Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 27 | Tuesday, April 16, 2019

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GUN BAN COUNT: 519 PRO 11 confiscates 519 firearms f

VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

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in poll gun ban ops

By ADAM B. MORRELL

A

total of 519 �irearms have been placed under the guardianship of the Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 after a heightened security operation and implementation of the election gun ban for the May 2019 polls.

Based on the data report of PRO 11, 365 out of the 519 �irearms were for safekeeping, 99 surrendered, 50 were placed under the custody of the agency and �ive were con�iscated during the nationwide implementation of gun ban which was effective from January 13 to present.

The said 519 �irearms are composed of 330 low power �irearms (LPF) and 189 high power �irearms (HPF).

Aside from that, a total of 1,248 ammunitions, two magazines, and four pieces of materials for making an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) were also under the custody of PRO 11.

This accomplishment was a joint effort of PRO 11's clusters that includes the Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO), Davao Occidental Provincial Police Of�ice (DOCPPO), Davao del Sur Provincial Police Of�ice (DSPPO), Compostela Valley Provincial Police Of�ice (CVPPO), Davao del Norte Provincial Police Of�ice (DNPPO) and Regional Mobile Force Battalion

(RMFB).

Meanwhile, PRO 11 regional director BGen Marcelo Morales, on Monday, April 15, said all con�iscated and yielded �irearms were properly endorsed to the PNP Regional and Provincial Crime Laboratory for ballistic examination.

Morales, however, said the agency is �ine-tuning all coordination, security plans and preparations to proactively respond to the mission at hand to provide security for the 2019 elections slated May 13.

"We, in the Philippine National Police (PNP) together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Commission on Elections (COMELEC), still on a continuous lengthy discussion on the different electoral process that will take place this May," Morales said, as they aim a peaceful, orderly and fair elections.

PRO 11's continuous effort against loose and undocumented �irearms, Morales said, is in accordance with Republic Act 10591 and nationwide

GUN BAN, P9

ALTERNATE. A young boy makes the newly built Bailey Bridge in Taal, Bangkal, Davao City his bicycle rink on Saturday. The area is expected to experience heavy traffic starting Monday as Bailey Bridge will be the alternate route for vehicles while Talomo Bridge 2 will undergo rehabilitation. Lean Daval Jr BRIDGE REHAB. A young boy watches as construction workers use a backhoe in removing the concrete deck of Talomo Bridge 2 to repair damaged and dilapidated portions of the bridge on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

MATINA ENCLAVES PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE ‘DEAL CLOSERS’ ►INDULGE A1

AOFF SCHOLARS BAG LATIN HONORS

►COMPETITIVE EDGE P8

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

KAAMULAN. President Rodrigo Duterte gets a warm welcome from Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri Jr. during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally at the Kaamulan Park in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon over the weekend. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Over 25,000 attend HNP T rally in Tagum, Mati

RDC XI endorses Davao – Samal extradosed bridge

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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housands of supporters �illed the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex (DDNSTC) and Davao Oriental State University Gym on Monday for the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) rallies in Tagum City and Mati City.

Local government of�icials and leaders from political groups and private sector warmly welcomed the HNP senatorial candidates in the two HNP Grand Rally assemblies.

Davao City mayor and HNP chairperson Sara Duterte-Carpio together with re-electionists Sonny Angara and JV Ejercito, former senators Bong Revilla

Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada, Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos, Taguig representative Pia Cayetano, Maguindanao representative Zajid “Dong” Mangundadatu, journalist Jiggy Manicad, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Francis Tolentino were present in the rally.

Philip “Ipe” Salvador represented former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. DMX, Luntiang Pilipinas Partylist and Dumper Partylist nominees were also present.

Over 20,000 people attended the Tagum City rally while the Mati City rally also �illed the 5,000-seat gymnasium to the rafters.

In the latest 2019 senatorial candidate survey conducted during the last week of March, majority of HNP’s bets entered the ‘Magic 12’.

Despite the good show-

ing of her senatorial slate, the presidential daughter said the race is far from over.

In her recent statement, Inday Sara said they cannot be happy yet until the winners are proclaimed.

“So we shall continue to soar and �ight until we succeed,” she said.

According to HNP secretary-general and Davao del Norte Governor Anthony Del Rosaria, who is gunning for the �irst district congressman spot of his province, said after Tagum City and Mati City, HNP will hold a culmination of all its rally in Davao City in May.

problems so far except for a few people whose names were not in the Certi�ied List of Overseas Voters for our Post, which we hope to resolve soon with the Commission on Elections,” Philippine Ambassador Carlos Sorreta said in a text message.

At the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, hundreds of registered Filipino voters trooped outside the consulate on Saturday.

“The turnout is impressive and satisfactory,” Philippine Consul General Edgar Badajos said in an earlier interview in Jeddah.

Submitting report from Guangzhou, the Philippine Consulate General in the area reported that the conduct of the voting was problem-free.

“Guangzhou PCG is expecting approximately 1,000 voters within its jurisdiction as Filipinos all over the world take part in the democratic exercise,” it said.

The same goes for the conduct of overseas voting at the Philippine Embassy in Washington.

“The �irst day of overseas voting passed without incident. The Embassy

expects to receive more accomplished ballots in the coming days,” Darell Artates, public diplomacy of�icer at the Embassy told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the 2019 National and Local Elections (NLE), a total of 1,822,173 OFWs registered for the OAV. Of this number, 401,390 are based in the Asia Pacific Region, 887,744 in the Middle East and African Region, 187, 632 in Europe, and 345,415 in the North and Latin American Region.

The voting on Saturday,

Overseas voting starts without hitch: envoys

T

he kickoff of overseas absentee voting (OAV) was generally successful, as Filipinos abroad cast their votes for the 2019 mid-term polls beginning last Saturday in different Philippine Embassies and Consulates General around the world, diplomats said.

At the Philippine Embassy in Moscow which covers the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Ukraine, and Belarus, more than 30 Filipinos cast their ballots on the �irst day of voting.

“Everything is well. No

OVERSEAS, P9

he Regional Development Council XI (RDC), the highest planning and policy-making body in Davao Region, recently endorsed the DPWH recommendation to construct an extradosed bridge that will connect Davao City (R. Castillo-Daang Maharlika) to Samal Island (Circumferential Road) or the Southern Corridor Alignment.

The project team from DPWH and Ove Arup & Partners HK Ltd. presented to the RDC, during its 1st Quarter Meeting, March 26, the results of the feasibility study on the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project. DPWH Project Manager Lilibeth Rico conveyed the study results of six options, which included the construction of an immersed tube tunnel and a box girder bridge, highlighting the recommendation for an extradosed bridge via the Southern Corridor Alignment.

The RDC XI considered the Southern Corridor Alignment as it complies with the navigational clearance along the Pakiputan Straight and the Francisco Bangoy International Airport Obstacle Height Limitation.

The Council also af�irmed the option for an extradosed bridge (a combination of a girder bridge and a cable-stayed bridge) which was found to be the best in terms of the technical, �inancial, economic,

environmental and social criteria. In addition, the Davao City end part of the bridge shall also connect to the ongoing Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project which further enhances the bridge connectivity within and outside of Davao City.

The bridge is estimated to cost P22.4 billion following the length of 2,830 meters.

Rico explained that the DPWH will then follow a Design-Bid-Build-Contract Approach estimated to last for a 60 month over all duration.

“The study will of�icially end in August 2019 and there will be a 4-month procurement schedule by 2020. The project is set to start by November 2020 while construction is expected to last for 3 years”, Rico said.

The SIDC Project is aimed at providing infrastructure solution to the long travel time and limited accessibility between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal. Currently, the visitors of the island complained about the long queue they experience just to transfer from Davao City port to Samal Island.

The said project is expected to provide a resilient, reliable transportation link for residents and commuters. Overall, it is aimed to enhance internal circulation, mobility and external linkages to support the growth potential of the Davao Region. (PIA with NEDA)

VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

Duterte admin never shelved arbitral ruling

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INCREASING DEMAND. Davao City Water District (DCWD) spokesperson lawyer Bernardo Delima (center), together with Apo Aqua general manager Ones Almario and DCWD deputy spokesperson Jovana Cresna Duhaylungsod, bares that 85 percent of water that will be drawn from Apo Aqua’s bulk water system will be

distributed by DCWD. Delima also revealed during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday that DCWD received water connection applications from 54 housing companies and 68 condominium developers which will increase the city’s demand by more than one million liters of water per day. Lean Daval Jr

Last remaining Maute leader confirmed dead

T

he Philippine Army on Sunday con�irmed the death of Obwaydah Marohombsar alias Abu Dar, the Maute Group’s “last remaining leader,” following the release of DNA test results that one of four terrorists killed on March 14 in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur, was, indeed, Abu Dar. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Army 103rd Infantry Brigade said the US forces and the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), which conducted separate DNA tests on a body found near the encounter site, con�irmed beyond doubt that it was Abu Dar. He said the tissues were compared to samples taken from two of Abu Dar’s children who voluntarily

gave tissue samples upon intercession of an uncle.

“Both of the tests conducted by the US forces and PNP SOCO con�irmed it was Abu Dar,” Brawner said.

Abu Dar and three other militants were killed along with four soldiers in an encounter in Tubaran town, Lanao del Sur on March 14.

Army soldiers backed

by US drones that down-

linked vital information, fought the militants for days in the jungle near Tubaran town.

Brawner said at �irst they did not recognize it was Abu Dar because its face was burned beyond recognition.

He said they were suspicious, however, because the body bore telltale scars and moles of Abu Dar’s right hand and body.

The military used an enlarged picture of Abu Dar to compare it with the remains.

Brawner said the body was already two to three days old when found. They immediately asked the PNP and US forces to conduct DNA tests.

He said while the PNP SOCO took tissues of the body in the encounter site, the US forensic team conducted theirs in Camp Ranao, headquarters of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, where the body was brought.

“Abu Dar’s surviving men tried to hide his death but DNA tests have proven it was he who died that day,” Brawner said.

The military had tagged Abu Dar responsible for the 2013 bombing in Limketkai Rosario arcade that left at least ten persons dead and 46 others injured He was also among the Maute leaders recorded in a video planning the at-

LAST, P9

he Duterte administration never shelved the arbitral ruling won by the Philippines at The Hague, Malacañang said Sunday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo refuted the statement made by former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario after he urged President Rodrigo Duterte to "unshelve" the country's arbitral victory.

"In the �irst place, this administration never shelved the arbitral ruling," Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo described Del Rosario's call to implement the 2012 arbitral ruling as "pretended patriotism" and blamed him for the country's loss of ownership of the Scarborough Shoal during the previous administration.

"Mr. Del Rosario, being responsible for the loss of the country's possession of the Scarborough Shoal during his stint as Foreign Affairs Secretary by naively causing the withdrawal of our armed ship in the area of con�lict, certainly cannot put forward his pretended patriotism and feigned righteousness as if he has not contributed vastly to the unwelcome situation we are presently in," Panelo said.

Panelo, however, emphasized that the arbitral ruling remains "unenforceable" since other states have not helped the Philippines enforce it and neither can the country enforce it alone.

He emphasized anew that the Philippines could not afford a war with China.

"It only remains unenforceable because no foreign force seems persuaded to help us enforce it, and neither do we have the capability of enforcing it alone by force, not to mention the fact that

DCWD closed on April 18 to 21

PRRD reaffirms vow to distribute more lands before term ends D

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte renewed his commitment to distribute land to agrarian reform bene�iciaries before he steps down in 2022.

During his speech at the Kaamulan Festival in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Saturday, Duterte reminded entities who are occupying huge tracts of landholdings through lease agreements with the government that he will distribute these to the poor.

He said farmers who have already been identi�ied by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

as would-be title holders must be given their due.

“Those already declared to be bene�iciaries must be placed in their position,” the President said.

He said it is just right for those who have been tilling the land for generations to be awarded the titles.

“Those who have worked hard for the land must deserve it,” he said.

Duterte also said it is just unfortunate for corporations who have been renting government lands as he will take it back and give it away to the landless.

“If they say they have invested so much, I don’t care. The law must be followed,” he said. “The law says the land reform should bene�it the agricultural tenant. That’s the law and there’s nothing I can do about it."

He cited what happened in Boracay where after ordering for the island’s cleanup, the government gave out parcels of land to the Aetas, the indigenous people living in the area.

In his March 8 speech in Sagay City during the distribution of certi�icates of land ownership award

(CLOAs) to more than 2,000 bene�iciaries, Duterte instructed DAR Secretary John Castriciones to hasten the implementation of the agrarian reform program before he �inishes his term.

In that same speech, he also ordered Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol to �ind out the needs of the farmers and address their concerns.

Duterte said he will get back at some personalities, including some media people who he said are receiving money other than what

PRRD, P9

performing armed acts of enforcement could only trigger a bloody war that could cost the lives of our countrymen and destruction of properties in our land," Panelo said.

Panelo said assuming the current administration has temporarily shelved the ruling, its recent aggressive statements against Chinese activity near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea "effectively removed it from the shelf by virtue."

"The fact of invoking the arbitral ruling in our latest statement as well as asserting our sovereignty on our territory and right over our exclusive economic zone in response to an of�icial statement from the Chinese government reiterating its claim of ownership and sovereignty over the disputed areas, effectively removed it from the shelf by virtue of such invocation and assertion," Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, reiterated the country's "unchanged stance" that the arbitral ruling is has a "stamp of permanence."

"The arbitral ruling is irreversible, the same being based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and international law accepted by most, if not by all, nations," Panelo said.

He urged the Chinese government to respect the ruling and expressed hope that bilateral negotiations between the countries forge a mutually satisfactory solution to the con�lict based on internationally accepted principles.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said that the Philippines has already �iled a "salvo of diplomatic notes" against China and is currently waiting for its response. (PNA)

avao City Water District advises the public that its Matina of�ice, Bajada, Toril, and Victoria Plaza sub-of�ices, and collection centers in Felcris Centrale and SM Lanang Premier are closed on April 18 to 21, 2019 in observance of the Holy Week. No due date for water bill payments fall on the said dates.

Regular operations of the of�ices and collection centers will resume on April 22, 2019.

The DCWD management assures the general public that the operations of its technical

departments and Call Center /Central Information Unit (CIU) will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer service support.

Customers may contact the DCWD’s Call Center/CIU through the 24-hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293), 0927-7988966, 09255113293, and 09084410653 and of�icial Facebook page (www. f a c e b o o k . c o m / d avaowater ) for queries and updates related to DCWD’s water service.

(Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

PH tells ASEAN: collaborate vs financing of terrorism

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he Philippines has underscored the need for member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to share their efforts and initiatives in deterring money laundering schemes, which have been proven to be among the primary tools being used to fund international terrorist activities.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement on Sunday that on the part of the Philippines, its enactment of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 represents the country’s �irm commitment to �ight global terrorism and its �inancing.

Dominguez said criminalizing terrorism �inancing under RA 10168, has strengthened the Philippines’ efforts to trace and freeze funds used or being planned to be used to carry out terrorist attacks.

“The Philippines is currently extending efforts to

sti�le the occurrence of illicit trade activity. Regardless, illicit trade activity continues to pose a high risk to the country. Moreover, money laundering contributes to terrorism �inancing, the threat of which has been categorized as high risk.

The ASEAN Member-States can thus share their efforts and initiatives in deterring this problem,” Dominguez said during the recently concluded 23rd ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Among the ASEAN members, the Philippines is considered as one of the countries with the lowest money laundering risk although illicit revenue �lows remain a problem.

In the Philippine setting, Dominguez said “close cooperation with relevant intelligence and law enforcement agencies is essential in order to trace, seize and forfeit funds used or about to be used for terrorism �inancing, and hurdle impediments, such

PH, P9

HALAL EXPO 2019. Halal advocate Malou Ampuan provides updates on the upcoming 4th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo slated at Abreeza mall on May 3 to 4.

Ampuan also bared during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday that Davao City was named as the first Halal-Muslim friendly destination in the country.

Lean Daval Jr

PLDT partners with Cisco for 5G transport network P LDT Inc. has partnered with technology �irm Cisco Systems Inc. for the development of its IP transport infrastructure which will be utilized for the deployment of a �ifth generation (5G) technology network.

Tomas Lorenzo, President and Chief Executive Officer of TLDC, said 2018 proved to be a milestone year for Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation.

Torre Lorenzo headstrong with 2019 deb't plans

F

rom pioneering the �irst premium university residence in the Philippines to developing master-planned townships in emerging urban centers outside Metro Manila, Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC) has established itself as one of the leading and most progressive real estate companies in the industry.

“2018 proved to be a milesone year for Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation,” said Tomas Lorenzo, President and Chief Executive Of�icer of TLDC. “Since last year, we have expanded our porfolio to include more Torre Lorenzo Premium University Resi-

dences, Torre Lorenzo Premium Residences, Tierra Lorenzo Premium Lifestyle Developments, and TLDC Townships.”

TLDC’s bread and butter, the Torre Lorenzo Premium University Residences, continue to put the company at the forefront of upgraded student-living in the Philippines. In 2018, TLDC expanded its premium university residence base with the turnover of Torre Central in the University-belt area. This year, TLDC will bring the same premium experience to Loyola Heights, Quezon City with the groundbreaking of Torre Lorenzo Loyola.

TORRE, P9

The investment with Cisco is part of PLDT’s transport network transformation project which will be implemented within the next three years.

“This investment will raise PLDT’s �iber network to the next level. We mark another major milestone in PLDT’s efforts to help the country gear up for the Industrial Revolution 4.0, enabling us to move up to the next generation of digital technologies, such as 5G, software-de�ined net-

working (SDN), arti�icial intelligence and Internet of Things,” PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said during the contract signing with Cisco last Thursday.

The partnership will enable PLDT and Cisco to deploy technologies on designing and building automated, reliable and scalable infrastructure using PLDT’s �iber optic network to seamlessly deliver customized digital experiences to customers.

The software-de�ined

architecture will enable PLDT to strengthen customer services with highly dynamic and agile networking capabilities as well as cybersecurity to safeguard customer data. The infrastructure will also help the company to manage traf�ic congestion, minimize network outages, and launch new digital services faster.

“We are building with Cisco, one of the most modern transport networks in Asia by maximizing the capabilities of the �iber infrastructure that we have already put in place,” Joachim Horn, PLDT chief technology and information advisor, said.

“With this network transformation program,

we can empower enterprises and businesses and address their needs for speed, bandwidth and digital services quickly and seamlessly,” he added.

Cisco’s Customer Experience team will provide its expertise on end-to-end design, build and deployment of the new infrastructure to extend the network’s reach, reliability and scalability.

It will also greatly enhance experiences for PLDT’s customers and build a solid foundation for 5G rollout.

“Our partnership with PLDT shows the breadth of Cisco’s capabilities in implementing a fully automated, software-driven network that can serve millions of

ed the SPIS and its bene�its to the country's food security program, especially rice production.

Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) director Cristy Pulido said the proposed SPIS projects will irrigate 500,000 hectares of rice, corn and high value crops.

The SPIS will also prepare the country for the next El Niño or prolonged dry spell, which is expected to hit three years from now based on the current pattern of occurrence, she said.

PMS acting chief Undersecretary Ferdinand Cui, meanwhile, expressed full support for the proposed project, which was also endorsed by NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya, who

said NIA has also adopted the SPIS in some of its irrigation projects.

During the meeting, it was recommended that the DA and its bureaus, BAFE and the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM), will conduct a planning workshop with NIA to identify all irrigable areas in the country which could be utilized for food production.

Piñol said these agencies will meet after the Holy Week to draft the National Irrigation Master Plan to complement the existing program of NIA. The agencies will then present the proposal to the NEDA, which will submit it for review and approval of the NEDA-ICC (Investment Coordination Committee).

Piñol said participants in Wednesday's meeting agreed that the SPIS proposal must be fast-tracked so that if it is approved by NEDA-ICC, it could be included in the 2020 budget of the DA. Meanwhile, former DA Secretary William Dar proposed for the government to consider inviting the private sector to invest in the country's national irrigation systems development.

Dar said solar-powered irrigation is good "provided there is water sources throughout the year."

Solar powered irrigation draws water from rivers and other water sources. If there are no sustainable water sources, solar-powered irrigation will be useless, he noted. (PNA)

PLDT, P9

Gov't reviews Israel's solar powered irrigation offer

A

n inter-agency group has started a study and review of the proposal of an Israeli-government backed corporation to build 6,200 units of solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in the country, which would be funded by a PHP44-billion loan payable in 10 years.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Piñol said that representatives of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) had a meeting last Wednesday at the DA central of�ice as it present-

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

A season of reflection

The country’s Christian community is once again travelling the journey of Lent which culminates with the observance of the Holy Week.

The Holy Week is a timely period to cool the con�licts of politics, made even more intense with the prevailing election campaign atmosphere which has traditionally a dividing experience for Filipinos. Those engulfed in the political mudslinging are stymied in the quagmire of division. The political divide cannot be manifested more clearly than when there is a forthcoming elections.

There is a need to pause and search the soul. A time to free one’s self of the forces of partisanship and instead look at the lessons to be learned and relearned from the journey of Christ.

With the church’s call to conversion of heart, re-living once more the terrible story of the betrayal, suffering and death of Jesus, Christians across the country arrives at the moment of joy which burst forth in the rising of Jesus from the dead. The extraordinary event is at the heart of the Christian faith. It is a celebration of the victory of love over hatred, of creation over destruction, of hope over despair and of life over death. Because of this Easter, the most important and central celebration of the Christian year, carries a message which speaks to every human heart because it expresses something that lies

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LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD ADAM B. MORRELL Photography Cartoonist Reporter Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO• DENNIS “GICO” R. G.GORECHO DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ MUJAHID NAVARRA • HAROLD CAVITE

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deep with us. Even for those who are trapped in despair the dream of having something to hope for, and the deep desire that things should and could be better than they are, never seems to die.

But there is no complete conversion if the church itself is engulfed by the political divide. There is no complete conversion when the church itself is battling its own integrity and reputation.

And as we consider the con�licts and suffering which confront Filipinos each day, overwhelmed by the horrors of the sexual abuse of young people even within the Church, the hatred and animosity in warring political sides, the struggles of the government to win a battle against crime, corruption and illegal drugs, it is refreshing to look at the qualities and attitudes of mind and heart which marked every moment of Jesus’ life and which led him, courageously, to his death.

We cannot solve the terrible problems which confront us each day, unless people can change and open themselves to transformation. The dream for peace and harmony may yet be too elusive but when people desire to leave their own interests and work together, then things will be better than they are at the moment.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERALDE SANTOS MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN OROCITY MARKETING OFFICE MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Product Development officer Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City General Santos Cagayan de Oro CityCity Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe) (Smart) 09382022120 Tel: Mobile: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO’S COCAINE STORY The Philippine Commission, on March 8, 1906, enacted a law restricting the sale of opium but it was effective only until March 1, 1908 when the import and use of the drug would be exclusively for medicinal purpose only. In between the date of approval and its expiry, however, reports of cocaine use started to surface.

“There is reason to believe that for some time… unscrupulous persons, probably through the medium of an organized corps of instructors, began systematically to teach the use of cocaine to opium habitues.

There was great danger that one bad habit might thus be replaced by another which embodied also the necessary provisions restricting the use of cocaine, alpha or beta eucaine or of any derivative or preparation of these drugs or substances.”

Effective March 2, 1908, use of opium or cocaine outside medicinal reasons was deemed unlawful and their import could only be made by the government and sold only “to anyone not clearly entitled by law to purchase them.” Additionally, “The possession of any opi-

um pipe, hypodermic syringe, apparatus instrument, or paraphernalia for the use of opium or of any hypodermic syringe for the use of cocaine, alpha or beta eucaine, or any derivative or preparation of such drugs or substances, or any other apparatus especially designed for using any of the said drugs or substances in or on the human body, is deemed prima facie evidence that the person in possession of such pipe, hypodermic syringe, apparatus, instrument, paraphernalia, or articles, has used some one of such prohibited drugs or substances, or the drug or substance for the use of which such apparatus, instrument or paraphernalia are especially designed, without the prescription of a duly licensed and practicing physician, unless such prescription is produced by such person.”

On January 27, 1913, U.S. governor-general William Cameron Forces issued Executive Order No. 10 organized the Opium Committee “to destroy by burning in the boiler furnace of the division of cold storage, Bureau of Supply, or in the city crematory all opium, cocaine,

and other drugs, and all instruments and apparatus for the unlawful of such drugs, seized and con�iscated under the provisions of the laws of the Philippine Islands, unless such drugs, and so forth, are found by said committee to have a legitimate commercial value.”

In the third decade of American rule, the strict control in the entry of illegal drugs remained. A 1928 state report titled ‘Traf�ic in Opium and Other Dangerous Drugs with Respect to the Philippine Islands’ stipulates the restrictions and sanctions in the import of “opium or its derivatives, cocaine, and other similar drugs except for medicinal purposes” and their ingress “regulated and supervised” by the internal revenue bureau.

The Philippine laws then carried an incarceration of 2-5 years or a �ine of P300-P10,000 for cocaine-use violators. In case the offender was an alien, he was subject to deportation, especially if he was a recidivist (repeat offender).

The report speci�ied that cocaine, a strong stimulant used as recreational drug, a powerful

nervous system upper, and a local numbing agent then imported from Germany and Switzerland, is not a product of the Philippines and was limitedly used only for “medicinal and scienti�ic purposes,” the same argument legislators raised in legalizing the use of marijuana.

Cocaine is derived from coca, a plant grown in South American as a cash crop, and as medicine in Andrean cultures.

It is known worldwide for its psychoactive alkaloid cocaine.

Between 1885 to 1903, the famous Coca-Cola soft drink used leaf extract from the plant in its products.

Interestingly, the report also carried a reminder: “There are no cocaine factories in the islands.” Prescription of drugs was done only by dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists.

Davao region never found its name in the cocaine radar until 2009 when a large stash was found in Maersk Shipping Company container vans inside Sasa wharf. In response, the Bureau of Customs formed Task Force Coke to thoroughly probe the illegal drugs �ind. Around sixteen kilos (35 pounds) or

15,459.3 grams of cocaine, known among users as coke, were recovered.

The largest cocaine cache in the city did not happen until seven years later. Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority agents, on March 22, 2014, discovered 69,320.3-gram of high-grade cocaine, in a containerized cargo in Tibungco area valued at P508,677,600.

Including those packs that were removed by unknown persons, the total haul was estimated at P500 million.

The discovery led authorities to claim the entry of large cocaine hauls has made Davao City a transshipment point for the United States and Europe.

The Mexico-based Sinaloa drug cartel, which has gained toehold in the country, was suspected as behind the shipment.

Nearly four years later, thirty-nine bricks of cocaine worth P215 million were recovered in Barangay Santiago, Caraga, Davao Oriental, on February 24, 2019. The authorities suspected the illegal drugs to have come from the Medellin group of Columbia and were Australia-bound.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

DENGUE UPSURGE Six-year-old Lenny was struck with fever one night after two days of rain in the town of Bansalan. But there was something different; she appeared �lushed. She was irritable and had poor appetite although she never complained about food. Sarah, the mother, observed that her daughter’s �lushed skin had some white areas but she just ignored it.

Sarah thought the fever was just ordinary so she did bring her daughter to the doctor and instead gave her paracetamol, which she believed would help subside the fever. The fever indeed vanished one day only to return the following day. On the seventh day of on-and-off fever, Lenny experienced what most doctors called as “shock.”

“Lenny was breathing rapidly,” Sarah recalled. “She was restless and her pulse was beating fast. Her skin was cold and clammy and she felt drowsy all the time. She was vomiting and bloods were oozing from her mouth. Before long, she completely lost consciousness.”

Sarah brought her daughter to the nearest hospital, some thirty minutes away from home. One of the doctors tried to pull Lenny out of shock by replacing the �luids and

bloods she lost but it was all in vain. The doctor failed to save her.

Lenny died of dengue, one of the most widespread mosquito-viral diseases in the world. “After a dengue patient has gone shock,” explained the doctor who tried to save Lenny, “it is just a matter of time before multi-organ failure occurs and death becomes inevitable.”

Bansalan is located in Davao del, one of the provinces in Davao Region to be included as “hotspots” in the Dengue Surveillance Report of the Department of Health. Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley also made it to the list.

Other dengue “hotspots” provinces listed in Mindanao were Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Norte.

Also included among the dengue hotspots provinces were Aurora, Bulacan, Isabela, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon in Luzon and Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, and Samar in the Visayas.

Within three months (from

January 1 to March 30), the health department reported 55,976 dengue cases. The �igure was higher compared to dengue cases recorded in the same period last year: 31,247.

The number of deaths was also higher: 227 this year compared to 168 last year. Most of those deaths were recorded in Central Visayas (37), followed

by Western Visayas (27), then Cagayan Valley (22) and �inally Calabarzon (20).

The higher �igure of dengue cases and deaths is inevitable. As DOH Undersecretary Eric Domingo told reporters in Manila: “It really seems were seeing a lot of cases this year. It’s the natural cycle. Two years with low cases, one year with high cases. It looks like this is that year.”

The dengue virus is transmitted to human beings through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. “After virus incubation for 4-10 days, an infected mosquito is capable of transmitting the virus for the rest of his life,” the World Health Organization (WHO) states in its website.

However, it is the infected humans who are the main carriers and multipliers of the virus. This is the reason why if there is someone in your neigh-

borhood who has dengue, it is most likely more people will become infected. “Patients who are already infected with the dengue virus can transmit the infection (for 4-5 days; maximum 12) via Aedes mosquitoes after their �irst symptoms appear,” the WHO says.

Until now, there is still no speci�ic treatment for dengue fever. One good news is that a team of researchers from Dasmariñas’ Medical and Health Sciences Institute of De La Salle University is now conducting its Phase 1 clinical trials on “a herbal medicine that can cure dengue,” Philippine Starreports.

The medicine was formulated from three endemic – but not endangered – herbal plants in the country. The team has conducted animal studies on it and even tried among human beings, too.

“There was dramatic recovery,” said Dr. Rita Grace Alvero, a pharmacologist-epidemiologist who lead the study. “It was given to patients with very, very low platelet counts who are bleeding already. It reversed (the progression of the disease), and improved the well-being (of the patient).”

But instead of being enthusiastic, Dr. Richard T. Mata

seems to be reluctant with the �indings. “Plasma leakage is the problem in dengue that causes severe internal dehydration,” pointed out Dr. Mata, a dengue consultant with the WHO Philippines.

On the study that says combination of herbs increases platelets in animals who were made to have low platelets, he has this to say: “Still barking at the wrong tree.”

However, he acknowledged the researchers for the research the team is conducting but suggested that what “they need to do” is “to replicate plasma leakage in animals and then try to cure it.”

According to Dr. Mata, Thailand and Sri Lanka has zero casualties when it comes to dengue (compared to 1,000 deaths annually in the Philippines). “These countries never said they got a drug from a herb; they said its about correct �luid management,” he said.

Research in the aforementioned countries are focused more on �luid management. In comparison, most Filipino researchers “focused on herbs which are actually or are already being used by many but still the deaths are high,” Dr. Mata lamented.

8

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VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Franklin C. Caballes Jr. is a proud AOF Foundation scholar as he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation with cum laude distinction from Davao Merchant Marine Academy College of Southern Philippines.

Summa Cum Laude Ed Ivan M. Bardoquillo, a BS Chemistry graduate, and Jarisse Nicole T. Callos, a BS Accountancy graduate, both received the highest distinction of academic excellence from Ateneo de Davao University.

Jessa Mae P. Carillo here photographed with her proud parents and the AOF Foundation team, finished cum laude at the Ateneo De Davao University with a degree in BS Education – major in English.

AOFF scholars bag Latin honors F

our scholars from the Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation (AOFF) recently earned their Bachelor’s degrees with Latin honors in their commencement exercises this April 2019.

Ed Ivan M. Bardoquillo, a BS Chemistry graduate, and Jarisse Nicole T. Callos, a BS Accountancy graduate, both earned summa cum laude distinctions, while Jessa Mae P. Carillo, a BS Education – major in English graduate �inished cum laude at the Ateneo De Davao University. Franklin C. Caballes Jr.

�inished his course of BS Marine Transportation from Davao Merchant Marine Academy College of Southern Philippines with a cum laude honor.

“I am overwhelmed with the positive results the scholars of the AOF Foundation have manifested.

Their accomplishments are also achievements of the foundation. It is our pleasure to extend help and create more opportunities for the students in Mindanao.” said Mr. Russell U. Barrizo, the Senior Manager of the AOFF.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

The Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation (AOFF) is a nonstock and non-pro�it organization established to bring community support services and initiate participatory community building to improve lives. The foundation provides communities assistance in various �ields through its educational, healthcare, livelihood, environmental, and relief operation and rehabilitation programs.

744 examinees took the qualifying examination for the AOFF Scholarship Program. As of 2018,

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee,

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee,

- versus -

- versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17.195-19

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17.199-19

FEDILINO P. FORNOLLES, married to Elizabeth D. Fornolles, Mortgagors.

SAMUEL B. PALEGUIN, married to JOSEPHINE PALEGUIN, Mortgagor/s.

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

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

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Social Security System against the mortgagor/s SAMUEL B. PALEGUIN married to JOSEPHINE PALEGUIN, with postal address at #154 Jasmin Street, Lot 3095-B-5B-2-B-10-F, Donnasville Subd., Sasa, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 1, 2019 amounts to TWO MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY SIX PESOS & 34/100 (P2,790,146.34) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on May 9, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit:

“A parcel of land (Lot 6, Blk. 8, Psd-11-016399 of the subdivision project, being a portion of lot 3095-B-5-B-2-B-11-B, Psd-11-016204), situated in the Barrio of Pampanga, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on June 13, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, April 1, 2019.

Apr. 8, 15 and 22, 2019

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-117769 “A parcel of land (Lot 3095-B-5-B-2-B-10-F, Pcs-11-012179, being a portion of Lot 3095-B-5-B-2-B-10, Pcs-11-012179), situated in the Barrio of Pampanga, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (192) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on June 13, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, March 29, 2019.

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

(sgd.) SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV

(sgd.) ORLANDO S. ACOSTA Sheriff IV Apr. 8, 15 and 22, 2019

ERRATUM In the January 21, 28 and February 14, 2019 issues of Edge Davao, the registry number in the birth record of Rosalie Cortezo Perez was erroneously printed as 55-11479 instead of 85-11479.

Our apologies.

– The Editors.

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Social Security System against FEDELINO P. FORNOLLES, married to Elizabeth D. Fornolles, Mortgagors, with postal address at #73 Rizal Street, Lot 6, Blk. 8, Sto. Domingo Village I, Bo. Pampanga, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 1, 2019 amounts to TWO MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FIFTY TWO PESOS & 88/100 (P2,820,152.88) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on May 9, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-112361

there are 272 scholars currently enrolled in the program.

The foundation is now accepting student applicants for the school year 2020-2021. Interested students may submit their requirements on or before August 31, 2019. The qualifying examination will be on November 20, 2019.

Incoming and enrolled senior high school and college students are welcome to apply.

AOFF is the corporate social responsibility arm of the An�lo Group of Companies.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late AVELINO A. ESMERIA who died inestate on March 20, 2017 IN THE CITY OF DAVAO, PHILIPPINES has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs, per Doc. No. 90; PageNo.19; Book No.3 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. ROLAND A. REYES

4/16,23,30

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EVENT

MATINA ENCLAVES PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE

‘DEAL CLOSERS’

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

IT’S NO SECRET that a company’s biggest strength is its sales team. They are the team members who are able to cultivate powerful relationships, close deals and truly be “in the moment.”

That in mind, the Matina Enclaves fittingly celebrated another brisk sales period with a Brunch Treat to its Top Sellers last March 31 for the period October 2018 to February 2019 at the Republique Asian Fusion Cuisine inside the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center.

It was an intimate, small gathering for the Top Sellers of Matina Enclaves in recognition for their continued support to Matina Enclaves, which has been enjoying tremendously fast sales. The strength behind the sales are attributed to the fact that the Matina Enclaves is among the most sought after property in the city and the powerful sales team behind the brand.

The high achievers feasted on Republique’s signature variety of asian fusion inspired dishes. Certificates were given and photo opportunities along side our Sales Team.

Matina Enclaves, the initial venture of homegrown developer Escandor Development Corporation, is currently on pre-selling for its last building for the high rise condominium sector Enclaves Towers.

VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

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TRAVEL

KEEP IT TOGETHER, BAL THE FIRST TIME I went here, I almost drowned. It was clearly my fault for having been too confident in my rusty skills, not having surfed for more than four months before jumping headfirst into three to four-foot swells on a longboard which leash was sketchy.

I should have known. I really had known, but I didn’t act on it. Then again, that near-drowning incident taught me the importance of not panicking. But this story isn’t about my first trip to Baler, it’s about this most recent trip that I went to over the Day of Valor weekend.

Heading into the departure date, I had no idea what to expect. I don’t even know who we were going to be with, all I remember was that I said yes to my friend, Dee and to the call of the waves as I knew there was an upcoming swell that weekend.

Like the normal mermaid that I am, I was excited to get going and be with the ocean finally. Living in the city has its perks but since I came back from Bali, Palawan, and Dahican last month—I’ve forgotten how to enjoy city life again. If there was one thing that kept my sanity, it was longboard skate (or skateboarding on a longboard) here in the concrete jungle.

We had time to kill last Friday while waiting for Dee’s sister, Kimberly to finish off from work so upon my eager insistence, we went to the only spot in the metro that I knew was safe to skate on. It wasn’t that far from where I lived and where Achie Kim lived, so it just made sense to kill time there.

Coming off from my recent trip to Dahican where my good friend Connor taught me the proper foot placement on my longboard, I finally was

Views en route to Baler, the P

able to enjoy cruising on my board more than ever because I had found the sweet spot of secure footing.

I felt unstoppable, only stopping if I needed more speed or if I ran out of breath while cruising back and forth on that empty parking strip. It was perfect. I felt like surfing even if my body was almost overheating from the heat of the evening. After an hour, it was time to fetch Achie, and we headed off to pick her up and then eventually, the rest of the group at Ponchi’s house.

Ponchi, whom I just met, was Dee’s friend and probably through one of their interactions earlier this year, was able to organize this trip for all of us. I realized later on that I had met him on a bus going home from a B1G conference in 2017 but never got in touch because I was too busy chasing the waves in Mindanao back then. It was only this year that I had the opportunity to chase waves here in Luzon and for this to come into fruition, I needed to know people who knew the territory much better than me or the blogs I’ve read.

We left Manila at around 2:30am

A special appreciation to this amazing human (Dee) for inviting me on this trip!

Kusina Luntian’s Nalech We were keeping it together in Baler! L-R this writer, Ponchi, Kimberly and Dee. worth every bite. place was more and arrived in Baler around 8:00am.

It’s also family f I can’t remember that much because I DAY ONE sandy and a bea tried to sleep, but I think I only slept For our first day, we quickly had waves were safe around 4:00am and woke up when the breakfast at the famous ‘silog place long as they wer sun just started to rise. I couldn’t resist called by the locals as Ate Joan’s, or are seasons like sleeping in on a beautiful sunrise. it’s official name, El Teodoro. We After breakfa When you’re in the city, you rarely get noticed how packed it is and there was place we booked to see this unless where you live allows a queue; obviously, it was good and you a view amidst the buildings, so I cheap. That’s what I loved about Baler. tion. What surp this wasn’t a pla stayed up to watch the sun wake up It’s a foody place! While the group or even on Airbn the rest of the world. ordered, I went ahead and checked surfer’s transien I only stayed overnight in Baler the waves. I was too happy and quite extraordinarily last time, so I never got to explore, excited to surf but since the waves are to it. Most of the I was just able to surf. This time, we a tad bit too small for my new board, for solo, couple a were staying for four days! Oh, all Nasi, I opted to rent a longboard to mostly acquaint the things I could do, but really, I just enjoy the small waves. you could only r wanted to surf and chill. The waves I noticed the crowd of people walkthem. were definitely different than my first ing along the main street. Unlike the My favorite p visit. Safe to say, I was pretty sure I other surf spots I’ve been to, in Baler wouldn’t drown on this trip. there were a lot of families. I guess this the dainty princ

EDAVAO

Fun waves everyone can enjoy! This greeted us on the first day.

LER Part 1

Pantabangan-Canili Reservoir.

heng Biko and Pako Salad—

than just a surf spot. riendly. Well, it was ach break where the for kids to play in as ren’t huge (which there that). ast, we headed to the d our accommodaprised me was that ace you’d find online nb. It was a quaint nt house that had an homey and chill vibe e rooms were suitable and group travelers— ted with the owners as rent out if you knew

part staying here were cess nets (more com-

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VOL.12 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

monly known as mosquito nets) but hung in a way that felt like royalty.

Sleeping there after a long hot day out in the sun and surf was perfection.

After freshening up and changing into surf-appropriate attire, we immediately went to North Shore Surf Camp where according to Ponchi, had more waves and fewer people. It was a long weekend so even with Baler’s vast coastline, the lineup can still get crowded sometimes.

I haven’t surfed this spot. I didn’t know what to expect—in surfing, you can’t really predict much too. It was quite windy, but it was so hot that I’d instead take a dip and try out the windy surf than sit on the sand. Funny how an hour after the winds picked up and destroyed whatever was left to surf on. The local surfers said the wind usually picks up at noon and we could come back late afternoon once the wind dies down a bit.

The rest of the afternoon was a blur to me as I had to split my time between napping and getting some last minute work done. What I do remember was dinner at Kusina Luntian. This cool restaurant boasts of bamboo floors and huge meals served on a banana leaf requiring you to dig in with your hands literally. Like the typical Filipino provincial etiquette, you’re also asked to remove any footwear upon entering the restaurant. I love how it’s to native and laidback, it reminded me of my childhood spent at my Papa’s farm in North Cotabato.

Again, the food was cheap. Around PHP 150 to PHP 180 for a full meal, a hefty serving of rice topped with some secret sauce plus sides of tomatoes, pako (fern) and salted egg. This dish made me abandon my no rice policy, but since I surfed that day, I had to reward myself.

What I also loved about Kusina Luntian is its witty names for its dishes. One of the desserts that I have never seen anywhere else is called Nalecheng Biko which was actually leche flan on a bed of biko. While I wasn’t too fond of rice desserts personally, this was such a unique take on a local delicacy we just had to order.

Next week, I’ll continue the adventure! Stay tuned! Check my Instagram (@ferina.millennialmermaid) for more action snaps and musings!

UP AND ABOUT

Jewel Changi Airport opens to the public with a gamut of familiar and new-tomarket retail and F&B experiences JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT opens its doors to its first visitors and is gearing up to fully open on April 17, 2019. The 137,000 sqm complex is designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie and features a distinctive dome-shaped façade. It will offer both locals and international visitors a multi-faceted experience that includes attractions, unique shopping and dining experiences, as well as aviation and accommodation facilities.

Ms Hung Jean, Chief Executive Officer, Jewel Changi Airport Development, said, “The vision for Jewel Changi Airport is to be a destination where ‘The World meets Singapore, and Singapore meets the World’. The unique proposition of world-class shopping and dining, seamlessly integrated with lush greenery, fulfils the needs of increasingly discerning Filipino travellers for a meaningful and experiential journey, even for brief layovers.”

Visitors to Jewel can look forward to a slew of long-awaited new-to-Singapore brands including Emack & Bolio’s, JW360˚, Lavender, OYSHO and Pokémon Center Singapore that will open their first stores alongside familiar homegrown favourites such as In Good Company, Supermama and Tiger Street Lab. These local retailers, designers and craftsmen are given the opportunity to craft a retail theatre to share the nation’s story with the world. Jewel also has a dedicated retail cluster of homegrown brands on Level 1 meant to be a one-stop shop for travellers looking to bring home something special from Singapore.

Multiple retailing formats are present at Jewel, including duplexes, outdoor terraces and spaces within the Canopy Park on the topmost level. Several established brands such as Bengawan Solo, Nike and Tiger Street Lab will also offer new concepts and even exclusive-to-Jewel merchandise.

The majestic 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, will greet visitors upon entering Jewel. Surrounding it are the manicured grounds of the Shiseido Forest Valley.

Play attractions such as the Manulife Sky Nets, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze and Discovery Slides were designed to blend

View of the HSBC Rain Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley. into the unique indoor garden environment and will open on 10 June 2019.

Enhancement of capacity at Changi Airport Together with the development of Jewel, Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 has also been expanded to increase capacity by another three million passenger movements per year. This brings the airport’s total capacity to 85 million, ensuring that it remains well placed to support the growth of air travel in the region.

As part of Changi Airport’s continued focus on providing passenger convenience, airport facilities have also been added in Jewel. These include early check-in counters and kiosks, a baggage storage service and the Changi Lounge, a 150-seat lounge with shower facilities, offering seamless transfers for passengers connecting to and from cruise and ferry services.

Topiary Walk at Jewel Changi Airport’s Canopy Park.

Early Check-In Facilities at Jewel Changi Airport.

Jewel will also house the first YOTELAIR property in Asia. With 130 smartly-designed cabins that optimise space in its Premium, Accessible and Family cabins, these rooms can be booked for a minimum of four hours, ideal for short daytime layovers or overnight stays.

YOTELAIR also features time-saving airline style self-check-in kiosks that will facilitate a hassle-free check-in process.

Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chairman of Jewel Changi Airport Development Pte. Ltd., and Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, said, “We are delighted to see the completion of Changi Airport’s new jewel, which we hope will contribute to many more memorable Changi experiences for our passengers.

Jewel Changi Airport is a valuable addition to Singapore’s world-class tourism attractions and aviation facilities. We look forward to welcoming the world to Jewel, whether they are travelling to or through Singapore.”

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GUN BAN... FROM 1

Gun Ban imposed by the COMELEC that was effective starting January 13.

Morales also said that these conducted security operations is in line with the 8-point SIDEPLAN of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde.

SIDEPLAN is an abbreviation for (S)trict implementation of gun ban, (I)

ntensi�ied focus law enforcement operations, (D) ismantling of private armed groups, (E)arly preparation of security and contingency plans, (P)rovide security to vulnerable candidates, (L) imted reshuf�le of PNP presonnel, (A)ccounting of loose �irearms and (N)eutralization of gun for hire criminal groups.

they receive as journalists.

“Don’t believe this investigative journalism, it’s all about the money,” he said, adding there are some journalists who engage in "ACDC" (attack collect/defend collect), where they earn money for attacking and defending personali-

ties, especially politicians.

He mentioned the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) for coming out with a report on the wealth of the Duterte family.

“If you attack me, I will also attack you,” he said. (PNA)

as bank secrecy laws, to ensure the successful prosecution” of this crime.

He said legislative amendments to support the legal and administra-

tive framework for the automatic exchange of information with other foreign tax authorities is currently pending in the Philippine Congress. (DOF PR)

subscribers, scale rapidly and be ready for 5G,” said Miyuki Suzuki, President Asia Paci�ic, Japan and China at Cisco.

PLDT’s �iber network footprint of over 244,000 kilometers is the country’s most extensive �iber infra-

structure. Its �iber network also supports the company’s digital services for both its �ixed and wireless customers through its four cable landing stations linking the Philippines to major international gateways worldwide. (PNA)

PRRD... FROM 4

PH... FROM 5

PLDT... FROM 5

LAST... FROM 4

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tack of Marawi on May 23, 2017.

Abu Dar, an Aleem or preacher, was supposed to be named “acting Emir of the Islamic State in the Philippines” following the death of Isnilon Hapilon during the Marawi siege but the leadership went to Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, an Abu Sayyaf leader is Sulu.

“We thank our US counterparts and the citizens of Lanao del Sur for helping us neutralize the last remaining leader of the Maute-ISIS Group in the persons of Abu Dar. We will not rest until we neutral-

ize all the other remnants of this terrorist group,” Brawner said.

With the death of Abu Dar, a little known Maute leader, Zacharia, is expected to take his place as leader but according to Brawner, “Zacharia is not a preacher like Abu Dar. He does not have the same clout.”

He said a P6-million bounty for the capture or death of Abu Dar would be given to the civilian informant who gave the soldiers the whereabouts of the militants. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

April 13, started at around 8 a.m. local time of the host country and shall end at 6 p.m. on May 13, Manila time.

Aside from the three con�lict-affected posts, namely Damascus, Tripoli, and Bagdhad where overseas voting was cancelled, all Filipino foreign posts opened its doors to Filipinos who participated in the OAV. A total of 41 posts used the vote counting machines, namely those based in Agana, Calgary, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Ottawa, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington, Brunei, Canberra, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taipei, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Syndey, Tokyo, Wel-

lington, Athens, London, Madrid, Milan, Rome, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Manama, Muscat, Al-Khobar, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, voting via mail were utilized in Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Mexico, Santiago, Bangkok, Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Islamabad, Port Moresby, Yangon, Ankara, Berlin, Berne, Brussels, Budapest, Geneva, Lisbon, Moscow, Oslo, Paris, Prague, The Hague, Vienna, Warsaw, Abuja, Cairo, and Pretoria.

On the other hand, Filipinos voted in the following posts in person: Dhaka, Dili, Jakarta, Manado, New Delhi, Phnom Penh, Shanghai, Vientiane, Xiamen, Vatican, Amman, Nairobi, and Tehran. (PNA)

OVERSEAS... FROM 2

Since the turnover of Torre Sur in 2017, TLDC has also been working on the expansion of its Torre Lorenzo Premium Residence base. With construction on full-swing, the company hopes to attract young professionals to its newest premium residence, Torre Lorenzo Malate.

As TLDC works hard to become a full-scale real estate developer, the company also continues to strengthen its Tierra Lorenzo Premium Lifestyle Developments outside Metro Manila. This year, the company anticipates the grand openings of its lifestyle developments in Tierra Lorenzo Davao – namely the dusitD2 Hotel, and Dusit Thani Residence Davao. TLDC also awaits the turnover of its �irst residential tower in Tierra Lorenzo Lipa, the company’s mixed-use residential and hotel development in Batangas. Apart from two residential towers, Tierra Lorenzo Lipa will also house the region’s upscale international hotel, Dusit Princess Lipa.

Alongside more partnerships with international hospitality groups, TLDC also hopes to bring the full TLDC premium experience to its master-planned townships in Davao this year. The company’s master-planned leisure township, Lubi Plantation, has opened its Beach Club and luxury vil-

las offering day tours and overnight resort experiences.

“Our company’s growth has always been achored on our foresight to spot opportunities and develop projects in emerging urban centers ahead of everyone else,” said Noel Rapadas, Chief Financial Offer of TLDC. “And from a �inancial standpoint, I am proud to say that our numbers justify our growth.”

While the Torre Lorenzo Premium University Residences remain to be a key revenue driver, the Tierra Lorenzo Premium Lifestyle Developments in Davao and Lipa allowed the company to grow in revenue exponentially.

The company is also expected to grow by 25% year on year for the next three to �ive years.

As TLDC continues to expand its footprint in emerging urban centers outside Metro Manila, the company ensures to promote inclusive growth within the communities they support. Apart from creating more jobs in the surrounding communities, bringing new developments to these areas also boost economic activity.

“Our company has shown signi�icant growth over the last few years and we can’t wait to show you what we have planned for tomorrow,” added Lorenzo.

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The UP Mindanao Sports Complex in Mintal will be the main venue of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa. Rudolph Ian Alama/PIA

World-class facilities readied for Palarong Pambansa 2019 W ith just two weeks to go, Davao City is preparing several world class sports facilities for athletes participating in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

Davao City Sports Division head Mikey Aportadera said the sporting facilities which will be used for the games are of international standard and world-class.

“We have world-class sports facilities that we will be using, the FIFA-standard football �ield, the FINA-standard swimming pool and of course the other facilities, like the track and �ield, the oval and the stadium,” Aportadera said.

The FIFA or Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world

governing body for football while the FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) is the international governing body for water sports.

Aportadera said the sports facilities particularly the Davao City Sports Complex located at the University of the Philippines Mindanao campus are designed to host international competitions.

He said that the football �ield in the sports complex which has an arti�icial turf is the only FIFA- standard football �ield in Mindanao.

The University of the Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gymnasium which hosts some of the basketball games in the Palaro is also a FIBA-standard basketball court. FIBA or the Federation

Internationale de Basketball is the world governing body for basketball.

USEP gymnasium, a FIBA-standard basketball court will host the basketball games in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa.

Carrying the theme “Shaping the Future Through Sports” the 2019 Palarong Pambansa in Davao City is expected to be participated by 20,000 young athletes from all over the country.

Aportadera said the facilities will be ready for the Palaro which will open on April 27 and will run until May 4.

Davao City �irst hosted Palarong Pambansa in 1950 which was then known as the Bureau of Public Schools Interscholastic Athletics As-

Pacquiao son scores KO win

F Manny coaches his son Jimuel in training.

CICAD. Officers of the Citywide Cycling Association of Davao, which the late cycling coach and patron Salvador 'Jun' Paholio, helped organize affirmed their continued thrust and goals of helping develop local cyclists and the sport despite the sudden

sociation Games or BPISAA. This will be the 69th year after the city last hosted such large sporting event. Lack of athletic facilities such as a sports complex is the primary reason why Davao City could not host Palarong Pambansa in previous years.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte then the Davao City Mayor signed a memorandum of agreement with UPMindanao in 2015 for the use of a 20-hectare property in the campus for a sports complex. This paved the way for the realization of a modern sports complex here.

The Davao City Sports Complex has a football �ield, stadium, gym, rubberized track oval and an olympic-sized swimming pool.

(PIA/RG Alama)

ilipino boxing icon's Manny Pacquiao's son Jimuel stopped Miguel Egan in the second round of their semi-amateur bout at Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City on Saturday.

In a report by ABSCBN, the 18-year old Pacquiao used a 1-2 combo to put Egan to the seat of his pants.

He was happy with the win especially after undergoing a month of intensive training.

“I won, mom and dad!” he exclaimed after the win

against an opponent 8 years his senior.

Pacquiao, who wants to follow in his father’s footsteps, has previously fought his schoolmate Lucas Carson in February.

He also knocked down Carson in 2 rounds.

The elder Pacquiao has been supportive of his son’s dream and was previously seen giving pointers while the latter was training.

The young boxer said he wants to represent the Philippines in international competitions.

loss of their founder. Paholio, who died in a vehicular accident along Ecoland Drive (near Verdon Park) last April 7, was laid to rest on April 13.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks for a call from an official in the third quarter of game one of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Reuters

Bucks demolish Pistons in Game 1 G iannis Antetokounmpo racked up 24 points, 17 rebounds and four assists in only 23 minutes as the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks overwhelmed the visiting Detroit Pistons 121-86 in their Eastern Conference playoff opener on Sunday.

George Hill had 16 points off the bench for the Bucks, who led by 27 at halftime. Eric Bledsoe scored 15 points, Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton had 14 apiece, and Sterling Brown added 11 along with a team-high seven assists.

Pistons center Andre Drummond was ejected with 4:07 remaining in the third quarter for shoving Antetokounmpo to the �loor. The two-handed push occurred after Antetokounmpo grabbed an offensive rebound.

Drummond �inished with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Luke Kennard's 21 points off the bench topped Detroit. Reggie Jackson added 12 points and �ive assists.

The eighth-seeded Pistons, making just their second playoff appearance since the 2008-09 season, played without All-Star forward Blake Grif�in. He was sidelined by a sore left knee, which also kept him out of four of the last seven regular-season games.

The Bucks were without guards Malcolm Brogdon (foot) and Tony Snell (ankle).

Milwaukee shot 48.9 percent from the �ield, while the Pistons made 38 percent of their attempts.

Milwaukee, which swept the four-game season series, led 20-4 less than �ive minutes into the game. The Bucks led by 20, 38-18, after the �irst quarter as Antetokounmpo and Lopez combined for 21 points.

Kennard scored 11 points in the �irst 6:15 of the second quarter as Detroit cut the de�icit to 16.

That's as close as the Pistons would get, however, as the Bucks stretched the lead to 70-43 by halftime. Antetokounmpo and Lopez had 14 points apiece and Hill scored 13. Kennard's 15 points led the Pistons.

Milwaukee's advantage reached 30 just 26 seconds into the second half when Brown made a 3-pointer.

The lead moved past 41 when Antetokounmpo �ired in a 3 from the top of the key with 4:35 remaining in the quarter.

Grif�in was called for a technical from the bench after Drummond's foul was ruled a Flagrant Two. Game 2 will be played on Wednesday in Milwaukee.

SPORTS

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Tiger Woods has ended 14 years of Masters drought.

NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO VIEW FROM THE OUTFIELD

THE THIRST IS OVER I

still remember vividly the image of a young Tiger Woods in 1997 when he won the US Masters in the fabled Augusta course. After sinking the last putt and pumping his �ist in the air, Tiger, then 21 years old, ran up to a corner to give his old man Earl a bear hug. It was a scene of a son running up to his dad after a triumphant performance.

Then I remembered back in 1985 when, as a young campus journalist, I also ran up to my father in the gallery after I got my medal in the national sportswriting contest.

Oh, those scenes of triumph shared by sons and fathers.

In my early years in sportswriting, I tracked Tiger's amateur career from his days in Stanford winning the US Amateurs against Joel Kribel. It was Kribel whom I was able to cover in the 1996 World Amateurs in Southwoods. Unluckily for me, Tiger was no longer around in that tournament. He had turned pro that year and made that epic win in Augusta the following year.

Early Monday morning, I watched as a 43-year old Tiger made a triumphant reprise of his four previous Masters win, the last coming in 2005. Unlike his �ist-pumping celebratory roar in 1997, this one came with a bit of delay. After sinking his last putt on the 18th, it took a second or two before it �inally sunk in on Tiger. He celebrated emotionally with arms raised, head up in heavens, as if to say: "I made it back."

No, make it. "I made it home."

Then he walked off the 18th green to the very same corner he hugged his late dad. This time, to the waiting arms of his children Sam and Charlie.

It was a scene reversed. A father coming home after a triumphant performance to his daughter and son.

It was an incredible moment, 22 years in the making. My heart crumbled.

My eyes welled watching.

There is a signi�icant connection between the two scenes in 1997 and 2019.

In the �irst, it was Tiger telling his father Earl, who saw him grow in the game of golf from the day he picked up a club, he has done it.

In this latest, it was Tiger showing his children, who never saw him win a tournament in person, he could still do it.

He has come full circle. From a son to

his father, to a father to his kids.

Woods father Earl died in 2006 after a battle with cancer.

Now he hopes his kids are proud of him now that they had seen him win in not just on videos.

Prior to this one, most people doubted Tiger would ever win a major championship again. Let alone the Masters.

After an amazing run that saw him rack up 14 titles and closing in on the 18 of Jack Nicklaus, Tiger's career turned around. He had marital problems, in�idelity issues, divorce, crashed his car, was arrested for drunk driving, had his knee reconstructed, and had a make-orbreak back surgery. This is not to mention caddie and swing changes.

Perhaps, I am just one of the few who stuck with Tiger. In the last 10 years, I had no one rooting for as a golf fan although I had some appreciation of Jordan Spieth and Jason Day's games.

But there was nothing like Tiger to replace in my book.

The doubting Thomases have been silenced.

On Monday, Tiger delivered us the moment we have been praying for. Masters no.5, Majors no.15. Tiger is now just three back in the most number of majors behind the legendary Nicklaus (18).

Likewise, it earned him the �ifth green jacket of his illustrious career, which pushes him past Arnold Palmer and leaves him just one behind Nicklaus (6).

Tiger now has 81 career PGA Tour wins and sits just one win behind Sam Snead's record of 82.

He did it methodically. Starting the �irst round with a 70. Why in all his Masters victory, Tiger started with a 70, baf�les me. Second round he started to get aggressive. Third round was the imminent signs of a Sunday to look forward to. Then came the deliverance. Precise, patient, planned. He even ended with an uncharacteristic bogey, but the maturity in his game is very much evident.

Like Tiger, how many of us thirst for a Tiger victory? Now, we have been quenched.

Pardon the biblical reference, but this father-son moment just gets into me deeply. In the week we celebrate Lent, this is by far the biggest story of resurrection in sports.

Like the Son triumphantly returning to the Father after dying in the cross.