Philippine Airlines (PAL) is beefing up its domestic services with new routes and destinations in response to the local market's gradual rebound.

Starting September 1, 2009, PAL Express will takeover the flight from Air Phils. What this means is that Surigao airport may not see jetplanes anymore. Sad but true. The good news is, PAL express now accumulates Mabuhay Miles.

PAL Express will utilize its 76-seater Bombardier Q400 from Manila to Surigao and vice versa daily. Leaving Manila at 8:45 am (PR065) and leaves from Surigao at 10:50 am (PR066).

This new development happened after PAL, the mother company of Air Philippines, reported a $301.4-million loss at end-March, flag carrier PAL made drastic measures of right-sizing its workforce and reducing flight capacity to match demand in order to survive the crisis plaguing the global aviation industry.

Earlier, Jaime Bautista, PAL president and chief operating officer, said it would cut its workforce and flight capacity abroad to cope with the global economic slowdown.

“We are currently reviewing our entire organizational set-up,” Bautista said, adding that the crisis has changed the face of the industry which is among the sectors hardest hit by the global crisis.

“We don’t know yet how many will be affected. For now, we don’t have a target. I talked to the union about the plan yesterday. In a few weeks, we will know how many will be affected,” he added.

At end-March, PAL had a workforce of 8,052. Of the total, 472 are pilots and 1,593 are cabin crew.

Bautista said the airline’s cost-cutting measures will not infringe on its safety compliance and standards.

PAL will reduce flight capacity to the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong, he said. About 7 percent of the airline’s total capacity would be reduced effective this month until March 2010.

At end-March, PAL’s route network covered 29 points in the Philippines and 31 international destinations.

For flight schedule details of the new routes, passengers may log on to philippineairlines.com or palexpressair.com or contact the PAL Reservations, (086) 826-8218, 826-8589, 231-6768. (photo from islaman.blogspot.com)

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Canadian miner MBMI Resources, Inc. has secured a $1-million loan from a European bank to fund nickel exploration projects in southern Luzon and eastern Visayas.

"[Global Capital Corp.] has advanced $1 million to MBMI in the form of a secured two-year convertible debenture," the miner told the Canadian bourse.

The loan, which has an interest rate of 10% per year, is the first tranche of a $3-million transaction arranged by MBMI.

The miner is exploring four nickel properties in Palawan, four in Samar, and one in Dinagat Island. MBMI and its local partners control nickel laterite projects covering about 22,000 hectares.

"MBMI’s objective is to become a major supplier of high-grade nickel material to primary industrial consumers in Asia," said MBMI President Michael T. Mason.

Nickel prices for cash buyers on Friday closed at $8.792 per pound, higher than the $6 per pound in the first quarter, data from the London Metal Exchange showed.

"MBMI has invested significant funds into infrastructure and the development of nickel projects over the last few years, and these funds will restart nickel material shipping operations," said Global Capital Chief Executive Jason Ewart.

The loans allow Global Capital to convert the debt to MBMI shares at a fixed conversion price of $0.10 per share. "As additional consideration for providing the bridge loan, Global Capital was issued 1.6 million common shares of MBMI at a deemed price of $0.0625 and paid a $10,000 structuring fee pursuant to the debenture," the miner said.

Global Capital is a European merchant bank that provides bridge loan services to companies engaged in oil and gas, mining, real estate, manufacturing, retail, and financial services.

MBMI and Global Capital plan to immediately close a second tranche under the loan agreement, which will see Global Capital advance up to $2 million, with MBMI issuing up to 3.2 million common shares. — Neil Jerome C. Morales, Business World
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Pulse Asia released yesterday the results of the firm’s recent survey on senatorial candidates that showed Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada as the top favorite to win if the elections were held today.

Estrada got 50.2 percent of votes, which translates to a statistical ranking of 1st to 5th places in Pulse Asia’s August 2009 Ulat ng Bayan survey, which also showed that 14 out of 71 aspirants have a statistical chance of winning Senate seats.

The non-commissioned survey was conducted from July 28 to Aug. 10 and used face-to-face interviews of 1,800 respondents 18 years old and above.

The survey sample of 1,800 is greater than the usual 1,200 respondents used by Pulse Asia in its previous polls. The survey with more respondents has a lower margin of error, it explained.

Sharing statistical rankings of 1st to 6th places among the Senate bets were Senators Manuel Roxas II (48.3 percent), Pia Cayetano (46.6 percent), Ramon Revilla Jr. (46.4 percent), and former Senate president Franklin Drilon (46.3 percent).

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago (45.2 percent) was ranked from 2nd to 6th places.

Other probable winners include Sen. Jamby Madrigal (38.9 percent), former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director-general Ralph Recto (37.6 percent), and Makati City Mayor Binay (37.5 percent), who placed between 7th to 11th places.

Pulse Asia said the aspirants that were ranked from 1st to 11th are sure to take the 1 to 9 slots for the 12 Senate seats that would be contested in the 2010 polls.

Those within the statistical ranking from 13th to 24th are expected to contest the 10th to 12th Senate slots.

Lawyer Aquilino Pimentel III currently ranks 7th to 13th, with an overall voter preference of 36.1 percent, while former Optical Media Board (OMB) chairperson Edu Manzano (34.9 percent) is in 7th to 14th places.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former senator Sergio Osmeña III record the same overall voter preference (32.1 percent) for a statistical ranking of 10th to 14th places.

Completing the list of probable winners is Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) chairman Vicente Sotto III who enjoys the support of 30.8 percent of Filipinos for a statistical ranking of 11th to 15th places.

The survey also showed that the level of public interest in the senatorial race remains high, with Filipinos naming a mean of 10 and a median of 12 (out of a maximum of 12) of their preferred senatorial bets. At the national level and in all geographic areas and socio-economic groupings, majorities (51 percent to 63 percent) already have a complete senatorial list.

“Presently, seven re-electionists and four former senators are among the probable winners in the senatorial race,” Pulse Asia said.

Less than one in 10 Filipinos (three percent) is not inclined to vote for any of the personalities included in the senatorial probe, Pulse Asia said.

Among the probable winners, Manzano enjoys the biggest improvement in overall voter preference between May and August 2009 (+13.5 percentage points).

Drilon (+7.6 percentage points), Enrile (+7.0 percentage points), and Binay (+7.0 percentage points) also register notable gains in electoral support during this period.

On the other hand, marginal improvements may be noted in the overall voter preferences of Revilla (+5.0 percentage points), Estrada (+4.2 percentage points), and Pimentel (+4.2 percentage points).

Pulse Asia said considerable gains were made by broadcaster Ted Failon (+7.0 percentage points) and Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano (+6.5 percentage points). The duo was among the group that landed outside the winners’ circle.

Other personalities included in the survey were: Sen. Richard Gordon (26.1 percent); former Sen. Juan Flavier (22.1 percent); Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III (20.5 percent); Durano (18.6 percent); Jose de Venecia III (17.6 percent); Sen. Manuel Lapid (17.3 percent); former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay (16.2); book author Alex Lacson (15.9 percent); Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Biazon (15.5 percent); Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers (11.5 percent);

National broadband network-ZTE contract scam whistleblower Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada (10.7 percent); former Presidential Management Staff chief Michael Defensor (10.3 percent); Grace Poe (9.6 percent); Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno (9.6 percent); Nacionalista Party spokesman Gilbert Remulla (8.2 percent); Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo (7.5 percent); Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte (6.7 percent); Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (6.6 percent); detained Army Brig. General Danilo Lim (6.1 percent); Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez (5.6 percent);

Former executive secretary Oscar Orbos (5.6 percent); Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca (5.3 percent); professor Randy David (4.8 percent); Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo (4.8 percent); Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap (4.7 percent); Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza (4.5 percent); NP spokesman Adel Tamano (4.5 percent); Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III (4.3 percent); Anakbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros (4.1 percent); Manila Hotel president Jose Lina (3.9 percent); economist Benjamin Diokno (3.7 percent); Education Secretary Jesli Lapus (3.7 percent); San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora (3.7 percent); Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes (3.4 percent); former social welfare secretary Dinky Soliman (3.4 percent);

Camarines Sur Gov. Lray Villafuerte (3.4 percent); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Boboy Syjuco (3.3 percent); Speaker Prospero Nograles (3.2 percent); Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño (three percent); former Labor undersecretary Susan Ople (2.8 percent); detained Marine Col. Ariel Querubin (2.8 percent); Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane (2.7 percent); former agrarian reform secretary Horacio “Boy” Morales (2.2 percent); Finance Secretary Margarito Teves (2.2 percent); former education secretary Florencio Abad (1.8 percent);

Black and White Movement convenor Leah Navarro (1.7 percent); former Bukidnon Rep. Nereus Acosta (1.3 percent); Iloilo Rep. Rolex Suplico (1.3 percent); University of the East College of Law Dean Amado Valdez (1.1 percent); constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas (0.9 percent); Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza (0.9 percent); Press Secretary Cerge Remonde (0.9 percent); former Akbayan Rep. Loretta Ann Rosales (0.8 percent); Ang Ladlad founder Danton Remoto (0.7 percent); Ang Kapatiran founder Reynaldo Pacheco (0.5 percent); and Naga City Mayor Jessie Rebredo (0.4 percent). (philstar.com)

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A three-dimensional (3-D) map showing the connectivity and accessibility of Mindanao’s tourism destinations was unveiled during the recent opening of the Mindanao Travel and Tour Exposition 2009 (MTTE 2009) at the Davao Convention and Trade Center in Davao City.

The Mindanao Tourism and Transport Highway Map (MTTH), a 3-D landscaped model map of Mindanao, shows key tourism sites and the major highways, seaports and airports connecting various tourism and key destinations.

Some of the areas shown in the MTTH map include Dakak in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, the Island Garden City of Samal on Samal Island, and the Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Norte.

An inter-agency project of the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC), the tourism and transport highway map features the multi-modal interconnectivity of the transportation and infrastructure development of Mindanao.

This project stresses the accessibility as well as the connectivity of the key eco-tourism sites of southern Philippines with the end view of encouraging domestic tourism within Mindanao while showcasing the ease and affordability of travel and tours within the island.

Changes and updates may be made even after the launching, as the map is an ongoing project. In the future, results of the project may be made accessible via Internet once the system is set in place.

At the interagency workshop on the MTTH Map held last month in Cagayan de Oro City, Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab stressed the importance of the map in identifying the gaps in tourism, transportation as well as the needed infrastructure support.

“Our neighbors have the basic infrastructure requirements, that’s why they have more visitors and tourists,” said Palabyab, adding that Mindanao has the best tourism destinations whether in terms of culture, adventure or nature.

He also said that the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines–East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is one important strategy for tourism marketing of Mindanao. (MB)
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It is hard to cross the fine line between politics and show business said Governor Jade Ecleo of Dinagat Islands who is starring in forthcoming back-to-back concert opposite Ai Ai de las Alas called “Face to Phase” at the Aliw Theater on Sept. 12.

Herself a singer, former member of the Bayanihan Dance Troupe and the band Amadeus, Gov. Jade told the Manila Bulletin that contrary to popular notion politics and show business are two intertwining worlds, her experiences told otherwise. “Why is it that there’s a huge wall between showbiz and politics? In my experience, I had offers before (to do TV and commercials) and when they found out that I’m a Governor parang, ‘Naku governor pala yan… mahirap na…’”

The governor also passed an offer to do a regular primetime soap opera sometime back. “I could not deal naman with thrice a week na taping schedule. It would take too much naman of my time away from my constituents.”

She said though that the people of Dinagat loved seeing her trying her hand at showbiz. “Some 800 [people] will be watching the concert at Aliw Theater. They all want to see me perform.”

But she warned the Bulletin, “But you have to forget that I am a public official when I’m up on stage because you will be shocked. Up there, I’m entirely someone apart from being a governor. I dance because I do not like singing lang talaga. I get bored watching performers confined to singing lang. I love singing. I’ve been singing since I was little.”

The only reason why the governor did not pursue the entertainment business over politics was because, “My late father was very strict. He would not approve of a career in showbiz.”

It is not new for the public to see singing male politicians but a lady public servant doing very pop-Latin routines is at the very least something to be curious about. Amongst the surprises Ecleo prepared for the show are some authentic steps a la Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. A confessed fan of some of today’s sing and dance pop stars, Ecleo said, “I’m a fan of J.Lo! I love her; I love the way she moves and the way she performs.”

Concert producer Milton Ngu vouched for Ecleo’s talent. “I decided to be part of this project because I’ve seen Gov. Jade perform. She’s really good.”

FRIENDSHIP WITH AI AI

“Face to Phase” was a joke of an idea Ecleo and friend Ai Ai de las Alas used to throw around. “‘Why don’t we do a concert together?’ Ai Ai and I would say to each other. Then we got serious about it and before we knew it, here we are… promoting the show already.”

The talented governor said she wanted Ai Ai on board not only because she is a friend. “She’s very fun to watch and like what I said, ayoko ng boring. Masayang mag-show si Ai Ai na talagang never a dull moment with her.”

Joining the “Singing Governor” and the Comedy Concert Queen are guests Prince of Pop Erik Santos, singer-songwriter Dingdong Avanzado, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani “BF” Fernando.

Directed by Paulo Bustamante, with musical arrangements and musical direction by Elmer Blancaflor and Ms. Beth Martin, “Face to Phase” also includes numbers from Tango Argentine Master, Jun Borja.

The concert’s proceedings will be for the benefit of the Jade Ecleo-Villaroman Foundation, which also supports socio-civic projects in Dinagat Islands, institutions in Metro Manila like the Associacion de Damas in Manila, White Cross in San Juan, the Philippine General Hospital’s Pediatric Charity Ward for terminally ill patients, Golden Acres Home for the Aged and Hospicio de San Jose’s Home for the Aged. (KAYE VILLAGOMEZ,MB)
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At least 205 youths coming from poor families availed of the scholarship program of the provincial government in Surigao del Norte. The latest was the 53 youths that qualified to the standards of the scholarship program. All the scholars are now studying in various colleges in this city.

Some of the scholars are studying at the Surigao State College of Technology and Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology. The scholarship program of the provincial government for the poor families is the brainchild of Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers. But only those who could pass the interviews and requirements of the provincial government and those who pass the entrance examination can avail of the program.

When accepted, the scholars will receive several benefits from the program, which include free tuition, monthly cash allowance, cash money for their projects in every semester and other school needs. Barbers is hoping that the scholars will maintain their good grades and school standing until they complete the four-year college course. “I want these scholars to be the inspiration of the youth in my province,” he said. (Mike Crismundo)
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THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY IS CONsidering to award four predevelopment service contracts for wind energy projects to three local companies should their proposals pass the government’s evaluations.

Documents from the DOE showed that these companies were Energy Development Corp., which has a planned wind project in Nagsurot, Burgos, Ilocos Norte; Northern Luzon UPC Asia Corp., in Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and PetroEnergy Resources Corp. in Sual, Pangasinan, and Nabas, Aklan.

Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan said the proposals of the three companies had prequalified and were currently being evaluated by the DOE.

“If proven viable, these projects could produce at least 200 megawatts of wind power combined. EDC’s project [alone] is expected to produce 100 MW,” Marasigan said in an interview.

However, he declined to cite the expected investments from these companies, adding that the DOE was still evaluating the financial commitments of the proponents. As a rule of thumb, a company needs to invest at least $3 million for every MW of wind power.

Under a renewable energy service contract, companies will be given an initial two years under the predevelopment stage, which involves the preliminary assessment and feasibility study up to financial closing of the renewable energy project.

Meanwhile, the DOE said it was also evaluating the proposal of US-based Deep Ocean Power Philippines Inc. (Doppi)for 36 ocean thermal energy conversion projects in various sites nationwide.

Doppi’s proposals covered 910 prospective blocks or 73,710 hectares in various provinces including Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, Isabela, Aurora, Masbate, Antique, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Sulu, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Ilocos Sur, Sorsogon and Albay.

A predevelopment service contract may be awarded to Doppi should it be able to comply with the necessary requirements as specified under the Renewable Energy Law.

The country has a total untapped wind resource of 76,600 MW and ocean energy potential of 170,000 MW.

The DOE earlier said it expected to draw in as much as $27 billion in new investments from the country’s renewable energy sector over the next 20 years. This is expected to produce about 24,000 MW from various renewable energy sources such as geothermal, hydro and mini hydro, wind, solar, ocean and biomass bagasse. (inquirer.net)
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Ang kadumalahan sa probinsya sa pagpangulo ni Gov. Robert Ace Barbers mihimo ug usa ka mahinungdanong pulong kagahapong adlawa, Agosto 18, 2009 didto mismo sa Provincial Convention Center ning atong dakbayan, aron sa paghisgot sa mga lakang nga angay himuon aron nga mas mapalapdan pa ang mga programa nga magprotekta sa tanang kabataan dinhi sa probinsya.

Ang maong tigum nga gipahigayon sa pagpanguna sa buhatan sa Department of the Interior and Local Government, inabagan usab sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office ug ni Board Member Regina Alaan isip maoy Chairman on Women, Family, Gender and Development, gitambungan sa mga nagkadaiyang Local Government Unit ug Non-Government Unit sa probinsya hilabi na sa tanang Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC).

Sa maong Forum, adunay mga oryentasyon ug pagpasabot sa mga nagkalain-laing responsibilidad sa matag MCPC ang gitutukan ug gihatagan ug katin-awan. Ubay-ubay usab nga mga problema ang gipadangat sa matag MCPC nga gihatagan dayon ug direktang solusyon aron nga ila gayud mahatag ang episyente ug epektibo nga panirbisyo sa tanan kabataan.

Ug aron masiguro nga ang matag MCPC milihok ug mi kooperar gayud sa mga programa sa gobyerno, adunay Search for Most Functional Municipal Council for the Protection of Children ang gihimo sa probinsya. Sa niaging mga pagsusi nga gipahigayon sa LCPC, ang Lungsod sa Bacuag maoy nakakuha sa unang ganti ug dayon gisundan kini sa Lungsod sa Mainit isip maoy ikaduhang manana-og, ang Lungsod usab sa San Benito isip maoy 3rd prize winner ug ang 4th prize winner mao ang Lungsod sa Tubod.

Gipanghinaut ni Gov. Ace Barbers nga ang maong tigum nakahatag ug dugang kadasig sa matag MCPC nga mohimo sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga responsibilidad aron nga ila gayud mahatag ang de kalidad nga serbisyo nga angay lamang sa mga nagkinahanglang kabataan. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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A Belgian National identified as one Noel P.E.M. Schellekens, 34 years old, married with address at Herentalsebaan 9, Malle, Belgium and presently residing at Dapa, Surigao Del Norte was apprehended by personnel from Bureau of Immigration and Surigao City Police Station at Surigao City Airport, Barangay Luna, Surigao City.

Said person was apprehended for violation of Immigration Law (Overstaying in the Philippines). He was brought to the Office of Bureau of Immigration for proper investigation after which, he was turned-over to Surigao City Police Station for custody pending result of investigation. (PNP-13)
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THE GOVERNMENT expects to complete its nationwide geohazard mapping by the middle of next year, the Environment department said in a press release yesterday.

"In the wake of a series of typhoons we are experiencing right now, which definitely have increased their intensity not only in terms of wind velocity but also in the amount of rainfall, we need to work overtime so that we can help save more lives," the statement quoted Environment Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. as saying.

Risky areas

The geohazard mapping and assessment program, which is handled by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), involves the identification of areas susceptible to landslides, floods, liquefaction, ground subsidence and other soil instabilities.

The 1:50,000-scale geohazard map will be completed by next year, while the more detailed 1:10,000-scale map and assessment will be completed much later.

Vital information

Mr. Atienza also ordered the MGB to communicate the results of its mapping to all covered local government units (LGUs) down to barangays, "so that we can bring vital data and information to the concerned LGUs and all other government agencies involved in disaster relief, mitigation and risk management, and land use planning and development."

As of July, the Mines bureau had completed the geohazard assessment of 1,348 cities and municipalities, or more than 82% of the total target of 1,618, and covering 73 of the country’s 79 provinces.

Mr. Atienza said the department expects to complete 90% of the geohazard mapping project by the end of the year, including the eastern seaboard beside the Pacific Ocean that bears the brunt of most storms as they hit land. The eastern seaboard consists of Aurora, Sorsogon, Leyte and Surigao islands.

To date, the provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Kalinga and Apayao have yet to be covered by the geohazard mapping, given peace and order problems and terrain difficulties. — NJCM, Business World
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A policeman reportedly assigned in Batangas was arrested after explosives were found inside a truck he was onboard in Surigao City last Friday.

Arrested was Police Officer 3 Moises Cuenca who along with truck driver, Edgar Navarro, and helper Hilario Gualter were allegedly found to be illegally carrying explosives in the ten-wheeler they were on board. The truck was reportedly bound for Liloan Port in Leyte from Lipata Port terminal in Surigao City.

Authorities said the three attempted to deceive authorities saying that the truck's cargo was garbage. Explosives were found however by the Philippine Coast Guard upon inspection.

Authorities said they discovered 32 sacks of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, 828 dynamite sticks and 300 connectors or non-electric blasting caps.

Police said the three failed to present permit to transport and clearance from the Firearms and Explosives division of the Philippine National Police.

The three were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives and were detained in Surigao City. From a report of Rodge Cultura, ABS-CBN Butuan
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The Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands thru the Provincial Information Office in its mandate to provide responsible information has launched the province’ first local TV Program yesterday August 17, 2009 at 7:30 in the evening which was anchored by Jimmy S. Jara.

The said program was dubbed as “PDI Patrol” which caters news, current affairs, updates and developments of the National Line Agencies, Local Government Units from provincial, municipal and down to the barangays. It will also foster programs and initiatives of the Non-Government Organizations, People’s Organizations and other private sectors. This program will be regularly aired at every 5:00 to 6:00 o’clock in the afternoon of Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at DIMPC-Channel 5 in Municipality of San Jose and that of NEWS-MPC Cable Network-Channel 9 which could be seen by its subscribers in the municipalities of Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat and San Jose.

PDI Patrol aims to keep the Dinagatnons be informed, grasp, relate and identify important issues for a peaceful province with balanced development. The Provincial Officials, Department Heads, National Line Agencies and other sectors existing in the Province of Dinagat Islands have extended its full support for the realization of this pet project of the provincial government under the Provincial Information Office-Media Affairs. Said office has the thrust to give a reliable and timely information in its locality towards a more efficient and effective delivery of public services to all Dinagatnons. (Inday Roxas, PIO-PDI)


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Joint elements of Malimono Municipal Police Station led by SPO3 Antonio C Cayasa and DENR personnel Mr Jerry Cortes and Mr Noel Nambatac recovered 18 pieces abandoned sawn lumbers of different sizes on August 14, 2009 at 10:00 in the morning at Barangay Cantapoy, Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

Said lumbers approximately 543.66 board feet with a total estimated market value of Php 10,000.00 were allegedly owned by a certain Susan Bujuyo, of legal age, married and resident of Opol, Misamis Oriental.

Recovered lumbers are now under the custody of DENR, Surigao City for proper disposition. (PNP-13)
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On August 14, 2009 around 6:30 o'clock in the morning at Purok 1-A Barangay Urbiztundo, Claver, Surigao del Norte, one Joveliano Almazan aka "Titing", 40 years old, married, a security guard of Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation (OSMC) was abducted at his residence by more or less ten armed men believed to be members of local Communist Terrorists (CTs) wearing black uniform with their weapons tied with orange signage.

Joveliano Almazan was then brought to the mountainous area of the said place and was shot to death using an unknown caliber of firearm. Meanwhile, 40 other members of the group provided blocking forces. Afterwards the CT group immediately withdrew towards Barangay Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds in his body which resulted to his instant death. Claver Municipal Police Station personnel were able to recover two spent shells of M16 at the crime scene and still conducting thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the killing and to identify the leader of the group for filing of appropriate case in court. (PNP-13)
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Si Gov. Robert Ace Barbers migahin ug usa ka milyon (Php 1M) nga pondo alang na sa paglusad ug “internet connectivity” sa napulo ka mga public secondary schools dinhi sa probinsya. Inubanan sa hiniusang pakigtambayayungay sa Department of Education ug Ayala Foundation Incorporated, si Gov. Ace Barbers mipirma sa usa ka Memorandum ug Agreement nga ipadayon ang DepEd Internet Connectivity project (DICP) dinhi sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte.

Ang maong proyekto nakahatag ug dakong tabang sa pipila ka mga kabatan-onan dinhi sa atong dapit nga walay halos kasayuran sa nagkataas nga panginahanglanon karon sa gitawag nga “advanced information technology”. Tungod niini, si Gov. Ace mihimo ug mga lakang aron nga dili mahikawan ang mga tinun-an nga anaa nagtungha sa mga hilit nga kabarangayan.

Sa maong pagtambayayungay, ang Ayala Foundation Incorporated mohatag sa mga kahimanan sa teknolohiya sama sa computer servers, printers ug local area networking peripherals ug isip kabahinan sa kadumalahan sa probinsya, mohatag sila sa pondo aron sa paghimo sa mga computer laboratories sa matag eskuylahan.

Si Gov Ace Barbers mi aprubar sa paghatag sa maong proyekto sa mga mosunod nga mga tulungha-an dinhi sa probinsya:

1. Alegria National High school
2. Cantapoy National High School
3. Lasicam Perral National High School
4. Lakandula National High School
5. Malimono National High School
6. Mayag national High School
7. Paco National High School
8. Pili National High School
9. Placer National High School
10. Villariza National High School

Gipanghinaut sa batan-ong Gobernador nga ang maong tabang makahatag ug dakong kabag-ohan ug kadasig sa mga tinun-an sa sekondarya nga mas maningkamot ug ila usab nga ampingan ang maong mga kahimanan aron kini mapuslan pa sa mga mosunod nga henerasyon. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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Aron sa paghatag katumanan sa mga pangandoy sa mga kabus nga kabatan-onan nga makatungha sa kolehiyo, ang kadumalahan sa probinsya nga gipanguluhan ni Gov. Robert Ace Barbers, mihatag na usab ug laing educational assistance sa may singkwentay-tres (53) ka mga tinun-an sa high school nga mipasar sa standards nga gikinahanglan sa maong programa.

Sa nasayran, aduna nay 152 ka mga scholars ang una ng gihatagan sa maong pribiliheyo, diin kini sila nagpadayon karon sa ilang ikaduha nga tuig sa pagtungha sa kolehiyo ug karon nga tuig, nadungagan na usab kini sa mga bag-ong han-ay sa mga scholars.

Ang maong Scholarship Grant magamit sa pipila ka mga tulungha-an dinhi sa probinsya sama sa Surigao State College of Technology ug sa Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology.

Ang maong mga scholars makabaton ug ubay-ubay nga mga benipisyo sama sa regular o binulan nga allowance, laing allowance usab para sa ilang mga proyekto sa matag semester, libre nga tuition ug uban pang balayronon sa eskwelahan. Ang mga bag-ong scholars makadawat lamang sa ilang full-scholarship human nga ilang mapasa ang tanang gikinahanglang papeles, intervierw ug kung sila makapasa usab sa entrance examination nga ipahigayon sa nagkadaiyang tulungha-an.

Gilauman ni Gov. Ace Barbers nga ang maong mga scholars magmadasigon sa pagtungha ug ila gayud nga paningkamutan nga matapos nila ang ilang tagsa-tagsa nga mga korso aron nga sila usab mamahimong inspirasyon diha sa uban ug pinaagi niini dako ang ilang mahitampo ug maitabang sa katilingban. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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The Sandiganbayan First Division has upheld for the second time its October 13, 2006 verdict convicting former San Jose, Surigao del Norte mayor Ruben Ecleo Jr. in three counts of graft concerning alleged fraudulent payments to a private contractor for construction projects worth P2.86 million.

Associate Justice Norberto Geraldez, division chairman, penned the three-page resolution dismissing Ecleo’s second motion for reconsideration for being a rehash of his old arguments that were already overruled by the graft court.

Likewise, the Sandiganbayan said the motion was barred by the rules.

“It must be stated, at the outset, that accused Ecleo's instant second motion for reconsideration partakes the nature of a pro-forma motion which is prohibited under the Rules of Court," the court declared.

Associate Justices Rodolfo A.Ponferrada and Alexander G. Gesmundo concurred.

Ecleo was sentenced to 31 years imprisonment while his co-accused, former municipal planning and development coordinator Anadelia Navarra and private contractor contractor Ricardo Santillano of PBMA Builders were each sentenced to 21 years jailterms.

Graft investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman found that Ecleo approved the payments even when the public market and the supposed new municipal building were mere "concrete-and-steel skeletons" while the purported guesthouse turned out to be a building for a private organization.

“After painstaking review of accused Ecleo's second motion, the Court found no compelling reasons to change or modify the Resolution dated May 7, 2009, sought to be reconsidered,” the court said.

Ecleo, son of Dinagat Islands Rep. Glenda Ecleo, is the “supreme master” of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA), a religious group.

In mid-2002, 22 of his followers died during a shootout with police officers who tried to serve a warrant of arrest against him at the PBMA compound in Dinagat, Surigao del Norte in connection with a parricide case against Ecleo for the death of his wife. (abs-cbnnews.com)
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At least 3,000 local government officials in the region, including village leaders, teachers and other officials of various line agencies of the government are scheduled to troop to the paradise island of Siargao to attend the 1st Siargao Local Governance and Education Summit this week.

Officials said the aim of the summit is to help President Arroyo’s economic and development programs in the island.

Most of the discussions during the slated summit will also focus on local governance of the mayors and the welfare of the teachers and the people of Siargao, and mainland Surigao City, said Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas.

The summit will be held at the newly constructed P46 million Dapa Convention Center where Mayor Peter “Boy” Ruaya will be the host on August 21 with the theme "Education in Local Governance Pathways to Development and Progress."

Matugas already poured in some P20 million for the rehabilitation of the said convention center.

Invited guests and keynote speakers during the summit include Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Matugas said.

Other topics to be discussed during the summit is the concern of every village, schools in far-flung areas and establishing of new police station buildings, where the nine mayors will also present several resolutions addressed to Puno during the affair, he said.

In that summit, officials of the various local government units along with other officials from line agencies of the government will also review the current Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency and Employment Program (CLEEP) of the government, it was gathered. (Mike Crismundo, MB)
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Government authorities intercepted at least 828 sticks of dynamite and 3.6 meters of connector about to be loaded Friday evening at Lipata Ferry Terminal in Lipata, Surigao City, according to a flash report reaching the regional command of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez here on Sunday said.

Chief Supt. Lino D. Calingasan, PRO 13 regional director, ordered the investigation on the explosive materials.

Initial report received at PRO 13 command center said the sticks of dynamites and connector were intercepted by joint elements of Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Port Authority, AFP K-9 unit, Surigao City Police Station and Surigao del Norte provincial police office (PPO) at Lipata Ferry Terminal at around 11:40 pm Friday.

The explosive ingredients were loaded in a 10-wheeler container truck bearing plate number UTP-813 driven by Edgar Gualtea Navarro with helper Hilarion Gualtea Escala, police report said.

Police report also said that the explosives were allegedly escorted by Police Officer 1 Moises Castillo Cuenca of Special Mobile Group/Malampataya Task Force stationed in Batangas (PPO).

In an initial investigation, PRO 13 chief of operation Senior Supt. Nestor M. Fajura said that the items were allegedly owned by Monti-Vil Trading, one of the contractors for road development along Tandag-Barobo area in Surigao del Sur to be ferried from their magazine at Compostela Valley (Comval) Provincial Office compound, in Nabunturan, ComVal province to Batangas province in Luzon.

However, when the composite team verified the legality of the explosives for transport, the driver and the escort failed to show pertinent documents, added Senior Supt. Fajura.

“We verified that if the said explosives are really intended for road development and not for terroristic activities,” Fajura said.

He said that the intercepted items are now under the custody of Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition. (PNA)
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A state-of-the art and modern P320 million Surigao del Norte Sport Complex is set to be inaugurated on Aug. 31.

The 3,000-capacity Surigao del Norte Sports Complex is complete with amenities for national sports competition.

It has also a modern gymnasium and other local and national offices.

“This sports complex will highlight in the global competition and also adds to our tourism and income generation,” said Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers.

He said that several high ranking officials from the national and regional level is expected to attend the inaugural rites.

“We can host now big sports events,” added Gov. Barbers.

Meanwhile, Northeastern Mindanao Public Works and Highways Regional Director Dr. Evelyn T. Barroso reported on Saturday that the ground works of the P138 million infrastructure projects currently supervised by the Surigao del Norte 2nd District Engineering office went into high gear and expected to hit the timeline before the end of the year.

The region’s public works official also reported that a P1.8 billion 60 kilometers circumferential road in Siargao Island is also recommended to beef up the economic activity particularly in tourism industry.

Initially, the concreting of the P80 million Dapa-Del Carmen Road (Sayak-Airport Road) is also set to complete on May 21, 2010. The project which was started on April 27, 2009 is under contract of ADFIL Corporation.

“All our infrastructure projects in Surigao del Norte province, especially those pump-priming projects and Presidential directives are ahead of schedule in its target time line,” added Director Barroso. (PNA)
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The musical extravaganza billed as “Face to Phase” promises to be an exciting one as it features comedienne and film actress Ai Ai de las Alas, dubbed “Concert Comedy Queen,” and Dinagat Islands’ Governor Jade Ecleo, who is likewise an accomplished performer, having been a member of the Bayanihan Dance Troupe and vocalist of the band called Amadeus.

Slated at the Aliw Theater on Sept. 12, “Face to Phase” also features Prince of Pop Erik Santos, singer/composer Dingdong Avanzado, and with the special participation of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani “BF” Fernando.

The show will be directed by Paulo Bustamante, with musical arrangements and musical direction by Elmer Blancaflor and Ms. Beth Martin. Choreography is by The Hotlegs. Joining them is the Tango Argentine Master, Jun Borja, who will choreograph the Tango Argentine Number and dance with the Gov. Jade Ecleo.

“Face To Phase” is produced for the benefit of the Jade Ecleo-Villaroman Foundation, which grants scholarships to poor and deserving students in the secondary and tertiary levels in Dinagat Islands.

The foundation also runs programs for the elderly such as the “Handog Regalo para sa Lolo at Lola.” It also extends financial assistance for the treatment of various medical/surgical conditions such as hydrocephalus and elephantiasis, and provides wheel chairs to disabled individuals in the community.

In addition to its socio-civic projects in Dinagat Islands, the foundation supports orphanages and institutions in Metro Manila such as the Associacion de Damas in Manila, White Cross in San Juan, the Philippine General Hospital’s Pediatric Charity Ward for terminally ill patients, Golden Acres Home for the Aged and Hospicio de San Jose’s Home for the Aged, among others.

The producer of the show is Ms. Emeellee O. Mercado, with Milton Ngu as executive producer. (MB)
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led Wednesday, Aug. 12 the conferment of awards on the 2008 outstanding barangay dispute-mediator councils or lupong tagapamayapa for exemplary performance in promoting peace, harmony and solidarity in their areas of responsibility.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Katangawan in General Santos City was adjudged Most Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in the Highly Urbanized Cities category while the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Washington in Surigao City won the Most Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in Component Cities category.

Barangay Manggahan of Gen.Trias, Cavite, was Most Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in first-to third-class category while the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Panilao of Pilar, Bataan bagged the Most Outstanding Tagapamayapa in fourth-to sixth-class municipalities.

Each of the national winners received from the President a presidential trophy and a cash prize of P100,000 courtesy of the Department of Interior and Local Government and an additional trophy courtesy of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Inc.

The first runner-up in the Highly Urbanized Cities category was the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay East Tapinac in Olongapo City; Barangay Tuyo of Balanga City in Bataan --- Component Cities category; Barangay Libueg of Camiling, Tarlac--- first to third class municipalities category; and, Barangay Palo of Tampakan in South Cotabato---fourth to sixth class municipalities category.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Gusa of Cagayan de Oro City was second runner-up in the Highly Urbanized Cities category; Barangay Pedro Colina of Cotabato City—component cities category; Barangay Poblacion of La Trinidad Benguet—first to third class municipalities category category; and, Barangay Saytan of Pugo, La Union—fourth to sixth class municipalities category.

Each of the first and second runners-up received a presidential plaque of appreciation and cash prize of P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Washington of Surigao City was elevated to the Hall of Fame for being the national winner for three consecutive years. It received P100,000 cash and a presidential trophy from the Department of Justice and the Philippine Gaming Corporation.

The recognition of outstanding lupong tagapamayapa is in compliance with Executive Order No. 394 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos, in pursuant to Section 406b of the Local Government Code, which mandates the Department of the Interior and Local Government to grant economic and other incentives to outstanding Lupons.

The award is given in recognition of the commitment and dedication of the Lupons, which are the driving force in the promotion and implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay objectives. (OPS/PIA)
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Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) Administrator Ismael J. Herradura along with the regional directors and assistant regional directors conducted its 3rd Executive Conference (ExeCon) meeting on August 11, 2009 at Hotel Tavern Surigao, Surigao City. The agenda of the conference focused more on the 7 Strategic Pathways currently implemented by the agency specifically on harmonizing their programs, strengthening the training capability of their personnel, strengthening their Information Technology competency and as well as the structure, its funding support, and benchmarking practices per region.

Adm. Herradura explained why they have chosen Surigao City as the venue for the conference, “our first execon was held in Tuguegarao in Luzon and we’re able to observe many good things that they are doing and after Tuguegarao we went to Region 8 for the second execon, in Biliran. This time, we move on to Mindanao, napili naming ang Surigao kasi yung nasubmit na programa ng Caraga sa opisina gusto naming evalidate (we chose Surigao because we want to validate the programs submitted by Caraga).

“And we are happy to tell you that we did not fail,” Herradura added.

He also admired the partnership of the local government and his office in terms of the agency’s best practices currently implemented in their agency. “Our partnership of the LGU here is very excellent, the Governor, the Mayor they are supportive of the program, kailangan naming yan sa aming programa na community based treatment (we need it for our community based treatment program).”

On the part of the City Government of Surigao, Mayor Alfonso Casurra in a radio interview said the city was very proud to host the PPA’s 3rd ExeCon Meeting.

“On behalf of the local government unit of Surigao, we would like to express our gratitude for selecting the city as the host city for their meeting,” said Mayor Casurra.

Casurra also revealed that the city government hosted a welcome dinner last August 11 at the City Cultural Center.

PPA’s ExeCon is a quarterly management meeting presided over by the PPA Administrator with the deputy administrator, regional directors and asst. regional directors as members that serve as a venue for threshing out issues and concerns of the agency. The four-day conference which started last Tuesday, August 11 will culminate with a tour wherein the guests will be brought to the nearby tourist destinations of the city in coordination with the City Tourism Office. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Malipayon ug madasigon nga gipadayag ni Gov. Ace Barbers ang pagbukas sa dugay ng gikahinaman sa mga Surigaonon nga Prov’l. Gymnasium karong Agosto 31, 2009 atol sa selebrasyon sa Charter Day sa dakbayan sa Surigao.

Gipangandaman na karon sa probinsya ang mamahimo nga kalihukan diin kini paga-bindisyonan kini ug sundan sa usa ka opening ceremony nga paga-pangulohan ni Gov. Robert Ace Barbers ug Tourism Sec. Ace Durano, ug uban pang mga opisyales sa probinsya.

Sa nasayran, ang maong bag-ong Sports Complex, nga gisugdan sa kanhi Gobernador, Robert Lyndon Barbers ug karon gipadayon ni Gov. Ace Barbers, nakahatag ug dakong paglaum sa tanang katawhan nga pinaagi sa kumpleto ug de kalidad nga mga kahimanan niini, makapadani kini sa daghang mga investors ug mga langyaw diin makahatag gayud ug dakong kausbawan sa ekonomikanhong kalihukan sa probinsya labi na gayud sa inadlaw nga panginabuhi-an sa matag Surigaonon ug sa pagpalambo usab sa natad sa turismo.

Matud pa sa Gobernador dako ang kalipay nga iyang gibati sa dihang iyang nakita nga matuman na gayud ang dugay nga gipangandoy sa mga Surigaonon nga Sports Complex nga angay lamang gayud ipasigarbo sa tibuok nasud. Gilauman usab ni Gov. Ace Barbers ang hugot nga suporta sa tanang katawhan pinaagi na sa pag-amping ug pag-amuma sa maong Sports Complex aron kini mapuslan dili lamang karon, kun dili pati na sa umaabot pa nga mga henerasyon. Giawhag ug gihangyo usab sa kadumalahan sa probinsya ang tanang mosaksi labi na sa “free concert” niini sa pagkagabii nga himuon sa usa ka bantugan ug inila nga mang await sa nasud, nga wala gayuy dad-on nga butang aron sa pagsiguro sa seguridad, kahapsay ug kalinaw. Buot usab sa Gobernador nga mas hatagan ug prayoridad ang mga Senior Citizens ug mga kaigsuonan natong Surigaonon nga adunay deperensya sa panglawas aron nga magmalipayon gayud ang tanan sa pagsud-ong sa maong konsyerto. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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The Philippine Military Academy is once again calling on our country's young, able-bodied, and intelligent men and women to be part of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Philippine Military Academy Entrance Examination (PMAEE) is scheduled on August 30, 2009 at different Examination Centers in the Philippines .

The qualifications for admission are the following: Natural born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single and have never been married, while height requirements should be 5’ 4” if male and 5’ 2” if female (not to exceed 6’ 4” for both).

Also, applicants should at least be high school graduate with a grade point average (GPA) of 85 percent or higher, and at least 17 years old but not a day older than 22 years on April 1 of the year following the date of examination taken.

The PMA Entrance Examination covers Algebra and Geometry, Grammar and Composition, Reading and Comprehension, Verbal and Numerical Reasoning and Pattern Analysis.

Apply thru online application or download PMA Entrance Exam Application Form at http://www.pma.ph. Forms are also available to all AFP Units and or at Public Information Office, Police Regional Office Caraga, Camp Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City.

After accomplishing the form, mail it to the Office of Cadet Admission, Philippine Military Academy, Fort del Pilar, Baguio City 2602 together with the following: authenticated or NSO copy of your birth certificate and certified true copy of your High School Form 137. (PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia, PNP-13)
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Deputy Chief for Administration, PDDG Geary Lingan Barias personally graced recently the turn-over of Command ceremony for the new Caraga Regional Director - PCSUPT Lino De Guzman Calingasan assumed office replacing PCSUPT Jaime Eloreta Milla, who was designated as Director of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao.

The ceremony was held at Police Regional Office 13 grandstand attended by local government officials, friends from religious sector, tri media personalities and others.

PCSUPT Milla received awards and tokens from groups in grateful acknowledgement for a superb service rendered in the region. In his acceptance speech PCSUPT Calingasan promised to equal PCSUPT Milla’s prowess in leading policemen in Caraga.

The new chief vowed to instill discipline, uphold human rights, and better service. Like PCSUPT MILLA, he sought the support of the LGU, the army and the PNP personnel. (PCINSP Nelly T Villagarcia, PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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On August 6, 2009 at 12:00 noon, one Yamaha STX single motorcycle with plate no. KS 3090 driven by Rolando Gonzales Ravelo while traveling at Purok-4, San Roque, Surigao City bumped another single motorcycle Kawasaki Bajaj with plate no. LN 3666 driven by Jan Bryan Orillaneda running on opposite direction.

Both drivers and one passenger Simon Danao, of legal age, widow and resident of Purok Mabini, Surigao City were immediately rescued by Quick Action Response Team of Surigao City and immediately brought to the nearest Hospital.

Unfortunately, the passenger was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician while both motorcycles incurred damages and temporarily in the custody of Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition.

Also, on August 7, 2009 at 12:00 midnight at Purok-4, Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City, one Mitsubishi pick up bearing plate no. GHR 980, while traveling from Barangay Taligaman bound for Butuan City, upon reaching Purok-4 Barangay Antongalon, accidentally bumped the rear side of a Mitsubishi Elf bearing plate no. GNB-646 driven by an unidentified person, parked along the National Highway because of engine trouble and was bound for Butuan City from Agusan del Sur.

Said accident resulted to the untimely death of the driver of Mitsubishi pick up whose identity is being verified and his four passengers who are Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) referees namely: Rodulfo G Durado, Edilberto Lagnada, Rolando V Altar and Allan G Hinayon.

The victims were brought to Butuan City Medical Center but were pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Cadavers of the victims now lie at Mata Funeral Home, Ampayon, Butuan City while the vehicles involved are currently impounded at Butuan City Police Station 4. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Director Leonita Gorgolon of the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga calls on the public, especially the students to be cautious and to properly observe quarantine measures of the government, during a press conference recently.

“The public, especially the students should understand the importance of the quarantine, what they need to do during quarantine period,” says Director Gorgolon.

Director Gorgolon said that the media could help well in this endeavor by communicating to the public what quarantine means.

Director Gorgolon added that there is a need for the public to acquire increased understanding on what is A/H1N1 such as quarantine procedures, a gap the media could fill.

The comment came following media queries of Agusan National High School’s (ANHS) participation in the Adlaw Hong Butuan celebration even if they are quarantined.

ANHS suspended their classes for ten days following A/H1N1 infection of some of its students.

DOH Caraga called for a press conference amidst reports of increasing number of A/H1N1 cases in the city.

Director Gorgolon confirmed that there is indeed an increasing number of A/H1N1 infection in the region but it does not yet reach an alarming state and the cases are curable.

As of August 4, there are already 50 confirmed cases of A/H1N1 infection in the region. Most of those who are affected are students. 28 of the cases are females and 22 males. The most affected age group is 11-20.

In Caraga, Butuan has the highest number of infections with 29. Agusan del Norte has 6. Agusan del Sur has 8. Surigao del Sur has 1 and Surigao City, 6 cases.

The A/H1N1 infection in the region started last May 23. Since then there are already 104 cases under observation. 44 of these were negative of A/H1N1. 9 have no laboratory results yet and 50 were diagnosed positive of A/H1N1. Among these cases, 1 is positively linked to a confirmed A/H1N1 case. (Lovely Laudette Gamba, PIA-Caraga)
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THE SANDIGANBAYAN has junked graft charges against an incumbent congressman and seven others on alleged anomalous purchases of medical supplies worth P3.28 million.

In a 51-page resolution promulgated on Aug. 4 and penned by Associate Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, the court’s first division ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient proof of evidence against Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st district) and his co-accused. (BW)
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How you live your life is reflected in your habits, attitude and character. It is said that you only need seven consecutive days to build a habit. Good habits benefit not only your life but also your body. Making a habit of having a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a good, well-nourished body is already an achievement. This can be done through balanced diet and exercise. The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by the Technical Working Group led by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) recommends regular exercise for healthy living and good nutrition.

Here are frequently asked questions on exercise and the benefits it brings to one’s body.

How much exercise do I need?

Talk to your doctor about how much exercise is right for you. A good goal for many people is to work up to exercising four to six times a week for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Remember, though, that exercise has many benefits that any amount is better than none.

How do I get started?

Start by talking with your doctor. This is especially important if you haven’t been active, if you have any health problem or if you are pregnant or an elderly. Start out slowly. Begin with a ten-minute period of light exercise or brisk walk everyday and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercise.

How do I stick with it?

Here are some tips that will help you start and stick with an
exercise program:

• Choose something you like to do. Make sure it suits you physically, too. For instance, swimming is easier for those suffering from arthritic joints and brisk walking for elderly.
• Get a partner. Exercising with someone can make it more fun.
• Choose a comfortable time of the day. Don’t work out too soon after eating or when it’s too hot or cold outside. Wait until late in the day if you feel cold in the morning.
• Don’t get discouraged. It can take weeks or months before you notice some of the changes brought about by exercising.

What is the best exercise?

The best exercise is the one that you will do. Walking is considered one of the best choices because it’s easy, safe and cheap.Brisk walking can burn as many calories as running, but is less likely to cause injuries than running or jogging. Moreover, it doesn’t require training or special equipment, except for a good pair of shoes. Walking is an aerobic and weight-bearing exercise, so it is good for your heart and helps prevent osteoporosis.

What are the benefits of a regular exercise?

• Reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity
• Keeps joints, tendons and ligaments flexible so that it’s easier to move around
• Reduces some of the effects of aging
• Contributes to your mental well-being and helps treat depression
• Helps relieve stress and anxiety
• Increases your energy and endurance
• Helps you sleep better
• Helps you maintain a normal weight by increasing your metabolism, that is, the rate you burn calories

How can I sneak exercise into my day

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Go for a walk during your coffee break or lunch
• Walk all or part of the way to work

Making exercise as a habit is beneficial to your body. All you have to do is give it your time, commitment and dedication. At the end of the day, what is important is that you have done great things for your body.

For more information on food and nutrition, write or call: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. E-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Catherine Rose P. Josue, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service)
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On July 29, 2009 at 2:20 in the afternoon, PNP elements of Tubod Municipal Police Station received information from concerned citizen informing them that there were assorted sawn lumbers at Barangay Motorpool, Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

Thereafter, personnel of Tubod Municipal Police Station led by Chief of Police PINSP Ryan Sabordo proceeded to the area to confirm the veracity of the information and recovered 200 Board Feet of sawn lumbers with an estimated market value amounting to Php 4,400.00.

Said lumbers were brought to Tubod Municipal Police Station for further investigation and proper turn-over to DENR. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13)
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On July 28, 2009 at 7:45 in the evening, personnel of San Jose Municipal Police Station received a phone call from the populace of Purok-1, Barangay Matingbe, San Jose, Dinagat Islands Province informing them about a drunk person identified as Arhuro Delmores, married and resident of said place who was acting discourteous to the residents of said place.

PNP personnel of San Jose Municipal Police Station led by Chief of Police PINSP Noel D Guarin immediately responded and upon arrival, they confronted the suspect. However, Delmores refused to talk and instead, he kicked the Patrol Vehicle of the Police several times and boastfully said "I am not scared to you".

PINSP Guarin tried to subdue the suspect but he (suspect) continuously resisted, fought back and boxed PINSP Guarin which sustained wound and bruise on his left arm.

Suspect was brought to San Jose Municipal Police Station by responding PNP personnel and now detained thereat.
Appropriate charges are prepared for filing in court against the suspect. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13)
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PNP elements of Surigao City Police Station led by SPO1 Silvero C Mindaña apprehended a certain Clark Tulang, 18 years old, single, jobless and resident Barangay Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte on July 31, 2009 at 10:30 in the evening at Purok 8, Barangay San Juan, Surigao City.

Initial investigation disclosed that while PNP elements of Surigao City Police Station conducting roving patrol, suspect ran away which prompted the apprehending officer to chase him.

Confiscated from his possession were one unit cal .45 pistol colt with serial no. 1455769 loaded with 3 live ammunitions and one black leather inside holster.
Suspect failed to present pertinent documents to show the legality of said firearm. Suspect brought to Surigao City Police Station while appropriate charges are now prepared for filing in court. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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SIARGAO Island, Surigao del Norte—A sleepy community of barely 10,000 people, Pilar town and its people have big dreams—to become the game-fishing capital of Southeast Asia, if not Asia itself.

With the support of the national government and the Department of Tourism (DOT), the people of Pilar are pooling their resources, bayanihan- style, to lure tourists. Some 27 homes in the town have signed up for the town’s home-stay program, which allows tourists to live with local families and experience rural life in Pilar while enjoying the town’s outdoor adventures.

The program started a year ago, when the town hosted the first Siargao game-fishing tournament. Without hotels and pension houses, town mayor Lucio Gonzales rallied the residents to open up their homes to their local and international guests. The DOT pitched in, identifying 16 houses which became recipients of a P75,000 grant to renovate their houses.

“We had nothing to offer, but our hospitality,” Gonzales said. The 2009 version of the game-fishing event drew anglers from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan and the United States to compete with local anglers from all over the country.

The event was opened by President Arroyo. This year’s winner caught a 120-kilogram marlin just off the coast of Siargao.

One of the participants of the home-stay program was Carmencia Umbros. Although Umbros did not get the cash assistance, she opened up her three rooms to a delegation from General Santos City, who stayed in her house for two consecutive game-fishing tournaments.

“They liked it here the first time so they contracted me to host them again in May this year,” Umbros, a retired public-school teacher, said.

Her brother-in-law across the street just finished installing air-conditioning units in a room and is wrapping up a paint job, courtesy of the cash assistance from the DOT.

For P1,200 a day, Umbros’s house offers an air-conditioned room and full board meals plus a little extra.

“When the anglers come home from a day at the sea, I could not allow them to go to bed hungry so I cook for them,” Umbros said. “As with men, there should be unlimited rice.”

Mayor Gonzales said Pilar wants to show the other side of Siargao aside from the now world-famous surfs of Cloud 9.

“Our fishing grounds are perhaps the richest in the country,” he said. “Our dream is to be the fishing capital of Southeast Asia.”

With a community like Pilar and residents like Umbros, the dream may not be that far from becoming a reality. (Business Mirror)
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One of the more telling comments about the order of the Supreme Court directing Cebu City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes to re-raffle the parricide case against Ruben Ecleo Jr. comes from columnist BobbitAvila.

With the SC directive, the trial on the parricide case against Ruben Ecleo Jr., principal suspect in the killing of his wife, Alona Bacolod-Ecleo, is set to resume. It’s been more than a year after Regional Trial Court Judge Geraldine Faith Econg decided to inhibit herself from the case and, for the Bacolod family who cry to high heavens for justice, the SC order is a breakthrough after seven years of interminable delays.

However, while the public views the SC action as a step forward, there is a feeling of unease or distress that comes with the news. My good friend summed up the perception when he said, “I hope the resumption of the trial will not result in more killings.”

The death of Alona Bacolod-Ecleo on Jan. 5, 2002 invites the narration of the subsequent loss of lives of at least 23 other people after her own family pointed to Mr. Ecleo as the perpetrator. Following her gruesome murder came the massacre of her parents and two siblings in Mandaue City, allegedly pulled off by members of the cult group known as the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA), one of whom was shot by responding policemen. Mr. Ecleo commands the loyalty of the cultists, who look up to him as their “supreme divine master.”

To the multiple loss of lives resulting from the mayhem in Mandaue, 19 more were added when PBMA members, who barricaded his Dinagat Island mansion, engaged a joint team of police and army personnel in a bloody shootout after the PBMA leader tried to repulse them from serving the warrant of arrest.

In June 2002, the cult leader was finally committed to the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center, where his presence further exposed the justice system to public ridicule. There were talks that he bribed jail guards and brought inside his cell women and illegal drugs. The biggest insult was his success in having had the court grant him bail for “humanitarian” reasons. While the parricide case was being heard in the sala of Judge Generosa Labra, a private lawyer for the prosecution, Arbet Santa Ana-Yongco, was shot and killed inside her home in barangay Zapatera, Cebu City, by persons with alleged links to the PBMA.

Nowhere is the legal cliché, “justice delayed is justice denied” more evident than in the killing of Alona Bacolod-Ecleo. If not for the pressure exerted by civil society group Crusade Against Violence, this case would have been totally forgotten. And yet, despite the order from the High Court to re-raffle case, one cannot expect that it will be all systems go for the prosecution. The lawyers for the Bacolod family will first have to surmount a psychological obstacle because of what happened to Atty. Arbet Santa Ana-Yongco.

Bobbit’s worry over developments in the parricide case against Mr. Ecleo finds credence in the recent disclosures of private lawyers in the prosecution, Kit Enriquez and Gina Go. In a news conference held last Monday, they revealed having received “mysterious” personal and telephone calls asking about the case.

As we wait for the identity of the next judge who will handle the controversial case, I wonder what sort of problems, technical or otherwise, would crop up that would once again delay the prosecution of the case. In any event, should this case go into full-blown trial, Mr. Ecleo will surely have his hands full.

Recently, the Sandiganbayan dismissed a motion that sought to overturn his October 2006 conviction on three counts of graft. As former mayor of San Jose, Surigao del Norte from 1991 to 1994, Ecleo was held liable for the fraudulent disbursement of government funds used in the construction of a public market, a new municipal building, and a guesthouse and was sentenced by the anti-graft court to 31 years imprisonment. His co-accused included a former municipal planning and development officer and a private contractor, who were each sentenced to 21-year jail terms. (inquirer.net)
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World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao turned up at Manila Cathedral at past midnight on Monday, joining the Who’s Who and the ordinary folk who were condoling with the bereaved family of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

Pacquiao surprised the mourners when he arrived with a coterie of friends led by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, an ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was then busy thanking the people from all walks of life who had come to pay their last respects to his mother, but Pacquiao managed to find the senator and convey his condolences in short sentences.

Cameras clicked, and then the boxing champion quickly disappeared.

For a moment, Pacquiao’s lightning visit at the wake dwarfed the presence of lawmakers—past and present—governors and other local officials, singers, veteran and up-and-coming actors, among others, who spent time at the wake inside the cathedral.

Outside, the line of mourners stretched for about two kilometers.

Volunteers handed them bottles of mineral water as they slowly walked past the pink fences set up around the cathedral. Coffee, juices and food were in abundance.

Politics and show biz

Some of the big names seen at the wake on Monday night and early Tuesday were former Sen. Sergio Osmeña III, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and wife Audrey, Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers, and Representatives Abraham “Baham” Mitra, Teofisto Guingona III, Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Alfonso Umali and Rodito Albano, and the latter’s brother Tonypet.

San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and show biz personalities Annabelle Rama, Eddie Gutierrez, Ara Mina, Ma. Isabel Lopez and singer Mystica were present.

Also there were Cecile Mitra, the widow of Speaker Ramon V. Mitra, and world bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno.

TV hosts and talent managers along with their wards were likewise spotted.

His generation’s savior

Baham Mitra said he was growing up while his father, the late Speaker Mitra, and Aquino’s husband Ninoy Aquino were fighting Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship.

“We were born under Marcos. In a sense, Cory was the savior of our generation,” Mitra said.

He added: “Without her, we would have lived long with Marcos … until his death. So we have enjoyed our freedoms—being able to study well, speak freely and live peacefully.

Overwhelming

“It’s the great sacrifice. She did not want to run at all. [She had] no interest in politics and was just serving coffee to politicians when Ninoy was meeting with opposition leaders at their house on Times Street in Quezon City.”

Barbers said the “overwhelming outpouring of support” for Aquino proved that she was not only the icon of democracy in Asia, but also “an example of a faithful public servant and leader, and a loving mother who did not rely on her charisma but her outstanding performance.”

He said the emotional crowd that filled Ayala Avenue on Monday while Aquino’s flag-draped casket was borne on a flatbed truck to Manila Cathedral showed that “people have not forgotten Cory.”

“It manifests the love of the Filipinos not just for Cory but for what Cory represents,” Barbers said. (inquirer.net)
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FIRST PACIFIC CO. Ltd. of Hong Kong is considering to invest not just in Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. but also in the Surigao del Norte mining operations of the latter’s affiliate Manila Mining Corp

Already the single biggest stockholder in the country’s largest mining firm Philex Mining Corp., First Pacific is looking at the entire spectrum of the local mining group’s assets, First Pacific executive chair Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters on Friday.

“We just have to wait for the result of the due diligence because it has many components—Lepanto itself as a company, Manila Mining, which has [operations] in Surigao beside [Philex Mining’s] Boyongan [site],” Pangilinan said at the sidelines of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

Asked what it was about businessman Felipe Yap’s mining interests that his group wanted, Pangilinan said: “If you put your Philex hat on, it’s the Manila Mining [site] in Surigao beside the Boyongan tenement of Philex, so we’ll be interested in exploring that.”

“There are many options. We can invest in Lepanto or just the mine in Surigao,” he said. Pangilinan also mentioned Lepanto’s subsidiary, Far Southeast Gold Resources Inc.

Asked how big a stake the First Pacific group would like to acquire, Pangilinan said nothing has been finalized. “What we want and what Felipe Yap wants must meet,” he said.

Pangilinan said First Pacific was still awaiting the results of a due-diligence audit, which would likely be finished in two week’s time.

“But I don’t know whether we need more time for more due diligence, so I can’t say that after two weeks we’ll make a decision. It depends on how good the due diligence process was,” he said.

Asked whether First Pacific was interested in other local mining companies in the Philippines, Pangilinan said he could not talk about it because First Pacific is a publicly listed company.

Shares of both Lepanto and Manila Mining have been going up in the past few months on talks of a potential buy-in by Pangilinan’s group. Doris C. Dumlao, inquirer.net
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Zamboanga City - Rehabilitation of the three main airports in Zamboanga Peninsula is expected to be completed at the end of the year, the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) has said.

This city’s international airport, along with those in Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte and in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, will soon be equipped with modern facilities, MEDCo chairman Virgilio L. Leyretana, Sr., said in a phone interview late last week.

Rehabilitation of the region’s airports will provide Zamboanga Peninsula greater accessibility and connectivity with the rest of the country.

"This will enhance the movement of people and goods at reduced costs," Mr. Leyretana said.

Data from MEDCo showed the rehabilitation of the three airports will cost over P1.4 billion.

The projects involve concreting, extending and widening the airports’ existing runways and aprons; construction of new flight service stations and powerhouse buildings; construction of new administration buildings; and construction of perimeter fences.

The Pagadian City Airport, which has suspended its operation in the past three years due to a defective runway, is expected to be operational in December, Mayor Samuel S. Co claimed.

Erlinda Delos Reyes, Dipolog City Airport manager, said five of the 10 projects in her facility are now completed.

One project is ongoing while the remaining four projects are still in the preconstruction stage.

The ongoing project covers the extension of runway, construction of perimeter fence and continuation of shore protection.

"The completion of this infrastructure will significantly improve tourism in the province and will make tourist destinations more accessible," said Allan Ranillo, chairman of the Zamboanga del Norte Regional Tourism Council.

Outside of Zamboanga Peninsula airports, those in the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi — also in western portion of Mindanao — are expected to be fully operational next month.

The projects are partially funded by the United States-funded Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM).

The P230-million worth Jolo airport had its runway extended from 1,200 meters to about 1,845 meters, while the P200-million Sanga-Sanga (Bongao) Airport will have a 1,900-meter runway from the previous 1,600 meters, said Manuel T. Jamonir, infrastructure specialist of GEM.

Aside from the expansion and widening of the existing runways, the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi airport improvement projects include the rehabilitation of passenger terminal facilities that will be equipped with baggage conveyors and x-ray machines.

MEDCo said other airports in Mindanao that are expected to be finished within 2010 are those in the cities of Ozamiz costing P215 million; Cotabato, P327 million; Butuan, P592 million; and Surigao, P197 million. Only the P7.8-billion Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental will be completed beyond 2010. (Business World)
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) is allocating P2.5 billion between now and 2010 to build the infrastructure and logistics support needed to ensure the steady flow of cheap and fresh products from the production areas of Mindanao to the country’s main food markets in Metro Manila, and Regions 3 and 4.

Agriculture assistant secretary Salvador Salacup told reporters here last week that the government was looking anew at Mindanao’s production potential to help sustain the supply requirement of the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, which is considered the country’s rice granary, and the growth centers of Calabarzon and Mimaropa.

Salacup spoke to the media during the opening-day session of a US Department of Agriculture-organized international conference looking into the development of the cold-chain sector in the Philippines. The three-day conference was held at the Marco Polo Hotel here last week.

Mindanao’s latent typhoon-free advantage and huge untapped lands were the main considerations of renewing the government’s interest in reviving the food-basket tag of the region, earlier accorded by former President Joseph Estrada to this southern Philippine island of more than 20 million residents.

Salacup said that the government would be strengthening anew the “roll-on, roll-off” (Roro) nautical highway system, and back it with storage facilities and an efficient cold-chain system “to ensure the fast and efficient transport of fresh-farm products to the country’s demand center.”

The three regions consume 55 percent of the national food demand “and we need Mindanao to be a source of this huge requirement.”

He said the DA has allocated P1 billion this year to improve the infrastructure and cold-chain network, from ice-making and refrigerated trucks to precooling system and tramlines, and from the Roro system to the bagsakan centers. In 2010, the DA would allocate another P1.5 billion.

Vegetable and fruit growers in Mindanao have been holding trade shows and exhibits, to sell their products to the key cities in the island to ensure consumption of their perishable products. The search for local markets was prompted by government inaction to their several years of complaining about the high cost of cargo imposed by shipping lines, making importation of farm products from nearby Asian countries cheaper and practical than getting them from Mindanao.

“Here the Roro system comes into important play,” he said. The Roro has established three port facilities linking Mindanao to the Visayas; the eastern nautical highway via Surigao City in Surigao del Norte; the central nautical highway, via Cagayan de Oro City, and the Western Nautical Highway via the Ozamiz port in Misamis Occidental.

“We want storage facilities to be put up in these ports to store the farm products, and the cold-chain facilities to preserve the freshness and quality of the products while in transport,” he said. “The training programs are also part of this budget,” he told reporters here on Monday.”

Also speaking on Monday’s news briefing, Anthony Dizon, president of the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP), said three major-storage facilities have been put up in Davao City to take care of the region’s bananas and other fruits; in General Santos City for the region’s tuna catch; and in Cagayan de Oro City for vegetables and fruits.

He said that each facility would involve as much as P200 million investment to set up, but he said “the private sector would be willing to put them in production areas.”

He said that the agreement with the government was that the latter would be in charge of identifying the production areas, including those in Mindanao, and for businessmen to evaluate the investment potentials of the area.

The number of facilities would depend on these identification and evaluations, he said. (Business Mirror)
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