Second frontpage
‘Duterte becoming more like Marcos’
n Church official questions CA ‘secret voting’ rules
n Gabriela backs Lopez
amid Senate confirmation grilling/p.2
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MINDANAO DAILY T H E P U RV E YO R O F T R U T H , J U S T I C E , A N D D E V E LO P M E N T
Volume VI, No. 237
Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com
Monday
March 13, 2017
P15.00
Back-channel talks in GRP-NDF peace process ongoing By Carolyn O. Arguillas and Antonio L. Colina IV of MindaNews
Back-channel talks are ongoing in Utrecht, The Netherlands to get the peace process between government (GRP ) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) back on track. “Kung dunay outcome (sa) back channel, we will make public,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said in a text message to MindaNews Friday night. “Just arrived Utrecht,” Dureza said at 9:20 p.m. Manila time (2:20 p.m. in Utrecht). Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday told the “1st Kapihan sa Kampo” in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, that National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, GRP-NDF talks. Government and National Democratic Front peace panels at and Vicente Ladlad left the country on the second round of GRP-NDF talks in Oslo, Norway on October 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of Edwin Espejo / OPAPP Wednesday night en route to Europe.
“A lot of people are urging us that before we will go back to the formal peace talks there will be back channeling talks so that we will already have a concrete proposals acceptable by both sides so that when we return to the formal talks everything is ironed out,” the Manila Bulletin quoted Lorenzana as saying. President Rodrigo Duterte told reporters in Bansalan, Davao del Sur on March 9 that he was “sad” and had lost his respect for the communist rebels for attacking government forces. “Maybe we can continue talking whether we want to call a ceasefire or not. But at this time they choose to go to war. It has been with us for 50 years, so if they want to fight another 50 years, okay lang sa akin,” said Duterte, who was visiting the wake of police personnel slain in an ambush allegedly perpetrated by the NPA on March 8.
Suspects in coed’s rape-slay arrested By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent
CAGAYAN de Oro City-Five persons were arrested after they were tagged as the ones responsible for the rape and murder of a working student Friday night, police said Saturday. The victim was identified as Cherrymae Dayo, 20, single, and a native of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental but residing at Barangay 7 prior to her death late Friday night. Dayo was a college student and was working as a house caretaker at the same time. Senior Insp. Maricris Mulat, Divisoria police station chief, identified the suspects Warren Amarga, 24; Joel Buna, 22; Kevin Rey Andrada, 18. The two other suspects were females. Mulat said the group may have entered the house to steal some items when Dayo woke up. Investigators said that attending physicians in Northern Mindanao Medical Center in their finding declared that Dayo was raped. Amarga at first admitted then later denied See suspects, page 11
RAPE-SLAY SUSPECTS. Screen grab from the FB account of CdeONewsPh showing the alleged suspects behind the rape-slay of 20-year-old Cherrymae Dal Dayo, a graduating college student. Right, the profile picture of the victim in her FaceBook account.
49 Mindanao lawmakers voted ‘yes,’ 12 say ‘no’ to death penalty By Carolyn O. Arguillas of MindaNews
DAVAO City––Forty-nine of Mindanao’s representatives to Congress voted in favor while 12 voted no when the House of Representatives passed House Bill 4727 on
third and final reading last Tuesday. Nationwide, a total of 217 representatives voted for the bill, 54 voted against and one abstained. Mindanao has a total of 66 representatives in the House of Representatives, 59 of
them representing districts and seven representing party list groups. One of the district representatives, Sulu Rep. Tupay Loong, passed away on June 30, 2016. The controversial HB 4727 under the leadership of Mindanawon House Speaker
Pantaleon Alvarez seeks to reimpose death penalty for drug-related crimes. The reimposition of the death penalty is a campaign promise of President Rodrigo Duterte, the country’s 16th President and See voted, page 11
See PEACE, page 11
Imposition of total log ban led to corruption, study says THE implementation of Executive Order (EO) 23 on total log ban by the previous administration has led to corruption, according to a study released by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). EO 23, an across-theboard ban on logging signed by former President Benigno Aquino, has failed not only to achieve its objectives of reversing the trend of deforestation in the country. It has also caused “damaging unintended economic and social consequences”, including the disruption of wood processing enterprises and the increase in corruption activities in the wood industry. PIDS Visiting Research Fellow Vic Paqueo and Senior Research Fellow Danilo Israel, in their paper, opined that “policymakers of EO 23 and its implementation rules underestimated the power of increased corruption that the order would unleash.” In other words, the previous leadership did not foresee the creation of “lucrative opportunities and incentives” that lead to bribery and corruption among key players during the implementation See study, page 11
MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE
Monday
March 13, 2017
2
CA suspends Lopez confirmation anew By Azer N. Parrocha of PNA
Environment Secretary Gina Lopez was faced with a barrage of questions from the Commission on Appointments (CA) and her oppositors in day two of the hearing on her appointment on Thursday. On Wednesday, Lopez’s confirmation was suspended before over 20 oppositors were finished their turns. One of the oppositors, Chamber of Mines Vice President for Legal and Policy Ronald Recidoro, said that his association felt that Lopez “is not the right person to lead DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources). Recidoro questioned
Bandits abduct public school teacher
her decision to order the closure and suspension of several metallic mines noting that she did not think it through. “Did she really think these closures through?” Recidoro asked. He pointed out that Lopez had a bias against mining and a blatant disregard for government processes which make her unfit to become DENR Secretary. He also cited reasons as her “ideology and fanaticism.” “The issue here is not the mining industry. The issue is whether or not Secretary Lopez is the right person to lead the DENR. Is she competent to lead the DENR? We say, no, no, no!” Recidoro said.
Lopez, for her part, assured Recidoro that due process was followed in closing mines stressing that they committed environmental violations. She told him that there were around 13 mines that were allowed to operate because they complied with the agency’s requirements. Recidoro said that if the mines were allowed to operate in the first place, it was the failure of the DENR as a regulatory agency. Lopez admitted that the agency, in the past, has failed in its regulatory function but vowed to rectify it immediately. The Secretary also noted that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), an attached agency of the
DENR, prioritized to help mining companies and not make sure that they follow rules. She said that 82 percent of net income from mining went to mining companies and not poor communities and described the DENR as a “seedbed of corruption”. Several other oppositors from mining groups and universities also noted her lack of technical knowledge about the agency she heads. Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Sato asked Lopez why she appointed her own undersecretaries and assistant secretaries which she thought made other officials feel “demoralized.” Lopez said she selected people she trusted as mem-
bers of the team and stressed that it was her right to do so. She also stood by her appointment of one of her undersecretaries, former MGB director Leo Jasareno, who allegedly approved questionable mining permits during his term. The secretary also said that she had zero tolerance for corruption and stood by Jaserno’s honesty. The hearing was led by CA Committee on Environment chair Sen. Manny Pacquiao who wanted to clarify if Lopez was completely against mining. Lopez said that her policy was not against mining but was against the destruction of the environment. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, committee member, said
that Lopez’s presentation on Wednesday was so convincing that he had wanted to move to recommend her to plenary but said that he felt that the responses made “were not enough to convince at least 13 members.” Lacson said that he wanted to help Lopez get past her confirmation hearings and that he did not want her to suffer the same fate as that of Foreign Affairs Secretary ”Just bear in mind that you are here to convince us. I don’t want you to suffer the fate as Sec. Yasay,” Lacson said. Yasay’s appointment was rejected by the CA on Tuesday for his failure to explain his US citizenship status. (PNA)
By Ely E. Dumaboc of PNA
ZAMBOANGA City––Government troops are tracking down the whereabouts of a public school teacher who was abducted by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the island province of Sulu, a military official said Saturday. Col. Cirilito Sobejana Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the victim as Ibrahim Potong, a teacher of Jolo National High School. Sobejana said Potong was driving his motorcycle on the way home to Maimbung town when he was waylaid and taken by the bandits on Friday afternoon. He said troops have been immediately alerted to locate and rescue the teacher. He said they are coordinating with the victim’s family “to gather more information about Potong”. With Potong’s abduction, the number of hostages in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf has increased to 32, including 26 foreigners. A report culled from the Philippine News Agency
Woman of Courage. Environment Secretary Gina Lopez is recognized as a “Woman of Courage” on Friday, March 10, by GABRIELA,
for her “standing up for the general welfare of women, indigenous peoples and the Filipino nation vis-à-vis encroaching interests of commercial despoilers of the environment.”(PNA photo courtesy of DENR)
Gabriela backs Lopez amid Senate confirmation grilling A Gabriela lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Friday expressed support for Environment Secretary Gina Lopez as she faced grilling at the Senate confirmation hearing. In a statement, Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus described Lopez as a “diamond in the rough” amid pressure against her appointment.
“Like a diamond being formed out of very high heat and pressure, Gina Lopez shines through in her upfront and unwavering stance to protect the environment and communities from destructive corporate mining,” De Jesus said. De Jesus noted that Lopez is gaining points from women and the people de-
spite efforts to undermine her competence and credentials to lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “ The nitpicking on Lopez of oppositors and members of the Commission on Appointments, who are directly and indirectly linked to big mining businesses is proof that they
cannot sufficiently prove their case against Lopez’ hardline stance versus destructive, corporate mining,” she added. The lady legislator also lauded Lopez’ emphasis on DENR’s mandate to manage resources for future generations and on the protection of communities within and around mining sites.
“We find Lopez’ broad appreciation of environmental protection laudable, as she prioritizes the country’s future over corporate interests. We in Gabriela have consistently drilled down the need to stop the bleeding of our country’s natural resources for foreign gain. It is high time that See grilling, page 11
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In Focus
Monday, March 13, 2017
3
PCO shifts to second gear, says Andanar
Neil Anthony Estrella (right), Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and acting spokesperson, talks to the media during the viewing of the 320 drums of hydrochloric acid seized by the agency for lack of import permit, at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental recently. Looking on are, from left, BOC-10 Collector Tomas Alcid, Nash Guro, chief of the Assessment Division, and Alvin Enciso, regional chief of the BOC’s CIIS. Photo by Gerry Lee Gorit for Mindanao Daily News
BOC probes connivance of personnel in illegal shipment of ‘shabu’ chemicals
from India and consigned to Juchem Enterprises in Butuan City, arrived in the port last month. Estrella said that the shipment had no import permits or documents, which lead to the suspicion that some BOC personnel are in connivance with the broker.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday, announced “revitalizing” changes to be made to his office this week during a meeting with the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) at the Golden Prince Hotel. The Presidential Communications Chief was in Cebu in time for the ASEAN-PCOO Roadshow. “We’ve been in office for about eight months now. It’s about time to shift second gear,” Andanar told the new officers and members of the KBP-Cebu Chapter disclosing some courses of action his office is planning to take in the next days. Andanar plans to “fix” the International Press Center (IPC), whose building was newly renovated, and to revitalize the Philippine News Agency (PNA) as the premiere news wire agency of the country. “We have about 40 plus reporters, if we combined them all, in Metro Manila. So if you look at the numbers, sheer number of reporters, then you have a very powerful Philippine News Agency. Those who are operating in Mindanao, in the Visayas, and in the provinces of Luzon can maximize the reports that we write for the Philippine News Agency. And that’s one way to rejuvenate, revitalize Philippine News Agency,” Andanar said. Modernization plans for the PNA include a modernized news room, a television, a broadcast, and news cast to be shown on internet, social media sites, and also a special channel, which will be a sub-channel of PTV when it becomes digital. “Once a station becomes digital, you have the HD channel, the main channel, then you have subchannels --- three to four sub-channels. One of those sub-channels will be the Philippine News Agency, one will be the Muslim Lumad TV, and there will also be the teleradyo, which is the Radyo ng Bayan, that will have a video cast and maybe an agricultural channel if the Department of Agriculture would like to sponsor,” Andanar explained. Andanar is likewise working on having an integrated newsroom, which included People’s Television (PTV), Radyo ng Bayan, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Philippine News Agency (PNA). Also within the 2017 PCOO deliverables for the year are the ground-breaking of the Mindanao broadcast hub in Davao, FM1 or the FM station for the youth, PIA kiosks in the domestic and international airport among others. (PR)
CAGAYAN de Oro City-The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will file charges against personnel responsible for the illegal shipment of chemicals used in manufacturing “shabu” last month in Misamis Oriental, an official said Wednesday. Neil Anthony Estrella, BOC spokesman, confirmed the agency is conducting an
investigation to determine those responsible for the illegal shipment of 320 drums of hydrochloric acid worth Php4 million. Each drum weighs 284 kilograms. Estrella was here to personally supervise the opening of four container vans that contain the contraband. “Hydrochloric acid is reportedly used to manufac-
ture the illegal drug ‘shabu’ (Methamphetamine hydrochloride),” he said. Estrella invited the local media to witness the opening of the container vans Wednesday at the Mindanao Container Terminal port in Tagolo-an, Misamis Oriental. He said the container vans, which reportedly came
A Church official has questioned the new rules set by the Commission on Appointments (CA) which allow “secret voting” among its members. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the CBCP National Secretariat for Social Action (Nassa), said the move is a “cowardly strategy” to hide their votes behind anonymity. What is doubtful, he said, is the timing of the adoption of the new rules which was a day before the scheduled
hearing of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez. “Clearly the selection process is tarnished with lack of full transparency, particularly in Gina Lopez’ case, as there are CA members with clear connection with the industry or are supported by them,” Gariguez said. “The CA’s credibility is all the more put into question,” he added. Nassa and some bishops have lauded Lopez’ performance as environment
chief, saying she deserves confirmation by the CA. Environmental group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) also believes that the secret voting in an executive session is meant to prevent the confirmation of Lopez. Other new rules approved include the shortening of required notice from three days to a day and the automatic membership of CA members to all standing committees except the Anti-irresponsible mining groups hold rally outside committee on rules. “These new rules erode the Senate gates, March 1, 2017.
Church exec questions CA ‘secret voting’ rules
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the transparency and accountability of the CA,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator. He said the intent of a plenary vote is to ensure that the candidate for the cabinet post is given a public judgment by the CA members, on his or her capacity to perform the duties as a head of a department. “It is in the public interest that a public and nominal voting of the CA members be conducted,” See secret, page 8
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Monday, March 13, 2017
Opinion
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No, Yasay did not lie to lawmakers LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin…” (Provebs 26:28, the Holy Bible). -oooNO, YASAY DID NOT LIE TO LAWMAKERS: No, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. did not lie when he told congressmen and senators composing the Commission on Appointments that he was not a US citizen. When he said he was not a US citizen, he was merely echoing, or citing, if you will, the provisions of US laws which say that when a person who is granted US citizenship had a “preconceived intent” of not pursuing that US citizenship, that grant was null and void and had no effect whatsoever. Yasay was in fact simply telling our lawmakers that are considering those US laws, and considering what happened to him---he was granted US citizenship in 1986 but was back in the Philippines for good in 1987---his supposed US citizenship was never in
Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute
where Yasay’s statements would become more in accord with the law. When a Philippine court issues a decree of annulment, that decree takes effect not on the date it was issued, but on the day of the marriage itself---so that, in contemplation of law, the former husband and wife are considered not to have been married at any point in time. -oooYASAY MERELY CITED US LAWS, SO HOW CAN HE BE LYING? That was what happened to Yasay, and this should have been the centerpiece of his submissions to the Commission on Appointment. What he should have pounded on among the lawmakers scrutinizing him for his confirmation of his appointment was that, from the point of view of US laws, he was never a US citizen. Since it is the US laws that are saying that Yasay was never a US citizen despite the grant of that US citizenship to him in 1986, he could never be accused of lying. How can someone who is merely
Atty. Batas Mauricio
repeating what the US laws provided be considered to have lied? If we uphold the view of the congressmen and senators composing the Commission on Appointments that Yasay lied because he merely cited the provisions of US laws, then, lawyers, judges, and justices who routinely cite the laws in making their arguments or conclusions in their orders and resolutions would, by parity of reasoning, be considered lying. With due respect, that view of the lawmakers is simply absurd! -oooPLEASE LISTEN: “Ang Tanging Daan” (The Sole Way): a Bible Exposition and prayer session online, could now be heard 24/7 (24 hours a day), in the Philippines and the world at www.facebook.com/angtangingdaan. Phone: 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.
Have My Say
EU and ASEAN – A restart?
THESE are really good news: the European Union and ASEAN are ready to restart free trade talks! GILBERT Y. CHAO gerry lee gorit The EU and the 10-memMotoring Editor Photo Journalist ber bloc of Southeast Asian PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN states are to put a trade pact Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao back on the agenda after a Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING 7-year hiatus. Currently Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor only Singapore and Vietnam have free trade deals with AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA Europe. Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant The trade ministers of the two regional blocs said RODRIGO B. SEVILLA JOE PALABAO in a joint statement on FriRegional Editor-Davao Feature Editor day (yesterday!) they had ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI asked officials to develop a NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE framework for a future free CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 trade agreement (FTA). EU CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Trade Commissioner Cecilia Legal Counsel Malmstrom said talks would restart, but there was no so --------------------------------------------------------------far no targeted time-frame. bureau and mktg staff In my opinion: no problem, candy macabale - 09161326483 most important is, ready RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 to restart trade talks. Or MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 as Mrs. Malmstrom voices GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 out in Manila: North Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0955-150-6602
VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 MARAMAG - roFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 tangub city - bobby mag usara OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 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,) COMVAL PROVINCE AND DAV. OR. - Rhodel javier 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
effect at all, so that he was never an American citizen at any moment in his life. -oooLAWMAKERS MUST EXPLAIN THEIR ACT ON YASAY CONFIRMATION: It was unfortunate our lawmakers did not---or chose not to?---understand what Yasay was telling them, and it is these lawmakers who have some explaining to do on their actions on the Yasay appointment. But to make this a little clearer for everyone, let me use as an example the American law on divorce and the Philippine law on annulment of marriages. In America, when a divorce decree is granted, it is generally made effective only on the date that decree was issued. For example, let us say that a divorce decree was issued on March 11, 2017 in the US. That decree takes effect only from March 11, 2017, so that before March 11, 2017, the former husband and wife would be considered as having been legally wedded to one another all throughout. In the Philippines, it is different, and this is
“We believe it is important to connect two growing markets and to take away as many obstacles to trade. Having a region-to-region agreement between the EU and ASEAN is a long-term goal we’ve been discussing for many years. We are now taking steps towards this.” I also agree with Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez saying the talks would resume in an attempt to counter uncertainties arising from “growing protectionist and inward-looking policy stances” that often blame trade for the loss of jobs because of automation and industrialization. His comments were aimed at US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to impose tariffs on imports and bring back American jobs lost to other countries. Trump has also withdrawn
the US from the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) with several Asia Pacific rim countries, which included the ASEAN bloc. The original negotiations between the EU and ASEAN began in 2007 but were suspended two years later due to the difficulties of agreeing a common set of standards among the 10 Southeast Asian countries, which include Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines. Of course, human rights still an issue! A requirement by Brussels to consider human rights in its trade policies may also have been an issue. The EU has FTA’s with Vietnam and Singapore and is still negotiating agreements with the other larger countries in the region. The ASEAN area is the world’s seventh-largest mar-
Klaus Doring
ket, and has a combined 622 million people and economy of 2.45 trillion euros ($2.6 trillion) and is driven largely by consumption, exports and manufacturing, with Europe a key importer of goods. EU and ASEAN, being ready to restart free trade talks? A big step towards better trade relations! +++ Email: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin or visit www. germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.
Agree or disagree
Brave man on the run to save his life Demosthenes P. Maglasang Sr.
“ALL men have fears, but the brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death, but always to victory,” was the motto of King Guard in ancient Greece. However, it is a conclusive fact that those who do not know how to fight
like coward people worry about death. But this man, the former congressman of the lone district of Iligan City, who was supposedly believed to be brave as alleged by most of the Iliganons, if not all, but found out in the end to be a man on the run to save his life. Maybe as a consequence of the declaration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that he was one of those involved in the drug business, for he
knows for sure that the spear of the President knows no friends, knows no relatives and knows no personalities. Anybody, who violated the law, especially on illegal drug business, should be put behind bars, or otherwise. You know what it means by that “otherwise.” He is on the run now to save his life. He never knows how to fight as a brave man like a man in the arena, as what President Theodore
Roosevelt had referred to during his speech in Paris, France on April 23, 1910, which states: “it is not the critics, who count, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, See brave, page 11
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Forum
Agree or disagree
Criminals must be punished Ben Emata Jr.
THE murder-rape of a young woman from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, of Friday night should make the authorities to move heaven and earth to punish the people involved. It is not that I originated from the town, but it is because the crime is so heinous that deserves no mercy. Rape was already a capital offense and with murder, I cannot imagine what kind of devils the perpetrators are. They do not deserve to walk among us. Their place is in hell and enjoy the flames for their sins. Incidentally, the restoration of the death penalty that targets only the drug suspects should
be examined by intelligent experts and not by some dull lawmakers. *** The shocking revelations of former police officer Arturo Lascañas of Davao City on the killings of more than 300 drug suspects, politicians and members of the media in alleged order of then Mayor Digong Duterte, deserve a sober investigation by the United Nation on the issue of human rights violations. And if Duterte is convicted of such crimes, he should be punished accordingly, even if it cost his own life Lascañas further said the pattern of murder in Davao and the killings in the country nowadays that resulted in more than 7,000 deaths is the same. This is another angle upon which a thorough investigation must focus.
The UN probe is necessary not only to send to jail the culprits, but also to deter future incidence of such things. With Lascañas and other alleged hitmen who actually participated in the murder, the international body will surely have easy access to convicting the suspects. Lascañas should be clothed with immunity and utilized as state witness or whatever is possible. Capital crimes such as murder, homicide, rapes, kidnappings, etc, should not be left unpunished or it will have the semblance of allowing things that destroy our honor integrity and preservation of life. The time for us to prove that even big fishes in our country are not on top of our laws has come. Once the UN probe begins, I urge the government to close and watch
exits around the country to prevent the accused from escaping. Also the police should watch closely Lascañas, Matobato and other witnesses against possible reprisal. They might be assassinated by unknown persons having interest on them. The situation in our country in the matter of killings has startled the world. Filipinos in foreign lands are embarrassed and could not see direct to the eyes of other peace-loving nationalities. I was just informed that embalmers and coffin makers in the country are having brisk business on their occupations. While this is good for them, it means tears of many relatives of the victims. It means loss of bread earners in the poor neighborhoods and homes. (Bennex News Service)
Monday, March 13, 2017
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Duterte warns of martial law in Mindanao if...
DAVAO City–– “Either tulungan ninyo ako or I will declare martial law tomorrow for Mindanao,” President Rodrigo Duterte warned Thursday night as he exhorted governors and mayors in 12 of Mindanao’s 27 provinces to use their powers to prevent violence “from spinning out of control.” “Yan ang problema ko ngayon. Tulungan ninyo ako” (That’s my problem now. Help me), Duterte said, adding that if he declares martial law, “then I have to authorize the military just to arrest and detain you for… And it would not be good for our people and they would go into a trauma. Because how long would it take? I don’t know. It could be 20 days, it could last for one year.” Under the 1987 Constitution, the President may suspend the writ of the privilege of habeas corpus or place the country or nay part thereof under martial law “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it,” and only for a period “not exceeding 60 days” unless extended by Congress. Duterte’s warning came even as the entire country has been under a “state of national emergency” in the last six months, allowing him to call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police “to undertake such measures as may be permitted by the Constitution and existing laws to suppress any and all forms of lawless violence in Mindanao and to prevent such lawless violence from spreading See warns, page 8
‘Duterte becoming more like Marcos’ By DEE AYROSO of Bulatlat.com
Progressive groups lashed out this week at President Duterte, whose most recent rhetorics, they said, could only worsen the current human rights situation, given the relentless extrajudicial killings, arrests of activists, militarization in communities and other forms of violations. Speaking at the Bansalan Municipal Hall in Davao del Sur on March 9, at the wake of policemen killed in an ambush by New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas, Duterte gave orders to the police and military to use all resources to fight rebels, saying, “Go ahead, flatten the hills.” Foreseeing the possible impact on civilians, he even said: “Collateral damage, pasensya.” In a meeting with local executives in Davao City on the same day, the President asked officials to help him solve security problems, but coupled this with a threat: “Either tulungan ‘nyo ako or I will declare martial law tomorrow in Mindanao.” Various groups said the President’s statements “encourages war crimes” and gives state forces “license to kill.” “Duterte is becoming more like his idol Marcos by the hour,” Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago said. Duterte had come under fire from local and international human rights groups, which said his statements fuelled the extrajudicial killings of more than 7,000 drug suspects in the past nine months. Also under Duterte, from July 2016 to February 2017, human rights group
UP students led by Kabataan Partylist stage a protest at the AS steps in UP Diliman on March 10 (Contributed photo)
Karapatan had documented 39 activists killed, and 43 arrested based on trumpedup charges. Twenty of those killed were from January to March 2 this year. The most recent victim was Hadji Billamin Hassan, Bayan Muna coordinator who was shot and killed by state troops on March 8, allegedly while serving an arrest warrant for arson. Among other recent victims were peasant spouses and anti-mining activists Ramon and Leonila Pesadilla who were killed by suspected members of the 66th Infantry Battalion in Compostela Valley on March 2; farmers Ian and Rolendo Borres in Maayon,
administration. You cannot use the alleged incident in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, to justify these violations any further and act as if these State agents are all so innocent,” said Karapatan secretary general Tinay Palabay. Under the 20-year Marcos Dictatorship, tens of thousands were killed, disappeared and arbitrarily arrested and detained. War crimes Pro g re s s ive g roup s staged separate indignation rallies on March 10 to protest the continuing impunity and rights abuses. Peasant “Your armed forces have group Kilusang Magbubukid been bombing communities ng Pilipinas (KMP) and even at the onset of your Karapatan held successive Capiz, who were killed by suspected 61st IB soldiers on February 24; and coconut farmer and KasamaTK peasant leader Gilbert Bancat, who was killed in San Andres, Quezon by suspected members of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM). Karapatan also cited a bombing incident that triggered the forced evacuation of 11,500 residents in Pichon village, Caraga, Davao Oriental, where 12 to 18 bombs were dropped by the 67th IBPA on July 7 and 8, 2016.
protests at the gates of the AFP national headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, and at the AFP Medical Center-V. Luna. Four missing civilians who were caught in the crossfire between the military and NPA in Quezon province were believed to have been brought to the AFP Medical Center. In the University of the Philippines-Diliman, students led by the Tanggulan Youth Network for the Defense of Human Rights and Civil Liberties gathered at the Palma Hall steps in the afternoon. In Davao City, progressives also held a picket and a street press conference on
March 10, said a report by Kilab Multimedia. “Martial law is the only logical conclusion in the Duterte administration’s maneuvers to reinstate an atmosphere of fascism and terror in the country,” said Elago, who was at the UP protest. She cited the moves toward imposing forced military training for senior high school students, and the approval of the death penalty in Congress. “Sowing fear and terror will not solve the root causes of poverty, crime and armed conflict. In fact, even Duterte admits he could not control the armed insurgency. But what makes him think imposing martial law will stop it? Marcos and his succeeding regimes have tried to flatten mountains and drop bombs to quell the armed groups but to no avail,” she said . KMP secretary general Antonio Flores lamented that peasants are the primary targets of the counterinsurgency operations of the military, which Duterte has now ordered to take part in the anti-drug war. “President Duterte has dangerously weaponized the war against drugs and handed the AFP an additional artillery in its allout war campaign that has victimized civilians and activists,” Flores said. The US-based watchdog Human Rights Watch, meanwhile, said the President’s counterinsurgency rhetoric is reminiscent of his antidrug statements “which has instigated unlawful force and incited violence.” HRW said Duterte should clarify to state forces that they are constrained by law See duterte, page 8
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March 13, 2017
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Suzuki breaks a Guinness record at the Raider R150 Summit 2017 Photos by Kit Pilla and Edelyn Yanilla
Suzuki Foundation funds 38 research initiatives worth ¥78.00 million source: www.globalsuzuki.com The Suzuki Foundation selected 38 scientific technology and proposed subject research initiatives from universities and other research institutes in Japan to receive fiscal 2016 financial assistance worth a total of ¥78.00 million. The Foundation also announced other financial assistance, bringing its overall fiscal 2016 disbursements to ¥97.71 million. The Suzuki Foundation has decided to support 36 original, advanced scientific technology research projects on seven fields: production technologies; environmental and resource energy technologies; measurement, control, and analysis technologies; material technologies; electric, electronics, and information technologies; human engineering and medical technologies; and robot technologies. The Foundation’s financial assistance for these 36 projects totals ¥39.81 million. As well as supporting fundamental and original research projects in the field of natural sciences, since fiscal 2003, the Suzuki Foundation has been
selecting contemporary problems that it believes need to be resolved, inviting proposals for research projects to address them, and selecting the most outstanding proposals for funding. It funds each selected project for two years and has selected 23 projects in the past 14 years. For fiscal 2016, the Foundation has decided to fund the following two researches that lead to innovative weight reduction of transportation, which is represented by automobiles, for the preservation of global environment and the conservation of energy resources. 1) “Development of High-strength Steel Lightweight Hollow Part Joined by Hemming Using Press Machine”, which joins hollow part by pressing. 2) “Development of Smart Pseudoelastic Material with Organosuperelasticity”, aimed to create lightweight restored material that combines rigidity and flexibility upon impact. The Foundation will disburse a total of ¥38.19 million for these two projects
and for the second year of funding for three projects that it selected in the previous year. The Suzuki Foundation also conducts a wide range of other activities. Notably, it promotes awareness of research results and further development of research projects by funding symposiums, subsidizing transportation and accommodation for Japanese researchers attending overseas academic meetings, and subsidizing programs in Japan for researchers from overseas including Budapest University of Technology and Economics. The Foundation’s fiscal 2016 support for such activities totals ¥19.71 million. Suzuki Motor Corporation established the Suzuki Foundation in March 1980 to mark its 60th anniversary. Thus far, the Foundation has supported 1,516 scientific research projects with financial assistance worth a total of ¥1,716.60 million. The latest round of financial assistance for scientific research is the 37th to be announced by the Foundation.
Suzuki Philippines (SPH) and its over 6200 riders rocked the World Trade Center Manila and the world literally; by breaking the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title – Largest road safety lesson alongside the brand’s celebration of the continuous supremacy of the Raider R150 as the so-called Underbone King. With unprecedented sales of 30,785 units in 2016 topping the Underbone 150cc category data of the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), the Suzuki Raider R150 has once again secured its title as the supreme in its class. The event was well attended by more than 96 clubs from all over the Philippines showcasing their very warm support for the brand. In return, the Japanese manufacturer staged the day-long activity dedicated to the Suzuki riders. Among the exciting activities prepared by Suzuki were Custom-bike Contest wherein the edge of the Raider R150 was highlighted as a carburetor motorcycle perfect to be customized and modified. Hailed as the winners were Mr. Johnie Ray Nabua for the Best Custom-bike title, Mr. Oliver Villasis for Best Concept Bike and Riders Choice award for the same category and Mr. Mark Evaristo for the Best in Engine Set-up. The Best Chrome went to Ms. Lovely Kailah Lademora
who was also hailed as the Media Choice. The Best Paint went to Mr. Joel Clarete. For the Riders’ Choice Mr. Jerson Delos Reyes took home the title for Custom-bike and Mr. John Benedict Ibasco for the Engine Set-up. The very popular Astig Rider, Biker Babe, Best Couple Rider were also presented and won by Mr. Emmanuel Jojo Amora, Ms. Diana Marie Banaticla and Mr. Wilson De Leon & Ms. Erdiza Barcelona who got engaged at the event won the titles respectively. Dancing to the tune of the new Raider R150 jingle, Club Suzuki Raider Jr. Philippines won in Show Me the Moves. The highly coveted Club Awards namely Biggest Delegation, Farthest Delegation, Earliest Delegation for both Raider and Non-Raider clubs and chapters went to; Raider Clubs Category – Biggest Delegation (Group) Raider Owners Club, Inc. while the one for Chapter went to Reborn 150 Philippines, Farthest Delegation was awarded to Suzuki Raider R150 Pangasinan while the Earliest Delegation went to the Raider 150 Alliance Owners Alliance Philippines. For Non-Raider Category – the Biggest Delegation (Group) went to the Skydrive Nation, Biggest Delegation for Chapter was awarded to the Smash 115 Club Philippines while the Farthest Delegation went to Skydrive Nation Olongapo.
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Warns... from page 5
and escalating elsewhere in the Philippines.” The President issued Proclamation 55 on September 4, 2016, placing the entire country under a “State of National Emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao.” The Proclamation was signed two days after the bombing at the Roxas night market in Davao City that left 15 persons dead and 69 others injured. Duterte told some 240 governors, city and municipal mayors atteding the “Meeting with the Local Chief Execu-
Duterte... from page 5
and that they will be accountable for any rights abuses. “Were the Philippine military to “flatten the hills” without regard to civilian loss of life and property, those involved would be committing war crimes,” said Carlos Conde, Philippine researcher of Human Rights Watch. “International humanitarian law, or the laws of war, rejects the “anything goes” approach to warfare and places specific restraints on all parties to an armed conflict to spare civilians and other non-combatants the horrors of war. Armies must take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians. Attacks against lawful targets cannot be indiscriminate or cause civilian loss greater than the expected military gain,” Conde said. Legitimate targets Meanwhile, the NPA Regional Operations Command in Southern Mindanao said the four policemen
Probes... from page 3
According to Estrella, the BOC in Manila directed the customs district bureau to hold and check the shipment after its intelligence department was alerted about the suspicious shipment. He said that the BOC has issued a “detention order” against the shipment, which arrived in Misamis Oriental last February 1. “The Bureau of Customs is now conducting a probe of customs personnel who might be involved in the shipment of the smuggled
Secret... from page 3
Garganera said. “As it is, there is reason to believe that several members of the CA are compromised.” To further drive his point, Garganera said some CA members own mining companies, while the others come from families who are into mining business. He also revealed that some CA members received campaign contributions from individuals who are publicly known to be in-
tives in Mindanao” at the SMX Convention Center here that he is seeking help due to the enormity of the insurgency, terrorism, and drug menace in Mindanao. “Ako nakikiusap sa inyo because I said I do not want the trouble in Mindanao to spin out of control. Because then as President, I will be forced, I will be compelled to exercise extraordinary powers,” he said. “Just shooting the breeze” A f t e r h i s 5 8 - m i nut e speech, Duterte spoke briefly with reporters and when asked for a timeframe in declaring martial law, he replied, “I was just shooting the breeze with
killed in Bansalan were not a “non-tactical police team” but legitimate targets. “The PNP troops in Bansalan are in the thick of the GRP’s counterinsurgency campaign, actively surveilling revolutionary organizations and personalities, harassing unarmed Lumad and peasants and contributing greatly in intelligence to target Red fighters and NPA units,” said Rigoberto F. Sanchez, NPA-SMR spokesperson. Sanchez lashed out at the Duterte administration for “twisting the facts” to “conceal the bare-faced rottenness of the AFP’s counter-insurgency plan Development Support and Security Plan Oplan Kapayapaan.” He said the ambushed PNP unit was actually there to clear the area for military operations on March 8. “After the initial fivesecond volley of gunshots, the NPA commander called for the enemy troops to surrender and lay down their arms. The PNP personnel, however, retaliated with numerous return of fire,”said the NPA statement.
them. Sabi ko ‘let me not do it. You have to help me.’ I do not want to do it because it is not good kasi pag mag-martial law na, ang supreme authority will be the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), ako, pati yung police.” He said the compelling reason that would make him declare martial law would be “violence beyond the control of day to day operations of government.” “Kung di ma-control ng mga local executives and then mahirapan tayo mag control because of the so many restrictions under normal circumstances, sabi ko, I will be compelled to declare martial law. When they start to bomb schools, that’s unacceptable to me. When the children are already involved or into
the vortex of violence that is (unacceptable).” A Grade 7 student was killed and three others were injured when a bomb (one report said unexploded ordnance, another said grenade) exploded on February 22 inside the Comprehensive National High School campus in Lakewood, Zamboanga de Sur. Duterte warned local chief executives he would strip them of their authority over the local police if they protect persons involved in illegal drugs. “Huwag ninyong protektahan ang mga durugista, walang mangyari sa inyo niyan. Mag-away lang tayo. I will deprive you of the police. Kukunin ko ‘yung supervision at authority ninyo over the police and I will just ask the
military to go in and impose order.. with orders to shoot anybody who defies the law with violence. That hanggang diyan, barilin mo, patayin mo kung sino ‘yung lumaban using violence against government. That would include you, ibig sabihin kasali tayo dito lahat,” he said. The President said he does not want to declare martial law because he does not want to ruin the legitimate government structure. He said martial law will make the military and police “higher than you already in terms of authority at lahat” (and all), adding he does not want that to happen. In Filipino, he said, “I do not want to do that so help me. Use the police.” He assured him of his protection should they be blamed
for violations of human rights while doing their duties. He said he would tell the Ombudsman “I have specifically ordered the mayors and the governors to use necessary force, necessary, and to kill if demanded under the circumstances.” The governors and mayors who attended came from 12 provinces in three regions — Region 9 (Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay) and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi) and portions of Region 10 (Lanao del Norte), Region 12 (North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat). (Carolyn O. Arguillas and Antonio Colina IV / MindaNews)
items,” Estrella said. He said that the BOC would file administrative and criminal charges against customs personnel who would be found involved in the shipment of the contraband. Aside from filing charges against the customs personnel, the BOC would also file charges against officials of Juchem Enterprises, the consignee of the shipment, Estrella said. Estrella said that Juchem Enterprises and all others who might be included in the charges would be entitled to due process. (PNA) volved in mining operations. “Some of the CA members who will cast their ‘secret votes’ were affected by the mining closures and suspensions ordered by Sec. Gina Lopez,” added Garganera. “At this critical juncture of the CA hearings, we are witnessing the political vengeance of vested interests on mining against social justice. At the end of the day, the rural poor communities and the Philippine environment are the big losers,” he said. CBCPNews
MDN: Mar 11, 13 & 14, 2017
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Monday, March 13, 2017 Republic of the Philippines SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD Region 10 Oroquieta City City of Good Life
MSU-iiT naTional MUlTi-PURPoSE CooPERaTiVE
To: notice to all Members in Good Standing (MiGS)
EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF THIS CITY HELD AT THE SESSION HALL, OROQUIETA TOWN CENTER, CANUBAY, OROQUIETA CITY ON DECEMBER 22, 2016
39th annual General assembly by Cluster Schedule:
ORDINANCE NO. 665-2016 AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE USE OF MODIFIED MUFFLERS TO ALL KINDS OF MOTOR VEHICLES OPERATING WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF OROQUIETA CITY, PROVIDING PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS THEREOF, AND FOR SUCH OTHER PURPOSES
Call to Order Proof of Due Notice Determination and Declaration of Quorum Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of the March 19, 2016 Annual General Assembly by Cluster Matters arising from the Minutes of the March 19, 2016 Annual General Assembly by Cluster Confirmation of BOD Resolutions: January to December 2016 Presentation of Officers and Management’s Reports a. Chairperson b. Joint BOD and Management c. Audit d. Election e. Credit f. Other BOD Committees 8. Presentation of Audited Financial Statement of 2016 Financial Condition of Operations 9. New Business: a. Approval of Strategic Plan for 2017-2019 b. Approval and Confirmation of Budget for 2017 c. Appointment of External Auditors for 2017 d. Proposed New Sunshine Guidelines e. Proposed Amendments of the Bylaws f. Presentation and Confirmation of the Newly-elected Coop Officers 10. Other Matters 11. Adjournment
BE IT ENACTED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Oroquieta City in session assembled that: Section 1: xxxx Section 6: Any person found violating the provisions of this ordinance, shall be administratively fined with the following: a.) For violations of section 4a and 4b: 1st Offense----------------------------------------------P 1,000.00 2nd Offense--------------------------------------------- 2,000.00 3rd Offense---------------------------------------------- 3,000.00 b.) For violations of section 4c: 1st Offense----------------------------------------------P 1, 500.00 2nd Offense--------------------------------------------- 3,500.00 3rd Offense---------------------------------------------- 4,500.00 The administrative fine enumerated above shall be paid to the City Treasure’s Office within 72 hours from the date of apprehension and issuance of citation ticket. In addition, the offender under Section 6a, 2nd and 3rd offense, shall undergo a seminar to be conducted jointly by the LTO representative and OCTMB deputized traffic enforcer. Section 7: xxxx Section 8: Failure on the part of the violator to pay the administrative fine as provided for in the immediately preceding Section, shall cause the filing of a case in proper court and, upon conviction, shall suffer the following penalties: a.) For violations of Section 4a and 4b: 1st Offense - fine of Php 1,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 days at the discretion of the court. 2nd Offense - fine of Php 2,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 15 days at the discretion of the court. 3rd Offense - fine of Php 3,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 30 days at the discretion of the court b.) For violations of Section 4c: 1st Offense - fine of Php 1,500.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 days at the discretion of the court. 2nd Offense - fine of Php 3,500.00 and/or imprisonment of 15 days at the discretion of the court. 3rd Offense - fine of Php 4,500.00 and/or imprisonment of 30 days at the discretion of the court; likewise, it shall also be a ground for revocation of business permit. Provided, that in the case falling under Section 6, if after 72 hours a case is not filed with proper Court and the violator opted to pay the administrative fine, the City Treasurer’s Office shall accept the same with corresponding surcharge of five percent per month. And, if the case has been filed in Court and the accused opted to pay the fine in accordance with Section 8 hereof, the City Treasurer’s Office shall likewise accept the same as an administrative fine, with the corresponding surcharge of ten percent per month. Provided, further, that in the computation of the fine and the surcharge thereof under Sections 6 and 8, a fraction of a month shall be considered as one month. Approved: December 22, 2016
ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
CONCEPCION N. MAISLING Secretary to the Sanggunian ATTESTED: /mls
BRANCH General Santos City (Cluster 6)
DATE February 25, 2017
TIME 7 AM – 12 NOON
Davao City (Cluster 6)
February 26, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
Cagayan de Oro City (Cluster 3) Bulua, Cogon, Carmen, Puerto and Laguindingan Butuan City (Cluster 5)
March 4, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
March 5, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
Maranding, Tubod LDN, and Pagadian (Cluster 4)
March 11, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
Iligan City (Cluster 2) Pala-o, Buru-un, Tubod, SuarezTominobo, Poblacion and Bacolod LDN Iligan City (Cluster 1) Tibanga Main, Kiwalan and Manticao
March 18, 2017
1 PM – 5 PM
March 19, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
LEMUEL MEYRICK M. ACOSTA City Vice Mayor Presiding Officer APPROVED:
Engr. Jeremy V. Pinzon Board Secretary
Attested by: Dr. Rhodora S. N. Englis Chairperson, Board of Directors
JASON P. ALMONTE City Mayor
Notes: 1. Please bring at least one (1) valid I.D. for verification of identity. 2. Election 2017 will be done simultaneously with opening program and business meeting.
MDN: Feb 27, Mar 6 & 13, 2017
Republic of the Philippines SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD Region 10 Oroquieta City
Republic of the Philippines SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD Region 10 Oroquieta City City of Good Life
EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF THIS CITY HELD AT THE SESSION HALL OF THE OROQUIETA TOWN CENTER, CANUBAY, OROQUIETA CITY ON NOVEMBER 17, 2016
EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF THIS CITY HELD AT THE SESSION HALL, OROQUIETA TOWN CENTER, CANUBAY, OROQUIETA CITY ON DECEMBER 22, 2016
ORDINANCE NO. 657-2016
ORDINANCE NO. 664-2016
AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS OF WATER SUPPLY AND THEPRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF.
“N ORDINANCE PROHIBITING ALL FORMS OF DRAG RACING WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF OROQUIETA CITY, PROVIDING PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS THEREOF AND FOR SUCH OTHER PURPOSES.
Be it enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Oroquieta City, in session assembled:
SECTION 1. Title of the Ordinance: An Ordinance Declaring the mandatory safety standards of Water Supply and the Preservation and Protection of Drinking Water Sources, and Appropriating Funds thereof.
MSU-IIT Gymnasium, Tibanga, Iligan City
Prepared by:
VENUE Robinson’s Mall Activity Center, General Santos City USeP Social Hall, Obrero St., Davao City Brgy. Nazareth Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro City FSUU Gymnasium, Butuan City Christ the King College de Maranding, Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte MSU-IIT Gymnasium, Tibanga, Iligan City
SECTION 2. x x x x
SECTION 13. FEES AND PENALTIES: I. FEES: • Issuance of Drinking Water Site Clearance BAWASA - Php 1,000.00 PRIVATE - Php 2,000.00 COMMERCIAL-Php 5,000.00 •
Issuance of Certificate of Water Potability BAWASA - Php 100.00 PRIVATE - Php 150.00 COMMERCIAL-Php 200.00
• Water Analysis through Primary Health Care (PHC) PRIVATE - Php 250.00 II. PENALTIES: a.) Water service providers/owners/operators found violating this ordinance shall be administratively fined with the following: a.1. Water Refilling Station 1st Offense – P5,000.00 2nd Offense – Business Permit to operate will be forfeited or cancelled a.2. BAWASA (Barangay Water Supply Association) 1st Offense – Reprimand 2nd Offense – Cancellation of the BAWASA Water System Operations
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
Section 1: xxx Section 7: Any person found violating the provisions of this ordinance, shall be administratively fined with the following: a.) For violations of Section 6a and 6b: 1st Offense----------------------------------------------P 1,000.00 2nd Offense--------------------------------------------- 2,000.00 3rd Offense---------------------------------------------- 3,000.00 The administrative fine enumerated above shall be paid to the City Treasurer’s Office within 72 hours from the date of apprehension and citation ticket. For violators of Section 6b, bets and paraphernalia shall be confiscated and be used as evidences against them. In addition, the offender under Section 7a, 2nd and 3rd offenses, shall undergo a seminar to be conducted jointly by the LTO representative and OCTMB deputized traffic enforcer. Section 11. Failure on the part of the violator to pay the administrative fine as provided for in the immediately preceding Section, shall cause the filing of a case in proper court and, upon conviction, shall suffer the following penalties: a.) For violations of Section 6a and 6b: 1st Offense - fine of Php 1,000.00 and/or an imprisonment of 10 days at the discretion of the court. 2nd Offense - fine of Php 2,000.00 and/or an imprisonment of 15 days at the discretion of the court. 3rd Offense - fine of Php 3,000.00 and/or an imprisonment of 30 days at the discretion of the court. Provided, that in the case falling under Section 7, if after 72 hours a case is not filed in the proper Court and the violator opted to pay the administrative fine, the City Treasurer’s Office shall accept the same with corresponding surcharge of five percent per month. And, if the case has been filed in Court and the accused opted to pay the fine in accordance with Section 11 hereof, the City Treasurer’s Office shall likewise accept the same as an administrative fine, with the corresponding surcharge of ten percent per month. Provided, further, that in the computation of the fine and the surcharge thereof under Sections 7 and 11, a fraction of a month shall be considered as one month.
Approved: December 22, 2016
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
CONCEPCION N. MAISLING Secretary to the Sanggunian ATTESTED: /mls
CONCEPCION N. MAISLING Secretary to the Sanggunian ATTESTED: /mls
LEMUEL MEYRICK M. ACOSTA City Vice Mayor Presiding Officer APPROVED: JASON P. ALMONTE City Mayor
MDN: Feb 27, Mar 6 & 13, 2017
LEMUEL MEYRICK M. ACOSTA City Vice Mayor Presiding Officer APPROVED: JASON P. ALMONTE City Mayor
MDN: Feb 27, Mar 6 & 13, 2017
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Peace... from page 1
Four police officers were killed while one was wounded in an ambush on the way to Brgy. Sibayan in Bansalan, Davao del Sur to investigate a murder case when waylaid by the armed group. Police blamed the NPA for the ambush. Killed were PO1 Rholly Benelayo, PO1 Joey O Narvaza, PO1 Saro S Mangotara, all from Bansalan Municipal Police Staion, and PO3 Jeden Mei Rabor, a female member of Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO). PO3 Allen Arnado was injured. Duterte said the NPA should not misconstrue the presence of the police, most especially when they were on a mission to investigate a crime. He said he gave the military and police forces the green light to use all the government assets, even the newly acquired military jets against the NPA. “Wala na man peace talks, totally absent so in the meantime, I asked the Armed Forces and police, just go ahead and wage a war against them” he said. In a statement on March 9, Fidel Agcaoili, chair of the National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panel said it had yet to confirm if the ambush in Bansalan was perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Agcaoili maintained there were “peace spoilers around” and there was no ceasefire between the government (GRP) and the NPA forces in place when the incident took place. The NDF represents the CPP and the NPA in the peace negotiations with the government. Agcaoili alleged that elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) have been going to “villages and violating people’s rights in their combat and intelligence operations, including the murderous ‘Tokhang” (Toktok Hangyo or “knock and ask”) operations.” The NPA Regional Operations Command in Southern Mindanao admitted responsibility for the ambush, in a statement dated March 10 and e-mailed at 9:19 p.m., titled “Bansalan NPA ambush exposes AFP-PNP duplicity, shows justness of people’s war,” The NPA-ROC commended the “successful tactical offensive by a squad of Red fighters belonging to the Mt. Apo Subregional Operations Command during a 15-minute ambush, which seized four firearms and subdued a PNP unit engaged in armed operations in Brgy. Sibayan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on March 8, 2017.” It said the NPA “carried out an order to exact revolutionary justice” against Marlon Lomantas, a former soldier ” turned active intel-
ligence agent of the 39th IB and a known drug trader and user” in the village. It added that an NPA platoon was positioned at the mountainside “to frustrate military and police operations in the area” while another squad took position nearby. When two police vehicles passed at 6:15 a.m., the NPA squad “desisted from striking when it saw civilians riding in motorcycles were in close proximity to the moving PNP vehicle.” The statement noted that the NPA proceeded to ambush the second police vehicle, and “ater the initial five-second volley of gunshots, the NPA commander called for the enemy troops to surrender and lay down their arms” but the police personnel “retaliated with numerous return of fire.” The government and NDF each declared a unilateral ceasefire shortly before the start of the first round of formal peace talks in Oslo in August last year. The two panels were supposed to work on a bilateral ceasefire within 60 days from the end of the first round of talks but no agreement was reached then. Two other rounds were completed in Oslo and in Rome in late January. On February 1, NPA spokesperson Jorge Madlos announced the termination of their unilateral ceasefire effective 11:59 p.m. on February 10. In response, President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire on February 3, following the NPA’s killing of three soldiers in Malaybalay City and a junior officer in Manay, just hours after the February 1 announcement of Madlos. In his March 9 statement, Agcaoili said the NDF has approved the release of the military and police captives, a move that Phlippine National Police chief Ronald Dela Rosa described as “one of the gestures of goodwill by the NDF.” Set to be freed are PFC Edwin Salan, captured in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on January 29; Sgt. Solaiman Calucop and Pfc Samuel Garay, captured in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on February 2; PO2 Jerome Natividad, captured in Talakag, Bukidnon on February 9; and two alleged “paramilitary” members Rene Doller and Carl Mark, both captured in Lupon, Davao Oriental on February 14.
Voted... from page 1
the first Mindanawon to lead the nation. Under the proposed law, judges are given the option to impose the death penalty for importation of dangerous drugs; sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs; maintenance of a den, dive or resort; manufacture of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals; misap-
Monday, March 13, 2017 propriation, misapplication or failure to account for confiscated, seized or surrendered dangerous drugs; and planting of evidence. The bill as approved has excluded rape, plunder and treason from the crimes proposed to be punished with death by hanging, lethal injection or firing squad. The Senate will now deliberate on the bill. Of the 12 who voted against the measure, seven are district representatives: Lawrence Fortun of the 1st district of Agusan del Norte; Bukidnon’s Ma. Lourdes Acosa-Alba (1st district); Florencio Flores, Jr . (2nd) and Manuel Zubiri (3rd); Dinagat Islands’ Kaka Bagao; Prospero Pichay, Jr. of Surigao del Sur’s 1st district; and Isagani Amatong of the 3rd district of Zamboanga del Norte. Five of the seven partylist representatives who are Mindanawons also voted no: Akbayan’s Tom Villarin, Anak Mindanao’s Makmod Mending, Jr. and Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman; Anakpawis’ Ariel Casilao, and Bayan Muna’s Carlos Isagani T. Zarate. Kusug-Tausug’s Shernee Abubakar Tan of Sulu voted yes. Four Mindanawon representatives were not on the vote list released by the House of Representatives. Among the four are Surigao del Norte’s Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs. But Manila Times quoted Barbers as saying he voted yes because “what we need is a firm grasp of reality and uncompromising action to save our children from certain catastrophe.” SunStar.com.ph quoted Barbers as saying he voted yes because “I am fully aware of the dangers, as well as the irreparable damage, that this menace has brought our people, our children and how the entire future of our country has been compromised.”
Grilling... from page 2
we harness what is ours for the creation of national industries,” De Jesus said. Gabriela National Alliance of Women conferred the “Woman of Courage” award on Secretary Lopez in recognition of her inclusion in the gallery of strong women fighting for the rights and welfare of the people. The Environment Secretary has ordered the closure of 23 mines, suspension of 5 others, and cancellation of 75 mineral production sharing agreements in watersheds all over the country -- a feat that no DENR chief has done in the past, according to the women’s group. (PNA)
Suspects... from page 1
that he raped Dayo, but police said that the victim was able to run outside of the house half naked with no underwear and bleeding.
“She was able to run outside and cried for help, she was stabbed three times,” Mulat said. Amarga said that he only stabbed Dayo after he panicked. When ask if he was carrying knife, he said yes, “For self-defense,” Amarga added. Mulat said the suspects may be facing rape with homicide charges.
Study... from page 1
of the total log ban. Paqueo and Israel emphasized that the strength of institutional capacities and law enforcement, and the incidences of corruption and collusion can be viewed through the lens of “deep-rooted social issues”. “Inequalities in land tenure, discrimination against indigenous people and their land rights, subsistence farming, and the poor and the marginalized all, too, have a stake in the design and implementation of logging-related policies,” they added. To substantiate their claims, Paqueo and Israel summarized the key impacts of EO23 in the logging and wood industry-dependent region of CARAGA. Since its implementation, the number of wood processing enterprises in CARAGA fell from 119 in 2010 to 27 at present. There has also been a recorded increase in corruption and rentseeking activities between government regulators and associations. The cost of fees to transport wood through checkpoints and the overloading fees at weighbridges have surged. Concurrently, the costs of doing business have also increased. The cost of production on the side of the suppliers and the direct cost for consumers and downstream industries have made the logging and wood industry sector uncompetitive. “Corollary to that,” the authors noted, “rural livelihoods of small-scale timber production are gravely affected as they were invariably unable to comply with the required paperwork to legally operate.” More strikingly, the authors said EO 23 has “discouraged the practice of and investment in private tree planting as it may create the uncertainty that planters may not be able to harvest the trees they plant.” Inadvertently, this has resulted in a shift in the resource management of forest lands, from the practice of common integrated systems of logging to the common access mode of days bygone. As an alternative to the current policy, the authors recommended a more holistic and realistic approach. A “sustainable, effective and economically sensible” strategy must meet the needs of both conservation efforts and the industries that rely on logging.
Paqueo and Israel recommended focusing resources on “on-site inspection activities at two sites only: at the forests to be protected and at the wood processing plants”. Outside of these, highway checkpoints should be removed from the model. They suggested that policymakers should also “do away with registration, inventory, and permit requirements” for the harvest and transport of trees as they do more harm than good by increasing rent extraction. The PIDS’ researchers also recommended that policymakers should look into expanding the available commercial trees and shifting the responsibility of regulation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), where the economic facets will be better understood. M o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, Paqueo and Israel underscore a “coalition” built on “informed ideas and enlightened self-interest” to enable the true pursuit of a “successful and sustainable development agenda”. Likewise, they encouraged stakeholders from all sectors to come together and develop a comprehensive approach that safeguards their sources of livelihood from depletion and acts in the interest of all with regard to ecological conservation.
Brave... from page 4
who errs and come short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” I would like to remind those powerful, influential, devilish, cruel and moneyed people, who may have acted as dictator or as a king, eliciting respect or reverence like the gods of Olympus, to be extra careful now, unlike before, because President Rodrigo Roa Duterte means business. He will punish those evil doers, whoever they may be. When a dictator will be criticized or rather when somebody would choose not to revere him, the resistant few will be the recipient of his ire and cruelty. One of the best examples was the cruel attempted liquidation of Jose C. Pantoja, but failed anyway. Those hard to liquidate for some reasons or another, he will make fabricated accusations that would catapult to incarceration, the way he did to City Mayor Celso G. Regencia. It is more appropriate to remind him that “a man doesn’t have the time to spend half his life in quarrels, if any man ceases to attack his fellow man, most probably, he never remembers the past against
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him.” For here we are on this earth, with only a few more decades to live, and we lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year’s time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. Instead, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings, as the saying goes, “life is too short to be little.” Let no man acts like Judas and Brutus, let no man acts like that brave man, cruel and ruthless, but on the run for his life, the author of the illegal suspension of City Mayor Celso G. Regencia for six (6) months time, and after completion of the six (6) months suspension, he was accused of a fabricated crimes that catapulted his incarceration for more than a year. Precisely, few people like to listen to truths that reflect on their judgment. As what the saying goes: “Irate faultfinder dilates like king cobra and spews the poison out of his system.” This man has always played brutal tricks before high heavens, like he did to City Mayor Celso G. Regencia, that puts him into a horrible condition in the City Jail, that made the many concerned citizens of Iligan City weep, and even the angels of God perhaps weep also due to his cruelty. Only if the political adversary of City Mayor Regencia has realized the truth, and sense that he was headed for failure and social disaster in the end, as it is now, he should have made a right-about-face and immediately change his devilish, insolent, opinionated acts and ways, which is why, as a consequence, he is now perhaps on the run for his life. Why should a brave man afraid to fight his right? Fighting our rights to defend ourselves is enshrined in the Constitution. Why afraid then? Could it be because he was perhaps guilty of the President accusation? What should be his feelings now that City Mayor Celso G. Regencia was exonerated on his fabricated accusations not only by the DOJ Resolution, but also on a landmark decision promulgated by Judge Ferdinand C. Baylon, of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 77, and Quezon City? Certainly, he is a very desperate man now. His desperation may somehow force him instead to commit suicide or becomes more ruthless and cruel to his political enemies especially City Mayor Celso G. Regencia. Only the event then shall teach us in its hour of what course of action he would opt to take. If a man will only devote his life to securing facts in an impartial, objective way, his worries will usually evaporate in a light of knowledge, not running like a coward… running for his life. According to Napoleon Bonaparte, “those who are fit to live are those who are not afraid to die.” What can you say about this man? Could we say then, in a more accurate manner, without fear of exaggeration, that the man I am referring to is a coward? •••• (Mr Demosthenes P. Maglasang Sr. is a staffmember of the City Information Office of Iligan)
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Monday, March 13, 2017
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