Sunday, February 3, 2019


03 FEBRUARY ZAMBONEWSONLINE 2019

Comelec includes socmed

use in poll campaign rules 

·                          By Ferdinand Patinio  
MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has included the use of social media propaganda in the rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9006, known as the “Fair Elections Act”, for the May 13 mid-term elections.
“Each registered political party and candidate shall register with the Education and Information Department of the Comelec, the website name and web address of the official blog and/or social media page of such political party or candidate,” the poll body said in Resolution No. 10488, promulgated on January 30 and made public on Saturday.
It added that other blog or social media page that is endorsing a candidate will be considered as another blog or social media page of the latter.
According to the resolution, a “blog” and “collective blog” refer to websites, on which an individual or group of users, respectively, records news, opinions, and information, in varying degrees of regularity.
A “micro-blog” refers to a blogging formate which allows users to exchange small elements of content — referred to variously as posts, entries or status updates — such as short sentences, individual images, or links to video material uploaded to the Internet.
On the other hand, it added that “Social Media” refers to the collective of online communication channels, including websites and applications, which enable users to create and share content, collaborate, and interact with each other.
For the purposes of these rules, video-sharing sites that allow users to post comments on individual entries shall be considered as falling within the broad category of “social media.”
 The poll body said that “Social Media Account” refers to a user’s personalized access to a social networking site or application. Typically using a username and password combination.
A social media account allows a user to interact with other users on the same social networking site.
“Social Media Post” refers to any text, audio or graphic content — or any combination thereof — publishes online using a social media account.
At the same time, the Comelec reminded the candidates of the aggregate amount they may spend during election campaign.
Candidates who belong to a political party are only allowed to spend PHP3 per voter while independent bets are allowed to spend PHP5 per voter.
Party-list groups, meanwhile, may spend PHP5 per voter.
As for campaign materials, the size of pamphlets, leaflets, among others should not exceed eight-and-a-half inches in width and 14 inches in length.
Streamers should not exceed three feet by eight feet in size.
These materials may be posted in authorized common poster area in public places and private property, provided that the posting has the consent of the owner.
The Comelec noted that violation of the Fair Elections Act and these rules constitute an election offense punishable under the Omnibus Election Code in addition to administrative liability, whether applicable.
The campaign period for national positions, senator and party-list representative will begin on February 12 while the local candidates will have their campaign period starting March 29.
The campaign period for this year's mid-term elections will end on May 11. (PNA)
XXX

·                          Comelec: No pay for teachers'
·                          poll duty in  reenacted budget
·                         
MANILA -- A reenacted budget will mean that teachers who will serve as Board of Elections Inspectors (BEIs) in this year's mid-term elections will not be paid for their services.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said this could be the implication of a reenacted budget on the poll body’s preparations for elections in May.
“(Their work), it is not easy. And the teachers deserve to be (compensated) for it. That is our concern. I don't want to speculate on how teachers will react if we tell them that they are going to have to work without pay,” Jimenez said in a press conference.
He also appealed to Congress to reconsider the PHP1.9-billion budget it has allocated for the honoraria of public school teachers who will serves as BEIs.
“We are asking the bicameral conference committee to reconsider this. Our budget requirement (for teachers’ honoraria) is PHP3.2 billion,” he said.
While hoping that the 2019 national budget would be approved, Jimenez said they are open to explore options regarding the matter.
“We do not close the door for any possible solutions. Those are very welcome and we are certainly going to explore each one of them to the fullest,” he said.
Since January 1 this year, the government has been operating under a reenacted budget after Congress failed to pass the 2019 national budget on time due to allegations of “pork” insertions.
Lawmakers are possibly looking to just allow the government to continue operating on a reenacted budget for this year. (PNA)


11111111

8 killed, 33 wounded
 in Patikul, Sulu clash
·                           
·                         
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Eight people were killed, including three Abu Sayyaf bandits, while 33 others were wounded in heavy firefight in the hinterlands of Sulu, the military disclosed Sunday.
Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the firefight broke out around 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Sitio Sungkog, Barangay Kabbon Takas, Patikul, Sulu.
Besana said the firefight ensued when the troops of the Army’s 5th Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lt. Col. Marlo Jomalesa chanced upon a group of some 150 Abu Sayyaf bandits under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan while conducting focused military operation.
Besana said the firefight lasted for about one hour and 50 minutes that resulted to the death of five soldiers and three Abu Sayyaf bandits.
He said 18 of the 33 wounded were soldiers, while the remaining 15 were Abu Sayyaf bandits.
The names of the slain and wounded soldiers were not immediately available except that they belong to the Army’s 5th Scout Ranger Battalion.
He said Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Idang Susukan was among the 15 bandits who were wounded during the clash, based on “human intelligence” report.
He said the troops are tracking down the whereabouts of the Abu Sayyaf bandits, who fled following an almost two-hour firefight.
The clash happened after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered troops to pursue the Abu Sayyaf bandits.
The President’s order came after the twin bombings at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.
The two blasts killed at least 22 people, including five soldiers, a coast guard personnel and left 101 others injured. (PNA)


2222

11.2K business permits

listed in Zamboanga City

The City Hall of Zamboanga(File photo)

The city government through the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) has processed and assessed a total of 11,200 businesses in January this year.

Benjie Barredo, Business Permits and Licensing Division chief, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that of the total figure, 11,109 applied for renewal of license while the remaining 91 were new applicants.

“We immediately issued them business permits after paying the required fees,” he added.

The processing period of business permits was supposed to be from January 3 to 20 but the City Council, through a resolution, extended it to January 31.

Barredo said that a 25-percent surcharge per quarter, with 2 percent monthly interest, will be slapped on those who failed to renew their business permit from January 3 to 31.

The BOSS is a system, where all offices and agencies involved in the business registration and renewal process were housed under one roof. It caters to renewal and application of new business permits. (PNA)

333

Zamboanga City joins

Batang Pinoy-Min leg


The local government here has sent a 264-man delegation to the Batang Pinoy-Mindanao leg that is set to open in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Sunday.

Dr. Cecilia Atilano, city sports development officer, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday that members of the delegation departed for Tagum City in batches starting Thursday.

“The last batch planed out (of Zamboanga City) on Saturday morning,” Atilano said.

The Zamboanga delegation will see action in archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, chess, dance sports, futsal, karatedo, pencak silat, sepak takraw, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, swimming, and volleyball.

She said the Zamboanga athletes, aged 15 years old and below, were selected from different schools.

The Zamboanga delegation, she added, hopes to excel in swimming, karatedo, wrestling, athletics, and taekwondo.

The Batang Pinoy-Mindanao leg is the qualifying event for the national competition, which is scheduled to be held either in Bohol or Ormoc.

The Batang Pinoy is a national youth sports competition of the Philippines for athletes under 15 years old. It was established through Executive Order No. 44, which was signed on December 2, 1998 by then president Joseph Estrada. (PNA)

4444

Zambo Sibugay activates

performance audit team

·                          By Dennis Baguio  
 
The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) have activated a performance audit team (PAT) to step up security and the anti-drugs operations in Zamboanga Sibugay province.
Palma told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday that the PAT was activated through a resolution approved during the recent joint PPOC and PADAC quarterly meeting.
Palma said PAT's activation was in keeping with the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) directive to validate the programs and activities of all the local peace and order councils, and municipal and barangay anti-drug abuse councils (MADAC/BADAC).
Palma said validation would ensure stable peace and security, as well as consistency in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
He said that DILG Memorandum Circular 2018-19 stipulated the mandated tasks of all local peace and anti-drug abuse councils in the country, which include conducting quarterly meetings; allocating funds for the implementation of anti-drug activities; implementing peace and order programs as indicated in the Peace and Order and Public Safety Plan; and supporting and implementing barangay anti-drugs plans and programs.
“This is to ensure the continued performance of all local anti-drug abuse councils in the campaign against illegal drugs and for peace and security of the province,” Palma said.
He said the audit team will have jurisdiction over the 16 municipalities and 390 BADACs throughout the province.(PNA)

5555

Jolo blast victim

dies in hospital


The death toll  in the January 27 twin blasts that hit a church in Jolo, Sulu has reached 22 and the wounded at 101, a military official said Friday.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said Thelma Villanueva, 68, died while undergoing medical treatment on Thursday.

Besana said Villanueva, one of the blast victims admitted at the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), died after her life support was removed with the family’s consent.

He said Villanueva's remains will be brought to her hometown in Basilan province.

According to Besana, the 22 casualties consisted of six soldiers, a coast guard and 15 civilians. Of the 101 wounded, 14 are soldiers, two are Coast Guard personnel, and 85 are civilians.

Westmincom data showed that 32 of the 101 wounded were admitted to five hospitals in this city -- ZCMC, 17; Zamboanga Doctors’ Hospital, two; West Metro Medical Center, five; Ciudad Medical de Zamboanga, four; and Camp Navarro General Hospital, four.

Earlier, Dr. Afdal Kunting, ZCMC information officer, said most of the victims admitted at the ZCMC sustained injuries from glass shards.

The twin bomb blasts from two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occurred while the Mass was ongoing at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu on January 27.

The first IED exploded at about 8:15 a.m. inside the church while the second went off a few seconds later at the parking area of the cathedral’s compound.

Earlier PNA articles this week already placed the Jolo, Sulu church bomb blast casualties at 22, largely based on police reports. The cause of the discrepancy from police and military sources is still being verified as of this posting. (PNA)


666

PDEA, Zambo cops score

Jan  P17-M ‘shabu’ haul


The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the local police have netted some PHP17 million worth of illegal drugs in the anti-drug campaign in Zamboanga City for January, a PDEA official said Friday.

Lawyer Jacqueline de Guzman, PDEA 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) director, said they have so far confiscated a total of 2.5 kg. of suspected shabu worth PHP17 million in separate anti-drug operations here.

De Guzman said of the total, 1.5 kg. of suspected shabu were confiscated by PDEA and the remaining 1 kg. by the different police units of the Zamboanga City Police.

She said among the drug personalities arrested were high-value target suspects, newly-identified drug pushers, even policemen and former police officers, as well as soldiers, most of whom had already gone on absence without official leave (AWOL).

She vowed that PDEA will continue to strengthen the anti-drug campaign in coordination with the other law enforcement agencies. (PNA)


777

DSWD-Zambo extends

aid to Jolo blast victims


The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) has extended assistance to 45 victims of the January 27 twin bomb blasts in a church in Jolo, Sulu.

Ivan Eric Salvador, DSWD-9 information officer, said Friday the assistance extended through the agency's Disaster Management Division (DMD) and Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) included medical, burial, food and non-food items totaling PHP147,240.

Salvador said the CIU provided a total of PHP130,000 outright medical assistance to 26 victims, PHP81,650 medical assistance through guarantee letters to two victims and PHP15,000 total worth of burial assistance to three families.

He said the CIU, headed by Sitti Aisa Askalani, has also committed to assist other victims through guarantee letters for individuals, who are still admitted in hospitals.

The explosions at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu on January 27 resulted in the death of 22 people and injured at least 97 others.

Most of the victims, especially the wounded, were taken to hospitals in this city. (PNA)


888

Zamboanga  barrios

get 40 new vehicles

The city government has turned over 40 L-300 vans worth around PHP48 million to barangays to strengthen emergency response in the communities.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar led the turnover of vehicles Thursday after the joint meeting of the Expanded City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) and Contingency Planning.

Salazar said the distribution of the vehicles is in line with the local government's programs on security, health and education, as well as empower village officials to efficiently deliver basic services to their constituents.

She said each vehicle is equipped with blinkers with siren and speaker; basic tools, new battery, matting; one-unit spine board, medical kit; two sets of storage box with sticker; response and patrol uniforms and 30 sets of each for customized vest, customized long sleeves, customized raincoat, safety whistle and heavy-duty light-emitting diode (LED) rechargeable and two units’ megaphone.

The villages of Arena Blanco, Bolong, Bunguiao, Busay, Cabaluay, Cacao, Culianan, Curuan, Dita, Dulian-Upper Bunguiao, Guisao, Landang Gua, Landang Laum, Lapakan, Latuan, Limaong, Lubigan, Lumayang, Lumbangan, Lunzuran, Mangusu, Muti, Pasilmanta, Pasobolong, Putik, Salaan, Sangali, Sibulao, Sta. Catalin, Taguiti, Talabaan, Talon-talon, Taluksangay, Tigtabon, Tigbalabag, Tolosa, Tugbungan, Tumitus, and Zambowood received the vehicles.

Salazar said the vehicles were purchased through funds from the annual and supplemental budget last year.(PNA)

999

2 'most wanted' persons

nabbed in Zambo Peninsula


Police arrested two of the most wanted persons in the Zamboanga Peninsula during intelligence-driven operations here, an official said Thursday.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga) director, identified the arrested suspects as Cris Parangan, 30, and Leonilo Albaladejo, 41.

Licup said Parangan was arrested in Barangay Mabunao, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte at about 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Parangan is described by police as the second most wanted person in Rizal, and has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of frustrated murder with PHP120,000 recommended bail, issued on August 30, 2018 by a court in Dipolog City.

Licup said Albaladejo, meanwhile, was arrested in Purok Mangga, Barangay Bangco, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay at about 2:30 p.m.

Albaladejo, who is the third most wanted person in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, has a standing warrant of arrest with no recommended bail for violation of Section 5 (b) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. (PNA)

10101010

Courtroom catches

fire in Zamboanga

·                         
Proceedings at the Hall of Justice here were abruptly suspended at noontime Thursday after one of the courtrooms caught fire.

Executive Judge Gregorio dela Peña issued the work suspension to give court employees time to clean their respective courtrooms after water spilled all over the Hall of Justice building following a fire response.

Supt. Jhufel Brañanola, head of the Zamboanga City Fire District, said the fire broke out at the staff room of the Regional Trial Court Branch 17 at about 10 a.m.

Brañanola said the fire, which reached first alarm status, partially burned the staff room and damaged court records and documents “due for disposal.”

He said the fire started at the terrace of the staff room where court records, documents, used chairs, and appliances were stockpiled. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Brañanola said damage to property was placed at PHP10,000 and the conflagration was put out less than 30 minutes later. (PNA)

Zamboanga del Norte

town has two mayors

By Gualberto Laput  
·                           
·                         
For two weeks now,Siayan town , Zamboanga del Norte  has two officials claiming to be the legitimate mayor while the Sangguniang Bayan conducts two separate sessions.

The problem began on January 11 when the Provincial Board suspended Mayor Flora Villarosa for “violation of the Revised Penal Code, Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority, Conduct Unbecoming of a Government Official and Oppression.”

Vice Mayor Daisy Limbang, Villarosa’s political rival, took her oath as acting mayor, apparently taking the cue from the Provincial Board's decision.

Limbang's ally, first councilor Raul Dominese, also took the oath as acting vice mayor.

During the weekly Municipal Council sessions, Dominese would preside with only one Sangguniang Bayan member present while the rest of the Sangguniang Bayan members remain in their offices.

“But they don’t have a quorum, so all they can do is adjourn,” said Josecor Gepolongca, president of the Siayan Association of Barangay Chairmen, and a staunch ally of Villarosa.

When Dominese and a fellow councilor would leave the session hall, Gepolongca and the rest of the councilors would come in and conduct their own session.

Torn between two bosses, the Sangguniang Bayan secretary decided to be “officially” present in both sessions.

Meanwhile, Villarosa continued to discharge her functions as mayor while Limbang uses the vice mayor’s office as her turf.

There were a couple of instances when Limbang tried to personally stop government vehicles from getting out of the municipal hall premises, and ordered drivers to use trip tickets with her signature.

This prompted Gepolongca to intervene to prevent Limbang from what he described as “the vice mayor’s effort to disrupt the local government’s operations.”

Villarosa maintained that her suspension order meant nothing because neither Governor Roberto Uy nor the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG) issued a memorandum order executing the Provincial Board's suspension order.

She also insisted that her suspension was politically-motivated because majority of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members -- even the governor -- are all Limbang's partymates under Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bansa (PDP-Laban) party.

“In the first place, how can they slap me with administrative charges when until now, I have no conviction of a crime or even a case in any court anywhere in the Philippines,” Villarosa told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

She explained that for administrative charges to hold, it must be based on a conviction of a criminal act.

The Provincial Board hinges its administrative charges against Villarosa on an “arson and murder complaint” that as of January 11 remained pending before the local prosecutor.

Nevertheless, the suspension order has confused not only town employees but also banks that hold the municipal funds.

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), a depository bank of Siayan, recognized Limbang as the acting mayor but has asked her to submit documents to show she was installed either by the DILG or the governor.

Siayan’s other depository bank, the Philippine National Bank, has recognized Villarosa as the mayor and has been releasing money to the local government.

An official of LBP-Siayan Branch, who requested anonymity, said that DILG should have already intervened and advised banks to avoid further disruption of operation of the town.

Siayan, which comprises 22 barangays, is a second-class municipality of Zamboanga del Norte with a population of 34,966 as of the 2015 census. (PNA)

Maguindanao peace body to

   ask SC:junk petitions vs BOL

BULUAN, Maguindanao -- Local officials of Maguindanao province have authorized Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu to file a petition before the Supreme Court and ask the High Tribunal to junk all petitions against the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“It was overwhelmingly approved and ratified by the people of the Bangsamoro government core territory, what can you ask for,” Mangudadatu told reporters after presiding over the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting Wednesday here.

“If the BOL is rejected by the SC despite its constitutionality and legality, violence might erupt in Mindanao because the Bangsamoro will feel they were shortchanged or dupe,” Mangudadatu said in the vernacular.

“Our petition will ensure genuine peace will prevail in the island,” the governor added. “The petitions were the handiwork of peace spoilers who do not want peace in the Bangsamoro homeland.”

Mangudadatu noted that 90 percent of the people in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has approved and ratified Republic Act 11054 or the BOL last January 21.

“The ‘yes’ vote won overwhelmingly. To avoid delays we, the PPOC, decided to intervene and will petition the SC to junk all these unfounded petitions questioning the legality of BOL,” Mangudadatu said.

All the 36 town mayors of Maguindanao are behind the PPOC move, Mangudadatu said. (PNA)



Tuesday, September 18, 2018


18 ZAMBONEWSONLINE



Confiscated dried seahorse
missing at customs bodega

By Letty Militante

The Bureau of Customs has reported that at least
seven out of the 15 bales or cartoons equivalent to 152   kilograms of confiscated dried seahorse are lost or missing while being stored at the Customs warehouse, Port area this city.

In an interview, District Customs Collector Atty. Lyceo C. Martinez said that  the office already called for   an independent investigation on the  missing items by  the National Bureau of Investigation or NBI last September 6,2018.

“We are waiting for the  NBI to take the necessary actions, “ Martinez said.

According to Martinez, he came to know of the missing 7 bales or cartoon of the confiscated dried  seashores  kept in the BOC warehouse  last September 6,2018

The BOC warehouse is  supervised and is  under the control and responsibility of the Custom police – a separate unit  which is still under the supervision of Martinez.

Martinez said that he came to know of the loss the other week because he was at that time attending a collector’s conference in Manila.

The Philippine Coast Guard under Commander  Noriel Ramos formally turned over the confiscated dried seahorse contained in some 15 bales or cartoon  to the BOC

The  dried seahorse were inside a  container van on board  a  cargo vessel 

Martinez disclosed that formal charges were already filed in court against  the cargo vessel for exporting – shipment of endangered species – seahorse.

As this developed, Martinez said that initial steps were immediately undertaken at the BOC while waiting for the NBI reports such as the installation of CCTV cameras in the BOC warehouse and roof from where the robbers took the dried seahorse .

This is to make sure it will not happen again, he said.

Martinez added that he keys to the warehouse held by two employees were all taken from these employees.

In other related development, Mayor Maria Isabelle C. Climaco Salazar is appealing to the people to help check the whereabouts of the contraband dried seahorses.

Climaco Salazar said that the BOC really has to patrol their ranks considering this is not only the first time that some confiscated items were taken without permission from  inside the BOC warehouse.

Several bags of  recently confiscated sugar were also discovered missing at the BOC warehouse.

This loss of confiscated sugar occurred during  previous collectors. (Letty M. Militante)


222


‘TienDA sa BFAR’ benefits thousands in Zamboanga

Thousands of residents have benefited on Saturday from the one-day “TienDA sa BFAR” initiated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in this southern port city.
Isidro Velayo Jr., BFAR-9 director, said the conduct of the activity is in line with the agency’s 55th fish conservation week, which is from September 17 to 21.
Eight exhibitors, including the National Food Authority (NFA), have joined the conduct of the TienDA held at the compound of BFAR in this city. Among the products sold at cheaper prices were fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and process foods.
The NFA sold the government-subsidized rice at PHP27 a kilo. A maximum of five kilos is sold to an individual.
Velayo said they invited the NFA to join the TienDA activity to provide an opportunity to poor families to buy cheaper rice.
Asha Tasi, a resident of Barangay Sta. Barbara, was elated that BFAR has conducted the activity since she was able to buy rice and shrimps at cheaper prices.
“It's cheaper here, I hope they will hold again similar activity since it is of big help especially to those who have less in life,” Tasi added.
TienDA is a new marketing scheme which ensures that farmers’ products can be directly sold to consumers in urban areas without the intervention of middlemen.
It was initiated by Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. (PNA)


333

‘Ompong’ displaces 193 families in the city

A total of 193 families were displaced by flash floods that inundated three barangays late Friday in this city due to inclement weather condition enhanced by Typhoon “Ompong.”

Ma. Socorro Rojas, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief, on Saturday said the city government immediately provided assistance to the affected families.

Rojas said of the total affected families, 110 were from Barangay Tumaga, 75 in Sta. Maria, and eight in Tugbungan. They were temporarily sheltered at the covered court of the three barangays.

The eight affected families from Tugbungan were rescued by the Coastguard personnel since they were trapped by high waters in their houses.

“We have to prioritize rescuing the elderly, women and children who were trapped in their houses. There were also sick people, who cannot walk, which we need to rescue and turn them over to medical responders in the area to avoid further casualties,” Lt. Commander Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga Coastguard Station Commander, said.

The Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga experienced moderate to occasionally heavy rains coupled with strong winds brought about by the southwest monsoon that the weather PAGASA said was enhanced by Typhon “Ompong.”

The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMCs) have been directed to continue monitoring the situation and to initiate response if the need arises. (PNA)


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7 ASG bandits killed, 23 others wounded in clash

Seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed while 23 others wounded, including 17 soldiers, in a fierce firefight in the province of Sulu, the military reported Saturday.

Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the firefight broke out around 1:30 p.m. Friday in Barangay Bakong, Patikul, Sulu.

Dela Vega said the troops were on combat operations when they clashed with around 100 ASG bandits led by ASG one-armed leader Radullan Sahiron and sub-leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Idang Susukan in Barangay Bakong.

Sahiron is the oldest among the leaders of the ASG based in the province of Sulu.

Dela Vega said the firefight resulted to the death of seven ASG bandits whose remains were recovered while six others were reported to have been wounded.

He said the troops received reports one of the six injured ASG bandits was Sawadjaan, who sustained critical injuries. They fled to different directions.

Seventeen soldiers were injured during the clash, most of them sustained shrapnel wounds. They were taken to the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for treatment.

Dela Vega said the cadavers of the slain ASG bandits were also taken to the same hospital for forensic examination and proper disposition.

He said the troops recovered from the clash site the following: one M-16 Armalite rifle; four magazines of caliber 5.56-millimeter ammunition; an ammunition bandolier; one touchscreen cellular phone; and, assorted war materiel and ammunition.

“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for this recent accomplishment,” Dela Vega said.

“All sorts of assistance will be provided to the battle casualties and our prayers are with them for their speedy recovery,” he added.

He said that troops are tracking down the rest of the ASG bandits who fled to different directions. (PNA)


5555

Zambo police activates 800
-man disaster response group
*                           
*                         
The Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) has activated an 800-man disaster response group as Typhoon Ompong continues to threaten several parts of the country.

Although it is not within the storm's path, this city has been experiencing moderate to occasionally heavy rains - coupled with strong winds brought about by the enhanced southwest monsoon due to “Ompong”.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, PRO-9 director, said Friday he disaster response group will be deployed any time in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, as well in this city, as the need arises.

Licup said the group, known as the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF), will also provide security, humanitarian, disaster relief assistance to the residents in areas that will be affected by the typhoon.

“At the same time, they are the additional manpower during force evacuations and road clearing operations,” Licup added.

He said all provincial and city directors have been directed to pre-position personnel and equipment in different identified risk-prone areas.

Licup has met with key officers and readied Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan for “Ompong”.

He also ordered police officers to properly coordinate with other agencies, including the local government units (LGUs) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs), as well as the military, for the efficient implementation of the plan.

Aside from the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. weather bulletin Friday that the other areas affected by the southwest monsoon enhanced by “Ompong” are Palawan, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.

PAGASA said “Ompong” has maintained its strength as it continues to threaten the Isabela-Cagayan area.
The weather bureau said the typhoon is expected to make landfall in the Cagayan-Isabela area on Saturday morning. (PNA)



6666

Military denies 2 abducted Indons taken to Sulu
*                         

The military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Friday denied that the two Indonesian fishermen abducted early this week in Malaysia are already in the province of Sulu.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Westmincom information officer, said there is no confirmation yet on reports that the victims were taken to the area of responsibility of the command.

Besana’s statement came after the east Malaysian newspaper, Daily Express, reported on Friday that the “pirates and their hostages arrived in Talipao at 3 a.m. Tuesday.”

The Malaysian authorities identified the kidnapped victims as Samsul Sagunin, 40, and Usman Yunus, 35, both Indonesians who were abducted on board a fishing boat shortly after it docked at the Pulau Gaya jetty near Semporna, Malaysia on Tuesday.

Two of their companions managed to escape by hiding in one of the boat’s compartments.

The newspaper report said the victims were taken to Tawi-Tawi aboard a speedboat and “believed their final destination is Talipao in Sulu, an area where the Abu Sayyaf Group has previously based its kidnap-for-ransom operations.”

“We have no confirmation or validation if the KVs (kidnap victims) and kidnappers really went inside our AOR (area of responsibility). If ever, we could have intercepted them immediately," he said.

He added that considering the information given to them, there's a slim possibility for them to just cross our border unnoticed because of the reported watercraft they're using. 

“Until now, wala pa talaga pumasok sa atin (no one has entered our area) based on the latest report from our forces,” he added.

Nevertheless, Besana said government troops “have been in a tight lookout” for the two Indonesians reportedly abducted in Sempornah. (PNA)

777

Abu Sayyaf
surrenderers
climb to 179

The number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers have climbed to 179 this year as two more bandits gave themselves up to authorities in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the two as Ranu Jillang and Ben Kirah, both former followers of the late ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya and sub-leader Salvador Muktadil.
Dela Vega said Jillang and Kirah surrendered at around 9 a.m. Tuesday to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) headed by Lt. Col. Ramil Holgado in Barangay Seit Lake (Poblacion), Panamao, Sulu.
Mayor Al-Fraizer Abdurajak of Old Panamao town, in coordination with Col. Armel Tolato, commander of the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu, facilitated the surrender of the two ASG bandits.
Dela Vega said the two surrenderers were brought to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista for medical examination and custodial debriefing.
“The accomplishments of our Joint Task Forces are greatly attributed to the indefatigable support of the local government units and the populace,” he said.
Of the 179 ASG surrenderers this year, he said, 75 yielded in Basilan, 95 in Sulu, six in Tawi-Tawi, and three in Zamboanga City.
“Rest assured all the surrenderers will be catered with the programs launched by the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for all those who chose to return to the folds of the law,” he added. (PNA)


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No law vs. premature campaigning: Comelec
*                          By Ferdinand Patinio  
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reiterated that they cannot stop “aspiring candidates” from promoting themselves ahead of the May 2019 midterm polls as no law prohibits premature campaigning.
“The Comelec does not make the law, but we’ve been helping legislation get passed to address this,” Jimenez said on his Twitter account, @jabjimenez, on Saturday.
“The Comelec has never been silent about this loophole in the law, since at least 2013,” Jimenez added.
His statement came amid the reaction of netizens questioning the poll body’s supposed lack of action against possible candidates in the forthcoming polls.
“We are actively supporting the bills that will help solve this problem,” Jimenez said.
Under Republic Act No. 9369, “any person who files his certificate of candidacy within (the period for filing) shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period for which he filed his certificate of candidacy.”
It also states that “unlawful acts or omissions applicable to a candidate shall take effect only upon the start of the aforesaid campaign period.”
Pending bills filed by senators Leila de Lima and Richard Gordon seek to prohibit any form of premature campaigning for any prospective candidate ahead of an electoral exercise. (PNA)



*                          'Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao' comes to Zamboanga City
*                         

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA),  is launching on Friday the Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao in this city.

The Kalinaw Kultura Launching Program will be held at the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) and will be coupled with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Cultural Product exhibit.

PIA Director-General Harold Clavite on Thursday said the primary purpose of the activity is to raise public awareness about the rich, diverse, dynamic, and colorful Mindanao cultural heritage.

Clavite said the program also seeks to develop a deep appreciation for Mindanao culture through observation, instruction, and experience of local creative content and talents as well as promote and encourage preservation of Mindanao’s crafts and creative arts.

He said Kalinaw Kultura seeks to share and promote Mindanao’s pride among the youth, community leaders and influencers, tourists and netizens.
confiscat
Dr. Pilar Banaag, NCCA communication committee vice head, said the program aims to promote the different cultures “to clear out some wrong notions of which people from Mindanao have projected pertaining to the different areas in the region.”

“This is a way or a means for us in the NCCA to disseminate the different cultures, the behaviors, the arts, as well as the different people who are involved in Mindanao, that Mindanao is a peaceful area, Mindanao has its own culture, Mindanao is a nice place to stay,” Banaag said.

The Kalinaw Kultura is a Mindanao-wide cultural dissemination roadshow to be held in the cities of Iligan, Butuan, Zamboanga, Davao, and Koronadal.

The launching here is the third of a series since the first and second was held in Iligan and Butuan cities. It will kick-off with a motorcade Friday afternoon from Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue to the ZSCMST campus, where the formal program will be held.

The program will be followed by the Kalinaw Kultura Fashion Show at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga, showcasing culturally-inspired haute couture and hablon collections.

The viewing of local cultural films at the Centro Latino Theater Room, which was also scheduled on Thursday, was canceled due to the  inclement weather condition spawned by Typhoon “Mangkhut.” (PNA)



Zamcelco gets 10,000  votes for crown’s hold in IMC

By Letty Militante

Some 10,000 out of the some 120,000 member consumers approved the Investment Management Contract or IMC  of the  Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative or Zamcelco last Tuesday with winning bider CrownInvestment Holdings,Inc.  or CHI to manged the affairs of the cooperative.

This approval will be forwarded to the National Electrification Administration or NEA for confirmation before final implementation of the IMC.

President Omar Sahi of the Zamboanga CityElectric Cooperative or Zamcelco told Zambopen Journal that it was a unanimous votes with no abstain nor against  in favor to the CrownInvestment  Holdings ,Inc. as   the winning bider  among the four other bidders  who participated the biding process but failed to appear during the scheduled opening of bids last August 30,  2018 .

The Crown Holdings Investment ,Inc. invested P2.5 billions for  the Investment Management Contract or IMC of Zamcelco.

Sahi who give thanks to member consumers who attended for the support and cooperation said that right after the conduct of the Special General Membership Assembly the members of board immediately conduct a session to make another resolution address to the National Electrification Administration or NEA for the final approval and  confirmation to Crown Holdings Investment Inc. the winning bider to implement the P2.5  billions IMC.
Sahi is hopeful that NEA will approve and give the final confirmation  for the IMC and Crown Holdings Investment as the winning bider  of P2.5 billion Investment.

As this developed, Sahi said that the P1.2 billions debts of Zamcelco will be the top priority among other concern.
The debts to be paid are NEA and to the different power providers like Mapalad, WMPC,, TMI, Infinity,PSALM  and  San Miguel.
The remaining investment of the P 2.5 billion of CHII will be used for the working capital of Zamcelco this are the upgrading of  old transformers, old metering, old or dilapidated electrical posts,  lines and among  others.
The retirement benefits of employees will also be paid from the P2.5 billions investment .

Sahi said that with the P2.5 billion investment of CHII for the IMC, Zamcelco who has been ill  for the past ten (10) years on  system loss, power trip offs , blackout and the like. , will soon have a better services and full power supply  with no more power interruptions , trip off and blackouts  to the member consumers. (Letty M.Militante)


The Mindpro Citimall announces its rebranded name as  “SM Mindpro Citimall “on its temporary closure on October  13,2018 to give  way to its full renovation to become a fully developed SM mall.

Mindpro Citimall in a joint venture with SM Prime Holdings Inc. last August 2016 will pave way for a mall development that will bring SM’s awesome shopping  experience in Mindanao by the year 2019 .

It will be recalled that Mindpro Citimall  is the first mall in Zamboanga City who had opened to the public last December 7,1996 caters not only the city of Zamboanga but as well as the neighboring provinces and cities in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
.
Early this week , Mayor Maria Isabelle C. Climaco Salazar met with the representatives of SM’s in Cityhall for the final entry and its rebranded name of Mindpro Citimall to  SM Mindpro Citimall on its total renovations.

Recalled further that Climaco Salazar had announced early last year 2017 the entry of SM Prime Holdings Inc. who was received a warm appreciations by the Zamboanguenos .

Climaco Salazar  even declared it as  awakening giant in  Mindanao’s economic and further considered as one of the fastest growing economies in Mindanao.

Mindpro Citimall  with a gross floor area of 45,144 square meters    ,located in La Purisima Street,Zone 3 houses a Mindpro Supermarket,  screen cinemas, foodcourts, department store and several branded stores and boutique.

The SM Mindpro Citimall will brings  a brand new dining options  of Starbucks and Breadtalk together with the affiliate stores of SM Department , Uniglo, Ace Hardware and SM Appliance Center.

SM Mindpro Citimall will have the state of the art cinemas with car park building that can accommodate up to 400 vehicles.
It will include a  Cyberzone -  the largest chain of IT retail stores in the country .

The SM Prime Holdings Inc. is staying aggressive on its biggest expansion of over 20 new malls for completion in this current year 2018 and in 2020.
SM Prime Holdings Inc. remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle  cities that enrich the quality of life  to millions..(Letty M.Militante)


DTI to hold off price hikes for basic goods in next 3 months
By Azer
*
MANILA – The prices of basic goods such as water, sardines, noodles, among others will not increase in the next three months, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured on Wednesday.
DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo allayed fears of consumers that rising inflation and the tax reform for acceleration and inclusion (TRAIN) law would also cause a spike in the prices of basic goods.
“To allay the fears of our consumers, kasi maraming nagsasabi tataas ang presyo bigla or tatalon ‘yan, pag natapos iyong three-month period (because there are many saying it will suddenly increase or jump after the three-month period),” Castelo said.
She said the DTI has convinced manufacturers of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs) to hold off price increases for the next three months.
“Na-convince natin sila at pumayag sila (We were able to convince them and they agreed) – some committed three months; some committed six months; some committed nine months,” Castelo said in a Palace briefing.
“Assured ang consumers (are assured) that for the next three months, hindi gagalaw ang presyo ng BNPCs nila(the prices of their BNPCs will not change),” she added.
Castelo said the following BNPCs will have fixed prices: canned sardines, noodles, milk, bottled water, canned meat, detergent, and bath soaps.
She noted that all price increases have to be first approved by the DTI.
“They will have to submit data before they can change the market price or iyong presyo sa retail – doon sa panibagong SRP list iyon (the retail--new standard retail price list),” Castelo said.
Castelo added that the DTI has also convinced the Department of Agriculture (DA) to issue SRPs on some agricultural products.
“Ito iyong agricultural products niya na may (These agricultural products with) SRP, and hopefully will be enforced. This includes rice, milkfish, tilapia, galunggong, iyong basic rin (the basics),” Castelo said.
She said the DA has jurisdiction over these agricultural products but since July 2018, the DTI had started to assist. (PNA)