Mindanao Daily Set A (April 10, 2017)

Second frontpage n Girl-leader advocates for children’s rights/p.2

[ 4 ] Speaking out n The

Bishop opposes impeaching Duterte, Robredo/p3

loooong road to peace

Ignacio Bunye

MINDANAO DAILY T H E P U RV E YO R O F T R U T H , J U S T I C E , A N D D E V E LO P M E N T

Volume VI, No. 258

Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com

Monday

P15.00

April 10, 2017

City needs security dept to handle security issues

By CRIS DIAZ, Executive Editor

CAGAYAN de Oro City--The city government of this premier capital in Northern Mindanao needs to form a security department to address various threats, City Councilor Romeo Calizo said during the city council’s regular session last week.

LTFRB: Bus drivers may only drive for 6 hours

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is urging public utility bus drivers (PUBs) to drive for only six hours to prevent fatigue, which results in road accidents.

In its memorandum, the LTFRB stated that an alternate driver must be on standby to take over in case the driving period exceeds six hours.

Bus conductors cannot be alternate drivers so they could provide continuous assistance to passengers.

“Driver fatigue is a serious problem resulting in many road mishaps,” the LTFRB stated.

The policy will be implemented effective Sunday, April 9.

Noncompliance with the directive will be subject to penalties amounting to PHP5,000 for first offense, PHP10,000 and suspension of 30 days for second offense, and suspension of 60 days for third offense.

See DRIVER, page 7

Calizo, a retired army general who chairs the city council committee on police, fire and public safety, said that the city’s s ec ur ity depar t ment wou ld manage the security needs of the city in terms of planning, execution and logistics upkeep.

“We (the city council), from time to time, received uncon-

firmed reports about some terroristic and insurgency threats, but the city hall is ( apparently ) not doing anything,” Calizo said.

He said that his committee also received an information t hat C ag ay an D e O ro C it y would be hosting one of the meetings of the 2017 ASEAN

Summit.

According to Calizo, the Department of Tourism estimated that about 150 people would participate in the ASEAN Summit meeting here, and that they would visit some tourist dest inat ions in t he reg ion, including the island province of Camiguin.

Calizo said that the security requirement for the delegates of the ASEAN Summit should not be taken lightly.

In pushing for the creation of a security department, Calizo said “the department will be largely responsible and accountable for matters involving security in the city.”

Misor guv forms team to oversee safe return of displaced tribespeople

By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor

Balancing act. A father does a dangerous balancing act along the national highway in Pikit, North Cotabato, on Friday, April 7, 2017, his daughter behind him drinking bottled juice, his toddler in one basket on the busy side of the road and the goat in the other basket on the safer side. RA 10666 (Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015) says it is unlawful for a person to drive a motorcycle “with a child on board on public roads where there is heavy volume of vehicles, there is a high density of fast moving vehicles.” RA 10054 (Motorcyle Helmet Act of 2009) mandates motorcyle riders – drivers or back riders — to wear standard protective motorcyle helmets while on the road. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano has ordered the creation of a “fact-finding committee” to check if it is now safe for the civilian tribal groups to return to a military-held village in Mincamansi in Lagonglong town.

Emano said that the findings of the committee would serve as the basis for the return of 188 individuals to their tribal community.

The tribal members recently evacuated to the provincial capitol ground here because of the presence of the military in their area.

The governor said that the military informed him that the soldiers already vacated the area and that the villagers could now safely return there.

See OVERSEE, page 7

GRP, NDF agree on free land distribution under agrarian reform in CASER talks

By Antonio L. Colina IV of MindaNews

DAVAO City––Free land distribution will be the basic principle of agrarian reform as one of the elements of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic reforms

(CASER), the government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panels agreed during their fourth round of talks in the Netherlands.

In a seven-page joint statement, the parties agreed

to accelerate the work of the Reciprocal Working Committees on Socioeconomic Reforms with an exchange of comments on the contentious provisions on agrarian reform and rural development.

During the fourth round

of talks in Noordwijk, The Netherlands from April 3 to 6, the committees exchanged their respective comparative “color-coded matrices” identifying both contentious and acceptable provisions of the drafts of CASER submitted by both parties.

These contentious provisions were then clustered into nine major topics: coverage, confiscation, compensation, lease/leaseback and plantations, international agreements/domestic law, political power/implementation mechanisms, land

use, private insurance, and terminologies.

The committees agreed during initial discussions to convene bilateral teams, as defined during the third round of talks, with three members from each side See talks, page 7

MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE

Girl-leader advocates for children’s rights mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE

A

Monday

April 10, 2017

By Lina Sagaral Reyes, Contributing Editor

LABEL, Sarangani--Michelle Baranda, 17, carries, like a luminous amulet in the deep pockets of her thoughts, the words of the renowned educator and rights activist Helen Keller: while it is true that the world is full of adversity; it is also true that the world is full of the overcoming of adversity.

But it is the lesser-known Johanna Sullivan, Keller’s lifelong teacher, whose perseverance coaxed the best out of Keller, that Baranda holds up as a model. Unlike Keller and Sullivan, who both became blind at an early age, Baranda grew up enjoying the full powers of sight, hearing and speech. But still, in a way, she explained, she considers herself to have lived a life of adversity but also of overcoming adversity like Keller and Sullivan.

“I know what suffering means, what it means to lose what’s important to me. The very day I was born, my father disappeared from our lives. My mother lost a husband and together with my elder sister, I lost a father,” she said. According to her mother, her father was arrested for robbery and carnapping that midnight in 1999 while she endured labor pains to deliver her, the second daughter.

That and other circumstances had made Baranda endure a childhood in the margins of society. ‘’I grew up feeling vulnerable to discrimination and bullying in school. Being the daughter of an imprisoned man who I had seen but once and raised by a solo

parent. Add to these, that we are practicing Muslims in a largely Christian community. But still I grew up assertive.’’

She made use of her gift of gab to find a sense of belonging. ‘’I wanted to be among the respected student leaders in school.

So I made sure I won’t be far behind. Academically, I rank among the top ten. I gave up my hijab and joined a dance troupe.

“Last year, I ran for the student government presidency and won. But I also made sure that despite being articulate, I remain humble, my feet firmly on the ground.’’

A CHILDHOOD DARKNESS But she recalled a darkness during her childhood: ‘’But because my mother did not know any better, and influenced by the culture she grew up in, I experienced violence at home. My family observed old ways of discipline that hurt me and my elder sister,’’ she said.

Baranda’s childhood is not unique though. According to a Pulse Asia 2011 study, 67 per cent of Filipino parents use corporal punishment as a form of discipline.

The same study also noted that the practice has been passed on from the previous generation as 83 per cent of these parents involved in the study recalled having experienced physical punishment when they were growing up themselves. And Baranda’s generation was beginning to continue the generational relay of the bad habit.

“The painful thing was we siblings also learned to

hurt each other. We became good at hurting each other physically, even with words.

Until I learned it was a wrong practice.’’

NON-VIOLENT PUNISHMENT Baranda’s experience of corporal punishment may soon be banned as the committee on the welfare of children in Congress approved last January a bill preferring to use non-violent methods of disciplining children instead.

Entitled “An Act Promoting Positive and Non-Violent Discipline of Children and Appropriating Funds Therefor”, House Bill 516 is authored by Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy (Party-list, Bagong Henerasyon).

In the meantime, fortunately for her, understanding the consequences of these experiences have turned into inner gifts --enriching her sensitivity and awareness of the rights and responsibilities of children and adolescents like her undergoing difficulties in school and at home.

CHILD PROTECTION Thus, this 17-year-old Grade 11 student became an ideal representative of her peers to the Child Protection Committee (CPC) of the Alegria National High School in Alabel, Saranggani, about 15 kilometers from General Santos City.

At the high school’s CPC, Baranda and other student leaders meet regularly with school administrators, the guidance coordinator and the prefect of discipline, to implement the year-long program on the protection of the studentry from all forms of violence.

Baranda and Palallio are

Michelle Baranda

further tasked to supervise over peer support groups discussing and resolving specific cases of studentto-student bullying and to support students filing complaints over experiences of corporal punishment inflected by teachers against students.

Alegria National High School’s CPC is part of a national endeavor called the Positive Discipline Project, also known as the Collective Action to Promote Non-Violent and Protective Society for Children.

Zolcarnin Palao, Mindanao project officer, said that the Alegria CPC is among the growing number of model mechanisms put up in schools and local government units such as the barangay, municipality or province, where children’s rights are a priority concern and positive discipline is fostered. The project is implemented in at least six regions of the country.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Basic student-to-student conflict resolution is an important component of the CPC as the Republic Act 10627 known as the Anti-Bullying Law was implemented nationwide in 2013. The law requires all elementary and secondary schools in the country to adopt an anti-bullying policy. It also concretizes the country’s commitment to the United Nations’ 1991 Convention on the Rights of the Child of which the Philippines is a signatory.

An initiative of the Child Rights Network, the Collective Action project is spearheaded by the nongovernment organization Plan International together with the Philippine Legislator’s Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) and Lihok-Pilipina Foundation.

Susana Sumagka, the school principal at Alegria National High School, attests to Baranda’s effective leadership among the present crop of around 550

“

2

According to a Pulse Asia 2011 study, 67 per cent of Filipino parents use corporal punishment as a form of discipline.”

students. ‘’Michelle is able to advocate for the assertion of children’s rights. She also mentors other younger students following her footsteps in the student government.’’

Sumagka also noted that Michelle resolved several cases of anti-bullying among students, without having to pass on these complaints to the school’s CPC. ‘’You can see that the students are already capable of handling these complaints among themselves, and in convincing other students to assert and respect every student’s right to study in a violence-free school environment,’’ she stressed.

Students who are Blaan, a disadvantaged indigenous people in Southern Mindanao, are most vulnerable targets of bullying, specifically the girls, noted Baranda. She often focused her attention to their concerns as they are often timid.

Baranda said that Sumagca and most of the teachers have been supportive of the cause of promoting children’s rights. ‘’The school administrators readily address the issues.

The guidance counselor advised and informed us students of our rights. For example, how I can assert for positive discipline so that I can protect myself and also advocate against bullying.”

Holding her rights to an inclusive world that honors non-violence like a lantern in the dark, Baranda is determined to journey on as a student till she’d become an educator herself, like Sullivan, her idol.

3 years needed for Surigao City to fully recover from quake, says mayor

By Alexander Lopez of PNA

SURIGAO City, Surigao del Norte––The full recovery of this city from the destruction wrought by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in February will take up to three years, Mayor Ernesto Matugas said Thursday.

Matugas appealed to the national government

to fast-track the release of necessary funds to complete all the repair works in the city, which continues to experience tremors.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte, during his visit after the quake, promised to extend PHP2 billion to the city.

“I understand that there are procedures to be followed before the promised

aid of the President will be released,” Matugas said, as he urged the national government to speed up the processes and release of the needed funds.

The quake damaged major infrastructures here, including roads, bridges, government buildings, the airport, seaport, business establishments and houses.

A total of 26,000 resi-

dents in Surigao City were directly affected by the quake, 403 houses were recorded totally damaged and 6,093 were listed partially damaged, data from local government said.

The quake’s damage was estimated at P1.7 billion, including government and private infrastructures and properties, the mayor said.

Matugas said he already

made some follow-ups and wrote Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III for the release of the promised aid by the President.

Matugas said the local government of Surigao City, with the support of private groups and individuals, has provided initial support to the affected families.

The Department of Social Welfare and Develop-

ment (DSWD) also gave relief assistance to 26,000 affected families he said.

“I know that the initial funds released to the affected people were not enough,” he pointed out.

He said the families whose houses were totally damaged were initially given P6,000 each.

Matugas said that See mayor, page 7

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Monday, April 10, 2017

Bishop on plans to impeach DUTERTE, ROBREDO

‘Waste of time’

By Roy Lagarde of CBCPnews

A waste of time.

This was how Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of the Marbel diocese in Mindanao described the separate impeachment raps against President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo.

“These impeachment cases, that is wasting time.

Although it’s your right, but one should ask if it is right at this time that we be apart, when we should See WASTE, page 7

BUTUAN City––The Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) has 700 slots for the position of Police Officer 1.

PRO-13 Director PCSupt.

Rolando B. Felix said those interested can apply through the Philippine National Police Online Registration Application System (PNP-ORAS). PNP-ORAS will accept applications until April 28, the police regional headquarters here said. The announcement reminded applicants to prepare digitized or scanned documents before applying online.

Applicants must be Filipino citizens with good moral character, 21 years old and above but

PAGASA: Summer not yet officially on

By CATHERINE J. TEVES of PNA

THE dry season commonly known in the Philippines as ‘summer’ has not yet officially commenced this year but will likely start soon.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) clarified the matter, noting meteorological conditions at present still don’t warrant declaring the start of the dry season.

“Latest data indicate the annual northeast monsoon or ‘amihan’ hasn’t yet even te r m i nate d,” PAG AS A President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Vice President Leni Robredo (right). Photos screen weather forecaster Benigrab from the CBCPNews website.

Police hiring 700 rookie cops for Caraga region not over 30 years, at least one meter and 62 centimeters tall for male and one meter and 57 centimeters for female, holder of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized institution, must have civil service eligibility and have no pending cases.

Felix said those interested can also submit their application to the office of the Regional Personnel Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD).

For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact the Regional Public Information Office hotline number 093 993 540 84 or the RPHRDD office through landline number 815-1668. PNA

3

son Estareja said after some reports cited the agency as having already declared this Wednesday (April 5) start of summer in the country.

Citing PAGASA’s 24hour forecast released Thursday (April 6), he said weak ‘amihan’ is affecting northern and central Luzon.

‘Amihan’ will likely continue weakening until this weather system terminates, he said.

Termination of ‘amihan,’ dominance of the easterlies andestablishment of North Pacific High near the Philippines will signify start of summer in the See SUMMER, page 7

PH, ASEAN countries push for deeper economic integration

Recent development in the global economy, particularly the withdrawal of the United States (US) from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), leaves the Philippines and other member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in a vulnerable spot in the world market today.

As a way to fortify economic integration and ensure ASEAN’s economic stability amid global uncertainties, a roundtable discussion was organized by the Singapore Institute of Inter-

national Affairs (SIIA), in collaboration with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

SIIA Chairman Simon Tay said that in order to weather the seemingly “stormy global environment” in the region, ASEAN countries “must come together as a community, and be in synced politically, economically, and socio-culturally”.

“We need to knit together the ASEAN as a common production-

based platform where we can see more inter-ASEAN investment flowing, and more outside investments coming to ASEAN, not just to one ASEAN country but across the region,” said Tay. Upholding Tay’s statement, Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo of the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) in his keynote speech stated “that the departure of the US from the TPP, which is a multi-national trade agreement among countries that border the Pacific Ocean, See ECONOMIC, page 7

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Opinion

Monday, April 10, 2017

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EDITORIAL ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief

Klaus Doring

F

AKE news stories are not new but just simply to be spread via the World Wide Web and here especially social media platforms. Actually, since several months, I avoid reading and especially spreading news on Facebook. Good to know that Facebook decided to tackle fake news with an educational campaign....

Users will be directed to Facebook’s help centre where they can get detailed advice. Facebook is launching an educational tool as part of measures it is taking to counter fake news.

For three days, an ad will appear at the top of users’ news feeds, linking to advice on “how to spot fake news” and report it.

The campaign, which will be promoted in 14 countries, is “designed to help people become more discerning readers”, the social media

CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor

is a useful primer on the basic principles of good journalism. If all the millions who will see it popping up in their feeds read and digest it, maybe it will have an effect.

But it will only be there for three days and one has to suspect that it will be read in the main by people who are already suitably sceptical about hoaxes and propaganda.

So I’m not convinced that this will be seen as a game changer in the battle to make Facebook a place you go to find the truth, rather than wallow in your friends’ prejudices.

What could be more effective is a German plan to combat hate speech and fake news that Facebook does not like one bit.

German chancellor Angela Merkel’s government has just approved plans which could see social networks fined up to 50 million Euros if they fail to remove illegal content within 24 hours.

However, critics also said the tool was just one part of a broader strategy, and that

there was “no silver bullet.”

Indeed, in my opinion, Facebook should go further.

One of the biggest problems with fake news is that the algorithms that run social media sites like Facebook and search engines such as Google are being gamed by black ops companies.

Facebook has been under pressure to combat fake news on its platform after claims it was used to sway voters during the US presidential campaign. Examples include a story that falsely claimed President Obama had banned the pledge of allegiance in US schools, and another fake news item, saying former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was part of a pedophile ring. Facebook has since taken action to improve its monitoring and reporting processes. +++ Email: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin or visit my www. germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

Speaking out

The loooong road to peace

At the start of his administration, President Rody Duterte was confident of MARK FRANCISCO signing a peace agreement Lifestyle Editor with the CPP-NDF in three GILBERT Y. CHAO gerry lee gorit to six months.

Motoring Editor Photo Journalist He was counting on his rapport with former UP PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN professor Joma Sison and the Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao

de facto truce he had forged Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING on the ground, while mayor Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor of Davao City, to end almost AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA 50 years of fighting.

Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant As a unilateral peace offering, Duterte even invited RODRIGO B. SEVILLA JOE PALABAO personalities identified with Regional Editor-Davao Feature Editor the left into his cabinet. Some twenty top political prisoners ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI were also released to serve as NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE consultants of the CPP-NDF CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 negotiating panel.

CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Subsequent events conLegal Counsel vinced Duterte that peace --------------------------------------------------------------would not come as easy as that. At least in so far as bureau and mktg staff the CPP-NDF is concerned, candy macabale - 09161326483 Duterte now realistically RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 believes that peace will not MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 come in this generation.

North Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0955-150-6602 Even as he gave the goVALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 signal last week for the govMARAMAG - roFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 ernment panel to resume quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON formal peace talks in The Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 Netherlands, observers greettangub city - bobby mag usara ed the news with guarded OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 ARMM - Sony Sudaria-0947-4810371 optimism. cotabato - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 And it was not difficult davao - tom a. caballero-09756023684 to understand why. davao - tomas canoy avancena jr.-09177017010 While both groups from davao del norte - sarah castor - 09263988293 opposite sites of the table digos city, dvo sur & kidapawan - romeo d. sanchez profess to pursue a lasting davao city - rene s. arias (Photo Journalist,) and just peace, they are poles COMVAL PROVINCE AND DAV. OR. - Rhodel javier butuan - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 apart in terms of bargaining san frans - CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 position.

San Francisco - deding PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 While the government Pagadian City - GRACE FRANCISCO -0912-8484037 panel has been instructed to ZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO -09177103642 negotiate a bilateral ceasefire, the CPP-NDF insists first Member: ORO CHAMBER on the signing of the ComPhilippine Press Institute prehensive Agreement on ruel pelone Managing Editor

firm said. These countries are Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Myanmar (Burma), Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina,United States, and Canada.

Bu, t experts questioned whether the measure would have any real impact. “Until Facebook stops rewarding the architects of fake news with huge traffic, this problem will just get worse,” Tom Felle, a lecturer in digital journalism at City University told the BBC. Starting today, Friday, April 7, 2017, users who click on Facebook’s ads will be redirected to its help centre, where they will see a list of 10 tips for identifying false stories.

These include looking at an article’s URL, investigating the source of a story and thinking more critically about whether an article is a joke. It also recommends being “sceptical of headlines”, as false news stories “often have catchy headlines in all caps with exclamation points”.

Facebook’s new guide

Fake news

Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) before any bilateral ceasefire agreement.

There are other side issues being raised by the CPP-NDF, among them, alleged human rights violations during the war on drugs, and the return of the Marcos family to politics.

President Rody calls certain demands of the CPPNDF as “impossible”, such as the release of all remaining political prisoners, numbering about 400.

The CPP-NDF, on the other hand, has tagged certain government officials as “spoilers” of the peace process.

Still, negotiators find occasion to agree on babystep confidence-building measures. An example is the proposed exchange of prisoners. The CPP-NDF proposes to release four prisoners in NPA custody in exchange for 23 prisoners detained by the government.

But even the implementation of such prisoner exchange can be very complicated. The CPP-NDF demands that the government impose a ten-day suspension of military and police operations in areas where the exchanges are to take place.

These areas cover parts of Bukidnon, Surigao Del Norte, Agusan Del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and South Cotabato.

To the soldiers and policemen on the ground, (who often found themselves on the receiving end during suspension of hostilities) that

would be a hard sell.

But as they say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

Here’s hoping that it will not be one step forward, two steps backward.

Unforgettable ceasefires in history I recently came across in You Tube a very touching video clip based a true-to- life ceasefire which occurred in 1917, almost 100 years ago, at the Western Front.

The episode has come to be known as The Christmas Truce of 1914.

The Christmas Truce of 1914 has inspired books, plays and a super-viral commercial for UK supermarket chain Sainsburys.

It was Christmas eve.

Temperature had dropped below freezing. Weary British and German soldiers were resting in their muddy trenches, reading letters and opening gifts from home.

A British soldier started singing “Silent Night” and was soon joined by his comrades.

A couple of hundred yards across No Man’s Land, the Germans responded with “Stille Nacht!”

Overcome with emotion, Jim, a British soldier, came out of the trenches with arms raised and started walking toward the German lines.

The German soldiers initially levelled their rifles at Jim but were prevailed upon by Otto.

Otto himself came out of the trenches with arms raised to meet Jim. Soon soldiers from both sides streamed out of their

Ignacio Bunye trenches and met halfway in the open field.

There they shook hands, showed each other pictures of their loved ones and even exchanged gifts.

One brought out a football and an impromptu match followed.

Halfway through, the soldiers heard guns in the distance, reminding every one that a war was still going on.

Reluctantly, they went back to their respective trenches.

Back in his trench, Jim discovers that Otto had gifted him with German toast. In return, Otto received a bar of chocolate.

During the 1960s, soccer legend Pele and his Brazilian Team Santos visited civil war-torn Nigeria to play an exhibition match. The warring groups immediately agreed to a truce so they could watch the legendary Black Pearl in action.

The military even opened heavily guarded checkpoints so that people could make their way to the big game.

48 hours later, the warring factions got right back to killing each other. Nigeria eventually quelled the breakaway Biafrans.

••• Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@ gmail.com. You may also “like” us on Facebook at “Speaking Out”.

Forum

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Monday, April 10, 2017

5

Kaamulan: Dancing in the streets in the midst of violence First part

By Karl M. Gaspar CSsR of MindaNews

THE sojourners who travel the length and breadth of the Province of Bukidnon at the very heart of Mindanao – the country’s resource-rich island mythically referred to at one time as Land of Promise – cannot help but be in awe at the great beauty of its landscape.

On a clear bright morning as they watch its range of mountains, undulating hills and fertile plains as far as the eye can see from a bus window, the sights can take their breaths away!

The month of March seems to be the best time to fully enjoy what Bukidnon can offer the traveler in search of an “exotic” experience when there are sights and sounds that the average tourist craves. Summer would have taken over the months of rain that can cause floods and landslides.

And in some of the locations, like Malaybalay City and especially the uplands, the cool wind that blows can still buffer the sun’s heat.

This is the month, when the “golden showers” (those tall trees that lose their leaves as a million bright yellow flowers burst out in great abundance) have now given this location its distinct beauty, as nowhere else in Mindanao can one find such trees.

And of course there is the KAAMULAN, which The Philippine Star on its front page of the 26 March NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late VENANCIO TABAMO who died without leaving any will or testament left a certain Parcel of Land identified as Denominated Lot No. 246, bearing tax declaration No. 03001211096, embrace with title No. 4762, Still declared in the name of the late Venancio Tabamo, Containing an area of 504 sq. meters, located at Tubod, Mahinog, Camiguin is the Subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT (among Heirs) WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF PORTION OF LAND. Sold in favor of the spouses Elvira A. Najos and Daniel L. Najos, Filipino and a resident of Tubod, Mahinog, Camiguin, Executed by Heirs, under Notarial Registry of Atty. Vito M. Carillo, Per Doc. No. 38; Page No. 9; Book No. 96; Series of 2017.

KAAMULAN FESTIVAL. An elder female lumad is surrounded by her peer-contingents to the annual Kaamulan Festival of the province of Bukidnon during the street-dance competition, Saturday (March 25), at the main streets of Malaybalay City. Photo by Gerry Lee Gorit 2017 issue called as “the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the country. ” This festival celebrates the cultural legacies of the province’s seven ethnolinguistic tribes, who constituted this province’s aboriginal communities, namely, the Bukidnon, Higa-

IN RE:JOINT PETITION TO APPROVE AND REGISTER THE DIVORCE OF SPOUSES GEORGE C. MENDOZA AND MARICRIS ANTONIO MILANO,

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of late Vicente Chavez, who died long ago without leaving a will and testament, left, a parcel of land known as Denominated Lot No. 1838, Covered under tax declaration No. 02193, embracd with OCT P- 12125, containing an area of 776 sr. meters, located at Binaliwan, Mahinog, Camiguin is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT (Among Heirs) WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF A PARCEL OF LAND, sold in favor of the spouses Elmer T. Babanto and Nelda O. Babanto all Filipino and a resident of Tubod, Mahinog, Camiguin. Executed By Heirs, under Notarial Registry Of Atty. Aniano S. Paderanga, Per Doc. No. __;Page No. __; Book No. __; Series of 20__.

MDN: Apr 10, 17 & 24, 2017

litbog, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Pangantucan, Manolo Fortich, San Fernando, Quezon and Cabanglasan.

Named after the Binukid word – amul (to gather) – the Lumads in some parts of Bukidnon celebrate a kaamulan, that is, to gather together for various rituals:

a wedding, thanksgiving for a good harvest and to forge a peace pact. Note, there is no kaamulan if the center event is not a ritual, a sacred moment for the people to commune with the Deity they believe in. When a decision had to be made to name this cultural festival

See kaamulan, page 7

summer SALE

Republic of the Philippines 4th SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’a Judicial District Iligan City CIVIL CASE NO.2017-040

UP TO 50% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED ITEMS

GEORGE C. MENDOZA AND MARICRIS ANTONIO MILANO, Petitioners.

X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - /

ORDER

Before this Court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others.

That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rites on December 30, 1989 at Iligan City both petitioners had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which which were duly registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal processes relative to this case at their residents at Mahayahay, Iligan City and Steel town, Sta. Elena, Iligan City respectively;

That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated from each other for more than eight (8) years,they decided to separate live physically in bed and board thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since their separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other,neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on December 30, 1989, so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on May 26, 2017 at 9:00 a.m at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a news paper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED.

Iligan City, Philippines, this 7th day of April, 2017.

MDN: Apr 10, 17 & 24 2017

HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines 4th SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’a Judicial District Iligan City

MDN: Apr 10, 17 & 24, 2017

NOTICE

onon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon. They are the indigenous peoples living here since time immemorial who are spread across its municipalities/ cities including Malaybalay, Valencia, Lantapan, Talakag, Kadingilan, Ma-

in Bukidnon (that is: to showcase Lumad cultures), it got labeled as KAAMULAN. To give it some political significance, it has been traditionally held just after the anniversary date of the province’s foundation on 10 March 1917.

Its birth as a festival goes back to 15 May 1974, when Mr. Edilberto Manawag, then the Vice Mayor of Malaybalay, took the initiative of inviting a few of the Lumads to the town’s fiesta (in honor of the farmer, San Isidro Labrador, the town parish’s patron saint). His motive was quite simple: invite them to stage a few dances at the Plaza Rizal (fronting the parish church) to “enliven the fiesta goers” who, of course, were mainly descendants of migrant-settlers (speaking the dominant Cebuano-Bisaya language).

It proved quite popular and became a yearly event drawing more people each year. It attracted not only the attention of the “mga taga-Bukidnon,” but the whole region. Thus, on 16 September 1977, the Regional Development Council of Region 10 declared it “the regional festival of Northern Mindanao.” And eventually, it was no longer just the local government of Malaybalay who got into the act; this became organized under the auspices

IN RE:JOINT PETITION TO APPROVE AND REGISTER THE DIVORCE OF SPOUSES RICARDO R. PAUNIL III AND MA.AURORA C. ASUNCION,

CIVIL CASE NO.2017-038

RICARDO R. PAUNIL III AND MA.AURORA C. ASUNCION, Petitioners.

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ORDER

Before this Court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others.

That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rites on June 18, 2006 at Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac, both petitioners had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which which were duly registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal processes relative to this case at their residents at Purok 7, Camague Hi-way,Iligan City and Padapa, Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac respectively;

That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated from each other for more than six (6) years,they decided to separate live physically in bed and board thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since their separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other,neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on June 18, 2006, so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on May 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a news paper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED.

Iligan City, Philippines, this 6th day of April, 2017.

MDN: Apr 10, 17 & 24 2017

HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge

R.E.R. Highway, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax. No. (088) 856-5763, Cel. No. 09268376542

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Monday, April 10, 2017

Kaamulan... from page 5

of the Province – with the Department of Tourism taking a central role – with all the municipalities participating in the yearly spectacle.

Indeed, when it unfolded on Saturday, 25 March 2017, the tourists who arrived here for the first time could be so easily swayed into thinking that Kaamulan is a smallscale Carnival of Rio, or its counterpart in Venice and New Orleans (all taking place just before the liturgical season of Lent begins) but with its own charming specificities. And if the tourists have gone through the circle of festivals in this Land “which is more fun” that “wears a smile all year round”, from Sinulog to Kadawayan, from Panegbenga to Dinagyang, they might be amazed at what seems to be truly the only ethnic festival in the country.

That is, if the tourists are the ones Wanda Corazon Teo wants to attract so her Department can claim to reach their target numbers to please her boss. Tourists who have the money and time to satisfy their need for leisure, to live a lifestyle in search of “the exotic and magical” hopping from one grand hotel to another, tasting the local’s cuisine and taking selfies in front of the natives who look like natives in their full, colorful regalia.

Tourists who only care for their short-term enjoyment, who hardly show any interest to know the true history of the place they are visiting and the struggles of those dancing in the streets for the audience’s delectation, and are shielded by the local organizers from straying into territories that could so shock them by the level of violence that they would pack up their bags and not

return.

For herein lies the tragedy behind the “spectacle” which is the Kaamulan. Behind the merrymaking and dancing in the streets, there are sad stories of the continuing dislocation of the Lumads from their ancestral territories as mining explorations and agri-business plantations expand. Even as gigantic floats and thousands of colorful banners sway in the wind during the parade, thousands of Lumad children are malnourished and have no decent schools where they can learn the rudiments of literacy. As a contest to showcase the Lumad’s rich cultural heritage unfolds (including romanticized pangayaw scenes where dancers show their prowess as baganis or warriors) entertaining a million people, out in the boondocks tribal leaders are being hunted and gunned down by military and paramilitary armed men if they show any resistance to their continuing disenfranchisement.

The rare tourists who come to watch Kaamulan with a post-structuralist perspective could not help but deconstruct the scenes unfolding before their eyes, as they stand at the corner of Fortich and Rizal streets (fronting the cathedral of Malaybalay City) where the parade takes a turn towards the Provincial Capitol site.

This deepens as they watch the showcases of the municipal contingents from the fringes of the Capitol grounds as they compete to win the sizable cash prize.

They are the ones who can immediately see the ironies embedded in this cultural event as they ask these rather pointed questions to themselves.

If this is truly “the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the country,” what makes it authentic? Who de-

Happy Easter to one and all!

Greetings from

Councilor JAY PASCUAL

1st District, Cagayan de Oro City

fines its authenticity? When trade and commerce become an integral part of such an event, does not its accompanying commercialization corrode the truly authentic, namely what gives the festival its “soul?”

Kaamulan is at its very heart a sacred moment in the lives of the Lumads, as they commune with the spirits of their Deity and ancestors.

Apart from “staging artificial ritual scenes,” does the realm of the Lumads’ indigenous belief system even provided a space in this event? If there is a feeble attempt, how so?

Are there truly very distinct ethno-linguistic elements justifying the categorization of the seven tribes in Bukidnon? Who determined such a categorization? In this day and age when there are regular contacts between and among ethnolinguistic groups (including the migrant-settlers) as well as inter-marriages that have been taking place for more than a century, can there still be such sharp distinctions between these seven tribes?

Who in fact actively participates in in the decisionmaking processes every time Kaamulan is being planned, year after year? How much is the presence of the Lumad themselves in such decisionmaking processes? In the actual event, what percentage of the participants in both the parade and the showcases are Lumad? As the contingents are organized along municipal lines and the easiest to recruit as dancers, musicians and props-men are those from public schools (which are mainly in big barangays and towns populated by migrant-settlers), is it safe to assume that most of the participants are really not Lumad? Certainly at the head of the 11 contingents are the municipalities’ big shots (LGU officials), followed by a sprinkling of tribal datus and their companions. One can just tell by the way they look and move. As for the young people who are the backbone of this festival in terms of person-power,

one can tell there are a lot more who are children of migrant-settlers than Lumad.

(If someone can do a good statistical survey, these questions can be answered fully).

And the choreographers?

Could it be surmised that they are “nagpaka-Lumad ra”, hired for the purpose of staging the spectacular cultural productions that highlight more its “showmanship” (to please the audience?) rather than “authenticity”?

How much is the budget allocated for this spectacle?

Who foots the bill which must be quite sizeable, considering the logistical demands of such an event?

Will there be an accounting of such funds and reported to the people of Bukidnon? If the Department of Tourism considers this kind of festival as beefing up local economies (with the assumption that tourists, especially foreigners, bring in the moolah), are the incomes brought about by the festival more than enough to offset the heavy costs? (But I only saw one Caucasian foreigner in the midst of a million people, so is Wanda Teo correct that possibly they don’t come because of the country’s bad publicity?). If there is a sizable income deriving from this festival, where do the funds go? Are there at least some provisions that part of the income might go to build schools and health centers to benefit the Lumads? More improvement in the infrastructure? More possibilities of assisting them title their ancestral domain?

So in the end, who really benefits from this festival? The Lumad peoples of Bukidnon or the political leaders, the government officials, the businessmen and their hanger-ons? So who is using who? If, indeed, the Lumads who participate are “not coerced to join” but do so willingly, what could be their motivations for participating?

And lastly, how does Kaamulan figure vis-à-vis the existing political economy of Bukidnon? Does it bring

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

at Barangay 11, Gingoog, 2. EVELYN GURRO CAPIRIG, Filipino of lawful age, married, with residence/postal address at Barangay 11, Gingoog, 3. GLORIA GURRO ALECHA, Filipino of lawful age, married, with residence/postal address at Barangay 11, Gingoog, 4.

ROMEO M. GURRO, Filipino of lawful age, with residence/postal address at Purok 1 San Juan, Gingoog City; 5.

VILMA GURRO CUANAN, Filipino of lawful age, married, with residence/ postal address at Barangay 26, Gingoog City; 6. BERNADITH GURRO ROLLON, Filipino of lawful age, married , with residence/postal address at Barangay 11, Gingoog, 7. EVANGELINE GURRO PARDILANAN, Filipino of lawful age, with residence/postal address at Cabubuhan, Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, and 8.

ESTELA GRACE M. GURRO, Filipino of lawful age, with residence/postal address at Barangay 11, Gingoog., that FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the sum of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P300.000.00), Philippine Currency, to us in hand paid by FEDERICO J. BARIQUIT, Filipino of lawful age, single, with residence/postal address at Barangay 17, Gingoog City, We hereby SELL, TRANSFER, and CONVEY, absolutely and unconditionally, said buyer, Federico J. Bariquit, his heirs and assigns, the above-described properties; Under Notary Public of FELICIDAD A. SIA; as per Doc No. 1496; Page No. 33; Book No. 102; Series of 2014.

Notice is hereby served to the intestate estate of the deceased DELPINA BAGANANO, who died on August 1943 in Gingoog City, leaving a parcels of land located at Barangay 20, Gingoog City, described as follows, to wit: “A parcel of land, Portion of LOT 12368B, CSD-10-021780-D; containing an AREA of 476 square meters, more or less, wholly assessed at P62,300.00, with a market value of P430,642.85, covered by TAX DECLARATION NO. E-042931, as per SUBDIVISION PLAN

by Engr. Joseph C. Tanasas”.; “A parcel of land, Portion of LOT 12368B, CSD-10-021780-D; Containing an AREA of 1,172 square meters, more or less, wholly assessed at P62,300.00, with a market value of P430,642.85, covered by TAX DECLARATION NO. E-042931, as per SUBDIVISION PLAN

by Engr. Joseph C. Tanasas”.; “A parcel of land, Portion of LOT 12368B, CSD-10-021780-D; containing an AREA of 2,821 square meters, more or less, wholly assessed at P41,290.00, with a market value of P282,668.85, covered by TAX DECLARATION NO. E-042934, as per SUBDIVISON PLAN

by Engr. Joseph C. Tanasas”. ; is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTION WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE; made and entered by and among: 1.

EMMA M. GURRO, Filipino of lawful age, with residence/postal address

MDN: Apr 3, 10 & 17, 2017

about justice and peace and integrity of creation, that help to cement harmonious relationships among its peoples, provide a progressive future for everyone including the most vulnerable, promote sustainable development and climate justice, and truly “gather the people as one” to combat poverty, inequality, marginalization and oppression? Perhaps it is too much to expect of a spectacle such as the Kaamulan to contribute to this ideal when it is meant mainly to “enliven the fiesta goers.” One with a contrary opinion might even exclaim: “Come on, give us a break.

We need to have time to enjoy and have fun!”

Certainly, we human beings need moments of joyful celebrations, as life can be so tedious, burdensome and stressful. But should we also close our eyes to the tragedies that are unfolding in our midst especially if these sustain the “historical injustices” against the very people who were in this location first, long before descendants of migrantsettlers became and continue to be the main beneficiaries of its enormous wealth?

Consider how violent this local history has been through the colonial and post-colonial eras unfavorably impacting on the lives of its original inhabitants who had lived unmolested by outsiders for a very long time until the Spanish Empire’s claws attempted to colonize this area.

In what is an attempt to “celebrate” the coming of the Spaniards to Bukidnon, a monument was erected in Plaza Rizal at the very center of Malaybalay. The monument is a tableau involving nine characters (five Spaniards and two Lumad with two of them holding a bangkaw) which is labeled “Errecion de Pueblo,” which recalls 15 June 1877 negotiations “when Senor Colonel of the Cavalry, five governors of the 2nd District of the military government in Mindanao, Don Jose Gallego Perez, the parish priest of the said village, Fr. Mateo Bernad de San Miguel of the Augustinian Discalced Order; 1st Lt. Don Felipe Martinez, exercising the function of Gobernador-

cillo suspended the rules of their authority; aided by the Governor’s Secretary, the undersigned, Don Abelardo Cardenal Cuesta; in which appeared the magnates of the said village Datto Manpalon (Datu Mampaalong), Sugola, Min legao, Apang and Bansag.

The intent of the meeting which was achieved on that same event was for the Spaniards to secure an agreement to protect the peace and harmony of the village which is under the rule of the Second District of the Military Government and to pledge to the tribal leaders and their constituents of 457 souls, their neighbors and descendants the support and recognition by the King of Spain as represented by those present.” (See the document with this inscription embedded in a plaque placed at the back of the monument).

Well, the sub-text of this monument is that the people of Malaybalay/Bukidnon should take pride that this historical moment took place, and henceforth, they should be grateful to their colonizers, including the King of Spain.

One could write an entire essay, unmasking the real intent of the colonizers.

In fact the 457 souls then needed to be protected from the colonizers and not from the “phantom enemies” constructed in the colonizers’ minds for this singular event that opened up Bukidnon to more colonizers after the collapse of the Spanish empire, including the new American masters who dreamt of setting up vast agricultural plantations and who later brought in migrants to work the fields as they could not coerce the Lumads to work for them.

This process of opening up Bukidnon had not stopped with the country becoming independent.

Eventually a smart, elite political family coming from Negros would find themselves following the path of the colonizers and in the process introducing another cash crop while amassing vast hectares of prime fertile land, mostly contested by both Lumad and migrant peasant households. To be continued tomorrow

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE

and with residence address at Purok 1, Kiraging Sugbungcogon, Misamis Oriental; 3. CHRISTIAN DAVE O. AGDON, minor, single, Filipino Citizen and with residence at P-10, Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon; 4. VANESSA MAE O. AGDON, minor, single, Filipino Citizen and with residence at P-10, Poblacion , Valencia City, Bukidnon.

For and in consideration of the foregoing premises and invoking the provision of Sec. 1 Rule 74of the Rules of Court, the said HEIRS above named have agreed to settle the estate extrajudicially and to this effect do hereby partition and adjudicate the same unto themselves and the foregoing inheritance, subject however to the liabilities imposed by Sec. 4, Rule 74 of the Rules of Court for a period of two years in favor of any other possible heirs, creditors or any other person deprived of the participation over the said estate of the deceased and encumbrances; Under Notary Public of ATTY. ASIS G. CUBILLAN; as per Doc No. 619; Page No. 124; Book No. VII; Series of 2017.

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the deceased ALONA ORA AGDON, are Filipino Citizen, who died intestate on April 17, 2010 leaving a certain real property situated at Purok 10, Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon covered under Transfer Certificate of Title NO. 12315 with an area of 610 square meters, more particularly described as follows: “A parcel of land (Lot 195-L-1-B-2-C-1-B, of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-263756 being a portion of Lot 195-L-1B-2-C-1, LRC Rec. No. Free-Patent) situated in the Poblacion, Municipality of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon, containing an area of SIX HUNDRED TEN (610) SQUARE METERS, more or less,” is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE; made and executed at the City of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon, 1. RONALDO AGDON, of legal age, widower, Filipino Citizen and with residence address at P-10, Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon. 2. JONATHAN IAN O. AGDON, of legal age, single, Filipino Citizen

MDN: Apr 3, 10 & 17, 2017

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Driver... from page 1

If the violation results in a vehicular accident causing damage to property or death and injuries to people, the LTFRB will consider it as an aggravating circumstance in the determination of penalty to be imposed as a consequence of the accident. (PNA)

Oversee... from page 1

Emano said he created the fact-finding committee, which is composed of representatives from the tribal group, religious sector and the local government unit, to find out if it is safe for the villagers to return to their area.

C lar is a Acost a, t he spokesperson of the tribal group, said that they fled from their village after the military laid siege on the village last week under the pretext of hunting for communist rebels there.

“There’s no communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the village, although the rebels passed by the village every now and then,” Acosta said.

She said that the tribal community and the 58th Infantry Battalion agreed for the soldiers “to pass, but not stay in the village” to avoid endangering the civilian community.

Last year, the military and the NPA rebels clashed in the area, which resulted to the killing and the wounding of some members of the tribe who have no part in the conflict, Acosta said.

Since then, tribal members would evacuate from the village, leaving their farm and farm animals unattended, every time the military shows up, she said.

Talks... from page 1

and supervised by committee members to to work on the sections on agrarian reform and rural development and National Industrialization and Economic Development.

The joint statement said the bilateral teams will hold meeting in Manila or in another venue agreed upon by both parties.

Meetings will take place this month and in May. The agenda will include reconciling the the draft minutes of the third round of the bilateral meetings of the committees, and exchange of comments on the contentious provisions of the draft proposals.

Prof. Jose Maria Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines and chief political consultant of the NDFP wanted either the signing of CASER before a ceasefire agreement or the simultaneous signing of both agreements.

He said that it would be possible to forge CASER this year since the GRP and NDFP drafts contain common positions.

“I have read and studied the drafts of the proposed agreements from the GRP and NDFP and I have also examined the comparative matrices. I observe that there are enough concurrences and similar positions as common ground for forging the agreements,” he said.

The parties have signed an agreement on an interim joint ceasefire, which will take effect upon the approval and signing of the ground rules and will be effective until a permanent ceasefire agreement is forged as part of Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

The interim joint ceasefire “aims to provide a conducive environment for the GRP and NDFP negotiations, encourage the forging of a more stable and comprehensive Joint Ceasefire Agreement and provide an enabling environment for the eventual and early signing of CASER.” The GRP and NDFP panels directed their respective ceasefire committees to “discuss, formulate and finalize the guidelines and ground rules for the implementation of the agreement, including rules governing the presence of armed units and elements of both parties in local communities, the creation of buffer zones, the prohibition of hostile and provocative acts, and ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanisms.”

Both parties further agreed to undertake the measures necessary to effect the immediate, safe and expeditious release of soldiers and police officers who are being held captive by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao.

NPA captives in Region 12 were scheduled for release before Easter Sunday (April 16) and those in Bukidnon after Holy Week. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

Summer... from page 3

country, Estareja said.

He noted such conditions will likely occur this weekend, kicking off summer.

“Parameters we’re monitoring indicate high possibility for such conditions to occur then,” he said.

In its April 5, 2017 press release, PAGASA also said latest weather map analyses and numerical model outputs indicate establishment of North Pacific High Pressure Area during this weekend.

“Day-to-day weather will gradually become warmer and drier in the coming weeks partly due to dominance of the extended ridge of North Pacific High Pressure Area and easterlies,” PAGASA said further.

According to PAGASA, ‘amihan’ normally terminates around March’s second half.

‘Amihan’ affected most parts of the country throughout this March and North

Monday, April 10, 2017 Pacific High’s establishment was delayed, however, noted PAGASA weather forecaster Vic Manalo.

Temperatures PAGASA recorded in some parts of the country were nearnormal, he also said.

“With these, termination of ‘amihan’ is delayed,” he said.

He noted available data show early termination of ‘amihan’ occurred on Feb. 25, 2009.

The data also show late termination of ‘amihan’ happened on April 12, 2011, he continued.

Even if summer sets in already, PAGASA still expects isolated rain showers and thunderstorms to occur due to localized convection.

“Such conditions are likely in the country’s eastern sections,” noted Estareja.

PAGASA further expects Mindanao to experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to passage of easterly waves or inter-tropical convergence zone’s northward migration.

“Mindanao’s southern areas may be affected,” Estareja said.

Despite summer’s onset, PAGASA still forecasts moderate to occasionally rough coastal waters particularly over eastern sections of Luzon and the Visayas.

Expected moderate to strong easterly winds will cause such sea turbulence, PAGASA added.

Waste... from page 3

be united,” Gutierrez said over Church-run Radio Veritas.

In what could be a first in the world, the president and the vice president are facing impeachment complaints.

Duterte was the first to face an impeachment case filed by retired military officer and Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano over alleged culpable violation of the Constitution and corruption, among others.

Robredo, on the other hand, was slapped with an impeachment complaint by known Marcos loyalist Oliver Lozano of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said Robredo had committed an impeachable offense following her video message to a United Nations forum attacking Duterte’s war on drugs.

Duterte had publicly criticized Robredo for supposedly supporting moves to oust him.

Instead of political bickering, Bishop Gutierrez called on government leaders to unite and address the country’s problems such poverty and unemployment.

“Let us work together to solve the problems, not to put each one down,” he said.

The prelate lamented how government leaders have been preoccupied with destroying one another’s reputations.

“We are a very divided country. Instead of loving one another and helping one another to become bet-

ter, we are trying to put down everybody. That is not the work of God. That is the work of the devil,” said Gutierrez.

Mayor... from page 2

his office is now coordinating with the DSWD national office for the release of P30,000 to each of the 403 families whose houses were totally damaged and P10,000 each to families whose houses were partially damaged by the quake.

The funds, he added, will come from the agency’s shelter program.

The local government has released funds for the procurement of 30 tents that will serve as temporary classrooms for students, he said.

“The tents will be provided to schools where repairs will continue even during the opening of the school year in June,” he said.

Matugas appealed to his constituents to bear with government procedures in the release of funds and other assistance. philippine news agency

Economic... from page 3

will affect ASEAN countries like the Philippines in varying degrees and different levels”.

He said that the ASEAN must work together to avoid the repeat of a Brexit and learn from the lessons of the TPP.

“The recent economic developments provide us lessons on inclusiveness.

Particularly, the Brexit referendum provides us with the key message of engaging our stakeholders and the public in the policymaking process,” Rodolfo pointed out.

The TPP experience, on the other hand, he explained “imparts a critical lesson on the importance of collective leadership in advancing regional free trade agreements”.

Nonetheless, Rodolfo maintains a positive outlook for the country and its ASEAN neighbors especially with the Regiona l C omprehensive E conomic Par t nership (RCEP) agreement that is currently in the negotiating table.

“D espite re cent developments coupled with rising protectionist sentiments such as the Brexit and the withdrawal of the US from TPP, ASEAN is ready to face a heightened global role in laying the foundation of the new g l ob a l e c onomy ”, s ai d Rodolfo.

The DTI official said that this major economic twist is an imp etus to hasten the negotiations in the RCEP. On a similar note, PIDS Vi c e Pre si d e nt Mar i fe Ballesteros, in her welcome remarks, said that the country’s “pushing for RCEP with China, India,

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Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand” will “greatly help in promoting free flow of trade” in the ASEAN region.

She mentioned that the Philippine government will need to continue lib era lizing t he go o ds sector by reducing import tariffs and conducting better monitoring of nontariff barriers and trade sur veillance. “We need to position ourselves in order to take advantage of new trade opportunities that will come out from the rebalancing,” Ballesteros added.

According to her, small and medium enterprises as well as direct and indirect exporters will have a greater role to play in the ASEAN’s intensified economic integration. She likewise concluded that there will be an expansion of the service sector across the region, particularly in the areas of digital trade and financial and professional services.

The roundtable discussion, titled “Roundtable on the Future of the ASEAN community: Unlocking ASEAN’s next chapter”, was held in Makati City. It was the first collaboration between PIDS and SIIA—both top think tanks in Southeast Asia and the Pacific based on the Global Go-To-Think Tank Index released by the University of Pennsylvania.

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Monday, April 10, 2017

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