Sea dispute with China flares-up Ombudsman dismisses THE PHILIPPINE government said it filed a new diplomatic protest against China over disputes in the South China Sea, a long-thorny issue that has flared anew as newly-elected President Bongbong Marcos prepares to take office. The Philippines has filed hundreds of diplomatic protests against Continue on page 4
China Naval Forces
charges vs. Zambo mayor
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed charges filed by a veteran radioman in 2019 against Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical standards for Public Officials and Employees. Continue on page 5
Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco
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HE WORLD Health Organization has reported that monkeypox is now present in at least 25 countries, and warned the public that there will be more cases as the virus continues to spread. READ STORY ON PAGE 2
VP Sara thanks wellwishers on her b’day VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte thanked all those who greeted and wished her well during her 44th birthday celebration in Davao City. Duterte celebrated her natal day by distributing food packs to poor residents in Davao City. Some 2,500 food packs were distributed in the villages of Bunawan, Lasan and Lapu-Lapu in Agdao, and at Carmen dumpsite. Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco, Continue on page 2
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte
Facebook ignores plea to take down e-sabong: DILG THE PHILIPPINES has repeatedly asked Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook) to
take down social media pages which encourage people to participate in
illegal on-line cockfighting following President Continue on page 6
Child rights legislation hailed DAVAO CITY - Child Rights Network (CRN), the largest alliance of child rights
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advocates and child-focused organizations in the country, lauded lawmak-
ers for passing seven key children’s rights bills the Continue on page 6
Eastern Mindanao
A monkeypox infection. (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)
Duterte praises athletes PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte has praised Filipino athletes who participated in the recent 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam and commended them for bringing honor to the country Duterte led the recognition ceremony for the Continue on page 4
President Rodrigo Duterte poses with the 31st SEA Games medalists during the recognition ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on May 31. Joining them are Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino. (Ace Morandante)
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Monkeypox now in 25 countries
From page 1 Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, body aches, and fatigue. The disease is similar to the smallpox virus, but much less deadly. The disease can result in a rash that leads to red bumps on the skin. As of last month, there have been over 1,600 cases and around 120 suspected cases, although no deaths have been reported. “The situation is evolving rapidly and WHO expects that there will be more cases identified as surveillance expands in non-endemic countries, as well as in countries known to be endemic who have not recently been reporting cases,” it said. Since May 13, monkeypox has been reported to WHO from 23 member states that are not endemic for monkeypox virus, across four (WHO) regions. It said epidemiological investigations are ongoing, adding the vast majority of reported cases so far have no established travel links to an endemic area and have presented through primary care or sexual health services. The identification of confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox with no direct travel links to an endemic area is atypical, according to WHO, saying early epidemiology of initial cases notified to WHO by countries shows that cases have been mainly reported among men who have sex with men and just one case of monkeypox in a non-endemic country is considered an outbreak. “The sudden appearance of monkeypox simultaneously in several non-endemic countries suggests that there may have been undetected transmission for some time as well as recent amplifying
events,” WHO said. It said immediate actions should focus on the following: Providing accurate information to those who may be most at risk of monkeypox; stopping further spread among groups at risk and protecting frontline health workers. In addition to non-endemic countries reporting cases, WHO said it continues to receive updates on the status of ongoing outbreaks through established surveillance mechanisms for cases in endemic countries in the African region. Zoonotic disease Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms very similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. It is caused by the monkeypox virus which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. The name monkeypox originates from the initial discovery of the virus in monkeys in Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1958. The first human case was identified in a young child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. Various animal species have been identified as susceptible to the monkeypox virus, according to WHO. “Uncertainty remains on the natural history of the monkeypox virus and further
studies are needed to identify the reservoir(s) and how virus circulation is maintained in nature. Eating inadequately cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals is a possible risk factor,” it said. Monkeypox is usually self-limiting but there is likely to be little immunity to monkeypox among people living in non-endemic countries since the virus has not previously been identified in those populations. There are two clades of monkeypox virus: the West African clade and the Congo Basin (Central African) clade. The Congo Basin clade appears to cause severe disease more frequently with case fatality ratio (CFR) previously reported of up to around 10%. Currently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is reporting a CFR among suspected cases of around 3%. The West African clade has in the past been associated with an overall lower CFR of around 1% in a generally younger population in the African setting. Since 2017, the few deaths of persons with monkeypox in West Africa have been associated with young age or an untreated HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection. Historically, vaccination against smallpox had been shown to be cross-protective against monkeypox. However, immunity from smallpox vaccination will be limited to older persons since populations worldwide under the age of 40 or 50 years no longer benefit from the protection afforded by prior smallpox vaccination programmes. In addition, protection may have waned over time since vaccination. While one smallpox vac-
Tight security for Basilan after twin blasts
BASILAN – Security forces are on heightened alert following a twin explosions in Isabela City in the Muslim province of Basilan. The first explosion occurred outside the Jollibee fast food restaurant, but no one was hurt or injured from the blast. The May 30 explosion was also caught on a se-
curity camera as well as the man who planted the improvised bomb before dusk. Minutes later, a second bomb went off inside a bus depot and slightly injured an army soldier and two civilians who were hit by flying debris. The soldier said a cardboard box was left behind by an unidentified man to a bus
conductor saying somebody would pick it up at the terminal. The soldier said he even put the box beside a truck after the bus conductor left it at the terminal. He said the box exploded seconds later after he walked away. “Nilagay ko pa nga yun box sa tabi ng truck at saka ako bumalik sa puwesto ko pero seconds lang ay bigla itong sumabog,” he told radio station dxNO. The blast damaged the side of the truck and nearby structures, including a grocery store inside the bus depot. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the blasts, but the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf is actively operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the restive Bangsamoro autonomous region. (Mindanao Examiner)
cine and one specific treatment (tecovirimat) were approved for monkeypox in different countries, in 2019 and 2022 respectively, these countermeasures are not yet widely available in most countries and not at all in some. Countries with monkeypox cases The countries with reported monkeypox cases are Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Congo, French Guiana, United States, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland
France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Australia. No cases yet Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said although there is not a single case of monkeypox in the country, they are closely monitoring the latest developments about the virus and has intensified screening in all the country’s borders. He said the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine will be the main isolation facility for
suspect, probable, and confirmed monkeypox cases. The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) said it is also preparing for a possible outbreak of the virus. PHAPI president Rene Jose de Grano said although no case has so far been reported in the country, their members and the Department of Health are now on high alert. “Binabantayan po natin diyan ay fever, muscle pain, pagkakaroon ng kulani at rashes na typical sa supposedly na monkeypox,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
VP Sara thanks wellwishers on her b’day
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte with Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco. Continued from page 1 a political ally and a friend of Duterte, also sent her greetings and even offered prayers at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on May 31. “Feliz cumpleaños! To my sister, this is your moment to shine and make your own 'herstory' as the 15th Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines. We offered mass for you at the MCIC on this special Feast of Our Lady’s visitation to her cousin, Elizabeth. We rejoice in your victory! Daghang salamat sa tanan! Cheers sa ginger ale! Happy birthday!” Climaco wrote on her Facebook page. Climaco supported Duterte’s vice presidential bid in the last month’s election and Duterte also endorsed Climaco who ran but lost in the congressional race. The mayor said at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Duterte facilitated the donation of two RT-PCR test machines, including 25,000 sets of disposable specimen sampling kits to the local government of Zamboanga City. The local governments of Davao and Zamboanga City also signed a sisterhood accord in July of the same year. In January this year,
Duterte reminisced about her time with Climaco during their trip together to the United States two years ago. In her Facebook post, Duterte - popularly known as Inday Sara - said Climaco took care of her and ensured there is a steady supply of food in her room. “Throwback muna tayo sa trabaho bago naging pandemic ang Covid-19. January 23, 2020, two years ago today, dumalo ako sa 88th Winter Meeting ng US Mayors, kasama ko Si Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco na aking naging kaibigan dahil sa work trip na ito,” Duterte said. She said it was Climaco who gave her ginger ale, the first time she tasted the carbonated drink made from ginger root. “Alaga nya (Climaco) ako (at) laging may pagkain ang kwarto ko panlaban sa gutom at siya ang nag-introduce sa akin sa ginger ale na napakasarap pala,” Duterte continued on. Both Duterte and Climaco were invited by the US government for a series of lectures and meetings for the project “Strong Cities, Strong Partnerships: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Terrorism in Southeast Asia” under the auspices of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the US Department
of State. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, who welcomed Duterte and Climaco, branded the two leaders as “remarkable women.” During their stay in the US, Duterte said they went to Los Angeles and had talks with Mayor Eric Garcetti and learned about LA’s problems on gangsterism and the importance of how the government helps in guiding the children and youth to self-discipline and love of the country. “Sa pagbisita namin sa Los Angeles andami namin natutunan ukol sa gangsterism, ang LA ay isa sa may pinakamadaming gangs na siyudad. Kaya mahalaga ang mga children at youth ay nagagabayan ng gobyerno sa disiplina at pagmamahal sa bayan. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas,” she said. Just like Duterte, Climaco has always been a champion and a strong advocate of children’s rights and welfare. Climaco, reacting from Duterte’s social media post, said: “It was a wonderful experience to learn side by side with Mayor Inday. We look forward to a stronger, safer Zamboanga City where children and young people are given the opportunity to chase their dreams and aspirations.” (Mindanao Examiner)
June 6-12, 2022
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Duterte praises athletes Continued from page 1 athletes. “I am very happy with the results. It is not really in the winning, but going there just to give the country an image. Though maligaya ako na maraming medalya ang nakuha natin. I deeply thank you for representing the country with resiliency, excellence, and sportsmanship, and for bringing pride and honor to the Filipino people amidst the challenges that you had to face in these uncertain times,” he said. He also encouraged the youth to engage in sports and other productive activities to learn the distinct Filipino values and at the same time, uphold the country’s distinction as among the most competitive athletes in the world. Duterte also recognized the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and all the coaches for
their unwavering support in ensuring that the country’s athletes were in their prime condition to compete at the 31st SEA Games. While the government remains steadfast in supporting the country’s athletes, he called on the PSC and other sports bodies to continue extending their full assistance to keep athletes motivated in their future endeavors. “As we unite our efforts to achieve real and lasting change in our society, it is my hope that, even beyond my term, our athletes will continue to uphold the competence, discipline, and commitment that we Filipinos are known all over the world,” he said. During the recognition rites, Rubilen Amit, Nathaniel Perez, and Janelle Mae Frayna represented the medalists for the symbolic awarding.
Amit won two gold medals in billiards (9 and 10 balls women); Perez, silver medal in fencing (Foil Individual Men); and Frayna, bronze medal in chess (Women’s individual Blitz). All in all, the country garnered 52 golds, 70 silvers, and 104 bronze medals in 37 sports out of 39 participated in by the athletes. Almost P35 million in incentives were awarded to the medalists, with the total cash incentives reaching almost P52 million, including those given to the coaches. Also during the program, 178 medalists were awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu by Duterte. The PSC said it has recognized Duterte’s consistent backing of the athletes, highlighting it as the key in their recent successes in the 31st SEA Games. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sea dispute with China flares-up Continued from page 1 Beijing in recent years for what it considers acts of aggression in the disputed waters, despite improved ties between Beijing and Manila under outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, whose six-year term ends on June 30. The territorial conflicts are among the key challenges Marcos will face when he takes office after his landslide electoral victory on May 9. He has said he will use diplomatic means with China over the issue, the same approach adopted by Duterte, who has been criticized for not taking a more aggressive stance against Beijing’s increasingly assertive actions in the resource-rich and busy waterway. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it filed a diplomatic protest on May 31 over China’s imposition of an annual fishing ban lasting three and a half months that covers areas in the disputed waters where “the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.” It said the ban is not limited to Chinese fishing vessels and violates the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and a 2016 arbitration tribunal’s decision that invalidated Beijing’s vast historic claims in the strategic waterway and upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights in a stretch of coastal waters called its exclusive economic zone. China does not recognize the arbitration ruling and continues to defy it. The Chinese ban “has no basis in law, and undermines the mutual trust, confidence, and re-
spect that should underpin bilateral relations,” the Foreign Affairs said. “The Philippines calls on China to comply with its obligations under international law” and “cease and desist from the conduct of illegal actions,” including its “annual practice of declaring a fishing ban over areas that extend far beyond China’s legitimate maritime entitlements,” it said. Separately, Filipino foreign affairs officials said they summoned a Chinese diplomat in early April to protest alleged harassment by the Chinese coast guard of a research vessel in the South China Sea. They said they were reviewing other recent violations of Philippine rights in Second Thomas Shoal and Reed Bank, which lie within Manila’s exclusive economic zone but which China also claims, before taking further diplomatic action. The department said it summoned a Chinese Embassy official in Manila to protest the “harassment by the Chinese coast guard” of research vessel R/V Legend, which was undertaking a survey of undersea fault lines along the Manila Trench west of the northern Philippines. Philippine diplomats did not provide other details, but people involved in the scientific research told The Associated Press that a Chinese coast guard ship shadowed R/V Legend, which was carrying five Filipino scientists and an unspecified number of Taiwanese counterparts, from March 25 to 30. A Chinese coast guard
ship maneuvered about 2 to 3 nautical miles (3 to 5 kilometers) from the R/V Legend, causing concern among the scientists because the research vessel was towing a long survey cable in the sea, said Carla Dimalanta, of the National Institute of Geological Sciences, at the University of the Philippines. The offshore survey, which was scheduled to end April 13, was a joint project of the Philippine institute and the National Central University in Taiwan and aimed to help map offshore faults and other geologic features that could set off earthquakes, tsunamis and other hazards. The research was partly funded by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, she said. The Filipino scientists reported the incident to the Philippine government, which deployed a coast guard patrol ship, the BRP Capones, to keep watch on the research vessel, the coast guard in Manila said last month. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei have been locked in a tense territorial standoff in the busy waterway for decades. In past years, the Philippines has protested the Chinese coast guard’s blocking of Filipino supply ships en route to Second Thomas Shoal, where Filipino marines stand watch on a long-marooned navy ship. Chinese ships have also disrupted Philippine vessels exploring for undersea oil and gas in Reed Bank, Philippine officials said. (By Jim Gomez, AP)
June 6-12, 2022
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AirAsia Philippines resumes flights to Sabah, Indonesia, Hong-Kong, Singapore and Thailand
MANILA - AirAsia Philippines expressed optimism of a strong rebound in the Asean region with the resumption of flights to Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong-Kong, Singapore and Thailand starting June 1. The low-cost airline returned May 27 to Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, with 2x weekly flights. A growing resort destination, Kota Kinabalu is home to an array of tropical islands, lush rainforests and the famous Unesco site, Mount Kinabalu. It is also famous as an eco, wellness, health and sports tourism destination. Aside from tourism, Kota Kinabalu is also the industrial and commercial center of Sabah which opens strong opportunities for business and employment for everyone, including Filipinos. AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said: “Our resumption of flights to key ASEAN destinations
starting with Kota Kinabalu signifies our recovery especially in the international market. We hope to revive the tourism and economy of Sabah with the resumption of the Kota Kinabalu flights. We believe that the easing of safety protocols and test requirements by our neighboring countries have also revived the urge to travel among Filipinos.” A survey commissioned by AirAsia Philippines in December 2021 revealed that Filipinos are willing to travel in smaller groups this year with their families (69%), partners (40%) and close friends (24%) should international travel protocols relax. Top destinations picked by Filipino travelers include Singapore (73%) and Japan (71%). Ranking ninth in the list of top preferred international destinations of Filipinos is Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, with 47% of the participants including the destination in their top
choices. Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Noredah Othman has welcomed AirAsia Philippines, saying: “We are pleased to welcome the return of AirAsia Philippines flight to Kota Kinabalu. This is AirAsia's second international flight to Kota Kinabalu after Singapore. We are excited that international flights are progressively resuming since we rely heavily on air connectivity for our tourism arrivals. STB will continue to promote Sabah as a holiday destination to the Philippines market especially to those interested in climbing Mt Kinabalu and other niche tourism products.” Aside from Kota Kinabalu, the airline will also begin to fly tourists and business travelers back to Hong-Kong (weekly) and Singapore (4x weekly) as well as Bangkok (2x weekly) and Bali (2x weekly). (Mindanao Examiner)
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Ombudsman dismisses charges vs. Zambo mayor Continued from page 1 Rey Bayoging, president of eMedia Production Network, Inc., filed the charges after he failed to secure a business permit from the local government. eMedia is engaged in the business of advertising, promotion, radio and television production. And since 2013, is the exclusive program and content provider and blocktimer of Westwind Broadcasting Corp. which owns TV and radio broadcasting stations in Zamboanga City. Salazar was charged with violating Republic Act No. 11032 and Republic Act 6713. On January 7, 2019, Bayoging applied first for the renewal of its business permits with the local government and submitted all the requirements - listed in the Citizen’s Charter - to Benjie Barredo, the chief of the Permits and Licensing Division. The application was disapproved for the reason that the complainant lacks a legislative franchise to operate TV and radio stations. By disapproving the renewal of the business permit, Salazar also impliedly denied Westwind’s own business permit application - even in the administrative case the local government lodged against Westwind before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is still being heard. Complainant alleges further that respondent’s action is contrary to the DILG, DTI and DICT’s 2016 Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1 which provides that for business permit renewal purposes, only two documents are required - the applicants basis for computing taxes, fees, and other charges, and barangay clearance, which complainant all complied with. It also amounts to abuse of respondent’s authority since even the Citizen’s Charter did not list the legislative franchise as a requirement and, neither is complainant in the “Negative List” of any concerned government agency, including the NTC. In her counter affidavit, Salazar asserts that the disapproval of the complainant's business permit renewal application was the result of the judicious exercise of judgment and official discretion on her part. She said the 2017 Mayor’s permit granted to the complainant merely authorized it to operate as a contractor for advertising and promotion, radio and TV advertisements and productions, and it contains a provision that any violation of existing laws and ordinances by the permittee subjects the same to revocation. As complainant operated TV and radio stations without a legislative franchise and an authority from the NTC, respondent had to deny the renewal of its business permit pursuant to her duty under Section 455 of the 1991 Local Government Code. The Office (of the Ombudsman) noted the respondent’s verified position paper. No position paper was received from the complainant, according to the Ombudsman. “The complainant fails,” it said. In a six-page decision, the Ombudsman said: “Respondent’s disapproval of complainant’s
business permit renewal application was premise on the following grounds - based on the documents in the possession of her office, her own personal knowledge, and the information related to her by the City's Permits and Licensing Division; (the) complainant operated TV and radio stations in Zamboanga City.” “Since complainant’s original Mayor's permit was only as a contractor for advertising and promotion, radio and TV production and advertisements, such operation thus violated the City's Ordinance No. 92-008, which prohibits the conduct of any business without a permit having been first obtained from the City Mayor or her duly authorized representative; complainant’s Articles of Incorporation does not allow it to engaged in TV and radio broadcasting activities; Westwind being the one issued with the Provisional Authority (PA) by the NTC to operate TV and radio station, the use thereof by complainant is a violative of the PA’s condition No. 8, which prohibits the lease, transfer or assignment, among others, of the PA to any other person or entity; at the same time, such use violated Section 12 of the franchise granted by Congress of the Philippines to Westwind, similarly prohibiting, the lease, assignment or transfer thereof.” The Ombudsman said considering these serious violations which complainant notably did not dispute, respondent may not be faulted for exercising, prudence, and disapproving the renewal of the business permit. “Worth noting, further is the absence of evidence indicating that respondent was ill-motivated, or inspired by some malicious intent when she made the disapproval, which could have otherwise destroyed the presumption that she exercised the power of her office with regularity and good faith,” it said. “By the same token, respondent cannot be regarded as having violated Section 21 of Republic Act No. 11032 when she required complainant (to submit) its own legislative franchise and NTC license over and above the requirements for the renewal of a business permit as listed in the JMC or the City’s Citizen’s Charter. For one, Section 21 of Republic Act No. 11032 presupposes that the business permit applicant has complied with all the requirements that the law or laws governing or regulating the applicant’s type of business had prescribed. For another, the JMC is explicit that all business permits, applicants shall comply with all national laws and regulatory requirements,” the Ombudsman added. It said since complainant was engaged in the operation of radio and TV stations, it must abide by Republic Act No. 3846 and Commonwealth Act No. 146, which require it to produce a legislative franchise and an NTC license, respectively. “That complainant merely acts as the exclusive content provider producer and blocktimer of Westwind deserves scant consideration in light of the evidence gathered by respondent’s office, among which are the management contract between Westwind and complainant
Bayoging’s and eMedia manager Belsie Agustin’s letter to City Administrator Marie Angelique Go, all pointing to the fact that the complainant has assumed the operation and maintenance of Westwind’s TV and radio stations,” the Ombudsman said. “On the basis of the foregoing findings, thus, the criminal and administrative charges against respondent cannot stand,” it added. The decision to dismiss the charges against Salazar was recommended by Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao, Rodolfo Elman and approved by Ombudsman Samuel Marites on January 4, 2022 and was only received by Salazar through the City Legal Office on June 1. Defiance In October 2017, eMedia Productions was served with a temporary closure order for allegedly failing to comply with some legal requirements and documents for it to operate. Bayoging defied the order saying only the NTC has authority over them and not the local government. Salazar reminded businessmen, including media outfits to properly comply with requirements for operating business in Zamboanga City and avoid inconveniences. Citing, Section 6.2 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Department of Trade and Industry Joint Memorandum Circular 01, Series 2016, Salazar said all business permit applicants are mandated to comply with national laws and regulatory requirements. “Among the legal essentials are proof of business registration, business capitalization, occupancy permit, contract of lease and barangay clearance among others. For other industries, such as media - a business permit can only be obtained if the said outfit has complied with statutory requirements specifically the legislative or congressional franchise to operate,” she said. “Based on records, a number of business establishments are not compliant with requirements under the law and are facing sanctions. Under the Local Government Code, the Chief Executive is empowered to impose penalties on violators of the law. This, based on Section 16 of Republic Act 7160 or Local Government Code which states that every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare,” Salazar explained. Local newspapers were not spared from Salazar’s scrutiny and she ordered the City Treasurer under Romelita Candido to also conduct an audit and examine books of accounts and other pertinent records to verify and assess, and collect the true amount of taxes, fees and charges from January to December 2016. Media executives said they will comply with Salazar’s order. Many establishments have sprouted in Zamboanga City, but many of them also had no business permits and also do not issue official receipts. (Mindanao Examiner)
SEAOIL to build bulk terminal in Zambo
ZFA Chairman and Administrator Raul Regondola and two other officials with SEAOIL President for Commercial Business and COO Stephen Yu, and SEAOIL Vice President for Terminal Expansion and Development Ronaldo Itliong. ZAMBOANGA CITY – SEAOIL said it has invested some P740 million into a bulk terminal construction at the Zamboanga Economic and Freeport Zone. It is also SEAOIL’s first business venture into an economic zone, adding the depot is designed for 18 million liters of storage capacity and can receive direct imports. The independent fuel company broke ground on May 25 in partnership with the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (ZFA). This solidifies a 50-year agreement with the ecozone to create
development projects and activities for terminal and jetty operations. The total leased area amounts to 2.12 hectares, with an option to further expand. The terminal and jetty development is set to be completed by next year, and operations are projected to begin in the fourth quarter of the same year. “This partnership with ZFA is much more than a business decision for us at SEAOIL. By opening a terminal here in Zamboanga City, we can make our quality products more accessible to retail customers and commer-
cial industries in the area,” said Stephen Yu, SEAOIL President for Commercial Business and COO. ZFA Chairman Raul Regondola lauded SEAOIL for investing in Zamboanga. “We welcome this partnership with open arms as this is an excellent opportunity to pump more economic activity into the city. We also look forward to the jobs this terminal will bring to our locals,” he said. SEAOIL has over 650 branches nationwide with more being built this year to meet its target of having 1,000 branches by 2023. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Child rights legislation hailed Continued from page 1 past three years. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the 18th Congress for their unwavering support and active shepherding of child-focused bills that seek to expand the protection our laws provide for future generations. The passage of seven key legislative measures despite Congress adjusting to Covid-19 restrictions is testament to how our legislators can harmoniously work together for our children’s future,” said CRN Convenor Romeo Dongeto. The latest development only came recently with both houses of Congress ratifying the bicameral conference committee report on Senate Bill (SB) 2209 and House Bill (HB) 10703 or the proposed Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act. The bill, which is now up for the president’s approval, is the seventh key measure passed by the 18th Congress. The other measures include: • The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (Republic Act 11596, enacted in 2021). • The Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act (Republic Act 11642, enacted in 2022). • Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape Act (Republic Act 11648, enacted in 2022). • Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act (RA 11650, enacted in 2022). • The Foundling Recognition and Protection Act (RA 11767). • Expanded Anti-Trafficking Bill (SB 2449 and HB 10658, ratified by both houses of Congress, enrolled copy sent to Malacañang on May 24, 2022).
“These key measures take into account the widening danger that the advancement of technology poses on children’s rights, including the dangers posed by the Internet. Several new laws also enhance the protection of children against rape, abuse, trafficking, and discrimination. All these measures were thoroughly discussed by both chambers of Congress in consultation with child rights experts, advocates, and children themselves. The passage of these measures not only serve as an accolade to our Legislature, but also proves that in the Philippines, children remain at the heart of the law,” Dongeto said. “As the 18th Congress comes to a close, and a new set of leaders are set to take the helm, we take this opportunity to remind our legislators of the challenges that remain as regards child-focused legislation,” he added. One such hurdle, Dongeto said, includes the reintroduction of the Positive and Non-Violent Discipline Bill (SB 1477 and HB 8239), a bill that seeks to protect children from all forms of physical and mental violence by prohibiting beating, kicking, slapping, or lashing on any part of a child's body, with or without the use of an instrument such as broom, cane, whip, or belt. While Congress was able to ratify the law, President Rodrigo Duterte decided to veto it in 2019. “We would continue to push for this legislation, as it is our fervent hope that Filipino children will one day value discipline not out of fear, but of love and respect,” Dongeto said. He said CRN also listed several other pending measures that child rights advocates are set to campaign in the 19th Congress, including: • Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill The bill seeks to provide
a national policy to prevent adolescent pregnancies, and institutionalize protection for adolescent parents. • Comprehensive and Responsive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Bill - The bill seeks to provide a comprehensive and responsive civil registration and vital statistics system. • Magna Carta of Children - The bill is envisioned to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic legislation, and in effect become a comprehensive legislative measure that will not only encourage the protection of children from threats and harm, but more importantly ensure positive support for the development of the child’s personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential. • Philippine Commission on Children Bill - The bill replaces the Council for the Welfare of Children with the Philippine Commission on Children, which seeks to establish linkages with government and non-government agencies, and the Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC). • Bangsamoro Children's Code “The 19th Congress will be filled with longtime children’s rights champions, as well as fresh faces who we will actively engage and challenge to become champions themselves. We are optimistic that the 19th Congress will be able to move past party lines and act as one and pass the key legislative measures we have identified. Child rights advocates throughout the country are ready to engage with our incoming legislators. Together, let us take the record of the 18th Congress as aspiration. Together, we can achieve more for the Filipino children,” Dongeto said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Facebook ignores plea to take down e-sabong: DILG Continued from page 1 Duterte’s order to stop all “e-sabong.” The Department of the Interior and Local Government said Meta Platforms, Inc. has ignored its requests to take down all Facebook pages encouraging local e-sabong. “We wish to remind Meta Platforms, Inc. that as a business entity operating in the Philippines, they are subject to Philippine laws, rules, and regulations and must comply with them at all times. We have submitted to them the list of Facebook pages, groups, accounts, and sites encouraging people to play illegal on-line sabong but despite official communication and public appeals, Meta Platforms has ignored the request of Philippine authorities,” said Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya. He said the Facebook accounts of e-saboing op-
erators are still operational and violates Duterte’s order and of the Cockfighting Law as amended by Presidential Decree 1612. “We we have not received a reply from Meta to this date,” Malaya said. “Their continued inaction on the request of this Department, the Philippine National Police, and other government agencies to take-down pages, accounts, and other links encouraging people to patronize illegal e-sabong is tantamount to tolerating illegal activity in their platform. It is not only a violation of Philippine Law, but also a violation of Facebook’s own community standards.” “We are, therefore, making this final appeal to Meta to immediately and without further delay take down these pages. We also ask the public to support the ban on all forms of illegal e-sabong
on social media so that we can finally put a stop to this social menace that has destroyed the lives of so many of our countrymen,” he added. Malaya did not make public the list of e-sabong operators or their Facebook pages. Lawmakers previously urged Duterte to put a stop to all e-sabong, but the president ignored this appeal citing the huge amount of revenues the government gets from it. Duterte later on changed his mind and ordered a stop to all e-sabong operations following the abductions of many cockfight aficionados. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has also ordered its bank-supervised financial institutions to remove all e-sabong operators from the list of merchants in their respective online applications. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner OPINION
June 6-12, 2022
Managing Our Negative Emotions by Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo (Cebu) A GOOD book in managing our negative emotions is the one authored by renowned psychologist Susan David, entitled “Emotional Agility”. In her book she gave four ways to deal with destructive emotions such as anger, sadness, boredom, self-pity or nervousness. First, she suggested we need to be more accurate in describing our emotions. That we should be able to distinguish sadness from boredom, anger from hatred, anxiety from loneliness, etc. in assessing our emotions. Describing more accurately our emotions is like describing symptoms of our sickness to a doctor. A well-defined problem will be a much easier problem to solve. Second, she advises us to accept our negative emotions. Don’t run away from them by distracting ourselves with smartphones, use of social media or watching Netflix. Running away from it would just make it come back with a vengeance. I would like to inject a Christian remedy here. Feeling our pain is what God also wants us to do rather than fighting it or denying it. Christ Himself bore the pain of his agony in the garden for example along with all His other pains in His Passion and Death. When we accept our pain and offer it up to God, it will help us tackle our problems more peacefully and gain for us the grace from God to be resilient during trials. It does not mean we don’t seek remedy to our problems anymore and just bear the pain. It is to look for a solution but at the same time accepting the pain, not denying it or running away from it. Third, learn to detach yourself from a negative emotion. She said when you hear a rude comment and experience anger, you don’t have to react aggressively. You can take a second to step out of your emotion and choose to respond thoughtfully. The
analogy she gives is that a provoked negative emotion is like being in a car that is heading into a cliff. You have the option to get out of it and let it fall off the cliff on its own. As Viktor Frankl, the famous author of the book “Man’s Search for Meaning” would say, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is the power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” Fourth, act according to your values. With the bad emotion of anger for example you can turn it into good by thinking “I ought to respond calmly and let this contribute to my growth in patience.” When you feel your pride is hurt, think of it as a way to practice humility. When you feel bored, perhaps it’s time to practice diligence or hard work. Oftentimes boredom is a lack of seriousness in our work or studies that makes us indulge in too much recreation. Boredom is remedied by alternating work with recreation. We should only rest after having done our work. When we feel depressed perhaps it is more of a spiritual rather than a clinical ailment. That it might be a sickness of the soul rather than of the body. Remember that pain is a feedback mechanism that points to a problem. Sicknesses of the soul can only be remedied with medicines for the soul. St. Josemaria Escriva would advise, “Are you unhappy? Think: there must be an obstacle between God and me. You will seldom be wrong.” (The Way, 662) Most of the time God is the answer to our problems and one holy priest would even say God is always the answer. We should go to Him for He is a Father who cares much for His children. Perhaps what we need is a good confession, a helpful advice from a priest and putting our moral and spiritual life in order, then our life will be at peace.
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco (Zamboanga City) FROM THE Second Reading in Ephesians we read a summary of Jesus’ ministry and the prayer to the Holy Spirit for grace: “Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might: which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Our twin grandsons - Tres and Quatro - celebrated their anticipatory birthdays in Zamboanga City. They had the most beautiful Pizza and Burger Cake ordered ready by Wella. They announced their moving-up to grade 5. Since they loved to ask questions as is their curious nature. Tres wondered: Lola what will happen to you, when you won’t have a job? What will happen to Ate Garnette?” How sweet and caring these words of concern from
the little ones. Lolo informed me ahead of their “serious” talk about life. We ended with Tres praying to the Holy Spirit for wisdom imploring God to give Lola a good job and a good life!” Amen. The Lord’s Ascension and departure leaves a tinge of sadness. That is why the previous readings were Jesus’ assurance of His help and presence through the Holy Spirit. I came from (Barangay) Patalon and offered prayers and gratitude to a dear friend of TP and mine - Kagawad Aripin Arasani. He died due to heart failure. He was a friend till the end who offered his home to feed and welcome my husband. His constant presence and support are memories we value. He was in pain due to our loss. I hugged his wife and daughter and offered condolences to his son. I thank him for all his friendship and commend him to God. As Jesus ascended, we find hope that the Holy Spirit, who we welcome in our life even among children like Tres and Quatro, will lead us to the Father. We look at the friendship of a dear brother Kagawad Aripin. Amidst the pain and heartache, we commend him to God with eternal joy. May we look to life with faith, with hope and love toward Jesus who brings new life. (MBC)
Supporters of Marcos family in the Philippines hold Oʻahu victory rally
A rally in support of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the newly elected president of the Philippines, on Oahu on May 29, 2022. (Catherine Cruz / HPR) PREPARATIONS are underway for the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., or Bongbong as he is known. After the reported landslide victory, the Congress of the Philippines affirmed the election results last week. He is set to take office on June 30. “BBM, Bongbong Marcos” is what a crowd chanted at a recent victory party on Oahu. Blaisdell Park drew more than
100 pro-Marcos supporters, many originally from Ilocos Norte — where the Marcos family hails. The province is fiercely loyal to the deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and supports the transfer of power to his son. Ernie Abara is with the Worldwide Alliance of Leaders, the group that organized the Memorial Day weekend rally. He says people should give Marcos Jr. an opportunity
to prove himself. Although opponents fear the Marcos-Duterte ticket will seek to rewrite history and protect current president Rodrigo Duterte from facing allegations of human rights violations for his war on drugs. President Duterte is the father of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte. "We are here to celebrate the victorious moment of our leader, the great son of our former president and hero," Abara told HPR. "Even though we are in Hawaii, we are still a part of the team." Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiard also stopped by the midday gathering, as did Donn Ariyoshi, the son of former Gov. George Ariyoshi who was in office and welcomed the exiled president when the Marcos family fled to Hawaii from the Philippines. Also in attendance was Sherry Menor-McNamara, a candidate for lieutenant governor. (Catherine Cruz / Hawaii Public Radio)
Another Problem, Another Chance to Grow by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu) “I HAVE told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world, you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (Jn 16,33) What very reassuring words of Christ for us! That’s why no matter what happens in our life, even if we are drowning with all sorts of problems and troubles, we should remain at peace and confident, since Christ has taken care of everything. Instead, we should sport that havea-go attitude that would lead us to even take advantage of these situations, to derive something good from them, in order to grow in our humanity and our Christian life, etc. Remember St. Paul’s words to the Romans: “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” (8,28) Yes, even our limitations, our mistakes, our defeats in life, if referred to God, can lead us to something good. These actually are great opportunities to learn new things, to grow and strengthen our virtues, etc. Yes, if we have faith in God, in his wisdom and mercy, in his unfailing love for us, we know that everything will always work out for the good. If we are with God, we can always dominate whatever suffering can come our way in the same manner that Christ absorbed all his passion and death on the cross. Let’s always remember that God, in his ineffable ways, can also talk to us through these crosses. In fact, he can convey precious messages and lessons through them. It would be good that we have a theological attitude toward them, and be wary of our tendency to react to them in a purely human way, based only on our senses
and feelings and on worldly trends. In all our affairs and situations in life, we should always go to God to ask for his help and guidance, and to trust his ways and his providence, even if the outcome of our prayers and petitions appears unanswered, if not, contradicted. We need to trust in God’s providence and mercy. We have to learn to live a spirit of abandonment in the hands of God. If we truly have a deep faith in God, in his wisdom and mercy, in his unfailing love for us, everything will be taken care of and some good can always be derived even from our mistakes and failures. God always has the last word. He always wins. We just have to make sure we are with him in all situations of our life. When we are faced with our limitations, let’s just be game and sport about them, and try our best—with the help of God’s grace, of course—to try to go beyond our limits. There is always that possibility since we are not purely a material and natural being, but also a spiritual being capable of entering the supernatural order. With God’s grace, we can go beyond what our nature can only give. As an old love song would put it, let’s have that attitude that whenever we are faced with difficulties, we should be convinced that we can overcome them. And when it is something impossible for us to do, let us also convince ourselves that it may just need a little more time to get it. The fact is, Christ is always around. He allows some negative things to happen in our life to derive a greater good for us!
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The Mindanao Examiner Lifestyle
Section
June 6-12, 2022
Photos from the Office of the Sulu Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 6-12, 2022 Across : 1. Mister 4. Paddle’s kin 7. Separate 12. Garden implement 13. Gone by 14. River embankment 15. Drone 16. Johann ___ Bach 18. First game 20. Appends 21. ___ revolution 24. Christmas carol 25. ___-Mex cuisine 26. The I in TGIF 29. Basement 32. Covert 34. Braying beast 35. Weep 37. Locality 38. On a ___ (with little money) 41. Drifting 44. Least daffy 45. Not remembered 47. ___ loss (2 wds.) 50. Foreign 51. “Viva ___ Vegas” 52. Vat 53. Actress ___ Witherspoon 54. Squeak by 55. And so on (abbr.)
Answer to last week’s crossword:
Down : 1. Quiet! 2. Promissory note 3. Redoes the kitchen 4. Desert stops 5. Contract negotiator 6. Actor ___ De Niro 7. Roker and Pacino 8. Flower feature 9. Enthusiastic 10. Peruse 11. Perfect scores 17. Zodiac ram 19. Haul 21. Andes native 22. Refusals 23. Hewing tool 26. Aggravate
27. Juvenile 28. All-male party 30. Hardwood tree 31. Bird’s perch 33. Roadsters 36. Ringo Starr, e.g. 38. Wise people 39. Move furtively 40. Anxious 41. Not nearby 42. Only 43. Huron’s neighbor 46. Wallet bill 48. King ___ 49. CBS rival
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Police investigate kidnapping of Chinese man C
Members of the elite Police Special Action Force show off their capabilities during their 39th founding Anniversary at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City attended by Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, the acting PNP chief.
Gwen thanks BBM for appointing daughter as Tourism chief CEBU CITY – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has thanked President-elect Bongbong Marcos for naming her daughter, Liloan Mayor Maria Christina Frasco, as the next Tourism secretary. Garcia said Frasco, a lawyer and also the spokeswoman of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte, can share Cebu’s post-pandemic initiatives in revitalizing the country’s tourism industry. “As the governor of Cebu, I am very proud that the next Secretary of Tourism
is a Cebuana. This is such a huge vote of confidence…The initiatives and processes that Cebu has been able to accomplish despite the challenges of the pandemic and the calamity,” Garcia said. She said Marcos’ decision to appoint a Cebuana as Tourism secretary is such a manifestation of faith to Cebu and a recognition of the fact that the province is a tourism hub of the entire country. She underscored Frasco’s immersion in the province’s tourism programs during her
first term of office as governor in 2004, which gives the mayor ample knowledge of the provincial government’s holistic view of tourism as a driver of the local economy. Garcia expressed confidence in Frasco’s capability to run the Tourism department, saying her experience in helping Cebu “on how we have been able to define our direction consistently and how we’ve been able to revive Cebu’s economy” amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (John Rey Saavedra)
Dinagat province gets marine hatchery project CEBU - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the Republic Act 11736 establishing a multispecies marine hatchery in the town of Basilisa in Dinagat province. “President Duterte has once again shown that he is still not finished creating meaningful change for the country, especially the people of Dinagat Islands. This will certainly aid in the recovery of our economy as we build back from the devastation of Typhoon Odette and the economic impact of the
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Covid-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Alan Ecleo, who authored Republic Act 11736 on November 14, 2019. “Our vision is to make the marine hatchery and fish farming an economic centerpiece which would provide consistent income among the fishermen of Dinagat Islands, helping eradicate poverty in the Province of Dinagat Islands. We plan to develop the entire fisheries value chain in Dinagat so we could be a leading producer of high-value, fresh, processed fish in the
Philippines and abroad,” Ecleo said. The law shall fund the construction of a multispecies marine hatchery and transfer its management from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to the Basilisa government after two years. During such time, the BFAR will implement a training and phasing-in program for the personnel of the local government unit concerned on the management and operation of the multispecies marine hatchery. (Cebu Examiner)
Eastern Mindanao
EBU – Police are investigating the kidnapping of a Chinese national following a daring and dramatic rescue mission that left four Chinese gunmen dead in Lapu-Lapu City. Police said the 70-year old and the safe rescue of the vic- hunt operations against novictim, Lyu Xingou, was seized tim,” the general said, adding torious kidnap-for-ransom by the kidnappers outside his weapons and ammunition groups serve as a strong sighouse in Lahug village in Cebu were also recovered from the nal to criminals that the PNP City on May 25 and brought to hideout, including laptops and is very serious in addressing a safe house in the village Bang- cell phones, among other per- criminality and lawlessness in the country,” he said. kal in Lapu-Lapu City where he sonal items. Lapu-Lapu Mayor JuDanao said the bodies of was rescued on May 30. This was also confirmed the slain gunmen were brought nard Chan has assured the safety of foreign travelers in by Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, the to a funeral house. A police report said Lyu the city and said he ordered acting chief of the Philippine National Police, who identified was preparing to report for the local police force headed the slain kidnappers as Jinming work at the Mactan Newtown by Col. Arnel Banzon to idenGong, from Guangdong prov- Complex in Lapu-Lapu City tify the mastermind behind ince; Yiping You, from Fujian when he was taken at gunpoint Lyu’s kidnapping. “Through our Lapuprovince; Fengqiang Li, from by the Chinese kidnappers and Shandong province; and Heng forced into a black car. While in Lapu City Police Office, I will captivity, the kidnappers de- make sure to find out exactLin, also from Fujian. “Further investigation manded one million Chinese ly who the mastermind is in is being conducted (to deter- Yuan from Lyu’s family, but order to stop such acts. That mine) if they have other cohorts only managed to pay 500,000 way, we can give peace of through WeChat payment por- mind to our visiting foreign still on the loose,” Danao said. nationals that they are safe in He said the kidnappers tal. Lyu did not release any our city because of the ability were killed in a gun fight after police forces stormed the gun- statement, but Danao strong- of our police to solve similar men’s hideout. “As the opera- ly warned kidnap-for-ransom crimes and arrest criminal tives were about to enter the gangs, saying the police are crooks in society,” he said. house, a firefight ensued that serious in its anti-criminality (Cebu Examiner and John Rey led to the death of the suspects drive. “The unyielding man- Saavedra)
Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey 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 roast-
Western Mindanao
ed 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 0915-3976197. (AJC)
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