The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (April 10-16, 2023)

Utak sa Degamo slay binansagang ‘demonyo’

MANILA – Binansagan na “demonyo” ni Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos ang utak sa pagpatay kay Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo at dapat aniya na sumuko na lamang ng mapayapa ang mastermind sa likod ng naturang krimen.

Sinabi ni Abalos na

lahat ng ebidensya ay nakaturo sa mastermind, ngunit hindi naman nito pinangalanan ang utak sa pagpaslang kay Degamo, ngunit isa sa mga iniimbestigahan ng mga awtoridad ay si

the government’s request to suspend its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in the

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Former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (OPS)

Coast Guard personnel inspects the eerie remains of what was left on the ill-fated MV Lady Mary Joy 3 in this photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard Station in Basilan.

Executives from the Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation, the developer of the Dusit Thani Hotel Davao, break ground on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 on the company's showroom for its newest property in Davao City in southern Philippines - the Crown Residences at Tierra Davao - which is located just behind the Dusit Thani Hotel Davao. The executives were (L-R) Kristel Chavez, Sales Division Head; Cathy Casares-Ko, TLDC Chief Operations Officer; Tomas P. Lorenzo, TLDC Chief Executive Officer; Mae Valdez, Area Sales Head for VisMin; Jennifer Umali, TLDC Chief Finance Officer; Jonee Abella, Sales Division Head. (Photos by Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Governor Roel Degamo

ICC trashes Marcos’ appeal ‘Probe on Duterte’s deadly drug war continues’

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Duterte administration’s deadly war on drugs, removing one hurdle for the resumption of the probe.

“In the absence of persuasive reasons in support of ordering suspensive effect, the Appeals Chamber rejects the request. This is without prejudice to its eventual decision on the merits of the Philippines’ appeal against the Impugned Decision,” the ICC’s Appeal Chamber stated in an eight-page decision dated March 27.

The five-member Chamber noted that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), failed to substantiate its claim that the ICC lacked jurisdiction over the investigation that would create an irreversible situation and have far-reaching consequences that would be “difficult to correct.”

This is the second blow to the government’s efforts to stop the controversial ICC investigation following a recent decision allowing families and victims of the bloody campaign to submit their statements on the OSG’s appeal to reverse an earlier decision allowing the resumption of the probe into heinous crimes during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019 and the 2011-2016 Davao Death Squad killings.

While the government was given access to all filings on the case, the Chamber refused to provide information on the identities of those who file their statements for their own safety and security.

The Appeal Chamber also noted the government’s failure to promptly include its arguments on the suspension request when the OSG submitted the notice of appeal on February 3, doing so only when it filed an Appeal Brief on March 13.

In response to the OSG’s notice, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan had argued in a February 16 response that a suspension is “not necessary in the circumstances of this case.” He noted that there is no irreversible situation that would be very difficult to correct or could defeat the purpose of the appeal.

The Chamber has not yet decided on the government’s appeal which presented four arguments to support its position, including the alleged lack of jurisdiction of the Netherlands-based court and the alleged failure to place the burden of proof on the prosecutor.

If the Chamber grants the Philippine petition for reversal, Khan said his office would discontinue any relevant investigation into the drug-related killings and other crimes.

Marcos

But President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who has pro-

tected Duterte from the ICC probe, said his administration will no longer cooperate with the ICC, the government will finally disengage from any contact and communication with the international court after it rejected the country's appeal to suspend its drug war probe.

He said the ICC’s decision “ends all our involvement with the ICC. We don't have the next move... Hindi na tayo puwede mag-appeal. The appeal has failed and in argue, there is nothing more that we can do,” he said, insisting the ICC does not have any jurisdiction over the Philippines.

“We ended up with the position that we started with: we cannot cooperate with the ICC considering there are very serious questions about their jurisdiction,” said Marcos, the son of Dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was ousted from power in 1986.

Welcome development Welcome

The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines welcomed the ICC decision. “The ICHRP congratulates the ICC for cutting through the fog of lies and false claims laid out by the Marcos-Duterte government that the Philippine judicial system is functioning and can address any concerns about the President, the regime and the military’s roles in these gross violations of human rights and crimes against humanity,” it said.

On January 26, the ICC announced that it had granted the Prosecutor’s request to resume investigation into the “Situation of the Republic of the Philippines.” The ICC indicated that “following a careful analysis of the materials provided by the Philippines, the Chamber is not satisfied that the Philippines is undertaking relevant investigations that would warrant a deferral of the Court’s investigations”.

Having examined the submissions and materials of the Philippine government, and of the ICC Prosecutor, as well as the victims’ observations, the Chamber concluded that the various domestic initiatives and proceedings, assessed collectively, do not amount to tangible, concrete and progressive investigative steps in a way that would sufficiently mirror the Court’s investigation.

This conclusion of the ICC mirrors the earlier findings of Investigate Philippine Commission of Inquiry which found that domestic measures were effectively not functioning, and there was no evidence to support the Philippine government’s contention that victims could find justice in the Philippine courts. The judicial system itself was in fact

being wielded as an instrument in the Philippine government’s campaign of state terror.

The ICC decision to continue the pursuit of justice lays bare the Marcos Administration’s culpability in shielding the Duterte regime’s policies of impunity and state terror that killed perhaps 30,000 or more, and victimized Filipinos for six long years, according to Peter Murphy, ICHRP Chairperson.

“We are extremely appreciative of the decision of the ICC. It offers a mechanism for victims to continue their pursuit of justice against the Duterte Regime’s brutal war on drugs, on dissent and on the Moro and all indigenous peoples. Justice will still be served despite the Marcos administration’s decision to keep the Philippines outside the jurisdiction of the ICC and cover-up the crimes against humanity committed by the police and the military under Duterte,” he said, adding, the Marcos administration functions simply as a continuation of its brutal predecessor.

ICHRP - a global network of organizations, concerned about the human rights situation in the Philippines - believes the prosecution by the ICC may not stop the Marcos government from sheltering the perpetrators from prosecution or prevent such crimes from continuing to occur, but it can provide some constraint and a measure of justice to the victims.

In November 2022, Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla reported to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review that over 17,000 cases of drug killings involving police officers had been reviewed, resulting in a small number of disciplinary actions.

But Murphy said there is no way that this level of inquiry - most unlikely to be genuine -amounts to an investigation of the crime against humanity of murder which the ICC was investigating.

“ICHRP has full confidence in the impartiality of the ICC. We urge the ICC to vigorously pursue the full investigation of the previous Duterte administration for these crimes against humanity so that, finally, justice may be served and impunity ended,” he said.

Murphy, an Australian-based human rights advocate, led Investigate PH, a three-part investigation by an international commission on the extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests, abductions and disappearances in the Philippines since July 1, 2016, when Duterte came into power. (Ivel John Santos - Vera Files; Job Manahan, Katrina Domingo - ABS-CBN News; Mindanao Examiner)

Class suit vs. Aleson Shipping Lines?

‘Muslim lawyers vow free legal services to victims of deadly ferry fire’

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At least 48 lawyers have signed up to help the victims of the March 29 fire that broke out on MV Lady Mary Joy 3 off Basilan province.

The ferry, owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, departed Zamboanga City and was sailing to Sulu province when the fire broke out near Hadji Muhtamad town and the boat drifted to Baluk-Baluk Island where it ran aground.

Sulu governor Sulu governor

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan was the first to offer assistance to the victims of the tragedy that killed many of his constituents. Tan, a known philanthropist, said he will also commission a battery of lawyers which will help the victims and families of those who perished in the fire.

It was unclear whether the fire was an accident or deliberately set up, or an act of terrorism, but Tan also called on the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel and independent investigation

into the fire.

“I have no wish to preempt or influence the outcome of investigations into the mishap by issuing early statements at the height of the incident. I believe that it is more prudent and proper to wait for the composition of an investigating body to look into the matter, which among others will include the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Maritime Authorities, Bureau of Fire Protection and other agencies and instrumentalities of government,” Tan said.

“I call on the National Bureau of Investigation and request for them to conduct a parallel and independent investigation which we hope will shed more light into the cause of the incident. I will commission a battery of lawyers which will legally assist complainants and offer legal services for claims and other purposes,” he added.

Tan said the legal team will be headed by Provincial Legal Officer, lawyer Ryan Jumaani and private lawyer Wendell Sotto.

Muslim Lawyers Legal Muslim Lawyers Assistance Program Assistance

Jumaani was among those who helped organize the “Muslim Lawyers Legal Assistance Program” to help the victims of the tragedy after some of the victims sought his assistance in pursuing legal charges against the ship’s owner.

“Atty. Jumaani’s legal services were solicited by some of the victims, inspiring our organization to extend our assistance to those affected by the incident,” the group said.

“We, the Muslim lawyers of ZamBaSulTa, express our deep concern regarding the tragic fire incident involving MV Lady Mary Joy 3, which has left numerous families, devastated, and in need of support. As members of the legal profession and as adherence to the Islamic faith, we recognize our religious and moral duty to extend our help to the victims of this unfortunate event,” the lawyers said in a signed statement, a copy of it was seen by The Manila Times.

“The Muslim Lawyers

Navy intensifies antismuggling drive in South

SULU – The Philippine Navy intensified its anti-smuggling campaign in the southern region following the recent seizure of 447 drums of smuggled fuel off Indanan town in Sulu province.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao said the boat, ML Anne Nur, manned by nine crewmen, originated from the island town of Sitangkai in the province of Tawi-Tawi, just 49 nautical miles from Sabah in Malaysia. But photos released by the Navy shows the name of the boat as ML Fatima Nur.

“The Navy elements successfully intercepted ML Anne Nur within the vicinity seawaters of Tulian Island, Indanan, Sulu, with nine crews onboard. Subsequently, the operating troops conducted visit, board search, and seizure operation wherein they discovered undocumented 404 drums of XCS and 43 drums of automotive diesel oil. After the initial investigation, it was reported that the watercraft was bound for Jolo Pier originating from Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi,” the Naval Forces Western Mindanao said.

XCS refers to a high-quality premium motor gasoline blended with 10% bioethanol, a natural and renewable fuel that burns cleaner and has a higher octane compared to gasoline. It is also being sold by Petron

Corporation, the largest oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines, supplying more than a third of the country's oil requirements.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao said the seized vessel and its crew members were escorted to AMR Fishing Port in Zamboanga City for a joint inspection and inventory with the Bureau of Customs. It said the fuel was worth nearly P10 million.

“The apprehension and seizure of the undocument-

Legal Assistance Program aims to provide free legal services to the victims of the MV Lady Mary Joy 3 fire incident ensuring that they received the support, guidance and representation they deserve in seeking justice and compensation,” it said.

“Collectively, as Muslim lawyers, we stand in solidarity with the victims and their families pledging our expertise, dedication, and compassion to help them navigate the complex legal landscape in their pursuit of justice. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of our profession and our faith as we work tirelessly to alleviate suffering of those affected by this tragedy,” it added.

It was unknown at this point how many victims or families of those who perished in the inferno are mulling a class-action lawsuit against Aleson Shipping Lines.

Mayor Arsina Nanoh, of the Hadja Muhtamad town, who was among those who led in rescuing at least 195 passengers, said the ferry had 205 passengers, but there could be more not listed on the manifesto. Nanoh, quoting a rescued passenger, said there were explosions in the ferry before and after the fire broke out.

Holy Month of Ramadan, which only adds to our sorrow,” Mawallil said.

“Our people have plied these waters for millennia, and so such an occurrence begs painful questions: How could this have happened? Who is responsible? And how can we prevent it from happening again?” he added.

The Resolution No. 209 proposes that the appropriate committee look into the following issues:

1. The cause and circumstances of the fire, including any negligence or violations of safety protocols by the owner, operator, crew, or any other party involved in the operation of the vessel;

“The cause of the fire is still unknown, and there is a need to investigate the incident to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Pursuant to the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Bangsamoro Government has the authority and responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of the people, including those who use the transportation systems in the region for their livelihood and daily activities,” the resolution read.

ed items at the Sulu sea manifest the intensified maritime operation of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao to combat illicit trade in the sea waters of Western Mindanao,” it said without naming the owner of the contraband.

Smuggling in rampant in southern Philippines where unscrupulous traders continue their illegal trade resulting in losses of billions of pesos in revenues. Many of the contraband - from fuels to cigarettes - find their ways to different buyers in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

Parliament inquiry

Parliament

Two Muslim lawmakers Amir Mawallil and Deputy Speaker Laisa Alamia also filed a resolution in the Bangsamoro parliament seeking an inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the fire.

“While we grieve with the families of those lost in the tragic ferry fire, we in the Bangsamoro government should also make sure we take steps to ensure that this incident does not happen again. It is very unfortunate that this tragedy occurred during the

2. The adequacy and effectiveness of the safety measures, equipment, and protocols of the vessel and the shipping company in ensuring the safety and security of the passengers and crew; 3. The compliance of the vessel and the shipping company with relevant laws, regulations, and standards on maritime safety and security, including those promulgated by the Bangsamoro Government and the national government; 4. The immediate and long-term impacts of the incident on the survivors, the families of the victims, the environment, and the local economy, and the appropriate measures that the government should undertake to mitigate and address these impacts;

5. The policy and legislative measures that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority should propose or enact to enhance the safety and security of sea transportation within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, including the regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of safety standards and the provision of support and assistance to the victims and survivors of maritime accidents.

Mawallil also posted on his Facebook page a purported statement of Aleson Shipping Lines where it urged the Bangsamoro regional government to immediately respond and provide for the needs of the victims’ families.

“We urge the Cabinet of the Bangsamoro Government to immediately respond and provide for the needs of the families of those who were lost in this tragedy, as well as the needs of those who were injured and still seeking medical care,” it said, adding, it has started to reach out to the victims and their families to ascertain how it could be of assistance to them.

“We grieve with the families of those lost in the tragic ferry fire in the waters near Basilan last March 29. We grieve especially for our Moro brethren who were lost. That this happened during the holy month of Ramadan only adds to our sorrow. Our people have plied these waters for millennia, and so such an occurrence begs painful questions: How could this have happened? Who is responsible? And how can we prevent it from happening again? We await the results of the ongoing investigation for the answers to these questions,” it said.

(Mindanao Examiner)

A photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard shows the inspection teams from the Coast Guard and MARINA inside the ill-fated MV Lady Mary Joy 3.

Photos released by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao show the seized vessel ML Fatima Nur.

MV Lady Mary Joy 3 Tradegy

Photos released by the Philippine Coast Guard Station in Basilan province show the inside of the ill-fated MV Lady Mayor Joy 3. A huge fire hit the ferry on the evening of March 29 and killed at least 29 passengers and many more were reported missing. The boat departed Zamboanga City and sailed for Sulu province when the fire broke out near Hadja Muhtamad town in Basilan province. (Mindanao Examiner)

Triple SB mayors nagpasalamat kang ‘Nanay Nene’ sa ayuda

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Kagamhanang-Probinsyal nga gipatuman pinaagi sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) ug Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

Matod pa ni Assistant Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Alex Sabal, 500 ka mga food packs, tag-singko kilos nga commercial rice ug mga de-latang pagkaon ang nahatag sa mga residente sa Sibuco, 500 ka food packs sa Sirawai, 800 ka food packs sa Siocon ug 200 ka mga food packs sa lungsod sa Baliguian, ning lalawigan sa Zamboanga del Norte.

Alayon niini, nagpaabot sa ilang dakong pasalamat kang Gov. Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos sila si Sibuco Mayor Joel Ventura ug Municipal Administrator Ruth Molina Ventura sa tabang nga gilugway sa Kagamhanang-Probinsyal pinaagi sa PSWDO sa mga residente sa Sibuco nga nabiktima sa pagbaha nga dala sa na-

sinatiang low pressure area sa lalawigan di pa lang dugay, diin daghanang mga panimalay ang nangaguba ug panginabuhian ang nawala.

Susamang pasalamat usab ang gipalanog nila Sirawai Mayor

Aljazar Janihim ug Siocon Mayor Cesar Soriano, sa gipanghanghatag nga relief goods para sa mga biktima sa kalamidad nga nagpakita ug kausaban sa pagpangalad diin kini nagtunol ug hinabang sa tanang mga nanginahanglan nga walay pagpihig o pagpili sa tawo nga angayng tabangan.

Alayon niini, nagpaabot sa ilang dakong pasalamat kang

Jalosjos sila si Sibuco Mayor Joel Molina Ventura ug Municipal Administrator Ruth Molina Ventura sa tabang nga gilugway sa Kagamhanang-Probinsyal pinaagi sa PSWDO sa mga residente sa Sibuco nga nabiktima sa pagbaha nga dala sa nasinatiang low pressure area sa lalawigan di pa lang dugay, diin daghanang mga balay ang nangaguba ug panginab-

uhian ang nawala, sama sa mga mag-uuma ug fisherfolks nga wala makadawat sa unang hugna sa relief goods.

Si Junaida Sujad, 47, sa Barangay Poblacion sa Sibuco nga usa sa mga biktima sa miaging pagbaha, nagpasalamat ug dako sa ilang nadawat gikan sa Kagamhanang-Probinsyal. Matod pa nila nga dako na kining tabang alang kanila nga nabiktima sa miaging kalamidad. Sila si Janihim ug Soriano ang mipabati usab sa susamang pasalamat kang Jalosjos sa relief goods nga ilang nadawat para sa mga biktima sa kalamidad sa ilang lungsod.

Matod pa sa duha ka mayor nga gipakita lang ni Jalosjos ang kausaban sa pagpangalad sa Kagamhanang-Probinsyal, diin nagtunol kini ug hinabang sa tanang mga nanginahanglan nga walay pagpihig o pagpili sa tawo nga angayng tabangan. (A.T. Ruda, Rafael Lagasca, Raymund Garovillo)

Utak sa Degamo slay binansagang ‘demonyo’

Luxury apartment to rise in Davao

‘Torre Lorenzo debuts Crown Residences’

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Oro - has announced the launching of its Crown Residences, the company's newest residential complex here.

TLDC executives led by its CEO Tomas Lorenzo broke grounds for the Crown Residences' showroom, which is scheduled to open by the end of the year.

in-house property management for the tenants' comfort and peace of mind. With its renowned location, first-rate construction, and intelligently planned amenities, Crown Residences will provide both a great halfway house and a profitable investment for the Davaoeños,” she said.

After completion, Tierra Davao will be a P3.2 billion mixed-use development with the dusitD2 Hotel and Dusit Thani Residence as its anchors, two residential towers called the Crown Residences and the Crest Residences, and future office and commercial towers. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

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“Alam ko na alam mo kung sino ka. Sumuko ka na. Lahat ng mga ebidensyang ito, nakita naman natin sa mga nakaraang araw. Habang tumatagal, ang dami na. Alam mo kung sino ka. Sumuko ka na. Sa ibang hindi pa sumusuko, iba ang utak ng tao na ‘to, baka kayo ang isunod nito. Iba ito, he is very, very devious and evil. Lahat ng kasamaan, nasa kanya na,” ani Abalos.

Naunang itinanggi ni Teves na may kinalaman ito sa krimen na naganap noong Marso 4 matapos pasukin ng mga armado ang compound ni Degamo at niratrat ito. Patay rin ang ilang mga sibilyan sa naturang atake. Raid

Kaliwa’t-kanan naman ang raid ng pulisya sa mga ari-arian ni Teves sa Negros Oriental sa bisa ng search warrant laban sa mga hinihinalang kasabwat sa pagpatay sa gobernador.

Ayon kay Abalos, kamakailan lamang ay naglabas ng search warrant ang korte para sa isang nagngangalang Marvin Halaman Miranda, na sinasabing go-between o middleman sa pagitan ng mastermind at mga pumaslang; at kay Nigel Electona, ang Chief security ng HDJ Tolong, na isa sa tatlong indibidwal na naaresto ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng militar at pulisya sa Bayawan City sa Negros Oriental.

Nabawi sa operasyon ang mga baril at granada, at mga litrato ni Degamo at ng kanyang pamilya, litrato ng kanilang tinitirhan at gate ng Degamo compound, house routes at isang sketch plan ng gusali na pinaniniwalaang ginamit ng mga kasabwat sa pagplano ng pagpaslang.

Pinresenta rin ni Abalos sa isang press conference ang iba’t ibang matataas na kalibre ng baril, ammunition at explosives na nakumpiska sa operation na isinagawa sa isang compound na pag-aari diumano ni Pryde Henry Alipit Teves sa bayan ng Santa Catalina sa Ne-

gros Oriental sa bisa ng isang search warrant na inisyu ng Regional Trial Court ng Mandaue City. Ayon pa kay Abalos, nasabat din ng raiding team mula sa HDJ Bayawan Agri-Ventures Corporation sa Bayawan City ang dalawang digital vault na may lamang mahigit sa P18 milyon sa isang nakaparadang sasakyan sa loob ng compound. Dinakip rin ang tatlong lalaking manggagawa ng HDJ Tolong na nakitaan ng mga armas na walang kaakibat na lisensya.

“In light of these recent developments, the Special Task Force Degamo is very confident that we are nearing the end of unmasking the masterminds behind the shocking and gruesome murder of Gov. Degamo and others,” wika pa ni Abalos.

Good job Good

Pinasalamatan rin ni Abalos ang pulisy, militar at National Bureau of Investigation sa kanilang pagsisikap sa imbestigasyon upang maresolba ang kasuklam-suklam na pagpaslang kay Degamo at ilan sa kanyang mga nasasakupan.

Kumpyansa rin si Abalos at ang Task Force Degamo na, sa pamamagitan ng tuloy-tuloy na suporta ng Negrense sa pagbibigay kaalaman sa mga awtoridad, malapit nang madala sa hustisya ang mastermind at iba pang mga kasabwat sa krimen.

“We would like to thank the people of Negros Oriental for the outpouring of support by providing information that led to the discovery of these loose firearms and other instrument of violence,” sabi pa ni Abalos.

Ex-military Matatandaang limang suspek sa pagpatay kay Degamo ang sumuko. Naunang sumuko ang limang iba pa. Ibinunyag din ni Abalos na sa 10 suspek na hawak na ng Task Force, siyam ay dating miyembro ng militar at may direktang partisipasyon sa pagpatay, habang ang isa naman ay isang ex-military trainee.

“From this, makikita mo ang training ng mga taong ito. That’s

quite interesting. Direct, talagang direct na andoon. Ang sinasabi naming direct participation, it means within the crime scene itself,” sabi pa ni Abalos.

“These suspects have relevant testimonies that will help the Task Force build a strong case against the perpetrators, as well as the intermediaries and mastermind. The National Task Group Investigation and Legal under the Special Task Force Degamo is now in the process of completing the documentation of the initial statements taken by investigators from the suspects presently under custody,” ani Abalos.

Matatandaan na ilang oras pagkatapos ng pagpaslang kay Degamo, tatlong suspek ang nadakip ng pulisya at militar sa isinagawang hot pursuit operations sa Bayawan City. Pagkatapos nito ay isa pang suspek ang nakorner at nakipagputukan sa mga awtoridad na nagresulta ng kanyang pagkamatay. Isa pang suspek ang sumunod na nasakote sa kanilang patuloy na operasyon.

Ani Abalos, patuloy ang case build-up at imbestigasyon sa pangunguna ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) upang kuhanin ang kumpletong detalye ng pagpatay kay Degamo ngayong 10 suspek na ang nasa kustodiya ng pamahalaan. “They are still undergoing tactical investigation under NBI.”

Hinikayat naman ni Abalos ang mga natitira pang suspek na sumusuko sapagkat patuloy ang pagtutulungan ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan upang sila ay madakip. “Para sa mga natitira pang suspect, paulit-ulit naming sinasabi — sumuko na kayo. Marami na ang mga sumuko, mag-isip isip na rin kayo. Sisiguraduhin namin ang inyong kaligtasan, pati na ng inyong pamilya. Asahan n’yo rin na rerespetuhin ng gobyerno ang inyong mga karapatan at bibigyan kayo ng patas na paglilitis na naaayon sa ating batas,” wika ni Abalos. (Mindanao Examiner)

“We are in Davao for the long haul. The Davao region is one of the country's top-performing economies, so it’s a very attractive investment destination for industrial, residential, hospitality, and leisure industries. We hope to cater to the growing property demand here and elevate lifestyles as we bring Torre Lorenzo’s signature quality residences in Davao,” he said.

He said Crown Residences is deliberately master-planned to be close to dusitD2 Davao Hotel and Dusit Thani Residence Davao, just minutes away from the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, as well as the commercial and business districts, and is situated in its integrated-use development Tierra Davao.

Crown Residences, designed to deliver a new standard of life to Davao City, would contain 40% open space to enhance residents' physical and emotional well-being. A yoga and meditation garden, jogging trail, swimming pool, children's playground, fitness facility, and event rooms are just a few of the upscale features. A pet park, specifically for its residents, is included in the design of the amenities because the development is also pet-friendly.

TLDC has developed a reputation for its high-quality residential complexes, according to its COO Cathy Casares-Ko. “Crown Residences will provide our standard

Members of the press during who attended the the media briefing by Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation CEO Tomas P. Lorenzo.

RUSH SALE P 600,000

Philippines, U.S. reveal 4 new EDCA sites

Ford Wildtrak 2014

Zamboanga City | 0917-7103642

Coffee farmers get govt. assistance

The naming of these locations follows a February 2023 announcement in which the United States and the Philippines committed to designate four new EDCA sites in strategic areas.

In addition to the five existing sites, these new locations will strengthen the interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces and allow the Pentagon to respond more seamlessly together to address a range of shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including natural and humanitarian disasters. The Department of Defense said it will work in lockstep with the Philippine Department of National Defense and Armed Forces to rapidly pursue modernization projects at these locations.

The Pentagon said it intends to expand funding on top of the $82 million it has allocated toward infrastructure investments at the existing EDCA sites. In addition to supporting Alliance commitments, these investments will also spur economic growth and job opportunities in their respective provinces, it said.

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Cooperative (BMMPC) in Pangantucan town.

DA Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado led the handover of the 12-component assistance to the BMMPC. Pangantucan Mayor Miguel Silva Jr. and BMMPC chairman Porferio Sayson received the assistance.

The coffee farming intervention includes a hauling truck worth P2 million; 31,250 coffee seedlings valued at P1.5625 million; a processing facility worth P1 million; a coffee roasting machine worth P625,000; a plant nursery worth P500,000; and two depulper units valued at P240,000.

The package also includes six production and sorting tables worth P226,000; a grinding machine worth P190,000, a dehuller worth P147,000; five moisture meters worth P139,000; a vacuum pack sealer worth P70,000; and three grass-cut-

ters worth P30,000.

“The project is just among the interventions that DA Regional Office 10 has provided for your cooperative. We hope it will greatly help to provide labor to your community, increase coffee farmers’ income, and expand the reach of your coffee products outside of Bukidnon,” Collado said.

The package of interventions, carried out by the High-Value Crops Development Program, aims to increase coffee production. It was allocated through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act for its coffee community-based farm enterprise development—farm rehabilitation and improvement component.

The project is also being carried out in Talakag town in Bukidnon, with coconut growing intercropped with cacao and coffee.

Collado also encouraged BMMPC to submit project

proposals whenever they were needed because the cooperative was making progress and was sending coffee to Luzon and even in other countries. He reminded the members of the cooperative that DA will help as long as their goals fit within DA’s budget and overall goal for the Philippine coffee industry.

BMMPC is known for producing high-quality coffee beans. Seven of its members won the Northern Mindanao Coffee Quality Competition on March 18.

Backyard coffee seller the Mindanao Civet Coffee is also sourcing its wild Civet coffee cherries in Bukidnon and swears by the quality of the beans the cats consume. Aside from Bukidnon, the Mindanao Civet Coffee is sourcing its stocks of organic Civet coffee beans from farmers in Davao and other parts of Mindanao to help them earn a decent living. (Mindanao Examiner)

sites are responsive to the needs and priorities of local communities, and we will continue to consult closely with the Philippines on new opportunities that serve our shared interests. The United States and the Philippines have stood shoulder-to-shoulder as friends and allies for more than seven decades, unwavering in our treaty commitments and our shared vision for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous region. The strides we are making to expand the EDCA and modernize the alliance will ensure this vision endures far into the future," the Pentagon said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said said the goal of the EDCA is to defend the country’s eastern coast, noting the Philippines’ continental shelf on Luzon’s eastern side was also put into consideration.

The countries will also stage an amphibious landing on the western island of Palawan, the closest Philippine landmass to the Spratly Islands — a flashpoint for Beijing and Manila. The exercises, scheduled for April 11-28, will involve more than 12,000 American, nearly 5,000 Filipino and 111 Australian soldiers – about twice as many as last year. The Australian troops involved will mainly take part in “special operations” type exercises, Logico said, while Japan will send an observer delegation.

"The United States is committed to ensuring its activities around EDCA

His statement came as the Philippines and U.S. hold a joint war game which Filipino security officials claimed is the largest ever military exercises as the longtime allies seek to counter China’s growing regional influence. A total of 17,680 soldiers will take part in the annual drills, which for the first time will include live-fire exercises in the disputed South China Sea and a simulated defense of a tiny Philippine island nearly 300 kilometers (190 miles) south of Taiwan.

The two countries have been seeking to repair ties that were fractured under Marcos‘s predecessor Rodrigo Duterte. Beijing’s growing assertiveness on Taiwan and its building of bases in the South China Sea have given fresh impetus to Washington and Manila to strengthen their partnership, which is underpinned by a mutual defense treaty. This is the first Balikatan to be held since Marcos took power in June 2022.

Marcos has insisted he will not let China trample on the Philippines’ maritime rights – in contrast to Duterte who was reluctant to criticize Beijing. Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys, ignoring an international ruling that its claims have no legal basis. (Mindanao Examiner)

PCOO, na-hacked!

MAYNILA – Isang tanggapan sa ilalim ng Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) ang na-hacked matapos na ito ay ma-detect ng AVG anti-virus system at ng Google na naglabas ng warning o babala.

Ang Presidential Communications Operations Office o PCOO ay nasa control ng OPS.

Wala pang pahayag ang OPS ukol sa hacking sa PCOO na ngayon ay Presidential Communication Office na. Ang PCOO ay dating naka-redirect sa website ng Presidential Communications Office, ngunit sa ngayon ay wala nang access sa PCOO.

Ito ang warning na makikita sa website ng PCOO: “Your connection is not pri-

vate. Attackers might be trying to steal your information from pcoo.gov.ph (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). NET::ERR_

CERT_DATE_INVALID.”

Ayon sa PCOO, ito ang mandato ng ahensya: “The Presidential Communications Operations Office formulates and implements

an integrated program of information and developmental communication that will present the work of the Presidency; develop public understanding of activities and policies; and enhance public trust and support at the national, regional, and barangay levels.” (Mindanao Examiner)

Powerful 2.2 diesel engine, manual transmission, 2-inch lift, Robinson suspension, 20-inch Black Rhino rims, thick tires, only 85,000 mileage. As is condition. First owner.

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan province; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu town in Isabela province; and Balabac Island in Palawan province.

Sixteen Air Force KC-46A Pegasus’ and five KC-135 Stratotankers line up for an elephant walk at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., March 27, 2023, during Lethal Pride, a readiness exercise. (Photo by Air Force Airman Brenden Beezley)

The Department of Agriculture turns over a P6.73 million package of interventions for Bayanihan Millennium Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Pangantucan town in Bukidnon province.

Pictures in the News

Photos from the Office of the Sulu Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Radyo Pilipinas Jolo, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin

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Reclamation projects to boost economy: Garcia

CEBU CITY – Four major reclamation projects in Cebu province are expected

EBU CITY – Four major reclamation projects in Cebu province are to boost its position as a strategic location for trade and industry in the Cen- to boost its as a location for trade and in the Central Visayas region, according to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia tral to Governor Garcia.

Garcia said the following companies are undertaking the reclamation projects - Cebu South Harbor Container Terminal Corporation in Talisay City; Cebu South Harbor in neighboring Minglanilla town; Cebu Industrial Park Developers in Balamban town; and Dynacast in Danao City.

She said the projects will also increase the provincial government’s real estate assets, as the four companies are set to enter into an agreement to allocate at least 10% of their reclaimed properties to the Capitol as part

of the necessary requirement under the reclamation ordinance.

Provincial Ordinance 2009-02 provides that any reclamation developer must turn over 10% of their reclaimed land to the provincial government. Under the ordinance, all reclamation activities in Cebu province must seek approval from the Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority.

The Cebu South Harbor reclamation is a P10-billion project that is projected as the next container-handling powerhouse in Central Visayas, while the Cebu

South Port in Minglanilla is a five-hectare expandable port development that can accommodate ocean-going Panamax vessels.

The Cebu Industrial Park Developers is a joint venture project of AboitizLand and Tsuneishi Holdings Corporation of Japan in the shipbuilding town of Balamban. Dynacast Shipbuilding and Repairs in Danao City provides a full range of shipyard services, including ship repairs, shipbuilding, fabrications, repowering and modernized engineering. (John Rey Saavedra)

Pork supply steady despite ASF

Pigs

CEBU CITY – The supply of pork and pork-related products in Cebu City’s markets is stable despite the presence of the African swine fever (ASF) virus in at least a dozen localities in the province.

Cebu City Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, said the local government has noted a steady supply of pigs for slaughter coming from largescale farms in the San Fernando, Pinamungajan, and Dumanjug towns.

Alcover said prices of pork are also stable due to the steady supply of meat. But lechon or roasted pork traders, however, have been complaining as the backyard-raised breeds of pigs for roasting have become scarce, he said, adding, most of

the supply comes from Negros Island affected by border restrictions due to the ASF which is deadly to hogs.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said ASF is now present in the cities of Cebu, Bogo, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay as well as the towns of Liloan, Sibonga, Tuburan, Minglanilla, San Fernando, and Cordova. The ASF was first detected in a slaughterhouse in Carcar City after testing hogs which came from Negros.

The BAI culled over a hundred pigs in Carcar City but Governor Gwendolyn Garcia ordered to stop the destruction of live hogs within a 500-meter radius, citing its effect on hog raisers’ livelihood.

Garcia eventually sued officials of the BAI and the De-

partment of Agriculture over the culling policy. In a seven-page complaint filed at the Office of the Ombudsman - Visayas, Garcia said the five officials – BAI Director, Dr. Paul Limson; BAI deputy program coordinator, Dr. Samuel Joseph Castro; BAI coordinator on ASF, Dr. Joshua Cruz; BAI regional veterinary quarantine station head, Dr. Miriam Lopez Vito; and DA 7 (Central Visayas) ASF coordinator, Dr. Daniel Ventura allegedly violated provisions of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Local Government Code of 1991, and the New Civil Code.

The case stemmed from the officials’ alleged persistent “statement regarding ASF outbreak in the province of Cebu” and imposing zone mapping and culling protocols within a 500-meter radius without consulting and coordinating with the provincial government. “The indiscriminate culling of the pigs is in violation of the right to due process of the hog owners,” Garcia said, adding that “they were also not justly compensated prior to taking of their property.”

Garcia said the officials’ failure to exercise due course in performing their duties has greatly affected the P11 billion hog industry of the province.

(John Rey 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 connoisseur thinks.

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 lover 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 backyard 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 want 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)

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia