Mindanao Daily Northmin (September 19, 2013)

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Diarrhea should not 2 sections today delay pork 24 pages cases, says Miriam News In Focus See A3

Claveria AggieAggie NewsNews town is 2013 corn quality awardee

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Sulu-bound vessels back to normal operations

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Oro treasurer to Emano: where’s the P800 million?

Volume II, No. 089

web portal: www.businessweekmindanao.com

September 19, 2013

PrimeNews

By Allan M. Mediante Editor in chief

CAGAYAN de Oro City--The exact amount of the city government’s money supposedly left by the administration of former Mayor Vicente Emano to the new administration could not be ascertained.

Dozen of banks open, CEB to resume flight

ZAMBOANGA City––The Zamboanga City Bankers and Financiers Association (ZCBFA) announced Wednesday that 18 banks have opened to cater to the needs of the depositors amid the standoff.

ZCBFA President Alma Paculanan said the banks that opened are all located away from the so-called affected areas of the gunfight between the government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in

SEE FULL STORY/p.2

See flight/p.11

Bombs in soda cans LIZARDS.

Rodolfo Dael feeds sail fin lizards with camote tops and bananas outside his house at barangay Solana in Jasaan town in Misamis Oriental. The area is located near a riverbank, the natural habitat of some 50 lizards. Mindanao Daily News photo by Gerry L. Gorit

Misor to develop Jasaan falls, lizard farm

By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

THE provincial government of Misamis Oriental is planning to develop two destination sites in Jasaan town in effort to boost the town’s tourism industry.

The first is the Sagpulon Falls at barangay San Isidro, located seven kilometers from the national highway.

The waterfall is about 199 feet high and the pool is ideal for swimming. However, facilities for tourists need to be constructed and the access road has to be improved.

According to local guide Dondon Rapana the falls is surrounded by a forest and there are monkeys around.

Rapana said the original name of the falls is Tagunino

because animals that strayed there never returned and were lost forever.

Another local guide, Lowel Absin, said it was believed that a crocodile was responsible for the lost animals.

But Absin said there has been no reported sighting of a crocodile.

Absin said it was former governor Vicente Emano

who first developed the area for visitors but the place was neglected in later years.

He added that the place has been used by soldiers as a training area for rappelling.

The second tourism potential in Jasaan is a colony of sail fin lizards at the home of Rodolfo Dael in barangay Solana.

THE investigation of Monday night’s twin bombings inside two mall cinemas in Davao City indicate that the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were placed inside soda cans, the SolarNews.Ph, the news website of See soda/p.11

See farm/p.11

Rural Bank, 2 other branches in Davao placed under PDIC

By AUREL LARABASTER Dujali on Monday were Contributor placed under the Philippine Deposit Insurance CorpoSTO. Tomas, Davao del ration (PDIC) by virtue of Norte—The Rural Bank Monetary Board Resolution of Sto. Tomas, Inc. and its 1469 dated September 13, other two branches located 2013 issued by the See bank/p.11 in Asuncion and Braulio

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

EDITOR: RUEL PELONE, ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

METRO CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY l MISAMIS ORIENTAL

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300 men undergo random HIV tests

CAGAYAN de Oro City–– About 300 men having sex with men (MSM) underwent a random Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) test here, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Wednesday.

The respondents came from various areas in Cagayan de Oro City as part of the DOH’s month-long random Integrated HIV Behavioural and Serologic Surveillance System (IHBSS), Dr. David Mendoza, head of the DOH’s Regional Epidemiology, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit (Resdru) in Northern Mindanao, said.

He said that MSM volunteers could now get the individual result of the HIV/ AIDS test at the DOH regional office in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City by presenting the confidential code assigned to each of them.

Mendoza said that the results of the respondent’s blood sampling for Syphilis and HIV/AIDS tests were taken after the volunteers were interviewed last June to determine if they were safe from the HIV/AIDS disease.

He said that the respondents whose tests turn out

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positive must participate with the program in order for them to undergo early intervention and treatment.

Mendoza assured there will be strict confidentiality of the results, in fact during the survey they were only given an identification number for them to claim their result.

He stressed out that respondents will be provided with strict confidentiality, in which all who have undergone the blood tests were not even asked their names; they were only given a privilege card or respondent code.

Mendoza said the code will be their access to the results of the tests forwarded from the head DOH office.

Mendoza did not divulge the results as they are covered under the Republic Act 8504 or AIDS prevention and control act of 1998 under confidentiality section.

Renante Pacheco Namocatcat, Chairman of Tingog CdeO, said that the DOH chose the MSM subject as they are the most vulnerable sector when it come to HIV and other STI’s, and they have to do actions to raise HIV awareness and prevention.

Namocatcat said that the on-going IHBSS strategy determines the extent of the epidemic and the virus medium of dispersal in the city; it also caters to HIV prevention, planning and policy evaluation considering that this city is considered as one of the hotspot areas of having more HIV/ AIDS cases and among the most carriers are the MSM. philippine news agency

Turnover of Electric Patrol Motorcycle in FS Catanico

Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez turns over one electric patrol motorcycle to FS Catanico Barangay Chair Beinvenido Pimentel that will be used for implementing peace and order and in responding to emergency calls in the barangay.

The electric motorcycle, which is gasoline free, cost P35 thousand pesos taken from the congressman’s PDAF. Witnessing the ceremonial turnover are City Councilors Enrico Salcedo of the second district; Zaldy Ocon, Candy Darimbang and Roger Abaday of the first district. LESLIE

Oro treasurer to Emano: where’s the P800 million?

CAGAYAN de Oro City-The exact amount of the city government’s money supposedly left by the administration of former Mayor Vicente Emano to the new administration could not be ascertained.

This developed as the incumbent City Treasurer Glenn Bañez belied reports that he received money from Emano’s outgoing treasurerdesignate Marilyn Legaspi.

A press statement from the City Information Office sent to this paper yesterday states in part: “Mr. GLENN BAÑEZ, City Treasurer of Cagayan de Oro, wishes to clarify that contrary to news reports, he DID NOT RECEIVE any amount of money from the former

City Treasurer-designate, Marilyn Legaspi.”

The amount of P861,794,040.52 claimed earlier by the Emano administration as allegedly deposited in various banks in Current and Savings Accounts as of June 30, 2013 “could not be easily ascertained,” according to COA findings. COA questioned the absence of Bank Reconciliation Statement Reports and adequate subsidiary records.

Earlier, COA issued Audit Memorandum Observation No. 2013-0018 on August 14, 2013 which noted the following deficiencies: “the accuracy and correctness of Cash-in-Bank, Local Currency, Current and Savings Accounts totaling P861,794,040.52 as of June

30, 2013 could not be easily ascertained in the absence of Bank Reconciliation Statement Reports and/or adequate subsidiary record in violation of COA Circular No.96-011 dated October 2, 1996.”

The present city treasurer said he wants to clarify that contrary to news reports, he did not receive any amount of the City’s money from the former City Treasurer-designate, Marilyn Legaspi.

On August 19, 2013, fifty days after the Moreno Administration took over, Mrs. Legaspi turned over to Mr. Bañez only certain Cash Books supposedly representing the City’s cash balances as of the cutoff date.

The turnover of the documents was made in the

presence of representatives from the Commission on Audit, the Bureau of Local Government Finance, and the City’s Cash Division.

Bañez explicitly clarified that the documents he received from Mrs Legaspi did not include bank books but only treasury records.

After the turned over Bañez, however, expressed reservations on the accuracy and certainty of the Summary of Fund Cash Balance after noting that the City’s Accounting Department and the City Treasurer’s Office records do not match or cannot be reconciled with the records of the various depository banks.

Bañez said that the stated amounts are subject to reconciliation with accounting records.

CAGAYAN de Oro City– –A city councillor here described the City Treasurer’s move to demand payment of over P 2.7 million unpaid realty taxes against an opposition councillor as “tax persecution.”

City Councilor Ramon Tabor said that the city treasurer-designate Glenn Banez has sent a demand letter to the mother of incumbent city councillor President Elipe to pay the back taxes on real property tax.

“The fact the demand letter was sent at a time when Elipe and City Mayor Oscar Moreno were at odds over issues on how the city government was spending taxpayers’ funds, the action taken by the city treasurer’s

office become suspicious, Tabor said.

He said that the city’s recent tax campaign smells politics. “Isn’t it amazing that the city’s tax campaign is focused only on the Elipe family?” Tabor asked.

Elipe admitted that his mother Edna has protested the amount asked by the city treasurer because the valuation of the tax was exorbitant as to the actual value of the real property.

“My mother would pay provided the valuation would be fair,” Elipe said.

Tabor said that the city treasurer announced that the city is embarking on a tax campaign requiring taxpayers to pay overdue taxes.

“We support the city government’s move to raise funds but the campaign should not be misconstrued as an act of “political persecution,” Tabor added.

“City residents would simply think that Moreno was looking for an excuse to get even with Elipe,” Tabor added.

Tabor reminisced the case of the Elipes’ with the Martial Law days where the regime simply persecutes political oppositions from all corners especially running after businessmen through various tax cases.

Although Tabor did not categorically blame Moreno as behind Elipe’s tax persecution, he said that actions made by the city’s depart-

ment heads had the go signal from the City Mayor.

“The city treasurer would not act on this issue alone.

That is a given reality,” said Tabor.

According to Tabor, Elipe was just doing legitimate forms of questioning particularly on the funds used by the mayor.

“He (Elipe) was the chairman of the council’s committee on finance. He is just doing his mandate,” said Tabor.

Granting that Elipe’s inquiry into the sources of funds for some dubious projects implemented by the Moreno’s administration, the procedure was all part of Elipe’s job, Tabor said.

CD with PNA

By Allan M. Mediante Editor in chief

Political persecution vs. the Elipes’ feared

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News In Focus

Ompong, others should be jailed: Agusan NGOs

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Regional Editor-Caraga

S

AN Francisco, Agusan del Sur-Civil society organizations in this province welcomed the formal filing of malversation charges against former Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza that stemmed from the P10 billion pork barrel scam saying that those involved should be put behind bars.

Dr. Rex Linao, chairman of Consortium of Civil Society Organizations in Agusan del Sur (CCSO ADS), said in a statement that it is revolting that the money just went to the pockets of greedy individuals who use it to finance their lavish and wasteful lifestyle.

“P44 million is big enough to make a huge difference in the lives of many poor Agusanons, if and when the money were used judiciously in wellplanned poverty reduction interventions,” Linao said referring to the P44 million Priority Development Assistance Fund of Plaza that allegedly went to bogus nongovernment organiza-

tions (NGOs).

He said CCSO ADS which is an umbrella of 18 NGOs, eight peoples’ organizations and two cooperatives in the province were at a consensus that lawmakers involved in the pork barrel scam should be jailed if found guilty of such wrongdoing.

Linao said Plaza, in his nine years of sitting as congressman of then lone district of the province, never exert any effort to meet and consult them only to learn after the scam was exposed that the millions of pesos of his PDAF went to bogus NGOs. “How we wished that we were beneficiaries of even just P20 million which

“

Plaza did not leave the country on September 11 to evade arrest because he is always ready to clear himself from the malicious allegations against him.’

could help a lot in pursuing our programs,” Linao, who leads the Foundation for the Development of Agusanon which engaged in agricultural research, said.

“Since I came here seven years ago, I never had the chance to meet congressman Ompong Plaza even during the Naliyagan Festival,” he said.

The Mindanao Daily News tried several times to contact Plaza for his reac-

tion but his mobile phone could not be reached.

But a close ally of the former congressman and former San Francisco Vice Mayor Celso Balmadres said residents in the province should not prejudice Plaza while the case is not yet heard in court.

“I know he can answer and defend all the charges because he did not commit any wrongdoing,” Balmadres said adding that Plaza had helped many poor Agusanons especially during emergency when people with serious health condition needs immediate assistance.

Balmadres said, contrary to reports, Plaza did not leave the country on September 11 to evade arrest because he is always ready to clear himself from the malicious allegations against him.

He however admitted they had not communicated since the issue of the controversial pork barrel scam came out at the Inquirer.

“I was surprised when Inquirer exposed it but since then we never talked over the phone,” he said.

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EDITOR: RUEL PELONE, ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Diarrhea should not delay pork cases, says Miriam SENATOR Miriam Defensor Santiago, in a marathon series of interviews with four radio stations Tuesday morning (September 17) said that no motion for postponement, particularly on the ground of diarrhea, should be allowed by the Ombudsman to delay preliminary investigation of plunder cases filed by the NBI. “When I was RTC judge of Quezon City, I discovered that the country suffers from pandemic diarrhea. That is the most common ground for postponement sought by lawyers, the parties, and their witnesses. No postponement should be granted in the name of the almighty diarrhea,” she said.

Santiago also proposed that the Ombudsman, because of the “acute public interest” in the cases, would be justified in devoting all the Ombudsman’s resources to the plunder cases, to the exclusion of other pending cases.

During martial law, Santiago, as RTC judge, presided over a case for illegal assembly punishable by death, filed by the military against some 50 UP and Ateneo students, and movie personalities including Lino Brocka andBehn Cervantes. Their crime was holding a rowdy street demonstration against martial law in Quezon City.

Exercising her judicial discretion, Santiago cancelled trials of other cases and conducted continuous trial of the case until she issued a decision in favour of the students.

Her decision was appealed but was upheld by the Supreme Court, and she was hailed as an exemplary trial judge for expediting the case.

Santiago said that the Ombudsman can speed up the preliminary investigation of plunder cases by observing its own rules of procedure which prohibit the following delay tactics: motion to dismiss, motion for bill of particulars, or motion for more definite statement of crimes.

As an RTC judge, Santiago imposed a “no postponement” policy in her courtroom, which served as one of the bases for her awards for judicial excellence, including TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) and TOWNS (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service).

Santiago also said that the Senate as an institution should be distinguished from individual senators who have been charged with plunder.

“The Senate is a hallowed institution; it remains See delay | page 11

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Caraga News

thursday | september 19, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA mindanaodailycaraga@gmail.com

AGUSAN DEL NORTE l AGUSAN DEL SUR l SURIGAO DEL SUR l SURIGAO DEL NORTE

Fortun:

Mt. Mayapay needs protection to avert calamity

B

By PAT SAMONTE, Regional Editor

UTUAN CITY – Rep. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun (First District, Agusan del Norte) has expressed alarm as experts said that if nothing was done to arrest Mt. Mayapay’s continuous degradation, landslides that may claim thousands of lives were not remote given the fact that the mountain lies along the fault line.

In finallyfiling House Bill No.2900 entitled “An Act Establishing the Mt. Mayapay Natural Park Situated in Butuan City and the Municipality of Buenavista in Agusan del Norte, as Protected Area, Providing for its Management Pursuant to Law, And for other Purposes”, Fortun said that the experts’ warning on possible landslides has made approval of his proposed law more urgent.

The neophyte solon explained that the bill seeks to conserve and protect Mt. Mayapay’s unique biodiversity resources. He described the revered landmark “as a vital watershed in the environs of Butuan City and the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte until it was abused by loggers and poachers. At present. its ecosystem has

been invaded, assaulted and is now highly endangered threatening to extinction whatever few remaining endemic flora and fauna thriving in the area.”

Experts warned that as the mountain’s degradation remained unchecked, a violent earthquake could trigger huge landslides, sweep barangays Bonbon and Libertad below Mt. Mayapay and cause tremendous losses in lives and properties.

Fortun revealed that it took him time to file his bill’s final version after gathering and collating the people’s sentiments who strongly “voiced out their concerns on the sad state of Mt. Mayapay and the real threat of a forthcoming destruction of lives and properties should its devastation continue. Various

MT. MAYAPAY ALONG A FAULT LINE? Rep. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun (inset) says his bill seeking to protect, rehabilitate and conserve Mt. Mayapay’s biodiversity becomes more urgent as experts warn that its continuous degradation might lead to huge landslides that may claim thousands of lives since the mountain lies along the fault line.

(Photo supplied)

sectors have takan initiatives calling for the protection and conservation of this glorious mountain.”

Among the provisions of the bill include: -Enumeration of prohibited acts within the natural park to cover quarrying, mining, logging,etc.;

TESDA-Caraga names more honorees

By ROBERT E. ROBEROS

BUTUAN City––TESDACaraga’s list of honourees during its 19th anniversary include Surigao del Sur Board Members Eleanor Momo and Teresita Donasco; Mayors Felixberto Urbiztondo (Barobo) Antonio Borda Jr. (Carmen); Candelario Viola Jr. (Hinatuan); Salvacion Azarcon (Lanuza); and Jose Arpilleda (Madrid).

Efren Rivas Jr., Aldy Novo, Charlito Lerog, Engr. Joselito Segarro, Col. Gregory Cayetano (Philippine Army), and Regional TESDA Idol runner-up Kremlin Verdeflor.

Cagdianao Mayor Marc

Adelson Longos and Prof.

PacitaOrbita of Don Jose Ecleo Memorial Foundation College, Dinagat Province.

Loyalty award to TESDA personnel Cirila Maneja (35 years of service) since National Manpower and Youth Council days; Tessie Aton and Fe Maneja (30 years of service); Danilo Tobias, Agrecio Basul, Florito Avenido, Benigno Bonggot, and Martha Dale Bual (25 years of service).

Under the 20 years Service Award, Lilian Bertumen, Ma. Felomina Balois, Dina Sibi, and Victoria Sumayod.

RD Sunico led the awardees, with Surigao del Sur Provincial Dir. Rey Cueva,

Surigao del Norte OICProvincial Dir. Liza Budtan, and Dinagat Islands OICProvincial Dir. June Elizabeth Tanquieng (15 years of dedicated service).

Consuelo Destacamaneto, Abegail Eupeña, Isabelita Furia, Fe Gomez, Romel Natad, Maria Cristina Soberano, Arnaldo Cabañas, Edilberto Tamiok, Armando Anino, Norberto Dorado, Reino Gaballo, Judith Asegurado, Ruben Cardoza, Joselito Ecoben, Edwin Lanquino, Celestino Ares, Allan Millan, Joy Deroca, Julian Salao Jr., Leliosa Mendoza, Gemma Fe Balanay, Florita Uayan, Rollie Arellano and Jerry Bernadez.

-Stiffer penalties for violations of the law; -Establishment of buffer zones; -Revision of the definition of tenured migrants; -To furtner strengthen the Park Administrative and Management Board (PAMB) and for a transpar-

ent, consultative and participatory administration and management of the natural park; -Creation of an executive committee within the PAMB; -More security in the utilization of the Mt. Mayapay National Park fund to prevent misuse and abuse.

Army troops hit NPA in Loreto town

By SPO1 PHILIP AMER P. MAZO

AGUSAN DEL SUR New People’s Army rebels left their armaments at the encounter site, as they fled from pursuing elements of the Philippine Army’s Bravo Team of the 26TH IB, led by 1st Lt. Soquerata, afternoon of September 14, this year.

Police said the 40-minute firefight took place in Sitio Kilangkog, Barangay Sabud, Loreto

town, some 60 kilometers from the town proper, where the soldiers were then conducting combat patrol..

The leader of the 40man rebel group has yet to be identified by authorities.

Lt. Soquerata’s team we re abl e to re c ove r subversive documents, a VHF handheld radio, ten assorted cell phone chargers, two 12-volt

wet cell battery, oneforth kilo of ammonium sulfate, two emergency lights and an AK47 rifle with one magazine and three live ammunitions.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

Police stations in adjacent areas were alerted for possible admission of wounded rebels in local hospitals. (PAPM/ MMG/asf )

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Agusan del Norte Municipality of Buenavista

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: Agusan del Norte City/Municipality: Butuan City

PIA bits

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

Science centrum opens to public

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Isabelita Y. Villareal has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from ISABEL to ISABELITA who was born on FEBRUARY 19, 1958 at Buenavista, Agusan del Norte and whose parents are Francisco Yamit and Judita Valdehueza.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 03 October 2013.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that RESTITUTO PAGALAN EROJO JR. has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name from ‘CRESTITUTO JR.” to “RESTITUTO JR.” in the birth certificate of CRESTITUTO PAGALAN EROJO JR. who was born on December 7, 1962 at TUNGAO INFORMARY, BUTUAN CITY, AGUSAN and whose parents are CRESTITUTO PABLEO EROJO SR. and ESTRELLA SACRO PAGALAN. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 27 September 2013.

(Sgd.) TERESITA K. VALDEHUEZA

Municipal Civil Registrar MDN: Sept. 19 & 26, 2013

(Sgd.) JUDITH ALVIZO-CALO, LLB, MPA

City Civil Registrar MDN: Sept. 12 & 19, 2013

TANDAG CITY – School Principal Edna Trinidad of Jacinto P. Elpa National High School, this city, the local science centrum exhibits different science concepts, a science beyond classroom. It is open to the general public from Septepmber 16-29 charging an entrance fee of P50 every viewer.

PRC sponsors bingo social BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Red Cross Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Chapter had a Bingo-for-aCause (For the Health & Welfare Services of Red Cross) at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City, recently.

City government assists evacuees BUTUAN CITY – The city government, headed by Mayor Jun Amante, has distributed relief goods to the evacuees affected by the gunfight between government soldiers and members of the New People’s Army in Brgy. Tungao, September 13. Initial count had 200 families affected.

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Mindanao Daily NEWS

Aggie News

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Producing quality corn remains as a challenge for the town, but the LGU-Claveria has carried on in implementing projects to support the municipality’s corn sector and has even surfaced as one of this year’s Corn Quality Awardees.

LGU Claveria named as one of the 2013 Corn Quality Awardees The Department of Agriculture (DA) lauds the outstanding contribution of the Local Government Unit of Claveria (LGU-Claveria) to the corn industry as they have been recently named as one of the 2013 Corn Quality Awardees under the municipal category throughout the nation.

According to Municipal Considering that apAgriculturist (MA) Pat F. proximately 15-20% of the Dumaloan, the town has total volume of production allocated P2.8 million for accounted to post-harvest the 2010-2012 period as losses, especially during counterpart for different rainy seasons, MA Dumcorn-related projects imple- aloan explained that the mented by the DA and other LGU-Claveria under the helm of Mayor Redentor agencies.

This amount, he add- N. Salvaleon has pursued ed, has assisted more than initiatives in materializing 10,000 farmers with a service projects to address such area of 10,000 hectares; re- challenge. sulting to an average yield of Major projects that were 8.63 metric tons per hectare. implemented to minimize

post-harvest losses among corn farmers, he detailed, include the establishment of a 40 tonners capacity Village Type Post-Harvest Processing Center and a 10 tonners capacity Corn Grains Center, both situated at Brgy. Patrocenio; and the 100 tonners capacity Corn Processing Complex at Brgy.

Malagana.

Other than the big projects, he further reported, that their office has also extended basic services to corn farmers such as the routinary conduct of soil analysis to help farmers in determining the right amount of fertilizers to apply

in their respective farms; the conduct of Farmers’ Field School and a Training on Trainors to properly equip corn farmers and technicians in any corn-related endeavors; the establishment of a demonstration farm for corn; the distribution of Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) and hybrid corn seeds, among others.

The town will be formally awarded with their P500,000 worth of agriprojects during the 9th Philippine National Corn Congress on October 23-25, 2013 at Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City. # (Joanne L. Olson, DA-10)

In support to the corn industry, the implemented big projects, including Post-Harvest Processing Center (1st) Center (3rd) at Brgy. Patrocenio and Complex at Brgy. Malagana.

municipality has the Village Type and Corn Grains Corn Processing

City celebrates Yes to SK poll postponement, Iligan Diyandi Festival 2013 no to abolition -- NYC

By LORRY V. GABULE

T

By CHENG ORDOÑEZ

he National Youth Commission (NYC) in Mindanao strongly supports the institutionalization of reforms within the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), through the postponement of the election, but opposes any move to abolish or dissolve the institution.

The NYC, in a statement, s ai d t hat t he y supp or t t he postponement of the SK elections to give Congress ample time to decide on the reforms needed by the institution.

It said: “It is unconscionable to allow another batch of 15-17 years old to be subjected to a system and process that is in dire need of massive structural and organizational reforms.”

It claims that as early as the registration, there were reports of adults and parents who have coerced their children to register for SK election against their will.

“Some went even to the point of asking some youth to register in a barangay where they do not reside. We will witness

the same familiar challenges, like corruption, ineffectiveness, vote-buying, exploitation, among others, that will hound the SK if we are to push through with the SK polls this year,” the statement says.

The NYC said it is fully grateful and supportive of the Senate version, which defers t he el e c t i ons to 2 0 1 4 w it h the incumbent SK officers on hold-over capacity.

Viewed as the least disruptive modality, by NYC, the postponement allows continuity of programs on the ground while Congress discusses the needed reforms, it said.

Quoting Usec. Leon Flores III, NYC chairman, the statement said: “While there are concerns about the incumbents being over-age, the setting of the age and the policy decision on hold over is, at the end of the day, purely a Congressional prerogative.

We have full faith in both chamb ers of C ongress t hat before the end of 2014, a truly responsive, empowered and empowering youth Council at various levels shall have been put in place.”

The NYC is uncomfortable with the version offered by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the House of Representative Committee on

Suffrage and Electoral Reforms where there is no provision for hold-over and the seats for SKs are vacated until 2016.

This version of the postponement is de facto abolition of the SK, according to the NYC, and the measure strips the youth of due representation and is a blatant violation of the Constitutional provision, which encourages youth involvement in public and civic affairs.

NYC asks the government not to deny the 30 million Filipino youth of their representation and voice at the barangay and Sanggunian levels. For them, it is a great disservice to the Filipino youth if this version will prevail.

Another proposal is to have the SKs appointed in the meantime. But, the NYC said it will just subject those appointees to an intensely political and partisan process and is therefore untenable.

“We are still hopeful that they Lower House will eventually decide in favor of youth representation by approving the hold-over of incumbent SK officials. After all, the incumbents derived their electoral mandate from the youth themselves – a veritable litmus test of meaningful youth participation,” Flores was quoted as having said.

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte — The city of Iligan will once again feature Diyandi Festival sa Iligan, a month-long cultural celebration in honor of its patrol, St. Michael the Archangel this September.

In a press conference, Jose Maria L. Boza, over-all chairperson, Executive Management Board, Diyandi Festival sa Iligan 2013, said the city hopes to attract more visitors—domestic and foreign alike, to witness the feast.

The "Pagpakanaug" on September 20 signals the start of the nine-day novena for the patron saint at the St. Michael Cathedral wherein the ritual transfer of the image is officially transferred from its niche in the main altar toward a pedestal on the lower altar where it will stay for nine days until the 29th. It will then be brought out of the church for "Procession."

Señor San Miguel" the armor-clad patron saint of Iligan is revered as its defender and protector against all threats.

Respected by all ethnic groups, Saint Michael brings together Iliganons—Christians, Muslims, Higaonons and Lumads as one family in faithful homage to him.

Thus, his feast is a grand celebration in Iligan.

As what Diyandi depicts, it is a ritual performed by an all-female group outside the Cathedral during the Pagpakanaug of the city's patron saint from his pedestal, before every novena and before the start of the Komedya, or Co-

media de San Miguel, a folk stage play depicting the celestial battle.

The ritual depicts the courtship between a Maranao male and Higaonon female, and culminating into an offering symbolic of their union and bountiful harvest to St. Michael. The ritual aptly describes the peaceful co-existence of Iligan's tri-people.

Every year, thousands of devotees flock to the cathedral to witness the ceremonies and for a chance to don the helmet of St. Michael, believed to impart powers of the warrior—archangel to the wearer.

The siren call is irresistible.

It beckons all to come home and join the chorus of "Viva Señor San Miguel!

Festive, colorful, and full of life, the fiesta celebration with about 67 events, enveloped with the city's security group, continues to live up to the expectations and ideals of the city's over 300,000 residents, said Chairman Boza.

Other highlights of the celebration are: "Pamukaw" or the early dawn parade of the city's band to rouse the residents for the nineday novenas; The "Kasadya" Street Dancing and Merry-Making for the first time will now be performed on the 20th after the Pagpakanaug, instead of September 27. The Kasadya contingents solely come from the city’s 15 barangays, the contestants of ‘Taming’ ni Sr. San Miguel (Shield Making Contest).

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Opinion

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Scholarships for deserving students Scholarship grants to de- should include in their reserving technical-vocational spective budgets the provision education and training (TVET) of scholarships, grants and students and workers the loans to deserving students to ladderized education pro- ensure the effective implemengram (LEP) should be insti- tation and greater nationwide tutionalized with impact of the LEP. Guest Editorial a corresponding Ladderized educanational law. This scholarship tion or LEP would harmonize is in addition to the present all education and training scholarship programs being mechanisms that allow stuimplemented by the Com- dents and workers to progress mission on Higher Education between technical-vocational (CHED) and the Technical and college courses and proSkills and Development Au- grams, or vice versa. thority (TESDA The measure establishes a Already, a proposed House permanent National Coormeasure seeks to strengthen dinating Technical Committhe ladderized interface be- tee composed of CHED and tween technical-vocational TESDA personnel to monieducation and training and tor and ensure the effective higher education. implementation of the LEP. CHED a n d t h e TESDA It also mandates the CHED

“Maintain justice in the courts” LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… `the truth shall make you free’…” (Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, in John 8:32, the Holy Bible).

-ooo TITHING GIVES FINANCIAL ABUNDANCE: For those who believe in the Bible, one of the surest ways to enable them to experience financial blessings and abundance is their delivery of one-tenth (1/10) of all that they earn or produce to their respective churches.

This is called “tithing”, and anyone who does it is actually accepting the challenge made by God in Malachi 3:10: “…`Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, `and see if I will not throw open the f loodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessings that you will not have room enough for it’…”

In fact, not giving tithes (or 1/10 of whatever we earn or produce) to our churches is considered by God as turning away from Him (Malachi 3:7) and stealing from or robbing Him (Malachi 3:8), which puts our whole nation under a curse (Malachi 3:9).

It is only by bringing the whole tithe---the whole 1/10 or 10 percent of all that we earn and produce--to the churches that a people will be blessed by God once again, with all the nations calling them blessed because their land will be a delightful land (Malachi 3:12).

-ooo “MAINTAIN JUSTICE IN THE COURTS”: Here are some nuggets of Biblical wisdom on the issue of justice: Amos 5:15: “… maintain justice in the courts…”

Exodus 23:6: “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.” Leviticus 19:15: “Do not pervert

and TESDA to formulate a unified qualifications framework that establishes equivalency pathways and access ramps in ladderized education.

Once approved into law, it will open the pathways of opportunity for career and educational progression of students and workers, and achieve a seamless and borderless education which will empower students and workers to exercise options or to choose when to enter and exit from the educational ladder.

The law would create job platforms at every exit and the opportunity for students to earn income, as well as solve the problem of structural employment or skills and job mismatch.

Kakampi mo ang batas Atty. Batas Mauricio justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”

Deuteronomy 16:19: “Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

Deuteronomy 16:20: “Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you…”

Psalm 103:6: “The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Psalm 106:3: “Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.” Psalm 112:5: “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

Psalm 140:12: “I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.”

Proverbs 17:23: “A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.” Proverbs 18:5: “It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice…”

-ooo REACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@ yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@gmail.com.

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Opinion

Nur-Misuari-MNLF-Sulu-8-12-13-credit-AFPPresident Aquino and his adviser for the peace process, Teresita Deles, were naïve to think they could bring peace to Mindanao by ignoring the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and forging an agreement with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Aquino was so excited about the peace process with the MILF that he promised to bring peace to Mindanao during his term and to make it his administration’s lasting legacy.

The promised legacy appeared ready to vanish into thin air with the raging crisis in Zambonaga, just as the “free of corruption” pledge disappeared with the revelation of the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

While the nation was still reeling from the pork barrel scandal, rebels belonging to the Nur Misuari-led MNLF attacked several villages in Zamboanga and Basilan provinces last week, resulting in the death of at least 100 people, the destruction of several homes, and the evacuation of thousands of war-weary residents.

But Aquino seemed unperturbed amid the growing crisis in Zamboanga, even grabbing at a chance for photo-ops while distributing goodies to soldiers. He was smiling in all the photos, seemingly unmindful of the emerging war nearby.

If he was thinking the Zamboanga crisis was diverting the people’s attention from the damning pork barrel scam, then there must be a good reason for the smiles.

But Aquino is again wrong to ignore this threat from Misuari’s forces. For months, Misuari has been warning the Philippine government that the signing of a peace agreement with the MILF was a “recipe for crisis” that could lead to war. In July, the MNLF distributed a manifesto declaring the establishment of its own “Bangsamoro Republik.”

Shortly after, Zamboana Rep. Celso Lobregat urged the government to include Misuari’s MNLF in the peace agreement to attain complete peace and avoid a “conflagration of the entire Mindanao.” He said that the mere presence of Misuari in Zamboanga was causing anxiety among its people.

For months, there were reports that the MNLF was recruiting fighters in several areas in Mindanao. The MNLF had

also threatened to declare the independence of Mindanao, with Misuari directing his commanders to consolidate their forces.

Even Senators Antonio Trillanes and Gregorio Honasan, two former soldiers who fought in Mindanao, warned the Aquino administration to listen to the issues being raised by the MNLF and other rebel groups and not to ignore the MNLF. But Aquino and his advisers probably thought nearly 17 years of inactivity has weakened Misuari and his men. They continued to ignore him despite his repeated warnings of returning to armed struggle if the government continued to cast aside the 1996 Peace Agreement that the government signed with the MNLF during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos that, according to Misuari, has not been fully implemented.

Misuari has every reason to be angered by the hypocrisy and double talk being shown by the government as far as the 1996 Peace Accord is concerned. Deles insisted that the 1996 Peace Accord is not being ignored. And yet, the peace agreement being forged with the MILF covers the same areas that are covered by the 1996 Accord. She insisted that the MNLF is not being ignored, and yet the government is talking only to the MILF. It is hypocritical to insist that the 1996 Accord remains in place when it is obvious that both peace agreements cannot be implemented at the same time as they cover the same areas.

Now, the “blazing inferno”that Lobregat warned about is burning Mindanao all over again. Aquino and his generals are naïve to think the MNLF would just go away.

The government can go ahead and drive away the MNLF rebels that are raising havoc on Zamboanga and Basilan. It shouldn’t be too difficult with its superiority in numbers and weapons. But ending the Zamboanga crisis should not lull Aquino and his advisers into believing they can go ahead with the peace accord with the MILF and not be confronted with an even more destructive and deadly war in Mindanao.

The government may have to rethink its approach to peace in Mindanao. The strategy is obviously not working. I still believe developing Mindanao and making the Moro people feel they are not being ignored by the central government in Manila are the only lasting solutions to the perennial problem. (valabelgas@aol.com)

Ombudsman’s own words

Still very fresh in my mind was the suggestion issued

by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to those suspected of being involved in the multi-billion pesos pork barrel fund scam for them to engage the services of top caliber lawyers to ably defend them.

I could still vividly remember this advise made by Morales at the height of the public uproar over the pork barrel fund scam after she and the two other Marias, Justice Secretary Leila Delima and Commission on Audit Chair Grace Pulido Tan, emerged from a close door meeting to evaluate the pork fund abuse cases not long ago.

The advice Morales issued only shows that she herself is convinced of the culpability of those tagged as involved in the scam of congressional funds. And I am mentioning her advise here now because I would like to believe one month is enough for her office to go over the voluminous documents the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation had brought to support their plunder charges against three incumbent senators, former members of the House of Representatives, one of whom is the incumbent governor of Masbate, and several other officials of government implementing agencies and their cohorts in the private sector.

Morales at that point when she made her suggestion must have already realized the strength of the case being built by the DOJ and NBI against all suspects. Now that cases had already been filed, I don’t think it’ll take the Ombudsman beyond one month to make a resolution.

The Ombudsman herself is already convinced that there is probable cause to indict the suspects because of this fund mess. She would not have made that suggestion if she was not convinced beyond doubt that the three senators, Sens. Ramon “Bong” Revlla Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, et al are not indictable in court.

It is for the above reason that I will give the Ombudsman one month to resolve the cases. All that they have to do now is find the testimonial and other documentary evidence for each charge against each accused among the evidences submitted. I don’t think doing this will take that long.

But I also realize that the Ombudsman investigators need much time in poring over the almost a million pages of testimonial and other documentary evidence attached to the complaint filed by the DOJ and the NBI. Having worked in the House of Representatives and in the Senate in the past, I can say here without fear of contradiction that the abuse and misuse of the congressional pork barrel fund is not farfetched. The probability of abuse and misuse is higher than its not being abused and misused. Why? Because the pork barrel fund is in truth and in fact designed to be abused and misused by the legislators for the sole purpose of propping up the

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Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE, Email: amediante@yahoo.com

Rethink strategy in Mindanao ON DISTANT SHORE

By Val G. Abelgas

Mindanao Daily NEWS

A deeper view Jesse E.L. Bacon II legislators’ relevance to the electorate.

One of the sad realities obtaining in Philippine politics nowadays is the presence of square pegs in round holes such as nincompoops becoming national legislators.

The reality is that there are only a few who could really craft laws among our legislators. You can even just count them with your fingers.

Most of them don’t even know what a law is and its function in the body politic hence their tendency to violate the law and even flaunt their being law violators.

Their abuse and misuse of their congressional pork barrel fund is classic example of their ignorance about the law.

They would not have abused and misused their pork barrel fun in such a brazen manner if these legislators understood the concept why there are laws to be followed.

If they can’t follow the law, do you expect them to be able to craft laws? Certainly not! This is the paradox of the Philippine Congress.

Square pegs that are in the round hole called Congress as honorable members of that honorable institution will just bring dishonor to their position and the institution they belong to. This is exactly what is happening now.

This is exactly what the multi-billion pesos pork barrel fund scam is telling us. This is the message we ought to learn out of this hullaballoo.

Legislators who have no business being addressed as honorable legislator will just do their best to find ways on how they can become relevant to the electorate since they could not in any way become relevant as able legislators. The pork barrel fund is the best solution to this type of legislators, and mind you, they are swarming the two chambers of Congress.

They can only be relevant by playing patronage politics to the hilt. And patronage politics is very expensive because the legislators will have to shoulder a lot of expenses their constituents will demand from them as their political patrons. This is the crux of the corruption of the congressional pork barrel fund.

(Reactions at jelbacon@yahoo.com or at jelbaconii@ gmail.com. Readme also at www.raconteurme.blogspot. com)

Biblical reflection Bro. Edcel L. Closas

Childish in attitudes Fresh Gospel of the day: Luke7:3135(September18, 2013-Wednesday) Luke 7:31-35And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children: St. Jerome Biblical Commentary page137-the people of the gospel are “childish in attitudes” and cannot be understood since they accused and commented both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. In Latin terms, “argumentum adva culom” that means people are criticizing and opposing to the preachers. There are times that we are like these people because if we are hurt by the preaching, we automatically attack the preachers either Lay or Priest. In Hebrews 12:25-See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven. Are you listening to the words of God? In Matthew 4:4-But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. What is the disposition of your souls and hearts? SPONSORED:Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhD- Tony Jordan - CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! Listen: Radio Ultra AM-11883:30 PM - Sunday: #09284149490-09266607505: Question – Prayer request

Ombudsman asked to show transparency

The Abolishpork Movement welcomed the filing of criminal charges by the Department of Justice against Janet Napoles and several lawmakers but warned of a possible “cover up” of the entire pork barrel system. The group will hold nationwide protests on September 21, Saturday, the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. The group also said that the gag order issued by the Ombudsman on the legal complaint filed by the justice department is a “violation of the people’s right to information on such a crucial issue of government corruption”.

“The plunder case only covers the years prior to 2010. We understand that heads should roll for the corruption under former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This, however, should not cover up for the continuing graft of public monies by government officials under Aquino,” Fr. Joe Dizon, one of the convenor of the group said.

The group held last Friday a protest rally and concert at Luneta, the third of a series of protests, to call for the complete abolition of the pork barrel system including the presidential discretionary funds. More than 10,000 joined the action, coming mainly from students, religious groups, artists and cause-oriented groups.

“The Aquino government has yet to prove that it is not engaged in selective prosecution and that all those involved in the PDAF scam would be held accountable. Remember, the Napoles NGO’s only account for 8 out of 82 NGO’s that were believed to have questionable transactions according to COA. This means

many more solons and NGO’s are likely involved,” Fr. Dizon said.

“We urge the good Ombudsman to lift the gag order and provide full disclosure of its proceedings to the media and the public. What is the timeline for the preliminary investigation? Why are details of the complaint filed against the government officials? Insisting on a gag order would open the issue to speculation and suggest a whitewash of the case,” Fr. Joe Dizon, convenor of the movement, said.

Groups are again expected to converge at Luneta at 9am for a program, but this time groups are expected to “level up” their call with a colorful “Pork Parade” towards the Don Chino Roces Bridge in Mendiola in the afternoon.

Apart from being the anniversary of Martial Law, the rally on September 21 will come a few days before the last session day of Congress on September 21, where it is expected to pass on second reading the proposed budget for 2014.

According to #Abolishpork, while the proposed budget will no longer have the lump-sum item known as PDAF, and that the funds will be placed in various agencies, lawmakers will still have a say in what projects to undertake and where these will be undertaken.

“This itemized pork system will perpetuate patronage politics.

That has been the intention of Aquino from the time he made his announcement that the PDAF system will be abolished. It’s simply not true. Pork is still there and the lawmakers are finding creative ways to access this fund,” Dizon said.

From the Mails

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ZAMBOANGA l SULU l PAGADIAN l DIPOLOG l SIPIL l COTABATO l GENSAN l KORONADAL

Sulu-bound vessels back to normal operations

By Cheng OrdoÑez

It’s back to normal.

This was the assurance given by the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) Navy Chief Admiral Gador to Sulu Governor Abdusakur "Totoh" Tan II, with concurrence from Cdr. Lawrence Roque of Coast Guard Jolo, yesterday morning on both commercial and passenger vessels’ operations from Zamboanga to Jolo and vice versa.

This comes after days of urging authorities to reinstate or allow commercial and passenger vessels’ operations to address the plight of stranded passengers in Zamboanga and Jolo, and the sustainment of economic activity in the Province of Sulu.

“The normalization of vessel operations is a welcome development,” said Gov. Tan. "We have in our list, at least, 2,000 individuals stranded in Zamboanga City, a significant number of them are minors. Worried parents can now breathe a sigh of relief."

As of this time, Gov. Totoh Tan is in contact with the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) for further

clearance of the trips or if any rules or requirements must be put in place in the resumption of the vessels’ operations.

Passengers are advised to wait for further instructions and announcements coming from the Office of the Governor of Sulu or other pertinent authorities.

Since the crisis started, the Sulu Provincial Government has been negotiating with authorities not to curtail activities of its constituents.

Gov. Totoh Tan charted four vessel trips -- Jolo-Zambo, Zambo-Jolo -- to assists individuals affected by the armed conflict between government forces and MNLF members in Zambonga City.

Priority was given to those who were going for the Pilgrimage in Mecca or doing the Hajj, overseas and foreign workers and stranded passengers.

Gov. Tan also arranged the board and lodging of pilgrims in Zamboanga with delayed or suspended flights for Manila without incurring additional cost to the voyagers.

"Since day one of this unfortu-

nate incident, the situation in Sulu is normal. Our citizens exercised vigilance for those who will disturb the peace. There was cooperation from all sectors." Gov. Tan said.

In a recent meeting, Brig. Gen. Jose Johriel Cenabre of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said apart from two separate incidents, Sulu situation is normal.

Sr. Supt. Abraham Orbita, Police Provincial Office director of Sulu, reported that in the past week Sulu crime rate is Zero percent.

The Sulu Provincial Information Office (Sulu PIO) said the Sulu Provincial Government has expressed sympathy with the people of Zamboanga City, even as relief assistance from the Sulu Provincial Government has been provided to those affected by the crisis, coursed through the Zamboanga City Government headed by Mayor Isabel Climaco Salazar.

A humanitarian assistance team was also deployed by the Sulu Provincial Government to augment personnel tasked to look after the victims resulting from the conflict, Sulu PIO said.

IFSP condemns Zamboanga attack PAGADIAN CITY -- We strongly condemn the acts of individuals and groups responsible for the Zamboanga City crisis.

This was declared by the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace (IFSP) in its official statement released on Monday.

The IFSP is a movement of religious and civil society leaders of Christians, Muslims and Subanens in Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian City organized in 1996.

"We do not only abhor the bloodshed that happened in Zamboanga City but strongly condemn the acts of individuals and groups that had caused this tragic event," said the statement.

"The crisis in Zamboanga City caused by the standoff between

elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to Nur Misuari and government forces, which is now on its eight day, has clearly terrorized and paralyzed a city of nearly one million people," the statement added.

"The skirmishes between the MNLF armed men and government troops continue for more than a week now did not only cause displacement of nearly 70,000 residents but also the loss of lives and properties," it said.

The IFSP statement also said the crisis has threatened the long improved relations among peoples of Mindanao.

The group reminded that the innocent civilians – Muslims and Christians – are not party to the conflict.

"In solidarity with the people of Zamboanga City and Basilan, and the entire Mindanao, we join others in prayer for the early resolution to the conflict through peaceful means and for the safety of the residents of the affected villages. We also appeal for a thorough investigation of the incident to ferret out the truth and demand justice for the victims of this unfortunate incident," the statement concluded.

The IFSP statement was signed by the head convener, Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar, Muslim convener Sultan Abdul Maguid Maruhom, Subanen convener Timuay Joe Marcial, Roman Catholic Church convener Rev. Father Felix Tigoy, and UCCP convener Pastor Diosdado Marquez, UCCP. (FPG/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian City)

Military claims 81 MNLF fighters killed in siege ZAMBOANGA CITY — Eighty-one fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were killed in the nine-day armed conflict here, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), claimed Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Zagala said 30 more MNLF members were reported killed in the past 24 hours in addition to the 51 body counts reported in the past eight days.

However, MNLF commander Ustadz Habier Malik was not among the 81, according to him.

“We have also rescued a total of 123 hostages,” Zagala said.

He said that government troops have gradually constricted the movements of MNLF fighters loyal to founding chair Nur Misuari.

Armed MNLF members laid siege to some coastal barangays in Zambonga Monday last week.

At least 82,000 individuals have been displaced due to the clashes between government troops and MNLF members, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said earlier Tuesday.

Conflicting MNLF fatality figure In its report posted

at 6:32 p.m. Tuesday, the NDRRMC reported that the clashes have killed a total of 88 persons, including seven from the military, three from the police and seven civilians.

The council said that, as validated with the AFP and the Office of the Civil Defense-Region IX, 71 MNLF fighters have been killed, 10 less than what Zagala had claimed.

In the wake of the rescue operations in the past 24 hours, three soldiers were killed and 10 others were wounded, Zagala said.

Zagala attributed the rescue of the hostages to the continued pressure by government troops against the MNLF members.

“Right now, we are still conducting operations, and we continue to constrict the movement of the MNLF [fighters],” he said.

The joint military and police forces conducted operations in the coastal village of Mampang Tuesday morning.

Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas, who met with rescued hostages and visited debriefing centers Tuesday, said that military operations against the MNLF members will continue until peace and order are restored in the city. (MindaNews)

Beng appeals for more patience, understanding ZAMBOANGA CITY -As emotions run high, City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar in a press briefing urged her constituents to extend their patience and understanding a little bit more.

“Ta continua lang iyo apela con ustedes pabor gayot extende de ustedes pasensya y intendimiento na cosa ta sucede,” the lady Mayor said in the local dialect. (I appeal to you to please extend your patience and understanding as to what is happening.)

Earlier, President Aquino had directed all government agencies to provide services to the city, particularly to affected families.

Mayor Climaco called

on the nerve centers of the community to understand and continuously support the city government's efforts in the midst of crisis.

She asked the business and banking centers to keep the city running by opening their stores except those in the affected areas and make available the essential commodities to the public.

She addressed Zamboanguenos to remain sober but alert and vigilant; and to stretch their patience and extend support to authorities in all its efforts for a common goal: to end the crisis and ensure the safety and protection of the people of Zamboanga City, the mayor said. (NBE/ CAL/PIA9)

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u si n b . w w w Gov. Abdusakur “Totoh” Tan II, (center) presiding over the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting. (Photo courtesy of PIO-Sulu)

thursday | september 19, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Soccsksargen

SouthCot co-op seeks contract for 25-MW hydropower plants

G

By MindaNews

ENERAL SANTOS CITY – Distribution utility South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative (Socoteco I) is pushing for the development of two hydropower plant projects with a combined maximum capacity of 25 megawatts (MW) in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato.

Santiago Tudio, Socoteco I general manager, said they are currently working for the issuance by the Department of Energy (DoE) of the service contracts for the proposed hydropower plant projects, which would be built in two major waterfalls in Lake Sebu.

“We’re now processing the requirements for the service contracts and we’re hoping to get them before the end of the year,” he told MindaNews.

Tudio said the proposed hydropower projects comprise a 5-MW plant at the Lanon waterfalls, which is the third of Lake Sebu’s famed seven waterfalls, and another 10 to 20-MW plant in a waterfalls in Barangay Lamfugon.

Based on their initial assessment, he said the

required investments for the project’s full development would reach around P145 million per MW or a total of P3.625 billion.

Last year, Socoteco I tied up with renewable energy firm Euro Hydro Power (Asia) Holdings Inc. for the development of the Lanon plant but the project has yet to proceed due their failure to acquire its service contract.

Tudio said they found out that the DoE has already awarded the service contract for the Lanon project to Renouvel Development Corporation, which is reportedly owned by former National Power Corp. executives.

Renouvel’s contract was issued for its proposed 21MW Lanon Hydroelectric Power Project.

Based on government

regulations, he said awarded or issued service contracts may not be acquired by another entity unless it already expired.

But in the case of the Lanon project, Tudio said they asked the DoE to cancel Renouvel’s contract citing the company has not made any effort to develop it in the last several years.

“The DoE asked us to comply with the requirements so we can acquire that (Renouvel’s) service contract,” he said.

After acquiring the service contract for the two projects, Tudio said they will immediately commission their feasibility studies.

He said the completed feasibility studies will be presented later on by the electric cooperative to potential investors or financiers.

As set by the Socoteco I board of directors, Tudio said they are targeting to develop the two hydropower projects within the next four years.

“This is actually a long process because we have to hurdle at least 150 permits and clearances just for one

2 Region 12 festivals finalists in Pearl Awards

GENERAL SANTOS CIT Y – Two popular festivities in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao have been chosen as among this year’s finalists for the Pearl Awards or the best tourism practices in the country.

Cora Tito, city tourism officer, said the famed Kalilangan Festival here and the Sarangani Bay Festival of nearby Sarangani Province made the final list of the annual awards following a screening conducted by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The Pearl Awards, which mainly recognizes the country’s top tourism events and best practices, is a project of the ATOP and DOT. Ti t o, w h o i s a l s o ATOP’s national vice president for Mindanao, said Kalilangan will attempt to bring home the top award in the culture and arts category for the third consecutive year.

Considered as the city’s banner festivity, she said the event was adjudged as

the country’s best culture and arts tourism event in the 2011 and 2012 editions of the Pearl Awards.

Tito said another win for Kalilangan, which is managed by the Mindanao State University (MSU) G enera l Santos unit, would mean its elevation to the Pearl Award’s Hall of Fame this year.

Kalilangan, which is held every last week of February, coincides with the city’s foundation anniversary celebration.

Derived from the root word “kalilang,” which means celebration or commemoration in the Maguindanaon dialect, Kalilangan Festival mainly showcases the city’s histor y, artistr y, cultural heritage and tourism potentials.

Tito said Sarangani Bay Festival is joining the awards for the first time under the local government festivals category.

Sarangani Bay Festival or SarBay, which is dubbed as the biggest summer beach party in the country, is a threeday festivity held every May to pay tribute to

the importance of the bay to the area and local residents.

Organizers said the festival is “a venue to inculcate to all stakeholders the importance of protecting and conserving Sarangani Bay through eco-tourism.”

Tito said a team from ATOP and DOT conducted the final evaluation last week for the Sarangani Bay Festival and Kalilangan Festival.

“Based on the award’s selection process, the proponents of each entry will have to defend the event before a team of national evaluators,” she said in a media forum.

Michele Solon, chairperson of Sarangani and Region 12’s tourism council, presented the Sarangani Bay Festival while Vice Chancellor Mary Lyn Abiera of the MSU General Santos made the pitch for the Kalilangan Festival.

Tito said the awarding rites will be held during 15th ATOP national congress, which is slated on October 2 to 5 in Legazpi City.

project,” he said.

He said the requirements include clearances from the National Electrification Administration, Department of Agriculture if the area covers irrigated lands and the National Commission on Indigenous People for project sites in tribal ancestral domains.

Should the projects eventually become operational, Tudio said the projected 25-MW power supply that they would generate would cover for the needs of a significant portion of Socoteco I’s franchise area.

Socoteco I covers Lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat, the city of Koronadal and the municipalities of Tampakan, Tantangan, Banga, Norala, Surallah, T’boli, Sto. Niño and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

The area, which has a daily peak demand of 33 to 35 MW, is presently experiencing daily rotational brownouts lasting three to five hours due to the reduction of its contracted supplies from the National Power Corp.

(MindaNews)

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

A9

ARMM government extends relief assistance to Basilan evacuees

By PERLITA D. CHANGCO

C O TA BAT O C I T Y ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman and DSWD-ARMM Asssistant Secretary Pombaen Kader left yesterday to personally deliver 3,000 relief packs for thousands of residents in Lamitan and Basilan affected in the spill-over of the clashes b e t we e n gove r n me nt troops and MNLF rebels associated with Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City.

The relief packs consist of rice, noodles and canned goods, NFI mosquito nets, assorted items for personal hygiene, kitchen utensils, and mats for 957 affected families in various evacuation centers in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Based on the latest update, 957 families or a total of 4,785 individuals in Lamitan City are housed in evacuation centers located at DDC150, Colonia-276, Maganda-56, Maligaya-57 Cabobo-40, Kulaybato-112, Bato-54, Bulanting-124, and Balobo-102,-are affected by the armed clashes.

To ensure continuous monitoring and assistance to affected residents, Hataman has established the ARMM Crisis Management Committee-HEART C o ord i nat i ng C e nte r based at the DILG SRO, Ben Go Bldg., New Era St-Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City Early on, Hataman directed regional secretaries and provincial officials particularly the health, social welfare, civil defense personnel to be on call and prepared to deliver needed assistance and services to residents of ARMM who have displaced as a result of the Zamboanga siege.

Meanwhile, Sulu governor Saku “Toto” Tan, Jr., chartered two (2) commercial vessels to ferry stranded Sulu residents and s o d i d R e g i ona l Governor Hataman for stranded Basilenos as a result of the Zamboanga City standoff now on its eight day.

Hataman has also facilitated the use of the military C-130 aircraft to transport to Cebu City stranded pilgrims from Basilan bound for pilgrimage to Mecca.

CAGAYAN ELECTRIC POWER & LIGHT CO., INC Important Notice to CEPALCO Customers Subject: Scheduled NGCP Power Interruption on Sunday, September 22, 2013 The Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co., Inc. (CEPALCO) would like to inform all customers that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has advised CEPALCO that power supply will be interrupted on September 22, 2013 as shown below: REASONS

:

THE NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP) WILL CONDUCT A SCHEDULED SHUTDOWN OF THE 100-MVA POWER TRANSFORMER OF THEIR JASAAN SUBSTATION. THIS IS TO FACILITATE THE RELOCATION OF THEIR EXISTING STATION SERVICE TRANSFORMER WHICH IS RELEVANT TO NGCP’S MINDANAO RELIABILITY PROJECT 1. TO MAKE USE OF THE INTERRUPTION, CEPALCO WILL CONDUCT LINE MAINTENANCE WORKS FROM TAGOLOAN TO JASAAN AREAS.

DATE

:

Sunday, September 22, 2013

A.) INTERRUPTION TIME

:

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (12 hours)

AFFECTED AREAS

:

M2 JASAAN-TAGOLOAN 69-KV LINE 1. RESINS, Inc., Jasaan 2. Cargill Philippines Inc., Villanueva 3. SWL Enterprises, Villanueva POBLACION, TAGOLOAN TO ALL OF VILLANUEVA AND JASAAN 1. From Mindanao International Container Port towards Poblacion, Tagoloan; all the Barangays of Natumulan, Baluarte, Pulot, Sugbongcogon, and Gracia, Tagoloan.

2. All the Barangays of Sta. Cruz, Mohon, Sta. Ana, and Sto. Rosario, Tagoloan including Kimaya, Villanueva.

3. All the Municipalities and Barangays of Villanueva and Jasaan, including Cabulig HEP.

B.) INTERRUPTION TIME

:

6:00 AM – 6:45 AM (45 minutes); SWITCHING; and again at 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM (45 minutes) SWITCHING

AFFECTED AREAS

:

CASINGLOT, TAGOLOAN TO LAPASAN, CDO 1. Portion of Casinglot, Tagoloan near Nestlé Warehouse towards Bugo.

2. Barangay Bugo down to Puerto, including Upper Puerto up to Alae.

3. All the Barangays of Tin-ao, Agusan, Tablon, Baloy, Cugman, Gusa.

4. Greater portion of Barangay Lapasan excluding Agora area.

5. Upper Gusa, Indahag, Malasag, FS Catanico and Balubal.

6. DMPI plantation, MENZI Agri, Firstgen etc..

Power will however be restored immediately without further notice when the NGCP and Cepalco maintenance works are completed earlier than scheduled.

We hope the affected customers and the public in general will be guided by this announcement. Thank you.

Released by: Ms. Marilyn A. Chavez Senior Manager Customer & Community Relations Dept.

A

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

Davao News

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DAVAO DEL NORTE l DAVAO DEL SUR lDAVAO DEL ORIENTALl COMPOSTELA VALLEY

Comelec schedules plebiscite for creation of DavOccidental The Commission on Elections (Comnelec) will be holding a plebiscite for the creation of the new Province of Davao Occidental, simultaneous with Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on October 28.

According Commissioner Christian Robert Lim, holding the plebiscite together with the village and youth polls will save them some P29 million since they will only spend more than P11 million.

A total of P40 million is needed to hold a separate

plebiscite.

The referendum will be held in connection with the enactment by Congress of Republic Act 10360 or an “Act Creating the Province of Davao Occidental” last July 23.

A total of 523,862 registered voters (as of the May 13, midterm polls) of Davao del Sur excluding Davao City will be participating in the plebiscite, which will create the new province to be composed of the municipalities of Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos

and Sarangan.

The five municipalities were carved out from the eight (8) municipalities in the 2nd Legislative District of Davao del Sur. Lim added that the voters in the said province will be using a longer ballot since it would include voting for the creation of Davao Occidental. Voters will be asked to answer the question by Yes or No. In RA 10360, the poll body was mandated to supervise the conduct of a plebiscite for the approval of the creation of Davao

Occidental by the majority of the votes cast by voters in the affected areas, within sixty (60) days after the Act becomes effective.

However, the Comelec on November 27, 2012, suspended the conduct of all plebiscite as a matter of policy in view of the preparations for the May 13, 2013 National and Local Elections. The policy of deferment was later extended on July 9, 2013.

On July 31, 2013, the poll body approved the holding of the plebiscite.

(PNA)

Mohammad Pasigan, Grand Mufti of Davao region, speaks before at least 50 community leaders, imam, ustadz and ulama gathered at a madrasah in Davao City on Tuesday afternoon, September 17. They discuss security measures with the Task Force Davao following the twin bombings Monday night. MindaNews photo by Ruby Thursday More

Davao Overland terminal Restraint in Muslim-tagging urged bomb threat yield negative DAVAO CITY -- Police and military authorities imposed stricter security measures at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal 12:30 pm Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, after the Emergency Response Center Central 911 received a bomb-threat on the facility.

Superintendent Julius Silagan, chief of the Talomo Police Precinct said initial clearing operation yielded negative result of any improvised explosive device.

He said K-9 and Explosive Ordnance Units were immediately deployed in the terminal to detect any suspicious cargo.

Silagan urged the porters and ambulant vendors to be very vigilant of suspicious cargo and individuals to avoid any

eventuality.

“We need to heighten our vigilance to prevent any eventuality,” he said.

Si l a g an u rge d t h e DCOTT management to remind all people within the facility through a public address system, every hour about the need to be alert and cooperative to the imposed security measures.

He assured that all points of entry in the facility are already guarded by authorities.

Silagan also said a team of post-blast investigators are still gathering the pieces of evidence from the blast inside the Cinema One in SM City Mall along Quimpo Boulevard to reconstruct the type of improvised explosive device used in the explosion.

SM City Mall is under

the jurisdiction of the Talomo Police Precinct.

He said investigators are also studying the closedcircuit television camera footages on the persons who entered the theatre before the explosion.

“We are studying the footages carefully,” Silagan said.

Maribeth Lumactod, chief of the DCOTT said they were surprise of the presence of more security forces in the terminal.

She clarified that the flash alarm on the bombthreat did not come from them.

Even then, Lumactod thanked the authorities for the immediate action.

Earlier, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered a tighter security in all public places in the city. (RGA/JSD/ PIA-XI)

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, coming straight from a trip in Korea, presides over the security command conference at the Men Seng Hotel Tuesday morning following the twin blasts Monday night inside the movie theaters of two big shopping malls in Davao City. MindaNews photo

DAVAO CITY -- A Muslim religious leader has called on the media to be careful in branding Muslims in their news reports.

Kung may makita diyan, titiyakin mo muna kung ano sila, wag sabihin agad na Muslim kasi kami mapayapang tao. (If they see something, they should ascertain first who these persons are, don’t brand them quickly as Moslems, because we are peaceful people.) said Aleem Muhammad Pasigan Region-XI mufti, the head of all Muslim religious leaders in the region.

Aleem Pasigan said that Muslim is such a broad word and asked the media not to use it as a label.

“For example if they have news about a Maranao involved in drug pushing,

don’t use the word Muslim because it tends to generalize us all.” Aleem Pasigan said.

The regional mufti said they do not condone violence particularly what had happened in Zamboanga and the blasts in two Davao cinema-houses that occurred last night (September 16).

Muslim religion is against terrorism, Aleem Pasigan said.

Aleem Jamal Munib, ulama leader, also said that as religious leaders, they are willing to help authorities, one of which is by becoming vigilant within their communities.

“Our stand is for peace, anybody who has an advocacy for peace we are there by their side.” Aleem Munib said.

(PIA/RG Alama)

Housing project to benefit 100 families in Cateel CATEEL, Davao Oriental — One hundred families in Barangay San Rafael in Cateel town, one of the severely devastated towns by typhoon Pablo, are set to benefit on a housing project soon to mushroom here.

Realized through the p ar t n e r s h ip b e t we e n the Lucio Tan Group of Companies though its philanthropic arm – the Tan Yan Kee Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD), the housing project, said Administrative Officer of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Philip Sing, will not only help build structures but will also provide security and hope to the disaster-stricken families.

“This is the product of love shared by people who have big hearts,” said Sing during the housing project’s recent ground breaking rites. “This will open a new beginning, new hope, and new life for the victims of typhoon Pablo,” he added.

Founded in 1986 by business mogul Lucio Tan, the Tan Yan Kee Foundation has been doing its charitable works for the past 27 years. With the solid support of its businesses and subsidiary companies, the foundation has implemented projects in support to education, culture and sports, research, health and social welfare.

The foundation also provides livelihood assistance, environmental protection, and housing programs as few of its undertakings under its calamity assistance program to communities heavily affected by disasters.

DSWD Regional Director Priscilla Razon said that Davao Oriental is one lucky province as the foundation has chosen to exclusively extend its calamity assistance here.

She further encouraged the residents not to dwell on their losses, but instead give focus on

helping the government push its building back better efforts.

Meanwhile, RD Razon also revealed that DSWD has committed to put up 3,702 houses in Cateel alone as pledged

by President Aquino in h is S ONA vow i ng to complete 17,000 housing units in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental by the end of December.

Getting the outpouring of assistance from benefactors, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon also told the residents to compliment the donors’ kindness by also helping themselves to rise from this debacle without solely relying on aid from humanitarian organizations and foundations.

She also urged the residents to do their part by offering voluntar y work, as this is one of the important elements to successfully rise up from the calamity. (Karen Lou Deloso, PIO Davao Oriental)

Editor: CRIS DIAZ Email: crisguardian@yahoo.com

Flight... from page 1

this city.

Paculanan said some of the banks opened for half day while the others until 2 p.m.

Paculanan said more banks will be opened in the days to come depending on the decision of the respective management.

The ZCBFA has 58 member-banks and three lending institutions operating in this city.

Earlier, the memberbanks of the ZCBFA served their respective clientele through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

In a press statement, the Cebu Pacific said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has announced the resumption of Zamboanga Airport operations, for one special roundtrip Manila-Zamboanga-Manila Cebu Pacific flight on today (September 19, 2013).

It said guests originally booked on Manila-Zamboanga-Manila flights on September 19, 2013 will be contacted by the CEB call center for their preferred option.

“Options include: taking the flight on September 19, 2013, rebooking, getting a full refund or travel fund, rerouting, or proceeding with previously rebooked or cancelled flight,” it added.

“We would like to request passengers on the special flights on September 19, 2013 to please bring only one carry-on bag (up to 7 kilos), to check in at the airport early, and to cooperate with the special security procedures at the airport,” it said.

“CEB requests for the patience of guests on other Zamboanga flights, as we are allowed to operate only one flight on September 19, 2013. For their options, they may call (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888, any time even after their flights,” the statement said.

Bank... from page 1

Monetary Board (MB) of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In a statement, the Phil-

Mindanao Daily NEWS

NorthMin

thursday | september 19, 2013

ippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) records show that as of June 30, 2013, Rural Bank of Sto. Tomas had 8,023 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P67.7 million. A total of 8,011 deposit accounts or 99.9% of the accounts have balances of P500,000 or less and fully covered by deposit insurance. Total insured deposits amounted to P58.2 million or 86.0% of the total deposits.

According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of June 30, 2013 filed by the Rural Bank of Sto. Tomas, the bank is majority-owned by the Estate of Mariano S. Solis, Sr. (22.6%), Rosele R. Solis (17.9%), Oscar L. Lacuesta (7.8%), Ma. Lourdes S. Pineda (6.7%), Debin Uraya (4.1%), Abundio T. Merced (3.9%) and Marsman Estate Plantation (3.8%). Its President and Chairman is Rosele R. Solis.

It added that Rural Bank of Sto. Tomas is a threeunit bank with head office located along R. Magsaysay Ave., Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

The state bank insurer assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00 after all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated accordingly. PDIC also announced a DepositorsBorrowers Forum scheduled on September 20, 2013 to inform depositors of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance claims.

“The schedule and venue of the Forum will be posted in the bank premises and in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The claim forms and the requirements and procedures for filing are likewise available for downloading from the PDIC website,” it said.

Meanwhile, the state bank insurer stressed “that depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of P15,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims; but depositors who have outstanding obligations with the Rural Bank of Sto. Tomas including co-makers of the obligations, and have

incomplete and/or have not updated their addresses with the bank, regardless of amount, should file deposit insurance claims.”

Furthermore, for depositors that need not file deposit insurance claims, PDIC targets to start mailing payments to these depositors at their addresses recorded in the bank by the last week of September. For depositors that are required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC targets to start claiming settlement operations for these accounts of the second week of October.

The schedule of the claims settlement operations will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises.

Farm... from page 1

Dael said there are about 50 lizards that have chosen to stay around his house since 2002 when he began feeding them.

The lizards can grow to about a meter long and weigh from one to two kilos each.

Dael said he usually feeds them with bananas and leaves such as camote tops and kalamungay but added sometimes they also eat cooked fish and meat.

The provincial government wants to make the area, which is near a riverbank, accessible to groups of tourists.

Dael said the government can help by repairing the dike nearby.

The sail fin lizard can be fun to watch especially during feeding hours in daytime. The creatures climb back to trees at nighttime to sleep.

Soda... from page 1

Solar News Channel, the Philippines’ latest news broadcast organization, reported yesterday.

This could be the reason why the bombs slipped past security despite strict measures implemented since last week.

Davao City’s Police Director, Sr. Supt. Ronald de la Rosa, told journalists that the IEDs used in the bombing of SM City and Gaisano Mall cinemas were powered

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

by a portable battery, and included a trigger actuated by a mobile phone, and an explosive charge.

This prompted police authorities to advise business establishments to strictly screen mall patrons bring in soda cans and other beverage containers where bomb components could possibly be stashed.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also revealed that, two days before Monday’s twin explosions, malls in Davao City had been warned of possible bomb threats, especially businesses that house American-owned establishments, such as the coffee shop Starbucks.

De la Rosa said he personally informed the management of SM mall of the threat, and advised them to tighten up security at the car park in front of Starbucks.

Duterte said while Monday’s explosions could be related to the threat, he could not say that this was so for certain, pending the result of the investigation.

Me a nw h i l e , M a y o r Duterte cleared the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of liability in the explosions.

Duterte said he was able to talk to MNLF leader Nur Misuari, who assured him that the MNLF had no hand in the incident.

He assured the public that the government is doing its best to solve the crime.

Because of the explosions, the mayor ordered the malls to beef up their security especially in their cinemas.

He has recommended the installation of high definition CCTV surveillance systems at all cinemas in the city.

The city has been on heightened alert since last week due to the Zamboanga MNLF impasse.

Delay... from page 3

sentient but impervious to the alleged misbehaviour of a few senators.

It is not the case that 24 senators equals the Senate.

Hence, I do not fear for the future of the Senate, because I consider this scandal as a catharsis,” she said.

Santiago urged radio listeners to follow the example held up by Jose Rizal in his novel, Noli Me Tangere, where Rizal advocated that people with terminal diseases should be exposed on the steps of the church, so that the public could examine the illness and maybe prescribe the right treatment.

“I respectfully disagree with some senators who think that we should behave like the three monkeys - see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing. On the contrary, I believe in the free market of ideas.

Let us expose what ails us, so that the public will see the Senate is capable of healing itself,” she said.

The senator said that there are some senators who believe there should be a rule of omerta, or silence among themselves.

“If we refuse to talk about the pork scam, people might suspect that we are adopting a fortress mentality and building walls against the rest of the country, or that we are circling our wagons against public opinion.

Instead, we should demand justice for both the accusers and the accused,” she said.

S ant i ago c ou nte re d fears that the plunder cases will take five or more years to be finally decided by the Sandiganbayan, and, in cases of appeal, before the Court of Appeals and even by the Supreme Court.

“If our judges are lackadaisical and allow such a gross delay, the public, in line with the temper of the times, will definitely howl in protest and possibly seek extra-legal remedies, meaning remedies outside the legal system. I don’t know if our judicial system is ready to take that risk,” she said.

Santiago, in an earlier speech described the pork barrel scam as “the most bloodcurdling crime in Philippine political his tory.”

(Santiago was interviewed in succession by the following radio stations: DZBB, Radyo Inquirer, R adyoB ombo Iloilo, and DZAR.)

A11

AFTER THE BOMBINGS IN DAVAO CITY

More cops now visible in C. de Oro

By GERRY GORIT Staff Member

CAGAYAN de Oro City–– The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office has increased the presence of uniformed officers in public places here following the twin bombings in Davao City Monday evening.

Police regional director Chief Supt. Catalino Rodriguez Jr. said the PNP in Northern Mindanao has remained in full alert with instructions to intensify intelligence gathering.

Rodriguez said he has instructed the city and provincial police chiefs around Northern Mindanao to set up more checkpoints.

He said the police is coordinating with the Philippine Army as to the investigation in the bomb explosions inside an SM mall cinema and Gaisano mall cinema in Davao.

There were no casualties in the SM mall explosion but some moviegoers in the Gaisano mall were slightly injured.

“We do not know the group behind the bombings,” he added.

He called on security agencies in Cagayan de Oro to heighten their preventive measures.

He said it was possible that the suspects in the Davao bombing succeeded due to laxity in security because moviegoers go through double checking of bags, first at the main entrance of the mall and then at the cinema entrance.

City Councilor Ramon Tabor, chairman of the city council committee on police, fire and public safety, said security agencies must totally brief their personnel in searching bags.

Tabor said the city government and the police will continue with their peace and order campaign while making police presence felt in public places.

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