Founded 2006 mindanaoexaminer.com P15Aug. 10-16, 2015FOR ADVERTISEMENTS, PLEASE CALL (062) 9925480 or (082) 2960658

ARMM Southern Mindanao Davao Western Mindanao Cebu Manila

FOR SALEToyota

ViosP395,000

Call 0917-7103642Zamboanga City

Protesters demand expulsion ofNorth Cotabato lawmaker

UN expert urges no let-up inattention to IDPs

Teen depression and how socialmedia can help or hurt - CNN

Letters to the Editor: LastingPeace Can Be President Aquino’s

Legacy to the Filipino People

Payo ni Dr. Willie T. Ong: Mag-ingat sa Mababang Potassium

(Hypokalemia)PAGE 2 PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 7

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS INSIDE - EMAIL US: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

Huge salaries of Philippine diplomatsbranded as ‘outrageous, scandalous’

MANILA – Migrante hasbranded as outrageousand scandalous the hugesalaries and allowances ofgovernment officialsposted in the Commissionon Audit’s website.

It said despite Presi-dent Aquino’s so-called“Tuwid na Daan” (StraightPath) mantra of gover-nance – the entire presi-dency – with 11 months re-maining in its term – has

been characterized byscandals and allegations ofcorruption.

The COA report re-vealed that 7 out of the 10highest paid governmentofficials are diplomats ofthe Department of ForeignAffairs.

Philippine Ambassa-dor to China ErlindaBasilio was in the No. 1 spothaving received P16.44million salary and allow-

ances combined; Ambas-sador to UK EnriqueManalo in the 3rd spot withP12.34 million and 4th wasAmbassador to AustraliaLourdes Yparraguirre withP11.74 million; MariaTheresa Tagulang, ConsulGeneral in Tokyo withP10.91 million was the 5th;Esteban Conejos, Philip-pines representative toWTO with P10.7 millionwas 6th; Philippe Lhuillier,

Ambassador to Portugalwith P10.56 million andranked 7th and in the No.8 spot was Ambassador toGermany, Maria CleofaNatividad with P9.86 mil-lion.

Aside from them,there were also 6 otherdiplomats who each re-ceived at least P9.1 millionin salary and allowancesduring the 2014 fiscal year.

CCCCContinue on page 2ontinue on page 2ontinue on page 2ontinue on page 2ontinue on page 2

Human Rights Watch says new Philippinemilitary chief should ensure rights reformsMANILA – The HumanRights Watch said the Phil-ippine military should takeall necessary and appro-priate action to preventabuses by its personneland to ensure accountabil-ity for human rights viola-tors.

“General Iriberri isnow the point man formaking sure the Philippinearmed forces stop commit-ting abuses and respecthuman rights. It’s his re-sponsibility to ensure themilitary meets its interna-tional legal obligationsthroughout the Philippinearchipelago,” Phelim Kine,Human Rights WatchDeputy Asia Director saidin a letter to new ArmedForces of the Philippines

(AFP) Chief of Staff GeneralHernando Iriberri.

President Aquinonamed Iriberri, the formercommander of the army, tothe position on July 10, 2015.

Kine said Iriberrishould ensure prompt,transparent, and impartialinvestigations of abuses in

which military personnelare implicated, and takeappropriate action againstpersonnel responsible.

Philippine military per-sonnel continue to be im-plicated in violations of in-ternational humanitarianlaw in armed conflict situ-ations involving the com-munist New People’s Armyand Moro insurgents.Abuses include arbitraryarrests, torture and unlaw-ful killings of civilians andrebel fighters in custody.The armed forces shoulduphold international hu-manitarian law in conflictareas and Iriberri shouldensure accountability forAFP abuses, Kine furthersaid.

CCCCContinue on page 2ontinue on page 2ontinue on page 2ontinue on page 2ontinue on page 2

10,000 year old cave paintings ofUFO’s and Aliens discovered in India

RESEARCHERS have con-firmed a mysterious find-ing in India. The discoveryof the 10.000 year old cavepaintings depict severalfigures that seem to re-semble otherworldly be-ings and disc-shaped ob-jects.

The Department of Ar-chaeology of the Indianstate of Chhattisgarh seekshelp from aerospace agen-cies in the United Statesand India to determine thenature of the images foundin the tribal Bastar region.Experts are baffled by thegreat similarity betweenthe images of the cave andcharacterizations of sci-ence fiction films that nor-mally depict otherworldlybeings and mysteriousspace ships. According to

Indian experts, it’s as ifpeople, 10.000 year agomade these paintings whilelooking at science fictionmovies.

Is it possible that peopledepicted 10.000 years agowhat they really saw? Thefinding in India seems to re-semble other cave paintingsfound across the globe. Thecave paintings in theChhattisgarh state are notan isolated event, but some-thing that is seen across sev-eral ancient cultures.

According to local ar-chaeologist JR Bhagat, thiscould actually mean thatpeople, from time imme-morial, saw beings thatcame to Earth from otherplanets. A detailed investi-gation is needed to fully un-derstand the nature of these

depictions. Our depart-ment has no experts in thisfield.

CCCCContinue on page 6ontinue on page 6ontinue on page 6ontinue on page 6ontinue on page 6

General Hernando Iriberri

LANAO DEL NORTE – Sak a u n a - u n a h a n gpagkakataon ay mismongang magkakamag-anak naDimaporo siyang pinaka-malaking angkan salalawigan ng Lanao delNorte ang posiblengmagkakatunggali sa pagka-gobernador sa halalan sa2016.

Ito’y matapos angginawang deklarasyon niPantao-Ragat MayorNeshren Eleanur DimaporoLantud na siya ay tatakbonggobernador laban kayImelda QuibranzaDimaporo.

Ang deklarasyon ayitinaon pa sa malakihangpagpupulong ng mga kasapisa Liberal Party sa Pantao-Ragat. Suportado naman ngmarami ang desisyon ngAlkalde.

Laging “No Retreat, NoSurrender” ang tugon ngAlkalde sa mga kagawad ngmedia na sumaksi sakanyang deklarasyon.

Ang mga nakapalibot saAlkalde na kapwa miembro

Dimaporo vs. Dimaporo sa 2016 polls

ng Liberal Party niPangulong Aquino aynagbitiw na rin ng mgamaaanghang na salita labansa isang kampo ng mgaDimaporo na kasalukuyangnangangasiwa sa nasabinglalawigan.

Kabilang sa mga tinukoyni Lanao del Norte BoardMember Atty. Osop Omar ayang umanoy pagbayad sailang mga miyembro ng me-dia para i-promote angturismo sa Lanao del Nortekung kaya’t tikom na umanoang bibig ng mga ito sa mgatunay na nagaganap saKapitolyo.

May alegasyon pa ang

kampo ni Omar na maymga “ghost employees”umano sa Kapitolyo, ngunithindi naman pinangalanng grupo kung sino angmga ito at gayun rin angmga bayarang media.

Hindi naman agadmakunan ng pahayag angkampo ni Lanao del NorteGovernor KhalidDimaporo kaugnay sa mgaakusasyon at deklarasyonng Alkalde sa kanyangpagtakbo bilanggobernador.

Ang Alkalde at ibapang kasamahan nito angumano’y orihinal na kasaping Liberal Party sa buonglalawigan, na kung saanmismong si PangulongAquino ang nagbigay ngpahintulot sa kanilanggrupo na i-kampaniya siInterior Sec. Mar Roxas sapagka-Pangulo sa daratingna eleksyon.

Malaki rin ang suportang Alkalde hindi lamang sakanyang nasasakupan,kundi maging sa buonglalawigan. (E. Dumaboc)

Pantao-Ragat Mayor NeshrenEleanur Dimaporo Lantud

BLACKOUT!

Read story on page 3

Aug. 10-16, 20152 The Mindanao Examiner

CCCCContinued frontinued frontinued frontinued frontinued from page 1om page 1om page 1om page 1om page 1He said Iriberri should

also investigate and appro-priately punish military ele-ments implicated in the ha-rassment of activists, whichincludes red-baiting – thepractice of publicly smear-ing government critics asstate enemies – that in manyinstances has resulted in at-tacks against the subjects ofthe harassment.

Iriberri should likewiseensure effective commandand control of paramilitarygroups, which have longbeen responsible for serioushuman rights abuses. Untilsuch abusive units are dis-

Human Rights Watch says new Philippinemilitary chief should ensure rights reforms

armed and disbanded, theAFP will be responsible forensuring that they act in ac-cordance with the law, Kinesaid.

To start with, he added,the AFP’s Human Rights Of-fice should be reformed be-cause it has not lived up toits mandate and responsi-bilities. Transforming theAFP Human Rights Officeinto a more responsive armof the military requires aclear statement from Iriberriregarding the importance ofthis office to promote andprotect human rights, hesaid.

The military should also

join the new internationalSafe Schools Declaration,which has been signed by 47countries. The declaration isa political commitment todo more to protect students,teachers, and schools fromthe negative consequencesof armed conflict.

“General Iriberri has thetime and the opportunity tomake greater respect for hu-man rights a priority of thePhilippines armed forces. Itis long overdue for the Phil-ippine military to deliver onits human rights rhetoric,”Kine said. (Human RightsWatch. Mindanao Exam-iner)

CCCCContinued frontinued frontinued frontinued frontinued from page 1om page 1om page 1om page 1om page 1Migrante siad while

these diplomats were earn-ing millions in hefty salaries,the Aquino government allo-cated a meager P100 millionto the Legal Assistance Fund(LAF) in its 2015 nationalbudget – a massive cut backfrom the original proposal ofP500 million that took intoaccount the alarming in-crease in the number of dis-tressed, stranded and un-documented overseas Fili-pino workers who urgentlyand desperately need gov-ernment onsite services andwelfare programs.

Aquino even made aconditional veto to the LAF –the Department of ForeignAffairs can use the fund pro-vided it has funding sourcessuch as collections or sav-ings.

“No wonder Philippinediplomatic posts abroadhave intensified its collec-tions by imposing consularfee increases in passport re-newals, authentications andcertifications. In effect, the100 million LAF will besourced and passed on toOFWs in the form of state ex-action and fees imposition.This kotong scheme hasoverburdened the 12 millionOFWs and as well as theirfamilies as remittances arecut back due to increasedfees and additional unneces-sary impositions.”

“While Aquino’s diplo-mats were earning millionsand living comfortably infully furnished and air-con-ditioned rooms, thousands

Huge salaries of Philippine diplomatsbranded as ‘outrageous, scandalous’

of OFWs – victims of abusesand labor malpractices – aredistressed, stranded and un-documented,” Migrante said.

It said in Riyadh, SaudiArabia, there are currently atleast 200 Filipinas at the Phil-ippine Embassy’s shelter,Bahay Kalinga, and at least120 stranded male OFWs atthe Philippine Embassy-rented villa and another 70Filipinas under the care ofthe Saudi Social WelfareAgency are sheltered at itsholding center. These, it said,were on top of an estimated20,000 undocumentedOFWs who all need onsiteassistance and welfare ser-vices from these very diplo-mats who are earning mil-lions from the fees and col-lections from 12 millionOFWs.

Depending on the con-centration of OFWs, diplo-matic posts are earning mil-lions for authentication andcertification and other con-sular services – and to makeit worse, they have increasedconsular services fees andimposed unnecessary certi-fication and authenticationof OFW-related documents.

Migrante said in pass-port renewal – Philippinediplomatic posts charge feesthat are three times higherthan the fee in DFA-Manilawhich ranges from P950 forregular processing to P1,200for express processing. ThePhilippine diplomatic postin Saudi Arabia imposes 240rials (roughly equivalent toP2,800) for the renewal ofpassport for at least a month

of waiting for its releasewhilst in the United ArabEmirates 240 dirhams (atleast P2,900) in Hong Kong480 HK dollar (equivalent toat least P2,800).

Even travel documentsfees and airfares are beingcollected from the dis-tressed and stranded, ausual complaint they re-ceived from OFWs despitegovernment pronounce-ment that airfares of dis-tressed and stranded will beprovided free, according toMigrante.

It said there must be anauditing of all Philippinediplomatic posts and wecall on the Commission onAudit to look into the mil-lions of Philippine diplo-matic posts collections onconsular services and fees.

“We also call on all pro-OFWs Congressmen andthe representatives of theprogressive Makabayanbloc to initiate an investiga-tion in aid of legislation,and in which findings willbe the basis for filing graftcases against those whousurped the General Appro-priations Act. The 2016 pro-posed national budget bythe Aquino administrationmust be thoroughly scruti-nized, and the variouspeoples’ organizations andNGOs active participationare crucial so that a graft-free, equitable, social ser-vices-oriented nationalbudget that does not ne-glect OFWs will be ap-proved,” Migrante said.(Mindanao Examiner)

Protesters demand expulsionof North Cotabato lawmaker

MANILA – Various groupshave protested last week infront of the House of Rep-resentatives and de-manded the expulsion ofNorth Cotabato lawmakerNancy Catamco from theNational Cultural Commu-nities committee whichshe heads.

Among those thatjoined the protest wereSalinlahi, Save Our Schoolsnetwork (SOS) and SulongKatribu. The group lam-basted Catamco and ac-cused her of being “anti-indigenous peoples” fol-lowing a police raid at thecompound of the UnitedChurch of Christ of thePhilippines in Davao Cityrecently where tribesmenhad been staying after flee-ing military operations inthe province.

Kharlo Manano, Secre-tary-General of Salinlahi

and lead convener of theSOS network, said theevacuees in Davao Citywere further made to sufferin the recent attempts ofthe police, military andAlamara militias upon thealleged order of Catamco,forcing them to returnhome.

“They used brute forcein their so-called rescuewithout even addressingthe intensifying militariza-tion in their communities,the very reason why thelumads, including morethan 500 children, soughtrefuge in Davao City,”Manano said in a state-ment sent to the regionalnewspaper Mindanao Ex-aminer.

He said the incidentproved how the Aquinogovernment continues toturn a blind eye on therights and welfare of indig-

enous peoples. He saideven the United NationSpecial Rapporteur on In-ternally Displaced PersonsChaloka Beyani raised thisconcern over the plight ofthe 700 lumad refugees be-cause of the presence ofmilitary and paramilitarygroups in their communi-ties.

Beyani, in his state-ment, also mentioned hisconcern over the allegedforced recruitment oflumad tribesmen into thepara-military group as wellas the reported cases ofschools being closed or oc-cupied by governmenttroops and miltias andhampering the access toeducation of indigenouschildren.

Catamco has previ-ously denied all allegationsagainst her. (Mindanao Ex-aminer)

DO YDO YDO YDO YDO YOU WANT TOU WANT TOU WANT TOU WANT TOU WANT TOOOOOHAHAHAHAHAVE YVE YVE YVE YVE YOUR OOUR OOUR OOUR OOUR OWN NEWSLETTER?WN NEWSLETTER?WN NEWSLETTER?WN NEWSLETTER?WN NEWSLETTER?

Are you in a corporation, a company, a club ororganization, a school or institution, church orreligious group, in government or cooperative?Make your own NEWSLETTER now!

Why send your press releases when you can haveyour own NEWSLETTER just like this NEWSPAPER?

No more expensive magazines as your quarterlyor monthly NEWSLETTER when you can have acheaper alternative just like this NEWSPAPER!

Mindanao Examiner Productions offerNEWSLETTER printing at a very low price. And itcomes with FREE LAYOUT and we can even make adigital copy of your NEWSLETTER also for FREE!We will also assist you in editing your articles forFREE!

For inquiry, call us now at(062) 992-5480 or 0917-7103642 or email

us at mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

Aug. 10-16, 2015 3The Mindanao Examiner

ZZZZZAMBOAMBOAMBOAMBOAMBOANGA CITANGA CITANGA CITANGA CITANGA CITY – HY – HY – HY – HY – Hundrundrundrundrundreds of people held aneds of people held aneds of people held aneds of people held aneds of people held anindignation rindignation rindignation rindignation rindignation rally last wally last wally last wally last wally last week demanding the ouster of ex-eek demanding the ouster of ex-eek demanding the ouster of ex-eek demanding the ouster of ex-eek demanding the ouster of ex-ecutivecutivecutivecutivecutives and officials of the Zes and officials of the Zes and officials of the Zes and officials of the Zes and officials of the Zamboanga City Eamboanga City Eamboanga City Eamboanga City Eamboanga City ElectrlectrlectrlectrlectricicicicicCCCCCooperooperooperooperooperativativativativative for their failure for their failure for their failure for their failure for their failure to addre to addre to addre to addre to address the worseningess the worseningess the worseningess the worseningess the worseningpopopopopowwwwwer situation herer situation herer situation herer situation herer situation hereeeee.....

issued a rally permit “to al-low people to freely voiceout their sentiments onprevailing power situationin the city.”

The rally permit wasissued to the NASECOR ledby its President RamonFollosco based on the rec-ommendations of the po-lice, the military and the CityLegal Office. “Our primarycall is public interest andpublic safety though we areone in the appeal thatZamboanga City ElectricCooperative review andchange its present system ofoperation,” Climaco said.

Climaco said the in-creasing frequency of poweroutages has affectedZamboanga City. “We areappealing to ZamboangaCity Electric Cooperative toreview its operations andfind out what can be done toprevent further blackouts.We sympathize with thepeople in their sufferingsand we are one with them aseverybody is suffering,” shesaid.

The rally endedpeacefully with no unto-ward incidents.

WWWWWorsening Porsening Porsening Porsening Porsening Pooooowwwwwer Ser Ser Ser Ser Situa-itua-itua-itua-itua-tiontiontiontiontion

For the past severalmonths now, ZamboangaCity has been suffering fromsevere power curtailment –as much as 6 to 8 hours aday.

Ledesma previouslyblamed the woes to the in-adequate supply of electric-ity from various indepen-dent power producers to thedry season in summer timeand the maintenance shut-down of hydro and coal-fired power plants inMindanao – for the powercrisis in Zamboanga.

The local cooperativesaid it needs at least 80megawatts or more of elec-

tricity and dependent on thesupply it buys from powerproducers.

Ledesma said PowerSector Assets and LiabilitiesManagement Corporationis only giving Zamboanga –a highly urbanized city andone of the largest in the Phil-ippines – 42 megawatts, and18 megawatts more fromTherma Marine Inc., of theAboitiz Power Corp. andfrom Mapalad Power Corp.

The National Grid Cor-poration of the Philippinesor NGCP has previouslyblamed the low water leveland routine maintenance inhydro-power plants inMindanao as the culprit forthe lack of power supply inthe region. And with thisproblem, big power produc-ers take advantage of thesituation and offer alterna-tive, but expensive solutions– the diesel-fed powerbarges and dirty coal-firedpower plants – to providemore electricity supply.

The long hours ofblackout are affecting notonly many business estab-lishments, but also hun-dreds of thousands ofhouseholds here and there isno tangible solution in sight,not until 2016 when the 100-megawatt coal-fired powerplant of the Alsons PowerHoldings begins operationsin the village of Talisayan.But villagers have been op-posing the establishment ofthe coal-fired power plant inthe village due to the serioushealth hazards this pose tohumans and animals.

But Alsons have notstarted building its facilityand cited many reasons forthe alarming delay – fromthe failed rebellion in 2013to the P900-million en-hancement program itwanted from the local elec-tric cooperative – in the con-struction of the 100 mega-watt coal-fired power plant,although it finished anothercoal-fired power plant inSarangani province.

Mindanao has been hitby repeated power crises inthe past and nothing hasbeen done by the govern-ment except to promote theuse of coal-fired powerplants – but this too, comeswith a price and that trans-lates to huge electric billsand environmental pollu-tion.

The same problem oc-curred in 2013 when the re-gion suffered to as much as14 hours of blackout.

Chamber of CChamber of CChamber of CChamber of CChamber of CommerommerommerommerommercececececeSSSSSpeaks Opeaks Opeaks Opeaks Opeaks Oututututut

And the ZamboangaChamber of Commerce andIndustry said the acutepower shortage has affectedmany business establish-ments here – big and small– and continues to threatenthe vibrant economy.

“Sixty hours of powerinterruptions last March isbad for business. It increasesour cost of operation anddecreased the productivityof everyone, public and pri-vate offices. Even small busi-nesses like Internet shops,beauty parlors and restau-rants. No power, no busi-ness,” said Edwin To, presi-dent of the local businesschamber.

He said business own-ers who can afford the use ofpower generators were alsocomplaining because itadds up to the cost of run-ning their establishment.“For those with generator,power costs are double. TheZamboanga City ElectricCooperative charges P8 perkilowatt hour while dieselgenerator is P18-P20 perkilowatt hour. Even if youhave a generator, it’s notcheap to operate,” To said.

He also said that the en-try of big business establish-ments in Zamboanga citywill further affect the currentpower situation if the localelectric cooperative cannotprovide additional supplyinto the grid. “And thismeans more and longerpower interruptions.Zamboanga chamber is al-ways concern with the wel-fare of the entire city. We seeit in a macro-perspective.

We oversee the interest ofthe businesses and thepeople in the community,”To said.

At least 3 new malls arebeing constructed inZamboanga – City Mall,Yubenco and KCC Mall deZamboanga – aside fromother smaller shops and es-tablishments and their op-eration is expected to eat upthe already depleted powersupply here. Yubenco hasopened recently part of itsmall to the public.

IIIIInterrnterrnterrnterrnterruptible Loaduptible Loaduptible Loaduptible Loaduptible LoadPPPPPrrrrrogrogrogrogrogramamamamam

The Department of En-ergy said the acute powershortage is expected to im-prove by 2017, and in themeantime, To said theAquino government shouldpush for the so-called Inter-ruptible Load Program orILP.

“In the meantime, thegovernment should push forthe ILP implementing rulesand regulations and make itattractive for commercialestablishments with excesspower to join. Manage thedemand side and advise us-ers to conserve energy,” saidTo, who is also the presidentof Budgetwise supermarket,one of the biggest inZamboanga; and the chair-man of the modern CiudadMedical Zamboanga.

According to the RetailElectricity Suppliers Asso-ciation, ILP – a program es-tablished by the Depart-ment of Energy and the En-ergy Regulatory Commis-sion aims to help mitigatethe energy supply deficiencyin the country until new ca-pacities become availableon the grid.

Companies with stand-by generation capacitieswho participate in the ILPwill be compensated underthis program should theyuse their own generating fa-cilities during instances ofpower supply deficit.

But companies that willparticipate in the ILP will beasked by the distributionutility to “de-load” for par-ticular hours in a day whenthe power supply in the grid

will not be enough for thepower demand. “De-load-ing” will mean having to runits embedded stand-by gen-eration sets to provide for itsown electricity require-ments.

For Pedro Rufo Soliven,regional governor of thePhilippine Chamber ofCommerce and Industry forWestern Mindanao, said ev-erybody must do their sharein helping the governmentfind a solution to the acutepower crisis.

Soliven, former presi-dent of the Zamboanga cityChamber of Commerce andIndustry, said: “We wouldlike to be part of the solutionand we are working hand-in-hand with theZamboanga City ElectricCooperative and the Localgovernment of Zamboangaand look for solution to ad-dress this problem of powercurtailment.”

“And we are also look-ing for short term and longterm solutions on how wecan really solve immediatelythe lack of electricity supplyin the city and be able reallyto come up with somethingto address the (power) de-mand of the city.”

The costs of the powercrisis to the businesses andlocal economy are notreadily available.

The power crisis stillcontinues despite a forumheld in Zamboanga City bythe Department of Energy toaddress the shortage of elec-tricity here. The forum wasattended by Energy Secre-tary Jericho Petilla and Na-tional Electrification Ad-ministration Deputy Ad-ministrator EdgardoPiamonte and his engineerFerdinand Villareal andother stake holders.

One of the solutionsproposed during the forumwas for the local cooperativeto purchase excess or un-used electricity fromMapalad Power Corpora-tion which would comefrom its plants in NorthCotabato and Davao prov-inces. (Mindanao Exam-iner)

Residents hold a rally in Zamboanga City on Thursday, August 6, 2015 to protest the failure ofthe Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative to address the power crisis that has affected notonly the consumers, but the business sector and the local economy as well. (Photo by ElyDumaboc - Mindanao Examiner)

BLACKOUT!FFFFFrrrrrom page 1om page 1om page 1om page 1om page 1

Members of the Na-tional Association of Elec-tricity Consumers for Re-forms Inc. (NASECOR) andurban poor associations ledthe rally in front of the officeof the electric cooperative inthe village of Putik. A newscorrespondent of MindanaoExaminer who was photo-graphing the protesters saidas many as 600 people werein the rally.

The protest coincidedwith the public hearing ofthe Energy Regulatory Com-mission and representativesof the local business sector.

Many of those whojoined the rally carried plac-ards demanding for the im-mediate resignation ofGeorge Ledesma, generalmanager of the power coop-erative, and members of theboard of directors, includ-ing its president Omar Sahifor their failure to find viablesolutions to the power crisisthat is affecting not only thebusiness sector, but the lo-cal economy as well.

Local council membersalso joined the rally andspoke in front of the hugecrowd, but were severaltimes interrupted by loudapplause.

The organizers of therally expected up to 5,000people to join the protest,but text messages had beencirculated by unknownpeople discouraging resi-dents from joining the massaction, saying, terroristscould target the protestersand even the local electriccooperative.

Hundreds of armed po-licemen and soldiers werealso deployed inside andoutside the office of the elec-tric cooperative to protectthe installation from pos-sible attack.

Mayor Beng Climacosaid the local government

YYYYYakiakiakiakiakiHHHHHerbal Laborerbal Laborerbal Laborerbal Laborerbal Laboratoratoratoratoratoryyyyy

www.yakilab.com

ZZZZZamboanga Cityamboanga Cityamboanga Cityamboanga Cityamboanga CityAirAirAirAirAircon Cleanerscon Cleanerscon Cleanerscon Cleanerscon Cleaners

Call us 992-5480

FOR SALEFOR SALEFOR SALEFOR SALEFOR SALE

Call us 0927-3049667

Photo printer ZamboMICHAEL SANTIAMICHAEL SANTIAMICHAEL SANTIAMICHAEL SANTIAMICHAEL SANTIAGOGOGOGOGO

Call us 0927-7215494

Inkpit Tattoo ZamboangaL.A. ZL.A. ZL.A. ZL.A. ZL.A. Zamboanga amboanga amboanga amboanga amboanga TTTTTimesimesimesimesimes

www.lazamboangatimes.com

A non-profit publicationZZZZZamboanga Cityamboanga Cityamboanga Cityamboanga Cityamboanga City

TTTTT-shir-shir-shir-shir-shirt Pt Pt Pt Pt Prrrrrinting Dinting Dinting Dinting Dinting Designsesignsesignsesignsesigns

Call us (062) 992-5480

ZZZZZambo Sambo Sambo Sambo Sambo Special Cpecial Cpecial Cpecial Cpecial Cupcakesupcakesupcakesupcakesupcakes

Call us 0917-4089822

For all occasionsZZZZZambo Chocolateambo Chocolateambo Chocolateambo Chocolateambo Chocolate

MMMMMarshmalloarshmalloarshmalloarshmalloarshmallow Lollipopsw Lollipopsw Lollipopsw Lollipopsw Lollipops

Call us 0928-9752091

The BThe BThe BThe BThe Big Hig Hig Hig Hig House Douse Douse Douse Douse Davavavavavaoaoaoaoao

Call us 0925-8824601

A Heritage Home

MMMMMindanao Dindanao Dindanao Dindanao Dindanao DailyailyailyailyailyNNNNNewspaper Aewspaper Aewspaper Aewspaper Aewspaper Advdvdvdvdvererererertisingtisingtisingtisingtising

Call us (062) 992-5480

ZZZZZambo Pambo Pambo Pambo Pambo Perererererfect Pfect Pfect Pfect Pfect Pururururureeeee

Call us (062) 990-1688

Purified Drinking Water

LM MLM MLM MLM MLM Metretretretretro Ho Ho Ho Ho HotelotelotelotelotelZZZZZamboangaamboangaamboangaamboangaamboanga

Call us 0917-5545780

Aug. 10-16, 20154 The Mindanao Examiner

Missing PersonThis is to NOTIFY the public that Mrs.

ZENEFER R. LUMOSAD, of legal age, marriedto Emmanuel Caliangan, a resident of ZamboangaCity had been missing since 2007.

Any information about Mrs. Lumosad, pleasenotify his husband in his contact number 0905-6673000.

Emmanuel Caliangan

NOTICE

Contractors working for TM Mobile (Globe Telecom) tore down signs put up by competitorSmart Communications and put their own propaganda signs in Zamboanga City. (MindanaoExaminer Photo)

UN expert urges no let-up in attentionto internally displaced persons

MANILA – The United Na-tions Special Rapporteur onthe human rights of inter-nally displaced persons,Chaloka Beyani, has urgedthe Philippines to follow-through with its commit-ments and devote muchneeded attention and re-sources to internally dis-placed persons until durablesolutions are attained andtheir futures are secured.

Beyani’s call comes atthe end of his official ten-dayvisit to the Philippines, wherehe assessed the impact of allforms of internal displace-ment, including thosecaused by disasters, armedconflict, and developmentprojects on the ancestrallands of indigenous peoples.

The UN expert praisedthe Aquino government forits responses to the massiveinternal displacementcaused by Typhoon Haiyan.However, he expressed con-cern that “attention and re-sources appear to be waningbefore durable solutions areachieved and some IDPs re-main in dire situations.”

He travelled to Taclobanin the Visayas which hadbeen affected by Haiyan(known locally as ‘Yolanda’)which made landfall in No-vember 2013 killing some6,300 in the Philippines anddisplacing hundreds of thou-sands from their homes.

The Special Rapporteurwelcomed significantprogress in providing transi-tional and permanenthomes to those affected andrestoring livelihood oppor-tunities, as well as policiessuch as ‘Build-Back-Better’

aimed at mitigating againstthe effects of future disasters.

Nevertheless the expertexpressed surprise that, de-spite huge resources spent orearmarked for infrastructureprojects, for many displacedcommunities basic serviceprovision, including water,sanitation and electricity arelacking almost two years af-ter Haiyan. Some families“seem to have become stuckin substandard ‘bunkhouse’accommodation or fallenentirely through the protec-tion net,” he said.

Beyani urged the govern-ment to rapidly take concretesteps to resolve problems af-fecting IDPs, including toadopt what would be a land-mark law on the rights of in-ternally displaced personsfollowing more than a decadeof deliberation.

“An ‘almost law’ is asgood as no law at all. For acountry prone to disastersand the displacement effectsof long-standing conflicts it isessential to enshrine therights and protection of IDPsinto law. Not to do so after adecade of debate sends awrong signal about theGovernment’s commitmentto ensuring respect for theirrights and withholds essen-tial legal protection fromIDPs,” he said.

Beyani visited other re-gions of the country affectedby displacement caused bythe long-standing conflictswith armed groups in variousregions of Mindanao. Heurged intensified efforts toachieve inclusive and lastingpeace as an essential meansof ending the conflicts which

have displaced millions overthe last four decades.

“Conflict, militarizationand displacement have be-come the common patternin some localities and re-sponses to conflict drivendisplacement crisis need tobe more effective in some ar-eas where they have gonefrom poor to almost non-ex-istent,” Beyani said.

“Armed conflict or in-trusive developmentprojects not only displaceindigenous peoples andsubject them to conditionsthat may bring about theirdestruction as peoples, theyalso destroy their homes andlivelihoods,” he added.

Beyani also visitedTampakan, where a pro-posed open-pit gold andcopper mine will poten-tially displace over 5000people, the majority ofwhom are indigenouspeoples.

“They have an incalcu-lable impact on their cul-tures and ways of life that arepart of the rich and diverseheritage of the Philippinesthat must be protected orotherwise lost, perhaps for-ever. Indigenous peoplesstruggle to survive awayfrom their ancestral landsand require special protec-tion including through thefull implementation of theIndigenous Peoples’ RightsAct,” he said, adding, he willproduce a full report andrecommendations based onhis visit to be presented tothe Philippines and the UNHuman Rights Council in2016. (Human Rights Watch,Mindanao Examiner)

ARMM boosts drive toaddress iodine deficiency

COTABATO CITY – TheAutonomous Region inMuslim Mindanao(ARMM) is strengtheningits campaign to addressproblems brought aboutby iodine deficiency disor-ders (IDD) among itspopulation as part of thecelebration of the 2015Nutrition Month.

An orientation on theuse of WYD iodine checkerwas conducted recently byJosie Pondevida, a seniorscience research specialistof the Industrial Technol-ogy Development Insti-tute of the Department ofScience and Technology,to members of the Re-gional Bantay Asin TaskForce.

Pondevida said suchchecker can measure theiodine content of a saltsample accurately as com-pared with the rapid test-ing kit that has been usedby the region’s Depart-ment of Health (DOH-ARMM) these past years.

Celia Sagaral, regionalnutritionist of DOH-ARMM, said checking theiodine content in salt isthe first step to addressproblems brought aboutby IDD in the region. Thiswould certify and allowonly salt that contains suf-ficient iodine to be sold inthe markets in the region,“as required by RepublicAct 8172, or the Act Pro-

moting Iodization Na-tionwide, and ordered bythe Food and Drug Ad-ministration.”

Iodine is a mineralneeded by the body fornormal thyroid functionand for adequate produc-tion of thyroid hormones.A body that is lacking iniodine results in a rangeof abnormalities, whichare called IDD that couldaffect all age groups.

IDD includes goiterand poor health condi-tions such as stuntedgrowth and reducedmental capacity. Insuffi-cient iodine intake ofpregnant woman may re-sult in miscarriage andstillbirth. Even with asuccessful delivery, thebaby can be underweightand with conditions suchas deaf-mutism andsquint or cross-eye,among others.

A teenager and anadult should consume150 micrograms while apregnant woman shouldconsume 200 micro-grams of iodine per day.According to the UnitedNations Children’s Fundreport, inadequate iodineconsumption amongchildren may also resultin an average of 13.5point reduction in intel-ligent quotient, com-pared with children hav-ing sufficient iodine in

the body.“IDD is not a public

health threat in theARMM, but there are casesof IDD in the region,”Sagaral said. She addedthe department will con-duct a series of iodinechecking on salt beingsold in the markets in thefive provinces of ARMM inthe coming months.

The DOH-ARMM willalso tap local governmentunits encouraging them topass ordinances thatwould make available ad-equate iodized salt to con-sumers. The departmentwill also reinforce the so-called Asin Law that re-quires producers and dis-tributors of food-gradesalt to iodize their prod-ucts.

Sagaral said a series ofiodine checking will beconducted to salt sold inthe markets in the fiveprovinces of the regionthis year. School- andcommunity-based infor-mation drive will also beconducted to raise aware-ness among the public onproper iodine intake andthe problems brought byIDD.

She also encouragedlocal salt producers tomake their products avail-able for testing at theDOH-ARMM office inCotabato City. (Bureau ofPublic Information)Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco is being interviewed by the local media outside the

office of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative last week. (City Hall Photo)

The Mindanao Examiner 5Aug. 10-16, 2015

Aug. 10-16, 20156 The Mindanao Examiner - FOREIGN

Office Space For RentZamboanga CityFor more inquiriesCall: 0929-2189937

Ancient Code

Teen depression and how social media can help or hurt - CNNRECENT news storiesabout cyberbullying,with kids running away,hurting others and eventaking their own lives,points to a growing trendwith often tragic results.

According to a recentstudy in the journal JAMAPediatrics, 23% of teensreport they are or havebeen the target ofcyberbullying. Another15% admitted to bullyingsomeone else online. Theresearchers' review of 10studies that explored thelink between social me-dia victimization and de-pression all showed --without exception-- asignificant correlation.

Yes, cyberbullyingundeniably can inflict se-rious wounds. But frommy own family's personalexperience, along withesearch, allowing a teenaccess to social media

can also be a crucial partof recovery from depres-sion and anxiety.

According to the Na-tional Institute of MentalHealth, in 2012, an esti-mated 2.2 million adoles-cents, or 9.1% of the U.S.teen population (ages 12to 17), had at least onemajor depressive episodein the past year.

A national survey ofover 10,000 adolescentsshowed that almost 1 in 3teens met criteria for ananxiety disorder. Severeanxiety, including panicdisorders, generalizedanxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorderand phobias, afflicts 8.3%of all the teens.

Some 5% to 8% ofU.S. teens attempt sui-cide yearly, with an addi-tional 16% seriously con-sidering suicide withinthe past 12 months. Ap-

proximately 157,000 kidsage 10-24 are treated inemergency departmentsever y year for self-in-flicted wounds. Suicide isthe third leading cause ofdeath of 15- to 24- year-olds, according to a 2012Centers for Disease Con-trol and Prevention re-port. Victims ofcyberbullying are almosttwice as likely to have at-tempted suicides com-pared with adolescentswho were not the targetof online attacks.

Two summers agowhile on a hike, my 12-year-old son Matthewtold my husband thathe'd been having somepersistent anxious anddepressing thoughts. As aphysician who treatsadults, the issue of teenmood disorders wasn'ton my radar; Matthew al-ways seemed so happy

CCCCContinued frontinued frontinued frontinued frontinued from page 1om page 1om page 1om page 1om page 1Mysteriously, “there are

several beliefs among localsin these villages. While fewworship the paintings, oth-ers narrate stories they haveheard from ancestors about“rohela people” -the small-sized ones -who used toland from the sky in a roundshaped flying object andtake away one or two per-sons in the village whonever returned.”

“The paintings aredone in natural colours thathave hardly faded despite

10,000 year old cave paintings ofUFO’s and Aliens discovered in India

the years. The strangelycarved figures are seenholding weapon-like ob-jects and do not have clearfeatures. Specially, the noseand mouth are missing. Infew pictures, they are evenshown wearing space suits.We can’t refute possibility ofimagination by prehistoricmen but humans usuallyfancy such things,” the ar-chaeologist said.

The oddly shaped fig-ures depicted in the cavesseem to carry mysteriousobjects i their hands. These

“beings” are not depictedwith detailed faces, theyseem to lack noses andmouths. In some of thecave paintings you canclearly see some sort ofspacesuit. (By IvanPetricevic. Ivan is afreelance writer, editor-in-chief of ancient-code.com,he also writes for EWAO,Share Knowledge, SvemirOnline and Ancient Ori-gins. History, Archaeology,Space and world’s myster-ies are some of the topicshe writes about.)

and upbeat -- he didn'thave any obvious red flagsigns of a mood disorder.

I had struggled withdepression and an eatingdisorder when I was inhigh school, so the factthat he might have inher-ited some of my tenden-cies wasn't a completeshock. After the initialdistress that my own sonwas suffering emotion-ally, I was fil led withgratitude that he'd hadthe strength to share hisconcerns with us andreach out for help.

Last year was anemotional roller coasterfor the whole family asMatthew's anxious anddepressive feelings be-came more evident. Oneof the biggest questionswe faced as parents waswhether access to socialmedia would harm orhelp him with these is-sues.

More than 92% ofteens report going onlinedaily, with 24% of those"almost constantly," ac-cording to the Pew Re-search Center.

While Facebook re-mains the most commonsocial network site usedby American teens, otherplatforms are growingrapidly in popularity.Instagram and Snapchatrank second and third,and Tumblr, Kik Messen-ger and Vine are growingin use, especially amongyouth from middle- toupper-class homes.

In addition to meet-ing with an experiencedsocial worker, Matthewstarted using Instagramas a source of connec-tion; he said it helpedhim realize other kidswere experiencing simi-lar problems. But a checkon what he was viewingrevealed some graphicand disturbing images.

We conferred withMatthew's social workerabout Matt's use of socialmedia, and we all ulti-mately agreed that cut-ting him off completelywould not be productive.Instead, we worked withMatthew to find sites thatwere an actual support,offering messages of"staying strong."

Matthew then shiftedhis own Instagram ac-count to be a positivesupport to others, and hequickly developed morethan 6,000 followers, re-inforcing that his mes-sage of hope and supportwas needed and appreci-ated.

He also foundYouTubers who sharedtheir struggles now andin the past, helping himdiscover that he did havethe opportunity tochange his emotionalpath. Matthew was in-spired to start his ownchannel. As parentswanting to protect ourson, it took some con-vincing and long discus-sions before we agreed tohis posting videos, aslong as we could viewthem first.

In his first video hesays, "I want to be thekind of person that youcan say, he helped me

through a hard time, andmade me smile when Iwas in a hard place."

Over the next year,Matthew made tremen-dous progress under-standing and dealingwith his feelings. As partof his bar mitzvah thenext fall, he was able tostand up in front of thecongregation talk abouthis struggles by reading areflection he wrote en-titled "We will be thehopeful."

"In the past year I'velearned a lot about mis-takes and how we makethem," he shared. "I'vemade many mistakes;more than I can count.I'm proud to say that I'vestruggled, I'm proud tohave made mistakes. Iwant you to understandthat striving for forgive-ness, and no matter howdeep you may be in yourown, you'll keep floating.I don't want you to judgeme for the past, as I won'tjudge you. If I can reachout to at least one of you,I'll be happy."

It has been clear thatallowing Matthew tohave his own voice --through short films, pic-tures and messages ofhope and humor -- hasstrengthened his resolveto stay on a positive path.

In the past severalyears, we have seen manydevastating stories ofteenage suicides andtheir link with interac-tions on social media.But I think it would be aserious mistake to clas-sify all social media asnegative.

Research supportsthat social media can help

friendships: 52% of teensreport a positive impact,as opposed to only 4%saying it was a negative.Posting on Facebook andviewing one's profile mayhelp improve self-esteem.

Most clearly what I'veheard from my son\ isabout the huge amount ofsupport peers give eachother when they are de-pressed or are the targetsof bullying.

On Tumblr, a searchfor depression pops up apage asking: "Everythingokay? If you or someoneyou know are experienc-ing any type of crisis,please know there arepeople who care aboutyou and are here to help."

The publicized in-stance of a Reddit groupon Minecraft helping pre-vent a kid from commit-ting suicide is just one in-stance of what is happen-ing in real-time, everyday.

To be sure,cyberbullying, like anybullying, is reprehensibleand all possible stepsshould be made to keepsocial media safe. Andoveruse of social mediacan become a negative,associated with increaseddepression and low bodyimage issues.

Social media is em-bedded in the social andemotional fabric of ourteens' lives. As parents weneed to stay involved,walking the challengingline between teen privacyand autonomy, while en-suring safe, productiveand even healing socialmedia experiences. (ByDr. Melinda Ring, Specialto CNN)

The Mindanao Examiner - OPINION 7Aug. 10-16, 2015

The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaperis published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines.

ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE:Unit 15, 3rd Floor, Fairland Building,

Mayor Vitaliano Agan AvenuePhone & fax: 062-9925480

Mobile: 0917-7103642

DAVAO CITY OFFICE:Unit 3B, 3/F Ledesma Building,

26 Juna Avenue, Juna Subdivision, MatinaPhone: 082-2960658

Mobile: 0918-9180895

URL: mindanaoexaminer.comE-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

The Mindanao Examiner

REGIONAL PARTNERSMindanao DailyBusiness WeekMindanao Star

Web MasterMindanao Examiner Productions

Newspaper, Film and Television Productions

Maritess FernandezPublisher/Executive Producer (On Leave)

Al Jacinto

Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC)

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR:

Zamboanga PeninsulaEly Dumaboc/Jun Feliciano

NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES

Mark Navales Alan NavalesCentral Mindanao North- South Cotabato

Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat

Pagadian CityZamboanga del Sur

Ferdinand Libor Jr.

Carl DealaGraphics/Video Editor

Jeng FernandezJuna Subd., Matina, Davao City

Mag-ingat sa Mababang Potassium (Hypokalemia)Payo ni Dr. Willie T. Ong

ISA sa pinakamahalagangmineral sa katawan ayang potassium. Masamaito kapag labis at masamadin ito kapag kulang.Kailangan natin angpostassium para sa nor-mal na pagtibok ng pusoat paggamit ng mga maselsa katawan.

Marami na akongnakitang pasyente nanadisgrasya dahil lamangsa mababang potassium.Ang tawag ng doktor ditoay hypokalemia.

Ano ang dahilan ngmabababang potassium?

Ang pangkaraniwangpinanggagalingan ngmababang potassium ayang labis na pagpapawis,pagtatae at pagsusuka.Dahil dito, lumalabas angpotassium sa katawan sapamamagitan ng atingpawis at dumi. Minsannaman ay may diprensiyaang bato (o kidneys) kayalumalabas din ang potas-sium sa ihi.

Kung kayo ay mahiliguminom ng mgapampadumi, pampapaihio pampapayat, puwedengbumaba ang iyong potas-sium. Kung mahilig kayosa colon cleansing,puwede din bumaba angpotassium. Ang sobrang

Dr. Willie T. Ong

pag-e-ehersisyo atpagpapawis ay puwedengmakababa din ng potas-sium.

Ano ang sintomas?Ang sintomas ng

mababang potassium ayang panghihina ng mgapaa, pinupulikat at abnor-mal na tibok ng puso. Nag-uumpisa ang panghihina samay paa at umaakyat ito ngdahan-dahan hanggang sama-paralisa na ang buongkatawan. Napakadelikadonitong sakit at puwedengikamatay agad.

Paano ginagamot angmababang potassium?

Kapag malala na anglagay ng pasyente aykailangan nang dalhin saospital para mabigyan ngpotassium sa dugo. Ngunitkung nag-uumpisa pa

lamang ang panghihinaay puwede munakumain ng mgapagkaing mataas sa po-tassium tulad ng saging,patatas, kamatis, orangeat broccoli.

Ang mga pagkaingito rin ang magandangparaan para makaiwassa pagbaba ng potas-sium. Ang Gatorade aymay potassium din. Maytableta din na binibigayang mga doktor, ang po-tassium tablets (brandname Kalium) namabilis magpataas ngpotassium.

Para makaiwas sasakit na ito, ugaliingkumain ng 2 saging sabawat araw. Tandaan:Two bananas a day cankeep the doctor away.

Kumonsulta sadoktor kung kayo aynanghihina. Ipapasuring doktor ang iyong Po-tassium level (isangblood test) paramalaman kung mababanga ang iyong potas-sium. Kung kayo ay maysakit sa bato o may kid-ney failure, magtanongmuna sa doktor bagokumain ng pagkaingmataas sa potassium.Good luck po.

Letters to the Editor: Lasting Peace Can BePresident Aquino’s Legacy to the Filipino People

We are moving to film and television productions!

ALL RIGHTS FOR SALEMindanao Examiner NewspaperMindanao Examiner Television

mindanaoexaminer.com(web contents, office inventory included)

Call: (062) 992 5480

Dear Editor,It is not too late for the

government of the Republicof the Philippines under theincumbency of PresidentBenigno S. Aquino III to forgean agreement with the Na-tional Democratic Front ofthe Philippines. Lasting peacecan be his legacy to the Fili-pino people. He still has morethan ten months to do that.

No less than the Speakerof the House of Representa-tives, Hon. FelicianoBelmonte, Jr., believes that“peace talks with the Com-munist Party of the Philip-pines – National DemocraticFront can still be done withinthe remaining term of officeof President Benigno AquinoIII.” (Philippine News Agency,July 20, 2015).

Belmonte went to theNetherlands as part of thePhilippine delegation to thehearing of the United NationsInternational Tribunal on theLaw of the Sea (Itlos) when itheard the case filed by thePhilippine Governmentagainst China on the WestPhilippine Sea dispute. Hetook the opportunity to meetwith the communist delega-tion of ten (10) people to dis-cuss the issue of peace talks.

With Belmonte were HouseMajority Leader andMandaluyong City Represen-tative Neptali Gonzales II, Ap-propriations CommitteeChair and Davao City Rep.Isidro Ungab, and AccountsCommittee Chair andRomblon Rep. Eleandro JesusMadriona.

The House Speaker wasquoted as saying that “the at-mosphere is such that it(peace negotiations) can stillbe done during the term ofthe president… He has otherassistants. I do hope the fes-tering problem will be solvedand it can be solved duringthe last year in office.”

The favorable atmo-sphere includes the opennessof the new Armed ForcesChief of Staff Lt. Gen.Hernando Iriberi to the re-sumption of the peace talks.“The AFP welcomes the gov-ernment ‘s openness for therevival of the peace talks withthe CPP-NPA,” he said (ThePhil Star, p. 9, July 20, 2015).

We hope and pray thatthis declaration is not simplya motherhood statementfrom one who is newly ap-pointed to a key office be-cause he is expected to saysomething positive for the

people to court their confi-dence and support. The goodgeneral knows too well theneed “for the peaceful resolu-tion of conflicts and long termpeace in our country” as hehas stated.

Another positive note forpeace was the position of theCPP founder Jose Maria Sisondeclaring full support to thePhilippine government’smove to bring its problemwith China over the West Phil-ippine Sea to the UN ITLoS.He signed the statement ofFilipinos in the

Netherlands which said:“We, Filipinos and friends ofthe Filipino people in theNetherlands, stand togetherin upholding the national sov-ereignty and territorial integ-rity of our Motherland, and indefending the Filipinopeople’s sovereign rights overtheir exclusive economiczone and extended continen-tal shelf in the West PhilippineSea, now being illegallyclaimed and encroachedupon by China.”

On China’s position for abilateral talk between the twonations, Sison asked: “Howcan the Philippines negotiatewith China, which always de-clares ‘ab initio’ (from the be-ginning) that it has indisput-able sovereignty over 90% ofthe entire South China Seaand that in effect the Philip-pines has no rights over EEZand ECS (extended continen-tal shelf)?” Sison is one withthe Philippine government inthis stand, and Malacañangspokespersons appreciatethis.

We see one problem,however. In spite of the feel-ers sent by top NDFP leaderson their willingness to resumethe stalled peace talks soon,there is no feedback until nowfrom the Office of the Presi-dential Adviser on the PeaceProcess (OPAPP). It appearsthat Sec. Teresita “Ging” Delesis not keen on reopening thetalks. Is she heading the Officeof the Presidential AdviserAgainst the Peace Process?

Speaker Belmonte him-self expressed surprise at theabsence of reaction fromOPAPP to the NDFP’s over-tures. Gen. Hernando Iriberrimay also get disappointedbecause his plan is to work“hand in hand with agenciesof government tasked to leadthe talks.” If the primaryagency which is OPAPP doesnot lead, what can the Filipinopeople expect?

President Aquino, wesuggest, should seriously con-sider placing into OPAPPpeople who will give him theproper advice (as SpeakerBelmonte emphasized, thePresident “has other assis-tants.”) to be able to leave alegacy of genuine and lastingpeace to our beloved countryand people. When this hap-pens, God’s dream for thepeople may come to pass: “Mypeople will abide in a peace-ful habitation, in securedwellings, and in quiet restingplace” (Isaiah 32:18).Thank you,BISHOP ELMER M.BISHOP ELMER M.BISHOP ELMER M.BISHOP ELMER M.BISHOP ELMER M.BOLBOLBOLBOLBOLOCOCOCOCOCON, UCON, UCON, UCON, UCON, UCCPCPCPCPCPExecutive SecretaryMOST REMOST REMOST REMOST REMOST REVVVVV. DEOGRA. DEOGRA. DEOGRA. DEOGRA. DEOGRACIAS S.CIAS S.CIAS S.CIAS S.CIAS S.IñIGUEZ, JR., DIñIGUEZ, JR., DIñIGUEZ, JR., DIñIGUEZ, JR., DIñIGUEZ, JR., D.D.D.D.D.D. and. and. and. and. andBISHOP FELIXBERBISHOP FELIXBERBISHOP FELIXBERBISHOP FELIXBERBISHOP FELIXBERTTTTTO L.O L.O L.O L.O L.CALCALCALCALCALANG, IFIANG, IFIANG, IFIANG, IFIANG, IFICo-chairpersons(ecumenicalbishops@yahoo.com)

RECIPE: Pikadilyo

Sangkap:½ kilo baka, giniling1/3 kilo patatas, hiwain1 sibuyas2 butil na bawang3 kamatis6 tasang tubigpatispamintamantika

Paraan ng pagluluto:

Igisa ang bawang, sibuyas at kamatis.Ihalo ang giniling nab aka at takpan. Lutuin sa tamanginit.Pag maluluto na, isalin sa kaldero, timplahan ng patisat lagyan ng tubig.Pagkulo, ihalo ang patatas at ituloy angpagpapalambot.Ihain ng mainit. (www.lakusina.com)

Founded 2006 mindanaoexaminer.com P15 Aug. 10-16, 2015FOR ADVERTISEMENTS, PLEASE CALL (062) 9925480 or (082) 2960658

AdvertisingDepartmentTTTTTel. (062) 9925480el. (062) 9925480el. (062) 9925480el. (062) 9925480el. (062) 9925480

ARMM Southern Mindanao Davao Western Mindanao Cebu Manila

7th Cobra Ironman winners recognizedHE world’s toptriathletes haveseen action in therecently con-

Please report to us any individual or persons who are illegally soliciting money or donations foror in behalf of THE MINDANAO EXAMINER REGIONAL NEWSPAPER - CEBU EXAMINER.

We have a strict company policy against solicitation in any forms and the Company shall notbe responsible for illegal practice of unscrupulous persons, who pass themselves off as Reporter,Stringer, Correspondent or Sales Executive of The Mindanao Examiner.

When in doubt, please call or SMS us at these numbers (062) 9925480 or SMS (0917) 7103642or email us – mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

NOTICE

Tcluded 7th Cobra Ironman70.3 held at Shangri-LaMactan Resort and Spa.

With its record-break-ing 2,618 registered par-ticipants representing 52countries, this year’sIronMan 70.3 was biggerthan the previous compe-titions, said SunriseEvents’ general managerPrincess Galura.

The triathletes faced ademanding 90-km bikecourse from MactanNewtown passing throughthe Marcelo Fernan Bridgeto the Cebu InternationalConvention Center (CICC)at 13-km where the firstmedical station was situ-

ated.From CICC, the athletes

headed underneath theCebu South Coastal Roadtunnel and enjoyed the flatwide roads of Cebu SouthCoastal Road where theymade their first turn aroundat 29-km.

After their first turnaround at Talisay City, theathletes headed back toCICC for their next turnaround at 45-km. Theparticipants again made aturn around from themountainside road to theseaside road and headedback to Talisay City for theirfinal turn at 61-km.

After the final turnaround, they headed back toCICC at 77-km to MarceloFernan Bridge and wentback to Punta Engano to the

transition point in MactanNewtown for the 21-kmrun course.

What made this year’sIronMan special was thecrowd along the route whobraved the very hotweather.

Dimity-Lee Duke, 3rdplace for women’s division,said the spectators cheer-ing them along the coursewere a good confidencebooster.

The crowd includedlocals from Cebu, sportsenthusiasts, fans and somecurious spectators.

BBBBBike courseike courseike courseike courseike courseMen and Women Pro Divi-sion

Tim Reed finished thebike event in two hours,three minutes and 21 sec-onds followed by Tim Van

(L-R) 2015 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines Champs - PRO Male: Tim Reed,PRO Female: Caroline Steffen, FILIPINO ELITE August Benedicto, FILIPINO ELITE Female:Monica Torres. Photo Courtesy from Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines Facebook Page

Mandaue holds clean-updrive ahead of APEC meet

MANDAUE CITY – Morethan 2,000 civil employ-ees in Mandaue Citylaunched a massiveclean-up as part of thecelebration of the 446thfounding anniversary ofCebu province last week.

Engr. MarivicCabigas, head of the De-partment of General Ser-vices which spearheadedthe clean-up drive, alsourged residents to main-tain the cleanliness oftheir surroundings. “Weurged everyone to prop-erly dispose their gar-bage, especially plastic,otherwise these will getstuck up in our drainagesystem thus compound-ing the flooding prob-

lem,” she said.Cabigas said they have

utilized the special holidayto clean and beautify thecity, which also recentlycelebrated its 46th CharterDay anniversary. “This is acontinuous activity whichwe will be doing every Sat-urday until we have com-pleted the major routes,”she said.

Included in the clean-up was the route to the siteof the Asia-Pacific Eco-nomic Cooperation(APEC) meeting which isset to start August 22 up toOctober this year.

Just recently, local resi-dents and civil employeesand members of MandaueChamber of Commerce

and Industry planted morethan 500 trees along U.N.Avenue and at theButuanon River banks inCabancalan area.

“Trees help mitigatethe adverse impact of cli-mate change and we mustensure that what weplanted will survive,” saidSubangdaku BarangayCaptain Ernie Manatad.“Many years from now ifwe are still alive, we willvisit the trees and be proudthat we once plantedthese.”

City AgriculturistRolando Tiro said a total of350 Narra trees and 250"Tugas" trees were planted.(Mandaue City Govern-ment)

Berkel in 2 hours 3 minutes,and 16 seconds, while lastyear’s champion BrentMcMahon was 2 secondsshort for the third place.

In the women’s division,sixth place Carole Fuchstook the lead in the bikeevent with two hours, 24minutes and 47 seconds fol-lowed by Caroline Steffenwho suffered a crash in hertwo hours, 25 minutes and44 seconds record. BelindaGranger registered third inthe women’s pro class withtwo hours, 25 minutes and47 seconds record.Filipino Elite Men andWomen Division

Filipino Elite BenjaminRana Jr. clocked two hours,22 minutes and 25 seconds,leading the Filipino pact,followed by Kristiane Glen-dale Lim registering twohours, 23 minutes and 28seconds and AugustBenedicto in his two hours,23 minutes and 48 secondsrecord.

Filipina triathleteMonica Torres continued tomake her way to the top withher two hours, 27 minutesand three seconds in thebike run, outsmarting MariaHodges with two hours, 36minutes and 17 secondsrecord followed by Lc Langitwho registered two hours, 36minutes and 54 seconds fin-ish.

From the bike run tran-sition, athletes ran the two-loop course for the final 21km race.

OvOvOvOvOverererererall Rall Rall Rall Rall ResultsesultsesultsesultsesultsMen and Women Pro Divi-

sionThe native Australian

triathlete Tim Reed regis-tered three hours, 46 min-utes and 2 seconds bestinghis buddy Tim Van Berkel.also from Australia, by twoseconds.

Last year’s championBrent McMahon settled atthe third spot with his threehours, 50 minutes and 23seconds record.

If there was one thingthat the high-caliberCaroline Steffen proved dur-ing the race, it was the atti-tude of not giving up. Evenif Steffen suffered a crashduring the bike event, shemanaged to continue therace while feeling a fewaches.

Her drive pushed a con-vincing finish with her fourhours, 23 minutes and 54seconds record, defendingher title from the last year’sIronman.

The 25-year old Ameri-can triathlete Beth Gerdesfinished second place whoregistered four hours, 29minutes and seven secondsfollowed by 32-year old Aus-tralian Dimity-Lee Dukewith her four hours, 29 min-utes and 36 seconds record.Filipino Elite Men andWomen Division

The reigning Filipinoelite champion AugustBenedicto successfully de-fended his title by finishingthe whole race in four hours,28 minutes and 36 seconds.

Benedicto finished firstby six seconds, leaving thesecond spot to 29-year-old

John Philip Duenas whoregistered four hours, 28minutes and 42 secondsfollowed by 22-year-oldBanjo Norte with his fourhours, 29 minutes and 5seconds record. Mean-while, the Filipino Elite forfemale division MonicaTorres secured the title byfinishing the three eventsin four hours, 39 minutesand 37 seconds.

Second place MariaHodges registered fourhours, 53 minutes andnine seconds while LcLangit snagged the thirdspot with her five hours,five minutes and 30 sec-onds record.

Meanwhile, the 45-year-old AustralianBelinda Granger, who wasa consistent participant ofIronman Philippines andfinished on the fifth spot,announced her retire-ment.

“The Philippinesmade a huge impact in mylife and I could say that thisis the best country to race,”Granger said. “Even if I willnot be racing next year, Iwill find a way to comeback here.”

President and Chair-man of Sunrise EventsWilfred Steven Uytengsu Jr.thanked everyone whoparticipated and sup-ported the event. Uytengsualso announced that thePhilippines, specificallyCebu, will host next year’sIronman 70.3 Asia-PacificChampionship. (Cebu Pro-vincial Government)