Mindanao Daily Set A (December 28, 2016) by Mindanao Daily News

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

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Group urges NPA not to respond to HR abuses Volume VI, No. 174

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By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

CAGAYAN de Oro City--Church leaders have urged the New People’s Army (NPA) not to take any combat action that would jeopardize the ongoing peace negotiations following reports that some state forces personnel have committed human rights violations in rural communities. The Philippine Ecumenical

Duterte visits Midsayap town blast victims

Peace Platform (PEPP) has asked the Maoist fighters to stand down so the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) could proceed smoothly. The NPA is the armed wing of the NDFP. In an interview, Bishop Felixberto Calang, PEPP co-convenor, said they received reports that communities have experienced alleged abuses at the hands of

Wednesday

the state agents. Calang said even the NPA supporters have asked the Maoist fighters to intervene and take action against these violations, but the Communist rebels have stood their ground to honor the unilateral ceasefire it declared and the ongoing peace talks. He said the guerrillas’ refusal to deal with the alleged abuses is a clear sign that they are sincere in maintaining the peace talks.

“The challenge of the government now is to restrain its state forces from committing these reported human rights violations, to conduct an investigation and to punish the violators. If the NDF is sincere in the peace negotiations, the government must also show its sincerity,” he added. For the peace negotiations to succeed, Calang said the people must be at the front and center of the whole process.

DAVAO City––President Rodrigo Duterte flew to Midsayap, North Cotabato on Christmas Day to comfort those who were injured during the grenade blast outside a Catholic church on Christmas Eve. Duterte proceeded to the Anecito T. Pesante Sr. Memorial Hospital where three of the injured were admitted. A total of 18 persons were injured, according to the Presidential News Desk. Three of them were admitted at the Pesante hospital, two in Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City, one in Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City while 12 were treated as outpatients. Duterte handed over financial assistance to them Show of Force. New People’s Army guerrillas march during the 48th foundand vowed payment for ing anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines in the hinterland village of See VISITS, page A7

December 28, 2016

He said if the communities have a say in the peace talks, it is most likely to push forward. “For lasting peace to be attained in Mindanao, it is important that people have the ownership to the peace talks, not just the NDF and the government,” Calang said If there are setbacks and the talks bog down, the people can urge the government and NDFP panelists to go back to the negotiating table, he added.

Young cadres take on the reins of revolution By Froilan Gallardo of MindaNews

MANANOM-BAGO, Medina, Misamis Oriental-Carrying an M16 rifle and a bandolier of spare ammunition, Jaito, a 22-year-old New People’s Army fighter,

walked toward the back of a makeshift stage where a couple of journalists were waiting for him. “I heard you need somebody to interview,” he told reporters who went to this village to cover the 48th See YOUNG, page A7

New police regional director installed in Northern Mindanao

CAMP Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City--A new regional police director has reported on Tuesday to this regional police command in Northern Mindanao. P/Chief Supt. Agripino Javier was installed as the new regional police director in Northern Mindanao replacing P/Chief Supt. Noel Lumiad in Paquibato District in Davao City on Monday, December 26. MindaNews photo Constantino.

In his acceptance speech, Javier said that he would continue with the programs of the outgoing police regional director without a plan to change anything. Javier said that he fully supports the policies and program of President Rodrigo Duterte and vowed to carry out the See POLICE, page A7

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In Focus

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

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DOH wants total ban on individual firecrackers use through legislation

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said on Tuesday legislation is a better tool to impose nationwide ban on the individual use of firecrackers.

“Legislation will be a better tool to really enforce things that we would like to happen,” Bayugo said in a press briefing in Malacanang. Bagyugo said the DOH

Christmas Day fire displaces 285 families in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA City––One person died while four others were hospitalized when a more than two-hour fire hit a slum community in this city on Christmas Day. Chief Inspector Clint Cha, district fire marshal, disclosed the fire broke out around 7:37 p.m. Sunday in Sitio Boholano, Barangay Camino Nuevo, this city. Cha said the fire started in one of the houses and rapidly spread to nearby homes that are mostly made of light materials. Investigators have yet

has been asked to prepare a draft of an Executive Order that would ban the individual firecracker use to prevent injuries during New Year’s revelries. He said, however, the

year, even the investment, happened even earlier and just disrupting an industry like that, it will not be a good sign also, in terms of your concern for your people,” Bayugo explained.

to determine the origin of the fire that reached third alarm by 9:20 p.m. The firemen declared fire out around 11 p.m.. The lone fatality was identified as Romeo Ubat, 50, who failed to reach the hospital alive. The cause of his death has yet to be determined. Hospitalized were Noel Ludin, Numeña Yabo, Rina Casas, and Mamino Briones. Ludin and Yabo were hospitalized due to suffocation while Casas Gone fishing. A couple goes fishing in Lake Mahucdam in Tubod, Surigao del See FIRE, page A7

Norte on December 24, 2016 for their noche buena. MindaNews photo by Roel Catoto

Under the EO draft, Bayugo proposed a nationwide ban on the individual use of firecrackers. “What we would like to limit or ban is the See BAN, page A7

GRP chief negotiator visits NPA stronghold

Government chief peace negotiator (GRP) Silvestre Bello made a historic first by visiting one of the village strongholds of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) in Paquibato District, Davao City on Monday (Dec. 26) to attend a peace forum which also coincided with the 48th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Speaking before 8,000 rebel sympathizers and supporters, Bello See visits, page A7

Police, military in Zambo Sur placed on ‘triple red alert’ status RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

PAGADIAN City, Zamboanga del Sur––Police and military forces in this province have been placed on “triple red alert” to be

able to swiftly respond to atrocities from lawless and terrorist groups, officials disclosed. Senior Supt. Sofronio

Ecaldre, provincial police director, on Tuesday disclosed they raised the alert status based on See STATUS, page A7

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EO will not be implemented this year due to the appeal of the firecrackers industry which have already invested so much for the coming New Year’s celebration. “The preparation for the

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Republic of the Philippines Office of the President HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD NORTHERN MINDANAO REGION, Cagayan de Oro City

NOTICE OF FILING OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE MAIN SUBDIVISION PROJECT

NOTICE OF FILING OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE COMPLIANCE PROJECT

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Oro Asia Construction Supply Corporation has filed with this Office a sworn registration statement for the sale of house & lot packages in PERLITA’S EXECUTIVE HOMES located at Poblacion, Medina, Misamis Oriental and more particularly described as Blk.1-Lot 13 and Blk.4-Lot25, all in Pcs-10-001586 containing an area of 249 Sq.M and covered by TCT Nos. T-136-2016000615 and T-136-2016001023. The foregoing project is utilizing the lots within the aforementioned project specially Blk. 1 Lot 1, Pcs-10-001586 as its compliance pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279. All papers relative thereto shall, upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon. Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be issued after five (5) days from the last day of publication. Cagayan de Oro City this 21st day of December 2016.

Notice is hereby given that Oro Asia Construction Supply Construction has filed with this Office a sworn registration statement for the sale of house & lot packages in PERLITA’S EXECUTIVE HOMES located at Poblacion, Medina, Misamis Oriental and more particularly described as Blk 1 – Lots 1,3,4,7 to 12; Blk. 2 – Lots 15 to 19; Blk. 5- Lots 28 & 30; Blk. 10 – Lots 10 & 12; Blk. 9 – Lots 2, 12, 14 and 16.. all in Pcs-10-001586, containing an area of 1,917 Sq.M. and covered by TCT Nos. T-136-2016000606 to T-136-2016000614; T-136-2016000686 to T-136-2016000690; T-1362016000655 & T-136-2016000656; T-136-2016000819, T-136-2016000820 and T-136-2016000822. The foregoing project is a socialized housing project pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279 and portion of the aforementioned project is being utilized as compliance for future subdivision projects and for Blk. 1 Lot 1, Pcs-10-001586 for the main project. All papers relative thereto shall, upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon. Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be issued after five (5) days from the last day of publication. Cagayan de Oro City this 21st day of December 2016.

MDN: December 28, 2016

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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Firecracker-related injuries reach 70, first case of amputation recorded THE Department of Health on Tuesday reported 70 fireworks-related injuries from Dec. 21 until 6 a.m. of Dec. 27, noting the first case of amputation. The figure is 73 percent lower compared to the five-year average from 2011 to 2015, and 54 percent lower compared to the same time period last year. A 23-year-old man from Gamay, Northern Samar has lost fingers on his right hand when its first, third, fourth and fifth finger bones were injured by a ‘piccolo’. Of the 70 cases, 36 were caused by the ‘piccolo’, which was also responsible for most injuries last year; eight by the improvised cannon called ‘boga’, six by the ‘whistle bomb’, three

by ‘kwitis’, two by ‘luces’ and the rest by other firecrackers. One was a case of firecracker ingestion after the boy mistook the ‘luces’ for candy due to its colorful wrapper. Of the total, 63 (91 percent) involved males, while 51 (74 percent) involved children aged 15 years and below. The youngest victim was four years old and the oldest was 63 years old. The National Capital Region (NCR) still topped all other regions with 33 cases (47 percent) , while eight were recorded in Western Visayas; seven each in Ilocos and Calabarzon; six in Central Visayas; and three each in Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Zamboanga. In the NCR, the city of Manila

was the topnotcher with 17 cases, followed by Quezon City with six; Navotas four; Marikina two; and one each from Las Piñas, Malabon, Pasay and Pasig. Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial again urged parents to protect their children from the dangers of firecrackers. “If you love your children, you will not let them hold firecrackers… You will guard them,” she said, emphasizing that lighting firecrackers can easily go awry and result in disabilities that children could suffer for the rest of their lives. She said parents should watch over their children and instead opt to welcome the New Year with noisemaking instruments. philippine news agency

Police, military in Zambo Sur placed on ‘triple red alert’ status

PAGADIAN City, Zamboanga del Sur––Police and military forces in this province have been placed on “triple red alert” to be able to swiftly respond to atrocities from lawless and terrorist groups, officials disclosed. Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, provincial police

director, on Tuesday disclosed they raised the alert status based on the recommendation of the National Security Council following intelligence report of possible attacks and bombings by terrorist groups. On Christmas eve, 16 people, including a policeman, were injured in a

grenade explosion in front of a Catholic church while churchgoers were receiving holy communion in Midsayap, North Cotabato. However, authorities said the grenade, which was lobbed towards a police car, was the handiwork of a drug syndicate affected by the anti-drug campaign in

North Cotabato. Ecaldre said it was agreed during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting that police and soldiers’ visibility will be increase in public places like public markets, plazas, bus terminals, malls, and churches especially on New Year’s eve. See POLICE, page A7

A father takes time off for a date with his baby, at Bo’s Coffee in Ayala Centrio on Tuesday, December 27, 2016. Photo by Gerry Lee Gorit for Mindanao Daily

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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

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Opinion

Ouster plot may lead to bloody RP civil war

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…God replied to Moses, `I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’ God also said to Moses, `Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you’…” (Exodus 3:14, the Holy Bible). -oooJESUS SAYS HE IS “I AM”: In John 8:24 of the Bible, Jesus told the people that if they didn’t believe that He was “I Am”, they will die in their sins (which means, of course, suffering the eternal penalty of fire and worms in hell). Now, who is “I Am”? In Exodus 3:14, God the Father told Moses He is “I Am”. These two Biblical verses therefore prove that Jesus is saying He is God the Father, no more, no less! -oooOUSTER PLOT MAY LEAD TO BLOODY RP CIVIL WAR: Is there a plot to oust or unseat President Duterte? Judging from what is coming out in the media, not only about the plan submitted by former US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg but also about alleged machinations by a rich Filipina who is now based in the US in cooperation with the politi-

cal opposition here, there are several existing plots to kick out the President. The formula actually is simple: create discontent, divide the people, alienate Filipinos from Duterte, and then stage a “peaceful revolution” patterned after the so-called “people power”-US led revolution of 1986. This pattern or formula is actually enshrined in the 1987 Constitution which was passed under the term of the first President Aquino. The only problem or hitch here, at this point in the history of Philippines and the Filipinos, is that, Duterte continues to enjoy a huge support among the people, as shown by surveys. While it may have been easy ousting President Marcos and President Estrada before---considering the discontent of the masses--there maybe a strong opposition against ousting Duterte, which could lead to a bloody civil war. -ooo“P E OP L E P OW E R” IN 1987 CHARTER DESTROYS RP: Certainly, talks about ousting the President of this country could have very dire repercussions even if the ouster is not actually carried out. Any frenzy brought about by plans to kick out our country’s leader has the effect of a devastat-

ing destabilization which could make the economy turn from bad to worse, and make life needlessly more difficult for many once again. This is the reason why I have been saying all along that the “people power” provision in the 1987 Constitution---which allows our people to rise up against duly constituted authorities---is a curse, rather than a blessing. It is a recipe for rebellion, for lawlessness and anarchy, and for sedition and insurrection, which wreck the stability of our country. It is also anti-Biblical, because it runs counter to established doctrines about obedience to our rulers and to the authorities, even if they are harsh and sinful. As a people believing in God, Filipinos are mandated to respect their rulers, and that anyone fighting these rulers will receive God’s judgment and punishment. We are told to pray for our leaders, not to oust them. -oooJESUS CONFIRMS HE IS GOD: Here is the story in John 8:24, about Jesus saying He is “I Am”: Jesus tells the people He is the light of the world, and that His claims are testified to not only by Him but even by the Father. The religious leaders at that time try to

Complain or change

gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist

THINK a minute. A young woman named Cherie was telling about PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN her childhood. Both her Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao parents worked outside of their home from the time Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING she was a very young girl. Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor Her mother was an actress and was only interAL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA ested in her own career Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant and selfish ambition, so she spent very little time ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI with her kids. NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE Even when she wasn’t CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 working she was away from CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY home socializing with her Legal Counsel friends. --------------------------------------------------------------Cherie and her brother bureau and mktg staff were left alone everyday, so they got into trouble at candy macabale - 09161326483 a very young age. Their RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 parents finally divorced MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 and her dad remarried. GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 Cherie was a teenager when North Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0936-303-0410 VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 she overdosed on drugs MARAMAG - roFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 and almost died. quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON The next day her stepIligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 mother, who was very lovtangub city - bobby mag usara ing and wise, said this to OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 her: “Cherie, how long

ARMM - Sony Sudaria-0947-4810371 cotabato - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 davao - tom a. caballero-09756023684 davao - tomas canoy avancena jr.-09177017010 davao del norte - sarah castor - 09263988293 digos city, dvo sur & kidapawan - romeo d. sanchez davao city - rene s. arias (Photo Journalist,) butuan - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 san frans - CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 San Francisco - deding PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 Pagadian City - GRACE FRANCISCO -0912-8484037 ZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO -09177103642 Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

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are you going to use your past as an excuse for your life now? You can continue hating yourself and blaming others for the way you are, or, you can choose to change.” Well, as a teenage girl Cherie chose to change. After finishing her education, she started her own business and now she travels across her nation as a public speaker to teenage kids, talking to them about their life choices. One person said: “Little people with little hearts live their life in little ruts, refusing to change anything in their little world.” So when things are not the way we think they should be, we have two choices: we can keep complaining about them, or start changing them. A wise man said: “Stop complaining about what you have allowed.” It’s kind

Kakampi mo ang batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio

refute Him, asking Him who His Father is. Jesus then makes a claim that shocks the religious leaders. He says: “That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” In Exodus 3:14, when Moses was asking God who was sending him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, God told Moses to say that it is “I Am” ---God Himself--who was sending him. Jesus confirms therefore He is God Himself. -oooPLEASE LISTEN: “Ang Tanging Daan” (The Sole Way): a Bible study and prayer session online could now be heard, 24 HOURS a day, in the Philippines and the world at www.facebook. com/angtangingdaan or www.facebook.com/ANDKNK (and look for “)Ang Tanging Daan” broadcasts). Phone: 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.

Think A Minute

n So when things are not the way we think they should be, we have two choices: we can keep complaining about them, or start changing them. of like the old saying, “Put up or shut up.” In other words, either do something to help change and improve the situation, or

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

stop complaining about it. We can “light a candle or curse the darkness.” God is just waiting for you to ask for His help to change your dark situation. But Jesus Christ can’t help you until you ask Him to take charge of your life everyday. If you keep shutting out His light and love, then your life will just stay as it is. Remember, “If things don’t change, they’ll stay the same.” It’s your choice. Just Think a Minute.

Daily inspiration

Words can sting vulnerable spots

Juvy Sarraga

Wounds are no longer visible to others when they heal. However, the memories and emotions remain. Without knowing, our words can sting vulnerable spots where wounds have previously healed. We should always try hard to be mindful and encouraging.

In other words, master the art of exhortation. Encourage others today, and remember that God heals your wounds if you so accept. Reflection “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” -Psalm 147:3

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In Focus

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Davao Light rewards good performing electricians THE D avao L ig ht and Power Co., Inc. in partn e r s h i p w i t h Ab o i t i z Fou nd at i on Inc . c om m e m or at e s t h e e x c e l lent works of s ele c te d electricians through the 5th Elektrisyan ng Bayan Award at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City, last December 16, Friday. “The role of electricians is very important. They make sure that the electrical current flows in a safe and reliable manner to outlets and electrical equipment,” Davao Light’s Assistant Vice-President, Rossano Luga says. The ‘Best Electrician’ award for this year goes to Alex F. Mont i l la of Unite d E le c t r icians of Metro Davao (UEMD) for ensuring quality loadside works that comply with Davao Light’s standards. Montilla went home with the cash grand prize and electrical tools & equipment. “I just did my job the way it should be, I followed Davao Light standards so that my work will not to be rejected,”

Best Electrician. Elektrisyan ng Bayan Award is Davao Light’s way to encourage electricians to comply with the Davao Light’s standards. 319 accredited electricians were narrowed into top 5 Elektrisyan ng Bayan awardees for this year. In photo (from left to right) are Arnold Arsolon (Davao Light’s AVP for Customer Services Group), Rossano Luga (Davao Light’s AVP for Reputation and Enhancement Department), the top five Pablito Bato of United Electricians of Metro Davao (UEMD), Conrado Dolor of Integrated Electrician Association of Davao (IEAD), Nicasio Oblianda of Davao Private Electricians Association (DAPREA), Alex Montilla (UEMD), Florencio Bernadas (IEAD), Mark Valencia (incoming VP for Engineering Division of Davao Light) and Ronald Chan (AVP for Davao Light’s Panabo Branch).

Bato, Nicasio C. Oblianda, Florencio L. B er nadas Montilla said. The 1st and 2nd run- respectively. And, the 3rd and Conrado D. Dolor, ners up are Pabl ito P. and 4th runners up are respectively.

NDF: NPA can be tapped to implement socioeconomic reforms

DAVAO City--The New People’s Army, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, should not be disarmed but should instead be strengthened to assist the government in implementing major socioeconomic reforms, an official of the National Democratic Front said on Monday. In a press conference during the CPP’s 48th anniversary celebration in Paquibato District here, NDF senior adviser Luis Jalandoni said maintaining

the NPA [as an armed force] will ensure the protection of socioeconomic reforms, such as in health and education, as well as the rights of the Lumad and the Moro people. “Kapag nagkaroon ng (once there is a) comprehensive peace agreement, ang NPA will continue to defend the masses in the programs of land reform, national industrialization, environmental protection, and national defense,” Jalandoni said. “The CPP-NPA can be a

co-founder in the “People’s Federal Republic of the Philippines,” he said, adding, “Malaki ang mawawala, kung wala ang NPA (It’s going to be big loss if there will be no more NPA).” President Rodrigo R. Duterte has declared he wanted a shift to a federal form of government to address the imbalance in the sharing of resources among the country’s provinces. Jalandoni also said that the revolutionary forces can be tapped to assist the government in national defense.

But he said these things will be tackled when during the negotiation on the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces, the last item on the 4-point agenda of the GRP-NDF peace process. During the Ramos administration the government and the NDF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. The two parties are currently negotiating on the Comprehensive See REFORMS, page A7

Success beyond imperfection: The Bantula Awards By Losel MAE A. SARAUSA Teacher 1 Kalilangan National High School

Waking up too early at 5 Am preparing stuff for the practice and awarding ceremony. She ate breakfast, packed up her things and went to the bus terminal for a ride. Sitting on her chair inside the bus, teacher Mhae knows what they think. The laughs, the sadness, eagerness and the puffing feeling of the passengers, teacher Mhae told to herself, “we’ll surely be late!” Then she lies back to her chair and turned to her buddy saving the signal of uneasiness. Just another irritable statement of the principal to the bus driver who was driving too slow. After about an hour and 20 minutes, teacher Mhae and her buddy hurriedly walk fast towards the venue. Panting. Nervous.

Fixing her hair upon entering the lobby. “Indeed it started already.’ Her buddy said. Then, they departed from each other and looked for their own chair. It’s too proudly to watch herself the big number of identified teachers. Too soon. To real. She’s one of them! Teacher Mhae cognizes what she did. “Whatever it takes, not bad for a 3 year in service”, she thinks. “You cannot please everyone.” A quote she always kept. Some of her school buddies say she’s not that well for the top. That she doesn’t have decent paper. That she doesn’t deserve it. That she’s too young. That she’ll never outcast them upon having the outstand-

ing performance. Aiming high. Moving forward. Doing right things on her own. Stepping feet of others is not her job to consider. She doesn’t mind them. She smiled. She thinks all the goodness and God’s grace blessing. It was December 09, 2016. The awarding started. She wears her simple ukayukay Filipiniana gown in a black, silver and gold. Her slim body described her young age. “You’re like to be on a beauty contest, pagkasexy!” Her former principal said while congratulating her. She smiled back. Feeling thankful and glad. All waited. Some were tired. Bored. Dizzy. Excited to receive awards. The program started. Awards were called and named. The gain, bubbly eyes, the coldness feeling of

fervor were once palpated teacher Mhae. She ramped for the top 10. Standing on stage and called as the 2nd runner up for the most outstanding secondary English teacher in the Division of Bukidnon. She heard claps, proud smiles of some audiences and contentment congratulations from her buddies. She rolled the ball. What she planted bears a grateful satisfactory fruit. She knows it. God is always on her way. “Thank you Lord for this achievement. I know my mama and family is proud of me.” The program ended. Smiling. Gearing sweet soft eyes. Congratulating oneself and the buddies. “This is it! One goal achieved!” [Teacher Mhae also known as Teacher Losel Mae A. Sarausa, teacher 1 of Kalilangan National High School.]

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Ordinance A6 The day we stood strong in Midsayap

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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato--Amidst the fear and the terror that the forces of e v i l pl ante d i n t he he ar t s and minds of the Midsayapeños last night, December 24, 2016 when a grenade went off in front of the Sto Niño Archdiocesan Shrine and injured somhttp://www. mindanews.com/wp-admin/p ost-ne w.php e 16 individuals, in the photos shared by Midsayap Vice Mayor Albert Luis Garduque, the number of faithful that sought God’s comfort and refuge during the Holy Mass today in our church remained huge and strong. These figures do not only reflect statistics but a clear manifestation that Midsayap, our beloved t ow n , w i l l n e v e r b ow

Reflections

The Christmas eve blast just outside the Sto Nino Parish has not stopped residents of Midsayap in North Cotabato, from attending masses on Christmas day. Photo courtesy of Midsayap Vice Mayor Abet Garduque

d ow n to t he s e a c t s of cowardice and evil. The local government’s efforts continue t o b e s t e a d f a s t i n ai d

of the victims and their families. Investigations are now in full swing to dig deeper into the details of who are behind

doubt and anger, within ourselves, even without blood being spilled, terror has struck us. Our town has been through a lot, some much more worse than this, but our collective spirit has made us strong. It has allowed us to stand up and show to our enemies that we will never be defeated. To d a y , w e s t o o d strong. It remained to be our only choice. We thank the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his earnest response as he joined us

in these tr ying times in the life of our municipality as well as the leadership of our provincial government. In fer vent prayer, let us ask for safety and vigilance among all of us in these moments. As the quote goes, “eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.” oOo (MindaVie ws is t he opinion section of MindaNews. Karl Ballentes is Local Legislative Officer III of the local government unit of Midsayap.

these senseless acts, the motivations and possible targets. The moment we entertain panic or create fear,

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anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Monday. Jaito is among the new generation of NPA fighters of the CPP, which has espoused the primacy of armed struggle against “feudalism, imperialism and bureaucrat capitalism” since its founding 48 years ago. After an exchange of pleasantries, Jaito narrated how he left a life of poverty and unemployment as a son of a poor farmer to join one of the world’s longest-running communist rebellions. “My family was poor and my life was going nowhere,” he said. So when one of his friends asked him whether he would join the NPA, Jaito said he readily agreed. A year later, he became one of the trusted cadres in charge of a platoon of twenty men and women, mostly in their 20s and 30s, roaming the rugged mountains of Misamis Oriental. “The NPA provided me with everything and even-

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anti-illegal drug and the anti-corruption campaign of the government. Constantino was promoted to a two-rank general. He would assume a new post in Camp Crame. Constantino expressed his profound gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte and to Chief Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa for the promotion of his rank. During the turnover ceremony here Tuesday, Constantino said that 81,000 drug dependents surrendered under the Operation Tokhang (Knock and Plead) anti-illegal drive operation from July to December 20, 2016. He said that the regional police command also arrested more than 2,000 drug related suspects and killed 44 illegal drug traders during legitimate operations during the same period. (PNA)

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the hospital and outpatient expenses. In a statement, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato, said he hopes the “heartless perpetrators be quickly identified and brought to justice.” “As chief shepherd of the flock, my heart reaches out with love and compassion to our parishioners wounded in the bombing outside the Church and Shrine of Señor Sto Niño, Midsayap, before the Holy Mass of Christmas ended. What was a sacred celebration of joy and thanksgiving ended in tragedy and sorrow. I condemn this violent terroristic act against the innocent as a crime that cries out to heaven, a crime

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

tually my platoon became my immediate family,” Jaito, who has not seen his parents since becoming a guerrilla, said. “I am already prepared for any possible outcome of my new life. I have even accepted that I could die here,” he said. Wind of change With age catching up on most of its early cadres, many of whom have lain low, the rebel army has to draw in youngsters like Jaito to fill its ranks. The CPP-NPA, known for its rigid code of discipline, appears to have adjusted to the wind of change. It used to be that cadres were discouraged from singing pop songs, as these were considered part of “decadent culture”. Now, however, the movement has embraced pop culture to attract the young to its ranks. At the party’s anniversary celebration here, cadres like Jaito danced to the tune of pop songs to entertain their guests who came from all over Northern Mindanao.

Much sought after by their guests were red star pins, T-shirts and of course, selfies with the smiling guerrillas armed with their M16 and AK 47 rifles. “This is now their revolution. The old one is gone. The old cadres are dying, they will be replacing us,” National Democratic Front consultant Alfredo “Ka Paris” Mapano said. Mapano said the space created be the current peace talks between the NDF and the Duterte administration has attracted many young people to come and experience the life of a guerrilla. He said the arrival of youngsters from the cities and farms to the guerrilla zones happened in “moderate trickles” in the past six months. “They came here to see what the life of a guerrilla is. What they saw is a life of service to the people and they like it,” he said pointing to a group of Kabataang Makabayan members performing for the crowd. Mapano said the five most active guerrilla fronts of the NPA are located in Mindanao and half of its

that every religion of love and peace must condemn,” Quevedo said. “May the victims and their families find strength and comfort in the Christ Child and in the Blessed Virgin Mary his mother as well as ours,” he said. (MindaNews)

tional industrialization, and foreign policy. It aims to eradicate “Philippine poverty and reduce inequality in all their aspects and dimensions to have productive, decent and dignified lives,” according to common framework and outlines agreed upon by both panels. “Maraming pang balakid na kailangan ma-overcome (A lot of hurdles need to be overcome),” Jalandoni said. Labor secretary Silvestre Bello III, chair the GRP panel, said he is open to the proposal of Jalandoni that the NPA troops must not be disarmed. Bello, along with Local Government secretary Mike Sueno, Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano, and National AntiPoverty Commission lead convenor Liza Maza, was invited to the CPP’s 48th anniversary celebration. Bello, also the GRP peace panel chair, said the revolutionary forces may no longer need to lay down their arms because the government could even issue them licenses so that they perform their new roles, for example, as forest guards. ‘Agrarian reform a major challenge’ Porferio Tuna, member of the EOH-DOF working group, said that agrarian reform remains a major challenge. He said a “true land reform” could bring about genuine peace in the country. “(At least) 75 percent of the population are farmers, so we can say the agrarian reform is very essential. We have to fight for this,” he said. He cited the members of the Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Inc., who are fighting for recognition as

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He said the city and municipal police stations would take charge of security in their respective areas while the Provincial Public Safety Company, together with the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, are designated to conduct mobile checkpoints along the national highways. Supt. Michael Palermo, city police chief, has advised the public to refrain from carrying backpacks while going to public plazas and malls. Police authorities also advised the public to refrain from igniting firecrackers in welcoming the new year. (PNA)

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Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms or Caser. Next on the agenda of the talks will be Political and Constitutional Reforms and End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces, in that order. NDF consultant Wilma Tiamzon heads the Reciprocal Working Group on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (EOH-DOF). On January 18 to 25, the GRP and NDF panels will resume talks in Rome, Italy to discuss Caser, dubbed the “heart and soul” of the peace negotiations. Caser covers the most contentious issues such as the agrarian reform, na-

NPA guerrillas. A platoon of NPA guerrillas render a salute during the 48th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Barangay MananomBago, Medina town, Misamis Oriental on Monday, December 28, 2016. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo guerrilla forces are based in the island. He said of 20 fighters that comprise an NPA platoon, most are in their 20s and only two or three are in their 30s. He said the NPA cadres can become “a green army” once a final peace agreement is signed between the NDF

and the government. He said these cadres will perform their new role by monitoring compliance with environmental laws by mining companies and plantations in the countryside. He said the NPA could easily find new relevance in a post-peace agreement setting.

The CPP was founded on December 26, 1968 by remnants of the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas and its armed wing, the Hukbong Magpapalaya ng Bayan. Three months after, on March 29, 1969, the CPP formed the NPA as its military arm. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

owners of the 145-hectare banana plantation in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City being run by Lapanday Foods Corp. “This is going to be a big battle against the big landowners because they do not want genuine land reform, so the masses must speak in one voice against them to achieve real land reform,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

was placed at PHP2 million. City Hall Information Officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said that 285 families with 1,101 dependents were affected by the fire based on the data gathered by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). Covarrubias said the CSWDO has immediately provided food and relief assistance to the fire victims. Covarrubias said financial aid for the fire victims will come later after validation and recommendation of CSWDO. The fire victims are temporarily sheltered at the Camino Nuevo Barangay Hall and covered court of nearby Barangay Canelar. (PNA)

their respective areas while the Provincial Public Safety Company, together with the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, are designated to conduct mobile checkpoints along the national highways. Supt. Michael Palermo, city police chief, has advised the public to refrain from carrying backpacks while going to public plazas and malls. Police authorities also advised the public to refrain from igniting firecrackers in welcoming the new year. (PNA)

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individual use of the firecrackers because this causes injuries,” he said. In the absence of legislation which it will take time to come out with a law, Bayugo said an EO banning the individual use of firecrackers may likely happen next year. The DOH, Bayugo said, has so far received report of 70 fireworks-related incidents, including one fireworks ingestion involving a child who was seen to have the luces in between the teeth. “The rest of the 69 are all blast injuries and half of these are from the National Capital Region and half the causes are illegal fireworks like the piccolo and the boga,” Bayugo said. He said that so far, there is no report of stray bullet injury, hoping it will be zero bullet injury throughout the New Year’s celebration. “We’re praying that we’ll see less cases and no more deaths, no more injuries, no more amputation, so that everybody will be having a really prosperous and happy New year,” the DOH official said. (PNA)

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the recommendation of the National Security Council following intelligence report of possible attacks and bombings by terrorist groups. On Christmas eve, 16 people, including a policeman, were injured in a grenade explosion in front of a Catholic church while churchgoers were receiving holy communion in Midsayap, North Cotabato. However, authorities said the grenade, which was lobbed towards a police car, was the handiwork of a drug syndicate affected by the anti-drug campaign in North Cotabato. Ecaldre said it was agreed during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting that police and soldiers’ visibility will be increase in public places like public markets, plazas, bus terminals, malls, and churches from page A2 especially on New Year’s eve. suffered abrasion and He said the city and muBriones sustained burns. nicipal police stations would Damage to the structures take charge of security in

Fire...

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shared the same optimism with CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison who, in a video message, said the prospect of achieving peace under the Duterte government is brighter than any point in the rebel’s almost five decades of armed rebellion. The head of the GRP peace panel was accompanied by his undersecretary Joel Maglungsod and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno. Bello assured rebel leaders that some of the sickly and elderly political detainees would soon be released. “It is just a matter of time. The president will keep his word,” Bello said in the sidelines during a break in the program of the rebels. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced he would order the release of elderly and sick detained rebels in time for Christmas for humanitarian reasons. Presidential Adviser for Peace Process Jesus Dureza also confirmed that a directive has already been issued for the release of some 17 or 20 detained rebels. “Let us just wait for the formal announcement of the president,” Dureza earlier said. (PNA)

MINDANAO DAILY Feature

December 28, 2016

DavaoLight brightens Samal Island’s Christmas D avao Light and Power Company (DLPC) played big brother days before Christmas when it energized the submarine cable connecting Samal Island to mainland Davao on December 22,2016, ensuring a more reliable supply of power to the popular tourist destination.

Diving in Samal (Photos by Ferina Santos)

Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) Mayor Al David Uy thanked Davao Light for allowing Samal Island to take advantage of DLPC’s substation in Pampanga district in Davao City as a jump off point for the submarine cable into Samal. He said the assistance of DLPC is more substantial considering Samal Island, is not under the Davao Light franchise area, but under the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (Daneco). DLPC EVP and COO Arturo Milan said the AboitizPower distribution utility was more than happy to be a good neighbor to Daneco. “We are happy to support our neighboring communities

and to help the people of Samal, our fellow Mindanaoans, so they could celebrate this joyful occasion with uninterrupted power supply,” Milan said. “We, in AboitizPower, remain committed to integrate positive social development into our business operations. We are always ready to do our part to contribute in developing a better community for our people” Milan added. He hopes the power connection will further propel the economy of the island especially with the infrastructrue efforts of the national government well underway. Recently, the Department of Public Works and Highways announced the allocation of

Samal’s pristine beach (Photo by Sandra Palileo)

around Php1.19-billion pesos for the feasibility study of the Davao-Samal bridge project which will connect the island to the mainland. Samal used to be connected to the mainland until a wayward ship cut off the submarine cable in March 2016. More expensive modular power generating sets were rushed into the island to provide power for the numerous resorts, agribusiness, commercial establishments in the area. The island has a population of more than 100,000 people. With the submarine cable connection and through DLPC’s Pampanga sub-station, Samal now connects to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).