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. 248
Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com
Tuesday
P15.00
March 28, 2017
3 suspected members of ‘Maute terror group’ nabbed in Oro By Cris Diaz Executive Editor
CAGAYAN de Oro City-Three suspected members of a terror group from Lanao Del Sur were collared by police operatives in Cagayan De Oro City Sunday evening, the police
said Monday. Chief Inspector Mardi Hortilloza, the spokesperson of the Cagayan De Oro City Police Office (COCPO), identified the three suspects as Cedic Oroca, Odin Alamada, and Sainoden Solaiman, all of Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.
He said that the three suspects were arrested in a lodging house along the highway here after the police raided the hotel where the three suspects earlier stayed before transferring to the lodging house. In an interview with PNA, Hortilloza said that
the suspects might have check-in the hotel last Saturday and were supposed to check out Sunday noon. “The hotel management called the suspects late Sunday afternoon to inquire if [they] would extend their stay,” Hortilloza said. He said that the police
went to the hotel after the tenants did not answer the hotel call and found the illegal “Shabu” drug, laptop, power banks, electrical wirings and a hand grenade inside the room. Hortilloza said that the charges against the suspects with alleged illegal posses-
sion of firearms, explosives and illegal drug could be filed with the city prosecutor Monday. One of the suspects identified as Cedic Oroca denied owning the illegal drugs and the hand grenade, saying the police went inside
Agsur guv warns: No sacred cows in drug war By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN Contributing Editor
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur-While he believes that drug addicts should be given a chance to reform, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza would not allow village officials even those close to him
to dip his hands when they are caught in the drug raid. “Since you were caught, whatever happens, do not drag me because that is your own doing, so face your problem,” Plaza warned Sunday after a village chief and a councilman was arrested in the village of Patin-ay where the
provincial capitol and provincial police office are located. The governor issued this statement in the last part of his speech as he laid down his stand on federalism and outlined his pet drug reform program in Agusan del Sur at the gathering during the induction of new members of
administration party PDP Laban in Butuan City on Sunday graced by Interior Secretary Mike Sueno. On Sunday morning, operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency nabbed Patin-ay village chief Romeo Lagat Jr. and councilman Danilo Tumale after they recovered some eight grams
of shabu in the early Sunday morning raid on the suspects homes. Plaza was apparently irked after Lagat tried to call him when he was arrested apparently to seek his intercession to get them out of the trouble. Senior Superintendent
Second frontpage
CAGAYAN de Oro City-The National Democratic Front in Northern Mindanao has asked the military on Monday to implement a 10-day suspension of military and police operations in at least 74 villages in Bukidnon starting March 27 so it can safely release a policeman who was captured by the Communist guerrillas. Police Officer 2 Anthony Natividad, who is assigned at the Kalilangan municipal police in Bukidnon, was on his way to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Alagar on board
n MMM mulls Liceo
partnership on Hospital Administration PhD course/p.2
n Exude
in summer confidence with Dermcare/p.6
See drug, page 7
NDF says AFP, PNP must suspend ops for captured cop’s release By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent
Young contingents to Bukidnon province’s Kaamulan Festival 2017 portray the role of monkeys during during the streetdance competition, Saturday (March 25), at the main streets of Malaybalay City. Photo by Gerry Lee Gorit for Mindanao Daily
See NABBED, page 7
his motorcycle to undergo medical examination when taken by the members of the New People’s Army in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag town. Cesar Renerio, spokesperson of the NDF-Northcentral Mindanao Region, in a statement said they are willing to release Natividad on condition that the army and police will order its forces to stand down in some villages in the towns of Talakag, Lantapan, Baungon, Pangantucan, and Kalilangan, and the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia. For its part, Renerio said the NDF-NCMR through the NPA will declare its See release, page 7
Kakampi Mo Ang Batas n Dinner
will not stop political wrangling/p.4
MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE
Tuesday
March 28, 2017
2
MMM eyes partnership with Liceo on hospital admin course By Mike Baños Editor at large
AN international faith-based and interfaith international humanitarian organization has indicated its willingness to partner with a Cagayan de Oro-based university to professionalize hospital administration in the Philippines. In a letter to J.R. Borja General Hospital Executive Officer Dr. Ramon Nery, Dr. Juan M. Montero, II,MD,FACS , founder/president and chairman of the board of Montero Medical Missions (MMM) expressed his desire to pursue the planned establishment of a Ph.D. Hospital Administration course at the Liceo de
Cagayan University. “Kindly send me asap that letter of request, and to attach your impressive resume,” said Dr. Montero. “Realization of this dream course for the Philippines I thought of 15 years ago will be significant in many aspects, on top of being the first one for the country.” Dr. Teresita T. Tumapon, the former Vice President for Internationalization and currently Professorial lecturer Liceo de Cagayan University Graduate School, related to Dr. Montero how Liceo begins its MD freshman proper by June, 2017. “It took two years to receive the go-signal of the CHED, to start in June,” See hospital, page 7
summer SALE
Dr Juanny Montero chats with Dr. Ramon Nery at the JR Borja General Hospital during the recent MMM EyeCare 20-20 Optometric Mission. Photo courtesy of Dr. Vic Cinco
UP TO 50% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED ITEMS
R.E.R. Highway, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax. No. (088) 856-5763, Cel. No. 09268376542
WHOLESALE & RETAIL TENZEN CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED GRANITE TILE IMPORTED GRANITE SLAB EUROLUX LIGHTING OSRAM LIGHTING FIREFLY LIGHTING AKARI LIGHTING FOCUS LIGHTING TILE TRIM WASH BASIN PVC MOULDING
ROYALTERN WATERCLOSET HUIDA WATERCLOSET SUNLOT WATERCLOSET SOHO WATERCLOSET ROYU ELECTRICAL DEVICES ANAM ELECTRICAL DEVICES GLASS BLOCK PINLIGHT/CHANDELIER BATHROOM ACCESSORIES CONCRETE PAVERS SHOWER PANEL ABC ZEMCOAT
ROYALTERN BATH TUB AEROGAZ WATERHEATER ARISTON WATERHEATER FIRSTANK STAINLESS TANK RONDINA KITCHEN FAUCET RONDINA LAVATORY FAUCET STAINLESS KITCHEN SINK PRETTYDOOR PVC DOOR ABC TILE ADHESIVE ABC TILE GROUT PVC/BRASS STAIRNOSSING DOOR KNOB
Dr. Chris Buniel conducts refraction test on a patient. Photo courtesy of Dr. Vic Cinco
CONGRATULATIONS
To the New Fraternal Order of Eagles NMR-1 ASSEMBLYMAN Fellowship with Montero Medical Mission Founder and President Dr. Juanny Montero andOAP President Dr. Chris Buniel after the EyeCare 20-20 Optometric Mission. Photo courtesy of Dr. Vic Cinco
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
3
4
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Opinion
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone
Kakampi Mo Ang Batas 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 melanie rivera SAIRA E. GUMISING Advertising
felix santillan ZHELONIE SUDARIA Layout Artist
WEMALYN GARCIA Marketing
Rolando sudaria Production
manila marketing office 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City TEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 lani vallido Marketing and Sales Manager
MIJIE JUAT MAY IGLECIAS Account Executives
DAVAO booking OFFICE Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., CM Recto Ave., Davao City Office in Charge : SARA CASTOR, 0926-398-8293 Circulation : JOHN PAUL AQUINO, 0907-331-5640 ILIGAN OFFICE G/F IBJT North Terminal, Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City Office in Charge: SONNY SUDARIA, 0916-349-7422
EDITORIAL ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief
ruel pelone Managing Editor
CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor
CHENG ORDOÑEZ (on leave) Associate Editor
MARK FRANCISCO Lifestyle Editor
GILBERT Y. CHAO Motoring Editor
gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist
Dinner will not stop political wrangling
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…” (1 John 1:8, the Holy Bible). -oooDINNER BETWEEN RODY & LENI WILL NOT STOP POLITICAL WRANGLING: I am sorry but I doubt if political unity---or, at the very least, a cessation of political hostilities like the filing and counterfiling of impeachment and other charges---could be achieved by a dinner between President Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo. Yes, Duterte may feel that breaking bread---and sharing food and wine---in private with Robredo and her children, and Duterte’s own children as well, could lead to patching up of their differences, but the reality of politics is such that, at certain levels of political power, it is no longer just the family that controls a politician’s behavior and directions. What truly controls a politician’s thoughts, speech, and actions---and even appearances---are those that are dictated to him by the forces and benefactors that brought him or her to sensitive and powerful
RODRIGO B. SEVILLA Regional Editor-Davao
JOE FELICILDA 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
pected to just turn her back to these people and groups, and all of a sudden become chummy-chummy with the man who thwarted the LP’s burning ambition to remain in power even in the aftermath of the failed presidency of one of its beloved leaders. That would not just be the height of ingratitude. It would be considered by her patrons as treachery of the highest order. -oooCOST OF DINNER BETTER TO BE USED IN ANTI-RABIES DRIVE: So then, the order of the day for President Duterte is to simply proceed with his thrusts and directions, particularly on his fierce campaign to rid the Philippines of the scourge of illegal drugs---something that proliferated and clearly abetted by Leni’s colleagues during the Noynoy Aquino presidency. The President should continue his stance of ignoring, or of not concerning himself with the negative and often distorted criticisms from his political foes, Leni included. They are, after all, the rantings of persons and groups who are clearly smarting from having been defeated by a political nobody, and who
Atty. Batas Mauricio
are trying to distract that nobody from running after them for their undeniable corruption and support for illegal drugs while they were the ones in power. I am sure nothing is ever going to come out of any dinner or, pardon me for saying this, of any other private meeting between the President and the Vice President. It would be better if the cost of hosting that dinner---or any other private meeting---could be channeled to more worthwhile projects, like capturing stray dogs and cats, to prevent the spread of rabies. -oooWATCH “ANG TANGING DAAN”, “KAKAMPI MO ANG BATAS”, AT FB LIVE: Please watch “Ang Tanging Daan”, a roundthe-clock Bible Exposition and prayer session at www. facebook.com/angtangingdaan, and to “Kakampi Mo Ang Batas”, a legal counseling and news commentary program at www.facebook. com/kakampimoangbatas. Reactions: 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.
Think A Minute
Making up for the past
PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao THINK a minute. Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING Some time ago I read Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor AL JACINTO Regional Editor-WestMin
positions. And this would be undeniably true with Robredo, as with Duterte. -oooLENI’S PATCHING U P W I T H DU T E RT E WOULD BE CONSIDERED TREACHERY BY HER PATRONS: It must not be forgotten that Leni would still be a struggling lawmaker now if the Liberal Party did not push her to become its vice presidential candidate in 2016. If we are to believe Leni’s claims then that she did not have the money and the political machinery needed to win the vice presidency at that time, it would not be unfair to assume that she was prevailed upon to run because the LP assured her of that money and machinery. Now, having won (even if this is still being contested before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, PET) despite her lack of money, machinery, popularity and despite her being a political novice, Leni surely would feel heavily indebted, and rightly so, to the Liberal Party and its chieftains, and to all others, including apparent supporters from foreign soils, who helped her in more ways than one. At this point in her career, Leni cannot be ex-
in the newspaper about a father who had killed his 10-year-old son because his school report was not good enough. The father was so angry that he reached for the nearest thing, a steel rod, and hit his son on the back. His 10-year-old little boy was killed instantly. Can you imagine the pain and regret that father lives with! We all have regrets, and the feeling that we want to make up for the wrong we’ve done. Yet we know that in most situations we can’t. Sometimes we can repair
the damage. We can pay a debt that’s long overdue. We can return the money we cheated or stole from somebody. But most times it’s simply impossible to make up for what we’ve done wrong. Like beating and cursing your child in a moment of anger. No candy or toy can make up for how we hurt even destroyed their trust in us. Think of the man addicted to alcohol, drugs, or kava, or has adulterous affairs, putting his wife and children through years of pain, lies, and violence. Yet even if he finally does stop drinking or having affairs, how can he ever
erase or make up for all the hurt and damage he caused? How does the mother who had an abortion forgive herself and get free from her guilt? So we can’t always repair the damage we’ve caused, no matter how much we try, not even through religion! That’s why Jesus Christ, Who was not guilty of any wrong, gave His own innocent life to free you and me from all our wrongs and guilt. The only way we can make up for all the wrong we’ve done is by asking Jesus for His free gift of forgiveness and new life which He paid for with His own life.
Jhan Tiafau Hurst
It’s true that you cannot change your past, but Jesus can start changing your life now. If you ask Him to take control of your heart and character every day, He will give you a new life by helping you change with His love and power. Even with all your past failures and wrongs, your Maker will still give you another chance. So why not ask Him today? Just Think a Minute.
Pastoral Statement
CBCP on death penalty
“God proved his love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8) On this third Sunday of Lent, the Gospel of John tells us how the Samaritan woman—having found in Jesus the “living water” she had longed for—left her jar of water by the well (John 4:28). Like this woman, the
stubborn Israelites in the first reading, who are dying of thirst in the desert, have been led to a rock (Exod 17:6). Perhaps we can think of this rock as Christ himself, stricken and afflicted on the cross but gushing forth with life-giving water, making it possible for God’s people to cross over the barren desert of ha-
tred, sin and death into the promised land of fullness of life. Dear sisters and brothers in Christ—let us not allow our wells to be poisoned by bitter water; let us uphold the sanctity of life and make a stand against death penalty. We are not deaf to the cries of the victims of heinous crimes. The victims
and their victimizers are both our brothers and sisters. The victim and the opressor are both children of God. To the guilty we offer a challenge to repent and repair the harm of their sins. To the grieving victims, we offer our love, our compassion, our hope. On the day the death See DEATH, page 7
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
5
6
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
News In Focus
Exude in summer confidence with Dermcare It’s officially summer and people are excited to hit the beach and enjoy the sun, sea and sand. Before you do so, best to ask yourself if you’re ready with a look that goes with it. Dermcare gives you a few tips to standout this summer. • Wear comfortable clothes – Your sleeved tops and heavy jeans will have to go on a long hiatus this season as light wear is a must during humid days. • Load up on Sun protection as over exposure under the sun will cost damaged skin. • Sport a vibrant hairstyle and have a facial – summer activities often involves lots of photos and you would definitely want to look great on each one of them. • Wax - Sleeveless tops will be in demand and naturally, you wouldn’t want to be caught with unsightly stubble. • Go for Mani and Pedi – Display those pretty tootsies and be flip flops ready this summer. Dermcare will be there to pamper you in all your needs from head to foot to help you #BeSummerReady, serving you with attention that only Dermcare can give. #WeDoCare Visit your nearest Dermcare branch today. For more information, follow them on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/i.like.dermcare.
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone
South Cotabato starts amendment of revenue code
GENERAL Santos City--In a bid to increase its revenues, the provincial government of South Cotabato has started the revision or amendment of the province’s six year-old revenue code. Vice Gov. Vicente de Jesus said Monday they have launched a series of public consultations to facilitate the updating of the provincial revenue ordinance, which was last revised in 2011. He said the revision will include provincial impositions on transfer of real property ownership; printing and publication tax; franchise tax; professional tax; amusement tax; annual fixed tax on delivery trucks or vans; and, tax on sand, gravel and other quarry
materials. De Jesus said they have opened the submission of proposals and possible objections regarding the measure from concerned sectors to assist the provincial board’s deliberations later on. He said they have set the deadline for the submission of related documents on Wednesday, March 29. The vice governor assured that the board will follow all required or necessary processes for the passage of the new revenue code. He said the proposed ordinance will undergo proper scrutiny and deliberations before they will be approved for second See CODE, page 7
Maguindanao women’s groups receive loom weaving machines By Ferdinandh Cabrera of MindaNews
BULUAN, Maguindanao-Two women’s groups in Maguindanao have received the promised wooden loom weaving machines after completing livelihood training provided by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). At the culmination of women’s month activities Wednesday night, Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and Bai Jennah Mangudadatu-Lumawan, president of the provincial women’s group, led the ceremonial turnover of the P15,000 weaving machine and an additional P10,000 startup
fund to women’s groups from the municipalities of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Paglat, whose members were the first graduates of the loom weaving course. Maguindanao had penetrated the global fashion and clothing market of its unique and colorful “Inaul” apparels after the now famous cloth was used by Miss Universe candidates in a fund raising fashion show last January. Wilma Anoc Pangindigan, a mother and member the Umma Hat women’s group from Datu Saudi Ampatuan, said her group is excited to install the first wooden loom weaving machine in the town’s coopera-
tive building. “We are overwhelmed and excited to produce our own ‘obra maestra’,” she said, adding that Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Anida Dimaukom was very elated with the project that will bolster capabilities of women. “Opportunities now have opened doors for us. The tourism department is helping us bring our crafts in the international market and we are proud to say our Maguindanaon women are behind these crafts,” Mangudadatu said in his speech. Meanwhile, Lumawan said Moro women are now Weaving Machine. Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu poses with Maguindanao women with their wooden loom weaving machine during culmination of empowered. See loom, page 7
women’s month activities in Buluan, Maguindanao Wednesday (22 March 2017). The women have received training from TESDA. MindaNews photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera
OROFIESTA TRADING SERVICES, INC. TEL. #S: 0998-991-3742 - Smart / 0917-720-3742 - Globe
PURCHASING OFFICER
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
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Nabbed... from page 1
their room when he was about to check out. Oroca told investigators that he came to Cagayan De Oro City to buy a second hand vehicle that he could use as a public utility vehicle in addition to his other vehicle in Marawi City. “I already bought the second hand Toyota FX car for only PHP 130,000. We would be fixing some minor defects like the car’s accelerator cable, signal lights, and its horn – the reason we bought some cable, relays and electrical wirings,” Oroca said. Sainoden Solaiman, one of the three suspects told the police that he is a mechanic and he was assigned to fix the car’s defects while Odin Magumpara claimed that he is a member of CAFGU, a paramilitary unit of the Philippine Army in Marawi City. Insp . Maricris Mulat, the station commander of the Divisoria police here whose men were among the responding operatives, said that the police also recovered a . 45 caliber pistol in one of the cars when the suspects were arrested in a lodging house along Kauswagan Highway. She said that the local police were alerted of the presence of the suspects last Saturday by an informant that six alleged members of the Maute Group, a known terror group in Lanao Del Sur, were on their way to Cagayan De Oro City. “We are worried that if the arrested suspects were among the six unidentified persons, the other three suspects could be in Cagayan De Oro City now. The local police force is now on high alert,” Mulat said. She said that the military and the police were now conducting a joint investigation of the suspects’ background and profile in coordination with other intelligence agencies in Northern Mindanao. The military is conducting a probe if Alamada is really a member of the CAFGU while the police is working on profiling of the other suspects and their suspicious transactions here, Mulat said.
Death... from page 4
penalty law was repealed by the Philippine Congress on June 24, 2006, the lights were turned on in the colosseum in Rome. History tells us how many people–among them, countless Christian martyrs–were publicly executed in that infamous arena. Perhaps to erase the darkness of inhumanity that the said colosseum has been associated with, the citizens of Rome have since made it a point to have it illuminated, each time another country decides to repeal its capital punishment law. Each illumination has been made to symbolize another advancement in
human civilization. Are we to reverse that advancement by restoring death penalty again in the Philippines? It was Ash Wednesday when members of the lower house, on the second reading of the death penalty bill, outvoted by voice-voting the nays with their ayes. Ironically, they were captured on television shouting in favor of death with their foreheads marked with crosses made of ashes. Could they have forgotten what that cross meant? Could they have missed out the contradiction between their vote and the crosses on their foreheads, which were supposed to serve as a loud statement of faith in the God who, for love of us, chose to give up his life for our salvation, rather than see us perish (John 3:16)? No doubt, death penalty has been in existence in many countries all over the world. It is often justified by a principle of justice based on retribution–“an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (Matthew 5:3), which Jesus challenged and replaced with the higher principle of non-retaliation of evil for evil, with justice founded on mercy (Luke 6:36). We know from history how capital punishment has so often been used by repressive governments as a way of stifling dissent, or of eliminating those whom they regarded as threats to their hold on political power. Think, for instance why Herod Antipas had John the Baptist beheaded, or why Pilate had Jesus crucified. Think of the thousands of Christian martyrs who were put to death for sheer hatred for the faith. To the people who use the Bible to defend death penalty, need we point out how many other crimes against humanity have been justified, using the same Bible? We humbly enjoin them to interpret the Scriptures properly, to read them as a progressive revelation of God’s will to humankind, with its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, God’s definitive Word to the world. He came “not to abolish the law but to bring it to fulfillment” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus was never an advocate of any form of “legal killing”. He defended the adulterous woman against those who demanded her blood and challenged those who were without sin among them to be the first to cast a stone on her (John 8:7). Even with the best of intentions, capital punishment has never been proven effective as a deterrent to crime. Obviously it is easier to eliminate criminals than to get rid of the root causes of criminality in society. Capital punishment and a flawed legal system are always a lethal mix. And since in any human society there is never a guarantee of a flawless legal system, there is always the great likelihood that those without capital will get the punishment more quickly because it is
Tuesday, March 28, 2017 they who cannot afford a good lawyer and a guarantee of due process. As a law, death penalty directly contradicts the principle of inalienability of the basic human right to life, which is enshrined in most constitutions of countries that signed the universal declaration of human rights. Let us pray fervently for the legislators of our country as they prepare to vote on death penalty in the Philippine Senate. Let us offer all our Masses for them, asking our Crucified Lord who offered his whole life, body and blood, for the salvation of sinners, to touch their consciences and lead them to abolish capital punishment once and for all. From the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, 19 March 2017 + SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D. Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
Mining... from page 1
own temporary cessation of hostilities once law enforcers will agree to the condition. The group has assured that Natividad is in good condition as it finds no reason to detain him further. “After a thorough investigation and background check on his personal life and as a police officer, we found out that he (Natividad) committed no crime against the people and we see no reason to keep him,” Renerio said in the statement. The Communist rebels have also asked the local third-party facilitators, the local crisis committee of Bukidnon, as well as the Phil. Army officials and PNP regional and provincial leaderships to cooperate to ensure that the police officer can safely go back home to his family. The military, for its part, will wait for instructions from Pres. Rodrigo Duterte through the Department of National Defense before it could act on the NDF’s request, said Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division. Martinez said if there are moves from the third-party facilitators and the local crisis committee to arrange for Natividad’s release, then the Armed Forces of the Philippines will welcome it. Meanwhile, Martinez said rescue operations for Natividad conducted by government troopers is ongoing as of Monday, March 27, the supposed start of the 10-day suspension of military and police operations according to the NDF-NCMR.
Drug... from page 1
Joseph Plaza, provincial police director, supported the governor’s stand saying local officials still hooked
on their vices on drugs were already cautioned to stop and seek rehab treatment and fully support the drug reform program of the provincial government. “These people are no longer minors, in fact, as elected leaders they are obligated to be good examples. Many are aware how we police force including PDEA in the province ranked on records on our anti-drug operations,” Sr. Supt. Plaza said. The governor took the opportunity to showcase before Sueno, the provincial government’s serious drug reform initiatives through his pet program called Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment project which established the Outpatient Drop-In Center (ODIC) at the provincial capitol and the Residential Treatment Rehabilitation Center (RTRC) inside the military camp of 401stArmy Brigade in the village of New Leyte in Prosperidad town. The ODIC is being managed by Mark Larry Chua, an international drug addiction therapist, while the RTRC is being run and operated by the Agusan del Sur government. The SURE program paved the way for the provincial government to become one of the two recipients in Mindanao of a proposed P700 million drug rehabilitation center funded by the Chinese government. In February, a delegation of Chinese engineers visited the possible site of a P700-million two-hectare drug rehabilitation facility also inside the Army camp equip with a halfway house and will house clinics for local residents undergoing drug rehab treatment. Plaza said the new facility would complement the existing ODIC and RTRC facilities. He planned to cater only 150 patients preferably local residents for them to have ample time to mend their ways and later become counselors and life coaches who will be tapped to serve in the more wide-ranging community-based drug reform program.
Hospital... from page 2
said Dr. Tumapon. “St. Luke has given their MD a flavor ---- molecular medicine. Ateneo de Manila which began in 2007 and where they have had 3 batches, is a linear 9-year program consisting of the four year premed (any science major, psychology will do) and a 5-year medicine proper. During the second and third year, MBA in public health is infused. Thus they graduate with MDMBA (in Public Health). “ Dr. Tumapon expressed her willingness to lend her willing ear, hand and mind to help realize the project. “In the Filipino setting, there are gatekeepers. Your enthusiasm will help open the gates,” she noted. Earlier last March 15-
16, 2017, MMM’s Eyesight 20/20 Optometric mission team headed by Dr. Chris Buniel, and the Eyesight Board of Cagayan de Oro headed by Carlo Romero, MD and Dr. Vic Cinco and the Rotary Club was hosted by the J.R. Borja General Hospital. “As a surprise humanitarian gesture, MMM conducted a two-day optometric mission at the city hospital, together with local optometrists/ophthalmologist and Rotarians. Our MMM flagship Eyesight 20/20 project chaired by Dr. Chris Buniel, President of Optometric Association of the Philippines, readily arranged for the 300 folks who availed of the newly purchased and framed eyeglasses. They were veterans, school children, indigents including the indigenous Badjao tribe,” noted Dr. Montero. “The 300 new reading eyeglasses we afforded the most deserving veterans, children and indigents including the Badjao tribe was quite exhilarating as shown on their grateful smiles,” said Dr. Montero. “Those that needed cataract surgery were immediately referred to Dr. Romero’s care. Yes, we are most grateful to all the kind-hearted volunteers.” Last March 17, 2017, also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding among three entities: MMM, CdeO City Hospital, CdeO Eyesight Board by Mayor Moreno and Dr. Montero. “On my return to Metro Manila, I met with Rotarians to discuss the launching of a future MMM Diabetes Care project in the Philippines, and with colleague surgeon friend, MMM Advisor Dr. Ike Ona, former Secretary of Health and founder of the National Kidney Transplant Institute.” With the latter initiative, Dr. Montero is eyeing a potential Kidney Dialysis MMM 6th sustainable project. Montero Medical Missions was created to provide medical missions and create sustainable healthcare projects for physicians and allied health professionals with international roots; to share blessings and healthcare with their fellow countrymen Montero Medical Missions (MMM) is a nonprofit, 501[c][3] tax-exempt status, through which belief in God is expressed in the heart of the actions and reflected in the deeds of its members. “We are dedicated to the promotion of world friendship through the universal language of the healing arts. MMM is committed to recruiting expatriate physicians and allied health professionals in the United States to get involved in medical missions, create sustainable projects and share medical knowledge in their respective countries of origin,” MMM declared in its official website. Dr. Montero II, now a
7
US resident from the Philippines, has been involved in the creation of sustainable eyesight, prosthesis and dental care projects through partnerships with Physicians for Peace, Rotarians and Lions organizations. MMM Health Fair For Veterans is its quarterly in-country project, helping veterans meet their healthcare needs.
Loom... from page 6
“Our women are now agents for peace and vowed to work against poverty, lack of education, human trafficking, even taking the extra mile to prevent extremism,” she said. Among the highlights of the two-day provincial women’s month culminating program were “Muntya Nu Maguindanao” (a beauty and brain pageant for mothers), videoke challenge, Palarong Pinoy, Zumba dance and educational video presentation on safety measures against illegal recruitment rackets. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)
Code... from page 6
and third readings. “As required by law, the new ordinance will be published first before the proposed new rates will be imposed,” De Jesus explained. Alvim Batol, acting provincial treasurer, said the updating and revision of the code is necessary since its current tax impositions and related charges are already considered outdated. He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Finance’s Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) had reminded the local government of the need to update the provincial revenue ordinance. “They want local government units to be self-reliant so they keep on reminding us to update our revenue code every five years,” he said. The local government had created a technical working group to spearhead studies and the crafting of the proposed new revenue code. The official said the updating of the code will help the provincial government cope with the revenue targets set by the BLGF that increases annually. He added that it will help the province draw additional resources to fund the local government’s operations, and implementation of its priority programs and projects.(PNA) Mindanao Daily TARPS - STICKERS - NEWS
tarpaulin sticker billboards backlitfilm panaflex photopaper 881-0100
0935-1613398 mdntarps@gmail.com
8
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com