHP42 million.

Meanwhile, Golden Bay

Properties partnered with Asya Design Partner, Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corp., D.A. ABCEDE & Associates, Meinhardt Philippines, Inc., and Megawide for the development of the of�ice project.

Golden Bay Properties is also engaged in providing construction and shipping services, and agriculture activities. (PNA)

Pacquiao manager Michael Koncz this week to discuss details regarding the bout. Koncz declined to identify “a front-runner or back-runner” to �ight Pacquiao, but told LA Times Monday that he hoped to �inalize the deal by this week.

Alvarado was best remembered when he faced former Pacquiao foe Brandon Rios at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California on October 13.

Alvarado was ahead on the judges’ scorecards until the 6th round where Rios hurt him with a booming right hand.

Rios was able win by TKO as referee Pat Russell stopped the bout at 1:57

of the 7th round. The �ight was declared the 2012 Fight of the Year by the Sports Illustrated.

A much anticipated rematch happened on March 30, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

At stake was the WBO interim light welterweight title.

Alvarado defeated Rios by unanimous decision with scores of 115-113, 115-113 and 114-113 to even up the victory score with Rios. On Jan 24, in Alvarado’s home town of Denver, Colorado, Rios punished Alvarado for 3 rounds before the referee stopped the �ight before the start of the fourth round.

group, everyone hitting at the right time on all cylinders, and right now we’re not doing that.’’

Simmons made sev-

en of eight shots in his 22-point quarter, �inishing the period with a 3-point buzzer shot in a game in which he almost did not

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EDGEDAVAO play because of a sprained right ankle. ‘’To be honest, adrenaline was just going and I didn’t even realize what was going on,’’ Simmons said. ‘’I was just trying to play hard and trying not to have another setback.’’

J.R. Smith made three 3-pointers in the �irst four minutes to help the Cavaliers (30-22) take a 15-4 lead, and they led by 21 points late in the �irst half.

Jeff Green dunked to put the Cavaliers up 61-40 with 4:50 left in the half, but they went scoreless for almost four minutes while the Magic (17-36) sliced nine points off the lead.

James opened the sec-

ond half with a couple of 3-pointers to regain a 16-point lead for Cleveland, but Simmons scored 12 points during the Magic’s 19-2 run that gave them their �irst lead of the game at 78-77 with 5:33 left in the third quarter.

James was called for his fourth foul just 17 seconds later and sat for more than seven minutes.

When he re-entered the game with 10:10 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Magic ran off 14 straight points to lead 108-92.

Dwyane Wade banked in a 3-pointer for Cleveland’s only points in the �irst 7:25 of the fourth quarter.

there, the �irst quarter and they have 42 points,’’ Durant said. ‘’You’ve got to give them credit, they came out with a lot of energy and we didn’t match it.’’

Golden State had been 11-0 following a loss this season. The Warriors also lost for the �irst time in seven games when taking on an opponent that had previously beaten them this season, with the Thunder having won 108-91 at OKC on Nov. 22.

This could be a win that turns momentum for Billy Donovan’s Thunder, who had dropped four of �ive since losing defensive star Andre Roberson to a season-ending ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee.

Durant scored eight straight against his old team

during one �irst-quarter stretch.Oklahoma City, which allowed 13 3-pointers in losing at home to the Lakers on Sunday, limited the Warriors to 8 for 28 from deep. ‘’It didn’t feel like us, that’s for sure,’’ Kerr said. ‘’We’re out of whack right now. We’re just not playing the way we normally do in terms of the ball movement, the pace and the spacing. And our defense has not been good either. It’s been a struggle.’’

Green was hit with the Warriors’ third technical of the night at the end of the �irst half and had to be held back from of�icials. Meanwhile, Westbrook went down beneath the Thunder basket after crashing into the stanchion.

Of�ice on January 31 said the NPA had nothing to do with the beheading.

The NDF pointed to an armed group led by a certain

Emerson Cuarteron as responsible for the abduction and beheading of Bocales.

(Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

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MOTHER AND CHILD. The Philippine long-tailed macaque, known as “matsing” or “unggoy”, is found in all the country. Although it has been assessed as “near threatened,” some environmentalists claim that is actually in serious threat and already extinct inmuch of its

NEWS11 SURIGAO... FROM 7

who own the carabaos.

He stressed that the pictures were taken in private lands not in public places.

In an interview he said he was worried over allegations that they are using illegal

drugs.

Carabao riding is one of the activities that tourists may experience in this town which has become a popular sur�ing site. (Roel N. Catoto/ MindaNews)

The police of�icial said they expect that the summary dismissal proceedings will speed up the hearing of the cases.

“The CCTV footage clearly showed the violations committed by these policemen.

So they will be dealt with ac-

cordingly,” the police of�icial said in an interview over a local television station.

Aside from administrative cases, the involved policemen are facing physical injury, grave threat and grave oral defamation charges from the security guard. (AMS/PNA)

ernment and the enemy side.

The armed men are reportedly involved in extortion and kidnapping activities in Kalawit and in nearby areas.

He said the troops recovered from the clash site the following: one KG9 (9-mm Luger) assault ri�le with ammunition; a ri�le grenade; a fragmentation grenade;

10 sets of hammock; four sets of fatigue uniforms; six backpacks; a binocular; four �lashlights; a cellular phone; and empty shells for M-16 Armalite ri�le and M-14 ri�le.

He said troops are tracking down the whereabouts of the syndicate crime group members. (PNA)

be about P19.59 per cubicfrom the existing average of P13 plus per cubic, with minimum charge of P166.50 for residential users and P331 for commercial users, both consuming water of not more than 10 cubic.

“We want to be always transparent, there’s an increase because we will invest, we will put up a �iltration plant, we will increase the service coverage, we will upgrade the pipelines and do many others,” he said.

In exchange for the franchise, the grantee will pay a franchise fee of two percent (2%) based on gross sales after the value added tax and after a grace period of three years from the start date of the operations.

Under the proposed ordinance, the takeover of the existing water system shall be commenced within a period of �ive months from the date of approval or upon the agreement between the municipal government and the grantee.

Goco estimated that if the approval is made this quarter, Udenna could operate with already the treatment plant “by May next year.”

Also attending the public hearing were barangay of�icials, sectoral leaders, sanggunian members and municipal of�icials and employees. -Cha Monforte, Correspondent

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original range. A few remaining species now thrive at the forested area of Banana Beach Resort in Tagum City, Davao del Norte where this photo of mother breastfeeding her child. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

EDGEDAVAO

12 ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Rescuing uplands from destruction Second of Two Parts

TEXT and PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

M

ost uplanders belong to the category “small farmers.” And “small farmers,” according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, constitute “at least 70% of the over three-quarters of the world’s population living in the developing world, primarily in rural areas.”

In the Philippines, about 30% of the total population live in the uplands, defined as “rolling to steep lands, with slopes ranging upward from 18%.”

“The effects of population pressure on upland resources is magnified because of the high growth rate and intense poverty,” said Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon, who used to be with the Institute of Environmental Science and Management at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños.

Lack of opportunities for income and livelihood stimulate people to migrate from the lowlands to inhospitable upland areas.

“As a result of intensified cultivation of areas which are traditionally used extensively by shifting cultivators, there is soil degradation, pollution, loss of genetic diversity, and declining agricultural productivity,”

Espaldon said.

Another expert also said: “The uplands are fragile areas, and when they get overloaded, they just can’t take it. Some people move and get trapped into something worse – urban slums, squatting, prostitution, drugs, you name it.”

All these results are due to man’s folly. “When man sins against the earth, the wage of that sin is death or destruction,” explained Harold Ray Watson, the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for peace and international understanding. “This seems to be a universal law of God and relates to all of God’s creation.

“We face the reality of what man’s sins against the earth have caused,” he said further. “We see land degradation expressing itself in destruction of forests, loss of topsoil, pollution of streams and even the air we breathe. We are facing not a mere problem; we are facing destruction

and even death if we continue to destroy the natural resources that support life on the earth.”

Watson got the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award – touted to be the Nobel Prize of Asia – for encouraging international utilization of Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) which he and Filipino counterparts developed at the foothills of Mount Apo. “The principle of SALT is the same as that used by the Ifugao tribes,” said Roy C. Alimoane, who is now the director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC). “All we are doing is using trees and shrubs instead of rocks.”

SALT is a package technology on soil conservation and food production, integrating different soil conservation measures in one setting.

Basically, SALT is a method of growing field and permanent crops in 3-meter to 5-meter wide bands between contoured rows of nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs (NFTS) like “Flemingia macrophylla,” “Desmodium rensonii,” “Indigofera anil” and “Leucaena leucocephala.” All are introduced species, except the latter which is known locally as “ipil-ipil.”

“The NFTS are thickly planted in double rows to make hedgerows,” Alimoane explains. “When a hedge is 1.5 to 2 meters tall, it is cut down to about 40

centimeters and the cuttings are placed in alleyways to serve as organic fertilizers to crops.”

SALT is actually a diversified farming system practiced in one hectare. Rows of permanent crops like coffee, cacao, citrus and other small-growing fruit trees are dispersed throughout the farm plot.

The strips not occupied by permanent crops are planted alternately to cereals (corn, upland rice, sorghum, etc.) or other crops (sweet potato, melon, pineapple, etc.) and legumes (soybean, mung bean, peanut, etc.). This cyclical cropping provides the farmer harvest throughout the year.

“Crop rotation helps to preserve the regenerative properties of the soil and avoid the problems of infertility typical of traditional agricultural practices,” Alimoane says.

SALT was developed on a marginal site in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. In 1971, the MBRLC started to employ contour terraces in the sloping areas of the farm. Dialogues with local upland farmers acquainted the center’s agricultural experts with farm problems and needs which gave impetus to efforts find relevant and appropriate upland farming systems.

From testing

different intercropping schemes and observing ipil-ipil-based farming systems in Hawaii and at the center, the SALT was finally verified and completed in 1978.

A study conducted at the MBRLC has shown that SALT system can curb soil erosion. A SALT farm has an average soil loss of 4.83 tons per hectare per year. In comparison, the traditional upland farming system registered an average soil loss of 101.69 tons per hectare per year.

The success of SALT led to the creation of other techniques: Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2), in which goat raising is introduced into the system; Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology (SALT 3), a food-wood combination of farming; and Small Agrofruit Livelihood Technology (SALT 4), where fruits are grown together with other agricultural crops.

All the SALT techniques have one thing in common: simple, applicable, low-cost and timely methods of farming uplands. They are technologies developed for small farmers with few tools, little capital and little knowledge in agriculture.

Contour lines are run using an A-frame transit that any farmer can make and use. A farmer can grow

varieties of crops he is familiar with and old-farming practices can be used in the SALT farm.

If farmers leave the SALT farm, like some tribal groups in Mindanao do, the NTFS will continue to grow and overshadow the crop area. By the time the land is reverted to cultivation, the soil has been enriched already by the large amount of leaves of the NFTS and there is no erosion to contend with. In addition, the trees may be harvested for firewood or charcoal purposes.

“Many of us who live and work among the hilly land farmers and upland tribal groups in Asia are sounding the alarm to the problems of deforestation and soil erosion,” said Watson when he received his Ramon Magsaysay Award. “I call on people everywhere to help stem the tide of this wave of destruction while there is still time.”

He ended his speech with these words: “When a nation loses the capability to feed, clothe, and shelter itself, it loses the capability to chart its own destiny.”

Thirty-three years have already passed since Watson said those words. It seems no one listening!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

NEWS13

EDGEDAVAO

President Duterte holds dialogue with labor leaders M P

3 Alaminos City staff convicted of graft for confiscating chicken meat

resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, February 7, met with labor leaders in Malacañan.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III introduced each of the labor groups’ representatives to the President and told them to speak on their group’s behalf regarding the issues that plague the labor sector.

President Duterte, for his part, sent his warm regards to the labor leaders and assured them that the government will do its part to forwarding labor

rights.

Included in the agenda were issues related to contractualization, wage setting, government cash subsidy, workers’ representation in tripartite bodies, recruitment and facilitation fees, and freedom of association in economic zones.

Representatives from several labor groups such as the Kilusang Mayo Uno, Nagkakai-

sa Labor Coalition, Associated Labor Unions, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, Partido Manggagawa, National Labor Union, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, National Confederation of Labor, among others comprise the bulk of the attendees during the dialogue.

Meanwhile, of�icials from key government agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic

and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Finance (DoF), and Department of Budget Management (DBM) were also present.

Labor groups have earlier called on the President to end contractualization through the issuance of an executive order.

The said EO, according to the labor groups, would give workers security of tenure, self-organization, collective bargaining and peaceful concerted activities as mandated by the Constitution. PND

President Duterte: Smuggling has to stop P resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the destruction of P61.626 million worth of smuggled luxury vehicles at the Port Area in Manila on Tuesday, February 6.

The Chief Executive noted that smuggling has been going on for centuries already.

“Itong smuggling na ito, this kind of racket has been going on again and again, and again, over a period of centuries. Well, it has to stop,” he said.

Duterte explained that putting the luxury cars into auction

would only allow the syndicates to bid for the seized vehicles.

“Ayaw kong ipagbili kasi kung ipagbili ko, consigned to a �ictitious person, igagarahe lang ninyo ‘yan diyan… and when the time comes, they are sold to an auction, ‘yung auction diyang opisina, itatawag na rin sa isang sindikato dito, siya lang ‘yan eh,” he said.

“Huminto kayo, huminto kayo. At least during my time, I plead to you,” he added.

A total of 20 second-hand luxury vehicles were destroyed in Manila, including Lexus, BMW,

Mercedes Benz, Audi, Jaguar, and Corvette Stingray.

Simultaneous condemnation of seized motor vehicles were also held at the Port of Davao and Port of Cebu where a total of 10 vehicles were destroyed.

After the condemnation of the seized motor vehicles, President Duterte then graced the 116th anniversary of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

He recognized the long and challenging journey of the agency as it strove to curb customs fraud and facilitate trade through

effective customs management system.

“However, much remains to be done. The BOC needs to improve its overall revenue collection to meet its target so that the government will have more funds for its priority development programs,” he stressed.

The President also witnessed the awarding of the top 10 performing ports in terms of revenue collection, led by the ports of Batangas, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and San Fernando. PND

ANILA -- The Sandiganbayan has convicted three Alaminos City government employees in Pangasinan province of graft for con�iscating chicken meat from a dressing plant.

In a 37-page ruling, the Sandiganbayan found city veterinarian Ronaldo Abarra, meat inspector Joseph Soriano, and security of�icer Lyndon Millan guilty beyond reasonable doubt of

violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for unjusti�iably con�iscating 2,455 kilograms of chicken meat from San Vicente Dressing Plant in April 2009.

The anti-graft court sentenced the three to prison for six to 10 years, it was learned on Wednesday.

The Sandiganbayan also ordered them to pay PHP226,954.80 plus interest, as civil liability. (PNA)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late VIRGINIA MIGRIÑO AMORA has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.476; Page No.96; Book No. 11; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. JAY GERNALE.

February 1,8 and 15, 2018

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

BE YOUR OWN MAN

GAB chief advises Ancajas on boxing career

B

e your own man.

That’s the fatherly advice of Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chair Abraham Kahlil “Baham” Mitra to International Boxing Federation (IBF) World super �lyweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas.

Fresh from an impressive showing in his title defense in a US debut, the new toast of Philippine boxing from Panabo City was advised to chart his own path in the boxing arena and not just be another Manny Pacquiao. “ I

have talked to Jerwin about this and he has no problem with it and will chart his own course,” said Mitra. “Ancajas will always be �ighting under the shadow of our great �ighting Senator Manny Pacquiao as he (Pacquiao) is surely going to be in the Boxing Hall of Fame (for) having won titles in (eight) weight divisions.”

The 26-year-old Ancajas retained his title by stopping Mexican challenger Israel Gonzales via a 10th round technical knockout last February 3 at the Bank of America Center in Corpus Christi, USA. Team Ancajas headed by chief trainer-manager Joven Jimenez was scheduled to arrive in Manila on Feb. 7 at 5:30 a.m.

“We plan

NEW TOAST OF PHILIPPINE BOXING. Ancajas need not be following the shadows of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

CHART OWN PATH. Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines connects to Israelito Gonzales of Mexico during Sunday’s title match in Corpus Christi, Texas.

to have the usual hero’s welcome and viewing of the �ight at the GAB,” said Mitra, a former governor and congressman of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Mitra and his two GAB Commissioners Edward Trinidad and Mar Masanguid will also try to get another audience with President Rodrigo Duterte for Ancajas.

“But as we all know he (Duterte) is also a very busy man,” said Mitra.

Ancajas, now based in Magallanes, Cavite, and his team was accompanied by the GAB of�icials during a courtesy call to

the President after successfully defending his crown via a 6th round technical knockout over previously unbeaten Jamie Conlan of Ireland last November 18, 2017 at The SSE Arena in Belfast.

Ancajas, who is now being promoted

by Bob Arum, successfully made his fourth title defense of the crown he took away from then-undefeated Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo via a convincing unanimous decision last September 3, 2016 at the Jurado Hall of the Philippine Marine Corp in Barangay Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. (PNA)

Thunder maul Warriors 125-105 ‘Barred’OPBF

O

AKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Paul George and Russell Westbrook ran Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors right off the �loor from the opening tip.

Westbrook had 34 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to get the better of old buddy and teammate Durant, George scored 38 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder embarrassed the defending champions 125-105 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak. ‘’They’re one of the best teams in movement, in player movement, in ball movement,’’ George said. ‘’So we had to match the physicality as well as their pace. I thought that was the key tonight. Our motor was ready for that intensity.’’

Durant scored 33 points but didn’t get as much help from the cold-shooting Splash Brothers of Curry and Klay Thompson, who added

21 and 12 points, respectively. They combined to go 11 of 27 from the �loor and 4 for 15 on 3-pointers as the Warriors lost for the third time in four games. They lost their tempers, too - as in �ive technicals total.

Draymond Green was ejected with 8:13 remaining after a second technical when he argued with the of�icials. ‘’It was a rough night,’’ Curry said of the of�iciating, while insisting that wasn’t what lost the game.

The sellout crowd went crazy when Durant was called for a foul with 1:35 remaining in the third and replays show that Westbrook had clearly slipped and no contact was made. Warriors owner Joe Lacob tossed his jacket in disgust. ‘’We were way worse than the of�icials were,’’ coach Steve Kerr said. ‘’We got completely outplayed.’’

By the 6:32 mark of the fourth quarter and the blow-

champ leaves camp W

ONE ON ONE. Steph Curry of Golden Sate goes one on one with Carmelo Anthony of OKC. out still in force, fans began leaving the building.

Durant said it’s up to the Warriors ‘’to hold ourselves accountable out there.’’

Westbrook shot 13 for 26 and George went 11 of 23 with six 3-pointers.

Carmelo Anthony sprained his right ankle early in the game, but Oklahoma City never slowed down in

ending a seven-game skid at Oracle Arena with its �irst win on the Warriors’ home �loor since a 116-97 victory on April 11, 2013.

Westbrook scored 21 points in the �irst quarter, making nine of his �irst 10 shots as the Thunder led 4230. They never trailed. ‘’That was the game right

THUNDER,P11

orld-rated Carlo “The Ferocious” Magali left his training camp at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet to return home to his family in Talibon, Bohol.

Magali (32W-1L-0D, 28 KOs), current Oriental and Paci�ic Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight champion, was already preparing for his world championship �ight against reigning WBC World Super Featherweight champion Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt of Mexico on February 10 in Mexico when disallowed by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) of the Philippines, through the recommendation of its Medical and Boxing Divisions, due to the lack of the required 45 days rest period of a boxer.

Magali previously won the regular OPBF title via a 10th round technical knockout against Japanese Masa-

toshi Kotani last January 13 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

“It’s ok, it was not really meant for us,” said Magali, who still lacks at least 15 days rest period according to GAB. Magali, who is handled

by Brico Santig of Highland International Boxing Promotions, said that he will now go back home to take care of the construction of his house in Talibon, Bohol.

“It still needs electrical connection,” said Magali, who also has a small sari-sari store in his house.

“Our house is not yet �inished. I was hoping to �inish if the world title �ight pushed through,” said Magali, a father to one-year-old daughter.

Magali’s trainer, Ninolito Jalnaiz, was hoping that the promoters would move the date of the �ight. Magali was instead, replaced by Maxwell Awuku (44W-3L-1L, 30 KOs) of Ghana.(PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

PH netters win opener

T

he Philippines kicked off its Fed Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan in Pool B of the Asia/Oceania Zone Group 2 competitition at the Bahrain Tennis Federation hard courts on Tuesday.

Marian Jade Capadocia of Antique province gave the Philippines a 1-0 lead when she took the �irst singles match over Saara Kunakunova, 6-1, 6-2.

Kyrgyzstan fought back in the second singles match, with Ksenia Palkina �iring seven aces to pull off a 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Filipino-German Katharina Lehnert in their two hours and 13 minutes encounter.

Lehnert and Anna Clarice Patrimonio, who both played in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia, saved the day for the Philippines after beating Palkina and Kanykey Koichumanova, 6-4, 6-3, in the doubles match.

Patrimonio debuted in the Fed Cup in 2011, winning all her 11 singles matches. She also won 15 doubles matches, including eight with Capadocia.

The 22-year-old Ca-

padocia has played in the Fed Cup in 2012, 2013 and 2014. She has a 7-1 win-loss record in the singles and a 9-1 card in the doubles.

Ky r g y z s t a n and Singapore are scheduled to meet on We d n e s day.

Meanwhile, Indonesia and Pakistan won their respective ties in Pool D. Indonesia defeated Bahrain, 3-0, while Pakistan downed Sri Lanka, 2-1.

In Pool A, Uzbekistan registered a 3-0 win over Lebanon, which will be up against New Zealand on Wednesday.

In Pool C, Paci�ic Oceania demolished Iran, 3-0, while Oman won over Malaysia, 2-1.

The winners of each

PH BET. Katharina Lehnert in action during the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Contributed Photo pool will face each other (A1 vs C1 and B1 vs D1) with the winners to be promoted to Group 1 in 2019.

Former national player Czarina Mae Arevalo is the

team captain of the Philippines, which is aiming to return to Group 1. She has played 32 ties during her eight-year stint with the Fed Cup squad.

The Philippines was

relegated to Group 2 after losing all four of its ties at the Group 1 competition held in Astana, Kazakhstan last year.

The Fed Cup is the world’s biggest annual

women’s team competition. In the Zonal Group, ties are played over bestof-three matches (two singles and one doubles).

(PNA)

leads as Magic send Cavs reeling Alvarado Pacquiao’s next foe

O

RLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- After another embarrassing defeat and two days before the trade deadline, LeBron James let it be known he’s not going anywhere, at least for now. ‘’I’m here for this season right now to try and �igure out a way we can still compete,’’ James said after his Cleveland Cavaliers blew a 21-point lead in a 116-98 loss to the Orlando Magic. ‘’I owe it to my teammates to �inish this season out no matter how it ends up. I would never waive my no-trade clause.’’

The Cavaliers fell apart in the second half and lost for the 14th time in 21 games. They have given up an average of 122.4 points in their last �ive losses. ‘’I couldn’t give up on my teammates like that. I just couldn’t do it,’’ James said after scoring 25 points. ‘’We put too much into the game every single day. ‘’This is no time to be ashamed about our sea-

son,’’ he added. ‘’We’ve got quite a few games left. If we’re still serious about the season, then we’ve got to play some good ball at some point.’’

Jonathon Simmons scored 22 of his career-high 34 points in the third quarter for the Magic, who broke a nine-game home-court losing streak against Cleveland.

The Cavaliers scored 43 points in the �irst quarter, but then went almost 6 1/2 minutes without scoring in the fourth.

They played the second half without coach Tyronn Lue, who went to the locker room in the second quarter with what the team said was an illness. ‘’It’s like right now, when we hit adversity, we go our separate ways,’’ guard Isaiah Thomas said. ‘’And that’s just how I feel and it looks like that as well.’’

The Magic made their �irst 10 shots of the second half and won consecutive games for the �irst time since Nov. 8-10.

LOSING EFFORT. Dwyane Wade of Cleveland scores for the Cavs.

James did not have a rebound or an assist in a foul-plagued second half. ‘’I gave my teammates some opportunities to knock ‘em down, but they just didn’t go. You can’t get assists when they don’t

go down, but that doesn’t stop me from �inding my guys on the �loor,’’ he said. ‘’At this point it’s not what you say, it’s what you do.

We’ve got to go out and play well as a collective

MAGIC,P11

T

he return of Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs) is targeted on April 14 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The �ight is almost �inalized and it would be Top Rank’s �irst ESPN pay-per-view event. The card would feature Pacquiao making his New York City debut against an opponent still to be of�icially named.

As previously reported, former WBO junior welterweight champion Mike Alvarado (38-4, 26 KOs) is a leading candidate as opponent for the �ight, which Arum would not con�irm nor deny.

The other PPV attraction would be Terence Crawford (32-0, 23 KOs) challenging WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn (18-0-1, 12 KOs), the Australian boxer who defeated Pacquiao in an upset decision to seize the title before 51,000 plus crowd at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Crawford became undisputed junior welterweight champion, would be making his debut at the tough welterweight class.

“We’re going over contracts with four guys that we handle, and everything’s coming along nicely,” Arum told LA Times. Pacquiao has been inactive since the upset loss to Horn.

The former eight division world champion is concentrating on his duties as a senator in the Philippines. With Alvarado, Pacquiao could grab the opportunity to seize his �irst knockout victory since 2009, when he stopped Miguel Cotto in a welterweight title match at a catch-weight of 145-pounds.

Pacquiao is slated to �ight the winner of Crawford vs. Horn title tiff possibly at the end of the year.

Arum said he was expecting to talk with

ALVARADO,P11

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