Mindanao Daily Northmin (September 11, 2013)

Russia, US order Syria to turn over chemical weapons AN impromptu remark

by Secretary of State John Kerry has opened the door to a possible diplomatic settlement that would avoid a United States military strike on Syria for its alleged chemical weapons use last month.

When a reporter in Lon-

don asked Kerry Monday whether there was anything Syria could to avoid a U.S. military strike, he said the government of Bashar alAssad could hand over all its chemical weapons by the end of the week. Kerry later said he was speaking rhetorically and was not

making a proposal.

But Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov embraced the secretary’s words.

He said Moscow will push Syria to put its weapons under international control, where they would be dismantled.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem endorsed the Russian plan, saying it would be a way to avoid what he called U.S. aggression.

US Deputy National Security Adviser Tony Blinken said the White House will “take a hard look” at Russia’s offer. voanews

Only

Php12.00/capsule (500mg) or

Php840/box Contact:

(70 capsules)

LYNEI G. MORDENO 09088659793

. Strengthens your IMMUNE SYSTEM . Reduces HIGH CHOLESTEROL . Regulates HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE . Fights Anemia! . Fights Diabetes! . Fights BAD BACTERIA and VIRUS . Fights ARTHRITIS and RHEUMATISM . Effective and Healthier Dietary Program by replacing one(1) meal per day!

. Anti-ageing Properties! . Perfect for Vegetarians! . Boost your Energy!

Mindanao Daily NEWS BENEFITS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper web portal: www.businessweekmindanao.com

Volume II, No. 083

Wednesday

September 11, 2013

P15.00

MNLF rebels take Catholic priest captive

By Al Jacinto Regional Editor-Zamboanga

Two government soldiers run September 10, 2013 to avoid sniper fires in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines where security forces are battling hundreds of rebels who are holding dozens of civilian hostage, including a Catholic priest Father Michael Ufana and his family.

Mindanao Examiner Photo

ZAMBOANGA City––Rebels have taken a Catholic priest and his family hostage in the southern port city of Zamboanga as sporadic fighting continued on Tuesday in several villages.

A neighbor of Father Michael Ufana said Moro National Liberation Front rebels barged in the house of the priest in Santa Catalina village and took him

hostage, including his sister and father. A local radio network, Radyo Agong, also reported the taking of priest and his sister and father, but their fate remains unknown.

Heavily-armed rebels have taken positions in civilian neighborhood throughout the night and making it extremely difficult for security forces to launch an assault to free the hostages.

Government negotiations with the MNLF were also

continuing, but details of the talks remain unknown.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar previously said more than 200 civilians have been taken captive by rebel forces, but police said only 85 people are actually being held hostage.

Salazar has suspended all classes and work on Tuesday as the crisis entered its second day. A 9-hour curfew in Zamboanga also remains enforced. Thousands of villagers have fled their homes

for fear of being caught in the cross-fire or taken captive by rebels.

She said troops have put up blockades in TalonTalon village after a group of rebels and their hostages in the village of Mampang were trying to link up with a larger group of MNLF fighters in Santa Catalina.

“Per report from the police, at 3 a.m. today, some 30 armed MNLF tagging along civilians as human

Battle-tested Marines reinforce in Zamboanga

C

Commentary Public space and resistance

By CRIS DIAZ, Executive Editor Of Mindanao Daily News

AMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City––Battle-tested Marines were deployed to Zamboanga on Monday evening as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) continued to lay siege to that capital city in southwestern Mindanao.

SEE FULL STORY/p.11

‘Intention was a rally, not an offensive,’ says MNLF Davao chair

By Mong Palatino of Bulatlat.com

By JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA of Davao Today

DAVAO City––Local leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) claimed counterparts in Zamboanga City intended to stage a rally on Monday, and not a siege as widely reported, when they were

engaged in a gun battle with government troops that left 30 casualties, including four civilians.

Rolando Olamit, chair of MNLF Davao said that MNLF forces gathered on

2 sections today 24 pages

Mindanao’s at risk of losing luster See

B1

See rally/p.11

See captive/p.11

FRIENDS. MILF commander Abdurahman Macapaar, aka Kumander Bravo (center), and Col. Glen Macasero, commanding officer of the 103rd Infantry Brigade (left) during a press conference inside the rebel Camp Watu in Barangay Barit, Balindong town in Lanao del Sur Monday, Sept. 9. The MILF has allowed the Philippine Army to search their camps in Lanao del Sur following allegations that they were harboring terror groups responsible for the series of bombings in Cagayan de Oro City and other parts of Mindanao. No terror suspects were found in the camps. MindaNews photo

QuickLook

Agri-Business

PSBank closes Zambo branches See

B4

WHEN Third Word dictators are ousted, many people celebrate the emergence of a democratic space in society.

After years of repression, there is suddenly a micro explosion of multiple freedoms in the streets, in schools, in workplaces, and in the press. Interestingly, it proves that public space is not inherently democratic.

See public/p.9

Papua extends tuna deal with Gensan firm See

‘No rice shortage’

See

B2 B5

Editorial: e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com • 72-33-44, 856-3344 • Advertising: e-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Contact cell nos.: 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776

A

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

wednESday | september 11, 2013 Advertising and Editorial businessweekmindanao@gmail.com 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Oro blast suspects not in MILF camps – Army ARMY personnel found nothing suspicious in two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps in this town where suspected terrorists believed responsible for the July 26 bombing at a resto-bar in Cagayan de Oro City allegedly underwent training.

MILF commander Abdurahman Macapaar, aka Kumander Bravo opened the front’s camps in Barangay Barit and Bualan Monday to the Army inspection team

led by Col. Glen Macasero, commanding officer of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Macasero said they chose to search the camps of Bravo because one of two of them seemed to resemble those in the photos supplied by their intelligence about the Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao, an obscure group said to be behind the blast.

“But we were mistaken.

We did not find anything in the camps of Bravo and it was very different from the

pictures when we inspected them closely,” he said.

The Army official said they inspected eight structures at one of the camps of Bravo but found nothing suspicious. The same thing happened in the nearby camp in Barangay Bualan.

The camps are located on Mt. Gurain (1700 masl) overlooking Balindong.

“We welcome this opportunity to show the world that the MILF is not harboring any terrorist groups.

We will help search for the suspects,” MILF’s James Macaraya said.

Army and police intelligence reports said the bombers underwent training in explosives handling in the two MILF camps here last year.

Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said it was in Lanao del Sur that members of the Khilafa Islamiyah

THE CAGAYAN de Oro city government booth won first place, in the city category, during the recently held Philippine Travel Mart at SM Mall of Asia on September 6-8, 2013.

The booth, focusing the city’s white water rafting adventure as the country’s water rafting capital, drew attention as tourism destination in the country besting 100 other booths nationwide.

It also showcased Mapawa Nature Park’s river trek and canyoneering adventure package which concept and design was executed by Roldan Yacapin and Gigi Casiño, a member of Tourism Council and of the Public Services Offices, respectively under the guidance of Ms. Dorothy Jean Pabayo, overall chairperson of the Cagayan de Oro Tourism Council.

Personnel from the city tourism also served as receptionists at the booth.

The booth, in partner-

ship with private industries such as the Cagayan de Oro Travel and Tours (Cotta), Giya Amihanang Mindanaw Association (Gama), Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (Cohara) and Oro

Association of Rafters (Oar) offer tour packages, promotional materials, gears and promotional incentives to tourists during the threeday exhibit.

Meanwhile, the City Tour ism C ounci l a ls o

thanked Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno and Madam Arlene Moreno for the all out support including Ernie Pelaez of Mapawa Nature Park and the Oar for providing gears used at the booth.

See blast/p.11

Oro cops 1st place in best booth competition at Phil Travel Mart

CdeO BOMB SQUAD & K9 UNIT

Members of the enhanced Cagayan de Oro City Bomb Squad and K9 Unit display their skills and expertise on explosives detection and detonation in a demonstration before Mayor Oscar S. Moreno and City Hall workers during Monday’s flag raising ceremony, Sept. 09, 2013. The highly-trained team is equipped with a modern bomb suit donated by US Navy and two bomb-sniffing dogs.(CIO)

Oro dads condole with Escobar, Balinado families THROUGH Resolution No. 114676-2013, the City Council during its regular session yesterday presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas, expressed the city’s deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the late Somolong A. Escobar, father of Eileen EscobarSanJuan and father-in law of City Agriculturist Dr. Hector San Juan, who recently passed away.

Members of the 17th City Council also adopted Resolution No. 11468-2013 expressing condolences to the family of Marilou Denosta-Balinado, a former City Health Department employee. She is the wife of former City Councilor Visayo “Memding” Balinado.

The resolutions were authored by Presiding Officer Protempore Councilor Ramon G. Tabor.

TEAM CdeO ARNIS TEAM IS BATANG PINOY MINDANAO OVERALL CHAMP

City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno warmly congratulated the members of the triumphant Cagayan de Oro City Arnis Team who emerged as the overall champion in the 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Qualifying Leg held recently in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The team, who were presented with medals by Mayor Moreno and head coach Leo Villegas on Sept. 9 at City Hall, took home 7-2-2 gold, silver, bronze medals in the Philippine Sports Commission-organized national competition.

wednESday | september 11, 2013 Advertising and Editorial businessweekmindanao@gmail.com 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Aggie News

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

A3

EDITOR: RUEL PELONE, ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

GAP for cacao underway Cagayan de Oro City - To promote and develop the cacao industry in the country, a public consultation on the draft of the Philippine Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Ochratoxin A in Philippine cacao beans and tablea was held recently at Pearlmont Inn, this city.

It intended to call on all the concerned stakeholders for a stronger unification in improving the cacao industry and in providing better income to farmers. In particular, it aims to determine food safety and basic quality characteristics of Philippine cacao beans and tablea in the major cacao producing and trading areas and retail outlets

in the four regions of the country, namely: Regions 7, 10, 11, and the Caraga region; and to also determine the occurrence of Ochratoxin A in cocoa.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic fungal metabolite classified by the International Agency for Research on cancer as a possible human carcinogen. OTA is produced by a few species in the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. It is produced when favorable conditions of water activity, nutrition and temperature required for growth of fungi and OTA biosynthesis are present.

According to Dr. Alexander Joel Gibe, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Center

for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) our country has good quality of cacao beans and tablea. We need therefore to maintain good agricultural practices that includes good hygienic and manufacturing practices in the processing of tablea, particularly on the fermentation and drying of cacao beans to 7.5% moisture content.

The transpired comments and suggestions from the participants were incorporated in the draft.

It is then expected that because of this initiative, the industry will become globally competitive, thus bringing greater impact to our economy.

The consultation was

attended by multi-stakeholders composed of the local government units, the private sector, academe, non-government organizations, people’s organization/indigenous peoples, and common farmers.

The event was hosted by the Department of Agriculture thru the Agriculture and Marketing Assistance Division together with PhilMech, Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPs), Food and Nutrition Research InstituteDepartment of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Food and Drug Administration- Department of Health (FDA-DOH), Food Development Center, and OPTIONS, Inc. # SVAdecer

By Bong S. Sarmiento of MindaNews

very much willing to assist in finding solutions to the electric power concerns in Mindanao. IMEM is the first step to ensure free and fair competition and public accountability,” Alabanza said in a statement issued late Monday afternoon.

Ermelindo Bugaoisan Jr., NGCP’s Systems and Standards Head of the Technical Services Department, said the electricity market in Mindanao will focus on filling-up the power deficiency in the grid.

“NGCP will be in a better position to balance the available capacities with the demand and manage constraints if the relevant data from all generators and load customers are submitted and accounted for. This is how crucial the infrastructure of the web-based program is to the operation of the IMEM,” he said.

DOE is said to be in talks with embedded generators for the installation of Remote Terminal Unit devices that are compliant with the requirements of the IMEM. Embedded generators are end-users or entities whose generating units are indirectly connected to the grid through the distribution utility’s lines and may also refer to generation facilities of large industrial customers, within the distribution utility’s network, that are synchronized to the grid.

For its part, aside from developing the online program for the submission and

management of generatorsload customers’ capacity nomination, generation scheduling and data provision, NGCP is also expediting the installation of Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM)-compliant revenue metering facilities among its directly connected grid customers.

Among its 15 grid-connected generator customers with 36 metering points, NGCP already installed 26 IMEM-ready metering facilities.

“The biggest challenge is in Agus 6 complex where five metering facilities still need to be installed,” said Emmanuel M. Sotomil, NGCP’s Metering Services Head.

He explained that in this case, large instrument transformers will have to be hauled, mounted on pedestals, then tapped to high-voltage overhead lines.

NGCP has been coordinating with the power plant owner-operator, National Power Corporation (NPC), because the lines should be de-energized and some of the plant generating units should be shut down for the installation to be completed.

Among its 53 gridconnected load customers, which include distribution utilities and non-distribution utilities, with 184 metering points, NGCP already installed 180 IMEM-ready metering facilities.

Yet to be installed are metering facilities inside two military camps in Iligan and NPC’s Regional Office

and its Ditucalan Complex, both also located in Iligan.

The IMEM is expected to address the need to establish a venue for transparent and efficient utilization of all available capacities, particularly during periods where the contracted supply capacities of the load customers, such as the distribution utilities and industrial customers, are not enough to meet the demand.

IMEM is also intended to reflect the true cost of electricity and, therefore, encourage the dispatch and utilization of existing available power generating facilities and/or to attract the entry of new generating capacities in Mindanao.

As such, the successful operations of the IMEM would be dependent on the finalization and approval of the Dispatch Protocol by the DOE and PEMC, and the full cooperation of the grid-connected generators, customers and prospective IMEM suppliers, NGCP said.

According to the DOE Circular, the IMEM will have a day-ahead market wherein market participants submit their nominations a day before the actual delivery or curtailment of energy. All generation capacities, directly connected customers, and distribution customers shall be part of a mandatory program that aims to address only the deficiency of supply in the grid. (Bong S. Sarmiento/ MindaNews)

PNG seeks renewal of agreement with PH tuna firm GENERAL Santos City––The government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is pushing for the renewal of an investment agreement it had signed with a tuna fishing and manufacturing company based in this city as it moves to draw more major investments into its thriving tuna industry.

Job Pomat, chair of PNG’s National Fisheries Board, said they are now reviewing its standing “state agreement” with homegrown firm RD Corporation in a bid to extend their trade and investment arrangements beyond its scheduled expiration in two years.

“I want to assure you that my government will review the agreement with a view to extend it after 2015,” he said at the 15th National Tuna Congress here.

Pomat, who represented PNG Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Mao Zeming in the gathering, said RD Corporation signed the deal with the PNG government in 1995 as a result of the signing of the Philippines-Papua New Guinea Fisheries Bilateral Cooperation.

He commended the company, which is owned by local fishing magnate Rodrigo Rivera Sr., “for taking the bold step to invest in PNG” after signing the state agreement.

See seeks/p.11

NGCP developing website for 64% rise in PH tuna Mindanao electricity market players exports seen next year

KORONADAL City––With two weeks left before the start of the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM), the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is fast-tracking the development of a website to help grid customers in the energy market’s operation.

Cynthia Perez-Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson, said the website, http://imem. ngcp.ph, will be used to upload and download generators’ and load customers’ capacity nomination data and schedules for the use of all players in the electricity market in Mindanao.

She said the website development is in support to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) efforts to deliver sustainable solutions to stabilize the Mindanao power situation.

In its Department Circular No. DC2013-01-0001 dated January 9, 2013, the DOE ordered the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) to develop and implement an interim electricity market specifically designed for the Mindanao grid, which has been experiencing brownouts due to a power supply deficit.

The commercial operation of the IMEM is scheduled to commence on September 26. Trial operation has been ongoing since August 26.

“NGCP remains supportive of the initiatives of DOE and PEMC and is

VISIT OUR WEB PORTAL

GENERAL Santos City–– The country’s canned tuna exports to the European Union (EU) are seen to increase by about 64 percent by next year once it gains duty-free access to the 28-nation trade bloc under the enhanced Generalized Scheme of Preferences or GSP Plus program.

Francisco Buencamino, executive director of the Tuna Canners Association of the Philippines (TCAP), said the projected increase in canned tuna’s export volume to the EU is equivalent to around 2 million cases based on last year’s total shipments of 3.202 million cases.

In 2012, he said the country generated around US$ 123.3 million in total

receipts from the canned tuna exports to the EU markets despite being slapped with a 24-percent tariff.

The EU is presently the country’s biggest export market for canned tuna, which is mainly produced by six canneries based in this city.

“Once we get into the GSP Plus program, our export prices (for canned tuna) will become more competitive, mainly because of the removal of the 24 percent duty. So it is imperative that we get into the GSP Plus by all means,” he said at the 15th National Tuna Congress here.

The national government, through the Department of Trade and Industry See tuna/p.11

A

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

Caraga News

wednESday | september 11, 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

Bantay Bugas Task Force to look into rice price rise

By PAT SAMONTE, Regional Editor

BUTUAN CITY – The city government here has organized Bantay Bugas Task Force to look into the continuing rise in the price of rice in local public markets and private establishments creating what the Department of Agriculture described as “an artificial rice shortage.”

Led by the National Food Authority here with the Department of Justice, City Agriculturist’s Office, Butuan consumers’ and farmers’ groups as members, the Bantay Bugas TF will take the rounds of local business establishments and public markets today, September 11, to monitor the prices of different rice varieties.

According to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, there was a “concerted effort” presumably from rice smugglers to create an artificial rice shortage and gain from it.

Alcala said his agency

would file economic sabotage charges against the rice smugglers who had been hurt by the government’s tight control of rice importation.

In less than a month, commercial rice had jumped at P10 more than the usual price per kilo prompting consumers to revert to the cheaper NFA rice.

Local retailers said dealers from Davao and other areas had increased their prices and forced them to buy to replenish their dwindling stocks. They hoped the price will normalize with the start of harvest time.

Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. speaking before participants at the opening of three-day Contingency Plan and Formulation Workshop.

(Photo by ERIC DE LEON, PPIO Agusan del Sur)

Ex-mayor calls for civil disobedience over rotating brownouts

Surigao Norte LGU leads 'Kapihan sa Kapitolyo'

By SUSIL D. RAGAS

SURIGAO CITY -- The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte led recently a forum dubbed "Kapihan sa Kapitolyo," at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

Gov. Sol Matugas said the forum, which is a semestral undertaking of the provincial government, provides a venue for the local chief executives, officials of different government agencies other stakeholders and members of the local tri-media to discuss pressing issues and problems in the province and city.

S e vera l issues were discussed including the escalating prices of rice, scrapping of pork barrel, power curtailments affecting the economy of

Publication Notice R.A. 10172

the province, alarming high rate of teenage pregnancy in Caraga Region being the number one in the country, insurgency problem in the mining site of THPAL, Taganito in Claver and the safety and compensation of its employees, rampant illegal drugs, security measures for the upcoming fiesta celebration, prevalence of illegal fishing or "LIBALIBA" in Siargao Island and the delayed construction of provincial hospital in Bas-ad, Placer.

The form was attended

by Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas with officials and representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Labor and Employment, Health, Trade and Industr y, Interior and Local Government; Philippine

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC CCE-0160-2013(R.A. 10172)

September 09, 2013

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that ANGIE ODILAO SUMAMPONG has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the certificate of live birth of ANGIE ODILAO SUMAMPONG at P-8 B-16 ONG YIU DIST., BUTUAN CITY, AGUSAN DEL NORTE and whose parents are MODESTA OMANG ODILAO and ANTONIO MARGIN SUMAMPONG.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 27 September 2013.

(Sgd.) JUDITH ALVIZO-CALO, LLB, MPA City Civil Registrar MDN: Sept 11 & 18, 2013

Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Elections, Provincial Agriculture Office, Provincial Social Services Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Engineering Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and local tri-media. (SDR/ PIA-SurigaodelNorte/asf )

By Roel Catoto, MindaNews

SURIGAO CITY – Rotating brownouts hitting this city for over a month now have brought serious economic problems to small businessmen here, as residents said that if this will continue, some will be calling for civil disobedience.

Former City Mayor Al-

PIA bits

Surigao JCI hosts conference SURIGAO CITY - The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Surigao and JCI-Wensie is host to the 33rd Mindanao Area Conference here in the city, Sept. 6 to 8, this year.

Street kids get shoes BUTUAN CITY - Along with the culmination of this year’s National Crime Prevention Week, the Butuan City government and the City Police Office have distributed shoes to street children, who are now in a public school, through the collaborative effort of the LGU and PNP. Said activity was held at the Kapihan sa Datu, Libertad Sports Complex, Butuan City.

Street children participate in Broadcastreeing BUTUAN CITY - The street children being taken cared of by the Butuan City government and the City Police Office participated in the tree planting activity of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Butuan City Chapter in Brgy. Masao. Said activity was part of the KBP’s Broadcastreeing Program.

fonso S. Casurra said over the radio that he is calling for civil disobedience, if the problem will not be addressed by the Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SURNECO).

Casurra blamed the SURNECO for doing nothing to address the insufficient power supply in the area.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, who was here on Tuesday during the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council meeting, has likewise criticized SURNECO for their supposed ineptness.

He advised electric consumers to elect board members, who will really work to solve the power outages, not those backed by the politicians.

Engr. Narciso I. Caliao Jr., acting general manager of SURNECO, denied Roxas’ comments, saying they are working hard to address the power situation.

He asked concerned individuals to instead help them, “discuss our problem, so we can come up with the best solutions.”

Caliao said, if consumers go on civil disobedience by not paying their bills, then they will issue a disconnection order.

He said they are currently facing a power deficiency as power generators, like the National Power Corporation-Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (NPC-PSALM) and Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) are not giving enough supply to power utilities.

He added the problem lies with the power generators and not the distributors, referring to SURNECO and other electric utilities all over Mindanao.

SURNECO, he said, has a power deficit of seven megawatts.

NPC-PSALM is now supplying SURNECO with only 11 MW of electricity whereas it used to supply the cooperative 26 MW. TMI has also dropped its load from 8 MW to 6 MW. With this predicament, SURNECO has implemented rotating brownouts of 4 to 5 hours daily.

Caliao said SURNECO has a total power demand of 23 megawatts.

He added that base load power plants will be available only by 2016 as several coal-fired power plants are being constructed in various parts of Mindanao. One of these is the Therma South, Inc. (TSI) in Davao. SURNECO, he said, has already

brownouts | page 9

wednESday | september 11, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA Email: mindanaodailycaraga@gmail.com

NorthMin

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

A5

Comelec urges early DPWH bares filing of application for TISP-funded infra projects gun ban exemption in Lanao del Sur B y RUTC H IE CA B A H UG AGUHOB

By APIPA P. BAGUMBARAN

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 10 (PIA) -Four infrastructure projects funded by the national government's Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have been completed, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 10 said.

Jacky Kim A. Obguia, chief of the monitoring section of DPWH-10, reported this during the local stakeholders meeting of the Project Management Office (PMO) of the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Sunday, September 8.

He said the widening of Marawi-Malabang road; upgrading of national road, Ganassi-Tubod section; rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged national road, Ganassi-Tubod section; rehabilitation of Bato-Bato bridge approaches and scour protection and completion of Kiaokaran bridge along MolundoMaguing section were 100 percent completed.

He added that the rehabilitation/reconstruction/upgrading of damaged paved national road, Marawi-Malabang section is 93 percent completed while the upgrading of Molundo-Wao road, Molundo-Maguing section, is 95 percent as of August 31.

Obguia said these infra projects will bring the people in the municipalities

closer to the city, facilities and commodities.

The TISP is a national government intervention to improve the socio-economic conditions in ARMM. Out of the P8.59 billion TISP funding, DPWH got the share of P2.8 billion for preventive maintenance of national arterial or secondary roads, rehabilitation/ reconstruction of damaged paved national roads, upgrading of secondary roads, and replacement of national bridges.

According to DPWH10, a total of P911 million was allocated for infrastructure projects in the province.

Obguia said DPWH-10 is also implementing other projects in the province in support to the TISP. These include the road

upgrading of MolundoWao road, Bumbaran section, which is 35.46 percent completed.

He said the project contracted by Fiat Construction has a cost of P127,327,005.09 with target completion on Januar y 21, 2014.

The other project which is only 9.64 percent completed is the reconstruction of Agus Bridge II along Marcos Boulevard, this city.

The project started last April 3, 2013 and we are expecting full blast of activities for this project because the materials was already delivered on site, he said.

This project, with a total cost of P138,753,665.80, is expected to be completed on May 22, 2014. (APB/ PIA-10)

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has urged applicants for gun ban exemption to file their applications at the earliest opportunity to avoid the rush.

This, as the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CSFBP) has started accepting, on September 4, 2013, applications for the renewal or issuance of Certificates of Authority (CoA) to Avail/ Employ/Engage Security Personnel or Permit to Transport Firearms, Commissioner Elias R. Yusoph, CBFSP Chairperson, said.

The gun ban shall be imposed beginning September 28, 2013 until November 12, 2013, pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9715, which prescribes the calendar of activities and period of prohibited acts in connection with the 28 October 2013 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Meanwhile, Atty. Cirilo E. Nala, Jr., Provincial Election Supervisor of Misamis Occidental, said the following documents are required in applying for the gun ban

exemption: For old applicants - Letter request for renewal of authority signed by the applicant/head of agency/ head of mission addressed to the CBFSP Chairman, original or certified true copy of the CoA issued by the CBSF for the May 13, 2013 elections and of the CBFSP Form and official receipt of payment of application fees.

For new applicants - Letter request for issuance of authority signed by the applicant/head of agency/head of mission and addressed to the CBFSP Chairman, duly accomplished applicable CBFSP Forms and other requirements as enumerated in the form and official receipt of payment for the application fee.

Use of falsified document shall authorize the CBFSP to automatically deny any application, without prejudice to the filing of appropriate legal action, Nala said.

He said the foregoing documents may be submitted to the CBFSP Office, or to the nearest Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9561-A, as amended. (RCAguhob/ PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

BSP’s financial education expo draws large audience in Bukidnon

By RUBY LEONORA R. BALISTOY

M A L AY BA L AY C I T Y, Bukidnon, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) financial education expo recently In a meeting with members of the Rido (Maranao term for clan feud) Settlement Committee, Governor Khalid Di- staged at Pine Hills Hotel maporo (center) laid out his two-pronged approach towards the reduction of ‘rido’ cases in the province. First is here has drawn nearly 900 ensuring to bring the perpetrators to justice and the drafting of a ‘Rido’ Settlement and Exclusion mechanism that Overseas Filipinos (OFs) will address the concerns of those innocent family members caught in the crossfire. (PIO-LDN) and their beneficiaries, business owners, students, and professionals.

Delegates from government agencies, banking community, and the media also participated in the big event widely known as 'Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Economic and Financial Learning Program (BSP-EFLP).'

The ac tivity of fers various financial learning specifically on monitoring of OFs remittances, credit cards' safety nets, safeguarding savings and investments, central banking, and financial planning.

It also features learning booths with audio-visual presentations, graphic displays and interactive activities that will help participants become selfreliant in promoting their A representative from Sapad Elementary School receives the soccer balls from Lanao del Norte provincial monetary welfare. sports coordinator Nelson Lasola on Tuesday, September 3, as part of Governor Khalid Dimaporos Kabataan Participants learned Sigurado program. (PIO-LDN) not only on the basics of

budgeting and investment returns, but also about new financial incentives and programs being developed by the Department of Trade and Industr y (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA).

Four focused workshops enabled them to explore the vital developments in the Philippine f inancial system, investing, and borrowing, said Antonio B. Cintura, director of BSP Economic and Financial Learning Center (EFLC).

"This is par t of the Bangko Sentral's advocacy to educate Filipinos on financial issues and protect them from financial scams and frauds," he said.

Financial education expo is a continuing work of the BSP-EFLC that aims to promote greater public awareness and understanding of key economic and financial issues to ensure that a greater segment of the population is able to make informed decisions, which is in line with the government’s effort to increase involvement of people into the growth process in a community, Cintura said. (RLRB/PIA 10, Bukidnon)

A

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

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

Opinion

wednESDAY | september 11, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

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

The Mindanao Daily nORTHMIN, Mindanao Daily CARAGA , mindanao daily westmin and , Mindanao Daily DAVAO newspapers are published daily by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS at Door 2, Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certififcate No. 01791042, and with Business Permit No. 201313231, TIN No. 209-980-927, Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, (08822)72-33-44, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com MINDANAO DAILY NEWS Publisher ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief Nelson v. constantino Executive Editor- Business ruel pelone Managing Editor CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor Joe del Puerto Felicilda Executive Editor Cheng Ordonez Executive Editor bong fabe Executive Editor Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy Associate Editor Arjay Felicilda Assistant Editor felix santillan RONALD MASTAIL CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artists BUTCH D. ENERIO Rene Michael BaÑos Regional Editors-Northmin PAT SAMONTE CRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editors-Caraga AL JACINTOR Regional Editor-WestMin irene dayo Reporter-NorthMin gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Legal Counsel ---------------------------------------------------------------

ADMINISTRATION

ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, Ph.D. General Manager MER SUDARIA HR Manager DOLLY PELONE Comptroller melanie rivera christalin pino Advertising orlan bulotamo Circulation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARKETING and AGENTS candy macabale- 09161326483 LIEZL A. DELOSO-0905-2123718 JOE PALABAO - 0905-1569709 ED MAINIT- 0915-6590273 RIZA O. ARES-0915-9753277/0920-9600223 North Buk.- DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO 0926-858-2013 south Buk.-MILDRED BORBON TORREJAS Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA 0936-1174378 tubod- louie bukod- 0948-1323348 OROQUIETA CITY- PJ TREMEDAL 0919-3452375 ARMM - Sony Sudaria- 0947-4810371 cotabato-ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 davao- MARLON GAYOG - 09276314995 davao- tom a. caballero - 09105783126 davao- JOY MONTEZA -09479662790 butuan- PAT SAMONTE- 0912-8091093 san frans - CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 San Francisco- deding PANGANBAN Cell No. : 0927-7974193 Tandag City GEN CANTORCell No.: 0929-5817116 Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

Voluntary election service?

BARANGAY elections is fast approaching. Once again, we need a new breed of heroes to help make this political exercise as honest and credible as it should be, especially that we are choosing grassroots leaders.

Everyone knows that the system of corruption has already embraced even the basic governance of our grass-root communities.

Suffrage is a sacred right and therefore should be safeguarded at all cost. Thus the people involved in facilitating this exercise should be as noble and dedicated as guardians of freedom should be.

This may be one of the reasons why a bill was filed to make election service voluntary for public school teachers and other motivated and civil-minded citizens. It suggests that public school teachers, private school teachers, government employees and citizens of known probity and competence who are registered voters of the city or municipality may volunteer to serve on election day. To volunteer means to render services without pay.

The proposal seeks to amend Section 13 of Republic Act 6656 ,or The Electoral Reforms Law of 1987 which mandates public

school teachers to render poll service during election period as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs). But this law also provides just compensation for those who render election services.

While the amendment proponent is correct in saying that the success of national and local elections is rightfully attributed to the competence and hard work of teachers, the teachers on election duty made personal sacrifices over and above the call of duty.

To give them no pay because of volunteerism, may also defeat the purpose of providing efficient poll services.

Moreover, since teachers are among the lowest paid government servants, paying them for additional time and hazardous service is just fare and square.

Yes, we have heroes like teacher Filomena Tatlonghari who was shot and killed in Mabini, Batangas, for refusing to surrender a ballot box to armed men, and teacher Nelly Banaag who died in 2007 protecting ballots after masked armed men torched two in Taysan, Batangas.

And in the 2010 national and barangay elections, “many more

Editorial

Peace not war

The exchange of fire between State security forces and some armed members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) early Monday morning in Zamboanga City resulting in the death of six individuals, four of whom are innocent bystanders, is the best argument why peace should be pursued in any conflict instead of war.

So many lives have already been sacrificed in the altar of war as a tool in achieving peace. And we cannot afford to continue sacrificing lives like what happened early Monday morning in Zamboanga City by adopting the hard line stance that peace can only be had by engaging in war, a mindset that is pushing US President Barack Obama now to push for an escalated war in Syria against its established government.

War will never beget peace. What it’ll beget is more war. Only peace can beget peace, we should remember.

This is the reason why Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey instead of a war-trained horse because he was entering that city as a peacemaker not a warrior.

That decision of Jesus was frowned at by many of his followers who like Nur Misuari and his MNLF wanted to declare their independence from Rome, in the case of the Jews, and from the Philippine government, in the case of the MNLF. But Jesus knew that by going with the popular tide for independence from the Roman Empire he will just be courting disaster where thousands of lives will have to be sacrificed at the altar of such political objective.

Hence he opted in entering Jerusalem as a peacemaker.

It was that decision of Jesus that made Judas betray him

unsung heroes faced tremendous odds just to ensure the people’s votes are kept safe,” the proponent lawmaker said. But while volunteers render free service, it does not follow that providing them just compensation will unmake them potential heroes.

If mandatory election duty is considered “an additional burden borne by public school teachers, who are already hard-pressed in educating the youth,” all the more they need to be paid higher for election duties.

Serving with low pay and in difficult working conditions, alleviating the plight of teachers is more “noble and humane” if they are granted sufficient and reasonable honorarium and allowances when they are assigned as election workers or wants to volunteer for poll duties.

It is true that election service is an essential civic duty that should be made available to all concerned citizens and not just to teachers, but volunteerism should not be and excuse to disregard just compensation.

If billions of pesos are being spent for election paraphernalia and materials, why not higher pay for those rendering election duties, especially teachers?

A deeper view Jesse E.L. Bacon II for Judas truly pinned his hope of seeing an independent Jewish state from Roman control to be spearheaded by Jesus.

To Judas, it was Jesus who first betrayed the political cause that he and the other similarly situated thought Jesus was leading. They were wrong in their reading of Jesus, he whose heart earnestly believed that only peace can beget peace.

No matter how Misuari believed in his heart that the cause he and the MNLF are fighting for is a righteous cause, the taking up of arms to achieve their cause only ensures the defeat of such cause. In fact, in several news reports the MNLF leadership was quoted as saying that they feel aggrieved for being left out in the soon to be concluded peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF. This pronouncement just goes to show that the MNLF doesn’t want peace to be entered into between the govbacon | page 7

wednESDAY | september 11, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Opinion

Jhan Tiafau Hurst Think a minute…Remember when you were in school? You know who’s best at doing tests, but you don’t know who will succeed at the tests of life. By the time we’ve finished 10-12 years of school, we’ve learned some accounting with debits and credits, but we’ve still not learned how to truly forgive our debtors and people who have wronged and hurt us.

We know what direction

Japan is, but we’re not sure which way we should go in life. In school, we learn how to do everything except how to live!

It’s after we finish school that we must start learning how to live in the classroom of real life. So who is the right teacher for us? Who can best teach us how to live well? Isn’t it logical that whoever invented life is the One Who knows how life

best works?

This is on of the reasons Jesus Christ became a human being—as the Teacher of real living. He explains and shows us the way God designed life to be lived. That’s why Jesus is the only person in history who could ever come back to life after dying and being buried for 3 days. He’s still teaching today! So we would be smart to listen and do everything He tells us are the principles for living a successful and satisfying life.

If you put your life in Jesus’ hands, He will work everything together for good in your life. Jesus will show you what to do about your boss who is unfair to you. He’ll teach

you how to pay back your debts and manage your money problems. Jesus will show you what you can do so your child won’t feel so angry and rebel against you. He’ll show you how to change and improve your marriage relationship. And Jesus will help you do your best in school.

Jesus can even use your mistakes to teach you lessons on how to live well and right. But you must first join His class. So won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you for living your wrong way, and ask Him to become your life’s teacher in charge of your life. Then, He can start showing you how your life was made to really work the way you want it to. Just Think a Minute…

The ‘Queen’ and the ‘robbing hoods’ Senator-judges.5Never before in the history of the Philippines has a corruption scandal rocked the corridors of power to its foundations as it had with the pork barrel scam.

With at least 12 senators and more than 180 congressmen allegedly involved in robbing their pork barrel allocations with the help of greedy and unscrupulous scam operators, it makes one wonder if the country’s Fifth Republic could survive this mother of all scandals?

The question is: Does President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III have the cojones to bring them – many of whom are his political allies — to justice?

And if they’re brought to the court of law, are there judges who are brave enough to mete out justice? Or, are we going to see another spectacle of a moro-moro that the lawmakers love to play?

In the past, the masa – the people – ignored the charades the lawmakers would play when a corruption scandal erupts.

Congress would go through the motion of conducting televised “blue ribbon committee” hearings. But when the hearing is over, they’re back to square one. Nothing is accomplished and the lawmakers go back to their old haunts. It’s all for show and the public couldn’t care less. But not anymore!

The “Queen”

Janet-Lim-Napoles.14A few weeks ago, Janet Lim Napoles — who earned the sobriquet “Pork Barrel Queen” – was exposed for allegedly running a scam. With the collusion of some lawmakers, Napoles siphoned off billions from the lawmakers’ pork barrel allocations. Recent evidence showed that she ran the scam for 10 years and pocketed P10 billion based on a 70-30 split, with the lawmakers’ getting the lion’s share.

With a whopping 70% kickback from pork barrel funds that were supposed to be used for projects for their constituents, these corrupt lawmakers are like Robin Hood… in reverse. Instead of robbing the rich to give to the poor, they

Perryscope

By Perry Diaz, San Freancisco, CA steal from their pork barrel allocations with the aid of Napoles. It was a perfect scam until a whistleblower, Benhur Luy, sang like a canary.

As the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigates Luy’s accusation, the DOJ filed an unrelated charge of “serious illegal detention” – a nonbailable offense – against Napoles for allegedly detaining Luy against his will. A judge issued a warrant of arrest against Napoles; however, she fled into hiding when someone from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) allegedly leaked it to her.

She came out of hiding after P-Noy offered a bounty of P10 million to whoever could provide information that would lead to her arrest.

Strange as it might seem, Napoles surrendered last August 29 to P-Noy. Claiming that she feared for her life, she said that P-Noy is the only person she could trust. Makes one wonder if P-Noy might have done “business” with her when he was a congressman and a senator?

Rumors abound that Napoles would turn state witness.

Could it be that the charges of “serious illegal detention” was used to secure and protect her from people who might want to assassinate her? Dead people can’t testify.

“Robbing hoods”

Pork-barrel-scam-lawmakersAccording to news

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

A7

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

Classroom of Life Think A Minute

Mindanao Daily NEWS

report, Levito Baligod, lawyer of the whistleblowers, said that the DOJ is preparing to file plunder complaints against Napoles and at least 10 people including lawmakers and officials of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) implicated in the pork barrel scam. But the DOJ would not confirm or deny it. However, the special audit report compiled by the Commission on Audit (COA) linked Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan to the scam. Lately, Senators Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Loren Legarda were added to the list. Since plunder is a non-bailable offense, would the DOJ arrest them and detain them?

But how about the other senators and congressmen whose names appeared on the COA special Audit report?

Some people noticed that the senators linked to the scam are members of the opposition.

Interestingly, administration allies like Sen. Ralph Recto and former Sen. Edgardo Angara were not included but their names appear on the COA special report. This led many to believe that P-Noy is using the pork barrel scandal to bring down opposition leaders, particularly those who are vying for higher office in

2016; i.e., Estrada, Marcos, and Revilla. A news report

even insinuated that Napoles is P-Noy’s “attack dog.”

Assuming that Napoles would turn witness for the government, how strong is the evidence against the lawmakers? Will it result in a conviction? Without the ability to scrutinize their bank accounts because of a constitutional provision that protects Foreign Currency Deposit Act (FCDA) accounts, the government could not pore into a depositor’s “secret account” without the depositor’s authorization.

And who in his right mind would do that?

Institutionalized corruption And this is where the problem lies: the constitution protects the corrupt!

Money.6In my article, “Institutionalized corruption,” (November 23, 2012), I wrote: “In many countries, like the United States, people with ill-gotten wealth deposit their money in banks in Switzerland or the Cayman Islands, where bank secrecy laws protect the identity of depositors.

But in the Philippines, a corrupt official, a drug lord or a jueteng operator doesn’t need to go abroad to hide their dirty money. Yep, they can go straight to their local bank and open a foreign currency deposit account and nobody can see it, not even government investigators.

“Known as ‘Foreign Currency Deposit Act of the Philippines,’ Republic Act (RA) 6426 was signed into law by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1974 during the martial law era. The law states that any information can only be disclosed ‘upon written permission of the depositor.’

Many believe that it was enacted for the purpose of hiding the ill-gotten wealth of Marcos and his cronies.

“But RA 6426 survived when the people power revolution toppled the Marcos dictatorship. Oddly, it remains in the books to this day. Perhaps, the lawmakers find it useful.

“After Corona was impeached and removed from office, there was a move by a few lawmakers to amend or repeal RA 6426. But P-Noy didn’t warm up to the idea and it ended up in limbo, never to see the light of day again.”

Betrayal of public trust FOI.3If P-Noy is really serious about fighting institutionalized corruption, he needs to do, at a minimum, two things: (1) Endorse and prioritize the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, and (2)

Biblical reflection Bro. Edcel L. Closas

Great trials Special G ospel of the day: John21:1519(September10, 2013-Tuesday) John 21:15-19-So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee: Matthew 22:37-40-Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and “great commandment.” And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Hebrews 13:8-Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. If ever Jesus will ask each one of us if we love Him, what will be our answer? Do you know that we are like Peter who was a sinner? In Romans 3:10-As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Take note, Jesus asked Peter because He was “doubtful” due to his denial when they were persecuted. Peter loved Jesus in “calm situations” but during their “great trials,” he rejected Jesus easily. In the same manner, we are like Peter that we love God in “good and smooth situations” of our lives but in times of difficulties, we easily abandon God. How deep your love in God? Remember, Peter denied Jesus three times and this is an implication that we fall many times as human as we are. Matthew 18:22-Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. This is proven in the “status of Peter” when Jesus entrusted him the “church and forgave him immediately.” This is a concrete proof that “Jesus is full of love, mercy and forgiveness to all sinners.” Are you a sinner? Do not worry and believe that the “love of Jesus is greater than our sins.”SPONSORED:Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhD- Tony Jordan - CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! Listen: Radio Ultra AM-11883:00 PM - Sunday: #09284149490-09266607505: Question – Prayer request

Bacon...

from page 6 ernment and the MILF. And if such peace agreement is indeed inked, the MNLF will again wage war to ensure that there’ll be no peace in that part of Mindanao.

Such rationalization in reality strips the MNLF with any moral high ground to pursue their political objective. Misuari and the MNLF should be reminded that a large part in winning a war is winning the heart and support of the people on whose behalf the war is being waged.

No one wages a war just to get the attention, as claimed by some MNLF leaders during live interviews, of the national government. The reason why one is waging a war is always a cause that is worth dying for. If it is not, then that war will just fizzle out for lack of support by the very people it is being waged for.

History tells us that wars had been waged primarily because of wounded pride. Misuari and the MNLF seem to be falling into this trap. When wounded pride becomes the rationale for any armed confrontation, the winner is always evil and never the people, the innocent civilians who are mere bystanders in the conflict.

But Monday’s armed con-

frontation that up to this writing remained unresolved since the armed MNLF supporters were still holding 20 civilian hostages, who just happened to be in the place where the confrontation erupted, as human shields. It is also feared that another 200 innocent civilians may also be hostages of another faction of the attacking MNLF armed partisans in another barangay who, reports say, were just stranded.

The unenviable position of the government now is how to pacify Misuari and the MNLF without jeopardizing the peace talks it is about to conclude with the MILF. The other unenviable task of the Aquino administration is how it can prevent a similar occurrence in the future thus assuring everyone the reign of peace in that troubled part of Mindanao. Partly to be blamed for this fiasco is the government’s failure to undertake preemptive moves after Misuari declared last month an independent state for his faction of the Bangsamoro in Sulu. Foolishly, the Aquino administration just brushed that declaration aside. It is reaping now the fruit of its own folly, to say the least. (Reactions at jelbacon@yahoo.com or at jelbaconii@gmail.com. Read me also at www.raconteurme.blogspot. com)

Remove the secrecy lid of FCDA or, better, repeal it.

If he fails to act, then he might as well kiss his anticorruption crusade goodbye.

The people have suffered for too long from the “robbing hoods” of Congress. Now is the time to exact vengeance against these despicable lowlifes masquerading as honorable public servants.

What is happening to our country today is a systemic

pillaging through executive and legislative fiat that has institutionalized a criminal enterprise by those elected to serve the very people who voted them into office. That is betrayal of public trust of the highest order!

Its’ time to send the “Queen” and the “robbing hoods” to where they belong: the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinglupa. (PerryDiaz@ gmail.com)

A

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

WestMin News

wednesday | september 11, 2013 EDITOR: CHENG ORDOÑEZ e-mail: cheng.ordonez@gmail.com

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

MNLF attacks coastal barangays in Zambo City Z

By MICHAEL VINCENT D. CAJULAO

AMBOANGA CITY – Armed Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members, believed to be followers of Chairman Nur Misuari, staged an attack in the city early dawn today, sneaking in some coastal barangays.

In i t i a l re p o r t s s ay members of the MNLF entered through Barangay Sta. Barbara, Rio Hondo, and Talon-Talon but Task Force Zamboanga immediately learned of the activity prompting them to call for reinforcement resulting in a firefight.

MNLF forcefully took some civilians as human shield to counter the military forces.

Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar suspended all classes as well as work in city government offices. Reports also revealed there are no

banking transactions, except for access to some ATM machines.

As of this writing, 11 MNLF members, including one high ranking official, were arrested by the authorities but names were not yet divulged as of press time.

Unv e r i f i e d re p or t s said the MNLF is trying to make it to the City Hall to raise their flag as a sign of independence from the republic.

Authorities assured they have full control of the situation and have imple- curity measures to prevent mented all necessary se- escalation of the standoff.

Boat trips from the city to Basilan and Jolo were

suspended by the Philippine Coast Guard while

flights bound for Tawi-Tawi were also cancelled. (PIA9)

PNP leads Lakaw Para sa Philippine rebels Kalinaw in Dipolog take Catholic priest,

By ALFONSO T. RUDA

DIPOLOG CITY, -- The Z amb oanga del Nor te Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) has spearheaded on Saturday "Lakaw Para sa Kalinaw" (Walk for Peace) to highlight the National Crime Prevention Week and the National Peace Month celebration in the city.

The activity, which aimed to drum up security awareness among the public, started at 5 a.m. from Plaza Magsaysay to Dipolog City Boulevard, followed by a short program.

In his welcome remarks,

ZNPPO Provincial Director, PSSupt. James B. Mejia assured that the police are always committed and ready to serve and protect the lives and properties of the people.

Mejia cited the importance of public cooperation in the maintenance of peace and order in the community.

"The maintenance of peace and order is not only the responsibility of the police but also of the people living in the community by reporting to the police any suspicious-looking persons

spotted in the area. It is only through this that we can prevent the bad elements from implementing their bad intentions in the community," Mejia pointed out.

The police official also noted as a big factor for maintaining peace and order the close coordination between the police and the military in the province specifically the 101st Infantry Brigade based at Del Pilar, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Zamboanga del Norte leads | page 10

Worst Flood residents of Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao wade through flood water Saturday night (7 September 2013) after a heavy downpour. Although there were no reported casualties, the flood nevertheless alarmed residents because it was the worse to hit the town. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Aguak Mayor Bai Zahara Upam-Ampatuan)

2 others captive

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Philippine rebels have taken a Catholic priest and his family hostage in the southern port city of Zamboanga as sporadic fighting continued on Tuesday in several villages.

A neighbor of Father Michael Ufana said Moro National Liberation Front rebels barged in the house of the priest in Santa Catalina village and took him hostage, including his sister and father.

A local radio network, Radyo Agong, also reported the taking of priest and his sister and father, but their fate remains unknown.

Heavily-armed rebels have taken positions in civilian neighborhood throughout the night and making it extremely difficult for security forces to launch an assault to free the hostages.

Government negotiations with the MNLF were also continuing, but details of the talks remain unknown.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar previously said more than 200 civilians have been taken captive by rebel forces, but police said only 85 people are actually being held hostage Salazar has suspended

all classes and work on Tuesday as the crisis entered its second day. A 9-hour curfew in Zamboanga also remains enforced.

Thousands of villagers have fled their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire or taken captive by rebels She said troops have put up blockades in TalonTalon village after a group of rebels and their hostages in the village of Mampang were trying to link up with a larger group of MNLF fighters in Santa Catalina “Per report from the police, at 3 a.m. today, some 30 armed MNLF tagging along civilians as human shields from Mampang were monitored proceeding to Santa Catalina to support their comrades.

However, they were blocked by police and soldiers manning checkpoints in the area,” Salazar said, adding “authorities are undertaking steps to resolve the crisis.”

The mayor also appealed to media anew to refrain from airing sensitive information to prevent panic and confusion.

“We thank the media for their extensive coverage of the incident but we have to speak with one voice

as our common goal is the safety and protection of the Zamboangueno community,” she said.

She again appealed to civilians to keep safe by staying inside their homes.

“Limit movements outside, as we allow our authorities to do their role in ending the conflict with no damage to lives and properties.

Let us all pray for the safety of our people and our beloved Zamboanga City,” she said.

MNLF commanders said they are fighting for the independence of Mindanao, the southern region they call “Bangsamoro Republik” with Nur Misuari, their chieftain, as president.

Misuari has repeatedly accused the government of reneging on a peace accord it signed in September 1996.

The attack was the second since 2001 after MNLF forces loyal to Misuari also launched an attack in Zamboanga and Sulu province and the fighting left over 100 people dead.

Just this year, Misuari ran for governor in the Muslim autonomous region, but lost.

He also ran thrice as governor in Sulu province in previous years and also lost. (Mindanao Examiner)

Mindanao Daily NEWS

wednESday | september 11, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Public... from page 1

It is actually a site between competing political forces and most of the time it reflects the unequal power relations in society.

People Power can undermine the hegemony of tyrants but this should be sustained by smashing the various instruments of oppression.

Otherwise, the precious democratic space would be used by the surviving forces of the ruling class to revive their reactionary and conservative agenda.

When people complain about the shrinking public space, they are probably referring to the literal loss of the commons where citizens freely converge, share ideas, and practice politics.

For a long time, the public space was a specter that has terrorized the elite. After all, kings and despots lost their power when everybody congregated in public to vent their rage and not when everybody played out their erotic fantasies in their private worlds. Afraid of its radical potential, the

Brownouts... from page 4

applied for the supply of at least 5 MW. “By year 2016 we will have sufficient supply. But what about from 2014 to 2015?” Caliao asked.

Caliao said they are contemplating to buy energy from private companies that can supply at least 10 MW at the best price and the quickest time possible.

SURNECO Board Members Jose Monte de Ramos said they prefer this route than having their own power generator set because they have no technical capability to do so.

“What we want is just to buy power from this private firm. They will build and operate,” he said.

Monte de Ramos said they are planning to avail power from five diesel-fired generator sets, each of which can produce at least 2 MW of power. With this scheme, the SURNECO will answer the almost 8 MW power deficit, he added.

He said several power companies have presented their proposals. Among them are Peak Power Energy Inc., Gen Diesel Philippines Inc., Alternative Power Resources Holding Inc., and Power Solution Philippines Inc. Monte de Ramos said that the Department of Energy has assured to help finance the initial costs in building the power generator sets.

SURNECO held a public forum last Wednesday to discuss the power situation and seek the public’s help in coming up with solutions.

Willy A. Gan, president of Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI) Inc., said at the forum in Barangay Washington that

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

bourgeois state used brute force to tame the wild public space. But when direct military rule became untenable, the state adopted sophisticated forms of control.

Reclaiming the public space in the name of big business also meant the privatization of public lands.

Public space became more valuable because of its profitability. Freedom parks became amusement parks, town squares were replaced by shopping malls, and protected habitats were suddenly turned into logging plantations. The principle of free access was junked in favor of corporate interests.

To promote development, ancestral domains were ignored in favor of private property.

The project of emancipatory politics appeared to be more utopian than ever in an increasingly militarized and commodified public space. Promoting order and discipline seemed more realistic goals.

The concept of public space also refers to collective institutions essential in building a democratic community. But these na-

tion-building institutions such as public schools and public hospitals are today replaced by privately-owned and profit-oriented institutions. Basic social services are already in the hands of profiteers whose concept of public space is clearly not guided by egalitarian principles.

Society became more segregated. The rich erected higher walls and electric fences as protection against their imagined enemies in the slums. The poor are allowed to socialize in the malls and they can access public spaces but only as consumers. They are citizens who are partly free to express and organize while Big Brother is watching through the ubiquitous CCTV and predator drones.

In the hands of the utilitarian bourgeoisie, the public space has become a dangerous and expensive place. No wonder there are high expectations that the Internet era would transform the cyberspace into a new frontier where democratic politics could thrive. Indeed, the world looks flat in the Internet

the rotating brownouts have drastically affected not just the business sector but everyone in the community.

He said he pitied the micro entrepreneurs who depend solely on their small business for their livelihood.

“I could imagine they are living in debt because of this power situation,” he pointed out.

Gan said the power crisis in Surigao right now is worse than being hit by a super typhoon.

“At least in a super typhoon you can reinstall the power lines in two to three months.

This power crisis we have right now is really

debilitating and this is the worse economic disaster in history,” he stressed.

Some attendees in Barangay Taft, like Recardo Makinano, walked out, saying the forum will not answer the power crisis.

He pointed out that SURNECO never anticipated the problem.

The forum, he opined, was held because the cooperative was afraid of the consumers staging civil disobedience.

Sulpicio Basadre, on the other hand, said the consumers are being fooled with the too much commercialization of electricity.

(RC/jdelpf )

Republic of the Philippines ) City of Cagayan de Oro City) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION

That I, CENONA CABARABAN MANABA, of legal age, Filipino Married and resident of Sitio, Benariohan, Siloo, Malitbog , Bukidnon . respectively after having duly sworn to in accordance with law, do hereby depose and say;

That I am the only surviving daughter of the late AGUSTIN WAGA CABARABAN.

That at the time of his death, Agustin Waga Cabaraban lived in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

That AGUSTIN WAGA CABARABAN owned a properties located at the following: LOT Nos. Title Decree Cases No. Record No. Location 1361 7830 727655 20 1570 Kauswagan 1186 6631 663128 18 1562 Puntod 926 6658 662944 18 1562 Lapasan 1880 6771 663187 18 1562 Puntod 1928 6776 663219 18 1562 Macabalan 1944 6778 663225 18 1562 Macabalan 1090 6616 663051 18 1562 Puntod 1092 6617 663053 18 1562 Puntod 1179 6732 663123 18 1562 Puntod 1899 6321 663200 18 1562 Puntod 1896 6263 663197 18 1562 Puntod 1399 7831 727655 20 1570 Kauswagan 2036 PSU-48831 17 1561 Macanhan 1328 --------------- ---------- 20 1570 Kauswagan 4597 611 18 1562 Lapasan 3821 PSU-48831 17 1561 Macanhan

6555 PSU-52848 ---------- 21 1571 Opol

1181 --------------- ---------- 18 1562 Puntod Portion of the Property Located at Tagbabanga Cagayan de Oro City Tax Declaration No. 2890 Cadastral Lot No. 3053 C-5.

That this act of ADJUDICATION is confirmed with my Certificate of Live Birth With Registry No. 2012-2347 and Marriages Certificate Registry No. 2002- 72 Registry of Marriages on page 84 of book No. 3.

In virtue hereof I do hereby ADJUDICATE unto myself the properties above mentioned.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this 3rd day September 2013 at Cagayan de 0ro city, Philippines.

CENONA CABARABAN MANABA Affiant CTC. No. 201205943481 Issued On. August 20, 2013 Issued at. Malitbog, Bukidnon

SUBSCRIBED and SWORN to before me this 3rd day of September, 2013 at Cagayan de Oro City.

world. The rich and the poor are finally mingling, albeit virtually. Perhaps the widespread online ranting against corrupt politicians and greedy banksters is a symptom of the repressed outrage that netizens cannot freely show in the real public spaces.

But sooner or later, we have to realize that the cyberspace is no different from the public space. It is neither neutral nor exempted from the laws of political economy. It exists not as a democratic space alternative but it can be maximized to generate powerful political actions.

There are no democratic timelines as there are no democratic town plazas.

But we should not underestimate the hypnotic appeal of the cyberspace.

E-mailing, petition signing, tweeting are already mundane online activities but for the owners of foreclosed houses or displaced workers, these are satisfying alternatives which they can perform instead of simply surrendering to the curse of an impotent rage. Networking and instant mes-

saging can briefly empower a person who feels hopeless and alienated.

Online outrage has material basis in the real world.

There should be no online heckling for online heckling’s sake. There is more than enough passion and rage circulating in the cyberspace and these powerful emotions have to spill over in the social networks of our real communities. In fact, some of the most impressive protest movements in recent years were ignited by social media activism such as the Arab Spring, Bersih reform in Malaysia, and Million People March in the Philippines.

The people, the grassroots, should never surrender the public space to the enemies of democracy. They should reject false icons of progress such as skycrapers, malls, and cubicles. They should assert ownership of our lands, water, air, our heritage and communities.

The battle for dominance in the public space continues. The ruling class controls the Pentagon, the Capitol Hill, and Wall Street.

They are expanding their

spheres of influence through military zoning, air strikes, gentrification, gerrymandering, and onerous global trade agreements.

But public resistance is also intensifying. The streets have been occupied, uprisings were launched in town squares, picnic protests were organized in parks, and an agrarian revolution has erupted in the countryside.

In other words, democracy is still alive in the public space. (http://bulatlat.com) •• Mong Palatino is a Filipino activist and former legislator. Email: mongpalatino@gmail.com

Lead...

ZNPPO for spearheading the activity as he reiterated the appeal of the military and the police to the public to cooperate with the authorities for the attainment of a peaceful and orderly community.

Other than the regular members of the ZNPPO,

the students from the different schools, officials and employees of national line agencies, non-government organizations and the children of police personnel also joined the activity.

(FPG/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

from page 8

Provincial Tourism Officer Joshua Bicoy, who re pre s e nte d G ove r nor Roberto Uy and Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy who were both on official travel, congratulated the

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4th SHARI’A CTRCUTT COURT 4th Shari’a Judicial District Iligan City IN RE: JOINT PETITION TO APPROVE AND REGISTER THE DIVORCE BETWEEN SPOUSES DOUGLAS M. OSMEÑA AND BELLA L. LUCOB-OSMEÑA,

CIVIL CASE NO. 2013-110

DOUGLAS M. OSMEÑA AND BELLA L. LUCOB-OSMEÑA,

Petitioners. x---------------------------------------------------------------------------/ ORDER

Before this court is verified Joint Petition for the approval and Registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others:

That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under civil rites February 29, 1992 at MTCC Branch 1, Cebu City, they converted to Islam faith, of which conversions to Islam were Registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal processes relative to this case at 54 Carlock Street, Cebu City and Purok I, Magoong Limamon, Lanao del Norte respectively;

That said marriage did not last long, due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for more than eight (8) years already, since 2004 they decide to live physically in bed and board thereby executed Divorce Agreement in order to formalize their separation; Since their separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other’s affairs; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce thereby surviving their marriage bond on February 29, 1992 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burden; Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this joint petition to be sufficient Inform and substance set the initial hearing of this case on September 13, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place, any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a news paper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan one week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED.

Iligan City, Philippines, this 27th of August, 2013, (Sgd.) HON. OSOP M ALI

Presiding Judge MDN: Aug. 29, Sept 5 & 11, 2013 Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4th SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’a Judicial District Iligan City ARTHUR WILLIAM NEELY Petitioner,

-Versus-

EVELYN NEELY Y. ZOILON Respondent.

X-------------------------------------------------------/

CIVIL CASE NO. 2013-095 FOR: JUDICIAL DECREE OF DIVORCE

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: Llk 1, Lots 33-34, Montana Vista Village Lumbia,

Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Or EVELYN NEELY Y ZOILON 4538 Marina Park Drive, Fort Myers Florida 33905, U.S.A. GREETINGS: Whereas, On August 20, 2013, this Court issued an Order directing the petitioner to effect service of summons by publications upon respondent EVELYN NEELY Y ZOILON in a newspaper of general circulation in this city once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of petitioner; WHEREAS, the petitioner is a Muslim, the respondent is his wife they having married on January 29, 1996 at the Regional Trial Court-Branch 8, Dipolog City.

WHEREAS, petitioner filed this petition against the respondent for divorce, for violation of Article 52 of P.D. 1083 or the Muslim Code; WHEREAS, the respondent separated from the petitioner and from that time, no communication whatsoever took place between them hence, petitioner is compelled to pursue divorce against her.

NOW THEREFORE, you respondent EVELYN NEELY Y. ZOOILON is hereby summoned and required to file with this Court, within 15 days from the last date of the publication of this summons, you comment/ answer to the petition furnished copy to the petitioner’s address at c/o MONER SHARI’A CONSULTING OFFICE at Camague, Tubod, Iligan City, Philippines.

You are reminded of IBP-OCA Memorandum/Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the answer/ comment. Should you fail to answer/comment to the petition within the aforesaid period, the court shall proceed to receive the evidences ex-parte upon which judgment shall be rendered therefrom.

Iligan City, Philippines, August 20, 2013.

(Sgd.) NASRODING A. ALI

Clerk of Court

MDN: Sept 11, 18 & 25, 2013

A9

MDN: Aug. 29, Sept 5 & 11, 2013

READ!

www.businessweekmindanao.com

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late spouses Eriberto M. Gualberto and Marianita P. Gualberto, who died on July 9, 1987 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, and November 14, 2006 at New York City, United States of America. That the said descendants died without leaving a will or testament, more particularly described as follows: “A parcel of land (Lot No. 408, Pls-854) situated in the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnon. Containing an area of SIXTY THREE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE (63,151) square meters, more or less, is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE, made and entered into by and among: RAMON P. GUALBERTO, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental; RAMID P. GUALBERTO, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of 124 Pacana Compound, Zone II Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City; CLARISSA MAE G. SUAN, of legal age, Filipino, married, and a resident of Apitong Street, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City; ANNALIZA MAE G. DIAZ, of legal age, Filipino, married, and a resident of Libra-Aquarius Street, Villa Ernesto, Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City; and ERIBERTO P. GUALBERTO, JR., of legal age, Filipino, married, and a resident of River Grand, Camella Subdivision, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City;are the sole lawful heirs. For and in consideration of the sum of TEN THOUSAND PESOS (P10,000.00) Philippine Currency, is hereby acknowledged in full from Spouses Ramid P. Gualberto and Fara P. Gualberto, both of legal age, Filipinos, and with residence address at 124 Pacana Compound, Zone II, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, we do hereby SELL, TRANSFER, CONVEY and DELIVER, by way of ABSOLUTE SALE unto said spouses Ramid P. Gualberto and Fara P. Gualberto, their heirs, assigns and successors in interest the property above-described.

As per Doc. No. 160; Page No. 32; Book No. 82; Series of 2013; under Notary Public of ATTY. AUGUSTO P. GERE, JR. MDN: AUG. 28, SEPT. 4 & 11, 2013

A

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

Davao News

wednesday | september 11, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA • Email: mindanaodailycaraga@gmail.com

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

Cops and police units cited during 112th Police Service fete

Moro women join the Moro National Liberation Front Peace rally at Rizal Park, Davao City on September 1, 2013. The MNLF led by Nur Misuari allegedly declared an independent Mindanao state called Bangsamoro Republik last August 12 in Talipao, Sulu. Police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao however said they have no evidence that such declaration really took place. A week after the rally, a standoff occurred between armed MNLF members and government troops in Zamboanga City.

MindaNews file photo by Toto Lozano

DAVAO CITY, The Philippine National Police in Davao Region has cited seven personnel and six unit offices for a job-well-done during the commemoration program of the 112th Police Service Anniversary Celebration held at the parade grounds of Camp Catitipan.

Governor Claude Bautista of Davao del Sur gave away the awards assisted by Chief Superintendent Wency Pascual, acting director of the Police Regional Office XI. Individual awards were given to Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao in the field of police administration, Senior Superintendent Ireneo Dalogdog in the field of police operation, Senior Superintendent Michael John Dubria in the field of criminal investigation, SPO3 Juanita Partol in the field of police administration non-commission level, PO2 Jefferson Torno in the field of police operation non-commission

level, SPO4 Rosievar Jorolan in the field of criminal investigation non-commission level and Ferry Rose Labud, a civilian employee in the field of general support.

The Davao City Police Office also earned its achievement unit award in the campaign against organized crime, unit award in the solution of sensational crimes for the Calinan Police Office, unit award in disaster rescue and relief operations for the Compostela Valley Police Provincial Office, unit award in the campaign against insurgency for the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, national operation support unit award for the Regional Highway Patrol Group 11 and national administrative support unit award for the Regional Health Service 11.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Serbisyong Makatotohanan: Handog ng Pulisya sa ating Pamayanan.”

(RGA/JSD/PIA-XI)

DavOr develops industries for long-term livelihood

By JEANEVIVE D. ABANGAN

tourism industry especially now that the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is bound to declare Mt. Hamiguitan as a World Heritage site.

Straddled in San Isidro and Governor Generoso towns and in Mati City, Mt. Hamiguitan treasures endemic flora and fauna, rare insects and birds including eagles.

Expecting the influx of tourists, the provincial government is preparing the visitors management manual to ensure conservation and protection of the area as well as prepare the communities,

Malanyaon said.

To establish a groundwork for the expected peak of tourists arrivals, Malanyaon explained that road infrastructures are leading to areas “where we can offer interesting sites.”

The province has established “loops” of tourist sites such as the Cape of San Agustin in Governor Generoso; Dahican in Mati City; the Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, among other sites “and even the Pablo-hit areas can also be an area for tourism.” (RGA/JMDA/ PIA-XI)

CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental - - As the ruins of Typhoon Pablo are kept and rebuilt, the provincial government of Davao Oriental is setting its direction towards developing industries to ensure a long-term livelihood for constituents.

In an interview, Provincial Gov. Island Garden City of Samal Mayor Aniano P. Antalan and Vice Mayor Corazon Malanyaon banked on the Al David Uy light the torch of Paugnat sa Kusog 2013 of the IGaCoS results of the industry study made officials and employees. Looking on are the Team representatives

by USAID Growth with Equity in (from left) Orange Team Leader-NenethGian; (Red Team members)City Mindanao (GEM) to put on the Councilors Larry Colmenares, Ruel Bantillo,; Green Team Leader � ground industries recommended Vincent Silawan; Yellow Team Leader- Lilibeth Malagum. (CIO Igacos) by some sectors.

USAID GEM recently turned over to Malanyaon two pieces of document of study results entitled The Crop Diversification Options for Davao Oriental Focusing on Baganga, Boston and Cateel and The HV Aquaculture Industry Development Plan.

Pending a review on the study, Malanyaon said the province is “quite ready” for investments on oil palm, rubber and cacao which can be intercropped with other crops.

“I am quite influenced by what I saw in Indonesia and Malaysia.

These are the three high yield crops developed in full scale: the rubber, cacao and the oil palm,” she said.

She, however, said that the province still keeps its coconut industry especially in not-devastated areas where “we are trying to enhance our coconut production.”

Malanyaon bared that there are “actual investors” on desiccated coconut production while others are coming to “explore investments in the coconut area.”

On the other hand, Malanyaon geared efforts to strengthen the Employees of Davao del Norte Capitol during hands-on training on first aid and basic life-saving.

(PHRMO-DavNor)

wednESday | september 11, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

NorthMin

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao

500 Marines off to reinforce ‘Zambo’

By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor Of Mindanao Daily News

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City––Battle-tested Marines were deployed to Zamboanga on Monday evening as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) continued to lay siege to that capital city in southwestern Mindanao.

Lt. Col. Leo Bongosia, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, said on Tuesday that the 500 Marines belonged to the 2nd Marine Landing Battalion formerly assigned in Misamis Oriental during the midterm elections last May. Bongosia said that the Ma-

Rally... from page 1

Z amboanga to conduct a consultation on the Bangsamoro Republik.

“Spekulasyon nako, tuyo nila konsultasyon lang, pero mga awtoridad didto nireact mao nisukol na lang siguro, (My speculation is that they intended to hold a consultation, but they were probably forced to fight back after the authorities reacted to their presence),” Olamit told Davao Today.

MNLF spokesperson Emmanuel Fontanilla shared Olamit’s sentiments saying MNLF chair Nur Misuari intended to stage a “peaceful rally” on his call for Bangsamoro independence.

Fontanilla said less than a hundred MNLF troops composed Misuari’s “advance party” who arrived in the coastal Barangay Sta. Catalina early dawn on Monday when they were attacked by government troops.

Zamboanga City mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco, in an official statement posted in her Facebook page said that a policeman and a navy soldier, and four civilians were killed in the battle, while 24 others were wounded.

Climaco said there are “more” reported on the “enemy side.”

A source in Zamboanga City told Davao Today that all residents in Sta. Catalina and Sta. Barbara villages have evacuated following the military’s “full operations” against the MNLF. Olamit said MNLF “is not provoking war” but intends to pursue the reopening of talks on the Final Peace Agreement.

“Ang mga igsoon nato nangayo og peaceful rally, wala man gitugotan. Kinahanglan pa ba naay dugo aron paminawon ta? (Our brothers wanted to mount a peaceful rally but they

rines would augment some 800 government troopers now securing Zamboanga City as sporadic fighting in and around the city’s outskirts between government troopers and MNLF combatants continued.

Bongosia, however, did not give figures on deaths but unconfirmed reports had it that, at least, six people were killed since the armed conflict started Monday when government troopers tried to prevent the armed MNLF fighters to march to the City Hall there.

MNLFs loyal to Nur Misuari, founder and chairman of the MNLF, reportedly planned to raise the MNLF flag at the City Hall

were not granted. Do we need to see bloodshed so that our voices are heard?)”

Olamit asked.

But he added that they are ready to face arrest along with Misuari if they will be charged over this incident.

“Andam ta, pero sa usab, peaceful ta. (We are ready, but again I said we want peace),” said Olamit.

Misuari has declared last October a “Bangsamoro Republik” with Davao City as its capital.

The MNLF leader claimed the Philippine government “abrogated” the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and MNLF with the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Misuari wanted to reopen the talks on the FPA with the United Nations as an observer.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also criticized the government peace panel for not holding the talks with Moro armed groups simultaneously.

“When they (the peace panel) asked for my input (on the talks), I told them don’t deal with the MILF and then marginalize the MNLF because you are not done with them,” Duterte said.

Bayan Muna representative Atty. Carlos Zarate also argued that “the peace policy of President Aquino should not be divisive and exclusive. It should not leave out a legitimate group just to appease another group.

This is no way of talking peace in Mindanao.”

Zarate urged Aquino to review its “peace track with the MNLF” and to find the cause of what may have led the MNLF “to mount a military presence in Zamboanga City.”

The Mindanao lawmaker also called on the MNLF and the government to exercise

in Zamboanga City on Monday to reportedly declare “Mindanao Independence.”

The military blocked the MNLF fighters while on their to the City Hall which resulted in a running gun battled in the city’s central district resulting to armed skirmishes that sent the “city of flowers” folding its knees in panic and chaos.

Bongosia said that the army’s 4th ID has declared a red alert in Northern Mindanao in anticipation of a possible escalation of conflict in the region.

“The militar y in Northern Mindanao has been on its toes since the bombing incident in Cagayan de Oro that marred the

Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

otherwise peaceful port capital of more than 800,000 people here last July,” Bongosia added.

He said the military has also received reports of the movements of known MNLF members toward the southwestern Mindanao since the conflict erupted in Zamboanga City last Monday.

“The MNLF in Northern Mindanao were not armed although the reported exodus to the Zamboanga Peninsula could be suspicious,” Bongosia told the PNA. Bongosia allayed fears that the MNLF would sow terror in Northern Mindanao and assured that the military in the region is on top of the situation.

“sobriety” and to adhere to Bravo in his brief talk international humanitarian with the reporters said he law to protect the civil- will not allow terrorists to ians. (John Rizle Saligumba/ use any of his camps. davaotoday.com) “Ako na ang huhuli sa kanila,” (I’ll arrest them myself ) the MILF leader from page 2 said.

Macasero said he is satisIslamiyah Mindanao were trained in explosives fied with the search saying he admired the way the handling.

Banlaoi said he has sev- MILF granted their request eral pictures showing mem- to search their camps.

“This is a very momenbers of the group holding training in Lanao del Sur tous event. The MILF and us and elsewhere in Mindanao. have proven that the peace One of the pictures mechanisms are working. shown by Banlaoi to re- We need not go to battle over porters is a smiling Reneer anything,” he said. (Froilan Lou Dongon, alias Rolly Gallardo/MindaNews) Unting raising an M16 rifle with alleged terror leader Ustadz Usman Abdul Najid. from page 3 After initially opening The photo was supposedly taken somewhere in Lanao business in PNG’s Siar and Vidar districts, RD Corpodel Sur. “Najid is the real leader. ration so far diversified its He is the one calling the business in tuna fishing, shots for this group,” Ban- tuna canning, fish meal processing, can making, laoi said.

Police arrested Dongon shipyard and dry-dock, in Marawi City last May 11 cold storage, value-added but he was released several fresh seafoods, wharf and days later. During his arrest stevedoring, building and police allegedly found a siz- construction and real estate.

Overall, the company able cache of bomb-making materials in his possession. has 38 diversified business Police in Cagayan de Oro units and operations in have filed multiple murder this city and other parts of charges against a certain Us- the country, Indonesia and man Hapids and five others Australia.

On the review of the including a woman for the bombing at Kyla’s Bar at the state agreement, Pomat said Limketkai Rosario Arcade there are some outstanding issues that both sides need to in Cagayan de Oro. Eight persons including comply with to ensure that two doctors died while 46 the deal and its obligations others were injured in the are fully implemented.

“Both sides need to carebombing incident.

Members of the Inter- fully assess these outstandnational Monitoring Team, ing issues, and come up the MILF-GPH Ad-Hoc with a practical timetable Joint Action Group and and commitment to effecthe local monitoring teams tively address them,” he said accompanied the Army in- without further elaborating.

In the meantime, Pomat spection team.

The MILF did not allow said the PNG government the reporters to accompany will continue with its partthe Army soldiers inspect- nership with the company, which he described as “now ing the two camps.

“Baka may makita kayo a major player in the tuna na iba,” (You might see industry in PNG.” He said they are closely something else) an MILF official told the reporters. working with RD Corpora-

Blast...

Seeks...

tion and other private entities for the development of the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone, which is considered one of the major economic impact projects in PNG. The project is being spearheaded by the PNG’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which is set to negotiate with China’s Export Import Bank to seek an additional loan of k700 million or roughly US$ 270.9 million, on top of the US$ 95 million soft loan that was earmarked for its initial phase.

“We have re-scoped the project from just a marine landing and processing hub to a special economic zone to include processing and export of other products like agricultural commodities, timber and minerals,” he said.

Pomat added that the revised project, which is within the operational area of RD Corporation, will be dubbed Madang Industrial Zone. (MindaNews)

Tuna... from page 3

(DTI), is presently finalizing its application to the EU’s GSP Plus Program, an incentive scheme that grants the full removal of tariffs for a range of export products, including tuna.

A program briefer said EU-GSP Plus is an enhanced preferences scheme that took off from the standard GSP, which offers to developing countries a partial or entire removal of tariffs on two thirds of qualified product categories that are exported to the EU. Under the EU-GSP Plus program, product categories covered by the standard GSP are granted the “full removal of tariffs.”

These are granted to countries which ratify and implement international conventions relating to human and labor rights, environment and good governance.

Under the standard GSP, Buencamino said a duty of 20.5 percent is levied on all local canned tuna exports to the EU. “EU importers, therefore, discount their buying prices from the Philippines by this cost of duty to make our canned tuna competitive in the EU market with all other imports

A11

Captive... from page 1

shields from Mampang were monitored proceeding to Santa Catalina to support their comrades. However, they were blocked by police and soldiers manning checkpoints in the area,” Salazar said, adding “authorities are undertaking steps to resolve the crisis.”

The mayor also appealed to media anew to refrain from airing sensitive information to prevent panic and confusion. “We thank the media for their extensive coverage of the incident but we have to speak with one voice as our common goal is the safety and protection of the Zamboangueno community,” she said.

She again appealed to civilians to keep safe by staying inside their homes.

“Limit movements outside, as we allow our authorities to do their role in ending the conflict with no damage to lives and properties. Let us all pray for the safety of our people and our beloved Zamboanga City,” she said.

A neighborhood was also set on fire in Santa Catalina, but firefighters cannot penetrate the area due the the presence of rebel snipers. Two mortar explosions were also reported at sea off Zamboanga.

MNLF commanders said they are fighting for the independence of Mindanao, the southern region they call “Bangsamoro Republik” with Nur Misuari, their chieftain, as president.The rebels under Haber Malik, Misuari’s trusted lieutenant, arrived by boats from nearby provinces over the weekend and launched simultaneous attacks that killed at least 6 people and wounded about two dozens more.

Misuari has repeatedly accused the government of reneging on a peace accord it signed in September 1996. The attack was the second since 2001 after MNLF forces loyal to Misuari also launched an attack in Zamboanga and Sulu province and the fighting left over 100 people dead.

Just this year, Misuari ran for governor in the Muslim autonomous region, but lost. He also ran thrice as governor in Sulu province in previous years and also lost. (Mindanao Examiner) from other tuna sources,” he said.

Citing TCAP’s estimates, he said the country’s canned tuna export receipts would improve “at the very least” by 24 percent once it is included in the GSP Plus scheme.

By then, he said exporters “will not need to adjust prices, as we have been compelled to do to remain globally competitive, to accommodate the burdensome duty imposed on EU imports of canned tuna from the Philippines.”

With the improved competitive stance under the GSP Plus program, Buencamino said they expect tuna factory employment to increase by an industry average of 70 percent while manning in fishing fleets will likely increase by around 50 percent.

He added that such scenario was seen to trigger a projected increase in the volume of raw material catch by an average of 64 percent.

(MindaNews)

A

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

EDITOR: CHENG ORDOÑEZ , e-mail: cheng.ordonez@gmail.com

Sports News

Nadal beats Djokovic 3-1 for his second U.S. Open title

NEW YORK -- No. 2 seed Spaniard Rafael Nadal defeated topseeded Serb Novak Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to claim his second U.S. Open title on Monday.

It was the 13th overall Grand Slam title for Nadal.

The 27-year-old talent had won three consecutive ATP tournaments, and the U.S. Open title was his 10th one, more than Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray combined, in his dominant 2013 season.

It was the 37th meeting in their rivalry, which is the most in the Open Era between two male players.

Nadal won 21 of the previous 36 matches.

The No. 2 finished the first break in the third game at the opening set, and broke again in the seventh to win the first set 6-2. Djokovic decided to come back in the second set.

He won a 54-shot long rally before breaking Nadal to lead 4-2. Nadal broke back in the seventh game, but

Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after their final of the Monte Carlo tennis Masters in Monaco April 22, 2012. Nadal defeated Djokovic and won for the eighth consecutive time. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Djokovic managed to win the following game, serving out the second set 6-3.

The third set seemed to be in favor of Djokovic when the 26-year-old Serb took a 3-1 lead. Nadal fought back until 4-4, but found himself 40-0 down in the ninth game.

However, Djokovic didn’t make good use of the three break points, allowing Nadal to catch up until 40-40, then lost the set to fall behind 5-4. Djokovic was leading 30-0 in the tenth game, but Nadal won the following four points to take the third set

6-4.

Djokovic was totally outperformed in the fourth set, dropping serve twice to lose the match 6-1.

Nadal extended his hard court winning streak to 22 matches after Monday’s victory. (PNA/Xinhua)

wednESday | september 11, 2013 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Pinoy boxer outclasses Georgian opponent in AIBA tourney KIEV, Ukraine -- The 2013 AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships unfurled Sunday in this capital city considered the eighth largest in Europe, with 351 boxers from 56 countries world-wide answering the roll.

The Philippines’ PLDT-ABAP team, represented by four boxers, had two participants on opening day.

Michael Angelo Plania (54kgs, bantamweight) startled a much-taller Joto Taboshvili of Georgia in a unanimous decision while Jayson Daming (46kgs, pinweight) of Cagayan de Oro lost a tight contest to an also taller opponent, Kim Bi of Korea.

Plania courageously went inside the defense of the lanky Georgian boy who tried to counter but instead fell victim to the General Santos native’s quick jabs and overhand shots. Several times, the Georgian, despite the cheers of the crowd in this former USSR state, buckled under the young Filipino’s unrelenting attack.

Daming started strong and won the first round but faded in the second round.

He gamely tried to get it back in the third but fell short to give up the decision.

The tournament, held every two years since 2001,

features boxers aged 15-16 years old. It was formerly known as the AIBA Cadet World Championships. There are 13 weight categories ranging from 46 kg (101 lbs) to 80+Kg (over 176 lbs.).

Tuesday will see Cebu’s Hipolito Banal Jr., younger brother of professional boxer AJ Banal, seeing action against Eljan Gafarli of Azerbaijan in their 48-Kg light flyweight match.

The fourth boxer in the team, Paul Gilbert Galagnao of Cagayan de Oro steps into the ring Wednesday versus Hungarian Istvan Szaka.

ABAP president Ricky Vargas revealed the boxers are new discoveries who were recruited after the PLDT-ABAP national championships last February in Maasin City.

“These are neophyte boxers from our grassroots development program. While they’re there for exposure and experience against the world’s best young boxers, remember that we plucked a young man from obscurity two years ago in Kazakhstan and he became world champion. That was Eumir Felix Marcial. You can never tell,” Vargas said.

Coaches are former Olympians Ronald Chavez and Romeo Brin. Delegation head is ABAP executive director Ed Picson. (PNA)

10 golds, 10 silvers, 6 bronze for PHL track and field team in Bangkok MANILA — The Philippines ended its weekend campaign with a gold medal from 2011 silver medalist Mervin Guarte in the men’s 800 meters with a time of 1:50.91 in the 2013 Thailand Track and Field Championships at the Thammasat University in Bangkok.

Guarte also plucked a silver medal in the 1500m with a time of3:55.59.

This was announced Monday by Philippine Sports Commission chair Ricardo “Richie” Garcia, who added that another another Filipino placed third in the same event, Paul Billones

who clocked 1:52.00 for the bronze while Harry Diones grabbed a silver medal in the men’s triple jump.

Garcia told mediamen that overall, the Philippines finished with 10 gold, 10 silver and six bronze medals in the said tournament sanctioned by the International Athletics Associations Federations and the Asian Athletics Association.

The gold medalists were Arniel Ferrera of hammer throw with 60.69 meters, Edgardo Alejan Jr in the 400 meters with 46.95 seconds, Evalym Palabrica with 43,25 m in the javelin throw, Jennyrose Rosales (400m with55.87; Jessa Mangsat

in the 3000m with 11:10.08; Katherine Kay Santos in long jump with 5.99m; Mary Lyn Avila in the 400m hurdle with 1:04.44, Riezel Buenaventura in pole vault with 3.85 m;Edgardo Alejan Jr/Archand Christian Bagsit/JuliusnFelicisimo Nierras Jr/Isidro del Prado Jr in the 4X400m relay with 3:08.04 time and Guarte in the 800m.

The silver medalists are Archand Bagsit (400m) with time of 47.11; Ernest John Obiena(pole vault) at4.90m; Josie Malacad (400m hurdle) 1:01.61, Josie Malacad (400 m)56.43; Julian Reem Fuentes (long jump) 6.92m; Junrey Bano

MANILA – Veteran James Yap has been chosen as the Accel-PBA Player of the Week after leading San Mig Coffee in back-to-back victories in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup. In much-needed victories over GlobalPort and Barangay Ginebra, the two-time MVP averaged 20.5 points and 6.5 rebounds.

More important for coach Tim Cone, however, are all the other things his prized player has been doing oncourt.

“He’s turned his defense up,” noted Cone. “Yeah, he’s shooting the ball well. But that means very little to me,

from a coaching standpoint.

To me he’s been doing all the other stuff and he’s really doing it now. He deserves it (citation) from a scoring standpoint but also for the rest of the stuff. He’s led us.

I think he has really inspired his teammates by his defense and the effort there,” he said.

On his part, Yap said he could do no less, considering it should be the other way around.

“I would like to thank my teammates, my coach and his coaching staff. They did not give up on me,” Yap said.

Not bad at all for the 31-year-old Yap, who started the conference averaging just

5.0 points on 2-for-24 field goal shooting.

In all, Yap has averaged 19 points and almost 6.0 rebounds the last four games and he intends to at least keep the pace up.

Those victories pushed San Mig’s overall record to an even 3-3 and, according to Cone, Yap at least maintaining his current pace, should keep them on track for a coveted top four spot and its accompanying twice-to-beat advantage in the ensuing quarterfinals.

“If he continues to do all the stuff he’s been doing we’re gonna be really tough,” said Cone. (PNA)

By Lily O. Ramos

(400m hurdle) 52.24;Mervin Guarte (3:55.59; Rosie Villarito(javelin throw) 49.08m; Harr y Diones (triple jump) 15.5m, Jennyrose Rosales/Marylyn Avial/Reyvieth Penarubia/ Josie Malacad (4X400m relay at 3:52.45.

The bronze medalists were Eliezer Sunang (shot put) 16.74 m, Lorelie Sermona (hammer throw) 49.13 m; Reyvieth Penarubia (400m hurdle) 1.06.36; Katherin Kay Santos/Princess joy Griffith/Hanelyn Loquinto/ Jennyrose Rosales (4X400m relay) 46.63; Jordan Paul Billones (800m) 1:52.00 and Jessa Mangsat (5000m) 18.41.2.

In a related matter, Garcia said the dragon boat team will not participate in the coming SEAG because of internal wrangling caused by the paddlers’ complaints against their lady coach whom they want ousted from the team.

He also revealed that the women’s basketball team that won silver in the 2011 SEAG in Indonesia have a problem because their association—the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) did not submit their list of activities to the FIBA which should be their ticket to this year’s Myanmar SEAG on Dec. 11-22. ”Let’s hope that this

would not be a problem because our basketbelles are silver medalists and are qualified for the biennial meet,” said Garcia Meanwhile, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission Task Force will continue watch and validate the results of the athletes’ training in preparation for the SEAG, said Garcia.

On the other hand, there were resignations from two national sports associations, namely, weightlifting president former Cong. Monico Fuentebella and Philippine Bowling Congress president Ronald Mendoza. (PNA)

Yap earns Player of the Week award Tight Cheerleading by NU, UP, FEU for leading San Mig in PBA MANILA --The 76 season of UAAP Bernabe said they have prepared cheerleading contest on Sept. 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena will be more than a contest of beauty, rhythm, technique, grace and routine execution among the top three contenders-- defending champion University of the Philippines,Far Eastern University and new challenger National University.

For sure, NU, whose life has been infused with the best financial, educational and logistics support from business tycoon and SM heir Hans Sy, is determined to rise higher than its sixth place two years ago and second runner-up finish last year.

NU pep squad coach Ghicka Bernabe is raring to challenge 2012 top finishers UP and FEU with much zest and zing for a breath-taking performance this coming Sunday.

for four solid months perfecting creativity, stunts, costumes, props and everything that may lead them to win the 2013 National Cheerdance Championships.

“We won the 2012 National Cheerdance Championships last March by upending FEU,” Bernabe said.

“We are confident that we can perform a much better job.”

Although NU ranked third last year, the revitalized school has attracted support from Macro LPG after representative Pat Chunsim watched the 25-man team perform in a near perfect cheerdance routine.

“We have a spot here, and since NU hopes to be fiercely competitive in the coming years, our support won’t be in vain,” Chunsim said. (PNA)