SWE January 15 - 21, 2013

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PNP Chief to check PAGs existence in Samar provinces CATBALOGAN CITY – The country’s top cop Director General Alan Purisima will fly down to this province to personally check the existence of the Private Armed Group (PAGs) – the lawless gun-forhire group causing so much troubles in Samar provinces. Accordingly, PNP chief Purisima will visit on Saturday (January 19) the Police Regional Office 8 stationed in Camp Ruperto Kangleon,

Campetic, Palo Leyte. He will be briefed by the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) on the current situation in the region as far as these private armed groups are concern. In line with this, some significant accomplishments relative to the capture and neutralization of PAGs in Samar will also be reported to the PNP chief.

Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima

Assault on hostage-taker last option says police VOL. 10, NO. 24

JANUARY 15 - 21, 2013

CATBALOGAN CITY

8 PAGES

See PNP CHIEF page 2...

Heated arguments with victims triggers’ suspect to held them at gunpoint

HOSTAGE-DRAMA IN CATBALOGAN. (Left) The bloody crime scene - the office of the Social Security System Samar Field Office being secured by the Catbalogan Police. (Right photo) The residents and the on-lookers Catbaloganons, as if they were watching an action-filled film, watched as the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the police (not shown in photo) assaulted the lone hostage-taker holding wounded hostages inside the closed-office of the SSS in Catbalogan. The hostage-drama last for nearly 2-hours. (Exclusive Photos by Lilith S. Teña/SWE)

‘Unity Walk’ for May 2013 polls set in EV

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA SWE News and Features CATBALOGAN CITY – Police Chief Superintendent Elmer R. Soria, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 8, disclosed that the initiated assault by the police to the hostagetaker who held hostage his fellow employees is a last option since the negotiation between the Crisis Management Task Group failed and to prevent further bloodsheds. The hostage-taker held hostage, for nearly two hours Friday afternoon (January 18), the employees at the Social Security System branch at the corner of St. Bartholomew St. and Taft Ave. in Catbalogan City. “Our men were directed not to result in excessive use of force but situations like this calls for appropriate police response to prevent further loss of life especially the hostage and innocent civilians,” Soria said.

Soria identified the hostage-taker as one Patrocinio Dabucol y Ribedoso, alias Pat, 48, married, a resident of Brgy. 13, Catbalogan City and a security guard of Probe Security Agency assigned at said SSS branch. Investigation conducted by Catbalogan City Police Station disclosed that at around 1:00 o’ clock Friday afternoon, the suspect was having con-

See ASSAULT page 7...

Samar PNP director Supt. Eusebio Mejos serves as ground commander and negotiator of the hostage drama

CATBALOGAN CITY – A local effort ensuring a peaceful conduct of midterm polls was slated this Sunday, January 20, in Tacloban City – the premier capital of Eastern Visayas. Initiated by the police, an early morning walk otherwise dubbed as “unity walk” was set to highlight the Government’s campaign for a “secure and fair election” on May 13, this year.

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Expected to attend were high ranking government officials from the police, military, Commission on Elections, Interior on Local Government and other election watchdogs. They will also be joined by the community folks, representatives from the church, academe, civil organizations and other local politicians in support to the attainment of Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2013.

Last January 13, the same group of people also attended the “signing of peace election covenant” in Calbayog City also aimed for the SAFE 2013. DILG Secretary Mar Roxas graced the event. In a report filed by the regional police media bureau, Inspector Romuel Nacar informed that PRO8 under the leadership of Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria See UNITY page 3...

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Samar Weekly Express

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ACROSS THE REGION

JANUARY 15 - 21, 2013

Website: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress

Soldiers, cops get lectures on election laws, rules ORMOC CITY – Some 32 key personnel from the 19th Infantry Battalion and nearly 60 policemen in Ormoc City were recently oriented on Election Laws at the Ramona Banquet Hall of New Pongos Hotel, this City. The whole day activity was hosted by the Occidental Leyte Bar Association (OLBA), Commission on Elections (COMELEC) -Ormoc City and the Rotary Club of Ormoc as their initiative for a secure and fair elections come May 13 this year. During the seminar, Police Senior Superintendent Elizar P. Egloso, Ormoc City Police Director, underscored the importance of the lectures to both policemen and soldiers who are tasked by the Comelec in securing the elections. “Our knowledge about the law is limited,“ City Police Director Egloso stressed, even as he acknowledged the organizers for taking time to help the enforcers understand the Election Law better. The free seminar included lectures and open forum to topics such as the Role of AFP and PNP in election activities, Election Offenses and Warrantless Search and Seizures, First Lieutenant Rod Vincent Babera, acting Civil Military Operations Officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion, informed in a statement. Secure, fair and honest election would only be attained through proper implementation of the COMELEC resolutions and election laws by the COMELEC and its deputized agencies, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cabansay, the executive officer of 19th Infantry

Battalion, said. Cabansay further said that the public should likewise be informed and educated on the Election Laws. On the other hand, Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, commanding officer of 19IB expressed his gratitude to OLBA and the Rotary Club of Ormoc for orchestrating a very meaningful and educational opportunity for his troops to be re-oriented on their critical role during the elections. Election period, as embodied in COMELEC Resolution No. 9385 started on Monday, January 13, 2013 and will end on June 12 this year. Within said period, the AFP and PNP will be working hand in hand in conducting routine check points and providing security in polling places during the election day particularly in identified election hotspots throughout the country. Comelec Resolution No. 9570 promulgated on December 6, 2012 called for the deputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible conduct of the May 13, 2013 National and Local Elections. On the other hand, through Resolution No. 9571, Comelec deputized the Department of the Interior and Local Government, including the National Police Commission, the Philippine National Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies to ensure free, orderly, peaceful and credible elections. (PIA 8)

Comelec officials in E. Visayas reshuffled TACLOBAN CITY - Effective Monday, all elections officials in the region will be reshuffled, to include its top two officials, would be relieved from their present posts. This was bared by lawyer Felicisimo Embalsado, assistant regional director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), who would be reassigned to Region 6(Western Visayas). Embalsado, in turn, would be replaced by lawyer Veronico Petalcorin who is currently the Comelec assistant regional director for Central Visayas. Current Comelec Regional Director Jose Nick Mendros would be assigned to the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR). Mendros oversaw the conduct of the May 2010 elections in the region, which was described to be “generally peaceful.” Aside from Mendros and Embalsado, all the six provincial elections supervisors and city and municipal elections officers would be reassigned to their new posts. However, all the provincial elections supervisors and city and municipal elections officers would also be reassigned within the region, unlike in the case of Mendros and himself, Embalsado said. “We will follow the order just like good soldiers. Anyway, we will take our new assignments as a sort of a vacation,” Embalsado said, trying to take the order from their central office light. The reassignments of all elections officials in the region as well as in other regions would take effect starting this Monday and is to end by June 12, 2013. Embalsado said that the movement of Comelec officials in the country is to ensure that the conduct of the May 2013 elections would be “credible.” “It is meant to make the conduct of elections to be more credible. We cannot avoid public perception that due to familiarity of election officials and the candidates, the result (of the balloting) would be affected,” Embalsado said. It was learned that the current elections supervisor of Leyte, Sabino Mejarito, would be assigned to Biliran whose current provincial elections supervisor, Richard Japzon would take his place. Meantime, the elections supervisor of Southern Leyte, Antonio Gulay, Jr., would take the place of Andrew Bido who is the current provincial elections supervisor of Northern Samar. Bido would take the post to be vacated of Gulay. Samar provincial elections supervisor, Ma. Corazon Montallana, would be reassigned to Eastern Samar. The current provincial elections supervisor of Eastern Samar, Juan Bautista Beato, would take Montallana’s post. Samar, of all the six provinces of the region, is considered to be an area of concern or a “priority area” due to occurrence of elections-related violence and the presence of partisan armed groups and even the rebel group, the New People’s Army. Here in Tacloban, its present city elections officer, Rosemarie Polistico, would be reassigned to Ormoc City whose current elections official, Karen Cahipo, would be assign here in the city. (jag)

HOSTAGE CRISIS IN CATBALOGAN The hostage-drama suspect Patricinio Dabocol, 48, married, a security guard who went berserk and held hostage his co-employees at the SSS Samar Field Office in Catbalogan lies down at the Samar Provincial Hopsital after he was shot by the assault team of the police in a January 18 hostage-drama in Catbalogan City. He was declared dead by his attending doctor due to multiple gunshot wounds in his abdomen and legs. (Photo by Lilith S. Teña)

BIR surpasses 2012 target collection by P212-M TACLOBAN CITY -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or Revenue District 14 of Eastern Visayas has reported that the revenue collecting office has surpassed last year’s target collection of P4.5 billion by more than P212 million. Arsenia Gente, BIR collection division chief, declared that the regional BIR office attained the target collection set by their national office and that the attained figure is tentative as it still might change pending the finalizing of report from the two remaining revenue districts. G e nte re ve a l e d t h at among the revenue district offices (RDOs) in the region, the Tacloban RDO still tops in the highest collection rate while the Maasin RDO failed to meet its target collection due to lesser government projects

implemented in the province of Southern Leyte. The BIR official enumerated the sources of collection of revenues. She said top revenues came from taxes of wages from the Department of Education (DepEd), local government units (LGUs) filing of income tax returns; one-time transactions and expanded withholding tax by the Department of Public Works and Highways and collection from value-added tax. It was learned that the regional BIR will be implementing the collection of 5 percent from campaign expenditures of this year’s election candidates which is expected to help increase the collection rate of the revenue district this 2013. (PIA 8)

PNP CHIEF from page 1 ...

Earlier, PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Soria activated the RSOTG operatives in Samar after the province was included in the list of 15 “priority areas” for the May 2013 polls. The task group, led by Police Senior Superintendent Edgardo Basbas, Acting Deputy Regional Director for Administration, is tasked in the crackdown against the Montealto and Moloboco PAGs operating in Samar and the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms. Soria informed that recent RSOTG accomplishments include the neutralization of PAG leader Julito Aragon y Cachero alias Nonoy on December 23, 2013 in the hinterlands of Brgy. Peñaplata, Gandara, Samar. Aragon was listed as the Number One Most Wanted Person in Samar province and wanted for two counts of murder. Also, two Montealto PAG members, Michael Angelo Mendoza and Felipe Casaljay, voluntarily surrendered to RSOTG last December 20 and 27, 2012 respectively while Wilfredo Moloboco of Moloboco PAG also turned himself in last December 19, 2012. These accomplishments are aside from the assorted firearms recovered by RSOTG in police operations against loose firearms, the regional police chief added. “(This) only goes to show that PRO8 is serious in the crackdown against PAGs and in ensuring SAFE elections in Eastern Visayas. Soria earlier assured that he will ensure that the will of the people is truly reflected in the upcoming elections, even recalling his successful experience as Commander of Task Force: ABRA during the 2010 national and local elections that ensured a peaceful conduct of elections in said province, then considered as “election hotspot” due to the presence of political warlords and heavily armed PAGs. Meanwhile, Police Director General Alan La Madrid Purisima, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Dimalupig” Class of 1981, took over the reins of the 148,000-strong Philippine National Police last December 18, 2012 as its 18th chief since PNP was formed in 1991. The PNP chief was a former aide of the late President Corazon Aquino, among other key posts he held in the police force, including being the former director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). (Ricky Bautista with reports from Insp. Romuel Nacar)

207 health workers undergo training for MDG

BORONGAN CITY -- Two hundred seven health workers coming from different municipalities of the province are now undergoing further training-orientation on maternal and child health care, with the main goal of helping the country achieve the fifth goal of the Millennium Development Goal(MDG-5). Funded by the Department of Health (DOH) under its RN-Heals Pro-

gram, these 166 nurses and 41 midwives will be deployed to hard-to-reach barangays where a number of the poorest families are found and who have no access to better health care and services. In a brief interview, Dr. Jean Egargo, DOH representative here, said that the trained health workers will become the local health supervisors in each barangays Community Health Teams

(CHT) with the assistance of trained barangay health workers (BHWs). They will act as mentors to other health workers in the barangays who will urge mothers to deliver only their babies in facility-based clinics and functional rural health units (RHUs). Dr. Egargo revealed that maternal deaths in the province (2011 data) is still pegged at 183 per 100,000 births, which is

quite far from the MDG target by 2015 to reduce it to at least 52. She said that these deaths could have been prevented if only mothers or couples seek the health care services offered free by the Department. Another attribution, she added, is the very low acceptance of contraceptives or low Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR).

See HEALTH page 3...


Samar Weekly Express

JANUARY 15 - 21, 2013

ENVIRONMENT

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North Samar PNRC to hold ‘Million Volunteer Run’

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Philippine National Red Cross Northern Samar Chapter in cooperation with local government and local police officials will hold its nationwide Million Volunteer Run (MVR) in Catarman, Northern Samar on February 10, 2013. PRC Northern Samar Chapter Administrator Susana T. Hernandez said the activity with its tagline, “I choose to run to save lives”, aims to serve as a driving force in advancing the spirit of volunteerism to address today’s humanitarian challenges. Hernandez said PRC strives to empower the nation against the dangers of disaster by developing our youth and volunteers as humanitarian soldiers. MVR also hopes to raise funds for PRC youth and volunteer trainings on disaster management and equipping every community with life-saving skills, Hernandez added. The lady administrator is asking the support of the national and local offices as well as civic organizations in the province for the success of the activity. A registration fee of P200 from each adult participant and P100 for each student-runner will be collected. All runners are requested to wear red shirt. PRC is intensifying its program for youth and adult volunteers in its different humanitarian endeavor to make them more useful and responsible citizens of the country. (Teresita Cardenas)

UNITY from page 1 ...

is currently implementing aggressive police operations targeting ‘partisan armed groups’ and loose firearms in the region. It was learned that at least three “walk groups” will assemble in designated areas and will stride along designated routes on their way to the prayer rally to be held at the Balyuan Amphitheater. The Unity Walk Group 1 composed of PRO8 contingent, representatives from the Commission on Elections, National Police Commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, Region 8 Administrators League, Department of Education, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Justice, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Armed Forces of the Philippines will walk from the Leyte National High School area along Lino Gonzaga Ave. The second group composed of leaders and personnel of Leyte Police Provincial Office, Regional Training School 8, Comelec-Leyte, religious groups, academe,

students, civic groups, nongovernment organizations and other election stakeholders will walk from the new Land Bank of the Philippines branch along Real St. The third group comprising officers and men of the Tacloban City Police Office, Comelec-Tacloban, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, barangay officials, election watchdogs, other civic groups, academe and students will converge at the Leyte Lumberyard area along Rizal Ave. Meanwhile, leaders of various religious groups will lead the inter-faith prayer and benediction. Other highlights of the event are the lighting of the unity candle, recitation of the Voters’ Pledge, signing of the Pledge of Commitment, and releasing of doves and white balloons to signify the united effort of all the participants towards SAFE 2013. Similar activities will be simultaneously held in provincial capitals in the region, it was learned. The Philippine National Police in Camp Crame also held “unity walk” and “prayer rally” with the same objective recently.

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NSO is hiring CAF enumerators By NINFA QUIRANTE SWE Contributor

CATBALOGAN CITY --The National Statistics Office (NSO) in Samar province is still accepting applicants for enumerators for the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF). According to Letecia Chu of NSO-Samar, all municipalities and cities must have applicants so they can choose the best workers. “They will take a written examination while the interview will be announced later,” she added. Qualifications are preferably college graduates, not more than 45 years old, with legible handwriting, able to speak the dialect, physically fit for field work (if female, must not be pregnant). Applicant must also have a pleasing personality and can deal with the public tactfully, with good moral character, willing to be assigned in any barangay within the province when needed and willing to work on weekends and holidays and beyond office hours, if necessary. For those who will be selected as team supervisor, they must have a mobile cellular phone. NSO announced the recruitment earlier, but they still need more applicants, according to Chu. The conduct of the 2012 CAF is needed to make meaningful decisions as regards the agriculture and fishery sectors. The data provided by respondents will help program planners allocate realistic resources to the agriculture and fishery sectors, and will help them address the challenges that these sectors feel presently. This is a nationwide undertaking which will start February 2013. For further details, applicants may call (055) 251- 2195 or (055) 543-8245 or visit NSO-Samar at Noble Building, Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City (Samar). (PIA 8, Samar/NSO)

NEW BUS TERMINAL IN CALBAYOG. The City government of Calbayog City officially opened for business its newly constructed first-class bus terminal located in Brgy. Bagacay, few kilometers east from the city proper. At the moment, there are only few amenities and sheds in the area and the residents, particularly students complaining on the additional fare for the new routes, but the government is now addressing the problem. (Photo courtesy of Calbayog Tourism Office)

New midwives, nurses aid MDGs in 26 Samar towns

CATBALOGAN CITY --The Department of Health (DOH) through Samar Provincial Health Office (PHO) believe that the new batch of Rural Health Midwives Placement Program (RHMPP) and Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Services (RNHEALS) will usher the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the 26 municipalities and cities in Samar. Samar Provincial Health Office and DOH Regional Office 8 held a three- day orientation for the new midwives and nurses from January 14 to January 16 at the Cocina De Cabral, Catbalogan City. Community Health

Team Coordinator Analiza Babon and Maternal Health Coordinator Alma Bernardo led the orientation for the midwives and nurses. Jocelyn Nabong, Samar PHO RN HEALS Coordinator said that right after the orientation, the new batch of 15 midwives and 107 nurses will be immediately deployed in their respective assigned area. The health department is confident that the new batch of health workers can help the local governments meet its target in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The nurses and midwives also serves as additional manpower for the LGUs, family navigators

that will monitor 4Ps beneficiaries and will provide health services, the DOH representative added. Catbalogan City and Calbayog City have the highest allocation of nurses with twelve each. Nabong added that the qualified midwives and nurses started their work on January 2. The nurses will receive Php 8,000 monthly salary and an additional assistance from the municipality/city they are working for, depending on the locality’s counterpart, while the RHMs will get a P6,000 monthly pay, and will work under contract for one year. (Avha H. Ebalde)

HEALTH from

DOH cites 10 Samar towns successful in ‘Garantisadong Pambata’ program

“There is only a 39 percent acceptance of contraceptives in the country against the 60 percent target,” she said. “But this is good enough, because it means, we are already half-way to the target, but we still have to work hard and farther, in order to achieve more.” With RN-Heals program, now on its fourth batch, DOH hopes to meet or at least approximate the MDG-5 or the decreased rate of maternal deaths in the country and in the whole world as DOH cry it out, that “No Woman Should Die Giving Birth.” (Alice E. Nicart)

CATBALOGAN CITY —The Department of Health (DOH) cites ten Samar municipalities for the successful implementation of Garantisadong Pambata in 2012. Garantisadong Pambata program is a package of health services given to children. Samar Provincial Health Office (PHO) revealed that out of the 26 municipalities and cities, ten of these got the highest number in program implementation. In vitamin A supplementation, Talalora, Samar placed number 1 with 114.6% accomplishment or with a total coverage of 1,017 over a target population of 888. Second is Marabut, Samar with 105.7%

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or with a total coverage of 4,398 over a 4161 target. Third is the municipality of Matuguinao, Samar with of 99.4% coverage or a total of 733 covered beneficiaries. Other municipalities are San Jose De Buan, with 93.6% coverage, Zumarraga with 93.2%, Daram with 92.2%, Gandara with 91.9%, San Jorge with 91.2, Motiong with 91.2% and Sta. Margarita with 91%. According to Joy Nabong, DOH Representative, deworming was also included as one of the interventions done in the communities. Deworming she emphasized, should be done twice a year that infection may return if the second dose is disre-

garded. In deworming, two municipalities surpassed the target Basey, Samar with 106.1% coverage or a total of 2,394 over the 2,257 target and Marabut, Samar with 101% coverage or a total of 5,280 over the 5,202 target population. Garantisadong Pambata is done twice a year, in April and October for children 0-5 years old. O t h e r i nt e r v e nt i on s include; breastfeeding and complimentary feeding, immunization of both child and mother, integrated management of sick child, child injury and prevention and birth spacing. (Avha H. Ebalde)


OPINION Samar Weekly Express

DALMACIO C. GRAFIL Publisher

JANUARY 15 - 21, 2013

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RICKY J. BAUTISTA Editor-in-Chief ALMA GRAFIL Bus. Manager CATHERINE GERADILA Office-in-Charge

Columnists, Writers and Account Executives: Rommel L. Rutor Chito Dela Torre Atty. Batas Maricio Fr. Roy Cimagala Ismael Amigo Juan Mercado Roger Soria Myra Tambor Jenna Tizon Igdalino Gina Dean Ragudo Lilith Sabuco - Teña Malou Bermejo.

OFFICE: The Samar Weekly Express is published weekly in multi-lingual format with editorial and business office located at Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan, Samar (Infront of Fire Department near City Hall) CONTACT: Telephone (055) 251-2341 Fax: (053) 321-5591 Main Office: (053) 321-4833 Mobile: 09207675444 E-MAIL: trexpelunker@yahoo.com, mysolotrek@ gmail.com WEBSITE: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress All rights reserved. Except as permitted by law, no part of Samar Weekly Express may be produced or distributed in any form or by any means stored in a database or retrieval system without its prior written permission from the publisher.

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EDITORIAL Killing Peace Just hours before key political aspirants in the province of Samar signed a peace covenant last Sunday, a salvo of gunfire had slain three people right in the city where this signing was to take place—Calbayog City. As of this writing, the motive of the killing has yet to be determined as police investigation is on-going. If, after the probe, the murder would turn out to have been motivated by something else other than politics, then this incident would not stain that covenant. But if it is politicallymotivated, then it would be a slap-on-the-face to that agreement. For sure, if it’s the latter that motivated the killing, pacts like the recently-signed one would prove useless. They would be nothing but fronts, making it appear that everyone is for peaceful and honest elections when, in reality, some elements secretly espouse violence to achieve their goals. And the suspects in this recent killing may just have gotten started; others with the same motives are soon to follow suit. This is not to say that covenants for peaceful elections should have no place among aspirants. This for sure is a good indication of cooperation and respect among candidates. But along with these agreements, a political will, sincerity, and determination to pursue peace should be advocated, or the key personages are just playing games. Commitment to fulfill their mutual pledges should be of primary consideration. This, moreover, requires that the candidates strictly impose discipline among their supporters because it could be that the candidates themselves are committed to peace yet their followers are the ones killing one another, uncontrolled by their bosses as to how to behave. These candidates should also look into if they want the covenant to really work for the good of the electoral exercise.

Views on News

By Ricky J. Bautista trexpelunker@yahoo.com

Sad ending for ‘Pat’ at the hands of Catbalogan SWAT team It is a very sad and tragic ending for Pat, the security guard who starred in last Thursday’s hostage-taking drama at the SSS Samar Branch in Catbalogan City. Because of his refusal to talked with the negotiators and give chance to the plead coming from his wife and daughter for him to surrender, the police assault team took him at once. Ending, he was dead due to multiple gunshot wounds courtesy by the responding policemen. How did it happen anyway? Friends and co-employees of the suspect still can’t believe the sad fate happened to Pat, short for Patricinio Dabocol, a 48 years old guard employed at Probe Security Agency assigned at said SSS office. For them, Pat is known to be a down-to-earth person, a kind and silent type person with remarkable humility as a ‘low-earner’ worker. In fact, the employees inside the SSS office narrated that they were permitted to go outside the building before the police came in to the scene. His only concern is, according to the witnesses account, a certain ‘Junie,’ an employee at said office he shot because of their heated arguments earlier that afternoon. Employees who overheard the two said it is about something that concerned the ‘time an employee should report for work.’ From that point, a heated exchange of nasty talks ensued that led to the outburst of the suspect’s patience. A loud ‘big bang’ was heard and witnesses saw Junie lying at the floor injured. Pat holding his caliber .38 pistol. Another guard who tried to pacify Pat was also shot prompting the employees scampered and panicked. Shortly, the police arrived at the scene, most of them doesn’t know the personality of the suspect, they forced to take him out after an hour of failed negotiations. No force entry? The police said there’s no excessive force used in the hostage

See VIEWS page 5...


Samar Weekly Express

JANUARY 15 - 21, 2013

OPINION

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Hints and Traces By Fr. Roy Cimagala Work and Prayer THESE two ought to be together. At the moment, of course, we are farway off the ideal. Work and prayer are supposed to be together,because our life, though with many parts, aspects, levels, is only oneand that life is a life with God, our Creator and Father. Everything in it is supposed to be done or to take place with God. Inspiritual parlance, this doctrine is called the “unity of life.” We need to be more keenly aware of this doctrine and to start totranslate it into practice. The objective reality of our life should be reflected as perfectly as possible in our subjective understanding of our life. That is when we would be living in the truth, precisely because truth is when our subjective grasp of things agrees with the objective reality. Since our life is a life with God, then we can also say that our life is a life of prayer. That is the broadest definition of prayer. Prayer is when we are with God subjectively, when we correspond to the objective reality of our being with God. This can be done intentionally, mentally, orally, etc. But prayer can and should be done also through our work, our study, our rest, and in fact through all the phases, aspects and activities of our life. Thus, St. Paul says: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10,31) We should not consider this Pauline indication as an exaggeration, or a purely religious dictum that we are free to accept or not. Of course, we are free to refuse it, but that would be akin to the freedom of harming oneself. We need to adapt our thinking and our culture and civilization in general to this truth that comes to us more through our faith than through our own estimation of

VIEWS from page 4 ... crisis but thinking of the wounded person inside, they were forced to move in upon refusal of the suspect to negotiate. -o0oThe implementation of the election gun ban has started and the police had set up various police checkpoints in several strategic locations throughout Samar. It is likely possible that you or your friends and family members might be flag down by the authorities manning the PNP/ COMELEC checkpoint, so here’s some important reminders issued by the police itself we can use as guidelines. 10 rules in police checkpoints: (1) Checkpoint must be well-lit, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel. (2) Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights. Never step out of the vehicle. (3) Lock all doors. Only visual search is allowed. (4) Do not submit to a physical or body search. (5) You are not obliged to open the glove compartment, the trunk or bags. (6) Ordinary/routine questions may be asked. Be courteous but firm with answers. (7) Assert your rights, have presence of mind and do not panic. (8) Keep your driver’s license and car registration handy and within reach. (9) Be ready to use your cell phone at any time. Save an emergency number on your speed dial. (10) Report violations immediately. Your actions may save others. This public advisory will surely guide every motorist on how to deal with the authorities at checkpoints. The objective is to ensure its implementation in proper searches and seizures to avoid violation of human rights. The advisory also serves as a warning to erring law enforcers. The PNP wants to eliminate illegal checkpoints. -o0oSpeaking about election, this corner wants to remind everyone that election period has started last week, January 13, but it is not the campaign period yet. Notably, many of the political aspirants has already resorted to early campaigning by displaying event tarpaulins, party guesting and blatantly disregard of many election rules. In this year’s May 13, 2013 election, we have a total of 18, 053 elective posts nationwide. We have 12 vacant slots for senators,

things. Reality in its ultimate dimensions is given to us by faith more than by our reason and senses alone. That we have to do everything for God and with God can be derived also from the words of Christ who, when asked what the greatest commandment was, said: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and thy whole mind.” (Mt 22,36) Sorry, but I don’t see how else those words could be understood. With respect to our work which we have to learn to convert into prayer, we can say that the basis for this is that we have been created by God to work. We have been made to work just as the birds are made to fly. Work is not meant to be a curse or punishment to us. In fact, it plays a prominent role in our nature and life. Work is part of what makes us “the image and likeness of God.” It is what integrates all our human faculties and turns our potencies into actualities. It offers us the means of livelihood and the tool for development and progress, both personal and social, local and global. More, our work is always a work of God also. It is not just our work. It is part of divine providence, that abiding governance of God over all his creation. It is important that we be aware of these truths so that we avoid distorting it, or reducing or impoverishing it of its objective role in our life, or worse, of making it work against us and God. Unfortunately, we are seeing many disturbing phenomena related to work. If there are many people who have unhealthy attitudes toward work so that they as much as possible would refrain from work, there are also those who work hard but with evil motives and improper purposes. It is now a big challenge for us to recover the true nature, character and role of work in our life. The recovery has to start with the individual persons, then the family, the schools, before the true face of work can be seen in our government offices, private businesses and industries, sports and recreation, politics, culture, etc. One indispensable thing that we should do or realize is that our work is actually a personal encounter with God, and because of that, it is also a personal encounter with everybody else. Work, just like our life in general, is relational. That is how work could be done properly. That is how work could become prayer and also love and service for others. Let’s put work and prayer together! - Hair, nails and spa services - Specialized on UV Gel Polish - Salon and spa equipments and supplies - Also available: SPA consultancy, SPA treatment demonstration and operational guidance. Contact: MILA

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WRITERS WANTED!!! If you are 18 years old and above, with passion on writing, and willing to be trained in various aspects of NEWS REPORTING. You might just be the person we’re looking for to fill-in our continuing expansion. Please submit your RESUME at SWE Editorial Office at Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City or call 251-9342 or 251-2341 for details. Or email your intention to trexpelunker@yahoo.com (Look for Ricky or Cathy) 233 district representatives, some 58 party-list representatives, eighty (80) provincial governors and eighty (80) vice-governors and some 766 provincial board members. The nation will also elect 143 city mayors and 143 vice-city mayors with 1,598 Sangguniang Panglunsod. As well, some 1,491 municipal mayors will also be elected, 1,491 vice-mayors and 11,932 Sangguniang Bayan members. Meanwhile, one (1) ARMM Regional Governor, one (1) ARMM Regional Vice-Governor and 24ARMM Regional Assemblymen will also be elected. Let us not forget that February 12, 2013 to May 11, 2013 will be the official start for the Campaign period for candidates for senator and for party-list groups. It is only on March 29, 2013 to May 11, 2013 (official campaign period) that our candidates for the House of Representatives and elective regional, provincial, city and municipal officials can be allowed to campaign. Our OFW can cast their votes from April 13, 2013 to May 13, 2013, and on this day (May 13) will be the big day – the Election Day. Have a safe day everyone!

5

Multiple Murders in Atimonan LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… The one who maintains his faith will not panic…” (Isaiah 28:16, the Holy Bible). -o0oCONSIDERATIONS FOR INVITING THE PRESIDENT: Just how, exactly, does one invite President Aquino---or any other president of this country for that matter---to any gathering, such as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City which starts Sunday, January 20, 2013? Is there a protocol or rule for this, so that, when that protocol or rule is followed, the President’s presence is already assured? Or, inviting the President and being assured of his presence are matters that are decided by the political affiliation or personal acquaintance of those wishing to invite him? In other words, can just any Tom, Dick and Harry, including his political opponents, invite the President to their gathering? -o0oMULTIPLE MURDERS IN ATIMONAN MASSACRE: Now, there is one more compelling evidence which proves that many policemen and military men cannot---or should not---be trusted by the people---the January 06, 2013, Atimonan, Quezon massacre. As Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and Director Nonnatus Rojas of the National Bureau of Investigation have been told during a re-enactment of the massacre, policemen and military men could be cold-blooded murderers. Indeed, that was what happened to the 13 who were killed by a group led by Supt. Hansel Marantan of the Philippine National Police (PNP)---murder. Or, what is more appropriate, based on the re-enactment witnessed by De Lima and Rojas, multiple murders. Imagine, two of the 13 already had their hands raised, as if in surrender, and yet they were still mercilessly gunned down. Then, without any fight being put up by the companions of the two who remained inside their vehicles while the two were raising their hands in surrender, the policemen and military men manning the checkpoint in Atimonan opened fire, upon the order of a man in civilian clothes, with such firepower that assured no one inside those vehicles will survive. Again, the question is: what is happening to our country, general? -oooARMED STRUGGLE IS AGAINST GOD’S LAW: I agree with newly-installed Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista that an armed struggle is not the solution to finding peace and prosperity for the Philippines, and, to pursue this matter a little farther, for any other country of the world. But, not because an armed struggle is the less effective path towards peace and prosperity, what with the death and destruction that come with it. It is more becuase an armed struggle is actually a rebellion against duly-constituted authorities which will never bring the desired economic development and stability for any nation. The examples now of many countries where rebellions recently took place will show that the victory of rebels against authorities is actually empty if short-lived, with more violence and anarchy hitting those countries subsequently. It is therefore clear that rebellion and armed struggles will only cause more harm than good. There is no substitute for following a non-violent approach to finding peace and prosperity. What is more, those who rebel against authorities are rebelling against what God has established, for all authority are established by God Himself, and anyone rebelling against them bring punishment to themselves (see Romans 13:1-2, the Bible). -o0oPOSTCRIPT TO THE TULFO-BARRETO MELEE: A postscript to the Ramon Tulfo-Claudine Barreto-Raymart Santiago airport melee, after the Office of the City Prosecutor of Pasay City charged Barreto and Santiago only for slight physical injuries for Tulfo’s wounds: if our proposal to make newsmen from print, radio and TV, as persons in authority is in effect, the charge against the showbiz couple would not have been physical injuries only, but assault against a person in authority, which carries a higher penalty. DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in the opinion and commentary sections do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Samar Weekly Express. The SWE does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication, however, reserves the right to edit contributions for clarity, as it sees fit. --- Ed.


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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 27 Bulwagan ng Katarungan Catbalogan City, Samar HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (PAG-IBIG FUND), Mortgagee, versus GONZALO L. SARVIDA, JR. Mortgagor, EJF # 21-12 Extra-Judicial Foreclosure Real Estate Mortgage Under Act 3135 as amended by Act 4118 x- - - - - - - - - - - -x SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended by Act 4118, filed on October 30, 2012, by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (otherwise known as

Pag-IBIG Fund), mortgageepetitioner, with principal and office address at cor. Del Pilar and L. Jaena Sts., Tacloban City, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the original Mortgage Loan Agreement dated September 12, 2002, signed in due form by GONZALO L. SARVIDA, JR., mortgagor-respondent, with residence and postal address at Lot 12, Block 3, Catbalogan City Homes, Brgy. Jia-an, Jiabong, Samar, in favor of HDMF (Pag-IBIG Fund), Tacloban City in order to satisfy the mortgage debt of PESOS: ONE MILLION SEVENTY THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY SIX PESOS & 25/100 (Php1,070,846.25) Philippine currency, including interest and penalty charges as of July 20, 2012, but, exclusively of attorney’s fees, legal costs, sheriff’s fee and expenses of foreclosure, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of RTC, Catbalogan City, Samar, by and thru the undersigned, will sell at public auction on January 30, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. or soon thereafter to 2:00 p.m. at RTC Branch 27, Catbalogan City, Samar, to the highest bidder, for CASH OR MANAGER’S CHECK and

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“TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No. T-12797

A parcel of land designated as Lot 12, Block 3 of the consolidation subdivision of Pcs-08-000592-D, being a portion of Lot 24-26, Block 1, Lots 1-13, Blk. 2; Lot 1, Blk. 3; Lots 1-12, Blk. 4; Lots 1-12, Blok 5; Lots 1-12, Blk 6; Lots 1-12, Blk 7; Lots 1-12, Blk. 8; Lots 1-3, Blk 49; Road Lots 1-2-3, Alley 1-2-3-4-5-6, Psd08-008642-D; situated in the Brgy. of Jia-an, Municipality of Jiabong, Province of Samar, Island of Samar, bounded on the SE. along line 1-2 by Lot 11, Blk 2; on the SW. along line 2-3 by Road Lot 4; on the NW. along line 3-4-5 by Road Lot 4 and on the NE, along line 5-1 by Lot 13, Blk 3, all of the subdivision beginning at a point marked “1” on plan being S. 44 deg. 19’E., 452.92 m. from BBM # 18; Cad. 255, thence S. 53 deg. 39’W., 17.51 m. to point 2; thence N. 00 deg. 35’W., 11.56 m. to point 3; thence N. 26 deg. 32’E., 1.37 m. to point 4; thence 53 deg. 39’E. 9.53 m. to point 5; thence S. 36 deg. 21’E. 10.00 m. to point of beginning; containing an area of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY NINE (139) SQUARE METERS, more or less.” Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the title herein above described

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and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on February 6, 2013 without FURTHER NOTICE. Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines this 27th day of December 2012.

(Sgd.) ANDREW F. MALLARI Sheriff IV

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Sun employees help cancer patients Sun Cellular employees gathered to donate blood to Pediatric Cancer Patients of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in the spirit of the Christmas Season. Sun Cellular’s Vice President for Product Development and ValueAdded Service Marketing Francisco Arana III led the over 100 employees who took time to join the cause. “This is a perfect way of celebrating the yuletide season. It is Christmas time and we are glad that we did not limit ourselves to the usual exchange gifts and merry-making amongst our co-employees as we have decided to help young patients with their struggle through this blood donation drive,” Arana says. Apart from Arana, other Sun Cellular executives also rolled-up their sleeves to lead their respective divisions in joining in the noble cause. The PCMC has dozens of patients currently being treated by their pediatric cancer unit. Most of the patients, who are even as young as a newborn, are afflicted with leukemia, and need regular blood transfusion. “This is the second time that Sun employees donated to our bloodbank, and surely this is the perfect Christmas gift to children who really are in need of transfusion. We are happy with the turn-out. This donation will go a long way,” says Dr. Jason Silva of the Pathology Department of the PCMC. “This is another good Christmas tradition that us employees can start, and certainly, this is in line with our battlecry of giving over and beyond the excellent service that we aim for. Just as we concern ourselves in rallying our employees to work hand-in-hand in providing best value communication services, efforts should also be exerted in encouraging employees to band together for a worthy cause, especially during the Holiday season” says Reuben S.J. Pangan, Vice-President for Customer Relationship Management of Sun Cellular. Sun Cellular is a member of the PLDT Group.

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JV asks PNoy more funds for OFW legal assistance

S A N Ju an C it y Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada urged President Benigno Aquino III to allocate more funds intended for legal assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are facing criminal charges in their respective host countries. Ejercito Estrada made the call following reports that some 3,000 OFWs around the world are facing criminal charges, ranging from immigrationrelated cases, murder, theft, to drug trafficking. In China alone, 78 Filipinos are reported to have been convicted for drug trafficking and are awaiting death sentences. The young leg-

islator, who is the vice chairman of the House labor and employment committee, noted that a measly P60 million was appropriated this year for the legal assistance fund (LAF) that could be used by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to bail out OFWs who are in conflict with the law in at least 68 host countries. “I cannot imagine the fact that our OFWs whom we refer to as the ‘modern-day heroes’ are getting less out of their contribution to our country,” Ejercito Estrada said in exasperation. “If not for the remittances of these hardworking OFWs, our economy could have been in the red. And, yet, the present government seems lukewarm in attending to

their needs, especially in terms of providing legal assistance to those who are locked in legal battle in their respective host countries,” he stressed. Un d e r R e p u b l i c Act (RA) 10022 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, the government is under obligation to allot P100 million for legal services to migrant workers and overseas Filipinos in distress. The allocation is coursed through the DFA, which is mandated to provide legal assistance to OFWs. Of the amount, P50 million would come from the Contingency Fund of the President, P30 million from the Contingency Fund of the President Social Fund, and P20 million from the Welfare

Fund for Overseas Workers. An additional P30 million is taken from the General Appropriations Act. Records from the Overseas Workers’ Welf are Ad m i n i st r at i on (OWWA) showed that OFWs have paid more than P1 billion in membership contribution, as every outbound worker is required to pay $25 for their protection. For the whole of 2012, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projected that OFW remittances would reach $24 billion, 19.4 percent higher than the level registered a year ago. These remittances fuel consumption spending which is considered the backbone of Philippine economy.

(Above photo) San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada delivers his short message to Solana, Cagayan residents during his visit at the province last Tuesday (January 15). Photo below shows JV being hug by the senior citizens of Iguig, Cagayan. (PR)

ASSAULT from p1...

DOJ, NBI re-enacts ‘Atimonan 13’ scene

versation that escalated into heated argument with the victims Melvin Oliva y Malbas, 34, married, a resident of Purok 6, Brgy. 9, Catbalogan City, his fellow Security Guard, and Dionito Matic y Mengote, 38, of Brgy. Guinsorongan of said city and a Senior Clerk of said office. Dabucol reportedly got irked and shot Oliva and Mate with his issued .38 caliber revolver, hitting the two on their abdomen. Oliva was able to run outside and seek treatment at Samar Provincial Hospital, some 500 meters from the SSS office. Matic and another employee Christabel Hilvano, of Brgy. Guinsorongan, were left inside the office and were held hostages by Dabucol while other SSS employees scampered out of the office. Upon cognizance of the report, elements of Samar Police Provincial Office and Catbalogan City Police Station responded to the scene and a Crisis Management Task Group was eventually activated with Police Senior Superintendent Eusebio Mejos, Samar Provincial Director, as Ground Commander. A negotiation ensued to contain the situation with Mayor Coefredo Uy and Police Superintendent Avelino Doncillo, city police chief, negotiating with the help of the suspect’s wife and daughter and tried to convince the suspect to yield in. Hostage Hilvano was eventually released after 20 minutes and after careful assessment of the situation with the suspect refusing to release the remaining hostage, an assault was initiated at around 2:45 o’ clock in the afternoon resulting in a shoot out and critical wounding of the hostage taker. The suspect and hostage Matic were immediately brought to Samar Provincial Hospital for medical treatment wherein attending physician Dr. Francisco Catalan pronounced the hostage-taker dead with hypovolemia secondary to multiple gunshot wounds as cause of death at around 4:20 p.m. The two wounded victims, meanwhile, are in stable condition. (With Insp. Romuel Nacar)

MANILA – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima escorted by agents coming from the National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) proceeded to Atimonan, Quezon and re-enacted the January 6 firefights resulted to the instant death of 13 men. The DOJ chief and NBI director Nonnatus Rojas met at SLEX this morning (Thursday) and convoyed to Brgy. Lumutan, Atimonan town – the site of the alleged gun battle between joint PNP/AFP forces and alleged members of the gun-for-hire group. The re-enactment was made amid allegations that the police operation in Atimonan was “rubout or ambush” and not a shootout. The PNP fact-finding team also earlier conducted a re-enactment. De Lima said in her media interviews

that they have gathered more witnesses in the area that could shed light on what really transpired last January 6 encounter. “I found these witnesses reliable and explosives,” De Lima said. Three witnesses nearby the crime scene narrated that the convoy of SUVs were surprised of the checkpoint and a military truck blocked their way. According to the witnesses, one of the policemen ordered the passengers of the SUVs to alight but when they refused, they were allegedly peppered with bullets. One passenger reportedly opened fire in retaliation prompting the checkpoint officers to strafe the vehicles even more. They told De Lima that one of the slain victims emerged from the

car with his arms raised and ready to surrender, “but two of the policemen shot the victim at close range.” In an inter view, S e c re t ar y D e L i ma bought the witnesses accounts. Two of the three witnesses were put under the Witness Protection Program of the government. Earlier, the 15 men (except for the three military officers who just sent their lawyers) submitted to the NBI to air their side of the story. No one however submitted their signed affidavits. The NBI will study today the new evidence submitted to them by the Calabarzon police. Meanwhile, the NBI is studying the angle that the incident might be a rivalry between two groups involved in Jueting operations.

movie-like approach. This will be his first television series after always being a host and a comedian. In March 2012, it was revealed that Jennylyn Mercado and Rhian Ramos will be his love interests. In August 2012, Maxene Magalona was added for the series, wherein her role was initially offered to Sunshine Cruz. On the same month, the story conference was held in with the presence of

the casts including veteran actresses. Dondon Santos, the director of the series Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla left his former network ABS-CBN, and signed a contract with GMA network. Soon after, it was announced that he will be the director of the said series making it his first project for the network. The show is under the supervision of Dr. Vic Villan of University of the Philippines – Diliman,

history consultant for “Amaya” and Dr. Rolando Borrinaga. Filming The show began filming on November 2012. According to The Philippine Star, by looking at the costumes, set and location used, the series has a big production value. GMA network also refer to the series as their most expensive drama and the biggest production ever in local television history. (Manilachannel.com)

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Letter To Editor Section. Be heard and let us know your say!

‘Indio’ rates high in premier episode at GMA telemovie The GMA’s newest epic serye, INDIO, starred by Senator Bong Revilla kicked-off its pilot episode last January 14 with superb high ratings. Based on the Mega Manila overnight ratings gathered by the more widely recognized TV ratings supplier, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, INDIO marked a household rating of 29.3% and ruled over its counterpart program Princess and I which only garnered 23.1%. INDIO’s first episode also became a trending topic in the Philippines in the micro-blogging site Twitter with the hashtag #IndioGMA. Indio is a 2013 historical-drama (Philippine history) of GMA network. It is the second of its like to air in Philippine TV after Amaya under the same network, co-produced by Imus Productions. Aside from the senator, the show features an ensemble cast such as Rhian Ramos, Jennylyn Mercado, Maxene Magalona, Bobby Andrews and Michael de Mesa.Directed by Dondon Santos, the drama will air on January 14, 2013 replacing Aso ni San Roque on GMA telebabad block and on January 15, 2013 on GMA Pinoy TV. The series was developed in early 2012 by writer Suzette Doctolero, who also created fantaseryes like Encantadia, Etheria and the first historical fiction in the Philippines, Amaya. Incumbent senator, Bong Revilla Jr. was chosen as the lead cast. During an interview with Revilla on a Saturday talk show Startalk, he revealed that he was very excited to do the series. According to him, the best word to describe the series is “telemovie”, a television series in a


Armstrong admits doping

Arum tells Pacquiao: Forget about April fight

MANILA -- Bob Arum is telling Manny Pacquiao to forget about an April tuneup fight and just prepare for a fifth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in September. “That (April fight) is unnecessary,” Arum told the Bulletin from New York yesterday. Pacquiao’s adviser Mike Koncz has been working to stage a fight either on April 13 or the week after in three exotic locales: Singapore, Macau or Dubai. The problem is that it is unlikely that one of these cities will be readily available in such short a time and Arum said he has counted out Singapore and Macau as alternatives. Arum said he would rather see Pacquiao get examined by experts at the Cleveland Clinic, a world-renowned brain center in Las Vegas, while he is resting “to make everybody, including himself at ease.” Pacquiao suffered a brutal sixth-round knockout to Marquez last year and calls for the Filipino to hang up his gloves began to snowball owing to the savage way the Mexican won the thrilling match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao was cleared after a CT Scan hours after the fight and was given a clean bill of health several days after in Manila following an MRI. But Arum believes Pacquiao is going to make everybody feel comfortable once he gets himself admitted for a routine examination at the Cleveland Clinic. “He can do it after the (May) elections there,” suggested Arum, referring to the local elections scheduled May 13. Pacquiao is seeking reelection unopposed as Sarangani congressman, while his wife Jinkee is running as the province’s vice-governor and his brother Rogelio is gunning for a congress seat in the first district of South Cotabato. (From the wires)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lance Armstrong ended years of vehement denial on Thursday by finally coming clean and admitting he had cheated his way to a record seven Tour de France titles with systematic use of banned, performance-enhancing drugs. Confessing his “toxic” tale to chat show host Oprah Winfrey, the cyclist described himself as a “flawed character” while at last owning up to being at the center of one of the biggest drugs scandals in world sport. In one word at the beginning of the interview broadcast worldwide, cancer survivor Armstrong confirmed his place in any gallery of fallen icons who have shamed their sport, the likes of drug-cheat sprinters Ben Johnson and Marion Jones. “Yes,” he replied when asked directly whether he had used performance-enhancing drugs. Winfrey rapidly fired questions at him, offering the 41-yearold little respite, grilling him about every aspect of his tainted career. Without hesitation, and showing no signs of emotion, Armstrong replied “yes” to questions about whether he used specific drugs, including erythropoietin, human growth hormone, and blood doping. When asked why he had repeatedly lied about using banned substances until Thursday’s startling admission, he told Winfrey: “I don’t know I have a great answer. “This is too late, probably for most people, and that’s my fault. I view this situation as one big lie that I repeated a lot of times. “This story is so bad...so toxic. “It’s not as if I said no and moved off it. While I’ve lived through this process, I know the truth. The truth isn’t what I said and now it’s gone.” Armstrong inspired millions with what had seemed like a fairytale career, and said he did not believe he could have achieved what he did without breaking the rules due to a culture of drugs in cycling. “Not in that generation. I didn’t invent the culture, but I didn’t try to stop the culture,” he said. “It’s hard to talk about the culture. I don’t want to accuse anyone else. I’m here to acknowledge my mistakes. “I will spend the rest of my life trying to win back trust and apologizing to people.” (From the wires)

SALE! SALE! SALE! BEACH LOT FOR SALE!

JANUARY 15 - 21, 2013

Page 8

Trip: (Cooking 101)

FOOD

‘Red Sinigang’ Hi there mga Mommies and our avid readers of SWE Cooking Fans out there. Mayda na ba kamo yana naiisip igluto para hit iyo pangaon yana nga adlaw? Well, try daw hine nga aton bag-o nga recipe yana. An tinatawag nga “Red Sinigang.” So easy to prepare, so easy to cook, testing na mga mommies! :) INGREDIENTS: ½ kg Pork liempo, cut into chunks 1 pc small onion, sliced ½ tbsp patis 1 pouch (200g) Del Monte Original Style Tomato Sauce 2¼ cups Water 3 pc Okra, each piece cut into two 1 to 2 pc siling haba 100g radish, sliced 1 Bunch kangkong, leaves & tender stalks only 1 tbsp sinigang mix powder PROCEDURE: 1. Combine water, onion, pork, patis and DEL MONTE Original Style Tomato Sauce. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until pork is tender. 2. Add radish and siling haba. Simmer until radish is almost cooked. Add okra. Allow to simmer. 3. Add kangkong and sinigang mix powder. Allow to simmer.

1.) 2,037 sq. m. 2.) 5, 272 sq. m.

Makes 5 servings. Pangaon na!!! :)

P500/sq. m. ONLY! Clean Papers Location: Brgy. Tingib, Basey, Samar Fronting Tacloban City

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