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April 25-May 1, 2022

Last disqualification case vs. BBM trashed T

HE COMMISSION on Elections has dismissed the last disqualification case against presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos, who was convicted in 1995 by a Quezon City Regional Trial Court of failing to pay his income tax returns for three consecutive years.

The court sentenced prisonment and a fine of his case before the Court Marcos to nine years im- P72,000. Marcos appealed Continue on page 2

Covid cases now low MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has renewed calls for the public to strictly follow safety and health protocols even as the number of Covid-19 cases in the country are going down.

Continue on page 2

Presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos (Image: Bongbong Marcos Facebook page)

MILF expands territories COTABATO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with the government in March 2014, continues to expand its territories in the South, sparking occasional clashes Continue on page 3

A girl gets a Covid-19 vaccine jab. President Rodrigo Duterte says Covid cases are now decreasing.

Molecular laboratory to open in Zambo ZAMBOANGA CITY – The City Health Office is set to inaugurate and open

Cop killed in gunfight ARMM

gunmen in the town of Sominot in Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philippines, officials

said.

Officials said the recent encounter Continue on page 3

Eastern Mindanao

ernment after the Department of Health Continue on page 5

Duterte warns politicians

Army soldiers during an exercise. (Image: Sgt. Cesar Lopez)

PAGADIAN CITY - A policeman was killed and his companion wounded after clashing with

to the public its first-ever molecular laboratory operated by the local gov-

Western Mindanao

DAVAO CITY - President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to order the arrest of any political candidates who would resort to violence and coercion during the election period.

“Tandaan ninyo, hindi kami papayag sa gobyerno na magkaroon ng terrorism sa eleksyon. Wala kaming kinakampihan. We will enforce the law to make the elections peaceful,” he said as he urged Continue on page 2

President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)

Cebu

Manila

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The Mindanao Examiner

April 25-May 1, 2022

Last disqualification case vs. BBM trashed

Covid cases now low

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Senator Bong Go. (PCOO) Continued from page 1 of Appeals which upheld the conviction, but removed the penalty of imprisonment, and instead ordered him to pay the fine and the deficiency income taxes plus interest The disqualification case filed by martial law victims last December wanted Marcos disqualified saying his failure to pay the taxes involves moral turpitude. It was the fourth disqualification case filed against the presidential frontrunner.

The poll body’s First Division, chaired by Commissioner Socorro Inting and members Commissioners Aimee Ferolino and Aimme Neri, said they were not convinced that Marcos committed a crime involving moral turpitude, which the petitioners stressed is a ground for disqualification.

They cited a 2009 ruling which said that failure to file an income tax return is not a crime involving moral turpitude.

“Regardless of the fact that the non-filing of ITR was done repeatedly by (Marcos) there is still no tax evasion to speak of as no tax was actually intentionally avoided. He may have been neglectful in performing this obligation, it however does not reflect moral depravity,” the poll body said, adding non-filing of income tax return is not tax evasion.

Next president Marcos’ spokesman, lawyer Victor Rodriguez, welcomed the dismiss-

al of the disqualification case against the former senator. “As advocated, elections are settled through the ballots on election day - not through the abuse of our judicial processes like the filing of nuisance petitions for disqualification. The Commission on Elections has affirmed and settled the last petition for disqualification: Presidential frontrunner Bongbong Marcos possesses all the qualifications needed to aspire for, campaign and serve as president of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.

“It is now time for every peace-loving Filipino to work for a clean, honest, credible and fair elections, and allow the people to speak, their voices heard and votes genuinely counted,” he added.

Surveys Marcos is leading in every independent political surveys in the country. The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the political party of Marcos, also cited the latest election polls from OCTA Research, saying the results of the survey “not only reaffirms the consistent and undeniable fact that majority of Filipinos are for Marcos’ call for unity, but also solidifies which brand of leadership many Filipinos believe shall usher in lasting peace, inclusive prosperity, and progress for this country.”

Thompson Lantion, Secretary General of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, said while these re-

sults are very much welcome, they nevertheless remain focused and committed to the goal of delivering an overwhelming and emphatic landslide victory for Marcos, the party’s chairman.

“While we in the Party believe that a BBM victory in the coming 9 May 2022 Polls is inevitable as these credible survey results would suggest - we urge all BBM supporters to continue our positive campaign for BBM and the Uniteam, bringing Filipinos across the globe together through his call for Unity. We call on all supporters to continue to be steadfast and remain vigilant in ensuring a fair, credible, and peaceful 2022 National and Local Elections.

Sama-sama tayong babangon muli,” he said.

BBM refers to Bongbong Marcos, whose running mate is presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. But President Rodrigo Duterte has only endorsed the candidacy of Sara and not Marcos, whom he previously insulted and called him a weak leader.

Duterte originally wanted Sara to replace him with Senator Bong Go as her running mate.

But Sara accepted Marcos’ offer to run as his vice presidential bet and forced Go, Duterte’s former long-time aide, to eventually withdraw his candidacy and supported Marcos and Sara’s UniTeam coalition. (Mindanao Examiner)

Continued from page 1 “I am happy to note that the numbers of Covid-19 cases have gone down considerably and if everything with our vigilance and ever conscious of our safety, we would be able to gain an upper hand in the fight against Covid-19,” Duterte said.

“But may I just also like to say something about itong sitwasyon natin. We are not out of danger. We are not out of the woods, ika nga. The Covid-19, originally, has sprouted so many variants at hindi natin alam na baka sakaling may resurgence kagaya ng ibang countries, which is happening now in Japan, China,” he added.

Duterte said the wearing of face masks in public places and crowded areas is still mandatory. “We can only guard against a re-

surgence by way of a new variant which we are not at the meantime able to really project baka magbalik nga o hindi. Better be on the side of prudence and maintain the protocols of washing of the hands and itong whether or not crowds are okay now.”

“Ang (National Inter-Agency) Task Force (for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) nagsabi that we can have a normal life, go about our ways, but then again, I said that it would be better if we maintain the requirement of wearing a mask. And so ako, that will be a mandatory requirement until the last day, until I go out of the presidency,” he said.

The president said the low number of Covid-19 cases is due to the strict implementation of the public health protocols,

citing reports by medical experts.

“Maganda na tayo but I believe in the statement of many persons, doctors, and professionals alike, medical persons that the one good thing that happened dito sa atin is that we were able to maintain ‘yung (face) mask. We must be conscious of the fact that there is a possibility that we would get it at some other time. Mas mabuti na ‘yang may mask and the other health protocols of cleaning your hands and all of these things that the medical people gave us by way of ‘yung mga protocols and advice. Ako, there is no way of telling whether or not it has ended. It’s still in the air, we are not guessing because we know that the, yun Covid-19 nandito,” Duterte said. (Marl Navales, Malou Cablinda)

Duterte warns politicians Continued from page 1 candidates running for the May 9 polls to follow the rule of law and refrain from sowing chaos to gain advantage during the remainder of the election period.

Duterte also warned politicians from using private armies, telling them to limit the number of armed guards based on the socalled “Alunan Doctrine,” referring to former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan

III who introduced the Alunan Doctrine, which deems two or more armed persons to be a private army that should be disarmed by the government.

“I’ have communicated this to the Cabinet that ang rules should really be followed, ‘yung Alunan Doctrine na lang.

Mas maganda ‘yun. That more than two bodyguards would be considered a private army,” he said, warning those who will be

found violating the policy would run the risk of being arrested and prosecuted.

“Kaming taga-gobyerno na naiwan, who are not candidates anyway and who are out of job by two months from now, mayroon kaming trabaho.

Ang trabaho namin is to keep order dito sa bayan natin na para plastado lahat. There must be peace, there must be law and order,” he added. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

April 25-May 1, 2022

MILF expands territories

Cop killed in gunfight Continued from page 1 also wounded one of the gunmen who was eventually captured during a police operation along with three other suspects in the village of New Oroquieta.

The two policemen, both members of the intelligence unit, were sent to the area after receiving reports from civilians that motorcycle gunmen were spotted roaming the village.

"Intel operatives from ZSPIU conducted validation on the monitored two motorcycle-riding unidentified armed men roaming along the roads of New Carmen and New Oroquieta. Upon validation of the intel operatives, they were engaged in an armed encounter by the armed men," Maj. Shellamie Chang, regional police spokeswoman, said, adding, the clash killed SSg. Khalid Jade Dacula and wounded SSg. Ronald Managbanag.

Chang said police reinforcements were able to capture Rogelio Cabasan, 52; a village watchman,

who suffered gunshot wounds in his right shoulder and left leg. Police also recovered from him a.357 magnum revolver and a.45-caliber pistol.

She said three more suspects who are all brothers — Tito Babanto, 36; Dioneso Babanto, 57; and Leonie Babanto, 48, also with a gunshot wound in his right leg — were captured by the police. The slain policeman's Glock pistol was recovered from Leonie's possession, and an M16 rifle and a magazine from Dioneso.

Earlier in the day, the village chairwoman, Daylinda Babanto Lagas, and brothers Leonie and Tito arrested Ian Rey Muyco, 26, who was caught with a.357 magnum revolver near their house. Muyco, a resident of Dumingag town, was handed over to the municipal police.

"Investigation revealed that prior to the incident, the suspect, a back rider in a single motorcycle, passed by the road near the house of the Barangay Chairman, suspiciously looking while his

hand was placed inside the sling bag which prompted the Barangay Chairman together with brothers to stop the single motorcycle and verify the identity of the suspect. The sling bag contained a.357 revolver wherein the suspect failed to present any documents of the firearm," a separate police report said.

"Further investigation revealed that the suspect is allegedly involved in threatening and harassing residents at night by entering their homes and forcing them to surrender their votes with a promise of money in the coming election," the report added.

It was unclear whether the gunfight was a mistaken encounter or not. The Babanto family has not released any statement.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack. The mayor did not issue any statement, but political elections in the South are traditionally violent. Filipinos are set to vote in the May local and national elections. (Mindanao Examiner)

Continued from page 1 with patrolling government forces in the restive region.

Sulu Even in Sulu, locals were surprised to learn that there are MILF members in the province. The military has confirmed this. Sulu is a known stronghold of Moro National Liberation Front and and has no known MILF presence until now after the military collected dozens of weapons from the MILF members. Tausugs are now demanding the MILF to leave them in peace and get out of Sulu, which is opposed to its inclusion in the MILF-led Bangsamoro Autonomous region under Murad Ebrahim, the chiefain of the MILF. Many Tausugs are planning to hold a peace rally and denounce the MILF’s presence in Sulu, saying the province is now peaceful.

Just recently, MILF forces attacked a group of patrolling soldiers and ignited a gun battle in Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Members of the 33rd Infantry Battalion were patrolling the village of Datu Kilay in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town when MILF gunmen led by Ustadz Guiahudin Monib attacked them. Monib, who belonged to the 105th Base Command, was killed in the clash, according to reports.

The MILF, under Murad Ebrahim, signed the peace accord with the Aquino government and eventually appointed as governor of the autonomous region. But despite the peace deal, former MILF rebels are still armed and the number of its members suddenly ballooned from about 12,000 - according to a previous military estimate - to tens of thousands and now seeking government aid as part of the provisions in the accord.

Dawlah Islamiya Last month, government troops also clashed with MILF members who were also fighters of the Dawlah Islamiya, a pro-ISIS militant group, in Maguing town in the neighboring province of Lanao del Sur. Troops recovered a cache of weapons and at least five kilos of crystal meth from the hideout of the Dawlah Islamiya.

Army Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said soldiers captured the terrorist camp in the village of Ilalag following fierce clashes that killed at least three gunmen and one soldier.

Denial Ebrahim accused the military of attacking MILF members in Maguing town and denied they were Dawlah Islamiya fighters as what the Western Mindanao Com-

mand claimed. He said the Muslim regional government is making sure that the on-going ceasefire between the MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will produce positive outcomes and provide permanent resolution to the conflict.

But Lt. Col. Palawan Miondas, a spokesman for the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said those killed in the fighting were terrorists and members of the Dawlah Islamya and the Maute Group which were also involved in the deadly siege of Marawi in May 23, 2017 that lasted five months. He said the terrorist lairs were also near an illegal camp of the MILF. “We are sure that those terrorists are members of the Dawlah Islamiya,” Miondas said.

The acronym of the group’ full Arabic name is al-Dawla al-Islamiya fi alIraq wa al-Sham, translated as “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (or the Levant).”

The Western Mindanao Command also maintained the gunmen were terrorists and that troops recovered a total of 22 improvised explo-

wounded.

Policemen, backed by army soldiers clashed with gunmen on December 29 after security forces tried to serve a warrant to arrest Joel Manampan alias Maula Manampan, who is allegedly wanted for various crimes and has a P175,000 bounty on his head.

Manampan managed to escape arrest and is being hunted by security forces.

The suspect was involved in illegal possession of firearms and explosives, carnapping, gun-for-hire and proliferation of illegal drugs in Pikit and nearby towns, according to the police.

The MILF leaders insisted that government forces should have coordinated with them because the area is considered as their “territory.”

Col. Henry Villar, the provincial police director, flatly rejected the MILF claims and said the area where Manampan operated is a haven of lawless elements involved in carnapping, gun-for-hire and illegal drug trade.

sives, anti-personnel mines, and at least 45 assorted crew-served weapons and high-powered firearms, including three .50-caliber machine guns, one .30-caliber machine gun, two M60 machine guns, twelve M16 automatic rifles, one M653 rifle, one M4 Carbine rifle, one AR15 rifle, five M14 rifles, one M4 automatic rifle, six anti-tank grenade launchers, two M203 grenade launchers, six .50-caliber sniper rifles, one M1 Garand rifle, one Browning automatic rifle, one AK47 assault rifle and a shotgun, assorted ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades, improvised rockets and ISIS flags, among others.

“Our troops averted and countered possible desperate attacks employed by the Dawlah Islamiya to inflict casualties not only to the armed forces but even the innocent civilians,” Rosario said.

Lawless groups Early this year, the MILF also questioned law enforcement operations against lawless groups in North Cotabato’s Pikit town after police forces clashed with criminals that left five gunmen dead and four cops

Camp Rajamuda Villar said the only recognized MILF camp in North Cotabato is Camp Rajamuda located in the village of Rajamuda, also in Pikit town, as agreed upon by the government and stipulated in the 2014 peace deal.

During the operation, security forces seized assorted weapons and over 400 motorcycles in a makeshift warehouse. The motorcycles were believed stolen after over a dozen owners came forward to claim their motorcycles.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, the regional police chief, said they have intensified operations against lawless groups and criminals, especially those wanted by the law in an effort to protect innocent civilians from violence.

Datu Turno Sultan, Sr., President of the Association of Barangay Captains in Pikit town, also told journalists during a news conference on January 5 that gunmen opened fire on security forces as soon as soldiers and policemen arrived in the village of Gokotan to arrest Manampan. The attack sparked a gun fight that lasted three hours. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

April 25-May 1, 2022

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, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin)

April 25-May 1, 2022

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The Mindanao Examiner

Molecular laboratory to open in Zambo

Zamboanga City Government Molecular Laboratory in Barangay San Roque.

Continued from page 1 finally released its license to operate.

The P14-million medical center in San Roque village is a project of the Climaco administration – the first and only molecular diagnostics laboratory in the Zamboanga Peninsula region operated by a local government.

Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, head of the City Health Office, confirmed the release of the DOH license to operate the laboratory, one of the flagship projects of Mayor Beng Climaco.

“We have already received our license to operate the molecular laboratory,” Miravite said, adding they are now finalizing the guidelines for the operation of the ground breaking facility. “There are logistics preparations that we are doing for the opening anytime in the coming weeks,” she said.

City Administrator Mike Saavedra said the Climaco administration has been working double time for the operation of the molecular laboratory.

He said the facility is only one of the many legacies of Climaco, who is now on her third and last term, and is running for congresswoman in District 1.

“The LGU-run molecular lab aims to provide free and expanded Covid-19 testing to residents, but nonetheless, those with symptoms and (people who had) close contacts (with Covid-19) are already given free testing by the LGU since the start of the pandemic (in 2020),” Saavedra said.

Zamboanga City has five other molecular laboratories and are operated by the Department of Agriculture, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Philippine Red Cross, West Metro Medical Center

and Ciudad Medical Zamboanga.

Molecular diagnostics are used to identify infectious diseases such as chlamydia, influenza virus and tuberculosis; or specific strains such as H1N1 virus or SARSCoV-2. It combines laboratory testing with the precision of molecular biology and has revolutionized the way clinical and public health laboratories investigate the human, viral, and microbial genomes, their genes, and the products they encode.

It is also called molecular pathology and involves taking DNA or RNA, the unique genetic code found in our cells, and analyzing the sequences for red flags that can pinpoint the potential emergence of a specific disease. The field has expanded rapidly in recent years. (Mindana0 Examiner)

Mayor’s political leader, family escape death PAGADIAN CITY – Police were investigating the attack on a political leader of Zamboanga del Sur’s Bayog town Mayor Celso Matias.

Police said an undetermined number of gunmen strafed the house of the 38-year old Saldy Lazaga. The man, his wife Anadelia, 31; and their two children managed to escape from the attack and sought safety to a neighbor’s house about meters away, until the police arrived.

Lazaga told police investigators the attack occurred at 1.30 a.m. on April 15 in the village called Camp Blessing. “All victims were unharmed.

The suspect of the strafing incident is still unidentified. During the ocular investigation, there were 16 fired cartridge cases of caliber 5.56 mm recovered at the crime scene and 14 bullet holes found at the walls of the victim’s bedroom,” said Maj. Shellamie Chang, the regional police spokesperson.

“Saldy Mainar Lazaga is an active leader of the incumbent mayoralty candidate Celso A. Matias, of Lakas-CMD party. The incident is suspected to be election-related,” she added.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack. The mayor did not issue any statement, but political elections in the South are traditionally violent. Filipinos are set to vote in the May local and national elections. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

April 25-May 1, 2022

Bukidnon Culture and Arts gipasundayag atol sa Madagaya Trade Fair

BUKIDNON - Gipasundayag ang Culture and Arts sa Bukidnon atol sa gipahigayong ‘Madagaya Trade Fair’ sa provincial government ug pinaagi sa Provincial Tourism Division, sa pakigtimbayayong sa Department of Trade and Industry sugod ning milabay’ng Marso hangtud Abril sa Robinson’s Place sa Valencia City.

Nahimo kining kahigayonan nga mapasundayag ug maila ang mga mga de-kalidad nga lokal nga produkto sa Bukidnon nga mao ang gi-display nga ginama sa mga Micro,

Small, and Medium Enterprises nga misalmot gikan sa local governments ning probinsya.

Ang mga lokal nga produkto naglakip sa coffee-based products, pineapple-based products, cacao-based products, wearable, homestyle and crafts, ug uban pang mga produkto nga pinasahi ug wala sa ubang lugar.

Nakuha sa syudad sa Malaybalay ang special award alang sa “Best-Selling Booth,” samtang nakuha usab sa syudad sa Valencia ang “Best Dressed Booth: nga mi-

dawat sa usa ka plaque ug certificate.

Mikabat sa 14 ka mga local governments ang misalmot nga mao ang mga mosunod: syudad sa Malaybalay ug Valencia, mga lungsod sa Impasug-ong, Maramag, Cabanglasan, Kadingilan, Quezon, Talakag, Libona, Don Carlos, Kibawe, Pangantucan, Manolo Fortich ug San Fernando, nga mihimo usab ug pasundayag sa nagkadaiyang sayaw nga gi-umol sa pito ka mga tribo sa probinsya.

(Mindanao Examiner, Bukidnon PIO)

Public told not to use fake electric wires, materials Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine Electric Wires Manufacturers Association has warned the public against the use of substandard and fake electrical materials, saying these products put consumers at higher risk of fire.

Engr. Reginald Villaruel, of the Philippine Electric Wires Manufacturers Association, said the use of substandard wires and cables endangers the general public because counterfeit wires use aluminium and steel wiring that break easily.

He said consumers can determine the quality of their electrical wires and cables by inspecting the product packaging.

“Legitimate products indicate the type and size of the wire, rated voltage, and the manufacturer’s name or trade name on

the product packaging,” Villaruel said.

“Local and international products compliant with Philippine National Standards also have a Philippine Standard Quality Mark and Import Commodity Clearance Sticker on their product packaging,” he added.

Weighing the product also determines the authenticity of the product, according to Villaruel, who said substandard or fake wires weigh less than the standard copper wires due to “under sizing” where the diameter of each strand is lesser than the prescribed standard, or possibly because they are copper-clad aluminium or steel strands.

Amid the increase in fake and substandard electrical wires on the market, Villaruel said they actively participate in dis-

seminating important information about electrical wires and cables to manufacturers and consumers.

“Meron pa rin po’ng mangilan-ngilan na namemeke ng mga wires and cable, kaya po kami we actively participate in these kinds of events, especially in partnership with DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), para po tayong mga consumer is alam natin kung ano ang mga produktong binibili at ibinibenta sa market,” Villaruel said.

Villaruel said those who allow the sale of fake and substandard products, especially products without the PS or ICC marks, will be penalized and such products will be confiscated and destroyed as part of their organization’s monitoring and enforcement initiatives. (Gabriel Andres)

coffee isn’t really pricey

KIDAPAWAN CITY Coffee lovers in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseurs think.

Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated

with other fecal matter, they are collected.

In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad.

But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lovers for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee

seller in Zamboanga City.

The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to give coffee lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink.

Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a home reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection.

Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and resellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao.

The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who wanted the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice.

And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 09153976197. (AJC)

April 25-May 1, 2022

The Mindanao Examiner

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The Mindanao Examiner

Across :

April 25-May 1, 2022

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Weekly Sudoku:

Maritess Fernandez Publisher

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Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief

Reynold Toribio Graphics / Video Editor

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April 25-May 1, 2022

OPINION

HEALTH

Deception Always Boomerangs

Nahihilo o Benign Positional Vertigo

by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu) WE HAVE to be duly warned about this fact of life. When we deceive others, we may succeed to a certain extent to attain the purpose of such deception. But never forget that deception will always come back and will inflict greater damage on the deceiver. A quote from St. Augustine’s Confession expresses this well: “They love truth when she shines on them; and hate her when she rebukes them. And since they are not willing to be deceived, but do wish to deceive, they love the truth when she reveals herself and hate her when she reveals them.

“On this account, she will repay them so that those who are unwilling to be exposed by her she will indeed expose against their will, and yet will not disclose herself to them.”

St. Paul already made reference to the grave consequences of deception. “Evil men and impostors,” he said, “will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Tim 3,13) The Book of Proverbs more or less says the same point: “His own iniquities will capture the wicked, and he will be held with the cords of his sin.” (5,22) In the gospel reading for Monday within the octave of Easter, a sample of deception is made. (cfr. Jn 28,8-15) “They gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’”

Because of this deception, many of these people who did it and their descendants could not accept the full truth about Christ. Deception always has a boomerang effect. It’s about time we review the crucial relationship between God and our capacity to stick to the truth or to distort it.

Nowadays, with the plethora of data and information, we have to remind ourselves constantly that

truthfulness is not a matter of simply conforming these data and pieces of information to our own designs. We need to process these raw data by leavening them with the love of God and submitting them to God’s will and designs.

To put it bluntly, we can only be in the truth when we are with God. Outside of him, let’s wish ourselves sheer luck, because the most likely thing to happen is to slip from the truth. It’s like chasing the wind. For all the excitement and advantages a Godless pursuit of truth gives, everything will just turn out to be vanity. With this new phenomenon about the so-called fake news, which is actually a rehash of the old evil tactics of disinformation and misinformation, of giving partisan spins to issues, we should feel the urgent need to be united to God to be really truthful and fair in resolving our problems.

Truthfulness therefore starts with our relationship with God, and with how well we maintain that relationship. This is something we have to realize more deeply, since very often we get contented with mere human criteria for truthfulness, that are often subjective, incomplete, imperfect, and vulnerable to be maneuvered and manipulated.

When we are not with God, then we can very easily play around with the facts and data, and pass them around as truth, but serving some self-interest instead of the common good, for example. We justify such behaviour as a privilege of our freedom. But would that be freedom when one is plunging himself to the bondage of untruth and deception? Would that be freedom when it is exercised to violate the will of God who is the giver, the pattern and end of freedom? (Fr. Roy Cimagala)

OPINION

Grace and Karma

by Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo (Cebu) KARMA IS a justice belief held mostly by Eastern religions that for every moral action we do there is a corresponding reaction. If we show goodness, we reap goodness. If we do evil, we reap evil. Karma usually is not instant but nevertheless it will come. It is supposed to teach us life’s lessons and to help us be better people.

Grace on the other hand is love and mercy given to us by God, something that we don’t deserve but God out of His goodness freely gives it. Grace can also mean a divine influence to inspire us to do good or to practice the virtues and a kind of aid or strength to endure trial and resist temptations to commit sin. Divine grace enlightens the mind and strengthens the will (our power to make choices) to do the right thing.

Grace can be availed from the sacraments such as Confession and Holy Eucharist.

Karma is attractive to our beliefs because it appeals to our sense of justice. If we see or read in the news that a crime is committed, we feel that it should be punished right away. However, we have to thank God that He practices grace on us and not karma because if He uses His justice on us through karma, no one would be alive because of the sins we regularly commit.

Grace works very differently. In the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Mt. 20:1-16) the landowner gave the same compensation to those who started working early and to those who were hired later. The early birds of course complained, “These who were hired last worked only one hour,” they said, “and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.” The landowner replied, “I am not being unfair to you, friend.

Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”

This parable refers to those who are called late in their vocation (to priesthood, religious life

and other states). A late vocation is when you receive grace to discover your vocation at a later stage in your life perhaps after being a boxer for many years and suddenly called to become a priest like Fr. Stuart Long of the famous true story movie “Father Stu”. Others enter religious life after working many years in the corporate world. God gives the same reward of heaven or even a higher place in heaven even though they happen to be called late in their vocation. It’s not about how long you have been in your vocation but how generously you have responded to that vocation. It’s quality over quantity.

The same unexpected logic happens with the Parable of the Talents (Lk. 19:11-27). The one entrusted with one talent who got lazy and did not work on it to gain a profit was divested of his lone talent. The repossessed talent was then given to the one who already had ten.

The people witnessing the event objected to the apparent unfairness saying, “Sir, they said, ‘He already has ten!’ “But the nobleman replied “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.” The law of grace is such that if we stubbornly don’t respond to the invitations of God to conversion, a time will come that grace will not be given anymore because of our hardheadedness. On the other hand, those who are constantly trying to make good use of the graces gifted to them will continue to receive more. The rich become richer and the poor become poorer in the law of God’s grace.

Wretched people are supposed to deserve a wretched fate right away, but God’s grace and mercy gives a chance, a lot of chance, to mend our ways. As Pope Francis would say, God never gets tired of forgiving but it’s us people who get tired of repenting. “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Ps 86:15)

Ni Dr. Willie Ong

M

ARAMING DAHILAN ang pagkahilo. Pero ang isang pangkaraniwang dahilan ay ang Benign Positional Vertigo.

Kadalasan, ang matinding pagkahilo ay nag-uumpisa sa pag-gising sa umaga kung saan bigla kang uupo mula sa kama. Ang biglang paggalaw ng ulo ang siyang dahilan. Nakakatakot ito sa pasyente pero hindi naman ito delikado.

Ang Benign Positional Vertigo ay isang problema sa tainga. Nasa tainga ang vestibular system kung saan nagmumula ang ating balanse at pag-galaw. Kung may dumi o impeksyon sa loob ng tainga (otolith), at puwede ito magdulot ng matinding pagkahilo.

Tumatagal itong sakit ng ilang araw.

Heto ang puwedeng gawin: 1. Huwag igalaw ang ulo. Ipirmi lang na nakatingin sa harap. Huwag tumungo o lumingon muna.

2. Idilat lang ang mata at tumingin sa harap. Huwag muna matulog o ipikit ang mata dahil lalo kang mahihilo. Sa gabi na lang matulog.

3. Manood lang ng TV buong araw para maka-focus ang mata sa TV. Umupo lang buong araw at huwag hihiga.

4. Dahan-dahan lang sa pagtayo at paglakad patungo sa banyo at baka mawalan ka ng balanse.

Humawak sa kasama o kapaligiran para hindi matumba.

5. Ang gamot sa Vertigo ay ang Betahistine 8 mg tablet, 3 beses sa maghapon (Brand name

Serc o Exigo). Inumin ang gamot ng 3 araw.

6. Sa mga nagsusuka o hindi makakain, uminom ng paunti-unti ng Oral Rehydrating Solution para hindi ma-dehydrate.

7. Sa pagkain, panatiliing nakatingin sa harap at huwag tutungo. Dahan-dahang isubo ang pagkain sa bibig. Puwede ang lugaw, saging at malambot na pagkain.

Ganoon din sa pag-inom. Huwag din itungo ang ulo.

8. Sa pagtulog sa gabi, gumamit ng 3 unan para mataas ang iyong ulo sa katawan. Kapag humiga ka ng flat, doon mag-uumpisa muli ang pagkahilo.

9. Kapag gumaling ka na, dahan-dahan pa rin ang iyong paggalaw ng ulo para hindi bumalik ang vertigo. Good luck po.

RECIPE

Beef Broccoli with Carrots INGREDIENTS : • 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin thinly sliced • 1 Knorr Beef Cube • 1 cups broccoli floret • 2 carrots sliced • 3 tablespoons soy sauce • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce • 1 teaspoon sesame oil • 2 teaspoons brown sugar • 2 tablespoons cornstarch • 1 ½ cups water • 1 onion chopped • 1 tablespoon garlic minced • 3 tablespoons garlic-infused oil • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds • Salt and ground black pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS : 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic.

Add beef once the onion softens.

Continue cooking until the beef turns light brown.

Pour the soy sauce into the pan along with the oyster sauce and sesame oil. Stir.

Add Knorr Beef Cube. Pour water into the pan. Cover and then cook in low heat for 25 minutes.

Add brown sugar, carrots, and broccoli. Cover the pan and continue

6.

7.

8.

9.

cooking for 5 minutes.

Combine cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water. Mix well. Pour the mixture into the pan. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Season with salt and ground black pepper.

Finish by adding toasted sesame seeds.

Serve over rice. Share and enjoy!

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New Santo Niño Chapel opens in Cebu

Cebu among areas getting US aid CEBU – Washington said it is providing - through the U.S. Agency for International Development – additional P17.5 million ($350,000) to support ecosystem and community recovery and this brings the total U.S. government aid for Typhoon Odette relief and recovery efforts to nearly P1.1 billion ($21.54 million).

This additional assistance will support local organizations in assessing the extent of damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats, enhancing their resilience and recovery, and provide assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples whose livelihoods were destroyed by the typhoon.

Seven civil society organizations working in Cebu, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Siargao Island, Dinagat Islands, Pala-

wan, and mainland Caraga will receive P2.5 million each to implement projects that will avert long-term damage and mitigate environmental risks that could threaten the lives and the livelihoods of affected communities.

USAID will provide this funding to the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Nagkakaisang Tribu ng Palawan, Palawan Biodiversity Conservation Advocates, Sentro Para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya, South Pacific Integrated Area Development Foundation, Surigao Economic Development and Microfinance Foundation, and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines.

Activities will focus on rehabilitating coastal and terrestrial ecosystems, supporting assessments to help local gov-

ernments in their disaster risk reduction and management initiatives, rebuilding livelihoods through biodiversity-friendly enterprises, and providing incentives for local communities to participate in projects that will help rehabilitate their natural resource base.

“We will continue to support the Philippines as it recovers from the massive damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems from Typhoon Odette. This additional assistance will help ensure that communities devastated by the typhoon not only receive immediate relief, but also longterm support that will have a significant impact on their lives and the environment on which they depend,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn. (Cebu Examiner)

Tourists and locals in Cebu have a new landmark to visit, the Santo Niño Chapel, which offers a good view of Cebu City’s waterfront and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Sunday, April 17, 2022, held the first Holy Mass at the chapel. (Image: Visionarch/C2W)

C

EBU CITY – Cebuanos can now spend their time praying and hold special celebrations at a new chapel of the Senyor Santo Niño built by a private development firm at the Senior Citizens’ Park just across the City Hall.

The chapel is now open Carbon, you will see the Sto. log dance. He said the chapel can accommodate at least for the elderly who want to Niño in many stalls,” he said.

The C2W, a subsidiary of 150 parishioners, while the have a place for prayer and meditation and offers a good engineering and infrastructure space leading to the park also venue for weddings and reli- developer Megawide, entered served as an extension of the into a memorandum of agree- chapel's main seating capacgious events.

Louie Ferrer, chairman of ment with the Cebu clergy ity.

The surrounding SeCebu2World (C2W), said the granting permission for regular chapel was finished months af- masses and weddings at the nior Citizens’ Park has a ter the 30-foot Santo Niño was chapel. Palma also led the first 3,704-square meter landblessed recently by Cebu Arch- Holy Mass celebrated at the scape where devotees and guests can stroll around. Elbishop Jose Palma. “The Santo chapel.

Ferrer considered the derly park-goers also have a Niño, 500 years since its arrival to Cebu, has become the core chapel as a new landmark in good view of the waterfront of Catholic Cebuano identity. Cebu, saying it covers an area and the Cebu-Cordova Link Our relationship with the Sen- of 300 square meters and is Expressway.There are also yor is very personal for us Ce- inspired by both the shape of food outlets and well-mainbuanos. You can see a likeness the Santo Nino’s crown and tained public toilets in the in almost every home. Even in the fluid motion of the Sinu- area.(Carlo Lorenciana)

Mayor vows fairness in poll rally permit approval CEBU CITY – Mayor Michael Rama said the local government will be fair in assessing and approving permit applications of political groups planning to hold campaign rallies or partisan events here.

Rama said his office would always ensure that politics is not a consideration in processing applications for permits for campaign rallies. The mayor issued the statement after the

ARMM

Eastern Mindanao

Western Mindanao

local government rejected the application of a group of supporters of presidential aspirant, Vice President Leni Robredo, to use the Plaza Independencia as a venue for a political event.

He said political rallies are not allowed at the Plaza Independencia, adding he also turned down a request from the camp of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao City

Cebu

Mayor Sara Duterte to hold their Cebu grand rally at the Plaza Independencia.

The mayor made the assurance following accusations by event organizers from Robredo's camp that their application earlier this month for a permit to use the Plaza Independencia was turned down by the local government. (John Rey Saavedra)

Manila