Cebu City News June 2013

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Cebu City Cathedral

Magellan's Cross in Cebu City

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: 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. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Mormon Temple Lahug cebu city philippines

Cebu City Hall casuals pained over loss of jobs

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/435627/cebu-city-hall-casuals-pained-over-loss-of-jobs
• Sunday, June 30th, 2013

By Doris C. Bongcac, Edison delos Angeles

MARTHA (not her real name) is one of 300 casual employees of the Cebu City government who were advised not to report for work starting tomorrow. What’s worse is that the contracts of her traffic enforcer husband and a son-in-law who worked at City Hall, were not renewed due to their support for outgoing south district congressman Tomas Osmeña in last month’s election. “It pains me because our only fault is we supported the Osmeñas. We did not campaign for them in the election. We are mere supporters,” she said in Cebuano. Martha said she could not help but feel angry at Mayor Michael Rama for depriving her family of their livelihood without consideration of her 22-year government service. Martha wonders how she can avail of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pension when she is still six months short of the required 15 year contribution. Her GSIS membership began in 1997. GSIS policies require 15 years of sustained contribution to qualify for pension which is 90 percent of her current monthly salary of P17,000. She would have also been reimbursed of her contributions. “I am still trying to find means to continue my government service even if I won’t be at City Hall to complete the remaining six months balance of my GSIS contributions,” she said. Mayor Rama’s core group which evaluated the city’s 3,308 casual workers released late Friday night the list of casual employees who were allowed another two months to six months renewal of their respective contracts. While Rama didn’t name his core group, he met with several local and City Hall officials including Basak San Nicolas barangay captain George Rama, city administrator Jose Marie Poblete and his secretary Belinda Navasquez Human Resource Management Office head Dominic Dino said 300 casuals were no longer renewed. He said the list may still be reduced tomorrow after they reconsider some of the pending appeals. Martha said the list of casuals for renewal at the government office where she is assigned was released to them at 9 a.m. last Friday. “Others were crying because there names were not found on the list. It’s such a pity),” she said. Martha said she is still lucky because her five children are now professionals. She said she sympathizes with her colleagues who lost their jobs while still raising children. At the Cebu City Integrated Traffic Operations Management (Citom) office, the contracts of 52 out of 554 casuals were not renewed. One of those cut was a parking aide who was named as most outstanding employee last year. Going against previous practice, Citom operations chief Rafael Yap said he wasn’t asked to submit a list of deserving employees. This time, Yap said, the mayor’s core group was responsible for deciding who stays and who goes. “You don’t hatch enforcers from eggs. You don’t pick them from trees. You train them (for three months),” he said.

Cebu City Hall casuals pained over loss of jobs

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/435627/cebu-city-hall-casuals-pained-over-loss-of-jobs
• Sunday, June 30th, 2013

By Doris C. Bongcac, Edison delos Angeles

MARTHA (not her real name) is one of 300 casual employees of the Cebu City government who were advised not to report for work starting tomorrow. What’s worse is that the contracts of her traffic enforcer husband and a son-in-law who worked at City Hall, were not renewed due to their support for outgoing south district congressman Tomas Osmeña in last month’s election. “It pains me because our only fault is we supported the Osmeñas. We did not campaign for them in the election. We are mere supporters,” she said in Cebuano. Martha said she could not help but feel angry at Mayor Michael Rama for depriving her family of their livelihood without consideration of her 22-year government service. Martha wonders how she can avail of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pension when she is still six months short of the required 15 year contribution. Her GSIS membership began in 1997. GSIS policies require 15 years of sustained contribution to qualify for pension which is 90 percent of her current monthly salary of P17,000. She would have also been reimbursed of her contributions. “I am still trying to find means to continue my government service even if I won’t be at City Hall to complete the remaining six months balance of my GSIS contributions,” she said. Mayor Rama’s core group which evaluated the city’s 3,308 casual workers released late Friday night the list of casual employees who were allowed another two months to six months renewal of their respective contracts. While Rama didn’t name his core group, he met with several local and City Hall officials including Basak San Nicolas barangay captain George Rama, city administrator Jose Marie Poblete and his secretary Belinda Navasquez Human Resource Management Office head Dominic Dino said 300 casuals were no longer renewed. He said the list may still be reduced tomorrow after they reconsider some of the pending appeals. Martha said the list of casuals for renewal at the government office where she is assigned was released to them at 9 a.m. last Friday. “Others were crying because there names were not found on the list. It’s such a pity),” she said. Martha said she is still lucky because her five children are now professionals. She said she sympathizes with her colleagues who lost their jobs while still raising children. At the Cebu City Integrated Traffic Operations Management (Citom) office, the contracts of 52 out of 554 casuals were not renewed. One of those cut was a parking aide who was named as most outstanding employee last year. Going against previous practice, Citom operations chief Rafael Yap said he wasn’t asked to submit a list of deserving employees. This time, Yap said, the mayor’s core group was responsible for deciding who stays and who goes. “You don’t hatch enforcers from eggs. You don’t pick them from trees. You train them (for three months),” he said.

Gwen to staff: Assist Junjun

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/29/gwen-staff-assist-junjun-289836
• Saturday, June 29, 2013

By Oscar C. Pineda

ON HER last workday in office, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia told incoming governor Hilario Davide III his administration will have about P791 million cash and P28.1 billion in assets when it starts on Monday.

But he also faces the challenge of developing some Capitol-owned properties, like a sprawling former military camp in Lahug, and collecting from thousands of families occupying provincial lots in Cebu City.

Garcia delivered a detailed presentation, following to the letter a memorandum about the transition in local governments, which Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas issued last April 18.

Before she addressed the mayors, Capitol officials and family members in the social hall, Garcia also gave Davide the provincial seal and a personal gift, a painting of the Sto. Niño.

Davide surprised the crowd with the brevity of his remarks. “Thank you very much Governor Garcia,” he said. “God bless all of us and God bless you.”

Also yesterday, 26 checks for a total of P72.9 million, intended for second district towns, were processed but eventually cancelled.

Dumanjug would have received the biggest share, at P38.9 million. The amounts were supposed to be sourced from the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Rep. Pablo Garcia.

Detailed

Governor Garcia, who began her first term in 2004, succeeding her father who served for nine years, presented a detailed report in yesterday’s turnover ceremony.

The DILG memo required that during the ceremony, the outgoing governor or mayor should present a report on the local government’s financial performance and key challenges for the incoming administration.

Garcia’s report showed that in her nine years in office, the Province of Cebu’s income increased by about P514 million and its total assets rose by P22.9 billion, much of it in real properties.

The ceremony began at 10:07 a.m., when the two governors entered the Capitol social hall, both of them smiling.

In her presentation, Garcia said that when she took the Capitol’s reins in 2004, its total income was P101.3 million while its total assets amounted to P5.2 billion.

After her three terms, total income has jumped to P615.4 million and its total assets increased to P28.1 billion.

Zero debt

The Capitol’s P791 million cash in bank includes a dollar account with $517,728, about P351.069 million in its general fund, P118.977 million in its special education fund and P321.4 million in a trust fund.

“Capitol has no outstanding obligation, zero debt to any financial institution,” said Garcia.

One of her complaints after she was suspended last Dec. 19 was that Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, whom DILG designated as acting governor, referred to the Capitol’s payables as “debts.”

Magpale was not seen in the turnover ceremony.

The presentation also included the amounts spent for each item in Garcia’s agenda, which started with 12 points in 2004 and has since evolved to “12 plus two”.

It showed, for example, that for infrastructure, the Capitol has spent P5.53 billion; for waterworks, P134.45 million; for the provision of electricity to 1,204 barangays, about P64.8 million; and for the Philhealth insurance premiums of some 400,000 families, P268.5 million.

She also pointed out that P152.9 million was spent to build classrooms.

But the Garcia administration also hands over some key challenges for Davide, like the development of 80 hectares the Province had turned over to the Armed Forces but eventually took back when the donation terms were violated.

Sale

The uncompleted sale of Capitol lots (about 34.5 hectares) to the families occupying them in Cebu City is another challenge. The transfer of these lots began with the passage in 1993, during the administration of then governor Vicente de la Serna, of Ordinance 93-1.

The Capitol is projected to get P1.5 billion from the sale of the 93-1 lots.

But part of the P524.762 million from 19 homeowners’ associations who entered a memorandum of agreement with Capitol still has to be transferred from the Home Mutual Development Fund to the Province.

And there’s a pending P976 million from 13 homeowners’ associations that have yet to enter into an agreement with Capitol.

The governor also left it to Davide to decide on the fate of the P1.2-billion La Ciudad project in Banilad, which got stalled when relations between Cebu City and the Province soured in 2006.

She said the Capitol can look forward to more income from public-private joint ventures, like Filinvest’s development of a business process outsourcing complex in Lahug and the development of a bulk water supply project.

Also pending: the fate of the former Balili property in Naga City, which was intended to host a waste-to-energy project that would have brought in P1.46 billion in rent and a percentage of earnings for 25 years.

Her choice

Garcia said she is hoping the Davide administration will push through with the upgrading and improvement of the San Francisco and Bantayan airports.

Garcia’s term officially ends at noon on June 30, and she will then begin her first term as congresswoman of the province’s third district. She had hoped to turn over the Province to a younger brother, Rep. Pablo John Garcia.

But Davide, who lost to Gwen in 2010, defeated Pablo John last May 13. A probable factor in that loss was the governor’s suspension for six months, which coincided with the campaign period.

DILG enforced the suspension as a penalty in an administrative case that then Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez filed in 2010, but which got resolved after his death.

After Garcia’s formal turnover yesterday, the Capitol’s internal audit services released 26 checks to the accounting office, intended for Cebu’s second district local government units.

The checks, issued by the Office of the Governor, pass through the budget office, then internal audit, before these go to the Provincial Accounting Office. From there, these were supposed to go to the cash disbursement division, before being deposited in the Capitol’s banks.

Checks stalled

After their release from internal audit yesterday, after lunch, the 26 checks were cancelled, for no specified reason.

The checks were intended as financial assistance, with amounts ranging from P38.97 million for Dumanjug, which was the biggest, to P100,000 for each barangay in Boljoon, which was the smallest amount.

An official privy to the Capitol’s financial transactions said the checks did not bear the signature of the provincial treasurer.

Capitol has replacing its treasurer repeatedly this week.

Ofelia Oliva reported for work last June 26, with authority from Bureau of Local Government Finance Regional Director Carmelane Tugas. She replaced treasurer Emmanuel Guial.

But yesterday, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima designated Ma. Yolanda Cabando as acting treasurer of Cebu for one month. Cabando was out of her office yesterday.

Rama, 10X: Give me my chief of police

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/28/rama-10x-give-me-my-chief-police-289661
• Friday, June 28, 2013

By Davinci S. Maru and Jujemay G. Awit

“GIVE me my chief of police. Give me my chief of police. Give me my chief of police.”

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama repeated this seven more times during a meeting with Sun.Star Cebu editors and columnists yesterday.

Rama has organized talking points with the media since Wednesday until today.

Rama addressed his statement to President Benigno Aquino III, Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Manuel Roxas II and Philippine National Police Chief Alan La Madrid Purisima.

The mayor also said that when he talked to Purisima about his choice of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director in Senior Supt. Noli Romana, the current provincial police in Negros Oriental, it seemed like Purisima didn’t know about it.

Rama was pressed on why he does not welcome the formal appointment of CCPO Director Mariano Natuel Jr.

He said he does not want to destroy a reputation but that it is his prerogative to choose the chief of police.

Rama lamented that his predecessor was able to extend the tour of duty of a chief of police, referring to outgoing Rep. Tomas Osmeña and former CCPO chief Senior Supt. Melvin Gayotin, but his favored CCPO director Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe was removed from the post when his tour of duty expired.

“It was in December when they pulled out my chief of police just when there was Christmas, Sinulog and elections,” said Rama.

“Then I’m going to have a chief of police whom I did not choose.”

But this may not be the time for Romana to be CCPO chief, if it is up to Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Marcelo Garbo.

Garbo said he is not satisfied with Romana’s performance, especially in his actions against illegal gambling.

“The result of his performance evaluation was not satisfactory. Records show there’s still a lot of gambling activities in his area,” he told reporters yesterday.

Two police officers under Romana were relieved last month for their alleged involvement in illegal gambling.

SPO1 Somoza Vilan and SPO2 Edwin Pineda, who are reportedly in the intelligence department, were moved to Eastern Visayas.

Despite the earlier appointment of Natuel Jr. as CCPO director, Garbo said this could change because it is within the powers of the local executive.

“It’s their right because it is mandated by law,” he said, adding that they also aim for a harmonious relationship with local government units.

Garbo said there were many names sent to Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board in Camp Crame for screening and five were chosen.

Aside from Romana and Natu-el, the three candidates were Senior Supt. Erson Digal, chief of Regional Operations and Plans Division; Senior Supt. Marciano Batiancila Jr., chief of Regional Headquarters and Services Group and Senior Supt. Roderick Armamento, chief of Valenzuela City Police Station.

Rama, for his part, said Garbo just disgraced one of his men on the latter’s revelation of Romana’s performance.

Romana, sought for comment, offered no excuses for his “poor performance,” but he asked for a chance to prove himself.

“With all humility, I accept that. We did the best of our ability, but our efforts still continue,” he said.

Romana was in Cebu City to attend the four-day seminar on the cascading of PNP P.A.T.R.O.L Plan 2030 and conduct of strategy and operations review with police officials and officers.

Romana said he left it up to God on what would happen to his candidacy.

“Only Him is in control of everything,” he said.

Romana said he has learned from his shortcomings, and there’s still time to prove himself. He said he now sees things in better perspective.

Asked for his message to Cebuanos if he would be the CCPO director, he said he would do his best.

Meanwhile, Rama yesterday separately presented to Sun.Star Cebu and Cebu Daily News his agenda for his second term in office.

It was the same presentation he shared with officers and members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas on Wednesday.

He will present the same with editors and columnists of The Freeman today.

Vice Mayor-elect Edgardo Labella was also present in the meetings.

Rama refused to get into details of his rift with his cousin Annabelle Rama who ran but lost as congresswoman of the north district.

Annabelle had sought a refund from Rama for the P3 million she claimed to have given the mayor for poll watchers.

As it turned out, she did not have watchers on election day.

“Ayaw jud mo’g apil-apil sa among away (Don’t intervene in our personal issue),” said Rama.

The Ramas, he said, have been brought up never to hold a grudge.

A columnist confronted Rama on his previous announcement that as many as 2,500 casuals will not be renewed because of their political inclination in the May 2013 elections.

“What happened to ‘together we can make things happen’ if you go after them?”

Rama said this is a political reality. He said it is not about vengeance, but a practical approach.

The mayor also shared his continued disgust with the Cebu Ports Authority for acting like masters of the local government unit for fencing a property without securing permit from City Hall.

Labella, for his part, shared that he sees improvement in the incoming 13th Cebu City Council compared with the 12th, which he said will give him hope for a better working relationship with his colleagues.

“The 12th Sanggunian was a tough council which was not friendly with the mayor. The difference now is that the vice mayor is not unfriendly to the mayor. In previous years, the mayor was not invited to the inaugural address but this time they acceded,” said Labella.

Fireworks mar final session

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/27/fireworks-mar-final-session-289448
• Thursday, June 27, 2013

By Jujemay G. Awit and Princess Dawn H. Felicitas

IN the last regular session of the 12th Cebu City Council yesterday, two lawyer-councilors butted heads on the sanction imposed on a barangay councilor.

Cogon Councilwoman Orvilla Bacalso was told to serve a 15-day suspension for misconduct and dishonesty, a sanction decided by the Committee of Three composed of Councilors Sisinio Andales, Nida Cabrera and Alvin Arcilla.

But Councilor Jose Daluz III objected. He ended his term with a bang, questioning Andales about the decision.

Tension has marred the last two regular sessions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. But they did manage yesterday to commend eight members whose terms are ending, for their service to the city’s residents.

The eight are Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, Councilors Rodrigo Abellanosa, Raul Alcoseba, Ronald Cuenco, Daluz, Eduardo Rama Jr., Augustus Pe Jr. and Edgardo Labella.

Labella, however, is returning next week as vice mayor.

The verbal fireworks began when Daluz objected to the resolution from the Committee of Three.

He questioned why it was made to appear that the decision was made by majority of the council, but signed only by the committee.

“There is infirmity in this committee report. The complaint was for usurpation but she was found guilty of misconduct,” said Daluz.

“She was not ready to answer misconduct and dishonesty charges. This decision is full of political color, it’s not even impartial,” said Daluz. He pointed out last week that the members of the committee are all from the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

The complainants were Cogon Barangay Captain Eugenio Gabuya (an incoming councilor) and four councilmen. Bacalso is the only Cogon barangay official allied with Mayor Michael Rama.

The comment riled Andales.

“You shouldn’t impart political color. We meticulously and arduously pored through the facts,” said Andales, who looked flushed.

Usurpation

The lawyer explained that usurpation of authority is a criminal case.

“Everything is documented and we based our findings on the position papers submitted,” said Andales. “The committee is not barred from looking at other issues.”

Daluz pointed out that the summons was for usurpation, but Andales would have none of it.

The two were figuratively at each others’ throats when Councilor Labella, the incoming vice mayor, stepped in.

Labella mentioned two constitutional rights of respondents that may have been overlooked by the committee when it rendered the decision against Orvilla.

First, it is the right of a respondent to be informed of the nature of the complaint.

Second, it is also the right of the respondent to confront his or her accusers.

In the case at hand, he pointed out, the complainants and respondent were only made to submit position papers.

Labella also warned the members of the council of a provision of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Hiring

Section 3, which details what constitutes corrupt practices, reads, “Causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.”

Councilor Eduardo Rama Jr. also objected to the decision because of the root cause of the problem.

The complaint had stemmed from the replacement of four personnel for the barangay’s clean and green program.

Gabuya and the other councilmen believe that Bacalso usurped their authority when the latter recommended four new members of the clean and green program, a move the executive approved.

Rama said the personnel will be receiving salaries from the City Government, which means that the executive has the authority to hire and authority to fire.

As the objections kept coming, majority floor leader Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. asked for a five-minute recess.

Last session

When the session resumed, Pe moved that the resolution to suspend Orvilla be referred to the committee on laws chaired by Andales.

But it was already the council’s last session.

Bacalso, who was at the session hall while the resolution was being deliberated, appeared relieved.

She explained that there was nothing political in her move to recommend new personnel. She didn’t even have the authority to approve it.

When asked if she is inclined to file a complaint against the members of the committee, Bacalso said, “No comment.”

But while there were fireworks, there were also expressions of camaraderie in the session.

Commendation

Referring to the outgoing council members, Councilor Alvin Dizon said: “They, as members of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod, have rendered years of their lives in the service of the Cebuanos and for the betterment of Cebu City.”

“They, in their capacity as legislators, have become instrumental in the passage of progressive and people-oriented local legislations and have truly worked to ensure that the city remains a progressive city, which commits itself to good governance, people empowerment and sustainable development,” he added.

Labella will be back on July, this time as its presiding officer.

Both Daluz and Rama will also be back at City Hall, no longer as legislators, but as employees of the executive department. Mayor Michael Rama has announced they will hold positions in the second term of his administration. Both worked as his campaign managers for May 13.

Abellanosa will serve the city as congressman of the south district. Alcoseba will move over to the Capitol, after he was elected as Provincial Board member for the first district.

Inaugural

Cuenco, although still on his first term, has stepped down to give way to his brother James Cuenco. Pe, for his part, failed to win a seat in the council when he ran in the south district.

Labella, in an interview yesterday, said majority of the council has decided to invite the mayor to its inaugural session on July 1 to deliver his inaugural message.

“In my meeting (June 17) with them, they were gracious enough to agree to invite the mayor. It’s a good sign for all of us. Whether majority or minority, it is good to listen to the thrust and program of government of the mayor in his coming term in order for us to be guided on what kind of legislative intervention we are going to make to jive with the plans of the mayor,” he said.

Rama said he is yet to receive the council’s invitation.

As to committee chairmanships, Labella said these will be decided upon by the majority of the members. The election of officers for the council’s committees will be on July 1 as well.

Asked if there will be any amendments to the council’s house rules, Labella said there is none except for the inclusion of a minority floor leader.

DOLE-7 to start regionwide internal quality audit in July

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1121372147050
• Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

By Rachelle M. Nessia

CEBU CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- Twenty internal quality auditors of the Department of Labor and Employment-7 (DOLE) underwent a three-day Internal Quality Audit training in preparation for its regionwide internal quality audit in July.

The training mobilized auditors to craft a plan that will monitor, measure, analyze, and recommend for DOLE-7’s process improvement based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

DOLE-7 Regional Director Chona Mantilla said the department’s internal quality auditors will field teams per field office or divisions during the regionwide audit next month.

Each team shall audit the 32 processes enrolled for ISO certification.

“However, no team member shall audit his own office to preclude any doubt of collusion and favoritism,” said Mantilla.

DOLE-7 Quality Management Representative Maria Grace V. Diaz is confident that the processes will be packaged to ensure ISO compliance.

The training covered the familiarization of the process manuals; inputs on applicable theories on internal quality audit; and actual supervised audit.

Lead trainer was DOLE-7 ISO Consultant Remedios Cagulada, an accredited Lead Auditor of Anglo Japanese American Registrars Inc. and International Register of Certificated Auditors. (PIA Cebu)

Wealthy doctor, family escape ambush-slay try in Cebu City

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/432643/wealthy-doctor-family-escape-ambush-slay-try-in-cebu-city
• Tuesday, June 25th, 2013

By Chito O. Aragon and Carine M. Asutilla, CORRESPONDENTS

A doctor who was reportedly an investor in the Aman Futures pyramiding scam, his wife, son and bodyguard escaped unharmed when they were fired upon past midnight Monday in barangay Labangon in Cebu City. Dr. Rico Medina Jr., 57; his wife Arlene, 56; son Benjie; and bodyguard Alan Duque were on their way home riding a Toyota Fortuner SUV when they were fired upon by three men at the corner of Woodberry Drive abd Acacia St. Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el, Jr., chief of police of Cebu City, said Medina’s SUV was blocked by a Toyota Corolla Vios before three men with guns alighted from the sedan. Benjie who was driving the Fortuner, tried to evade the gunmen by reversing the SUV, but a a Toyota Innova darted from behind and blocked their path. Benjie, however, managed to maneuver their vehicle, overtook the Vios and sped away prompting the three men to pursue them with gunfire. Supt. Natu-el said Medina’s vehicle had at least 10 bullet holes but none of the passengers were hit. The police recovered five empty .45 caliber shells at the crime scene. Senior Inspector Chuck Barandog, chief of the Punta Princesa Police Station, said there was also an empty shell from a .45 caliber gun found inside Medina’s vehicle. As the Medinas proceeded to their residence in M and A West City Homes Subdivision in Barangay Labangon, they contacted an acquaintance, SPO1 Arnold Bocayong of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Cebu, to inform him of the attack. In turn, Bocayang contacted Barandog and the police mobile patrol division. During follow up operations, the police recovered three abandoned vehicles, the Toyota Vios (with its plate marked ‘For Registration’), a Toyota Innova (conduction sticker number YJU894) and a Toyota Hi-Ace Grandia van (plate number YEA-493). The Vios and Innova were found in Happy Valley, Barangay Labangon, at around 3 a.m. yesterday while the Grandia was found at past 7 a.m. on F. Llamas St., Barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City. The police also recovered a .45 caliber pistol inside the Vios and three more handguns inside the Grandia. Also recovered from the Grandia were a gun silencer, a handcuff and a roll of packaging tape. The three vehicles were impounded at the Cebu City Police Office while the police were still conducting their investigation. A certain Marlon Amante yesterday afternoon went to the regional headquarters of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and told the police that the Innova and Vios were rented out by a man who had a Mindanao-based family name. Amante reportedly owns a car rental shop in barangay Tisa. He said a man rented out the cars from June 19 to 21 for P4,000 per day. The rent contract was extended until today. Chief Insp. Patrick Freddie Vaño of the CIDG said the man left a photocopy of his I.D card which bore the name of Aghakhan Dianalan whose residence is in barangay Guadalupe. Meanwhile, Natu-el said the police was looking into two possible angles, kidnapping and a murder attempt. However, he refused to elaborate. “There’s a possibility that they were either targeted by kidnappers or by hired guns,” he said in Cebuano. When asked if there’s a possibility that the incident is linked to the Aman Futures pyramiding scam, Natu-el said” “We have no reports yet about that.” The city police chief has ordered the CCPO Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) to take the lead in investigating the incident and to coordinate with their counterparts in Mindanao.

Kim Chiu’s mother passes away

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/06/24/kim-chiu-s-mother-passes-away-289004
• Monday, June 24, 2013

By Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex

LOUELLA Chiu, the mother of Cebuana actress Kim Chiu, died Sunday in Cebu.

"Star Magic symphatizes with Kim Chiu on the passing of her mother, Louella Y. Chiu. We request that we give Kim and her family the respect and time to grieve for their loss. Thank You," Kim's handler, Star Magic, said in a statement released Monday afternoon.

On her official Twitter account, the "Ina, Kapatid, Anak" lead star posted this tweet: "@prinsesachinit: sana panaginip lang to..."

To recall, Kim had an estranged relationship with her mother after the latter reportedly left their home in the province when she was just nine years old.

The Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Big Winner grew up with her paternal grandmother and siblings.

On April 29, Kim went to San Jose, Mindoro, to reconnect with her father who has been away from her and her siblings for five years.

Prosecutors heave a sigh of relief

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/431287/prosecutors-heave-a-sigh-of-relief
• Sunday, June 23rd, 2013

By Ador Vincent S. Mayol, murder

CEBU City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon is elated with the conviction of the two men who were tagged in the 2009 killing of Assistant City Prosecutor Patrick Ian Osorio. “I’m happy with the result of the case. That is a victory not only for Fiscal Osorio’s family but also for our office and the entire country. It goes to show that justice still prevails over evil,” Sellon told Cebu Daily News. Sellon said they will continue to dispense justice without fear even if there were already two city prosecutors who were shot in the span of five years. “We know our job is synonymous with risks. In prosecuting those accused with offenses, there will always be persons who will either be happy or get mad at us,” he said. “There are parties who can’t accept our rulings. Instead of resulting to the legal process, they use their own force to get back at us. And we don’t know who our opponents are,” he added. Osorio was driving his Toyota Revo AUV when heavy traffic forced him to slow down in Ma. Gochan Street in barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on Jan. 6, 2009. This gave the gunman an opportunity get near the victim and open fire. Osorio sustained gunshot wounds on the right side of his body. He was brought to the hospital but died the following day. Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Silvestre Maamo of Branch 17, last Friday, found the two persons who were tagged in the 2009 killing of Assistant City Prosecutor Patrick Ian Osorio. Allan Senogat, 34, and Lyndon Horandoy, 29, were meted the penalty of reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of 20 to 40 years for murder. Last Jan. 22, 2013, a Canadian national shot Assistant City Prosecutor Ma. Theresa Casiño while the latter was on her way to one of the courtrooms of the Palace of Justice. Casiño sustained a gunshot wound on the nape but she survived the attack. Sellon said people who feel aggrieved by their rulings should understand that they are just doing their job. “Some of the aggrieved parties thought we have something personal against them. We could not blame them. Their lawyers should come in and explain to them our resolutions. The wrong perception should be corrected,” he said. Assistant City Prosecutor Aida Sanchez said she’s aware of the hazards of the prosecution service when he decided to be a state lawyer. “I just have to rely on God’s protection,” Sanchez said. She’s hoping that the mastermind behind the death of Osorio will be identified and prosecuted. “Justice isn’t completely served yet. We don’t know who the mastermind us. I nonetheless pray that his soul will be at peace,” Sanchez said.

HK boat’s long wait attracts Coast Guard’s attention

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/22/hk-boat-s-long-wait-attracts-coast-guard-s-attention-288674
• Saturday, June 22, 2013

By Jill B. Tatoy and Oscar C. Pineda

A HONG KONG-registered vessel anchored in the waters between the islands of Carnasa and Malapascua in Daanbantayan town was intercepted by the Cebu Coast Guard on Thursday evening.

Its crew allegedly failed to present a notice of arrival.

Cebu Coast Guard Commander Weniel Azcuna said they received reports from fishermen that the MV Ming Yuan had been anchoring off the northern town for about a month now.

The Coast Guard found out that the vessel, carrying 24 Chinese nationals in its crew, dropped anchor last May 19.

“We inspected the vessel because they did not inform the concerned agencies that they will be entering Philippine territory. They failed to present any arrival notice,” said Azcuna in a phone interview with Sun.Star Cebu.

The commander explained that once a foreign vessel enters Philippine territory, its officers have to secure and present an arrival notice to the Coast Guard, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Quarantine.

Mayor

As a penalty, the passports and seaman’s books of the 24 crew members were confiscated.

Daanbantayan Mayor Maria Luisa Loot said she did not receive word from the Coast Guard about the vessel.

When she asked Malapascua Barangay Captain Rex Novabos about it yesterday, in a meeting with Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, the community leader said he was told by the boat’s personnel that they were just cleaning their vessel, while waiting for further instructions from the Coast Guard.

“Nganong diha man sila manlimpyo? Nganong wala sila mo-coordinate? (Why did they fail to coordinate?),” Loot said.

Azcuna did not have the list of names of the crew yesterday, since the copy they got from the vessel was written in Chinese.

An inspection showed them the vessel was empty, he said. No illegal activity was noticed.

Iron

He said that according to the crew, the vessel left from Taipei, Taiwan a month ago and was supposed to load iron ore in Isabel, Leyte to be delivered to China.

Isabel, Leyte is located about 35 to 40 nautical miles from Malapascua Island.

“The crew told us that their load was still not ready yet and that is why they are waiting for it and anchored in the place,” explained Azcuna.

He said the Coast Guard (CG) will investigate why it has taken so long for the vessel to receive its cargo.

Azcuna said the CG received the reports about the vessel a week ago but they still had to verify the report because the location was also far.

When the Coast Guard confirmed the vessel’s presence, they conducted the first inspection last Sunday.

“The vessel was still new and passed safety requirements,” said Azcuna.

Another inspection was made on Thursday, this time with the Bureau of Customs, immigration and quarantine authorities.

Azcuna said they will temporarily hold the vessel until its parent company settles the penalty.

The vessel was transferred closer to Bantayan Island, while the crew members were placed in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration.

“If the crew and vessel will be cleared of their violation, they will be allowed to go to their destination,” said Azcuna.

Gwen recalls leave of Capitol department heads

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/21/gwen-recalls-leave-capitol-department-heads-288512
• Friday, June 21, 2013

By Flornisa M. Gitgano and Oscar C. Pineda

CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia met with all incumbent and newly appointed department heads yesterday and issued orders in her remaining seven working days in office.

Garcia recalled the leave of absences filed by four department heads and reinstated Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Chief Marivic Garces.

She also gave Human Resource Officer Noli Valencia the authority to sign documents and checks, a task once held by Provincial Administrator Eduardo Habin before Garcia removed him from office last Wednesday.

But some officials doubted Valencia’s authority to sign checks because it lacks the Provincial Board’s concurrence. No bank will honor his signature because of this inadequacy.

Garces replaced Evelyn Senajon who was on leave.

Among those whose leave of absences were recalled are Senajon, Marieto Ypil of the accounting department, Eva Encabo of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), and Manuel Guial of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office.

Those who were on leave were represented by senior officers in the meeting with the governor.

Those who attended were Garces; Valencia; Dr. Cristina Giango of the Integrated Provincial Health Office; Bernard Calderon, who replaced Encabo of the PGSO; Victor Geralde of the agriculture’s office; Atty. Aniceta Pasaylo, PB secretary; Fely Gelicame of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), replacing Melita Labarejos; Edna Toring of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, replacing Guial; Danny Rodas of the accounting office and lawyers Rose Arnado and Rodrigo Urbiztondo, who attended for Provincial Attorney Marino Martinquilla.

Sought for reaction, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said the appointments are a guberntorial prerogative but the employees have the right to take a leave of absence especially if this has been approved.

Meanwhile, Magpale said that there are still enough funds left in the governor’s office.

There is still P80 million in the legislative assistance fund (of the office’s total budget of P325 million), Magpale said.

Yesterday, Garcia issued a memorandum to Valencia, authorizing him to sign and approve 19 documents and “purchase orders and checks not exceeding P1,000,000.”

Last June 10, the Board passed a resolution authorizing Acting Provincial Treasurer Emmanuel Guial and Acting Gov Agnes Magpale “to sign any and all checks drawn against all accounts of the Province of Cebu under the following depository banks…”

Garces said that aside from the reinstatement and recall orders, Garcia met with Provincial Disaster and Risk-Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) executive director Neil Sanchez for updates on the victims of the tornado that hit Minglanilla town and Talisay City last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Office would rather that Garcia lead the turnover of documents to governor-elect Hilario Davide III.

But DILG Provincial Director Jerome Gonzales said it is up to Garcia if she will do this.

Davide defeated Rep. Pablo John Garcia, Gov. Garcia’s brother in the May 13 elections.

Gonzales said Garcia is looking forward to a new transition team after they gave her a copy of the memorandum circular from DILG Manila.

The transition team is composed of the governor, all department heads and representatives from the DILG, Commission on Audit and non government or people’s organization.

The team will conduct an inventory on records, turn over accountabilities using prescribed forms and organize a turnover ceremony.

When Garcia was still on suspension, Magpale had tasked Habin to form a core group to assist the transition team for a smooth turnover on June 30.

But, Gonzales said, Garcia did not mention if she will create a new team. His office, the DILG, had given her the guidelines.

He said DILG 7 sent a notice recognizing Garcia as the governor after her suspension.

Gonzales said that DILG will leave it up to Garcia if she will recall or assign new department heads.

The fact that Garcia is back, Gonzales said, her power as governor is restored.

Agents rescue victim, kill kidnaper

• Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/06/20/agents-rescue-victim-kill-kidnaper/
• Thursday, June 20, 2013

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

NBI agents rescued a kidnapped migrant worker, killed suspect and arrested another in a shootout Monday in Talisay City, Cebu.

Director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas on Tuesday said agents from the bureau’s Central Visayas Regional Office rescued Rene Agraviador.

Killed was Wane Tiano, a member of a kidnapping group while Ronelo Roble, 47,

Talisay was arrested. Roble was charged Wednesday with kidnapping with ransom and carnapping before the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office.

The bureau said three other suspects including PO3 Lee Colina, of Cebu City police managed to escape.

In a report, Regional Director Antonio said last Monday morning a certain Minerva Laborada sought assistance for the rescue of her common-law husband, claiming he was abducted by five unidentified men at the junction of Rabaya St., Talisay City and the highway.

Later, the kidnappers called her up and demanded P50,000 ransom for Agraviador’s release.

Agents set up an entrapment at Evergreen Cemetery in South Road Properties where the shootout happened.

The victim identified PO3 Colina as among the suspects. Police recovered the ransom money, a cell phone, two motorcycles, one owned by Agraviador; .45 caliber pistol; wallet with assorted cards and other personal items.

CPA’s conflict with City Hall

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/opinion/2013/06/19/wenceslao-cpa-s-conflict-city-hall-288120
• Wednesday, June 19, 2013

By (FCR with BSP PR)

IS THE Cebu Port Authority (CPA) the monster to Cebu City’s Victor Frankenstein? The CPA was created in 1992 through Republic Act 7621, a law shepherded in Congress by then Cebu City north district congressman Raul del Mar. Its task was to administer ports located in Cebu province.

It’s a no-brainer that CPA’s creation as a body separate from the Philippine Ports Authority was intended to serve the best interests of Cebu. But CPA’s recent conflict with the Cebu City Government on the fencing of the Compania Maritima area seems to show that the former’s governing body is bent on serving solely the Authority’s own interest.

The mindset of current CPA officials is obviously to proceed with its plan to offer the lot in question to private property developers, its relation with the Cebu City Government be damned. It is also asserting its “independence,” fencing the property even if the move affects the city property near it and the access roads to the south coastal road.

By the way, whatever happened to the bill initiated by Raul’s daughter, Rep. Rachel Marguerite del Mar that aims to strengthen the CPA’s operational, functional and administrative capabilities? An interesting provision in the measure is the increase in the membership of CPA’s governing body from five to seven—-with the additional two being the Cebu provincial governor and the Cebu City mayor.

Had the amendment been in place, the conflict between CPA and Cebu City Hall would not have happened because Mayor Michael Rama would have already been involved in the Compania Maritima lot discussion.

Here’s an addendum to my column yesterday about the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to be held on the last Monday of October this year. As I already noted, it does look like the elections will proceed as scheduled, that is, if you consider the body language of the officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes would have wanted to rest after administering the May 13 national and local elections. But President Noynoy Aquino didn’t want to have anything to do with that and frowned on the idea of postponing the elections. Now, Comelec is up and about preparing for the inevitable. No rest.

My late father Tiyong used to involve himself in barangay politics, running for Sambag 2 barangay captain one time and barangay councilor in another. Both times, he lost.

And I once ran as well for Kabataang Barangay (KB, the predecessor of the SK) councilor and won, with a relative, Noel (now Cebu City councilor) as chairman. That was eons ago.

But while that was my first and last foray into partisan politics, I remained interested in it as observer and sometimes kibitzer. As a result, every time a barangay election is held, some people would always think I would be throwing my hat into the political cauldron.

Unfortunately, I have been estranged for so long now from the political developments in Sambag 2. That means I no longer have much info on the political dynamics playing out there.

But I do know that Barangay Captain Carl Stephen Belarmino is with the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK). Wouldn’t it be fitting, then, for Team Rama to field Edwin Jagmoc, who lost in his bid for Cebu City councilor last month, as its bet for Sambag 2 barangay captain? That, I would say, would be an interesting fight.

BSP to hold seminar on Pawnshop Regulation Act in Cebu City on June 27-28

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1061371455391
• Tuesday, June 18, 2013

By (FCR with BSP PR)

CEBU CITY, June 18 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) will conduct a two-day joint briefing-seminar on the Pawnshop Regulation Act (PRA) and the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) in Cebu City on June 27 and 28.

Salient points of the PD 114 or the PRA and RA 9160 as amended by RA 9194 or the AMLA will be thoroughly tackled.

Also up for discussion are other rules and regulations governing the business of pawnshop or pawnbrokering, money changing and as a remittance agent.

The seminar will also cover a discussion of the duties and responsibilities of both the pawner and the pawnee, innovations/evolutions in the pawnshop business and some financial data on the industry.

Moreover, the briefing on pawnshop regulations and AMLA seminar for stockholders and proprietors, directors and officers and employees directly in-charge of operations of pawnshop/foreign exchange dealer/money changer (FXD/MC) and remittance agent (RA) is one of the prerequisites for the issuance by the BSP of the Acknowledgment of Registration/Authority to Operate/Certificate of Registration for these entities.

The BSP enjoins the pawnshops and FXDs/MCs/RAs in Cebu City and nearby provinces to attend the two-day activity.

Interested parties are reminded to pre-register or enroll and pay the seminar fees with the BSP Head Office or the nearest regional or branch office where the briefing-seminar will be held.

The seminar fees are P500 for the two-day briefing on PRA and the AMLA and P300 for the one-day AMLA seminar.

One may visit the BSP-Cebu Regional Office or contact the Integrated Supervision Department 1 at the following numbers: (02) 400-7026, 708-7701 locals 2613 to 14 and 306-2690 for reservations or for further inquiries.

We’re just music lovers: rescued girls

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/17/we-re-just-music-lovers-rescued-girls-287787
• Monday, June 17, 2013

By Davinci S. Maru

THEIR love for music brought them together and nothing else.

This is what the two girls said after authorities rescued them, together with a French national, inside a hotel in Cebu City on suspicion of human trafficking.

“Music lovers daw sila,” said Rosa Vida Diva of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7.

The girls, age 14 and 19, told the social welfare office that they met John (not his real name) through the social networking site, Facebook.

Sun.Star Cebu withheld their names as required under the confidentiality provision of the law. When the operatives of Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) 7 raided the foreigner’s hotel room in Archbishop Reyes Ave. last Saturday, they were reportedly uploading music at that time.

“We will know everything after they undergo medical examination and further questioning,” Diva told Sun.Star Cebu, adding the girls were still hesitant in opening up.

During the raid, she revealed one of the girls was seen wearing a clothes-peg to tie her hair.

“Makaingon gyud ‘ta nga dili ni sila arangan (We can say these girls are not well-off),” Diva said.

Bar meeting

In their interview, the girls said their first meet-up occurred in a bar in Colon St. Diva said the bar will be monitored by police after receiving reports it is the usual hangout of foreigners with young women.

The DSWD-7 is still waiting for the girls’ parents to visit them and present legal documents, such as birth certificates, to attest to their real ages.

“Dili sad ni sila basta-basta makagawas kay mga bata pa pud (They can’t just go out anytime since they are still very young),” Diva added.

The girls lives in Cebu City and are still in high school.

Chief Insp. Michael Vertudazo, head of ACG-7, said they are still examining the laptop, cellular phone and USB devices recovered inside John’s room.

He said they were locked since the suspect is reportedly an information technology expert.

Consultant

In John’s identification card, it is revealed he is a consultant of a management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company based in Singapore.

Sun.Star Cebu visited John, 42, at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7, where he is detained, for an interview, but he declined. “Go away,” he said.

John was arrested after the Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB) received reports that he had been bringing women and young girls in his room.

A complaint of qualified trafficking would be filed against him at the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

Cebu transmission network allocated P602M

• Source: http:www//mb.com.ph/News/Provincial_News/17357/Mindanao_Newsbits_for_June_16,2013#.Ub24S-eovRk
• Sunday, June 16, 2013

By Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.

CEBU CITY, Cebu – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has allocated a budget of P602 million to boost the transmission network in Cebu in order to cope with the rate of development and growing power demands in the province.

The budget for the project, part of the NGCP’s 2012 Transmission Development Plan, has already been approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). NGCP expects to complete the project by end 2014.

In late 2012, NGCP embarked on the construction of a 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line that would connect two of its substations in Cebu – Colon and Calung-Calung.

According to the NGCP, the connectivity of Colon to Calung-Calung is essential to increase the transfer capability of the grid for Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC)’s coal-fired power plant in Toledo, Cebu.

The CEDC plant, with a total capacity of 246 megawatts (MW), is connected to the grid through the NGCP’s Colon sub-station. The project includes the construction of a 28-kilometer transmission line and installation of additional power circuit breakers and corresponding accessories at the mentioned sub-stations.

NGCP’s Deputy Assistant Chief Technical Officer for Planning and Engineering, Rico Vega, said the project’s original design involves connecting Colon and Calung-Calung sub-stations with the Toledo sub-station, which is in the middle of the two facilities.

Due to space constraints in the Toledo substation, the NGCP had to redesign the project and bypass the latter, thus connecting the Colon facility directly to Calung-Calung substation. “The project will not only increase NGCP’s transfer capability but will also accommodate the future entry of Toledo Power Company’s coal-fired plant. NGCP sees to it that it continuously improves its customer service to generation companies and distribution utilities by creating new corridors to welcome new entrants in the power industry,” Vega explained.

The NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. Its regular maintenance activities, expansion, and upgrading projects aim to enhance reliability and quality of electricity delivered to grid-connected customers like generators, distributors, and large industries.

City-port body feud worsens

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/15/city-port-body-feud-worsens-287489
• Saturday, June 15, 2013

By Princess Dawn H. Felicitas

PORT police yesterday stopped the Cebu City Government’s effort to remove the sign of the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) claiming ownership of the lot in front of the executive building of Cebu City Hall.

It is the same lot that the CPA fenced last month.

Yesterday morning, the City Government’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, Enhancement (Probe) team went to the site and attempted to remove the sign, on orders of Mayor Michael Rama.

Their move, however, was questioned by several port police who were doing their daily rounds in the CPA’s properties.

Port Police Insp. Antonio Germinanda, one of the three port police who rushed to the site, said they cannot allow the City to remove the sign. He said the team could not even present any written order from CPA giving them the clearance to remove the sign.

Probe Chief Racquel Arce said she had already informed the secretary of CPA Deputy General Manager Dennis Villamor about the removal.

But Germinanda said that Arce could not recall the secretary’s name. He said there was no way they would allow the sign to be removed in the absence of a formal written order.

“If wala na unya i-allow namo sila nga motangtang sa signage, kami man sad ang maipit (If we let them take down the sign without an order, we’ll get into trouble). I appeal to them that we just respect each other because we’re also just doing our jobs,” the port police officer said.

Germinanda said they were only protecting the property of the CPA.

Sought for comment, Mayor Michael Rama ordered City Administrator Atty. Jose Marie Poblete to get the Cebu City Police Office’s help in removing the sign.

Rama said that the CPA cannot even present the title of the property that they fenced and they claimed as theirs.

As in his previous statements, Rama said the fencing of the property, including the Compañia Maritima, is illegal because the CPA has failed to secure a fencing permit from the Office of the Building Officials (OBO).

“No permit, no title. What they are doing is irregular,” he said.

Rama has since asked CPA to remove the fence, saying that he doesn’t want anything to obstruct the view from City Hall to the Senior Citizens Park and the sea.

The City has already issued two notices to remove it but both orders were defied.

The CPA said, though, that there is nothing irregular in what they are doing, because the subject property is part of the Port Management Office and falls within their jurisdiction.

CPA invoked Section 6 of Presidential Decree 857, which outlines the agency’s corporate power and duties.

It states that it is the duty of the CPA to supervise, control, construct and maintain, among others, properties or facilities vested to them.

They also invoked Section 9 of Republic Act 7621, the law that created CPA.

It provides that it is the power of the CPA to manage, operate, improve, develop and govern the activities all the ports within its territorial jurisdiction.

However, the City said that there is even no port operation in the area that was fenced.

The City’s Coastal Management Board has already asked the City Legal Office and OBO, among others, to look into CPA’s fencing of the property and study possible legal remedies against the agency.

Flood threat back

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/14/flood-threat-back-287358
• Friday, June 14, 2013

By Jill B. Tatoy

CEBU -- The Mahiga Creek overflowed and some of Cebu City’s streets, particularly in the downtown area, were flooded following the heavy downpour Wednesday night.

In Mandaue City, floods delayed commuters, particularly in Barangay Pagsabungan and the Sudlon area in Barangay Maguikay, prompting a school to suspend their classes.

More than 200 families’ houses in two barangays in Talisay City were flooded.

Residents of Barangays Poblacion and Cansojong are asking the Talisay City Government to reopen the main drainage system that connects their pipes to the open sea.

They also blamed a factory that allegedly dumps waste water near their homes during rains.

Outgoing Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez said he will send personnel from the engineering department to determine how to divert the floodwater from the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) met with the disaster risk reduction officers from the towns and cities Thursday to prepare for calamities.

In the country’s capital, classes were suspended from kindergarten to high school levels in some cities in Metro Manila on Thursday due to heavy rains, which caused flooding in some areas.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim announced the suspension past 3 p.m., as major roads in the city were flooded in knee-deep water and rendered impassable to light vehicles.

The cities of Pasay and Quezon have also suspended classes in kindergarten to high school levels.

Blaze kills couple

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/13/blaze-kills-couple-287172
• Thursday, June 13, 2013

By Jill B. Tatoy

A FIRE that left some 120 persons homeless also killed a couple that got trapped in their home in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City in the early hours of Independence Day.

The Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) 7 received the alarm about the fire in Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City at 1:27 a.m. and firefighters declared the flames under control at 2:25 a.m.

But while it took under an hour to keep the fire from spreading, the couple Margarita, 57, and Edgardo Miego, 60, were trapped inside their home.

Edgardo had required a wheelchair to move around. Both he and his wife were found inside their room.

At least 21 houses burned down, while two were damaged. Six were reportedly injured while trying to put out the fire.

Damage to property was estimated at P800,000, including a multicab that belonged to the Miego couple.

BFP 7 investigator Emiliano Daño said the firefighters found it difficult to reach the fire scene because it was in an interior portion.

Bigger fire trucks had to park away from the scene, and firefighters connected their hoses to reach the flames. Some mini-fire trucks that arrived earlier managed to get closer than the others.

Daño said the fire could have started in the Miegos’ living room, right outside their bedroom.

“Ang ilang kwarto naa sa ground floor, inig gawas nila sala na dayon. Mao tong wala na sila kagawas (Their bedroom opened out into the sala, and the flames kept them from coming out),” said Daño.

Margarita and Edgardo’s youngest daughter, Jolly Ann, was sleeping on the second floor when she noticed the blaze.

Jolly Ann and her husband jumped from the balcony on the second floor to get out of the house, because the flames downstairs blocked their way.

They escaped safely.

The fire spread to the houses located across the Miego property and did so easily, because many of the houses were built of light materials. But the houses beside the Miego home were spared because these were protected by firewalls.

Lanie Angeles, one of the residents whose house the fire leveled, said she woke up to someone shouting about the fire. She looked outside and was surprised to see the Miego house across the street, by then already in flames.

She said the flames quickly spread to her family’s house. They lost most of their belongings, including all their clothes, most of the children’s school supplies and important documents.

City Fire Marshall William Tacaldo said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The City Government’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) listed some 28 families or 120 individuals who were left homeless by the fire.

Labangon Barangay Captain Vic Buendia said the survivors will be temporarily housed in the barangay complex. Some opted to stay in the chapel located near the fire scene.

Food and other basic needs of the survivors were also temporarily shouldered by the barangay.

Couple killed as fire hits Cebu neighborhood

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/425147/couple-killed-as-fire-hits-cebu-neighborhood
• Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

By Jhunnex Napallacan

CEBU CITY, Philippines—A couple was killed when fire destroyed 21 houses in a neighborhood here early Wednesday morning. Edgardo Miego, 60 and his wife Margarita 57, were asleep when fire broke out in the living room of their house along A. Lopez Street, in Barangay Labangon at 1:27 a.m. Their bedroom was beside the living room. Victor Buendia, Labangon barangay captain, said the couple’s daughter, Jolly Dionson, her husband Dante and their five-year-old daughter were able to flee the burning house through a fire exit on the balcony. In her account to the authorities, Jolly said she woke up when her daughter asked for milk but on her way downstairs, she was greeted by thick smoke from the ground floor. She alerted her husband, who carried their daughter, and the three managed to get out of the house. Jolly and her husband then asked their neighbors to rescue her parents, who were still trapped inside the house. But by then, the fire had already spread throughout the ground floor. Edgardo, a former worker of San Miguel Corporation, was partially paralyzed due to a stroke but he could still walk, according to Buendia. Margarita was a real estate broker. The couple has three children, two of whom were overseas workers. The cause of the fire remained unknown although Buendia said it might have been triggered by faulty electrical wiring. Social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended food assistance to the fire victims. Buendia said the barangay would spend part of their P700,000 in calamity fund to help purchase construction materials for the fire victims.

AAP, NCAA teams to join Mike Rama Invitational tilt

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/424213/uaap-ncaa-teams-to-join-mike-rama-invitational-tilt
• Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

By Correspondent Jonas Panerio

Three squads from the UAAP and the NCAA will be testing the mettle of the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras in the Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama Collegiate Invitational basketball tournament, which kicks off this Thursday at the Aznar Coliseum. Slated to compete are UAAP powerhouse Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and NCAA squads Lyceum Pirates and the Mapua Cardinals. They will be battling the best collegiate squad in the south in the Cobras, who are coming off a fruitful campaign in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Preseason Cup. The news was divulged by SWU’s champion head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba. Though they only managed to win three out of their eight games in th Filoil tilt, the Cobras took pride in learning basketball lessons at the hands of the best collegiate basketball squads in the country, a list that includes Ateneo, La Salle and the University of Santo Tomas, which they beat in their final outing, 63-62. The first game on Thursday will see FEU take on Mapua at 5 p.m. while SWU battles Lyceum at 7 p.m. FEU actually boasts of a lineup with several Cebuanos including former University of Cebu ace Roger Pogoy, former University of San Carlos guard Joel Lee Yu, former University of the Visayas Baby Lancer Ron Marvis Dennison and former Cebu Eastern College pivot, Raymar Jose.

CCTV footage may yield clues to who killed Cebu City cop

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/423783/cctv-footage-may-yield-clues-to-who-killed-cebu-city-cop
• Monday, June 10th, 2013

By Edison A. delos Angeles and Michelle Joy L. Padayhag, Correspondents

CCTV footage of the crime and artist’s sketches are being sought by Cebu City police to pin down the suspects in last Saturday dawn’s murder of PO2 Gerlito Estremos. Chief Insp. Renero Agustin, commander of the Fuente police precinct where Estremos was assigned, said they talked with a taxi driver who supposedly witnessed two men beating up and shooting down Estremos at P. del Rosario Street, Cebu City. He also said they will ask for security camera footage from the management of the establishments at P. del Rosario Street near the University of San Carlos (USC). Estremos’s wife Elmera is appealing to the Cebu City government to serve justice for her husband’s death as well as burial assistance and scholarships for their six children. Estremos’s remains is at the mortuary of the Our Lady of Guadalupe parish and will be buried on Father’s Day on June 16. Agustin said initial investigation showed that the killers appeared to be based in Cebu. “We will talk to the management of the establishments near the crime scene today. We’re asking anyone with information on the suspects to share it with us,” Agustin said. Financial constraints Elmera said her husband, a native of Camotes Island, worked as a security guard and a credit investigator before he finally joined the police force seven years ago. “He’s a criminology graduate but it took him sometime before he secured his diploma because of financial constraints. Everything he earned, it went straight to our children’s education,” she said. Married for 12 years, the couple lived in barangay Guadalupe. Elmera said she was informed about her husband’s death by her neighbor who heard the news over the radio at 4 a.m last Saturday. When heading to Fuente police precinct with her eldest daughter, Elmera said she called up her husband’s cell phone and was told to proceed to the Cebu City police’s homicide section at Camp Sotero, Cabahug, Cebu City. When she got to the homicide section a policeman asked her how many guns and cellphones her husband brought with him when he left their house. Elmera said she got nervous when she saw her husband’s four cell phones and two guns, one of which had missing bullets. A good man She said she and her daughter cried when a policeman confirmed that her husband was lying in state at the funeral parlor. Elmera recalled that her daughter even asked her husband to wake up so they could go home. Estremos’s sister-in-law Mae Rufin described him as “an active choir leader, a faithful public servant and a good father to his children.” She said Estremos was involved in Couples for Christ and Family Life in Redemptorist Parish. She said Estremos’s children were supposed to perform in a Father’s Day presentation at the church. At the wake, a Cebu City Hall representative assured Elmera that burial assistance and scholarships will be given to the family. One of Estremos’s friends, fellow Leyte native PO1 Manuel Sejano, called the traffic policeman as “sangkay” a Leyte term for friend. “He was an excellent police officer and a good person,” Sejano said.

Rains ahead for Cebu as ‘Dante’ enters PH

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/423255/rains-ahead-for-cebu-as-dante-enters-ph
• Sunday, June 9th, 2013

By /Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac and Correspondents Michelle Joy L. Padayhag and Norman V. Mendoza

Heavy rain is expected for Cebu City in the next two days as tropical depression “Dante” enters at speeds of 730 km to the northeast of Casiguran, Aurora province in northeastern Luzon. Cebu won’t be directly affected by the tropical depression since “it is still based in Casiguran” and is projected to stay in the area, said Oscar Tabada, acting chief of the Mactan office of the state weather bureau Pagasa. As of 5 p.m. yesterday, Metro Cebu experienced cloudy skies with rain with a similar forecast for today. Coastal waters forecast will be slight to moderate. Residents along riverbanks and creeks were reminded to stay alert and be ready to move to higher ground at the slightest sign of raised water level. City government tree cutters and emergency responders were on alert since noon yesterday for emergencies. “It’s better for us to watch at night-time when many people are asleep,” said Alvin Santillana, operations chief of the disaster office. Rainwater level in the city remained at 7.5 mm or within normal range during a 2 p.m. downpour based on the rain gauge in Mambaling. If rain reaches 20 mm, the level would be above normal and many parts of the city would have knee-deep flooding, said Santillana. Barangay officials are also monitoring flood prone areas in the city which include the Mahiga River from Banilad Country Mall to barangay Mabolo where the river ends. Other sites are the Lahug River, Echavez and Sikatuna Streets and barangays T. Padilla and San Roque where the river also passes. Santillana also warned residents below the Monterrazas development project in barangay Guadalupe to monitor any water outflow from their retention ponds. During Friday’s pre-disaster meeting, barangay officials were asked to prepare their dump trucks and buses to ferry evacuees.

Six rice traders, broker face smuggling raps

• Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/06/08/six-rice-traders-broker-face-smuggling-raps/
• Saturday, June 8th, 2013

By Jennifer Ambanta

Six traders and a broker face smuggling charges for attempting to bring in country some P7 million worth of rice from Taiwan and Vietnam through the Sub-Port of Mindanao Container Terminal.

Charged were Cagayan De Oro City based and Little Giant Trading Company owner Renato Nale, together with his broker Steve Semblant.

Also, All System Logistics, Inc. officers led by its Chairman of the Board Mary Lou Estrada, its chief executive Antonio Estrada, corporate secretary Humphrey Tumaneng, treasurer Ana Myrna Gonzales and director Anthony Dexer Yu

Both firms were sued for violating Sections 3601 and 3602, in relation to Section 101 and Sections 2503 and 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code.

The filing of cases against the owner of Little Giant and its broker stemmed from its May 17, 2013 attempt to illegally slip into the country four forty-footer container vans of rice worth P5 million from Taiwan at the Sub-Port of Mindanao Container Terminal which were misdeclared as prefabricated house.

Meanwhile, All System Logistics Inc. officials are being charged for attempting to smuggle two twenty-footer container vans of rice from Vietnam worth P2 million without the required import permit from the National Food Authority on March 15, 2013.

Cop shot dead in Cebu City

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/422877/cop-shot-dead-in-cebu-city
• Saturday, June 8th, 2013

By Jhunnex Napallacan

CEBU CITY — A policeman was mauled and shot dead using his own firearm by two men who took his helmet past 2 a.m. on Saturday along P. Del Rosario Street in Cebu City. Police Officer 2 Gerlitio Estremos, in his 30s and a member of the Fuente police station, died on the spot after he was shot in the face and the bullet exited on the back of his head. PO3 Allan Vallejo, Estremos’ colleague at Fuente police station said Estremos was assigned a week ago as a team leader after being a desk officer for over a year. Estremos’ 12-hour duty was from 8 a.m. on Friday until 8 a.m. on Saturday. At 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, Estremos and another policeman patrolled their assigned area using separate motorcycles because their patrol car was under repair. But Estremos’ companion went back to the police station while Estremos proceeded to R. Landon Street. While Estremos parked his motorcycle, a man took his helmet and sped off on board a motorcycle. The policeman immediately chased the thief on board his motorcycle toward P. Del Rosario Street. Vallejo said that upon reaching P. Del Rosario Street, Estremos saw the same motorcycle he was chasing but this time, there were two men on board. He said the two men drove slowly their motorcycles as they argued heatedly. Eventually, they stopped near the Postal Bank. The backrider disembarked, collared the policeman and pulled him off from his motorcycle. Vallejo said the two men then mauled the police officer and took his .45 caliber pistol. One of the perpetrators used the gun to hit Estremos in the head several times until the policeman fell on the ground. Then, the police officer was shot in the face. They then rode their motorcycle and left the policeman. Vallejo said a security guard of a nearby church and a passing taxi driver saw what happened. Recovered from the crime scene were two empty shells believed to be from .45 caliber pistol stolen from Estremos. Vallejo said Estremos was no longer brought to the hospital because he died instantly due to the fatal wound in the face. Estremos was assigned at the Fuente Police station for over a year. He was one of the desk officers until he was pulled out to become the team leader a week ago. With Chito O. Aragon, Inquirer Visayas

Palm reader ‘foreboded’ enforcer’s death

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/07/palm-reader-foreboded-enforcer-s-death-286253
• Friday, June 7, 2013

By Rebelander S. Basilan

A FEW weeks before Armando Daligdig was killed, a woman he was apprehending for violating a traffic rule offered to read his palm.

“Kahibaw ka, sir, ang mohuman sa inyong balay ang imong mga anak (You know what, sir, your children will finish your house),” the woman said, studying his palm.

Her husband was delighted by the woman’s prediction, recalled Mary Rose, 42. For him, it meant that their two daughters will have successful careers when they grow up.

Looking back, Mary Rose said the prediction could have also meant something else--that her husband would not live long enough to finish their house himself.

Three bullets ended his life yesterday morning.

For seven years, Daligdig, 47, rose early from bed to man the traffic near the flyover in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City. Before going to work, he prayed before an altar.

He was a dedicated traffic enforcer, his wife said. He had received awards from the Cebu City Traffic Operation Management.

Before becoming a traffic enforcer, he worked as a security guard in a mall, and then became a member of the Barangay Intelligence Network of the Cebu City Police Office.

A native of Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, Daligdig opted to work in Cebu, instead of working in his family’s farmland.

He and Mary Rose met in a mall--where she worked as a cashier and he as a security guard and married in 1997. They have two daughters, aged 14 and seven.

Daligdig was a good husband to her and a good father to their children, said Mary Rose.

She said he spent whatever he received from City Hall on the house and on his family, and he was not a drunkard.

He had spent for house improvements and bought a multicab.

Every day, he reminded her children to study well. A religious man, he prayed before going to work and before going to bed. He went to church regularly.

He worked from 7 a.m. to noon and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Before reporting to work, he drove their daughters to school.

He spent his weekends with his family at their house in Sitio Baugo, Barangay Budlaan, Cebu City.

As a traffic enforcer, Daligdig encountered violent motorists. Last year, a traffic violator pointed a gun at him.

Last Sunday, a friend of him told Mary Rose that he had a conflict with a general’s son, whom he had apprehended.

But he did not share work-related problems with his family, his wife said.

Mary Rose said motorists should respect traffic enforcers.

It’s their job to apprehend motorists who violate traffic rules. If they do not want to be apprehended, violators can plead, instead of taking the enforcer’s life, she said.

With the family’s main breadwinner now gone, Mary Rose said she will have to work harder for their children. She works in a school canteen.

Her husband’s dream was to see their children finish college and succeed in their careers, she said. Their older daughter, Jennifer, is in third year high school, and the younger one, in Grade 4.

He used to help their daughters do their homework. The night before he died, he helped Stephanie draw the solar system.

Mary Rose had teased him about his drawing, saying the planets resembled quail eggs. “Mura man na’g mga itlog sa pugo.”

3 mall employees face murder charges

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/06/06/3-mall-employees-face-murder-charges-286095
• Thursday, June 6, 2013

By Kevin Lagunda

CEBU CITY (Updated) -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed Thursday murder charges against three employees of Metro Gaisano Colon in relation to the death of shopper Mario Alfie Ducayag on April 12.

Ducayag died after he was allegedly mauled by the in-house security personnel of the mall after he was accused of stealing a pair of sandals.

Charged with murder before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office on Thursday were the mall’s former chief security officer Mauricio Doblados Jr., former security camera operator Jeffrey Aquino, and former house detective Melvin Boyles.

An obstruction of justice complaint was also filed against Doblados since he allegedly “deliberately misled” police investigators, said NBI-Central Visayas supervising agent Bernard dela Cruz.

“Karon naa nay kahayag (Now there is light),” said the victim’s sister, Marie Shantylle, who was in tears while talking to reporters. “Karon, malipayon mi (Today, we are happy) at least, we can tell Alfie: Brother naa tay light. So just keep being with us.”

She was with her mother, Fe Soledad, during the filing of the complaints. Fe Soledad also broke into tears.

NBI Central Visayas Director Antonio Pagatpat assured them that the case is strong.

“He is very confident naa gyoy ma-convict,” Marie said.

She added they still have to decide as to the filing of a civil suit for damages against the store’s management.

Metro Gaisano spokesperson Cerwin Eviota said they support the Ducayag family’s sentiment that the investigation has now come to a closure with the appropriate cases now filed with the prosecutor's office.

“It is now up to the court to resolve the case based on the merits, and render justice,” he said in a press statement.

The case was propelled by the autopsy report by NBI medico legal officer Rene Cam, who said Ducayag died of traumatic neck injuries.

The result contradicted the earlier findings by the Philippine National Police medico legal officer Nestor Sator, who in his report said that the cause of death was asphyxia due to bleeding pulmonary tuberculosis. Asphyxia is the lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body.

Ducayag’s family could not believe he died due to an illness, after they saw several bruises on his body.

Sator was charged with several criminal and administrative complaints for his alleged erroneous autopsy report.

The NBI also ruled out Thursday that there was shoplifting. An employee of the mall earlier told the victim’s sister that her brother had already paid for the items, and the payment was also registered in the cashier’s machine.

Guard caught after hitting officer

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/05/guard-caught-after-hitting-officer-285850
• Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

By Jill B. Tatoy

A MAN who introduced himself to the police as a security escort of suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia was arrested by the police for allegedly hitting an officer in the forehead.

The complainant, PO3 Roderick Balili of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB), said he got irked when Noel Monterola Labiaga, allegedly of the GGC Security Agency, suddenly hit him at 8:45 a.m. yesterday.

Their vehicles nearly collided in Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City.

Labiaga claimed he is one of the private security escorts of Governor Garcia, now congresswoman-elect of the province’s third district, but declined to comment further.

His connection with the security agency could not be confirmed as of press time.

Balili was in a Kia van (SGW 419) with Senior Insp. Leo Logroño, deputy chief of the PIB. They were heading to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 on Osmeña Blvd. from their headquarters in Sudlon, Lahug to attend the Metro Cebu Intelligence Conference.

Labiaga was riding a motorcycle. Its plate was marked “For registration.”

Balili said they were tailing a passenger jeepney when the driver signaled to them to move ahead. Balili recalled he didn’t see any vehicle behind him at that time, so he moved to the right.

Labiaga, however, reportedly appeared and moved closer to the Kia van Balili was driving.

The officer stopped to reprimand Labiaga for the near-collision. But as he lowered his window shield to check, Labiaga allegedly hit him on the forehead.

“Okay ra nako mo-explain siya unya kay nikalit man ug hapak sa akong agtang (I was ready to listen to his explanation, but he thumped me on the forehead instead),” Balili said.

That’s when Balili told Labiaga he is a police officer, and arrested him.

Labiaga declined reporters’ requests for an interview so he could tell his side of the story. “Dili lang usa ko magpa interview. Salamat na lang (No interviews for now. Thanks, anyway),” said Labiaga.

Complaints for slander by deed and resisting arrest against a person in authority will be filed against Labiaga, who is now detained in the Consolacion police stockade.

‘Fewer problems’ on 1st day of classes

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/06/04/fewer-problems-1st-day-classes-285680
• Tuesday, June 4, 2013

By (BAP/PDF/FMG/JKV/RSB/DSM/Sun.Star Cebu)

CEBU CITY -- It was “successful, orderly and with fewer problems,” a Department of Education (DepEd) official said about the first day of classes in public schools in Central Visayas region.

“About 95 to 96 percent, wala’y problema (had no problem),” said Dr. Marcial Degamo, DepEd-Central Visayas Quality Assurance and Accountability Division chief.

“We did not receive complaints from parents on collections during enrollment, so far,” he said.

In Cebu City, Mayor Michael Rama ordered the Local School Board to review the development plan of all public elementary and secondary schools in the city.

During his inspection of some public schools on Monday, the reelected mayor observed that some school buildings were not well-placed and lacked open spaces or gardens.

In the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Talisay, some schools resorted to double shifts -- having two classes take turns using the same classrooms -- because of an increase in enrollment.

Not major

In Mandaue City, smoke coming from an electrical wire prompted teachers in the Subangdaku Elementary School to hold some of the classes temporarily in the barangay gym.

At the Capitol where school supplies were turned over, Cebu Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Arden Monisit said the opening of classes went well.

“So far, the opening of classes is going smoothly. There was no major incident,” Monisit said.

The principals, he said, coordinated with the barangay tanods, police and mayors for the opening of classes.

He also instructed all the teachers, school heads, district supervisors and medical officers to stay in their schools for the first day of class.

Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale said the Province will renew the funding for 200 teachers this school year. About 1,000 other teachers are also supported by different cities and towns.

Fees

DepEd used to be beset with complaints on contributions collected by school officials. The department prohibited the collection of fees during enrollment, so as not to discourage parents from enrolling their children.

“There were late enrollees; there are still many parents who transferred their children from private school to public schools. They were told (by the schools) that they would not be accommodated so they came here (DepEd regional office),” Dr. Degamo said.

“We were able to help them out, and the students will be going to school,” he added.

At Tejero Elementary School, Mayor Rama noticed that a school building is occupying the center of what was supposed to be an open space.

“So that should be removed kay anha na lang man padagan daganon ang mga bata. Ato nang ibalhin sa kilid aron naay mas dakong lugar diri sa tunga. Ang school building di dapat bisan asa ibutang (The children need a place to run around, so we should move that building to the side. School buildings need to be correctly located),” he said.

At Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School, he observed their gardening area was covered over.

Ideal home

“There should be a paradigm shift. The school board needs to study the whole school development plan,” said the mayor, who added that the school should be like an ideal home for the children.

DepEd Oplan Balik Eskwela focal person Danilo Gudelosao said there were no major hitches on Monday, except for the late enrollees and transferees.

Gudelosao pointed out that they started the enrollment in April yet but there were still those who acted late. He assured that the late enrollees and transferees will be accommodated until next week.

DepEd is projecting a two percent increase in the number of students in Cebu City’s public elementary and secondary schools.

Last year, Gudelosao said the city’s public schools enrolled a total of 165,000 students: 11,000 for kindergarten, 104,000 for elementary and 50,000 for secondary.

This year, the number of students is expected to reach 169,868: around 11,142 for kindergarten, 106,704 for elementary and 51,522 for secondary. There are 69 public elementary schools and 67 public secondary schools in the city.

Talisay

About five public schools in Talisay City will be conducting double shifts of classes to take in the additional number of students.

There was also an increase in the number of transferees from private schools, said Woodrow Denuyo, Talisay City Schools Division Superintendent.

He said public schools like the Talisay City Central School and the Talisay National High School in Barangay Poblacion, Bulacao National High School, Lawaan National High School and the Candulawan National School will have to let more than one class use each classroom, hence the shifts.

School administrators in Candulawan, which lost nine classrooms in a fire three months ago, are now using the barangay’s covered court as a makeshift classroom.

Denuyo also urged parents of late enrollees not to wait for Friday before they register their children.

DepEd-Central Visayas has issued an order to allow late enrollees until Friday this week, he said.

Lapu, Mandaue

Late enrollees also turned up and some schools held shifting of classes during the first day of classes in Lapu-Lapu City.

But with tanods and police personnel guarding schools, classes went smoothly Monday, said Dr. Eduardo Ompad, superintendent of the DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division.

Shifting

Drainage systems in flood-prone barangays are undergoing repair to prevent floods, especially in and near schools.

Grade 1 and Grade 2 classes in bigger schools are divided into two sessions because of the lack of classrooms. These schools include the elementary schools in Barangays Marigondon, Buaya, Pusok and Babag.

Ompad said the morning session starts at 6 a.m. and ends at noon, while the afternoon session is held from noon to 6 p.m.

Babag National High School will also hold shifting of classes.

Lapu-Lapu has 24 elementary schools and 25 high schools. It has over 1,900 teachers paid by DepEd and more than 100 teachers paid by the City Government.

Ompad said some locally hired teachers have been absorbed by DepEd.

Mayor Paz Radaza earlier said that this scheme will help the City because it can now use a bigger chunk of its Special Education Fund (SEF) to build classrooms, instead of paying for the salaries of teachers.

More rooms

The city lacks 362 classrooms, but Mayor Paz Radaza has vowed to cut this shortage by half in three years, with help from the private sector, the National Government and the office of her daughter, Congresswoman-elect Aileen Radaza (Lapu-Lapu City, lone district).

In Mandaue’s case, DepEd Administrative Officer Benjamin Tiongson said they already requested the City Government to help them procure a new transformer for the Subangdaku Elementary School.

The existing transformer does not have enough capacity for the electricity needs of the school, he said.

Despite minor inconveniences, top police officials in Cebu agreed the opening of classes in public schools went smoothly.

In Cebu City, Senior Superintendent Mariano Natu-el Jr. said they have not received any report of crime involving school children.

Aside from regular police personnel, private detectives were also deployed to help in Oplan Balik Eswkela 2013.

Private cars

Traffic was manageable but Natuel is expecting road congestion on June 10 when classes open in private schools.

“Most of them have vehicles,” Natuel said.

In Cebu Province, Senior Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador said their principal concern on Monday was vehicular accidents, especially in schools placed along the road.

Last year, a student died after a speeding vehicle hit him when he disembarked from a motorcycle, he said.

Comendador said he also implemented tight security measures in populated areas that will last until next week. Police will stay near the schools at the start and end of classes.

“Mao na among puntirya karon nga naa gyuy magbantay sa mga estudyante (We want to make sure there’s someone watching over the students),” Comendador said.

For their safety, the tides are a matter of concern for some pupils in the province.

Uncertain

In Moamboc Elementary School located on an islet in the Bantayan Group of Islands, enrollment was also peaceful, said principal Joven Garcia.

It helped that the weather was clear and the sea calm, so the students, who have to travel by boat, had a safe trip to their school.

“The students can walk to school during low tide,” added Garcia.

As of Monday, there were 349 enrollees but more are expected today. There were 351 students last year but two students moved and enrolled in another school in Madridejos town.

The enrollment status of the school is not consistent, and depends on how much the fishermen earn.

“They enroll their children if they have good income from a catch. Sometimes they bring their children along to help them in fishing trips,” said Garcia.

Blogging workshop for heritage held in Cebu

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R07&article=1981370239783
• Monday, June 3, 2013

By Amorganda A. Saludar

Cebu City June 3 (PIA) -- Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), in partnership with Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. (CBSI), recently organized a seminar-workshop geared towards heritage promotion.

Dubbed "Reporting Heritage for Bloggers," the seminar-workshop held May 25 trained Cebuano bloggers how to report and blog about heritage subjects.

The activity also aimed at encouraging Cebuano bloggers to post more about Cebu’s cultural scene.

The event also prepared bloggers on how to blog about events that showcased Cebu’s heritage like the ‘Gabii sa Kabilin’ or Night of Heritage last May 31.

Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage) is an annual program of RAFI executed in coordination with RAFI’s partner museums and heritage sites every last Friday of May.

Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, executive director of RAFI's Culture and Heritage unit, stressed that information, particularly on history and culture, should not be hoarded in educational institutions alone.

“We should free up information. We should know who we are. This is where bloggers can come in,” Gerra said.

Joselity Costas, one of the resource speakers of the seminar-workshop and at the same time president of Hambin, a Cebuano heritage advocacy group, observed that only a few local blogs tackle or specialize in heritage since such niche requires time and effort, especially in obtaining credible and reliable information.

Costas said blogging and social media are effective tools to promote cultural heritage to a larger audience, and as channels for people to understand, experience, and get engaged in heritage.

“Blogging and social media promote a participatory culture where individuals aggregate on the basis of common interests,” Costas said.

He added that social media provides social practices of collection, representation, and communication, giving rise to new ways of understanding and experiencing heritage.

Costas also stressed that social media such as blogging supports new ways to engage with people, interpretations, and values that pertain to a specific territory.

He then encouraged bloggers to blog more about Cebu’s heritage, saying, “If we bring ‘everyday’ to the museum, why not take the museum to everyday?”

Costas cited examples of topics for heritage blogging, including natural heritage - such as rivers, flora, protected areas, and historical landmarks - and cultural heritage subjects, such as architecture, food, artifacts, archeological sites, shipwrecks, tradition, rituals, and genealogy.

As an output, participants of the Reporting Heritage for Bloggers created a crowdsourcing site online that will contain credible and reliable information on Cebu’s culture and heritage. (rmn/AYS/PIA 7/RAFI)

Jin, lifter bag PNG golds for Cebu

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/418851/jin-lifter-bag-png-golds-for-cebu
• Sunday, June 2, 2013

By Dale G. Rosal

Joaquin Fernandez put up a sterling performance in the last day of the judo competition as he bagged a gold and a bronze in the POC-PSC Philippine National Games yesterday at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City. Fernandez, who was named the ‘best player for most ippons’ (score) according to his father Atty. Vicente Fernandez II, won a gold in juniors competition and a bronze in the seniors. With his wins, Fernandez received a P5,000 cash incentive from Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian. Rey Almencion contributed a bronze medal in the -81-kilogram junior division. According to Atty. Fernandez, his son will be trying to land a spot in the Philippine team that will compete in the 27th Southeast Asian Games this December in Myanmar. HORTELANO BAGS GOLD Meanwhile, Gary Hortelano of the Baseline Weightlifting Club bagged a gold medal in the 85kg category men’s division while teammates Joselito Padilla and Evan Philip Catingub added silver medals each in the 94kg category. With this, Cebu City has a total of nine gold medals while Mandaue City has six gold medals in this annual multi-sporting meet. Both Cebu and Mandaue can still add more medals since their bets in the dancesports competition advanced to the finals late last night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Results were not available at press time. Their bets in beach volleyball also remained in the hunt for medals as of press time. Cebu City is represented in beach volley by Jonrey Sasing and Edward Ybanez while the Mandaue City team is composed of Jade Becaldo and Mike Abria.

PNG first timer hauls Cebu City’s first medal in cycling

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/418347/png-first-timer-hauls-cebu-citys-first-medal-in-cycling
• Saturday, June 1st, 2013

By correspondent Marlon bernardino

CEBU City bagged its first ever medal in the track cycling event of the POC-PSC Philippine National Games (PNG) when 13-year-old Ana Patricia ‘Icamax’ Maximo of Lahug won a surprise silver medal n the 500m Individual Time Trial (ITT) Women Juniors at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City. Maximo timed 49.52 secs., becoming the youngest ever medal winner in track cycling. And she did it in her very first PNG, a nationwide competition for national elite athletes and those who aspire to be included in the national team. “I did not expect I can win since this is my first try. When my dad told me I am racing for Cebu City I got scared. I thought it was just an ordinary race,” beamed the incoming grade 8 student of Sacred Heart School – Hijas de Jesus. Using a special Ridley-Token-Santi racing rig provided by YKKBikes.com, Icamax missed a possible gold medal with less than one second against eventual winner Avegail Benosa of Bicol who clocked 48.73 secs. Mary Monton of NCR won bronze in 52.16 secs. “I’m so happy I represented Cebu City well. I hope my classmates and friends will also try cycling. It’s really fun, you travel to other places and get to meet new friends,” shares Icamax. The 500m ITT event requires cyclists to negotiate the 400m velodrome track in 1 1/2 laps. Icamax used the Token carbon wheels with Kenda tires to prevent the bike from slipping on the angled tracks. Meanwhile, her coach Luis Miguel ‘Igimax’ Maximo of Ateneo de Manila University, finished fifth in the 1,000m ITT Men Juniors with a time of 1:26.02 despite the lack of training due to his summer classes. Both junior cyclists, who will also be competing in the 3000m and 4000m Individual Pursuit, are supported by Ridley, Campagnolo, Token, FSA, Lazer, Santini, Kenda, Vision, Carnac, CycleOps, YKK and Chigo. In chess, International Master (IM) elect Mari Joseph Turqueza of Quezon City shocked GM Richard Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu to tie World Cup bound GM Mark Paragua and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia at the top after four rounds of chess competitions at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) main campus. Turqueza defeated Bitoon after 36 moves of their Catalan Opening game and raised his total to 4.0 points, boosting his bid for a first-ever national open crown. Paragua, meantime, toppled IM Barlo Nadera after 34 moves of French defense while Garcia nipped IM Richelieu Salcedo II after 23 moves of English Opening. Fide Master Haridas Pascua upset 12-time national open champion and rapid gold medal winner GM Rogelio ‘Joey’Antonio Jr. after 36 moves of Queens Pawn game to share 3rd-4th spots with Cebuano Eden Diano who beat NM Giovanni Mejia after 37moves of Dutch defense. Both have 3.5 points.