Difference between revisions of "Marinduque News"

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==Marinduque celebrates its 92nd Founding Anniversary==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=1851329989511
*Thursday 23rd of February 2012
:by  Mayda Lagran
BOAC, Marinduque, February 23 (PIA) – Marinduque was filled with music and colors as the province celebrated its 92nd Founding Anniversary last February 21.
People went to the streets waving small flags of different colors during the motorcade of officials and guests in the morning, led by Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes. There was also a grand parade of floats in the afternoon, which depicted the history of Marinduque and its festivals, under the accompaniment of the kalutang (native musical instruments) and magnificent brass bands.
The island enjoyed its independence when it was separated from Tayabas, Quezon and finally became a province in February 21, 1920. During previous years, the province’s founding anniversary celebrations were not as grand. So it was not surprising to see excited faces of the locals and guests who witnessed the big celebration.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe De Leon served as the guest of honor, who also judged the best floats.
The event was also highlighted by the unveiling of the new logo of Marinduque, which was designed by Antonio Monteagudo. The new Marinduque tourism song entitled “Sige Marinduque”, composed by Dindo Asuncion was also launched.
This year, the province also commemorates two other historical events – the Battle of Pulang Lupa in Torrijos and the Battle of Paye in Boac when Marinduquenos and fellow Filipinos fearlessly fought the Americans and won two battles out of the 5 World Wars Americans have fought. (LBR/MNL/PIA4-B/MARINDUQUE)
==Mimaropa gets P35.5M from Escudero ‘pork’==
==Mimaropa gets P35.5M from Escudero ‘pork’==
*Source: http://mindoropost.com/2012/02/22/mimaropa-gets-p35-5m-from-escudero-pork/
*Source: http://mindoropost.com/2012/02/22/mimaropa-gets-p35-5m-from-escudero-pork/
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==NMAP holds annual forum with partners==
==NMAP holds annual forum with partners==

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

Marinduque celebrates its 92nd Founding Anniversary

by Mayda Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, February 23 (PIA) – Marinduque was filled with music and colors as the province celebrated its 92nd Founding Anniversary last February 21.

People went to the streets waving small flags of different colors during the motorcade of officials and guests in the morning, led by Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes. There was also a grand parade of floats in the afternoon, which depicted the history of Marinduque and its festivals, under the accompaniment of the kalutang (native musical instruments) and magnificent brass bands.

The island enjoyed its independence when it was separated from Tayabas, Quezon and finally became a province in February 21, 1920. During previous years, the province’s founding anniversary celebrations were not as grand. So it was not surprising to see excited faces of the locals and guests who witnessed the big celebration.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe De Leon served as the guest of honor, who also judged the best floats.

The event was also highlighted by the unveiling of the new logo of Marinduque, which was designed by Antonio Monteagudo. The new Marinduque tourism song entitled “Sige Marinduque”, composed by Dindo Asuncion was also launched.

This year, the province also commemorates two other historical events – the Battle of Pulang Lupa in Torrijos and the Battle of Paye in Boac when Marinduquenos and fellow Filipinos fearlessly fought the Americans and won two battles out of the 5 World Wars Americans have fought. (LBR/MNL/PIA4-B/MARINDUQUE)






Mimaropa gets P35.5M from Escudero ‘pork’

by mpost


QUEZON CITY, Philippines—All municipalities in the Mimaropa region each received P500,000 from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for 2011 of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Some P35.5 million was allotted to the 71 towns from the provinces of Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan and Romblon for the improvement of their public markets, the senator said in a press release.

Escudero likewise shared part of his PDAF, also known as “pork barrel”, to Regions III (Central Luzon), XI (Davao Region) and IX (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Central Luzon got the biggest share among the regions, receiving a total of P43.5 million for various projects in 87 municipalities from the provinces of Bataan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.

Nearly P136 million, or about 68 percent, of the senator’s P200 million PDAF, was distributed equally to over 200 towns across the country for the improvement of their public markets.

This was the first time Escudero was able to provide funds under PDAF to help various municipalities. He promised to farm out his allocation to other local government units to finance their projects this year.

“Under the administration of former President Arroyo, I was an opposition and the PDAF allotted to me was never released. So as a senator, I cannot give anything to any of the towns, provinces or districts then. Now that my budget has been released, what I do is I give funds to every municipality for the improvement of their public markets,” he said.

In the spirit of transparency, Escudero detailed the distribution of his PDAF to the different regions to finance construction and repair of school buildings, improvement and rehabilitation of state universities, concreting and road repair, completion of multi-purpose center, rehabilitation of a municipal hall, improvement of peripheral canals, and construction of river control projects, among others.

“My PDAF is transparent, equally distributed and downloaded to local government units. We are trying to avoid issues of favoring the region or province where I belong or allegations of pocketing funds that are supposed to be for the people,” he also said.

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NMAP holds annual forum with partners

by Lanie Bolina-Ronquillo


BUENAVISTA, Marinduque, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- More than a hundred government officials and employees and representatives from local organizations gathered for the Annual Marinduque Development Partnership Forum recently organized by the Norwegian Mission Alliance Philippines (NMAP).

The forum created the venue for communication and interaction between NMAP with all their partners composed of government line agencies and community based organizations (CBO) in Marinduque.

The forum’s theme for this year is “Bridging the gap towards sustainable development.”

The activity was highlighted by the presentation of last year’s joint achievements with the NMAP partners. CBOs were also asked to showcase their products, which resulted from the capacity-building and livelihood projects conducted by NMAP over the past years of their program implementation. The activity culminated withworkshops where participants proposed their programs and projects for the succeeding years.

NMAP is a religious organization who serves the disadvantaged and marginalized Filipinos, with special focus on poor children and youth. NMAP works in 358 different barangays in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro and Marinduque. NMAP aims to improve the lives of children and youth by providing them with direct educational and health support. Consequently, this results to empowering them to develop their own communities. (LBR-PIA4B)

Mountaineers protect Marinduque peak

by Juancho Mahusay


CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – Some 50 climbers from different mountaineering groups recently scaled Marinduque island’s highest peak, Mt. Malindig, with the objective of protecting the environment through eco-tourism.

The Noble Blue Falcons International (NBFI), together with 10 other mountaineering groups from the government and private sectors, reached the summit of Mt. Malindig and conducted tree planting and other environment-friendly activities there.

According to Ronald Go, NBFI spokesman, aside from their group, the 50 climbers came from MEOW Outdoor Group Specials, Green Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local government units, Philippine Red Cross, Yappak, United Trekkers, Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council, Dumagat Mountaineering Society and San Diego-Quezon City Mountaineers.

About 100 trees were planted by the climbers at Mt. Malindig.

A group of community-based first aiders who recently graduated from a Red Cross first aid training course was on hand to give assistance.

The group was formed through the initiative of the Provincial Tourism Office of Marinduque in preparation for the Community-Based Rural Tourism Projects.

After the climb, the group went to the Center for Agricultural Resource and Management Enterprise Networking at Brgy. Tamayo, Sta. Cruz town for bird- and firefly-watching.

The mountaineers spent the second day island hopping at Palad sandbar, which is located between the islets of Maniwaya and Brgy. Mompog, and enjoyed the natural rock formations and land bridge in Sitio Ungab, Brgy. Mompong.

Go said the mountaineers are set to go back in June with another set of mountain climbers, divers and cavers.

DOST-TAPI funds seaweed project for students

by Mayda N. Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) -- Marinduque, through the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), has awarded the funding for the proposed “Dried Seaweeds Production and Seaweeds Noodles Making Project” to student-beneficiaries of Marinduque State College (MSC).

TAPI, one of DOST's service agencies, administers the Invention Development Assistance Fund for the initial experiments and prototype development and other invention-development related activities.

The four student-beneficiaries from the Schools of Industrial Technology, Marinduque State College received P38,600 for the project, which will start this month. The funding for the project was endorsed by the college president, Dr. Romulo H. Malvar to DOST.

MSC’s coordinator for the project, Vangie Mandia, said the project was conceived in order to put to full potential the rich supply of seaweeds in different parts of Marinduque. The primary source of seaweeds in the province is Guisian, Mogpog, but other resource areas are Poctoy, Torrijos and Sta. Cruz.

Seaweed production is being considered by the local government of Marinduque as another source of income for the community, especially as alternative resources for fishermen, to discourage them to use dynamites that damage the natural aquatic resources. (LBR/MNL/PIA4B)

Mimaropa has highest number of single males

by JENNIFER A. NG / REPORTER


SINGLE females aged 30 to 39 have a good chance of finding their “Romeos” in Region 4-B (Mimaropa), according to figures released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

Data from the NSCB—an attached agency of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda)—showed that Mimaropa (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) has the most number of 30- to 39-year-old single males per hundred 30- to 39-year-old single females.

The NSCB said 30 to 39 single females can also look for mates in the same age bracket in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) and Region 5 (Bicol region).

“For single males aged 30 to 39 who are looking for a younger partner aged 20 to 29, do not bother to go to Region 4-B as you are least likely to find her there. There are only 12 single females for every 100 single males aged 10 and above [in the region],” said the NSCB.

For single females up to 29 years of age, the NSCB said they have better chances of finding males from their age bracket in the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

Males who are in the 40- to 49-year-old bracket can start looking for females of their same age bracket at the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Males aged 50 to 59 who are looking for single females of the same age may begin their search at the National Capital Region, the NSCB said.

NSCB said it prepared its figures using statistics from the 2007 Census of Population released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

NCCA approves teaching of 'Kalutang' in Marinduque

by Mayda Lagran


MARINDUQUE, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe de Leon signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Governor Carmencita O. Reyes last February 6 for the teaching of a musical instrument called ‘Kalutang.’

The project, initiated by Provincial Travel and Tourism Officer (PTT) Dindo Asuncion and coordinated by Erwin Penafiel, is designed to ensure the continuity of Kalutang’s intangible heritage and to perpetuate the skills of playing Kalutang for the next generation.

De Leon said that the preservation of Kalutang in the province must be given highest priority because if failed to do so, the province will be ‘culturally poor.’ The original and only “Kalutang” band under the tutelage of Maestro Tirso Serdena from Gasan is now on its senior years.

Reyes and Asuncion made necessary arrangements with Officer-In-Charge- Schools Division Superintendent Terresita Bacudo for the teaching of Kalutang to their teachers.

Kalutang, an early type of musical instrument in Marinduque, is composed of graduated sets of softwood bars made from Kwatingan tree which is carefully cut to their desired sizes and specifications. The Kwatingan softwood bar when strike together, produce notes of definite pitches and of tonal quality that remotely resembles a cross between an unsustained marimba and castanets. (ML/Marinduque Coffee Table Book)

DA commissions study for agri programs in Marinduque

by Daniel O. Sagun and Mayda Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has engaged the services of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to prepare a full blown feasibility study and other documents required by the National and Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for agricultural programs in the province.

The DAP team of consultants conducted assessment of existing agri-fishery situations and consultation with farmers and fishermen, concerned local government units and other stakeholders.

Regional Executive Director Cipriano G. Santiago, in a letter to Governor Carmencita Reyes, said that the Central Philippines Rural Development Project (CPRDC) aimed to contribute to DA’s goal of increased production and productivity of the Agri-Fisheries Sector through a proposed World Bank loan of $200 million.

In a related development, the provincial veterinarian and other provincial agricultural officers attended a two-day focus group discussion (FGD) in Baguio City on agricultural-related programs for rice, corn, livestock and fisheries. (DOS/ML/PIA MARINDUQUE)

Marinduque celebrates founding anniversary

by Danny O. Sagun and May Danlagran


BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The island province of Marinduque will celebrate its Foundation Day on Feb. 21 with spectacle for the first time.

The province had been celebrating Marinduque Day with no big celebrations. The provincial government had always been focused on the celebration of the two battles such as Pulang Lupa and Battle of Paye where all employees of different municipalities and students are enjoined. 2012 marks the 92nd Anniversary of Marinduque.

Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes said it will be celebrated in fitting ceremonies with activities showcasing its tradition, arts and culture and history.

“These will show everyone that we were able to stand on our own and proud to be Marinduquenos and what we have become,” she said.

Provincial Tourism Officer Dindo Asuncion assured a complete day of attraction and great experience for the people of Marinduque. Together with the provincial government, heads of different schools, agencies concerned and officials from different municipalities met to prepare for this big event.

The celebration will start with a Pass and Review by Philippine National Police-Marinduque, Philippine Army with MSC Fancy Drill and with Mogpog Brass Band at the capitol ground. There will be unveiling of new Provincial Logo, motorcade from Provincial Capitol to Boac Poblacion, a press conference and an oratorical contest.

A glimpse on the history of Marinduque and floats parade around the town will be witnessed. A play entitled, “Kasaysayan ng Lahing Marinduqueno” will also be presented at the Moriones Arena to encapsulate the island’s heritage and remind the people of our rich tradition, culture and natural resources.

Marinduque became an independent province on Feb. 21, 1920 by virtue of Act No. 2880. In various times, the island was under the political administration of three provinces such as Balayan (now Batangas) in 1581, Mindoro (as a sub-corregimiento) early in the 17th century until 1898 and Tayabas (now Quezon) in 1902.

On May 1, 1901, Act No. 125 of the Philippine Commission created the province of Marinduque with Boac as capital and on June 23, 1902, Act No. 423 annexed the islands of Mindoro and Lubang (from Cavite) to the new province. Four months later, on Nov. 10, Marinduque was made a part of Tayabas by virtue of Act No. 499.

Marinduque was made sub-province effective Aug. 10, 1907 and finally became independent in 1920. History accounts that Marinduque’s independence did not come that easy after all. (PIA IVB/DOS/ May Danlagran/Marinduque)

Mass Promotion

by (Ferdinand Castro


CAMP EFIGENIO NAVARRO, Oriental Mindoro — More than 1,000 police officers of the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Region were promoted after they successfully passed the qualification standards for promotion.

Senior Superintendent Lorenzo Detran Jr., chief of the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division, disclosed that the newly promoted “Mamang Pulis” and “Aleng Pulis” were part of 2nd semester of 2011 Regular Promotion Program.

Chief Superintendent Artemio Hicban, Police Regional Office 4-B director, led the pinning of ranks for the newly promoted police personnel in a simple ceremony held here on Tuesday.





NPC: Resolve Doc Gerry murder, now!

by People's Tonight


THE National Press Club headed by its president, Jerry S. Yap, yesterday condemned anew the unresolved murder of broadcaster Dr. Gerry “Doc Gerry” Ortega. In a statement, the NPC noted the number of press men killed under the present administration. The statement reads:

A year has passed since the heinous act of murdering broadcaster Dr. Gerry “Doc Gerry” Ortega but the case against the suspected brains remains unresolved.

By the rate and quality the DOJ performs its job the National Press Club sees more delays that will exceedingly disgust the conscience of the Liberty of the Press, of the journalists, of the people of Palawan, of the family of the victim, and of justice.

Already, the number of the press men killed has risen to 12 under the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

The last of those murdered, broadcaster and Tatak Bigtime News publisher Christopher Guarin, was killed in General Santos City last January 5 or 44 days after another journalist, Alfredo “Dodong” Velarde Jr. of Brigada News Philippines, was slain on November 11 in the same city.

What is good in Doc Gerry’s case is that the gunman was arrested immediately after the shooting incident for it accidentally happened that the fireman driving a firetruck was passing by an “ukay-ukay” store in Puerto Princesa City where the killing occurred on January 24, 2011. But what is bad is the same as in all other cases of slaying: the brains have remained unpunished and unidentified.

Last June, the National Press Club expressed strong dissent about the resolution rendered by a panel of prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) where it absolved big suspects in the persons of former governors Joel T. Reyes of Palawan and Jose Antonio Carreon of Marinduque, of former Palawan administrator Romeo Serratubias, and of Mayor Mario Reyes of the town of Coron in Palawan.

In the press statement released by the NPC on June 15, 2011, it expressed its sentiment that the DOJ panel arrogated unto itself the discretion that belongs to the court -- the reason killing of journalists never sleeps.

The DOJ unreasonably absolved the suspected brains despite the fact they were positively identified by the persons who confessed to have arranged for the killing: Rodolfo Edrad Jr., alias “Jun Bomar,” who was the close aide of ex-governor Carreon, Armando Noel, Dennis Aranas and Arwin Arandia.

The confession was not admitted by the DOJ as a justification to charge the brains as principals by inducement, insisting there was no other evidence of conspiracy other than the confession of Bumar.

The Club pointed out that the job of the DOJ is only to determine whether there is sufficient probability that the ex-governors and others are likely the masterminds behind the murder of radioman Doctor Gerry Ortega last January 24 in Puerto Princesa City.

It is the job of the court to determine in the full-blown trial whether the confessions can be accepted or not or whether there are evidence that are independent of the confessions to prove first conspiracy.

The NPC insisted then that in determining probability or “probable cause” in legal parlance, the DOJ has no power to absolve. Its power is only to say whether there is sufficient probability to warrant a sacrifice of the presumption of innocence of those being charged to ensure that those charged are not unduly prejudiced by the warrant, detention, trial, and attorney’s fees.

The DOJ panel that absolved the respondents was composed of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Edwin Dayog, Assistant State Prosecutor Bryan Jacinto Cacha and Atty. John Benedict Medina.

The evidence presented by the police investigators to the National Press Club are sufficient to say that the suspected brains are likely guilty.

First, extrajudicial confession of Rodolfo “Jun Bomar” Edrad Jr. as the aide of the former Marinduque governor.

Edrad confessed he was asked by ex-governor Reyes and ex-governor Carreon to plot the murder of Ortega by using hired guns from Quezon province because using triggermen known in Palawan is risky to discovery.

Edrad said he took in Armando Noel, Dennis Aranas, Arwin Arandia and the gunman identified as Marlon Recamata Dichaves.

He also said he procured a gun right in Puerto Princesa because it was too risky to bring gun on the plane to the city.

Edrad said he contacted Arturo Regalado and Percival Lecias who were close aides of former governor Reyes to procure for him a gun.

Second, there is also this testimony of Regalado that said he contacted to by Edrad to procure the gun and that he secured the gun from Atty. Serratubias and this testimony is an evidence of conspiracy separate or independent from the testimony of Edrad.

Regalado said Edrad sent him money for the buying of the gun through a remittance agency and there are receipts showing the remittances to buy gun and “for the boys.”

Third, there is this defense of Serratubias that the gun was his but that it was bought from him. To prove the fact of sale, Serratubias presented a yellow paper showing it is an acknowledgment receipt of payment for the gun.

Serratubias did not present any notarized deed of absolute sale of the gun that was licensed to him.

The yellow paper receipt, the admission that the gun belonged to him and the lack of notarized deed of absolute sale are all separate and independent pieces of evidence of involvement of Serratubias in the conspiracy to kill Ortega.

This is because it is unthinkable that a lawyer will not secure a sale with a deed of absolute sale that is notarized.

The fact that Serratubias was too close to ex-governor Reyes because the lawyer was Reyes’ provincial administrator during his terms as governor of Palawan also constitutes a separate piece of evidence proving him as the “missing link” between Edrad and Reyes.

The evidence of closeness is a separate evidence of conspiracy.

Fourth, there is also this proof showing the two ex-governors are close buddies in business and leisure.

Carreon is the contractor of all Palawan projects funding by funds out of Malampaya natural gas operations.

He and Reyes are often seen in casinos as buddies.

The projects are distributed to all towns of Palawan, including the reclamation port area of the town of Coron where Mario Reyes, the son of Reyes, is the incumbent third-termer mayor.

Fifth, there is also this proof consisting of a CCTV video footage taken a couple of days before the shooting of Ortega occurred.

This video shows Dichavez waiting for the arrival of Ortega for three hours, shows him making six attempts to cross the road and finally crossing over the street where the “ukay-ukay” store was because Ortega went inside that store to buy clothes immediately after arriving from his morning radio program, and shows Dichavez emerging out of the “ukay-ukay” store and running on the road away from the crime scene, shows the passing fire truck making a chase for Dichavez.

This video footage makes up for the proof that there was no reasonable doubt that Dichavez was the one who actually shot Ortega dead.

Sixth, there is also this proof that the fireman who was driving the firetruck saw Dichavez throwing the gun on a garbage container and that the fireman recovered the gun whose make and serial number point to Serratubias as the owner.

This is another independent piece of evidence showing the complicity of Serratubias to the conspiracy to murder Ortega.

For instance, it was unlikely that a gunman who was escaping would throw away the only weapon that he would use in defense, unless there was an earlier plan or plot to throw it away to avoid discovery that it belonged to Serratubias.

Seventh, the proof that Dichavez came from a town in Quezon province where Edrad was a resident constitutes an independent proof to support the theory of the close connection between them and the others.

Eighth, the proof that Dichavez, Noel, Aranas and Arandia were together in going to Puerto Princesa as shown by a CCTV video focusing on the exit gate of the Puerto Princesa International Airport.

This constitutes a distinct and separate evidence of conspiracy among them.

Ninth, the broadcasts of Ortega show that the main subject of his criticisms is ex-governor Reyes on the mining permits issued with the intercession of the provincial government and on the funds shared to Palawan out of the revenue from the utilization of Malampaya natural gas field.

This is a separate piece of evidence of motive of hate by the ex-governor against Ortega.

Tenth, other evidence separate and distinct from the extrajudicial confession of Edrad were also presented.

A look at these pieces of evidence, the NPC strongly insists that the DOJ is wrong in absolving the suspected brains.

Specifically, it erred in stating that aside from the extrajudicial confession there was no other piece of evidence separate and distinct to prove “sufficient probability” that ex-governors Reyes and Carreon and Atty. Serratubias were the brains behind the murder of Ortega.

To repeat, the issue here is only probability, not proof of reasonable doubt.

So that the prudent thing to do should be to approve the indictment of the ex-governors and the lawyer and let the full-blown trial begin and let the Court decide.

There could have been no suspicion if those who were placed as investigators are the people’s representatives acting as an inquest jury under the Grand Jury System.

The system of prosecutors being the one deciding who should be accused has long been abused using “probable cause” in the manner they wished.

As proven by the performances of the prosecutors deciding who should be charged, the acts of killing journalists will never stop.

This is the reason that the NPC is supporting the proposal to establish the jury system in place of the present rotten mechanism abused for more than a century by lords of politics, drugs, sex and gambling.

NDRRMC: 2 fishermen missing off Marinduque

by RSJ, GMA News


Authorities are now looking for two fishermen — one of them 12 years old — who went missing off Marinduque province since Tuesday night.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the two left for the Gasan area at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday aboard a "6 Robin" motor banca but did not return.

It identified the two as Roberto Seco, 36; and Sherwin Seco 12.

Localized search and rescue operations are still ongoing, the NDRRMC said in its report early Wednesday.

According to the NDRRMC, the two were supposed to return at 5 p.m. The two were reported missing at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday.

It added the Coast Guard in Southern Luzon has been notified and alerted for possible search and rescue operations as well.





Legarda seeks stronger protection of communities

by People's Journal


SENATOR Loren Legarda has urged the Senate to look into the necessity of instituting a system of Mandatory Environmental Insurance Coverage in light of the environmental damages generated by commercial activities and worsened by the impact of climate change.

Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that such system could be crucial in protecting communities from possible environmental disasters and prevent incidences such as the Marcopper mining tragedy in Marinduque and massive fish kills in Rapu-Rapu, Albay

The senator explained that the current Environmental Impact Statement System and the Environmental Guarantee Fund might not be enough to compensate and rehabilitate communities that may be affected by public and private projects.

The EISS is a system that must be established for every project or undertaking, whether by the government or private sector, that will significantly affect the quality of the environment; while the Environmental Guarantee Fund will be utilized for the immediate rehabilitation of areas affected by damages to the environment as a direct consequence of the project.

“The lack of resolution in the large-scale environmental disasters continues to cause undue suffering to our people and raises question on the adequacy of the Environmental Guarantee Fund in sufficiently funding the compensation, clean-up and rehabilitation requirements of affected areas and communities,” Legarda said.

“This was clearly manifested by the 1996 Marcopper mining tragedy in Marinduque where a discharge of 160,000 tons of mine tailings led to the biological death of the Boac and Makulapnit rivers—consequently destroying 823 hectares of farmland and displacing 20,000 families,” she pointed out.

She said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has already issued an administrative order requiring the implementation of a Mandatory Environmental Insurance Coverage for all ongoing activities/projects and applications for an Environmental Compliance Certificate and/or Certificate of Non-Coverage. It was suspended pending public consultations among stakeholders.

“Even as these public consultations have yet to make clear changes in the DENR’s policy on ensuring adequate compensation for communities affected by human-induced environmental disasters, environmental disputes continue to occur with no effective resolution in sight,” she stressed.

“The reality of climate change threatens to magnify the losses which will be felt by these communities in the face of man-made environmental damages, thus highlighting the need that they be adequately compensated and rehabilitated after the occurrence of these disasters,” she added.





More cops deployed to fight ASG, crime groups in Basilan

by AARON B. RECUENCO


Additional 100 policemen will be deployed to Basilan to assist police and military forces in hunting down suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other criminal syndicates operating in the island province. Chief Supt. Artermio Hicban, director of the MIMAROPA (Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Palawan and Romblon) regional police, said most of the cops are first-timers in the operation against the notorious bandit groups. He, however, said that their contingents, all from the MIMAROPA Regional Public Safety Battalion, were subjected to rigid trainings and simulated jungle operations. “They will augment the local police units in Mindanao particularly in the Basilan province where spate of kidnappings and other lawlessness committed by Abu Sayyaff Group and other threat groups are prevalent,” said Hicban. The troops will be headed by Chief Insp. Noli Asuncion. Hicban said the deployment of their personnel in Mindanao is part of the order issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership for all regions to assist in the maintenance of peace and order in conflict areas. In most cases, policemen are sent in communist rebel-infested areas in the eastern part of Mindanao and the Moro rebel and extremist groups-infested areas in the western side. It was recalled that even most members of the police elite Special Action Force are now deployed in various areas in Mindanao. During the deployment ceremony at the MIMAROPA headquarters in Calapan City, Hicban said policemen should neither be intimidated or scared of the very idea of prevalence of violent activities in Mindanao. “Courage is being afraid, but going on anyhow. Fear of the unknown and uncertainty is but natural,” said Hicban in his speech. “But remember that it is in the most adverse situations that great opportunities come. Be proud that you were chosen for this mission so that when you return, you may tell great stories about your assignment in Mindanao”, he added.





100 policemen deployed to Basilan

by AARON B. RECUENCO


MANILA, Philippines — Additional 100 policemen will be deployed to Basilan to assist police and military forces in hunting down suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other criminal syndicates operating in the island province.

Chief Supt. Artermio Hicban, director of the MIMAROPA (Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Palawan, and Romblon) regional police, said most of the policemen are first-timers in the operation against the notorious bandit groups.

He, however, said that their contingents, all from the MIMAROPA Regional Public Safety Battalion, were subjected to rigid trainings and simulated jungle operations.

“They will augment the local police units in Mindanao, particularly in the Basilan province where spate of kidnappings and other lawlessness committed by Abu Sayyaff Group and other threat groups are prevalent,” said Hicban.

The troops will be headed by Chief Inspector Noli Asuncion.

Hicban said the deployment of their personnel in Mindanao is part of the order issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership for all regions to assist in the maintenance of peace and order in conflict areas.

In most cases, policemen are sent to communist rebel-infested areas in the eastern part of Mindanao and the Moro rebel and extremist groups-infested areas in the western side.

Even most members of the police Special Action Force are now deployed to various areas in Mindanao.

During the deployment ceremony at the MIMAROPA headquarters in Calapan City, Hicban said policemen should neither be intimidated or scared of the very idea of prevalence of violent activities in Mindanao.

“Courage is being afraid, but going on anyhow. Fear of the unknown and uncertainty is but natural,” said Hicban in his speech.

“But remember that it is in the most adverse situations that great opportunities come. Be proud that you were chosen for this mission so that when you return, you may tell great stories about your assignment in Mindanao”, he added.

Basilan is a known stronghold of the ASG led by Furuji Indama. The bandit has been tagged as responsible for a series of kidnap-for-ransom activities in the past years.





More children devotees join Marinduque’s Ati-Atihan

by Gerald Gene R. Querubin

Inquirer Southern Luzon


Santa Cruz town saw more children devotees in its own version of the feast of the Sto. Niño on Jan. 15 compared to previous years. Hundreds of children participated in the Ati-Atihan street dancing parade while hundreds more converged at the town plaza to watch the group performances. The children, ages 4 to 12, consisted of 13 groups with 30-50 children per group. “The annual event has evolved from a purely adult-dominated festivity when it started in 1963 to one in which the children hogged the limelight,” says Diana. Accompanied by their parents and guardians, the children came dressed in colorful tribal costumes made from indigenous or recycled materials. Swaying and dancing to the beat of drums and bamboo percussion instruments while shouting “Hala Bira” the children pranced around with make-believe spears and swords. Althea Brianne, 8, and in her second time to join the festivities, says she joined to ask for God’s blessings. Her mother Aizelle says her child’s interest in joining helped her get to know the Sto. Niño more and made her more aware of the Ati-Atihan tradition. Ayesa Wayne Chan, 11, who was in her third year as a participant, says dancing for the Child Jesus made her happy. Ronnie Diana, founder and organizer of the Ati-Atihan festival in Santa Cruz, wishes that local residents be drawn more to the occasion’s religious value than the call of commercialism. This is his response to criticisms that the Sto. Niño festival would never be a tourism showcase as it is a mere copy of the original. “We did not intend to copy the original. What we did then and what we are doing now is simply to encourage residents to become devotees of the child Jesus and to embrace its essence,” says Diana. Diana, who hails from Aklan, helped organize the first Ati-Atihan celebration in the town in 1963. He recounts that at that time 12 fellow Aklan natives stained themselves with charcoal and pranced around the town proper with an image of the Sto. Niño. He remembers that his friends were jailed because local officials and residents were not aware of the Ati-Atihan tradition. “It was through the intervention of a priest that we were freed.” Copycat Critics say the town’s version of the Ati-Atihan would never be at par with the glitz and fanfare of the Sinulog of Cebu, the Dinagyang of Iloilo and the Ati-Atihan of Kalibo that have attracted millions of tourists through the years. “Our version has been around since the 1960s but look at how far we are left behind by the much younger Dinagyang and Sinulog festivals,” says an elderly who refused to be named. He wonders why organizers in the province could not emulate the groups behind the different Sto. Niño fests in the Visayas who are supported by big companies financially. Diana says that sans any financial help from the big firms, Marinduque’s version of the festival has survived through the years. He attributes this to the efforts of the elder devotees who wanted to preserve and enhance their devotion to the child Jesus. “Ours is a religious tradition and not a tourism showcase. We are happy with what we have,” he says. Even as politicians promised to include the festival in their tourism agenda Diana says they have not given in to their request, at least for now. He says his group fears politics could overwhelm the real essence of their devotion.





Marinduque creates public employment service office

by PIA Press Release


QUEZON CITY, Jan.18 (PIA) -- The Marinduque provincial government has approved an ordinance which institutionalizes the Livelihood, Manpower Development and Public Employment Service Office (LMD-PESO). The Provincial PESO among its functions will undertake job fair, Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), Livelihood and Self-Employment Bazaar and Vocational and Career Coaching. The Chief Administrative Officer will serve as the Provincial LMD-PESO manager. The programs will be implemented by the Employment Facilitation and Livelihood Development Division, Manpower Development and Training Division and the Skills Registry and Labor Market Information Division. Ordinance No.95 series of 2011 was passed by the Sangguniang panlalawigan on motion of Board Member Eleuterio R. Daza Jr.who chairs the rules and legal matters committee. (TBO/PIA-MIMAROPA)





ERC issues compliance certificates to 19 MIMAROPA power plants

by PIA Press Release


QUEZON CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the Certificates of Compliance (COC) for generation facilities located in the provinces of Romblon, Palawan and Marinduque. The ERC amended the COC of KW Hydroelectric Power Plant in barangay Taclobo, San Fernando, Romblon under the Catingas Hydro Power Plant Corporation. Eleven power plants from Palawan and three power plants from Marinduque under the National Power Corporation (NPC-SPUG) were given a renewal of COC. A power plant from Palawan and three power plants from Marinduque under the National Power Corporation (NPC-SPUG) were also issued COC. The ERC found merit in the granting of renewal or amendment of the COCs of power plants in Palawan, Marinduque and Romblon after complying with the technical, financial and environmental standards set in ERC’s Rules for the Issuance of Certificate of Compliance (COC) for Generation Companies and Facilities (COC Rules). The generating units were also found to be compliant with the Philippine Grid Code (PGC) and Philippine Distribution Code (PDC), the WESM Rules, and environmental and other applicable laws. A COC is a pre-requisite to the commencement of the commercial operations of a power generating plant. It is valid for five years and must be renewed six months prior to its expiration. The issued or renewed or amended COCs will be valid for five years or until 2016. A total of 32 COCs has been approved for generating companies/facilities which will cover MIPAROPA, North Luzon, Quezon, Siquijor and Cotabato City. “The issuance of these COCs for NPC-SPUG gives assurance to the consuming public of a sustainable, viable, safe and reliable supply of electricity,” ERC Chairperson Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut said. (TBO/JAC/PIA-MIMAROPA.Quezon City)





Mt. Province SP supports proposal to increase IRA of local govt units

by Juliet Saley


BONTOC, Mt. Province, Jan. 13 (PIA) -– The Sangguniang Panlalawigan(SP) here passed a resolution strongly supporting the proposal of Batangas Congressman Hermilando I. Mandanas for a P500 Billion increase in the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of local government units (LGUs) for 2012. The SP stated in its resolution that it is but proper that LGUs throughout the country obtain their just share from the 2012 IRA so as the basic services for the deprived municipalities and provinces will be addressed and attended to. The SP was informed of Mandanas’ proposal through Resolution No. 449, S. 2011 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque strongly supporting the proposal of the congressman and urging all other local government units in the country to support the same. It is mentioned in the Marinduque SP resolution that the LGUs have 40-percent share from the total taxes collected by the national government, including value- added tax, excise tax and documentary stamp tax. However, in an inquiry and study conducted by Congressman Mandanas, it revealed that the LGUs are not getting their share since 1992. Since 1992, the LGUs have been deprived of their respective share in national internal revenue taxes amounting to no less than P500 billion, it added. The resolution also mentioned that with the additional P500 Billion, LGUs will be able to expedite the delivery of long delayed and urgently needed basic services, it will help create jobs, stimulate the economy, and enable the implementation of the public-private partnership programs nationwide.(JDP/JBS-PIA CAR, Mt. Province)





MIMAROPA aims to perform better in the next 5 years

by PIA Press Release


January 12 (PIA) -- REGION IV-B, also known as MIMAROPA, has made a good showing in the area of employment scoring an almost perfect percentage, records at the National Economic Development Authority showed. MIMAROPA, which is composed of the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, is aiming to make the provinces a place to rest, live, retire and adventure while at the same time offering its people a peaceful, self-sustaining, progressive and a safe environment and be the destination of choice by 2016. In order to achieve and execute such visions, the region made a list of goals that should be done by 2015: eradicating hunger and poverty, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender and equality and empowerment of women. Also included are reduction of children mortality, improvement of maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development. While the region scored well in some aspects it needs however to improve in such areas as infrastructure and environmentally sound socio-economic activities. MIMAROPA’s highest gross regional domestic product (GRDP) was at 9.8 percent in 2007. The average GDRP is 4.4 percent. The GDRP for 2008 and 2009 fell due to the negative growth and poor agriculture performance and deceleration of activities, the Economic Brief presented by NEDA Regional Director Oskar D. Balbastro during the last meeting of the Regional Development Council showed. Palawan is the top producer in the Philippines of cashew securing 90 percent of total national output, while 59 percent of calamansi is produced in Oriental Mindoro. The region is third after Central Luzon and Ilocos region as top producer of onions. Though the performance of the agricultural, industrial and service sectors are falling from 2008-2009, the region has showed good statistics in employment. It has an almost perfect percentage of employment and a very low percentage of unemployment. MIMAROPA’s near-term prospects include activating the role of Palawan in the development of agri-potentials to provide processed products and a developed tourism industry for the south and making north Palawan as a part of tourism circuit, transport network development, completion of circumferential roads and upgrading of ports and airports all over the region. The region’s mid-term prospects includes ecozone/ processing center development and sustained power supply. The GRDP target for the year 2010-2016 is seven percent. (Camille N. Serrano/PIA-IVB)






Ex-Marinduque congressman, bagong TRB chief

by Jhie Convocar


ITINALAGANG bagong hepe ng Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) si dating Marinduque Representative Edmund Reyes ayon sa Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC). Ayon kay DoTC secretary Mar Roxas, pormal na itinalaga ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III si Reyes habang si Atty Pablo Roces Nava III naman ay kasapi ng board. “These latest appointments are in line with the Department’s goal of infusing new blood and recruiting highly qualified executives to resolve the myriad policy and operational issues in our transport systems,” pahayag Secretary Roxas. “They will be part of the core team in our line agencies that will help provide the people a convenient, safe and reliable mode of transport.” Pinalitan ni Reyes si TRB executive director Manuel Imperial na nakatanggap ng masamang regalo sa pagdiriwang ng kanyang kaarawan. Sa kanyang unang araw ay nahaharap si Reyes sa tatlong petisyon tungkol toll hike sa Star toll.


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