Mindanao Examiners Newspaper

Mindanao Daily

Founded 2006

mindanaoexaminer.com

P10/RM1

Zamboanga City, Philippines

Sept. 24-30, 2012

ARMM PICKS BEST BET FOR GUBERNATORIAL RACE!

Muslim clerics, Islamic scholars and MNLF also pick own choice COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has endorsed Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Lanao del Sur lawmaker Ziaur Adiong as the government’s official candidates for the ARMM gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial race in general elections in May next year.

The ARMM Regional gional Governor in next year’s Legislative Assembly has elections.”

The ARMM resolution passed a resolution endorsing the two political leaders to also cited Adiong, saying, his President Benigno Aquino character is a clear manifesand to the Liberal Party to tation of selflessness, sincerwhich both Tan and Adiong ity, dedication and commitment to public service. “And now belong. it is high time that we need a STRONG MUSLIM young and dynamic leader to SUPPORT “The Honorable Sakur be our next Regional Vice Tan having been in the politi- Governor.”

MNLF WOMEN’S cal arena and public service COMMITTEE for many years...has proven himself to be a dedicated and The Bangsamoro trustworthy leader not only to Women’s Committee of the the people of the province but Moro National Liberation also to the leaders of the ar- Front also passed a separate eas the ARMM. A man with resolution urging President strong political will, his ac- Aquino to choose Tan for the complishments are notewor- ARMM gubernatorial race, thy, especially in the field of citing the politician’s unblempeace and conflict resolution. ished political track records The stability of the peace and and his commitment to peace order in his area has trans- not only in Sulu, but in the lated into more reforms. entire Mindanao as well.

Economy, livelihood, educa“Governor Tan is very tion, infrastructures and other sensitive to the needs and concomponents of development cerns of those in the war-afare among them which have fected areas, especially MNLF significantly improved in Sulu members who were sidelined as a result of Hon. Tan’s great by the Peace Agreement and efforts and accomplishments,” tirelessly working to open opthe ARMM said in a resolu- portunities for them that their tion obtained by the Mindanao dignity and pride be reExaminer. gained.”

It added: “We all believe “Giving Governor that as public servant, his Abdusakur M. Tan the opporleadership manifested by his tunity to serve as Regional deeds must not only benefit Governor, and the opening to the people of his home prov- replicate what he has thus far ince of Sulu, but must also be done in Sulu, we are confident emulated in the entire that the Autonomous Region ARMM. Therefore, it is our in Muslim Mindanao is in the earnest desire that Governor best of hands,” the MNLF Sakur Tan will be the Liberal resolution signed by key Party’s official bet for Re- women leaders headed by

Nurunniaar Mohammad, said.

MUSLIM CLERICS, ISLAMIC SCHOLARS SPEAK OUT Just recently, influential Muslim clerics and Islamic scholars from the southern Philippines also endorsed Tan to President Aquino to be the government’s gubernatorial candidate.

Tan’s endorsement came following a summit in the southern port city of Zamboanga attended by some 200 Muslim religious leaders and scholars from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Davao.

At least seven of Mindanao’s most influential clerics and scholars – Mahdi Baguinda, Muhamin Sakili, Jul-Asli Abirin, Jamal Munib, Abdulwahid Inju, Abdul Khabier Jamani and Caithum Hibasa led the summit.

They passed a resolution and manifesto urging the President to choose Tan, a known philanthropist, and a well-respected political leader in Mindanao.

ULAMA “We, the undersigned, Muslim scholars and members of the religious sector and guardians of the Islamic faith; aware of our responsibilities to the Ummah or the Muslim community; recognizing the need for the involvement of all stakeholders in the peace and development of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; submitting to the command of the scriptures to choose the best among the Muslims to lead the community and lead the governance of the community, wish to make public our stand and

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas with Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during a courtesy call at the Sulu Provincial Capitol in Patikul town.

ARMM

Northern Mindanao

Davao

Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari with Sulu governor Sakur Tan during a courtesy call at the Sulu Provincial Capitol in Patikul town. commitment and relay to His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III...”

“In the summit of the Muslim scholars and religious leaders duly assembled we find in the person of the Honorable Abdusakur M. Tan, Governor of Sulu, the qualities of a leader the ARMM needs and resolve to endorse to His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III...that Governor Tan be anointed as the official candidate of the Administration’s Party as Regional Governor,” the manifesto said.

MNLF CENTRAL COMMITTEE The Moro National Liberation Front Central Committee also strongly endorsed Tan as the government official candidate for the ARMM gubernatorial post, saying, the governor is the best choice to lead the Muslim region out of its current state where poverty and lack of development remain as two the biggest problems.

“The MNLF has found in the good person of Honorable Abdusakur M. Tan, Governor of Sulu, the needed qualities, credibility, experiences, and dedication to the cause of genuine reform based on transparency and accountability in governance pursuant to the reform agenda initiated by His Excellency Benigno C. Aquino...in all levels of government bureaucracies as exemplified by his political and governance slogan ‘Matuwid na Daan.’

“Now therefore, be it resolved...that we, the undersigned leaders and command-

Manila

ers of the MNLF representing various organs and instrumentalities of the Front in the ground strong support and endorse the candidacy of Honorable Abdusakur M. Tan...for the ARMM Regional Governor in the synchronized elections in 2013,” reads the MNLF manifesto .

The summit was attended by more than 200 key leaders of the MNLF from Mindanao headed by Abdul Sahrin, its Secretary General.

MINDANAO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS Early this month, the Movement for Sustainable Good Governance, an umbrella organization of dozens of civil society groups in the southern Philippines, passed a resolution and a manifesto during a huge summit and endorsed Tan to be the government’s gubernatorial bet in the ARMM elections.

The Muslim region is composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao provinces, including the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

“Gov. Sakur Tan has all the good qualities of a true leader and as representative of the Muslim people; we have endorsed the Sulu governor to be the official candidate of the Aquino administration to the upcoming ARMM elections in May.” “The civil society organizations strongly support the leadership of Gov. Sakur Tan because of his genuine and untainted political career and sincerity to serve the people and bring peace, progress and

development not only to Sulu province, but to the whole of the ARMM,” said Dr. Amildasa Annil, the leader convener and president of the Movement for Sustainable Good Governance.

The manifesto was passed following the 1st Zamboanga-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi CSO Summit held in Zamboanga City. Some 300 CSO members from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Zamboanga City participated in the summit sponsored by two of the country’s largest sardine canning factories, the Mega Sardines and Amadeo Fishing Corporation.

STRONG CLAMOUR “There is a strong clamour from various Muslim civil society organizations and Bangsamoro people for the Sulu governor to govern the ARMM and bring peace and development to the region and progress to all its provinces and constituents. Governor Tan is the only leader we see fit to be the next ARMM governor,” said Ustadz Noreen Pallong.

Pallong, an influential Muslim religious leader in Basilan, said provincial constituents are strongly supporting Tan. “Being President Aquino’s Boss, the voices of the multi-sector should be heard, all in the cause for a lasting and genuine peace and equitable development in the ARMM. May the real voices be heard,” the Movement for Sustainable Good Governance said in a statement.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Zamboanga Peninsula

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The Mindanao Examiner

Sept. 24-30, 2012

First Lady idinaos ang kaarawan sa isang medical mission SULU – Nakinabang ang daan-daang katao sa isang medical mission na inilunsad kamakailan ng grupo ni Sulu First Lady Hajja Nurunnisah Tan sa kanyang kaarawan sa malayong isla ng Pata sa naturang lalawigan.

Sa isla ng Pata ay bata at matatanda sa Pata.

Isang araw nagtagal ang namahagi ang grupo ni Hajja Nurunnisah ng libreng mga naturang medical mission.

Tradisyonal na kay Hajja gamot at katuwang nito si Mayor Hajja Nurmina Nurunnisah, ang may-bahay Burahan. Todo naman ang ni Gov. Sakur Tan, na pasasalamat ni Hajja ipagdiwang ang simpleng Burahan at mga taga-isla sa kaarawan sa pamamagitan ng mga tulong ng grupo ni Hajja mga medical at humanitarian Nurunisah na siyang nanguna mission sa bat-ibang bayan at sa mga pagbabakuna sa mga isla sa lalawigan.

Madalas rin itong ginagawa ni Hajja Nurunnisah at halos buwanbuwan ay may mga humanitarian mission ito sa Sulu.

Hindi rin nito alintana ang peligro ng bumiyahe sa karagatan kahit pa umuulan o kaya ay malaki ang alon.

Katuwang rin nito ang mga anak at si Dr. Farah Omar ng Sulu provincial hospital at ang ibat-ibang grupo ng kababaihan sa kanyang mga medical mission.

Isang registered nurse si Hajja Nurunnisah kung kaya’t malapit sa puso nito ang tumulong sa kapwa, ngunit katulad ng asawa ay hindi mahilig sa publicity o ipaalam sa media ang mga kabutihang ginagawa sa Sulu.

Si Hajja Nurunnisah ang siya rin pinuno ng Sulu Provincial Women’s Council na aktibo sa mga kawang-gawa sa lalawigan. (Ahl Salinas)

Si Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan at ang kanyang First Lady na si Hajja Nurunnisah Tan na siyang nanguna sa isang medical mission sa isla ng Pata na kung saan ay daan-daang ang nakinabang sa humanitarian efforts na natapat sa kaarawan ng may-bahay ni Gov. Sakur Tan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Ahl Salinas)

Get your ICC stickers now, motorbike riders urged ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry reminded motorcycle riders to get Import Commodity Certification stickers for their protective head gears.

ICC stickers are compulsory for all helmets prescribed by the Land Transportation Office and it also applies to all motorcycle stores selling crash helmets. Provincial DTI director Rolando Acuña said they are now issuing ICC stickers in Zamboanga City. He said some 300 ICC stickers have been issued so far in Zamboanga.

He said applications for ICC stickers are for riders, motorcycle owners, passengers who purchased helmets before the implementation of the Republic Act 10054 next year.

Republic Act 10054 mandates all motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear standard protective helmets.

Those who fail to wear the prescribed helmet would be fined P1,500 for the first offense and up to P10,000 for the fourth offense, including the confiscation of driver’s license.

The penalty is higher for stores which would sell motorcycle helmets without the ICC sticker.

The Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act was signed on March 23, 2010 to secure the safety of drivers of motorcycles and their passengers from injurious effects of fatal or life threatening accidents and crashes.

(Marvin Saradat)

Sept. 24-30, 2012

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The Mindanao Examiner

Online campaign saves Pagadian high school from landslide

A screen grab from the website of Change.org shows part of the Otto Lingue National High School in Pagadian City in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur. (Mindanao Examiner)

PAGADIAN CITY - A school principal has won a major people power victory by forcing the local government of Pagadian City in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur to take action to save students and teachers from the threat of an impending landslide, according to Change.org Campaigner Christine Roque.

Roque said more than 2,600 people signed a petition on Change.org started by Otto Lingue National High School principal Tess Tarranza, who was frustrated at the lack of action by authorities to fix the ruptured landslide wall of the school in a village called Lower Sibatang.

Tarranza and Faye Reyes, of Checkmyschool.org launched the petition on Change.org just a week ago and it already gathered more than 1,600 signatures in a span of 24 hours and quickly became viral on Facebook and Twitter, she said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

She said Tarranza launched the petition as a lastditch effort after countless appeals to authorities were ignored.

"I believe everything happens for a reason. If not for this petition, these local officials would not have responded as urgently as they have done now," Reyes said.

The ruptured landslide wall of the school is on the verge of collapse putting an entire class of 4th year students and teachers in danger.

Huge amount of rocks and soil have already started to erode amid heavy rains that come almost every afternoon.

The students, teachers and lab facilities have been removed from the unsafe building and are transferred to safer and higher grounds.

They will temporarily hold their classes in tents while official work is underway to address the problem in the long

term. The building and landslide wall are now condemned and declared off limits.

“I am feeling very happy and relieved because of the local government’s commitment to save our school, as well as the overwhelming support we received online,” Tarranza said.

“This is a significant victory because it shows how people with the least power in society are empowered to hold public officials accountable and compel them to take action. Change.org has played a vital role in facilitating a number of supporters for the petition. Foremost, it becomes an avenue where our small voice echoed out loud to the concerned individuals and government agencies."

In an open letter posted on Change.org, Tarranaza wrote: “Otto Lingue National High School has lately encountered a serious problem due to the destroyed portion of a Riprap project in which, if not given any immediate action, may cause correspondingly the destruction of the lives of students, teachers and school property. As it happened last July 17, 2012 and up to the present, nothing has been done except for the ocular survey of the City Engineer's office, Pagadian City with its recommendations. Considering the frequency of the heavy rains in the place where the school is located and latest worsening of the situation, hence, an appeal for sincere help is being asked through any individual or organization.”

“With the recent ParentTeacher Association (PTA) meeting on August 4, 2012, there were parents who have already expressed their apprehension regarding the situation that they have planned to let their childrein transfer to other nearby schools. Likewise, there were parents who would like that there an investigation to be conducted regarding the construction of the

said Riprap Project.”

Tarranza said: “It is then our hope that appropriate action will be extended to the school the soonest possible time as the feeling of helplessness is felt except for the Divine Intervention.”

For background, she said: “Ang paaralan po ay may inaalala sa kanilang kaligtasan ng kanilang mga pasilidad , mga guro at magaaral. Meron pong malaking bitak sa ginawang pader para mapigilan ang landslide.

Pinangangambahan ng mga guro at mga magulang na kung magkaroon ng isang malakas na ulan, ito po ay maaring bumigay at tumama sa katabing classroom. Isa ding pangamba ay ang magkaroon ng pagguho ng lupa dahil ang ginawang pader ay merong malaking bitak. Sana po ay inyong matugunan ang kanilang problema para sa kanilang kaligtasan.”

In a recent round table discussion, different stakeholders including city engineers, councillors, education officials, nongovernmental organizations, parents, village and school officials have outlined several short and longterm solutions, including disaster preparedness training for the students and a program of work to be drafted by City Engineer’s Office for the school based on the recommendations by the representatives of Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Roque said: “This petition shows that ordinary citizens can mobilize through the internet and come together to make a difference even in the most remote communities.”

Change.org is the world’s fastest growing platform for social change, enabling anyone, anywhere to start, join and win campaigns on issues they care about. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

OFWs told to keep away from anti-Islam film protests New York Times Photo

MANILA – An overseas Philippine migrants group has cautioned Filipinos working abroad, especially in Yemen, Libya and Egypt, to stay vigilant and away from crowds protesting the film "Innocence of Muslims".

The movie, believed to no role in it, the clergyman have been made by US film- told The Times.

John Leonard maker Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, who uses the name Monterona, regional coordiSam Bacile, sparked riots in nator of the Migrante-Middle the three countries. Nakoula East, said in view of the eswas taken in for a voluntary calating protests at various interview with probation of- US diplomatic posts in the Middle East, it is necessary ficials in Los Angeles.

According to the Los An- for all overseas Filipino geles Times, Nakoula, who workers in those countries to was convicted on bank fraud take necessary precautions charges, violated terms of his and limit unnecessary moveprobation in relation to the ments within these countries.

“To emphasize the need video and its uploading onto the web. Nakoula has told the to be safe and to secure ourAssociated Press he was a lo- selves from harm and violent gistics manager on the "Inno- acts, we strongly urge our felcence of Muslims" movie, not low OFWs to stay clear of the director. He told a Coptic protesting crowds especially bishop Thursday that he had near the diplomatic posts of

The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Gregorri Leaño Francisco Mendoza III Video Editor Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES Mark Navales ARMM

Giovanni Solmerano Eastern Mindanao

Merlyn Manos Iligan City

Geonarri Solmerano Southern Mindanao

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Asa Madale Lanao Provinces Ely Dumaboc Zamboanga Sibugay/Zamboanga del Sur/Zamboanga del Norte John Shinn III California The Mindanao Examiner Newspaper/Business Week/Mindanao Daily is published weekly/daily in Zamboanga City and Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao, Philippines.

The Mindanao Examiner Television is broadcast in Skycable 54 in Zamboanga; Lupah Sug Cable in Sulu province and Basilan Cable in Basilan province.

Our business and editorial offices are located at Units 15, 3rd Floor, Fair Land Bldg., Nuñez St., Zamboanga City Phone & fax: +63 62 9925480 Mobile: +63 9152756606 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

the US and similar establishments as targets of massive protests,” Monterona said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Monterona said that based on their initial assessment, the Muslim protests may snowball to other middle eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE where there are large concentrations of OFWs. “Once again, we strongly advised our fellow Filipinos in the Middle East to be respectful of the host government state religion and their symbols,” Monterona said, adding that Filipinos abroad must refrain from maligning any religion and their prophets as what Innocence of Muslims had disrespectfully conveyed.

“Our Muslim brothers won’t rise up in arms for nothing. Certainly, the movie Innocence of Muslims had done wrong or maliciously conveyed that is something protesting or even revolting courtesy of some war-monger US propagandists,” he added.

Monterona said their group has reactivated “Sagip Migrante” evacuation and assistance program to serve and provide aid to OFWs who will be needing assistance amid the escalating Muslim protests in the Middle East.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Sept. 24-30, 2012

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Investment 'scam' pinagkakaguluhan!

Founded 2006

mindanaoexaminer.com

PAGADIAN CITY – ISANG investment trading scheme ang pinagkakaguluhan ngayon sa Pagadian City sa Zamboanga del Sur province dahil sa malaking interest na umano’y ibinibigay nito sa mga nahuhumaling sa hinihinalang scam.

Nabigyan rin umano ng Ayon sa ilang mga nakapanayam ng Abante ay permiso mula sa tanggapan ng nagbibigay umano ng 31% Office of the City Mayor ang hanggang 50% tubo sa loob naturang kumpanya, ngunit lamang ng dalawang lingo sa hindi naman matiyak agad lahat ng kapital ng bawat kung nasa talaan ba ito ng Seisang investor ang nasa likod curities and Exchange Comng naturang trading na mission at Bureau of Internal Revenues. nagsimula ngayon taon.

“Marami ng yumaman at “Malaki ang interest at sa ang naging katunayan ay nakuha ko nga marami nga yun kapital kong P5,000 milyonaryo dito sa Pagadian at ngayon ay may P31,000 City dahil sa investment tradpondo pa akong naiwan at ing na yan. Maraming pera nasa investment pa rin ito at ang mga tao ngayon dito at patuloy pa rin na tumutubo lalong dumarami ang mga ang interests,” ani Eli Umabo bagong nagiinvest kasi na ilang lingo pa lamang malaki ang tubo ng pera,” nagsimula sa nasabing invest- wika naman ni Rick Santiago, ngunit hindi naman nito ment trading.

“Marami ang nag-invest sinabi kung may inilagak at pati mga pulitiko at siyang salapi sa nasabing inordinaryong tao, yan mga tri- vestment.

Ang naturang modus opcycle drivers, ay talagang may mga inilagay na kapital sa erandi ng kumpanya ay trading dito sa Pagadian. At hikayatin ang mga nais na ang sabi nila ay sa overseas maglagay ng pera sa overseas raw ini-invest ang kapital trading at patubuan ito ng kaya malaki raw ang interest malaking porsyento. Ngunit nito,” dagdag pa ni Umabo sa halos kapareho nito ang binansagang “Ponzi scheme,” isang panayam.

Zamboanga City, Philippines

P10/RM1

Sept. 24-30, 2012

Pati mga tricycle drivers sa Pagadsian City sa Zamboanga del Sur ay nahuhumaling na rin sa investment trading na kung saan ay umaabot hanggang sa 50% ang interest sa kanilang investment. (Al Jacinto) isang scam na pumutok nuong 1920s at ginaya ng mga sindikato mula sa ibat-ibang

bansa na hanggang ngayon ay nagpapatuloy pa rin.

Ang investment trading

sa Pagadian ay halos kapareho diumano ng Ponzi scheme at ang malaking tubo na ibinibigay sa mga investors ay galing rin sa salapi ng mga bago o ibang investors.

At hanggang may mga investors ay patuloy ang pasok ng salapi, subali’t kailangan ay mas maraming mga bagong investors ang papasok upang masigurong hindi kukulangin sa pondo ang kumpanya para maibayad sa malaking halaga ng interest.

Ang Ponzi scheme ay hango sa pangalan ni Charles Ponzi, ayon sa Wikipedia.

“The scheme is named after Charles Ponzi, who became notorious for using the technique in 1920. His operation took in so much money that it was the first to become known throughout the United States.

Ponzi's original scheme was based on the arbitrage of international reply coupons for postage stamps; however, he soon diverted investors' money to make payments to earlier investors and himself,” paliwanag pa ng online encyclopaedia.

Ayon pa sa Wikipedia: “A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that

pays returns to its investors from their own money or the money paid by subsequent investors, rather than from profit earned by the individual or organization running the operation. The Ponzi scheme usually entices new investors by offering higher returns than other investments, in the form of short-term returns that are either abnormally high or unusually consistent. Perpetuation of the high returns requires an ever-increasing flow of money from new investors to keep the scheme going.”

“The system is destined to collapse because the earnings, if any, are less than the payments to investors. Usually, the scheme is interrupted by legal authorities before it collapses because a Ponzi scheme is suspected or because the promoter is selling unregistered securities. As more investors become involved, the likelihood of the scheme coming to the attention of authorities increases.”

Hindi rin mabatid kung alam ba ng mga awtoridad ang ukol sa investment trading sa Pagadian City at kung ito ba ay legal. (Mindanao Examiner)