Cagayan de Oro City News August 2011

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Lawmaker: More infra projects in Oro

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


REPRESENTATIVE Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd district, Cagayan de Oro) announced on Tuesday that various infrastructure projects including drainage system in the city will soon be started, with the multi-million budget that he got during a series of budget hearing.

Among the multi-million budget that Rodriguez and Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez (Abante Mindanao party-list) get from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is the P200-million fund for the continuation of the coastal road along Gusa-Lapasan and Puntod-Macabalan.

Plan your Sinulog week ahead and find out what's in store for Sinulog 2012.

Another P72 million for the drainage system in Cagayan de Oro highway, along Limketkai and Mindanao University of Science and Technology going to Burgos-Cagayan de Oro River and Lapasan-Consolacion, have also been sourced out.

According to Rufus, the DPWH is also set to ground break the P360-million J.R. Borja Bridge going to Carmen-Vamenta Avenue.

“It was DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson who informed me about this and that the budget is under Spanish grant,” he said.

Rufus added that they also were able to get P10 million for a farm-to-market road project from Indahag to F.S. Catanico from the budget of the Department of Agriculture, and another P5 million for the Taguanao and Balulang Bridge from the Department of Agrarian Reform and P10 million from Tulay ng Pangulo project.

The two lawmakers also got a P10 million budget from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the planting of bamboo and mahogany trees along the rivers in Cagayan de Oro, Bigaan, Cugman, Agusan, Tablon and Alae in Bugo.

The budget also includes mangrove planting in Macajalar Bay from Lapasan to Bugo, urban re-greening in Barangays Macasandig and Camaman-an, and upland reforestation in Malasag, Cugman and Balubal.

“All these we get from attending the entire budget hearing of every department without absence,” Rufus said.

He said the budget is already approved and will be released in the coming weeks.





Transport strikes in Calabarzon, Bicol set tomorrow

by Dennis Carcamo


MANILA, Philippines -- Transport groups in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions are set to stage a strike tomorrow, Aug. 31, to protest the series of oil price hikes.

The region-wide transport strikes will be spearheaded by Southern Tagalog Transport Sector Organization (STARTER-PISTON-SOUTHERN TAGALOG) and Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reforms (CONDOR-PISTON-BICOL).

Transport workers will hold simultaneously protests at the Department of Energy in Cebu and Davao, Santiago City, Tuguegarao, Baguio, Angeles, Bulacan, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo, General Santos, Butuan, and Cagayan De Oro City.

Meanwhile, militant group Piston will also hold a multi-sectoral rally to protest the alleged P9 overpricing in petroleum products.

Piston secretary general George San Mateo said tomorrow's rally will pave the way for a unified transport strike in Metro Manila.

The group has been asking the government to scrap the oil deregulation law and the 12 percent value added tax on petroleum products.

Cagayan de Oro City fiesta generally peaceful

by Michael Andrew W. Yu


THE Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) said this year’s celebration of the Kagay-an Festival is generally peaceful.

City police director Gerardo Rosales said Monday based on their peace and order situation assessment, “The feast of St. Augustine is generally peaceful since the activity last Sunday until last night.”

He, however, said there were minor inevitable incidents.

“Last night (Sunday) and the other day (Saturday), most reported crimes were incidents caused mainly by the influence of liquor. The arrested persons were detained at the police stations in Divisoria, Agora and Carmen…,” Rosales said.

He also said only five cases of snatching were recorded since Monday last week until Sunday.

“More incidents were reported last year compared this year owing to the good security plan that we have implemented,” he said.

Around 1,200 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) were deployed since Monday last week to oversee the peace and order situation in the city.

The personnel composed of more than 700 Cocpo members, 220 from the Regional Public Safety Battalion and more than 300 from the regional training schools.

Rosales said they have carefully studied the proper deployment area for personnel and the strategies to be used because of the early formulation of a security plan.

He said his staff and all police station commanders assessed during the command conference conducted on Monday morning that the rate of crime is lower this year compared last year.





Aug. 27 is “Araw Ng Kabus” in Cag. de Oro

by Lorebeth C. Requiroso


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- The city has designated, yesterday, Aug. 27, as “Araw ng Kabus” (Day of the Poor). “Kagay-anons” were given the chance to watch the movie of their choice with only half the cost of admission rates. Ordinance 8881-2003, which was enacted in 2003, grants movie houses exemption from payment of the amusement tax due them for the said day only, provided they will reduce their admission rates or undertake a “buy one take one for free” promo. It was also on this day that the anti-climax of the city fiesta in honor of St. Augustine was celebrated with much fun fare with the 5th Golden Float Parade and Drum and Bugle competition. (CIO/PIA-10)




Cag. de Oro Police reminds fiesta revelers to be vigilant

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 27 (PIA) -- P/SSupt. Gerardo Rosales, Director of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), has reminded the city fiesta revelers to be vigilant and not to lower their guard against unscrupulous individuals who might want to take advantage of the fiesta activities. Rosales issued the warning, despite reports of very low incidence of snatching and pick-pocketing, during the month-long activities that have been lined-up for the Aug. 28 city fiesta celebration, this year. “This could be due to the heightened Police visibility in strategic areas of the city where most people go, like shopping malls, and where the different fiesta events were held, like carnivals, competitions and shows, among others,” he said. He also thanked the augmentation forces from higher headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP), like the Police Regional Office (PRO) region 10, mobile police forces, newly recruited Police Officers and students taking up Bachelor of Science in Criminology from some schools in the city for their help in manning their Police Visibility centers. “We would always like to prevent the crime from happening and letting the people feel the Police presence would surely help deter crime,” he said Again the COCPO Director advised the revelers, when they set out from their homes to these areas, to bring just their essential things and not to wear so much jewelry that would invite the attention of the criminals to victimize them. In instances when the revelers would bring their children with them, they must see to it that somebody should take care and watch over the children so they won’t get lost in the crowd to avoid hysterics on the part of the parents, later on, Rosales added. (PIA-10)




Trader linked to vehicle smuggling falls in Cagayan de Oro

by RSJ/LBG, GMA News>/b>


A controversial businessman linked to the smuggling of expensive vehicles in Mindanao was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation agents in Cagayan de Oro City Thursday night.

On Friday, radio dzBB's Cecilia Villarosa said Lynard Allan Bigcas was arrested in Poblacion village by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Bukindon regional trial court.

The arrest warrant was for illegal possession of firearms, the report added.

NBI Northern Mindanao regional head Jose Justo Yap said Bigcas is being held at the NBI Region 10 detention cell. A bail of P80,000 had been recommended for his temporary liberty, the report said.

Bigcas became controversial after he was found allegedly possessing a missing expensive motorcycle of Hollywood scriptwriter Skip Woods.

In June, the Bureau of Customs filed a complaint against Bigcas and five others for alleged importation of almost 30 vehicles.

Back then, Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez claimed that Bigcas supposedly brought in the vehicles without the required Authority to Import document that is issued by the Bureau of Import Service of the Department of Trade and Industry. — RSJ/LBG, GMA News>/b> advertisement





Studes accuse teacher of ‘malicious acts’

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


A PUBLIC school teacher may find himself in hot water after he was accused of doing “malicious acts” to 10 Grade V students of East City Central School in Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

The students said the teacher, whose name is withheld pending his side of the issue, allegedly “hugged and touched” their shoulders on August 18 while having their special computer class inside the school.

Porferio P. Padinit Jr., Principal III of East City Central School, said there is no formal complaint filed against the teacher in his office as of press time.

However, he said he had initiated an investigation when he learned about the issue on August 23 from one of the teachers during a casual conversation.

Padinit said he had already called the students and based on their statements, what the teacher did might have only been a “fatherly fondness.”

“The pupils may have just misinterpreted the teacher’s actions. I’m not covering the teacher but I could not also blame the pupils. In fact, I told the teacher that what he did was wrong even though for him, it was only a ‘fatherly fondness’,” Padinit told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

The teacher already issued his apology to the pupils as he insisted that there was no malice in his treatment.

Padinit said he temporarily suspended the computer class being handled by the teacher starting Thursday.

“I will also request for his transfer but if a parent will complain, I will hold his transfer to avoid any issues,” he said.





DOST’s OL Trap sites show decrease in dengue cases

by PIA Press Release


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




PMA Entrance Exam for Class 2016 slated members of Class of 2016, are reminded of the conduct of its annual entrance examination (AEE) this coming Sunday, Aug. 28. Maj. Gen. Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry DAug. 28

by PIA Press Release


CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Aug. 23 (PIA) -– Interested applicants who want to join the Cadetship Program of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) that will compose theivision, said the examination will be held at the 4ID Gym, here, and will be simultaneously conducted in 37 testing centers all over the country to be facilitated by the PMA-Office of Cadet Admissions (OCA). “This is part of the selection process in choosing ‘the best among the best’ of our youth, today, to become cadets who shall soon be given the rare opportunity to serve in the noble profession of arms as regular officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Felix said. To qualify, an applicant must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, of good moral character, physically fit, with a minimum height of 5’4” if male, and 5’2” if female, single, never been married and must have not delivered or fathered a child. At least a high school graduate with a general average of 85% or higher, he/she must at least be 17 years old, but not a day older than 22 years old, on 01 April of the year following the examination taken, which is the day of admission to PMA. The premier military institution in the country, PMA offers benefits, privileges and opportunities to cadets that include pay and allowances while studying, a well-rounded college education, a guaranteed job after graduation and a progressive career as a regular officer in the three (3) major services of the AFP, the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force or Philippine Navy. Applicants must bring the following documents/requirements to the examination venue on Aug. 28, the date of the exam: Exam permit sent thru mail by OCA for regular applicants, or downloaded from the website for those who applied using the internet and photocopy of the Birth Certificate from the National Statistics Office (NSO). Form 137 or School Report Card for high school applicants or transcript of records (TOR) for college applicants, two (2) 2x2 pictures with white background and Mongol Pencil #2. (4CMO/PIA-10)




2011 crime prevention confab focuses on youth

by Elaine O. Ratunil


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




Region 10 to grow 2.168 million new trees under Pres. Aquino’s NGP

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 21 (PIA) -- A total of 4,336 hectares of land in Northern Mindanao have been targeted to be planted with various species of trees under the National Greening Program (NGP). With NGP’s target of planting 500 seedlings per hectare, the region expects to grow 2,168,000 new trees in six years. This was explained by Mayor Leandro Jose H. Catarata of Valencia City, who is also the Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee, Regional Development Council, region 10 (EDC, RDC-X) during the last full council meeting in Ozamiz City. Catarata said of the NGP area in the region, the province of Bukidnnon posted the biggest share of 2,002 has. or 46 percent, followed by Misamis Occidental with 999 has. or 23 percent, Misamis Oriental, 774 has. or 18 percent, Lanao del Norte, 424 has. or 10 percent, Camiguin , 85 has., or 0.02 percent and Lake Lanao, 52 has., or 0.01 percent. Issued by the President Benigno S. Aquino III, last February 24, Executive Order No. 26 directed the implementation of NGP for the period 2011-2016. The NGP complements the national government strategies on sustainable development, poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation. In a letter addressed to the EDC, RDC-X, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sought the endorsement of NGP to the RDC-X Full Council which strongly recommended its implementation. Targeting to plant 1.5 million has., nationwide, from 2011-2016, the NGP considers forestlands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, military reservations, urban areas under the local government unit’s greening plan, abandoned mine sites, and other suitable lands. Meanwhile, RDC-X has integrated the NGP in the Regional Development Plan (RDP) and coordinated its implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the region after determining the priority lands for its development under the NGP, Catarata said. In addition, RDC-X has been tasked to provide direction to the Regional Convergence Initiative-Technical Working Group chaired by DENR in operationalizing the NGP activities in the region. The timetable of activities that clearly details the proposed functions of the RDC under the NGP has also been worked out by the DENR in collaboration with the RDC Technical Staff. It is also the DENR that determines the reliability of support mechanisms and condition, such as, seedling materials availability, accessibility of target planting areas, and inter-agency collaboration on logistical support by firming up formal agreements with various government instrumentalities involved in the NGP, Catarata added. (PIA-10)




PPOC-CMC, Mis. Or. levels internal tribal conflict

by Katrina Leyson-Abrio


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 20 (PIA) -- Cementing its role as the local instrument for peace process and nation-building, the Provincial Peace and Order Council – Conflict Management Cluster (PPOC-CMC), here, leveled the conflict within the Plaridel and Hinaplanon Tribal Communities of Claveria town. The leveling off was arranged by Vice Governor Norris Babiera assisted by Provincial Director Ponciano D. Caberte of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Head of the PPOC Secretariat, through a dialogue to iron-out pressing issues besetting the communities, last August 9. It was learned during the process that when the old chieftain, Florencio Dangwa, was killed, Roberto Lag-e a.k.a. Datu Maloloy-on assumed leadership of the community. Datu Maloloy-on, at the time, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Minergy Hydro Power Plant (HPP) prepared by the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP) as stipulated in the IPRA Law. As provided in the MOA, Minergy will allot Php500,000 for the use of natural resources in the area, particularly, for hydro power plant with Cabulig River as its source. As part of the agreement, the money will be downloaded to NCIP and be used for the processing of their CADT claim. However, during the leadership of Datu Maloloy-on several conflicts developed that affected their transactions with Minergy HPP and CADT claim processing. Because of this, the community appointed Josefina Pimentel as representative of the tribal council, particularly on its CADT claim. In 2009, Ladislaw Dangwa was appointed as the new chieftain. For some reasons, Datu Maloloy-on could not accept the change in leadership. He openly signified his intent and desire to claim the money allotted by Minergy HPP due to the fact that he was the signatory of the MOA. He also expressed his belief that he is the rightful chieftain. On the other hand, the tribal community conveyed their decision that the MOA with Minergy should be amended to clarify some issues. Aggravating this circumstance, some properties of Sta. Clara Corporation, the contractor of Minergy HPP was burned by still unidentified perpetrators resulting in damages estimated at Php70 million. So far the communities agreed to strengthen their traditional political structure and clarify the role of Datu Maloloy-on. They also agreed to meet up for another dialogue in the last week of August to discuss amendments of the MOA and make a presentation of their final traditional political structure. (DILG-Mis. Or./PIA-10)




Senator Koko visits hometown, spells out priority plans

by Jorie C. Valcorza


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 19 (PIA) -- Newly seated Senator Aquilino Martin Pimentel III visited his hometown, here, yesterday, for the first time since assuming his post, for a day of thanksgiving. He was accompanied by his mother, Ma. Lourdes Tuyor-Pimentel and wife, Jewel May Lobaton, a Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title-holder who represented the country in the Miss Universe Pageant in 1998, and his other relatives, in a mass at the St. Augustine Cathedral. The 1990 Philippines Bar Topnotcher, Senator “KoKo” as he is fondly called, wowed the Cagayan de Oro media after he announced, in a press conference, that the remaining constituency development fund (CDF) of former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri for the year, will all be poured into Mindanao, including this city. Having gone through lot things in search of truth and justice, the Senator admitted that finances is one of the things that one should really prepare to hurdle when filing an election protest. “It’s quite expensive to file a protest and this is one aspect of electoral reform that I’m interested to look into, how to turn it as an ‘effective remedy,’ by lessening the roll of money and time, that politicians who think of committing election frauds will think twice for call to shame,” he said. Pimentel shared that he and his staff are in no pressure to out-rightly file some bills that are half-baked, as he needs more time to review some of the priority draft bills which includes justice on electoral reforms and the local government code. The Senator also assured to support bills filed by the two district representatives of the City, namely, Congressmen Rufus Rodriguez and Jose Benjamin Benaldo. “I am free to be their counterpart at the Upper House Senate to ensure that their bills will be carried through at the shortest time possible,” he said. When asked about his position on the ongoing peace negotiation with the MILF and the government, he answered that he supports all efforts to achieve peace and urged “that talk, talk and all talks about peace is far better that shooting wars.” He also sounded a call on the part of the government negotiating panel not to commit something that is not feasible under the Constitution, so that no one is misleading anybody and the commitment of the executive to work on the amendment of the constitution is enough. (PIA 10)





CSC still accepting entries for essay writing contest

by Jorie C. Valcorza


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 18 (PIA) -– The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has launched, this year, a new set of profile activities, in a bid to increase awareness of public servants of their roles in providing effective, efficient and excellent service. “One of these activities is the essay writing contest which aims to drum up the Philippine Civil Service (PCS) 111th Anniversary and encourage active involvement of the whole bureaucracy,” Atty. Lourdes Clavite-Vidal, Regional Director of CSC, region 10, said. The essay shall focus on the role of government employees in public service delivery and how they can become servant heroes in the eyes of God and country. Anchored on the theme “Kawani, Kaya Mong Maging Lingkod Bayani,” the entries should answer the question “Ano ang Lingkod Bayani?” or “What is a Servant Hero?” on the perception of a public servant. All entries must be original, unpublished and not included in any previous essay writing contest administered by government agencies and must be submitted via registered mail, courier or personally delivered to the Civil Service Commission No. IV, 139 Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City. Thus, she has called on all interested government employees to submit their entries now as the deadline will be on August 24. She also encourages them to visit the CSC regional field offices first and secure entry forms as well as to be oriented on the mechanics of the entry. First prize winner gets Php10,000 cash and plaque, while second and third place awardees will also receive a plaque and cash worth Php7,000 and Php5,000, respectively. Other activities organized in observance of the anniversary next month includes a fitness walk, fun run, inter-agency friendship games, trade fair, bloodletting, photography, musical and the honor awards rites. This year’s celebration is anchored on President Aquino’s call for reform for “Daang Matuwid,” and on his pledge to implement change in government, thus the PCS 111th Anniversary theme: “Championing R.A.C.E.: Public Servant at Full Speed.” The theme urges civil servants, nationwide, to respond to the call for change and be servant heroes by joining CSC in building a responsive, accessible, courteous, and effective public service or R.A.C.E. (PIA 10)





PDEA nabs suspected drug pusher in Oro

by Juliet Caga-anan


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 17 -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) captured anew a drug pusher following an entrapment operation in Cagayan de Oro City. The suspect was identified as Joseph Dadang y Ongcal who was arrested by PDEA agents after handing over one (1) piece heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu to a PDEA agent who acted as a poseur-buyer at Purok 4, Barangay Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City. Suspect is now temporarily detained at PDEA RO 10 for booking and documentation while seized evidences were brought to PNP Crime Laboratory for examination. Violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 is now being readied for filing charges in court. (PDEA/PIA-10)




DepEd commends 4CMO for active participation in Brigada Eskwela 2011

by PIA Press Release


CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Aug. 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) officials of the Bulua Central School (BSC), this city, has commended the 4th Civil Military Operation Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army for its active participation in the conduct of “Brigada Eskwela 2011” last May 27. During its General Parents Teachers Association (GPTA) induction of officers and Brigada Eskwela 2011 awarding of certificates last August 13, at the school’s covert court, Atty. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. commended the Army’s involvement in the community activitiese for peace and development in the city. Rodriguez, who is also the Abante Mindanao (ABAMIN) Party List Representative, graced the affair and served as the Inducting Officer of the newly elected GPTA officers. Meanwhile, Erlinda T Cartagena, School and District Coordinating Principal of BCS, lauded the PA’s contributions, particularly, the 4CMO for its benevolent support in making their school physically ready for this year opening of classes. “We are very thankful for the Army’s support to our Brigada Eskwela 2011. Their presence has helped us a lot in preparing our school to be a conducive place for learning,” she said. During the occasion, Scouts Royale Brotherhood and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were also awarded certificates of recognition for their support to the school. The affair was also attended by the school faculties, students, parents, local government officials of Barangay Bulua and different stakeholders of the community. (4CMO/PIA-10)




Lawmaker prioritizes improvement of city roads

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


REPRESENTATIVE Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd district, Cagayan de Oro) vowed to prioritize the improvement of the city roads in time for the opening of the Laguindingan International Airport in Laguindingan town, located some 30 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City.

Rodriguez said one of the identified concerns once the airport project is completed in the first quarter of 2012 is the increase in the volume of traffic along the national highway, specifically along the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro City-Iligan City Road (BCIR).


Right now, Rodriguez said a 195-lineal meter flyover costing more than P362 million is being constructed in Barangay Puerto along the Cagayan de Oro-Bukidnon-Butuan City junction, a bottleneck area in the eastern portion of the city.

“This is one project that has a big impact to the city considering that Puerto is one of its busiest areas with business establishments sprouting around,” he said.

Related to this, Rodriguez recently turned over three road improvement projects worth P35.17 million to the City Government of Cagayan de Oro.

“These are just a few of our projects but we are going to have more of these because I see that we should take part in the development of the Laguindingan airport by not only improving but also widening our roads,” he said.

The first of these projects included the concreting of some 99.84 linear meters of road with an average width of 11 meters and thickness of 0.23 meters in the South Divisoria of the city.

Along with its drainage, the project had an appropriation of P3.383 million and was undertaken by Angel and Sam Construction and General Merchandise for 90 calendar days.

The second was the concreting of some 311.60 linear meters of road, also with an average width of 11 meters and thickness of 0.23 meters in North Divisoria.

Including the installation of pipe culverts for drainage, the project had an appropriation of P6.785 million and was undertaken by C. Dy Builders and General Merchandise for 120 calendar days.

The third project was the asphalt overlay of some 1.046 km. of road along the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro- Iligan City Road in Barangay Lapasan with an appropriation of P25 million, undertaken by SOKOR Construction for 45 calendar days.

Philippine university graduate practices urban farming to answer food issues

by Michael Levenston

“There is a need for fresh food and urban agriculture, through Urban Container Gardening, gives us the opportunity to provide fresh, organic, nutritious food to the market”

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—“If Nebuchadnezzar had his Hanging Gardens of Babylon, I also have my ‘Hanging Gardens of Rom.’”

With this opening sentence coupled with several pictures of Nebuchadnezzar’s Hanging Gardens of Babylon flashing on the screen followed by pictures of ampalaya (bitter melon or charantia) vines hanging from the roof of his rented two-story house in Davao City, Perfecto “Jojo” Rom effectively drew the attention of the crowd to his lecture on Urban Agriculture, specifically on “Urban Container Gardening” or UCG.

Rom graduated from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan in 2001 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Crop Science through a full scholarship provided by the Xavier Science Foundation from 1997 to 2001. He has visited other countries teaching those willing to listen the concept of UCG.

Using discarded, broken plastic containers and even used tires, 35-year-old Rom has embarked on a one-man crusade teaching households and individuals to contribute to the Philippines’ food security program, as well as ecological sanitation and environmental protection through urban farming.




Government hits jail guards’ 'POW' status

by Nicole J. Managbanag


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The government peace panel criticized the communist rebels for giving "prisoner of war" (POW) status to four jail guards they abducted in Bukidnon.

Alex Padilla, head of the government peace panel, said the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) is not a state or a belligerent force, and it should not presume to act like one.

Earlier, the Merardo Arce Command-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the NPA accorded a POW status to the four jail personnel identified as Jail Inspectors Murphy B. Todyog and Eric D. Llamasares, Special Jail Officer 2 Rogelio E. Begontes, and Jail Officer 1 Rolando D. Bajuyo Jr.


In a statement, Rigoberto F. Sanchez, spokesperson of the Merardo Arce Command, said when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) portrayed the taking of POWs as "kidnapping" and the taking into custody of either an armed personnel belonging to a party to an armed conflict or one who is facing criminal charges for various offenses and serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law as "hostaging", they not only reveal a sheer ignorance of International Humanitarian Law but also a state of extreme anxiety.

"The NPA is determined to fulfill its task to hit the enemy who harm the interests of the people, to take POWs as a legitimate act during an armed conflict,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez added the jail guards will enjoy their rights as POWs as long as they are not formally charged of any criminal offense before the People's Court.

However, the government peace panel said: "The CPP-NPA-NDF is not a state nor has any government recognized it as a belligerent force. It should not presume to act like one."

"It is unfortunate that while they are talking peace with government, the NPA has escalated its attacks and other acts of violence to unprecedented levels, committing the very acts they accuse government of doing," the panel said.

It added the NPA should not have abducted the four officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology at all since "the functions they perform are civilian in nature and they are far from being combatants."

Under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, civilians "shall not be the object of attack."

Padilla is urging the NPA that the victims should be released immediately without any preconditions.

"We are concerned that some of them are suffering from poor health and nutrition. We hold the NPA directly responsible for their safety and for any adverse health conditions they may suffer," he said.

Padilla also said that they condemned "in the strongest terms" the trial of Lingig, Surigao del Sur Mayor Henry Dano before a "people's court."

Dano and his two military escorts were abducted in Surigao del Sur last August 6 by NPA members.

The abduction took place while government chief negotiator Padilla was discussing peace with CPP-National Democratic Front negotiating panel spokesman Fidel Agcaoili in Makati City.

The panel said the communist rebels violated the rights of Lingig, Surigao del Sur Mayor Henry Santos Dano by hauling him before a "people's court," saying it deprived the mayor of "fundamental rights which they (the NPA) themselves always demand when their own people are caught and are brought before a court of justice."

It said Dano has been deprived of the right to choose his own counsel and to enjoy the presumption of innocence.

Padilla said these acts committed by the NPA are nothing short of criminal as its members are violating the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which the group signed.

He reiterated that Dano is non-combatant and should be released without preconditions, including both of his escorts who enjoy the same basic rights as any other.

In a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the panel said the abductions were "nothing short of criminal."

The panel said the abductions violated an agreement signed by both parties to protect non-combatants "as well as every human rights protocol."

Padilla said it is unfortunate that while the NPAs are talking peace with the government, they escalated attacks and other acts of violence to unprecedented levels, committing the very acts they accuse government of doing.

He said obviously, the NPA rebels are working on the assumption that human rights apply only to them and that they can easily deprive those they choose to.

"We reiterate our call to the CPP/NPA/NDF to seriously talk peace with government if they are serious in desiring to end the armed conflict. We ask that they stop these abductions, killings and other criminal acts which benefit no one, except those who actually profit from violence," he said. (Jonathan de Santos/ Nicole J. Managbanag of Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Sunnex)




Mayor creates Oro Blood Council

by Michael Andrew W. Yu


CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano has issued an executive order creating a Blood Council in the city.

Emano said the Cagayan de Oro Blood Council will participate in the formation of the Local Blood Donation Program that fulfills the need for blood in the community.

He said the council will also plan and implement public education, advocacy and donor recruitment activities to promote voluntary blood donation and would organize mobile blood collection in coordination with the Department of Health in Northern Mindanao and the Philippine Red Cross.

The council is also tasked to spearhead and assist in fund raising/fund sourcing from within the community and from external government and non-government organizations, financial institutions or agencies and strengthen the linkages of local hospitals, facilities providing obstetrical care and health services with blood centers.

It is also tasked to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Local Blood Donation Program.

Councilor Dante Pajo, vice-chair of the Cagayan de Oro Blood Council and the chair of the City Council committee on health and sanitation, said the newly-formed council will boost blood distribution in the city and will surely be beneficial to poor residents.




Cops probe new kidnap modus

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


OPERATIVES of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) are monitoring and conducting surveillance on two vehicles that are allegedly involved in kidnapping of children and adults and selling internal organs.

Cocpo City Police Director Gerardo Rosales said they are conducting operation to identify and apprehend this group.

"But we still have to verify the authenticity of this information considering that it was circulated through text messages," Rosales said.

Based on text messages, a Fortuner vehicle bearing plate number KDD-445 and "auto" color black with plate number JDT-888 are loaded with suspected kidnappers preying on children and even adults.

The text message said the kidnappers will reportedly remove the victims' eyes, kidneys and hearts and sell them.

Police Senior Inspector Romulo Paza, station commander of Bulua Police Station, said the text messages have been circulating since the other week.

For his part, Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Police, Fire and Public Safety, urged the public to immediately report to the police or military any text messages like this for verification.

"Parents should also be watchful to ensure the safety of their children. They should be fetched from school to make sure," Nacaya told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

He also appealed to those responsible for spreading the information to stop this kind of hoax as this may be unfair to the owners of the vehicles.

Nacaya said this could also cause panic to the public, particularly to the parents.




Rebels demand 'prisoner swap'

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Communist rebels holding four jail officers in Bukidnon demanded for the release of their six comrades detained in jails run by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), an official said.

Jail Insp. Arnel Nacasabog, Lumbia jail acting chief, said the New People's Army (NPA) demanded for a "prison swap" for the BJMP personnel they kidnapped on July 21, 2011.

He however declined to give details of the ongoing negotiation.

"I don't have the concrete details of the negotiation but as far as I know, that was the demand of the NPA," Nacasabog told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

He added that Chief Supt. Dionisio Mamaril of BJMP national headquarters in Manila personally went to Bukidnon for the negotiation.

Although the NPA earlier assured not to harm the four captives, Nacasabog expressed apprehension on the health condition of Jail Inspector Murphy Todyog.

"He has arthritis and is in fact under medication. His feet are swollen now, for sure," Nacasabog said.

Aside from Todyog, also captured were Jail Insp. Ericho Llamazares, jail warden of Ozamiz City Jail; Senior Jail Officer 2 Rogelio Begontes and Jail Officer 1 Rolando Bajuyo Jr.

The BJMP personnel were seized by at least 200 heavily armed NPA rebels in Kitaotao, Bukidnon while they were on their way to the Davao Penal Colony to turnover eight inmates.

The communist rebels rescued Dennis Rodenas, whom they refer to as a victim of injustice.

Rodenas' connection with the rebels was not established. (Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Sunnex)



Military unit condemns kidnapping of Surigao mayor

by Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper


THE 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army based in Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag has condemned the kidnapping of Mayor Henry Dano of Lingig town, Surigao del Sur on Saturday morning.

At the same time, Major General Victor Felix, 4ID commander, is calling on the public to help put a complete stop to the senseless atrocities perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA), whose Guerrilla Front 20 is blamed for Dano's abduction.

Felix has ordered "no let up" in the pursuit operations against the armed groups.

Reports sent by the 401st Brigade in Surigao del Sur said Dano was abducted in his home at 6 a.m. Saturday together with his two close-in bodyguards by an undetermined number of fully armed NPA.

The kidnappers, who disguised themselves as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) wearing green T-shirts, were seen heading toward Boston, Davao Oriental on board two vehicles -- a blue Toyota Hi-ace van with plate number VDE-690 and a green Hyundai Starex van with plate number 213.

Immediately after Dano's abduction, the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) deployed troops to pursue the kidnappers but were ambushed by the NPA at Sitio Mahogany, Barangay Pagbakatan, of the same town.

A firefight ensued for 30 minutes, resulting in the death of two soldiers and the wounding of four others.

The identities of the two dead soldiers were temporarily withheld prior to notification of their immediate families.

Felix said the ultimate motive for the abduction is yet to be determined by the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are still conducting hot pursuit operations.

Colonel Romeo Gan, commander of 401Brigade, is coordinating with all government forces, including civilian organizations, to help facilitate the safe release of Dano.

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur has activated a Crisis Management Team headed by Governor Johnny T. Pimentel.

"The NPAs are now getting frustrated because of our successes with Internal Peace and Security Campaign Plan 'Bayanihan' so they continue to focus on soft targets only, capitalizing on those who cannot fully defend themselves," Gan said.

He said local executives and businesses are now resisting their demands and are afraid that time will come they have to practically beg in order to sustain the whims and caprices of their leaders.

"Again, this is clearly an act of desperation on their part that's why they are resorting to kidnapping and terrorism, if only to sow fear in order to boost their diminishing collection in extortion activities," Gan said. (CMO/PIA)



2011 Milo Little Olympics: A near-sweep by Corpus chessers

by Lynde Salgados


CORPUS Christi School made another sensational finish, almost sweeping the chess team championships of the Mindanao Milo Little Olympics concluded Sunday at the high-rise new MOGCHS building in Cagayan de Oro.

As the foursome of Bea Sophia Dupa, Vanessa Magno, Honey Grace Baclayo and Juliet Angelika Mari Pabillore played through undefeated to bag the elementary girls plum, the fivesome of Jason Chezter Coquilla, Keith Duval Ibaoc, Jeff Russell Rivera, Leuvin Paul Salgados and Christian Mario Pabillore did the same in seven rounds to pocket the secondary boys title.

However, Corpus Christi's elementary boys powered by the Ibaoc brothers (Tristan Frech, Kennard Troy and Gabriel) and newcomer Paulo Edrote had to go through the gauntlet before securing the elementary boys crown.

The CCS Little Knights were held to three-straight draws by Bulua Elementary School, West City Central School and Macasandig Elementary School then survived the Bucholz tiebreaker by mere half a point over the Chino Ranario-led WCCS team (19.0 to 18.5 pts) to persevere.

"There are so many deserving winners in this Milo chess competition. Just like in the past, buwenas lang gyod `mi sa Corpus to end up with the most titles," said the founding head of the so-called "FCD Shirov Academy" who acknowledged fellow coaches and trainers WNM Cecile Cuizon, Johnnel Balquin, Noel Candelario, Lyndon Lumancas, Emmanuel Crisologo, Barangay 23 chairman Jaime Joshua Frias III and Silverio Abasolo for developing promising young chess talents in the locality.

Enjoying the support of Capitol province, host Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School defended the secondary girls throne with the prolific foursome of Eure Faith Sabuga, Mary Jeanette Yebes, Ma. Angellah Obemeio and Leia Andion Corrales pulling off a hard-earned last round victory against erstwhile pacesetter Villanueva National High School anchored by Palaro player Janin Crisologo.

"Mao gihapon sa una among strategy..ampo lang sa taas," coach Wilson Asa told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

Corpus Christi's secondary girls, also bannered by last year's Palaro campaigner Alyssa Ysaiah Jamaca, settled for third place in the Milo chessfest that attracted around 40 public and private schools from all over Mindanao.

Tournament officials Lorenzo Cuizon and Joseph Maestrado Jr. said the champion teams will join the Mindanao qualifiers in all 12 sporting events to the 3rd Milo Little Olympics National Finals to be slated in Lingayen, Pangasinan this coming November.




Exhibit showcases 'Tree of Life'

by /www.mb.com.ph


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) – The versatility of the coconut through a showcase of various food and non-food products and by-products will highlight the celebration of the 25th National Coconut Week and 10th National Coconut Festival from August 25 to 28, this year.

This was disclosed by Region 10 office of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-10) Manager Luis G. Cruz.

He said the showcase will be conducted by traders nationwide at the trade fair and exhibit at the Mega Trade Hall I, Building B, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Cruz said PCA will spearhead the celebration which will pay tribute to the coconut as the “Tree of Life” as mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 142 signed by former President Corazon C. Aquino in 1987.

He said this is in partnership with the private sector, government agencies, and the PCA-Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PCA-EMPC).

Cruz said the celebration will provide a venue for information sharing, trading, and market matching activities which will promote business opportunities from the coconut to attest that indeed coconut is the “Tree of Life.”

He said among the activities of the celebration include free lectures on the latest coconut technology and product updates, photo contests, fashion shows, coco fun run, cooking contest and demonstrations.

Meanwhile, the Web site Wikipedia said the coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is a member of the family Arecaceae or palm family.

Wikipedia said it is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos.

The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which is not a botanical nut.

Found across much of the tropics, the coconut is known for its great versatility as seen in the many domestic, commercial, and industrial uses of its different parts, it added.

The oil and milk derived from coconut are commonly used in cooking and frying, and coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics.

While the clear liquid coconut water within is a refreshing drink and can be processed to create alcohol.

The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating. It also has cultural and religious significance in many societies that use it.

Wikipedia also said that botanically, the coconut fruit is a drupe, not a true nut.

In the Philippines, rice is wrapped in coconut leaves for cooking and subsequent storage, these packets are called “puso.”

Coconut milk, known as gata, and grated coconut flakes are used in the preparation of dishes like laing, ginataan, bibingka, ube halaya, pitsi-pitsi, palitaw, buko pie and more.




2011 Little Olympics opens Saturday in Oro

by Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper


HUNDREDS of student athletes in Mindanao gather in Cagayan de Oro City today, Saturday, as one of the biggest and most anticipated sporting events of the year formally opens at Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center.

The Mindanao Milo Little Olympics 2011, now entering its 23rd year, desires to make young athletes become champions in life.


Reigning champions City Central School in elementary level and Corpus Christi in secondary level lead around 40 public and private schools from all over Mindanao seeing action in at least 12 sports disciplines.

These are swimming, athletics, badminton, chess, football, gymnastics, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball and scrabble.

Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno will be on hand to grace this afternoon's opening ceremony along with Msgr. Elmer Abacahin, the parish priest of Alubijid; School Division Superintendent Dr. Myrna S. Motoomull, Milo Sports Executive Andrew Q. Neri; and Regional Director Luz S. Almeda of the Department of Education in Northern Mindanao.

Last year's five outstanding athletes in each division will have a torch relay for the Lighting of the Milo Little Olympics Friendship Urn.

Event organizer Megdonio R. Llamera said the showdown of athletes, cheerdance competition and drum and lyre exhibition will also take centerstage before the Milo sporting buffs who are expected to fill the main grandstand of Pelaez Sports Center.

"Just like in the past, we are expecting schools from as far as Davao, Cotabato and Tangub to join this year's edition of the Milo Little Olympics," Llamera said. (LLS)





All quiet at the Pimentel home front

by Cong Corrales


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/4 August) – While residents of Bukidnon province are saddened over Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s resignation, residents here are not celebrating either. Aside from wearing black arm bands, Zubiri’s supporters in Malaybalay City were even planning to hold an indignation rally but did not push through on account of heavy rain. In a text message Wednesday, Aquilino Pimentel Jr. only had four words to say – “Amen. Salamat sa Dios.” Here, the Pimentel home at the junction of Pabayo and Hayes streets is as quiet as it ever did except for the customers milling around the shawarma stall located before the front door of the Pimentel house. “So Koko is now a senator. What is that to us? For me, he is not a Cagayanon. He can’t even talk straight ‘Binisaya,’” said a cigarette vendor near the Pimentel home. In 2001, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III ran for city mayor here. He lost to local political kingpin Vicente Emano Still most would rather comment on Zubiri’s “graceful exit” than Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III’s “vindication” over the much contested last seat in the Senate. “I admire Senator Migz Zubiri for his magnanimity. Putting national interest and the value of honor and integrity over his person,” said Jerome Soldevilla, chair of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCCI). In the religious sector, Bishop Felixberto Calang, of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Misamis Oriental-Bukidnon-Camiguin Diocese (IFI-Mobuca), admired Zubiri’s move and added that his resignation should help in pursuing the “mother of all cheats” – Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. “Senator Zubiri’s resignation is a welcome move. We understand his family’s anguish over allegations of electoral fraud. It is a politically expedient act to redeem his honor,” Calang said in a phone interview Thursday. Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, for his part, only hopes that the younger Pimentel would not disappoint those who voted him. “Congratulations and hope that he can prove to us that he deserves his position and our trust in him. I know him better than Migz that’s why I am proud of him,” said Cabanlas. “Let’s monitor Koko’s first moves as senator, then we will know what kind of stuff he’s made of,” Bingo Alcordo, Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) executive vice president for print, said. (Cong Corrales / Mindanews)




Government officials laud Zubiri's decision to resign

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


ALTHOUGH saddened by the resignation of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, officials said this has somehow elevated the Senate’s credibility, according to Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Norris C. Babiera.

Babiera said with Zubiri’s resignation, he is hoping that it will put closure to the issue and that the Senate Electoral Tribunal can give its decision.

“It is appalling, especially that he’s a working senator with many accomplishments, but we also welcome if the electoral tribunal will rule out and proclaim Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III,” Babiera told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

The Vice Governor expressed admiration to Zubiri's courage and sacrifice because of honor without waiting for the decision of the electoral tribunal as he believed that if there was really fraud in the 2007 election, Zubiri has nothing to do with it and he has no knowledge of the alleged anomaly.

“We lost one representative from Mindanao. Hopefully, we will be able to replace him with a Mindanaoan,” Babiera said.

For his part, Senator Francis Escudero said he admires Zubiri for this courageous and difficult decision.

“It must be a tough time for him and his family and I wish them well as they go through it,” Escudero said.

City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said Zubiri’s decision is the highest form of sacrifice as far as legality of the case is concerned.

“It only shows that he did not do anything wrong during the election and that he is not involved in any fraud,” Cabanlas told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

He added that Zubiri’s resignation could be a good record for him in the next election.





Users of unlicensed computer software warned of raids

by Cong Corrales


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





Cagayan de Oro convenes disaster team in District 1

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


THE Cagayan de Oro City Government is in the process of strengthening the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) in District 1 as it aimed for "zero casualty" during disasters.

Councilor Adrian Barba, executive action officer of CDRRMC for District I, said they have recently convened the CDRRMC in District I for a re-organizational meeting.

"I want to see how prepared we are in times of calamities especially since most barangays in District I are hinterlands and are prone to landslide," Barba told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

He said they will be conducting seminars and drills among the members in the coming days.

"We are aiming for zero casualties in any calamities that would possibly occur in the city. In fact, the CDRRMC in District I is set to carry out information and education campaigns on disaster preparedness," Barba said.

He added that the members of the CDRRMC in District 1 agreed to convene regularly for monitoring and assessment purposes.

Earlier, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay (1st district) has urged government offices to earmark budgets to conduct disaster preparedness seminars and education drives not only for community leaders but also for residents, especially those who live in low lying areas or those residing near the coastal areas.

Magsaysay even called on the local government units (LGUs) and disaster coordinating groups nationwide to put information and education campaigns on disaster preparedness in the forefront of their priorities to address the issue of consistent death tolls throughout the country after each typhoon.

"It is sad that we always expect to hear the death toll and list of injured after each calamity and what is saddening is that these deaths could be avoided if only we make it a point to be proactive rather than reactive to the situation," Magsaysay said.

She further said that if officials drill the information into the residents often enough and explain clearly the reasons why they have to follow certain procedures during typhoons, then it will become a habitual reaction to them when disaster strikes.




Employee dismissed for dishonesty, misconduct

by Arianne Caryl N. Casas

A GOVERNMENT employee in Cagayan de Oro City accused of duping members of a homeowners association into paying a transfer fee of more than P40,000 is found guilty of administrative offenses and has been ordered dismissed from service.

In her decision dated July 11, Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Milagros de Jesus-Macaraig found Tirso G. Pimentel Jr. guilty of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct.

Pimentel is the land assessment operations officer of the Provincial Assessor's Office of Misamis Oriental.

Maximo Galagar, president of the Medina Homeowners' Association, said Pimentel asked their association to pay a transfer fee of P44,805 for a property bought by the association from the heirs of the late Gregorio Pelaez Jr.

In his affidavit, Galagar said during the process of transferring the property in the name of the association on December 21, 2006, Pimentel issued a tax declaration after the payment of the corresponding transfer fee which was computed by the latter.

The association bought three hectare land from the heirs of the late Pelaez in the amount of P7,467,177 out of the proceeds of its loan from the Pag-Ibig fund through its Group Land Acquisition Development (GLAD) program.

However, he said acting provincial assessor Claudita P. Baliton informed them that the tax declaration issued in the name of their association is a "spurious document" as the same tax declaration number is also under the name of Rogelio Tagubar Potutan of Pasig City.

For this reason, the complainant said they had to pay again a transfer tax of P44,803 "so as to expedite the transfer of the property in the name of the association."

Galagar also said the "respondent's act of altering a genuine document resulted to the association incurring financial loss."

Meanwhile, in his counter-affidavit, Pimentel denied the accusations hurled against him by the complainant.

He claimed that in December 2006, a certain Joy Pelaez accompanied by Hanzel Tumampos, an employee of the Register of Deeds in Misamis Oriental, came to his office and asked for the requirements needed for the transfer of a portion of land located in Medina, Misamis Oriental owned by Gregorio Pelaez Jr. which was purchased by the homeowners' association.

He said that based on the information given to him by Joy Pelaez, he prepared a field sheet and computed the tax payable for the transfer of the property which was in the amount of P44,803.06.

As Ms. Pelaez did not have the amount at that time, she promised to return with the money and brought with her the field sheet that he prepared.

He told Ms. Pelaez that the field sheet he prepared was not official and final as it was not reviewed and approved by the provincial assessor and it bears no number.

He also admitted that Tax Declaration No. 0212181 is the same field sheet he prepared but claimed he did not assign the number nor place the name of Maximo B. Galagar Jr.

He added that the Tax Declaration No. 0212181 and the name of Maximo Galagar Jr. as appearing in the alleged declaration were supplied by the complainant and not by him.

Lastly, he claimed that he did not issue an official receipt nor did he receive the amount is P44,805 and the signature appeared was not his signature.

In the order of implementation of Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Humphrey Monteroso dated July 20, he directed Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Oscar Moreno to implement the penalty of dismissal from service imposed upon Pimentel.

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