Edge Davao 9 Issue 246

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING.The flags of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries fly high outside The Marco Polo Davao, the venue of the 23rd meeting of the coordinating committee on the implementation of Applying the Rules of Origin of Goods in ASEAN Trade In Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and related meetings, yesterday in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

STAY DISCIPLINED

Dabawenyos told to stick trademark to sustain tourism

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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ITH another robust year expected for the tourism industry, Dabawenyos are reminded anew to stick to their trademark as a disciplined people to sustain the influx of tourists to Davao City.

“All residents must show what the Davao spirit is all about,” said City Tourism officer Gene RoseTecson. “We’re supposed to be disciplined so we should continue to show this as well as our other good traits as a people.”

She said that on the part of public utility vehicles, it means loading and dropping off on designated areas. On the part of pedestrians, it means crossing the streets by using the pedestrian lanes.

The city tourism officer

added that establishments should also improve and maintain the quality of their services “Simple things pero it really means a lot,” she stressed.

Tecson also bared that the City Tourism Office is now preparing for the activities in line with Philippine chairmanship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2017 as some of the meetings will be held in the city following the recent launching of the event on January 15 at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Davao City.

Other events to watch out for this year are the annual celebrations such as the Araw ng Dabaw on March and Kadayawan Festival on August.

“We hope that the Kaday-

awan [Festival] will be a funfilled affair,” said Tecson.

“There’s so many embassies na nagpahiwatig na gusto nilang pumunta sa Davao to participate not necessarily doon sa mga contests natin pero gusto din nilang magkaroon ng mga exhibit (Many embassies have showed interest in going to Davao City to participate not necessarily on the contests but what they want is to join exhibits),” she added.

The city tourism officer also said that they will be supporting and assisting the private sector on Visit Davao Fun Sale this summer.

Based on the data coming from Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao, for the first quarter (Q1) of 2016 (Janu-

ary to March), tourist arrivals in Davao Region reached a total of 714,887 81 percent higher compared to the 2015 record on the same period at 395,145.

608,118 of these were domestic tourists marking a 67 percent increase as compared to 2015’s Q1 data at 363,806.

Meanwhile, the top five foreign markets in the region during the first quarter were United States of America (19,858), Japan (12,198), Korea (6,915), China (8,063) and Australia (5,115).

Most of the tourists were reported in Davao City (64 percent), followed by Davao Oriental (13 percent), Davao del Norte (11 percent), Compostela Valley (11 percent) and Davao del Sur (1 percent).

Army troops on alert; NPA raids condemned

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has alerted all its units in the field following the series of attacks, abduction and killings perpetrated by the outlawed New People’s Army in the regions of Davao and Caraga.

In a statement to the media on Tuesday morning, Major Ezra L. Balagtey, chief of information office of EMC said the attacks were made by the NPAs despite of the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire and the ongoing peace negotiations.

EDGEDAVAO Sports SOUTHPAW STOPPER Horn trainer: Doubters

will have egg on their face P14

F ARMY, 11

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

ASSURANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Jae-Shin and Choi Kyung-Jin, wife of the late Jee Ick-Joo, at the Music Room at Malacañan Palace on Monday night. KING RODRIGUEZ/ Presidential Photo

Man shot in Sasa Dad proposes more robbery attempt A

SUSPECTED member of a group of robbers was shot by responding policemen after he was caught in the act of hauling away a stolen 12 volt Panasonic car battery inside a construction site in Sasa on Monday evening.

The asuspect was identified as Wendel Mostley, 20 years old, single, and a resident of Sagrada Familia in Panacan, Davao City.

Initial investigation of the authorities disclosed that police officers, PO1 Raymond Jake Aymer and PO1 Kaye Elver Matricular, were on patrol when they received a phone call from one Charley Alfeche Lim that a group of unidentified persons entered the construction site and were in the

act of hauling away construction materials.

The policemen immediately proceeded and chance upon the suspect in the act of trying to ran away with the battery.

According to the policemen, the suspect dropped the battery and pulled out an improvised shotgun known as ‘sumpak,’ prompting PO1 Amyet to shoot him once.

The suspect, according to the authorities, sustained a lone gunshot wound and the police officers immediately called the Central 911 for medical assistance. The suspect is now under observation and treatment at Southern Philippines Medical Center. TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

diversion highways

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

D

AVAO City Councilor Conrad Baluran on Tuesday proposed the opening up of more diversion roads instead of building flyovers to decongest the heavy traffic situation in several areas in Davao City.

Baluran unveiled the proposal during the regular session of the City Council in a privilege speech.

The public committee hearing on January 27 which was participated by Davao Alliance of Transport Group,

and other national and local government units examined several resolutions that proposed to come up with solutions to alleviate the traffic congestion.

“Skipping the busy roads is what will ease up the traffic,” Baluran said.

He added that traffic problem would only be solved by opening alternative and new roads.

“We have also discussed in the public committee hearing the 48-kilometer bypass road

in Davao City that would cover the areas of Lasang to Toril and the four-lane coastal road that would cover the areas from Bago Aplaya to Roxas Avenue,” he said, adding that the budget worth PhP 1.5 billion for the projects is already with DPWH and it will start on 2018.

Baluran’s proposal was also backed by Engr. Jose Froilan Rigor of the City Planning and Development Office who was present during Tuesday’s regular session.

“Diversion roads instead

of flyovers because the roads would get choked again within the short period of time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rigor pointed out that Japan Internatonal Cooperation Agency would be conducting a 14-month study for the Urban Development Plan of the city and capacity building for its later implementation.

“JICA has also included the two road networks and other highways and thoroughfares,” Rigor said.

these atrocities which targets innocent civilians and our soldiers guarding development projects intended for the benefit of the people,“ Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th ID said in the statement.

Valencia added that the violent actions perpetrated by the lawless group could imperil the on-going peace negotiations.

Reports reaching the 10th ID said ALG members staged a series of violent atrocities, attacking soldiers guarding a road construction project and burning a passenger van in

Sarangani Province and disarmed the guards of a banana plantation in Compostela Valley on Monday, January 30.

The first attack took place at around 2:30 p.m. on Monday when an undetermined number of ALGs fired upon the troopers of Bravo Company, 73rd Infantry Battalion who are securing an ongoing road project in Barangay Banlibato, Alabel, Sarangani.

A two-hour gunfight ensued after the attack, Batchar said.

The second incident happened at around 6:15 p.m.

on Monday when a group of armed passengers of a van ordered the driver to stop the vehicle and asked the passengers to disembark at Crossing Tablao, Barangay Lebe, Kiamba, Sarangani.

Several armed men were already waiting at Crossing Tablao where they burned the said passenger van.

At around 7:40 p.m. on the same day, ten heavily armed men riding in three motorcycles attacked the Musahamat Banana Plantation in Barangay Union, Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

FARMED, 11

Man stabbed in Toril; Armed attacks in ComVal, Sarangani condemned attackers unidentified

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

A

20-YEAR old man was seriously injured after he was repeatedly stabbed by still unidentified assailants in Sirawan, Toril early morning Monday.

Police sketchy report identified the victim as Angel Guabes Mamugay III, 20 years old, a buy-product crew, and resident of the place.

Initial investigation conducted by the police revealed that the victim was driving a motorcycle heading towards his residence after a “drinking session” at a store in front

of Bounty Fresh in Northern Binugao, Toril together with his cousin identified as Akim Guabes, 35 years old, and a resident of Purok 2, Sirawan, Toril.

Authorities added that two unidentified men suddenly blocked their way and subsequently stabbed Mamugay twice at the upper back of his body and four times at his upper left arm.

The perpetrators immediately left the crime scene by taking the motorcycle of the victim while the victim was

FMAN, 11

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army has condemned a series of attacks attributed to what it termed an “armed lawless group” on Monday in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Sarangani.

In a statement to the media on Tuesday morning, Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of 10th ID said the ALG elements targeted a road construction project and a passenger vehicle in Sarangani province and a banana plantation in Compostela Valley.

“The 10th ID condemns

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

10,404 cops promoted to next higher rank

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TOTAL of 10,404 Police Commissioned Officers (PCO) and Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCO) were promoted to the next higher rank during a simultaneous mass oathtaking and pinning of ranks at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City and different police offices and units nationwide Monday.

From a total of 11,528 vacancies, 1,067 PCO and 9,337 PNCO applicants have passed the examination and interviews for the 2nd Semester CY 2016 Regular Promotion Program and were found qualified for promotion effective Dec. 31, 2016.

In the National Headquarters, 376 PCOs and 1,557 PNCOs were included in the

said program assigned at Crame-based National Support Units, Command Group and Directorial Staff.

Each unit and office has its PCO and PNCO Promotion Board who processed the applications of those who are qualified for Permanent Appointment to the next higher ranks.

“To the promotees you know to serve, you know very well to serve. Kung kayo ay sindikato, kayo ay pinapatamaan ko. Kung kayo ay matino kayo yung ineencourage ko na tumulong para malinis itong PNP,” PNP chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said during the event in turn to his dismay to police scalawags who tarnished the primary project of the PNP against illegal drugs. (PNA)

SECURING THE VENUE. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the Davao City Police Office is stationed outside The Marco Polo Davao, where the representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

member countries are conducting a meeting, as part of the stricter security measures to ensure the safety of the delegates in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

City jail reports 200% increase in detainees T

Urban container garden program launched in DC

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

T

HE Davao City Jail reported an 200 percent increase in the number of its detainees with the implementation of the nationwide “Oplan Tokhang” that saw a significant number of drug users turning themselves over to authorities.

DCJ warden Jail Supt.

Grace Sun Taculin, MSDA said that from a high of more 1,000 detainees at the DCJ main compound, this ballooned to 3,072 after President Rodrigo Duterte declared war against illegal drugs.

Taculin said that out of the 4,271 detainees, 70% of them have drug related cases.

“The number of detain-

ees with drug related cases increased ever since President Duterte was declared as the 16th President of the country,” she said. “There were several detainees who personally surrendered to the authorities and most of them already have cases filed against them in court”.

Taculin said that since the current administration intensified its campaign against illegal drugs, drug suspects immediately submit themselves to the authorities while others confessed their cohorts.

She said that the main purpose of the DCJ is to keep the detainees while their cases are ongoing.

Taculin however said that there are still detainees who were proven innocent despite the years that they have served inside the jail.

“Basically they are in our custody for safe keeping purposes since the court do not have any verdict yet,” she said.

She said that they conduct several activities that can help the detainees transform into a better person while they are staying in the DCJ. The DCJ partnered with the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) for their literacy programs in which high school graduates

can now proceed to college while they are detained in jail.

The detainees will follow the curriculum of USEP, after graduation they will have a diploma under the said University.

“We are also looking forward to have a post grad courses here in the next ears to come,” she said.

Taculin said that the said program can prepare the detainees to have a good future after they came out of the DCJ. As of the moment a two storey building is currently under construction that will serve as the classroom for the detainees who wants to continue their studies.

HE Davao City Agriculturist Office, together with Byaheng DO30, has recently launched its Davao City Urban Container Program at the rooftop of City Hall Annex Building along Magallanes Avenue.

In an interview Tuesday, Councilor Marissa Salvador-Abella said that the purpose of the program is to inspire the public to do organic gardening in a small plot of land within their homes.

“The project aims to inform those living in the city to also produce their own food and not just rely on farmers with vast tracks of land,” Salvador-Abella explained.

She added that it also aims the people in poverty-stricken and largely populated areas to have food security; it is one of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio’s 10-point socio-economic agenda, one of which is poverty alleviation.

Salvador-Abella said the

city government based their model with a 50 square meter lot wherein one family can save approximately PhP 10,000 worth of vegetables per month.

She mentioned that the said program would also instill that family can bring healthy food on their table through gardening.

Salvador-Abella added that it also addresses waste management through composting.

She added that the CAO would be partnering with barangays for the said program and that they are planning to have five to 10 set ups in urban barangays.

Salvador-Abella mentioned that the city government is ready to provide maintenance and technical support for the program.

“We are hopeful that the program will be a hit among the locals and would inspire many people,” she said.

Solon defends Duterte on crackdown vs. scalawags

P VARIETY. Vendors sell different dishes during lunch time at a sidewalk across a big construction site along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao city yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has found another ally in his new war against police scalawags which indicates the government’s resolve to win not just the fight versus illegal drugs but also corruption and criminality.

First District Rep.Karlo Nograles lauded the decision of President Duterte to temporarily restrict the Philippine National Police from conducting anti-drugs operations to make way for the cleansing of the police ranks.

“To me, it shows that the President understands the PNP’s problem of corruption is deeply rooted and he wants the PNP (Philippine National Police) Chief to give his undivid-

ed attention to this problem,” Nograles also said in reference to accusations that the Chief Executive has lost confidence on PNP Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

As he cited the accomplishment of the PNP in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs the past several months, Nograles, however, said rogue police officers are taking advantage of the campaign to conduct shakedowns, extortion, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“They are using the element of fear that comes along with the PNP’s Oplan: Tokhang to extract money from civilians including those who are not re-

FSOLON, 11

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Beijing assures Manila of full support for PH projects

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NEW TECHNOLOGY. Dexter Estrellas of Honda customer service department discusses before Honda motorcycle owners and enthusiasts the company’s awareness campaign for its Programmed Fuel Injection

(PGM-FI) technology during the 2017 Honda Riders Convention Mindanao Leg held at the Davao City Recreation Center over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

New DOT ads focus on Filipino values, hospitality T

HE new television advertisement featuring a Filipino family hosting a foreigner is one of a series that was aired by the Department of Tourism (DOT) during the live broadcast of the 65th Miss Universe pageant on Monday.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said the DOT ad, which gives a deeper meaning to the branding, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” will be followed by ads showcasing the renowned Filipino hospitality and friendliness.

The first ad with the theme: “When you’re with Filipinos, you’re with family” was previewed for the me-

dia on Thursday, earning resounding reviews.

“Our unique, genuine Filipino hospitality is the country’s greatest strength, as far as tourism is concerned. Our friendliness and kindness make strangers feel at home.

This often develops to lasting friendships and makes for memorable experiences that make them want to come back,” Teo said.

The 60-second ad titled “Anak” features the touching interaction of a host Filipino family and their guest, Jack Ellis, against the backdrop of a pristine blue lagoon in Surigao del Sur, and capped with the hashtag, “When you’re

with Filipinos, you’re with family” -- #WhenWithFilipinos .

“In addition to the Filipino family values, we will highlight the genuine Filipino hospitality. The gestures of friendliness, especially when we go out of our way to accommodate and attend to our visitors, are what make their stay and total tourism experience fulfilling and memorable,” said DOT Undersecretary Kat de Castro.

“The welcoming smile of the people, despite any language barrier, instantly show our guests that we are happy to have them visit the Philippines,” De Castro went on to

say, noting that the basic element of “fun” and the usual fare of sun and beach are still present in the ad.

The ad campaign is being produced by McCann Worldgroup Philippines, which won the bid to become the advertising partner of the DOT. According to Teo, Php 650M was earmarked for the production of branding materials and their placement to attract the different markets.

The official launch of the campaign will be on January 30 during the Miss Universe coronation day, which will be live simulcast to 190 countries. (PIA)

evasion,” Cua, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said as he noted that the move would also curb unabated smuggling of tobacco products.

According to the BIR, the government is losing billions of pesos in revenues yearly through this tax avoidance scheme as evidenced by seizure of large cache of various cigarette brands affixed with fake strip stamps since the requirement was reintroduced three years ago.

The BIR restored the use of tax stamps in 2014 to tighten monitoring and enforcement of the Sin Tax Law and collect the right amount of excise, income and value added taxes from this source.

But last November alone, the BIR and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized over PHP1 billion worth of fake cigarettes and approximately PHP175 million in tax equivalent of fake tax stamps in separate raids across the country.

In the meantime, De Vera said that it is fair and meritorious for the BIR to also check the foreign firms to address these concerns.

“It is the duty of the Bureau of Internal Revenue to run after tax evaders, more so those who fabricate fake stamps on cigarettes to avoid payment of excise taxes,” the Partylist lawmaker said.

“However, there should at least exists factual basis before any probe and issuance of Letters of Authority (LAs) for audit and assessment.

This policy should be applied equally with no arbitrariness observing the sporting idea of fair play. As in Hamlet, and where the offense is, let the great axe fall,” De Vera said.

Batocabe, president of the Party List Coalition (PLC), lauded the BIR initiative, but stressed it should sustain its campaign against all players, including foreign companies selling imported brands.

He added that the BIR

should also look into other industries.

“That is laudable so long as the campaign is sustained, unrelenting and transparent.

But the BIR should not confine itself with the tobacco industry but also to other big industries which have significant leakages,” Batocabe said.

For his part, Villarin, a member of the Magnificent 7 or the so-called genuine opposition, said the BIR initiative “is a good move as this would plug the leakage in collecting ‘sin taxes’ that primarily goes to our universal health program.”

Earlier, Aranas disclosed that the BIR would be investigating all tobacco firms after a Letter of Authority to investigate was issued against homegrown Mighty Corporation (MC) over the alleged use of fake tax stamps.

The BIR official stressed that it is unfair to single out MC, the producer of lowpriced cigarettes. (PNA)

ANKING Chinese officials have pledged their full cooperation and support for the speedy implementation of the proposed projects presented by a high-level delegation from Manila for possible financing by Beijing under the Duterte presidency during the latter’s recent two-day mission to China.

Meeting with the Philippine delegation led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III last January 23, China Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said the Chinese government “would like to continue to enhance the mutual trust and the mutual understanding with our Filipino colleagues in order to further expand and deepen our practical cooperation.”

Gao also said China seeks a “healthy and stable development” of the bilateral relations between the two countries that will benefit both countries and their people.

On the proposed projects presented by the Dominguez-led delegation, Gao said: “I absolutely agree with the proposals of all the ministers.

We two countries need to strengthen our cooperation.”

Gao said China “attaches great importance” to the list of priority projects submitted by the Philippine delegation.

Dominguez, for his part, pointed out that what the two countries have jointly undertaken, in less than four months since President Duterte’s China visit, “reaffirms our strong commitment to pursue longterm, comprehensive, stable and cooperative relationship with China grounded on mutual respect, sincerity, equali-

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FBEIJING, 11

WB eyes new agricultural dev’t projects for Mindanao

BIR probe on fake cigarette tax stamps welcomed T

AWMAKERS on Tuesday welcomed the expanded investigation being conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) into the widespread use of fake tax stamps on cigarette packs that would cover all manufacturers and importers, including multinational company and market leader Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC).

In separate interviews, Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, ABS Partylist Rep. Eugene Michael de Vera, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Tom Villarin, and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe said the disclosure of BIR Deputy Commissioner for Legal Service Jesus Clint Aranas over the weekend to investigate all tobacco firms will be good for the revenue generation of President Rodrigo Duterte and promote fair play in the business industry.

“I fully support BIR in all their efforts to combat tax

ty, and mutual benefit for the advancement of peace, security, and prosperity of our two countries.”

In the meeting, the Filipino and Chinese officials also agreed to reconvene the Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation (JCETC) this February to ensure close coordination and further promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Gao and the other Chinese officials present during the meeting in Beijing agreed with a Philippine delegation on the urgency of implementing projects that Manila has proposed to Beijing for possible financing.

Both sides also agreed on the importance of “openness and transparency” in the ongoing talks on the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that were sealed last year during President Duterte’s Oct. 18-21 state visit to Beijing as well as in the implementation stage of the projects that China would eventually underwrite.

The Philippine delegation had submitted a total of 40 “large and small” infrastructure projects to China for possible loan financing and assistance in conducting feasibility studies during the Jan. 23-24 mission.

Of the 40 projects, 15 are being proposed for loan financing while another 25 were submitted for feasibility study support.

Three of these large-scale projects are worth $3.4 billion combined.

These three are the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project

HE World Bank (WB) is looking to support agricultural development projects in Mindanao after the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in 2021.

In a recent meeting with top DA officials, the WB also expressed its interest for smaller interventions that may be immediately implemented in addition to subprojects currently being implemented under the PRDP. The Bank is eyeing Mindanao as the pilot area for this new engagement with the Philippine government, following the steps taken under the Mindanao Rural Development Program, the PRDP’s precursor.

WB country director Mara Warwick said her team had earlier met with the Department of Finance and discussed engagement that would focus on comprehensively improving agricultural productivity along key value chains, hence strengthening production, connectivity and logistics, including human capital.

On top of the PRDP, Warwick said the Bank considered exploring new program models that might be more community based. These may not also necessarily follow the requirements observed under the PRDP. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol believes that Sulu is a particular province in Mindanao that needs immediate response because of security-related issues.

“The government cannot win this ‘war’ by killing the Abu Sayyaf but by addressing poverty in the province,” he said.

For the war against poverty in Sulu to be effective, the agriculture chief added there was a need to put up a barangay center, a post-harvest facility, a water system, and introduce livelihood projects after liberating a village.

The World Bank plans to conduct field scoping missions with various teams looking into possible engagement areas like trade, connectivity, human development, road network and logistics, and agricultural productivity. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

ECONOMY 5

Excise tax hike revenues to fund P36-B cash grants for poor

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OME 10 million households belonging to the poorest 50 percent of the population will benefit from the proposed fuel excise tax hike under the tax reform bill filed by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, in the form of one-time unconditional cash grants totaling P36 billion, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said Cua’s tax reform measure-- House Bill 4774--includes a provision earmarking 40 percent of the first year incremental revenues from the fuel excise tax adjustments to a targeted transfer program to help the country’s poor and vulnerable sectors through unconditional cash grants of P300 a month-per beneficiary-family for one year-- to help households cope with the temporary yet moderate price increase.

The total cash grant per household would amount to P3,600 per year, or a total of P36 billion for 10 million households, Chua said.

Another P4 billion would cover the administrative costs of distributing the cash grants, for a total of P40 billion earmarked for the targeted transfer program, which will be implemented for one year, he said.

DOF estimates show that the poorest 10 percent of households will increase expenses by P532 more per year if the fuel excise increase is implemented and another P522 per year as a result of higher

prices.

“Thus, tax reform will have a positive impact on poor households who will receive the P3,600 cash subsidy, as they would have a net of P2,546 more to spend per year to help them cope with expenses,” Chua said.

“The targeted transfer program is to mitigate the initial shock of the increase in petroleum excises on the poor and vulnerable sectors. This will allow them to continue spending normally while adjusting smoothly to new price regimes, as well as to weather the initial one-to-two year potential inflationary effect on prices,” Chua said.

Chua said the program will cover the current four million Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and another six million that would be targeted by the government from the poorest 50 percent of the population.

He said that in the future, the database under the targeted transfer program can be used as part of a disaster relief program that would swiftly identify victims of calamities and rapidly deliver to them emergency cash transfers in times of crises.

Chua said that while the unconditional cash transfer is not perfect, it is nevertheless far better than the current system that provides subsidies that mainly benefit the rich, as the top 10 percent of households consume 51 percent of

HE municipal government of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato is planning to declare the area under the state of calamity due to another major fish kill that already destroyed around P6.5 million worth of tilapia.

Zaldy Artacho, Lake Sebu municipal agriculture officer, said Tuesday the ongoing fish kill started late last week in portions of the lake after its dissolved oxygen dropped to critical levels anew.

He said the phenomenon, known locally as “kamahong,” came after almost a week of sporadic heavy rains in the area.

The official said several fish cage operators initially reported on Friday afternoon that some of their tilapia appeared gasping for air.

“By night time, the fish kills already started in a number of fish cages,” he said in a radio interview.

Citing their initial assessment, Artacho said a total of 72,335 kilos of tilapia have been destroyed as a result of the incident.

The prevailing farm gate price for tilapia in Lake Sebu is P90 per kilo.

Artacho said this figure only came from 19 affected fish cage operators in Barangays Poblacion and Takonel.

He said the validation and assessment is presently ongoing for the other affected fish

cage operators, which were earlier estimated at more than 300.

Some operators were forced to conduct massive emergency harvests over the weekend in their bid to save the remaining tilapia, he said.

As a result of the incident, Artacho said Mayor Antonio Fungan ordered their office and the fish kill-hit barangays to prepare the necessary data for the declaration of a state of calamity.

He said the mayor specifically directed the affected barangays to fast track their calamity declarations.

Fishery officials had blamed the fish kills in Lake Sebu to the occurrence of “kamahong,” a phenomenon caused by the sudden rise in the water’s temperature.

“Kamahong,” which usually occurs during the rainy season, triggers the rise of sulfuric acid in the lake’s waters that eventually caused the massive fish kill.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said the phenomenon occurs when cold rainwater, which is heavier than warm water, settles at the abyssal zone of the lake.

It causes the upturn or upwelling of warm water carrying silts, sediments and gases such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, sulphur and methane gas produced by the decomposing organic matter such as fish feeds.

(PNA)

FEXCISE, 11

Massive fish kill hits Lake Sebu

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DOING IT RIGHT. A craftsman removes the first layer skin of bamboo which he will assemble into sala set at a community underneath Bolton Bridge in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte, Widodo to launch ASEAN Ro-Ro project April 28

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HILIPPINE President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will launch on April 28 the ASEAN Roll on/roll off (Ro-Ro) Project, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said.

New economic and trade opportunities are in sight with the opening of the Davao- General Santos – Bitung (D-G-B) Shipping Service which is one of the target priorities for the Philippines’ Chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2017.

The Ro-Ro project is expected to spur not only the economic development of Mindanao and increase the per capita income of the Philippine coastal communities but also of the outlying islands including the main Sulawesi Island, particularly North Sulawesi.

The Philippine delegation

of the inter-agency Task Force for the Operationalization of the ASEAN Ro-Ro and their Indonesian counterparts recently convened in Manado, Indonesia to discuss the project.

Specifically, both sides talked about the updates on the Philippines’ and Indonesia’s port infrastructure readiness; the policy and institutional framework and the arrangements that are needed to realize the route; the identification of the different types and volumes of tradable cargo through the route; the lifting of trade restrictions on toys, medicines, and shoes at Bitum Port; the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippines and Indonesia; and other preparations for the maiden voyage of the DGB route on April 2017.

The Philippine delegation met with relevant Indonesian

authorities including the private/ business sector to discuss the details on the launch of ASEAN Ro-Ro. The Philippine delegation also inspected the port facilities in Bitung.

Assistant Secretary Fernando Juan Perez of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) led the Philippine delegration composed of Philippine Ambassador to Jakarta Maria Lumen Isleta, some officials from the DoTr, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Agriculture (DA), MARINA, Philippine Ports Authority, Office for Transportation Security, Bureau of Customs (BoC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Asian Marine, and Bureau of Plant and Industry.

The Indonesian delegation showed interest in pushing through with the operationalization of the Ro-Ro by

sending representatives from agencies relevant to the Ro-Ro Project.

Among those who represented the Indonesian delegation are the officials from the Office of Customs, Quarantine Center of Agriculture, Quality Control and Fish Production, Health Center of Port, Immigration Office Food and Beverage Certification, Port Authority, PELINDO IV, Board of Development Planning of North Sulawesi, Transportation Agency, Agriculture, Marine and Fisheries, Agency of Plantation, Agency of Investment, Bureau of Economy, BIMP-EAGA Executive Secretary, Agency of Trade, Chairmen of Commerce, APINDO, and Small- Medium Enterprise of North Sulawesi, and 42 major export/import and Small-Medium Enterprises in Bitung and Manado. (PNA)

and charitable programs of PCSO including the Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP), assistance for medicines and medical supplies, Medical and Dental Mission and Ambulance Donation Program, among others,” Corpuz said.

Corpuz also said that the operation of the more than 50 STL outlets is the agency’s way of helping the government’s anti-illegal gambling drive.

“Answering the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to eliminate illegal gambling and stop corruption in the country, PCSO expands its STL operations from 18 areas since it started in 2006 to 56 areas nationwide this year,” he said.

He added, “Aside from

curbing the proliferation of illegal gambling, the expansion of STL also aims to increase the revenues of PCSO to more than P 27 billion in 2017 from the mere P 4.7 billion in 2015 and P 6.4 billion in 2016,” On the other hand, PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan urged the public for their support to be able to curb illegal gambling activities.

“We also encourage civil society groups, non-government organizations (NGOs) and church institutions to join hands with us in this battle of stopping illegal gambling and corruption,” he said.

With this, he warned those who are engaged in illegal gambling operations to stop their illegal activities or

face arrest.

“To all illegal gambling operators, your minions and protected, your days are numbered. I’m not warning you, “you can run but you cannot hide.” Go legal or else we will arrest you and file appropriate charges against you,” the PCSO official added.

Earlier this year, the 56 Authorized Agent Corporations (AACs) were approved by the PCSO Governing Board to operate the expansion of STL nationwide.

Prior to the approval of the 56 AACs, there were only 18 STL AACs in 14 provinces and four cities in the country.

The PCSO will be accepting applications for the STL operations until February 16.

(PNA)

PCSO: STL expansion to provide more funds for charity programs

T

HE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has expanded the operations of the Small Town Lottery (STL) nationwide in a bid to generate more funds for charity programs aimed at helping poor Filipinos.

At the press launch of the project in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, PCSO Chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz noted that the additional STL operations all over the country, would mean an increase in revenue which is estimated at P 27 billion.

“The expected STL sales in 2017 shall mean more Charity Fund for PCSO and will subsequently translate into more beneficiaries of the various health, medical

EDGEDAVAO

6 SUBURBIA Panabo City LGU to boost freshwater fish production

T

HE city government of Panabo, under the leadership of Mayor James G. Gamao, is set to disperse tilapia fingerlings to help backyard freshwater farmers in the city increase their production.

“This time our tilapia hatchery is starting to produce fingerlings to be dispersed for interested freshwater farmers,” said Rolando Tuazon, fishery section head of Panabo LGU. The city council Panabo is also drafting an ordinance on tilapia hatchery operation and dispersal program, Tuazon added.

Start of the dispersal of tilapia fingerlings will commence by February, said OICCity Agriculturist Esterlinda E.

Labayan.

The dispersal will benefit farmer-beneficiaries under the Culture Now-Pay Later Program of the city government, she added.

“As of January 20, we collected around 10,400 fingerlings and hatched 12,800 eggs,” said Aproniano N. Nineza, the hatchery in charge.

The nursery of tilapia fingerlings is located in a 1/2 hectare area in Purok 8, Barangay Manay.

Culture Now-Pay Later Program is one of the top priority programs of Mayor Gamao’s administration that aims to uplift the living standard of Panaboans, especially the fisherfolks. (CIO-Panabo City/June G. Geraldo)

FREE FROM DRUGS. Mayor Allan Rellon speaks before the 640 graduates of the Seryosong Tagumenyos Ayaw ng Droga (STAND) Program, the locallyinitiated drug rehabilitation program in Tagum City. The local chief executive

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

ARMM opens cross-border trade with BIMP-EAGA

R

ESPONDING to the announcement by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) that cross-border trade with Sabah, Malaysia will be resumed starting February 1, 2017, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is sending a delegation to the 2017 Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Strategic Planning Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia from January 30-February 3, 2017 as part of its commitment to the Philippine contingent to reciprocate by agreeing to open cross-border trade between ARMM and all BIMP-EAGA countries.

Malaysia suspended since last year cross-border trade between Sabah and ARMM’s island provinces due to security concerns in the Sulu Sea wherein piracy and kidnap for ransom activities proliferated.

But as security measures have been improving, authorities are convinced that a holistic approach is necessary wherein providing livelihood opportunities will help dissuade the youth from engaging in piracy as a way out of hardships and poverty.

ARMM Regional Board of Investments Chairman, lawyer Ishak Mastura, will lead its delegation to Jakarta as head of the regional cabinet cluster

congratulates them for passing the seven-month intervention framework of the City Government as supervised by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council which was launched July last year. Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum

640 graduates from Tagum’s drug rehab program

I

T was a sight to behold.

January 29, 2017 opened new chapters for the six hundred forty (640) drug dependents of Tagum City, who volunteered to participate in the seven-month rehabilitation program of the Local Government of Tagum as supervised by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, after finally receiving their certificates of completion of the Seryosong Tagumenyos Ayaw Ng Droga (STAND) Program that signify their reintegration to the mainstream of society.

Mayor Allan Rellon for-

mally declared the commencement of the STAND Program for the 640 TADS (Tagumenyos Against Drugs) following their actual involvement in the six-phase interventions set by the LGU Tagum in cooperation with both national and local agencies that seek to reform the victims of illegal drugs in the city and provide them new means to put their lives back to the cycle.

Remarkably, hours before the start of the first ever commencement ceremony, the then-candidates for graduation underwent a surprise

drug test to ensure their complete withdrawal from drug use. This is the second time that the city government subjected the participants in a drug test to have full confidence in recognizing them as full-pledged STAND. Mayor Rellon, meanwhile, guaranteed the graduates regarding their eligibility to benefit any programs of the local government, including livelihood trainings, job referrals and cash-for-work assistance, as a reward for successfully completing the rehab program.

The local chief executive

riculture (DA) funded the solar - powered project through DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol who requested the help of a California-based Filipino-American friend during his visit in California to develop a prototype solar irrigation system for the upland areas of North Cotabato.

Secretary Piñol served as a mayor of this town for 3 years before he was elected as a governor of the province and eventually becoming DA chief after retiring from politics.

The solar–powered irrigation facility could pump out at least 600 to 800 gal-

lons of water per minute, which is more than enough to water some 3–4 hectares of rice field in a day.

At least 50 pieces of solar panels were also installed that could enable the facility to operate even on nighttime.

The project would also serve as model for future similar projects that would be established in agricultural areas that depend on rain as source of water for irrigation.

Initially, some 200 local farmers in the village and adjacent areas would benefit from the project. (PNA)

Duterte to switch on P5-M North Cotabato solar-powered irrigation

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is set to lead the official switch-on ceremony of the first P5-million prototype solar powered irrigation system in remote Barangay New January here on February 3, a top official here said Tuesday.

Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol said President Duterte, who is expected to arrive at the project site around 2 p.m., would be welcomed by local officials from various towns in North Cotabato and neighboring provinces along with farmer beneficiaries of the project.

The Department of Ag-

also stressed that 640 was just the number of the first batch to complete the framework and that there will be more commencement exercises to follow as the local government remained persistent in their campaign against illegal drugs and in helping the drug victims to renew their lives.

He added that the second round of implementation of the STAND Program will start on February 11, 2017, where those who failed in the series of intervention programs will subject themselves to another

F640 GRADUATES, 11

on economic growth and linkage. Aside from Mastura, other members of the delegation are the Regional Secretaries of DTI-ARMM, DPWH-ARMM, DOT-ARMM, DOLE-ARMM, REZA-ARMM, among others.

“Most of our cross-border trade is with Sabah but the ARMM is committed to promote cross-border trade not just with Sabah but with all BIMP-EAGA countries, particularly Indonesia and Brunei,” Mastura said on the eve of the departure of their delegation.

According to Mastura the primary policy framework for cross-border trade to be enhanced in the ARMM shall be through the establishment of

Special Economic Zones. The ARMM has its own Regional Economic Zone Authority created by the Regional Legislative Assembly with similar powers as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. It has established the Polloc Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Parang, Maguindanao.

For his part, ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman announced that all Special Economic Zones in the ARMM should be ‘halal-compliant’ meaning that the Special Economic Zones should conduct economic activities that are ‘halal’ or permissible under Islamic religious laws. (SOURCE: RBOI)

SoCot town to declare state of calamity due to locust infestation

T

HE municipal government of T’boli in South Cotabato is set to declare the entire municipality under a state of calamity due to the worsening locust infestation.

Bary Lugan, T’boli municipal agriculture officer, said Monday they are currently processing the needed data and other requirements for the calamity declaration based on a directive from Mayor Dibu Tuan.

He said the move is mainly aimed to facilitate the release of additional funds to augment the ongoing pest control operations in four upland farming villages affected by the infestation.

These are barangays Maan, Mongocayo, Tudok and Salacafe, which are located near the province’s boundary areas with this city and Sarangani Province.

The official said the local government has allocated some P500,000 to address the infestation, which started in the fourth quarter of 2016.

“We have to declare a state of calamity as we need additional funds to sustain our pest control operations,” he said.

Citing their initial assessment, Lugan said the continuing locust infestation already destroyed around PHP20 mil-

POWER SWITCH ON. Some foreign investors greet General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera during the Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) ceremonial switch-on (Section 1) and kick-off ceremony (Section 2) on Thursday, January 26. General Santos City is the

lion worth of agricultural crops, specifically corn and palay.

It affected around 700 hectares of farm lands in the four barangays, he said.

Pending the calamity declaration, he said they are conducting massive chemical spraying and application of biological control or bio-control measures using Metarhizium to contain the infestation.

He said these activities are aimed to prevent the further spread of the destructive locusts to other areas.

Lugan said they are using the bio-control method for farms that are near populated areas while the chemical spraying activities are concentrated on those far from communities.

Due to the extent of the infestation, he said they have increased the concentration for bio- control from two packs for 16 liters of water to two packs in 6 liters.

He said these activities are presently focused in the 12 infested sitios of Barangay Maan where the damaged area reached around 300 hectares.

“We are preparing to conduct intensive pest control operation as well in the three other affected barangays,” Lugan said. (PNA)

one of biggest service areas of SEC. This power plant provides a continuous 70MW power supply to the city which boosts the latter’s appeal to future investors and opportunities. (Russell Delvo/ Gensan CPIO)

7 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Leptospirosis:

The floodborne legacy

By Henrylito D. Tacio

W

ITH antibiotics available all year round, deaths caused by leptospirosis can be avoided. But unfortunately, Filipinos still die of it.

Forewarned is forearmed, so goes a popular saying. This must be the reason why the health department advised the public not to wade in floodwaters or to wear rubber boats when walking in flooded waters.

“Leptospirosis is an infection commonly transmitted to humans from water that has been contaminated by animal urine, and comes in contact with lesions in the skin, eyes, or with the mucous membranes,” reminds the health department.

Aside from floodwaters, a person can also get leptospirosis by contact with fresh water, damp soil, or vegetation contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rodents and dogs. People who swim in contaminated swimming pools, rivers, lakes, and streams can also get leptospirosis. Farmers, particularly those who work in contaminated rice fields, are also prone to the disease.

The disease was first described by Adolf Weil in 1886. Leptospira interrogans, a corkscrew-shape

bacterium that caused the disease, was first observed in 1907 but it was the following year that it was declared as the cause of it. In October 2010 British rower Andy Holmes died after contracting the disease.

The leptospirosis-causing bacteria are common around the world, but more so in tropical countries with heavy rainfall. “Leptospirosis occurs in many wild and domestic animals,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Some animals act as carriers and pass the bacteria in their urine; others become ill and die. People acquire these infections through contact with infected animals, their urine, or soil and water contaminated by infected urine.”

Aside from getting in contact with contaminated water and other media, lep-

tospirosis bacteria also enter the body when a person swallows contaminated food or water, including during water sports. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can reach all parts of the body and cause signs and symptoms of illness.

“Because mild leptospirosis typically causes vague, flu-like symptoms, many infections probably go unreported,” the Merck manual states.

Studies have shown that leptospirosis causes mild disease in about 90 percent of infected people, whereas 10 percent have severe, potentially fatal, disease that affects many organs.

There are two phases of leptospirosis. “The first phase starts two to 20 days after infection with Leptospira,” the Merck manual informs. “Symptoms begin

abruptly with a fever, headache, severe muscle aches, and chills. The eyes usually become red on the third or fourth day. Nausea and vomiting are common.”

Symptoms involving the lungs (including coughing up of blood) occur in 10 to 15 percent of infected people, studies reveal. Episodes of chills and fever, which often reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit, continue for four to nine days.

The fever clears for a few days, marking the beginning of the second phase. “During the second phase,” the Merck manual informs, “the body’s immune reaction against the bacteria causes inflammation, producing many symptoms. The fever returns, and there is often inflammation of the tissues covering the brain (meningitis), causing a stiff neck, headache, and sometimes stupor and coma.

“In severe form of the infection, people may also have inflammation of the liver, kidneys, and lungs, resulting in jaundice, kidney failure, and bloody cough. Sometimes the heart is inflamed, causing palpitations and dangerously low blood pressure (shock). A pregnant woman who develops leptospirosis may miscarry.”

The severe form of leptospirosis is called Weil’s disease, which causes a continuous fever, stupor, and a reduction in the blood’s ability to clot leading to bleeding within tissues. “By the third to sixth day, signs of kidney damage and liver injury appear,” the Merck manual says. “Kidney abnormalities may cause blood in the urine and painful urination. Liver injury tends to be mild and usually heals completely.”

Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis of leptospirosis. The doctor does this by identifying Leptospira in cul-

tures of blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid samples or, more commonly, by detecting antibodies against the bacteria in the blood.

With the advent of modern-day science, medical devices like rapid immunochromatographic tests, or “rapid tests” as it is called, can readily be substituted to laboratory procedures that are lengthy in preparations and tardy in results.

Rapid tests are like pregnancy test kits that can be bought in pharmacies. It works by detecting a specific antigen which would normally be present in an infected individual thus confirming the diagnosis of a disease.

One rapid test that exists to detect leptospirosis is Leptocheck. Several studies have found it to be 100 percent sensitive and specific to Leptospira antibodies, which can confirm the diagnosis of leptospirosis and the results are at par with the sophisticated laboratory testing procedures.

According to Zephyr, the manufacturer of Leptocheck, the product works by getting a drop of serum or whole blood of the patient to the sample port. With the aid of a running buffer, results are readily available in 15 minutes.

And just like a pregnancy kit, if two color band or “sticks” appears at the con-

trol window, the result is positive. Otherwise, the patient is negative for leptospirosis. Again, as stated earlier, only physicians can confirm the diagnosis, although anybody can do rapid testing.

According to Merck manual, infected people who do not develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes) usually recover. Jaundice indicates liver damage and increases the death rate to 10 percent or higher in people older than 60.

Doxycycline, an antibiotic, can prevent the disease and is given to people who were exposed to the same source as an infected person. Penicillin, ampicillin, or similar antibiotics are given to treat the disease. In severe infections, antibiotics may be given intravenously.

In MedicineNet.com, Dr. John P. Cunha reported that a vaccine for leptospirosis is available and used in some countries in Europe and Asia. “It must be given every year like a flu shot,” he said. “A longer-acting vaccine is currently being investigated in Cuba.”

Leptospirosis is not a contagious disease. “People with the disease do not have to be isolated, but care must be taken when handling and disposing of their urine,” the Merck manual points out.

(Photos from the net)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

EDITORIAL

E

Understanding beauty and defeat

LISABETH Kübler-Ross could not have spoken it more aptly than when she said: “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

The country’s bet for the recent Miss Universe pageant Maxine Medina was treated with massive bashing on social media after her “unpopular” answer in the Q and A portion of the competition—which to many, is the turning point of her campaign.

By now, we should have read the many versions—from the sarcastic to the comedic—of Ms. Medina’s answer on social media. Likewise, the deluge of unsympathetic comments only added to the misery.

We Filipinos are so used to poking fun at one’s misery and the bashing that Ms Medina took was very much uncalled for.

Perhaps those bashers underestimated the pressure on Ms Medina’s shoulders to rise above her own limitations and meet the expectations

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of 110 million Filipinos whose standards apparently have been raised notches further after Pia Wurtzbach won the title last year.

Beset with soaring expectations, Ms Medina crumbled in the face of tremendous pressure. She is but human afterall. The task was so enormous. She had the tools—beauty, poise, confidence, and yes, contrary to what many say, intelligence.

Intelligence is not measured on one’s glib and flare for English. Ms. Medina may not be gifted with the language, but she had the imagination. And in competitions like this, no answers are actually wrong as they are all based on one’s perception and opinion.

This is where we differ in the understanding of life itself. Ms. Medina’s views are her own and she is right about it. If she constructed her sentences with flaws, judges are no grammar police and it does merit a point deduction for every wrong she commits with the English grammar.

Ms Medina gave it her all and we should stand proud with her. She did not win the title but she won the hearts of those who know real beauty, those who know defeat, know suffering, know struggle, know loss, and have found their way out of the depths.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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T

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Revealing the beautiful without masking the warts

HE past day’s search for the woman with the most substance was a welcome respite to our countrymen who are just coming to grips with the reality that rogue policemen lurk within their midst.

For a couple of weeks at least, the part of the spotlight focused on how the 85 contestants for Ms. Universe fared in the string of activities that took them to places of interest all over the archipelago.

It was the lighter moments that Filipinos got to enjoy most when they got to get a glimpse of the beauty queens up close within talking when they showed up in such places as Vigan (Ilocos Norte), Baguio City, Batangas, Albay, Cebu and Davao.

In Vigan, not a few Ilocanos were amused when one contestant referred to Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson as “Mr. Duterte.” But having realized the mistake, she did not lose time correcting herself.

Several were taken in by Davao City, especially the nearby islands of the Island City of Samal where they frolicked in the beaches.

The well-known hospitality of Filipinos also clearly floored most of the contestants who were greeted by multitudes everywhere they went. So unlike home perhaps.

A

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

S soon as the breakout of the rinderpest infection in Davao reached Manila in the last quarter of 2010, C. G. Thomson, an American state veterinarian was promptly dispatched with R.E. Burris on the strength of travel orders dated Dec. 3, 1910. Aboard the Army transport Seward, they arrived in Zamboanga four days later.

(Rinderpest is “an infectious disease of ruminants, especially cattle, caused by a paramyxovirus. It is characterized by fever, dysentery, and inflammation of the mucous membranes.”)

Upon arrival, a meeting was promptly called with the presence of Brig. Gen. John ‘Blackjack’ Pershing, the governor of the Moro Province, and Col. Charles Richards, the provincial health officer. The conference ended with the common position the menace, unless appropriate measures are instituted, would eventually affect the entire province.

Gen. Pershing and Dr. Thomson arrived in Davao on Dec. 14 aboard the Army cutter Samar. Over the next few days the group studied the extent of the infection, the population of susceptible animals, and the number of Scouts and Constabulary that could be tapped to conduct quarantine work. Shortly later, a proposal to indemnify the owners of slaughtered infected animals but this was turned down for lack of funds; only realistic expenses for transport were allowed.

Dr. Thomson, moreover, told the governor the absence of quarantine provisions in ordinances addressing calamities and, more significantly, Act No. 1760 and other laws

In the REVERSED PUNCH end, while (GYAKU ZUKI) Maxine Medina showed she could contend up there, it was Iris Mittenaere of France who shone the brightest.

Jimmy K.Laking The field was really oozing with talent and beauty that Maxine was fortunate to place 6th.

For a time there, the beauty pageant drew comparisons to those organized by former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos when her hubby Ferdinand, ruled the Philippines under the barrel of a gun.

One such event was the Miss Universe 1974 pageant in Manila which Amparo Munoz from Spain won.

This was followed by the Karpov-Korchnoi chess match and the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ boxing match between Muhammad Ali and

Joe Frazier.

All three were really meant to deodorize the Marcos dictatorship.

In the 1974 pageant, the main thoroughfares of Manila alongside the slums were walled with plywood to hide them from public view.

The Duterte administration did no such thing. In fact, one Palace memorandum circular directed concerned government offices not to close any road for the duration of the event and that urban poor communities should not be hidden from public view to portray a false image of the country.

Another memorandum directed government offices to extend full support to the event but not to spend for it.

You can say both directives stemmed from plain common sense. First, whether we like it or not, we are still a Third World country struggling to get over the hump. So what is there to hide?

Second, while we are indeed a hospitable people, the pageant was no excuse to squander public funds. As Duterte himself said, he would rather spend money for the poor than channel it to the pageant.

There is also no martial law to deodorize.

What we see is an imperfect democracy in a Third World setting tied down by graft and corruption, over-centralized bureaucracy, feudal conditions, illegal drugs, rogue policemen in the cities and extremist groups in the countryside.

It is the sum manifestation of these issues that is confronting the Duterte administration at every twist and turn.

The Ms. Universe pageant to a point took off part of the steam arising from a flurry of headlines associated to the killing of Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo and the killing of individuals linked to the war on drugs.

We rooted for Maxine while it lasted and while many realized she could not be another Pia Wurtzbach, she was the best we could parade for that moment.

In the end, we managed to draw international attention to a country brimming with diverse and natural attractions and beautiful people.

And while we may have given our visitors a glimpse of another Philippines as portrayed in the headlines, we did no such nonsense as to hide them, warts and all, from the rest of the world. Search me but it is part of the reason why it is more fun in the Philippines.

of the Moro FAST BACKWARD Province did not anticipate the complications that would arise as a result of the quarantine needs of the rinderpest break- Antonio V. Figueroa out. Only the belatedly approved emergency health ordinance No. 1 enacted by the provincial health board on Jan. 1, 1911 would cure the deficiencies.

In his 1911 report on the outbreak, Dr. C. G. Thomson, after being convinced on the need to adopt drastic measures in eradicating the infections, wrote the governor, saying: “The infection was of the most virulent type, and the rugged nature of the country made operations difficult in the extreme.

Accordingly, fortified with the Insular and provincial laws, we proceeded to institute and enforce the most rigid restriction of the movement of all classes of domestic animals, to kill all animals found infected and other susceptible animals considered as being directly exposed to infection.”

Containing the contagion was a difficult and challenging task. The authorities had to strictly restrict “the movement of all classes of domestic animals, to kill all found infected and other susceptible animals considered as being directly exposed to infection” by set-

ting up detachments and sending of patrols to the remotest regions infected by the disease.

There was, however, an exception. In Davao, horses and dogs were allowed in the streets. The permission to use horses sourced from non-infected areas was made because nearly all shipping loads in town required the use of this specific animal for the transport of merchandise. Transport of goods and farm products from internal areas, thankfully, was facilitated with the use of native bancas and launches, owned by wealthy landowners, in waterways.

Dr. Thomson, after completing his daily routine of inspecting possibly infected areas, later reported the extent of the rinderpest infection: “The infected area was limited on the north by a creek near the barrio of Ilang, on the south by the Talomo River, on the east by the sea, and on the west by the Apo mountain range. Many of the animals in the barrio of Talomo were infected and this condition presented a grave danger to the large herds to the south; therefore, our first efforts were directed toward cleaning up this district. In all of the work, the scheme of daily inspection, the absolute prohibition of the movement of all classes of domestic animals, the immediate slaughter of all sick and directly exposed animals with a through chemical disinfection of contaminated corrals and wallows, was carried out as thoroughly as possible.”

The last case of rinderpest infection was recorded on Feb. 2, 1911 but the quarantine

service was not closed until the next month.

At the request of Dr. Thomson, Lt. W.H. Dade, president and district health officer of Davao, maintained Constabulary patrols which inspected twice weekly the cattle of the infected areas so prompt reporting could be done in case there was a reappearance of the disease. There was also the strict enforcement of quarantine on the Talomo-Davao trail, the most heavily affected.

Efforts to trace the origin of the infection failed to track it down. Originally, there was this hypothesis that untamed deer and boars from Surigao acted as hosts but this was dismissed because there was no trace found of the infection among wild animals. Dr. Thomson suspected the virus reached Davao through importation from Cebu but hibernated for sometime before they were observed in cattle, goats, and other ruminants.

Officially, the first case was observed by Lt. Dad on Oct. 6, 1910, in the town of Davao.

It later spread across Davao River where there were large herds of farm animals raised by hacenderos for farming, as meat source, and for transportation purposes.

The aftermath of the breakout was clearly reflected in Dr. Thomson’s report to the governor: 2,535 cattle and 133 carabaos were killed, a total of 2,668 animals. When the government team arrived on Dec. 14, 1910 from Zamboanga, there were already 372 animals recorded as dead, around 200 of these were lost on the first week prior to the identification of the disease; only 32 were slaughtered after being suspected of carrying the virus.

1910: Year of the rinderpest

EDGEDAVAO

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DCWD holds confab H of water districts

D

AVAO City Water District will be hosting the 38th Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) National Convention on February 2 to 3, 2017 at SMX Convention Center. Expected are 1,500 delegates from water districts and key players in the water sector.

Themed “Water Districts:

Adapting to Change”, the twoday convention will serve as a platform for various stakeholders to address concerns on water, environment, and other issues that prevail in the water industry. Most importantly, it aims to provide resolutions that will further ensure safe, adequate, and affordable water to the Filipino

NEW DOMESTIC ROUTES. Philippine Airlines’ inaugural Cebu-Clark nonstop flight today (Jan. 30, 2017) gets a ceremonial water salute prior to take off at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, marking the opening of new domestic routes out of Cebu and Clark. From Cebu, the new routes are to

Water service interruptions in some city parts Feb. 2 and 3 - 4

D

AVAO City Water District advises of two separate sets of water service interruption.

First set is on February 2, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM affecting some areas in Tugbok Proper, specifically: Tisa St., Rambutan St., Durian St., Lemonsito St., Pomelo St., and right portion of Davao-Bukidnon Road (from corner Pomelo St. to corner Mahayahay St.).

This water service interruption is needed for the tapping of the newly installed 100mm diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 100mm diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at St. Benedict Heights Homeowners Assn., Tugbok District.

Once completed, said project will allow for accommodation of additional service connections.

Second set will be from 8:00 PM of February 3, 2017 until 6:00 AM of February 4, 2017 affecting these Bago Gallera areas: Portion of Libby Road (from Purok 10 to Nalum Bridge and immediate environs) and Bago Gallera Road (from corner Libby Road to corner Davao-Cotabato Road and immediate environs) and entire New Town Village, Sto. Niño Libby, Lumansoc Compound, Suhai Village, Villarubia Compound, Samantha Homes, Spring Valley Village, Mega Homes Village, Kali-

raya Village, Gallera De Oro Subd., and Catotal Subd.; and these Bago Aplaya areas: portion of Bago Aplaya Road (from corner Davao-Cotabato Road to Bago Seaside and immediate environs) and entire Bavnai Village, Saavedra Neighborhood Association Inc., and School for the Blind. This water service interruption is needed for the tapping of two portions of the newly realigned 200mm diameter crossover pipe located at Libby Road in Bago Gallera.

The DCWD management asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates.

Contact 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II)

people.

Highlights of the convention include discussions concerning watershed management, water safety, non-revenue water management, septage management, and gender and development.

The convention will also serve as an avenue for water districts to consult matters

DOH: No intention to mislead studes on condom distribution EALTH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial said her department had no intention to create confusion or send the wrong signal among young people when it floated the idea of distributing condoms in public high schools last December.

“It was never the intention of the Department of Health to mislead. Rather, it was a genuine gesture of common sense, based on sound scientific principles and practices to consider life-saving approaches that are deemed inappropriate or controversial by those who fail to fully grasp the urgency in addressing the HIV contagion, which is wreaking havoc among our precious youth population,” she said Monday.

Ubial was reacting to critics of the “business unusual” strategy who say that it is sending the wrong signal to teenagers that it is all right for them to engage in pre-marital sex.

The health chief said they respect the opinions of those who are against the proposed intervention, pointing out that as of now, no concrete policy on the issue has been reached by the health and education departments.

“The decision to undertake this particular intervention remains unsettled because many things have to be in place before

implementation can proceed,” she said, noting that the intervention is only possible after schools establish an age-appropriate sex education.

She however assured that her department remains steadfast in its mission to protect the interest of those who will greatly suffer because of ignorance or indifference, by continuously looking for solutions and being open to suggestions from different sectors.

In previous interviews, Ubial said her department plans to educate the youth on HIV/AIDS by tapping their peers and parent-teacher associations.

She has also said that in the past years, the department has explored ways to reduce or eliminate the risk of HIV transmission among youths through sex education that focused on abstinence ever since data revealed an increasing incidence of HIV among youths in the 15-24-year age bracket who engage in risky sexual behaviors, especially males having sex with males.

She said the health department has developed modules so teachers could properly educate students or give them proper access to HIV information, prevention and control. These modules were pilot tested in Quezon City last year. (PNA)

wa (BM).

Followed by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which served 57,922 OFWs, most of them renewed or applied for membership.

A total of 38,808 OFWs were assisted by the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), they applied for Pag-IBIG membership, loyalty card, STL, and provident benefit claim.

The clients numbering to 34,545 who registered and amended their membership data, applied for benefit loan claim, verified their loan or contribution status, and enrolled for their Unified Multi-purpose ID Card (UMID) under the Social Security System (SSS).

Those who lined up for Philippine Health lnsurance Corporation (PhilHealth), totaling to 25,492 paid for

their PhilHealth contribution, applied for or renewed their membership, and inquired about other PhilHealth-related concerns.

The OSSCOs were established to help OFWs or those looking to work abroad to secure necessary employment requirements in one location.

The other government agencies providing services at the OSSCOs are Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Maritime lndustry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau of lnvestigation (NBI), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Tourism lnfrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Philippine National Police (PNP),

and Bureau of lnternal Revenue (BIR).

Aside from the one at the POEA main office, the other OSSCOs are located in Manna Mall, San Fernando City, La Union; City Tourism Office, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Baguio Convention Center, Baguio City; Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga; OWWA Regional Office 4A in Calamba City; Robinson’s Place, Puerto Princesa City, Pacific Mall, Legaspi City; SM City, Cebu City; Robinson’s Place, Iloilo City; Robinson’s Place, Bacolod City; DOLE Regional Office No. 8, Tacloban City; Goodwill Center, Zamboanga City; OWWA Regional Office No. 10, Cagayan de Oro City; Butuan City Hall Complex, Butuan City; and New City Hall, Koronadal City.

The centers are open from Mondays to Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PNA)

The concept of integrity as a policy means “doing the right thing even when no one is looking”. The move in integrity building in the country was first implemented in the business sector in 2010 as a means to escape the vicious cycle of corruption.

Under the program, each SSS branch will have its own integrity circle whose task is to conduct a friendly dialogue with the members of the community within their area of jurisdiction.

The discussion will involve identification of issues and problems about the SSS services and the

management of the agency in general.

The SSS wants to adopt the idea of integrity as a policy to gain more trust from its members and the public. The integrity circles will serve as the middle ground between the SSS and the general public in identifying issues and concerns about SSS. “We believe that improvement of SSS services alongside transparency and good governance requires the support of the community. Feedback and suggestions on how we will better manage the pension fund are

very much welcome,” said Dean Valdez.

According to Dean Valdez, the integrity circles will encourage community participation and will give SSS members and the public a sense of responsibility in helping the agency improve its services.

“Even though the SSS is a government financing institution, we are still managing funds from the private sector so it is important that we get the support of our members and the public in our pursuit for integrity building of SSS,” said Dean Valdez. (PR)

with the Local Water Utilities Administration and an opportunity for the PAWD members to hold their general assembly.

Also to be featured are innovations in the water industry through an exhibit showcasing various products and technologies. (JOHN WINSTON ANTHONY C. AJERO II)

Clark, Puerto Princesa, General Santos, Surigao and Busuanga. From Clark, PAL will fly to Cebu, Davao, Puerto Princesa and Busuanga. The maiden service from the Queen City of the South - using an Airbus A321 - had 104 passengers and 8 crew members. (PAL Photo Release)

DOLE’s one-stop shop serves 300,000 OFWs T HE One-Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) had served close to 300,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in its first six months of operation.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III reported on Monday that from Aug. 15, 2016 to Jan. 6, 2017, a total of 281,900 OFWs benefitted from the OSSCO at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) main office in Mandaluyong City.

“They have sought assistance from and were promptly assisted by the various government agencies at OSSCOs,” he said in a statement.

The POEA assisted the biggest number of clients at 65,492, majority of them sought the services on the documentation of workers on leave or the Balik-Manggaga-

SSS strengthens fight against corruption

I

N line with the thrust of President Rodrigo R. Duterte for improved, transparent and participatory governance, the Social Security System (SSS) is set to create its own integrity circles led by Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairman Dean Amado D. Valdez.

“We want SSS to be at par with the President’s direction to a better and more transparent government which rejects corruption and values the insights of members to improve programs and services,” explained Dean Valdez.

INdulge!

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Celebrating Maguindanao’s

WOVEN HERITAGE

By KENNETH IRVING ONG

FOR THOSE WHO WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH to view the collections of Rene Salud and Dabawenyo designers at the Miss Universe Mindanao Tapestry fashion show, I am sure many of you were dazzled by the vibrant fabrics used to create the couture pieces on the runway. One fabric that stood out with its kaleidoscope of colors and patters was the Maguindanao, inaul.

Photo courtesy of Ian Ray Garcia

Inaul, a Maguindanaon word that literally means “weaved”, is a unique fabric manually and meticulously woven mostly by Maguindanaon women weavers in Mindanao.

More than just a piece of textile used traditionally as a “malong”, it is considered as “BaraBangsa”, a term tantamount to something with royalty, dignity and nobility. In the past, the use of inaul in Muslim Mindanao was a status symbol and worn always with pride and respect.

Inaul weaving is said to have more than twenty recognised designs and patterns which take their inspiration from patterns in nature as well as geometry. These patterns include “umpak”, “binaludto”, “panigabi” or “taro” and “binadulan”, which is also called “ikat” by the T’boli and the tribes of Cordillera.

One of the most colorful traditional woven textiles in the Philippines, inaul fabrics reflect the vibrant culture of Maguindano with each color used corresponding to a specific meaning. Yellow and orange is for royalty

WOVEN A3

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

A weekend more artistic

LAST WEEKEND SAW THE ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BOOK STORE COLOR & CALLIGRAPHY FAIR TO THE SHORES OF DURIANBURG much to the delight of Dabawenyo artists, crafters, kids, and even artists at heart. This is evident as the Activity Center of the Abreeza Mall quickly filled with people eager to find the latest tools to express themselves.

Admission to the event is free as two funfilled days of activities happened with artists such as Carl Chua, Kathryn Joy Fanlo, Dennis Li, Riza Magallon, Odette Oliveros, Kharl Sereda, April San Pedro, and Celvic Villacorta did various demos and workshops on calligraphy styles, watercolor calligraphy, craft

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making, flourishing and shadowing, creative journaling, realistic rendering, and DIY bag designing.

Aside from the workshops, visitors to the event also got the chance to win special gift packs from by taking their most creative selfies featuring the nine booths in the event.

Dabawenyos also got the chance to purchase products from numerous participating brands such as Blackwingm Caran d’Arche, Chameleon, Evo, Dong-A, Faber Castell, Fabriano, Grumbacher, International Arrivals, Limelight, manuscript, Marvy Uchida, Online, PanPastel, Pilot, Prismacolor, Sakura, Sennelier, Sharpie, Sheaffer, Speedball, Uni, and Victoria’s Journals.

“National Book Store has been doing the Color & Calligraphy Fair in in Manila for many years and least year we finally did one in Cebu,” said National Book Store’s Brand Assistant Trina Aguila “This time, we decided to hold the first Color & Calligraphy Fair here in Davao to introduce Dabawenyos to the many quality art products National Book Store offers.”

The Color & Calligraphy Fair is just the first of many events planned

by National Book Store across the country for 2017. For more updates, follow National Book Store on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube @nbsalert and visit their blog at blog.nationalbookstore.com.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

EVENT Photo courtesy of Ian Ray Garcia

EDGEDAVAO WOVEN A1

while red represents bravery. White is the color of purity that speaks of grief and mourning, whereas, green indicated peace and harmony. Black denotes nobility and dignity.

With the inaul in the spotlight and on the world stage, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao gives honor to this regal fabric with the creation of the first Inaul Festival sa Maguindanao.

“The festival aims to showcase the inaul as a cultural fabric of the province,” said ARMM Tourism Secretary Ayesha Vanessa Hajar M. Dilan-

INdulge! A3 galen. “Aside from festivities such as a regata, and musical and dance competitions, the festival shall also have an inaul exposition, an inaul exhibit, as well as workshops and talks about the inaul.”

“The Department of TourismARMM supports this endeavor and commits to align its tourism program in helping preserve, protect, promote and develop this intangible cultural heritage of Maguindanao.” she added.

The Inaul Festival sa Maguindanao this year will be from February 9 to 14.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Army... FROM 1

EMC also condemned the series of atrocities perpetrated by the NPAs. Lieutenant General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, commander EMC expressed serious concern over the incidents and called on the NPAs to desist from committing further atrocities.

“Let us condemn these atrocities which target our soldiers who are performing non-combat missions. These tactical offensives by the NPAs are inconsistent with their ceasefire declaration and could imperil ongoing peace negotiation,” Guerrero said.

He added that the acts of violence committed by the NPAs brought miseries and sufferings to the affected communities.

Guerrero also asked the leaders of the communist movement to show sincerity in their peace talks with the government by directing their armed members to immediately desist from committing atrocities.

Following the series of attacks, Guerrero has directed all units to be on alert against possible atrocities in the future and reminded the troops to remain committed and observe the suspension of offensive military operations as part of the unilateral ceasefire.

“In the meantime we will continue to abide by our own ceasefire declaration and observe the suspension of offensive military operations. We will, however, continue to exercise/perform our mandate of protecting the people and the communities against attacks by armed threat groups,” he pointed out.

Lawless groups believed to be NPA members fired at

the Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) that were stationed in Mat-i, Surigao City in the midnight of January 30, 2017, EMC reported.

The attack lasted about 15 minutes that wounded of three AFP personnel.

The midnight attack was followed by three more atrocities against PDTs deployed in the villages of San Isidro, Mahayahay, and Hinambangan in the town of Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte, EMC added.

“These atrocities ran contrary to the spirit of the peace process especially in the delivery of basic services to support far flung communities. These PDTs are stationed in depressed communities to facilitate the delivery of basic government services in collaboration with different government agencies,” the EMC said in the statement.

EMC added that a number of NPA atrocities were already recorded in the month of January this year despite the existing unilateral ceasefire and ongoing peace talks.

The NPAs also killed Albert Sablada last January 16 in Barangay Saloy, Calinan, Davao City. Sablada was accused by the NPAs of being an organizer of Alamara militia group.

The same group also killed Neptali Alfredo last January 23 in Tabaon, Malabog, Paquibato District. The victim was accused by the NPAs as supplier of illegal drugs in the area.

Last January 29, the NPAs abducted PFC Erwin Salan, a member of 30th IB in Lumondo Falls, Budlingin, Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

EMC said Salan was unarmed and in the company of other civilians when forcibly taken by the NPAs.

ally involved in drug trafficking.

This decision of the President is a reassurance that he will not tolerate abuses in his war against drugs. This shows that the President is dead serious in his commitment to clean our country of drugs and corruption,” Nograles said.

On a late Sunday press conference, Duterte admitted to reporters that he has turned down the resignation dela Rosa, who offered to quit his post to “protect the image of the PNP” following the abduction and slay of Korean executive Jee Ick Joo right inside the PNP’s headquarters at Camp Crame.

Duterte said Dela Rosa was one of his trusted men behind his successful fight against criminality and illegal drugs in

Davao City where he served as mayor for 23 years before his accession to the presidency. ”I was just facing the reality that nothing good will happen if I will remove him and more reason for us to do more. And the correct way to do it, if I may say so, is to go after the persons who have perpetrated the crime,” the President said.

Following Jee Ick Joo’s the Korean kidnap-slay case, President Duterte also ordered Dela Rosa to clean the PNP of corrupt and criminals.

The President is also set to create a PNP oversight committee with a task to look into the policemen who have been dismissed but fixed their way back to duty. (PNA, Lilian C. Mellejor)

round of interventions before they can be finally declared as full-pledged STAND after undergoing the program for about six months.

Mac, a STAND graduate from Barangay Visayan Village, couldn’t help but be awed about the fact that he completed the rehabilitation program.

In an interview, he expressed his gratitude to the city government for leading the men like

him, who once lost, back to the right path. He also urged his fellow graduates to be faithful to their commitment of ‘bagong buhay’ and to support the government’s anti-drug advocacy.

The month of March is still a month away, but for the 640 newly reformed Tagumenyos, January is never early for anyone to receive their graduation certificates. (Roy Banias/CIO Tagum)

Solon... FROM 3

640 graduates... FROM 6

NEWS 11

NEW OPPORTUNITY. Rent-a-car business in Davao City is thriving as the demand for vehicles is high brought about by the series of events held in the city like yesterday’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting. Lean Daval Jr.

PH not included in Trump ban “T

HE Philippines is not included in the Trump ban.”

This is the good news announced by the Department of Homeland Security of the United States through its spokeswoman Gillian Christiensen, which was relayed by the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), a non-profit run

by Filipino immigrants based in the U.S., to this writer on Tuesday.

“Please help us disseminate this information to our kababayan (citizens) Green Card holders in the U.S.A.,” MHC said in an e-mail signed

by MHC Executive Directors Rev. Arnedo S Valera, Jesse A. Gatchalian, and Grace Divina Valera, MHC directors.

US President Donald Trump has issued an Exec-

utive Order stopping refugee admission to the United States to protect the nation and Americans from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States.

However, MHC clarified that the Philippines is not included in the ban based on the official announcement by the Department of Homeland Security.

MHC has been receiving queries about the refugee ban.“To all our Kababayans, who are Green Card Holders and currently on travel outside of US, our law firm and the Migrant Heritage Commission are receiving a number of phone calls and queries in the social media, including FB (Facebook) since yesterday on this issue,” MHC said.

“According to Gillian Chris-

tiensen, acting Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman said in an email: that Green card holders are included in Trump Ban ,” MHC added.

It says further: “The Executive Order immigrants ( Green Cards) and non immigrant entities for at least 90 days for nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen .

“THE PHILIPPINES IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRUMP BAN . IF YOU ARE ALSO A CITIZEN OR NATIONAL OF THESE COUNTRIES, THEN YOU WILL BE COVERED.” “As of last night, Federal Judges in NY and Boston issued a Stay and it is nationwide in application vs the Executive Order banning Muslims from the seven enumerated countries.

“Few hours ago, the

Secretary of the US Dept Of Homeland Security, Sec. John Kelly , in a reversal stated the following : “ In applying the provisions of the President’s Executive Order, I hereby deem the entry of Lawful Permanent Residents ( Green Card Holders) to be in the national interest.” If you have questions or concerns, please consult a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited NGO with an in-house attorney.”

“You may call the Law Offices of Valera & Associates,PC ,an Immigration and Anti Discrimination Law Firm and the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) for free legal consultations. We have been answering calls and in standby since yesterday because of unprecedented number of inquiries,” MHC said. (PNA)

rushed by neighbors to the Mediquest Hospital in Toril for medical assistance.

They were later advised by the attending physician to transfer the victim at Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Police were conducting a manhunt operation for the possible arrest and identification of the suspects and for the subsequent filing of case of frustrated homicide against them. TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

in the provinces of Cagayan and Kalinga with an estimated total project cost of $53.6 million; the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project in Quezon, $374.03 million; and the South Line of the NorthSouth Railway running from Manila to Legaspi City in Bicol, $3.01billion.

Nine other projects, which aim to interconnect the country’s three main island-groups, boost tourism, and construct a flood control system in Mindanao and ensure its stable power supply, were likewise presented by the Philippine team to Gao for feasibility study support.

Dominguez said the other projects on the list are relatively small in scale, and are easier to implement, such as the con-

struction of bridges across the Pasig River to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

Dominguez, who described the meetings with Chinese officials as “very positive” said the Philippine mission was a “productive first step towards achieving the desire of (Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping)” in further reinforcing ties between the two countries.”

He said the generous assistance offered by China to the Philippines is among the concrete results of the President’s foreign policy rebalancing toward accelerated integration with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and its major Asian trading partners China, Japan and South Korea. (PR)

The ALG held the security guards of the plantation at gunpoint and carted away a shot gun, one .38 caliber pistol, cell phones and the keys of the backhoe and dumptruck.

No one was reported hurt during the series of incidents, the 10th ID added.

Pursuit operations are now being conducted by the 10th ID in coordination with

the Philippine National Police (PNP), Batchar said.

Valencia expressed regret that attacks are being staged

by ALGs in the midst of the unilateral ceasefire and the ongoing peace negotiations.

Nevertheless, he added, that the military and PNP will not hesitate to use the full force of the law to end the senseless banditry of any armed peace-spoilers.

oil product.

For other low-income groups, Chua said the government will set aside P8 billion from the incremental fuel excise revenues to put in place a “Pantawid Pasada” project and a jeepney modernization program for public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

Households earning P9,000 to P16,000 monthly each will be indirectly protected from the effects of the fuel tax hike through subsidies to public transport under the Pantawid Pasada, where cash cards are given to PUJs to off-

set higher fuel prices.

The jeepney modernization program, meanwhile, will reduce fuel and maintenance costs for PUJs because their engines will be upgraded to make these more fuel-efficient.

“Under these twin initiatives, the pass-through cost from the fuel tax increase is expected to be at most 50 centavos per trip. It can even be zero impact if we do the mitigating measures well. This will benefit informal workers, minimum wage workers, and commuters,” Chua said. (PR)

Man... FROM 2

Beijing... FROM 4

Armed... FROM 2

Excise... FROM 5

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Isuzu PH launches 2017 D-Max I

SUZU Philippines Corporation (IPC) is injecting a youthful vibe to its best-selling D-Max pickup truck with the market launch of the 2017 D-Max X-Series. It transforms the tough for anything D-Max into a lifestyle vehicle fit for active and dynamic families.

“There is no denying that the Isuzu D-Max is an ideal vehicle for leisure activities and is also a highly capable workhorse. With the arrival of the new D-Max X-Series, the model now addresses the lifestyle mobility requirement of active and urbane families too. So now, no other pickup truck available in the local market can offer the combination of utility, reliability, versatility, and high style that the D-Max X-Series does,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

The 2017 D-Max X-Series add more visual flair headlined by a functional front bumper skirt highlighted with sporty red striping. It’s complimented by a gun-metallic radiator grille brightened up with a bold, red Isuzu badge in the middle. Towards the rear, the D-Max X-Series features a special side skirt mounted towards the bottom edge of the pickup bed while a cargo spoiler gives a sleeker silhouette. Enhancing the aes-

thetics further are newly-designed, two-tone 18inch alloy wheels.

The D-Max X-S e r i e s carries t h a t sporty a n d youthful vibe inside.

Matching the red accents on the exterior are the red stitching on the black leather seats. Special ‘X-Series’ badging is proudly displayed on the front seats while scuff-resistant piano black trim give it a more masculine flavor.

E x clusively available as a 4x2 model, the D-Max X-Series is powered by Isuzu’s 4JJ1-TC (HI) diesel engine. Equipped with a Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger and intercooler, this 3.0-liter CRDi engine produces 163 horsepower at 3,200 rpm and 380 Nm of torque from as low as

which is in lockstep with the pace of commercial vehicle demand in the country, was fueled largely by the continuous upgrades that the D-Max has received. The introduction of the new X-Series line is meant to sustain the D-Max’s upward trajectory,” Koso said.

And as a special treat to would-be buyers, Isuzu has partnered with leading sports performance brand, Under Armour. Every purchase of the 2017 D-Max

1,800 rpm. Power and efficiency are guaranteed thanks to a choice between a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic with sequential shift.

“Isuzu Philippines sold

3 , 9 6 6 D - M a x units in 2016, with deliveries rising 27.3 percent when compared to the model’s sales result in 2015. This growth,

Nissan Juke: Getting more funky

I

F you think the Nissan Juke isn’t a stand out enough in terms of styling, then you should consider the new Juke N-Style. Limited to just 500 units, the Juke N-Style offers aesthetic enhancements to make Nissan’s subcompact crossover look even more impressive.

Available in two body colors: Cosmic Blue or Black Obsidian, the Juke N-Style has contrasting highlights (white for Cosmic Blue and yellow for Black Obsidian) spread around the body. These

highlights are found on the headlights, front and rear bumper blades, side mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle, and the roof spoiler.

Inside, the Juke N-Style’s playfulness continues with the exterior contrasting accent becoming cabin highlights found on the center console, shift panel garnish, and window switch bezels.

It’s also equipped with leather on the steering wheel and seats with the same contrasting stitching and high-

lights.

Mechanically, the Juke N-Style doesn’t change from the standard Juke.

It’s powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 116 horsepower and 154

Nm of torque. The sole transmission remains Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. The Nissan Juke N-Style is now available at with an SRP of P 1,080,000.

X-Series comes with a selection of Under Armour products that complement their active lifestyle. Customers can

choose from a collection of sports polo, streaker, or coolswitch shifts; Golf towel, sports cap, sack pack, and duffle bag.

“Aside from its already sporty looks, Isuzu collaborated with Under Armour to create a special X-Series collection sports apparel and items which are ideal for those buying this limited edition D-Max variant. We picked this brand because it embodies the same characteristic of the X-Series which is tough and active,” Koso added.

The D-Max X-Series is available in three colors: Splash White, Venetian Red, and Cosmic Black. It’s priced at P 1,260,000 for the MT and P 1,330,000 for the AT— around P 100,000 more than the D-Max 3.0 LS 4x2.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

NEWS13

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of Marketing Assistant Qualifications: • Graduate of business or any other related courses • Female • With pleasing personality • Fast learner • Can work with minimum supervision

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Account Executive Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With pleasing personality Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

OCD VISIT. The Office of Civil Defense-Reg. XI headed

by Reg. Dir. Leoncio Cirunay Jr. and his team visited the Compostela Vallley Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Council (PDRRMC) to conduct rapid damage assessment from the continuous rain affecting several towns in the province. (R. Villocino/IDS ComVal)

Sueno vows to combat illegal gambling

I

NTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Ismael ‘Mike’ D. Sueno said that he will execute anti-illegal gambling policies with an iron fist as he assured the public that he will shun all efforts of bribery under his command.

Sueno’s statement came amidst reports that certain individuals are allegedly using his name to collect bribe money from illegal gambling operators.

“Ako talaga, I don’t want to receive anything from illegal gambling. So for the local government units and the Philippine National Police (PNP), expect that we will be strict in the implementation of anti-illegal gambling policies,” Sueno said.

According to the DILG Secretary, the proliferation of illegal gambling would be put into a halt if the LGUs and the PNP work hand in hand with a clear mandate of combating illegal gambling.

“The LGUs and the PNP should be working doubly hard to eradicate illegal gambling, kasi kung dalawa silang magtutulungan to stop it, there is no way it will persist,” Sueno said.

He also released information relating to his statement and admittance of being bribed by undisclosed illegal gambling protectors during a Senate hearing for games and amusement early this week.

“Even before I became DILG Secretary, may pumunta na sa

akin na taga-Maynila [asking] if I want to accept [bribe]. Sabi ko, I don’t want to accept, I don’t even want to entertain you,” he explained.

He said the bribery continued as early as his first week as Secretary, saying that despite the persistence of the offer, he remained true to his words not to accept any money. That’s why he was stunned to find out that someone ‘collects’ the money ‘on his behalf’.

“I have asked somebody to investigate on this matter, ang sabi sa Central Luzon P12 M ‘ata per month, isang police officer daw ang nangongolekta nito.

Dito sa Metro Manila, P400,000 a month, wala pa yung sa ibang region doon,” he said. (DILG)

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 246 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

SOUTHPAW STOPPER Horn trainer: Doubters will have egg on their face

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

P

ERTH, Australia – For Jeff Horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton, a new legend will be born after April 22.

There is no doubt on the mind of Rushton when he spoke in an interview with Fairfax Media who the winner will be in the battle between Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and his ward Horn, the 2012 Australian Olympic quarterfinalist.

Rushton thinks his ward is a southpaw stopper.

“He eats southpaws for breakfast.”

That could be overstating things but the veteran trainer said the Brisbane former schoolteacher who sports a 16-0-1, 11 KOs record will beat the eight-division world champion whose sterling career of 57 wins 6 losses and 2 draws with 38 KOs is flipping to its final pages.

“His doubters will have egg on their face,” said Rushton in the interview.

The Pacquiao-Horn fight although not yet sealed is likely to take place in Australia in what promises to be the biggest boxing promotion ever in the land Down Under.

The Brisbane government has reportedly tendered its official bid for the fight. Another possible venue, according to reports, is Abu Dhabi in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates.

Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, is also the co-promoter of Horn. Arum signed a deal with Duco Events to co-promote the Aussie nicknamed ‘The Hornet.’

A deal with Horn has been reached for the event, but Arum still has to reach an agreement with Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, who is coming off a title win over Jessie Vargas last November, has faced nearly every future Hall of Famer of his era.

B y contrast, Horn’s b e s t wins have

come against over-the-hill former champions Ali Funeka and Randall Bailey.

Rushton, however, sees it differently.

“Naturally I respect Manny Pacquiao for everything he’s achieved in the sport. But when you start to weigh it up, you will see what we have in Jeff Horn. You can’t see the future, but I believe we’re looking at a future legend. Now, they’re saying, ‘Who the hell is Jeff Horn?’ After, they’ll know all about Jeff Horn.”

Rushton said he has been studying Pacquiao for a very long time and believes that he holds the perfect game plan to upset the fighting Filipino senator.

“I’ve been studying Manny Pacquiao for a long time ... to beat him, (Horn) has to follow the plan.”

“When the bell sounds, you have to be up for it, aware and ready. And he is ready. He has always delivered. Nothing stops him. You hit him and he gets up. He’s like The Terminator but that’s part of the training. It’s that warrior spirit where you try to become devoid of emotion in the ring. He eats southpaws for breakfast.”

No SEA Games stint for Diaz

O

LYMPIC silver medalist, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, on Tuesday confirmed she will not participate in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) set in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 19-31.

The Zamboanga-born Olympian, who earlier expressed her willingness to compete in the SEAG, cited the organizer’s decision to scrap the women’s competition in weightlifting as her main reason why she will not see action in the biennial meet.

Instead, Diaz, who will receive the time-honored “Athlete of the Year” award of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), is busy preparing for the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Games to be held

in Ashgabat City, Turkmenistan in September, and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in November in Anaheim, California, the US. Diaz captured three bronze medals for the clean, jerk and snatch events in the 53-kg. division of the IWF World Weightlifting Championship held in Houston, Texas on Nov. 22, 2015 to claim a spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Guesting at the weekly PSA Forum, Diaz, who is turning 26 this February, said she is “balancing” her studies, her training and her passion for helping future Filipino Olympians, when asked about her plans to bag the gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (PNA)

THINKING UPSET. Jeff Horn’s trainer believes they have the fight plan to stop Manny Pacquiao.

Thomas scores 41 as Celtics drop Pistons I SAIAH Thomas scored 24 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter and the Boston Celtics held off the Detroit Pistons 113-109 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to four games.

Jae Crowder added 21 points and Al Horford scored 13 for Boston, which had to rally after Detroit surged midway through the fourth quarter and the teams traded the lead.

Andre Drummond had 28 points and pulled down 22 rebounds for the Pistons, who outscored Boston 60-38 in the paint and outrebound-

A

ed the Celtics 51-44. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 18 points for Detroit, which lost its third straight.

Thomas extended his run of games with at least 20 points to 32 in a row and carried Boston down the stretch, making nine free throws in the fourth quarter while going 15 for 15 from the line.

Boston led 109-107 with 31 seconds left and gave the Pistons a chance with a backcourt violation. Reggie Jackson drove for a layup, but missed and Jonas Jerebko pulled down the rebound for Boston, then held on tight.

The Pistons ended up fouling Thomas, who hit both free throws and added two more with 7.5 seconds remaining.

Boston led 54-46 at halftime and 79-70 after the third quarter, which was full of missed shots and big bounces off the rim.

The Pistons came out strong in the fourth, capitalizing on some sloppy plays

by Boston and pulling within reach on a 9-2 run. Morris hit a 3-pointer, just the second of the game for Detroit, to pull the Pistons within 88-86 and the Pistons regained the lead a few minutes later when

Boston sent Caldwell-Pope to the line by fouling him on a 3-pointer.

Caldwell-Pope made all three to put the Pistons up 91-90 - their first lead since going up 27-26 in the second quarter.

The lead went back-andforth until Thomas’ threepoint play with 4:13 left put Boston up 99-98.

Detroit got within a point again when Drummond’s two free throws with 2:46 left made it 104-103, but Thomas answered again with another 3-pointer and Boston held off the Pistons the rest of the way.

Korean Michael Choi will serve as chief umpire during the three-day event with Indian Saibal Banerjee and Thai Natthapol Chaiyadej as chair umpires.

The 25-year-old David Agung Susanto is currently No. 739 in the world. He is a clay court specialist who owns four doubles titles and has played in four Davis Cup ties.

Except for Anthony Susanto, all three players were part of the team which scored a 5-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the Group II relegation playoff tie last year.

Anthony, who is the younger brother of David, is currently ranked No. 5 in Indonesia.

Andrian Raturandang, a member of the squad which won over the Philippines 3-2 in the Davis Cup Group I tie in 1997, is on his second year as

PH NETTERS. Rubben Gonzales (left) and Treat Huey (right) will lead the Philippine campaign. team captain of Team Indone- Philippines six times in 10 sia. meetings, the last being in Veteran collegiate coach 2012 (3-2) in their home turf.

Karl Santamaria, on the othThe Philippines, on the er hand, is the captain of the other hand, last won over Philippine squad.

Indonesia in 1999 in Jakarta.

Indonesia has beaten the (PNA)

All set for Davis Cup tie vs Indons

LL is set for the country’s hosting of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II tie against Indonesia this week at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) indoor clay court in Paco, Manila.

The Philippines will be represented by US-based Filipinos Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales, Francis Casey Alcantara and top local junior Albert “AJ” Lim Jr. in the tournament scheduled February 3-5.

Representing Indonesia are David Agung Susanto, Aditya Hari Sasongko, Sunu-Wahyu Trijati and Anthony Susanto, who is playing for the national squad for the first time.

International Tennis Federation supervisor/referee David Smith will conduct the draw on Feb. 2 at the PCA’s PC Reyes Room.

EDGEDAVAO

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SPORTS 15

BARRELING BLUE KNIGHTS. Francis Gabriel Escandor (left) and Ion Angeles (right) delivered the goods for Ateneo de Davao University in last Sunday’s SM NBTC match against Ford Academy. Lean Daval Jr.

Nadal passes up on Davis Cup

R

AFAEL Nadal on Monday pulled out of Spain’s Davis Cup clash with Croatia this weekend, the Spanish tennis federation said.

Nadal, who went down in five sets to Roger Federer in Sunday’s final of the Australian Open, will be replaced by Feliciano Lopez for the World Group first-round tie.

The Spanish tennis federation said its medical staff suggested that Nadal sit out the trip to Osijek given “the little recovery time” available to the world number six.

The federation noted that Nadal “had played in a lot of matches after four months out of action” in January.

Five-time Davis Cup champions Spain are making their return to the World Group after a

two-year absence.

Lopez, the world number 33, joins Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta and Marc Lopez against Croatia, who lost to Argentina in last year’s final. ( P NA / X i n hua)

NO DAVIS CUP. Rafael Nadal finished runner-up to rival Roger Federer in this year’s Australian Open.

Bowling legends laud PIS creation

A

LL-TIME great Filipino bowlers Bong Coo and Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno are praising the Philippine Institute of Sports (PIS) initiated by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as the science-based program will enhance the skills and talents of Filipino athletes.

“Its about time, sports science is all we need,” said Coo, the first Filipino athlete listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in bowling. She and Nepomuceno are also among the inaugural members to the International Bowling Hall of Fame in St. Louis Missouri in 1993.

Coo said the Philippines is already behind in adopting sports science and the scientific approach in fitness nutrition.

“This move by the PSC is very awesome.” added Coo, who was named one of the “Greatest International Bowlers of All-Time” by the prestigious Bowlers Journal International and among the “Top 24 International Bowlers of All-Time” by the Bowlers Journal International edition.

During their competitive prime, Coo said that she and Nepomuceno went to their respective doctors and sports psychologists to prime up their competition toughness.

“But with PHL Institute of Sports, meron ng pupun-

tahan ang ating mga atleta, I think we are all moving forward na,“ she said.

On his part, six-time World Ten-pin bowling Champion Nepomuceno said the Philippine Institute of Sports “is just what Philippine sports need. This is the only thing we lack.”

He praised the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte for establishing the PIS saying, “all the advance countries that produce results have their own Sports Institutes.”

Paeng is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records and the only bowling athlete in the world who has received the prestigious International Olympic Com-

mittee’s (IOC) President’s Trophy and considered the Greatest International Bowler of All Time.

“It’s good the (PIS) is taking off,” said Paeng who is now looking forward on how the PIS system would work.

Topping the PIS program is the Talent Identification Program (TIP) or Long Term Athlete Development Program (LTADP) primarily to identify young budding athletes and para-athletes and provide them support in developing their skills in sports.

The institute also covers Athlete Career Education Program to chart their professional career growth and provide assistance to access an educational degree. (PNA)

ing again before my hometown fans,” said the 25-year-old southpaw.

Petalcorin, a former interim WBA world light flyweight champion, is also happy that he is active again. He previously fought and won the vacant IBF Pan Pacific light flyweight title via a convincing unanimous decision against Arnold Garde last December 4 at Robinson’s Atrium in Gensan.

He thanked his team headed by JC Manangquil and co-manager Peter Maniatis.

“This 2017, I’m looking to be world champion again,” said

Petalcorin, who wants to challenge current IBF champion Akira Yaegashi of Japan.

“I want Akira Yaegashi and his belt. If you (Akira) are reading this, let’s make the fight. I know you are a brave fighter,” said Petalcorin.

Petalcorin is confident that he will be victorious against Florida. He has already made a couple of sparring sessions at the Sanman Gym with some top young prospects.

Florida, on the other hand, lost to world-rated Melvin Jerusalem in his last fight held in Cebu.

Florida, a native of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, also fought but lost to Vergilio Silvano by a unanimous decision in their battle for the vacant Philippines Boxing Federation (PBF) light flyweight title.

Florida also bowed to Thailand’s Thammanoon Niyomtrong via 5th round technical knockout in their WBC Youth World minimumweight title fight in 2013.

“Petalcorin should not take me lightly, I will come prepared and will look for an upset” said Florida, a native of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. (PNA)

night, beating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-97 on Monday.

Wesley Matthews had 21, and rookie point guard Yogi Ferrell scored a career-high 19 in the second game of a 10-day contract, a night after hitting clinching free throws in the final seconds of a win at Southwest Division-leading San Antonio.

James had 23 points and Kyrie Irving scored 18 - but just one between them in the fourth quarter - for the defend-

ing champs, who will be without fellow All-Star Kevin Love for Wednesday’s game against Minnesota because of recurring back spasms.

The team announced the update during the game on Love, who didn’t make the trip.

The Mavericks won for the first time after nine losses on the second night of back-to-backs, against the team that beat them by 38 in November. That was the largest winning margin of the season for the Cavaliers and the

most lopsided loss for Dallas.

Ferrell, who shares an alma mater with Dallas owner Mark Cuban (Indiana), hit a 3 and a driving layup to give the Mavericks their biggest lead at 102-85.

At the next timeout, with the Cavaliers down by 15, coach Tyronn Lue pulled James and Irving after they had each missed their only two shots of the fourth quarter. They were a combined 2 of 14 from 3-point range and had 11 of Cleveland’s 17 turnovers. Dallas had just nine.

Petalcorin comes home to fight in Gensan

G

EN. Santos City native and former world light flyweight champion Randy “Razor” Petalcorin of Sanman Boxing Club is set to make a return to his hometown on February 25.

Petalcorin, who has 25 wins -2 loses -1 draw -18 KOs (knockouts), will take on the dangerous Mark Anthony Florida (9 wins6 losses- 7 kos) of Cagayan de Oro City in the undercard of the “Brawl of the Mall: Rise of the Next Champions.”

“I’m happy to be fight-

Tailender Mavs topple Cavs 104-97

H

ARRISON Barnes scored 24 points and the lastplace Dallas Mavericks knocked off a title contender for the second

straight

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