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. 228
Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com
Thursday
March 2, 2017
P15.00
Gun battle rages in Misor By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor
MISAMIS Oriental--A running gun battle rages in the hinterlands in Misamis Oriental as government troopers pressed a hot pursuit combat operation against the armed communist New People’s Army (NPA) who killed a government sol-
Duterte signs Paris Agreement
dier in an ambuscade last Monday, the military said Tuesday. Lt. Janelle Diaz, the spokesperson of the army’s 58th Infantry Battalion, based in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, identified the lone fatality as Private Oshin Rosala, of the 58IB. Back by artillery fire, Diaz said that additional
elements from the 58IB were dispatched Tuesday to the border of Sugbongcogon and Medina, all coastal towns, east of Misamis Oriental, to retrieve the remains of Rosala in the encounter site. She said that the encounter took place in the outskirt of Kinaulayanan, a hinterland village, about 18 kilometers south of Sug-
bongco According to Diaz, the military has overrun the mobile camp of the NPA rebels in the outskirts of Kinaulayan, near the border of Medina, were the running gun battle took place since Monday. “The government troopers recovered medicines, canned goods, boots, water
containers and other personal belongings during an assault on the rebel’s makeshift camp,” Diaz said. Diaz said that the army’s 58IB launched a combat operation in the borders of the Misamis Oriental and the province of Bukidnon in pursuit of the armed NPA rebels who conducted a “road block” in the highway
By Cielito M. Reganit of pna
P r e sid e nt R o d r i g o Duterte has signed the document signifying the Philippines’ accession to the Paris climate change agreement and Malacañang is transmitting it Wednesday afternoon to the Senate for concurrence. The Instrument of Accession document was signed by the President Tuesday. In his letter addressed to the Senate President and members of the Senate, Duterte said that “after examining the text thereto, I find it advisable to accede to the Paris Agreement and seek the Senate’s concurrence.” The President previously said that he would not sign the Paris Agreement over concerns on how small countries could access the common fund. Duterte later agreed to it after his Cabinet members unanimously voted for its ratification. The Paris Agreement, See signs, page 7
Second frontpage Kidnapped 8-year-old boy reunited with family 7 months after captivity
n DENR receives P74-m worth of seized rhino horn stockpile from BOC 8 page 5
LPG price to rollback by P4: DOE
in an assembly on Monday called by the local government. The gathering was joined by officials and fishery experts from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Provincial Environment and Management See limit, page 7
See price, page 7
10% limit set for fish cages in Lake Sebu Wednesday such move was an offshoot of a series of meetings initiated by the local government in the wake of last month’s massive fish kill that destroyed around PHP126.5 million worth of tilapia. He said some 464 fish cage operators signified support to the initiative
See rages, page 7
Consumers may expect a possible PHP4 rollback in the price of an 11-kg. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder due to a downtrend in the international contract price for LPG, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced. In a news release issued late Tuesday, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that based on their international price monitoring, the contract price for March amounts to USD564 per metric ton (MT), which is USD9 lower than February’s contract price of USD573/MT, translating to a PHP0.36/kg. or a reduction of PHP4 per 11-kg. tank. Cusi also called on the buying public to check every LPG cylinder to ensure that it has the right quantity and quality. The department has advised consumers to check the markings on LPG cylinders (brand name, tare weight and seals) and buy from authorized outlets; check the tank for excessive rust and dents;
AN RTA WORKING. If only the members of the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) assigned in this area are working, the driver of this truck would at least learn that a pedestrian lane is for the pedestrian. This kind of traffic violation is common not only in Licoan junction in Cagayan de Oro City, but anywhere. Photo by Mark Francisco for Mindanao Daily News
GENERAL Santos City--Fish cage operators in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato have agreed to voluntarily dismantle their excess fish cages in a bid to reduce the critical lake’s utilization to the allowable 10-percent limit. Zaldy Artacho, Lake Sebu municipal agriculture office chief, said
of Medina last week. She said that as of Tuesday, the military command has not yet received of any casualties since the heat of the running gun battle went high Tuesday morning. Town Mayor Mildred Lagbas, of Sugbongcogon said, that the fighting was “very far” from
Kakampi Mo Ang Batas n Can Bible-believing Peter Lavinia demand bribes? 8 page 4
MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE
Thursday
March 2, 2017
2
Boy reunited with family
7 months in captivity
M
ALAYBALAY City--An eightyear old boy who was kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay and held hostage in Sulu for almost seven months was reunited with his family on Tuesday, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said. In a statement Tuesday, Dureza said they brought Rexon Romoc to Manila and turned him over to his parents Elmer and Nora Romoc after a medical checkup done by Dr. Rose Liquete, chief of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City. “President Duterte, who was on top of our recovery efforts, witnessed the reunion in Malacanang,” Dureza said. “It has been a long ordeal. Rexon was kidnapped by armed men together with
his parents on August 5, 2016. They were brought to Sulu by their kidnappers,” he said. The official said Nora was released on August 22 after paying some small amount to their captors. She then sold everything they owned including their “sari sari” store and borrowed money from friends and relatives to pay for the release of Elmer and Rexon, he added. Dureza said the captors released Rexon’s father on November 15, but kept the
Reunited. President Rodrigo Duterte watches as eight year-old Rexon Romoc is hugged by his mother Nora at the Malacañan Palace on February 28, 2017. Rexon was abducted by members of the Abu Sayyaf on August 5, 2016 and was released on February 27, 2017, a day after the bandit group beheaded German hostage Juergen Gustav Kantner. King Rodriguez/Presidential Photo
boy hostage until his recovery on Monday. He said the ordeal forced Rexon’s family to leave Sibugay and relocate outside Manila with relatives. He said the boy’s first question upon arriving from Sulu was: “Asa si Mama ug Papa ( Where is Mama and Papa)?” To make sure he was the real Rexon, Dureza said he asked who his parents are. “His quick, terse reply: ‘Elmer ug Nora!’ Bingo! I hugged him tight. ( I also have a grandson his age.),” he said. He said Rexon will undergo psychiatric treatment for the trauma he may have acquired after seven months in captivity and witnessing firefights between his cap- Air Force Hopefuls. A Philippine Air Force personnel oversees the qualifying tors and government forces. examinations of at least 400 applicants at the PAF Tactical Operations Group-11 head“When NKTI chief quarters in Davao City on Tuesday, February 28. The PAF is expecting at least 13,000 See family, page 7
applicants to vie for the 600 slots of enlisted personnel and officers. Mindanews Photo
PNA @ 44: Telling stories of change in a new dimension THE advent of social media has radically changed how the world consumes its daily dose of the news. Mobile and online journalism have paired with multiple formats such as videos, infographics and hard articles giving the consumers a smorgasbord of choices, thus, fueling the never ending thirst for breaking and
real-time news and information. With this, many traditional media companies such as publications, radio and television stations have invested a considerable amount of time, money and manpower in developing a digital or social media department whose sole purpose is to maintain, produce and update
various social media accounts of their respective outfits to maintain an active presence online. The Philippine News Agency (PNA) is no exception to this and with the initiative and push from the executives of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the Social Media team was strengthened for such
purpose. Prior to this endeavor, there were already social media accounts, although laid dormant for a long period of time. The team was instructed to “revive” and “update” the said accounts to bring the PNA into the social media landscape. In an interview, PNA Social
Media Team head Janice Cave shared the group’s challenges and plans. Considered as a tad late in entering and being active in social media, even among the other government media agencies, the team collaborated with other government agencies and See PNA, page 7
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com
Thursday, March 2, 2017
3
German kidnap victim confirmed dead Army, police foil carnapping in Iligan
DAVAO City––Authorities have confirmed the death of a 70-year old German national in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu. “We grieve as we strongly condemn the barbaric beheading of yet another kidnap victim, German Juergen Gustav Kantner in Sulu,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said in a statement. The Abu Sayyaf had earlier warned they would execute the German national by 3 p.m. on February 26 if the ransom demand of 30 million pesos is not paid. Kantner was abducted in November 2016 with his wife Sabine Merz while cruising Philippine waters in their 53-foot yacht. Ms Merz was killed during the kidnapping, reportedly after trying to fight back with a shotgun. The same couple were abducted by
Somali pirates and held hostage for 58 days off the Gulf of Aden in 2008. “Up to the last moment, many sectors , including the Armed Forces of the Philippines exhausted all efforts to save his life. We all tried our best. But to no avail,” said Dureza who “was always in contact with German authorities in our efforts.” Dureza stressed that terrorism has no place in the country “and we as a people must confront violent extremism every time it rears its ugly head.” He expressed his condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Kantner. “Another precious life had been needlessly lost. There must be a stop to this killing of the innocent and the helpless,” Dureza said. In a statement Sunday, the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command
said they exerted “all effort and means in order to go after the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and to rescue all kidnap victims, foreign and local.” “The recent successes of the troops that resulted to the capture of two ASG members in Bongao, Tawi-tawi two weeks ago and the killing of 8 ASG members after an encounter in Capual, Sulu last February 7, indicate that the terrorist group have [sic] been badly reeling from these series of setbacks due to the government troops’ operations and no longer have [sic] safe established encampments for them to hide their victims,” it said. Westmincom asked the people of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to cooperate “in order to stop the un-Islamic and barbaric activities of the Abu Sayyaf particularly on the kidnapping of innocent civilians.” (MindaNews)
Above-normal rainfall to ease as La Niña decays By Catherine J. Teves of PNA
THE country will experience in the forthcoming days a lesser incidence of above-normal rainfall that has characterized the La Niña-like conditions in previous weeks. Such rainfall will not continue to linger as the 2016-2017 La Niña has decayed, according to the state weather bureau, PAGASA. “Latest data indicate such La Niña is over,” said Analiza Solis, OIC of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section. Some rains that may still
MDN: March 2, 2017
occur will just be remnants of the La Niña-like conditions previously seen in the country, she noted. Solis said latest data show that La Niña conditions no longer exist in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (CEEP). “La Niña-like patterns of above-normal rainfall in some flood- and landslideprone areas, especially in Mindanao, aren’t likely to linger as noted in forecasts,” PAGASA also said in a Feb. 28 statement. PAGASA does not expect either La Niña or El Niño conditions to develop in
the equatorial Pacific basin within the next three months. Solis said several international dynamical models indicate El Niño’s possible recurrence later this year. The bureau will continue monitoring conditions in the Pacific and update the public on developments there that can affect the country, she added. According to experts, La Niña and El Niño are the warm and cool phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. They said ENSO is a naturally occurring phe-
nomenon of the climate system resulting from oceanatmosphere interaction in CEEP. “ENSO-neutral conditions are present in tropical Pacific and are favored to continue through at least the March-April-May 2017 season,” Solis said Wednesday at a forum in Metro Manila. With the transition to ENSO-neutral conditions, PAGASA announced the termination of its La Niña watch. PAGASA’s ENSO Alert System already shifted to ‘inactive’ status. A report culled from the Philippine News Agency
MDN: March 2, 2017
ILIGAN City––Combined forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) have intercepted a carnapping incident occurred along C3 road particularly at Merilla, Barangay Ubaldo Laya, Iligan City on February 24, 2017. Around 8:30 a.m., while the victims Othelo Adiong, 36 years old, entrepreneur with wife Estephanie and son, together with his mother Elvira Adiong, 62 years old, businesswoman, all residents of Isabel Village, Iligan City were on board their Ford Ranger XLT, colored white, for registration (no plate) while going to their store passing C3 road, was suddenly blocked by a white Hyundai Elantra vehicle with plate number TVQ 538. Two suspects using long firearm and hand gun forcibly took the Ford Ranger then fled going to the direction of Barangay Abuno, Iligan City, while the Hyundai Elantra took its way towards Camague. The incident was reported to the nearest police station and immediately forwarded the information to the military units in the area. The Hyundai Elantra was intercepted at Sitio Camague, Barangay Tominobo,
Iligan City. The carnapped Ford Ranger boarded by other members of the group fled towards Tagoloan town, Lanao del Norte passing through Tipanoy-Tagoloan road. The perpetrators rammed the road blockade set in barangay Tipanoy, this city, and gun fired the Special Action Force (SAF) personnel manning the check point which prompted the SAF personnel to open fire causing the vehicle to stall. The suspected kidnappers immediately scampered on foot. PNP-SAF and Philippine Army conducted a hot pursuit operation that resulted to the killing of two suspects, and recovery of carnapped Ford Ranger vehicle with personal belongings of the owner of the vehicle. Also recovered were one M-16 Bushmaster bearing serial number (SN) VX1777804 and a caliber 45 Shooter’s Raven Pistol with SN R02050429. Law elements were composed of personnel from 12th Special Action Company, 1st Special Action Battalion, PNP-SAF under PCInsp Bjorn John C Labos; personnel of Macadar Detachment, 9th Lanao del Norte CAA Company, Charlie Company, See ARMY, page 7
4
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Opinion
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone
Daily Inspiration The Mindanao Daily is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. It is Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735. With Business Plate No. BP-28984, Under Business License Certificate No. 2015-15224, BIR-TIN No. 464682-324-000. Main Business address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, 857-8447, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mails: Advertising:mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher and President TERESA ZAFRA PELONE Comptroller
apprehension
DO you have a lot of worries over circumstances you cannot control? Dear friend, one ounce of worry doesn’t do an ounce of good. Letting worry creep in means you are giving control of the situation over to a spirit of fear. If you find yourself worrying
Regional Editor-WestMin
Can Bible-believing Peter Lavinia demand bribes?
RODRIGO B. SEVILLA Regional Editor-Davao
felix santillan ZELOUNE SUDARIA Layout Artist
Editorial Consultant JOE PALABAO Feature Editor
ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI
NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Legal Counsel ---------------------------------------------------------------
bureau and mktg staff candy macabale - 09161326483 RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 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 Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute
Juvy Sarraga
Kakampi Mo Ang Batas
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out WEMALYN GARCIA Rolando sudaria the ministry God has given Marketing Production you…” (2 Timothy 4:5, the manila marketing office Holy Bible, New Living 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Translation). Salcedo Village, Makati City -oooTEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 DEATH PENALTY IS BIBLICAL: The single big lani vallido MIJIE JUAT gest argument in favor of Marketing and Sales MAY IGLECIAS the death penalty is this: Manager Account Executives God also saw it fit to impose death on sinners and blasDAVAO booking OFFICE Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., CM Recto Ave., Davao City phemers, both in the Old Office in Charge : SARA CASTOR, 0926-398-8293 and New Testaments of the Circulation : JOHN PAUL AQUINO, 0907-331-5640 Bible. Yes, the death penalty ILIGAN OFFICE is an accepted punishment, G/F IBJT North Terminal, Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City even from the Biblical point Office in Charge: SONNY SURDIA, 0916-349-7422 of view. Unfortunately, no one has ever approximated or EDITORIAL come near the truth and ALLAN M. MEDIANTE justness and fairness of God Editor-in-Chief among men. By and large, man is unjust, unfair, and ruel pelone CRIS DIAZ is totally imperfect, and Managing Editor Executive Editor could not be relied upon to CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO judge fairly and accurately Associate Editor Lifestyle Editor their fellow human beings. GILBERT Y. CHAO gerry lee gorit Allowing an unjust, unfair, Motoring Editor Photo Journalist and totally imperfect man to impose the death penalty PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN on others is therefore totally Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao dangerous. Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING Especially in a legal Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor and judicial system that is AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA perceived as highly fluid melanie rivera SAIRA E. GUMISING Advertising
about something, stop and occupy your mind in a way that solves the problem. Better yet, get your hands busy and put on a spirit of love by serving others. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
and grossly and routinely capable of being swayed by money, power, and influence. I suggest that our lawmakers must first aspire to craft a law that would make each and every Filipino righteous, upright, and fearing and loving God, before any death penalty is even considered. -oooCAN BIBLE-BELIEVING PETER LAVINIA DEMAND BRIBES? Did President Duterte fire his May 2016 election campaign spokesman Peter Tiu Lavina as chief of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), or did Lavina resign? Whatever, I believe this is no longer the question. The question is due process, or the opportunity to defend one’s self, one’s integrity, in the face of private accusations that found their way into the ears of the President. I don’t know Lavina, I don’t know Duterte, and I sure don’t know the NIA directors or officials who allegedly complained to the President that Lavina had been asking for a commission of forty percent from water projects that his agency had completed
in the countryside. But elementary rules of fairness demanded that Duterte should have given Lavina the opportunity to explain his side first before references to the accusations against him were made to media, in a manner that betrayed the President’s acceptance of the one-sided information that were given to him. Can a devout Christian, who pursued Bible studies and prayer sessions in Malacanang since Duterte assumed power, truly demand bribes? -oooPARIS CLIMATE PACT USELESS EVEN WITH DUTERTE’S SIGNATURE: I say this again, with due respect to President Duterte and to those who lobbied for his signature on the Paris Climate Change Pact---or an international agreement whereby countries vowed to reduce carbon emissions in their respective localities by as much as 70%---which he earlier rejected as being unfair to developing countries: that pact is useless. The experience of the whole world, for as long as I can remember and research on, in fighting global warming and climate change is
Atty. Batas Mauricio
absolute failure. Despite the regular conventions, dialogues, meetings, summits, and conferences, and despite trillions of dollars already being spent in an effort to arrest this environmental illness, nothing good ever came out of them. This is because of a very simple reason: all these efforts and expenditures did not consider the spiritual and Biblical angle of global warming and climate change. The Bible is clear: global warming and climate change, and their deadly and destructive effects, will wreck havoc among mankind, because man no longer listens to, and no longer obeys, God! -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.
The Striker
Behind the big scenes
AT LEAST four government soldiers were allegedly killed while undetermined number in the side of the NPA were carried by their comrades as battles simultaneously raging night and day in the mountains of Medina, Talisayan, Balingoan, Kinogitan, Salay, Lagonglong and Balingasag, all in Misamis Oriental. The military intensified the fight with the use of big cannons stationed in Salay while fighter jets dropped bombs as ground troops made advances. Town residents reportedly cheered when soldiers over ran the fleeing rebels. Classes in nearby war zones were suspended to keep the small boys and girls safe from wild bullets. In Bukidnon province, the NPA who were desperately running resorted to burning of heavy equipment of construction firms and pineapple plantation. They
destroyed school buildings and other government properties. An energy project which was almost done was attacked by the rebels. Power installations were also destroyed by the NPA, it was learned. A town resident described the rebels as like mad dogs barking at anything on sight. Barangays in the eastern side of Misamis Oriental have been deserted by residents as deafening sounds of cannons and guns are heard all around. A resident was quoted as saying “this is worse than World War II”. Another one also said “the fight is like those in the movies”. Until this moment, smokes of fierce battles are up in the skies of the province. In Metro Manila, residents are anticipating more extra judicial killings as Pres. Duterte ordered the resumption of the war on drugs. Some police officers
are readying their guns for “tokhang” operation in barangays around the cities. It is expected that cries of widows and orphans will dominate news reports in a few days. The country is utterly a killing field, some observers said. Many provinces in Luzon, however, are peaceful, it was also leaned. The government, though, is in control of the situation. The intensification of the war against the rebels was an offshoot of Duterte’s order. The president was irritated when the NPA made ambushes while there was ceasefire and ongoing talks towards peace. In the Visayas, no untoward incidents were reported. Even the jeepney strikes did not disturb the tranquility of the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and elsewhere. A Cebuano said “walay problema denhi sa among lugar.” In Tagbilaran,
Ben Emata Jr.
a lady govenment worker said “wa diamo kagubot denhi maot kana mabisko kami” In Samar,a fisherman was saying “waray kagubot diri.” In Negros Occidental, a woman said “baw linti gid iya rebelde. In Batangas,a vendor said “ala eh magpatayan tayo”. In Butuan City, a driver said “ngan ba ang piga atud sang NPA.” Generally, the country is peaceful except in Mindanao where the NPA was trying to display its force but on the contrary its defeat in the hands of government troops. Peace-loving Filipinos are worried of the situation more particularly church leaders and See scenes, page 7
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone
Environment
Thursday, March 2, 2017
5
DENR receives P74-m worth of seized rhino horn stockpile from BOC THE Philippines once again demonstrated its strong commitment to the global fight against illegal wildlife trade after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) formally turned over on Monday its seized stockpile of rhinoceros horns to the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The turnover of the contraband -- estimated to be worth P74 million in the black market -- was done in simple rites at the BMB office inside the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC) in Quezon City. BMB Director Theresa Mundita Lim received the seized horns from the BOC, represented by its Environmental Protection Unit head Lt. Angelito Cruz. Lim said the turnover of seized rhino horns to the BMB, the agency responsible for the implementation of the Philippine commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), was a reaffirmation of the country’s resolve to end illegal wildlife trafficking and trade. The Geneva-based CITES is an international treaty developed in 1973 to regulate commercial trade
in certain wildlife species, including the critically endangered rhinoceros. “We may not have rhinoceros in our country, but this does not mean we will allow others to use them and other such wildlife for unscrupulous gains and contribute to their extinction as a species,” Lim said. Lim disclosed that the BMB would coordinate with
the country of origin, Mozambique, for the possible return of the specimens. Should the African state refuse to accept them, they would be disposed of properly or possibly destroyed, she added. The horns were seized by the BOC in September 2012 at the Manila International Container Port. They had been declared as cashew nuts
and shipped by Chistevas Import and Export from Maputo City, Mozambique. The BMB had been coordinating with the BOC for the turnover of the specimens since their seizure. The process was put on hold as the BOC management underwent some changes. The rhinoceros population is listed under Appendix I of the CITES, which means
Environmentalists to pro-mining groups
‘Lopez a blessing’ By Antonio L. Colina IV of MindaNews
DAVAO City––Calling her a “blessing”, environmentalists have come to the defense of Environment Secretary Regina Lopez from promining groups who are determined to block her confirmation as a cabinet member by the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA). The CA will decide on Lopez’s appointment to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday. Chinkie Pelino-Golle, Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) acting executive director said Lopez is a blessing for her efforts to protect the environment and the people. Lopez only fulfilled her duty when she closed 23 mining firms and terminated 75 mineral sharing production agreements, she said in a statement Tuesday. Golle, a co-convenor of the Sustainable Davao Movement, said the environmentalists will gather at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday outside Ateneo de Davao University for a mass mobilization called “Kumpirma: People’s Confirmation of
Dirty Faces of Mining.
Pro-mining protesters in Barangay Talavera in Taganaan town, Surigao del Norte put laterite silt on their faces symbolizing their support to nickel extraction in Hinatuan Island during their rally on February 22, 2017. Hinaturan Mining Corp. operates in the island and employs several residents. MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto
Secretary Gina Lopez”. “As DENR Secretary, it is her duty to implement environmental laws to ensure environmental protection and sustainable management. Above all, it is her duty to promote social justice and uplift the right of the people to a healthy and balanced ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature as enshrined in our Constitu-
tion,” she said. “After so many administrations, we are glad to have someone who can truly administer the mandate of her office – to protect, conserve, and sustainably manage the country’s environment and natural resources for the benefit of the present and future generations,” she added. She said they support her crusade to secure the
environmentally critical areas like watersheds, protected areas and agricultural lands while noting that mining inflicts suffering and injustice on the affected communities. She cited how human activities have aggravated the impact of calamities in the last decade on the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Filipinos. See blessing, page 7
that its international trade and that of its by-products are strictly prohibited. CITES is an international agreement between governments to ensure that the survival of wild animals and plants is not threatened by international trade. The BMB is the CITES Management Authority for terrestrial species in the Philippines. Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, designates the BMB’s Wildlife Rescue Center as depository of seized wildlife specimens, their derivatives or byproducts. It can be recalled that in June 2013, the DENR destroyed at least five tons of smuggled elephant tusks using a road roller, making the Philippines the first country in Asia to conduct physical destruction of massive ivory stockpile in support of global efforts to stamp out illegal wildlife trade. The pulverized tusks were later on cremated in a government incinerator to ensure complete destruction, and the ashes were added as material in an elephant monument installed at the NAPWC. As for the rhino horns, Lim said that the contraband’s country of origin
suggests that the rhinos are African in species. There are two African species – the white and black rhinos. Both have two horns. A subspecies of the white rhino, the northern white, is facing certain extinction as there are only five left in captivity and none in the wild. The rhinoceros is the world’s second largest land mammal next to the elephant, and is ranked as one of the planet’s most endangered species. This herbivore’s survival is threatened by extinction due to poaching for its horns, which, like the elephant, is a source of ivory. Some cultures also believe that its horn, when ground into dust, contains therapeutic properties. Aside from the African species, other rhino species are Asian – the Sumatran, Indian, and Javan rhinos. The two-horned Sumatran rhino, the smallest of the species, can be found in Indonesia and Malaysia. The single-horned Javan rhino can be found in Indonesia and Vietnam, while the Indian or great one-horned rhino is only found in India and Nepal. Sadly, the estimated population of the Sumatran and Javan species also indicate that they are facing extinction.
LGU to convert plastic waste to chairs
THE city government of Iloilo is planning to convert plastic garbage into chairs, an official said on Wednesday. Through the “Plastic to Chair Project”, the city government plans to recycle all plastic garbage coming from the city’s sanitary landfill and have it converted into chair, said General Service Office (GSO) chief, Joren Sartorio. “The plastic thrown in our sanitary landfill can be diverted into a productive and useful means,” said Sartorio. Around 40 kilos of plastic waste will be used to produce one chair. “This will also make us compliant with Republic Act 9003 or the law on solid waste management,” added Sartorio. “We will be diverting waste energy and at the same time it will prolong the service life of our sanitary landfill.” In every two chairs made, one will go to the maker as her share and the other one will go to the city government. The city government will also distribute the chairs to different schools here. The “Plastic to Chair Project” of the Iloilo City government will be in partnership with Villar Foundation. Sartorio said the city government and Villar Foundation will have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the implementation of the project. “Through this project, we can provide livelihood to the residents and encourage them to have proper segregation,” said Sartorio.
Mindanao Daily TARPS-STICKERS-EWS
tarpaulin sticker billboards
backlitfilm panaflex photopaper
881-0100
0935-1613398 mdntarps@gmail.com
www.mindanaodailynews.com
6
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Policy discord derailing PH campaign vs. climate change By Catherine J. Teves of PNA AN expert raised urgency for harmonizing government policies relevant to bolstering Philippine agriculture’s resilience to climate change. University of the Philippines-Los Banos College of Forestry professor Dr. Rex Victor Cruz recommended such move, noting discord among some government policies at present slowed down the agricultural sector’s resilience-building efforts. “Government agencies concerned must coordi-
nate with one another to avoid setting contradicting policies,” he said Thursday (Feb. 23) on the side of a Philippine Agricultural Journalists Inc. forum in Metro Manila. Increasing intensity of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the country was one reason to better brace for climate change, Cruz said. “Evidence points to the fact that such intensification can already be attributed to climate change,” he said. Previous TCs in the country weren’t as frequent as these were at present, he saaid. “Excessive rainfall events
also increased in recent years and proved damaging to agriculture,” he also said. Cruz noted among policy discords needing action is government’s thrust under RA 8435 (Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997) to protect agricultural land from unlawful conversion and LGUs’ claim of autonomy under RA 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) to convert land. He believes enacting a national land use law will help address such conflict. “A lot can be gained from zoning the entire landscape where agriculture operates,” he said.
ZONE 3, CROSSING HIGHWAY, TEAKWOOD HILLS, AGUSAN, CDOC
ROOMS VARIES FROM 350, 450, 550, 850 – FOR 12 HOURS WASH UP FOR ONLY 180 – WITH RESTAURANT ON THE GROUND FLOOR WITH FUNCTION ROOM FULLY AIRCONDITIONED. Tel No. 0883232924 Cel No. 09757142125 / 09172221445
Such benefits could range from identifying crops suitable for planting in an area to improving farmers’ income, he said. Cruz said Department of Agriculture (DA) need not wait for government to enact a national land use law that’ll help realize such benefits for the country, however. DA itself could initiate and push for land use and zoning that would guide agricultural development nationwide, he said. Climate change’s manifestations highlight need for smartagriculture, noted
International Rice Research Institute senior scientist Dr. Reiner Wassman. He sees need for sustaining initiatives that will help promote climate-smart agriculture, which is a means for guiding action needed to transform and re-orient agricultural systems towards ensuring food security amidst the changing climate. “Agriculture must be sustainable also,” he said at the forum. Achieving smart agriculture and addressing climate change needs support at the local level, noted Dr.
Julian Gonsalves who is a senior consultant at International Institute for Rural Reconstruction. “What we need to do is bring action down to the local level where this is needed most,” he said at the forum. He noted location-specific solutions were necessary since climate change affected areas differently. Incremental adaptation of such solutions would help scale up climate-smart agriculture at the local level, he added. A report culled from the Philippine News Agency
By Judaline F. Partlow of PNA
onciliation to God”, the prelate said in his homily during the noontime mass. Lent is a time of prayer and sacrifice and mostly of generosity especially for the needy, he stressed. Bi shop C or te s a l s o underscored conversion, prayer, penance and alms giving, which he described as “Lenten exercises”, but that these exercises should be done from the heart, as is the message in Wednesday’s mass readings. “The battleground between good and evil is in our heart”, Cortes noted, as he pointed out the world’s many problems that are
“fruits of sin”, whether personal or otherwise. Cortes went on to say that people must have a conversion of hearts, depart from sin, begin a new life and strengthen their journey back to Christ. “Rend your hearts, rather than your garments”, Cortes said, citing a passage in the book of Joel in the Bible, adding that he hopes that the conversion is not just superficial or “pakitang-tao” (showing off ) alone. The Marian devotee also reminded the churchgoers during the mid-day
Prelate calls for deep conversion as Lent begins
Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete on Wednesday called on the faithful to enter into a state of genuine and deep conversion as the entire Christendom now enters into the season of Lent. Bishop Cortes presided a concelebrated mass at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria on Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the 40-day Lent through Easter. “Through the observance of Ash Wednesday, we start a period of rec-
See prelate, page 7
Mindanao Daily
TARPS-STICKERS-NEWS
tarpaulin sticker billboards backlitfilm panaflex photopaper 881-0100
0935-1613398 mdntarps@gmail.com
BUSINESS LOAN!!! 100K - 10M No Collateral No Co-Maker
Existing Business Owners 5 Banking Days Processing
0906-671-2560 0917-555-5662
TEXT LOAN TO:
KIMBERLITE PAWNSHOP MALAYBALAY BRANCH
Kagay-an Festival 1st Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion
for Orders, Contact Yoyong:
09354145759 09169249371
Kimberlite Pawnshop will be having an AUCTION SALE on all items that expired on January 2017: AUCTION DATE: March 17, 2017 Estrada Bldg., Fortich-Don Carlos Sts., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
OROFIESTA TRADING SERVICES, INC. TEL. #S: 0998-991-3742 - Smart / 0917-720-3742 - Globe
PURCHASING OFFICER
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Rages... from page 1
the Kinaulayanan, but the loud explosion of cannons from the artillery and the staccato of gun fires could be head by the villagers. “I ordered the suspension of classes in Kinaulayanan in deference to the young school children who might be affected of the traumatic experience,” Lagbas said. Lagbas said that she has also cautioned that villagers to evacuate promptly once the gun battle gets near or threaten the village residents.
Signs... from page 1
which was signed on April 22, 2016 in New York, seeks to address climate change and cap greenhouse gas emissions. The Agreement aims to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2⁰C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5⁰C above pre-industrial levels. It also provides that developed countries continue their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to provide financial assistance to developing countries with respect to both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Duterte said that under the Agreement, emissions reduction or programs for adaptation are nationallydetermined and voluntary. “Nationally-determined contributions are not mitigation-centric but also covers adaptation and requirements for finance, technology and capacity building. This will provide an opportunity to communicate to investors what the country needs in order to implement adaptation and mitigation projects,” Duterte said. (PNA)
Limit... from page 1
Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Mindanao State University-General Santos College of Fisheries. Artacho said they initially presented to the group three alternatives to address the problem: the setting of a three to five-year moratorium on fish cage operations, the declaration and observance of an annual fish holiday, and the reduction of the lake’s utilization to 10 percent. He said these recommendations were thoroughly discussed by the experts and local stakeholders were eventually made to decide on the matter. “The 10 percent utilization was the solution chosen. It was considered a “win-win” decision to allow the lake to recover and at the same time sustain our (tilapia) industry,” he said. Lake Sebu, which is the
largest of the town’s three lakes, spans 354 hectares and covers barangays Bacdulong, Takunel and Poblacion. With the implementation of the 10 percent utilization limit, the area’s fish cages and related structures should only cover 35.4 hectares. Records showed that fish cages presently cover 23.19 percent or 82 hectares of the entire Lake Sebu. Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan said the fish cage operators have no choice but to adopt the 10 percent utilization limit as it is provided by law. Under Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fishery Code of 1998, only 10 percent of the total area of inland waters is allowed for aquaculture development. “Besides, BFAR is coming out with an enforcement order for this so it’s only proper for us to comply now,” he said. The mayor said that aside from this, the lake’s cleanup of water hyacinths and other wastes will continue. The municipal government placed the entire municipality last month under the state of calamity as a result of the fish kill from January 27 to February 4. The fish kill had destroyed around PHP1.4 million tonnes of tilapia from 4,944 fish cages owned by 464 operators. Experts noted that the overcrowding of fish cages at the lake, the proliferation of water hyacinths and the use of commercial feeds by operators have caused its waters to deteriorate, triggering fish kills. They were blamed for the occurrence of “kamahong,” a phenomenon that is mainly caused by the sudden rise in the water’s temperature. “Kamahong,” which usually occurs during the rainy season, triggers the rise of sulfuric acid in the lake’s waters that eventually causes the massive fish kill.(PNA)
PNA... from page 2
found a link with ‘Mula sa Masa, Para Sa Masa’, a government-run publication under the PCOO for crafting materials for uploading online. With their assistance, audio-visual materials and infographics are uploaded alongside the biggest stories for the day. When it came to what happened after the establishment of the team, Cave described the atmosphere of the three-man team formed from a mishmash of three techie and news savvy individuals. The first few months came rather difficult, adding their social media responsibilities to their usual editorial duties, adding the fact that a three-man team was a small start. But after adjustments and a few tweaks, the first month went by and soon a rhythm was found to balance out their work. But a flipside is that not all of the reporters out in the field are into social media
Thursday, March 2, 2017 and when it comes to the hottest, trending and real time news she feels that the team is having difficulty getting the news. Though the team is making ends meet and are producing material for posting there is always room for improvement. When asked on the immediate need of the team, Cave said manpower is an urgent issue. Equipment and training in the social media is also an aspect the team would like to build on. When the question of “Where does the team go from here?” a lilt in her voice accompanied by slight enthusiasm set in when she spoke: “Since nag-start pa lang kami, it will definitely improve as we go along.” She said the PCO has been supportive in addressing the needs of PNA in general and with the equipment and proper training, the quality of stories and materials would also improve. (PNA)
Price... from page 1
ensure that the collar and foot ring are smooth and properly welded; and make sure that the seal is intact and firmly affixed to the valve. Cusi also reminded the public that March is Fire Prevention Month, noting that the occurrence of fire increases with the onset of the summer season. As faulty LPG tanks are one of the major causes of fires, he advised consumers to check their LPG cylinders regularly for leaks, store them in areas with sufficient ventilation, keep them away from electrical switches and outlets, and ensure that they are always in an upright position. “We do not want to see our people suffer from fire caused by the misguided use of LPG,” the energy chief said. (PNA)
Family... from page 2
Doc Rose gifted him with a toy car with ‘PEACE LOVE’ markings while being medically examined, he told me he also wanted to have a helicopter for a toy,” Dureza said. When he asked why, Rexon told him he saw military helicopters occasionally hovering over them while his captors tagged him along while seeking cover. Dureza noted that Rexon, although from a Cebuanospeaking family, now uses more Tausug words. He said his Tausug emissary, Edmund Gumbahali, helped him with the translation. (MindaNews)
Army... from page 3
5th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army led by TSg Edwin T Dacles (Inf ) PA based at Sitio Macadar, barangay Inagongan, Tagoloan, LDN; and one section of 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Mechanized Infantry
Division, PA led by 1Lt Jonathan Bosque (CAV) PA. Investigation conducted by combined forces disclosed that one of the suspects was identified as ‘Azam Ampatua’ believed to be a member of Maute Group armed with .45 Cal Shooter’s Raven Pistol bearing SN R02050429 and one unidentified suspect who was armed with M-16 bushmaster with SN. VX1777804 and ammunition. The other suspect identified as one Diamen Alonto y Ebanalo of legal age, a resident of Padian, Marawi City, aboard Hyundai Elantra, was intercepted at Sitio Camague, Tominobo, Iligan City, armed with .45 Cal Imbel Pistol with SN C38303 with ammunition and one hand grenade. Ebanalo was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) for further investigation. The recovered carnapped unit and get-away vehicle, and those recovered ammunition were first brought to the headquarters of Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO)-Iligan City, at Camp Tomas Cabili for proper disposition. The get-away Hyundai Elantra vehicle and pistol Imbel-make are now in the custody of Iligan City Police Station 4. The cadavers of the two carnappers were brought to Mary Venus Funeral Homes in barangay Acmac, Iligan City for proper disposition. (Eddie M. Alcima, CMO/2nd Mech Bde, PA)
Scenes... from page 4
religious organizations. Meanwhile, Mindanaoans now residing in the United States, European countries and other foreign lands are worried about the situations and are keeping watch on latest developments in their respective province. Many residents from Jolo and Basilan despised the bandits Abu Sayaff for beheading a German national who was kidnapped but was unable to meet the ransom money. (Bennex News Service)
Blessing... from page 5
“These occurrences are natural. However, human activities contribute to the disastrous effect of these natural calamities – a human induced disaster,” she said. Golle said Lopez must be given the chance to work for the betterment of the environment and rehabilitate the mining communities. In press statement on February 20, party-list organization Anak Mindanao, also expressed support for Lopez and called on Mindanawons to back her up. “Anak Mindanao opines that the closure order is long overdue and as a progressive organization, AMIN underscores the negative repercussions of the present mining practices to the environment and it does not conform to the principles
of sustainable development, especially in Mindanao,” it said. Mindanao Business Council chair Vicente Lao said his group expressed serious concern on the possible effects of the closure such as loss of jobs and livelihood. “We strongly believe that the welfare and livelihood of millions of poor Filipino families in the affected mining communities should take precedent over the advocacy of a single cabinet secretary who has manifested gross bias against the operation of a lawful industry that has contributed greatly to the upliftment of the lives and future of poor Filipinos in the countryside,” he said. He said that they are calling for equal procedural transparency, fairness and observance of the rule of law in the audit of mining operations.. He added that the council acknowledges the contribution of the mining industry to the country’s development, describing it as a “critical ingredient” that will facilitate “greater economic growth, attracting investments, creating jobs and reducing poverty in the region, particularly in the rural areas.” He assured the government the council will continue to promote responsible development of the mineral resources in Mindanao and optimize the industry’s contributions to the country’s development. “The MBC will continue to clamor for transparency and stronger accountability among the key players in the mining industry as we continue to monitor their social, environmental, and economic performance,” he said. In a note posted on its website earlier this month, the research group IBON Foundation refuted the supposed economic benefits of large-scale mining “While mineral exports hit a high of $3.4 billion in 2013, mining contributed a measly 0.7 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) in the same year. The sector’s contribution grew to this level only from 0.5 percent after more than a decade of operations. “The annual average share of mining revenues to total government revenues in 2009-2012 was only 1.18 percent. The contribution of the mining and quarrying sector to employment was also negligible at 0.7 percent of total employment,” IBON said. “Aside from human deaths, large-scale mining has caused damaged dams, soil and water pollution due to excessive tailings, siltation, contamination and damage to agricultural lands, fish kill and other damages to marine life,” it said. “More than 90 percent of Philippine mineral production is exported for use by other countries’ steel industries while the country
7
has none. This, despite the Philippines being one of the world’s top producers of gold, copper and nickel,” it added. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
Prelate... from page 6
mass to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and turn to her for her intercession. The Our Lady of Fatima, who happens to be celebrating its centenary or 100 years this year since her first appearance to children in Fatima, had warned that unless people will not turn away from sin, nation after nation will vanish. Bishop Cortes spoke of the wars in the Middle East, the crisis brought about by terrorism, nation fighting against another nation, and the plight of the refugees who flee their war-torn countries but are being rejected by other countries who are also facing their own social problems. The Philippines also has its own share of woes, such as the deaths due to extra-judicial killings, the illegal drugs problem, poverty, and corruption. Cortes also appealed to the people to pray for the country’s congressional representatives who are to vote on a bill for the restoration of the death penalty. As Catholics, the death penalty is unacceptable, Cortes stressed, pointing out Pope Francis’ statement that the Church rejects the death penalty and for the late pontiff, St. John Paul II, it is cruel and unnecessary. It is cruel because a violation of the inalienable right to live and in fact, it is the government’s responsibility to protect life, Cortes pointed out. He went on to say that it is also unnecessary because there is no scientific proof that death penalty has become an effective deterrent to crime. “We will not be a party to such a wrongful law”, the bishop said, as he rallied the people to sign an ongoing signature campaign in the diocese opposing the reimposition of the death penalty. The Diocesan Council of the Laity leads the signature campaign because the death penalty bill for its restoration is a political exercise, he explained. Bishop Cortes ended his homily by reiterating an intense call to conversion during the Lenten season, going back to the Lord through repentance, prayer, sacrifice, fasting, and charitable acts not for one’s personal gain and motives but for God’s glory. (PNA)
NEED TARP? CALL: 8578447 OR, 745380 MOBILE: +639061389421
8
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Thursday, March 2, 2017
MSU-iiT naTional MUlTi-PURPoSE CooPERaTiVE
To: notice to all Members in Good Standing (MiGS) 39th annual General assembly by Cluster Schedule: ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
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 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
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 MSU-IIT Gymnasium, Tibanga, Iligan City
Prepared by: Engr. Jeremy V. Pinzon Board Secretary
Attested by: Dr. Rhodora S. N. Englis Chairperson, Board of Directors
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.