Zamboanga del Sur News November 2014

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Province of Zamboanga del Sur - Archived News of Zamboanga del Sur

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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Sur, Santo Niño, Pagadian city

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Lapuyan Falls: The favorite haunt of the fair Subanen maidens of Sitio Baga and all its neighboring areas, usual meeting place with many a young country swain in some secluded cavern beneath the rocky forest lane.

Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

Village of Pedagan

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.

Lintugop, Aurora

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur

Provincial human resource management office of santo niño pagadian city

Civil Service Commision office in santo niño pagadian city

Dumalinao town bags DSWD award

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1361416443713/dumalinao-town-bags-dswd-award
• Thursday, November 20, 2014

(FPG/ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay)

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur, Nov. 20 (PIA) – It pays to submit reports on time.

This town has recently been awarded a Certificate of Recognition for its prompt and regular submission of reportorial requirements for the Social Pension Program Implementation for calendar year 2013-2014.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Lolita F. Jakosalem received the said award from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 Regional Director Zenaida L. Arevalo at the Grand Astoria Hotel in Zamboanga City.

“We have 226 senior citizens in our town and 36 new members under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), said Ms. Jakosalem.

Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles said the beneficiaries receive P500 pension every month which is released every quarter. “Regular monitoring and follow-up aside from personally handing over the checks to recipients are being done to ensure that they receive their benefits.”

“Our senior citizens are still very productive members of the community,” the mayor pronounced, as he is very supportive of their endeavors led by the federation president, Ms. Rita Chavez.

Mr. Alberto Embudo, focal person for senior citizens and manpower development assistant patiently delivers the pension of every senior citizen. If they are not around, it is delivered through the barangay captain.

“I see to it that the payroll and other needed documents are sent back immediately to the regional office without delay. Maybe that was our edge,” explained Jakosalem.

In another development, four wheelchairs given by Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” C. Binay during his recent visit in town were turned-over to identified recipients upon the recommendation of the MSWDO. They were Josephine Mann, Riza Belen, Silvina Apoya and Genaro Aguilar.

POPCOM 9 to celebrate POPDEV Week 2014

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1351416297600/popcom-9-to-celebrate-popdev-week-2014
• Tuesday, November 18, 2014

(FPG/CAL/PIA9)

PAGADIAN CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) – In observance of the Population and Development (POPDEV) Week 2014, the Commission on Population (POPCOM)-9 will spearhead this year’s celebration on Nov. 23-29 with the theme “Bigyang Halaga ang Bawa’t Pinoy sa Pag-unlad… Ngayon at Bukas.”

POPCOM 9 Regional Director Reynaldo O. Wong emphasizes the need to consciously catapult the welfare of every Filipino in inclusive development. “The commemoration calls for the explicit consideration of the well-being of every Filipino in development outcomes and in ensuring that every Filipino is provided with quality life in a sustainable manner,” Wong said.

“In recognition of the importance of integrating population dynamics with development planning, policy-making and resource allocation to achieve local development, POPCOM-9 adopts POPDEV Integration as one of the key strategies to ensure the success of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP),” Wong explained.

The main objective of this strategy is to achieve development outcomes that are facilitative and supportive of sustainable human and socio-economic development from the grassroots up, Wong further said.

Over the years, he said, POPCOM 9 has already capacitated the local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies in integrating population variables with local development processes. Various modules and tools have been developed and promoted to guide program managers and planners in analyzing and tackling development administration in their localities.

In line with the celebration POPCOM 9 will hold a POPDEV summit in the city on Nov. 19, 2014 to tackle the policy and program implication of having 100 million Filipinos in the country and aspires to reach a consensus on key action areas.

Proponents see steady market for Adlay wine of Zamboanga’s Subanen tribe

• Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/proponents-see-steady-market-for-adlay-wine-of-zamboangas-subanen-tribe/
• Monday, November 17, 2014

By Anne Camille B. Brion (BusinessMirror)

KNOWN as the wine of the Subanen tribe, an indigenous group in Zamboanga, pangase wine is looking into the possibility of bringing this unique product into the market.

Pangase is a fermented wine present in the tribe’s ritual ceremonies and special occasions, including weddings, birthdays and even death anniversaries. It has become one of their identities and plays a major role in their culture.

As of now, pangase wines are reaching selected areas in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Coming in small, medium and large jars, pangase wine is priced at P1,000, P1,500 and P2,000, respectively. Plans to put the wines in bottles are also underway. These wines, along with other adlay champion products from the other regions, were showcased during the Grand Adlay Field Day held in Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur.

“Currently, there are two types of this wine being produced. One is rice-based and the other is adlay-based,” said Joy Murayao Chua, manager of the Buug Subanen Workers Association (BSWA) which engages in the production and selling of pangase wine and coco-water vinegar. She describes the pangase adlay wine as sweeterand tastier than the pangase rice wine.

The Subanens are known to cultivate the adlay for a long time now and have been consuming it as one of their staple foods. This food crop is being promoted widely by the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Agricultural Research as an alternative crop to rice and corn in support to achieving national food security and sufficiency.

“Pangase adlay wine is made of tapay powder—a concoction of different organically grown herbal plants, roots, leaves, ginger, hot chili, rice hull, and cooked adlay. Fermentation occurs in ceramic jars that ranges from three months up to one year. The longer the fermentation, the stronger the taste of the wine becomes,” Chua added.

With these ingredients, the Subanens believe of the health benefits one can gain after drinking it.

“Adlay is organically grown, we plant them without using chemical fertilizers. Aside from that, some of those who were able to try the wine said that upon drinking, they felt na nawawala ang lamig sa katawan nila, which make them perspire afterward,” Chua said.

MAG-IISANG TAON NA / Almost 1 year after Zambo Sur mayor ambush at NAIA 3, still no CCTVs

• Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/business/99311/mag-iisang-taon-na--almost-1-year-after-zambo-sur-mayor-ambush-at-naia-3-still-no-cctvs
• Sunday, November 16, 2014 12:06 pm

By Azer N. Parrocha / JST (Philippines News Agency)

MANILA -- Almost one after a Zamboanga Sur town mayor, a baby, and two others were killed in an ambush at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the airport chief said no new closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system has been acquired yet due to a bidding failure.

Airport and transport authorities have been widely criticized as CCTVs would have greatly helped in the police investigation.

In a press conference last week, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Jose Angel Honrada said the bidding for the P480-million CCTVs attracted some 39 firms last September, but the two winning bidders failed the post-qualification review, a key step before the contract can be awarded.

MIAA declared a failure of the bidding last Oct. 27.

Asked if any of the bidders filed a motion for reconsideration, Honrado said that the second bidder did but was later denied.

MIAA said it plans to reopen the bidding and publish the invitation to bid this month.

On 20 December 2013, Labangan town Mayor Ukol Talumpa, his wife, and two others, including one-year-old baby, were killed in an ambush outside the NAIA Terminal 3's arrival area before lunch time. The perpetrators, wearing police uniforms, fired at people in the arrival area before escaping on board a motorcycle.

Airline passengers pay a terminal fee for the use of the airport terminals.

Pinoy fighter Marvin Mabait suffers TKO defeat in US world title fight

• Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/388147/sports/boxing/pinoy-fighter-marvin-mabait-suffers-tko-defeat-in-us-world-title-fight
• Friday, November 14, 2014 6:40 pm

By JM SIASAT / JST (GMA News)

Zamboanga del Sur native Marvin Mabait suffered a technical knockout defeat in the hands of WBC world super flyweight champion Carlos Cuadras on Thursday (Friday PHL time) in Washington DC.

The 26-year-old Mabait was knocked down three times by his Mexican foe before referee Eddie Claudio stopped the contest at the 0:36 mark of round six.

Mabait was a late replacement in the world title bout after fellow Filipino fighter Sonny Boy Jaro pulled out of the fight due to a problem with his visa.

It was Mabait's second consecutive stoppage defeat as his record fell to 19-3-2 with 13 knockouts. Cuadras improved to 31-0-1 with 25 knockouts.

Wanted Man Nabbed in Pagadian City

• Source: http://pro9.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/public-relations/news-release/516-wanted-man-nabbed-in-pagadian-city
• Thursday, November 13, 2014

By PINSP DAHLAN T SAMUDDIN with report from PO2 Radzben S Jul (RPIO9)

Operatives of Pagadian City Police Station arrested Alex Basilan for light threats in a manhunt operation in Purok Sweet Love, Barangay Dumagok at about 11:00 AM November 10, 2014. Suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest under criminal case number 17000 issued by Hon Pablito S. Pielago Jr. with Php 2, 000 bail bond. He is detained at Pagadian CPS for proper disposition.

Dumingag Police Campaign against Illegal Gambling

• Source: http://pro9.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/public-relations/news-release/516-wanted-man-nabbed-in-pagadian-city
• Wednesday, November 12, 2014

By PINSP DAHLAN T SAMUDDIN with report from PO2 Jonas D. Macasa Jr. (RPIO9)

Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur- An inquest case for violation of PD 1602 was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office by Dumingag Police Station who arrested Juelito Mangatol Capa, Ramel Alperez Saragene, Ryan Sahube Albios, Samuel Balucan Salibay, Alden Torres Ganza, Arnold Labrado Mainit and Rodel Nguno Gantunok during an anti-illegal gambling operation in Barangay Caridad, Dumingag at about 4:45 PM of November 6, 2014.

Initial reports showed that, the suspects were caught engaged in illegal gambling particularly playing “Hantak and Cara y Cruz”. Confiscated were gambling materials and bet money in the area. Suspects are detained at Dumingag Police Station awaiting court disposition.

Raps filed vs 2 cops

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2014/11/10/raps-filed-vs-2-cops-375779
• Monday, November 10, 2014

By Bong Garcia

THE police have filed criminal charges against two policemen before the Pagadian City Prosecutor's Office, an official said Monday.

Pagadian City Police Director Glenn Dulawan identified the respondent-policemen as PO1 Razul Lawi, 32, and PO1 Ray Julius Sta. Teresa.

Lawi has been assigned in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur, while Sta. Teresa has been with the Regional Public Safety Battalion in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm).

Dulawan said they were charged Monday for alarm and scandal, as well as indiscriminate firing.

Dulawan said the charges against them stemmed from the illegal discharge of issued service firearms around 3:30 a.m. Sunday at the corners of Sanson Street and Pajares Avenue in the village of San Pedro, Pagadian City.

The two policemen have allegedly fired their service firearms into the air following heated altercations with guest relations officers at a KTV bar in the area, according to Dulawan.

He said the two policemen boarded a tricycle and tried to escape but was arrested following information provided by witnesses.

He said they were detained at the headquarters of the Pagadian City police headquarters.

Dumalinao buys emergency rescue vehicle

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2014/11/09/dumalinao-buys-emergency-rescue-vehicle-375581
• Sunday, November 9, 2014

By Bong Garcia

MAYOR Ace William Cerilles of Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur announced that they are equipped and ready to provide assistance to the town’s residence in time of disasters.

Cerilles made this announcement as they purchased a P710,000 emergency rescue vehicle (ERV), which is the first of its kind in the province of Zamboanga del Sur that comprises of one city and 26 municipalities.

Cerilles said they are not praying for a disaster to occur “but should it strike, we are ready.”

Cerilles said they decided to purchase an ERV in response to the request of his constituents to gear up for climate change adaptation, mitigation and resiliency.

Cerilles said the purchased of the ERV is his priority since six of the 30 barangays of Dumalinao are flood-prone areas.

These are the barangays of Rebokon, Pantad, Metokong, Mama, Bagong Silao, and Bibilik.

Cerilles said the ERV was purchased from the Cebu City-based Pasajero Motors Corporation utilizing the calamity funds of the municipality.

The ERV is a fiberglass dinghy powered by a five horse power outboard motor and equipped with a three kilovolt-ampere (KVA) generator set and two sets of 500-watt halogen lamps.

It also has built-in fire extinguishers, a chainsaw, an axe, life jackets, boots, hard hats, ropes and flashlights.

Cerilles said they will purchase another similar vehicle next year.

Climate change workshop set

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2014/11/07/climate-change-workshop-set-375227
• Friday, November 7, 2014

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that 12 local government units (LGUs) consisting of five cities and seven towns are set to undergo a three-day training workshop on the formulation of Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) in Zamboanga Peninsula.

DILG Regional Director Paisal Abutazil said the training workshop is scheduled to be held from November 11 to 13 in Pagadian City.

Abutazil said the participating LGUs, which have been identified as most vulnerable to disasters in the region, are the following: Bayog, Molave and Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur; Diplahan and Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay; Labason and Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte; and the cities of Dapitan; Dipolog; Isabela; Pagadian; and Zamboanga.

Abutazil said the target participants are the City and Municipal Risk Reduction Management Officer, Planning and Development Officer, Agriculturist or Social Welfare and Development Officer, Environment and Natural Resource officer, Local Government Operations Officer, Health Officer and City or Municipal Council environment committee member.

He said the training is aimed to provide the participants an understanding on how vulnerability assessment helps in responding to challenges.

He said the training also serves as an avenue for the LGUs to update their ecological profile and formulate their LCCAP, which shall then be integrated in the Comprehensive Development Plan or Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

He added the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments provides essential tools for informing the development of such adaptation priorities and plans, as well as development of appropriate climate adaptation strategies needed to manage effectively the un-avoidable impacts of climate change.

Experts from the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Environment and Natural Resources will be the resource speakers of the three-day training.

Mayor bares Dumalinao town is now disaster-ready

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1361415174221/mayor-bares-dumalinao-town-is-now-disaster-ready
• Thursday, November 6, 2014

(FPG/ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sibugay)

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur, Nov. 6 (PIA) – “We’re not praying for a disaster but should it strike, we are ready,” thus said Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles in a recent interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Responding to the needs of his constituents and gearing up for climate change adaptation, mitigation and resiliency, the good mayor recently acquired a disaster rescue vehicle for the town amounting to P710,000.00 from calamity funds.

“We bought this emergency rescue vehicle (ERV) because this is what we need, so I made it a priority. We have flood-prone areas like Barangay Rebokon and the coastal barangays of Pantad, Metokong, Mama, Bagong Silao, and Bibilik,” the young mayor clarified.

He said there is a bridge in Barangay Matab-ang on the way to Rebokon which is impassable during heavy rains because of flooding. The local government has made the necessary repairs to make it accessible even through incessant rains.

The emergency rescue vehicle, acquired on October 30, 2014 is the first of its kind in the province and was bought from Pasajero Motors Corporation in Cebu City. Mayor Cerilles intends to buy another unit next year to better serve his constituents and hopes that this will be replicated in other municipalities.

It is equipped with a fiberglass dinghy, 5hp outboard motor, 3KVA generator set, 2 sets 500 watts halogen lamps, fire extinguishers, chainsaw, axe, life jackets, rain boots, hard hats, nylon ropes, flashlights and other accessories needed during emergency rescue operation.

Cerilles said the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT) composed of 260 members are ready for any eventuality should a disaster hit their town. To upgrade their skills and readiness to respond to disasters, a recent training held on October 26-29 was a boost to their capability.

On the other hand, LGU officials are always on the alert and monitoring the situation in all 30 barangays of the municipality. With the cooperation and vigilance of everyone in the community, there is no doubt that Dumalinao is a disaster-resilient town, coping with extreme weather condition and cushioning its impact in the lives of everyone.

DTI-ZDS to conduct rubber quality improvement advocacy seminar

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1351415172299/dti-zds-to-conduct-rubber-quality-improvement-advocacy-seminar
• Wednesday, November 5, 2014

(FPG/CAL/PIA9 with reports from DTI-ZDS)

PAGADIAN CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) – As one of the champion products of Zamboanga del Sur and with the continuing advocacy of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to improve the quality and adherence to internationally adopted standards in the rubber industry, the DTI provincial office here will conduct a Rubber Quality Improvement Advocacy Seminar on Nov. 11, 2014 at Chandler Suites this city.

DTI Provincial Director Ma. Socorro M. Atay said the seminar would tackle the Philippine National Standards (PNS), International Organization on Standardization (ISO) 2000:2013 specifications for technically specified rubber as well as other important topics.

Director Atay said invited resource persons will elaborate on the topics mentioned to advocate for an improved rubber quality products in the province.

Rubber farmers/growers and traders from all over the province were invited to attend the said seminar, Atay said.

Exporting to the ASEAN seminar set on Nov. 11

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1351414994683/exporting-to-the-asean-seminar-set-on-nov-11
• Tuesday, November 4, 2014

(FPG/CAL/PIA9/JNL-DTIZDS)

PAGADIAN CITY, Nov. 4 (PIA) – With the ASEAN Economic Community fast approaching, it is but imperative for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to raise the level of awareness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) and prepare them for the vast opportunity and market potentials AEC has to offer.

With these, the DTI Zamboanga del Sur provincial office has set a seminar entitled “Exporting to the ASEAN” on November 11, 2014 at Chandler Suites, this city.

DTI Provincial Director Ma. Socorro M. Atay said the seminar will also equip the participants on relevant information such as export procedures and documentary requirements needed to access the AEC market.

Expected to attend this seminar are interested MSME’s or businessmen and women in the city and in the province as well.

Roving academy set for SMEs

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/business/2014/11/03/roving-academy-set-smes-374528
• Monday, November 3, 2014

By Bong Garcia

A FOUR-DAY Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Roving Academy (SRA) will be conducted in Zamboanga Peninsula, said an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DTI OIC-Regional Director Sitti Amina Jain said the SRA is scheduled next week from November 10 to 14 in the different parts of the region.

“This (SRA) is one of the banner projects of DTI for us to bring the programs of DTI closer to our clients,” Jain said, adding that it is aimed to capacitate the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Jain said the SRA will kick off November 10 in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; November 11 in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur; November 12 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; November 13, Zamboanga City; and, November 14 back to Dipolog City.

The participants will be taught on components traceability of food to ensure good quality of the products, exporting to Asean Economic Community, and Rubber Quality Improvement, said Jain.

She said the participants of the SRA will be from the food industry, rubber processors, and potential exporters.

The SRA’s resource speakers are officials from the Manila-based Philippine Trade Training Center, which is the training arm of the DTI.

Police: Undas in Zambo Sur generally peaceful

• Source: http://www.9news.ph/news/regional/2014/11/02/police-undas-in-zambo-sur-generally-peaceful
• Sunday, November 2, 2014

With a report from Jong Cadion(9News Online)

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – Local authorities on Sunday (Nov. 2) declared a “generally peaceful” celebration of All Souls Day here.

Senior Superintendent Sofronio Ecaldre, Zamboaga del Sur Police Provincial Director, said that no untoward incident was reported to them as of Saturday midnight due to tight security measures jointly implemented by police and the Local Government Units (LGUs).

Police were on red alert since Friday (Oct. 31) up to Monday (Nov. 3) to ensure the safety of people flocking the cemeteries here.

Ecaldre said random check points manned by the Provincial Public Safety Battalion were established along the national highway to secure motorists against highway robbery and all forms of criminalities.

Tight security was also implemented at the Integrated Bus Terminals (IBT), public markets, shopping malls and coastal areas, while Police Public Assistance Centers were also in place in public and private cemeteries in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council down to the municipal and barangay levels.

In Pagadian City, tight security and strict implementation of rerouting of all public transport and private vehicles were also enforced going to and from Barangays of Paglaum, Sta. Maria, and Tuburan routes to Pagadian City Public Cemetery and Memorial Garden.

The Public also commended the LGU of Pagadian for providing multi-cab vehicles for free rides within the vicinity of public cemetery and memorial garden.

According to Superintendent Glenn Dulawan, the chief of police of this city, most of the problems they have encountered were minor ones like missing graves especially at the public cemetery.

Public warned vs bogus environmental compliance certificates

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2014/11/01/public-warned-vs-bogus-environmental-compliance-certificates-374180
• Saturday, November 1, 2014

(SDR/Sunnex)

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) warned Saturday the public against fake environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) circulated by unscrupulous individuals.

The warning was issued following the discovery of a fraudulent ECC supposedly issued to an indigenous peoples' organization for a gold mining project in Zamboanga del Sur.

The bogus ECC, purportedly issued by the DENR to a certain Balabag Indigenous Peoples' Minahang Bayan Producers Cooperative (BIPMBP), bore the forged signatures of DENR officials, including that of Secretary Ramon Paje.

It supposedly gives BIPMBP the clearance to conduct "open pit and tunnel method" of mining gold and other minerals covering some 25,000 hectares in Sitio Balabag, Bayog town.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Leo Jasareno, however, clarified that no such ECC was issued by the DENR.

"Per DENR records, no such issuance exists and the signatures affixed to it are forged," Jasareno said.

He said his fake signature appeared under the "Recommending Approval" heading while that of Paje under the "Approved by" heading.

"Even if a project involves a mining project, ECCs are not being recommended for approval by the MGB. ECCs are granted by the DENR only through the Environmental Management Bureau or EMB, not MGB. MGB does not grant ECCs," Jasareno said.

The forged ECC, dated October 20, 2014 with number ECC-R9-MBC-001-2014, used the EMB's letterhead and the DENR's official logo, complete with 12 "conditionalities" and even a provision on its volume extraction at 240 tons a day "utilizing an open cut method by benching through minimal equipment and manual labor."

The EMB letterhead, however, revealed already the forgery because of a wrong address, that is, North Avenue instead of Visayas Avenue.

Jasareno said Paje has already ordered an investigation into such violation and file appropriate charges against the perpetrators as evidence warrants.