THE MINDANAO POST JUNE 10-12 2023

Month-long talks lead to NPA couple surrender in Surigao Sur

BUTUAN CITY – The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) convinced a young New People’s Army (NPA) couple to surrender after negotiations that took a month, according to the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) on Friday.

In a statement, PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II said the negotiation finally reached a breakthrough when the NPA couple agreed to return to the fold of the law.

The couple went to the SDSPPO on Thursday, underwent an interview and debriefing, and pledged their allegiance to the government.

They also handed over a 60-mm. mortar projectile and a loaded .38 revolver.

The couple, identified only through their aliases “JhonJhon”, 24, and “Fiona”, 21, were members of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon 16C2, NPA Guerrilla Front 16, Sub-Regional Committee Northland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“Jhon-Jhon served as the vice commanding officer of 16C2 and Fiona as the medical and supply

officer of the unit,” Labra said. Furing the debriefing, the couple admitted to having difficulties in rearing their oneyear-old child while inside the communist movement.

“They also realized that the armed struggle being waged by

the NPA has lost its grip due to the intensified counter-insurgency campaign of the government,” Labra said.

Labra also reported the surrender of a certain “Robert,” a member of Squad 3 of the dismantled NPA Guerrilla Front 88, Platoon

Banglas, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Robert, 28, yielded to the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office, also on Thursday, and handed over a .22-caliber revolver. (PNA)

The foreign and local delegates of the 6th Organic Asia Congress (OAC) had the opportunity to tour several organic farms in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. The farms visited include Barangay Libertad Communal Garden, Rama’s Nature Farm, Jalen’s Biodynamic Farm, and Barangay Cayontor’s Aga-Sayo Farm. These farms showcased many unique features ranging from organic fertilizers to livestock and poultry raised on biodynamic feeds. The delegates advocating for organic agriculture actively documented their experience through photos and videos. They engaged in meaningful discussions with the owners and staff to gain and share valuable insights about organic farming techniques. (DOT-NorthMin)

Oro voter’s list cleansing starts

By URIEL QUILINGUING Contributing Editor

Names of the dead will no longer be in the list of registered voters to be posted for this year’s October 30 village and youth council (Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan) elections.

City Election Officer

Ramil P. Acol said Wednesday, June 7, cleansing the voter’s list has started and this would go on until the end of July, this year.

This, after a data-sharing agreement between the City Government and the Commission on Elections was forged Wednesday (May 31) last week.

Mayor Rolando A. Uy and himself had affixed their signatures on a document as required under the Data Privacy Law (Republic Act No. 10173) that took effect in 2012.

City Civil Registrar

Evangeline Tapangan and Registration Officer Alice Theresa M. Gil also signed the data-sharing agreement as witnesses.

The local civil registrar’s office is the repository of vital information of all city residents, including death certificates of those who had died.

But the data-sharing agreement between the City Hall and City Comelec here has to be renewed after five years, as stipulated in the document.

Four months ago, Tapangan told the Mindanao Today they used to prepare a list of those who died every month and submit it to the City Comelec.

But the Data Privacy Law prevented them, unless there is a data-sharing agreement, detailing the responsibilities of both parties, and in keeping the vital information with utmost confidentiality.

Last year, there were 6,947 deaths in this city, including 109 babies.

Prior to the data-sharing agreement, the City Comelec would require family members to show the death certificate so that the name of their dead would be removed from the voters’ list.

As January 31, the City Comelec has 390,267 in its voter’s list. (MT)

SEC-CDOEO inks partnership with DENR-10 to mobilize CBFM-POs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)-

-The Securities and Exchange Commission-Cagayan de Oro Extension Office (SEC-CDOEO) sealed a partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10, which aims to assist the registered People’s Organizations (POs) in northern Mindanao, June 5, at the DENR Regional Office, here.

Present during the signing ceremony were SEC-CDOEO Director, Lawyer Frederick A. Enopia; DENR-10 Regional Executive Director, Dr. Henry A. Adornado; SEC Supervising Administrative Officer, Jesher M. Radaza; and DENR-10 Conservation and Development Division OIC Chief, Fidel P. Gamos, Jr.

The signing ceremony started with a rationale that was presented by SEC Information Officer Neil Maynard C. Conde, who discussed the salient provisions of the MOA and the obligations of the parties.

Primarily, the partnership intends to mobilize and capacitate the Community-Based Forest Management-People’s Organizations (CBFM-POs) all over Northern Mindanao.

The SEC, which serves as the corporate registrar, keeps an eye on corporations, including those associations and organizations

that the DENR itself is in charge of. It is presumed that a corporation registered with the Commission must submit the annual reportorial requirements, such as the general information sheet and financial statement; otherwise, it will incur a penalty for noncompliance.

The non-compliance of nonstock corporations has become a challenge for the Commission to overcome; hence, strategizing this networking agreement through establishing partnerships with public and private agencies.

"It is aligned with the message of our DENR Secretary to have

partnerships with the government sectors. It is important that the general public have access to our services, and as government workers, we are very happy with this initiative," said Adoranado.

He sees the partnership as very helpful, particularly to those sectors that have limited knowledge of utilizing the advancement of technologies and the challenges in the digitalization efforts of the SEC.

Enopia, in his response, expressed his gratitude towards DENR-10 for supporting the SEC’s endeavor in monitoring non-stock corporations as the sector that

needs extra assistance in complying with their annual reports with the Commission.

"This partnership will surely be beneficial to the CBFM-POs under the jurisdiction of DENR10. We look forward to assisting them so that their corporation or association will not be suspended or, worse, revoked, where, in such a case, it will be hard for them to avail the services and grants of the DENR," he said.

The parties are anticipating several future activities, primarily aimed at mobilizing the organizations and associations monitored by DENR-10. (SEC CDOEO/PIA-10)

DATA-SHARING. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando A. Uy and City Election Officer Ramil P. Acol (with beret) signing a data-sharing agreement to free the voter’s list of names of the dead, in the presence of City Civil Registrar Evangeline Tapangan and Registration Officer Alice Theresa M. Gil, May 31, 2023. [Photo by April Lorenzana/CMO]

24 fishery workers undergo boat repair, maintenance training

SUGBONGCOGON, Misamis Oriental (PIA)-The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Provincial Fisheries Office of Misamis Oriental (PFO MisOr) held a 2-day training program on fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boat repair and maintenance to enhance the capabilities of Fishery Extension Workers (FEW).

The newly appointed FEWs were stationed at the province’s various local government units (LGUs) to support the LGUs in effectively repairing and maintaining FRP boats and ensuring their longevity and safety.

The training, which BFAR-PFO MisOr organized, aims to equip FEWs with the knowledge neces-

sary to address boat repair needs in their respective communities.

“We are hoping that this training will capacitate you as FEW, and through this training, you can help our fisherfolks to fix and maintain their FRP boats,” BFAR PFO MisOr OIC Arlene Novo said.

Participants received ample insights and an overview of the activity from Ronald Escobido, alternate OIC of the Capture Section. Esobido presented the equipment to be used for the repair and maintenance and introduced various repair materials, tools, and proper safety protocols.

Participants also gained valuable insights into identifying and addressing common issues that arise

in FRP boats.

The FEWs expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the comprehensive training program, highlighting its practicality and relevance to their daily responsibilities. They emphasized that the newfound knowledge would enable them to better serve local fishing communities by providing efficient boat repair services and guidance.

The newly acquired skills of Misamis Oriental’s FEWs in FRP boat repair are poised to positively impact the province’s fishing industry and ensure it will continue to thrive and contribute to the economic growth of Misamis Oriental.

(BFAR-10/PIA-10/ Misamis Oriental)

Twenty-four Fishery Extension Workers underwent a 2-day training on fiberglass reinforced plastic boat repair and maintenance. (BFAR-10)

Participants received ample insights on repair and maintenance and were introduced to various repair materials, tools, and proper safety protocols. (BFAR-10)

Editorial&Opinion

Fetch please!

provide especially during wee hours when the need for transport is on a door-to-door basis.

There is this thriving alternative public transport in Cagayan de Oro City popularly known as habalhabal. It’s a motorcycle taxi ride which is technically an underground industry as they are as of the moment unregulated by both the national and the local government.

With the advancement of technology, a lot of these riders have organized themselves and their patrons as an exclusive group in their social media pages with members reaching to thousands, making their transport services more personal and convenient for

commuters not to mention their affordability. We hear of Fetch CDO, Fetch Downtown, Fetch Uptown, Fetch Carmen and Pick Me Up CDO to mention a few.

There is a legitimate player though, the Angkas, whose operations have been standardized and regulated but as I have observed is not quite patronized probably because their rates are relatively more expensive and are fixed, not giving room for commuters to bargain-something very pinoy.

Colorum motorcycle taxis primarily thrive because they provide services that the legitimate transport system cannot

Interestingly, as a thriving business there are quite a lot of group riders competing in their cutthroat market. In Cagayan de Oro alone, we are talking about a couple of thousand riders in 8 major Facebook pages which translates to a couple of thousand families as well having food on their table at the end of the day as each driver earns as much as 500 pesos to over a thousand pesos a day.

The thing is, because they are not being regulated, safety and quality service is not guaranteed. I know for a fact that a lot of them do not even have driver’s licenses and a few riders are still minors. Every now and then, we also hear horror stories from commuters on social media about their bad experiences of getting ripped off with unreasonable fare charges as there is really no standard charging in the said industry.

As a patron of the industry myself sometimes, I have my

RCEP and Philippine agriculture

chain hubs of Japan, China and Korea.

preferred group who in a way has relatively mastered their quality service with a standard operation and has assured their commuters of their riders’ accountability especially on safety. They even sometimes tap social media influencers to provide free rides every now and then which is a good marketing strategy.

On the other hand, I also got a taste of transport service from some riders with no license, who charge unreasonably, and who drive recklessly.

Thus, the question, should habal-habal be abolished? A big NO. Thousands of good and loving citizens would go hungry. But should they be legalized and regulated? Yes of course, just as how the local government units regulate tricycles. It can actually be done, in fact the local government can even organize them better and provide them the right IT support to make their operation safe and effective.

There is an urgency to regulate this underground industry

because the lives of our commuters are at their hands. This is more urgent than destroying perfectly fine roads and reconstructing them again. Besides, these riders are good people with families simply trying to make a living, not to mention, our communities badly need their services now more than ever.

Regulating them would mean, standardizing minimum requirements of the skills of the drivers and the condition of their motorcycles, holding them accountable, monitoring them, standardizing fare, and providing minimum insurance both for the rider and the passenger. Regulating them would also mean providing them needed support such as the technology they need in a smooth and safe operation.

I hope sooner than later our habal-habal drivers will have their legitimate place in our growing city. A status where they can also get protection and can also enjoy perks as law abiding citizens engaging in a legal business and contributing to our city’s progress.

On June 2, 2023, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement entered into force.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno was very ecstatic when he stated on Feb. 23 “the ratification of the RCEP is key to a more open, transparent, and predictable trade and investment environment. Deeper economic integration among RCEP member states will expand the country’s market access for goods and services, attract more investments, and create more and better jobs.”

The RCEP was ratified by the Senate on Feb. 22 by 20

senators with only Senator Riza Hontiveros voting against it, while Sen. Imee Marcos abstained.

It is the largest free trade agreement in the world composed of 10 ASEAN member countries, including free trade agreement (FTA) partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Overall, RCEP members account for one-third of the world’s population and economy. Specifically, the RCEP region accounts for 50 percent of global manufacturing output, 50 percent of global automotive output, 70 percent of electronics, and the main global value

The RCEP is the ninth FTA that the Philippines has ratified since the early 1990s. The Philippines has existing FTAs with several RCEP members, such as China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. With RCEP, it is expected that customs duties imposed by each member state on imported goods will be reduced by approximately 92 percent for 20 years.

While RCEP was lauded by some members of the business sector and government officials, the agriculture sector opposed the agreement, stating that unbridled import liberalization is causing the gradual demise of Philippine agriculture. There is indeed a reason for the agricultural producers to oppose the agreement since tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, cabbages, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, and many other agricultural products are included in the Schedule of Tariff Commitments of the Philippines.

A lot of these vegetables are

produced abundantly, particularly in the provinces of Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Mindoro and elsewhere. There were unfortunate times when farmers could not sell their produce, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, due to very low prices. During a Senate hearing on the prices of onions, farmers said that they can produce all the onions the country needs sans hoarding or the price manipulations of traders. It is already a fact that cheap imported agricultural products compete with those locally produced.

Import liberalization of all sorts of products has weakened Philippine industries, increased reliance on imported products, and threatened the nation’s food security. Reducing import tariffs to near zero will undoubtedly impact Philippine agriculture and the lives of millions of farmers who depend on the land as their source of livelihood. The result of the October 2022 Labor Force Survey showed that the agriculture and forestry industries lost 511,000 workers.

Beginning in the 1960s, succeeding governments chose to adhere to the policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) until the Philippines committed to opening its economy, meaning, open to foreign capital and foreign loans with economic impositions, to gradually liberalize the economy. The more the Philippines opened its economy to the influx of imported goods, reducing tariffs on agricultural products, the more the economy deteriorated, and local industries declined. The neoliberal era of the 1990s, marked by the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has led to more poverty among the people, threatened self-sufficiency, and increased food insecurity among nations.

It cannot be denied that the influx of agricultural products from other countries is making life difficult for agricultural producers. The decline in Philippine agriculture is more expressed by Walden Bello when he stated in an article that “In the years prior to our joining

Business&Oppornunity

SEC files criminal complaint vs 4 companies

CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY (PIA)--The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has brought Astral Fuel Station Corporation, Apollo Drugstore and Diagnostics Center, Inc., One Oasis Premier Holdings Corporation, and Kalahari Leisure Farm Club, Inc. before the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution for conducting unauthorized investment solicitation activities.

The SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD), June 2, filed a criminal complaint against Astral Fuel and Apollo for soliciting investments from the public without the proper license from the SEC, in violation of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

As such, the EIPD charged Astral Fuel, Apollo Inc., One Oasis, and Kalahari for violations of Sections 8.1, 26, 28, and 51.3 of the SRC.

The Commission implicated Astral Fuel and Apollo President and Chairman Ramon Julius Grajo, who was found to have established two other companies, namely One Oasis and Kalahari.

Also implicated in the complaint were other beneficial owners, directors, and officials of the companies, including Renato P. Grajo, Roberto P. Grajo, Ma. Michaela Arceo, Aiko J. Basas, and Arnel Kevin Besa, Joy Ann Chu, and Jess Tony Cruz, Ryan Ace Ducado, Roderick Fabia, Ricky Macalino, John Lorenz Rosario, Arnaldo Zapata, Sherwin Abuel, Cindy Alcalde, Patrick Averia; Jacqueline F. Asis, Monette Basa, Reyvee Bataan, Snooky Benzal, Omar Bolus, Salvacion Caraang, Geraldine Colinares, Dwayne Ramos Coma, Snooky Dela Cruz, Philip Detera, Lynnette R. Ebdane, Federico Esquivel, Edwin Evangelista, Ronald Facun, Nilda Gelua, Alma Gutierrez, Leonardo Leonor;

Florante Manzano, Mark Laurence, Rico Bryan Oncoy, Manuel Orias, Marne Organo, Rosemin Orino, Bernard V. Padilla, Cedric Palominique, Marlon Pedrera, Yron Recodo, Marian Roxas, Joana Santos, Ricky Santos, May Sicat, Juana Tadiang, Maverick Ternate, Bon Yatco Vergerie, and Theresa Yambao.

The case stemmed from various inquiries from the public in March 2021 regarding the legality of Astral Fuel and Apollo soliciting investments from

the public.

On September 23, 2021, the EIPD posted an advisory on the SEC website, warning the public against investing in Apollo. The Commission has since received several complaint affidavits from the public

stating that Astral Fuel and Apollo conducted investment solicitation activities through social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Google, which were verified by the EIPD. Without a properly filed and approved registration

with the Commission, the SRC forbids the sale or distribution of securities in the Philippines. Brokers engaged in the business of buying or selling securities are likewise required to be registered with the SEC.

Although both Apollo

and Astral Fuel are registered with the Commission, neither has the required license to solicit investments nor has it been filed with the SEC.

The Commission also noted that Apollo and Astral Fuel were mere

conduits to solicit investments from the public, as a review of their registration documents submitted to the SEC revealed that the companies have interlocking directors and common incorporators, stockholders, and officers.

All the companies were likewise found to have the same office address, with Ramon Julius Grajo serving as president, incorporator, and director, and One Oasis owning 99.99% of the total authorized capital stock of Apollo.

“It is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Office that probable cause against [Astral Fuel], [Apollo Inc.], [Kalahari], [One Oasis], and the officers, directors, agents, salesmen, and investment solicitors be found and they be charged for violations of Sections 8.1, 26, 28, and 51.3 of the SRC, in relation to Section 73 of the SRC, and the corresponding criminal information for said offenses be filed in court,” the complaint read. (SEC CDOEO/PIA-10)

Travel&Tourism

DOT, NPM tackle ways to lure more mid-East tourists to PH

MANILA – Tourism Sec-

retary Christina Frasco and New Perspective Media (NPM) Group CEO and founder Karen Franco have agreed to help each other find ways to drive tourists from the Middle East to the Philippines by promoting medical tourism, halal travel, diving, arts, and culture, among others.

In a meeting at the Department of Tourism (DOT) headquarters in Makati on June 5, the two engaged in discussions on the diverse range of tourism opportunities that the Philippines could promote in the Middle East, it was reported in the Filipino Times.

Frasco thanked Remo for the invaluable insights she shared during the meeting, acknowledging their potential to aid the department in positioning the Philippines as a global travel destination and capturing the lucrative Middle East outbound travel and tourism market.

She said the Philippines has been hailed as the top diving destination in the world by many organiza-

tions.

The country, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, won the “Best Dive Destination” during the Diving, Resort and Travel Show in Malaysia on Feb. 24-26, the “World’s Leading Dive Destination” during last year’s World Travel Awards, and “Asia’s Leading Dive Destination” from the same group from 2019 to 2022.

Meanwhile, Remo congratulated the DOT for the well-deserved recognition of the Philippines as the Emerging MuslimFriendly Destination of the Year at the esteemed Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023, held in Singapore on June 1.

She also updated the tourism secretary on NPM’s forthcoming initiatives in the UAE, including the 10th annual Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition, as well as the upcoming 2nd Philippine Economic and Investment Summit, both slated to take place in Dubai on May 11 to 12, 2024.

The twin events will

feature the Philippine International Travel Fair to promote localities and destinations primed for tourism and investment, and realize the travel aspirations of the 192 nationalities in the UAE.

Remo – who is also the publisher of The Filipino Times, the largest news

media for overseas Filipinos globally – emphasized that overseas Filipinos serve as the most effective ambassadors of the Philippines to the rest of the world, as their highly regarded professionalism and friendliness create a profound impact on fostering positive perception

about the country.

Since Dec. 2023, the DOT has been incentivizing overseas Filipinos to invite tourists to explore the Philippines through the “Bisita Be My Guest” (BBMG) program.

These incentives include travel discounts and a chance to win a condo-

minium and complimentary vacation trips. The meeting was also attended by DOT Undersecretary Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan, DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand “Cocoy” Jumapao, and NPM Group Editorial Director Mark Nituma. (PNA)

NIGHTTIME FISHING. Local fisherfolk sailing the Gui Hú or Osmanthus Lake demonstrate to passing tourists their fishing methods in southern China’s Guilin City in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The lake is one of four in the city, popular among tourists for cruises and illuminated riverside pagodas and parks. (PNA photo by Mark D. Merueñas)

Marcos assures funds, food packs ready amid Mayon unrest

MANILA – Government funds and food packs are available for those who will be affected by the possible eruption of Mayon Volcano, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday.

Marcos made the assurance after Albay province was placed under a state of calamity on Friday as Mayon increased its abnormal activities.

In a Facebook post, the President urged affected residents to heed the instructions and directives of their local government officials to ensure their safety.

“Sa pagsasailalim sa probinsya ng Albay sa state of calamity dahil sa pag-aalburoto ng Bulkang Mayon, pinapaalalahanan ang ating mga kababayang Bikolano na sumunod lamang sa mga rekomendasyon at evacuation instructions ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa (With the declaration of a state of calamity in Albay due to Mayon Volcano’s restiveness, we are reminding Bicolano residents to follow the recommendation and evacuation instructions of your local officials to ensure everyone’s safety),”

LU | from p4 the WTO (World Trade Organization), our annual agricultural trade was most often in surplus. The last time our agricultural trade was in surplus was in 1993. Since we joined the WTO in 1995, our agricultural trade went into deficit, growing from USD149 million in 1995 to USD960 million in 2005 to a whopping USD7.9 billion in 2019.”

The RCEP opens the floodgates for more imported products, especially in agriculture. While economic protectionism remains a viable option but may not be feasible in the era of globalization, I think what is more doable is to awaken the patriotic sentiments of Filipinos to patronize locally produced commodities.

There is now an emerging and developing movement to buy Filipino-made products, buy locally-produced vegetables, and help local farmers sell their pro-

he said.

He said residents who are within the 6-km. radius permanent danger zone are being evacuated.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), he added, is on standby with assistance and support for the evacuees.

The department has PHP114 million worth of Quick Response Fund, PHP5 million in standby fund, and 179,000 family food packs (FPPs) in Disaster Response Centers.

Apart from DSWD, concerned agencies, such as the Office of Civil Defense, the departments of agriculture, health, and environment, as well as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), are in constant communication, Marcos said.

The DSWD has also readied a PHP67.8-million fund and 814,758 FFPs in other field offices to support the relief needs of areas affected by Mayon’s seismic activities.

About PHP1.04 billion worth of other food and non-food items are also available at the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City, Visayas Disaster Resource Center,

duce in the cities, among other initiatives. There is hope, after all, since the patriotic and bayanihan spirits of the Filipinos persist.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.

(BRIAN JAMES J. LU, MMgt, is an entrepreneur, business adviser, government consultant, and is deeply involve in civil society organizations. He advocates good governance, ethical business practices, and social responsibilities. He is the President of the National Economic Protectionism Association (NEPA) and Chairman of the Foundation for National Development (Fonad). His broad experiences in the private and public sectors give him a unique perspective to advance his advocacies.)

and DSWD field offices’ warehouses.

Mayon remains on Alert Level 3 with “a possibility of a hazardous eruption.”

Data from the Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office showed 4,390 families or 16,823 individuals from nine municipalities namely, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Ligao City, Malilipot, Tabaco City, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay and

Legazpi City, are affected.

Another 40,000 individuals are set to be evacuated from the 7-km extended danger zone if Mayon’s status is escalated to Alert Level 4.

Phivolcs said possible hazards that can occur are rockfalls, landslides or avalanches; ballistic fragments; lava flows and lava fountaining; pyroclastic density currents; and moderate-sized explosions.

Alert Level 3, according to Phivolcs, means magma is near or at the surface, and activity could lead to hazardous eruption in weeks. Occurrence of low-frequency earthquakes, volcanic tremor, and rumbling sounds are also likely.

Danger zones may be expanded up to eight kilometers from the active crater.

Meanwhile, due to the

state of calamity, the Department of Energy announced Saturday a price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas in cylinders (11 kilograms and below) and kerosene products in Albay.

Price increases are prohibited but rollbacks are allowed.

It will be in effect for 15 days since the declaration, or until June 23. (PNA)`

PERILOUS BEAUTY.

Mt. Mayon in Legazpi City, Albay province at 7 p.m. on Friday (June 9, 2023), as released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

The volcano’s increased activities this week prompted the provincial board of Albay to place the entire province under a state of calamity.

(Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)

Sports&Event

Filipinas jump to 46th in FIFA rankings

MANILA – The Philippine women’s football team moved up to a new all-time high in the FIFA rankings as revealed on Friday night.

The Filipinas jumped three places to No. 46 in the world, even overtaking Myanmar in the ASEAN rankings.

Despite beating the Filipinas in the Southeast Asian Games, Myanmar fell to No. 50 overall as the Filipinas are now No. 3 in the ASEAN region.

In effect, the Filipinas are now No. 8 in Asia as well.

This will be the last FIFA ranking update before the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the Filipinas will make their muchanticipated debut.

PFF seeks government help

Speaking of the FIFA WWC, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta bared that they are currently seeking financial intervention from the national government in funding the Filipinas’ campaign.

The support is there, but I still want some support from the government because up to now, even in our preparation, we haven’t been getting the support that we need to get,” Araneta said during a special send-off event organized by the New Zealand Embassy in Makati on Thursday night.

He disclosed that the PFF is asking for PHP30 million from the national government.

According to Araneta, funding for the Filipinas’ World Cup stint would take at least USD3 million (about PHP168 million), and he believes the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) can help the PFF financially just like how it contributed major monetary help in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ hosting of the FIBA World Cup.

“Hopefully, we’ll get it soon because preparing for the Women’s World Cup is no joke,” Araneta further said. “I hope the Philippine government, through the PSC, can give us some funding for that because they have given PHP1 billion to basketball.”

Araneta said the PFF has reached out to the PSC, but at the moment, according to him, “We still haven’t got any concrete answer from them.”

PFF women’s football head Belay Fernando-dela Cruz said the Filipinas would begin their training camp in Sydney on Saturday.

The Filipinas are expected to reveal their FIFA WWC pool this weekend. (PNA)

Gordon, Brown step up for Nuggets in game 4 win over Heat

w Gordon led all scorers in the Nuggets’ 108-95 victory over the Heat in Miami that put Denver up 3-1 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.

MIAMI (AFP) -- Aaron Gordon scored a career playoff high 27 points in an all-out attack on the Miami Heat on Friday, June 9, that helped push the Denver Nuggets to the brink of their first NBA championship.

Gordon led all scorers in

the Nuggets’ 108-95 victory over the Heat in Miami that put Denver up 3-1 in the bestof-seven NBA Finals.

The player once known for his dunking prowess -- including runner-up finishes in the 2016 and 2020 All-Star weekend slam-dunk contests -- showed just how versatile he has become as he connected on 11 of 15 shots from the field -- including three of four from three-point range.

“Making threes, getting to the foul line, guarding at a high level -- Aaron did it all for us tonight, he really did,” Nuggets coach Mike Malone said.

Gordon erupted for 15

points in the second quarter as the Nuggets -- who trailed by one after Jimmy Butler’s threepointer to close the first period -- took a 55-51 halftime lead.

“This team does a good job finding the people that are kind of in a rhythm and kind of going,” Gordon said. “When it comes down to it, it’s just wanting to be great for my teammates. I know when my teammates need me and just doing it for my brothers.”

He made his first three attempts from three-point range -- including one from the corner that put Denver up 86-73 with five seconds left in the third quarter.

“I’m just taking the ones that they’re giving me, taking the open shots,” said Gordon, who was staring down the Heat bench before the ball had cleared the net.

“It’s just gamesmanship,” he said. “That’s part of the game. When you make a three in the corner with the opposition’s bench, you can have a little fun with them.”

Teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope wasn’t surprised to see a few long-range shots fall for Gordon -- he’s given him some advice.

“I always tell AG, man, continue to play his game. When you’re shooting threes, no up, no in, so make sure you get that ball up so it can go in. He did that tonight.”

Gordon’s big second quarter helped the Nuggets gain control even as Nikola Jokic shook off a twisted ankle.

When foul trouble sidelined Jokic for more than five minutes in the fourth, Bruce Brown took it to Miami.

Brown scored 21 points in 30 minutes off the bench, pouring in 11 in the final period as the Nuggets repelled every Heat run.

Miami had cut the deficit to eight when Brown converted a three-point play to push Denver’s lead back to double digits.

His pull-up three-pointer with 1:21 remaining was the final dagger, giving Denver a 108-91 lead.

Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets reacts at the conclusion of the third quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center on Friday, June 9, in Miami, Florida.