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Mindanao DAILY THE PURVEYOR OF TRUTH , JUSTICE, AND DEVELOPMENT

Volume VI, No. 053

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Thursday

P15.00

July 28, 2016

Go after drug trade ‘big fish’ Bishop to PNP: ‘Drug war ok but…’

OPLAN TOKHANG.

Incoming Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa vows to clean up his ranks and implement Oplan Tokhang (toktok-hangyo or knock and plead) on a national scale during a press conference at SM City Davao on June 2, 2016. Oplan Tokhang is an anti-drug campaign that dela Rosa started when he was the police chief of Davao City. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano By Ysabel Hilado and Glenn Figuracion of CBCPNews

C AT H O L I C bishop urge d the Philippine National Police (PNP) to target the big players

in the drug business during an interview on Radio Veritas, Tuesday.

“I am worried about the degradation of human life, especially of the poor – addicts or pushers they may be – who are not really the ‘big fish’ and who are in the drug business only for survival,” said

San Jose Bishop Robert Mallari. The prelate stressed the importance of respecting human rights even those of individuals suspected of being involved in the illegal drug trade. “We recognize that for the first time we see our government showing a political will to fight against criminality related

to drugs and we commend our present government for this. We pray that the PNP will respect the law, the rights of others, and always consider the absolute value of human life,” Mallari said. The bishops, however, had expressed the need for less violent efforts in fighting crime. “We understand the difficulties

that law-enforcers face, the daily risk to life and limb, but not only civil society but also the Church counts on them for the flourishing of a society where all enjoy the blessings of a regime under laws that are just and institutions that are fair,” said Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Catholic Bishops’

P19-million worth of smuggled goods seized in Misor port

Prelate raises alarm over terrorism in Mindanao

By GERRY LEE GORIT, Correspondent

CAGAYAN de Oro City––The Bureau of Customs in Region 10 (BOC-10) has confiscated various imported goods with estimated worth of P19 million at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental on Wednesday. Five container vans confiscated by BOC-10’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS) yielded assorted items, said CIIS chief Alvin Enciso. Found in two container vans from Korea were used clothing, beddings and footwear, worth P5 million; while two vans containing stale pork from France and Netherlands has estimated value of P10 million. The frozen meats, said the BOC-10 in its report, were “found to show some signs of spoilage.” Lawyer Roswald Joseph Pague, deputy customs collector, said the meat from Europe violated the Food Safety Act of 2013 and are unfit for human consumption. See SMUGGLED, page A7

Members of the Anti-Corruption, Anti-Smuggling Team, headed by Customs Collector Atty. Ruby Alameda (not in photo), and from left, Capt. Danilo Aquino, district commander, Customs Police, Marvin Mison, special assistant to the District Collector and head of Auction Committee, Alvin Y. Enciso, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services, inspect the seized frozen meat, Wednesday (July 27), at the Mindanao Container Terminal port in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, with MCT Acting Sub-Port Collector Pendatun Alim. Mindanao Daily photo by Gerry Lee Gorit

8 hurt in magnitude 5.2 quake in Surigao 38 more evacuated when a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Surigao City Tuesday SURIGAO City––Eight peo- evening. ple were hurt while at least The eight injured sought By Roel N. Catoto of MindaNews

See big, page A7

treatment in hospitals after being hit by falling objects, said Wilbert Ga, spokesperson of the Caraga Regional Hospital here.

He said a couple in the suffered cuts from broken municipality of Sison suf- glasses. He said all of the victims fered abrasions in their heads after being hit by were already out of the falling rocks. Some, Ga said, See QUAKE, page A7

A prelate recently raised the alarm over the possibility of international terrorists gaining a foothold in Mindanao, stressing the need to focus on developing and rehabilitating the region. “[This is what is making us nervous that] acts of terrorism will also reach Mindanao in an organized, international manner and [this is also means that] we really have to also bring a both lasting peace agreement so that we can develop the island of Mindanao,” said Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma in Filipino and English. The prelate on Thursday urged the passing of a peace agreement in the hopes of stopping international terrorists from entering the country. He emphasized the need for See alarm, page A7

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Road users’ tax fund underutilized: PIDS A STUDY by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) revealed that the funds collected through the motor vehicle users’ charge (MVUC), popularly known as road users’ tax, is underutilized due to the lack of a definitive operating procedure system on how to identify and prioritize projects. The authors of the study—PIDS Consultants Sheilah Napalang and Pia May Agatep, PIDS Senior Research Fellow Adoracion Navarro, and Research Associate Keith Detros—underscored that the processes of identification, approval, and implementation of proposed projects are problematic. “Project identification does not follow the prescribed procedures. The approach is bottom up, rather

than top down, [thereby] failing to incorporate a network perspective of accident blackspots, and leading to projects that are not of the highest priority being approved and implemented,” the authors explained. The MVUC, which is imposed through the registration fees of vehicles and penalties for overloading and collected by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), is envisioned as a new source of funding to finance road maintenance and minimize air pollution. MVUC is considered the third biggest source of tax revenue for the government, contributing an additional 40 percent of available funds for maintenance of national roads. According to Republic Act (RA) 8794, funds collected from the MVUC

should be placed in four special accounts in the National Treasury: Special Road Support Fund (80%), Special Local Road Fund (5%), Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund (7.5%) and Special Road Safety Fund (7.5 %). The tax forms the bulk of the annual motor vehicle registration. The PIDS study pointed out that project approval and fund release under the Special Local Road Fund requires the prerogative of the city mayor, leaving the process open to politicking. “Project implementation is, ideally, a coordinated effort among several government agencies and the Road Board. However, in reality, there is evidently a real potential of overlaps of functions, especially between the DPWH and the Road Board Secretariat,”

Mindanao DAILY THE PURVEYOR OF TRUTH , JUSTICE, AND DEVELOPMENT

Thursday, July 28, 2016

the authors added. They also cited the lack of transparency, given the absence of a clear schedule for proposal submission and approval of the projects. They maintained that this setup leaves the process open to political interference. Aside from underutilization, the study also enumerated potential sources of discrepancy in fund collection, such as for the funds deposited as General Fund, due to incorrect agency and transaction codes and the lack of a list of deposited collections. To solve these problems, the PIDS study recommended that MVUC collection be automated to efficiently track collections TOO TALL TO SIT. Freelance photographer Douglas and deposits. Hero settles on the Jeepney’s floorboard in one of his rides in Cagayan de Oro City in this undated photo as he “Implementing See STUDY, page A7

is too tall to sit on the passengers’ seat. Mindanao Daily photo by Gerry Lee Gorit

4ID ceases military operations versus rebels RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

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CAGAYAN de Oro City–– The Army’s Fourth Infantry Division has ceased all offensive operations against communist rebels starting Monday hours after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire. Maj. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., 4ID commanding general, said all units under his command from battalions down to companies and platoons have limited their movements to only “peripheral prophylactic patrols” around their bases to ensure the

security of their facilities. Madrigal said the cessation of hostilities covers the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed group the New Peoples Army, and the National Democratic Front. “However, we will not let our guards down after the ceasefire declaration. We will remain vigilant in our respective areas of responsibility,” Madrigal said. The area of responsibility of the 4ID covers two regions, eight provinces and eight cities in Northern

Mindanao. It has an estimated 10,000 soldiers facing several NPA guerilla fronts, including the communist strongholds in Andap Valley in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. Last Saturday, NPA rebels said they had captured three policemen and a civilian in Malimono town, Surigao del Norte. President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire during his State-of-the-Nation Address last Monday in order to jumpstart a stalled peace talks between the government and the rebels. Jose Ma. Sison, NDF political consultant, welcomed Duterte’s announcement and promised the rebels will “reciprocate positively” soon. Madrigal said his units will still secure vital installations and conduct checkpoints in support of law enforcement operations of the Philippine National Police. “We are expecting See REBELS, page A7

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OPENING CLASSES SALE

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Caraga Region DIVISION OF BAYUGAN CITY Lanzones Street, Poblacion, Bayugan City

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INVITATION TO BID FOR PROVISION OF SCHOOL FURNITURE TO NEWLY CONSTRUCTED CLASSROOMS BATCH 2 FOR CY 2016 BASIC EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES FUND 1. The Department of Education (DepED) – Bayugan City Division intends to apply the sum of Two Million Nine Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Three Hundred Eighty One Pesos and Fifty Centavos (Php 2,925,381.50) being the Approved Budget for the Contact (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Provision of School Furniture as described below, to wit:

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2. The Department of Education – Bayugan City Division now invites bids for the Provision of School Furniture to Newly Constructed Classsrooms Batch 2 CY 2016 Basic Educational Facilities Fund. Delivery of the Goods is required 60 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section 11, Instructions to Bidders. 3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184 otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations, of a country the laws of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to R.A. 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. 4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from BAC Secretariat, DepED Bayugan City Division, Lanzones Street, Poblacion, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 8:00AM-5:00PM (Mondays thru Fridays). 5. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on July 4, 2016 until date of Bid Submission from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php 5,000.00 per lot/cluster upon completion of filing of Letter of Intent using DepED Standard Form not later than July 18, 2016 at 5:00 PM. 6. The Department of Education – Bayugan City Division will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 8, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Department of Education – Bayugan City Division, Lanzones Street, Poblacion, Bayugan City, Agusaan del Sur which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. 7. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before Aug. 9, 2016 at 10:00 AM. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

LUCILLE H. MADELO The Division BAC Chairman Bayugan City Division Lanzones Street, Poblacion, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

8. The Department of Education – Bayugan City Division reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. 9. For further information, please refer to:

NIESA T. CULTURA The DBAC Secretariat DepED – Bayugan City Division Lanzones Street, Poblacion, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

(SGD.) LUCILLE H. MADELO DBAC Chairperson MDN: Jul 21 & 28, 2016

A4 Opinion Mindanao Daily NEWS

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The Striker

I JUST turned 80 years old this week and truly I had so many reasons to The Mindanao Daily nORTHMIN, Mindanao Daily CARAGA, mindanao daily westmin and Mindanexpress my sincere thanks ao Daily DAVAO newspapers are founded by by MINDto God for allowing me to ANAO DAILY NEWS on May 18, 2011 under Department of enjoy his blessing. It is not Trade and Industry (DTI) Certififcate No. 01791042 , Region very common for people to 10. It is incorporated as MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBreceive this much graces. LISHING CORPORATION on February 17, 2015 and is regAnd the better things are istered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) I am normal, can drive a with Reg. No. CS201531735. Business Plate No. BP-28984 Under Business License Certificate No. 2015-15224, BIR-TIN car, walk, can laugh, can No. 464-682-324-000 eat anything I like even ice cream and nearly all. I know a lot of people are forbidden MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION Publisher by their doctors to eat pork, candies, frozen foods, etc. main office because of some ailments. I Door 2, Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, still write articles published Cagayan de Oro City.Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, (08822)72-33in many newspapers in the 44, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 Philippines and elsewhere. E-mails: Advertising:mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, My doctor advised me to Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com reduce salt intake but I still DANTE M. SUDARIA eat the regular foods found President and CEO in restaurants. So at my age, TERESA ZAFRA PELONE I take care of my life more Comptroller carefully than ever. melanie rivera 000 Advertising I really cannot understand why there are still Rolando sudaria Production encounters, shootings, fighting, etc. between the --------------------------------------------------------------------------government soldiers and manila marketing office the NPA rebels under the 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Duterte administration. I Salcedo Village, Makati City thought the NPA would lani vallido MIJIE JUAT cease war forever when Marketing and Sales MAY IGLECIAS Digong assumed office. I Manager Account Executives hope this foolish war should --------------------------------------------------------------------------stop soon to save the lives EDITORIAL of Filipinos involved in the ALLAN M. MEDIANTE fight as well as the civilians Editor-in-Chief hit in the crossfires. We have been producing widows and ruel pelone CRIS DIAZ orphans by these battles. Managing Editor Executive Editor This really is crazy! CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO JOEL ESCOL 000 Associate Editor Lifestyle Editor Feature Editor I am absolutely perplexed why all of a sudden gerry lee gorit GILBERT Y. CHAO there are so many drug Motoring Editor Photo Journalist lords/pushers who are al PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN legedly armed and opted to Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao fight law enforcers during supposed raids. And even Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING more surprising these al Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor leged drug pushers lost in AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA the fight. They are killed northmin . westmin . caraga . davao

Mindanao DAILY

so easily. Are they really armed or a police officer just planted guns on their lifeless bodies. 000 I am wond e r i ng i f Duterte’s administration is trying to eradicate crimes by committing crimes. I mean we have been shooting the alleged criminals like birds in the mountain trees, but just how sure are we they are real criminals in the absence of court trials or due process. We may be enforcing justice the foolish way - - committing injustice in the process. 000 My one and only, not a secret of long life, is to pray to God always. Whenever possible, whether I am walking alone, driving, playing or wherever I am - - I pray. Pray for good health and surely you will get it. Believe me, God answers prayers. 000 The state of the nation address (SONA) of President Duterte was a hit full of promises, same thing with those of past presidents. But the way President Digong kills people in the illegal drug business, I think he is serious in his vow to really introduce the change. I wish to say, however, that the daily killing of alleged criminals has really frightened me so hard. I have doubts that those killed were all criminals and armed. Besides, history would tell us that criminals are afraid of the police, but so abruptly, they fight boldly and they got killed. It certainly looked a one way fight unlike those old west days of Billy The Kid when villains are given a chance for fair showdown. 000

I have been saying even during the campaign for the May 9 elections that Duterte talks so much. He used vulgar words as “I will kill you”, “putang ina ninyo”, and other curses that really irritated some members of the Church and laymen. In his speech this week at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, he pleaded for peace with everybody on top of the headlines about killings every day. Indiscriminate killings and peace are thousands of miles away and these two words can never stand parallel with each other. It is a contradiction, pure and simple. 000 I was elated so much during the celebration of my birthday yesterday when my grandchildren called to greet me and played the piano Happy Birthday while their parents sang. I was really touched and I thought I would shed tears. Then later during the day, my good friend, Madam Dolly Ilogon, who now resides and enjoying a good job in New York City also called and sang. I lost track, but I think more than a hundred people greeted me on my natal day including members of my family. I told myself, am I really that important to them? It is really nice to have lots of friends. 000 This is really tragic no matter what language you use. In Dagupan City, a 22-year-old pretty college student scheduled to graduate with a degree in mass communication, was shot dead by an alleged vigilante group on suspicion of illegal drugs. Even if I am tied to a tree head down, I would

Kakampi mo ang batas

promised by God to those who have turned their backs on Him. Here they are, as written in Deuteronomy 28:15, series: “However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you: You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed. “The fruit of your womb will be cursed, and the crops of your land, and the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out. The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him…” -oooWORSHIPPING GODS MADE OF WOOD: More of

The Striker

Ben Emata Jr.

not believe this young victim would have any relation to drugs. I would say whoever pulled the trigger must be extraordinarily foolish and reckless. He deserves to be eaten alive by thousands of hungry piranhas in the lake. It could be a case of mistaken identify but no matter what, it is a senseless killing, the obvious result of mass murders in our country nowadays. 000 We are advocates of physical exercise as a way of maintaining good health and long life. I used to do lots of exercises during my younger days from chinning bar, barbells, jogging, boxing, arnis de mano, kung fu martial arts, etc. and I found them very effective. Later, however, I was convinced that our body is like a car engine which, when kept on running and excessive use could develop trouble and possibly breakdowns. From that moment, I reduced my physical exercise activities and even advised my children to take it easy on the issue. To think about it, a motor vehicle is made of steel, necessarily a hard material and should be stronger than a human body and yet it goes to a repair garage more often than human beings. It is immensely astonishing.

Whole of RP filled with gold?

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love…” (1 John 4:16, the Holy Bible). -oooWHOLE OF RP FILLED WITH GOLD? Treasure hunters still searching for the fabled “Yamashita gold”---a cache of fabulous treasures rumored to have been buried in the Philippines by then Japanese Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita at the close of World War II---I have a news for you. There appears to be a bigger reserve of gold here in this country, much, much more than this Yamashita gold! Current research works indicate that the Philippines is actually the Biblical “Ophir”, a group of islands “in front of China towards the sea, where Moluccans, Chinese and Lequios met to trade”, which, the Bible said, was the source of the gold that King Solomon used to build the temple of God in his time. I hope this piece of information can be seriously

Atty. Batas Mauricio

looked into, for several practical reasons. If proved to be true, then Filipinos must be allowed to enjoy the benefit of this fabulous wealth. If proved to be false, then no one should be duped into believing it again and again. -oooGOD’S CURSES: Just to remind all of us once again about the penalties God will impose on us if we stop listening to Him, if we stop reading His Word, and if we stop obeying His commands, I will reproduce here today and in the next several days, the curses

God’s curses are provided for by Deuteronomy 28:1568 of the Holy Bible: “The sights you see will drive you mad.The LORD will afflict your knees and legs with painful boils that cannot be cured, spreading from the soles of your feet to the top of your head. “The LORD will drive you and the king you set over you to a nation unknown to you or your ancestors. There you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone.You will become a thing of horror, a byword and an object of ridicule among all the peoples where the LORD will drive you. “You will sow much seed in the field but you will harvest little, because locusts will devour it. You will plant vineyards and cultivate them but you will not drink the wine or gather the grapes, because worms will eat them.You will have olive trees throughout your country but you will not use the oil, because the olives will drop off…” See GOLD, page A7

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Challenge to ‘real change’ Thursday, July 28, 2016

THE unorthodox candidate and eventually President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made a flurry of announcements before and after the 2016 elections. Some of these were unexpected but still warmly welcomed by a constituency that has for too long been at the losing end of government policies: public funds diverted to private corporate profits, non-distribution of the presidential clan’s Hacienda Luisita epitomizing landgrabbing and landlessness, a raging jobs crisis, worsening poverty, a widening gap between rich and poor, a narrow and selective anti-corruption campaign, deeper subservience to foreign interests, and rampant human rights violations. Progressive inclination The new president sides with the poor and marginalized on several issues. He seeks to grant the denied elderly’s pension hike and nurses’ salary hike; end labor contractualization; make education and health accessible to more Filipinos; ensure that mining stops destroying forests, farms and communities; provide free irrigation; release the coco levy funds to the farmers; and stop urban poor demolitions, among others. The recent signing of the Freedom of Information executive order is a commendable move. Mandating transparency and accountability in government’s executive branch offices is important for the people to be informed of government transactions, which are all of public interest. President Duterte’s initiative to resume the peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) provided a fresh opening for socioeconomic concerns such

from asialivewire . com

n On the day of the State of the Nation Address,

IBON explains why the 10-point economic agenda hangs like a dark cloud over pro-people economics prospects and even the chief executive’s recently-affirmed popularity as these and the roots of armed and social conflict to be discussed and begin to be addressed. The unprecedented appointment of Leftists as heads of the agrarian reform and social welfare departments and also in the labor department and anti-poverty commission gives room for more progressive social and economic policy agenda to be pushed. President Duterte’s unbeholden stance towards the United States is also a potential starting point in asserting a nationalist foreign policy while forging a sovereign economy. He showed his independent thinking even when he was just mayor of Davao City when he refused to let the US military fly drones from Davao or hold military exercises there. As president, he has already strongly criticized the US as an “importer” of terrorism with its aggression in

the Middle East. He is also willing to push for bilateral talks and greater diplomacy with China to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea/Western Philippine Sea in contrast to the previous administration’s US-instigated militarist approach. However, the window for short-term to mid-term reforms, which has been opened substantially by President Duterte’s propeople inclination threatens to be undermined by the neoliberal, pro-business framework of his economic team’s 10-point agenda. Neoliberal agenda The new administration’s 10-point economic agenda presumes that government’s role in ushering development lies in ensuring that businesses, especially big foreign corporations, profit. Whatever economic growth this brings about is expected to trickle down to the rest of the populace. But neoliberalism, as

pursued by the Aquino administration and its predecessors, has failed to develop the economy. Given the choice, the private sector has primarily sought to extract profit from utilities and services, most of which have been run as business ventures by virtue of privatization. This, instead of

The Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conduct an earthquake and fire drill in all public schools in the said city. It was headed by Patrick Nuňez , Department Head of ICDRRMO. The objectives of the team are disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster

response and disaster rehabilitation and recovery. Disaster preparedness and response are the main objectives of the team for the pupils studying in public schools. The said training was held this month of July 2016 to help the teachers and pupils on the proper things to do during any disasters to come. The ICDRRMO aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, droughts, fire and cyclones through an ethic of prevention. The 1-day training from the team becomes an eye opener for the pupils to be always ready and not to get panic when the said hazards come. The two speakers in the person of Ralph

Pocdol and Hazel Joy Javier explain and show to the pupils how to handle the said disaster. Pupils attentively listened and perform cover and duct in going out from their respected classrooms to a safe and open place. Parents of the public schools are grateful upon knowing that their children were trained for any coming disaster, with this our children now are aware.

from lucrative infrastructure projects. This will entail added burden to the public through higher taxes or fees. The agenda retains the mantra of attracting more foreign investments, but this is tantamount to opening up Filipino natural resources, labor and markets to greater foreign exploitation. The agenda speaks of agribusiness and tourism in rural areas, which can lead to corporate takeover of even agricultural land that should otherwise be the country’s source of food and raw materials for local industries. The agenda proposes tax reforms that involve adjusting the income tax brackets to take account of inflation. However, raising direct taxes on the rich and big corporations while reducing direct and indirect taxes on the poor is a more imperative measure to lessen inequities than mere inflation indexing. The agenda retains the currently narrow orientation of education to produce graduates that will serve as the global market’s army of cheap labor. It approves of the practice of subsidizing private school education instead of strengthening the public school system See CHALLENGED, page A7

NOTICE to All CEPALCO Customers Subject: Scheduled Power Interruption on Friday, July 29, 2016

The Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co., Inc. (CEPALCO) would like to inform all customers of a SCHEDULED POWER INTERRUPTION on Friday, July 29, 2016 as shown below. REASON

TO FACILITATE HOTSPOT CORRECTION WORKS OF BUSHING TERMINALS OF CARMEN FEEDER 3 CIRCUIT BREAKER AND CLEANING OF INSULATORS AT 69/34.5KV BAY AT CARMEN SUBSTATION.

TIME OF INTERRUPTION :

5:00 AM – 5:20 AM (20 MINUTES); SWITCHING ONLY 7:00 AM – 7:20 AM (20 MINUTES); SWITCHING ONLY

CARMEN FEEDER 3:

AFFECTED AREAS

Disaster’s Readiness for Pupils in Public Schools

By Gisela Palacio Po Master Teacher I

having these sectors serve public need and national development objectives. Neoliberalism has also deliberately neglected agriculture and industry development at the convenience of big local and foreign business, whose main interest is to gain from cheap raw materials and cheap labor. This has resulted in a shrinking production base, a labor force that is accorded slave wages and flexibilities to bring down the production cost, an environment denigrated for business, and agriculture and industry increasingly turned into big or transnational corporate enclaves that have nothing or little to do with local production to provide the needs of the populace and local economic development. Pro-business at public’s expense? Advocates of peoplecentered economic development are concerned that the new administration’s 10-point economic agenda is inconsistent with President Duterte’s pro-poor sentiments. According prominence to public private partnerships (PPPs) means that public funds will continue subsidizing private profits

1. Greater part of Patag including Calamansi Drive, Buenavista Village, Camp Evangelista, Apovel Subdivision, Terry Hills Subdivision and Anhawon, Bulua area. 2. Along 6th Division Road from Calamansi Drive up to Citi Hardware, Bulua near DPWH Depot. 3. Portion of Villarin St., Carmen from DOTC up to NIA only. Power will however be restored immediately without further notice when Cepalco switching works are completed earlier than scheduled. We hope the affected customers and the public in general will be guided by this announcement.

Thank you.

Released by: Ms. Marilyn A. Chavez Assistant Vice President Head, Customer & Community Relations Dept.

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Mindanao DAILY THE PURVEYOR OF TRUTH , JUSTICE, AND DEVELOPMENT

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Duterte: Malacanang open to complainants vs. graft and corruption President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said “the gates of Malacañan will be open” to those who have valid reasons to complain about graft and corruption under his administration. During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, the President also discussed plans to install the 8888 Help Line to address citizens’ concerns. In line with his campaign promise to eliminate red tape, the President has directed all agencies of the government to reduce to a maximum of three days

the processing time in issuing permits and licenses in various government agencies. The President’s order binds the executive branch, from the Office of the President down to the last barangay official. He stressed the need to streamline and re-engineer government efforts in development and security to ensure that resources of the government are spent wisely and the outcomes are felt on the ground. To address citizens’ clamor for the timely is-

suance of Philippine passports, the government shall work towards the amendment of the 1996 Passport Law to lengthen the validity of the passports from five to 10 years, he added. President Duterte ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to streamline the documentary requirements for passport applications and open additional Consular Offices in strategic locations to decongest Metro Manila sites and avoid long queues that have caused hardship and suffering to applicants.

“I am addressing all of the Cabinet members to make use of the computer. I do not want to see people lining up under the heat of the sun. I do not want people lining up under the rain,” he said. As for driver’s licenses, their effectivity will be extended from the current three-year period to five years. To reduce queuing time at train ticketing stations, ticket outlets will be introduced in malls, stalls, and stores. A report culled from the Philippine News Agency

N O W H I R I N G

ILIGAN HARDOR PILOTS’ ASSOCIATION is in need of :

1 OFFICER STAFF

PRA FORM No. 10.1 (LCRO) Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVL REGISTRY OFFICE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan de Oro City

** Female ** With Accounting Knowledge Send your resume to :

CAPT. E.B. PAJARES MM

Email: capt.pajares@gmail.com 3/Flr Desmark/Dupoint Bldg. Cor. Zamora and Lluch Sts., Iligan City Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar MUNICIPALITY OF MAGSAYSAY Province of Davao del Sur OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Publication Notice R.A. 10172

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC CCE-0023-2016 R.A. 10172

PRA FORM No. 10.1 (LCRO) Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVL REGISTRY OFFICE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan de Oro City NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

July 19, 2016

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that BUNNY CLIER CRISOSTOMO TAPDASAN has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry in the GENDER from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of BUNNY CLIER CRISOSTOMO TAPDASAN at Barayong, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur and whose parents are BENJAMIN R. TAPDASAN and MAY ROSE S. CRISOSTOMO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than August 3, 2016. (Sgd) ANASTACIA B. DENSING Municipal Civil Registrar MDN: July 21 & 28, 2016

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 10172, a NOTICE is hereby served to the public that JULIE B. VILLAHERMOSA has filed with this office a petition for the correction of clerical error in the entry of the child’s SEX from “F” to “MALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of JULIE BAJA VILLAHERMOSA who was born on December 1, 1976 in Cagayan de Oro City and whose parents are MANUEL VILLAHERMOSA and JULIET BAJA. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than JULY 29, 2016. (SGD.) NORMA S. DIPUTADO City Civil Registrar MDN: July 21 & 28, 2016

R.A. 9048 Form No.10.1 (LCR O)

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province; Lanao del Norte City/Municipality: Iligan City

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A.9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that MAHADODIN C. TOCALO has filed with this Office a petition for Change of First Name from “MARUHOM-MAHADODIN” to “MAHADODIN” in the Certificate of Live Birth of MARUHOM-MAHADODIN DAGALANGIT TOCALO who was born on 14 November 1981 at Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte and whose parents are Diad O. Dagalangit and Sandato M. Tocalo. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than August 2016.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A.9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that SITTIE FAIZAH D. TOMAWIS has filed with this Office a petition for Change of First Name from “FAEZHA” to “SITTIE FAIZHA” in the Certificate of Live Birth of FAEZHA DISOMIMBA TOMAWIS who was born on 30 December 1980 at Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte and whose parents are Hadji Salma D. Disomimba and Cadar M. Tomawis. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than August 2016.

(Sgd.) MARIA PURA C. MASCARIÑAS City Civil Registrar

MDN: July 21 & 28, 2016

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 10172, a NOTICE is hereby served to the public that MERRIERON P. BARROS has filed with this office a petition for the correction of clerical error in the entry of the child’s SEX from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of MERRIERON PINAR BARROS who was born on December 26, 1995 in Cagayan de Oro City and whose parents are RONNIE JORO-JORO BARROS and MARILOU MELCHOR PINAR. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than JULY 29, 2016. (SGD.) NORMA S. DIPUTADO City Civil Registrar MDN: July 21 & 28, 2016

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bukidnon Municipality of Quezon OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Petition No. CCE-53 -2016

In the matter of: Petition for change of sex (Gender) in the Certificate of Live Birth of ROSE RODIMO RICAFORT from “Male” to “Female” under Registry No. 1179 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION Petitioner, ROSE RICAFORT GRIGGS, having filed with this Office the abovementioned Petition for change of sex (Gender) in her Certificate of live Birth bearing Registry No. 1179 from “Male” to “Female” and finding the same to be sufficient in form and substance, and in compliance with Sec. 5 R.A. 9048 / R.A. 10172, as well as Par. 3, Subsect. 2 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations, let this Petition be PUBLISHED in a Newspaper of general circulation at least once (1) a week for two (2) consecutive weeks at the expense of petitioner. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office not later than August 12, 2016. Done this 11th day of July, 2016 at Quezon, Bukidnon, Philippines. (SGD) ALEJANDRO SUMILJIG Municipal Civil Registrar MDN: July 21 & 28, 2016

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Gold... from page A4

-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: 0922 833 43 96, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.

Challenged... from page A5

to make education free for all. At the same time it does not offer to reverse the same trend of commodifying health and housing versus fortifying these as social services. Decades-old neoliberal policies and unequal free trade deals that have kept the Philippine economy backward are sustained. Yet there is no mention of free land distribution, no plan for domestic job creation, nor a clear-cut measure to provide substantial support to farmers in the course of national industrialization. The agenda echoes past administrations’ thrust of business friendliness and increasing competitiveness, a common clamor of some tens of thousands of business establishments. Yet there is no mention of raising wages or ending contractualization that affects millions of working Filipinos. The agenda mentions the promotion of science, technology and the creative arts. These are vital elements in pushing national progress. But people-centered development advocates express hopes that this will not be in accordance with the Joint Foreign Chambers’ recommendations to tighten intellectual property guidelines, allow greater foreign participation in Philippine advertising, media and the arts, and expand the practice of foreign professionals here to the point of threatening national culture, identity and self-determination. Finally, the agenda item on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law is welcome for recognizing women’s concerns in family planning as an economic agenda. But women’s groups underscore the greater need to broaden access to free healthcare services for women and children. Deeper neoliberalism or national industrialization? The 10-point economic agenda suggests the further deepening of neoliberalism. If unchanged, this continued implementation of neoliberal policies may result in the removal of Constitutional restrictions on foreign capital, new unequal free trade deals, and a tax system that unburdens a rich few while burdening the poor majority, among others.

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These will undermine the country’s socio-economic conditions and prospects of breaking away from the failed economic policies of the past. Recent trust ratings of the new Philippine government’s leadership not only show popularity but imply high expectations for change. It is the most opportune time for the country to turn its back on neoliberalism and take on a bold policy shift to one that will stand independent of foreign and business dictates, achieve economic upliftment for Filipino farmers and workers, and push domestic industry development to fuel genuine progress. For the new administration to declare national industrialization as economic strategy is a foremost proposal in the People’s Agenda presented by various people’s organizations during the pre-inauguration People’s Summit, along with other social and economic proposals immediate and strategic. With due propagation, this will no doubt earn even wider support from the Filipino people who can then be rallied to various forms of mobilization for long-term nation building. source: ibon.org

Rebels... from page A2

our long-range patrols to be back in their bases tomorrow. After that no more patrols except those around the bases,” 4ID spokesperson Capt. Patrick Martinez said. Martinez said they will ensure that no untoward incident will occur that could mar the peace talks between the government and the communist rebels. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Study... from page A2

agencies should make the effort to adhere to RA 8794’s Implementing Rules and Regulations, especially concerning the steps of proposing projects to the Central Office, and prioritizing selections using the Highway Development and management (HDM4) model, which makes sure that the projects are economically viable and ascertains that road users benefit the most,” the study suggested. Similarly, the guidelines for identifying and prioritizing projects that will be funded through the Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund should be approved and implemented. To improve monitoring, the authors suggested that project proposals and current projects as well as those undertaken for the past five years be published online, thereby establishing a “clear timeline” following proposal to the final decision of the Road Board. The study argued that institutionalizing impact evaluation and monitoring will help transparency issues, and, at the same time, improve the decisionmaking

process. Using performance indicators during monitoring and evaluation of projects is highly encouraged as well. The authors also enumerated further institutional reforms. They recommended setting up an oversight committee for the MVUC to ensure adherence to the RA 8794. Secondly, they encouraged the Road Board Secretary to focus their time on “monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and outcomes”, and leave the procurement and project implementation to other agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways. Lastly, the authors underscored capitalizing on the potential of a communitybased labor approach on road maintenance. Highlighting the performance of Bantay Lansangan project and the details of the Road Sector Status Report Card, the authors suggested strengthening “communitybased employment in road maintenance projects” and encouraging “the participation of civil society organizations in monitoring and increasing transparency in road projects.”

Quake... from page A1

hospital. Nards Go, head of the city’s Quick Action and Response Team, said 38 persons in six families from Barangay Ipil here evacuated to the Provincial Convention Center after the quake. Go said these families voluntarily evacuated for fear of a tsunami. Shortly after the quake, several city residents experienced brownouts. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake struck at 10:29 p.m. with the epicenter located at 09.63°N, 125.47°E (or 3 km S 62° W of Sison town in Surigao del Norte. But the United States Geological Survey’s earthquake site said the was at 9.732°N 125.523°E, or 2 km East of Barangay Luna in Surigao City. Prudencio Meras, a resident in Payawan in Barangay Luna, said he was spared from falling debris. “It was a split second that I evaded the falling objects. I would have been injured,” he said, adding that shards glass fell next to him. Neil Arlan, a resident in Surigao City, said he heard howls of dogs 10 seconds before the quake struck.

Smuggled... from page A1

Inside another container van that was opened were three classic Mercedes Benz and Porsche from the United States, valued at P4 million. The imported goods arrived at the Mindanao Container Terminal last June in separate shipments. The seized five container vans, Enciso said, “is just the start of the operation of the team. As we can see

Church blasts lower criminal liability age A CATHOLIC bishop on Tuesday is bucking the proposal to lower the liability age of criminals from 15 years old to nine saying “it will not solve crime.” Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrant and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI), said: “Instead of making more children be tagged as criminals let us put all our efforts at having children be children.” Instead of penalizing children, society must focus on ensuring their health and education, said Santos, adding, “let us see if there is no smuggling, there is no ‘tara,’ and if there is no ‘tara,’ no one [in the Customs] will become corrupt,” he said. “Tara,” he said, is a slang commonly used in the ports that refers to an amount or bribe money demanded by Customs personnel to the brokers so contraband cargo could be cleared. The rate of “tara” ranges from P200 to P10,000 per container van depending on the rank of the Customs officers demanding the grease money. Enciso said the total worth of imported goods confiscated by BOC-10 for the past two years has reached P1.2 billion. He said the team’s efforts were aimed at sustaining the reforms introduced by Deputy Customs Commissioner Jessie Dellosa to the agency in 2013. “We are just following the vision set by Deputy Commissioner Dellosa,” he said, adding that the official’s goal was to have corrupt-free Bureau of Customs and smuggling-free ports.

Alarm... from page A1

President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to drastically improve the livelihood and living conditions of people in Mindanao. According to Ledesma, there have already been over 800 incidents of terrorist attacks across the globe since the start of the year. In recent news, newlyelected President Duterte junked the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and approved an inclusive peace road map that includes a new law that an all-Moro body will draft to replace the BBL. The BBL was a bill under the Aquino Administration which sought to create a new autonomous political entity called the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. (Ysabel Hilado / CBCPNews)

to their health and education so they will grow up into good citizens”. He emphasized that it is society’s duty to look after everyone’s safety, particularly that of children. “We should be concerned with peace and order, where everyone especially children are protected and secured in and out of the house,” he said. Davao del Norte Rep.

Panteleon “Bebot” Alvarez recently filed a bill lowering the minimum age of criminal liability among minors. The House Bill titled “Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Act” seeks to adjust the minimum age of criminal liability set by the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006” from 15 to nine years old. (Kevin Cariño / CBCPNews)

Lopez assures Lumad:

Erring mining companies will be suspended Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has assured the Lumad or indigenous peoples of Mindanao that mining operations in the region found in violation of mining and environmental laws and regulations would be suspended. This, even as Lopez urged them to submit their proposed development plan for areas which have been affected by destructive mining activities. “Sususpindihin natin ang mga mining company na lumalabag sa batas,” Lopez told Lumad representatives during their dialogue held at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila last Sunday. During the dialogue, the Lumad representatives complained about the new open pit mines and tailings ponds constructed in their areas, which have severely affected their livelihoods. The group cited Sagittarius Mines Inc. in Tampakan, Sultan Kudarat; SR Metals Inc. in Tubay, Agusan del Sur; and Greenstone Mining and Taganito Mining, both in Surigao del Norte, as among those whose operations have seriously affected IP communities due to siltation, open pit mining and stockpiles. The Lumad also appealed to Lopez to halt illegal logging and encroachment in watershed areas, and stop militarization in their areas which they claimed was related to the plan of large-scale mining companies to setup new businesses. They likewise called for the return of all the Lumad displaced from their ancestral lands because of mining and illegal logging activities. At the end of the dialogue, Lopez assured the Lumad that she was one with them in their cause and that an investigation and audit of the mining companies they have mentioned is underway. She said the government will study the development plan submitted by the Lumad and address their concerns at the soonest possible time. The Lumad present during the dialogue are part of the Manilakbayan 2016, a delegation from Mindanao which marched to Manila to bring their plight to the attention of their fellow-Mindanawon, President Rodrigo Duterte, in time for his first State of the Nation Address.

Big...

from page A1

Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president. According to the PNP, there have been over 192 reports of drug-related killings after President Rodrigo Duterte’s election as president. ‘Drug war ok but…’ Meanwhile, A prelate serving in Mindanao called on the faithful to support the Duterte administration’s all-out war against drugs but stressed the need to observe due process of law. “Fighting the proliferation of drugs, that’s a program that really needs support. But it needs to be done in the good way and with a good process so that people’s lives can be respected,” said Iligan Bishop Elenito Galido, who admitted the drug problem also affects Mindanao. While the prelate called on Filipinos to cooperate

and support the government’s all-out offensive against drug trafficking, he exhorted the public to keep an eye on law enforcement agencies. Galido stressed the importance of due process where victims’ “dignity, integrity and human rights” are protected. “We really need investigation at the same time also the strict follow up and hunting down of drug lords, not only the pushers and users who easily turn into vulnerable victims that are get entangled in the problem,” he said in Filipino. According to Philippine Drug Agency (PDEA), there are an estimated 8,000 barangays in the country where drugs are rampant. Different Catholic Church leaders have also condemned the rampant extra-judicial killings connected to the administration’s anti-drug campaign.

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Mindanao DAILY THE PURVEYOR OF TRUTH , JUSTICE, AND DEVELOPMENT

Thursday, July 28, 2016