The communist’s terrorists (CTs) entered Tubay Municipal Police Station on December 22, 2208 (Monday) at around 12:15 in the morning and left at 1:00 in the morning carting away one caliber 9MM pistol and the station's base radio.

No casualty on government side reported. The CTs riding two vans suddenly stopped in front of the Police Station. An undetermined number of CTs, wearing camouflage uniforms, rushed towards the police officers on duty and ordered them lie prone on the ground. They then took the issued 9MM pistol of PO2 Raymund Masambo, one of the guards on duty.

The other six officers who were then resting at the mezzanine floor of the police station noticed the raiding CTs. Since they were only armed with short firearms, they decided to jump out of the station, fled and regroup at the Mayor's residence, which is just behind the police station.

This is part of the pre-arranged security measure being adopted by the station. From there, they were given additional firearms owned by the local government. On the other hand, the CTs noting that there are no firearms inside the police station just carted away the ICOM base radio and the earlier confiscated firearm and proceeded to the nearby Globe Transmission tower.

They poured gasoline and partially burned the office area of the tower. The police officers now armed with more firearms, maneuvered and fired at the CTs forcing them to flee. The extent of damages in the Globe transmission tower is now being investigated.

Allegedly, the SRMI Mining Company located in Tubay was already raided. More or less 30 CTs, in camouflage green uniform approached the two guards on duty near the gate of the mining company and introduced themselves as RMG personnel.

The guards were caught off-guard when their barricades were rammed by the vehicles of the CTs. Thereafter, they were held hostages including the Chief, Security Officer who went out of the company's office. The CTs then ransacked the office and carted away firearms found thereat. Then accompanied by the Security Officer held hostage they went up the mining site using the mining company's four wheel drive vehicles.

They also took the firearms of guards on duty therein. Reportedly, some Security Guards of the mining area were able to elude the raiding CTs bringing with them their firearms. Following firearms carted away were Two M16 rifles with serial numbers 983691 and 980174; three Armscor caliber 38 revolvers with serial numbers 1019281,1019289 and 1067343; Two 12 gauge shotguns with serial numbers 1024896 and 1024898; one 9MM pistol with serial number 1097175.

The said firearms are owned by Gallantry Security Agency, which handles the security of the SRMI mining. Three heavy equipment were burned (1 each Volvo, Komatsu and Caterpillar backhoes). The security force of the mining company was not able to fight back allegedly because they were surprised.

Reinforcements to Tubay were delayed because the CTs set up blocking points at different areas going to Tubay. From Butuan City, the CTs blocked the road at the vicinity of Barangay Sto. Niño, Butuan City using a Bachelor Bus, the tires of which were shot flat by the CTs.

Hence, the troop of 14th RMG and Agusan del Norte PPMG cannot immediately proceed to Tubay. Also, the reinforcements from 30IB, Philippine Army in Placer, Surigao del Norte were not able to proceed to the area immediately because the CTs set up a checkpoint at the Vicinity of Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

The team from 14th RMG stationed in Santiago, Agusan del Norte was also delayed in reinforcing Tubay because of the blockade of fallen trees set up by CTs in twin bridge, Santiago and at Barangay Tagmamarkay, Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

As of this report, however, all blockades had been cleared. Pursuit operations and strong check/chokepoints are being made by both police and AFP units to apprehend the fleeing CTs who reported used commandeered vans and an Isuzu elf to flee.

Four vans allegedly commandeered and used to ferry the CTs are now in the custody of police. Two drivers of the vans are now undergoing tactical interrogation at Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) and the other two drivers are now undergoing tactical interrogation at Cabadbaran City Police Station led by PCSUPT Jaime Eloreta Milla, Caraga Police Director.

Investigators are now pursing the allegations that the real target of the CTs raid is the Mining Company because of its failure to pay the "forced taxation" being imposed by the terrorists. Investigation is still on going for the probable filing of appropriate cases against the responsible CTs.

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On December 20, 2008 (Saturday) at 7:00 in the evening at Loreto, Dinagat Islands Province, joint operations from Dinagat Municipal Police Station led by PO1 Neil Ian R Colando and Mr Teodoro Polinday, Civil Security Unit of said place apprehended the suspects identified as Gretchen Custodio Lipioso, 22 years old, and resident of Barangay San Juan, Loreto, Dinagat Islands Province, and Vicente Laoguico, resident of Barangay Sta Cruz, Loreto, Dinagat Islands Province while actually caught engaged in illegal gambling locally known as “swertres”.

Confiscated from their possession were tally sheet and gambling paraphernalia.

Arrested persons were brought to Dinagat Islands Provincial Police Office for proper disposition and appropriate charges is being prepared for filing in court.
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The parable of The Ten Virgins is a story of great drama and noble narrative found in the Bible. It’s telling people to be prepared and be ready for the day of reckoning. Story such as this is Remy Boquerin’s inspiration for the masterpiece she’s doing for her next exhibit next year.

A Fine Arts graduate from University of Santo Tomas, Boquerin started in 1976 professionally and joined the bandwagon of artists. After teaching for 10 years in University of the East in school of music and arts, she eventually embraces the world of being a painter.

Boquerin focuses on the subject of Filipino women. “I’m fascinated with forms and line of women. I don’t paint any other nationality but only Pinays,” Boquerin relates. Her first one-man show held in Surigao City (her hometown) was billed “The Way We Were” during Spanish Era and revolves around Pinays.

She also shares how fascinated she was in seeing the cultural customs minority house of the people of Mindanao in Metropolitan Theater in Lawton, Manila. It inspired her to paint a collection of tribal women of Mindanao.

She was influenced by Anita Magsaysay Ho and Botong Francsico in the past—specifically her first two one-man shows—but she was proud to declare that every painting she has done and doing as of the moment were all of her own style. Her medium is acrylic and oil and for her “light moments art” is pastel.

“I don’t look at this ‘success’ as something that I can be proud of without giving God all the glory. He really gave me this talent.” Boquerin enthuses.

Now at 68, Boquerin shares that her passion for art can’t be bought by any amount of money, “I don’t do this for money but for passion. I don’t stress myself in painting. If it stresses me out, I stop, because I want to paint at my own phase to have more effective masterpieces,” she shares, adding “This is something that I have joy in doing.”

The Sentral Bank of the Philippines now proudly owns her first-ever masterpiece called “Burdadera.” Her works can be viewed at the PassionArt in SM Megamall.

By the second quarter of next year, she will have again her one-man show exhibit. “Like I always do, I’m painting everyday not just for my up-coming exhibit but because it is a good practice,” she shares. The Parable of Ten Virgins is her ongoing project that will be on her next show.

Together with other artists, Boquerin gave a masterpiece to Hallmark, the greeting card company, this Yuletide season. “Now on my third year, I allowed Hallmark to use my work to put it on a Christmas card,” she explains, adding, “The proceeds will go to the children with Leukemia.” (Johanna M. Sampan, Manila Times)
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CHINESE GEOLOGISTS and mining experts have visited the country to exchange data on mineral resources with local counterparts as they look for possible opportunities in the Philippines, the head of the Mines bureau said.

A five-man team from the state-run China Geological Survey (CGS) visited late last month "as part of our agreement to exchange technical information and to visit [local] mining projects," Horacio C. Ramos, director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, said in a phone interview.

Surveying

Last year, the Environment department signed an agreement with Chinese counterpart Ministry of Land Resources, which has direct jurisdiction over CGS, to work together for the exchange of mineral and geological data.

"They are also looking [at mining projects] and then they can relay the information to their government and private companies," Mr. Ramos said in Filipino.

The Chinese experts visited mining projects in Paracale in Camarines Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Cebu.

Members of the CGS left the country last Tuesday, but will be back next month "to prepare a final geological report with local experts," Sevillo D. David, chief of the Planning Division of the Mines bureau, said in a separate phone interview.

Interest

At the same time, the Mines bureau will be sending five local geologists to China in March or April next year to explore opportunities for joint ventures, Mr. Ramos said.

Late last month, China’s Jiangxi Rare Earth & Metals Tungsten Group Co. Ltd., signed an agreement with locally listed Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. to build a nickel-cobalt leaching plant in the Berong nickel mine in Palawan.

Officials of the Mines bureau also said early this month that Metallurgical Construction Corporation, one of the largest construction companies in China, had expressed interest in building a copper processing and smelter plant worth at least $1 billion, instead of a steel mill in Mindanao.

Mr. Ramos also said he will lead a team to visit Fujian province early next year to follow up Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd.’s plan to buy a 20% stake in the Far Southeast Gold Resources, Inc. in Benguet, which is owned by local firm Lepanto Mining Corp.

Potential

The Philippines sits atop an estimated $1 trillion worth of unexplored copper, gold, nickel and zinc reserves.

Investments in the mining industry have totalled just $1.718 billion since 2004, when the Supreme Court allowed complete foreign ownership in mining ventures.

The Mines bureau earlier admitted that the $10-billion investment target for 2011 would have to be delayed a year or two given the difficulty of securing financing for investments amid the worsening global financial crisis.

The bureau announced that full-year mining investment this year will likely be $826 million, less than the $1-billion target. — Neil Jerome C. Morales
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On December 14, 2008 (Sunday) at the seawater of Purok Parola, Barangay Taft, Surigao City at around 5:00 in the evening, one fragmentation grenade was discovered by a fisherman while he went fishing at said place.

Recovered fragmentation grenade was brought and referred by fisherman to SSGT Allan Cagoco, Phil Army, Detachment Commander of AFP K-9, Surigao City.

Said grenade was turned over to Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition.
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Business leaders in Caraga, which is already known as a world-class surfing destination, say the region is drawing more investors into its fisheries, agriculture, mining and eco-tourism sectors.

"The region has great potential for large-scale investment," said Jake Miranda, president of the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "It's business-friendly and peaceful."

Miranda spoke at the recent 14th Caraga Business Conference, organized by the chamber with support from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, provincial and city governments, and USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, under its business growth and development component.

The region has positioned itself as Mindanao's gateway to Eastern Visayas and Luzon, with opportunities in inter-island trade and tourism. Caraga has rich agricultural and marine resources, and is one of the country's top producers of nickel, gold, copper and chromite.

"The business community recognizes that mining is a key factor in Caraga's economic growth," said Miranda in an interview, adding that the Sumitomo Corporation was establishing a mining company in the region and that Philex Mining Corporation is now operating in Boyongan, Surigao del Norte.

Philex chairman Walter Brown's presentation on socially-responsible mining practices was a conference highlight. He said that his firm's community-based development and environmental management programs, which create livelihood opportunities for villagers in host mining communities, had contributed to its success.

Surigao del Norte's mineral assets, which include metallic and non-metallic reserves, are estimated at 3.5 billion metric tons. Nonoc Island, off Surigao City, is known to have the largest nickel deposits in Asia, while large reserves of limestone are to be found in Surigao City.

Another plenary session focused on best practices in private-public partnerships. Alberto Bercasio, president of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showed how his chamber's collaboration with the local government had helped improve Naga City's economic climate and turned the area into an attractive business location.

At the close of the two-day event, the business community presented resolutions to Elena Haw, PCCI vice president for Mindanao, summing up proposals for strengthening the region's economic competitiveness.

These included establishing a Bangko Sentral regional office in Butuan City ; setting up a convention and visitors' bureau to be managed by the CARAGA Regional Tourism Council; and declaring Caraga a "retiree-friendly" region.

Caraga consists of the northernmost Mindanao provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, and the cities of Butuan and Surigao. (GEM-PIA XI)
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Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country's leading domestic airline, is offering a P500 all-in Go Lite fare for flights from Cebu to Cotabato, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Legaspi, Ozamiz, Siargao and Tacloban.

The seat sale is from December 17-19, 2008 and is good for travel from January 1-March 18, 2009.

This marks the opening of CEB's new destinations from Cebu to Cotabato, Dumaguete, Legaspi and Siargao and the mounting of additional frequencies from Cebu to Iloilo, Ozamiz and Tacloban.

New thrice weekly flights from Cebu to Cotabato and the four-times weekly Cebu- Legaspi service will start on January 10, 2009. The thrice weekly Cebu-Dumaguete service starts on January 12, 2009. The Cebu-Siargao thrice-weekly service will start on January 30, 2009.

Candice Iyog, CEB VP for marketing and distribution, said, "As we continue to take delivery of brand new ATR 72-500 aircraft, we will operate new inter-island routes and add frequencies to existing ones to encourage local trade and tourism. Coupled with our trademark low fares, we hope to stimulate travel despite market conditions. "

"We also urge passengers to book their flights early through our website, www.cebupacificair.com , to get the cheapest and most convenient flight schedule," Iyog added.

'Go Lite' fares are for passengers traveling with no check-in baggage. Passengers with check-in bags just have to add P200 to the fare.

CEB has the most number of inter-island routes and connections from its operational hubs in Clark, Manila, Cebu and Davao. It continues to be the strongest domestic airline flying to a total of 27--soon to be 32--domestic destinations.

Cebu Pacific has one of the youngest fleets in the region composed of 10 Airbus A319, nine Airbus A320, and six ATR 72-500 aircraft by end of 2008.
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Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines' leading domestic airline, has recognized its top corporate and government accounts, and stressed that the partnership is even more important during these times when budgets are limited and efficiency and productivity are critical to the success of companies.

Institutional clients are granted access to CEB's corporate online booking and credit facility and they are able to save as much as 30-percent on travel related spending as a result of CEB's permanently low 'Go' fares, said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and distribution.

Iyog said the airline recognized the continuing patronage of these accounts and that is why CEB is rewarding them with round-trip domestic tickets as a gesture of CEB's gratitude.

The awardees include top corporations and institutions such as Abbott Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Couples for Christ, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), the US Embassy, PAGCOR, GMA Network and Swift Foods.

Iyog added, "The enrollment in CEB's online booking facility will allow companies and government agencies to book the lowest airfare to any destination in our wide network. Our partners will definitely get more out of their travel budget and fly more for less."

For more inquiries and information for corporate and government partners, parties may call (632) 851-3154 or sign-up at www.cebupacificair.com .

Cebu Pacific is the largest domestic airline in the Philippines. It flies to 27 domestic and 15 international destinations which include Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kaohsiung, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Pusan, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei.
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Last December 1, at 7:00 in the evening at the Crossing Road, Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, a certain Rovito Ornita, 53 years old, married, alleged usher/collector of illegal gambling locally known as "suertres", and a resident of Barangay Manga, Madrdid, Surigao del Sur was apprehended by elements of Carmen Municipal Police Station for having caught in the act engaged in illegal gambling activity.

Confiscated from his possession were tally sheets, illegal gambling paraphernalia and bet money amounting to P200.00. Subject person was brought to Carmen Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Also, on December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) at Langihan Road, Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City, elements of Butuan City Police Station-2 led by PINSP Nestor Taganahan, Deputy Station Commander, conducted operation against illegal gambling known as "cara Cross" which resulted to the apprehension of the following persons: Ronaldo Ranese Ladan, 18 years old, single, a resident of Purok-7, New Asia, Barangay 17 Fort Poyohon, Butuan City; Ronald Lobon Saranggote, 18 years old, single, a resident of Langihan Road, Butuan City; Ferdinand Timbal Lagapa, 33 years old, Married and resident of Purok-4A, Barangay Lower Doongan, Butuan City; Rolly Walo Pepe, 45 years old, married and resident of Purok-2A, Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City.

Confiscated during the operation were six pieces of 25 cents coins used as a "Tsapa" and bet money amounting to P145.00. A certain Rommel Gallaga alias "Bolaw", a resident of Barangay 23 Holy Redeemer, Butuan City was able to evade arrest from the operatives. Arrested suspect were brought to Butuan City Police Station-2 for proper disposition and filing of appropriate case in court.

PNP probes shooting incident

On December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) at 8:00 in the evening at Little Baguio, Barangay Crossing Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, initial investigation disclosed that the victim identified as Rodeny G. Ibay, 25 years old, married and resident of Milagrosa, Tampakan, South Cotabato boarded the Bachelor Express Bus with bus number 3186 from Barangay Timamana, Tubod, Surigao del Norte heading towards Butuan City, while the suspects boarded from Barangay Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, and upon reaching at the abovementioned place, the two suspects drew their caliber 45 pistol and shot the victim hitting the left side of the victims head which resulted to his instantaneous death.

After the incident, suspect disembarked from the bus and brought the pack bag of the victim. Upon receipt of said report, elements of Kitcharao Municipal Police Station immediately proceeded to the area and recovered three empty shells of caliber 45 pistol and one slug. The suspects were wearing black jacket and maong pants; age MOL 30-35 years old; height-between 5'5" to 5'6". Investigation is still going on to determine the motive of the incident and to possibly identify and arrest the suspects.

Meanwhile, at Barangay Banban, Taganaan, Surigao del Norte, elements of Taganaan Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Danrevel Etac, recovered one caliber.38 revolver with Serial Number 736016 loaded with three live ammos and one sharp long bolo.

The team responded to a report that a group of men armed with short firearms is harassing the gold panners. While the operatives were approaching the area and moving toward a small nipa hut, two unidentified persons ran towards forested area leaving behind the recovered firearm. Recovered items are now under the custody of Taganaan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Also, on December 3, 2008 (Wednesday) at 7:00 in the evening at Purok-1, Barangay Del Monte, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, a victim identified as Felix Infiesto Jr, of legal age, businessman, married and resident of said place was shot inside their store by unidentified suspect using cal.45 pistol.

The victim was hit at the different parts of his body. Victim was rushed to DO Plaza Memorial Hospital, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur but was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician, while suspect fled to unknown direction.

Responding team from Talacogon Municipal Police Station recovered at the crime scene two pieces slugs and one spent shell of cal.45. Another team led by SPO2 Raul A Francisco, together with Barangay Captain Dahunos and some Barangay Tanods of Barangay Del Monte, conducted hot pursuit operation that led to the apprehension of one Jessie Molihon, a resident of Barangay Cecelia, San Luis, Agusan del Sur.

Subject is the driver of motorcycle used as get away vehicle of the suspect. Arrested person is now detained at Talacogon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. Progress report to follow.

Apprehension of wanted persons

On December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) at 4:10 in the afternoon at Purok-6, Maraville Village, Tabon, Bislig City, elements of Bislig City Police Station led by SPO3 Elmer Dela Cruz arrested the suspect identified as Jamely Gambo Veras, 25 years old, single, jobless and resident of abovementioned place by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) docketed under criminal case number 4310 dated June 8, 2008 for the crime of Frustrated Homicide issued by Judge Ambrocio Moleta of MTCC, 11th Judicial Region, Bislig City with recommended bailbond amounting to P12,000.00.

Arrested suspect is now detained at Bislig City Police Station for proper disposition.

On December 3, 2008 (Wednesday) at 2:30 in the afternoon at Barangay Pilaring, Pilar, Surigao Del Norte, PNP elements of Pilar Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Joseph Geofrey P Lim, arrested the suspect identified as Abner Dotillos alias "Titing", 24 years old, single and resident of said place by virtue of WOA dated September 18, 2008 for the offense of malicious mischief docketed under CC number 4231 issued by Hon Judge Ignacio Macarine of MCTC General Luna, Surigao del Norte with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 2,000.00.

Arrested person now temporarily detained at Pilar Detention cell for proper disposition.

Also, at 4:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Sampaguita, Veruela, Agusan del Sur, PNP elements of Veruela Municipal Police Station led by SPO1 Benjamin arrested the suspect identified as Rogelio Uayan, 45 years old, married and resident of said place by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Eduardo Casal of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City, docketed under CC number 12806 for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9262.

Arrested person now detained at Veruela Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

At about 5:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte, PNP elements of Pilar Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Joseph Geofrey P Lim arrested the suspect identified as Alvin Penera, 30 years old, single and resident of Purok-3, Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Evangeline Yuipco Bayana of RTC Branch 31, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, docketed under CC Number 100-08 for murder.

Arrested person now detained at Pilar Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Report on foiled bank robbery

On December 4, 2008 (Thursday) at 1:00 in the afternoon at Poblacion, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, the First Consolidated Bank (FCB) was entered by three suspects identified as Michael Sopera alias "Dodong Tisoy", 29 years old, married and resident of Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City; Christopher Perez alias "Bobong", of legal age, married, and one alias "Junjun", both resident of Santis, Obrero, Butuan City.

The incident was noticed after the alarm system installed at the bank was heard by personnel of Bayugan City Police Station. Alert team led by SPO4 Gilbert Lumacad immediately responded which led to the apprehension of Michael Sopera, while the other two suspects evaded the arrest. Recovered from the possession of the arrested suspect are the following items: one cellphone sony ericson; one battery charger; one scissor; one make-up kit; one headphone; one flashlight; one CCTV; cash money (coins) worth Php 1,486.15.

Investigation conducted disclosed that the suspects gained entrance by cutting the aircon grill. However, the suspects activated the alarm system and failed to open the bank safety vault. Estimated cash stolen by the suspects amounted to Php 3,000.00.

Follow-up operation conducted by Bayugan City Police Station led by PSINSP Warren Ejem Dablo, Chief of Police, resulted to the apprehension of one Francis Palima Jr alias "Junjun" at Barangay Obrero, Butuan City. The team also recovered one unit armscor shotgun with SN 754512 with five live ammunition issued to security guard Jessie V Tabanao of Tamblot Security and General Services.

The immediate response of Bayugan City Police Station was due to the installed alarm system of the bank that resulted to the arrest of the suspects. Suspects now detained at Bayugan City Police Station while case against them now being prepared for filing in court. Progress report to follow.
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Gokongwei-owned airline Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) plans to further boost its Cebu operations by mounting additional services to key destinations within the archipelago.

Starting January 10, 2009, CEB will fly three times weekly between Cebu and Cotabato, and four times weekly between Cebu and Legaspi, with a year-round 'Go Lite' fare of Php 888 one way.

On January 12, the airline will begin thrice-weekly flights between Cebu and Dumaguete, with a year-round 'Go Lite' offering of Php 588 one way. Also commencing on the same day is a thrice-weekly service between Cebu and Siargao, with a year-round 'Go Lite' of Php 888 one way.

"Cebu is a very important market for our airline," said Candice Iyog, CEB VP for marketing and distribution. "We will continue to strengthen this hub by offering as many choices for our Cebu passengers as possible."

Iyog added, "At the same time, we'd like to maximize Cebu's accessibility to both foreign and domestic passengers, to heighten both tourism and business opportunities for the entire province."

In addition to its four new Cebu services, the airline will increase the number of flights of existing services.

By January 9, 2009, flights between Cebu and Tacloban will become daily, while starting January 11, CEB will increase its Cebu – Ozamiz flights to four times weekly. By February 2, CEB's Cebu – Iloilo service will go from thrice weekly to daily.

Iyog said that the earlier passengers book their flights, the greater the chances of availing the lowest possible fares.

"The fastest and most convenient way to book and pay for flights, is through www.cebupacificair.com," she said. "Passengers can also block their preferred seats and pre-pay excess baggage through our website, plus check out our other services including fun tours and travel insurance."

CEB is the largest domestic airline in the Philippines, which flies to 27 domestic and 15 international destinations. From Cebu, CEB offers the most number of flights, as it services 15, soon to be 19 domestic destinations and four international destinations.
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This year's 14th Caraga Business Conference held last November 28, 2008 at Hotel Tavern Surigao, Surigao City was a success notwithstanding the absence of the host governor, Hon. Robert Ace Barbers and mayor, Hon. Alfonso S. Casurra, who were both on official business in Manila.

BIR Director Braves Caraga Businessmen

In a full-packed convention hall of this upscale hotel in Surigao City, Atty. Marcelinda Yap, Caraga BIR Regional Director appeared cheerful and admirably collected throughout the conference hosted by the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recipient of PCCI's 2008 Most Outstanding Chamber in Mindanao award, and attended by the dynamic mix of trade and industry leaders, young and old, from the region and elsewhere in the country.

Aiming to resolve standing disagreements, key businessmen-attendees from the five provinces of Caraga unanimously chose to invite the Caraga BIR regional executives to the conference. The much publicized conflict between Northern Mindanao BIR Director Mustafa Gandarosa and the Cagayan de Oro businessmen preceded the Caraga conference.

Atty. Marcellina Yap, who assumed office last September of this year, led the Caraga BIR delegates. Flustered at the opening of her speech, she soon overcame nervousness and recovered her timbre as she proceeded to eloquently present her office's past performances and current programs. Yap said that while the BIR remains to be the most maligned agency in government, it still continues to diligently collect taxes for the national coffers. Yap added that for Caraga she has full control over her people and their actions, and encouraged everyone to report any malfeasance in office directly to her.

The businessmen stood up to the challenge and reaffirmed their vigilance against official misconduct of the BIR representatives by the first question asked in the open forum. This came from a businesswoman based in Tandag City who exposed a bribery attempt from one of the local revenue district officers. The succeeding questions were kinder and focused more on the BIR's audit schedules and revenue targets for several cities in Caraga. The volley of ideas proved very enlightening and unifying as it was evident that the parties came to dialogue and not to argue.

Johann Jake Miranda, Conference Chairman and President of Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was credited for getting the BIR executives and their staff to attend the affair. Miranda did not fail to commend the regional director for honoring the Chamber's invitation noting that there were previous instances in other parts of the country where the BIR executives were invited and no one came.

Miranda also emphasized to the audience the importance of dialogue and seeing one another face to face was the first step in opening lines of communication between government offices and the business community in the Caraga region.

Philex Mining Keynotes Conference in Surigao

The conference also featured a keynote speech from Dr. Walter Brown, Chairman of Philex Mining Corporation, who spoke about socially-responsible mining. Dr. Brown lamented the fact that certain mining companies in the past chose to forget their responsibilities to surrounding communities and that this has contributed to the negative image of mining in the country. Dr. Brown added that Philex Mining Corporation remains to be committed to responsible mining. Philex has an ongoing full-scale feasibility project in Boyongan, Surigao del Norte, not far from Surigao City.

Resolutions Get Fast-Tracked to PCCI

At the end of the conference Miranda together with Mr. Juanito Mendoza, PCCI Regional Governor for Caraga formally turned over resolutions to Ms. Elena Haw, Vice President of PCCI for Mindanao and Mr. Crisanto Frianeza, PCCI Secretary General. Noteworthy resolutions were the Caraga businessmen's request for Bangko Sentral to establish an regional office in Caraga to be based in Butuan City, a prayer to proclaim Caraga as a retiree-friendly region towards ultimately opening a partnership with the Philippine Retirement Authority, and creating a regional convention and visitors bureau under the auspices of the Caraga Regional Tourism Council.

Businessmen Visit Dinagat Island

The next day, participants boarded a Philippine Navy gunboat, BRP Felix Apolinario (PG395) under the command of Cdr. Rommel Anthony Reyes, and visited nearby Dinagat Island province for a tour of San Jose, its municipal capital. Governor Jade Ecleo-Villaroman and her tourism officials welcomed the delegation and accepted the challenge to host the Caraga Business Conference in 2011. Gov. Villaroman also introduced the tourism potentials and investment opportunities of the newly-created province.

350 Delegates Pack Convention Hall

Although regional in scope and compacted to a one-day affair, the conference was able to gather more than 350 official participants with delegates from as far as Dipolog and Pagadian cities. Growth with Equity in Mindanao, a co-sponsor of the event, also sent a delegation from Cagayan de Oro. The convention hall remained packed all throughout the day as the organizers maintained a high level of interest from the audience with short speeches and efficient programming. Another interesting presentation was made by Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce president Alberto Bercasio who introduced the Naga Citizen ID which is now being fully implemented there.


Miranda enthused that there was a large number of business students from four major educational institutions in the region. He further commended the students for taking a proactive stand in learning, taking it upon themselves to participate and listen attentively to the resource persons.

Miranda added, "While remaining to be one of the poorest regions in the Philippines, Caraga has the greatest potential for economic success. We have vast natural resources in agriculture, logging, mining and fisheries primed for development. A business-friendly atmosphere and peaceful political climate in the region will help Caraga withstand the impending economic crisis in 2009 and still manage to attract large-scale investments now and in the near future." (SCCI)
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Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis has accepted the post of Chief Negotiator for the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) in peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Seguis, a career diplomat who was called from retirement by President Gloria Macapgal-Arroyo, vowed to do his “best to advance the cause of peace in Mindanao.”

He comes from Anao-aon, Surigao del Norte in Eastern Mindanao, and replaces Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Garcia. Garcia’s team was dissolved in August just before the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD, which he steered through, was declared unconstitutional by the Philippine Supreme Court. Seguis said that in his concurrent positions at the DFA and the GRP peace panel, he would be able to harness his diplomatic experience as a negotiator.

The added appointment by President Arroyo signals GRP’s intent to resume scuttled peace talks with the MILF but Seguis pointed out that “the timeline is not set yet, though it’s not far behind.”

“This is a tremendous challenge and opportunity which I humbly accept knowing fully well the difficult road that lies ahead. We will do our work quietly, but diligently because in any negotiation it is just as important to listen and understand the views of the other side,” the newly-appointed Chief Negotiator said.

Seguis said that President Arroyo has begun the first steps for resumption of talks by considering the composition of the panel of negotiators, which he will head. The names of his four-co members are not yet known, Seguis said.

Asked if his being a working diplomat does not go against the grain of the negotiations, Seguis said, “we’re all working for peace, that’s most important.”
But he added he will still seek some comments from Malacañang regarding his appointment.

Seguis retired in 2004 but was immediately reappointed DFA Undersecretary for Special Concerns.

Known for his coolness in crisis situations, he led the crisis team to Iraq on two separate occasions to negotiate for the eventual safe release of Filipino workers Angelo dela Cruz of Pampanga and Davao native Roberto Tarongoy. The captives face near-certain death in the hands of an Al-Qaeda-linked group as well as put the very life of Seguis on line as well.

On July 19, 2005, Seguis received a Presidential Citation “for his steadfast and able leadership of Team Iraq” which resulted in the successful release of the Filipino hostages.

He also received the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Gold Distinction) on October 26, 2006 which is the highest presidential award bestowed to government officials and employees.

Inside the DFA, the soft-spoken Seguis is often tapped to represent the country in vital diplomatic missions and conferences in the Middle East-including being a regular member of the guest Philippine delegation to the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Islamic Summits from 1996 to 2008.

He also represented the Philippines in various United Nations (UN) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) high-level meetings. He is the recipient of many awards and citations from DFA, including the “Distinguished Service Award” conferred by then DFA Secretary Domingo L. Siazon Jr.

The low-key Seguis also served as Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia and East Timor ( 2002 – 2003); Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen (1999-2002); Iraq and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (1992 to 1996); Deputy Chief of Mission in Tripoli (1988-1991) and in various capacities in the Philippine Embassies in Rome, Bangkok, Cairo, Tehran and the United States.

At the DFA, he served as Assistant Minister for Fiscal Management (1986-1987) and Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa (1996-1999).
Seguis is also concurrently Chairman of the Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat of the DFA.

He passed the Foreign Service Officers (FSO) Examinations in December 1973.
He is a graduate of the University of the East and attended post-graduate studies at the American University in Cairo and the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business. (By Gloria Jane Baylon/PNA)
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A sort of restiveness seems to be brewing among the medical staff of the Caraga Regional Hospital, in Surigao City as majority of them manifested their opposition to the designation of Dr. Panfilo Jorge M. Tremedal III, a Medical Officer IV of the said hospital to the position as Officer-in-Charge – Chief Medical Professional Staff I.

They are asking for the recall of Dr. Tremedal’s designation to such position through Department Personnel Order No. 2008-3384, dated October 1, 2008; by Health Undersecretary David J. Lozada, Jr. of the DOH Field Implementation Management Office (FIMO).

In a press conference held recently at Surigao City, attended by nine medical staffs of CRH, the group presented to the members of media a copy of their letter to Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, through Caraga Center for Health Development Dir. Leonita P. Gorgolon, containing among others their alleged reasons why they opposed Tremedal’s designation.

There were accordingly, twenty three medical staffs out of the thirty-one permanent physicians of the hospital who signed the said letter to Health Secretary Duque dated September 15, 2008. The group claimed that they have the backing of the majority of the medical staff, considering that one was out of the country and three were on leave at the time of signing.

The medical staff then cited in their letter the reasons among others, why Dr. Tremedal is”unqualified” to the position which he is presently holding. Accordingly, Memorandum Circular #3 series of 2001 of the Civil Service Commission re Approved System Ranking Position for Caraga Regional Hospital, States: “An employee may be promoted or transferred to a position which is not more than three(3)salary, pay or job grades higher than the employee’s present position except in very meritorious cases” to which applicant Tremedal being a Medical Officer IV with a salary grade of 20, is barred from being promoted to a position with a salary grade of 25.

Furthermore, they said that during the Special Meeting of the Special Selections and Promotions Board (SPB) held on August 1, 2008 at the Caraga Regional Hospital, Surigao City; which was convened to evaluate the application of Dr. Panfilo Jorge Tremedal III for the aforesaid positon, a Board Resolution No. 008, series of 2008 which was passed showing and elaborating its finding that though Tremedal was the lone applicant for the said position, “he was not qualified and has not meet the minimum requirements.’They added that since no one from among the Medical Staff, even those who have signed waivers to be applicants of the said position were likewise qualified, it was decided through the Resolution of June 16, 2008; passed by the Medical Staff that the CMPS I position shall be rotated from among the Department Heads of the hospital.

They also said that while Dr. Tremedal has been OIC Chief Medical Professional Staff for a year until June 30, 2008, he did not enjoy the trust and confidence of the Medical Staff. According to them, he has not shown the capabilities that would merit their support, and should he be allowed to re-assume the said position, it could result to the demoralizationof the Medical Staff.

Their letter to the health secretary also contained a request for an independent evaluating team from the DOH Central Office, to prove their allegations and to evaluate Dr. Tremedal’s clinical and professional capabilities and look upon his records.

They also alleged earlier in their letter that Tremedal’s designation has been considered for approval, accordingly upon the intercession of some congressmen of the province. Thus, in opposing strongly his appointment, they stressed that “they could not accept the fact that unqualified individuals will be allowed to lead the Medical Staff in the mere i n t e r v e n t i o n of …congressmen, having no picture of what the Medical Staff’s duties and responsibilities are…”

They pointed out that should someone be appointed to be CMPSI, he or she must possess the minimum requirements for the position, follow CSC Memorandum Circular #3 series of 2001 and enjoy the trust and confidence of the Medical Staff where he or she will be mandated to lead.

Meanwhile, Dr. Panfilo Jorge M. Tremedal III, OIC-CMPS I Designate and Chief of the Hospital Emergency Medical Service in a separate interview at his office at the Caraga Regional Hospital, decribed his position as similar to a television game “1 vs. 23.’ He said that he was aware of that September 15, 2008; letter sent to Health Secretary Duque by some of the Medical Staff oppsing his proposed appointment. Howbeit, despite of such correspondence to the honorable secretary, he still got his designation to his present position contained in Department Personnel Order No. 2008-3384, dated October 1, 2008. His main concern now, he said, is to put weight on their priority which is public service. Regarding the issue of qualification, he said that all of them are found wanting. He said that he and the medical staffs who raised it had already met and discussed on the matter among themselves as professionals. He added that they had reached on some form of agreement on addressing the issue. They even already had held a dialogue with the presence of two congressmen and all the issues regarding the problem had been well explained during the forum. He thought, he said that matter had already been settled at that time.

He assured however, with all of these issues going on among themselves which calls for resolution, they will see to it that their services on the said hospital will not be affected. He said that he and the other group are one in following and implementing the standards set forth by the DOH. They will continue to be patient-centered, to work within the system and put primary consideration on the welfare of the public which they are serving.

On the part of the opposing group, they also assured that they had continued on fully performing their routine duties and functions and had placed the welfare of their patients above everything else. Accordingly, they registered their protest by meeting for some few minutes and hanging a streamer calling for the recall of Dr. Tremedal’s designation at the hospital canteen every 4:00 pm. Which they are calling it as their “four ‘o clock habit.” (Noel B. Najarro-Butuan Star)

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