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

Thursday

October 31, 2013

P15.00

Zamboanga City peaceful during barangay elections Volume II, No. 120

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Z

By DOMINIC ILAGAN SANCHEZ

AMBOANGA City––While the rest of the country was busy with the barangay elections last Monday, Zamboanga City was relatively peaceful as the police and military maintained full alert status to curb any possible threats to the security here after the crisis that nearly paralyzed the city for over a month last September. SEE FULL STORY/p.8

FDC Misamis Power Corporation awards the equipment supply contract to The First Northeast Electric Power Engineering Corporation of China Energy Engineering Group (NEPC China) and the construction contract to NEPC Power Construction Corporation (NEPC Philippines). Joining the FDC Misamis team, President Jesus Alcordo (4th from left), Execom Chairman Jonathan Gotianun (6th from left), and EVP Mario Pangilinan (5th from left), are, from left to right: Alstom representative Ayon Banerjee, Dai Xianli of NEPC Philippines, Cai Ming of NEPC China, Roberto Jose Castillo of EEI Corporation, and SKM’s Graham Paynter.

Stolen telephone cable recovered, suspect caught, three others escape By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

Aquino tells govt agencies: ensure safety, convenience of commuters during ‘Undas’ President Aquino has directed all pertinent agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of the commuting public in the coming Undas on Friday and Saturday. In a statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, President Aquino, along with other Cabinet officials, will inspect terminals and other transport hubs as part of the operations. The Metropolitan See safety/p.11

POLICE in Cagayan de Oro City arrested on Tuesday morning a suspect in the theft of cable wire owned by the Misamis Oriental Telephone Company. PO3 Alaindelan Tacubao of Police Station 1 identified the suspect as Vic Mark C. Bragat, 22, of barangay Consolacion. Tacubao said Bragat was caught driving the motorela that carried the stolen cable wire at Ysalina Bridge. Police also confiscated from the suspect a hacksaw blade. Three of the suspect’s companions, however,

See escape/p.11

NPA rebels burn Mega ‘pork farm’ By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor with GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

CABLE THIEVES. Some 10 meters of telephone cables

cut into 11 pieces were recovered by the police and the Misamis Oriental Telephone Company on Tuesday morning in Cagayan de Oro City. Misortel overseer Fernando Vincent Dy (inset) confronts the suspect Vic Mark Bragat at Police Precinct 1 while the latter’s mother looks on. Mindanao Daily News photo by Gerry Lee Gorit

SOME 150 fully armed communist guerrillas of the New People’s Army (NPA) swooped down on a piggery and poultry farm in Libona, Bukidnon Wednesday morning, burned the stockyard and hacked 500 pigs. Capt. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s Public Affairs Division of the 4th Infantry Division here, said that the NPA rebels attacked the “Mega Farm,” a multi-million piggery farm that supply pork and beef meats in all shop-

ping malls here. Mayor Leonardo Calingasan said no one was hurt in the attack. Calingasan said the farm, one of the biggest piggery and poultry farms in the region, is situated nearer to neighboring Manolo Fortich town. The Mega Farm was located in the more than 200-hectare hinterland village of Sil-ipon in Libona, Bukidnon, owned and managed by Erwin Bryan See. The farm supplies its own power needs that could even provide energy requirements of, at least, two nearby villages. See PORK/p.11

inquire at MAX’S RESTAURANT. Robinsons Mall, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Tel. No.: (088) 858-6297 • (08822) 75-6297 • Cell. No.: 0917 7061147

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

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EDITOR: RUEL PELONE, ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

METRO CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY l MISAMIS ORIENTAL

thursday | october 31, 2013 Advertising and Editorial businessweekmindanao@gmail.com 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Filinvest awards contract for 405mw power plant

THE Filinvest announced the awarding of contracts for its 405 MW power plant in Mindanao with groundbreaking in early November and commercial operations commencing in early 2016. FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC Misamis) awarded the equipment supply contract to The First Northeast Electric Power Engineering Corporation of China Energy Engineering Group (NEPC China). It will utilize the latest in clean fuel technology adopting the circulating fluidized bed boiler technology consistent with Filinvest’s commitment towards enhanced environmental management. FDC Misamis is a subsidiary of FDC Utilities, Inc., the utilities arm of the Filinvest Group. “We at FDC Misamis, are committed to environmentally sound projects. We call for balanced development — we must continue to care for our environment but not to the detriment of our economic and technological advancement,” stated FDC Misamis President Jesus N. Alcordo. F D C M i s am i s a l s o awarded the construction contract for the Power Plant to NEPC Power Construction Corporation (NEPC Philippines), which is in partnership with Engineer-

ing Equipment, Inc. (EEI) who will be undertaking the civil, electrical and mechanical works. Mr. Mario R. Pangilinan, FDC Misamis Executive Vice President, said that, “FDC Misamis will employ world-class power equipment using internationallyaccepted standards to ensure efficient and reliable operation of the plant.” Alstom, a global leader in the world of power generation shall supply the steam turbine and generator directly from their manufacturing facilities in Europe while the circulating fluidized bed boilers and auxiliaries shall be provided by Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd., a leading boiler manufacturer in China. NEPC China has installed a total capacity of 41,607 MW worldwide and is a member of the China

Energy Engineering Group Co. Ltd., one of the biggest conglomerates in China dealing with power generation and related infrastructure. EEI Corporation is the Philippines’ most reliable construction company in the international market. The company has won major contracts for large-scale industrial projects including petroleum refineries, power plants, and industrial installations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria, Libya, Brunei, Qatar, Malaysia, and recently, New Caledonia in the Pacific. The 405 MW power plant will be constructed within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental. The plant shall be connected to the Mindanao Grid and is expected to deliver much needed power to the region by early 2016.

PARO Julio Celestiano, Jr. of Bukidnon cuts the ceremonial ribbon with BFI Chairperson Dada Mantrajapananda Avt during the launching of the BBUKIED partnership in Malaybalay recently.

Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez pushes for the restoration/increase of the budgets of the Department of National Defense and its attached agencies including the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense and the Philippine Veterans Affair Office. Rep. Rodriguez sees the important role that these agencies play in ensuring the safety of the lives of the Filipino people and protecting our sovereignty.KENDISCHAVES

News in Focus Mindanao Daily 3 Fire guts Comelec office in Iligan; cop inside dies thursday | october 31, 2013

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sion on Elections office in Iligan City on Wednesday at around 2:20 a.m. and CAGAYAN de Oro City–– killed a policeman on duty. Fire believed to be caused by City police director Gerarson gutted the Commis- ry Rosales identified the By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

‘Gun for Peace’ nets 35 communist rebels By CRIS DIAZ, Executive Editor Mindanao Daily News

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City–– Thirty five members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including a minor, surrender to the military here to avail of the government’s “Gun for Peace and Social Integration Program.” Capt. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s Public Affairs Division here, said that Lt. Gen.

Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz, Commander, of the army’s Eastern Mindanao Command, will formally accept the surrender in a ceremony at the army’s headquarters here Thursday afternoon. Cruz would be accompanied by representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) and top brass of the Armed Forces of the See REBELS/p.11

Flooded SouthCot town declared under state of calamity GENERAL Santos City––The municipal government of Tantangan in South Cotabato placed the entire area on Wednesday under the state of calamity as a result of the severe floods and landslides in the last three days that already destroyed around P28.3-million worth of agricultural crops. Tantangan Mayor Benjamin Figueroa said the See CALAMITY/p.11

Greetings from;

fatality as PO1 Rey Borinaga who suffocated to death inside the building. Rosales said the fire was put out by firefigfhters about an hour later and that the

Comelec was checking their inventory for records that got burned. A suspect, who was caught running away from the scene, was brought to

Police Station 5 for interrogation. Rosales identified the suspect as a certain Lomboy Conto of barangay Rogongon, a hinterland barangay.

NEWS

Conto reportedly lost in Monday’s barangay elections. The Comelec office is located at Aguinaldo City in the poblacion.

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Caraga News

thursday | october 31, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA mindanaodailycaraga@gmail.com

Agusan del Norte • Agusan del Sur • Surigao del Norte • Surigao del Sur • Dinagat Islands

Mining tunnels to blame on water crisis in Agusan

the entire town with drinking water had dried up a day after the 7.2 magnitude OSARIO, Agusan del Sur––Of- earthquake that shook Boand other parts of the ficials here have admitted about hol Visayas as well as Mindanao, 16 illegal small-scale gold mining killing up to 180 people on tunnels reportedly operated by a top lo- October 15. local officials were cal official of this gold-rich town were to at aEven loss as to why the spring blame for the drying up of natural spring dried up so suddenly when that caused a water crisis to thousands it was flowing abundantly hours before the tremor of households in the town poblacion. struck. Taganahan admitted the Nemesio Taganahan, Bank-funded water sysindiscriminate cutting of chief of the local waterworks tem development project trees by miners inside the system, said the mining of Maputi Spring is located. watershed of Maputi Spring tunnels were just about Affected residents were have been a major contrib400 meters below the ridge puzzled when Maputi Spring where P47-million World which supplied practically uting factor in the decline of water supply. “If there are tunnels, illegal logging could not be avoided,” Taganahan said although he explained this is just his personal opinion and should not be taken as official statement. He said tunnel operators would always rely on cutting trees near the spring to be used as timber stands in the mining portals. Rush sale Concerned residents disclosed most of the mining 3 unit bread show case 1 unit refrigerated tunnels near Maputi Spring cake show case 4 layer have been allegedly operated 5 layer · Height – 90 inches or financed by Mayor Jose · H-98 Inches · L- 96 Inches Cuyos that nobody would · L- 40 Inches · W-46 inches have dared to initiate a call · W-18 Inches to stop it. Municipal officials Grace Casagda - 09422581100 have discussed on the need MDN: Oct. 25-Nov. 24, 2013 to padlock the tunnels to protect the spring but only

R

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN Regional Editor-Caraga

ended up only in talks and papers. Father Allen Balasabas, parish priest of Catholic church in Rosario, reinforced this by saying that many churchgoers have confided to him that most of the tunnels were operated by Cuyos. “We have a pastoral council member who said that he is 99 percent sure that those tunnels were operated by the mayor,” he disclosed. Mindanao Daily News tried several times to get reaction from Cuyos but in most cases he apparently evaded media interview. Cuyos, a former passenger motorcycle driver locally called “habal-habal”, became mayor after his popularity rose when he became multimillionaire out of luck from a mining tunnel he owned that struck large deposits of high-grade gold. Cuyos’ mining company , JTC Mining Corporation, has expanded in many parts of gold rush areas in Rosario including the mining tunnels near Maputi Spring that last year, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources reported large volumes of red lauan logs were seized by government operatives in the area. As part of their corporate social responsibility, Phil-

saga Mining Corporation, a mining company holding a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement issued by Mines and Geosciences Bureau, has initiated a reforestation of the watershed area but the local government never followed suit to enforce protection of the planted trees and instead even allowed the proliferation of the gold mining tunnels. Engr. Ferdinand Cortez, resident manager of Philsaga Mining Corp., said the reforestation project coursed through village officials in Sta. Cruz village was part of the company’s “Adopt-A-Mining-Forest Program”, since the area is near the perimeters of the company’s MPSA claims. The drying up of Maputi Spring prompted the municipal government to ask the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to look into the matter and explain the phenomenon to the townsfolk. Vice Mayor Julie Chua said he suspected that the earthquake triggered major movements in the earth’s plates underneath this town, which in turn blocked the flow of water from the underground aquifer. Chua said local officials wanted to know if there was a possibility water would flow again on its own or if something could be done to bring the spring back to life. Otherwise, the multimillion-peso water system being installed would be a total loss. But MGB geologists who came to Rosario a day after the story came out in this

paper have different initial findings after visiting Maputi Spring. According to Taganahan, the MGB experts told the local inspecting team that the prolonged drought that lasted for more than two months may have caused the spring water to dry up. He said based on initial assessment by MGB men the spring relies more on the precipitation from the forest in the area that the absence of rains for a long time could have dried up the water source. “The forest in the ridge serves as a natural reservoir,” Taganahan said citing some small ponds around the top of the ridge have also dried up as a result of the long dry spell. But Elmer Luzon, general manager of San Francisco Water District, refuted the findings saying Maputi is the eye of spring that generated its flow of water from the underground aquifer. “I went there several times before and I saw the abundance of water sprouting up from the underground,” he said. He said based on his experience of managing water sources within the protected Mt. Magdiwata watershed in San Francisco town, dry spell would only effect to surface water along the creeks not on natural springs. Luzon and Balasabas agreed that it is improbable that absence of rains caused the spring to dry up since the phenomenon was so abrupt that it occurred a few hours after the quake.

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thursday | october 31, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA Email: mindanaodailycaraga@gmail.com

NorthMin News

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NPAs set fire to facilities Lanao del Norte of Mega Farm in Bukidnon LGU honors

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By CHENG ORDONEZ

UKIDNON PROVINCE -- More than a hundred members of the New Peoples’ Army raided the Mega Farm in Libona, Bukidnon, burning down its facilities early dawn Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013.

burned the feed mill of the farm and its vehicle, an Elf mini truck. Mayor Calingasan said the rebels tied down the farm manager and the security guards of the farm before they put the facilities to torch. They also inspected the workers for weapons before sending them home, and shot farm pigs dead they see around the Libona Town Mayor farm. Mayor Calingasan has L e on ard G e n e s i s C a l ingasan said the rebels requested the 4th Infan-

t r y D iv i s i on b a s e d i n Cagayan de Oro City for attack helicopter to support the policemen and ground troops that were on pursuit operation in the area. C apt . C h r i st i an Uy has vowed to check the availability of the MG-520 attack helicopters. He said army troops have been sent to Rosario, Agusan del Sur, where suspected private armed group, harassed the area during the barangay elections.

Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Dimaporo leads the distribution of kick-start materials to day-care children as UNICEF and provincial officials look on.

senior citizens

T U B O D, L a n a o d e l Norte - More than 1,000 senior citizens from 15 towns of Lanao del Norte converged at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium for the Provincial Elderly Filipino Culmination Program on October 22, 2013. This year’s theme, “Nakatatanda: Pagtulong Isulong Benepisyo’t Karapatan Tungo Sa Maginhawa at Madayang Pamayanan,” was designed to provide programs and essential services to the elderly for them to attain healthy and productive lives. The gathering was participated by local senior citizens’ associations, representing the towns of Kapatagan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lala, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Salvador, Magsaysay, Sapad, Maigo, Bacolod,

A senior citizen of Lanao del Norte receives free flu vaccination from a staff of the Provincial Health Office during the Elderly Congress on October 22, 2013.

Kauswagan, Linamon, Tangcal and Tagoloan. The event featured talent presentations by the senior citizens who performed folk dances, and sang popular folk songs during the program proper. Through this activity, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte (PGLDN) led by Governor Khalid Dima-

poro aimed to empower the elderly sector by providing them access to quality healthcare services and maximizing the benefits of special privileges accorded by national government to senior citizens. Alongside the culmination program is a free medical check-up for all participants. (WDA/ PIO)

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

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Opinion

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Caraga products go national

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 cheng ordoÑez Associate Editor CRIS DIAZ Executive Editors Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy Lifestyle Editor glenn palacio Lifestyle Photographer Arjay Felicilda Assistant Editor felix santillan RONALD MASTAIL CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artists Rene Michael BaÑos Regional Editor-Northmin PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editors-Caraga AL JACINTO 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 sheila GOZANES lovely mae casenas SWEETIE CASENAS MERCY PECONADA Advertising orlan bulotamo Circulation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARKETING staff

JOHN DEL BANDO gracelle mae beber 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 KIBAWE, BUKIDNON - ROSEMARY GENON 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-0927-7974193 Tandag City - GEN CANTOR-0929-5817116 Pagadian City - GRACE FRANCISCO Pagadian City - CRISMON LLANOS Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

Kudos to Ms. Marie Therese F. Fortun for her efforts in helping promote Caraga products to national prominence. Her laudable efforts in assisting Rep. Lawrence Fortun ‘s services to his constituents in Butuan City and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte is a gem in a political leader’s life.

- Mindanao Daily News, October 31, 2013 -

To land a berth in a national trade fair and find their niche in the international marexhibits is no mean feat. ket,” she added. Thanks to the efforts of a congressman’s Ms. Fortun’s active involvement in better half, the local producers and CSFI’s activities is her way of helping her exhibitors from Caraga Region will be husband in delivering services to constituable to take part in Kabuhayan 2013 Trade ents and in promoting Butuan City and Fair and Exhibit at the Mega Trade Hall Caraga as a whole. She has lined up several 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, projects which she wants to implement in on November 7-10, 2013 the next few months including “Lakbay A very prominent annual event, Aral” of CSFI members in Caraga with Kabuhayan 2013 Trade Fair and Exhibit is Butuan City as entry point. organized by the Congressional Spouses Rich in natural resources, Caraga Foundation, Inc. (CSFI) that features is noted for its wood based economy, its regional products. extensive water resources and its rich Equally, appreciable is the fact that mineral deposits such as iron, gold, silver, Caraga’s participation to this year’s event nickel, chromite, manganese and copper. will be the region’s first. Its leading crops are palay, banana and CONGRATULATIONS Madame coconut. Marie Therese F. Fortun, for It has excellent tourism potentials your efforts and initiative in because of its unspoiled and Editorial giving Caraganons this rare opbeautiful beaches, abundant portunity. As the CSFI Caraga Regional and fresh seafood, ancient and historical Chairperson, the region’s participation in landmarks, hot and cold springs, evergreen a renowned national trade fair is a great forests and balmy weather. boon to its economic development. Its long stretch of shoreline promises During the said event, Caraga’s exhibits abundance in production of fisheries and of products, arts and crafts will be dubbed aquatic products. With its large tract as “BahandiCaraga” - a display of the of fertile lands, the region has a great region’s wealth in arts and crafts and food capacity in producing varied commercial products. crops as well as livestock and poultry. “Although this is the first time that Major agricultural products of the region Caraga as a region will participate in this are palay, corn, coconut, gold, banana, trade fair, we look forward to becoming a rubber, oil palm, calamansi, prawns, regular feature in this event,” Ms. Fortun milkfish, crabs, seaweeds and mango. said. Caraga’s proximity to Cebu and Manila Thereafter, Ms. Fortun hopes that Caraga makes it a favorable shipping point for will be able to send its local producers to products to and from these markets. an international trade fair in the United Congratulations too to the leaders States early next year. In this manner, we and prime movers of Caraga economic will be able to help our local producers development.

thursday | october 31, 2013

Opinion

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Cong. Leni Robredo: ‘crush ng bayan’ NAGA City––I met CONGRESSWOMAN “LENI” ROBREDO for the first time in person during Saturday night’s presidential ball of the Philippine Jaycee senate national convention held in Naga City, the heart of Bicolandia. True to what a gentleman from Naga told me earlier that day, she exuded that natural, reserved charm that instantly captivated. When she spoke, her words resonated with tinges of simplicity but with characteristic depth. “Crush ng bayan,” he described her with an impish smile that betrayed his own vulnerability. That evening, I was called up front to receive a citation and took the opportunity of greeting her while she was seated at the presidential table beside our PRESIDENT HERMIN ARCEO (who was very obviously ‘star struck’ too.) I warmly shook her hand and told her that I was a friend of her late husband, my ‘tokayo”. “What are you doing now,” she asked, perhaps trying to figure out whether she had met me before or not. She nodded and smiled when I told her I was back in the private sector and invited her to come and visit Davao City. Knowing that I was a friend of her late husband,

Advocacy Mindanao Jess Dureza perhaps, was enough. Her sweet easy smile warmed the soul. Her disposition and grace unaffected and spontaneous; her face without make-up, unblemished by the foibles of time. Even our Davao delegation,(ART & LYN TAN, LOUIE & CHING BONGUYAN, PRESIDENT PERBS BALCHAND, NOEL DUMDUM, TED GARCIA, GARVIN JENG, BABS GUINOO and long-lost stalwart ROMY REYES) all seated in a distant table looked mesmerized as we stared and watched her every move. The crowd glued their eyes on her. Everyone looked captivated indeed. I was not surprised when right as soon as the program ended, the whole assembly just jumped to its feet, swarmed all around her as she stepped down from the presidential table. That kept her from immediately leaving for another waiting late night appointment. Everyone wanted to have a photo

with her to forever freeze for posterity that one brief moment of beholding and being with her in person. Then I remembered what that starry-eyed gentleman from Naga described her earlier to me. Indeed how true! Everyone was simply enthralled. Perhaps it was a mix of enigma and feelings of deep sympathy for her tragic loss that the whole nation joined in grief. But nonetheless. Her late husband, DILG SEC. JESSE, was a personal friend during the years while I was working at Malacanang. He was then city mayor of Naga City. We intimately called each other “tokayo”. When he passed away during that fateful plane crash, I did not even have the chance to personally condole with the family. But, from a distance in Mindanao, I quietly grieved over such a personal loss, knowing his passion for service and his remarkable simple ways that made him

stand out from among the local government officials I knew at the time. In fact, it was only after his death that the whole country woke up and started to know him. It was ironic that it was only in death that his distinctive deeds and ways suddenly and vividly became alive. Too late perhaps but nevertheless. Then from afar, I watched how his wife LENI grieved in quiet dignity and grace. When the lady delivered her brief message to the assembly that evening, she spoke of “challenging new boundaries”, she recalled her early days with the Jaycees; she urged everyone to stay the course but never forgetting simple “pats on the back” that kept people going and inspiring them beyond the usual bounds. Although she mentioned about continuing her late husband JESSE’s legacy and intimating that without his death she would not be so suddenly thrust into what she had now become, she was so self-effacing in not even mentioning or admitting that as a lawyer and a private sector worker herself, she had also made her own mark with her own quiet advocacies. Although it was public knowledge

Kakampi mo ang batas Atty. Batas Mauricio case, and to window-dress police record to reflect low crime incidents in their local precincts. Here is Marlowe’s reaction: “This (police data manipulation) is just a component of our `cherished’ government monopolized justice system. We can stop this notorious basic government monopoly by adopting the `grand jury’ and `trial jury’ systems. “By the grand jury, the people on their own independent sovereign power can secretly investigate, then indict in court, without seeking permission from any public official--not even the permission of the Ombudsman---any serious crime offender. The grand jury has the power to indict for obstruction of justice anybody who interferes in conducting its investigation. -oooJURY SYSTEM PREVENTS BRIBERY IN THE JUDICIARY: “Members serve anonymously. No one knows who they are and they do not know the names of their own fellow members. A system of se-

crecy is devised to ensure that only the Presiding Judge can know their names and, in turn, the judge is required to deposit all personal information of each grand juror in a bank vault. Nobody, not any public official whomsoever---not even the President---can talk to any of its members or else he can be charged for obstruction of justice by the Grand Jury. “By the trial tury, the jurors after hearing the evidence at the trial shall then have the power to decide the case by giving them privacy in a jury room where they will be closeted (locked up alone without the presiding judge) to secretly deliberate and decide the case independently exclusively among themselves. The door of the jury room will be watched jointly by the parties or the opposing attorneys and by a sheriff to ensure that nobody can talk (and bribe) the jurors. “The power of the jurors is derived directly from the Philippine Constitution, Art. II, Section 1. A citizen who serves in a jury, Grand Jury or Trial

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The coal plant’s deadly contribution

“IN the United States, the utility coal plants emitted a total of 1.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2011. Scientists said that a typical coal plant generates 3.5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Coal plant is the leading cause of smog, acid rain, and toxic air pollution.” This the statement of the United Concerned Scientist of America which this column had also repeatedly quoted. We have to repeatedly write this statement of concern Cris Diaz in order to instill in the minds of the readers the dreadful effects of a coal plant in our midst. We have to continually emphasize the deadly contribution of every coal plant in the environment and the people’s health. Whether the people of Misamis Oriental will listen or not, it is our obligation to inform the general public that coal plants contribute to the destruction of the environment, livelihood, and the future. If the people realized the ill-effects of coal plants, it is also the people’s right to resist, and to take action against the construction and/or operation of the coal plant. The people of Misamis Oriental should be informed that no amount of advantages can offset the worse effect out of the operation of a coal fired power plant. Aside from the Sulfur Dioxide, a small particle out of carbon dioxide that could penetrate lungs and be absorbed by the bloodstream, a coal plant also emits Nitrogen Oxides. Studies showed that Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) pollution causes ground level ozone, or smog, which can burn lung tissue, exacerbate asthma, and make people more susceptible to chronic respiratory diseases. Coal plants emit 10,300 tons of NOx per year. A coal plant with emissions controls, including selective catalytic reduction technology, emits 3,300 tons of NOx per year. Granting without admitting that a typical coal plant in Misamis Oriental adopts technologies to limit the NOx emission of 3,300 tons annually, the emissions would develop into a cloud of poisonous NOx in five years.

See CRUSH, page 11

Reminders for the day of the dead

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days…” (James 5:1-3, the Holy Bible). -oooP R A I SE G OD F OR ELECTION VICTORIES: Praise God for His goodness! As the results from the recently-concluded 2013 barangay elections are completed, it would appear that not only my brother, newlyinstalled barangay captain Ariel Lazo Mauricio of Poblacion Center, Ramos, Tarlac, was blessed by the Almighty with victory. Even my nephews, re-electionist barangay captain Jerrboy Mauricio of Caloocan City won his third term, and Omie Giron got elected as barangay kagawad. -oooBEST WAY TO FIGHT CORRUPT JUSTICE SYSTEM? JURY TRIAL: Filipino lawyer Marlowe Camello, who is now based in the US but is fighting to establish the jury system of trial in the Philippines to defeat corruption here, sent a lengthy reaction to our column on police “data manipulation” to favor parties in a criminal

Mindanao Daily 7 NEWS

Jury, is no ordinary person. He exercise the power of a master over any public servant. Public officials and judges, like ushers, can only supervise their jury activities but not their power to decide.” Marlowe Camello. -oooREMINDERS FOR THE DAY OF THE DEAD: As the country honors the dead and the saints, let us be reminded of God’s plan for those who make unjust laws and issue oppressive decrees, as Isaiah 10:1-4 of the Bible is saying: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. “What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives or fall among the slain. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised…” Those who have eyes, let them see; those who have ears, let them hear. -oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@gmail.com

See DEADLY, page 11

Biblical reflection Bro. Edcel L. Closas

Regrets Fresh Gospel of the day: Luke13:22-30(October30, 2013-Wednesday) Luke 13:22-30-And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last: This means that we must grab if there are opportunities offered in our lives. “Regrets” are always at the end and this is what we can notice in the gospel that people were in regrets due to their negligence. Therefore, don’t wait tomorrow if you can do it today: SPONSORED:Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhD- Tony Jordan - CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! Listen: Radio Ultra AM-1188-3:30 PM - Sunday: #09284149490-09266607505: Question – Prayer request

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

WestMin News

thursday | october 31, 2013

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Zamboanga del Norte | Zamboanga del Sur | Zamboanga Sibugay | Dipolog City | Dapitan City | Pagadian City | Isabela City | Zamboanga City

Zambo City peaceful on barangay polls Z alert to pre-empt any possible – from the MNLF, Abu AMBOANGA CITY - While the rest of threats Sayyaf, or whoever,” declared the country was busy with the barangay PCInsp. Huesca. He said: “PNP-9 regional elections last Monday, Zamboanga City director Police Chief Superinwas relatively peaceful as the police and military tendent Juanito Vaño has already maintained full alert status to curb any possible ordered the security officers of installations to increase their threats to the security here after the crisis that vital level of security and awareness.” nearly paralyzed the city for over a month last Asked about the text messages being circulated about September. a “second wave” of attack by Police Chief Inspector Ariel have been on full alert since the armed elements - which have Huesca, spokesperson of the Phil- end of the Zamboanga conflict caused anxiety/panic among residents - he clarified that the ippine National Police (PNP)-9 early this month. “Your PNP remains on full police have constantly been said in a radio interview that they By DOMINIC ILAGAN SANCHEZ

investigating and verifying such reports and rumors. “We are always verifying these reports, and the same yielded negative results. But nonetheless, your police are always on alert,” he explained. In addition, more police personnel have been deployed to the vital installations and in the barangays. Meanwhile, the police spokesperson shared that the elections in Zamboanga Peninsula are “generally peaceful.” Accordingly, no major untoward incidents occurred in the region, including

Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, and as such, there was no failure of elections in any of the towns.” Zamboanga City will have its barangay elections on Nov. 25 as approved by the Comelec per request by the city government. The city government requested the Comelec to reset the barangay elections to later date following the Zamboanga standoff wrought by the Moro Nat i on a l L i b e r at i on Front (MNLF)-Misuari faction. (FPG/ DIS/PIA9-ZBST)

Dipolog mayor delivers “State of the Children Address” By MARY MAE ABELLON

DIPOLOG CITY – “The well-being of children is the ultimate indicator of a healthy habitat, a democratic society and good governance,” thus declared Mayor Evelyn T. Uy in her State of the Children’s Address (SOCA) last week. The SOCA, which capped the culmination of the Universal Children’s Month celebration, was attended by more than 800 people composed of parents, students, barangay leaders, government officials and employees and other

stakeholders. “When the city government garnered the Child Friendly City award for three consecutive years and was cited as Hall of Famer this year, it recognized all the more that Dipolog is one local government unit that adopts a system of good governance committed to fulfilling children’s rights,” Mayor Uy said. “This prestigious award, not only goes to the city government but to all Dipolognons who offered their time talent and treasure in making our city a Child Friendly City,” she added.

The mayor, however, said the government is still confronted with problems such as vagrancy, mendicancy, street children, drug abuse, alcoholism, early unwanted pregnancy, cruelty, exploitation and abuse, discrimination and others. “To address these issues the government is working with the private sectors and most importantly with the community,” she pointed out. The lady mayor also bared that the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dipolog had enacted several ordinances

Zamboanga del Norte & Dipolog City health personnel, in solidarity w/today's Universal Children's Day Grand Celebration, extending health services to the young kids inside the Zambo Norte Convention & Sports Center, Dipolog City. (atr/ Pia Zambo Norte)

delivers | page 11

DN BUTUAN JOINT VENTURE JOB VACANCIES – For Local Recruitment 1. SALES ENGINEERS • Male/Female, not more than 35 years old • Preferably graduates of BS Civil Engineering/BS Architecture / BS Mechanical Engineering or any other Engineering related courses • With at least one (1) year experience in sales and marketing • With good communication skills 2. ESTIMATOR • Male / Female, not more than 35 years old • Must be a graduate of BS Civil Engineering or BS Architecture • Fresh graduates are welcome to apply 3. SALES COORDINATOR • Female, not more than 35 years old • College graduate, Preferably Marketing Related Courses • Fresh Graduate are welcome to apply • Computer Literate • Can work under pressure • With pleasing personality 4. SITE ENGINEERS • Male, not more than 35 years old • Must be a graduate of BS Civil Engineering or BS Architecture • Willing to be assigned in project site within the region • Fresh graduates are welcome to apply

5. MACHINE OPERATORS • Male, not more than 35 years old • At least High School/ Trade School graduate • With knowledge in plant production in a Manufacturing industry 6. WAREHOUSE/ INVENTORY CLERK

• Male, not more than 35 years old • Graduate of any business course • With knowledge in inventory 7. BENDERS/ HELPERS • Male, not more than 35 years old • At least High School graduate • Must be physically fit

8. ACCOUNTANT • Male/Female, not more than 35 years old • Graduate of BS Accountancy • Must be a Certified Public Accountant • With at least two (2) to three (3) years experience in General and Cost Accounting in a manufacturing industry • Adopt in preparation and analysis of financial statement • Well versed in local tax regulations and Proficient in understanding and Implementation of national internal revenue codes 9. ACCOUNTING CLERK • Male/Female, not more than 35 years old • Graduate of BS Accountancy • Fresh graduates are welcome to apply

Please submit application letter, comprehensive resume with 2x2 ID picture to: DN DISTRIBUTIONS CENTER, INC. DN DISTRIBUTIONS CENTER, INC. – CDO BRANCH – BUTUAN BRANCH HR Manager, Ralav Corp., 710 San Jose Sts., Butuan City email: ralav_corp@yahoo.com

MDN: Oct. 21-Nov. 20, 2013

Limbonhai Bldg., J. Pacana St. Licoan, Cagayan de Oro City Telephone No. (088) 855-3336 / (088) 855-3337 Fax No. (088) 231-4643 email: gbg_pmpi@yahoo.com

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Soccsksargen

Mindanao Daily 9 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Pacman’s 2 brothers, sister-in-law win in GenSan GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Two brothers and a sisterin-law of boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao were among the proclaimed winners in Monday’s barangay elections here. A report released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here on Tuesday noted that incumbent barangay chairs Lorelei Pacquiao of Labangal and Rogelio “Roel” Pacquiao of Apopong were reelected to fresh three-year terms while neophyte Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao won a seat at the council of Labangal. But Pacquiao’s elder halfbrother Domingo Belbestre failed in his bid for chair of Barangay Calumpang, which is considered the city’s biggest village in terms of population. Belbestre, who listed his occupation as a business-

man, is one of Pacquiao’s two half-siblings by his mother Dionisia’s first husband Alfonso. Incumbent Calumpang barangay chair Reynaldo Salubre received a total of 5,944 votes while Belbestre only got 5,348. Lorelei, who is the wife of the lawmaker’s younger brother Alberto, won over her closest rival by around 650 votes for her second term as chair of Barangay Labangal. Alberto, who bannered his wife’s barangay council slate, was elected as the top councilor. Rogelio, who is also a younger brother of the congressman, received 5,877 votes to defeat top critic Jose Paulate for the second time en route to his third and last term as chair of Barangay Apopong. Paulate only got 5,094 votes.

176 families displaced in SouthCot landslides, floods

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – At least 176 families from two villages in Koronadal City and Tantangan town in South Cotabato were displaced on Tuesday night due to a series of landslides and flashfloods in the area. Tantangan Mayor Benjamin Figueroa Jr. said they evacuated some 145 families from Barangay New Iloilo late Tuesday after it was swept by waist-deep floodwaters following hours of heavy rains. He said they temporarily relocated the affected residents, who mainly came from lower portions of the village, to the municipal gymnasium. “We actually rescued some of them using payloaders and dump trucks as the area was rendered inaccessible to other vehicles due to the rising floodwaters,” the mayor said in a radio interview. Figueroa said no casualties have been reported as a result of the latest flashfloods, which also affected portions of barangays Bukay Pait, Dumadalig and Maibo. He said no other evacuations were reported from the three villages, about 50 percent of which were still submerged in floodwaters as of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. On Monday, five villages in the area were initially hit by severe floods and landslides due to hours of almost nonstop rains that started on Sunday night. The mayor said several road networks within the municipality remained impassable since Monday due to the floods and landslides. Figueroa said they initially released family food packs and other relief items to the evacuees, most of whom were women and children. He said the provincial government of South Cotabato also delivered some

food items, blankets and mats to augment the ongoing relief operations. In Koronadal City, Barangay Assumption chair Sagin Monday said they evacuated some 31 families situated near a creek in the area following a series of landslides that hit the area late Tuesday. He said the landslides practically closed down about a kilometer of the barangay and provincial roads in Sitio Lower Ladol of Barangay Assumption. “It was fortunate that the boulders did not roll down to the creek area. If that happened, a lot of people would have died,” Monday said. The village official said they temporarily transferred the affected residents to safer areas, like along the main road. He said they already requested the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to assess the site where the evacuees were previously settled. Monday said the City Social Welfare and Development Office has initially released relief assistance to the evacuees while the City Engineer’s Office has sent some heavy equipment to clear the landslide-hit roads. As a result of the heavy rains on Tuesday night, portions of Koronadal City’s downtown area were hit anew by flashfloods, shutting down some major roads. The floods, which were caused by the swelling of the critical Bulok Creek, affected the city’s main rotunda, old city hall compound, public market, residential areas and the city’s main commercial district. The area was also submerged by knee to waistdeep floodwaters early Monday due to the overflowing of the creek following hours of heavy rains.(Mindanews)

He initially declared to forego reelection due to his pending election protest against South Cotabato (1st District) Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr., but later decided to seek a third term “to complete his unfinished projects.” Acharon defeated Rogelio by 7,700 votes in his reelection bid in the last May 13 local and national midterm elections but the latter immediately filed an election protest, claiming many of his supporters were disenfranchised. The younger Pacquiao

effectively withdrew his election protest when he earlier filed his certificate of candidacy for reelection. In Barangay City Heights, reelectionist Lourdes Casabuena convincingly won another three-year term as barangay chair. Casubuena currently heads the city’s Liga ng mga Barangay or Liga federation and represents the group at the city council. She is the incumbent president of the Liga federation in Region 12 and sits in the group’s national board. In 2010, Casabuena de-

feated Rogelio Pacquiao by a single vote for the top post of the city’s Liga federation. The other proclaimed winners were former Sangguniang Kabataan federation chair and city councilor Mark Tablazon and former local radio anchor Emir Bariquit who landed second and third, respectively, in the barangay council race in City Heights. As of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, city election officer Jose Villanueva said only five of the city’s 26 barangays have not proclaimed their winners and submitted the

completed canvass of votes to their office. Among the five is Barangay Siguel, where the canvassing of votes was delayed to problems with the counting at the precinct level. Two candidates for the barangay council in Olympog and two others in Tambler came out tied for the seventh and final seat. The Comelec has yet to resolve the matter. Under the law, a tie for an elective post shall be resolved through coin tossing. (MindaNews)

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

Davao News

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

Kapalong PNP acclaimed R-11 best police station

K

APALONG, Davao del Norte -- Mayor Edgardo L. Timbol of this town commended the Kapalong police force headed by Police Chief Inspector Carl Omar H. Fiel of their award as Best Municipal Police Station for the 2nd quarter of Calendar Year 2013.

It was conferred in a recent Regional Command Conference in Camp Catitipan, Davao City with no less than the Philippine National Police Acting Regional Director, Wency T. Pascual. The award was based on how Fiel and his men efficiently carried out the PNP’s mandate on performance-based public ac-

countability program which contributed greatly in the over-all performance of its provincial and regional offices. Fiel just assumed into his post as officer in-charge last February 1, 2013, but has steered his men to work far beyond what is expected from them particularly in keeping on top in the exercise

of their administrative duties and operational capabilities. It was learned that this is his first time to handle a municipal station after his different assignments in the PNP. He was even deployed with the United Nation Mission in East Timor as UN Police Contingent in 2010. He served in Camp Crame under the Personnel Holding & Administrative Unit and later assigned at the PNP Regional Office XI under the Regional Operations and Plans Division (ROPD) as Chief of the Operation Section and later on became Chief of Operations & Plans Section. After his promotion as Police

Chief Inspector, he accepted the challenge to act as OIC of the Kapalong Police Station. In a celebration of his 37th birthday and at the same time in thanksgiving of said award, a simple get together party was held last October 24 at the Kapalong Police Station. P/Senior Superintendent Samuel B. Gadingan, of the PNP Provincial headquarters in his message recognized Fiel and his men of such remarkable achievement. He stressed that aside from motivating the police personnel to perform even better, the award would definitely give them the advantage when

it comes to promotion. Mayor Timbol also expressed his delight and assured the PNP personnel of his continued support. “I am thankful to Chief Inspector Fiel for this honor given to Kapalong which speaks of his exemplar manifestation of leadership in the police force.” It can be noted that Kapalong Police Station was just awarded in July as Best Police Station in police community relation, in its effort to maintain a long lasting partnership with the community specially in intensifying their campaign against all forms of criminal activities. (cj-MIO Kapalong)

Davao dads approve law on annual parking fee tickets

Fish dealers in Barangay New Argao, Malita town, Davao del Sur, weigh a malasugue or blue marlin on Monday, October 28. Locally known as marang, the fish weighs 63 kilograms and will be sold in General Santos City. (MindaNews Photo by Ruby)

DAVAO CITY --Vehicleowners can now say goodbye to daily parking fees by opting for the annual parking tickets that will be made available in Davao City once the revised parking fees ordinance takes effect after due publication. The Davao City Council has approved during a final reading Tuesday the revised ordinance that will impose new parking fees for cars, trucks and buses in the city. “Vehicle owners can now avail of a one-year parking ticket at P3,000 per vehicle subject to the issuance of the annual parking sticker,” City

Councilor Bonifacio Militar said. Buses and trucks can also get an annual parking ticket for P5,000. The revised ordinance imposes a parking fee of P20 for cars during the first two hours or a fraction thereof and a fee of P10 for every additional hour or a fraction thereof provided it shall not exceed P200 per day. Previously, a parking fee of P2 for the first three hours and an additional P5 for every hour after that was imposed by the city. A higher parking fee of P100 for the first two

hours and P50 for every additional hour after that will be charged for bus and trucks under the revised ordinance provided it will not exceed P300 per day. The ordinance provides a parking fee of P5 for other vehicles for the first two hours and an additional P1 per hour for the succeeding hours. “The amount of P1.3 million will be provided from the available sources of funds from the finance committee in order to immediately implement the provisions of the ordinance,” Militar said. (PNA)

Laak, ComVal mayor re-elected LMP national vice prexy LAAK, Compostela Va l l e y – L a a k Mayor Reynaldo B. Navarro is unanimously reelected as Nat i ona l E xe c ut ive

Vice President for Operations in the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) during its 1st National

Directorate Meeting and Election of National Officers on October 2-3, 2013 at the New World Hotel, Makati City.

Mayor Navarro is now serving his third and last term both as Municipal Mayor and as LMP Provincial Chapter President

of C omp o s t e l a Va l l e y Province. As a consistent member of LMP National Directorate, Mayor Navarro was t hrICE ele c te d to the National Executive Committee and held the positions of Executive Vice President for External Affairs (No. 3 in rank) for 2007-2010 term; Executive Vice President for Operations (next in rank to the LMP National President) for 2010-2013 and briefly ser ved as LMP National President in 2012 and voted again as Executive Vice President for Operations for 2013-2016 term. Mayor Navarro is the only mayor in Compostela Valley and even in Davao Region who holds such high positions since t h e l e a g u e w a s e s t ab lished. He said that with his position, he is confident that he can bring the concerns of the Municipality of Laak and even the concerns of all other Compostela Valley town mayors to the National leaders. Leyte Mayor Leonardo M. Javier, Jr. was elected the league’s president. Among the other officers elected were: La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph B. Bermos,

EVP for Internal Affairs; Caoayan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Germelina S. Goulart, EV P f or E x t e r n a l A f fairs; Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand R. Abesamis, Vice President for Luzon; Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Democrito M. Diamante, Vice President for Visayas; and Isulan, Su lt an Kudarat Mayor Diosdado G. Pallasigue, Vice President for Mindanao. Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles of Dumal i n a o, Z amb o ang a d e l Sur was elected National Treasurer, while PoonaBayabao, Lanao del Sur Mayor Lampa I. Pandi was chosen as National Business Manager. Pandan, Antique Mayor Jonathan D. Tan and Catanauan, Quezon Mayor Ramon A. Orfanel, took on the positions of PRO and General Legal Counsel, respectively. Administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretar y Honorable Manuel P. Roxas II, the re-elected and newlyel e c te d L M P Nat i ona l Officers swore their oath of offices before the 80 LMP chapter presidents across the country. (Janice C. Ollave-IO Laak)

Mindanao Daily 11 NEWS

thursday | october 31, 2013

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Delivers... from page 8

that directly addressed the various concerns of children. Mayor Uy also commended the city police station for maximizing its information drive on laws protecting the rights of children, organizing activities such as the Barkada Kontra Droga, Ugnayan sa Paaralan, Ugnayan sa Kabataan at Kababaihan, Ugnayan sa Mag-aaral, Oplan Sagip Bata, and creating programs like community-based feeding program, community based environmental, health and sanitation programs. The city government was also appreciative of the involvement of the Rotary Club of Dipolog, the Optometrists’ Association of the Philippines – Dipolog Chapter the Center for Social Concerns and Development (CESCOD), Zamboanga del Norte Pagtinabangay Foundation and the Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parent’s Association. The city is also planning to put up a child development center and upgrade all its day care centers. “Let us altogether continue to deliver our children from the bondage of ignorance, illness, poverty, violence and abuse,” Mayor Uy concluded. (FPG/MAA/ PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

Pork... from page 1

Efforts to contact See on the actual damage incurred in the rebel attack proved futile. Uy said that the communist rebels disarmed the farm security guards and tied them up with nylon cords along with other farm workers before burning the stockyard and started hacking some 500 pigs. One of the workers said the armed men searched them for weapons before letting them go and that some of the pigs were shot. According to Uy, the damaged to the farm could not be ascertained yet but that farm veterinarians reported that 50 pigs died of hacked wounds while the remaining survivors were undergoing treatment. “It is certain that more pigs would died although the veterinarians reported only 10 percent of the pig’s casualties,” Uy added. He said that an investigation had been going on to determine the motive of the attack.

Safety... from page 1

Manila Development Authority has deployed additional units to help ease the flow of traffic, and the Philippine National Police remains on alert to ensure the security of transport hubs and cemeteries. The Department of Transportation and Communications has likewise launched OPLAN Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2013, a cen-

tralized plan to ensure access to convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient, safe, and secure transportation that started during the 2013 Barangay Elections, and will continue until the All Saints/ All Souls Day holidays. As part of OPLAN Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2013, the Civil Aeronautics Board is also conducting monitoring activities and has installed help desks in all four NAIA terminals, along with Documentation and Ground Assistance Roving Teams to address passenger concerns and verify flight statuses. This is in tandem with CAAP’s increased frequency of airworthiness inspections nationwide. Air passengers may text 0917-TEXNAIA (09178396242) for information on the status of flights. The riding public may also call the DOTC Action Center Hotline at (02)789-0-DOTC for their concerns. philippine news agency

Escape... from page 1

managed to escape. Misortel overseer Fernando Vincent Sy said the the heavy, thick gauge 19 telephone cable measuring a total of 10 meters was cut into 11 pieces of 22 inches each for easy transport. Sy said this type of jellyfilled cable is their biggest and most expensive type of wire worth P8,400 per meter. He said the stolen cable is worth P84,000. The arrest follows the October 24 arrest of another suspect in the theft of cable wires owned by Misortel. One of those who eluded arrest in the October 24 operation and who is still at large is a reportedly a brother of Bragat. Sy said the series of cable thefts are a form of economic sabotage and that they are bent to putting an end to this. He s ai d t h e y h av e charged the suspects in court for theft.

Rebels... from page 3

Philippines (AFP). The 35 surrenderers were regular members of the NPA rebels operating in the hinterlands of Caraga and Region 10, composed of 17 individuals from Agusandel Sur, six from Bukidnon, six from Surigao del Sur, three from Surigao del Norte, two from Agusan del Norte, and one from the province of Misamis Oriental. The surrenderers brought along with them 31 assorted high powered firearms to include: AK 47’s, M14, M16A1, Garand rifles, cal. 30 carbines and a Squad automatic weapon (SAW) and 8 low powered firearms to include SMG’s cal.45 pistols and a caliber 38 revolver. The highest ranking rebel surrenderer was EleuterioCasal a.k.a.“Nolan,” 58, and former Guerilla

Front-34 Secretary/Adviser, Field Guerilla Unit, Field Command 34, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. He said that he was tired and wanted to join the mainstream society and start a new life. He also said that life while in the NPA was very hard. Like Casal, Roland Barrios, 25 years old surrendered because of hardships while in the rebel group. He said he did not gain anything beneficial from the NPA but hardships and difficulties without proper remuneration contrary to what had been promised to them. He also said that he was deprived of the luxury to visit his family in times of need. Of the surrenderers, 9 of them claimed that they recruited to the rebel movement when they were still minors. Bernabe Domino said that he was eight years old when he was recruited. Now, 21 years old, Domino said that the NPA has stolen his youth and losing the opportunity of going to school, too. Gino Mansinogdanan was 15 years old when he was recruited. He is still a minor at age 17. Other surrenderees were Julie Licardo, 16 when recruited; JunreyCanudas, 17 when recruited; Jimmy Ayog, 15 when recruited; ReynanteCasal, 13 when recruited; Rolando Fuentes, 16 when recruited; Digo Anti-an,13 when recruited; and Fernando Balili Jr., 15 when recruited. All of them are now adults and stayed in the NPA ranging from two to 24 years. Uy said that the arming and recruitment of minors violated the Geneva Convention on the protection of minors and children. However, the NPA rebels have been desperate that the only way to increase their waning forces was to recruit minors in violation of children’s human rights. Like Barrios and other members of the NPA rebels, they have decided to return to the fold of the law in order to live and lead peaceful lives, Uy said. He said that the surrenderers also want to avail of the government’s “Gun for Peace Program” and the “Social Integration Program of the OPAPP. Uy said that the amount of money under the GPP program varies from P2,000 – P10,000 for homemade firearms to P388,500 for a heavy machine gun.

Calamity... from page 3

municipal council issued the declaration Wednesday morning to facilitate the immediate release of the necessary funds to address the impact of the calamity, which has so far affected 8 of the town’s 13 barangays. Citing their initial assessment, the mayor said

the floods that hit the area since early Monday has so far destroyed a total of 394 hectares of palay farmlands in six of their barangays. Hardest hit is Barangay New Iloilo with 120 hectares followed by San Felipe with 97.5 hectares, Maibo with 58.5 hectares, Cabuling with 56 hectares, Tinongcop with 32 hectares and Dumadalig with 30 hectares. “Most of these crops are in the seeding and vegetative stages but there are some that are almost ready for harvest,” he said. The mayor said a number of houses and infrastructure facilities also sustained some damages as a result of the floods but their assessment is still ongoing. He said several road networks leading to some outskirt villages and communities in the area were rendered impassable due to the earlier landslides. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, Figueroa said the calamity has affected a total of 600 families or about 2,500 individuals. But he said such figure does not include the 145 families from Barangay New Iloilo who were evacuated to the municipal gymnasium due to the severe floods. The evacuation came after waist-deep floodwaters submerged the area as result of hours of heavy rains on Tuesday night. On Monday, five villages in the area were also initially hit by severe floods and landslides due hours of almost nonstop rains that started on Sunday night. A portion of the national highway in Barangay San Felipe was submerged in knee-deep floodwaters on Monday morning, slowing down the movement of local residents to the polling precincts in Monday’s barangay elections. With the town now under the state of calamity, Figueroa said they will immediately work on the release of additional funds to augment the needs of the evacuees and other affected families. He said they are also looking at releasing some funds to facilitate the purchase of palay seeds and other inputs for the affected farmers. The mayor said they will also re-prop the banks of several rivers and waterways in the area through the establishment of sand bag dikes. “Our main concern right now is the immediate rehabilitation and reopening of the roads that were flooded and affected by the landslides,” he added.

Deadly... from page 7

In other words, the people of Misamis Oriental will enjoy a “contextually” clean environment in the first two to three years of the coal plant’s operation. After five years, people will definitely feel something strange in their physiologi-

cal system. Now, the poisonous pollutants that the coal plants had emitted for years would start creeping into the human body. It would not be too long before people would hear complaints about asthma and other respiratory illnesses. While it is not our intention to paint a stark future on Misamis Oriental’s environment and the people’s health, the establishment of coal plants would certainly lead province toward perdition. The argument that the province needs coal plants to augment power shortage in the next five years is as flimsy as the argument of those who support the operation of the coal plant. The issue of power shortage is as old as the lies of profit hungry stakeholders in the energy sector. The worst thing is when public officials who are mandated to protect the interest of the people’s health and environment favor the unscrupulous capitalist in exchange of the few pieces of silver. -0- react: crisguardian@yahoo.com

Crush... from page 7

that originally hers was a consuming ambition to become a judge, fate intervened that changed her career path. Perhaps, the heavens had a way of making things happen with a purpose. Today, this same MARIA LEONOR “Leni” ROBREDO, is more than just a Congresswoman of the 3rd district of Camarines Sur. To irrepressible JCIP Senate President HERMIN ARCEO of Bulacan , in his distinctive Tagalog “ala BALAGTAS”, the lady was a beautiful star that suddenly fell in our midst from the high heavens; an embodiment of the Roman goddess of love and beauty, VENUS

and akin to the goddess of great wisdom MINERVA. He was so inspired that copious words came flawless and generous. (My rough translation, I must say, could not totally capture and savor the depth and gallantry of his spoken words.) To that starr y-eyed “Nagaueno” I talked to earlier in the day, she was simply “crush ng bayan”. Everyone’s heartthrob. To a soaking-wet tricycle driver who pedaled me home, still in my black coat and tie that late night in his tattered bike with a rickety sidecar bringing me to my nearby hotel under a gentle rain, she simply was “Ma’am LENI”. He puffed and pumped while he described her as someone who was plucked from the shadows of her illustrious husband JESSE; someone who unexpectedly trashed and dumped to political ignominy a long-standing political giant by winning 80% of the electoral votes in an unprecedented landslide. To him, “Ma’am LENI” represented “aming pag-asa sa kinabukasan”. His hope for the future. To me? Please don’t ask. Mine are only fresh impressions from that first and brief exchange with her. And one more thing: like that starry-eyed gentleman from Naga or that star-struck Jaycee Senate President or that lowly tricycle driver, I’m afraid I may also betray my own vulnerability. (LOL) For Ma’am LENI could very well be the ‘CRUSH NG BANSA”. (The author is the incumbent vice president for Mindanao of the Philippine Jaycee Senate and national president of the Philippine Press Institute. He served in Malacanang in various capacities both former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Arroyo.)

It’s ‘no work, no pay’ on Nov. 1, 2 By Rutchie C. Aguhob of PIA-Normin

OROQUIETA City, Misamis Occidental––November 1, All Saints Day, Friday is a special non-working day, pursuant to Proclamation No. 459 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Saturday, Nov. 2, falling between Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 3, has also been declared a special, non-working day throughout the country to give full opportunity to the people to properly observe All Saints Day with all religious fervor, which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions in the country. As such, the policy of “no work, no pay” will apply to the daily-paid workers on these dates pursuant to Labor Advisory No. 06, s. of 2012, concerning the computation of the worker’s pay during special nonworking days in 2013. Issued by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapiles-Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the advisory specifies that if the employee did not work on that day, the “No work, No pay’” principle shall apply, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day. Meanwhile, Jose G. Robles, DOLE Provincial Director of Misamis Occidental, said the following computation will be used in determining the daily wages of the employees on such dates: If the employee worked, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/daily rate on the first eight (8) hours of work [(Daily rate x 130%) + COLA]. If the employee worked in excess of eight (8) hours (overtime work), he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate on said day (hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked). If the employee worked during a special day that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of his/her daily rate on the first eight (8) hours of work [(Daily rate x 150%) + COLA]. If the employee worked in excess or eight (8) hours (overtime work) during a special day that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate on said day (Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 150% x 130% x number of hours worked).

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

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