VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

TOUCHED BY OFWS’ PLIGHT. An infuriated President Rodrigo Duterte, in his speech during the Manila Times 7th Business Forum at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on Friday night, shows photos of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were reportedly abused in Kuwait. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

P20-T BOUNTY

Duterte reward to IPs for every NPA fighter killed P By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte has announced a bounty of P20,000 to members of the Indigenous Peoples communities for every member of the rebel New People’s Army killed.

This is the president’s reaction to the continued harassments of IP leaders in Mindanao by the NPAs, that included the killing of two IP

leaders last week. Duterte bared in a press conference on Friday at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City that he wants these

IP to be trained as Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) for them to be able to �ight against the rebels.

“Go out and hunt those who killed your comrades,” he said. He said the IP will be trained for three months and after �inishing their training they will be given �irearms to use in �ighting the rebels. “I’ll put a reward, those Lumad (IP) who will become Cafgu, one NPA

Kuwait-bound OFWs banned

P

PRRD orders return of workers to RP

resident Rodrigo Duterte has banned the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait due to the increasing number of abuses and deaths, including Filipi-

na worker Joanne Daniela Demafelis whose body was recently discovered inside a freezer of an abandoned apartment in Al-Shaab, Kuwait. In a press conference at the Ma-

tina Enclaves Friday evening, Duterte said he wants Filipino workers in Kuwait who want to return home, to be repatriated in 72 hours and that he

KUWAIT,P10

you will kill I’ll pay you. You want money, I give you money, I’ make P20,00 per head,” he said. Duterte said that there will be no problem for the reward because the government has a lot of money. However, for the meantime, the president advised the IP groups who

harrasments from the NPA to evacuate their ares temporarily and live near military camps for them to be secured. The Eastern Mindanao Command has reported that there were already two IP leaders were killed by the rebels days after the

P20-T,P10

Experiencing Nature at its Best A1

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

CONTENDER. Davao City-based businessman and known President Duterte supporter Dennis A. Uy of Phoenix Petroleum Phils. chats with other guests during a gathering in Davao City. Uy is rumored to be one of the strong contenders to be the so-called “third player” of the country’s telecommunication industry. Lean Daval Jr

Doc bats for educating public on cancer threat T

70 Lake Sebu families advised to leave village Due to multiple ground tension cracks

By ANGIE SAVERON

E

ducating the public about the deadly disease like cancer is the best way to prevent this from being deadly. “As far as the advocacy of most Oncologist is educating the public about cancers that can be prevented (because not all cancers can be prevented) and cancers where in you can have early diagnosis so that you have a chance for cure or long term

survival,” said Dr.Fellycette Martinez-Lapus, Oncologist at Southern Philippines Medical Center during the Connect Science, Health and Wellness press conference at Sm Lanang Premier on February 9, Friday “According to the World

Health Organization, 70 percent OF most cancers are curable and can be prevented, so you are actually dealing with 30 percent if you follow the dictum of early detection. Unfortunately in the Third World countries that does not follow so that is what we are working for,” she added. Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that cannot be controlled by the body. The treatment of the cancer will de-

pend on what kind of cancer it is and what stage. “Cancer is a multi-factorial disease, there are several causes some of it are unknown some of it are caused by an infection like Hepatitis B for Liver cancer, Papillomavirus for cervical cancer but most of them are multi factorial. Genetics also plays a role,” she said. She emphasized prevention

supplier because he does not want to push through with the deal. “We respect the stand of Canada. So, from here on now, I am directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, since most of the guns and bullets, whatever weapons of war because we will really use it against the rebels and the terrorists, do not buy any more from Canada,” he said. Duterte said he knows that Canada is not unaware on the matter but he wonders why they made

such condition that would be the reason of the “downfall” of the country because of the New People’s Army (NPA). “If I cannot use the gunship, the helicopter, this I might surrender to them the government,” he said. Duterte also said there is a clear problem of insurgency and this need to be addressed since these NPA rebels are now becoming hostile since its founder Jose Maria Sison is ordering them to kill one soldier a day. The presi-

DOC,P11

he Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Region 12 has recommended the immediate relocation of some 70 families from an upland village in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato due to the emergence of multiple ground tension cracks. Engr. Efren Carido, MGB12 regional director, said Friday their geological assessment showed that the affected community in Sitio Tuburan of Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu is no longer safe for dwelling and should be vacated by residents.

He said the area’s grounds, including the site of the Sitio Tuburan Elementary School, are no longer stable and might collapse anytime as indicated by the tension cracks. “The residents are really facing a big risk. It’s dangerous for them to remain in the area,” he said. Citing results of a recent assessment conducted by their geologists, Carido said the tension cracks were already seen in signi�icant parts of the community and have reached some of the school

70,P11

Duterte: Cancel $233-M helicopter deal Stop illegal recruitment, By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

P

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to cancel an agreement with Canada on the procurement of combat helicopters. Duterte said in a press conference at Matina Enclaves in Davao City, he wants to cut the deal because of the condition asked by the Canadaian government before giving the $233 million agreement for the helicopters. “Kasi sabi nila, magpabili

lang sila sa atin but only for evacuation and emergency. Hindi nating pwede gamitin yun para sa ating anti-insurgency, kasi if used it against the Filipino rebels so hindi nila ibibigay (They say, they will sell the helicopter if we just use it for evacuation and emergency. We cannot use it for our anti-insurgency because if we will use it against the Filipino rebels, they will not give those to us),” Duterte said. The President said that he will ask AFP to look for another

DUTERTE,P10

Duterte orders PNP, BI

P

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and other law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, to go the extra mile to stop illegal recruitment or sending undocumented Filipinos to work abroad. “I’d like to see to it that, either back or front door, I would like to task the Philippine Na-

tional Police, nandito ‘yung ating regional commander (our regional commander is here) (BI Commissioner Jaime) Morente, he has to walk the extra mile... the NBI, Coast Guard and lalo na ‘yung component sa mga pantalan, but usually sa eroplano ‘yan (especially the components in the ports, but usually at airports),” Duterte said during a press conference at the Matina En-

STOP,P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

DCPO to secure Chinese New Year By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Davao City Police Office will implement tight security measures and security plans for the upcoming celebration of the Chinese New Year on Feb. 15 in Rizal Park, Davao City.

EARLY BIRD. A florist arranges flowers at Bankerohan Public Market’s flower stalls less than a week before Valentine’s Day. The sale red roses and other flowers, will be brisked in the city’s wholesale market, which are one of the most popular presents on Valentine’s Day. Lean Daval Jr

Sr. Insp. Maria Teresita Gaspan, DCPO spokesperson, said during the iSpeak media forum on Thursday at City Hall that the security plan includes the target hardening measures to strengthen the security in Chinese New Year. “We will still adopt the same security measures last year with a few changes, putting more focus on the enforcement in accordance with the Martial Law guidelines, “she said. She said that they will put a police desk assistance

to ensure and monitor the security of the people during exhibitions such as dance competition, dragon dance and others. Gaspan reminded the public that bringing of �irearms, bladed and backpacks are strictly prohibited in areas were major activities will be held. The DCPO already asked for augmentation from the Regional Public Safety Battalion to secure the festivity. Gaspan also pointed out that they haven’t received any

DCPO,P10

Army’s active ops seen to weaken NPAs

T

he massive combat and psychological operations of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) have weakened the communist New People’s Army in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat province. Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the 33rd IB, said the surrender in batches over the past two months of more than 100 NPA members operating at the Daguma mountain range in the adjoining towns of Bagumbayan and Sen. Ninoy Aquino, is an indication that the rebels are losing mass base support. On Friday, the military of�icial reported that soldiers have found an abandoned NPA encampment of Platoon Bravo under a certain Commander Yoyo, and Platoon Myphone under a certain Commander MacMac on Km. 13 in Barangay Sto. Nino, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat. The encampment could accommodate as much as 50 people, Cabunoc said. Early on, another encampment was found in Sitio Tandang in Barangay Monteverde, also in Bagumbayan, which could accommodate at least 30 rebels. Late last year, Cabunoc said his unit had captured an active NPA terrorist training camp with an obstacle course in Barangay Laguilayan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. In that particular operation, two NPA members were arrested and one ri�le, one improvised bomb, and a hand grenade were recovered from them. Cabunoc said the combat operation and the sur-

ARMY’S,P10

4NEWS

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

China Town to build Wishing Tree Park T By ANGIE SAVERON

CAUGHT WITH MARIJUANA. A 22-year-old hotel and restaurant management student (seated, wearing a bull cup) was intercepted by Task Force Davao in the checkpoint in Sirawan, Davao City, carrying

bundles of marijuana leaves looks at Cpl.Usop Rothem. Cheking the illegal cargo. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

he proposal of the China Town Development Council to develop an open space in the vicinity of China town was approved on Wednesday by the Davao City Parks Board. This park will feature the wishing tree requested by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. The project has an estimated budget of 1.5 million pesos to include the beauti�ication of the park with the putting up of benches and fences. The project’s construction will start on March and the unveiling will be in August in time for Kadayawan Festival. “This is one of our efforts to rejuvenate our China Town, we will look into all the open spaces in China town and develop it into mini parks for our residents and tourists to enjoy the area,” said said Steve Arquiza, member of China Town Development

Council during the Ispeak media forum at Davao City Hall on Thursday. This park will be located in the junction of Leon Garcia St and Ramon Magsaysay Street. The park is 168 square meters big and will be developed by the private sectors from China Town. “The city architect approved the open space outside the Magsaysay Park. The island near the friendship arch entry gate going inside Uyanguren Street is the seen available space that will situate our wishing tree,” he said The wishing tree will not be an actual tree but an arti�icial tree with golden leaves and it will be two feet tall. “We will use an arti�icial tree for this project because if we use a real tree it might be tampered due to the number of visitors,” he said.

CHINA,P11

fair of DTAA Student with marijuana Travel features 50 players caught in checkpoint T By JUDIE VEGA

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

22-year-old student was caught carrying bundles of marijuana in a checkpoint conducted by Task Force Davao in Davao City on Saturday afternoon. The suspect was identi�ied as one Harreir Virtudazo, 3rd year Hotel and Restaurant Management student from Cotabato City. The school of Virtudazo

was not named. Task Force Davao commander Col. Nolasco Mempin said the suspect went down of a public utility van from Cota-

‘Marcoses are solid for Sara’- Imee

bato City and submitted himself frisking in the TFD checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril around 1:00 pm of February 10. He said while his men opened the the backpack of Virtudazo, a sachet of marjuana was seen. The discovery prompted the authorities to search the susoect some more. “Actually, we did not see all the bundles until he was brought

in the detachment. The other bundles were found inside his jacket and inside his backpack and there’s a smaller bag where the small sticks were placed,” he said. Recovered from the possession of the suspect were four sachets and four sticks which which have an estimated value

STUDENT,P11

he Davao Travel Agencies Association will hold its annual, travel fair dubbed as ‘ Lets Travel the World’ on February 16 to 18, 2018 at Abreeza Ayala Malls activity area featuring 50 exhibitors, including new players. Alexander Divinagracia, president of DTAA said that main objective of the event was to inform and make aware to the general public of the options they have for travel for the whole year. The travel sale, which was centered on the theme: “The early

booking gets the best deals!” will run until Sunday, February 18. “Affordable airline fares, tour packages and land arrangements will be at stake in this year’s Davao Mega Travel Sale,” Divinagracia said. On its ninth year, the threeday event spearheaded by DTAA will be more special as it partnered with Pioneer Safe Trip for travel insurance needs of the passengers where SilkAir Singapore Airlines can fly direct Davao to Singapore.

TRAVEL,P11

By CHA MONFORTE CORRESPONDENT

I

locos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos did not hide her profuse like to the Dutertes saying “solid Sara kami” in an interview with reporters at the sideline of an economic forum sponsored by the Manila Times at Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City Friday. The lady governor said the Marcoses are “solid Sara” supporters. She said Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is her “kumare” while the “Dutertes and Marcoses have been friends since a long time ago.” The governor added that the President’s father was the “last man standing” in President Marcos’ Cabinet. The lady mayor was earlier reported to be planning to run for Congress, a report that she later debunked. She was anticipated to be running for speakership if she

runs and wins as congresswoman in 2019 polls. Meanwhile, on the issue on the shift to federalism, Gov. Marcos said there is need for a thorough debate and discussion on it as well as on the issue of the fate of poorest regions on the country such as Cordillera and Muslim regions. “We have to hammer out details of the nitty-gritty of the operational issues of federalism,” she said. Marcos also expressed her frustration on what she said was a delayed resolution of her brother Bongbong’s electoral protest to the winning of Vice President Leni Robredo. “It’s high time to put closure on this. We did not invent evidences or fake news. Cheating really occurred in the last election. There is so much delay. Kailangan nang tapusin ito,” Gov. Marcos challenged.

WEEDING OUT. Personnel from the city government of Davao’s Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) confiscate belongings owned by vendors which are illegally placed at the sidewalks of Agdao Public Market on Saturday. Illegally installed stalls and illegally placed things in the

city’s public markets will be confiscated as ordered by the city government of Davao to decongest the sidewalks from obstruction. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO

5 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

Mati picked next tourist destination

M

ore than two million netizens, who responded to a crowdsourcing campaign initiated by the country’s leading airline, chose the capital City of Mati in Davao Oriental as one of the top preferred destinations they want Cebu Paci�ic Air (CEB) to �ly next. Through this campaign, netizens, for the �irst time in the Philippines, were asked which destinations in the country they would want the airline to serve. Two emerging tourist destinations in Mindanao were popularly chosen by netizens -- Mati and Bislig, a third- class city in Surigao del Sur. Completing the Top 10 picks are Daet in Camarines Norte, Bantayan Island in Cebu, San Vicente in Palawan, Siquijor, Lal-Lo in Cagay-

an, Marinduque, Maasin in Southern Leyte, and Basco in Batanes. This breakthrough campaign, dubbed as #CEBFlyMeTo, aimed to bring communities together to voice out their thoughts and push for their hometowns to become one of CEB’s destinations. Since the campaign was launched in late 2017, more than two million netizens watched, shared, reacted, and commented with their votes. The budget airline appeared to have utilized crowdsourcing through the social media to actively engage frequent travelers, both foreign and local tourists, in the airline’s planning process, which it intends to implement starting this year and the years to come. What the airline man-

MATI,P12

Vista Land eyes 60 malls by 2020

V

ista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. is ramping up its expansion with a target to triple its shopping mall portfolio in the next three years, as it rides on the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals. The property developer targets to have 60 malls by end of 2020 from the current 22 malls in its portfolio. “We remain optimistic for the industry, given the strong demand for our commercial spaces and housing products, propelled by the stable growth in the disposable income, OF (overseas Filipinos) remittances and sound Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals,” said Vista Land Chairman Manuel B. Villar, Jr. in a

statement. Villar remains bullish on expansion plans of its leasing business through subsidiary Starmalls, Inc. to add 38 more malls in the next three years. Vista Land President and Chief Executive Of�icer Manuel Paolo Villar said they were looking at a double-digit 10 to 15 percent consolidated net income growth this year. “Our company is poised to have another banner year for 2018, as our additional leasable spaces are now contributing signi�icantly to our current �inancial results in addition to the sustained double-digit growth in our residential business,” he said.

D

RP total trade rises by 9.9%

Exceeding estimates for imports and exports

O

utpacing government estimates, the country’s total trade grew by 9.9 percent in 2017 from 5.8 percent in 2016, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported on Friday. Imports

and

exports

Authority reported the coun-

VISTA,P12 posted 10.2-percent and try’s total trade grew by 8.6

DTI not favoring Hyundai--Lopez epartment of Trade and Industry DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez on Thursday said the board resolution on Hyundai Asia Resources Incorporated’s (HARI) alleged failure to comply with an industry development program under Executive Order 156 was not in favor to the motoring �irm. Lopez, who is on a trade mission to Hungary, made the statement following the criminal complaint �iled by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) against the DTI chief Thursday. (STORY: VACC �iles plunder raps vs. trade chief, Hyundai execs) “We, in BOI (Board of In-

GETTING IT FIRST-HAND. President Rodrigo Duterte chats with The Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dante Ang during the Manila Times 7th Business Forum at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on Friday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

vestments), were the ones who investigated and suspended their [HARI’s] MVDP (Motor Vehicle Development Program) license and asked for the collection of what’s due to the government,” Lopez said in a text message to reporters. The BOI, an attached agency of DTI, came up with a board resolution dated Nov. 22, 2017 in a meeting attended by high-level of�icials of DTI and the Department of Finance (DOF) on HARI’s motion for reconsideration. HARI, the importer and distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines, has agreed to comply with the directives of

DTI,P12

9.5-percent growth rates, respectively, exceeding the Development Budget Coordinating Committee’s growth estimates as of December 2017 of 9 percent for imports and 8 percent for exports. The Philippine Statistics

percent in December 2017 to USD13.46 billion from USD12.40 billion registered in the same month in 2016. Total imports posted hefty year-on-year growth of 17.6 percent to USD8.74 billion last December, as all

commodity groups posted increases, outpacing exports, which dropped 4.9 percent to USD 4.72 billion. NEDA said exports registered a decline only in December 2017, its �irst since November 2016. This brought the country’s trade gap to USD4.02 billion in December 2017 from USD2.47 billion de�icit in the same month the previous year. To arrest the decline in exports, the NEDA underscored the need for the government to continue imple-

menting strategies that would heighten demand for Philippine-made products. “We need to effectively respond to market trends and consumer preferences worldwide to drive more demand for Philippine-made products,” NEDA Director-General and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said in a statement. Pernia said this can be done by gathering timely and relevant information on emerging demands in potential markets through the help

coming from China and Malaysia,” Millar said during a TFBM press brie�ing in Malacanang. Millar said TFBM has yet to receive proposals but at least six proponents have already sent informal communication that they will submit unsolicited proposals before February 12.

“Based on the informal communication that we received, we expect about 5 or 6 proponents who will be submitting unsolicited proposals on Monday. That’s gonna be on February 12. That’s the deadline that we have told them,” Millar said.

RP,P12

Chinese, Malaysian firms pledge to rebuild Marawi

F

oreign �irms from China and Malaysia have expressed interest to rebuild war-torn Marawi City, a Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) of�icial said Friday. TFBM Undersecretary and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)

Secretary General Falconi Ace Millar said aside from local companies, foreign �irms have expressed intention to rehabilitate Marawi. “Foreign companies have signi�ied their intention to participate in the master development plan of Marawi. Again, based on the informal communications,

CHINESE,P12

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

Davao bizmen laud Kauai sisterhood ties T he business sector in Davao City welcomed the sisterhood agreement signed between Davao and the County of Kaua’i, Hawaii, which they described as a strong indicator that the city is safe, secure and attractive place for investments. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. president Arturo Milan hinted at opportunities available with the signing of the agreement. Milan said the businessmen who joined Mayor Bernard Carvalho had exploratory talks with local businessmen mostly in agriculture, energy, and tourism. “I have high hopes that there will be more foreign businessmen coming to Davao City to explore business opportunities in the coming days,” he said.

CHEAP FOOD. A young boy buys hotcake, which is sold for P5 each, from a street food vendor that sells a variety of snack items along Bolton Street in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

BIR ordered to study proper collection ways F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has directed the Bureau of Internal Revenue to zero-in on ways of properly collecting taxes from the succeeding tax reform packages that the Duterte administration will push in the Congress this year to further make the current system simpler, fairer and more efficient. These next reform packages include reducing corporate income taxes complemented by the modernization of the �iscal incentives granted to businesses, which the BIR should study thoroughly on top of ef�icient-

ly collecting the incremental revenues from the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, Dominguez said. He said the administrative adjustments that have to be made to ensure ef�icient collec-

tions from the TRAIN and the other tax reform packages rest in large part on the BIR’s Large Taxpayers Service, whose members are considered the “shock troops” of the entire bureau’s revenue efforts. “This year, we expect to get the succeeding packages of the tax reform program through the legislative process. Included in these packages are the reductions in the corporate income tax rate which we expect to balance with the modernization of the many incentives given out to investors. This early, I hope the BIR will begin studying the

ways and means to properly collect the taxes due under this new law,” said Dominguez at the launching of the BIR’s Tax Campaign Kickoff at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Dominguez also thanked the “hardworking people of the Bureau of Internal Revenue” for this agency’s successful campaign last year against cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corporation, which enabled it to hit over 97 percent of its revenue target in 2017 after it was able to collect a record amount of P30 bil-

Philippine delegation to the high-level meeting, which will also include key members of the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure team. The Japanese side will be led by Dr. Hiroto Izumi, who is Special Adviser to Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. After attending the 31st ASEAN Summit and its Related Meetings in Manila hosted by President Duterte in November last year, Prime Minister Abe stayed behind for an of�icial visit to personally witness the signing of several agreements with the Philippines, most notable of which was the Exchange of Notes for the JPY104.5 billion loan (about $929.1 million)

to fund the �irst tranche of loan requirements for the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project (Phase 1) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Dominguez, on behalf of the Philippine government, signed a 15.93 billion yen (approx. $142 million) loan agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative to the Philippines Susumu Ito for a project that aims to control and mitigate �looding in several areas in Cavite that host economic zones and residential communities. The Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project, which will be implemented by the Department of Public Works

and Highways (DPWH), stands to bene�it some 8,000 households as well as manufacturing plants in the cities of General Trias and Imus and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite. Manila and Tokyo also signed during Prime Minister Abe’s November visit the JPY9.399 billion loan (about $89 million) for the Arterial Road Bypass Project (Phase III) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Plaridel, Bulacan; and the JPY2.5 billion (about $22.2 million) grant for the Non-Project Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme, which

BIR,P12

PHL, Japanese officials in Cebu for high-level infra talk

P

hilippine and Japanese of�icials are set to meet in the island of Mactan in Cebu on Monday, Feb. 12, to discuss the progress in the Duterte administration’s �lagship infrastructure projects that Japan has committed to help �inance through soft loans. The meeting of the Philippines-Japan High-Level Committee on Infrastructure and Economic Cooperation is set at the Shangrila Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City and will be the fourth such dialogue to be held between the of�icials of the two countries since the �irst was held in Tokyo in March last year. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III will chair the

PHL,P12

On Monday, February 5, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio of Davao City and Mayor Carvalho, Jr. of Kaua’i County to pave the way for a trade exchange among the two cities for a �ive-year term period. Both cities intend to create and fortify an open communicative atmosphere to induce a heightened exchange of ideas, particularly on exchange of tourism practices and cultural preservation techniques and on other methods to attract and maintain tourist interest including the promotion and preservation of their own respective cultures. They will also tackle exchanges on agricultural enhancement systems and pro-

DAVAO,P12

Carlos Ramon, new head of AboitizPower’s Hedcor

H

ector, the run-ofriver hydropower operation arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation operating in the provinces of Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Davao del Sur, and soon in Bukidnon, is headed by a new president and chief operating of�icer (COO). He is Carlos Ramon Aboitiz, son of the late Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz. As president and COO, Carlos will be responsible for managing Hedcor and providing overall guidance to the group in its pursuit to achieve strategic objectives of maximizing generation and ef�iciency, a statement from Hedcor said. Before joining Hedcor in 2017, Carlos handled several roles in Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. and Aboitiz Power Corporation. He led the development of the �irst solar energy venture of AboitizPower in San Carlos City,

Negros Occidental, the 59-megawatts SaCaSun project which was inaugurated in 2016. For the past 40 years, Hedcor has been committed to operating according to the principle of the triple sustainability bottom line: the balance of People, Planet, and Pro�it. Hedcor remains committed to its mandate to operate ef�icient hydropower systems in a socially responsible manner by protecting the environment and improving the well-being of our stakeholders, the statement added. Today, Hedcor operates 22 run-of-river hydropower plants with a total capacity of 185 megawatts. In 2018, Hedcor will inaugurate the 68.8-megawatts Manolo Fortich Hydros 1&2 in Bukidnon. Within the next two years, Hedcor will inaugurate the 19-megawatts La Trinidad Hydro Project in Benguet.

7 SUBURBIA RISING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

Regulation of tattoo business pushed in CDO

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY –The city government is poised to regulate tattoo shops due to mounting health concerns. This was bared by Councilor Ma. Lourdes Gaane, who sounded alarm bells on health hazards posed by unsanitary tattoo procedures in the city. Gaane, health committee chair, said they recently conducted a random inspection on tattoo shops in the downtown area and found that the businesses did not observe safe and proper disposal of used needles. Gaane, a physician by profession, noted that the sharing of needles is one of the modes of transmission of HIV (Human Immunode�iciency Virus). Also, Gaane said that she and her colleagues in

LAKE LEONARD. In the highland barangay of New Leyte in Maco, visitors can be mesmerized by a small freshwater lake in Mount Leonard. Actually, the lake is a caldera of Mount Leonard Kniasseff, one of the 22 active volcanoes in the country whose last eruption was reported in the second century A.D. The 200-hectare lake was

used before as a dumping ground for mining wastes until the mining company ceased operation in the early 90’s. In the past, it was teemed with crocodiles (which was why it was then called Crocodile Lake); today, the lake is the habitat of tilapia and other aquatic species. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

Anti-drug ops net P75K worth of drugs in Zambo Z

cy (PDEA) at around 6:15 p.m. Friday in a drug den on Cariño Compound, Barangay Camino Nuevo, this city. Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO-9) information of�icer,

identi�ied those arrested in Cabaluay as Jeffrey Lledo, 45; and, Helbert Apolinario, 19. Seized from them were PHP15,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in two plastic sachets, marked money and illegal drugs paraphernalia. Lyndon Aspacio, PDEA regional director, identi�ied those arrested in Camino Nuevo as the following: William Carpio; Maria Helen Carpio; Leonardo Marondo; Loreigne Jalaidi; Vic Jones Engkig; Alain Romero; Cyrus Ba-

guinat; and, Jonathan Serrano. Aspacio said that the two Capios and Marondo were listed as HVT drug personalities based in this city. Con�iscated from them were 12 grams of suspected shabu packed in seven heatsealed plastic sachets worth PHP60,000; P300 marked money consisting of three P100 bills; PHP398 cash in different denominations. Appropriate charges are set to be �iled against the arrested drug personalities. (PNA)

suspects Al Sambaga and Rakib Morib were gunned down by joint operatives after supposedly resisting arrest during an operation in Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan. Sambaga is a second-term councilor of Barangay Sapu Masla and brother of Malapatan municipal councilor Elizabeth. Armed with 18 search warrants, he said operatives led by

PRO-12’s Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit stormed five houses in Barangays Sapu Masla and Lun Padidu at around 2:30 a.m. The operation was backed by elements from the Regional Mobile Force Company-12, Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company, Malapatan municipal police station, Regional Health Service-12, Regional Crime Laboratory-12 and

in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency(PDEA)-12. The warrants were for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, RA 10591 or illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and RA 9516 for possession of explosives.

AMBOANGA CITY -- Ten people, including three high-value target (HVT) drug personalities, were arrested and PHP75,000 worth of illegal drugs were seized in two separate buy-bust operations in this city, officials said Saturday. Two of the 10 were arrested by policemen at around 2:20 p.m. Friday in Barangay Cabaluay, this city. The six others were arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agen-

Village councilor, drug suspect killed in Sarangani shootout

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Two suspected “drug personalities,” one of them an incumbent barangay councilor, were killed in an alleged shootout with anti-drug operatives in a coastal village in Malapatan town, Sarangani Province early on Friday. Chief Insp. Aldrin Gonzales, public information officer of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12, said

VILLAGE,P13

the committee, Councilors George Goking and Suzette Daba, found out that the used needles were merely thrown in bins along with other household trash. “These are hazardous and cannot be kept in standard trash bins. Since they do not have the tools to destroy the needles, they just collect and keep them in empty mineral bottles,” she said. She added: “This is also true for the used globes, paper towels, ink caps and leftover ointments. These are all considered infectious waste that must be separated from other garbage.” Gaane said a measure to regulate the tattoo business in the city is now being discussed at the committee level. (Mark D. Francisco/ PNA)

Sulu town officials, folks continue to yield arms

Z

AMBOANGA CITY Military of�icials in the province of Sulu are optimistic that the other elected of�icials and residents will follow the footstep of a town mayor who voluntarily surrendered their unlicensed guns to the government authorities. This was the statement of Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, after Mayor Anton Burahan of the island town of Pata and his barangay heads surrendered assorted high-powered �irearms to his command. Pata, which comprises of 14 barangays, is a �ifth class town in the province of Sulu with a population of 22,163 base on the 2015 census. The island is a four-hour ride by motorboat from and to the Sulu mainland. “I am optimistic that they

(other elected of�icials) will also surrender their high-powered �irearms or any �irearms for that matter so that this place will become a gun-free province,” Sobejana told the Philippine News Agency in an interview. “I am pleased by the action of Mayor Anton Burahan and other of�icials and residents of Pata, Sulu of voluntarily surrendering their loose �irearms. The commendable action of a local chief executive and responsible citizens of Pata may serve as example for other government of�icials and residents here in the province of Sulu and the whole of Mindanao so that the road to peace is realized,”Sobejana said. Col. Armel Tolato, Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu commander, said among the high-powered �irearms Burahan

SULU,P12

Navy holds basic military training to SCAA members

Z

AMBOANGA CITY – The Naval Forces Western Mindanao through the 1st Western Mindanao SCAA Squadron (1st WMSS) convened a Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary (SCAA) Basic Military Training (BMT) CY-2018 for newly-recruited SCAA members on Wednesday in this city. The opening ceremony was attended by Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NAVFORWEM) commander, as the guest speaker with the Deputy Commander for Marine Operations, Col. Hernanie Songano and Commander of 1st Western Mindanao

SCAA Squadron, Lt. Col. Noel R Precioso. Composed of 196 individuals from different �ishing companies of SOPHIL, BMT Class 2018 will undergo 10 days training to learn the basic military doctrine and policies. It is to equip them with knowledge and skills essential in the performance of their role as the Navy’s partner in maintaining peace and stability in waters surrounding Western Mindanao. Prior to the said training of new members of SCAA, NAVFORWEM conducted refresher training for other SCAA members last Janu-

NAVY,P13

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

R

Raid the warehouses

ICE, the country’s chief staple food, is again in the news these days. The slant of the current media coverage is on an impending rice shortage supposedly because the stock of the National Food Authority (NFA) has allegedly dwindled to a dangerous level. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol in a statement headlined by a national daily last Saturday charged that the rice shortage story “is just fake news.” Pinol attributed the “fake news” to “greedy rice cartels” which are “operating again” to create an arti�icial rice shortage to justify increases in prices of rice in the country. The Agriculture secretary’s strong accusation came on the heels of other rice-inspired stories such as President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s signing of Republic Act 10969, or the Free Irrigation Service Act, exempting all farmers with landholdings of eight hectares and below from paying irrigation service fee, and the President’s reported directive to the NFA Council giving it the go-signal to import 250,000 metric tons of rice. Mr. Pinol has proposed that a government task force be formed

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village. Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

to inspect warehouses of grains traders to ascertain they are not hoarding rice to create an arti�icial rice shortage to justify raising of prices of the commodity in the market. This strong-willed government should follow the suggestion of the Agriculture secretary. Filipinos are not strangers to hoarding as an criminal practice of grains traders. Everybody and his uncle in this country also knows that hoarding is the twin of rice smuggling, another evil most hated by President Duterte. Let this be an opportunity to stop these evils in our society which even the unlamented Marcos dictatorship had a hard time combatting. At the time, if we remember right, Marcos, through his infamous presidential decrees, made hoarding and similar anti-people business practices crimes tantamount to economic sabotage punishable by death. If government really wants to know the truth, it can create the multi-agency task force now and conduct surprise raids of warehouses of suspected hoarders. Truth to tell, economic saboteurs are just as bad as druglords. 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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Is Davao City heading towards “congestion trap?”

E

ven before Davao has virtually become the second important metropolis in the country today, next to Metro Manila, the city was already reeling with moderate to heavy road congestion especially on primary arterial roads (national highways) during peak hours. Today, congestion in the city has turned from heavy to worse; not only on urban highways but almost every city roads, including callehon. The sea of cars parked on city roadsides has become a daily spectacle! The mere sight of these awful phenomena makes one silently sigh with hopelessness. The city government is having a good time lavishing the increasing investments that continue to pour into the city. Indeed, it is a new found economic freedom for the city and for city residents who seek employment and those from other provinces. This means more migrants to the city, thus increased urban population. Investments continue to come as evidenced by new and swanky tall buildings, condominiums, sprawling upscale residential structures, shopping malls, expansion of existing commercial buildings, numerous utility shops, etc. Most private investments are located and constructed along major urban transport roadways. Other striking trend is some popular universities in Metro Manila are opening their branches in the city locating them

T

hese days, people talk about suicide and depression as if both are just common things. In a way, they are. Newspapers and television reports are replete with stories on suicide. Some youngsters regularly post in their social media that they are depressed. Depression, especially associated with psychosis or anxiety, is one of the high-risk factors for suicide, according to “The Merck Manual of Medical Information.” “Depression is involved in over 50% of attempted suicides,” it explains. “Marital problems, unhappy or ended love affairs, disputes with parents (among adolescents), or the recent loss of a loved one (particularly among older people) may precipitate the depression. Often, one factor, such as a disruption of an important relationship, is the last straw.” Other high-risk factors for suicide include painful or disabling illness, living alone, debt or poverty, bereavement, humiliation or disgrace, history of drug or alcohol abuse, and persistence of sadness even when other symptoms of depression are getting better. Still other high-risk factors: history of prior suicide attempts, family history of sui-

along major roads where, incidentally, are proximate to malls and are prone to congestion. I am quite apprehensive as to the flow of traffic once they operate in the coming mid-year school opening. All the factors mentioned above comprise a phenomenon which is I call “sweet agony.” On the one hand, rapid economic growth is really happening not experienced before in any city in Mindanao. These new investments would serve as the wellspring of hope for those who seek employment and find one, increase consumer choices, increasing urban population (in effect more people are transformed as pedestrians), creation of downstream industries, increase car use, among others; thus, increased local government revenues. On the other hand, there hangs a seeming unworthy occurrence in the horizon where the city would be direly en route to what I theoretically call an ‘urban congestion trap’ – and that is what I call the ‘agony’ part. An ‘urban congestion trap’ is a static and regressive urban situation, where basic traffic management systems become dysfunctional. This is due to lack of appropriate and timely government intervention – and on extreme case, the result of other key failure factors in urban governance. This regressive condition can be traced to inefficient urban land use plan coupled with weak supervision on its implemen-

URBAN STREETGAZER Dario G. Pampanga, PhD

tation, unmanaged urban sprawl, the lack (or absence) of resolute traffic law enforcement, unfamiliarity on the use of technology-driven traffic control system, and the more serious contributor is the conduct of comprehensive development plans (sans TOD element) which are (usually) done through table planning approach (in the Philippines, planning agencies in some local government units do it through copy–paste approach just for compliance purposes). Thus, the confluence of these various factors mentioned could possibly lead to “congestion trap” and could potentially be the start of urban decay. It is over simplistic and pitifully a hogwash excuse to say that congestion is

Suicide is real

cide, family violence (including physical or sexual abuse), suicidal preoccupation and talk, and well-defined plans for suicide. Suicide causes almost half of all violent deaths and results in almost one million fatalities every year, according to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). Estimates suggest fatalities could rise to 1.5 million by 2020 – that’s two years from now! “For every suicide death, there are scores of family and friends whose lives are devastated emotionally, socially and economically,” the United Nations health agency said in a statement. “Suicide is a tragic global public health problem,” it added. “Worldwide, more people die from suicide than from all homicides and wars combined.” There are estimated to be 10-20 times the number of deaths in failed suicide attempts, resulting in injury, hospitalization, emotional and mental trauma, according to the WHO. Suicidal behavior occurs in people of all ages and of both sexes, although more men than women commit suicide. Rates tend to increase with age. However, in recent years, “there has been an alarming

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

increase in suicidal behaviors amongst young people aged 15 to 25 years,” the WHO claimed. According to the Merck manual, suicide notes are left by about one of four people who complete suicide. “The notes often refer to personal relationships and events that will follow the person’s death,” it explains. “Notes left by older people often express concern for those left behind, where-

caused by the increasing number of moving cars on the road. In particular, the daily recurrence of road congestion in Davao city is caused by the following: absence of efficient high occupancy mass transport service, so much roadside and on-street parking, double parking, traffic signals are out of sync (maybe on purpose or occasionally), barangay and city traffic enforcers override traffic signals, construction of center islands not in coherence with traffic principles (just the heck of constructing it), inadequate green time (ill-timed traffic signals), over-development on congestion-prone areas, too many pedestrians on roadways due to token space allotted to them, constant stop-and-go of PUJs and other PUVs lane hugging (especially trucks), and indiscriminate U-turns, to mention a few. Non-recurring events that cause congestion are merchandise displayed on sidewalks and roadsides, car wash/car repair shops do their work on roadside, road/lane closure due to utility works, road works, road narrowing down, and road accidents. Engineering solution such road widening (increasing road capacity), opening new motorways, building bridges, flyovers, and road by-passes, are not necessarily the be-all solution to alleviate congestion. EDSA in Metro Manila is the best example where engineering solution was imple-

mented yet failed to reduce congestion; instead worsen as more cars only replace the road space left by other cars preferring to use other roadways in the same stretch. As mentioned in my previous column, ‘when you build, they will come’. A comprehensive blend of survey, plan, implement characterized by serious transport-oriented development planning, appropriate and implementable transport and traffic policies, resolute in traffic law enforcement, and funds availability for appropriate traffic management infrastructure, are necessary ingredients in ensuring a relatively excellent urban management. The creeping ‘congestion trap’ is already at the doorstep of Davao. City government authorities, elected officials, and planners should not telegraph their intervention to alleviating road congestion; it is a scourge that would wreck havoc to economic growth as well as in making Davao a livable and sustainable city. At any rate, the introduction of modern urban public transport service (high priority bus service hopefully by 2022) by Mayor Sarah Duterte-Carpio, is indeed an initial mean step to avoid the dreadful ‘congestion trap’ situation.

as those of younger people may express anger or vindictiveness,” the manual states. “The content of the note may indicate that the person may had a mental health disorder that led to the suicidal act.” More often than not, the choice of method of suicide is influenced by cultural factors and availability and may or may not reflect the seriousness of intent. “Some methods (for example, jumping from a tall building) make survival virtually impossible, whereas other methods (for example, overdosing on drugs) make rescue possible,” the Merck manual notes. “However, even if a person uses a method that proves not to be fatal, the intent may have been just as serious as that of a person whose method was fatal,” the manual reminds. Although some attempted or completed suicides come as a shock even to familyandfriends,clearwarningsaregiven in most cases. Any suicide threat or suicide attempt is a plea for help and must be taken seriously, the manual urges. If the threat or attempt is ignored, a life may be lost. “It’s important to realize that suicide is preventable,” the WHO says. “And that having access to the means of suicide is both

an important risk factor and determinant of suicide.” The WHO talked about some protective factors which include high self-esteem and social “connectedness,” especially with family and friends, having social support, being in a stable relationship, and religious or spiritual commitment. “Early identification and appropriate treatment of mental disorders is an important preventive strategy,” the WHO says. There is also evidence that educating primary health care personnel in the identification and treatment of people with mood disorders may result in a reduction of suicides amongst those at risk. Media – print, television, radio and social – have a significant role to play, too. “Evidence also suggests that media reporting can encourage imitation suicides and we would urge that the media show sensitivity in its reporting on these tragic and frequently avoidable deaths,” the WHO pleads. “The media can also play a major role in reducing stigma and discrimination associated with suicidal behaviors and mental disorders,” the UN agency concludes.

10NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018 picious people or things in their areas. More than 5,000 security forces will be deployed which come from Davao City Police Of�ice, Task Force Davao,Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy,

Tactical Operations Group and the Civil Security Unit (CSU). Around 8,000 school-based athletes around the region will converge in the city for the annual sporting event which is their road to Palarong Pambansa.

Korver played in Atlanta from 2012-17. ‘’I think it’s always fun for him to come back and play,’’ James said. ‘’He spent a lot of seasons here. ... I know it was a good feeling for him to do what he did tonight.’’ Jeff Green, also coming off the bench, had 24 points. Newcomers George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Rodney Hood joined the Cavs,

but remained in the locker room during the game. They are expected to make their debuts with Cleveland on Sunday in Boston. The team sent medical staff to Atlanta to complete physicals with the four players as quickly as possible. Dennis Schroder led Atlanta with 25 points. Taurean Prince had 15 points.

Hontiveros also sent another memorandum on Feb. 9 regarding the holding of the POC Extraordinary General Assembly meeting in the same venue on Feb. 19. The assembly is poised to tackle the status of the appealed case on the eligibility of candidates for election as president, the case of the Feb. 9 letter of Pere Miro, deputy director general, National Olympic Committee (NOC) director of the IOC, to the POC president, and discussions on certain issues to be settled before the Feb. 23 election. “It is very unfortunate to note that disputes related to internal matters, including elections, which should have been resolved by and within your NOC, were submitted to ordinary courts,” Miro stated in his letter. “As you know, it is our principled position within the Olympic Movement that any sports-related or institutional disputes arising within an NOC, or between an NOC and its members, should be resolved by the competent governing bodies of the NOC, including the NOC General Assembly as the supreme decision-making body of the NOC, in accordance

with the NOC Constitution and the applicable provisions of the Olympic Charter,” he added. “While this should not be interpreted as interference with the judicial processes in your country, it must be recalled that the NOCs are autonomous sports organizations, in accordance with Rule 27.6 of the Olympic Charter, and the NOC General Assembly has the �inal authority with the NOC to adopt (and, consequently, interpret) the NOC Constitution and to freely elect the of�icers and members of the NOC Executive Board in accordance with the NOC Constitution (and in line with paragraph 15 of the By-Law to Rules 27 and 28 of the Olympic Charter),” Miro said. The Pasig Regional Trial Court has nulli�ied the November 2016 elections of the POC for president and chairman. The court, which ordered the conduct of elections on Feb. 23, said boxing president Ricky Vargas, who ran for president, and cycling president Bambol Tolentino, who ran for chairman, were denied of due process when they were disquali�ied by the POC election committee. (PNA)

threats so far but that doesn’t mean they should be complacent, especially considering that Davao City has always been a prime target of terrorists “Dabawenyoshould always be alert and promptly reported

to the police if there is a serious crime and suspicious activity during the celebration,” she said. Gaspan said DCPO would also be deploying more police personnel and security forces on February 15.

render of more than 100 have also affected the rebels’ recruitment in remote communities. “Regular patrols of soldiers and Police Special Action Force have hindered the movement of the terrorist groups,” Cabunoc said. “It also hampered the flow of their food supplies,” he said, adding there is no food blockade being imposed on Daguma. ”They (NPA) find a hard time in sustaining their armed group nowadays. It is a big challenge for them to re-supply their armed

group for we already captured one of their errand boys who buys food for them,” Cabunoc said. He clarified that winning the war against the NPA is not only through gun battle but “through good governance, supported by the local government unit”. “For the last six months, there had been no rebel attack in our area of responsibility while more rebels are signifying (their) intention to surrender,” Cabunoc said. (PNA)

dent said he might also order the same to his soldiers and even to the police because that what’s the

rebel wants. “That’s reason I am buying the helicopters because I want to �inish them off,” he said.

SHORT-HANDED... FROM 16

POC... FROM 16

FOLLOWING A SCRIPT. A videographer prepares to shoot a video clip of a couple who tied the knot a few days before Valentine’s Day in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

P20-T... FROM 1

IP Summmit called by President Duterte on February 1. The �irst was the death of Datu Banadjao Mampaundag and his son Jhonard inside his home at Sitio Igang, Barangay Palma Gil in the town of Talaingod, Davao del Norte on February 4. The rebels allegedly strafed the house of Mampaundag using a vehicle to appear that it was made by soldiers. Aside from the killed victims, the rebels also tried to ambush the responding ambulance that supposedly rescue them. On February

9, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of the Mamanwa Tribe in Alegria, Surigao del Norte identi�ied as Dakula Guillermo Tiambong. Tiambong was reportedly shot dead infront of his family in their farm at Sitio Palo 10, Brgy Camp Edward, Alegria, Surigao del Norte on Friday afternoon. According the victim’s daughter, his father received death threats from the NPAs of being an active advocate on peace and development.

will ask Philippines Airlines and Cebu Paci�ic to �ly them home. “I want them out of that country in 72 hours, those who want to come home,” he said. “We will count our lives by the hour because apparently every hour there is a suffering and agony, brutality committed against Filipinos,” he added. Duterte said he is willing to take “drastic steps that will help preserve Filipino life and limb” if his requests to foreign governments of giving OFWs protection and justice “within the limits that their laws allow” continue to go unheeded. The President was alarmed by the increasing number of reported deaths of Filipino workers in Kuwait alone, from 82 in 2016 to 103 in 2017. He said a review of the “incidents of violence, curtailment of freedom and abuse of basic human rights committed against Filipino workers” compelled the government to question what it has done to protect and give justice to the distressed OFWs. Duterte said he could no longer endure the abuses committed against the Filipino workers there, as he made an appeal to the Kuwaiti government and to the Arab employers to treat them with dignity, respect their

basic human rights, and keep them free from harm. “We send to you a Filipino worker, hale and healthy, determined to work his heart out in order to give a decent and comfortable life in the Philippines. Do not give us back a battered worker or a mutilated corpse,” Duterte said. “The Filipino is no slave to anyone, anywhere and everywhere,” Duterte said, adding that “every unlawful physical injury that is in�licted on an OFW is a injury that I personally bear as the head of this Republic…. an affront against us, as a sovereign nation.” The President lamented the inaction of the Kuwaiti government on the abuses, despite helping the Kuwaiti government then when it resisted the invasion of its neighboring Gulf state, Iraq. “We were there … we… fought to protect your interests. We did not fail you. How come my countrymen are suffering brutality, cruelty and death and you seem to be oblivious about it?” he said. “What are you doing to my countrymen? If I were to do it to your citizens here, would you be happy?” he added. Labor secretary Silvestre

KUWAIT... FROM 1

Bello III said he earlier recommended to the President that the suspension of processing and issuances of new overseas employment certi�icates (OECs) would remain until after they could determine the cause of death of seven OFWs from December 2017 until January 2018 and unless the Kuwaiti government signs the memorandum of understanding (MOU) which has been pending for three years. He said it would provide for the additional protection for Filipino workers in Kuwait. “Rapid response team” Foreign Affairs undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said the government has dispatched a rapid response team to Kuwait to help expedite the process of repatriation of OFWs. She added that 2,229 OFWs had earlier signi�ied interest to return home. However, only 1,754 individuals have been issued with immigration clearances. Arriola said that even before the President announced he wants a repatriation within 72 hours of workers who want to come home, 800 are scheduled to return home from February 11 to 13 — 400 on February 11; 150 on February 12; and 250 on

February 13. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola says 2,229 Filipino workers in Kuwait had earlier signi�ied interest to return home but only 1,754 individuals have been issued immigration clearances. Arriola told reporters after the press conference called for by President Rodrigo Duterte Friday evening, 09 February 2018 that she expects the number to increase because of the President’s order to repatriate those who want to come home within 72 hours. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO She said the number is expected to go up as they expect more undocumented workers to avail of the Kuwaiti government’s amnesty program until February 22. “The numbers can go up kasi iba yung President mismo ang sabi (because it’s different when the President himself said) if you want to go home, you go home,” she said. Arriola said most of the distressed Filipino workers are household helpers. Of 262,000 migrants workers in Kuwait, she said 170,000 are household workers. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

SECURING... FROM 16

regional sports conclave, there will be random checkpoints and chokepoints in different areas of the city that will be conducted by DCPO and Task Force Davao. Sumagaysay also said he also discouraged spectators to bring backpacks inside the playing venues for security reasons. “If you are just going to watch the even, please, do not bring your backpacks because it might impede our security in the area,” he said. He said if there are people who are going to bring their backpacks, it might be deposited to the command posts that will be installed in different playing venues but he cannot assure the security of their belongings.

Installation of baggage counters, according to Sumagaysay, is not included in its security plan. Sumagaysay added that if there are people who are bringing along their backpacks will not agree to deposit their things they will not be allowed to go inside the venues. He said the command posts will be installed not as baggage counter but a help desk for the athletes and their delagations. Sumagaysay said there will be also police of�icers and personnel from CSU who will be deployed in the billeting areas to prevent looting incident inside the quarters. He also urged the people to remain vigilant in their areas and immediately report any sus-

DCPO... FROM 3

ARMY’S... FROM 3

DUTERTE... FROM 2

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

EXPERIENCING NATURE at its By HENRYLITO D. TACIO TAGUM CITY, located 55 kilometers north of Davao City, is the only city in Davao Region which has no natural attractions to offer among its guests and visitors. To lure people from neighboring areas, those from other parts of the country and even foreigners, the city hosts fourteen festivals throughout the year.  Among the famous ones are the Musikahan and Durian Festivals. Fortunately, Hijo River traverses Tagum.  Originating from Compostela Valley, it is a stream whose estimated terrain elevation is 8 meters above sea level.  The river was so famous that a sprawling 760-hectare property is named after it: Hijo Resorts Davao. But before that, the place is noted for its thriving banana and coconut plantation.  It made history when a shipment of Cavendish bananas were exported to Japan in 1969 – the first banana plantation in the Philippines to do so.  In April, 1986, Jose “Boy” Tuason acquired the property and gave its present name.  By 2012, Hijo has established itself as the first and only ecoagri tourism destination of the country.  It earned such description by “using the property’s natural landscape as a way

to increase awareness and promote sustainable tourism and nature conservation.” And it is for this that the group of third year journalism students from the Ateneo de Davao University decided to visit the place as their main feature for a magazine each group was producing. I accompanied the students as one of the mentors and to be a judge of their outputs later on. But what made the visit interesting was the resort’s guided tours at the banana plantation and the 60-hectare century

onstration on how they manufactured fresh and organic coco products for global market – including the coco sugar, which is good for diabetics. The forest tour was a completely different story. Having grown-up in the city, most of the students never experienced getting inside a forest.  Most of them were awed when the saw hundreds of wild pigs and Philippine long-tailed macaques freely roaming around inside the forest. Although we were inside the van, I was able to take a closer look at the animals.  In fact, I was able to take a good shot of a monkey breastfeeding her child.  The macaques are endemic in the Philippine forests and woodlands and they can be found mostly in areas where mangroves thrive. To really get deeper into the forest, we had to do a canopy walk in the 9 hanging bridges that were tied to trees called “dao.”  Wikipedia gives this brief description: “(Dao) is a tropical canopy tree distinguished mostly by its height (reaching up to about 45 meters) for its greyish-brown trunk which is branchless up old forest.  It also offers a to about 20 meters, and river cruise. for its narrow buttresses Let’s take a closer look which can reach up its at these tours.  During trunk up to 6 meters the plantation tour, we high.” learn how the planting When we got down materials of Cavendish from the hanging bridges, bananas are produced.  we followed the ground From there, we moved trail which brought us to packing house, where back to the place where newly-harvested bananas we started.  Along the are brought.  The banan- way, we witnessed the as are weighed first before beauty of lush foliage of they are separated from various endemic flora in the trunk.  They are fully the wild.  cleaned and then dried One of those that rebefore they are packed for ally caught the attention export. of the students was the A bonus was a firsthand lecture and demNATURE A3

BEST

A2INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

Isuzu Philippines partners with GMA Kapuso Foundation As part of its corporate social responsibility program, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leader in commercial vehicle segment, has formally signed a memorandum of agreement with GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKP)—the sociocivic arm of GMA Network—in response to provide vehicle assistance and emergency relief operations to communities across the country.

The partnership aims to help over 600,000 individuals who are affected with calamity-stricken and underserved communities. Most of these beneficiaries are recipients of Operation Bayanihan Project—a series of relief operations and medical missions; and “Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan” project, which focuses on the importance of education by providing complete set of school supplies to underprivileged students. Isuzu Philippines Corporation President Hajime Koso said, “Our support to GMA Kapuso Foundation demonstrate our true commitment in helping out the lives of communities every-

where. It’s an honor and privilege to reach out and extend our hands to communities that need us the most.” Under the agreement, Isuzu Philippines Corporation will donate one (1) unit of Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 pickup truck to GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) in its bid to support and deliver public service through its charitable missions nationwide. “Our company (Isuzu) is not only known in creating vehicles across the world, but also in building hope and compassion towards other people. This partnership is our way of helping out and sharing our commitment and passion in public service”, said Koso. “We are happy to partner with GMA Kapuso Foundation to become a responsible steward of our society through their Serbisyong Totoo philosophy,” he added.

Present at the signing ceremony were GMAKF Founder and Ambas-

sador Mel Tiangco; IPC President Hajime Koso; IPC Asst. Dept. Head for

Admin. Masahiro Soga and GMAKF Executive Vice President and Chief

Operating Officer Rikki Escudero-Catibog, who gave her inspiring opening remarks during the actual turnover of the Isuzu D-MAX vehicle. “This is just the beginning of many wonderful things that stored for Isuzu. IPC and GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) will continue to provide a stronger partnership that will help elevate the lives of underprivileged Filipinos all over the country, “said Koso. For the last 20 years, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) has become the most accomplished, most trusted and reliable non-government organization in the country today. The foundation continues to serve Filipinos through programs that are anchored with health, education, values formation, disaster response and reconstruction. “With this partnership, we will able to bridge and change the life of every communities in every city. More than just giving, what a great reward to see families that has been transformed,” added Koso.

SKY PPV features romcom movies for Valentine’s SM scholarship

STAR CINEMA on SKY Pay-PerView is not holding back on the love as they air JoshLia’s “Love You To The Stars And Back” and “Fallback” starring Zanjoe Marudo and Rhian Ramos from February 10 to March 2, 2018. “Love You To The Stars And Back” is the second offering from the love team of Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto. After leading the successful “Vince & Kath & James” the two are back in a quirky romantic comedy that highlights the strength

of love in the face of adversity. Mika (Barretto) is an unusual girl with strange interests. After hearing news that upsets her, she goes off into the night to fulfill her late mother’s wish, get in touch with aliens. She meets Caloy (Garcia) along the way and gives him a lift after he gets injured. They bond on their shared road trip and she eventually finds

out that he has cancer. The two learn to face hardships and move on with the help of love. The other half of the Valentine double feature of Star Cinema on SKY PPV is “Fallback” featuring Zanjoe Marudo and Rhian Ramos. The two play former lovers, Alvin and Michelle. Worried her new boyfriend, Chris (Daniel Matsunaga) will leave her, Michelle resorts to a plan B or a ‘fallback.’ In a strange twist, her fallback is her ex. Will their current situation help bring back the flame between the two? Get the bundle offering now to watch and find out. These movies are available from February 10 to March 2 in highdefinition and for unlimited viewing. The offer is available to all One SKY, SKYcable, SKYdirect, and Destiny Cable subscribers for P199. Call 418 0000 or the local SKY office in your area or visit www. mysky.com.ph/starcinemappv to subscribe.

Davao screening on Feb 14 THE SM FOUNDATION continues to accept college scholarship applications for school year 2018-2019. In Davao City, walk-in applications will be accepted for screening and exams on February 14, 2018 in the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier. Exams start at 10 AM; on site interviews for those who pass the exam will also happen on the same day. Walk-in applicants need to wear complete uniform and bring the following: photocopy of their latest report card, photocopy of the BIR Income Tax Return or Certificate of Non-filing of Income Tax; and ballpen. Applications are open for incoming college freshmen from public and private high schools who have average grade of at least 88% in second/third grading period and whose household income is less than 150,000 annually. SM Foundation scholars enjoy their choice of specialization in accounting, information technology, engineering and education. The scholarship covers full tuition. The scholars also receive monthly allowances and part-time job opportunities during semestral and Christmas breaks. Upon graduation of the scholars, they receive exclusive job offers with the SM group and engage in other fun-filled activities and enrichment programs throughout. Fueled by Henry Sy, Sr.’s belief in education--that it is the best defense against poverty--the SM Foundation provides college and technical-vocational scholarship grants as well as access to primary education through school buildings to help the youth achieve their dreams. For more information on the Davao screening, please contact SM Lanang Premier public relations through (082) 285 0943 and look for Jesse.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

TRAVEL NATURE A1

rattan called “palasan.” “How can this become a chair when it is so thorny?” one wondered. The guide had to stop and explain the process of harvesting rattan poles.  The river cruise was also very interesting.  Here, you get to see the beauty of the century old mangrove forest along the Madaum river.  You also get a glimpse of different species of birds inhabiting the area.  If you

EDGEDAVAO like adventure, you can roam around the place using the kayak. We ended our tour at The Spot, a dampastyle restaurant which has been Halal-certified by the Department of Tourism. Diners can choose to first go fishing and crabbing and bring their catch to the kitchen, which the chef can prepare as per The Spot’s menu. But then, people flock to this resort because of Banana Beach, which is named so because it is located inside the banana plantation.  If you don’t like going to the beach, you can always take a deep at its cozy infinity pool. Not far from the infinity pool is a man-made reefs under the Banana Beach waters.  Here’s a statement from the resort on how it came to be: “Harry Morris, a marine biologist, spearheaded the resort’s efforts to build and maintain a healthy ocean environment in Davao Gulf. Twenty artificial reefs, known as ‘bommies,’ were created out of recyclable scrap metal and porous stones.” The “bommies” were transferred to the waters fronting Banana Beach. 

INdulge! A3 Although the operation was completed in 2016, Morris continues to monitor the development of the reefs, implanting coral and keeping track of the plankton and pelagic fish that have now become their home. Aside from kayaking at the river, other water sports activities you can do are jet-skiing, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Now, if you’re going to stay, there are places to stay. Along the four-kilometer stretch of beach

are casitas which complements the tropical vibe of the resort. There are two types available: the airconditioned premium casitas and the classic casitas which are built to look like the traditional bahay-kubo. These are just some of the few activities you can do at Hijo Resorts Davao’s 177-hectare banana plantation, 92-hectare coconut plantation, 60-hectare forest and 4.5-kilometer river.

CALLING ALL PHILHEALTH MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES, visit The SM Store Davao, Lanang and General Santos on February 12-15 and get 10% off on regular -priced items for a minimum P2000 single-receipt spend. Just present yor PHILHEALTH ID together with your SM Advantage , Prestige or BDO Rewards Card. Visit The SM Store Davao, Lanang and General Santos for more details!

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

CINEMA GUIDE

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

70... FROM 2

buildings. He said they speci�ically monitored the gradual movement of the buildings towards a nearby slope. The foundations of the school buildings were found to be soft due to the presence of “unconsolidated materials,” causing “creeping mass movement,” he said. Owing to this, Carido said the affected area might collapse anytime, depending on some triggering factors. He said these include heavy rainfall, which could further loosen the soil and expand the tension cracks. “Water seeping or penetrating the ground could cause hydraulic effects and turn into lubricants of the cracks,” he said. Roberto Bagong, head of the Lake Sebu Municipal

DOC... FROM 2

and early detection as a way to fight cancers because having treatment becomes very expensive and the patient will undergo three different treatments, surgery, chemo therapy and radiation therapy which all available at SMPC She said that for prevention and as far vaccines are concerned there are three types of cancers that can be prevented;LungCancer,Livercancer and Cervical Cancer. She said that among all cancers, Lung Cancer is the number one prevalent cancer to male which is directly related to smoking. She said 90% of Lung Cancer is cause by smoking. “If we are able to curtail smoking activity in the country then we can reduce the number of lung cancer patients,” she said. She said that Hepatocellular cancer or Liver cancer and the relationship to hepatitis B and Hepatitis

STOP... FROM 2

claves here Friday night. He said he will also hold responsible the Department of Labor or the agency responsible for giving permits to recruiters if there are Filipinos sent to work abroad illegally and abused by their employers. “I want all of them, connected already by this time, arrested and placed behind bars, to face charges,” the President said, adding that he will order Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre to issue the order. “It’s a continuing crime. I will not go to a speci�ic visa or passport that was issued with their intervention,” he said. Duterte vowed to prosecute illegal recruiters. “If they are into it, kasi (because) it’s a continuing crime and we will have them arrested and detained without bail. Non-bailable ang nag i-illegal recruitment (Illegal recruitment is non-bailable),” he said. The President also reiterated his order to BI, the Bureau of Customs, and other responsible agencies to stop those preying on overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs), such

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice, said they have been regularly monitoring the situation in the area pending the relocation of the affected residents. He said they have educated the residents about the situation and necessary emergency response and evacuation mechanisms. The of�icial said a special task force composed of the MGB, Lake Sebu MDRRMO, Provincial DRRM Of�ice and the municipal government has already been created to properly address the problem. He said they already identi�ied a possible relocation site for the community but said they are still “ironing out” some problems as the area is part of an ancestral domain and not properly titled. (MindaNews)

Cwhichis preventablebyhavingthe young vaccinated because it takes years for liver cancer to develop. She said that by reducing the number of people having Hepatitis through vaccination this will also prevent the development of liver cancer. There are also certain type cancers than can also be prevented by having a human papillomavirus vaccine that prevents genital warts, anal cancer, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, and vaginal cancer. “Cervical cancer is also caused by papillomavirus so we also have the HPV vaccine for sexually active females and it is also now a rising cause of Oral cancer because this a sexually transmitted disease because it is caused by the HPV virus,” she said. For early detection of cancer for women is Breast CA and self-examination of the breast. “We should advocate that feas those who open their bags at the airport. “We’re having a problem but I do not want Immigration to abuse and the Customs and all. I have given my orders, lalo na mga OFW, ‘yung mga mahihirap (especially the OFWs, the poor ones)… do not open the bags, no opening of bags anymore in the airport,” “I will hold all responsible aviation police, ‘pag may isa pa diyan, alis kayong lahat, papalitan ko kayo (if there is one there, all of you will go, I will replace you) not only the speci�ic policeman, all of you there will be relieved, and so with the NAIA, all of you there will be relieved,” he said. The President reminded aviation police of their deployment to Zamboanga where the backdoor entry of terrorists has been monitored. “Dun kayo mag-immigration (Do your immigration there). See to it that they do not enter the Philippines. That is your job,” he said. This developed after the President saw the of�icial report and photos of the body of a Filipina found inside a freez-

NEWS11

EDGEDAVAO

CHINA... FROM 4

Meanwhile, they are eyeing a small part of Alvarez St which is near the park to be developed into a Chinese street food night market. “This street is rarely-used and we want to develop it as well in order for it to be more festive and well lighted street,” he said. He said that this will be

quite similar to Roxas Street market and the only difference is this will be a Chinese themed street food market.

of P12,000. Mempin said the suspect will be sent to Toril Police Station for detention and �illing of appropriate case. “Our support to our law enforcers continues since one of the campaigns of President Duterte is to �ight illegal drugs,” he said. On the other hand, suspect Virtudazo said that he was aware that he was bringing marijuana

and that ir was illegal. However, he said he really need money. He said that once the items would be delivered to a certain Bogart in Sandawa, he will be given P3,000 by a certain Albert. Virtudazo said that he needs to pay his tuition because his exam will be on February 22 and he cannot take the exam if he cannot pay the school. . He said it’s his �irst time to deliver illegall drugs in the city.

“We will look into that and settle the mechanics with the city government and we are hoping to make this happen within the year,” he said.

STUDENT... FROM 4

males who have started menstruating should examine their breast at least once a month especially after menses and for those do not have their monthly period should also self-examine once a month and should have a physician exam at least once a year,” she said. She said that ages 40 and above should undergo a mammogram done for two consecutive years and do it every other year if the results are normal. Colorectal cancer can also have an early detection if the patient will undergo a colonoscopy or stool exam that will examine the health of the patient’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Oral malignancies can also be detected because there are pre-cancerous lesions in the mouth. “The advocacy is really education and information dissemination and information dissemination for prevention and screening,” she said. er in an unoccupied apartment on Al-Shaab, Kuwait. The body of Joanna Daniela Demafelis from Iloilo bore torture marks and indications that she was strangled to death. Demafelis worked in Kuwait as a household service worker. The President also cited many incidents of abuse and deaths of OFWs in Kuwait alone where government recorded 82 reported deaths in 2016 and 103 in 2017. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sara Arriola said that in Kuwait alone there are 200,000 migrants, of which 160,000 are household service workers. She said household service workers are the most vulnerable to abuse by their employers. Arriola said the Department of Foreign Affairs has also recorded 10,802 OFWs as visa violators in Kuwait. Under the amnesty program of the Kuwaiti government, 2,229 OFWs have been issued travel documents and want to return to the Philippines. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Of�ice No. XI Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EVPJ-2018-2-2237 (2003-XI-02237)

ROMEO C. MAICO, SR., Petitioner.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: MULIG and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 4, 2018. In the petition filed on February 8, 2018, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 28, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 9th day of February 2018 at Davao City. Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

Petitioner, Romeo C. Maico, Sr., Counsel, Atty. Alejandro A. Cobol

TRAVEL... FROM 4 Divinagracia said that 50 exhibitors composed of local and foreign airlines, cruise lines, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, resorts and destination promotions agencies and Southeast Asia will give Mindanaoans discounted rates as low as the normal deals for this year “Airlines that will be present will be AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Silk Air, and Turkish Airlines which will participate for the first time this year,” he added. “The offers that will be made available during the Travel Sale will be air fare discounts with travel flight schedules until 2019, land arrangements that may be used anytime until the end of the year, and organized tour packages for at least two people. These tour packages may include bus tickets among others,” he said. He said that DTAA is also part-

nering with BPI, the bank will offer “double your credit limit” to all BPI credit card holders who will use their cards to purchase and book flight tickets during the travel sale. “We don’t actually expect the public to immediately book in 3 days but this would be more on the awareness and building contacts with the clients for future travels because travel agencies offer services all-year round and is not limited to the three-days event,” said Divinagracia. Divinagracia said that last year’s expo was a big success as they met their target of P50 million in gross revenues last year. “We are eyeing an increase of 50 percent in gross revenues this year and we are but positive to achieve it as tourism industry in the region and Mindanao as a whole is booming,” he said.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Of�ice No. XI Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Of�ice No. XI Davao City

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service.

Case No. R11-NCTH-2018-2-008

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EVPJ-2018-2-144 (2003-XI-00144-DN)

ALEJANDRO DAYOT III, Applicant. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING In the application filed on February 6, 2018, applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK SERVICE for the transportation of freight on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION XI ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC AND VICE VERSA with the use of TWO (2) units. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 28, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the application must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This application will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 7th day of January 2018 at Davao City. Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

Applicant, Alejandro Dayot III Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco

ALAN A. RIMANDO,

Petitioner.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: TAGUM CITY – PANTUKAN (COMPOSTELA VALLEY) AND VICE VERSA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on June 19, 2018. In the petition filed on February 6, 2018, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 28, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation. Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 7th day of February 2018 at Davao City. Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

Petitioner, Alan A. Rimando Counsel, Atty. Marisue A. Llanes

12NEWS MATI... FROM 5

agement is doing at present is to check the feasibility of mounting commercial �lights in these destinations, using criteria like market readiness, state of airport and related infrastructure, as well as safety and security in the area. “We want to engage with Filipino travelers and give them the opportunity to be part of our planning process as we continue to connect the Philippine islands and offer the lowest fares. We are now in the process of reviewing the operational viability of �lying to these destinations,” said Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for marketing and distribution at Cebu Paci�ic. With the Duterte administration’s massive and ambitious infrastructure program, dubbed as “Build, Build, Build, there is no reason for this not to be realized. In fact, President Rodrigo R. Dutette is actively promoting this infrastructure program to foreign investors and has ordered massive spending for its implementation. The #CEBFlyMeTo campaign is also timely, considering the fact that the provincial government of Davao Oriental is pushing for the establishment of an operating airport in Mati City to attract more tourists and investors in the area. Late last year, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang announced he had already discussed the plan with the President, who

RP... FROM 5

committed to help achieve it. “We are now working on developing and improving our tourism infrastructure from roads, to airports, ports and terminals. Hopefully, we can now revive our airport in Mati City,” Dayanghirang said. One indication for the realization of this plan is the recent visit of a team from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines that conducted an ocular inspection in the area. The Mati National Airport, formerly known as Imelda R. Marcos Airport, is located in Dahican, Mati City. “We already have an airport but it is not operating because the runway needs expansion and facilities need to be improved. At present, the airport cannot accommodate commercial �lights, only chartered and light planes,” the governor said. With the revival of Mati airport and its utilization for CEB’s commercial �lights, tourists and travelers are given access to visit the area. Mati boasts of beautiful islands and beaches and is home to the mysterious Sleeping Dragon. Its inclusion in the list of top destinations only means that CEB could soon be �lying to the area. Cebu Paci�ic has several brand-new aircraft set to be delivered in the coming months. From 2018 to 2022, CEB expects delivery of seven brand-new Airbus A321ceo, 32 Airbus A321neo, and eight ATR 72-600 aircraft. (Nelson C. Bagaforo/PNA)

of diplomatic posts and trade attachés. Moreover, intensi�ied market research and tighter linkages with businesses, malls, and shopping centers abroad would help increase

the visibility of Philippine export products. “To drive export growth, we are also looking at maximizing trade agreements with countries in the region,” he said.(PNA)

DTI and DOF, according to Lopez’s letter to House of Representative Committee on Ways and Means Chair Dakila Cua. “We just did our job. They �iled Motion for Reconsideration. Our technical guys and lawyers studied the case fur-

ther. But we later con�irmed decision to suspend the registration in Motor Vehicle Development Program of BOI because BOI found out there was no assembly plant in operation,” Lopez said.(PNA)

DTI... FROM 5

CHINESE... FROM 5

Millar assured transparency in the selection process, saying a technical working group (TWG) will �irst review the unsolicited proposals. The TWG, composed of different government agencies including Commission on Audit (COA), will then submit all the proponents with score cards to the Bangon Marawi Selection Committee. “Bangon Marawi Selection Committee will act as the bids and awards committee who would recommend to the TFBM chairman the original proponent status,” Millar said. “And then after that, the original proponent status will be subjected to a Swiss Challenge,

wherein the public may again, submit their proposals contesting the original proponent,” he added. Millar said groundbreaking of the Marawi City rebuilding is expected to be held during last week of April. “That would be the start of the rehabilitation of the most affected areas which is composed of 24 barangays in Marawi,” he said. Millar said the entire rehabilitation of Marawi City will be �inished not later than December of 2021. Based on initial estimate, at least PHP50 billion will be needed to rehabilitate the war-shattered city in southern Philippines. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

VISTA... FROM 5

Vista Land has earmarked PHP50 billion for consolidated capital expenditures for 2018, a signi�icant portion of which is allotted to the construction of malls to hit 1.4 million gross �loor area (GFA) by end of this year. The company has an established presence in about 133 cit-

ies and municipalities across 46 provinces and intends to focus on the development of “Communicities”, or integrated urban developments combining lifestyle retail, prime of�ice space, university town, healthcare, themed residential developments, and leisure components. (PNA)

grams as well as maintain and open communication in terms of potential business ventures, investments, and product trade. Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) head Lemuel Ortonio said he looks forward to the invitation of Kaua’i Mayor Carvalho and their business group to visit Kaua’i to push through as this will

open up trade linkages to both cities. “Both cities have identi�ied three areas of cooperation as mentioned in agribusiness, tourism and culture as well as on trade and commerce,” he said. Ortonio said both cities will �irst focus on these areas and eventually explore other areas of exchange in the future. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)

lion from the �irm. “This is the largest settlement ever in the country’s history, which was the result of the intensi�ied and coordinated drive by the BIR and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) against one of the biggest tax cheats in our history,” Dominguez said. “That settlement brought about a remarkable improvement in the collection of sin taxes. This is

also a gift that keeps on giving.” Dominguez also thanked the country’s taxpayers for helping the government attain high accomplishment rates on its revenue targets and assured them that the taxes they pay are well spent with Secretary Benjamin Diokno at the helm of the Department of Budget and Management. “Of course, we also want to

DAVAO... FROM 6

BIR... FROM 6

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Eleventh Judicial Region Branch 8 Davao City

IN RE: PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF FRANCIS EMIL NARBAY,

SP. Proc. No. 12,306-2012

FLORANTE S. DEL ROSARIO & IMELDA DEL ROSARIO, Petitioner,

For: Adoption under R.A 8852 & Rule 99 of the Rules of Court

X-----------------------------------------------X

ORDER

This is a verified Amended Petition for adoption of Francis Emil Narbay, filed by petitioners Florante S. Del Rosario and Imelda Del Rosario, thru counsel, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, the said prospective adoptee be declared for all intents and purposes, the petitioner’s son. Finding the verified amended petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the hearing of this petition on April 20, 2018 at 8:30 in the morning. Petitioners are hereby directed to cause the publication of this Order at their expenses, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation, which has been selected after raffle, in the City and the four (4) provinces of Davao.

Likewise, petitioners are further directed to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General a copy of their Amended Petition. Any person interested or who seeks to oppose the instant petition may appear why said Amended Petition should not be granted. SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, January 26, 2018. (SGD) GLENN DE CASTRO AQUINO Presiding Judge

thank all the taxpayers here for your cooperation with our tax revenue agencies. Without you, they would not have been able to achieve this high rate towards their targets. So, thank you again, all of the taxpayers,” the �inance chief said. The Department of Finance (DOF) submitted last January to the House of Representatives the Package 2 of the Duterte admin-

istration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), which covers reforms in corporate taxation and �iscal incentives. The other components of the CTRP, such as the removal of the value-added tax exemptions on coal and casino operations, and the reforms in property and capital income taxation, will be submitted within the year. (DOF)

will bene�it the Philippine Coast Guard’s anti-terrorism efforts and DPWH’s quick rehabilitation program for Marawi City. Prime Minister Abe announced during his �irst visit to the country in January 2017 a total of ¥1 trillion ($9 billion) in of�icial development assistance (ODA) and investments to the Philippines for the next �ive years. When President Duterte returned to Japan in October 2017, a year after his of�icial visit to that country in 2016, he wit-

nessed the signing of 18 letters of intent by 20 Japanese companies to invest in the Philippines, which represent about $6 billion-worth of new investments. These include deals between Philippine and Japanese �irms in the areas of manufacturing, shipbuilding, iron and steel, agribusiness, power, renewable energy, transportation, infrastructure, mineral processing, retailing, information and communication technology, and business process management.

and his barangay chairpersons have surrendered on Feb. 2 included three 81-mm mortars; one 90-mm Recoilless Ri�le; and, caliber .50 machinegun. The other �irearms were three M-14 ri�les; three M-16 Armalite ri�les; and, hundreds of

rounds of ammunition. Tolato said that 17 more assorted high-powered �irearms were surrendered to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 (MBLT1) detachment in Pata town after February 2. (PNA)

PHL... FROM 6

SULU... FROM 7

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region BRANCH 10 Davao City

IN RE: JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN JUDGMENT OR DIVORCE DECREE AND CANCELLATION OR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OF DAVAO CITY

R-DVO-17-02799-SP

MARY JANE L. MARTIN, Petitioner, - Versus ROY MARTIN GRATUITO AND THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY, Respondents,

X-----------------------------------------------X

ORDER

The petitioner through counsel filed this verified petition seeking an order from this Court, that after due notice, publication and hearing an Order be issued declaring that Petitioner’s divorce from her husband on 21 March 2002 as validly and legally recognized, directing the Honorable City Civil Registrar of Davao City as well as the Honorable Administrator and Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority to drop from the Civil Register the family name Gratuito. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course and set for hearing on February 22, 2018 at 2:00 in the afternoon, at which date and time any interested party may appear and show cause, if any why said petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and Provinces of Davao, as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

Petitioner is directed to submit the Judicial Affidavits of her witnesses five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. The Branch Clerk of Court is hereby commissioned to hear and receive the evidence of the parties. Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and the City Legal Office of Davao City with a copy of this Order and each with a copy of the Petition, who may oppose the same within fifteen (15) days from notice hereof. SO ORDERED Davao City, Philippines, July 6, 2017 Feb. 6, 12 and 19, 2018

(sgd.) RETRINA E. FUENTES Judge

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

NAVY... FROM 7 VILLAGE... FROM 7

ary 23 to 27 January. This was initiated to continuously improve their capabilities and individual abilities to counteract attempt of piracy and seajacking. Under the direct control of NAVFORWEM, SCAA plays a signi�icant role in accomplishing the command’s mission. By putting eyes and ears on different ships and through cooperation of �ishing companies in the SCAA program, NAVFORWEM captured Omar Amping, the fourth most wanted person in Zamboanga City, together with �ive others believed to be Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members on 20 November 2017 off the vicinity of Bolod Island, Tonquil, Sulu. Knowing that this program helps the Navy perform its mandate in Western Mindanao not only in operational but also in administrative, NAVFORWEM convened this BMT Class 2018. “Initial military training is an intensive resident programme normally lasting several weeks or months, which aims to teach the new recruits or applicants the social norms and essential tasks of the armed forces. The main purpose of this training is not to impose fear nor is it there for you to be battered into purple mesh. (PNA/Press Release)

While being served with the search warrants, the police official said Sambaga and Morib allegedly fought back and fired at the operatives. “The team was forced to retaliate so a firefight ensued and eventually neutralized the suspects,” Gonzales said. Recovered from Sambaga’s possession were a caliber 38 revolver with three live bullets, five sachets of suspected shabu and a hand grenade while Morib yielded a caliber 38 handgun and assorted sachets of suspected shabu, he said. Sambaga was also arrested by PDEA-12 operatives in April last

13

EDGEDAVAO

year in a drug raid at his home in Sapu Masla. Seized from his possession were five sachets of suspected shabu, a caliber 45 Colt handgun, two magazines and 11 rounds of ammunition. Meantime, in Barangay Lun Padidu, Gonzales said the raiding team also searched the houses of barangay councilor Rene Unos Kamid, Napia Unos Kamid and Jannette Orquillas Taib. Gonzales said barangay councilor Kamid was arrested following the recovery a caliber 45 Thomson submachine gun with live ammunition at hishouse. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

Account Executives (3) Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With salary + commision

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao

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

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

I was married to RAJ KUMAR JOSHI on April 23, 2000 at Ghuman, Teh Raikot ,District Ludhiana, Punjab, India under Hindu rites. This is evidenced by our MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE issued by the Office of the Hindu Marriage Registrar. However, in my Indian Passport, my name was inaccurately registered as ‘SANDEEP RANI”. The inaccurate entry of my name included also those in other official documents issued in the Philippines, such as my Philhealth ID, LTO Driver’s License, Bank records, etc: Such discrepancy in my name may be due to human errors committed by third persons under circumstances beyond my personal control; I hereby certify that I, SANDEEP RANI JOSHI, compared to that person named “SANDEEP RANI” refer to one and the same person. That I am executing this affidavit toattest to the truth of the foregoing facts, to apprise the concerned authorities of the matter, and for other legal purposes it may serve, having been read and interpreted to me in a known language or dialect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ihave hereunto set my hands on this 12th day of January 2018 in the City of Davao, Philippines. SANDEEP RANI JOSHI Affiant Passport No. H2343064 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on this 12th day of January 2018 at Davao City, Philippines, affiant exhibiting to me her sufficient evidence of identity as stated above. PER Doc. No. 132, Page No. 28, Book No. 91 ,Series of 2018 of the NOTARY PUBLIC KENNETH L. DABI

Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

14

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 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 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

PH netters demolish Oman T

he Philippines demolished Oman, 3-0, in the fifth to eighth play-off semifinal of the Fed Cup Asia/ Oceania Zone Group 2 competition at the Bahrain Tennis Federation hard courts Friday.

Marian Jade Capadocia clobbered Aisha Suleimani, 6-1, 6-0, in the �irst singles; Khim Iglupas downed Maryam Al Balushi, 6-2, 6-1, in the second singles; while Anna Clarice Patrimonio and Filipino-German Katharina Lehnert outclassed Suleimani and Balushi, 6-1, 6-0, in the doubles. The Philippines is now 2-0 against Oman in their head-to-head record. The Philippines won, 2-1, in their �irst-round meeting in Shenzhen, China six years ago. In the other semi�inal play-off, New Zealand won over Pakistan, 3-0. Jade Lewis downed Mahin Qureshi, 6-1, 6-0; Erin Routliffe beat Ushna Suhail, 6-3, 6-1; while Emily Fanning and Katherine Westbury scored a 6-3, 6-1

victory over Qureshi and Sarah Mahboob Khan. In the play-offs f o r ninth t o 12th places, Sri L a n k a defeated Lebanon, 3-0, and Kyrgyzstan prevailed over Malaysia, 2-1. T h e Philippines missed the opportunity to return to Group 1 after �inishing only second to Sin-

his is another update on the �inancial mess involving the Philippine Karatedo Federation. Just recently after suspending all �inancial aid to PKF, the Philippine Sports Commission gave the erring NSA a knockout of a punch when it inde�initely withdrew its recognition of the karate association. This withdrawal stamps a humiliating stigma on PKF that it may not be able to get back on its feet until after the NBI investigation on the money scandal is concluded and acquits it. Ramirez and his board created a PSC Task Force that reviewed the complaints lodged by karate athletes against its of�icials for mishandling their monies given to them by the PSC during their training in Germany last year. The PTF had discovered “inconsistencies” on the liquidation report submitted by PKF secretary-general Raymund Lee Reyes.

Karate athletes were allotted $90 per day by the PSC for 20 training days. They, however, complained of having not received the full $1800. Thus, taking the cudgels for the karatekas who went to him for help, Com. Ramon Fernandez initiated an agency probe on the matter that gathered momentum. Last month, in a signed manifesto, 18 Nationals spearheaded by Asian Games bronze medalist Mae Soriano expressed their loss of con�idence in the PKF leadership under president Joey Romasanta and Reyes. I am writing continuously about it because the incident is a case of petty thievery and corruption that has gone over its’ normal news worthiness and is now considered a major administrative sanction of the Philippine Sports Commission under chair Butch Ramirez The previous PSC board friendly with the Philippine Olympic Com-

gapore in the Pool B round-robin �irst round on Thursday. To u r nament for-

mat calls for Pool winners to advance to the next round where Pool A faces Pool D and Pool B meets

Pool C, with the winners being promoted t o Group 1 next year.

Expected to meet in the promotional play-off

scheduled on Saturday are Uzbekistan (A) against Indonesia (D), and Singapore (B) against Pakistan (C). The Philippines was relegated to Group 2 after losing all four of its ties in the Group 1 competition held in Astana, Kazakhstan last year. Patrimonio, Lehnert and Iglupas all played in the 2017 SEA Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Patrimonio, who debuted in the Fed Cup in 2011, won the silver in the women’s singles event. Lehnert teamed up with Fil-American Denise Dy, while Iglupas was paired with Albert “AJ” Lim Jr. This year’s team captain is Czarina Mae Arevalo, who has played 32 ties during her eight-year stint with the Fed Cup squad. The Fed Cup is the world’s biggest annual women’s team competition, with 99 countries participating this year. (PNA)

PSC withdraws recognition of PKF PSC-Pacquiao Cup goes to Kidapawan T D mittee leadership had, throughout the six years of the PNoy regime, been extending so much �inancial assistance to the national sports associations (NSAs) leading us to believe that POC president Peping Cojuangco virtually held the sports agency by its nose. No doubt, the NSAs are pampered. So as not to disturb their preparations for the Asian Games, the PKF athletes were taken into the fold of the Philippine Sports Institute under the helm of technical director Marc Velasco. As of this writing, all karate national coaches are suspended. The withdrawal of recognition prevents the PKF from using Philsports facilities and other privileges that it formerly enjoyed. The National Bureau of investigation that is now deeply looking into the anomaly may yet unearthed some monkey business which might lead to a criminal prosecution of the culprits.

Romasanta, a protégé of Cojuangco, is the former Gintong Alay boss who succeeded Marcos’ nephew Michael Keon when the EDSA One People Power booted out the conjugal dictatorship from power in 1986. The PKF has had a rollercoaster ride since the nineties under various leaderships. We had the opportunity to cover the karatekas’ participation in the world championships held in Sun City, in the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa sometime in 1997. They did good against their taller and better-trained foes but, regretfully, I could say at that time that Filipino karatekas really needed wider foreign training and exposure. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) Psalm 31:1. “In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in thy righteousness.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES! (FRED C. LUMBA)

AVAO CITY - Olmpics boxing medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco and Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner (PSC) Charles Raymond A. Maxey will grace the opening rites of the PSC-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup Mindanao quarter�inals set at 2 p.m. today at the Kidapawan City Gym. Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista will also be on hand to welcome delegates from Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, Sarangani, Malaybalay, Digos City, Sultan Kudarat, Koronadal City and Polomolok, South Cotabato. The PSC-Pacquaio Amateur Boxing Cup is a joint nationwide grassroots boxing program of the PSC and Senator Manny Pacquiao in coordination with the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) and Amateur Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap).

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez earlier said that the tournament, which will also have stops in Luzon and the Visayas, aims to discover promising amateur boxing talents in the countryside as directed to him by President Rodrigo R. Duterte when he returned as chief anew of the national sports agency last July 2016. The PSC-Pacquaio Amateur Boxing Cup will have 12 stops including Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao preliminaries, quarter�inals semi�inals and �inals. All medalists in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao �inals will earn berths to the national championship that will again have another set of preliminaries, quarter�inals and semi�inals en-route to the national �inals that will be held on May 5 in General Santos City where the program kicked off last December 2017. PSC-PSI

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 223 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11-12, 2018

SECURING DAVRAA

PSSCC says Davao City ready to secure DAVRAA By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

S

ecurity forces in Davao City are now ready to secure the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet which gets going on February 17 to 23.

SPORTS CONCLAVE. Some 8,000 athletes and officials will converge in this year’s DAVRAA Meet.

Short-handed Cavs trip Hawks

A

TLANTA (AP) -- With six players traded away and four newcomers not yet cleared for duty, the Cleveland Cavaliers were left with a lean, tight rotation. Fewer substitutions? That worked just �ine for LeBron James and Kyle Korver. James had a triple-double and Korver scored a season-high 30 points, including four straight 3-pointers to close the third period, as the crisp Cavaliers beat the Atlanta Hawks 123-107 on Friday night for a successful start

to their reboot. ‘’It felt like we played together,’’ said James, who had 22 points, 17 assists and 12 rebounds in 41 minutes. ‘’Offensively and defensively the communication was really high. The ball was moving around. The ball was popping and everybody felt like they were in a good rhythm.’’ One day after unloading six players, including guards Isaiah Thomas and Dwyane Wade, in three trades, the Cavaliers were in

a state of transition. They used 10 players, including two who were on the �loor for about one minute. Korver, 36, more than made up for a short bench. The former Hawks fan favorite made 7 of 13 from 3-point range and �inished two points from matching his career high of 32. ‘’Man, the ball was moving tonight,’’ Korver said. ‘’I don’t know the last time I shot that many shots in a game.’’

SHORT-HANDED,P10

Security forces in Davao City are now ready to secure the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet which gets going on February 17 to 23. This was bared by Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) deputy head Angel Sumagaysay. “We are now ready for the implementation of security plans for DAVRAA 2018,” he said. Sumagaysay said part of their preparations is the intensive mon-

itoring within the city along with Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) and other units to ensure that no person with ill motive can sneak inside the city during DAVRAA. He said the measures will be tighter during this day following thee discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) near the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Lasang, Bunawan District on Thursday. During the staging of the

SECURING,P10

POC sets election Feb. 23

T

he Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will hold an election for the positions of president and chairman, at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City on February 23. A memorandum dated Feb. 8 and signed by POC Secretary General Stephen Hontiveros was sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Sports Associations and Athletes, informing them of the election to

be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Club’s West Side Grill function room. “Please be reminded that only the president, secretary general or a duly authorized vice president can represent their NSA during this meeting as stated under Sec. 1(i), Article V of the POC Constitution and By-Laws,” Hontiveros stated in the memorandum. Registration of voters will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

POC,P10