Difference between revisions of "Cagayan de Oro City News"

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==POSITIVE REVOLUTION: 11 Peace Outcomes==
*Source:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=721362&publicationSubCategoryId=530/
*Sunday, August 28, 2011
:By Bong Montesa
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/27 August) –  The MILF earlier issued its “11 General Features of the MILF comprehensive compact proposal” and the Government, in turn, countered with its “11 Characteristics of the government proposal.”
The lack of agreement is on the “means”
Both papers outlined and described their solutions to the Mindanao problem. After the Kuala Lumpur meeting, it is obvious that there is no agreement or consensus. The MILF described the gap as “heaven and earth” while the Government sees the gap as “not too far apart.” Is it a case of describing a glass of water as half-full or half-empty? Most probably.
If there is one thing that is certain, the clear lack of agreement by the parties is one on the “means” of achieving a set of outcomes. But with respect to ends and outcomes, I think that the parties are actually nearer to each other.  This is an area where the parties can actually come up with a substantial agreement.
Design peace agreement by reverse.
Designing peace agreement is easier if done in the reverse. This means that the parties can move forward by articulating and agreeing first on a set of desired outcomes and then work backwards by designing the means of achieving those outcomes and coming up with clear indicators of determining whether those outcomes are attained or not. It is not too late to start with this fundamental step.
The negotiations have been ongoing for several years and yet a fundamental agreement on specific aims and outcomes have not been made. The parties presumed that there is an agreement on outcomes. There is actually none on paper. Although the fundamental agreement to craft a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” has animated the talks, this is too general and too vague for purposes of negotiations.
When faced with an obstacle, do a sidestep.
Without rejecting any proposal and embracing the paradox of “heaven and earth” and “not too far apart,” one can actually see the possibility of the parties moving forward by agreeing on a set of peace of outcomes. This is not to “derogate” prior agreements but to do a “sidestep” in the meantime to avoid what seems to be a polarized situation. As they say, “Peace is like riding a bicycle. One has to continue pedaling in order not to fall.” On the other hand, we also need to guard that peace talks do not degenerate into a “paikot” scheme.
11 Peace Outcomes.
From my point of view as an outsider, the Government and MILF can agree on the following peace outcomes:
1. Correct the imbalance of totality of relationship between Filipinos and Moros.
2. Create mutual trust amongst peoples of our country.
3. Give recognition and justice to the ancestral homeland of the Moros.
4. Take into account the realities of underdevelopment, demographic shifts and diversity.
5. Give the Moros a modest share and taste of the remaining 7-9 percent of the lands, wealth and resources.
6. Deliver good and effective governance, social services and foster economic development as soon as possible.
7. Recognize the Moro aspiration for separate national identity while retaining their Filipino citizenship.
8. Maximize people’s creativity, resourcefulness, and initiative.
9. Include weapons disposal, disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation of combatants.
10. Fruit of genuine public consensus.
11. Benefit not only Moros and the indigenous peoples, but also the Filipinos.
Designing by Outcomes
Once an agreement on peace outcomes is made, the parties can discuss ways and means to attain the outcomes. By doing this, the parties avoid the positional type of negotiations and really engage in problem solving. The parties can now evaluate each other’s proposal based on a external standard which they themselves created rather than just say agree or disagree. Furthermore, broader Philippine society can also contribute to finding solutions to attain the outcomes. After all, this is not just the problem of the MILF and the Government. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Lawyer  Camilo “Bong” Montesa is the  Executive Director of The Art of Peace Group which is dedicated to the search for innovative ideas for peace and conflict transformation).


==500 police, Army personnel to secure Kagay-an fest==
==500 police, Army personnel to secure Kagay-an fest==
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The Army, on the other hand, has placed its standby units on alert and ready to respond in case they would be needed.
The Army, on the other hand, has placed its standby units on alert and ready to respond in case they would be needed.
Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, 4ID spokesperson and concurrent commanding officer of the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, said that the Army has made its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and K9 units available and will be deployed during the festivity.
Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, 4ID spokesperson and concurrent commanding officer of the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, said that the Army has made its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and K9 units available and will be deployed during the festivity.
“Standby platoons are prepared to be deployed when the need arises. We have our men and operatives on the field and so are the CMO and the  
“Standby platoons are prepared to be deployed when the need arises. We have our men and operatives on the field and so are the CMO and the
 
 
 
 
 
 


==PAL staff in CDO unaffected by cutback==  
==PAL staff in CDO unaffected by cutback==  

Revision as of 01:57, 28 August 2011

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Cagayan de Oro City - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Cagayan de oro city river.jpg
Aerial View of Cagayan de Oro City

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

POSITIVE REVOLUTION: 11 Peace Outcomes

By Bong Montesa


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/27 August) – The MILF earlier issued its “11 General Features of the MILF comprehensive compact proposal” and the Government, in turn, countered with its “11 Characteristics of the government proposal.” The lack of agreement is on the “means” Both papers outlined and described their solutions to the Mindanao problem. After the Kuala Lumpur meeting, it is obvious that there is no agreement or consensus. The MILF described the gap as “heaven and earth” while the Government sees the gap as “not too far apart.” Is it a case of describing a glass of water as half-full or half-empty? Most probably. If there is one thing that is certain, the clear lack of agreement by the parties is one on the “means” of achieving a set of outcomes. But with respect to ends and outcomes, I think that the parties are actually nearer to each other. This is an area where the parties can actually come up with a substantial agreement. Design peace agreement by reverse. Designing peace agreement is easier if done in the reverse. This means that the parties can move forward by articulating and agreeing first on a set of desired outcomes and then work backwards by designing the means of achieving those outcomes and coming up with clear indicators of determining whether those outcomes are attained or not. It is not too late to start with this fundamental step. The negotiations have been ongoing for several years and yet a fundamental agreement on specific aims and outcomes have not been made. The parties presumed that there is an agreement on outcomes. There is actually none on paper. Although the fundamental agreement to craft a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” has animated the talks, this is too general and too vague for purposes of negotiations. When faced with an obstacle, do a sidestep. Without rejecting any proposal and embracing the paradox of “heaven and earth” and “not too far apart,” one can actually see the possibility of the parties moving forward by agreeing on a set of peace of outcomes. This is not to “derogate” prior agreements but to do a “sidestep” in the meantime to avoid what seems to be a polarized situation. As they say, “Peace is like riding a bicycle. One has to continue pedaling in order not to fall.” On the other hand, we also need to guard that peace talks do not degenerate into a “paikot” scheme. 11 Peace Outcomes. From my point of view as an outsider, the Government and MILF can agree on the following peace outcomes: 1. Correct the imbalance of totality of relationship between Filipinos and Moros. 2. Create mutual trust amongst peoples of our country. 3. Give recognition and justice to the ancestral homeland of the Moros. 4. Take into account the realities of underdevelopment, demographic shifts and diversity. 5. Give the Moros a modest share and taste of the remaining 7-9 percent of the lands, wealth and resources. 6. Deliver good and effective governance, social services and foster economic development as soon as possible. 7. Recognize the Moro aspiration for separate national identity while retaining their Filipino citizenship. 8. Maximize people’s creativity, resourcefulness, and initiative. 9. Include weapons disposal, disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation of combatants. 10. Fruit of genuine public consensus. 11. Benefit not only Moros and the indigenous peoples, but also the Filipinos. Designing by Outcomes Once an agreement on peace outcomes is made, the parties can discuss ways and means to attain the outcomes. By doing this, the parties avoid the positional type of negotiations and really engage in problem solving. The parties can now evaluate each other’s proposal based on a external standard which they themselves created rather than just say agree or disagree. Furthermore, broader Philippine society can also contribute to finding solutions to attain the outcomes. After all, this is not just the problem of the MILF and the Government. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Lawyer Camilo “Bong” Montesa is the Executive Director of The Art of Peace Group which is dedicated to the search for innovative ideas for peace and conflict transformation).





500 police, Army personnel to secure Kagay-an fest

By Erwin Mascariñas


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/26 August) – More than 500 troopers of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division will be deployed and be placed on alert to secure the celebration of the Kagay-an Festival 2011 that will peak during the city fiesta on Aug. 28. The existing force of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) will be augmented by more than 100 personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) and close to 200 trainees from the police region training school to provide security for the Kagay-an Festival celebration. Chief Insp. Lemuel Gonda, COCPO chief of operations, said that the added number of personnel in the ground is a great help in deterring any unwanted and untoward incidents. “It is the directive of the our city police director, Senior Supt. Geraldo Rosales, to have more officers on the ground. Police visibility is a must. We are prepared and ready,” Gonda said. The newly formed Motorized Anti Street Crime Operatives (MASCO) will also be part of the security force patrolling the city, supported by the City Public Safety Management Unit, Explosives and Ordnance Division and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. The Army, on the other hand, has placed its standby units on alert and ready to respond in case they would be needed. Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, 4ID spokesperson and concurrent commanding officer of the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, said that the Army has made its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and K9 units available and will be deployed during the festivity. “Standby platoons are prepared to be deployed when the need arises. We have our men and operatives on the field and so are the CMO and the

PAL staff in CDO unaffected by cutback

By Cong Corrales


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/25 August)–The impending retrenchment at the Philippine Airlines won’t affect the company’s 25 organic personnel here contrary to the pronouncement of a Pal Employees Association (Palea) board member recently. This, after Malacañang recently denied Palea’s motion to reconsider the national flag carrier’s proposal to outsource many of its services to recoup its losses. On August 18, Eugene Cosare, Palea-Mindanao board member was quoted by a daily newspaper in Cebu City as saying the retrenchment of more than 2,600 employees will affect “25 workers in Cagayan de Oro City, 20 in Zamboanga City, nine each in Dipolog and Cotabato cities, 15 in General Santos City, and 11 in Butuan City.” “We will not be affected with the retrenchment since we are directly under the sales department of the company,” said a senior supervisor of Pal Cagayan de Oro ticketing office. He declined to be named since he is not authorized to speak on the issue. He said that employees who will be affected by the retrenchment are from the airport services of Manila and Mactan airports, in-flight catering and reservation offices of Manila. “We have 25 organic employees here and we do not see any reason why we will be affected with the impending retrenchment,” he said. He added they will not participate in any protest actions the other offices may have planned. In a statement, Palea members in Cebu and Davao said they will hold simultaneous protests in their cities. In its two-page resolution, the Office of the President denied Palea’s motion for reconsideration, upholding Pal’s outsourcing program which will mean the retrench of at least 3,000 employees. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., in the resolution dated August 11, ruled that: “1. PAL can contract out its inflight catering services, airport services, and call center operations by outsourcing them to service providers; 2. The consequent retrenchment of the regular employees and union members is valid; and 3. PAL is not liable of unfair labor practices.” Ochoa called the points raised by Palea in its petition as “mere rehash of those considered, discussed and ruled upon by the Secretary of Labor in her order dated 29 October 2010 and affirmed in our decision dated 25 March 2011.” In a statement, Palea vowed to “fight this anti-labor policy of President Benigno Aquino III” and is preparing to appeal Malacañang’s decision at the Court of Appeals. “If the Supreme Court will uphold our constitutional right to security of tenure, we will file an impeachment case against him for failing to protect our right,” the statement read. Last Wednesday, Pal reported a net loss of US$10.6 million from April to June compared to the US$31.6 million it profited in the same period last year. Pal had also announced it needed a “restructuring program, including cutting down manpower costs, because of its P15-billion losses in 2008 and 2009.”

Health Secretary Ona to speak in filariasis forum in Cag. de Oro, Sept. 1

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, August 25 (PIA) -- Health Secretary Enrique Ona will be the keynote speaker during the 3rd National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination (LF) Forum, on Sept. 1-2, at Dynasty Court Hotel, this city. Conducted by the Coalition for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis-Philippines, Inc. (CELF-Philippines, Inc.), the forum will be anchored on the theme: “Expanding Partnerships towards Integrated Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis and Control of other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD).” Jaime Galvez Tan, MD, MPH, Chairperson of CELF- Philippines, Inc., said LF affects about 650,000 men, women and children in the Philippines, resulting in an estimated total economic loss of $38.7 million per year (WHO, 2009). “More than a billion people in 80 countries in the world are at risk of the LF. It is also estimated that over 120 million people are affected and over 40 million have seriously been incapacitated and disfigured by the disease (WHO, 2009),” Tan added. The second leading cause of permanent and long term disability worldwide (WHO, 1996), LF is just one of the several NTD’s that remain as a public health problem in poor communities today, including the Philippines. To eliminate LF as a public health problem, the Department of Health (DOH) has established the National Filariasis Elimination Program (NFEP). Meanwhile, the forum aims to raise public awareness, describe challenges and good practices to forge partnerships among the various stakeholders and other partners committed to the elimination of LF and the control of other NTD’s in the country. A non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization, CELF-Philippines, Inc., aims to assist in the efforts to eliminate LF in the Philippines through community managed initiatives and local and international partnerships. In addition to providing support to the NFEP, the Coalition serves as a liaison body among groups that are involved or interested in the elimination of LF in the Philippines. This is done by promoting social mobilization for the maximum participation in Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and disability management, capacity building, provision of technical assistance, partnership and collaboration to assist the national effort for LF elimination. Among the topics included in the 2-day activity are the role of the private sector in the control of LF and the NTD’s, current efforts for the integration of information systems for NTDs and the role of academic institutions in the control of NTDs. Also included are some of the good practices in LF elimination of some local government units (LGU), research gaps in LF and NTD studies in the Philippines from the social science perspective and the need for integration of control of NTDs in the Philippines. (CELF/PIA-10)

DOST’s OL Trap sites show decrease in dengue cases

By PIA Press Release


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, August 24 (PIA) -- The use of the Mosquito Ovicidal Larvicidal (OL) Traps has helped to increase the awareness of the communities on the nature of the dengue-carrying “Aedis Aegypti” mosquitoes and how to prevent them from breeding any further, according to Department of Science and Technology (DOST)Region 10. DOST-10 Regional Director Alfonso Alamban said initial results from various regions showed that there is a decrease in the number of dengue cases after the OL Traps were launched. As project of the DOST Research and Development (R&D), the OL Trap is part of the government’s multi-pronged approach in fighting the said fatal disease. “It works by attracting the said mosquito, through the trap’s black color and organic solution, to lay its eggs in the trap. The solution then kills the eggs and the larvae, thus, eliminating the next generation of mosquitoes,” Alamban said. In region 10, a total of 1,058 dengue cases were admitted to the different sentinel hospitals from January 1 to August 11 this year. This was 76.56 percent lower compared to 4,514 cases during the same period, last year. Dr. Jaime S. Bernadas, Regional Director of the Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Region 10, said OL Traps were placed in strategic areas to trap the female dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Dr. Josephine Ibalo, DOH Dengue Coordinator of Bukidnon province, also said there were only 40 dengue cases in the whole province, as of August 10 this year. This was a significant decrease from last year’s 1,447 cases or a decline of 97.24 percent. Meanwhile, the DOST Science and Technology Media Service has reported that Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and five barangays in Northern Samar showed zero dengue incidence after they used OL Traps. Barangay Dalakit in Catarman, for example, had 44 cases, last year, while Barangay Airport had 30 cases and Barangay 109-A in Leyte had 64. Its neighbor, Barangay 109, also showed significant decrease in its dengue cases from 122 last year to only three, this year. In Region 2, five schools in Ballesteros and Claveria towns in Cagayan reported “zero case” namely the Libag Elementary School, North Central School, Caritan Elementary School, Cataggamman National High School, and University of Cagayan Valley. Official reports also show that in 2010, there were 210 aggregate cases of dengue among schoolchildren in four barangays where these schools are located. After the OL Trap distribution in these barangays, no cases have been reported thus far. Ballesteros and Claveria were declared “hotspots” for dengue cases last year, with the former having 213 cases and the latter, 15 cases. To date, there have been no dengue cases reported since the distribution. With the decrease in dengue cases reported in the region, Dr. Labasan, Municipal Health Officer of Solano- Nueva Vizcaya, said additional units are needed for other barangays since they found out that mosquito eggs and larvae are “killed right then and there." He said it is the only way to stop the eggs from hatching. This month, DOST and the Department of Education are working together in providing OL Traps to elementary and secondary school, both public and private, that are located in dengue hotspot areas, Alamban added. (DOST/ PIA 10)

Councilor sounds alarm bells as Oro Aids cases shoot up

By Gold Star Daily


A COUNCILOR has sounded alarm bells over the increase in the cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-Aids) in the city. Councilor Dante Pajo, chairperson of the city council's committee on health and sanitation, said the number of HIV-Aids cases here increased to 23 from 14 cases last year. Pajo said there were only six cases in 2008 and nine cases in 2009.

During a meeting of the Cagayan de Oro Aids Council over the weekend, it was learned that two Aids victims have died and one is dying. It was also learned that one of the cases involves a foreigner.

Authorities said some of the cases involve transient commercial sex workers from Metro Manila. "It's very alarming if you really think about the situation," said Pajo. "There are two people being tested. I hope they'd test negative."

Pajo said citizens need to help the health department and groups who are campaigning against the spead of HIV-Aids.

"Admittedly, it's really difficult to make a headcount because HIV-Aids testing is not mandatory. People who have multiple sex partners should be extra-careful," he said.

The DOH has been encouraging citizens to observe the following precautions: • abstain from sexual intercourse or maintain a mutually monogamous relationship; • safe sex; • no sharing of needles and syringes; and • early testing for sexually transmitted infections.




2011 crime prevention confab focuses on youth

By Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 22 (PIA) –- This year’s celebration of the 17th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW), from Sept. 1-7, will focus on youth participation and youth development. This was revealed by Atty. Marte S. Palomar, Regional Director of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Northern Mindanao during a meeting in preparation for the celebration. Anchored on this year’s theme of “Pinoy Ako, Crime Prevention Misyon Ko,” complemented by the proactive slogan, “Knock Out Crime,” the week-long celebration primarily aims to promote community involvement and participation in crime prevention. It also aims to build public commitment and participation in activities that effectively deter commission of crimes. Palomar said the celebration will kick-off with a “Walk for a Cause” on Sept, 1, aimed at helping the school children of Tagpangi Elementary School, this city, by providing them with school supplies and other basic necessities. A minimum amount of P20.00 per participant will be collected as registration fee. Meanwhile, the opening program will be highlighted by the awarding of “Police Excellence Award” and the blowing of whistles. (PIA-10)

Fiscal: Smuggling probe to open 'can of worms

By Jigger Jerusalem


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The justice department’s resumption of its investigation on the smuggling complaint filed against car collector Lynard Allan Bigcas would be like opening a “can of worms” that could implicate some employees and officials at the customs bureau here, city chief prosecutor Fidel Macauyag said yesterday.

This, after Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, in her Aug. 11 order, created a three-man panel of prosecutors to conduct the preliminary investigation on the complaint.

The panel, set to start its probe anytime this week, is composed of Macauyag, senior assistant state prosecutor Edwin Dayog, and assistant state prosecutor Agapito Fajardo Jr.

Macauyag said the complaint they are preparing against Bigcas will serve as a “reckoning point” for the DOJ in going after erring employees and officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) here.

“We will dig deeper to identify these ‘brokers’ of smugglers at Customs, and then we will expose who these smugglers are,” Macauyag said.

Earlier, Macauyag created a panel of prosecutors to investigate the complaint but he said it would not run into any conflict with the panel created by De Lima.

The local prosecutors – Julieta Piloton, Joan Waga, and Ansharey Lalia – would instead assist the DOJ-created panel by doing the “legwork” of the investigation, he said.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation raided and seized several vehicles from Bigcas’ residences in Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City and Talakag, Bukidnon last May 3.

Pimentel initiates Senate probe on CDO’s dumped election paraphernalia

By Cong Corrales


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/19 August) — Senator Aquilino Martin Pimentel’s declaration to set in motion a Senate investigation into the controversial “unearthing” of election paraphernalia in this city’s dumpster two days after the May 2010 polls, has rekindled hope for the electoral protest of a mayoralty bet who lost to incumbent mayor Vicente Emano by a mere 2,000 votes. In a press conference Thursday, Pimentel, the new chair of a sub-committee on electoral reforms in the Senate, said he will summon all officials involved—including Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials—to explain at the Senate why the election paraphernalia ended up in the dumpster two days after the May 10, 2010 polls. Also in the press conference, Pimentel told reporters he is also particularly interested on how to “lessen the role of money and time” in electoral protests since “it is quite expensive to file a protest.” Lawyer Evangeline Carrasco, lead counsel for former 1st district Rep. Rolando Uy’s electoral protest, welcomes the Senate inquiry on the alleged irregularities in the May 2010 automated elections as it may help speed-up the resolution of their electoral protest. Uy, then 1st district representative to Congress, ran for mayor and lost to local political kingpin Emano by 2,140 votes. “We are hoping for the best,” Carrasco said in a telephone interview Friday. She also asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to come out with the decision soonest, because “shuttling to Manila and back here in the city, every time I attend hearings, is getting expensive.” Carrasco recalled what she called were clear “delaying tactics” during the elections. “Voters in Carmen waited for hours because the election officers were having difficulty in linking their PCOS machines to Comelec’s system while in Tupagon, voters there began on time,” she said. Barangay Carmen is a known turf of Uy, having served as its village chair. Uy’s supporters claimed that PCOS machines in polling precincts where Uy was perceived popular experienced the longest delays. In some precincts, actual voting started at noon. At around 8:00pm, May 14, 2010, Fr. Nathaniel Lerio, then-chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)-Misamis Oriental received a tip from “concerned citizen.” Together with local reporters and volunteers of Uy, they recovered three sacks of various election materials. Then city Comelec supervisor, here, lawyer Gina Zayas-Sabio told reporters her office was also perplexed at how the poll documents ended up dumped. However, she maintained that they received all ERs from 358-clustered polling precincts by May 11. Sabio said the election materials—from 45-clustered precincts in Barangays Lapasan, Gusa, Cugman and F.S. Catanico—are the only ones declared missing, the rest were accounted for. Pimentel expressed concern on what appears to be an absence of interest in pursuing an investigation on the dumped poll materials. He added that it appeared Comelec tried to justify the disposal of the elections materials instead of starting an investigation.

Little Azkals prepare for loaded schedule

By Mars Alison


After a successful stint in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Smart Club Championships friendly matches, the Philippine Under 13 team tagged the Little Azkals will be getting ready for more tournaments and camps eyed at further improving the team’s performance. After blanking all three of their foes—Cagayan de Oro Misamis Oriental Football Association (CMOFA) U14, 2-0; CMOFA U15/16, 2-0; and CMOFA selection, 2-0—in the first day of the friendlies, the Little Azkals routed Bukidnon U13/14, 3-0, and ended their match against CMOFA U16 in a scoreless draw the next day. Head coach Oliver Colina applauded his boys’ performance saying the team has bonded well. Among the team’s upcoming stints will be a shot at the National Festival of Football this November in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental Colina also announced a proposed mini camp for the Little Azkals this December as part of the calendar of activities for the national team. The mini camp will serve as the Little Azkals’ training pool and will have a total of 30 members. Based on their performance, some of the members of the current Little Azkals team will move on to become members of the RP U14 by January next year. The training camp will serve as talent identification for additional members of the RP U14 next year. Colina said it is very important to identify players by December for a longer training schedule, which would help the team’s consistency. The RP U14 team will be seeing action in the PFF National U14 Festival of Football still in San Carlos City by February. The festival will further serve as talent identification as aside from national and local tournaments, the RP U14 will also be seeing international action via the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Festival of Football by June. Because the mini camp will be by invitation, Colina said he has already planned to invite some booters who saw action in the Palarong Pambansa in Dapitan. Since some of the RP U13 players will be moving on to become members of the RP U14, new players will also be identified for the RP U13 for PFF’s continuous grassroots training program. Colina, however, clarified that the calendar of activities has yet to be approved by the PFF.

Task Force Dengue meets to improve referral system in NorMin

by Jorie C. Valcorza


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental — The Dengue Core Group commissioned by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) is set to come up with a Dengue Regional Operational Manual, primarily aimed at reducing the incidence of dengue in Northern Mindanao. Dr. Ramon Moreno, Chief Medical Professional Staff of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) and Chairperson of the Dengue Technical Working Group (TWG) said the Dengue Commission Report will provide a coordinated approach on how to best respond to the prevailing problem in the region. The said report will also highlight the concerted efforts on prevention, correct diagnosis and well-coordinated management with impact on cost-effectiveness at the level of the basic health unit and referral hospital. Initially, the TWG has already created a flow chart of action from the basic health unit, to the next level health unit up to the referral center. Moreno pointed out the importance of establishing dengue hot lines from the three major government hospitals in the region and eventually come up with a contact data base of all referring health care providers. “No transport shall be allowed without prior call from the referring health care provider to the referral hospital. This is to assess the condition of the patient and be able to provide needed medical attention during transport or to asses if the transport is really necessary,” Moreno explained. He likewise enjoined the cooperation of key line agencies and local government units to help in curbing dengue incidence in the region by actively doing its share in the prevention aspect. Meanwhile, Dr. Patricia V. Gaid, Department Chairperson of the NMMC Pediatric Medicine, emphasized that resident doctors from referring provincial hospitals should observe proper referral system, indicating all needed medical information, before sending their patients for transport. Having discussed such, the group has agreed to come up with refresher training before the year ends in order to correct such practices from the basic health unit. Aside from training, the team is also looking for means to provide other basic equipment needs such as blood pressure apparatus designed for children’s use and provision of oral hydration fluids. “We should not let our guards down as regular admission on dengue rises every two or three years. In 2009 we were the worst hit, we should pursue this more aggressively to better prepare our health care providers and ultimately help turn down the dengue cases in the region,” Gaid noted. From January to July this year, there were 1,022 dengue cases reported by the hospital sentinel sites in region 10, lower by 73.78% compared to the same period, last year.

Region 10 to host BIMP-EAGA SOMM

by Zamboanga Today Online


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Preparations are underway for the holding of the BIMP-EAGA Senor Official’s and Ministers Meeting (SOMM) in the city, on October 19-21, this year. An annual activity of the BIMP-EAGA, the SOMM is an activity wherein senior officials and ministers meet, together with the chairpersons and members of various sectoral clusters, working groups and task forces, for the purpose of discussing the status and progress of the sub-regional priority programs and projects, including issues and concerns affecting its implementation. Comprised of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines (BIMP)-East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) is a shared strategy of the four governments in addressing the imbalance in economic development, especially, for their less developed and more remote territories. “It is the standing instruction of President Benigno S. Aquino III for the Philippines to take the lead in showing substantial gains and outcome of this sub-regional cooperation at the sidelines of the 7th BIMP-EAGA Leaders Summit held last May 8 in Jakarta, Indonesia,” said Jon Miral of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). He said MinDA is on top in the over-all coordination with regard to SOMM preparations, but will closely work and touch-base with the CDO City Government, through the Department of Trade and Industry in Misamis Oriental (DTI-Mis. Or.) provincial office, particularly in the exchange of information and other relevant documents. Relatedly, the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2010-2016 sees the importance of BIMP-EAGA in boosting investments, trade and exports for the region, recognizing the opportunities offered by the participating governments in effecting cross-border consolidation, complementation, industry and value-chain management. The principal mechanism for consultations between and among the participating countries of the BIMP-EAGA is the SOMM which provides the strategic directions and general policy guidelines in addition to drawing the attention of the central governments to the development requirements of the focal areas. Meanwhile, Ruben Vegafria, President of Promote CDO Foundation, said the conduct of the SOMM in region 10 will enable the region to promote its products and services, thereby, encourage the participating countries to strengthen and open up linkages in the Northern part of Mindanao. Featuring major events such as the Northern Mindanao Agro-Industrial Trade Fair and Exhibit, BIMP-EAGA Investment Conference on Agro-Industry and Tourism and the MindaONE Trade Fair and Exhibit, the SOMM will showcase not just Region 10’s best products and services but also create complementation with the rest of Mindanao’s products, thereby, increasing the island’s prospects for business with the partner nations, Vegafria added. (PIA-10/BST)

Cagayan de Oro two shining stars

by Gold Star Daily


SCIENTISTS in search for life beyond planet earth are interested on two areas in planet Mars. Unmanned explorers beamed back to earth these two areas that offer the possible presence of life due to signs of the presence of water. If there is water, there is life. The city also breathes some signs of hope with the swearing in of Sen. Koko Pimentel--that's one. The other of the two signs of hope has long been with us--Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. Oftentimes, I am tempted to stop writing about Congressman Rufus. The good news that he brings seems to be too much of a good news that people are wondering when will he get tired of bringing honor to our city. Lately, this paper featured another story on how the good congressman conducted himself in the last session. Resolutions filed, submitted bills in various stages of consideration by the House, projects undertaken and under process and most importantly to me is his 100-percent attendance in sessions and committee hearings. Theese were published for all to scrutinize. I am just wondering where are the rest of the congressmen in our area and what are and have they been doing? Natutulog sa pansitan? Having been in this "gig" too long afforded me the chance to understand how Congress works. Even the most lazy lawmaker somehow gets to deliver some projects back to his constituents if only he attends sessions and hearings. It is actually in these committee hearings that a congressman gets to go one-on-one with cabinet secretaries and other decision makers. Here, they can muscle their favorite projects to get funded or have funds released. Usually, this is done during breaks and whenever there is a suspension of the hearing. I think strongly that this is how Congressman Rufus gets to be very successful in having his district get projects even if he belongs to another group not so friendly with Malacanang. Congressman Rufus is so visible as other congressmen in the area are so invisible in these hearings. But more than his presence, it is his wisdom that goes into the proceedings that makes him a pride and hope of our city. Sadly, we cannot say the same thing for the others--one of whom takes pride of having a distinguished post in the House. I can only wish that Congressman Rufus can rub off some of his magic to the others and bring us more pride and honor than what they are doing now. This could be the reason why I was told that his name be not mentioned in the presence of some "honorables" in the city. The mention of his name is said to result in the blood pressure of one to shot up and his ulcer to act. I was told of an event where the name of Congressman Rufus was mentioned. One or two in the group started talking about the projects implemented in the 2nd District of the city. One of the congressmen in the area who was present kept on insinuating to the group his own projects in the district but it seems nobody picked up his clues. Feeling the "dedma," he courtesouly excused from the group. I dare not mention what happened after he left the group! Lately, a new shining star appeared. Sen. Koko Pimentel, although he shunned taking his oath in our city, should be welcomed with pride and honor by all of us. Just when we thought there is no hope in our political and political spectrum, Sen. Koko carried on his seemingly desperate fight for justice. He showed to us all that there is still hope in our system. His lonely battle for justice could be misunderstood as a result of a bloated ego. But no, he carried on because he knew the truth and believed that somehow the truth would come out victorious. Senator Koko is a pride for Mindanao, particularly Cagayan de Oro. Never mind if some egotistical politicians had wished him defeat in his protest, still I do not think he can turn his back away from this city. He carries the proud and honest legacy that was started by his grandfather and gloriously continued by his own father former senator Nene Pimentel. He has so much challenges ahead of him and he cannot afford to fail the hopes that we all hold during his tenure of office, or whatever remains of it. We will be closely watching his performance in the Senate. From where he is, he can be an instrument of good governance by championing the cause of transparency in government transactions. He comes from a different mold of politicians--not from the traditional side. We hope to see him continue to refine the Local Government Code, champion the cause of pro-family by taking the stand of then Sen. Nene against the Reproductive Health Bill, push for the approval of the Information Act and clean the electoral system through an honest review of our electoral laws. Senator Koko taught us all a lesson--not to release our hold on hope that someday the day of deliverance will come for our city.

Filipino priests sing and dance in US to raise funds for

by Mozart Pastrano
Philippine Daily Inquirer


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro drew the curtains open on a performing arts show that will tour the US and Canada in the next few days. Putting on center stage 10 members of the clergy headed by Monsignor Urcisino Columbus E. Villamil, rector of this city’s St. Augustine Cathedral, “Only in God” is an hour-and-a-half show featuring over a dozen religious songs in Bisaya, Filipino and English. “This is our way of giving thanks for the Lord’s blessings,” archbishop Antonio Ledesma declares in a videotaped message at the start of the show, which opened Friday night (Aug. 12) at Rodelsa Hall here, the premier cultural center in Mindanao. “Proceeds will go to a seminary and the construction work at the cathedral,” the archbishop said in the video message. Conceptualized around the Rosary—the traditional Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries, plus the new Mysteries of the Light—the show serves as “an inspirational musical concert” that seeks to make the Catholic faithful realize that “the mysteries of the Rosary are the mysteries of life itself,” said Fr. Daniel D. Coronel, the show’s scriptwriter. The stage, designed by Mindanao’s eminent production designer Nash Naganga, is a meditative sprawl with a grand piano at upstage right, flowers and candles in a candelabra at upstage center, platforms strewn about strategically all over, and a crucifix hanging in the midst of it all. And this became alive with the songs and dances performed by the gamey clergy. “Lead Me Lord,” “Sa Yo Lamang,” “Panunumpa” and “Gitawag/Ang Tawag” are showcased in the Joyful Mysteries. With an evocative choreography, “Salamin ng Buhay” topbills the offerings in the Sorrowful Mysteries, which include “Kinabuhi Mo, Kinabuhi Ko” and “Huwag Kang Mangamba.” Father Lourdesio Armstrong P. Balacuit’s rap rendition of “Sa Yaweh ang Sayaw” set the tone for the Glorious Mysteries, which also feature “I Will Sing Forever” as well as Gary Valenciano’s “Shout for Joy.” In the final Mysteries of the Light, Monsignor Villamil broke into a stirring “Ako ang Kahayag.” This was followed by “Way Sukod” and “Only in God.” A procession of the Birhen sa Kote, kept at Xavier University’s Museo de Oro and now enshrined back at the cathedral, segues into a rousing finale, “O Bayan ng Dios,” with the audience dancing in praise led by the priests onstage. The priests who will perform include Fr. Ricardo A. Dancela, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Binuangan town, Misamis Oriental; Fr. Domino D. Olango, assistant parish priest of Balingasay town, Misamis Oriental; Fr. Neil B. Limbaco, parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Jasaan town, Misamis Oriental; Fr. Ricardo A. Pagatpatan Jr., parochial vicar, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Initao town, Misamis Oriental; Fr. Roger M. Gabac Jr., parochial vicar, Sacred Heart Parish in Anakan, Misamis Oriental and chair of the Ecology and Environment Desk of the Archdiocese; Fr. Ronald H. Ledesma, parish priest, Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Opol town, Misamis Oriental and director, vocations promotions of the archdiocese; Fr. Lourdesio Armstrong P. Balacuit, parochial vicar, San Antonio de Padua Parish, Manticao town, Misamis Oriental, Fr. Jose Alan P. Pulgo, parish priest, San Vicente Ferrer Parish, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City; and Fr. Eleuterio F. Daloy, parochial vicar, San Roque Parish, Magsaysay town, Misamis Oriental. The ensemble will leave for the US on Monday, Aug. 15, and will keep the following schedule of performances: Aug. 15-19, Sacramento, California; Aug. 20-21, Stockton, CA; Aug. 22-23, San Francisco, CA; Aug. 24-25, Los Angeles, CA; Aug. 26-27, San Diego, CA; Aug. 28-Sept. 4, Los Angeles, CA; Sept. 5-7, Seattle, Washington; Sept. 8-12, New York and New Jersey; Sept. 13-20, Toronto, Canada; and Sept. 21-23, Vancouver, Canada. Filipinos abroad who wish to catch the shows must contact the show’s artistic director, Joseph Espadilla, by e-mail joe_espadilla @yahoo.com or through his Facebook account.

P100,000 prize offered to 1st PFF-Smart Club champ

by abs-cbnNEWS.com


CAGAYAN DE ORO – Smart Sports has set a P100,000 cash prize for the first champion of the PFF-Smart Club Championships. "We are giving this as an incentive to the remaining teams left in the tournament especially with the semifinals set to kick off at the University of Makati next week," announced Smart Sports executive Epok Quimpo on Saturday. Quimpo made the announcement at the close of the tournament's group eliminations in Cagayan de Oro and in Iloilo. Rizal-Smart San Beda FC beat Laos FC-Leyte, 2-0, for its second consecutive straight win in Group A last Thursday for a sure spot in the knockout crossover semi-finals on Tuesday. The other slot was being disputed by Teknika and Laos as they faced San Beda and Bao Breakers-Iligan, respectively, at the Don Mariano Pelaez Sports Complex.

Government hits jail guards’ 'POW' status

By Nicole J. Managbanag


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The government peace panel criticized the communist rebels for giving "prisoner of war" (POW) status to four jail guards they abducted in Bukidnon. Alex Padilla, head of the government peace panel, said the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) is not a state or a belligerent force, and it should not presume to act like one. Earlier, the Merardo Arce Command-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the NPA accorded a POW status to the four jail personnel identified as Jail Inspectors Murphy B. Todyog and Eric D. Llamasares, Special Jail Officer 2 Rogelio E. Begontes, and Jail Officer 1 Rolando D. Bajuyo Jr. n a statement, Rigoberto F. Sanchez, spokesperson of the Merardo Arce Command, said when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) portrayed the taking of POWs as "kidnapping" and the taking into custody of either an armed personnel belonging to a party to an armed conflict or one who is facing criminal charges for various offenses and serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law as "hostaging", they not only reveal a sheer ignorance of International Humanitarian Law but also a state of extreme anxiety. "The NPA is determined to fulfill its task to hit the enemy who harm the interests of the people, to take POWs as a legitimate act during an armed conflict,” Sanchez said. Sanchez added the jail guards will enjoy their rights as POWs as long as they are not formally charged of any criminal offense before the People's Court. However, the government peace panel said: "The CPP-NPA-NDF is not a state nor has any government recognized it as a belligerent force. It should not presume to act like one."

"It is unfortunate that while they are talking peace with government, the NPA has escalated its attacks and other acts of violence to unprecedented levels, committing the very acts they accuse government of doing," the panel said. It added the NPA should not have abducted the four officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology at all since "the functions they perform are civilian in nature and they are far from being combatants." Under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, civilians "shall not be the object of attack." Padilla is urging the NPA that the victims should be released immediately without any preconditions. "We are concerned that some of them are suffering from poor health and nutrition. We hold the NPA directly responsible for their safety and for any adverse health conditions they may suffer," he said. Padilla also said that they condemned "in the strongest terms" the trial of Lingig, Surigao del Sur Mayor Henry Dano before a "people's court." Dano and his two military escorts were abducted in Surigao del Sur last August 6 by NPA members. The abduction took place while government chief negotiator Padilla was discussing peace with CPP-National Democratic Front negotiating panel spokesman Fidel Agcaoili in Makati City. The panel said the communist rebels violated the rights of Lingig, Surigao del Sur Mayor Henry Santos Dano by hauling him before a "people's court," saying it deprived the mayor of "fundamental rights which they (the NPA) themselves always demand when their own people are caught and are brought before a court of justice." It said Dano has been deprived of the right to choose his own counsel and to enjoy the presumption of innocence. Padilla said these acts committed by the NPA are nothing short of criminal as its members are violating the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which the group signed. He reiterated that Dano is non-combatant and should be released without preconditions, including both of his escorts who enjoy the same basic rights as any other. In a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the panel said the abductions were "nothing short of criminal." The panel said the abductions violated an agreement signed by both parties to protect non-combatants "as well as every human rights protocol." Padilla said it is unfortunate that while the NPAs are talking peace with the government, they escalated attacks and other acts of violence to unprecedented levels, committing the very acts they accuse government of doing. He said obviously, the NPA rebels are working on the assumption that human rights apply only to them and that they can easily deprive those they choose to. "We reiterate our call to the CPP/NPA/NDF to seriously talk peace with government if they are serious in desiring to end the armed conflict. We ask that they stop these abductions, killings and other criminal acts which benefit no one, except those who actually profit from violence," he said.

PNPA annual admission exam is on Oct. 30

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 12 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police announces the holding of a nationwide Cadet Admission Test to all qualified applicants. In a recent meeting of the Regional Association of Government Communication (RAGCOM) in Northern Mindanao, Police Chief Inspector Regina E. Abanales, Regional Public Information chief, Police Regional Office (PRO)-10, said the Academy will administer its cadet admission test for the four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Cadetship program on October 30, 2011, 7:00 a.m. in 24 testing centers nationwide. Qualified applicants will be considered government scholars and are entitled to monthly training allowances. Exam passers and graduates are assured of employment as inspectors in either police, fire and jail services of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Successful cadet applicants are entitled to receive monthly training pay and allowances. To qualify for the cadetship program, one must be a natural born Filipino citizen; male or female, single with no legal obligation to support a child and to graduate prior to admission; aged 17-21 years old; at least 5’4” in height for male, and 5’2” for female; physically and mentally fit of good moral character and with no criminal, administrative, civil and other derogatory record. Application forms are available at the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology regional, police stations and Police Regional Training Schools nationwide. Applicant must submit duly accomplished application together with a self-stamped window envelope to the Office of the Registrar or mail to: The Director, Philippine National Police Academy, Camp General Mariano Castaneda, Silang, Cavite 4129. No walk-in applicants will be allowed to take the examination. Notice of examination shall be sent through mail or visit: www.pnpa.edu.ph for the list of examinees, place of examination, test requirements and for more information.

Capturing the Kumbira moments

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper


THE 15th Kumbira 2011 slated next week would not only be an event for the culinary experts as photography enthusiasts would also be taking centerstage with the first Photography Competition. During the three-day event of Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao's premiere culinary show and live competitions on August 17 to 19, interested photography enthusiasts will be competing in two categories - 1) Kumbira Food Photography showcasing photo shots of food displays and entries; and 2) Kumbira Event Photography showcasing shots of various activities of Kumbira event, live competitions, judging, among others. There will be three winners per category who will receive trophies and various certificates of food and accommodations from hotels and restaurants. The winning photos (with full credits to winners) will be submitted to partner media publications, food magazines, national and local dailies. The contest is open to all interested individuals who must register with the Kumbira Secretariat by August 13, Saturday, and pay the registration fee of P900. Contestants will be provided with an official ID that will give them complimentary admission for the three-day event plus one complimentary season pass for any companion or assistant. A briefing for the contestants will be held on Monday, August 15, 5 p.m., at the Atrium of Limketkai Center. Identification cards, passes and schedule of the three-day event will be provided to all contestants during the briefing. Contestants will be allowed to have their photo shoots during the first two days of the event, which will be on August 17 and 18. Entries will be submitted and properly received by the Kumbira Secretariat at the Atrium of Limketkai Center. Deadline for the submission of entries will be by 6 p.m. of August 18 while judging will be in the afternoon of August 19, the final time to be announced. Photo contestants are not allowed to touch or alter position of food displays Contestants will submit only one shot per category as entry to be developed and printed in 8R size and mounted on a 1/8 inch 12" x 14" illustration board. The submitted photos will be displayed on designated panel boards in the morning of August 19, Kumbira's last day. Contestants will also submit soft copies of their entries in a compact disk (CD) with 300 dpi resolution in jpeg format or at least six megapixels in file size. All entries must be 100 percent original work of contestant and must not contain any third party material or content, including but not limited to any company logos or trademarks, likenesses or any other copyrighted or trademarked content. Entries must bear the name and signature of the participants and the title of the photograph, all written at the back of the photograph itself before mounting at the illustration board. The same information must be written also at the back of the illustration board. Digital manipulations are allowed but limited to basic enhancements such as levels and curves. There shall be no additions/omissions of elements in the picture. Corresponding RAW files of the entries must be submitted in a CD upon submission of the printed entry. By submitting an entry, contestants grant the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (Cohara) a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish, use and reproduce the submitted entry, along with contestant's name and address in promotions or other publications, whether online or otherwise, including but not limited to the website of Cohara/Kumbira. Nothing herein shall obligate Cohara to publish, use or reproduce any entry. Due to the nature of the contest, there is a possibility that similar photographs may be submitted by multiple individuals. Any similarity between entries shall in no way entitle contestant to any consideration or compensation from Cohara or from any third party, including in the event a similar entry or identical to another contestant is selected as a winner in this contest. Contestant's submission of entry specifically acknowledges possibility and agrees to the terms stated in these official rules. A panel of judges will select the winners based on the following criteria -- creativity, technical quality, composition, overall impression and relevance to the category. In the event of a tie, the entries involved in the tie will be reviewed by an additional judge according to the Judging Criteria. The decisions of judges are final.

Rebels demand 'prisoner swap

By Annabelle L. Ricalde


CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Communist rebels holding four jail officers in Bukidnon demanded for the release of their six comrades detained in jails run by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), an official said. Jail Insp. Arnel Nacasabog, Lumbia jail acting chief, said the New People's Army (NPA) demanded for a "prison swap" for the BJMP personnel they kidnapped on July 21, 2011 He however declined to give details of the ongoing negotiation. "I don't have the concrete details of the negotiation but as far as I know, that was the demand of the NPA," Nacasabog told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. He added that Chief Supt. Dionisio Mamaril of BJMP national headquarters in Manila personally went to Bukidnon for the negotiation. Although the NPA earlier assured not to harm the four captives, Nacasabog expressed apprehension on the health condition of Jail Inspector Murphy Todyog. "He has arthritis and is in fact under medication. His feet are swollen now, for sure," Nacasabog said. Aside from Todyog, also captured were Jail Insp. Ericho Llamazares, jail warden of Ozamiz City Jail; Senior Jail Officer 2 Rogelio Begontes and Jail Officer 1 Rolando Bajuyo Jr. The BJMP personnel were seized by at least 200 heavily armed NPA rebels in Kitaotao, Bukidnon while they were on their way to the Davao Penal Colony to turnover eight inmates. The communist rebels rescued Dennis Rodenas, whom they refer to as a victim of injustice. Rodenas' connection with the rebels was not established.

Customs bureau, businessman 'lying'

By Annabelle L. Ricalde


THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) and suspected vehicles and firearm smuggler Lynard Allan Bigcas are not telling the truth, said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during a House inquiry in Cagayan de Oro last Friday. NBI-Northern Mindanao Director Jose Justo Yap said BOC's documents were fake, compared to documents obtained by the NBI from NYK Shipping Corporation, one of the shipping services that initiated Bigcas's shipment.ased on NYK Shipping Corporation's documents, Yap said the place of receipt of the shipment is Houston while the port of loading is Los Angeles, and the place of delivery is Cagayan de Oro with container number NYKU5778257.However, he said the BOC documents given to NBI showed that the place of receipt is Incheon, Korea, while the port of loading is Incheon and the place of delivery is Cagayan de Oro with container number NYKU5778257. "The BOC wanted to make it appear that the shipment is direct from Korea and not in the United States," Yap told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro during the hearing. Bigcas failed to appear in the hearing, conducted by the House committee on ways and means, reportedly because his legal counsel, lawyer Jose Pallugna, is in the United States. Yap also said it took two months for the BOC to provide the NBI with the necessary documents for the investigation despite the two request letters the probe agency sent to BOC. NBI's progress investigation conducted against Bigcas with the help of a Legal Attaché of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation showed that the containers shipped by Bigcas from the US to the Philippines containing motorcycles and other vehicles were fraudulently declared as "used household goods and personal effects." Employees of All Points Moving and Storage testified that on several occasions, Bigcas asked help from them to load motorcycles and motorcycle parts in a container where it was loaded as a whole and not by parts, contrary to the businessman's earlier statement that he chopped the motorcycles and put it in a balikbayan box and shipped it to the Philippines, particularly in Cagayan de Oro. It was also learned that Bigcas purchased huge volume of firearm parts, including 40 boxes of BEOWULK 334 bullets and huge volume of lower receiver of .223 caliber AR-15 weapons, which are usually purchased when the person is building a custom-made rifle. Eric Christian Peterson, owner of New World Forwarding, LLC, a freight forwarding company based in Houston, Texas, confirmed that he arranged the empty metal containers to be dropped as requested by Bigcas. Once a contract has been negotiated, Bigcas admitted to Peterson that he had been shipping too many containers to the Philippines and needed to change the consignee's name on the bills of laden. Based on the schematic diagram of the shipment process, smuggled motorcycles and other vehicles loaded by Bigcas were accepted in Houston, Texas and transported via train to Los Angeles, loaded at the port of Los Angeles, discharged at the port of Singapore, loaded to a small vessel and finally discharged at the port of Mindanao International Container Terminal in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental. Aside from the New World Forwarding and NYK Shipping Corporation, other shipping services that initiated Bigcas's shipment were Vanguard Logistics Services and APL Containers. Yap said NBI agents were able to identify the alleged consignee and brokerage that facilitated the discharge from the port and the trucking company that hauled the containers. He said based on the shipping documents, the shipper and consignee involved in the shipment of the containers were Florjan Merchandising, Sra Mae A. Galagnara, Imelda A. Casiño, Mark Christian A. Densing, Denny Marie France Fernandez Santiago, Rene Carlo F. Santiago, Mark Benedicto Concepcion, Lou Garcia Nepomuceno and Teodoro D. Oca. Of these nine, only Casiño, Densing and the Santiagos were traced by the NBI and were sent with subpoenas. However, Yap said only Densing and Casiño have cooperated with the NBI. "Ginamit lang daw ni Bigcas ang pangalan nila kasi nag-apply sila ng trabaho kay Bigcas at pinangakuan naman daw kaya ibinigay nila ang kanilang passport without knowing na ginamit pala ni Bigcas," Yap said. Though Bigcas failed to attend Friday's hearing, he sent a text message to Representative Rudy Fariñas, chair of the House sub-committee on customs and tariffs, explaining that although he wanted to attend to clear his name, his lawyer asked him not to since he might not "be able to answer properly the questions from the panel and may cause his imprisonment." [edit]

New Banknotes have Enough Security Features

Posted by The MINDANAO CURRENT at 11:32 AM


The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), here in Cagayan de Oro, has assured that the new generation banknotes have upgraded security features to protect the public from counterfeits. This assurance came from BSP Assistant Branch Manager Virgilio Gomez, during a recent meeting of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC), who said the newly- designed banknotes have new security features which are difficult to imitate. Gomez said these features include the kind of paper, serial numbers, embedded security fibers, watermark, concealed value, and security threads among others. The new banknotes, namely those of P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000 bills, he said, have 4-level security features ranging from those that are highly visible to the public and recognizable by professional cash handlers or bank tellers to those detectable by the BSP and law enforcers with the use of specialized equipments.“The reason behind the upgrading of the security features of the banknotes is to protect the integrity of the currency in order to attain financial stability,” he emphasized. The upgraded security features, which are easy for the public to identify but difficult for counterfeits to copy, were illustrated to the RLECC members through an audio-visual presentation (AVP). Accordingly, the new banknotes are a little bit rough to touch because they are made of cotton and abaca while their serial numbers consists of one or two prefix letters and six to seven (6-7) digits in asymmetric or increasing size. Likewise, red and blue fibers embedded in the banknote paper glow under ultraviolet light while the watermark shows the image of the portrait and the banknote’s denomination on the blank space when viewed against the light from both sides of the note. When the banknote is rotated in 45 degrees and tilted downwards, a concealed denominational value can be seen super-embossed on the smaller version of the portrait. In addition, both the P20 and the P50 bills have embedded 2mm wide security threads that can be seen when the banknotes are held against the light while a 4mm wide stitch-like metallic security thread, whose color changes from red to green when viewed from different angles, can also be seen in P100, P200, P500, and P1,000 bills. Further, both the P500 and P1,000 bills have ‘optically variable device patch’ reflective coil that changes color from red to green when the notes are rotated 90 degrees. The reflective coil of the P500 note bares the image of a small BSP logo and the blue-naped parrot while that of P1,000 note carries the image of a small BSP logo and the south-sea pearl. Another security feature, that is, exclusive for P1,000 note is the optically variable ink for the embossed denomination value on the lower right corner of the face of the bill that changes color from green to blue when viewed from different angles. Meanwhile, Gomez stressed that the present banknotes will remain in circulation and will continue to be accepted as legal tender for a period of at least three (3) more years.

Congress probes “ground zero for car smuggling”

By Froilan Gallardo


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/06 August) — The 30-hectare Mindanao Container Port in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, is now the subject of a congressional probe for allegedly serving as ”ground zero for car smuggling” in the country. The House Committee of Ways and Means chaired by Rep. Hermilando Mandanas (2nd district, Batangas) has subpoenaed three officials of the Bureau of Customs and 11 consignees of hot cars seized last month. The Bureau of Customs seized 14 vehicles placed in container vans and declared as truck replacements at the Mindanao Container Port in Tagoloan on July 16. A report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation which was furnished to Philippine authorities revealed that suspected car smuggler Lynard Allan Bigcas shipped stolen cars from the United States through the Mindanao Container Port. “This port was intended to help export products from Mindanao to the world. We never intended this port to become a smugglers haven,” Rep. Yevgeny Vicente Emano (2nd district, Misamis Oriental) said. Rep. Benjo Benaldo (1st district, Cagayan de Oro) said this is probably the reason why so many right-hand converted vehicles are found in Cagayan de Oro. “There is definitely a collusion between the smugglers and the Land Transportation Office here,” Benaldo said. National Bureau of Investigation Director Jose Justo Yap said they have included two other persons in the smuggling charge sheet along with Bigcas, who was accused of stealing an US$ 80,000 motorcycle owned by Hollywood writer Skiff Woods in April this year. Yap said they have found Bigcas shipped a total of 11 container vans from the US to Cagayan de Oro from 2009 to 2011. He said aside from the stolen vehicles, Bigcas also shipped assorted number of AR 15 rifle parts and ammunition. “The FBI was able to interview the gun shops where Bigcas bought the rifle parts and ammunition,” Yap said. Yap said of the 11 vehicles seized from Bigcas, the FBI found eight were stolen from the US. Bigcas has not been detained pending the resolution of the two cases filed by authorities which was questioned by his lawyer. Yap said the FBI sent him a report detailing how Bigcas was able to send the stolen vehicles from Houston, Texas to Cagayan de Oro. “Bigcas shipped the vehicles and motorcycles by train from Houston to Los Angeles,” Yap narrated. From Los Angeles, Yap said Bigcas shipped them to Singapore where it was transferred to a smaller ship that brought his cargo to the Mindanao Container Port. “He declared his container vans as surplus household appliances,“ Yap said. Bigcas was invited to the public hearing of the Committee on Ways and Means in Cagayan de Oro last Friday, August 5, 2011 but his lawyer said he was in the hospital for treatment.

2011 Little Olympics opens Saturday in Oro

Sun Star, Cagayan De Oro Newspaper


HUNDREDS of student athletes in Mindanao gather in Cagayan de Oro City today, Saturday, as one of the biggest and most anticipated sporting events of the year formally opens at Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center. The Mindanao Milo Little Olympics 2011, now entering its 23rd year, desires to make young athletes become champions in life. Reigning champions City Central School in elementary level and Corpus Christi in secondary level lead around 40 public and private schools from all over Mindanao seeing action in at least 12 sports disciplines. These are swimming, athletics, badminton, chess, football, gymnastics, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball and scrabble. Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno will be on hand to grace this afternoon's opening ceremony along with Msgr. Elmer Abacahin, the parish priest of Alubijid; School Division Superintendent Dr. Myrna S. Motoomull, Milo Sports Executive Andrew Q. Neri; and Regional Director Luz S. Almeda of the Department of Education in Northern Mindanao. Last year's five outstanding athletes in each division will have a torch relay for the Lighting of the Milo Little Olympics Friendship Urn. Event organizer Megdonio R. Llamera said the showdown of athletes, cheerdance competition and drum and lyre exhibition will also take centerstage before the Milo sporting buffs who are expected to fill the main grandstand of Pelaez Sports Center. "Just like in the past, we are expecting schools from as far as Davao, Cotabato and Tangub to join this year's edition of the Milo Little Olympics," Llamera said. (LLS)

Union Galvasteel opens Cugman branch

Gold Star Daily


CUNION Galvasteel Corporation will reopen its Cagayan de Oro plant today at a new location. Now located at the corner of Malasag Road in barangay Cugman, Union Galvasteel has been in Cagayan de Oro since 2002. It used to be located at Kimwa Compound in barangay Baloy but president Arthur Florendo said they decided to relocate in Cugman so they can get closer to the needs of their clients. A member of the Phinma group, Union Galvasteel Corporation manufactures prepainted roofing and walling materials such as duratile, durarib, duracorr, duraspandrel, duracurve and pre-insulated panels; steel framed building systems such as duradeck, C-purlins, light metal frames and steel framed house; galvanized coils and sheets such as long span and heavy gauge; installation and repairs; and free estimates. According to Florendo, the construction sector in Cagayan de Oro has improved 20 percent from 2002 to the present thus it is one of their most prolific markets countrywide. "We've seen Cagayan de Oro grow. Property developments are just about everywhere," Florendo remarked. The Union Galvasteel branch at Cugman caters to the needs of clients all over Northern Mindanao. Union Galvasteel does not stop providing quality products though. It also has a corporate social responsibility to the people of Cagayan de Oro as evidenced by the construction of a dental trough at Kamakawan Elementary School, a project with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Government officials laud Zubiri's decision to resign

By Annabelle L. Ricalde


ALTHOUGH saddened by the resignation of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, officials said this has somehow elevated the Senate’s credibility, according to Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Norris C. Babiera. Babiera said with Zubiri’s resignation, he is hoping that it will put closure to the issue and that the Senate Electoral Tribunal can give its decision.“It is appalling, especially that he’s a working senator with many accomplishments, but we also welcome if the electoral tribunal will rule out and proclaim Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III,” Babiera told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. The Vice Governor expressed admiration to Zubiri's courage and sacrifice because of honor without waiting for the decision of the electoral tribunal as he believed that if there was really fraud in the 2007 election, Zubiri has nothing to do with it and he has no knowledge of the alleged anomaly. “We lost one representative from Mindanao. Hopefully, we will be able to replace him with a Mindanaoan,” Babiera said. For his part, Senator Francis Escudero said he admires Zubiri for this courageous and difficult decision. “It must be a tough time for him and his family and I wish them well as they go through it,” Escudero said. City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said Zubiri’s decision is the highest form of sacrifice as far as legality of the case is concerned. “It only shows that he did not do anything wrong during the election and that he is not involved in any fraud,” Cabanlas told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. He added that Zubiri’s resignation could be a good record for him in the next election.

Users of unlicensed computer software warned of raids

By Cong Corrales


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/02 August) — A government anti-piracy team warned it will conduct raids on businesses, internet cafes, schools and even religious institutions here that are using pirated or unlicensed computer software. The Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team (Papt) announced they will conduct the raids and inspections starting 8am of August 22. “Businesses should audit and legalize their software in a certain period, or else face the risk of being raided by the team if they have not done so,” Papt warned in an emailed statement Monday. “Local businesses, including schools and hospitals, prepare your software inventory and proof of software licenses. This will save time during Papt inspections,” the statement continued. “Your next visitor might be a Papt officer,” their full-page public notice in local dailies that has been running for weeks now reads. “Time is running out for businesses in (the cities of) Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, General Santos and Davao! Your areas are next,” the Papt ad warned. In an interview, Senior Supt. Noel Armilla, Regional Investigation and Intelligence Division (RIID 10) division chief said they are ready to assist the Papt should it request for additional personnel for the impending anti-piracy raids here. “We will need the proper mandate to cooperate. The request should be coursed through the office of the PNP 10 regional director,” said Armilla. Four years ago, Armilla had joined anti-piracy raids such as the ones that Papt has scheduled later this month. In D. V. Soria, a thriving bazaar of pirated DVD movies, computer game applications and software are owned and operated mostly by local Maranao traders. Ironically, Police Station 1 is sitting on top of this—literally—as its office is on the second floor of the pirated DVD bazaar. With the impending raids, Mohamad Sidic Gondarangin, chair of Oro Jemaah Muslim Association, has made an appeal to the Maranao traders involved in software and movie piracy to consider finding other business ventures. “They should look for other business. If they continue to do this, then we cannot help them because what they are doing is against the law,” Gondarangin said in a phone interview Tuesday. According to the Business Software Alliance’s Internation Data Corporation (IDC) study on global software piracy, in 2008 alone, software piracy in the Philippines stood at 69 per cent. Revenue losses caused by software piracy soared from US$147 million in 2007 to US$202 million in 2008. Composed of the National Bureau of Investigation, Optical Media Board and the Philippine National Police, the Papt has launched series of raids on firms using pirated software in their workplaces. This special government anti-piracy policing unit, formed in August 2005, is tasked to map out several major business centers around the country as software piracy-free zone. It has since received 1,144 software piracy reports and conducted 139 raids against corporations, computer stores as well as internet cafes. It has also seized around Php400 million worth of computers and software. In a statement posted on PAPT’s official website, (www.papt.org.ph), NBI director Nestor Mantaring said the campaign this year will concentrate on key areas where their team frequently receives reports of software piracy. “We believe that a more focused and targeted operation will bring about maximum results in both our awareness-generation and enforcement campaigns,” he said in the statement. He added that for this year’s campaign, the BSA is offering cash rewards of up to P1 million for “software piracy informants.” Just the other month, Papt-Visayas cracked down on schools, banks and hospitals for reportedly using pirated computer software. On June 8, in the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo, Papt-Visayas “found not just internet cafes but rural banks, schools particularly universities, and hospitals were still using unlicensed software.” The raids in the Visayas were also preceded with a 20-day countdown to action announced through ads in local dailies. “We warn the companies that refuse to have their software inspected that they will face legal sanctions unless they show proof that they are using licensed software,” OMB chair Ronnie Ricketts said in a separate emailed statement Tuesday.

Monster Kitchen opens 2nd branch in Cagayan de Oro

By Nicole J. Managbanag

MONSTER Kitchen has opened its second branch over the weekend along Rizal-San Agustin Streets, Cagayan de Oro City. The new branch of Monster Kitchen has come up with a new twist. Aside from being known as a supplier of baking recipes over the years, tourists and locals will now enjoy Monster Kitchen’s mouthwatering treats and other well-known delicacies from neighboring municipalities, as they now incorporate a pasalubong center and a Monster Kitchen school for baking into this new branch. John Uy, owner of Monster Kitchen Inc., said their family-owned business will now serve as the catalyst for home bakers who want to improve their products by enhancing the theoretical background, principles and essential techniques in baking breads, pastries, cakes, confections, frozen desserts, and cake decorating through their baking school. y said aside from the recipes they provide for reasonable prices, they also have their own version of a pasalubong center for the students to display their products. “This is our way of helping the community and improve the lives of home bakers,” he said. Uy hopes that Monster Kitchen will expand and be institutionalized by the Department of Tourism as the home of the best delicacies in the years to come. He also said they will come up with a Monster club for home bakers to display their products at the Gaston Park during Sundays as part of their marketing plan. “This will be our own version of the night café. After Sunday mass, people will be able to enjoy resting in the park while eating our treats,” Uy said. During the opening, guests were treated with sweet delights and overflowing desserts made by their in-house chefs. The first 50 guests also enjoyed buy-one-take-one on all items displayed in their pasalubong center.

DPWH sets August deadline to finish CDO flyover

VVP, GMA News

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) intends to complete the P362.95-million Puerto-Sayre Flyover project in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) this month.

The DPWH said the two-lane prefabricated modular permanent flyover, the first of its kind in Northern Mindanao, is now 73 percent complete.

"DPWH President’s Bridge Program Office Director Oscar Villanueva is pushing for the early completion of the project three months ahead of the original schedule (November 2011)," the DPWH said in a news release.

DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut is supervising the DPWH foreign-funded projects in CDO.

The project is part of the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project of the President’s Bridge Program Office. It is funded under the French Government’s financial assistance to the Philippines.

It is also part of the Philippine government’s engineering measure to mitigate vehicular congestion.

The 195-lineal-meter flyover project along Puerto-Sayre Highway Road includes five spans modular steel, four piers and road approaches with a length of 38.83 meters.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the project, once completed, will decongest vehicular traffic and provide an immediate link to the region’s production and commercial zones.

The DPWH cited a study showing traffic volume in CDO as the capital city of Misamis Oriental has increased rapidly due to urbanization.

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