Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (March 22-28, 2021)

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Utos ni Duterte, libreng face mask muna!

D

AHIL SA kakulangan ng mga Covid-19 vaccines sa bansa, ipinag-utos ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na bigyan muna ng libreng face mask ang mga mamamayan, lalo na ang mga mahihirap na pamilya, bilang panlaban sa nasabing virus.

“Let me explain to the mask. Eh i-ilang gamit buwan na ginagamit bethe people in simple lang ‘yan. But iyong iba cause you know they do terms. Iyong bakuna, it’s lumang-luma, eh isang Continue on page 2

PTV-4 #dutertepalpak trends in social media A food delivery rider, wearing a face mask, reads a sign from an office which outlines health protocols as part of its anti-Covid measures to protect employees from the deadly respiratory disease. (Mindanao Examiner)

It’s a go for AstraZeneca THE PHILIPPINES said it will not stop the rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines despite reports of blood clots in some people who received the shots in several countries in Europe.

“The Department of Health and the Food and Continue on page 3

DAVAO CITY – The hashtag #dutertepalpak went viral in social media after the State-run People’s Television Network (PTV-4) twitted a news saying President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the government to provide free face masks to all Filipinos while awaiting deliveries of Covid-19 vaccines.

The tweet also mentioned BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, a popular seven-member South Korean boy band, alongside the #dutertepalpak which trended in Twitter. The hashtag has been used by Filipinos to criticize the government’s poor response to the pandemic since it began in March last year.

The tweet was taken down hours after it went viral on various social media platform and PTV-4 apologized for the “error” and saying the tweet should read: “President Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated Continue on page 3

Marawi Siege: ‘This battle against ISIS was Sky Cable Zambo the biggest in the Philippines since WWII’ inireklamo!

WITH THE help of U.S. Special Forces, the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been battling radical Islamic terrorists in the south

Pacific island chain since 2002. The Philippines, a former Spanish colony, is a predominantly Christian nation. However, its southern islands are home

to a large Muslim population. Since the late 60s, there has been some form of push, political or terrorist, to create an independent Muslim state in the

southern Philippines. The most prominent terror organization in Philippines since the early 2000s is the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Continue on page 2

INIREKLAMO NG isang subscriber ng Sky Cable (Television) sa Zamboanga City ang naturang kumpanya na umano’y

pinutol ang kanilang linya ng wala umanong notice.

Matagal na umano o Continue on page 2

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The Mindanao Examiner

March 22-28, 2021

Utos ni Duterte, libreng face mask muna!

Continued from page 1 not have money to buy.”

“We have to provide

the mask for everybody.

Eh kung iyang tao walang pera pambili ng mask, how do you expect com-

pliance from him? So it’s good. I think DILG again and the barangay captains makatulong po kayo.

Same, you have the same data sa mga tao kung sino ‘yong nabakunahan, sinong hindi. So para ‘yong

Marawi Siege: ‘This battle against ISIS was the biggest in the Philippines since WWII’ Continued from page 1 Known officially by their ISIS counterparts as Islamic State — East Asia Province, ASG first had ties to Al-Qaeda. They operated extensively throughout Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. ASG conducted bombings, kidnappings, assassinations, and drug trafficking to further their cause for an Islamic caliphate.

Under the leadership of Isnilon Hapilon, who swore allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ASG began conducting kidnappings and killings in the name of ISIS in 2014.

Simultaneously, brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute founded their own Islamic terrorist organization in their hometown of Marawi in the southern Philippines. The brothers were educated in Muslim nations overseas where they were radicalized. Bringing this ideology back to the Philippines, they recruited other Muslim Filipinos to their cause. Working alongside Hapilon, Maute group and ASG stockpiled weapons and ammo in Marawi for a planned offensive. It would be their opening attack to establish an Islamic caliphate in the Philippines.

By May 2017, Maute group and ASG had amassed a huge stockpile of arms in Marawi.

However, their planned offensive was forced to be accelerated. Working with the Philippine National Police, AFP Intelligence learned that Hapilon, who was on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list with a reward of $5 million, was in Marawi. A surgical operation was launched on May 23, 2017 to capture the ASG leader. However, when Philippine Special Forces entered the city, they found much more than they bargained for.

Prepping for the planned offensive, roughly 1,000 militants had amassed in Marawi, some of whom came from foreign countries. Heavily armed, they quickly took over the city, burning churches, homes, and executing known Christians on sight. As civilians fled, some Muslims harbored their Christian neighbors who could not get out and hid them from the extremists. ASG and Maute group blocked all roads in and out of the city and took hostages demanding that the AFP cease all military operations in and around Marawi. At the same time, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of martial law for the entire island of Mindanao.

The next day, additional military forces arrived and 120 hostages at the hospital were freed. Key buildings like city hall and a university were recaptured

by AFP forces who established command posts in preparation for the coming operations. The Philippine Air Force began airstrikes on Marawi. Army units pushed into the city and battled against heavy resistance. Although AFP ground troops were able to re-secure much of Marawi by May 31, the sections of the city under militant control were a maze of tight alleys and closely packed buildings. It would require Fallujah-style house-tohouse room-by-room clearing to secure the rest of the city.

Moreover, Hapilon and the Maute brothers were still at large. Even if the majority of the militants were killed or captured, the escape of the terrorist leaders would be a major victory for ISIS. Heavy street fighting raged through the contested areas of the city as AFP troops rooted out pockets of resistance in search of the high value targets. To complicate the already arduous task of urban combat, the militants dug tunnels throughout the city. Like the Vietcong in Vietnam or the Soviets in Stalingrad, this allowed them to escape quickly and covertly from an engagement and reappear in an unexpected location.

Fighting continued through June with the AFP announcing that it had killed over 200 militants. Still, resistance in the city was stiff and Marawi seemed no closer to being secured. Additionally, an estimated 2,000 civilians remained trapped in the city. On the morning of June 25, a unilateral ceasefire began in recognition of the Islamic holiday of Eid. This allowed Muslims on both sides of the fighting to observe the end of the month-long period of Ramadan. It also gave many civilians the opportunity to escape. Despite the ceasefire, militant snipers continued to engage AFP positions. At the end of the ceasefire, combat operations resumed in full.

In addition to technical support from the United States in hunting the wanted terrorist leaders, the Philippines accepted the aid of the Australians. Two AP-3C Orion surveillance planes were sent to the Philippines to support the battle. By July, AFP reported nearly 400 militants had been killed and over 700 civilians had been rescued. Still, 93 AFP service members were KIA and at

least 45 civilians were dead.

On July 20, AFP forces scored a major strategic victory.

Mapandi Bridge, which provides access to Marawi’s commercial center, was retaken. This allowed AFP armored vehicles to push further into the city. Intense close-quarter fighting continued in the city’s rubble. IEDs and militant snipers made progress slow and deadly. However, AFP forces scored a major victory when Abdullah Maute was killed in an airstrike on August 7. His death was a morale boost for the weary Filipino troops who had been engaged in heavy and constant combat for months.

On August 18, the AFP announced that the combat zone had been reduced to an area covering 800×600 meters. Still, this section of the city contained 400 buildings which would have to be cleared one-by-one in search of Hapilon and Omar Maute.

By September, the combat zone had been reduced to an area of 500 square meters. However, these gains came at a high cost. Hundreds of Filipino troops had been wounded and dozens killed. On September 24, the last key bridge in Marawi was captured by the AFP, effectively isolating the remaining militants.

Although Islamic representatives lobbied for a peace agreement, the Philippine government rejected them, saying that it was too little, too late. They would accept nothing less than total victory over the terrorists. In October, a major development occurred that would help bring the fighting to an end.

A hostage who had been held by Hapilon and Maute managed to escape to AFP lines and informed them of the location of the terrorist leaders. Army Special Forces Command quickly planned a top-tier operation. Elements of the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment and the Light Reaction Regiment, modelled after the 75th Ranger Regiment and Delta Force respectively, were tasked with clearing the suspected location and killing or capturing Hapilon and Maute. Trained by their American counterparts, these were the best men for the job. Supported by armored fighting vehicles, the commandos executed the operation on October 16.

As the Special Forces troops assaulted the target building, Hapilon and Maute escaped out the back. However, they were engaged by the remainder of the commandos and the armored

vehicles who had secured the rear of the building. Maute was almost immediately killed by the .50-cal gunner in one of the vehicles. However, the gunner was unable it identify the fleeing militant as Maute through his thermal sight. Meanwhile, Hapilon was engaged by Ranger sniper teams who struck him three times in the chest. Despite going down, Hapilon harmlessly returned fire until he succumbed to his wounds.

The commandos killed a further 8 militants in securing the target building. 17 hostages including women, children, and a 2-month-old baby, were rescued.

There were no AFP or civilian casualties. Once the target area was secure, the commandos went through the bodies and identified Hapilon and Maute. The announcement of their deaths was met with celebration across Marawi. DNA samples were sent to the FBI in the United States who confirmed the identities of the terrorist leaders.

The next day, President Duterte flew down to Marawi and declared the city’s liberation from the Islamic state. Fighting continued until October 23, exactly five months from the start of the battle, when the last pockets of ASG and Maute fighters were eliminated. The victory was hard-won. 168 Philippine service members were killed and over 1,400 were wounded. Sadly, 87 civilians also lost their lives during the five months of fighting. Still, 978 militants were killed and 12 were captured. The Battle of Marawi dealt a major blow to ASG and all but eliminated Maute group.

Marawi itself suffered greatly. 95% of structures in the 4 square kilometer combat zone were damaged, if not completely destroyed. This left 200,000 civilians displaced. The battle was the most intense and destructive in the Philippines since WWII. Rehabilitation and recovery efforts continue to this day.

The Battle of Marawi was the ultimate failure for ISIS in Southeast Asia and a display of strength and unity for the Filipino people. ASG and Maute group were unable to establish their caliphate. Moreover, the Filipino people, Muslims, Christians, soldiers, and civilians alike, stood side-by-side against the violence and terror brought upon them and prevailed. (By Miguel Ortiz, The Mighty. https://www.wearethemighty.com/intel/biggest-battle-in-philippines-since-wwii/)

iba you know, when they buy a mask, it can be worn for so many days only. And na-ano na, the property of the mask is lupay-lupay na,” ani Duterte.

Hindi naman sinabi ni Duterte kung muli itong uutang sa mga foreign creditors upang may ipambili ng face mask. Sa kasalukuyan ay nasa piso ang bawat ordinary o disposable face mask.

“So kung kailangan na we ask the people to comply, we also look into the possibility that they cannot buy it. So government, sa panahong ito, must provide. Kailangan talaga nila so huwag natin...you know when they get sick, ika nga, you cannot flog a dead horse. Kaya at least every two days puro pawis na ‘yan at I said the prop-

erties of that mask might not be really as strong as what it is intended for,” paliwanag pa ni Duterte.

Problema pa rin ni Duterte ang mga Covid-19 vaccines at kahit mahigit na sa $13 bilyon ang inutang nito sa ibat-ibang foreign at local creditors para sa pagtugon ng pamahalaan sa pandemia. At pulos donasyon lamang na Covid vaccines ang dumating mula sa China at World Health Organization.

“Mga kababayan ko, hanggang ngayon wala pa tayong sobra. Ibig sabihin walang dumating except those donated. Iyong ginawang donasyon lang ng China pati sa WHO. Walang bayad ‘yon,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sky Cable Zambo inireklamo!

Continued from page 1 maraming taon na itong ginagawa ng Sky Cable kung kaya’t inireklamo na sa pahayagang Zamboanga Post ang kumpanya upang mabatid ng publiko at madala ito sa atensyon ng National Telecommunication Commission (NTC).

Nais rin idulog ng subscriber sa NTC - na siyang may supervision sa mga regulasyon ng cable television industry – ang maling ginagawa ng Sky Cable Zamboanga.

At ayon sa NTC, maaaring i-reklamo sa kanila ang mga sumusunod: Poor Service (Technical and Customer Service), Billing Problem, Fair Use Policy, at Denial of Subscription Plan Application.

Sa kanyang sumbong, sinabi ng customer na agad itong nagtungo sa opisina ng Sky Cable upang i-reklamo ang pagputol ng linya ng walang abiso o notice.

“Aba, may mga trabahao kaming lahat at ni walang notice of disconnection man lang na ibinigay ang Sky Cable upang mabayaran ang anumang arrears. Ni hindi nga tumatawag sa amin okaya mag text man lamang tulad ng ginagawa ng mga telecom firms. Paglabag ito sa Consumer Protection Guidelines ng NTC. Idudulog namin ito sa NTC upang mapatawan ng kaukulang penalty ang Sky Cable Zamboanga,” ani ng customer.

Nabatid pa na bukod sa walang notice of disconnection na ibinibigay sa mga customer ang Sky Cable ay wala rin natatanggap na billing ang mga subscribers. “Isa pa yan, walang notice of disconnection at wala rin billing statement na ibinibigay ang Sky Cable Zamboanga. Ang daming paglabag ng Sky Cable sa patakaran ng NTC,” sambit pa ng customer.

Nakakatanggap lamang ng abiso ang mga customers ng Sky Cable kung magtataas lang ito ng kanilang subscription rates. Nasa P500 ang ibinabayad ng mga customers sa Sky Cable bawa’t buwan, bukod pa ang P100 sa bawat extra television sa bahay.

Sinabi pa ng customer na matapos itong magbayad ay hindi agad naibalik ang serbisyo ng Sky Cable Zamboanga at sinabi sa kanya na hintayin na lamang at ang Sky Cable Davao Office diumano ang magre-reconnect nito.

Ngunit tadtad rin ng reklamo ang Sky Cable Davao Office mula sa kanilang mga subscribers.

Hindi agad mabatid kung ilang mga customers ng Sky Cable Zamboanga ang may parehong reklamo sa kumpanya. Bukod sa Sky Cable Zamboanga, tanging ang Mindanao Cable Television lamang ang kumpitensya nito sa naturang lungsod. (Zamboanga Post)

March 22-28, 2021

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The Mindanao Examiner

It’s a go for AstraZeneca

PTV-4 #dutertepalpak trends in social media Continued from page 1 his order to provide free masks for the public especially to those who cannot buy their own” instead of ““President Rodrigo R. #dutertepalpak BTS reiterated his order to provide free masks for the public especially to those who cannot buy their own.”

Palpak is a Filipino word for “failure.”

The PTV-4 is under the supervision of the Presidential Communications Operations Office headed by Secretary Martin Andanar.

A recent tweet on PTV-4 said: “PTVph posted an update about the President’s directive to provide free face masks to Filipinos who cannot afford to buy their own. The erroneous message that was inadvertently posted by the PTV New Me-

dia, as it turned out, was the result of predictive systems in the text entry phase and a failure to adequately review and screen the message that actually got posted. PTV New Media deeply regrets the error and take full responsibility for the oversight.

The management will certainly institute disciplinary actions against members of the social media team who are behind the erroneous posting.”

A search on Twitter of the #dutertepalpak only shows more criticisms and comments from Filipinos on how Duterte poorly handled the pandemic and the continuing increase in active Covid cases in the country and the lack of vaccines despite the huge loans the government got from local and foreign creditors now at over $13 billion. (Mindanao Examiner)

Continued from page 1 Drug Administration are aware that a few countries in the European Union have recently paused their vaccination campaign with Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca following reports of blood clots in people who received the vaccine.”

“At present, the DOH and FDA emphasize that there is no indication for the Philippines to stop rollout of AstraZeneca vaccines. The DOH, NTF (National Task Force) and FDA are closely coordinating on this matter. The public is assured they will closely monitor all deployed vaccines,” the DOH said.

It said the European Medicine Authority (EMA) has also emphasized that there is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions (blood clots), which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine, saying: “The position of EMA’s safety committee PRAC (Pandemic Response Accountability Committee) is that the vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh its risks and the vaccine can continue to be administered while investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is on-going.

PRAC is already reviewing all cases of thromboembolic events, and other conditions related to blood clots, reported post-vaccination with Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca.”

The DOH added that “this has been decided as a precautionary measure while they conduct a full investigation to determine causality between the vaccination and the reported adverse events following immunization.”

Following a recent concern raised around thrombotic events, AstraZeneca said it would like to offer its reassurance on the safety of its vaccine based on clear scientific evidence. “Safety is of paramount importance and the Company is continually monitoring the safety of its vaccine,” it said.

It added that a careful review of all available safety data of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union and UK, AstraZeneca has shown no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or thrombocytopenia, in any defined age group, gender, and batch or in any particular country.

So far across the EU and UK, it said there have been 15 events of DVT and 22 events of pulmonary embolism reported among those given the vaccine, based on the number of cases the Company has received as of March 8. “This is much lower than would be expected to occur naturally in a general popula-

tion of this size and is similar across other licensed Covid-19 vaccines,” AstraZeneca said.

“Furthermore, in clinical trials, even though the number of thrombotic events was small, these were lower in the vaccinated group. There has also been no evidence of increased bleeding in over 60,000 participants enrolled,” it added.

The vaccine has been granted a conditional marketing authorisation or emergency use in more than 70 countries across six continents, and with the recent Emergency Use Listing granted by the World Health Organization accelerates the pathway to access in up to 142 countries through the COVAX Facility.

The World Health Organization said there is no link between the shot and an increased risk of developing blood clots and is investigating.

Mayor Beng Climaco, who heads the Zamboanga City Task Force on Covid-19, has repeatedly called on residents to take the vaccine as soon as they are available.

Climaco has already signed a $2 million (or roughly P100 million) deal with AstraZeneca for the local government’s vaccination program that will cover 694,696 residents or 70% of the projected 2021 population of 992,423 inhabitants.

The initial P200 million for the purchase of the vaccines are included in the P4.38-billion 2021 Executive Budget of the local government, according to Climaco, who is also a member of the Committee on Vaccine Availment of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

Climaco said the local government will allocate P100 million more for additional Covid vaccines following talks with USbased Johnson & Johnson.

She assured the public that the local government will only use vaccines that are proven safe and effective against the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease.

The local government’s vaccination program, Climaco said, will prioritize healthcare workers, essential and other frontline service providers, and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and poor.

Climaco said the City government is closely coordinating with the national government for the acquisition of more Covid-19 vaccines since Zamboanga is a priority area. “With the emergence of new variants of the virus, we must not let our guards down. We continue to work hard while balancing other functions of government to keep our city safe, restore our vitality

as a people, and continuously repair our economy.”

“As Mayor of this City, I vow that we will not stop doing our jobs and we will continue to sincerely serve our City to keep our people safe just as we have always done since 2013. It takes the whole-of-government effort to accomplish this task,” she said.

Dr. Saude Imlan, president of the local chapter of the Philippine Medical Society, has also encouraged residents to avail of the Covid vaccine as soon as it is made available to the public.

Dr. Norvie Jalani, an epidemiologist at the Zamboanga City Medical Center, said: “As an epidemiologist, I have witnessed individuals on ICU without vaccines. Vaccine is still the most effective approach against Covid-19 and other emerging pandemics in the future. Turn hesitancy into empowerment. Trust science, get your vaccines now.”

Dr. Aisa Gregorio, of the Zamboanga City Medical Center, also doused fears of residents to the effects of the Covid-19 vaccine on the body. “Do not be afraid of the vaccination. The vaccination is to prevent the spread of infection,” she said.

Herd Immunity City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite has said the vaccines will be available by the 3rd quarter of this year, adding, the local government is now working on plans for the mass inoculation following the guidelines from the DOH. “Tene kita guidelines from the DOH, el deaton maga priority groups, con quien kita una man vaccinate and ta mira kita el strategy deaton de que manera hace,” she said, adding, that the local government is targeting at least 70% of the populations in order to reach herd immunity.

“Ta habla gane for Covid, at least 70% del population should be protected to have herd immunity para puede man protect con aquellos maga vulnerable populations deaton. Si tene kita budget and available deaton supplies for the vaccine, actually puede kita man vaccinate more than 70%. Pero ta habla gane kita, at least 70% to be protected for us to have herd immunity,” Miravite explained.

Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through vaccination or previous infections, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity. (Zamboanga Post)

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The Mindanao Examiner

March 22-28, 2021

Sulu Pictures in the News Sulu provincial government at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Task Force Covid-19, and Jolo Municipal Government)

The Mindanao Examiner

March 22-28, 2021

Fintech lending firm launches own revolving credit line FINANCIAL TECHONOLOGY lending firm First Circle launches a groundbreaking revolving credit line - previously only accessible to large companies - to support at least 10,000 micro, small and medium enterprises nationwide amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This challenge in financial inclusion inspired and pushed the team to innovate and find ways to deliver financial inclusion to those who need it the most using technology,” said Benedict Carandang, First Circle Vice President for External Relations.

He said the company utilizes alternative data sources that feeds into its advanced proprietary underwriting systems to assess the credit worthiness of borrowers in just a few

days compared to weeks or months by incumbents.

With First Circle, business-to-business companies who were previously underbanked, are now empowered with up to P5 million credit line that they are able to draw down from anytime, for a term of up to 6 months in case their business demand calls for it.

The Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Credit Information Corporation expressed their support for this trailblazing innovation that will change the game for the country’s economic growth and at the same time boost economic recovery from the pandemic.

First Circle was recently named as one of the inclusive start-ups globally

in the 2020 Cohort Inclusive Fintech 50, the only company from the Philippines selected from over 400 financial technology firms from 111 countries.

The firm was recognized for their impact on unserved and underserved businesses and individuals even before the pandemic.

Since their signed first memorandum of understanding with DTI back in 2018, the finance firm had extended borrowings to 6,000 Small and medium-sized enterprises and disbursed over 16,000 loans. In terms of amount, First Circle has provided P4.5 billion worth of loans to the micro, small and medium enterprises industry since the contract signing a few years ago.

(Additional reporting from Rhoderick Beñez.)

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The Mindanao Examiner

Filipino cargo ship captain dies at sea

March 22-28, 2021

FOR SALE

Philippine Navy personnel assist in the evacuation of the body of MV Ivestos captain Baltazar Cruz.

The Filipino captain of the Liberian cargo vessel MV Ivestos died after collapsing while sailing off the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi, officials said.

Army Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the 62-year old Baltazar Cruz suddenly lost consciousness forcing the bulk carrier to seek help from the Philippine Navy in the capital town of Bongao.

Vinluan said the navy immediately dispatched a medical team to the bulk

carrier, but failed to revive the Filipino.

“The 3rd Boat Attack Division together with the personnel from the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Forward Medical Team immediately proceeded to the area to check on the status of the patient, but unfortunately he did not anymore respond to the medical aid applied to him and was declared dead by the medical team,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, said they have not

determined the cause of Cruz’s death and his body will to undergo quarantine procedures while awaiting the decision of the Filipino’s employer.

“The cause of death is yet to be determined.

In adherence to the medical protocol, the cadaver will undergo quarantine at Batu-Batu Dispensary (in Tawi-Tawi) while waiting for further disposition from their company,” Rojas said.

The cargo ship originated from the port of Loboc in Indonesia with 21 Filipinos and two Greek crew members and heading to Masinloc town in Zambales province in central Luzon when the incident occurred just this month.

Officials did not say what the bulk carrier was transporting. (Mindanao Examiner)

Research shows cyber arms race at tipping point THE COVID pandemic’s work-from-home reality resulted in an unprecedented change for organisations as they fought to defend exponentially greater attack surfaces from cybercriminals armed with powerful cloudbased tools, cloud storage and endless targets, reports said.

As working environments evolved, so did the methods of threat actors and other motivated perpetrators, as detailed in the latest 2021 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report.

“The year 2020 offered a perfect storm for cybercriminals and a critical tipping point for the cyber arms race,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bill Conner, adding, the pandemic — along with remote work, a charged political climate, record prices of crypto currency, and threat actors weaponizing cloud

storage and tools — drove the effectiveness and volume of cyber-attacks to new highs.

“This latest threat intelligence offers a look at how cybercriminals shifted and refined their tactics, painting a picture of what they are doing amid the uncertain future ahead,” he said.

The 2021 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report highlights how Covid-19 provided threat actors with ample opportunity for more powerful, aggressive and numerous attacks, thriving on the fear and uncertainty of remote and mobile workforces navigating corporate networks from home.

“There is no code of conduct when it comes to cybercriminals, their methods of attacks and the selection of their targets. Technology is moving at an unprecedented rate. Threats that were once thought to be two or three

years away are now a reality, with do-it-yourself, cloudbased tools creating an army of cybercriminals armed with the same devastating force and impact of a nation-state or larger criminal enterprise.

Organisations must remain vigilant and proactive in hardening their cyber security posture,” Conner said.

Data for the report is gathered from over 1.1 million sensors strategically placed in over 215 countries and territories around the world as well as cross-vector, threat related information shared among SonicWall security systems, including firewalls, email security devices, endpoint security solutions, honeypots, content filtering systems and the SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection multi-engine sandbox. (With additional reporting from Mindanao Examiner.)

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Old man still works to feed family, thanks DOLE for grant MALAYBALAY CITY – Despite his old age, Pepito Loranza, continues to work hard in an effort to provide for his family here, and said his income has even doubled after barely two months after receiving from the government a bicycle and other retailing products that he sells around.

The 63-year old Loranza said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial office provided him a P20,000 grant to help him sustain his work and feed his family.

“My income has now doubled after the two months’ receipt of DOLE’s assistance. I am very happy that I can still provide to my family considering my advanced age and the difficulties of this pandemic,” Loranza said.

Raul Valmores, DOLE10 Bukidnon Provincial Field Office Chief, said he personally turned-over to Loranza the brand new bicycle and rags, baskets and bottles of honey worth about P20,000.

Loranza said the fast and hassle-free processing of his livelihood grant was a big relief and more than that, he added: “The (DOLE) staffs have become

Pepito Loranza shows off his new bicycle, among other products he received from DOLE Bukidnon Provincial Field Office Chief Raul Valmores. the buyers of my products.”

Prior to receiving his DOLE assistance, Loranza said he was already vending various products such as woven baskets, rags, mats, brooms and bottled honey using his old bicycle around Malaybalay City. “My previous worn-out bicycle could not cover distant areas. My new and sturdy bicycle, given by DOLE-10 now allows me to market to outlying areas as far as Barangays Kalasungay and San Jose,” he said.

With the additional livelihood assistance, Loranza said he is now capable of marketing the products made by his neighbors. He can purchase larger bulks of rags, baskets, brooms and

other products to his wider clients even to government offices and eateries in the city.

Valmores said senior citizens are among the eligible beneficiaries of the Kabuhayan Program, a component of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), which aims to reduce poverty through the creation of enterprises that help augment income and generate jobs.

“We in the department make sure senior citizens are given equal access to employment and economic opportunities as part of our decent work agenda and inclusive growth,” he said.

(Mindanao Examiner)

March 22-28, 2021

The Mindanao Examiner

Sulu Pictures in the News

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The Mindanao Examiner

March 22-28, 2021

Across : 1. Continues 6. Lime drink 9. Venomous viper 12. Spare 13. Evergreen 14. Confederate general 15. Shine 16. Use the supplier again 18. Large truck 19. Disposable hankie 20. Brother’s daughter 22. Makes mistakes 25. Motherly 28. “Mamma ___!”

29. Fire residue 30. Verse makers 32. Flower wreath 33. Georgia city 36. Corn spikes 38. Reside 39. Struggle roughly 41. Freeway exit 45. Assumption 47. Contributor 48. Lincoln, informally 49. ___ Plaines 50. Exceed 51. Finish first 52. Baltimore time zone (abbr.)

53. Some curves

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Richard Suarez Down : 1. Lower limbs 2. Wheel shaft 3. Rose stalk 4. Apprentice 5. America’s uncle 6. Nigeria’s continent 7. Truck fuel 8. Love deity 9. City officials 10. Look at 11. Miles ___ hour 17. Wish undone 19. Perfect gymnastics score 21. Taxing agcy.

23. Film legend ___ Hay-

worth 24. Window frame 25. Gender 26. Yachting 27. Baker’s dozen 30. Cushion 31. Oppressive 33. Talks back 34. Most competent 35. Struggle 37. Total 40. Faction 42. Picnic visitors 43. A la ___ 44. Paid athletes 45. Cat’s foot 46. Slugger’s stat 47. Buck’s mate

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The Mindanao Examiner

March 22-28, 2021

Sayyafs are surrendering in Sulu

A military photo shows the 5 Abu Sayyaf terrorists who surrendered in Sulu province on March 12, 2021.

SULU – More Abu Sayyaf terrorists are turning themselves to the government as security forces and provincial and municipal officials continue their efforts in convincing the members of the pro-ISIS group to abandon their violent campaign and return to the fold of the law.

Just recently, five Abu Sayyaf gunmen, two of them teenagers, surrendered to the military in Sulu’s Maimbung town after their families, the ulama and municipal officials convinced them to yield and start a new life with their loved ones.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, said the terrorists, surrendered to the municipal government of Maimbung and 41st Infantry Battalion. They also yielded a grenade launcher and two rifles.

“Based on their initial debriefing, they were recruited because of the twisted narratives by the Abu Sayyaf,” Gonzales said,

adding, of the men claimed to have joined the Abu Sayyaf at a very young age because some of his relatives, who are also members of the terrorist group told him that they are fighting a jihad or holy war.

He said one of those who surrendered told this to military interrogators: “I am part of the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Yasser Igasan, who encouraged violence towards non-believers. I was thankful that my wife and in-laws urged me to leave the Abu Sayyaf group.

They asked me to attend madrasah, where I finally learned the real essence of being a Muslim. True Islam is really all about peace.”

Those recruited by the Abu Sayyaf had not any formal education and were indoctrinated by the extremist group in fighting the government. This was confirmed by Lt. Col. James Erasmus Gani, commander of the 41st Infantry Battalion, who said: “The Abu Sayyaf is target-

ing the youth who are still at their formative years and are exploiting their lack of education to indoctrinate them on their false narrative.”

And only this month, over a dozen Abu Sayyaf fighters also surrendered in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

The terrorists also yielded assorted weapons, mostly old firearms, in Talipao town. Two of those who surrendered were notorious Abu Sayyaf fighters, Almudar Muhajiri and Warsib Hamja, under terrorist leader Radulan Sahiron.

The Abu Sayyaf group, whose leaders pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, was behind numerous deadly bombings in Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga City and other parts of Mindanao. It is also involved in ransom kidnappings and brutal slayings of their Filipino and foreign hostages over the past decades.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Northern Mindanao tops Covid vaccination coverage CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - With the initial allocation of Covid-19 vaccines for frontline healthcare workers in Northern Mindanao, the National Vaccination Operation Center said the inoculation in the region has attained 90.25 percent coverage.

The vaccination roll-

out was started by the Department of Health (DOH) with the arrival of the 17,400 doses of Sinovac vaccines and 22,000 doses of AstraZeneca. Since the rollout, some 17,780 out of 19,700 eligible healthcare workers had been vaccinated, making the region number one among the

country’s17 regions in terms of vaccination coverage.

Out of the 17,780 healthcare workers inoculated, some 8,689 healthcare workers or 44.08 percent were vaccinated with Sinovac while 9,091 received the AstraZeneca vaccines. (Jaka)

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DENR builds material recovery facility in Marawi

The central material recovery facility being constructed in the village of Dulay in Marawi City. (Angelo Dologmandin) MARAWI CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it has begun constructing a central material recovery facility here which is part of the Solid Waste Management project.

Abdul Hamid Batugan, project management officer, said the facility in the village of Dulay sits on a 1,500 square meter area and is unique because of its mechanized features.

“Kakaiba ito kasi halos lahat mechanized. Mechanized ang water treatment facility at may mechanized na mag-cater sa waste kasi merong equipment and machinery na gagamitin doon,” he said.

With funds from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Program, the project also includes the procurement of equipment, including 5 quester dump trucks, 9 minidump trucks, 2 six-wheel-

er garbage collector trucks, 9 skid loaders, 1 case crawler-type excavator, 1 waste handling dozer, 1 vibratory roller, and 2 wheel-type excavators.

The machinery includes 12 rapid composters, four plastic shredders, four glass pulverizers, and 1 unit plastic densifier.

Batugan further explained that the facility will cater to non-residual waste which can be recovered or recycled while the bulk biodegradable waste will be catered through the sanitary landfill to be constructed in the village of Sugod.

The biodegradable waste, he said, can be used as a soil conditioner which will eventually become a fertilizer, while the recovered plastics or bottles can be transformed into bricks through the facility.

Batugan also called for the cooperation of the residents to properly segregate their wastes

and encouraged them to establish composting pits in their backyards.

“This project hindi lang kailangan mag comply o mag-execute ay ang local government or national government agencies, but all of us especially the stakeholders. Sana iyong lahat na basura na pwede i-recover is magkaroon ng segregation at home. We are assuring na this project is for Marawi City... for safety and magkaroon ng rehabilitation,” he said.

The facility is just one of the infrastructures constructed in the 2.2 hectares land for the project.

Completed infrastructures include an administration building, overhauling area, warehouse and storage, and powerhouse with supply, delivery, and installation of 100-KVA standby generator set.

DENR is also set to distribute 72 customized bins with four compartments for segregation intended for the returned barangays in the city. (Lela)

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March 22-28, 2021

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Serve people first!

‘Cebu, NCR mayors urge Duterte to seek vice presidency’

C

EBU – Senator Manny Pacquiao, who is also the president of the PDP-Laban, has ordered party members to focus on the opportunity to serve the people, instead of politicking ahead of the local and national polls next year, after President Duterte’s allies urged him to seek the vice presidency next year.

Pacquiao’s statement us now more than ever. There aware of their needs and we came after mayors in Cebu will be a time for politics, but give them hope.” and the National Capital Re- for now the lives and wellbeing “But before we can trugion, who are Duterte’s sup- of our countrymen should be ly solve the problems of the porters, urged him to run and our utmost priority,” he added. country, we must first focus they even issued separate Those who are urging on ourselves and our beloved resolutions, citing his great Duterte to run in next year’s party,” he said. strides in the government’s elections did not say whethHowever, Duterte’s supbattle against the scourge of er presidential daughter and porters also slammed Pacdrugs, terrorism, insurgency, Davao City Mayor Sara Dute- quiao, saying, he is also ambicorruption, and poverty. rte-Carpio will be his running tioning to become president Energy Secretary Alfon- mate. But political supporters and may be running next year. so Cusi, who is PDP-LBAN of the mayor have begun cam- He was also spotted recentvice chairman; and Presiden- paigning in various parts of ly visiting many areas in the tial Assistant for the Visayas, the country and put up huge country. (Cebu Examiner) Michael Dino, were report- tarpaulins with her photo and edly among those supporting markings: “Run Sara Run.” the move in Cebu.

Last year, Sara thanked Central Visayas and NCR the Cebuanos for their continTHE CEBU Provincial Govhave combined voters of ued support to her father. more than 12 million.

Even the President has ernment launched four tour According to the offi- started campaigning for his packages and one special cial Philippine News Agency, former aide and now Senator package for “staycation” as it Cusi held a private meeting Bong Go, whom he said during gears up towards a new and on March 10 with Cebu may- a public event, is running for better normal even as it conors, board members, and the presidency. Go later denied tinues to fight the spread of congressmen, where they Duterte’s statement, saying, he the Covid-19 disease.

The four tour packages signed the manifesto. At least never told him he wanted to are Northern Escapade, Island 18 mayors, three vice may- become president.

Getaway, Southern Escapade ors, two congressmen and Aside from lying on Go’s A and Southern Escapade B. three board members were political ambition, Duterte The special package is among those who signed the also campaigned for lawyer also available to those who Cebu resolution.

Salvador Panelo, his Chief LeCusi said some PDP-La- gal Counsel, and said he could just want to chill at a resort or hotel of their choice and bookban mayors in Metro Manila become a good senator. have also passed a resolution Pacquiao said as PDP-La- ing has started on March 22 pushing for Duterte to run for ban president, “I have the through the provincial governvice president next year. responsibility to enforce the ment’s tourism portal: www.

“We are now faced with a rules, promote cooperation, discover.cebu.gov.ph.

The Northern Escapade pandemic with a magnitude insists on civility and respect, starts in Liloan town up to the so great that it has affected and most of all, to remind you northernmost town of Daannot only our lives and the that we are one team, because bantayan.

It offers choices lives of our loved ones, but it is only when we are united to indulge in the only safaalso the lives of our entire na- that we can stand strong to ri-themed park in the country tion. It has put our economy weather any storm and to face located in Carmen, a bamboo to its heels and has forced our the greatest dangers. God desforest walk in Medellin, and the countrymen to joblessness tined as to be leaders to our blissful long stretch of shoreline respective constituents, and and poverty,” Pacquiao said.

“I therefore call upon all by showing them by example in San Remigio, among others.

And the Island Getaway is our party members to focus that we know our priorities we a choice between Bantayan Ismore on the opportunity to are sending a strong message land for its beaches and caves serve. Our countrymen need that we value them, that we are and Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan town for diving opportunities to get up close with thresher sharks and other mesmerizing marine sites.

While the Southern Escapade A is a tour to the eastern coastline of the province down to the southernmost tip in Santander going back up to the western coastline. This route At least 18 mayors, three vice mayors, two congressmen offers visitors activities such as and three board members in Cebu province were among diving, whale shark watching, those who want President Rodrigo Duterte to run for sardine run, river cruise, among vice president in next year’s polls. (Carlo Lorenciana) other fun water activities.

President Rodrigo Duterte, Mayor Sarah Duterte-Carpio, and Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Cebu launches ‘Suroy Suroy’ tour packages

ARMM

Eastern Mindanao

Thrill seekers can also experience paragliding in Oslob and the all-terrain vehicle ride in Barili.

While the Southern Escapade B explores culture and heritage from Talisay City crossing to the western City of Toledo towards Alegria with an interesting farm tour in Lamac, Pinamungajan, renowned for its best and green practices in farming and agribusiness.

The packages cover four days and three nights and can be availed of in three categories.

The rates range from P12,000 to as low as P7,500 for double occupancy. For local tourists or those from Cebu, the rate for the double occupancy is as low as P5,550. These packages are inclusive of the cost for airfare, coaster service, tour guides, meals, and tourist sites.

Travellers from around the country who want to visit Cebu no longer need to take the RT-PCR test.

Based on Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s Executive Order Number 12, domestic tourists are only required to show a valid medical certificate issued within seven days before their date of travel. They must also undergo Covid-19 symptoms checking at the point of departure and point of arrival.

All packages also come with a travel essential kit which includes a personal air purifier, in compliance to the health guidelines stipulated in the executive order signed in July 2020.

Garcia emphasized that the packages are aimed at re-

Western Mindanao

juvenating the Cebuanos’ livelihoods and boost the tourism industry and the local economy.

“I hope that’s attractive enough.

Syaro dili ni makapabuhi pa gyud og samot sa turismo because by the way tourism is already alive and well here in the Province of Cebu. This time we are showing the rest of the country, this is the way Cebu does it, this is the way Cebu proves we are moving on and moving forward,” Garcia said.

“Last year, I said tourism is not only a leisure activity, it is an economic activity. For many, it is easy to think that the tourism industry only involves sightseeing and whaleshark watching and sardine run watching.

But for every activity involved, there are thousands upon thousands of jobs and livelihoods that are given the opportunity to grow,” she added.

Garcia said when Cebu was placed on enhanced community quarantine, everything was closed and even the towns, whose main economic driver was tourism, suffered an economic catastrophe. “It cut across the entire spectrum of economic position in life. Yes, the poor and the poorest were most affected but so were those that had had a comfortable life. Why? Because not only were jobs gone, livelihoods taken away, business closed,” she said.

In reopening the tourism industry, Garcia emphasized that every decision made is well-studied and well-thought of. “Gitun-an ni nato’g maayo.

I was in constant communi-

Cebu

cation always with the DOH, the DOT, the DTI. Every step that we took, I did not do it alone. I consulted. I asked and got inputs from all of our regional directors. That’s why DILG always agrees with us over here in the region,” she said.

Garcia also reiterated that it is impossible to achieve zero Covid cases. She cited that the average fatality rate is only at two percent but with a 96-percent recovery rate in spite of the counts done since last year.

“How do we deal with Covid? We manage by ensuring we have adequate hospital care. We have enough hospital beds. Our critical care utilization is just at 42 percent (based on DOH 7 reports) which is below 50 percent. We deal with it,” she said.

The tour initiative is in partnership with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Air Asia with Cebu Tour and Transport Operators, its members and affiliated accommodation facilities, and GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation with the support of its Chief Executive Advisor, Andrew Harrison.

According to the Department of Health Central Visayas Covid-19 Case Bulletin #272 dated March 17, Cebu City has 2,812 active cases, Lapu-Lapu City with 1,087 cases and Mandaue City with 1,179 cases. (Eleanor Valeros, with additional reporting by Cebu Examiner.)

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