Edge Davao 8 Issue 168

VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

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BLAST INSPECTION. Operatives of Task Force Davao, Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) gather fragments from an improvised explosive device (IED) that was detonated inside a public utility van (PUV) at Eco-West Drive in Ecoland yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

BOMB EXPLODES INSIDE VAN Van helper hurt, police dig deeper into incident

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

IED FRAGMENTS. An officer from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) holds a plastic bag with a possible fragment of an improvised explosive device (IED) that exploded inside a public utility van (PUV) in Eco-West Drive, Ecoland yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

A

N improvised explosive device exploded inside a moving passenger van yesterday in Eco West Drive, Ecoland, Davao City.

Police said a white PUV bearing a plate number MVW 553 driven by one Herman Daag had unloaded passengers at the SM City Davao van terminal and was

moving along Eco-West Drive when a bomb exploded from its rear section at around 9:45 a.m.

No one was killed in the blast but the van’s helper, identified as Tata Basañes, sustained minor injuries when he was hit by shrapnel in the nape.

Some cars parked in the area were also hit by the fragments of the IED. Police report said that the van carried only three—a woman and two

F BOMB, 13

EDGEDAVAO Sports Fil-Am with Davao roots could win medal for US in Rio P14

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

BRIEFING. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. (right) briefs Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte (left) after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded inside a public utility van (PUV) yesterday morning at Eco-West Drive in Ecoland. The vice mayor ordered all security units to intensify the checkpoints in the city while Danao asked the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious person to the police. Lean Daval Jr.

Paolo orders strengthening Police probe deeper into van explosion of checkpoints into Davao T

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

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AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte yesterday directed all security units of the city to intensify the checkpoints in the city after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded inside a public utility van (PUV) yesterday morning in Ecoland, Davao City.

“Ato na silang gimanduan na i-intensify diha sa boundaries sa Davao including Calinan (I am ordering them to intensify the checkpoints in the boundaries of the city),” Paolo said in an interview at the site of the incident along Eco-West Drive in Ecoland.

Duterte said he also directed Task Force Davao to provide augmentation in the checkpoints so that all vehicles entering the city will be inspected.

“Karon ako silang gisulltian na bahalag ma-traffic ang pasulod atong i-intensify kay naa na ma’y nahitabo diri (I told them to intensify the inspections even if it causes traffic jams),” he said.

The explosion happened even though the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) was on red alert status following the grenade blasts in Cotabato City and Kabacan, North Cotabato on Saturday night.

Police said the white PUV bearing a plate number MVW 553 left Pikit, North Cotabato at around 5 a.m. yesterday.

When the van arrived at the SM City van terminal, only three passengers remained, two males and a female. One of the male passengers got off in front of SM City Davao while the other two disembarked inside the van terminal.

The van then drove through Eco-West Drive and was in front of a condominium when a bomb exploded from

FPAOLO, 13

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is still trying to determine the motive for the bomb blast inside a public utility van (PUV) yesterday in Ecoland, Davao City.

In an interview yesterday, DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. said police are looking at several angles, including terrorism.

“The threat of terrorism is always there. We cannot remove that,” he said.

Danao said the police are also looking at personal grudge, particularly with the possible conflict with illegal van terminals.

Asked about unverified information that the explosion was

due to the order of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to dismantle all illegal van terminals in the city, Danao said, “We gave a very fair warning to all van owners that as long they are legally operating in the city there is no problem.”

He said the van driver, identified Herman Daag, is not a suspect because no one in his right mind would detonate a bomb inside the vehicle he is driving.

Still, he said police will loon into the possibility.

For her part, DCPO spokesperson Milgrace C. Driz said the explosion could be connected to extortion.

“With the incident, we take the possibilities.... especially on

FPOLICE, 13

Comelec to consider SET ruling on Poe’s DQ case

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will take into consideration the ruling of Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) declaring Senator Grace Poe as a natural-born Filipino, in deciding the disqualification cases filed against the lawmaker.

“The SET ruling will, of course, be taken into consideration by the Comelec divisions hearing various cases in their deliberations,” said Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez in a statement.

For his part, Comelec Commissioner Christian Lim said that the First and Second Divisions are ready to read the decision of the tribunal.

“It may have persuasive effects,” said the head of the First Division of the Comelec in an interview.

In a 5-4 vote, the SET on Tuesday junked the disqualification case against Poe which was filed by Rizalito

David.

David’s petition questioned the senator’s being a natural-born Filipino when she ran for senator in 2013 since she is a foundling.

Those who voted to dismiss the petition against Poe were Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino, Cynthia Villar and Pia Cayetano.

Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay, Associate Justices Antonio T. Carpio, head of the SET, Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro and Arturo D. Brion voted in favor of the petition.

Aside from the case before the SET, Poe has four disqualification cases pending before the Comelec filed by lawyer Estrella Elamparo, former senator Francisco Tatad, De La Salle University professor and political analyst Antonio Contreras, and former University of the East law dean Amado Valdez.

(PNA)

NEWS 3

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APEC symposium targets boosting typhoon resilience

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HE Philippine government will help spearhead in Metro Manila next week a symposium aimed at enhancing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members’ resilience to disastrous typhoons which hamper socio-economic growth.

State weather and climate authority Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will host the Nov. 24-25 symposium in cooperation with APEC Research Center for Typhoon and Society (ACTS) of Chinese Taipei.

‘Lessons Learned from Disastrous Typhoons’ is the 2015 APEC typhoon symposium’s theme.

“Such event aims to demonstrate recent advancements in severe weather research, monitoring and forecasting,” said PAGASA Acting Administrator Dr. Vicente Malano.

He noted the symposium will also serve as venue for facilitating APEC members’ exchange of information and sharing of experiences on disastrous typhoons, flood forecasting, hazard management, disaster preparedness, post-disaster response and recovery work.

“The symposium design also includes sharing of knowledge,strategies and risk management tools to be implemented against hazards of future typhoon events,” he continued.

APEC groups Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese, Taipei, Thailand, USA, Viet Nam and the Philippines.

Commencing as an informal dialogue group in 1989, APEC evolved to become the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, coopera-

tion, trade and investment across the Asia-Pacific region.

Free, open trade and investment is the key goal APEC targets achieving in the region through trade and investment liberalization, business facilitation as well as economic and technical cooperation.

State think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) warned disastrous typhoons and other extreme weather events can derail the bid to achieve such goal, however.

“The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters could seriously hamper efforts of economies gearing up for higher and sustained growth,” said PIDS which helped organize the May 2015 APEC research conference in Boracay Island.

PIDS noted repeated disasters drain public coffers and contribute to the poverty cycle in affected communities so countries must already set respective disaster funding.

“Disaster funding is crucial for poverty alleviation and sustained economic growth,” said PIDS. As of mid-November, PAGASA’s program for the 2015 APEC typhoon symposium listed several experts as speakers for this event.

Among them are National Taiwan University’s Dr. Gwo-Fong Lin, University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Michael Bell, National Taiwan Ocean University’s Kwan-Tun Lee, San Diego State University’s Bo-Wen Shen, Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute’s Dr. Sutat Weesakul and University of the Philippines’ Dr. Enrico Paringit.

The experts also include Central Weather Bureau’s HuiLing Chang and ACTS’ Dr. Emily Ching-Cheng Chang, ShuLing Chen and Ya-Pin Lyu. Last month, APEC energy ministers meeting in Cebu province adopted the Cebu Declaration which promotes energy resilience in Asia and the Pacific. (PNA)

HOLIDAY CLEANUP. A utility personnel of the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Davao cleans up a portion of the building where a Christmas decorations are already put on display. Lean Daval Jr.

US identifies 2 ships to be given to Phl T

HE White House has identified the two ships US President Barack Obama has pledged to donate to the Philippine Navy shortly after his visit to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) Tuesday.

These ships are the high-endurance US Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell and research vessel, R/V Melville.

The USCGC Boutwell is the sister ship of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (formerly the USCGC Hamilton) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (the ex-USCGC Dallas).

The former is the third

ship of the Hamilton class cutters.

“This will provide the Philippines the ability to maintain greater maritime presence and patrols throughout its EEZ. We are also in the process of transferring the research vessel R/V Melville to support naval research and law enforcement capabilities,” it added.

The Philippines remains the largest recipient of maritime security assistance, and will receive a record USD79 million in bilateral assistance of the FY 2015 funds allocated

for developing Southeast Asian maritime capabilities.

This assistance is largely focused on building the training and logistical base for expanding the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Forces’ ability to conduct operations within waters off the Philippines’ coasts.

“We are assisting with naval maintenance capacity building as well as providing interdiction vessels, naval fleet upgrades, communications equipment, and aircraft procurement,” the White House

SoCot’s 10-month drug haul totals P11.5 million

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APPRECIATION. Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo Milan give an inspirational message to the company’s valued customers during its Customers’ Appreciation

Night, an activity to honor companies that helped during the recent period of power shortages, held at The Marco Polo Davao on Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

said.

The US also vowed to continue to support the National Coast Watch System and assist the Philippines through the Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF), building capacity in Philippine maritime vessel maintenance, training, law enforcement support, and intelligence assistance to expand the country’s ability to detect, track, and interdict where necessary criminal and terrorist elements involved in the smuggling of sensitive items and illicit goods. (PNA)

OLICE operatives in South Cotabato province seized a total of P11.4 million worth of illegal drugs in various anti-drug operations in the last 10 months.

Superintendent Rogelio Abran, deputy director for administration of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office, said they were able to conduct a total of 140 successful operations within the province’s 10 towns and lone city from January to October.

He said these operations led to the recovery of 1.44 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and 217 grams of marijuana that were valued at P11,446,054 as set by the Dangerous Drugs Board.

The official said they arrested 206 drug personalities like pushers, suppliers, couriers, as well as users.

“We have filed 225 drug-related cases and all of these are currently progressing in various local courts,” he said in a media forum.

Abran said all police units in the province, including those

based at the provincial police office, have posted accomplishments during the period in the campaign against illegal drugs.

The Sto. Nino municipal police station already posted the biggest recovery at nearly 800 grams of shabu that were valued at more than P6 million.

The Koronadal City police station seized some 363 grams of shabu that were valued at nearly P4 million.

In 2014, the South Cotabato police recovered at least P5.1 million worth of illegal drugs in 136 anti-illegal drug operations.

Such operations led to the arrest of 171 suspected pushers and couriers, and the filing of 131 illegal drug-related cases.

Abran their intensified anti-drug operations are currently ongoing and they are targeting more recoveries and arrests in the coming weeks.

He said they have been continually monitoring various drug routes as well as the identified drop-off and distribution points of drug supplies in the province.

(PNA)

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

South Cot police starts security preparations for Christmas season

P NEW SPOKESPERSON. Incoming Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea G. dela Cerna introduces herself to members of AFP-PNP Press Corps in yesterday’s media briefing at the Davao City Police

Office (DCPO) conference room. With her is outgoing PRO 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera, who will be assigned at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO). Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

HE Paris attacks that killed 129 people and injured 300 more was not included in this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers’ joint statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Tuesday.

Secretary del Rosario said the ministers were not able to come up with a group position on the terrorist attack against France, but noted that “everyone spoke the same language” of sympathy and condemnation.

“I don’t think we did as ministers,” he said when asked about including the Paris attacks in their joint statement.

Del Rosario, together with Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, held the APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) press conference at the International Media Center (IMC) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

There was a “common refrain” wherein “everyone expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the

terrorist attacks”, he said.

“There was a call for unity of nations and peoples, and there was traditionally, a call for bringing to justice those who perpetuated the horrific developments in Paris last Friday (November 13),” del Rosario said, adding that each minister commented on the terrorist attacks in Paris.

Although these commentaries were contained in the minutes of the ministers’ meeting, there was no standalone statement for it, nor

was it included in their joint statement.

“These are personal expressions of sympathies and condemnation,” del Rosario said.

Paris was rocked on Friday last week by separate bombings and ambushes in at least six central locations.

About 129 were confirmed dead and 300 were injured, 100 of whom were critical, in the hands of terrorists who have been identified as members of the Syria-based Islamic State. (PNA)

T the Visayan Zonal Partnership Forum, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) focused the spotlight on the value and opportunity of the Dual Training System (DTS). iDTS helps trainees upgrade their skills to keep pace with the demands of the modern workforce. At the same time, it provides companies with the exact skills they need.

Irene Isaac, TESDA Director General, exhorted companies and private businesses to participate in the DTS and contribute in the skills development of the Filipino workers.

“DTS is one of the best ways of skilling up the next generation vital to the country’s social and economic future. Let us support dual training that will help educate more people and make them valuable assets to the company, their families and

communities,” Isaac said.

“TESDA wants to make sure that the Philippine technical vocational education and training system is in sync with the industry to be able to produce globally competitive human resources that are flexible and adaptable in the changing work environment. A potent strategy is the establishment of partnerships between schools and companies to bridge the supply and demand gap in the country’s labor market,” she added.

The forum saw one of the biggest gatherings of technical vocational schools and companies in the region with close to 300 participants.

Held at the Iloilo Convention Center, the event was the last of the three series of partnership fora geared towards strengthening and sustaining industry-academe partnerships, particularly in the effective implementation of DTS.

This is one of the activities being implemented as part of the PCCI-TESDA Tech-Voc Project (PTTP). The project was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement between TESDA and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry that aims to promote, facilitate and assist business chambers, industry and trade associations, as well as individual enterprises to conduct skills training and be engaged in techvoc.

The Luzon Zonal Partnership Forum was held in February at the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City, while the Mindanao Zonal Forum was conducted in Cagayan de Oro in May. Patterned after the German model, DTS is an instructional mode of delivery for technology-based education and training in which learning takes place alternately in two venues:

the school or training center and the company. It was institutionalized through the enactment of R.A. 7868 or the Dual Training System Act of 1994.

In his message during the opening program, Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the DTS should be made a central pillar of the training system to enhance the employability of the graduates.

“Most economies are looking for ways to improve the shift between school and employment, and the Philippines, for one, is increasingly turning its sights on the preferred modality of transition that is the Dual Training System,” he said.

Teodoro Pascua, TESDA deputy director general, said intensifying the academe-industry linkages will revitalize and bolster the implementation of the DTS, which will give Filipino trainees the edge in the global market.

(PNA)

Medical Foundation School.

With the variety of media in communication today, UPHold challenges young communicators, including those in marketing and business to explore the use of communication in developing advocacy campaigns. Of the company’s event, Keziah Morales, student leader and president of UPHold Communications says, “UPHold

IMC opens the eyes of young and aspiring marketing communicators by giving us an introduction to what we can expect when we finally venture in to the field. It shows us the power we hold as communicators and marketing specialists in creating a better community.”

In launching the event, UPHold Communications plan to include the following in the pro-

gram: • A series of lecture on Integrated Marketing Communication to be given by distinguished speakers from the field of communication, marketing and business • A competition on integrated marketing plan to be participated by the different universities and colleges in the Region 11.

Paris terrorist attacks not included in APEC Ministers’ joint statement T Help train workers, TESDA urges firms A

OLICE units in South Cotabato have stepped up their security operations in preparation for various local activities and the coming Christmas season.

Sr. Supt. Jose Briones, South Cotabato police director, said Wednesday they sustained the heightened alert in the area to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the lined up events and activities in the coming weeks.

He said these include the 1st National Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or HIV/AIDS Summit slated on Nov. 25 in Koronadal City.

The event, which is expected to gather around 400 participants, will be graced by Health Secretary Janet Garin.

The South Cotabato police raised the area’s alert status last month in line with the week-long Mindanao leg of the 2015 Batang Pinoy Games as well as the observance of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Briones acknowledged that their intensified security

operations were also in response to the recent terror attacks in Paris, France.

He said they specifically tightened its monitoring on the movements of lawless elements based in nearby areas.

But he assured that all their security measures remain in place and they have doubled their efforts to prevent possible attacks like bombings, extortions and kidnappings.

He said they have established checkpoints and chokepoints in all entry and exit point of the province to preempt possible terror attacks.

“Police visibility in public places like churches, malls, schools and public markets is a major factor in preventing these attacks,” Briones said.

He said they have been properly evaluating and corroborating various security-related information that they receive.

“We are carefully handling information from social media and text messages so that it will not result to panic,” he said. (PNA)

5 SoCot capitol workers axed over drug activities

T

WO employees of the provincial government of South Cotabato have been dismissed from the service while three others are undergoing termination proceedings due to their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the five were among the local government employees that were placed under investigation in the last two months for allegedly using and peddling illegal drugs, specifically methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).

She said four of them are casual and contractual workers while one is a regular or permanent employee.

“I immediately ordered their dismissal after confirming their involvement in these (drug-related) activities,” she said in a media forum.

The governor did not name the erring workers, who are all males and have tested positive of using various illegal drugs based on tests commissioned by the local government.

She said some of them had been on “AWOL” or absent without official leave before

they were subjected to the investigation.

As to the permanent employee, Fuentes said they were able to uncover his illegal activities due to changes in his behavior in the last two years.

She said his co-workers specifically complained of his erratic behavior and poor performance while at work.

“It was later confirmed during the random drug tests,” she said.

Aside from the dismissal of the erring workers, Fuentes said they submitted their records to local police units for proper monitoring.

She said it’s important to alert authorities regarding their cases as there’s a possibility that they might resume their illegal activities.

In April and June, two provincial government employees were arrested by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 12 and the South Cotabato police for their involvement in the illegal drug trade.

The two, who were nabbed in separate buy-bust operations, were assigned at the Provincial Engineer’s Office and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. (PNA)

To learn more about UPHold Communications and the 1st Integrated Marketing Communication Workshop-Competition, contact the Communications and PR Director, Sancia Novie Palma at 09480547648 or follow the company at UPHold Communication for Facebook and @UPHold_Comm for Twitter.

About UP Mindanao UP-

Hold: The Uphold Communications is a student-led company that specializes in effective communication plans and executions for advocacy campaigns and social marketing. Our services for an effective communication plan covers strategic conceptualization, advertising and promotion, public relations, media relations and management, and events management.

UP Mindanao UPHold Launches the 1st Integrated Marketing Communication Workshop-Competition in Region

U

PHOLD Communications, a student-led company that specializes in effective communication for advocacy campaigns and social marketing, announced that they will hold a regional wide workshop and competition on Integrated Marketing Communication. The event will take place on December 5 to 6 at the Mindanao Training and Resource Center, Davao

VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

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Trade attachés in Davao event

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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TOTAL of 40 Philippine trade attaches from different countries all over the world will convene in Davao City next month for a familiarization tour in a bid to promote the city as an investment area. ““Our trade attaches will be able to promote better the Davao City when they go back to their assignment coun-

tries,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao City director Edwin Banquerigo told Edge Davao yesterday.

The event is slated on December 11 and 12.

The trade attaches will be coming from countries in Europe, US, as well as those from Asia like Singapore, China, and Malaysia, among others.

Trade attaches or com-

Militants to stage anti-APEC activity

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EMBERS of the Kilusang Mayo UnoSouthern Mindanao Region (KMU-SMR) will stage a regional anti- Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) mobilization today, 1:00 p.m. at the Freedom Park as part of its campaigns against neoliberal globalization and its attack on workers.

“The neoliberal impositions of APEC have not translated to more jobs, higher wages, or job security,” KMUSMR vice president Joel Maglunsod said in a statement.

Maglunsod said the “belied claims of inclusive growth by citing that the average purchasing power of the ordinary worker has continually declined.”

“If the APEC policies are really designed to build inclusive economies, why are the lives of workers not better off? Since 1990, 3 million jobs have been lost because foreign corporations devoured small local industries as in the case of the garment industry,” he said.

He added that “the privatization and the rationalization

of the bureaucracy destroyed thousands of government jobs.”

“Twelve million people or over 12% of the country’s population are either unemployed or underemployed and an additional 12 million have left the country because there are no jobs here. If there is a better world out there, the workers have been in the dark under APEC policies,” Maglunsod said, The labor group also warned that the APEC will bring policies meant to crack down on genuine unionism because the focus of talks will be on how to make labor more flexible to accommodate demands of foreign monopolies.

“APEC will bring policies meant to deprive workers of regular employment through contractualization, labor flexibilization and trade union repression. Levels of unionization have consistently dropped,” he said.

Based on the group’s record, only 69,000 workers were unionized or 3.7% of the total 1.87 million work force.

F MILITANTS, 13

PNoy highlights inclusivity as key to economic success

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RESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Monday (Nov. 16) shared the Philippines’ story on how the government is addressing poverty with sheer determination to correct bureaucratic flaws.

In his speech during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Makati City, Aquino said his administration’s decision to adopt an inclusive growth theme helped address the country’s poverty situation since a holistic and cohesive national strategy was put in place.

“We knew we had to craft and relentlessly pursue a holistic and cohesive national strategy - one that can systematically respond to every debilitating aspect of poverty, with the belief that this good governance is good economics,” he said.

He said this was done without imposing new taxes although the Sin Tax Law was amended to primarily address the rising incidents of usage of the youth and the poor of sin products and to update the taxes on these prod-

ucts.

Proceeds of the reformed Sin Tax Law benefited the government’s health-related programs and the tobacco industry.

Aquino said focusing on the people --- their welfare, health, and education --- helped the economy a lot.

He said the move to increase the years of the basic education system and ensure that backlogs on textbooks and classrooms are addressed greatly helped empower the youth.

Ensuring that people also get quality skills training will aid them in getting jobs, thus, securing not only their future but the domestic economy as well since this will serve as among the major drivers of domestic expansion, he continued.

Aquino said the program to invest in education and skills training of poor citizens proved to be a win-win decision, as these people would be able to pay their taxes once they land jobs, and the taxes can be used to “help create even more opportunities for other Filipinos.” (PCOO News Release)

mercial attaches are representative of the Philippines in various Philippines Embassies, Consulates and key central business districts in different cities around the world.

Handpicked by the president himself, attaches are tasked with the “promotion of the Philippines economic interest overseas,” the DTI said.

Among its core functions

include “building business linkages with various stakeholders to generate targeted foreign direct investments into the Philippines, to provide market access for Philippine exports in international markets, and to extend timely delivery of commercial intelligence to local stakeholders,” the DTI added.

“The event will allow at-

TOKENS. SM Assistant Vice President for Operation-Mindanao Debbie Go (center) and SM City Davao assistant mall manager engineer Nick Santos (second from right) receive the electric meter-shaped tokens for SM City

taches to identify our products that can be marketed outside the country,” Banquerigo said.

He added that among the industries that the DTI would meet for the two-day familiarization event will be the cacao and ICT industry, among others. He said the DTI here will be meeting with the local government unit, industry play-

ers and private sector.

“Allowing our trades attaches to be familiarized with our major industries here can put an edge to Davao City. This will put Davao City on the top of their list whenever they receive inquiry from possible investors,” he said.

Banquerigo said the DTI office is still finalizing the venue of the familiarization event.

Davao and SM Lanang Premier from executives of the Davao Light and Power during the company’s Customers’ Appreciation Night at The Marco Polo Davao on Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

Consumers warned vs buying substandard Christmas lights

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao City warned consumers anew against buying substandard Christmas lights from different establishments.

DTI-Davao City director Edwin Banquerigo issued the warning as he confirmed there are Christmas lights without Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers now circulating in the market.

“There were some importers who were faking their ICCs. This would mean that the quality of the imported products did not pass the standard test,” Banquerigo told EDGE DAVAO yesterday.

But, Banquerigo was quick to clarify that they have

not yet monitored in the city the existence of Christmas lights with fake or without ICCs during their weekly monitoring and inspection.

Among the priority establishments for inspection of the DTI are those located in Uyangguren and Monteverde area, and malls.

“Our establishments here are compliant, so far,” Banquerigo said.

“Most of these products are in Manila because it is where these imported products are unloaded,” he added.

But, Banquerigo said consumers should be more cautious in purchasing Christmas lights for decoration during the yuletide season.

“The consumers can

base their assessment with the price of the product.

Consumers should be extra cautious if products are sold cheap,” he said.

“The Christmas lights with fake or without ICC stickers found in the stores were sold for only P60-P80 per pack. Prices of Christmas lights with genuine ICC stickers in reliable stores range from P300-P500 per pack,” a press release from the DTI said.

Aside from Christmas lights, the DTI is also monitoring the price of noche buena commodities in major malls and grocery stores in the city.

“We are monitoring more than 500 establishments here,” Banquerigo said. “We

have given them the list of suggested retail price (SRP) for noche buena items so that they will a guide on the pricing of their products.”

Noche buena products include: ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, keso de bola, pasta spaghetti, elbow and salad macaroni, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and cream.

“There is no significant increase on the SRP of noche buena products this year, according to Banquerigo.

As of now, Banquerigo said supermarkets in major malls and grocery stores have remained compliant so far with the SRP of DTI. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Paul B. Nepomuceno.

“This aims to protect our marine resources and to promote the interest and welfare of our fisherfolk,” he said.

The local government and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will also work together in the development programs and projects such as conservations and livelihood.

Barangay captain Russel Dumagil said: “Their installation will strengthen the dissemination

of information and in promoting the proper utilization of our seas and other aquatic resources in cooperation with the Panabo PNPMaritime. Ten (10) additional motorized bancas will be given to members of VFAC and other fisherfolks association.”

VFAC president Francisco Demetrio, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the government for the valuable support and effort in protecting the seas and the fisher folk’s welfare.

On the other hand, Nepomuceno urged the VFAC officers and other Panaboans to be vigilant, responsible and coordinative to the authority.

“By using your mobile phone, you can send message and report to PNP-Maritime Group (PNPMG).

Just text PNPMG (Space) Feedback (Space) Your Message and send to Number 700-32569, keypad numbers 32569 stands for Dedicated Alert Lines for Ocean BiodiversitY (DALOY),” he said.

Panabo fisherfolk, PNP-Maritime vow to preserve marine resources P

ANABO City Mayor Engr.

James G. Gamao led the oath-taking Ceremony of the newly-elected officers of Vintage Fisherfolk Association of Cagangohan (VFAC) and Maritime Police Auxiliary Group (MPAG) last November 11 at Barangay Hall, Cagangohan.

Mayor Gamao stressed the importance of monitoring and controlling the surveillance of PNP-Panabo Maritime headed by station Commander P/INSP. John

EDGE DAVAO EDGEDAVAO

7 CULTURE & ARTS ENVIRONMENT HISTORY OF DAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 166 168 • TUESDAY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 17, 19, 2015 2015

Maglana in defense of Sabah

Philippine birds facing extinction

By ANTONIO FIGUEROA

O

N September 19, 2015, pines). treated. While in our country, ritory. The Davao congressman regards any act or statement exSultan Esmail Kiram II, pressing or implying, directly or when their nationals violate our continued: the reigning sovereign of ‘Sabah is Philippines’ “All this talk about general indirectly, any recognition of a laws, yes, we apprehend them, the Sultanate of Sulu and North Least known among the but we treat them decently. We ‘elections’ in Malaysia… is all a foreign state’s sovereignty over Borneo since October 26, 2013, Filipino figures that staunchly feed them, clothe them, and mock and simulated suffrage to- Sabah, a Philippine territory. at age 76, died due to kidney fail- defended the Sabah case was house them in proper places as fool the entire world that MalayIn part, the circular provides ure in Zamboanga City. He suc- Davao Oriental congressman much as we could.” sia is not a colonial aggrupation that “No department, agency, or ceeded his elder brother, the late Constancio B. Maglana who led by the former country of Ma- instrumentality of the Philippine Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, to the stood in the House of Represen- Upping the ante laya or Federation of Malaya as Government shall make any act throne, and was later replaced tatives on March 27, 1968 to or statement expressing or imThe row between the Philip- puppet head nation.” by the crown prince, Rajamuda deliver a privilege speech titled pines and Malaysia further escaplying, directly or indirectly, any lated the following year follow- Unchanged Datu Phugdal Kiram, 75, as the “Sabah is Philippines.” recognition of a foreign state’s next sultan in “strict adherence Forty years later, the issue sovereignty over North Borneo Rep. Maglana’s speech was ing an allegation in the editorial to the law and order of succes- made while both the Senate and of Sabah Times that the country about Sabah remained un- (Sabah) or non-recognition of and photos bytheHENRYLITO D. TACIO was channeling funds for inde- changed. On August 20, 2008, Philippine title or historical and sion.Text ” House of Representatives North Borneo was original- were conducting a full-scale pendent candidates in Sabah. during the Arroyo administra- legal rights to the same.”

(Second ThreeaParts) makinginto ourselves intention-in- (DENR). she this said, Maglana“(Birds), did not”allow vitriol“Based ly known asofSabah, territory inquiry tion,onMalacañang issued Memthe “Corregidor In 2013, after the bloody ally blind the real status nest on anyby trees, curpass just without retort hurlingthe orandum ceded by the sultan of Borneo to cident” Circular 162 entitled confrontation between the Ma(thetodebunked Jabidah “don’t losing massacre), of our wildlife ” he and live only under trend histhey bluntcan commentary, saying: rent “Guidelines the sultanate of E Suluregret for helping on Matters Pertain- laysian forces and heirs to Sabah the resources, wick Malaysia something when used deplores.

“We should face the specific“Malaysia types of trees. ” resortingin ing deforis again the former’s kingdom against to North Borneo (SABAH)” sultanate ended, the government in accusing the Philippines is already fact thatthe ourUnited countryNations is no lon-for to Some 80 years ago, more Thisestation in psychological warfare.

European threat,itspecifically the before to government departments as considered bringing the territogone, ” goes a familiar saying. ger rich in forests and consethan half of the country’s 30 the PhilipDutch aggression, in 1704. “committing inimical acts to time it has become presumptuIf the usual disruptive trend to quently, of wildlife which used million hectares was blanket- pines, forUnder the 1960 UN Gener- their interests”. As a result, Filipi- ous to use the Philippines as a the country’s bird species con- to be a normal component of ed with forests, and the forest- est birds are tool inratio making the world believe al Assembly persecuted, prompting to-man tinues, the Resolution maxim might1541 well nos ourwere forests. ” was then 1:13 most at risk of that thereInis1990, somethe form of de-the number of (XV), Principle of the Annex, the Davao lawmaker to lambaste per prove true for9 the diminishing Filipino. envimocracy in that oppressed which set the referendum in Malaysia: legacy of the Philippines.

Deforestation ronment department record-colo-threats that they putting wordsofin ourencounter.”

North Borneo and as “[O]ur nationals inof Sabah Although notSarawak talking only The destruction for- ednial onlystate 6.7 by million hectares mouths thearchimeaning “freeofand without coercion, ” the being subjected to in- forest Philippine birds, Dr. Lee Tal- are ests,now which is the natural hablandconveying in the entire The State of that there is forest-to-man an opposition inPhilippine territory thatdirector rightfully belongs They isarethearrested bot, then of the South- dignities. itat for birds, primaryfor pelago, and the Birds, Sabah.

The accusation is mostpublished by Haribon to the by on legal right alleged violations of their im- ratio eastPhilippines, Asia Project Wildlife reason why Philippines birds dropped to 0.1 hectare welcomed andConservation title, was ‘given’ Malaysia. laws by considering of toNature and migration are facing extinction.

In an ar- per Filipino. because it gives us theFoundation, said that opportunity to announce to the67% of the country’s Three years later, from June“A them as transient newcomers Natural Resources, said: ticle published in Manila BulIn The World for World few1963, decades ago, the wildlife when letin, Dr. Theresa Mundita admit Lim is world thereK. is no Forest,that Ursula Le such Guinthingbirds “spend their lives or 7-13, in order to resolve they themselves the Philippines wasSabah nota- that was these quotedcompatriots as saying: “Most of wrote: forest ecology a part of their lives in forests.” as an “A opposition I Sabah,isneither the ofissues affecting the of ours ble the for Manila its abundance; now, have thesebeen species, such asresidents eagles, delicate one.orIf Sarawak, the foresthence per- theAnd according to Dr. Lim, in Brunei claim, Accord was long-time it ison notable for1963 its variety; and woodpeckers, its fauna mayeven go with ” the“Birds serve as a good indica- tory. “The Philippine eagle administration, if itit.is signed July 31,

by Ma-if ofhornbills, Sabah. Reports had been re- ishes, has become a critically present trendand of the destruction dependin on for food, a willtor of our forests’ state.” thing itare willnow do ononly earth, laysia, Indonesia Philip- ceived thistrees Chamber thator our last“There continues, on nestingwhen sites.arrested by [the few of centavo forest inforthe notpatches waste one an op- The Davao-based Philip- endangered species bepines, and thisPhilippine included awildlife joint nationals, will be notable its absence.

Dr. Lim isare the director of Philippines that arenotconsidposition that does exist.” pine Eagle Foundation said cause the loss of the forest statement by all for three parties.” Malaysians], quarantined Dr. Dioscoro Rabor, a the Biodiversity Management ered pristine old growth, ” John justthat a pair of Philippine eagle had made it lose its natural This statement came Throughout the negotiation, in dark places and allowed to well-known wildlife Bureauon(BMB), line food agency chair ofthe Haribon few Lesaca, days before UN-spon-(Pithecophaga jeffreyi) needs habitat,” explained Dennis tension was highFilipino between the thrive very alittle and Philip expert, agrees. “It is about of the Department of Environ- Foundation, told Manila Bulle- at least 7,000 to 13,000 hect- Salvador, the foundation’s successor state (Malaysia) and treated like ordinary criminals. sored electoral exercise was time that we should stop ment and Natural Resources tin’s Monch Mikko E. Misagal. ares of forest as nesting terriSultan Kiram II of Sulu (from the claimant country (Philip- That is the way our nationals are conducted in the contested ter- Rep. Constancio B. Maglana and theF PHILIPPINE, 13www.mb.com.ph)

“W

rial claim of the Sultanate of Sulu over Sabah before an international tribunal for resolution.

Despite claiming territorial rights over Sabah, Malaysia, as a result of the lease of Sabah signed on January 22, 1878, between the sultan of Sulu and the British North Borneo Company represented by Baron Gustavos von de Overbeck and Alfred Dent, Malaysia continues to pay to this day a token annual rent of 5,300 ringgit (P77,000) to the sultanate of Sulu as “cession fee.”

As a footnote, Rep. MaglaPhilippine na, it must be remembered, eagle authored Republic Act 5747, signed on June 21, 1969, which created the town of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

Brahimy kite

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE EXTENSION OF THE TENDER OFFER FOR SHARES OF

DAVAO DOCTORS HOSPITAL (CLINICA HILARIO), INC. Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (“MPHHI”) (formerly Neptune Stroika Holdings, Inc.), hereby announces that its offer to acquire the remaining 587,154 common shares of Davao Doctors Hospital (Clinica Hilario), Inc. (“DDH”) which comprise approximately 65.18% of the total outstanding shares of DDH, is extended from its original deadline of 5:00 p.m. of November 19, 2015 to 5:00 pm of December 19, 2015. The Securities and Exchange Commission approved MPHHI’s request for extension of the Tender Offer Period in its letter dated November 6, 2015, and received by MPHHI on November 13, 2015

Except for the extension of the deadline of the Tender Offer and the corresponding adjustment of the start of the Settlement Date as indicated above, all the other terms and conditions of the Tender Offer as published remain unchanged.

The offer period is extended to give DDH shareholders more time to consider the offer and clarify some terms, and prepare the necessary documentary requirements.

Each stockholder of DDH is advised to read the full terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and SEC Form 19-1. Inquiries and requests for assistance and copies of SEC Form 19-1 may be directed to the Tender Offer Agent, whose address and telephone numbers are indicated above.

For more information and for inquiries regarding the tender you may contact the Tender Offer Agent as follows:

Atty. Dominador Maphilindo O. Carrillo SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Offices The Penthouse, 17/F, Landco Corporate Centre J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City 8000 Telephone No. : (6382) 221-3917 Correspondingly, the start of the Settlement Date Email Address : dmocarillo@syciplaw.com will also be moved to December 21, 2015.

8

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

9

EDGEDAVAO

10 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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Public vigilance

HE bomb explosion inside a passenger van in Davao City yesterday morning sent shivers down the spines of many residents in this part of Mindanao. Although the blast claimed no lives and caused only damage to properties as only two people were hurt, the incident disturbed the tranquility of the city and alarmed law enforcers, what with the volatile situation in the country today and around the world because of threats of terrorism.

It was only days ago when horror gripped the planet after terrorists picked Paris as their newest major target and killed over 100 innocent people and wounded several hundred others. The deadly attacks inside a concert hall, outside a sports arena, and posh bars and cafeterias came as a jolt not only to the beautiful city of Paris but also to the rest of the world.

Following the carnage in the French capital, terrorists belonging to the Islamic State warned of more attacks in other parts of the world, particularly the US. With these renewed threats, securi-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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ty was tightened specially in the Philippines with its hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Summit in Manila.

And just days ago, grenade blasts rocked Cotabato City and Kabacan, North Cotabato, prompting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to place several areas in Mindanao, including Davao City, under red alert status. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) under director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. tightened security in the city, intensifying checkpoints and launching foot patrols in a bid to prevent any terrorist act from occurring in the city.

But of course, the DCPO and Task Force Davao cannot get the job done without the help of the populace. In securing the city and safeguarding its citizens, they need all the support and cooperation from the residents themselves if they are to succeed in their objective. As always, we urge the public to remain vigilant by immediately reporting to the police the presence of people acting suspiciously in their communities. This is the only thing terrorists and criminals fear: a people united in their fight against attacks.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • B. EDCER C. SR., ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA •ANGELO GREGORIO G. DELIGERO BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO AGUSTIN • EMILY • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDA MIAEconomic S. VALVERDE • Economic “GICO” G.• DAYANGIRANG ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Analyst: ENRICO Analysts: “GICO” G.ENRICO 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 RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

INdulge!

There are thirteen different Smokees to choose from.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Light and crispy, Munchtown’s BLT Smokee.

Smokee and the munchies FILIPINOS have a love affair with the hotdog, whether mixed together with kaldereta or alone skewered on a stick. That is why when one looks for a sausage at Munchtown, one gets thirteen different ways to enjoy the veritable deli delight.

Carlo Lorenzana hold’s Muntown’s new improved Smokee.

Muntown Fries are the best acoompaniment to any Smokee.

Known already for their premium angus beef burgers, spectacular pizzas, crispy home-made fries, belly busting blue plate specials, and decadent milkshakes, Chef Robby Goco’s Munchtown brings a bit of New York into the mix with their Smokees which are hotdogs with a variety of toppings and served on a warm soft bun.

What makes Munchtown’s smokees unique from any other hotdog served out there, aside from coming in thirteen flavourful varieties, is its characteristic snap. To say though that the smokees are just a mere hotdog is incorrect, as choice prime meat and spices are used to stuff the natural casing each smokee.

“Our smokees are all home made by our commissary in Manila using quality meat, stuffed in natural collagen casing, smoked, and then flown to Davao regularly,” said Carlo Lorenzana, Munchtown Davao’s managing partner. “This ensures the freshness and flavour of our food.”

Another secret of the deliciousness of Munchtown’s smokees are the freshly made buns using the restaurant’s secret recipe. Each bun cradling the home-made

smokee is soft and fluffy. The absorbent interior acts as a sponge, soaking up delicious sauces and juices, ensuring a flavourful bite every time.

“We also have our trademark potato bread here in Davao,” adds Carlo. “This ensures that our food is always at its best when it comes to quality.”

So if you have a munch you need to quell, why not try out Munchtown’s smokees which are now made more affordable and tastier?

Munchtown is located at the ground level of SM Lanang Premier’s Fountain Court.

Pickled, relish and banana peppers add a bit of tanggines and heat on Munchtown’s Chicago Smokee.

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

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FOOD

Counting from one to

PHAT FIVE

STEAKS and seafood nibbles aren’t always found in the same sentence...at the same time.

Most often, it’s the budget that hinders the two to meet in the dining table. Other times, the unavailability. Whatever the reason may be, steaks and seafood nibbles will always remain a favorite – a personal all time favorite, that is.

For me, for as long as I’m satisfied, I’m good. This is what PHAT FIVE is. It’s one of those restos that’ll urge you to be hungry even without being hungry.

Why? Their food is always spot on delicious – tender, juicy and succulent up until the last bite. Guaranteed a most memorable gastronomic experience for you and your tummy...and friends too.

Their menu has its own story to tell. It’s packed with dishes that are prepared and cooked for your very liking. Seldom do you chance upon a restaurant that serves what you have in mind, right? Here, you’ll never have to worry.

At Phat Five, not only would you have a love affair with their food, you’d most

certainly love the positive vibe and their music scene.

Every so often, they feature local bands to the delight of the crowds hence making your #PhatFive experience one to remember.

Let’s talk food. Here’s something for the hungry you. When deciding on a restaurant to visit, make Phat Five your first – and only option. Enjoy! Kudos to the chef – dishes were all superb!

Ribe Eye. Whatever your preference – rare, medium or well done – Phat Five will

make sure that you won’t need a saw to enjoy your steak. Their steak is tender, juicy and very savory. It’s not overly flavoured thus still enabling you to taste the meat and its juices. Best of all, they have an array of sauces to make your steak experience different every time you dine.

Creamy Cheese Chicken. For the chicken, cream and chesse lover, this is for you. It’s creamy and super cheesy and very juicy too.

The chicken is not dry and as such, will make you savor the sauce in every bite.

What’s more, you can have it as a meal or an appetizer for those late night nibbles

with your friends. This is a must try!

Brocolli with Crabmeat.

This is a personal favorite! The crunchy medley of greens and oranges and whites on the plate is enough to tell you that you’d be in for a treat. The delight does not begin and end with your eyes – you’d most certainly love every bite of it. Cooked just right, the vegetables are sweet and very delectable.

You’d also love the crab taste as you pop one floweret after another.

Bistek Tagalog. Another personal favorite! Marinated slices of tender beef will have you saying goodbye to your diet in an instant.

What I personally love about this is that the meat is not tough and the white onion verily complements the whole dish. On any given day, you should try this.

Sisig. A foremost crowd favorite, many Phat Five patrons rave about the taste and texture of their sisig.

Perfect for an all nighter, their sisig rich, savory and crunchy. Yes, what they have is a different take on the sisig – that you’d surely love in an instant.

Phat Five Bar & Grill is lo cated at Talisay, Ecoland Drive, Matina, Davao City (near Civil Service XI).

For inquiries and reservations, you can call them at 0932 428 9195.

For promos and events, view, browse and like their Facebook: www.facebook. com/phatfive *** Happiest birthday to BabuLaya, Daddy Cho and Papa Thoy – we miss you!

To the chikitings, Bai Satria and Datu Hassan – lovelove from ate Ebai! To my Daddy on the 23rd, happiest birthday, Daddy. Iloveyou and Mama.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Heart reveals how she conquered her insecurities KAPUSO star Heart Evangelista is one of the most beautiful women in the entertainment industry, but did you know she also has her fair share of insecurities?

heels. Definitely, I’m insecure about my height.”

Love Marie’ that she was once been insecure about her chinita features. But it was her dad who told her to embrace her uniqueness since everyone in her batch of artists were mestiza.

But, for the beauty author, the long list of flaws doesn’t end there. She told GMANetwork.com during her book launch, “When you see Kendall Jenner and her never ending long legs, I feel like I wish I can wear jeans and wear my

As she turned 30, Heart learned to love and accept herself wholeheartedly. She said, “This is who I am, and I love myself. I’m not [going to] allow myself to get hurt anymore that’s why I accepted my flaws. I embraced it and, who I am today, I’m actually proud of who I am with my flaws.”

The Chinita beauty has been in the industry for 17 years, and it took her a long time to accept everything because she “cared too

It’s also a surprise that this actress finds something strange about her pretty face and proportionate body, “Sometimes I feel like The actress-host revealed my face is too small or my in her beauty book ‘This is Me, neck or whatever.”

much what everybody thought.” She spent years explaining herself but “it was too much of an effort.”

The Beautiful Strangers star had enough

of what the public say about her and this time she has one solid message for everyone, “You know what, ‘Love me, hate me, I can’t do anything anymore.’”

SKY’s MasterChef Asia Fly-in Treat UP AND ABOUT

THE MASTERCHEF franchise has transformed the lives of aspiring chefs across the world. A program originating from the United Kingdom as far back as 1990, it has been continuously adapted and improved in every iteration of the show.

The success of the MasterChef Australia series is what made it explode internationally, showcasing a truly feel-good, uplifting vibe, as very talented culinary amateurs compete and work together to succeed in every challenge.

The format’s renown led to further adaptations in the US, a creation of a MasterChef All Stars and Professionals version, and MasterChef Junior, which even enjoyed a localized series in the Philippines. To bring the life-changing program to Asia, Lifetime, in collaboration

with regional partners, developed Masterchef Asia – where skilled home cooks in the Pan-Asian region can vie for the very first MasterChef Asia title. As a treat for the series fans, SKYcable offers its subscribers a unique opportunity to be part of the finale.

MasterChef Asia brought together a stellar cast of judges to mentor the batch of 15 talented culinary amateurs. In honor of her talent and the impact of her MasterChef experience to her career, Audra Morrice, a MasterChef Australia alum, is part of the judges’ panel. Two all-star chefs join her, the genius Susur Lee, and 3-star Michelin Chef, Bruno Ménard. Now thanks to SKYcable’s special flyin promo, lucky fans can meet them and the contestants during the finale party by sending-in their answer to this simple question: “Who is your

favorite MasterChef Asia contestant and why?”.

Current and active SKYcable postpaid subscribers with Lifetime included in their plan or SELECT channel line-up can join this fly-in promo by simply visiting either w w w.mysk y.com.ph/ masterchefasia. Once on the webpage, all subscribers have to do is answer the contest question and fill-out essential details. The full contest mechanics are listed on the website.

In the grand raffle draw, one SKYcable subscriber can get a chance to win roundtrip air tickets (Philippines- Singapore), a twin-sharing accommodation, and admission passes to the MasterChef Asia Finale Party for two. Any nonMetro Manila subscriber who wins will also receive round trip tickets for two to Manila, including an overnight stay. This special fly-in treat is part of SKY’s commitment to provide its subscribers

exclusive perks and unmatched entertainment that enriches their lives.

Stay tuned to Lifetime every Thursdays at 9PM to watch new episodes of MasterChef Asia. SKYcable subscribers can watch via Ch. 740 for HD, or Ch. 614 for SD. If you’re interested to know more about Lifetime and SKY’s fly-in promo, simply log on to www.mysky.com. ph, or call the 24-hour customer service hotline at 305-5456. You may also send a text for free to the text hotline 23662.

Only SKYcable provides quality home entertainment with the widest-range of standard and high definition digital channels; with over 200 channels, and other top-of-the-line services such as flexible subscription options via SELECT; iRECORD that records, pauses, and rewinds live TV; as well as real-time coverage of live concerts and sporting events via FREE VIEW and PAY-PERVIEW.

November 18 – 24, 2015

WANG FAM Pokwang, Benjie Paras PG

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY 2 3D Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG

1:00 | 3:45 | 6:30 | 9:15 LFS

SPECTRE/ *THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY 2 PG/*PG

Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz/ *Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson 11:45 | 2:30 LFS / *5:20 | 8:00 LFS

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY 2 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG

11:20 | 2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

PEOPLE

Marco Polo Davao appoints new food and beverage manager

By Kenneth Irving Ong

BEHIND every successful hotel is a wonderful culinary experience provided by its dining outlets. With four food outlets as well as banquet and meeting facilities, the Marco Polo Davao’s food and beverage manager is sure to have a handful.

Thankfully there is Ms. Ma. Consuelo Galang-Yabut whom I got to meet over a sumptuous executive lunch at the Marco Polo Davao’s Polo Bistro.

With over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Ms. Ma. Consuelo Galang-Yabut, or Chel to friends, started from the ranks in the early 80’s and worked her way up the corporate ladder in

the industry. Her first hotel stint was at The Peninsula Manila where she was a ten-year loyalty awardee of the hotel. She then decided to make her way up and ventured into the restaurant industry in Via Mare, Bargo Sports Bar and then moved to become an outlet manager for Max Brenner. She was also a former district manager of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, overseeing several coffee outlets.

She went back to the hotel industry and became the Purchasing Manager of Peninsula de Punta Fuego and Terrazas de Punta Fuego. Chel then worked as Food and Beverage Manager for the concession of Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Paseo Premiere Hotel and Technopark Hotel in Laguna and later on at The Linden Suites hotel in

Ortigas. Soon after, she became the Director for Food & Beverage of the One Kitchen Stadium Group of Companies.

A chef in her own right, Chel decided to put up her own Hotel and Restaurant Consultancy group, Une Enterprise de Conseil and a Catering Company called Home Chefs Catering.

Chel is also a food historian, a blogger, and a recipe contributor for “What Happens when the Farmers Meet the Chefs” cookbook. She also worked as a Culinary Director for the Eat and Cheat Cancer Project adding to the list of her projects and accomplishments.

With such outstanding experience and passion, one can expect a better and exciting culinary journey on every visit to the Marco Polo Davao.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 168 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

B

ETWEEN November 30 and December 11 of this year, a group of politicians and global leaders from over 190 countries will gather together in Paris, France for the United Nations 21st Conference of the Parties (‘COP21’, as it is known).

“They’re meeting in Paris to try and agree a global legally binding climate treaty,” wrote Christine Ottery and Ruth Davis. Ottery is the energy desk deputy editor of Greenpeace while Davis is the organization’s political advisor.

According to some reports, the delegates will finalize a new global climate accord that will replace the Kyoto treaty, which failed to stop emissions rising. The talks are about agreeing a plan to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, such as more severe droughts, floods and storms.

“In practice, that means getting us on track to keep global warming below 2°C – this is the agreed threshold that we must not let the planet’s warming exceed if we are to avoid catastrophic effects of climate change,” the two Greenpeace officials wrote.

“Some nations are already feeling the impacts of climate change even now, at the current level of just under 1°C of warming on average. There are already people seeking to be official climate refugees; conflicts exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather caused by climate change is on the increase.”

The Paris talk “is also about supporting vulnerable countries and communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change that are happening right now.”

The Philippines, for instance, has been struck with several super typhoons in recent

T

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VANTAGE POINTS 11

Paris climate talks years: Sendong, THINK ON THESE! Pablo, Yolanda, and Lando. In addition, Filipinos suffer from the climate-related El Niño (drought) and La Niña (too much water) events. Not to mention is the Henrylito D. Tacio sea level rise henrytacio@gmail.com that will affect the more than 7,000 islands.

“Some nations, including an alliance of small islands, think the 2°C threshold is too high and are advocating that we should stay within 1.5°C of warming, which is the level of warming we may already be locked into,” the two noted.

The talks hope to come up with “an internationally legally binding treaty.” The two pointed out: “(The treaty is) not a declaration or other empty promises, but something that legally binds nations and holds them to their commitment.”

In order to achieve this, the United Nations diplomats are asking for more preparation to be done before the COP conference, and a contribution from all states is required. I think the Philippine delegation has already done something on this.

The two noted: “That’s where Intended Nationally Determined Contributions – or INDCs – come in. These are the pledges that countries

responsible for over 80% of emissions have made towards emissions reductions in advance of the talks.”

Unfortunately, all of these aren’t legal commitments. “They are more like indications of intentions for the 155 countries that have submitted them,” the two clarified. “But one of the aims of COP is to try and get parties to agree a level of legal ‘bindingness’ at Paris.”

While the INDCs submitted currently don’t add up to us staying within 2°C of warming, “they are a good start,” they said. “That’s because the INDCs signify what the biggest polluters – including the US, China, Europe and India – are willing to do to tackle global climate change.”

The two Greenpeace officials commented that the current political landscape is looking a lot more promising than it has at previous meetings.

“The most significant thing has got to be the historic China-US climate agreement… in which the world’s two biggest carbon emitters and global superpowers indicated their commitment to moving away from fossil fuels.”

President Barrack Obama has made a global climate deal a priority for his legacy while the G7 – Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan and United States – have “agreed to decarbonise over the course of the century, aiming for zero emissions by 2100.”

On the other hand, countries that were previously seen as barriers to a global agreement, including China and India “are driving renewable energy in a big way.” But the two noted that “India also wants to double coal production by 2020.”

Some more good news: “In the business sector, business leaders have pledged to support the Paris talks, while governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney gave investors an incentive to act when he warned that they will face huge climate change losses.

“There also appears to be a buildup of pressure from civil society ahead of the COP, and it’s expected that hundreds of thousands will attend mass climate marches in the days before the COP starts.”

The two concluded: “Overall, things are looking promising but it’s important to remember that each country will be looking for a deal that fits best with its own national issues and planning processes.”

Meanwhile, Financial Times came up with a report on John Kerry, US secretary of state, speaking after a visit to the USS San Antonio, a transport ship at Norfolk naval base on the Atlantic coast where he sought to reinforce the case for tackling climate change. The naval base, which is the biggest in the world, is facing threats from rising sea levels and flooding.

“During a speech at nearby Old Dominion University, Mr. Kerry said the threat from rising temperatures was not just the ‘harm that is caused to the habitat for butterflies or polar bears as some people try to mock it’ but the threat to everything from agriculture to national security,” Demetri Sevastopulo, author of the report, wrote.

“Long story short, climate change is not just about Bambi. It’s about all of us in very personal and important ways,” Kerry told the audience which included students, military officers and climate scientists.

“man up” for the geopolitical ironies that has happened.

The Arab spring has become the Arab winter. Everyone was happy that democratic demonstrations in the Arab world, supported by the West, would bring down the tyrants whom the West helped set up in the first place.

Now the pride of North Africa, Libya, is in civil war, Egypt has yet to recover from the crisis of Morsi and Sisi, Tunisia has yet to stand up, and all of these countries have extremists flowing in, supported by foreign money with promises of “democracy” replacing tyranny. Syria and Iraq are no strangers to this, and have fallen prey and victim to the “puppetries” in the hopes of dislodging Assad as hey have dislodged Saddam.

But now they face a monster, one that they may have to man up that they have created, and have brought menace into their societies.

To declare that the refugees brought the menace to Western soil is an irony, since the menace crept into Arab lands because of Western intervention.

Democracy and power to the masses is a very admirable concept, but it has to be natural, one that is homegrown and raised by the people themselves, when it is grafted by ideas of foreigners who do not understand the soul of a people, would wreak more havoc than becoming the balm to cure its ills.

As the theatre of war will expand, these extremists would have landed in Southeast Asian shores. Many social media posts decry their existence already. And we may have to confront them. Then how do we confront an ideology that

is against inclusivity, against accepting differences, against accepting deviants and the West?

Then we shall see like in the Middle East, the sky fall, from bombs, from tears and wails from suicide bombings, from terror attacks and kidnappings.

Before this happens, what are we to do, so that we may have even a spectre of chance to succeed?

We have to make our national culture one of inclusivity, true inclusivity in education, in governance, in culture, in language and in the people themselves, not simply bylines or motherhood statements but true programs that resonate the state’s sincerity to unify as a people, to be inclusive as to allow the people of different areas to govern themselves in the pursuit of self determination, to recognize the indigenous culture of our diverse peoples and enrich it to make them mainstream and accept them, so that no culture is left behind and that each Filipino feels he is proud to be one.

For if we do not, then when the religious and political extremists would continue to wreak their havoc, having enough manpower, “to die another day.” For “the world is not enough” for anyone who has the zeal to wreak havoc in the pursuit of his goals. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Yusuf Morales is the Muslim Affairs Coordinator of the Social Development Office of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. His interests are Sufism, Southeast Asian Islam, Islamic Philosophy and Theology. History of Religions and Social Development. The author has written articles on Islam and Muslims.)

The world is not enough: A parody of the tragedy of Paris

HE world’s spotlight is now on Paris, after experiencing a tragic blow nearly a year after the Charlie Hebdo attacks. This has brought many people to sympathize and empathize with the French. Facebook even allowed people to post a watermarked flag of France superimposed on the pictures of Facebook users.

There are many angles to this story. First, is the double standard perception towards reportage, that when the non-Western countries, specifically Muslim and indigenous populations, experience violence and cultural and ethnic cleansing, the world seems to turn a blind eye. But when western countries like the US or France get attacked, the whole world suddenly mourns. This is further exaggerated if the perpetuators are colored, or Muslim.

The second angle is the demonization factor. Much as I do not want to cite Samuel Huntington, there is still a pre-existing paradigm that despite being in a globalized society, there is still a sense of unwelcoming over certain elements of regional culture. A global culture in order to be global must be welcoming and accepting of differences, of becoming open spaces of inclusivity and sensitivity. This goes both for global and local media, to be able to broadcast and highlight both local, regional and international events whether of economic successes such as the APEC summit, or the Palestinian genocide and the Burma ethnic cleansing to mobilize not only sympathy but also global support and mobilization.

Seyyed Hossein Nasr says that the ethos of modern society is that there is more emphasis

PEACETALK

BY YUSUF MORALES of social premiums on individuals than on the collective society as a whole. This has worsened in today’s post-modern society, a society wherein Shaykh Hamza Yusuf has described as having a culture of extremism in western society. A society that encourages extreme sports, even extreme dietary culture like vegetarianism or veganism, one that encourages extreme lifestyles, of open marriages and open-ended relationships. This has been in the eyes of Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, towards the degradation of western society and one-sided values, thus having one-sided perspectives, seeing the bombing of Beirut of the beheading of Hazaras in Afghanistan or the daily genocide of Palestine and Rohingya as not crucial while the Paris incident has been mourned by the world.

Not to sound callous but are the Sandy Brook, Boston Bombing, the Charlie Hebdo and recent Paris incidents the only worthy news items worth shedding a tear for? It is an irony that when the Paris incident happened, a lot of Filipinos changed profile pics but never reacted to Lumad killings and preferred a very distant incident. The global psyche of callousness is so deafening it has become so fearful.

On the other hand we are asked, who are to blame for the actions of a small minority of Muslims who have wreaked havoc on the world? It is but time that the world and the west

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Philippine... FROM 7 executive director.

When Cebu lost all of its forest cover to kaingineros (slash-and-burn farmers), 9 of the province’s 10 endemic bird species and subspecies disappeared. What remains was the Cebu black shama (Copsychus cebuensis), which the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified as “critically endangered.” Called locally as “siloy,” the bird is able to survive by “adapting to living in bamboo groves and secondary forest patches.”

Trade and for food On the other hand, Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) has declined extremely rapidly owing to extensive deforestation within its range, but also as a result of the high prices the birds fetch in trade.

Birdlife International reports: “On Palawan, Polillo and Samar, trapping is particularly serious, and the high price fetched per bird means that chicks are taken from virtually every accessible nest. High numbers were (legally) traded internationally in the 1980s. Poaching of nestlings and snares possibly intended for roosting cockatoos have also been noted during recent conservation work on Pandanan Island.”

The same is true is happening in Surigao del Sur. Cecil Morella, in a report for Agence France-Presse (AFP), accompanied Felizardo Goring, a local guide, into some forests areas in the province. During the sojourn, the journalist witnessed one local man selling his trapped parrot.

Morella wrote: “Goring explained the blue-naped parrot disappeared locally about 15 years ago, primarily because of pet trade. He said forest birds sold for as little as P500 in the

markets of Bislig, the nearest city… with customers buying them for food as well as pets.”

Like chickens, birds can also be eaten. And this is another reason why birds are fast disappearing from this part of the world.

Take the case of big bird Eastern sarus crane (Grus antigone sharpei), which used to abound in the open swampy areas of Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, Nueva Ecija and the island of Panay.

“In the 1940s, the birds were frequently seen in groups of up to five in flooded rice paddies,” wrote one award-winning author. “When people, however, learned that the crane’s meat is much tastier than that of chicken, the birds had been hunted relentlessly, and with their big size, they didn’t stand a chance.”

Some laws To give birds a chance to live, the Philippine government signed Republic Act 7586 (enacted in 1992) which set important bird and biodiversity areas through the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

Another law, Republic Act 9147, more popularly known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” penalizes any person found guilty of killing or destroying any critically endangered wildlife species “with imprisonment from six to 12 years, and/or a fine between P100,000 and P1 million.”

The Act also said: “No person or entity shall be allowed possession of wildlife unless such person or entity can prove financial and technical capability and facility to maintain said wildlife.”

Trading and transporting of wildlife, including birds, are classified as illegal acts under the said law. -- (TO BE CONCLUDED)

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BOMB... FROM 1

male passengers—when it reached SM City Davao Terminal. A male passenger disembarked in front of the mall’s entrance while the remaining two alighted at the SM Ecoland Terminal.

After the two disembarked, Daag drove the van to Eco West Drive to have breakfast at one of the restaurants.

On the way to the nearby restaurant, eyewitnesses said they heard a loud blast.

In an interview yesterday, DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. said police are looking at several angles, including terrorism.

“The threat of terrorism is always there. We cannot remove that,” he said.

Danao said the police are also looking at personal grudge, particularly with the

possible conflict with illegal van terminals.

Asked about unverified information that the explosion was due to the order of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to dismantle all illegal van terminals in the city, Danao said, “We gave a very fair warning to all van owners that as long they are legally operating in the city there is no problem.”

He ruled out any participation by the van driver believing that “no one in his right mind would detonate a bomb inside the vehicle he is driving.”

Still, he said police will look into several angles.

In a related development, Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte said yesterday he has ordered intensifying of all security checks on vehicles entering the city (see related story).

“As of Jun 2014, only 70,838 workers out of 2.061M or 3.4% of the total workforce are unionized, meaning they have rights to collectively bargain, right to job security, and right to strike. APEC will further bring these numbers down,” Maglunsod added.

The labor group also said that “inclusive growth” is impossible under a neoliberal regime of increasing repression of workers and trade unions. A report from the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) revealed 554 cases of trade union and

human rights violations since 2010, 24 victims of extra-judicial killings among the workers and the urban poor.

Trade unions and workers’ communities have also been militarized, leading to harassment and vilification of genuine trade union, he said.

The same group held a protest in front of the Department of Labor and Employment Region (DOLE) 11 to condemn the “cabal of imperialists” who had arrived here in Manila to hold talks under the APEC Summit. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Militants... FROM 6

NEWS 13

Paolo... FROM 2

its back portion at around 9:45 a.m.

The van driver, identified as German Daag, was still able to drive the van around 100 meters before stopping.

No one was killed in the blast but the van conductor, identified as Tata Basañes, sustained minor injuries when he was hit by shrapnel in the nape.

Some cars parked in the area were also hit by the fragments of the improvised explosive device (IED).

Ronald Mendrez told reporters the front tires of the car which he had borrowed from a friend were hit by bomb fragments. He had parked the car outside the condominium since the night of November 17.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) was able to recover a pieace of metal, believed to be the cover of 6 millimeter mortar, from inside the car.

Sought for comment, SM City Davao management sent

a text message saying, “The local authorities earlier sought the cooperation of SM City Davao mall security personnel in relation to the investigation of the van explosion incident which occurred outside the mall. The said investigation of the incident is still ongoing.”

For his part, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. said the police should triple the security in the city since the explosion happened even at the height of a red alert status.

Danao asked the public to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious person to the police to prevent any terror plans from being carried out.

He also warned that terrorists could enter the city through the shoreline.

“We are really asking our communities to be vigilant. We really need to encourage them (to be watchful) especially in the shorelines,” he said.

the motive of extortion,” she said in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps at the DCPO conference room.

Driz said Daag and the son of the van owner told her that some groups from Pikit, North Cotabato were extorting money from the owner.

“It just happened that the bomb exploded here in the city,” she said.

Driz said investigators are now looking for the passenger whom Daag dropped in front of SM City Davao.

Police said a white PUV

bearing a plate number MVW 553 had unloaded passengers at the SM City Davao van terminal and was moving along Eco-West Drive when a bomb exploded from its back portion at around 9:45 a.m.

No one was killed in the blast but the van conductor, identified as Tata Basañes, sustained minor injuries when he was hit by shrapnel in the nape.

Some cars parked in the area were also hit by the fragments of the improvised explosive device (IED). ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Police... FROM 2

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MEDAL IN RIO

USA’s half-Pinay Lee Kiefer boosts her bid

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

PROUD TO BE HALF PINAY. Lee Kiefer of the United States in action against Italy’s Elisa Di Francisca (top) during the Olympic Qualifiers. Below, Kiefer smiles after scoring a win.

USFA Photo

T

HE road to the 2016 Olympics Games for halfPinay US fencer Lee Kiefer is within reach. In fact, her c o a c h is now thinking of a medal in Rio.

The 18-year old Kiefer, daughter of a Dabawenya doctor, joined the world’s top fencers in advancing through World Cup events in the sabre and foil disciplines in France, Romania and Japan. Kiefer, ranked world no. 4 in women’s foil, bagged a bronze medal in Sport Center Pierre Brossolette in the city of Saint-Maur, France last November 8 before the attacks in Paris.

The world’s top 178 women’s foil fencers from 38 countries vied for the women’s foil events in the tough meet. Italy’s Arianna Errigo edged out compatriot and top ranked fencer, Elisa Di Francisca 1211 to clinch the women’s individual event.

Errigo was the same Italian fenc-

er who eliminated Kiefer in the quarterfinals of the 2012 London Olympics.

Current world no. 1 and Olympic champion Di Francisca defeated Kiefer by a touch at 15-14 but it gave the FilAm fencer her first individual medal of the season. Kiefer had beaten Di Francesca in another World Cup tournament this year showing promise that she is capable of upsetting the big guns.

Kiefer’s US Team coach Amgad Abd El-Halim Khazbak told EDGE Davao in an online interview that his ward is making great strides towards the Rio Olympics.

“We are doing great! I think now 99% will be there, but we are planning for medal,” coach Khazbak said. “This result maintained her ranking as 4th in the world.”

The other bronze medal went to Germany’s Carolin Gol-

ubytskyi. The Italians made it a women’s foil double as they also took out the team event.

They beat Russia 45-25 in the final, with France taking the bronze medal after beating Korea 45-24.

In Tokyo, the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium in Tokyo played host to the Fencing World Cup in the men’s foil individual and team events, with some 178 foil fencers from 33 countries competing.

USA’s Alexander Massialas took victory in men’s individual event after beating Korea’s Jun Heo 15-10 in the gold medal final.

Massialas, who took silver earlier this year at the World Fencing Championships in Moscow, Russia, now moves up as the world’s top-ranked foil fencer. The 2015 World Champion from those Championships, Japan’s Yuki Ota and USA’s Meinhardt Gerek took the bronze medals.

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SPORTS 15

Go steers CMO to 2nd win in AFP-PNP hoops

C

HRISTOPHER “Bong” Go put on a familiar shooting display capped by a crucial basket in the closing seconds to lead the City Mayors Office to a 92 – 90 victory over Regional Public Safety Battalion in the 2015 Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – AFP- PNP Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym on Tuesday night.

Go, who recently returned to action from a shoulder injury, dribbled his way to the basket and hoisted a pull up jumper to make the go ahead basket that broke the 90-90 deadlock.

The sweet-shooting trusted aide of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte scattered 28 points, including three triples, as the

City Hall dribblers shrug off a flat start on its way to second straight victory.

Abao scored 23 points as Galarpe had 19 for the RPSB that missed the potential game winning tries.

Jr de guzman and Rodel Bantilan made significant contribution, scoring 16 points each on top of hustle and energy that helped cmo battled toe to toe with the pesky RPSB side all game long.

CMO opened the season on the right track with a win over the naval forces eastern Mindanao command – Philippine navy.

Go was just on his third game after returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for three weeks.

LEBRON DEFENDS. Marcus Morris of the Detroit Pistons is guarded tightly by Cleveland Cavaliers’ Lebron James.

Spieth heads to Australian Open J

ORDAN Spieth knows how to mix business with pleasure. His business is playing great golf. His pleasure is playing great golf courses.

Spieth leaves this week for Down Under, where he defends his title Nov. 26-29 in Sydney at the Australian Open.

The first stop is Melbourne and a chance to play the fabled sand belt courses. He has games lined up at Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath.

“I’ve heard Kingston Heath is unbelievable,” Spieth said.

“And then Royal Melbourne, I hear you get on the first tee and think, ‘Piece of cake,’ and then watch your tee shot bounce in the air. There and then Long Island, the courses there, are on my bucket lists of courses I haven’t played yet.”

Spieth surely has a long list. He’s only 22 and just completed his third year as a pro.

What intrigues him about Melbourne’s sand belt and Long Island (Shinnecock, National Golf Links) is “that style of golf was meant for that area.”

He missed his chance at

Long Island in August during The Barclays, although that was never the plan even before he missed the cut. He was supposed to play with Justin Thomas at Pine Valley the Monday after the tournament.

When he missed the cut and had an extra day on his hand, Spieth chose to play Baltusrol with Rickie Fowler (who also missed the cut) to see it ahead of next year’s PGA Championship, and then headed to Boston to work on his game.

Not to worry. That’s an easy trip to plan.

After that?

“I’ve done pretty much everything I want to do,” Spieth said. “I still haven’t played Oakmont (next year’s U.S. Open). We have Royal Troon coming up. I haven’t played Carnoustie. But sought after?

Sand Hills in Nebraska, the Coore-Crenshaw. I’ve heard it’s supposed to be that good, from Crenshaw and everyone down there.”

One area he failed to mention was Chicago Golf Club, one of the five founding courses of the USGA.

THE Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub golf tournament will be held in Luzon for the first time in its 69-year history. Hosting the annual event from Feb 23 to March 5 will be the Mimosa Golf and Country Club and FA Korean Country Club in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. Photo shows (from left) Henry Arebalo, tournament director;

Pistons hand Cavs second straight loss A

NDRE Drummond had 25 points and 18 rebounds and made some crucial free throws when he was fouled intentionally, helping the Detroit Pistons rally to a 104-99 victory over the Cleveland

Cavaliers on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

LeBron James scored 23 of his 30 points in the first half, but the Pistons double-teamed him on a couple of big possessions down the stretch and

Cleveland couldn’t convert.

The Cavs lost their second straight after winning eight in a row.

Drummond’s free throw with 2:07 left gave the Pistons a 98-97 advantage, and Detroit was able

to hold on. It was 102-99 with 13.8 seconds remaining after Reggie Jackson made two free throws for the Pistons. J.R. Smith then missed a contested 3-pointer from near the top of the key.

ures.

Milwaukee (5-6) was led by Khris Middleton, who scored 14 points in the team's worst loss of the season.

In the last eight minutes of the second quarter, Washington outscored Milwaukee, 28-8, to take a 64-46 lead into halftime.

The Bucks went on a 20-8 spurt of their own in the first

seven minutes of the third to cut the Wizards' lead to 72-66, but got no closer.

It was the Wizards' second win over Milwaukee this season, including a 118-113 victory Oct. 30.

sooner than later."

Meanwhile, guard O.J. Mayo practiced on Monday but was sent back to Milwaukee for an examination. Kidd hopes Mayo, sidelined all season with a strained right hamstring, will play Thursday at Cleveland.

Wizards rout Bucks 115-86 J

OHN Wall had 19 points, nine assists and six rebounds as the Washington Wizards beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 115-86, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Otto Porter also scored 19 to help the Wizards (5-4) win by double digits for the first time this season. Washington had six players in double fig-

Bong Velasquez, PAL SAVP-International Sales; Dina May Flores, PAL VP Revenue Management; Jefferson Tan, golf manager of Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks; and Eric Gozo, general manager of Mimosa Leisure Estate. With the theme “Power on the Greens,”a total of 192 teams will take part in the regular and senior tournaments.

INJURED BUCKS Milwaukee forward Jabari Parker is not traveling with the team during its three-game road trip due to a sprained right foot.

"Hopefully, it's in a few days that he's back playing," coach Jason Kidd said.

"It's not a serious injury.

The things that he's done at this point, it's all right for him to be sore. Hopefully he's back

BEAL RESTS AGAIN Washington guard Bradley Beal missed his third straight game with a sore left shoulder.

But coach Randy Wittman said Beal isn't being rested to prepare him for next week's four games in five nights.

"We would do that anyway.

If a guy's hurt, you've got to make sure he's ready before he comes back," Wittman said.

Rousey suspended for 6 months R ONDA Rousey will be out for six months after the humiliating loss to Holly Holm, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship issuing medical suspensions to several fighters after UFC 193.

The erstwhile unbeaten Rousey was stopped by Holm in the second round following a vicious head kick on Sunday in Australia.

The medical suspension

for 180 days issued on Tuesday may be cleared by a negative head CT scan but nevertheless the 28-year-old American former Olympic judo medalist cannot fight within 60 days.

Strawweight titleholder Joanna Jedrzejczyk, who won by decision over Valerie Letourneau, injured her hand and is also out for 180 days unless cleared by an orthopedic doctor.

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