Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (Sept. 10-16,2018)

What now Trillanes?

OPINION:

By Jun Ledesma

THE WEEK’S PROVIDENT front page story is about Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s order revoking the amnesty granted to Sen. Antonio Trillanes. This could lead to the resumption of his trial before the military tribunal to answer for his role in the mutiny against the government (of the Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo). He, along with

Founded 2006

other members of the mutinous Magdalo coterie, were granted amnesty by Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III. The entire nation was made to believe that Aquino’s action virtually erased all criminal liabilities relating to the mutiny of the Magdalo as an unquestionable and undebatable (political) action and had to be

accepted as a final verdict.

The legitimacy of Aquino’s order is buttressed by the concurrence of then Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte.

But there is more to it than what meets the eye.

Duterte’s revocation of the amnesty however shocked the nation more Continue on page 7

Due to threats from Sayyaf, Sabah extends sea curfew ZAMBOANGA CITY – Due to persistent threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf, Sabah has extended its sea curfew covering three nautical miles off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran – all near the border of Tawi-Tawi’s chain of islands in southern

Philippines.

Malaysian media reported that the Sabah’s dusk-to-dawn sea curfew has been extended by yet another two weeks to September 13.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din as saying that the decision to extend the curfew – first imposed four

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years ago – was made based on continuous threats from cross-border criminals, including from kidnap-for-ransom groups and the Abu Sayyaf.

Ramli said police intelligence indicated that kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf Continue on page 7

P10 September 10-16, 2018

More terror attacks anticipated - Duterte P

RESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE warned of more terror attacks in Mindanao following the spate of deadly bombings blamed by authorities on pro-ISIS militants fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the restive region.

Two deadly bombings province of Basilan, several soldiers and identified recently in Isulan town in nautical miles south of the executor of the suicide Sultan Kudarat province Zamboanga. bombing as Abu Katheer ISIS claimed al left many casualties, but Maghribi.

“A prior to the attacks which responsibility for suicide martyrdom attack leads occurred in a span of 5 attack that left over a dozen to 15 Filipino soldiers days; a Moroccan ISIS casualties. In a post on its being killed in the city of soldier Abu Katheer al Amaq News Agency, ISIS Lamitan on the island of Maghribi exploded his van said a Moroccan man Basilan in the southern July 31 in Lamitan City in carried out the daring Philippines,” it said.

Continue on page 3 the volatile Muslim assault against Filipino

BIFF militants in Mindanao. (Photo by Mark Navales)

Israelis Shout 'Shame' in Protest Against Rodrigo Duterte's Visit

Screen shot pictures from Sputnik News show Israelis protesting President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Israel last week. (Mindanao Examiner) THE LANDMARK VISIT of President Rodrigo Duterte

to Israel was accompanied by protests as dozens of

demonstrators crowded together outside Israeli

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September 10-16, 2018

Israelis Shout 'Shame' in Protest Against Rodrigo Duterte's Visit Continued from page 1 whistles, and chanting "shame, shame, shame. We will not be silent and we will not agree to the selling of weapons." Some were carrying placards that read "Stop the killings."

Duterte, the first Filipino leader to pay a diplomatic visit to Israel

since the two countries established ties in 1957, has pivoted away from his nation's long-time military reliance on the U.S. and is eyeing Israeli-made military equipment for the Philippine coastguard.

The 73-year-old president, probably best known for his contentious

anti-drug campaign, has been accused by campaigners of violating human rights.

The international community will eventually conclude that Duterte is "responsible for crimes against humanity," human rights lawyer Itay Mack said, as cited by AP.

Tawi-Tawi mayor, Sulu health officer get ARMM awards

‘Duterte, the first Philippine president to visit Israel, is known for his outspoken rhetoric and policies. Duterte's hallmark is his anti-drug campaign, which he once compared to the Holocaust, saying that we would be happy to kill drug addicts like Hitler killed Jews.’

Reports surfaced that an Israeli firm had turned down an invitation to a business forum to be attended by the Filipino strongman. Mino Negrin, CEO of water filtration company NUFiltration Ltd,

claimed that Duterte “offended our people several times in a public way by comparing himself to Hitler and his manners, in a way that cannot be accepted by the Jewish people.”

Duterte's visit has been marred by his unguarded comments on the Holocaust.

In September 2016, several months after he came to power, he likened himself to Adolf Hitler and claimed he wanted to kill millions of drug dealers, just as the infamous Nazi leader did with Jews.

The president has

apologized for his speech ever since. Moreover, he called Hitler "insane" in a speech at the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem and lamented the slaughter of millions of Jews during the Holocaust.

Duterte came to Israel on September 2 on a fourday official visit. In a speech in Jerusalem, he said that he sought to ensure the protection and security of the 24,000 Philippine citizens who live and work in the Jewish state. (Sputnik News)

OFWs cautioned anew with state of emergency declared in Tripoli

ARMM-BPI photo shows the awardees.

COTABATO CITY – The Civil Service Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CSC-ARMM) awarded the mayor of Bongao town in Tawi-Tawi province and the Sulu provincial health officer for their outstanding performance as a public servant.

The Honor Awards Program is an annual search for outstanding public servants, which covers the following categories: Presidential, or Lingkod Bayan Award; Outstanding Public Officials and Employees, or Dangal ng Bayan Award; and the Civil Service Commission, or Pagasa Award.

This year’s Pagasa Award was given to Jimuel S. Que, municipal mayor of Bongao in Tawi-Tawi province, for his excellent contribution in strengthening the implementation of the ecological solid waste management program in his hometown.

“I was very passionate na mag-serve sa Barangay Poblacion. Gusto ko talaga maging malinis siya kaya gumawa kami ng program, yung every five kilos ng basura na makuha ng mga tao sa dagat binibigyan namin ng isang kilong bigas. We were able to accumulate 11 trucks of garbage,” Mayor Que said.

And Dr. Fahra T. Omar, Sulu provincial health officer, also received this year’s Dangal ng Bayan Award.

Dr. Omar introduced in her province Teleradiology, a t e c h n o l o g i c a l advancement in the field of medicine.

It paved the way to greater medical access in relation to cardiovascular diseases in Sulu. As a result, mortality rates in the province decreased and the quality of life improved in her town and other n e i g h b o r i n g municipalities.

The awards were given during the kick-off ceremony of the 118th Philippine Civil

Service Anniversary celebration with the theme: “Lingkod Bayani: MakaDiyos, Makatao, Makabayan”. The awards were conferred by CSC Commissioner Leopoldo Roberto Valderosa, CSCARMM Director Alan Alegria, and ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia.

“To all our lingkod bayan in the ARMM, all your contributions in vastly different areas of public service helped uphold public service excellence of good governance,” said Commissioner Valderosa.

“Continue living up the ideals of our heroes, so we can serve as inspiration to others working alongside you for bearing the mark of a good bayani,” he added.

“Lahat ng mga empleyado sa ARMM, kayo po ay mga bayani dito and we truly appreciate what you have been doing in the last 29 years sa buhay ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” said Secretary Alamia. (Bureau of Public Information)

Duterte orders raid of rice hoarders’ warehouses PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE has ordered the police and military to open warehouses of the suspected rice hoarders following shortage of rice in many areas in the country.

“Ayaw ko sana magsalita pero may ganun ng order na po,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Duterte earlier warned that he would order military and police raids on the rice hoarders’ warehouses.

Roque, however, said Duterte has actually issued the order not only to the police, but to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año to

open the warehouses.

“Mayroon na po.

Binanggit po niya kanina sa DILG na talagang simula na iyong pagbubukas sa mga warehouse. Alam naman ng Presidente kung sino iyong mga hoarders na,” he said.

Roque said the directive shows government’s resolve to combat rice hoardings.

“Magsa-sample na tayo nang mapakita natin na talagang seryoso ang gobyerno na labanan itong hoarding ng bigas,” he said.

Roque said some rice traders have been creating artificial shortage to jack up the prices of rice.

He also received allegation that the opposition has been using

the issues of rice and other food products against the Duterte administration.

“Pero ang sabi ko, the best way na para labanan itong negative PR (public relations) ay tambakan natin ng bigas itong ating bayan nang mapababa talaga ang presyo,” Roque said.

Roque said the decision of the National Food Authority Council to allow private rice dealers to import supply beyond the minimum access volume (MAV) would also stabilize the prices and supply of the staple. The Philippines is allowed by the World Trade Organization to import rice with a MAV of 800,000 metric tons per year. (Jelly Musico)

THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reminded Filipinos working in strife-torn Libya to take necessary precautions after a state of emergency was declared in Tripoli amid the on-going conflict in the capital.

According to latest reports, at least 39 people were killed and about a hundred of others were wounded as a result of fierce battles between factions in Tripoli. Aside from the fighting, the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli also reported instances of looting,

robbery, car theft and other crimes.

“The DFA is urging Filipinos, particularly those in Tripoli, to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement as the situation in the Libyan capital is tense. They should also prepare for disruptions in power supply and internet connectivity,” DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato said.

From the Embassy, Chargé d’ Affaires Mardomel Melicor called on the estimated 1,800 Filipinos in Tripoli to make

sure they have enough food and water to last a few days. There are about 3,500 Filipinos in the whole of Libya based on the records of the embassy. About 1,850 Filipinos are in the area of Tripoli.

Melicor also made an assurance that the Embassy remains ready to respond to any request for assistance from the Filipino Community. In the event of emergencies, the Embassy could be contacted at: +218 91 824 4208 and +218 94 454 1283. ( Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

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The Mindanao Examiner

September 10-16, 2018

More terror attacks anticipated - Duterte

Continued from page 1 And now Duterte said police and military authorities are anticipating more attacks.

“There’s a lot of terror attacks going on, not only here, but all over the world and my country is not an exception. We just had about 2 explosions in one of the provinces in Mindanao...and we expect more. I'm sure your government would be willing to help us,” he said during a visit last week in Israel.

The military has pinned the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the twin bombings in Isulan.

The Philippine National Police has already sacked two senior police officers in Sultan Kudarat for their failure to prevent the bombings.

The provincial police director, Senior Superintendent Noel Kinazo, and Isulan town’s police chief Superintendent Celestino Daniel were both relieved from their duty.

Kinazo was replaced by Senior Superintendent Reynaldo Felestino while Superintendent Junny Buenacosa has been named as the new Isulan police chief.

The Wester n Mindanao Command did not say whether it would relieve its military commanders in the province for lapses in security.

The latest explosion occurred in downtown Isulan near shops, but it was unclear how the bomber managed to smuggle the device that exploded inside an Internet shop. But the attack showed how poor the security was in the largely Catholic province, especially in Isulan town.

The daring attacks also timed while the whole region is under martial rule. The BIFF, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to ISIS, is one of several militant groups fighting for the freedom of Muslims in Mindanao. Its

members were mostly former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.

Governor Mujiv Hataman, of the Muslim autonomous region has strongly condemned the attacks. “The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government condemns these bomb attacks, and recent incidents of violence in Mindanao, in the strongest possible terms,” he said, although Sultan Kudarat is not part of the ARMM. But Hataman said: “We share cultural ties and bonds of kinship with the people of the province. We in the regional government are fully committed to working with other agencies of government, and with concerned citizens, in safeguarding the communities, and in countering this violence. We denounce the extremism that spawns such violence.

These attacks come at a time when peace in Mindanao is at hand, thanks to the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic

Law—a law that is going to be put to the polls for ratification by the people in a referendum.” “ We pray that this violence will not stop the sustained efforts we are all making to create a lasting peace. If we don’t work for peace now, then

when can we do this? This peace we seek is for our children, and for the generations to come. We should not let violence hold sway or stop us from achieving this peace we all want and need,” he added.

Security forces have

been fighting militant groups in the southern region the past years. The blast occurred following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to the armed forces to crush terrorism. (Mindanao Examiner. With a report from Rhoderick Beñez.)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with State of Israel President Reuven Rivlin during their meeting at the Official Residence of the President in Jerusalem (Presidential Photo)

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The Mindanao Examiner

September 10-16, 2018

Compostela students join peace month celebration

Participants to the ComVal peace forum.

COMPOSTELAVALLEY – The Youth for Peace Movement Comval and the Supreme Student Government of Compostela Valley has recently launched a peace symposium in Nabunturan town here in support of the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration.

Organizers said the 2nd Campus Peace Symposium (CPS), having the theme

“Cultivating the Zones of Peace for a Proactive Studentry in Compostela Valley,” is a month-long event that will be conducted among 55 Secondary Schools and it is expected to be participated by a total of 5,500 students who will come from different clubs and organizations. It will run until September 28.

Various stakeholders - the Provincial Local Government of Comval, Department of

Education Comval, Department of the Interior and Local Government of the province, Provincial Social Welfare and Development, Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, 1001st Infantry Brigade, and the CompostelaValley Provincial Police Office are also part of the program's implementation.

One of the aims of CPS is to set the schools that are

situated in town centers and conflict-affected areas as genuine peace avenues, by not only protecting the students from conflict but by also educating them on how they could avoid violent extremism. It is a mechanism of YFPM Comval since 2017 that supports the Department of Education's Order number 44, which declares the schools as "Zones of Peace" to protect the students from the armed conflict between opposing state and non-state forces, and assure that their well-being and education will not be hampered.

Additionally, the CPS was established to decrease the resurgence of youth recruitment to become child soldiers, which according to an international organization called Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers in 2008 is 20% or 1 out of 5 total NPA members. These are

composed of youth under 18 years old.

This data was even proven factual by the 1001st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, a military unit based in Compostela Valley, when it's September 2017 data shows that out of 166 surrenderees last year, 20% of these are 17 years old and below with high-school-level educational attainment.

Aside from the ceremonial launching, a training of trainors was also conducted to prepare the CPS facilitators about the flow of the event and equip them with skills and knowledge in facilitating.

The facilitators are composed of SSG Advisers, SSG Presidents, and Peace Officers from selected schools. Some of the lectures that were presented during the training are the Role of the Youth in Peacebuilding;

and current status of peace situation in the province by the military and police. The training was also graced by the Provincial Director of DILG, Noel Duarte; the head of the province's Youth Development Office, Janice Clarion; and the Youth Formation Officer of the DepEd Comval, Joseph Corpuz, who shared their messages to the participants and support for the symposium.

“Conflict cannot be avoided because we are human beings. And as human beings, we have a lot of limitations,” Corpuz said.

What is important is as human beings, we are gifted with the capacity to widen our understanding of the people around us and the situation we are in, so we will not arrive in violence. We need to understand and respect each other.”

Moro chieftains compete for ‘Pakaradjaan Master Chef-tain 2018’ COTABATO CITY – Chieftains of the five “mock” Moro villages inside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) compound here competed in a cooking showdown dubbed as the “Pakaradjaan Master Chef-tain’.

With an hour to prepare a full-course meal for the judges and another hour to prepare a dish using a special item from a ‘mystery box’ as main ingredient, the chieftains brought out the best dishes their respective provinces could offer.

The event, which was

launched recently, is part of the year-long celebration of ARMM’s 29th anniversary.

For ARMM Executive Secretary and Basilan Village Chieftain Laisa MasuhudAlamia, the competition goes beyond the question of who cooks better. It is also about mainstreaming the Bangsamoro cuisine, she said.

“Ang competition na ito ay hindi lang kung sino ang pinakamasarap magluto dahil dito sa competition na ito, shino-showcase namin ang kanya-kanyang cuisine ng bawat probinsya dahil

karamihan sa mga niluto namin dito ay hindi lang sineserve sa pang-araw araw kung hindi para din sa mga special occasions,” Alamia said.

ARMM Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Maguindanao Village Chieftain, Kahal Kedtag, said what they have prepared for the judges “are usually served on the tables of royalties.“ The competition's judges are: Congresswoman Amihilda Sangcopan of Anak Mindanao Party-list;

Professor Teresita Sanchez, former dean of the College of Hotel and Restaurant Management of Mindanao State University-Marawi; Professor Cecile Mambuay, a fellow of the Royal Institute of Hospitality Management in Singapore; Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun, corporate chef for Unilever Philippines; Chef Jose Sarasola, celebrity chef and actor from ABS-CBN; and celebrity chef Boy Logro.

Having the experience to travel around the world as a chef, tasting the local Bangsamoro delicacies impressed Logro. “Sa tagal

ko nang umikot sa buong daigdig, ngayon lang ako nakatikim nito. Sana maintroduce at mai-market ang mga ito sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.

Sarasola, a ‘big fan’ of turmeric as food ingredient, found the dishes served ‘amazing’. “When I heard that almost everything is turmeric-based, I knew that I would like it. True enough, sobrang win for me,” he said.

Bangsamoro food is known for its exotic spices, especially the use of turmeric in major dishes.

Being one of the Moro

judges, Sangcopan was impressed with how the chieftains prepared their food. “Bilang isang Moro, alam ko ang pagkain ng Moro. Sigurado akong ang pagkain dito ay unique at kaya nating ipagmalaki sa buong mundo,” she said.

The criteria for judging are: taste/palatability (50%), creativity and technique (25%), and presentation (25%). Winners will be announced during the culmination program of the ARMM’s 29th anniversary in November. (Bureau of Public Information)

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The Mindanao Examiner

September 10-16, 2018

Philippines set to lead global tuna sector to sustainability GENERAL SANTOS CITY The Philippines is setting its sights on leading the transformation of the global tuna industry towards sustainability, with the adoption of a monitoring mechanism that ranks canneries based on seven sustainability criteria.

The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) is adopting the Tuna Cannery Ranking Tool, which was developed by the e n v i r o n m e n t a l organization Greenpeace.

“BFAR is fully supportive of the call for Philippine tuna canneries to strengthen their standards on traceability, sustainability, and social equity. It is our hope that

through this initiative, we will become more motivated to pursue more sustainable practices and contribute to the global efforts for sustainable tuna management and conservation,” DA Undersecretary and BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona said.

The Philippines is in a position to influence the global tuna industry, as the country is among the highest producers of tuna in the world, second only to Indonesia. It is also the fifth largest exporter of processed and preserved tuna, exporting $370 million in 2017.

The cannery ranking assesses whether the performance of tuna canneries are in the red (fail), yellow (fair), or green

(good) zones, using seven criteria: traceability, sustainability of current sourcing, legality, equity/ social responsibility, sourcing policy, transparency and customer information, and driving change.

The first ranking, for 2015, revealed Philippine canneries as having failing performance in almost all criteria. Consequently, some canneries improved some of their practices, as seen in the second ranking.

Greenpeace said it is expecting the third ranking to reveal more canneries in the yellow zone, but is hoping that canneries will all race to green.

“Philippine canneries going green is important as local and global consumers and markets

are increasingly demanding sustainable, traceable, and equitable tuna. Canneries play a key role in making sure that tuna will continue to swim our waters, thus contributing to ensuring food security and livelihoods for Filipinos,”

Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Vince Cinches said.

“We are happy with the progress made by Philippine canneries, but they need to do more by ensuring that tunas they are selling, and that Filipinos are buying, do not come

from slave labor, that there is no destructive fishing gears used, and that the company supports a transition towards sustainable fishing practices and the establishment of ocean sanctuaries in the high seas,” he added.

Sandiganbayan junks ex-Sulu guv’s plea to dismiss graft raps THE SANDIGANBAYAN has denied the request of a former Sulu governor Yusop Jikiri to dismiss the graft charges filed against him in connection with the alleged P3.25-million fertilizer scam in 2004.

The Third Division of the anti-graft court junked Jikiri’s motion to dismiss the charges for lack of merit, saying he has not adequately established his claim of a violation of his right to speedy disposition of cases.

“Accused Jikiri's bare recital of the periods elapsed between: the creation of Task Force Abono; the filing of the complaint; the finding of probable cause; and the filing of the information; is wholly inadequate to establish inordinate delay.

Indeed, it has been repeatedly held that a mere mathematical reckoning of

time involved is insufficient,” reads the Sandiganbayan's resolution dated August 31, 2018.

In his motion filed before the Sandiganbayan on July 9, 2018, Jikiri claimed that his constitutional right to speedy disposition of his cases was allegedly violated. He argued that it took the Office of the Ombudsman more than five years and three months to file the cases against him before the Sandiganbayan on April 27, 2018.

He added that it took 14 years from the time the soil conditioner and organic fertilizer worth P3.25 million was procured until the cases were filed before the anti-graft court, or 12 years, if reckoned from the creation of the Task Force Abono-Field Investigation Office in 2006.

Aside from Jikiri, the Ombudsman filed graft and criminal charges against provincial accountant Mussah Lasa Jumsali, treasurer Amilkadra Amilasan and Department of Agriculture regional director Oscar Parawan.

The Ombudsman said that the respondents violated Republic Act 9184, or the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, such that no public bidding was conducted for the project. The respondents allegedly gave unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to private supplier Rim Allied Merchandise.

The Ombudsman said that the transaction caused undue injury to the government. Jikiri is also a senior member of the former rebel group Moro National Liberation Front.

(Perfecto Raymundo, Jr.)

PRICES OF CIGARETTES and tobacco are expected to shoot up once Congress approve the Universal Health Care Program or UHC bill.

Increasing tobacco tax will also fund UHC and lower the number of smokers in the country, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. Duque said UHC is a priority of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration so the Department of Health is committed to working with the House of the Representatives and the Senate for the final ratification of the UHC bill.

“The bill also pushes for the equity in provision of health care especially for those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. It also strengthens the government to regulate health facilities and health care providers and health insurance policies and ensure that heallth care is within the reach of everyone,” he said.

Citing that UHC program implementation requires substantial funds,

Duque said increasing taxes on tobacco is one of the best ways to generate additional revenues for it.

“Currently, there are two bills tackling the increase of excise tax on tobacco which is Senate Bill 1599 by Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao and Senate Bill 1605 by Senator JV Ejercito, increasing the unitary excise tax of cigarettes to PHP60 and PHP90, respectively. Not only will it provide funding to UHC but also the reduction of smoking prevalence in the country,” Duque said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also said related studies show that tobacco taxes really work in terms of reducing smoking prevalence. “From 29.7 percent in 2009 to 23.8 percent in 2015, the biggest drop in the smoking prevalence is biggest among the youth which is good because we don’t want them to take on this habit,” she said, noting that around 10 percent annual increase on tobacco tax will result in one million less smokers by 2022.

“Since this is a tax measure, the bonus will be on the funds it could generate para lalo pa natin mapaganda ang ating health system at masiguro ang UHC para sa lahat,” she said.

Ejercito said Duterte certified the UHC bill as urgent so Congress is targeting to pass it by October. He added critics of the bill say it is an ambitious and expensive program so that is why they want to ensure that it has proper funding before it is passed.

In connection with the UHC bill ratification and implementation, Ejercito said he will continue to push for tobacco tax increase for the benefit of every Filipino burdened by "out-of-pocket expenses" related to health care."Iyung tobacco tax na P32.50 hindi man lang masasaktan ang tobacco companies niyan. But we are still determined to push for it dahil may kulang pa rin sa funds para ma-achieve ang genuine health coverage.

Mayshortage pa of about P50 billion,” he said. (Maria Teresa Montemayor)

Cigarettes, tobacco prices expected to increase due to new taxes

Some of the new Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper dealers in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato Province. (Photos by Rhoderick Beñez)

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The Mindanao Examiner

September 10-16, 2018

Across: 1. Get by 4. Petticoat 8. Mimicker 12. Dad's partner 13. Singer ___ Turner 14. Citi Field predecessor 15. Globe 16. Opposing 18. Tantalize 20. A Great Lake 21. Sincere 23. Walk heavily 27. Appraises 28. Fight 29. Pass, as time 31. Dishonor 34. Had been 35. Peeler 36. Snaky shapes 39. Gathered 42. Wail 44. Transparent 45. Instantaneous 49. Memorable period 50. ___-do-well 51. Mix 52. Border 53. Is unable 54. Roosters' mates 55. Briny deep Down :

Answer to last week’s crossword:

1. Ham it up 2. Seoul's country 3. Humiliate 4. Roads 5. Stretch the truth 6. Map parts 7. Poker holding 8. Daisylike flower 9. ___ Beta Kappa 10. Poetic dusk 11. Cleaning cloth 17. Occupy a chair 19. Finger sound 22. Comprehend 24. Superintendents 25. soccer's ___ Hamm 26. Fountain ___ 29. Lamb's mom 30. "Leaving ___ Vegas" 31. Beaver's creation 32. Blackboard wipers

33. Interlock 35. Roof of the mouth 37. ___ & Roeper 38. Downhearted 40. Mysterious 41. Stage offering 43. Aspiration 45. Business abbr.

46. "Cry ___ River" (2 wds.)

47. Guys 48. Can metal

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OPINION:

What now Trillanes?

By Jun Ledesma

Continued from page 1 than when it was granted by Aquino and while the air lanes, the mainstream and social media were buzzing with news, commentaries, indignation and celebration the circumstances behind Trillanes grant of amnesty unravelled before us like a block-buster tele-novela. It appears that a predicate to the amnesty is for the grantee to put in writing his admission of commission of the crime and to apply for amnesty. If we were to believe what so far had been echoed by the government, Trillanes never complied with any of these two preconditions therefore the grant of amnesty was, from the start, void. The senator is saying he did but then again that is a matter of claim.

Trillanes was ordered arrested but as of this writing he refused to leave the premises of the Senate.

I caught up his shrill voice declaring “how can he be granted amnesty if he failed to comply with those conditions”.

The Department of National Defense (DND) moreover said that they yet to find any of the purported documents. So far only Sen. Franklin Drilon is claiming that Trillanes is a victim of

double-jeopardy. Senate Pres. Tito Sotto meanwhile assures Trillanes that for as long as he stays in the confines of the Senate he will not be arrested. But that is not absolute for there are limitations to this edict and non-bailable offense and perpetual confinement are not contemplated here.

DND meanwhile announced that the detention cell of the senator had been prepared. And meanwhile too, Senator Enrile who practically cuddled Trillanes and fought hard to have the former be physically present in the Senate sessions have yet to issue a statement. Recall that Enrile personally guaranteed custody of Trillanes but in time became his vicious nemesis. ( The case of erstwhile Speaker Bebot Alvares and his friend Rep. Tonyboy Floirendo is not the first act of betrayal among best-of-friends in recent political saga in the country.)

Senator Trillanes is really bound to have his comeuppance not so much because of his being vociferous and rabid critic of President Duterte but because of his failure to abide by the rules of the amnesty. He has to produce the vital documents if he has any. I am sure that if he

had these in his position he will lose no time to display these in public to discredit his pet peeve. For now he is pipsqueak.

These documents are unlike the spurious bank statements which he got from questionable source (a certain de Mesa?) which he peddled as that of Mayor Rodrigo and Inday Sara Duterte. The noose is even tightening around his neck.

If the revocation of his amnesty is bad enough, it is even more nerve-shocking now that even the Regional Trial Court hearing his case for staging a coup d’etat is said to resume trying his case. A warrant for his arrest is expected. Wonder if Sotto’s chamber will shield Trillanes once the warrant is served.

What a picture of contrast we are witnessing this week. Duterte is being received by thousands of adoring fans in Israel and Jordan while Trillanes is being hounded by the shadow of his past. Now am beggining to understand why this senator, once branded by BBC’s Stephen Sackur as “consistently out of tune”, does everything at President Aquino’s bidding.

It will be more interesting to hear what Senator Enrile has to say of the fate of this Naval Officer he once valiantly argued for.

Due to threats from Sayyaf, Sabah extends sea curfew Continued from page 1 militants were still trying to commit crossborder crimes. “There is a need to continue the curfew in these waters to prevent the encroachment of terrorists and criminals who can threaten the safety of locals, international researchers and tourists on islands,” the Star Online quoted the official as saying. e said: “We also want o ensure the safety of the eople of Sabah who use he waters and are staying ear the Eastern Sabah afety Zone.

Ramli added that the curfew was to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat activities in the area, as well as to establish a sense of security for nearby chalet owners and fishermen through the presence of a security team.

The curfew was implemented on July 19,

7

The Mindanao Examiner

September 10-16, 2018

2014, following a series of kidnappings which saw the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fed and the killing of several others, including a policeman and tourists, according to the reports.

Just last month, a group of gunmen attempted to abduct crew members of a tugboat in Sabah. At least 10 armed men were involved in the failed abduction near Lahad Datu’s Tambisan area after crew members locked themselves in a room. It said the armed men, believed from the southern Philippines, managed to sneak into Sabah and boarded the tug boat on the evening of August 9.

Crew members quickly radioed for help and patrolling members of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) responded immediately and forced the gunmen to escape.

Esscom

commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the crewmen were ferrying palm oil from Felda Sabahat in Tengku and on their way to Kuantan when the gunmen on motorboat came alongside their boat in Tambisan waters near the Tawi-Tawi chain of islands.

Malaysia and Indonesia have a border patrol agreement with the Philippines and share regular intelligence and conduct trilateral maritime patrols to prevent piracy and terrorism, including ransom kidnappings of sailors in the maritime borders. The military previously said that security is tight in the border to prevent Abu Sayyaf kidnappings inside Sabah or in the waters of Tawi-Tawi which is frequented by cargo boats.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding several foreign hostages in the restive southern region.

(Mindanao Examiner)

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HEALTH

Almoranas At Sugat Sa Puwit (Part 2) Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong Noong nakaraan, nagbigay tayo ng mga payo para sa almoranas (tulad ng huwag umire at palambutin ang dumi).

Heto pa ang mga dagdag payo: 1. Magbawas ng timbang.

Kapag mataba ka, tumataas din ang pressure sa iyong baywang at binti. Dahil dito, puwede kang magkaroon ng almoranas at varicose veins.

2. Magbawas sa maaalat na pagkain. Ang sobrang alat o asin sa pagkain ay puwedeng magpamaga ng katawan. Pati ang almoranas ay mamamaga din.

3.

Umiwas sa maaanghang o spicy na pagkain. Mahapdi at makati ito kapag dumaan sa ating puwit. Mag-ingat din sa sobrang kape, beer at soft drinks.

4. Kung buntis, humiga sa kaliwa. Ayon kay Dr. Lewis Townsend, isang obstetrician, puwedeng maipit ng lumalaking matris ang ugat ng almoranas. Humiga sa iyong kaliwa ng 20 minutos bawat 5 oras.

Makatutulong ito para hindi maipit ang almoranas.

Dr. Willie T. Ong 5. Magbabad sa bathtub o malaking palanggana.

Punuin ng mga isang dangkal na maligamgam na tubig ang bathtub.

Umupo sa bathtub na nakataas ang iyong tuhod.

Ayon kay Dr. Byron Gathright, isang colorectal surgeon, ang mainit na tubig ay nag-aalis ng sakit at nagpapaluwag ng daloy ng dugo sa almoranas.

Dahil dito, liliit ang almoranas.

6. Puwede subukan ang ice pack. Kung mahapdi at makati ang almoranas, puwedeng lagyan ng ice pack. Kumuha ng isang plastic bag at lagyan ng yelo. Balutin ito ng tela para hindi masyadong malamig. Itapal ito ng hindi hihigit sa 20 minutos. Huwag din lalampas sa 3 beses sa maghapon itong gawin.

Maaaring mabawasan ang kirot at laki ng almoranas.

7. Magpahid ng cream.

May mga gamot para sa almoranas tulad ng Proctosedyl o Ultraproct ointment.

Hindi mawawala ang almoranas pero mababawasan ang sakit nito.

8. Dahan-dahang itulak paloob ang almoranas.

Ayon kay Dr. Townsend, kung hindi naman ganoon kalaki ang almoranas, subukang ipasok ito ulit sa puwit.

Ito’y para hindi maipit ang iyong almoranas.

Kailan dapat kumonsulta sa doktor?

1. Kung biglang sumakit ang almoranas.

2. Kung may bagong bukol na makapa sa puwitan. Baka pigsa ito o kulugo.

3. Kapag hindi naghilom ang iyong sugat sa puwit.

4. Kung may pagdurugo sa dumi, huwag isiping dahil lamang sa a l m o r a n a s .

Magpakonsulta muna sa isang surgeon na doktor.

May mga simpleng operasyon na para sa almoranas.

RECIPE

Cheesy Chicken Afritada

(http://www.panlasangpinoy.com)

INGREDIENTS: - 2 ½ lbs. chicken, cut into serving pieces - 1 large baking potato, cubed - 1 medium carrot, cubed - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce - 2 to 3 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, minced - 4 cloves garlic, crushed - 3 tablespoons cooking oil - Salt and ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat oil in a cooking pot 2. Pan-fry the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and transfer to a clean plate. Set aside.

3. Sauté onion on the remaining oil for 20 seconds.

4. Add garlic. Continue to sauté until the onion softens.

5. Put the pan-fried chicken back into the cooking pot. Saute for 3 minutes.

6. Pour tomato sauce into the pot and add chicken broth. Let boil.

7. Cover and continue to cook using medium heat for 40 to 45 minutes.

8. Add potato and carrot. Stir. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes.

9. Add bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes.

10. Season with salt and ground black pepper.

11. Add cheese. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

12. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve.

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Spate of killings alarm human rights groups

C

EB U – Var ious human rrights ights gr oups hav e EBU arious groups have asked the P hilippines ommission on Philippines hilippines’’ C Commission Human Rights and the U nited N ations United Nations Human Rights Council to look into the spate of alleged extrajudicial killings in Cebu following the recent murder of a town mayor who was shot inside his office.

Mayor Mariano of his police supervision in Blanco, of Ronda town, his town. who was linked by No individual or group President Rodrigo Duterte claimed responsibility for to illegal drug trade, was the murder. Police said it is killed before dawn of still investigating the killing.

September 5 by gunmen Since early this year, there who barged inside his had been over a hundred office. Blanco was sleeping killings - mostly perpetrated in the office when the by motorcycle gunmen assailants arrived in a van already in Cebu. and attacked him.The Even Cebu Archbishop gunmen immediately Jose Palma has appealed for escaped after murdering an end to the culture of Blanco. Prior to his killing, impunity in the province Blanco, who previously and called on the authorities denied all accusations to seriously address the against him by Duterte, series of killings.In February was also stripped last year this year, the town’s vice

mayor, Jonah John Ungab, who was Blanco’s nephew, was also shot dead. Ungab, who was a lawyer and legal counsel of self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, was driving his car when killed by motorcycle gunmen. Espino’s father, Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr, of Leyte’s Albuera town, tagged by Duterte as a drug lord - was also killed by policemen inside his prison cell.A report by ABS-CBN, said Blanco was the 16th elected official killed under the Duterte administration.

It identified the others as: Vice Mayor Aaron Sampaga of Pamplona town, Cagayan - August 5, 2016; Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Maguindanao - October 28,

Anti-narco bodies urged to refocus efforts vs. 'big fish' WITH LAW ENFORCERS proving themselves capable of going after street peddlers, it is high time for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) to go after the so-called big fish, said Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Lacson cited the need for stricter coordination at the upper levels against the entry of illegal drugs into the country. “You have to refocus because the police

are now capable of going after street peddlers. You have to concentrate on those at the higher levels,” he said.

He added that illegal drugs slip past the Bureau of Customs from time to time, and find their way into the hands of drug peddlers, many of whom mix them with candy or deodorizer to maximize their profits.

Lacson also told the PDEA to address issues in its custody of illegal drugs that had been seized and are being kept as evidence

2016; Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera town, Leyte - November 5, 2016; Vice Mayor Anwar Sindatuk of Datu Saudi-Ampatuan town, Maguindanao November 27, 2016; Mayor Mohammad Limbona of Pantar town, Lanao del Norte - December 30, 2016; Mayor Arsenio Agustin of Marcos town, Ilocos Norte - June 3, 2017; Mayor Joven Hidalgo of Balete town,

Batangas - June 10, 2017.

And also Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental - July 30, 2017; Vice Mayor Jackson Dy of Roxas town, Oriental Mindoro September 23, 2017; Vice Mayor Jonah John Ungab of Ronda town, Cebu February 19, 2018; Mayor Ronald Tirol of Buenavista town, Bohol - May 27, 2018; Mayor Antonio Halili of

Tanauan City, Batangas July 2, 2018; Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio town, Nueva Ecija - July 3, 2018; Vice Mayor Alex Lubigan of Trece Martires town, Cavite July 7, 2018; and Vice Mayor Al-Rashid Mohammad Ali of SapaSapa town, Tawi-Tawi July 11, 2018. (Cebu Examiner)

Navy to probe frigate incident in Hasa-Hasa Shoal

A Philippine Air Force photo shows the grounded BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

for court cases.He said the weakness in the chain of custody had resulted in technicalities that lead to the dismissal of cases.

To date, the PDEA has some P9.7 billion worth of seized illegal drugs in its custody. “I think you should do something about the excessive quantity of dangerous drugs still in your possession. It's a bit mind-boggling, the P9.7 billion worth of dangerous drugs,” Lacson said.

THE PHILIPPINE NAVY is set to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the grounding of the frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar in HasaHasa Shoal or Half-Moon Shoal off Palawan province.

The frigate was pulled out from the shoal and is on its way to Subic repair facility.

“Yung ship is on its way to Subic, once it arrives in Subic, a comprehensive investigation will be undertaken,” said Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar

ran aground on August 29 and the incident damaged the frigate. Initial damage assessment indicated that the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is limited to the ship's starboard (right) propeller, which was detached due to the grounding, but repairable.

The frigate is one of three Hamilton-class cutters acquired by the Philippine Navy from the United States Coas Guard and converted into frigates. These ships have a gross tonnage of 3,250

tons, a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet while its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots.

These vessels have a cruising range of 14,000 miles and have a sea and loiter time of 45 days and armed with a 76-mm Oto Melara automatic cannon, 25-mm and 20-mm light cannons and .50 caliber machine guns. (Priam Nepomuceno)

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