ARMM officials light lanterns for peace amid armed conflict

PARANG, Maguindanao, Aug. 10 (PNA) -- Officials of the Autonomous Regional in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) lighted 200 "lanterns for peace" Thursday here at the first station of the Padang Padang Adventure Park.

“With so many things that are happening in the region, people caught in crossfire, may Allah accept our prayers for peace in ARMM,” Tourism Secretary Nawal Nasreena Sampaco, as she led officials in praying for peace in the troubled region.
The lighting of lanterns for peace came about as skirmishes between Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and military forces broke out in Datu Unsay, Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak on Monday, leaving 10 people killed and about 28,000 people displaced.
Parang Municipal Mayor Ibrahim Ibay said that peace may reign in everyone’s heart and stop the armed-combats as Muslims are observing the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
"We pray for peace and we believed peace can be attained when there is peace in ourselves," he said.
Amihilda Sangcopan-Abdulkarim, ARMM chief-of-staff, said she was saddened by the events unfolding in Maguindanao when people should be at their homes praying and meditating since its fasting month.
“As we light these lanterns, we offer our prayers to let peace reign in the region,” Abdulhakim added.
Armed conflicts will knock down the tourism in the region, Mayor Ibay said. The preliminary show-off of the Padang Padang Adventure Park is very timely to lift its tourism, he added.
The said adventure park features a one kilometer zip line. It is a first of its kind in the entire ARMM.
“Parang is very easy to sell tourism-wise because it’s a very beautiful place,” Ibay said.

Regional Legislative Assembly Speaker Rasol Mitmug Jr. also urged the regional legislators to pass legislation that support such efforts as he said “through this effort, we are generating jobs, thus boosting the economy the ARMM.” (PNA)

AFP, PNP retake Maguindanao highway from Moro rebels

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao, Aug. 10 (PNA) – Government forces recaptured Friday portions of the Cotabato-Gen. Santos highway occupied by Moro rebels and declared it open.

Col. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion commander, and Maguindanao police provincial director Senior Supt. Marcelo Pintac, led government forces in crossing the villages of Iginagampong, Meta and Maitumaeg, all in Datu Unsay, which about 500 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have occupied for five days.
Dela Cruz said there was no more resistance from the rebels' side when ground troops backed by armored personnel carrier combed the five kilometer stretch of the highway at about 6 a.m. Friday.
After clearing the area of possible booby traps and explosives, the military declared the highway open for public commuters.
Dela Cruz said enough forces were deployed as road security "to ensure the safety of the public.”
However, Dela Cruz said the highway will be closed to traffic from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. because the BIFF forces who have employed guerrilla warfare could strike anytime.
At least 20 BIFF forces were killed in fierce firefight Wednesday and Thursday when the military, taking orders from 6th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, conducted “surgical operations and punitive actions.”
Dela Cruz said he based the casualty figure of BIFF to body counts seen by ground troops and civilians in areas where they were buried by their comrades.
“We are still assessing the situation, we are yet to decide when we will allow the return of evacuees,” he told reporters.
He said the BIFF forces have fled deep into the marshland during the two-day massive military offensives and clearing operations.
On Sunday night, about 500 fully armed men, under Commander Ustadz Calarianm BIFF chief of staff, simultaneously launched attacks on Army detachments in Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi and Datu Piang to avenge the death of a BIFF member in the hands of the military.

Following the opening of the highway, relief workers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have intensified their own "offensive operation," that is relief goods distribution to about 33,000 internally displaced persons in Maguindanao's 11 towns. (PNA)

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte defends gay pageant in Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival

Mayor Sara Duterte has come to the defense of the gay community in Davao City and has refused to cancel the Miss Gay Universe Pageant from the line-up of major activities of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival 2012.

City Councilor Berino Mambo-o, who represents the Indigenous People in the City Council, had assailed the gay pageant as lacking in essence to be part of the Kadayawan, the annual festival in celebration of the city’s culture and tradition.

MUST VIEW

Miss Gay – Funny Video – YouTube

ALSO READ:

Warning: Never make fun of gays in Davao City

Gays get protection from Davao City government …

Ms. Gay Universe Pageant in Kadayawan Festival will … –

Sun.Star

POLICE COLONEL IS HIGHEST RANKING GAY IN PHILIPPINE …

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte invites rebels to join Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival

---

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 6 (PNA) -- Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio invited members of the New People's Army (NPA) to join the celebration of the 27th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival that started Friday.
“The call for peace is always there. So the communist rebels are welcome to join us during the festivities," she said.
In previous Kadayawan festivals, Duterte-Carpio had also invited the rebels headed by Kumander Leoncio 'Parago' Pitao, leader of the NPA First Pulang Bagani Command operating in the boundaries of Davao City, Bukidnon and Davao del Norte.
Parago is based in the far-flung mountain district of Paquibato in Davao City.
It is not the first time the local executive has extended invitation to the rebel group to join the yearly celebration which attracts both local and foreign tourists.
Brig. Gen. Ariel B. Bernardo, chief of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, chief of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO)assured the local executive to provide necessary assistance to ensure a peaceful celebration.

They stressed that they will arrest anyone who are out to disrupt the celebration.(PNA)

ARMM governor condemns Maguindanao attack by Bangsamoro rebels

---

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 6 (PNA) –- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) OIC-Governor Mujiv Hataman on Monday strongly condemned the aggression that is taking place in the towns of Datu Unsay, Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao involving a breakaway rebel group.
Hataman issued the statement on Monday after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a group that broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), attacked three Maguindanao towns.
The BIFF led by Ustadz Amiril Umbra Kato broke away from the MILF in December 2009.
The military reported that the BIFF simultaneously attacked five Army detachments in Maguindanao around 11:30 p.m. Sunday but no one was reported injured.
The attack, however, prompted the Army’s 6th Infantry Division to temporarily close the Cotabato-General Santos highway as the troops have launched clearing operations following Sunday evening’s attack.
“The act is especially reprehensible during this time of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, when devout Muslims are in the observance of fasting and are supposed to exercise utmost restraint. It is an utter disrespect of Islamic values and of the lives of countless civilians who will have to endure the effects of conflict even in the midst of the holy month,” Hataman said.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to help stop this latest round of violence in the province and prevent its possible escalation,” he added.
He said the BIFF should uphold Islamic values and respect for civilian lives more than any other interest and to exhaust peaceful means to address valid grievances.

He also appealed to the peace panels of both the government and the MILF not to get distracted “by this isolated incident and allow it to affect the encouraging gains in the peace process.” (PNA)

SENATOR VILLAR SAYS no need to formalize LP-NP-NPC coalition

---

MANILA, Aug. 6 (PNA) – Saying the coalition of the ruling Liberal Party, Nacionalist People’s Coalition and Nacionalista Party is good as approved, Senator Manny Villar said on Monday that the alliance for 2013 mid-term elections requires no further formality.
”We are not waiting any formality. Our assumption was there is no more hindrances to the coalition except for minor problems in the local level,” Villar said.
Villar made this comment as the NP president swore in Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez as newest NP member on Monday afternoon at the senator’s office.
”Traditionally, many Romualdezes are affiliated with NP. I hope I served better with my affiliation to the NP,” the Tacloban mayor, who is seeking reelection next year, said.
The swear in of Romualdez was witnessed by his wife Cristina Gonzales and NP senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Ferdinand ‘Bong-Bong’ Marcos and Antonio ‘Sonny’ Trillanes IV.
Alan Peter Cayetano and Trillanes are two of the four NP candidates for senators in 2013. Others are Villar’s wife former congresswoman Cynthia Villar and former congressman Robert ‘Ace’ Barbers.
The LP of President Benigno S. Aquino III and NPC of businessmen Danding Cojuangco have yet to formally announce their respective candidates though some names have already cropped as possible sentoriables. These are former Senator Ramon ‘Jun’ Magsaysay Jr., Rep. Erin Tanada, Rep. Sonny Angara, Customs commissioner Rufino Biazon. (PNA)
RMA/jfm

RENEWED MINDANAO FIGHTING WILL NOT AFFECT GPH-MILF PEACE TALKS

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT TO IDENTIFY 'NO MINING ZONES'

---

MANILA, Aug. 6 (PNA) -- The government will delineate the no-go zones listed in President Benigno Aquino III's Executive Order 79 on responsible mining.
Environment chief Ramon Paje said such move aims to help guide potential investors on where in the country they can venture into mining.
"We want them to be informed accordingly," he said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as other agencies concerned are among sources of inputs for the map.
"All tourism destinations defined by Department of Tourism are closed to mining," Paje said.
Also closed to mining are prime agricultural land and fisheries areas identified by the Department of Agriculture, he continued.
EO 79 likewise lists as no-go mining zones other critical and impact areas, island eco-systems as well as areas enumerated under Sec. 19 of Republic Act 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995).
DENR-monitored protected areas (PAs)established under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) are also among the no-go mining zones.
EO 79 requires such zones to be defined and delineated under government's integrated map system.
"Current and existing efforts to create an integrated map system for the common and uniform use of all government agencies and instrumentalities shall include all mining-related maps such as, but not limited to, mining tenement maps, geo-hazard and multi-hazard maps, ancestral lands and domains and PAs under NIPAS among others," President Aquino said in EO 79.
Government decided establishing such system to help guide planning and decision-making processes.
Opposition to mining continues with parties warning that this extractive activity, as experienced in the Philippines, is environmentally destructive and not pro-people.
"There must be a paradigm shift - we musn't look at mining's potential revenues only but should also consider its impact on the environment and people," said Fr. Edwin Gariguez, recipient of the 2012 Goldman Prize for his work on protecting Mindoro Island from mining.
Paje reiterated the administration's commitment to promote responsible mining."This government will never sacrifice the environment for profit," he said.
He urged all sectors to join government in its campaign for responsible mining nationwide.
"EO 79 will do much in promoting transparency in mining," he also said.
Paje reported earlier that he has ordered the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to upload in its website information on mining laws and contracts nationwide so people can have the opportunity to scrutinize these.
"Doing so will help reduce opportunities for corruption," he said.
Data MGB released last month show 30 metallic mines operated in the country during 2012's first quarter.

MGB also reported preliminary data show gross production value in large-scale metallic mining then reached some P18.5 billion. (PNA)

Army repulses attacks by breakaway Moro rebs in Maguindanao

UMBRA KATO

By Ben Cal

---

MANILA, Aug. 6 (PNA) -– Government forces Monday repulsed overnight attacks simultaneously launched by renegade Moro rebels against government forces in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, the Philippine Army said.
“We repulsed them,” Maj. Harold Cabunoc, Army spokesman, told the Philippines News Agency.
He was referring to the Bangsa Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM), a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
On the other hand, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles strongly condemned “the unprovoked and senseless attacks of the BIFM.”
Deles said Ustadz Carialan, BIFM chief of staff, orchestrated the attacks in Talayan, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao; and in Midsayap in North Cotabato.
In a statement, Deles said “the attacks initiated by this lawless group during Ramadhan only demonstrate their disrespect for this holy month of our Muslim faithful, and their disregard for innocent lives that can be displaced or lost during their irrational assaults.”
“The BIFM is not part of the MILF, and thus is not covered by any ceasefire agreement,” she added.
The BIFM, formerly known as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), is led by Ameril Umbra Kato.
Deles said that Umbra Kato, “together with his followers, was dissociated from the MILF who declared him as a ‘bougat or one who defies or does not obey an order.’”
After the MILF disowned Kato, he formed his own group who fought government forces in 2008 following the aborted signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) which was declared as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Since then, Umbra Kato and his armed band have been pursued by the government forces for engaging in lawless actions, Deles said.
Deles said: “Definitely, our government forces are ready for necessary defensive actions to protect and ensure the welfare of communities should the perpetrators launch attacks again.
"Pursuit operations against Carialan and his men are being conducted to bring them to the bar of justice.”
She added: “This act of aggression of the BIFM is meant to derail the peace process between the government and the MILF.
"We assure the public that these incidents will not affect the substantial gains that we have carefully and persistently built with our counterparts foremost of which is the ceasefire mechanism that continues to hold on the ground and kept the peace for our communities.”
Deles also disclosed that the government and MILF peace panels will start this week their 30th formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“We remain firm in our resolve to continue engaging the MILF in the negotiation table until we are able to reach an agreement to finally resolve the conflict in Mindanao and bring peace to our people who have suffered the most,” she stressed.
Earlier, Deles expressed concern over the attacks but was relieved upon knowing that the MILF had cooperated with government forces to stop the BIFM attacks.
“Of course we are concerned,” Deles told PNA when asked for her reaction to the fighting that broke Sunday night until Monday morning.
Deles also voiced out her concern that the attacks occurred during the celebration of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims.
“Why they (BIFM) moved (attacked) during this holy month?” Deles asked.
However, Deles was happy to note the fact that the MILF hierarchy “is cooperating” with government forces to contain the fighting.
In a related development, Cabunoc acknowledged the help extended by MILF forces under Commander Adam who deployed MILF fighters that formed a blocking force to prevent a spillover of the fighting.
He said this was a sincere gesture of cooperation between the government and MILF to further promote the peace talks to end the long-drawn Mindanao armed conflict.
He said “the areas where the fighting raged overnight are still very risky with some intermittent gunfire heard from time to time but soldiers are now conducting clearing operations.”
At the height of the fighting, BIFM fighters managed to cut-off electricity in some areas.
The rebels used chain saws to cut-off electric posts.
Cabunoc also said traffic in two major highways in these areas has been temporarily suspended as government forces are conducting clearing operations.
The BIFM fighters armed with high-powered firearms attacked the military outposts belonging to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Maguindanao at 11:30 Sunday evening.
At the same time, the Army detachments in the towns of Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Ampatuan also came under attack.
But Cabunoc said the soldiers held their line, triggering fierce gun battles that lasted up to daybreak Monday. Troop reinforcements were sent, he added.
Apparently to distract the attention of government force, the rebels attacked the Army detachement in Salman, Ampatuan town at 6:15 this morning but the soldiers repulsed the attack.
One trooper, Corporal Romel Mantos of the 603rd Brigade was slightly wounded, Cabunoc said.
There were no reports on civilian casualties but local residents were complaining about the power outages after the rebels cut down some electric posts along the highway using chainsaws.
The local military commanders in the area are coordinating with the local officials and the police on security.
Cabunoc also said that soldiers have been deployed in strategic areas to protect the innocent civilians.
Supporting the peace process.
The local commanders of the MILF are closely coordinating with the Army in monitoring the presence of Kato's men in their respective communities.
“Commander Adan, an MILF leader in Ampatuan town has deployed his men to block the entry of BIFF members in his locality where his members are maintaining a huge tract of farmland. They didn't want the source of livelihood to be destroyed in the armed clashes,” Cabunoc said.
Cabunoc also assured that the Philippine Army will uphold the primary of the peace process now ongoing.
The Army appreciates the gestures shown by the MILF members who are very supportive in the ongoing peace negotiations,” he said.

"Our soldiers will always uphold the primacy of the peace process and will try to prevent the escalation of the hostilities. We also call on the BIFF members led by Kato, to return to the mainstream MILF and become our partners in bringing lasting peace in their land," Cabunoc added. (PNA)

Military on top of Maguindanao security situation - AFP

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

---

MANILA, Aug. 6 (PNA) - Despite the series of attacks by renegade elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) headed by commander Umbra Kato on various military detachments in Maguindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assures it is still on top of the security situation in the area.
Major Emmanuel Garcia, acting AFP spokesperson, said that the harassment antics conducted by Kato's "Bangsamoro Islamic Fighters Movement" (BIFM) had been stopped after quick and decisive action of military units in the area.
"Despite some tensions, the situation is now returning to normal. Our forces are told to undertake 'active defense posture' to secure themselves and their camps from another attack," he said.
Garcia also denied reports that Kato's men held hostage a community near Ampatuan while making their getaway.
"There is no such thing, our security forces have total control of Ampatuan and other Maguindanao towns," he added.
He also declined to comment on whether the AFP's intelligence services were at fault for failing to give word on the attack, adding that such sudden assaults were done to off-balance defending forces.
"But despite that, our troops were able to hold their ground and drive away the attackers," Garcia said.
Attacked in Sunday's 11:30 p.m. assault were the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade headquarters in Shariff Aguak, three battalion headquarters deployed in Shariff Aguak; Datu Unsay, and Datu Ampatuan and their various sub-units scattered also in the above-mentioned localities.

Initial reports said two rebels and a civilian were killed and four militiamen were hurt in the assaults. (PNA)

P500M coal project in DavOr in the pipeline

    Coal Asia is staking its lot in Davao Oriental and is earmaking P400 million of proceeds to be raised from its initial public offering (IPO).
Coal Asia, which holds the second largest coal reserves in the country with coal assets worth P12.5 billion, is going public in a bid to raise P800M
in the Philippine Stock Exchange by the fourth quarter of 2012.
The net proceeds from the IPO is earmarked to bring the company’s Davao Oriental mine into production by 2014, said the company, whole coal assets has undergone independent valuation by the Multinational Investment Bancorporation. .
Coal Asia has been luring investors from the power generation and cement industries and investment funds wanting a stake in the company as a means to ensure continuous supply of coal and a crack at potential earnings from higher coal prices.
With its development of its high-grade bituminous coal mines in Mindanao, Coal Asia is poised to ink long-term supply agreements for thermal coal in the region.

Sun.Star lensman tops Davao City Police media shootfest

SHARPSHOOTER. Taking a break from shooting people with his Nikon, Sunstar Davao photographer King Rodriguez shot down with his sharpshooting skill competitors to emerge champion in the recent DCPO media shootfest

SUN.STAR Davao Publishing Inc. photographer King Rodriguez topped the Firearms Proficiency Test for the Media held at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) headquarters in Camp Domingo E. Leonor on July 26, beating shooting enthusiasts.
Besting 49 other journalists with a score of 80 points, Rodriguez emerged as champion in the one-day shootfest.
First runner-up is GMA Davao’s anchor Tek Ocampo, who garnered 76 points, while dxAB’s James Galay in second runner-up with 75 points. Both Ocampo and Galay are shooters.
Rodriguez, Ocampo and Galay will receive certificates of recognition along with third runner-up Louell Requilman of UNTV (74) and the rest of the top 10 shooters and their corresponding score, namely: Eli R. Tonge of UNTV (71); Randy L. Cañedo of ABS-CBN (70); Hernando H. Jereus of GMA (58); Jett Pogoy-intern of GMA (56); Michael Limbaga of GMA (52); and Toni Ace P. Bacamante of GMA (52).
Of the 50 media personalities, who participated in the competition, 10 passed the Firearms Proficiency Test.
Senior Superintendent Ronald M. Dela Rosa, DCPO director, said the top 10 shooters will receive their certificates of recognition during the DCPO Patronal Feast in honor to Saint Ignatius of the Apostles on July 31.
Dela Rosa said the Firearms Proficiency Test for the media practitioners was prepared to strengthen the camaraderie of DCPO personnel with the media, and for them to be familiarized with firearms use for security purposes.

Dengue victims up 700% in Davao City

BY JOANNA C. BALANZA Dengue has killed 30 by end of July this year, double the number of victims at 16 for the same period last year,
The deadly tropical disease also recorded an alarming number of victims also for the same period downing 3,952  compared to  last year’s 478 victims or a 700 percent increase, according to Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, city health officer.
The disease killed 27 people in 2011.
The health officer said the drastic increase can be blamed on global warming or mutation of the dengue virus-carrying mosquito.
She said the increase was not for lack of effort of the health office, which is conducting ongoing community-based campaigns to educate people on prevention and control of the disease.

Hataman to Cabinet: Shape up or ship out!

COTABATO CITY — Acting ARMM Governor Mujib Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) strongly warned Cabinet secretaries in the region that they must improve their performance or behavior or be shipped out from government service.
“The public expectation from us is very high after our accomplishments were recognized by President Aquino,” he told Cabinet officials after attending the president’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Manila.

In the SONA, Hataman was named by President Aquino as “certified ghost buster” after he cleansed the regional bureacracy from ghost teachers, ghost employees, ghost projects, ghost schools and all the “ghosts” that siphoned the ARMM coffers through the years.
The regional governor from Basilan was handpicked by President Aquino to institute reforms in the graft-ridden regional government.
He told the Cabinet officials and bureau heads that their offices should perform well even with limited budget.
“In ARMM nothing is impossible,” Hataman said, adding that he does not claim credit alone for the recognition cited by the President in his SONA.
“We still have more than a year, I hope we will get more recognition for doing our job correctly, I hope by next SONA, we have done what were expected of us,” Hataman said.

Habitat, DSWD join hands in ARMM low-cost housing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Margie MoranFloirendo, co-chair of Friends of Habitat, HFH Philippines’ social mobilization arm, right, with then Philippine senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and Rick Hathaway, vice-president, Habitat for Humanity, Asia-Pacific, at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Housing Forum, co-organized by Habitat for Humanity International, in Manila in 2009

Habitat for Humanity Philippines, represented by Board Member Ms. Margie Moran Floirendo and Hon. Hadja Bainon G. Kairon, OIC Regional Vice-Governor for ARMM and Concurrent Regional Secretary, signed a Memorandum of Agreement on July 27, 2012 for the building of 900 homes and 922 day care centers in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Also at the signing were Eusoph G. Kani, DSWD ARMM Legal Officer, David Liban Jr., Disaster Response Manager of HFHP and Leonilo Escalada, CEO for HFHP.
The signing followed the State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III on July 23 where he lauded the reforms implemented by ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman, especially on the housing and education reforms.
Leonilo Escalada, HFHP Chief Operating Officer said: “The home partner families living in Buluan, Mangudadatu and Pandag have experienced flooding through the years because of their housing location. We will be using stilt technology in the construction of the houses to prevent flooding in their homes.”
Site selection for the succeeding projects for housing and day care centers are still ongoing in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Basilan, Tawi tawi and Sulu, in partnership with the ARMM local governments and other regional offices.
Charlie Ayco, HFHP Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director said: “We, in Habitat walk hand in hand with National Government, DSWD and the ARMM government’s plan in alleviating housing poverty here in ARMM.
A total of 270 houses will be constructed in four sites in the abovementioned municipalities and are expected to be finished by the end of August 2012. Marilyn Roque

Zamboanga mining firm in P11.6 M cassava project

ZAMBOANGA CITY –- A mining company operating in two areas in the Zamboanga peninsula has initiated an P11.6 million cassava plantation project in Bayog town, Zamboanga del Sur that will benefit some 350 farmers in 20 barangays in the municipality.
To firm up the project, the company, TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc. (TVIRD) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) wth the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government for the establishment of the cassava plantation in Bayog.
Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Ceriles said “this is the biggest project that farmers have had in Bayog in so many years,”
Renne Subido, TVIRD Vice President for Corporate Social Commitment, said this is part of the company’s commitments to the government. He added that the company responded positively when the provincial government asked TVIRD to be a partner in the cassava plantation project.
TVIRD identified the barangays beneficiaries for the project as Poblacion, Kahayagan, Kanipaan, Damit, Salawagan, Dipili, Lamare, Depore, Sigacad, Balukbahan, Matin-ao, Datagan, Bubu-an, Canoayan, Deporehan, Liba, Camp Blessing, Supon, Balumbunon, Conacon, Bantal, Dimalinao, Pulang Bato, San Isidro, Depase, Matun-og, Dagum, and Baking.

No corner for criminals to hide in Davao City

 

    Criminals could not stay long in Davao City because there are many “eyes” watching for them in all corners of the city, said Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
The series of successful raids on drug dens last week are results of monitoring by police assets who are all over the city watching out for criminals, said Duterte in his television program Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa on ABS/CBN on Sunday.
The raids in Barangay Ilang, Quezon Blvd and Ponciano Street netted 35 suspects arrested and two dead.
The success of the raids also means that the policemen are working and the intelligence gathering has been raised to a new level, said Duterte.
He gave credit to the police intelligence operatives and their ‘assets’ who had worked in crime-prone areas for years.
Some of the operatives were already in place in these areas  since 20 years. I would like to assure that every every corner in the city is being watched, he said.
Duterte admits that drug-dealing in the city is rampant but said police would do its best to arrest the pushers.
He said earlier the city has become a magnet for drug pushers because of the concentration of people who are the ready market.
Shabu, the most common drug in use, are sourced from nearby provinces like Cotabato, said intelligence operatives of the Philippine Drug Ennforcement Agency in the Davao Region.
Marijuana, once the favorite drug before shabu, dubbed as the poor man’s cocaine, became popular, is staging a comeback, said the anti-narc operatives.
Several arrest of marijuana couriers have been made, with the pushers admitting they sourced the banned weed from provinces in the Davao Region.
A suspected drug pusher was killed and 15 others were arrested in two separate raids conducted by authorities here on Friday and Saturday.

    The raids carried out by joint elements of the Davao City Police Office, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Sta. Ana and San Pedro Police Stations, City Public Safety Company, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency brought to 35 the number of suspects in a renewed campaign against drug peddlers.
Twenty persons earlier had been arrested in Barangay Ilang in Bunawan District.
Senior Supt. Ronald Dela Rosa, DCPO head, identified the fatality as Orlan Jonson Dela Cuesta, 41, of Purok 4, Barangay 23-C, Quezon Blvd., this city, who died of a lone gunshot wound in the head after he resisted arrest and fired back at the raiding team members Saturday morning.
Nine other suspects were arrested in the same raid. They were identified as Landring Dela Cuesta, a certain Anecito, alias Cetong Lim; Pangalian Macaway Palawan, Arnold Formarejo Lim, Jay-ar Villaflor Ladislao, Ampre Gulani Dela Cuesta, Nelson Buscado Gamale, Richard Dela Cuesta, and Jonebre Eulogio Pitao.
Dela Rosa said the raiders recovered from the lone fatality’s possession one .22 caliber revolver and two sachets of suspected shabu.
On the other hand, recovered from the possession of the other suspects were 19 sachets of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, two Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolvers, 12 bullets, and one mobile phone.
On Friday’s raid, elements of the San Pedro Police arrested six drug suspects in a buy-bust operation at Purok 5, Barrio Tagalog, Barangay 4-A.
Supt. Antonio Rivera, chief of San Pedro police station, identified the suspects as Arnel Sellon Andrion, 48; Albert Roy Andrion Espejo, 28; Hilario Anoya Olaer, 29; Melchor Anoya Olaer, 28; Perla Atangan Olaer, 45; and Celestino Juman Arballo.
Recovered from their possession were one big sachet and three small sachets of suspected shabu, one .22 caliber revolver, four pieces of live ammunition, 27 heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu, three rolls of aluminum foil, a marked P500 bill, two improvised lighters, wrapped dried leaves of suspected marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia.

DAVAO CITY ORDINANCE SHIELDS GAYS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

BY ROGER M. BALANZA

WHEN IN DAVAO CITY, don’t ever make the mistake of jeering at, insulting or making fun of the limp-wristed specie of the human race.
The Davao City Anti-discrimination Ordinance authored by Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte would be in full effect soon, and woe to those who would look down on men and women of the third sex and subject them to verbal abuse or slam the door on those applying for jobs.
Humans of the “other kind’  are listed in the local ordinance that would protect anybody against any form of discrimination by virtue of sex, creed or race, with strong emphasis on the marginalized sector like the tribal people, elderly, physically handicapped and, yes, the LGBTs ( lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders).
The ordinance covers a wide range of human activities where gays could be discriminated against including opportunities for employment.
Under the ordinance, the machos and the straight girls should be in equal footing with those from the third sex, to protect their rights under the equal opportunity clause of the Constitution.
Duterte said the ordinance would be implemented this month. While under study by the Davao City Council, the anti-discrimination ordinance had gone through committee and public hearings which were attended by the local gay community.
Duterte has been openly supportive of gay causes, the support stretched up to entry of gays into the Philippine National police.
At one time he urged the police agency to abolish its perceived discrimination against gays in the force, saying that even the communist armed group New People’s Army has opened its doors to gay fighters.
Duterte however has admonished gays to tone down on their loud talks and giggles as they roam neigborhoods at night, over complaints of residents about being disturbed by the girlish guffaws even during wee hours.