MIndanao Daily News (May 24, 2015)

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Bringing Good News of Mindanao

Volume IV, No. 007 web portal: www.mindanaodailynews.com

Sunday

May 24, 2015

P15.00

A1

House committees approve measure establishing Minpocor

By Sammy F. Martin of PNA

THE Joint House committees on Energy; Government Enterprises and Privatization; and Mindanao Affairs have approved on Wednesday the bill that aims to establish Mindanao Power Corp. (Minpocor).

The bill, entitled “An Act Creating the Mindanao

Power Corporation and Providing Funds Therefor,” was principally authored

by Rep. Edgardo Masongsong together with 33 other legislators, including Rep. Reynaldo V. Umali. It aims to substitute House Bill 676, 2621, and 4883.

House committee on Energy chairman and Oriental Mindoro Rep. Rey-

naldo V. Umali has presided the hearing, together with Reps. Arnulfo Go (House Committee on Mindanao Affairs) and Jesus Sacdalan (House Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization).

Resource persons and the legislators raised different issues that they thought Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano speaks during the 45th general as-

sembly of Misamis Oriental Electric Service Cooperative (Moresco) I Friday in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. photo by mark francisco

FWD Life launches CdeO hub See APPROVE, page A7

CAGAYAN de Oro City -- FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Life) is expanding its operations in the Philippines with the opening of its first business hub in Cagayan de Oro City.

The hub will provide access to FWD Life’s insurance products to more than four million Cagayanos and residents of neighboring cities in Northern Mindanao. FWD Life is also set to extend its distribution reach in CDO, through the rollout of bancassurance offerings in Security Bank branches in June.

“We are excited to bring the FWD brand to Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao through our business hub, FWD agency team, and bancassurance partnership with Security Bank,” FWD Life Insurance Corporation Chief Human Resources Officer Rozanne Parungo, FWD Life President and Chief said FWD Life President Executive Officer Peter Grimes, Cagayan De Oro City Local Economic Investment Promotions Officer Eileen San and Chief Executive OfJuan, and Limketkai Sons, Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Albino Limketkai at the ribbon ficer Peter Grimes. “With cutting ceremony of the FWD business hub at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. photo provided this vibrant city’s growing

economy and population, we are confident our CDO hub will significantly contribute to the growth and expansion of our business in the Philippines.”

The office, located in Limketkai Center, in the heart of CDO’s commercial district, is FWD Life’s first business hub outside Metro Manila. With the opening of the facility, FWD Life aims to build brand awareness, improve customer engagement and services, and strengthen its distribution support facilities. The agency already numbers in excess of 100 financial wealth planners based in CDO, with more expected See life, page A11

P2M worth of illegal drugs in Gingoog City burned

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GINGOOG City -- Illegal drugs and paraphernalia with a total valued at P2,003,631 were razed on May 20 in a public destruction held at the Gingoog City Hall Grounds.

The destroyed drugs consisted of 5,954.54 grams Marijuana plants, fruiting tops or seeds and 181.69

grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

Gingoog City Regional Trial Court (RTC) ordered the destruction of the dangerous drugs after being presented as relative evidence to the 28 decided cases of anti-illegal drug operations from 2004 to 2014.

The event was spear-

headed by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Gingoog, Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in region 10 which were led

by City Mayor Marie L. Guingona; PCSupt David Y Ombao, regional director, Police Regional Office (PRO

Caraga); PCSupt Lyndel A Desquitado, regional director, PRO 10; and PDEA-10 Regional Director Wilkins M Villanueva.

PCSupt Desquitado challenges stakeholders in shaping a drug-free Mindanao and uphold respective task in fight against drugs.

See drugs, page A7

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Distribution of 50K Philhealth ID cards starts CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The City Health Insurance Office (CHIO) will distribute 50,000 Philhealth identification cards cards for the 80 barangays of Cagayan de Oro starting May 20.

City Health Insurance Officer-In-Charge Dr. Ma. Lourdes S. Gaane said the Philhealth ID cards distribution on May 20 will cover four barangays, with the following schedule: Bayabas (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.); Bonbon (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon); Kauswagan (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.); and Patag (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

On May 21, the same

activity was conducted at FS Catanico (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.); Gusa (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon); Cugman (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.); and Tablon (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Dr. Gaane added that the Philhealth ID cards distribution will continue from May 27 until June 11, 2015.

Philhealth Sponsored Program is one of the priority programs of Mayor Oscar Moreno to ensure that card holders and their qualified family members will not be burdened paying high-cost of medicines and expenses upon hospital confinement.

(CIO/PIA10)

Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla in a forum with local power stakeholders today in Zamboanga City (May 21) said that Zamcelco should move fast and explore the possibility of entering into contracts with other power suppliers as the cooperative apparently has far lesser supply than the current demand. "The status quo is not an option," he said. (PIA Western Mindanao)

DepED-ARMM corrects teachers’ salaries MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur -- The Department of Education of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEDARMM) will implement adjustments to correct salaries of teachers of the region who were either ‘underpaid’ or ‘overpaid,’ an official said.

Jamar Kulayan, DepEDARMM Secretar y, said

more than 9,000 teachers will benefit from the salary adjustments that will take effect this month.

“We are issuing notices to more than 9,000 teachers in the region, 6,541 will be notified that they will be receiving a salary increase this month but 2,528 will be receiving lesser amounts next month,” Sec. Kulayan said.

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The agency already reviewed the payrolls and had corrected the discrepancies.

“We have discovered that 6,541 teachers in the region are getting less than what they are supposed to receive from the government because their step increments have never been adjusted based on their position, salary grade and length of service,” he said.

“What’s striking is we have more than 2,000 teachers who are receiving more than their actual salary,” he added.

A teacher shall be given an additional step increment for every three years of service, Sec. Kulayan clarified.

“If you are a newly hired teacher, your salary grade is 11 and you will start from

step 1. After three years of meritorious service, your step increment will be adjusted to step 2,” he said.

Sec. Kulayan said the problem is rooted on poor management of step increments in the past.

With this action taken, the Education secretary added that the teachers will be paid with their corrected salaries and with the corrected step. The next adjustment on step increment, he said, shall be made three years after.

The adjustments, Sec. Kulayan said, was conducted “to avoid problems in the future” and in preparation for the incoming transition to the Bangsamoro government. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/ PIA-10)

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South Korean peace advocate to attend Maguindanao peace summit COTABATO City - World renowned South Korean peace activists will attend the Maguindanao provincial peace summit in Buluan town on May 25, Governor Esmael Toto Mangudadatu said Friday.

Organized by Mangudadatu, the summit is meant to show multisectoral support to the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). He said South Korean Man Hee Lee has confirmed his attendance.

Mangudadatu said Man, a religious leader, is the founder of South Korea’s Shinchonji Church of Christ. He has actively

been helping foster relig ious underst anding among Christians, Muslims and other groups not only in South Korea but around the world.

Aside from Man, representatives from the Heavenly Culture, World Peace and Restoration of Light are expected to attend the summit, Mangudadatu said.

Two officials of the Seoul-based non-government organization, Philippine coordinator Joon Park and its manager, Kim Si Man, had earlier visited Buluan to search for a site where they can construct

a “peace monument” in gather all peace advocates recognition of Mangu- to send the message that dadatu’s domestic peace programs.

Mangudadatu has been openly and publicly campaigning for the passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which aims to establish a new Bangsamoro political entity based on a peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

All other peace advocates in the province and nearby areas have been invited.

"Since we have common goals, it is but fitting to

INSPECTION AREA - A member of the Task Force Davao has just finished checking the bus entering Davao City along Tibungco highway. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Budget and Management PROCUREMENT SERVICE

CERTIFICATE OF PHILGEPS REGISTRATION (Blue Membership) THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT

MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION Abellanosa Street, Consolacion, Cagayan De Oro City Misamis Oriental

is registered in the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) on 13-Mar-2015 pursuant to Section 8.5 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. This Certificate is valid until 19-Mar-2016.

Issued this 19th day of March, 2015.

Document Stamp Tax Paid Php 15.00

we all want peace because we believed development

only comes when there is peace," he said. (PNA)

DIVERSION ROAD PROJECT

Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez, 3R, lays the capsule as he ground breaks the start of the construction of the Phase II Cagayan De Oro Diversion road, Jct. Balubal Sayre Highway Pueblo De Oro, CDO Old Airport road costing Php 60 million. With the new bypass road, the transport of people and goods from Bukidnon to Misamis Oriental, Iligan, and southern parts of Mindanao would be easier without passing through the congested city roads thus saving time and resources. Further, the project will also provide alternative route going to Laguindingan airport and contribute to the economic development in the city’s upland areas once this road network is completed. Also in photo are DPWH Project Engr. Vergie Nayve; Barangay Chairwoman Melitona B.Patriana; Brgy. Kagawads Mary Ann Nabantac, Carmelito Damo, Renejane Babia, Bruno Exequil, and former Kagawad Flores. KD The NATIONAL DAIRY AUTHORITY-MINDANAO FIELD OFFICE (NDA-MFO), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAG’), invites sealed written tenders for the: “SUPPLY AND DELIVERY ON SITE FOR 334,125 KLS. OF FRESH CORN FOR FEEDING REQUIREMENTS OF 495 IMPORTED PREGNANT DAIRY ANIMALS FOR 45 DAYS UNDER PUBLIC BIDDING” with an Approved Budget Contract (ABC) amounting to ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED SEVENTY THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE PESOS (PH 1,670,625.00) sourced from the Regular Funds.

All particulars relative to Eligibility Screening, Bid Bond, Performance Bond, Pre-Bidding Conferences, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and award of Contracts shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. The tenderers shall be required to submit until 29 May 2015, the following documents for pre- qualification: a. Certified list of related contracts ongoing and completed for the past five (5) years including quantity and specifications, name of client with telephone numbers, date of contract and project cost for every project listed and/or historical record of the bidder’s farm in the past five (5) years (minimum) b. Articles of Incorporation or Partnership or its equivalent c. Audited Financial Statement for the current and previous year d. Latest Income and Business Tax Returns duly stamped and received by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and duly validated with the tax payments made (per E0 398 dated January 12, 2005) e. Tax clearance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (per EO 398 dated January 12, 2005) f. Business license/registration g. Authority of the Local Representative, if any h. Company Profile i. The prospective bidder’s computation for its Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC): or a commitment from a licensed bank to extend a credit line if awarded the contract to be bid; or a cash deposit certificate, which shall be at least equal to ten percent (10%) of the approved budget for the contract (ABC) to be bid; j. Sworn statement of the Bidder that it is not related to the head of the NDA by consanguinity or affinity up to the third civil degree or any of the NDA’s officers or employees k. PhilGeps Registration/Accreditation Distribution of Tender Document for the “SUPPLY AND DELIVERY ON SITE FOR 334,125 KLS. OF FRESH CORN FOR FEEDING REQUIREMENTS OF 495 IMPORTED PREGNANT DAIRY ANIMALS FOR 45 DAYS UNDER PUBLIC BIDDING” may be obtained from the NDA- MFO BAC Secretariat starting 18-28 May 2015 upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Pesos (PH 5,000.00) per copy. A Pre-Bid Conference shall be conducted on 21 May 2015 at 2:00PM while the Opening of Bids shall be held on 29 May 2015 at 2:00PM. Both activities shall be conducted at the NDA-MF0 Office, Door 206, Waterside Living Complex Bldg., Julio Pacana St, Licoan, Cagayan de Oro City. The Bidder must present a bid bond during the bid opening in any of the following forms:

FORM OF BID BOND

1. Cash, Cashier’s or Manager’s Check, Bank Draft, Letter of Credit (L/C) issued by a commercial bank and Bank Guarantee 2. Surety Bond callable on demand and issued by an insurance company 3. Any combination of the above

MINIMUM AMOUNT IN % OF APPROVED BUDGET CONTRACT Two Percent (2%) Five Percent (5%) Proportionate to share of form with respect to total amount of security

The NDA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts hereof, to waive any information therein, or to accept such bids or to award any part thereof to any bidder/s whose bid/s is/are considered most advantageous to the NDA. Certificate No: PhilGEPS-2015-138742 Certificate Reference No: 2015020008925

MARLON C. FLORES NDA-MFO BAC Chairman 14 May 2015

MDN: May 19-25, 2015

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Opinion

EDITOR: ALLAN MEDIANTE • amediante@gmail.com

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Battles that changed the course of history (Epilogue) Like most Filipinos who suffered during the war, President Elpidio Quirino had every reason to hate the Japanese. Yet when he had the opportunity, he never exacted revenge. In an extra-ordinary display of national forgiveness and statesmanship, Quirino pardoned the Japanese war criminals.

Quirino’s action stunned most Filipinos who were not satisfied with just the hanging of General Yamashita and the execution by firing squad of General Homma.

Filipinos were crying for more blood.

The anti-Japanese sentiment simmered as soon as the occupation of Manila started. The conquerors soon alienated the people with their indiscriminate slapping and maltreatment of men, women and children for no other reason than their failure to properly bow to a Japanese sentry.

The people’s anger reached boiling point when news spread about atrocities committed during the Death March. The Manila Massacre which resulted in the death of tens of thousands of civilians finally uncorked the pent-up fury of the populace.

This explains why nobody complained about the massive destruction of Manila. It was an acceptable price to pay to be able to pulverize the hated Japanese who were holed up inside Intramuros and other historical buildings.

This explains why even in the US Supreme Court,

Speaking Out

Ignacio Bunye

only two justices (one of them being Justice Frank Murphy, the last American Governor General in the Philippines) questioned the possible violation of the rights of the accused Yamashita and Homma during their trial before a military commission created

by General McArthur.

A national artist – still under age during the war – confessed that his dream was to enlist in the army as soon as he grew up so he could kill the first Japanese he encountered.

Against this backdrop, the writings of Salvador P. Lopez (“The Judgment of History”) and Jaime C. Laya (“The Calvary of Elpidio Quirino, 1945-53”) give us a measure of Quirino’s selfsacrifice and statesmanship.

Lopez wrote: “As the (allied troops) shelled the Japanese military installations in the area the Japanese soldiers, in sheer desperation , knowing they could not escape alive , indulged in a cold-blooded massacre of the residents.

It was in the course of this

murderous rampage that tragedy overtook the Quirino family.

“Quirino had gathered his wife and childen about him on that fateful day of 9th February 1945 in the family residence on Colorado Street( presently Felipe Agoncillo), Ermita, to plan their escape from the area.

“It was four oclock in the afternoon. The Japanese had transformed the neighborhood into a holocaust of fire and death. A barrage of shells hit the roof of the Quirino residence. As the house burned, Elpidio decided to escape with his family to the home of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Concepcion Jimenez Syquia, on the same street.

“In a desperate attempt to get out of the hell-hole, Elpidio ordered his son, Tomas, to lead the group.

Dona Alicia cuddled her two daughters, infant Fe and Norma. Another son, Armando, carried the family valuables. All the members of the family then dashed towards the Syquia residence. Tomas and Victoria led the group.

“Half-way across the street, four Japanese marines, camouflaged in leaves, machine-gunned them.

Looking back, Tomas saw the bodies of his mother and two sisters lying lifeless on the ground. Mrs. Quirino died hugging Fe, while Norma lay dead beside her. Armando tried to retrieve their dead bodies but was stopped by machine-gun fire.”

Jaime C. Laya (“The Calvary of Elpidio Quirino,

1945-53”) provided other gory details of the massacre.

“Carrying the toddler Fe Angela, Mrs. Quirino flees with Tommy, Norma and Vicky to her mother’s home. Elpidio and Armando stay behind gathering food and valuables.

“The panicked group reaches the Syquia mansion’s gate, but from Leon Guinto, a machine gun fires.

Mortally wounded, Alicia and Norma fall. Fe Angela, pinned under her mother, is bayoneted. Tommy and Vicky escape. Another shell hits the Quirino home and Elpidio and Armando run.

With Agoncillo Street perilous they go through fences, over walls, under houses, separated in the confusion.

“Early in the morning, Elpidio reaches the Syquia home, alone.

“Elpidio can only retrieve Fe Angela and buries her broken body by the garage”.

Indeed, Quirino must have agonized before he signed the Presidential pardon. He was practically alone in a nation that wanted to completely destroy the enemy.

To those who sought vengeance, he said: “I should be the last one to pardon them as the Japanese killed my wife and three children, and five other members of my family. I am doing this because I do not want my children and my people to inherit from me the hate for people who might yet be our friends, for the permanent interest of our country.”

At the Quirino See bunye, page A7

Coming Out of the Closet Think a minute…

An airplane pilot came on the speaker system to the passengers: “This is your captain speaking. We’re flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet, and the speed of 600 miles an hour. I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is we’re lost. But the good news is we’re making great time.”

There are many people who are making great time in life living in the fast lane.

But they’re lost and going the wrong direction.

Homosexuals are encouraged by many people just to come out of the closet and not be ashamed of who they are. Some people say that they didn’t choose to be homosexual; God made them that way. But the fact is that there has still not been

one scientific study which can prove that homosexuals are born that way. In fact, it is just the opposite. All the research and studies have shown that homosexuals can make the choice.

If people are born with any homosexual tendency at all, it is no different than any personality tendency like someone born with a bad temper. Do we say it’s OK for that person to lose control of his temper and murder people because he was born that way? Of course not! He’s still free and able to choose not to kill people, even though he may have a naturally quick temper. In the same way, even if someone might have the slightest natural tendency toward homosexuality, he’s still free and able to choose

Think A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

not to become homosexual.

If homosexuals were born that way and God made them with no choice, then why does He say homosexuality is so wrong and condemn it as sin?

Throughout the whole Bible, God strongly condemns homosexuality as sin which is opposed to the clearly

natural, right way He created us humans to live and reproduce. Remember, God created us Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.

Just like we are born free to choose whether or not we will be adulterers, murderers, thieves, liars, alcoholics and vicious gossips, we are also born free to choose whether or not we will become homosexual. But the good news is that even if you already have chosen to become a homosexual, Jesus will still forgive you and give you a new life if you sincerely ask Him to start changing your heart.

So won’t you come out of the closet and into the light of Jesus forgiveness and truth, so He can start setting you free today?

Just Think a Minute…

Daily Inspiration Graces Received

Juvy Sarraga

“He gives food to every living thing. His heavenly Father. Have you ever given faithful love endures forever.” thanks to God for yummy tomatoes in Psalm 136:25 your salad or fresh guacamole with crispy chips? As odd as it may sound, these Have you given thanks to the Lord for your are provided to you from the Lord as a food? It’s easy to rush quickly through a symbol of His love and it’s an opportuwell-rehearsed prayer to enjoy the feast nity to express our gratitude. As you eat before you and your loved ones. Yet, the your next meal, what specifically are you food we eat was given to us by a loving grateful for?

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BFAR earmarks P12.7M for fish landing sites, engines in Zambo randum of agreement.

On the other hand, the 5 horse power pumpboat engines are intended for internally displaced persons and indigents who depend on seaweed farming and fishing for their livelihood. Each recipient must own a non-motorized banca. Identification of the beneficiaries were done by the City Agriculturist Office in coordination with

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) receive their pump boat engines from Mayor Beng Climaco courtesy of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources during the ceremonial turnover in front of City Hall Monday morning. Also in photo is BFAR Director Ahadulla Sajili. JOEY BAUTISTA

Z

AMBOANGA CITY - In line with its program on poverty alleviation, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday turned over to the City Government, four certificates of award for the construction of community fish landing centers and 200 units of pumpboat engines for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and indigents.

BFAR Regional Director Ahadullah Sajili presented to Mayor Beng Climaco during the flag raising ceremony in front of City Hall Monday, the certificates of award for the establishment of fish landing centers in Labuan, Arena Blanco, Mangusu and Logpond in Tictapul at a cost of P3 million per unit.

The Community Fish landing centers follow the concept of a “bagsakan

center” for agriculture products. In this case, the centers will be used for fish and fishery products at the same time will serve as multi-purpose centers where the concerned associations will hold meetings, skills training and data gathering activities.

The certificates of award confirm the availability of funds for the construction of the projects subject to guidelines set in a memo-

the Department of Social Welfare and Development, City Social welfare and Development Office and camp managers. Each engine costs P3,920.00 Recall that Mayor Climaco requested BFAR National Director Atty. Asis Perez, during the latter’s visit to the City last year, to come up with projects and programs for the benefit of the IDPs who are mostly

engaged in fishing and seaweed farming.

The pumpboat engines and the certificates of award for the fish landing centers are results of the representations made by the mayor.

In the recent months, BFAR assisted qualified residents of the city through the grant of seaweed inputs to include seedlings, binders, nylon as well as bangus fry. (Sheila Covarrubias)

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Ata-Manobo students:

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We only have pens and papers for our dreams

By ZEA IO MING C. CAPISTRANO, DavaoToday.com

D

AVAO CITY – Cousins Jenky and Jomar Malibato are eager to finish school and become teachers to help their community. Both of them are Grade 5 students at the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (Misfi) Academy.

The cousins both shared their dreams and fears with Davao Today as they hope that the school would continue to operate.

“Nagguol mi sa among eskwelahan nga dili i-open.

Kay ang Alamara man gud nagpahunong sa pagsubida sa mga magtutudlo (We worry that our school will not be opened because the Alamara wants to stop our teachers from going to our school),” Jenky said.

Asked why their school should continue operation, the cousins answered “kay gusto mi makapadayon og eskwela (because we want to finish schooling).”

“Dili namo makab-ot ang among mga pangandoy sa kinabuhi (we cannot achieve our goals in life),” Jomar said when asked what the stoppage of their school’s operation would mean to them.

Jenky said the paramilitary group, Alamara wanted their school to stop operation

because it is a school of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“Dili na tinuod mam.

Maayo kung pusil among gigunitan nga bolpen ug papel ra man among gigunitan. Ballpen ug papel ra ang among armas (That’s not true. We are not armed, we only have ballpens and papers. We are only armed with ballpen and papers),” Jenky said.

Stalled recognition rites Unlike other students who will be lining up inside their assigned classrooms as enrolment starts on Monday, Jenky and Jomar are still waiting for their recognition rites to happen.

On March 27, members of paramilitary group Alamara, headed by Ongging Masaloon, restricted Misfi to conduct its “moving-up” ceremony (recognition) in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong.

Teachers and students on Thursday trooped to the Department of Education here for a dialogue between

school administrators and Regional Director Atty. Arnold T. Escobarte.

During the dialogue, the Save our Schools Network with the school’s Board of Trustees complained to DepEd that their schools in Kapalong and Talaingod, Davao del Norte are being attacked by the armed forces and Alamara, or Cafgu (Citizens’ Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary) referred to by the local government unit.

In a letter handed to Escobarte, the delegation said they would want DepEd to conduct separate investigations for their complaint “and execute necessary steps to address these atrocities.”

Jenielito Atillo, in an interview with Davao Today, admitted that they can only work within their mandate which is the provision of government permits for the school’s operation.

Atillo said they will still be sending a validation team in the area.

Daily struggles Jenky said, unlike other students, students in the community of Sitio Muling are poor.

“Wala gyud silay pagkaon (They don’t have food),” Jenky said. She said they would only have sweet potato (kamote) for the whole day.

“Kamote ang among kaonon sa adlaw, hangtod hapon. Buntag, udto, kamote gihapon (We only eat sweet

potatoes in the morning and even on lunch time and until the afternoon),” Jenky said.

She said that even their teachers would also eat only sweet potatoes.

She said sometimes they would buy rice for their teachers in Sitio Patil, but the Alamara would think that the rice is meant for the NPA fighters.

Jenky recalled an incident in the morning of November 28, when members of the Alamara wanted to check their stuff as they go back to Sitio Muling from buying rice, papers, ballpens, and other necessities of their teachers.

“Moana ang Alamara nga tan-awon sa namo tanan ng mga gamit kung gamit ba

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na sa rebelde’ (The Alamara said they would like to check if what we were bringing are stuff of the rebels),” Jenky said.

She said they did not stop “kay taas na ang adlaw, kay layo pa among baktason (the sun is too hot and we have a long way to walk).

The Alamara, she said, got angry and fired at them.

Jenky said they would want the concerned government agencies to check on the operation of the Alamara in the area so they can go back to school.

Other schools Meanwhile, Rius Valle, spokesperson of the SOS network, said these attacks are not only reported in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, but also in other parts of the region.

Between January to May 15 2015, the SOS Network

documented 13 incidents of attacks on schools in the form of military encampment and threats, harassment and intimidation among teachers and students in Talaingod and Kapalong, Davao del Norte province and Compostela Valley province affecting about 1,686 students and 42 teachers both in NGO run schools and DepEd Schools.

“Recently we have received reports of soldiers bribing paramilitaries and even Lumad leaders to destroy IP schools, especially in Talaingod and Kapalong,” Valle said.

“If they are really after the NPAs they should hunt them in mountains and not stay in schools, harassing students and teachers,” he added. (davaotoday.com)

Mindanao Daily A7 NEWS

sunday, may 24, 2015 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Mobile nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Bunye... from page A4

household, Quirino’s surviving children – daughter Victoria and son Tomas did not, hereafter, hear their father dwell on the family misfortune. In his own book, The Memoirs, there was no mention of the tragedy.

In the end, Quirino’s humanity prevailed. He decided to stop the violence. In the process, he did manage to destroy the enemy – by making them our friends.

Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com.

Approve... from page A1

could hamper the passage of the Minpocor bill like the Bangsamoro Basic Law and how it could affect the implementation of Minpocor.

Both the legislators and the resource persons have expressed strong support for the passage of the Minpocor bill because of its importance in the development of Mindanao. Minpocor, if established, aims to provide sufficient but affordable power supply across Mindanao.

Umali highlighted that the lack of sufficient and reliable power supply has resulted to the underdevelopment in Mindanao and other parts of the country.

He adds that stable power supply serves as a magnet for the people and therefore leads to increased economic activities.

“That is the natural tendency. When you put in power, definitely people will gravitate towards it, and people would want to engage in some business,” said Rep. Umali.

According to him, the government should prioritize power in crafting laws and implementing projects.“Power precedes development,” Rep. Umali said. He opines that this will benefit greatly the Mindanaoans who had long suffered from inadequate power supply and hence, underdevelopment.

With the passage of the Minpocor in the committee level, Rep. Umali states that it needs to go through the committees on appropriation and ways and means before being tackled in the Plenary.

He urged his fellow legislators to hasten the passage of the bill because the upcoming campaign season for the 2016 elections might sidetrack the bill’s enactment into law.

He also co-chairs the Joint Congressional Power Commission and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Biofuels.

(PNA)

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from page A1

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Committee-approved BBL: Is it faithful to the peace pact? Is it more than ARMM? QUEZON City -- By a vote of 50 in favor, 17 against and one abstention on Wednesday afternoon, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) approved its substitute bill, HB 4994, providing for a Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, in what Committee chair Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro described as a “historic vote,” an “affirmative action to fully correct centuries of neglect and injustice.”

But is the substitute bill, which has been forwarded to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Appropriations before Rodriguez delivers his sponsorship speech on Wednesday, May 27, indeed, historic? Is it faithful to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed on March 27, 2014?

Does it give the future Bangsamoro more autonomy than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that it seeks to replace? Is it inclusive enough? Does it address historical injustice and the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro? Is it going to end or perpetuate the “unacceptable status quo?”

It is the third time in the postMarcos dictatorship Congress that an autonomy law for the Moro is being deliberated upon by Congress, the second time it is based on a peace agreement.

RA 9054, intended to amend RA 6734, the Organic Act creating the ARMM, to incorporate the provisions of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), was passed in 2001, with the MNLF then, led by founding chair and ARMM Governor Nur Misuari, repeatedly complaining that the amendatory law rendered the ARMM “less autonomous that it was.”

Initial reactions to the Committeeapproved bill point to provisions that, if not addressed during the plenary deliberations, will make the future Bangsamoro region “less autonomous than the ARMM.” Quantitatively 90%, Qualitatively 50-50 MILF peace panel chair told MindaNews Wednesday that the Committee-approved version is “90% okay but added he is deeply concerned about those in the CAB and FAB (Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro) that were deleted or transferred or superimposed.”

“Very hard to describe,” Iqbal, also chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted the BBL, admitted.

Asked to elaborate on his “90% okay” statement Iqbal replied: “quantitatively, 90% but qualitatively, baka 50% lang.” He said they were still making an accounting of the provisions won and lost.

For government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the Committee-approved version carried three major substantive elements:

“the structure of government, automatic block grant, and the layered voting process where the majority vote in thex six Lanao Norte municipalities and 39 North Cot barangays shall be determined at the level of the LGU (local government unit).”

“Most other articles, especially on fiscal and economic matters were preserved. Promotion of women’s and IP’s welfare were enhanced.

However, there were cutbacks on the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro government over natural resources, albeit not on the wealth-sharing from the exploration, development and utilization of these resources.

In short, far from independence but much more than the ARMM and with sufficient werewithal to exercise meaningful autonomy.”

“Problematic” Lawyer Raissa Jajurie, BTC Commissioner, told MindaNews there are “problematic provisions” in the substitute bill, one of which is Section 2, Article 12 on Economy and Patrimony.

“The Committee used the same problematic language found in RA 9054. If it is problematic, why use it again? What, who defines what is ‘strategic minerals’? And more importantly, this goes against what was painstakingly negotiated,” said Jajurie, who was in the MILF peace panel’s team that negotiated WealthSharing.

“In the peace agreement, it couldn’t be any clearer: the Bangsamoro Government and the Central Government shall jointly exercise the power to grant rights, privileges and concessions over the exploration, development and utilization of fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium in the Bangsamoro.”

Rodriguez’ Chairman’s Working Draft released on May 13 retained the provision but the Chairman’s and Vice Chairperson’s Working Draft, distributed towards noon of May 18 and which, hours later, became the basis for the voting despite objections from Committee members who wanted to be given time to study the new draft, has been amended to read “The Bangsamoro Government shall have the authority, power, and right to the control and supervision over the exploration, utilization, development, and protection of the mines and minerals and other natural resources within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in accordance with the Constitution and the pertinent provisions of this Basic Law except for the strategic minerals such as uranium, petroleum, and other fossil fuels, mineral oils, and all sources of potential energy, provided that the Bangsamoro Government shall be consulted.”

Naguib Sinarimbo, former ARMM Executive Secretary and a member of the MILF peace panel’s legal team said “thiss concept of strategic minerals has been a source of problem in the (peace agreement between the government and Moro National Liberation Front) and in RA

9054 and the subject of extensive discussions in the Tripartite Review of the GPH-MNLF Peace agreement and was never resolved. The phrase is problematic as the list of strategic minerals can go beyond the enumeration and before you know it. almost all resources would now be classified as strategic and therefore now outside the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Government. What is even funny is that the genus ‘all sources of potential energy, besides including the water in Lake Lanao as a potential source of energy, may also include your fart. Yes, even your fart is outside the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro because it is methane gas and a potential source of energy.”

Even Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) noted the change from joint management to mere consultation. “Strategic resources tinanggal. Then audit power is internal auditing lang... Sana may ngipin konti. Sana sa strategic resources may compromise.”

But Hataman said the substitute bill is “better than ARMM.” “Nothing to celebrate” For Muslimin Sema, chair of one of the factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who was Secretary-General during the peace negotiations from 1992 to 1996, “there’s nothing to celebrate.”

“The strength stipulated in the 42 consensus points and co-management of strategic minerals and the 50-50 shairng were even lost.

Appropriate discussion or consultation has to be done if the intention is to go back or even connect the CAB/BBL with the mother agreement or the use of the products of the Tripartite Review (government-MNLF and the OIC or Organization of the Islamic Cooperation).

Sema’s son, Omar, a lawyer, describes the substitute bill as “very way below the ARMM.” “In the stalled Tripartite Review, the GPH and MNLF agreed that the autonomous region shall have 50-50 sharing in the proceeds and to a joint management in Strategic Minerals, the non-inclusion of these provisions not only proves the MNLF’s allegations that GPH (Government of the Philippines) has left them out in the peace process. These provisions are one part of the 42 consensus points which the GPH boastfully alleges to have taken into the proposed BBL. With the non-inclusion of these provisions, the BBL is the same dog with a ‘wang-wang’ collar.”

The younger Sema explained that “the very absence of that provision makes the BAR lower than ARMM. The resources are not only potential sources of energy such as water and fossil fuel, and they can make or unmake our quest for relative independence. Without having any say in their exploration, exploitation and utilization, we will remain dependent on the central government.”

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confiscated, seized and/ or surrendered dangerous drugs, plant sources of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, instruments/ paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment.

For her part, City Mayor Guingona reminds the Gingoognons: “Kinahanglan maghiusa kita og mulihok kontra droga, kontra krimen (We need to unite and act against illegal drugs and crimes)” for she believes that - together with the people, police, army, government, religious sector, civil society and Almighty God - they can overcome anything. (Erika Carmela B. Inovero/PIA10)

Drugs... from page A1

Regional Director Wilkins M Villanueva.

PCSupt D es quit ado challenges stakeholders in shaping a drug-free Mindanao and uphold respective task in fight against drugs.

Meanwhile, Director Villanueva relates salient feature of Republic Act 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 such as Article 2, Section 21 on the custody and disposition of

He also said the specification of the powers of the future Bangsamoro region “does not make it more powerful than the ARMM..it is more apparent than real. In reality, the specification effectively limits the powers of the BAR.” He added that the Bangsamoro Paliament uncer Article XVI “has no power to initiate amendment and revision of the Basic law in contrast to the power to do so under Article XVII of R.A. No. 9054.”

Lawyer Randolph Parcasio, spokersperson of MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari said he has yet to read the bill in its entirety but from his initial reading, “it seems not adequate to address remaining issues in the Tripartite Review on strategic minerals, territory and provisional government.”

“Gains should not be lost” Undersecretary Jose Lorena of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said the gains of the peace process “should not be lost because if the gains are lost, the people will not be satisfied and people will again clamor for genuine autonomy. If we remove the powers already in ARMM, we will go back, we will not move forward.”

ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, wonders why the provision on a human rights commission was weakened in the substitute bill when this is already provided for in RA 9054, and in fact, there is a Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) in the ARMM. Under the substitute bill, the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission shall be supervised by the national Commission on Human Rights.

Alamia, the first chair of the ARMM’s RHRC told MindaNews that the RHRC is “independent from CHR national though part of its charter passed by the Regional Legislative Assembly states that it has institutional partnership with CHR national. But it’s not under CHR.” “Mas independent ang RHRC also because is it not the Regional Governor who appoints its commissioners but the President with graduated number of years as term.

So no commissioner is appointed under the same president or the same regional governor to keep it away from political influence,” Alamia said.

“Very, very sad day” Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat, who raised the most number of questions during the section-by-section deliberations said, “I am not anti-Peace but we need a BBL that is just, fair, acceptable and feasible and most important consistent with the Constitution and the existing laws.”

“We have listened to the voice of the people, those who are for and those who are against. Unfortunately, there are many, many, many provisions in the basic law that really go against our Constitution, that make it very difficult for adjoining areas and also there are many provisions that are very ambiguous,” he added.

“I think I have made more than

150 amendments, principled amendments, logical amendments. There was basis in law and Constitution; I explained each and very amendment… It is really a very, very sad day. I am for peace but I am not for appeasement at the expense of the Republic.”

“A strong and unequivocal No dahil hindi maghahatid ng kapayapaan ang BBL” (because BBL won’t bring peace), Senior Deputy Minority Leader Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna, said.

Colmenares said the BBL won’t bring genuine peace to Mindanao because “it does not address the roots of the conflict.”

“BBL failed to do this BBL failed to address the roots of conflict that is why there will still be war.

Sayang na sayang.”

Colmenares blamed the “yellow version” of the BBL or what he has been referring to as the Malacanang version, which became the basis for voting instead of the consolidated report of the Committee.

“There was a hearing but Malacanang was not listening.

We missed our chance for peace . We missed our chance to peace because Malacanang corrupted it,” he said.

Status quo Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, also of Bayan Muna also voted No because “hindi nito sasagutin ang historial injustice committed agiasnt the Bangsamoro people. Our promised autonomy is hunghang,” He said the control, specifically on resources, still lies with the central government, making it “an empty victory for the Bangsamoro people.”

Zarate said RA 9054, the law governing the ARMM and which the substitute bill intends to repeal, contains a provision on agrarian reform, but there is no similar provision in the substitute bill.

Zarate proposed to insert “agrarian reform” in one of the provisions but his motion was defeated.

“Paano magkaroon ng development sa Bangsamoro area kung ang resources kino-control ng iilan?

Hindi pa rin mai-implement ang totoong pagbabago sa Bangsamoro,” he said.

Rep. Antonio Tinio of the partylist ACT Teachers, also voted No because the bill, particularly its “malabnaw na bersyon ng Malacanang” (diluted Malacanang version) won’t bring peace.

He said the Bangsamoro needs genuine autonomy but BBL is giving it limited autonomy. “Binawasan pa ang poder na binigay sa Bangsamoro sa larangan ng defense and security, public order, et.c. natural resources. binawi pa ng Malacanang version ang control ng Bangsamoro sa kagubatan , fossil fuels, minerals, etc...”

He said the substitute bill “will perpetuate and won’t change the status quo” as he expressed fear the Bangsamoro “will be subject to more exploitation.”

Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap, who was deputized by Dep. Min. Leader Lino Cayetano, said the BBL is “not a solution but will perpetuate the status quo.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

IPA PRESO ANG KAWATAN SA GOBYERNO

WILLIAM “IDOL” GUIALANI Former Barangay Captain of Taglimao, CDO

A8 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

sunday, may 24, 2015 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776