DAVAO AND GENSAN: Tale of the two cities-

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A partnership is brewing between two of Mindanao’s premiere cities.

           This development has now grown into possibility as Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City and Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera of Gensan City finally met on January 16 at Phela Grande Convention Center during the induction of the new officials of Junior Chamber International Philippines.

          The event was graced by Duterte as he was the delegated inducting officer chosen by the organization.

          But apparently, the main highlight was the crossing of paths of Duterte and Rivera- both local chief executives of two of the most highly urbanized cities in Mindanao.

           It was an opportunity that was seized by Mayor Rivera of Gensan as he was seeking strategies and advice on how to efficiently serve the people- from a “tested and proven” Duterte of Davao City.

           “Duterte has much experience in running in the local government. He made Davao as one of the progressive cities in the country. And it is very visible that his people is happy about it,” Rivera said.

           During a conversation, Rivera also mentioned the first time he met Duterte.

           “I first met Duterte when I was still in the private sector. The two of us are motorbike enthusiasts, so one time, when he had a leg in Davao, I got the opportunity to meet him,” Rivera narrated.

           “Years after, I am a public official already. Things are different. But I still look up to him because I want to make Gensan as progressive and safe as Davao.

           Mayor Duterte affirmed the statements of Rivera, and cited the promise that Gensan holds.

          “Gensan is a beautiful place. Your roads are wide. You have many resources There’s a lot of things that can be done here.” Duterte said.

           “You can’t see anything like these even in Cagayan, Zamboanga. Even in Davao, our streets are clogged already.”

          The Mayor of Davao also mentioned that the key into running the government efficiently are heart and decisiveness.

           He also noted that there’s nothing instant in growing a city.

             But he gave an exemption to the statement, affirming drugs and corruption should be eradicated fast.

          “If I will become the president, I will end drugs and corruption. Six months should be long enough. And if I can’t do it, then choose another to replace me,” Duterte said.

          Davao and Gensan are two neighboring cities in Mindanao. Both are accessed through the Asian Highway 26 (AH26).

         Davao boasts its strong economy coming from real estates, BPO’s, industrial services, and other diverse commercial activities.

          The city also a hotspot for tourism because of developed suburban destinations.

         On the other hand, Gensan is a becoming the agro-industrial hub of the SOCKSARGEN region. Due to its complete transportation platforms via land, sea, or air.

          Tuna and fishing Industry is still steady in the city, albeit to the global challenges it is facing.

         Business also started to flock to Gensan when Rivera entered in 2010.

          This is proven by the 300% growth of MSMEs roughly from 1,000 to 8,000.

          Trade, business and food and agriculture could blossom in the southern Mindanao if the two cities would work hand-in-hand.

           Duterte became the Mayor of Davao in 1987 and got a short stint of being a congressman.

          Rivera, on the other hand, became the mayor of Gensan in 2013, after ending the 27-year.

 political reign of Achievement Integrity Movement. (AIM)--- Local counterpart of the liberal Party (LP)

          The mothers of these two mayors are both teachers.

          They also show enthusiasm in motor biking (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John Lagare).

        

   

                  

IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY - POLICE TO CATCHE SMOKING VIOLATORS

           GENERAL SANTOC ITY – Police personnel in the city are now ready to catch anyone who are smoking in restricted premises.

           A deputation order coming from City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera was received by General Santos City Police officer (GSCPO) director Maximo Layugan on Wednesday (January 20,) which authorizes the police to fully implement the Anti-Smoking Ordinance.

           The Anti-Smoking Ordinance (Ordinance no. 6 Series of 2015) was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod-under the directive of Mayor Rivera-to make Gensan a non-smoking city.

           “I want to make Gensan a non-smoking city, I even stopped smoking for this.” said Mayor Rivera. “Of course, I want a strict implementation on this. That’s why we have the police.”

           For individual who will be caught for the first time, a fine of P1,000 will be charged to them. The maximum fine an individual can incur is P3,000.

           Business establishments in the city are also included in this ordinance. Smoking in their Non-smoking areas are fineable of P1,000 up to P5,000.

           However, these business establishments may designate a smoking area in their premises. The barangay treasuries will collect the fines coming from the violators. Those that cannot pay will be subjected to police inquest.

           Police city director Layugan pledged that the GCSPO will be the city’s partner on enforcing the said ordinance.

           The anti-Smoking Ordinance of Gensan is not limited in apprehending smokers.

           In the Ordinance, an individual is not also allowed to smoke electronic cigarettes (vapes) and shisha in public places.

           Public places, as defined by the ordinance, is any form of public conveyances, accommodation and entertainment establishments, public offices and buildings, School Campuses both public outdoor spaces, workplaces and government-owned vehicles except in the duly designated smoking areas within the territorial jurisdiction of General Santos City.

           Selling cigarettes, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and sisha to minors are also prohibited by the ordinance.

           An Anti-Smoking Task Force was also created to promote awareness for the said ordinance will be implemented and enforced.

            According to the department of health (DOH), smoking kills 10 Filipinos per hour. Aside from the smoking is also attributed to several fatal diseases such as Cancer and tuberculosis.

          Rivera said that the facts alone should serve as an encouragement to stop smoking already.

          “I know dangerous smoking is because I was a heavy smoker myself. When I stopped, the withdrawal symptoms almost made me sick for a month” he added.

           “I decided to quit because I think of my family, malulungkot sila Kung may mangyari sa akin dahil sa paninigarilyo.” (They will be sad if there is something that will happen to me because of smoking)

          “And of course I cannot perform my job well as the city mayor if I am sick always”, the mayor emphasized.

          The Anti-Smoking ordinance of Gensan is somehow patterned after the anti-smoking ordinance of Davao City (Gensan CPIO/Ian John Lagare)

NGCP transmission pole burned in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao;

Power restored to Cotabato City and MAGELCO this morning

NGCP’s Sultan Kudarat Substation – Cotabato City – Datu Saudi Ampatuan 69-KV  line tripped on 22 January at 10:57PM because of a burned transmission pole in Salimbao, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Initial findings indicate sabotage.

Power to Cotabato City was restored at 1:39AM and to MAGELCO areas at 7:14AM today, 23 January. NGCP completed the necessary repairs at 1: 54PM today with the installation of a modified lightweight tower.

NGCP is doing all it can to ensure continued, uninterrupted power transmission services all over the country.

However, power interruptions caused by force majeure events like sabotage and tower bombings, are beyond our control.

We are appealing to the national government, the local government units, law enforcement agencies like the PNP and the AFP, as well as to the local communities and their leaders, to help us secure our transmission lines to prevent such power interruptions.By: Bambie Capulong and Gemma Roda

EXPECT LOWER POWER RATES IN GENSAN, SARANGANI, COTABATO

GENERERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) – Power rates in this city and parts of Sarangani and South Cotabato provinces will be reduced by around P3 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) once the 105-mega-watt (MW) coal-fired power plant of the Sarangani Energy Corp. (SEC) starts commercial operations in March.

           Ferdinand Corales, SEC project manager, said Monday their projections showed that the area’s power rates will drop to around P5 per kwh, with the streaming of its power supplies to local distribution utility South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II).

           In 2015, the average power rate passed on by Socoteco II to local consumers reached P8.35 per kwh, which included the costs of charges for transmission, distribution and other components.

           “The cost of electricity here will be significantly reduced, although the final rate will still be determined by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” he said in a statement.

           SEC started last week the synchronization of its 105-MW power plant in Barangay Kamanga in Maasim, Sarangani with Socoteco II and the Mindanao Grid.

           The synchronization, which will last until the end of the month, is part of the plant’s load and reliability tests, in preparation for its targeted commercial operations by March.

           The electric cooperative had signed a power sales agreement with SEC for the provision of 70 MW of base load to its service area.

           Sococteco II, which has a peak demand of 130 MW, serves this city and parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces.

           Crisanto "Bong" Sotelo, Socoteco II acting general manager, acknowledged that the area’s power rates are currently considered relatively higher than those with other localities.

          He said this was largely due to their dependence on contracted power producers operate using diesel. Diesel is much more expensive compared to coal,” Sotelo said.

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY town mayor killed, 3 wounded

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Tungawan Mayor Randy Climaco was killed an ambush in his town in Zamboanga Sibugay on Monday afternoon.

           Zamboanga Sibugay governor Wilter Palma confirmed the death of Climaco, who was ambushed while he and his team were on their way to the village Bantungan, also in Tungawan.

           “It was shocking, It bothers us. Who will be the next? Palma told to the Daily Philippine Inquirer by phone.

           Vice Mayor Raup Arbirson and two others were wounded in the 4 pm attack.

           Palma said he has directed the police to go after the suspects.

           The governor said Climaco was serving his last term as Tungawan mayor,

           “I didn’t know if he was able to file his certificate of candidacy for another position,” the governor said. (SFM)

           

TAWI-TAWI TOURISTS SPENT CLOSE TO P1 BILLION AS NUMBER INCREASED BY OVER 14% LAST YEAR

           Cotabato City (January 13, 2016) – Tourists arriving in 2015 in the island province of Tawi-Tawi spent close to P1 billion. The Tourism department in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOT-ARMM), recorded a total of 55,085 foreign and domestic visitors in the province, a 14.3% increase in number from 2014, while posting P965 million in gross tourism receipts.

           Over 48,189 tourists came to the province for holiday or business purposes. Tawi-Tawi is the southernmost province in the country and covers small islands in the Sulu Sea and to the northwest. the Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi Island and Turtle Island.

          To connect Tawi-tawi”s island and urban areas, the ARMM government is building more roads in the province. For instance, ARMM’s Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) has earmarked P55 million for the construction and development of Tawi-Tawi’s famous peak, Bud Bongao.

           Tourism projects in Bud Bongao include a multipurpose hall, a view deck, a station point, a concrete pathway, a parking area, a billboard. After the development of Bud Bongao, tourist arrivals and gross receipts in Tawi-Tawi, will further increase,” said Eng. Marites Maguindra, ARMM’s Tourism Department (DOT-ARMM) secretary.

          Sec. Maguindra said DOT-ARMM will develop ecotourism packages in Tawi-tawi and some of the activities to be promoted are scuba diving, island hopping and visits to local communities.

          Among the province’s major tourist sites are the Panamangan Island, the white beaches in the municipalities of Sapa-sapa and Sanga-sanga Island and Turtle Island.

           Meanwhile, official figures from ARMM’s Tourism department showed a total of 192,307 visitors in 2015 with P3.4 billion in gross receipts of P2.9 billion. The figures showed a significant increase of 14.3% in tourist arrivals and 17.2% in gross receipts.

           Based on the Regional tourism departmant’s annual report, much of the increase came during the last quarter of the year especially during the Agal-Agal Festival and Skeikh  Kanimul Makhdum. The region is composed of the mainland provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

           The estimated gross receipts from tourism in the region were generated from cultural and nature, sun and beach, diving and marine sports and other relevant events. The achievement is because of the beautiful beaches, screnic spots and the improved security measures in the region: Sec Maguindra said.

           Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, DPWH-ARMM Secretary, said his office is providing assistance to the tourism industry with the construction of access roads to various sites in the region. To strengthen tourism linkages, the DOT-ARMM gathered hundreds of tourism officers and industry players across the region for a tourism assembly held last year.

           “It’s more fun in ARMM, so tayo mismo ang dapat maunang magdevelop nito dahil tayo lang sa ARMM ang makakapagsabi nito (It’s more fun in ARMM thus, we should be the first ones to develop this since we are the one who know this well),” Sec. Maguindra said.

   

           “With all the efforts of the ARMM government, we are confident that we will exceed our tourism achievements this year,” added (Jun “Rashid” Castro)

KAARAWAN NG SULTAN KUDARAT GOBERNOR DATU SUHARTO T. MANGUDADATU DINAGSA NG IBA’T-IBANG LIDER AT GRUPO

GENERAL SANTOS CITY- January 17, 2016. – Dumagsa ang tinatayang daan-daang katao sa pribadong lugar sa bahagi ng Lungsod ng Koronadal upang batiin ang sinasabing ika 47 kaarawan ni Datu Suharto "Teng"T. Mangudadatu, Al Hajj Ph.D  gobernor ng Sultan Kudarat, na todo suporta naman ang Amang si Sultan Pax S. Mangudadatu, ang Congressman na si Datu Raden Sakaluran, Mayor Bai Merriam Sangki Mamgudadatu at mga anak nito at si Mayor Bai Ruth Mangudadatu Sakaluran at ang anak nitong si princess. Kasama din ang mga Mayor ng iba-ibang munisipyo at mga Kapitan ng mga iba’t barangay ng Sultan Kudarat.

           Tinuran ng gobernor ang walang humpay na pasasalamat sa lahat ng dumalo kasunod ng paghayag nito na sa loob ng nagdaang dalawang taong nakalipas ay hindi niya nagawang magkaroon ng kahalintulad na pagtitipun-tipon dahil sa pagyao ng pinakamamahal nitong ina na si Bai Chionghai Mangudadatu.

           

Masayang nakihalubilo ang gobernor kasama ang mga mag-anak nito sa mga dumalong panauhin na nagtagal hanggang sa dakong gabi nitong ika 17 ng Enero 2016. (Gemma Roda)

          

NGCP steel tower in Aleosan repaired

                                                  NGCP steel tower in Aleosan repaired

ALEOSAN, North Cotabato – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has completed repair works of a bombed steel tower in Barangay Pangangan here, police and NGCP today said.

           Melfrance Capulong speaking for NGCP, said repair works of tower no. 63 was completed on Saturday without resistance from lawless elements responsible in setting of improvised bomb on January 14.

           NGCP line men immediately conducted the repair works during the first hours of Friday after two of the four legs of steel pylon was damaged.

           The tower was not toppled according to Senior Inspector Jun Napat Aleosan police chief.

\           He said measures are up to protect other towers in Aleosan with the help of village officials and watchman.

           No one has claimed responsibility for the attack in Aleosan, the first this year. NGCP said 16 towers were destroyed in 2015 due to bomb attacks.

          

In state of Union, Obama confronts America’s Fears

WASHINGTON- President Barack Obama on Tuesday set forth an ambitious vision for American’s future, but conceded his own failure to heal the political divisions, which had held back progress, calling it a lasting disappointed of his tenure.

           In a prime-time televised speech, Obama used his final state of the Union address to paint a hopeful portrait of the nation after seven years of his leadership with a resurgent economy and better standing in the world despite inequality at home and terrorism abroad.

           But Obama, who campaigned for president on promises of hope and change and vowed when he took office to transform Washington and politics itself, accepted responsibility for falling far short of that goal.

           “It’s one of the few regrets of my presidency, that the rancor and suspicion between the parties has gotten worse instead of better,” Obama said, adding that” a president with the gifts of Lincoln of Roosevelt might have better bridged the divide.”

           He acknowledged that frightened Americans feel frightened, even as he offered an implicit rebuke of Republicans who are playing on those insecurities in the race to succeed him.

           Obama singled out Donald Trump, the leading Republican presidential candidate, for pointed criticism, saying that Americans must resist calls to stigmatize all Muslims at a time of threats from the Islamic State.

           “Will we respond to the changes of our time with fear, turning inward as a nation and turning against each other as a people?” Obama said. “Or will we face the future with confidence in who we are what we stand for and the incredible things we can do together?”  The New York Times    

2015 a bright phase for GenSan’s Booming Economy

GENERAL SANTOS CITY…. The year 2015 marked a bright phase for this city as seen with its resiliency amid various critical challenges, notably in the socio economic front.

           The city’s agriculture sector slowed down during the first few months of the year mainly due to the impact of a long dry spell trigged by the mild El Nino phenomenon but it was eventually offset by the significant gains in the trade and investment scene.

           With the long brownouts that previously plagued the city and the neighboring localities now practically history business expansions and public infrastructure developments were again in high gear, sustaining trend that started about four years ago.

           Topping the list are the entry of fresh industrial ventures and the opening of the major fast food chains, prime and economy hotels as well as resorts.

           The usual distractions - - - natural calamities and security—related problems - - came but hardly made a dent to these gains.

           Proof of this is the city’s successful hosting of several international and national conferences, conventions as well as local festivities that drew thousands of visitors anew to the area.

          These indicators showed that the area’s socio-economic foundations are now well in place, heralding much better runs in the years ahead.

          The city which is considered as Region 12’s commercial and trading center, showed a relatively strong economic performance in the last 11 months as shown by the continuing expansions in the area’s industry and services sectors.

           In fact, the National Economic and development Authority (NEDA) in Region 12 noted that the city remained a bright spot of the region economy wise in the last two years.

           Arturo Valero NEDA Region 12 director said the city thriving industrial sector, which is mainly anchored on the tuna industry, practically kept the region’s economy afloat after a noted slowdown in overall economic growth in 2014.

           Following a record of 8.4 percent in 2013 the region’s economic growth which is measured through the Gross Regional Domestic Product, slowed down to 6.4 percent in 2014.

          The city’s blooming economy could be seen with the continuing growth in its property sector, especially in housing, hotels and resorts.

           Early this year, Davao-based mass housing developer 8990 Holdings Incorporated announced its planned expansion to the city with an initial investment of P1.1 billion.

           The company is currently developing its flagship Deca Homes GenSan Bay-view project, which involves 1,271 houses and lots with an area of 80-150 square meters.

          The 67.53-hectare housing project will feature various modern amenities like parks, playground, among others.

           Homegrown firm RD Group of Companies also signified to push through with its shopping mall project in Barangay Calumpang here that was earlier projected to cost over a billion pesos.

          In November, a group of investors from Manila announced that it would soon start the development of a modern hospital in the city.

           The facility, which will be called the Sarangani Bay Specialist Medical Center, will be managed and financed by Manila based doctors, said city Mayor Ronnel Rivera.

           The planned hospital will be constructed at the corner of the Makar-HADANO JUNCTION AND THE National Highway in Barangay Apopong specifically in a 5,000 square meter property.

          Under its 2015 infrastructure program, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in region 12 allotted around P636.13 million for the city and areas under South Cotabato’s second engineering district.

     

           In 2014, the agency released a total of P484.78 million for the area’s various priority infrastructure projects which includes the expansion and concreting a primary and secondary road networks.

           for 2016, it allotted an additional P1.029 billion for the road upgrading and concreting , road widening and concreting, and the construction of bridges, flood control and drainage structures.

           Reynaldo Tamayo sr., DPWH Region 12 director, said part of the funds will be utilized for the completion of the remaining sections of the P1.135 billion city circumferential road project. 

     

           “We’re targeting to complete this project before the end of President Aquino’s term,” the official assured.

           The DPWH in coordination with the Department of Transportation and Communication, also started the preparatory works earlier this year for the planned P959 million city airport industrial complex or aerotropolis

           The project, which is among priorities set under the government corridors strategy is mainly aimed to position the city as a major international gateway in Mindanao.

           The proposed aerotropolis will cover around 200 hectares of land surrounding the city airport that would be developed into an integrated complex which will feature business parks, amusements parks, hotels, an integrated food terminal, food processing and manufacturing plants and shopping malls.

            Based on its projections, NEDA-12 noted that the manifestation or abundance of tuna catch during the fourth quarter of 2014 would continue this year.

           “This would mean that there would be intensified commercial fishing, as well as tuna canning/manufacturing activities in General Santos City,” Valero said.

           A report released by the Philippine Exporters (PhilExport) in Region 12 showed that tuna export receipts from January to August this year already reached USD 183,369,383.26

           Last year the Bureau of Customs listed the total Tuna exports from the area at USD 261,218,813.35

           The monthly receipts from tuna exports slightly increase to an average value of USD 22,921,172.91 or up by USD 1,152,938.46 from last year’s USD 21,768,234.45.

           The city is top producer and exporter of fresh chilled tuna which mainly goes to major markets in the European Union and the United States.

           Dubbed the “tuna Capital of the Philippines” the city hosts six of the country’s seven tuna canneries and various related industries.

           In July the city was officially recognized the Guinness World Records for setting a record for the world’s largest fish display.

           Guinness approved the city’s display of around 25.5 metric tons (MT) of tuna that was made on Sept. 11, 2014.as a new world record.

           The record bid was the highlight of the 2014 or 16^th Tuna Festival, which was co-organized by the city government and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority General Santos Fish Port Complex.

           The world record was achieved by fish port workers who were able to display and weigh around 33.610 kilogram or 33.61 MT in about 15 minutes. (PNA)

           .

2 KILLED, 1 INJURED IN ELECTION RELATED VIOLENCE IN ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

            2 KILLED, 1 INJURED IN ELECTION RELATED VIOLENCE IN ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

La Libertad, Zambaonga Del Norte – a security escort of the incumbent mayor of La Libertad, Zamboanga Del Norte dies in a shooting incident Monday morning. In a report from the COMELEC in Zamboanga Del Norte the victim was identified as Joel Jimenez, 34 years old, casual employee of the local government of La Libertad.

Reports indicate that the victim was buying motorcycle spare parts when suspects, apparently riding in tandem approached and fired shots without provocation. The suspects escape leaving the dead body of the victim. In a hot pursuit operation one of the suspects were apprehended in Barangay New Dapitan, while holding a minor hostage. Firefighting ensued with the hostage victim successfully rescued but leaving the suspect dead. One other suspect is still at large.

Investigation is still being conducted. (Dxno Basilan)

PATTERN REVEALS MEDIA KILLINGS ARE PART OF A GOV'T PROGRAM

                           Pattern reveals media killings are part of a gov’t program

THE NATIONAL Union of journalists of the Philippines has always said that we see no pattern leading to conclude that the continuing murder of journalists in the country is part of the official government program – unlike, as many experts have noted, the extrajudicial killings of activists and dissenters.

However, recent events may have made us reconsider this view.

We have had military officers, angered that lies about the atrocities against the lumad were being exposed; mounting a brazen, if amateurish, smear campaign against our former chair Inday Espina – Varona, accusing her of being in cahoots with communist rebels. Though this is baseless, we all know the deadly implications such Red-tagging can mean for its targets.

And then we have a Magahat militia which threatened to ambush journalists covering the 47the anniversary of Communist Party of the Philippines because such coverage showed these journalists to be rebel sympathizers. No less than Surigao Del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel has described Magahat as a “monster” created by the military. Worse the one, who reportedly issued this threat, Bobby Tejero, has been ordered arrested by the courts for the murder o a tribal school administrator and two Manobo leaders. Yet, going by the accounts of Surigao Del Sur officials and residents, Tejero continues to sow terror in the province and surprise! – continues to operate with the military.

That Tejero has failed to carry out his threat does not diminish the fact that he can openly issue such threats without any fear of being hauled to court because he apparently enjoys the protection of those whose task is to bring him before the bar of justice.

, Then the day after Christmas. An ABS CBN news team, led by the chair of our Iligan chapter, was tailed and fired on by motorcycle-riding gunmen in broad daylight in the heart of Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur. Thankfully, none of them was hurt.

While the Marawi ambush may, on the surface, have nothing to do with the military and Malahat threats, as we have said time and again, government inaction on – or more aptly, apathy toward- the killing of journalists and President Aquino’s well-document penchant for blaming media for most everything wrong with his administration, can only serve to embolden those who wish to silence us. Indeed, a broad daylight attack on the clearly marked news vehicle in the heart of a major city is as bold as its gets.

Of course, we do not expect government to admit any link to these openly announced threats from the military and the Magahat, just as the military insists it has nothing to do with the Magahat and other militias wreaking havoc among Lumad communities; or for the matter, with the unabated murders of activists, farmers, religious leaders and countless other propeople advocates. But in silence in the face of these brazen flouting of our laws and democratic processes damns it as surely as if it had given its blessings.

As he winds down his term, Mr. Aquino has been big lately on legacy. Yes, we will indeed long remember his presidency as one of the bloodiest for Philippine journalism and for its attempts to undermine free press and free expression.

On the 170 media killings since 1986, 30 took place during the Aquino administration. This year alone, we lost six colleaques- Maurito Lim (bohol), Melinda “Mae” Magsino (Batangas), Gregorio Ybanes (Davao Del Norte), Teodoro Escanilla (Sorsogon), Cosme Maestrado (misamis Oriental) and Jose Bernardo (Quezon City).

Let us not forget the single deadliest attack on press freedom in the world when 58 innocent people, including 32 journalists and media workers, were massacred in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009, whose resolution still appears, after six years, light years away – with one of the principal accused out on bail and on the verge of being elected mayor to boot, no thanks to the government’s broken promise of a speedy judgment.

All these are grim remainders of the culture of impunity that reigns in the Philippines, where masterminds in the killing of journalists and other civilians go scot-free and remain unpunished, and even run for public offices; and murders issue open threats to members of the Fourth Estate.

The Philippines may have been dropped from international media group’s lists of the most dangerous countries’ for journalists in the world, but this does not diminish the fact and reality that journalists in this country are increasing getting threats from state and nonstate actors.

Not helping any bit are the media owners who have affected record-high mass layoffs and job cuts this year. This has affected not only local journalists and media workers but also communities already facing a future without a freedom of information law, no thanks again to the six-year-old failed promise of a leader and his legislative minions to pass it.

Thus, it is with trepidation that we welcome the New Year, especially as the election season heats up.

We urge all Filipino journalists to remain vigilant against threats and attacks while doing their job, as we also challenge them to unite and defend press freedom at all costs.

                                                                                                                                  -NUJP NATIONAL DIRECTORATE

“DEPEND press freedom,” a call that journalists have ground to believe is not sincerely heeded by the Aquino administration.

WHAT’S POLITICS AND HOW SHOULD POLITICIAN BEHAVE?

WHAT’S POLITICS AND HOW SHOULD POLITICIAN BEHAVE?

           Simply, any dictionary defines the word “politics” as the science or the art of government. Also, simpler, it means it is the art showing has the affairs of the citizens should be run by those elected and appointed to stand for the people in society. In fact the word “politics” is derived from the Greek “polities” which means   “citizens”.

           If politics then is an art (how to run a government), it has to its main objective to see to it that those freely chosen by the people in an election or those appointed by good lawful authorities have the obligation or the mandate from God, The Author of Order, in running to governed or the citizens, in ways that are for the common good nothing more.

           Politics then is God’s special gift to us so that by it those leaders (elected and appointed) are duty bound to behave as God’s servants to guide, lead and bring their constituents to fulfill their tasks as God’s people.

           Since the elected and appointed leaders are paid by the people’s money, they (the leaders or official of the government) have to perform their tasks, to respond conscientiously to the people’s needs: socio-economic, political, educational, religious, scientific, public order, etc.

           In this context, the politicians who become leaders are expected to behave as the peoples’ servants. With this idea in their minds, they are guided to use their right reason, judgment, conscience in order to fulfill their God-given tasks to meet the needs of God’s people.

           So, the leaders in government are the people servant’s too. PNOY is right to say to us “Kayo ang Boss ko”. Not a joke, but a serious statement. No wonder wise men described the word government as “of the people, by the people and for the people”. Indeed, it is!

           But sad to say, politics today has been desecrated by those politicians whose ambitions are self-serving or leaning towards gaining prestige, honor, fame, power and material wealth!  Some writers and political analysts call it; politics now has become a business for most politicians if not all.

           The government described as “of the people by the people and for the people” has now been distorted! Nationalist Filipinos say of the government as “off the people, buy the people and poor the people”

          Is this the result of massive corruption by leaders in government? Where those (from top to bottom and rank and files) who promise to serve the people have instead duped or fooled the governed because they (the leaders) just made “lip service”. But in reality, they use their power, money and influence to buy and to poor the governed by not fulfilling their promise to serve the people but to earn more by corrupting people’s money and lives!

           As a result, politicians who have corrupted the meaning of politics by being self-serving or selfish those governed have become poor economically, educationally, socially, politically, culturally, etc.

           When Pope Francis came to our country on January 15-19, 2015, he found out that the main reason why the Filipinos are poor is the corruption of leaders in government! With our “political dynasties” in the country, only 10% of them out of 104,000,000 Filipinos have the nerve to wallow in their wealth. But the 90% suffer poverty: Malnutrition and hunger! With the shrink of the peso and the float of the dollar (one dollar to 47PESOS), the exchange rate now, OUR SITUATION WORSES!

           With the elections coming (just more than 4 months away) the “political dynasties” will have again their hocus focus that by all means they must all win! Their ambition for greed of power, influence and money must stay. Or else they cannot have a grip of the nationalist ambitions to reject the status quo.

           How strong and effective our government must be depends on how much political will do our leaders especially those in the national level exercise to respond to the common good, to lessen if not to eliminate poverty. This is the reality of the present system how to govern the 104,000,000 Filipinos! Your be the judge of your decision in 2016.  By:  Abs Damahan and Prof. Rose A. Barrera

Take note: Donation and paid online Blog, Infographic, Infomercial, Events, Talent Fee (TF) and Ad, please pay to the Bank Accounts: At any branches listed below in the Philippines Account Names: ABDULJAMAN A. DAMAHAN/ ABSDAMAHAN’SLIVE-STREAM NEWS TV (ADLSNTV) and adlsntv.blogspot.com with business permit No. 007489-0 GenSan and DTI Certificate No. 03233061, BIR-OCN2RC0000905639, Philippine Government Electronics Procurement (PhilGEPS) and Accredited and Registered BLOGGER/TV Streaming and paid Broadcast @ Radyo ALERTO AM Band 1107KHz (ALERTOHANAY SA BARANGAY) aired every Saturday from: 3:00PM to 4:00PM. Email: absdamahanslive@gmail.com, Globe: 0905-211-1991 and Smart: 0947-484-2808 Bank Accounts: For local payment: LANDBANK-VISA SA 3886-0076-46, UNIONBANK VISA DEBIT CARD No. 109452727900, Local PS Bank MASTER CARD (DEBIT) No. 193-391-00087-6 Paypal Account: mindevglobalfoodlines@gmail.com, G-CASH Account: 0905-211-1991 and/or for International payments: Payoneer Prepaid MASTER CARD Account No. xxxx-6041 must be confirmed first to Email: mindanaoconsultant@gmail.com with Blog Site: adlsntv.blogspot.com  legal consultant: Atty. Eden Rachel M. Gencianos

 Note: This Blog to be continued and Audio interviewed will be aired in our live broadcast programs Radyo ALERTO - GENSAN

      

NOTICE OF POWER INTERRUPTION JANUARY 9, 2016

NOTICE OF POWER INTERRUPTION

JANUARY 9, 2016

SOCOTECO II respectfully informs the SCHEDULED POWER INTERRUPTION on JANUARY 9, 2016, affecting the following areas:

JAN. 9, 2016 (Saturday)

8AM-4PM (8hrs)

BRGY. MALANDAG TO BRGY. MIASONG

Relocation of poles due to road widening projects from Atla-e Junction to Datal Tampal, Malungon

For other inquiries, please call 553-5848 to 50 or text 09177205365.

Approved for Release:

GERONIMO C. DESESTO                                                        JANUARY 16, 2015

SOCOTECO II ISD Manager                                                    Tel. 553-5848 to 50 Local 133

POWER ADVISORY SEC-SOCOTECO II POWER SYNCHRONIZATION

POWER ADVISORY

SEC-SOCOTECO II POWER SYNCHRONIZATION

  

The Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) is set to pursue its synchronization activities, in line with its eventual commercial operation within the first quarter of 2016.

Some SOCOTECO II customers will be experiencing intermittent loss of power, particularly on the first three days of its testing period, expected anytime to occur on January 13 to 25, 2016. No fixed schedule is yet released, as it still await final approval from NGCP System Operation Heads. The outages will be affecting customers under SOCOTECO II’s Leon Llido, Calumpang, Fishport and New Society substations.

Schedule of synchronization activities will be communicated as soon as possible, upon its confirmation.

Synchronization is the process of aligning SEC’s power supply output into the Mindanao Power Grid, equating parameters like magnitude, phase and frequency within Mindanao Power System Network.   

For other related inquiries, please call 553-5848 to 50. Thank you.

Approved for Release:

GERONIMO C. DESESTO                                                                                                                      January 8, 2016

Manager, Institutional Services Department                                                                                  Tel. No. 553-5848 to 50

NGCP WARNS OF "PROBABLE" GRID COLLAPSE" IN MINDANAO

NGCP warns of “probable grid collapse” in Mindanao

           System operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has warned of probable grid collapse and prolonged brownouts if bombing of its transmission facilities would not be abated.

           “Mindanao is facing probable grid collapse if the situation persists since there is only one line remaining to deliver power from the Agus hydro-power complex – the 138-kilovolt Maramag-bunawan line,” the transmission firm had noted.

           The company added “if the said line is in any way compromised, no power will flow from the remaining Agus hydro facilities to south in Mindanao where the bulk of power demand is located.”

           In particular, it noted that “both Davao City and General Santos City are located in the South, and are in real danger of being completely cut off from the bulk supply coming from the hydro facilities.”

           The bombed transmission line servicing Agus 1 and 2 plants had been “unserviceable since Christmas Eve when it was bombed by unidentified lawless elements.”

           NGCP has noted that failed negotiations with landowners of which property is straddled by transmission facilities had been hobbling restoration efforts on the power lines.

           “The owners of the property where the tower is located – Johnny, Intan and Naguib Sambitori – refused NGCP entry to repair the damaged transmission facility.” the transmission firm has reiterated.

           It stressed that “negotiation with the Sambitoris were unsuccessful because the owners alleged that government failed to pay their claims long ago.”

           Just two weeks ago, two towers of NGCP – including that tower #25 – had been downed by bombings orchestrated by anarchic elements and this cut off the Agus 1 and 2 hydropower plants from the grid’s supply.

           “As a result, as much as 150 megawatts of power had been isolated from Mindanao consumers,” the company said.

           NGCP has emphasized that longer rotational power interruption may be expected then for the affected areas in the island.

“Failure to restore tower will aggravate the supply deficiency in the region,” the transmission company has stresses further.

The transmission firm thus reiterated its appeal to the public and consumers as well as law enforcement  agencies-primarily the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines-“To help monitor the safety of the towers so that transmission services remain uninterrupted.”

It likewise extended its plea to the local government officials and community leaders in Mindanao “to help the identity the perpetrators of the bombing to prevent longer power interruption.” By: Myrna M. Velasco

SAUDI – IRAN DEPLOMATIC RIFT AFFECTED WORLD STABILITY & OFW’S

SAUDI – IRAN DEPLOMATIC RIFT AFFECTED WORLD STABILITY & OFW’S

GENERAL SANTOS CITY - January 6, 2016, the presence situation of the recent diplomatic row between Saudi Arabia and Iran will affect OFWs. ASec. Charles Jose said, “We are monitoring very closely the developments in Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and Iran relations. So far there are no indications that the safety and well-being of our OFW’s are in danger”.

Nevertheless, our Embassies’ are prepared to assist our OFW’s under any contingency. And the Philippine government is ready to use all the resources at its disposals to insure the safety of our OFW’s.

“We have demonstrated in the pass crisis this resolve in capability when we repfratreted thousands of our OFW’s from Libya. Iraq, Syria and Yemen in recent years and we accomplished our mission successfully for safety returned home of our OFWs, ASec. Jose said”.

Meanwhile – Tension in disputed sea might escalate in South-east Asia after China’s “Test Flight” on the Artificial Island. According to the Philippine government spokesman Charles Jose said, “We intend to file a protest versus China’s test flight on the Fiery Cross Reef (Artificial Island) constructed by the Chinese regime and has already completed on schedule.

China’s first landing of a plane on one of its artificial island runway in the South China Sea shows powerful Beijing’s facilities in the disputed region are being completed on time schedule and fears by nearby neighbor regions military flights will inevitably follow, foreign officials and security analyst said.

China’s increasing military presence in the disputed sea lane could effectively lead to a Beijing-controlled air defense zone, analyst said, rising up tension with other claimants and with the United States in one of the world’s most volatile areas, expert said.

Chinese foreign officials confirmed on Saturday that a test flight by a civilian plane landed on an artificial island built in the Spratlys, the first time Beijing has used a runway in the area.

Vietnam launched a formal diplomatic protest while Philippine foreign department spokesman Charles Jose said Manila was planning to do the same. Both have claims to the area that overlap with China.

“That’s the fear, that China will be able take control of the disputed sea lane and it will affect the “Freedom of Navigation and Freedom of over flight,” Jose told reporters in Manila.

UN moves to defuse Saudi-Iran tension-

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calls on Tehran, Riyadh to avoid escalating riff, oil price.

UNITED NATION (PNA/PTI/REUTERS) – United Nations (UN) chief Ban Ki-moon has asked Saudi Arabia and Iran to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions even as he stressed that the break in Riyadh’s diplomatic ties with Tehran was deeply worrisome International Community.

As this developed, Iran wants to avoid an oil price war in global market with rival producers and only gradually lift exports once sanctions against it lifted, senior official said, in what would be a major shift away from planning to ship as much fuel as soon as possible.

Iran, which has some of the world’s biggest petroleum reserves, has repeatedly urged fellow members within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to make room for a supply jump from the Islamic Republic, pledging to ramp up exports as soon as sanctions on its oil industry are lifted under a nuclear deal with world powers.

At the same time, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and US Secretary of State John Kerry held talks over the phone on Wednesday, agreeing to seek to resolve tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran through dialogue.

Secretary-General Ban phoned Saudi Foreign Minister Abel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to urge them to avoid “avoid any actions that could further exacerbate the situation,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

OPEC alarmed over the over-supply of the oil in the international markets and also low price. oil prices are near 11- year lows below $37 per barrel and some analyst like Goldman Sachs say price may tumble as low as $20 as supply keep rising.

Elementary analysis, “The law of supply and demand miscalculated by OPEC”, it need a thourough review economic books by the OPEC officials to sharpen their mind setting.

This rising tension in the Middle East and Southeast Asia will surely create global economic disorder and instability, internayional community must acts now, not just to wait and see as spectators in sport arena. By: Abs Damahan

BARANGAY CHAIRMAN SLAIN IN NORTH COTABATO AMBUSH

BARANGAY CHAIRMAN SLAIN IN NORTH COTABATO AMBUSH

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, January 06, 2016 – A Barangay Chairman in Pikit, North Cotabato was killed after he was ambushed while on his way to the town center around 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, police officer said.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, spokesperson for the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO), identified the victim as Pecson Alang Mangansakan, 60 yrs of age, chairman of Barangay Silik in Pikit.

Mangansakan was driving a government –owned Suzuki multi-cab when the suspects both onboard a motorbike, shot him in the body and chest using a caliber .45mm pistol.

The victim was with his wife Marela, when the ambush was executed. Marela survived the attack.

The suspects had been tailing the victim the couple since they left their home at Barangay Silik 30 minutes before the killing, Karim said.

The victim sustained bullet wounds on his chest and was declared dead upon arrival at the Cruzado Medical Hospital in Poblacion Pikit.

Authorities recovered four spent shells from a caliber 45 pistol, which the suspects used to silence their target.

Tayong said they have yet to determine the motive for the killing.

Mangansakan became the third barangay official in North Cotabato to be killed in ambush since January last year. By: Abs Damahan

Take note: Donation and paid online Blog, Infographic, Infomercial, Events, Talent Fee (TF) and Ad, please pay to the Bank Accounts: At any branches listed below in the Philippines Account Names: ABDULJAMAN A. DAMAHAN/ ABSDAMAHAN’SLIVE-STREAM NEWS TV (ADLSNTV) and adlsntv.blogspot.com with business permit No. 007489-0 GenSan and DTI Certificate No. 03233061, BIR-OCN2RC0000905639, Philippine Government Electronics Procurement (PhilGEPS) and Accredited and Registered BLOGGER/TV Streaming and paid Broadcast @ Radyo ALERTO AM Band 1107KHz (ALERTOHANAY SA BARANGAY) aired every Saturday from: 3:00PM to 4:00PM. Email: absdamahanslive@gmail.com, Globe: 0905-211-1991 and Smart: 0947-484-2808 Bank Accounts: For local payment: LANDBANK-VISA SA 3886-0076-46, UNIONBANK VISA DEBIT CARD No. 109452727900, Local PS Bank MASTER CARD (DEBIT) No. 193-391-00087-6 Paypal Account: mindevglobalfoodlines@gmail.com, G-CASH Account: 0905-211-1991 and/or for International payments: Payoneer Prepaid MASTER CARD Account No. xxxx-6041 must be confirmed first to Email: mindanaoconsultant@gmail.com with Blog Site: adlsntv.blogspot.com  legal consultant: Atty. Eden Rachel M. Gencianos

 Note: This Blog to be continued and Audio interviewed will be aired in our live broadcast programs Radyo ALERTO - GENSAN

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

DSWD -12 WITH MEDIA CHRISTMAS PART 2015

 DSWD -12 WITH MEDIA CHRISTMAS PART 2015

GENERAL SANTOS CITY- December 28, 2015 - DSWD 12 gives a Christmas party media night to the media from different outfit and different place likes: Gensan, Takurong, Isulan, Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro. This was held at Troficana Hotel & Beach Resort here in General Santos City on the eve of December 28, 2015.

The Party started with a prayer to be led by Ronaldo Taborete one of the media from Gensan member. And an Opening Speech was delivered by ARD Emerita Q. Dizon who represents Dir. Bai Sorahaida Taha in her out of town official functions. 

The party continuous with different parlor games and a singing contest.  The Media will divide into three groups that count 1, 2, and 3.  Group 1, they call their group as South-Gen, 2nd group is Piyaya and the 3^rd group Meow Meow. The Piyaya Group is the winner in all games.

The party ends-up that everybody are happy and enjoy during the media night and thanks giving. All media are present received Christmas gifts and hotel accommodation non cash gift was given to the media.

Our Greetings and personal thanks to DSWD Regional Director Bai Sorahaida Taha in one way or another for the happy moments cum get together media night and to his focal person trusted assistant Sir Dennis Domingo. By: Abs Damahan

Take note: Donation and paid online Blog, Infographic, Infomercial, Events, Talent Fee (TF) and Ad, please pay to the Bank Accounts: At any branches listed below in the Philippines Account Names: ABDULJAMAN A. DAMAHAN/ ABSDAMAHAN’SLIVE-STREAM NEWS TV (ADLSNTV) and adlsntv.blogspot.com with business permit No. 007489-0 GenSan and DTI Certificate No. 03233061, BIR-OCN2RC0000905639, Philippine Government Electronics Procurement (PhilGEPS) and Accredited and Registered BLOGGER/TV Streaming and paid Broadcast @ Radyo ALERTO AM Band 1107KHz (ALERTOHANAY SA BARANGAY) aired every Saturday from: 3:00PM to 4:00PM. Email: absdamahanslive@gmail.com, Globe: 0905-211-1991 and Smart: 0947-484-2808 Bank Accounts: For local payment: LANDBANK-VISA SA 3886-0076-46, UNIONBANK VISA DEBIT CARD No. 109452727900, Local PS Bank MASTER CARD (DEBIT) No. 193-391-00087-6 Paypal Account: mindevglobalfoodlines@gmail.com, G-CASH Account: 0905-211-1991 and/or for International payments: Payoneer Prepaid MASTER CARD Account No. xxxx-6041 must be confirmed first to Email: mindanaoconsultant@gmail.com with Blog Site: adlsntv.blogspot.com  legal consultant: Atty. Eden Rachel M. Gencianos

 Note: This Blog to be continued and Audio interviewed will be aired in our live broadcast programs Radyo ALERTO - GENSAN