Misamis Oriental New Battleground of RP "Liquor War"

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Sep 3) - The "Liquor War" for control of the country's alcohol market has found a new battleground in the province of Misamis Oriental.

Bitter corporate rivals Tanduay Distillers Inc. (Tanduay) and Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) are both putting up new plants in this Northern Mindanao province to consolidate their forces for control of the lucrative hard liquor market in the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as nearby markets in Asean.

GSMI drew first blood when it took an option for 30 hectares of the Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental on August 27, 2004. Company sources said a P1.4-billion alcohol distillery with a capacity of 75,000 liters of hard liquor a day will be built on what will eventually be a 100-hectare property.

SMC said production from the distillery will primarily be used to support its export operations. GSMI is 79.6-percent owned by food and beverage conglomerate San Miguel Corp.

Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) is a diversified alcohol-based beverage company owned by San Miguel Corporation . Originally known as La Tondeňa Distilleries, Inc., it was founded by the late Carlos Palanca, its main products are basically hard liquor.

It claims to be the largest producer and distributor of alcoholic beverages in the Philippines. In each of its product categories, Ginebra San Miguel is the market leader, with over 70% share of the gin market.

The company supports these brands through a nationwide distribution network that includes 500 beer distributors owned by San Miguel Corporation, a leading multinational in Asia that is the largest food and beverage producer in the Philippines.(orchidasia.com)

GSMI said its net income fell 40 percent to P331.9 million in the first half, from P552.8 million in the same period last year.

But Tanduay now appears to have taken the initiative from GSMI when taipan Lucio Tan announced Saturday at the 15th Mindanao Business Conference in Zamboanga City that the wholly-owned subsidiary of Tanduay Holdings, Inc. has already started construction for a P1-billion Tanduay factory besides Asia Brewery Inc.'s existing brewery in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

"Seeing the great potential in Mindanao as a growth area, we are expanding our presence here by investing P1 billion for Tanduay's facility beside Asia Brewery's plant and another P250-million for a soft drinks facility also in Cagayan de Oro," Tan said.

The tycoon said the liquor facility would be one of his company's biggest investments in Mindanao. "Our group's (Lucio Tan Group of Companies) biggest exposure in Mindanao is the state-of-the-art brewing facility of Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI) in Cagayan de Oro, and it is the first brewery to invest in Mindanao," he said.

What Tan was referring to was actually the ABI brewery in the town of El Salvador, some 20 kilometers west of Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental and the first ever brewery in Mindanao.

Rated to produce approximately 2 million hectoliters of beer per annum, the brewery boasts of fully computerized state-of-the-art brewing facilities and fills ABI's need to supply the growing demand for its products in Mindanao and the Visayas.

The new Tanduay plant will produce 400,000 cases of rum a month, which together with its other plants in Manila, Laguna and Bacolod , would give Tanduay a combined monthly output of 1.3 million cases.

The new facility will be constructed on a two hectares lot within the ABI complex in El Salvador and would include a warehouse, packing facility, distillery and aging plant. It will be built in a year with mostly internally generated funds.

Sources from the ABI plant in El Salvador conform construction has already been going on for two months on the Tanduay plant as well as an adjacent factory for ABI's Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water.

Absolute goes through state-of-the-art distillation process employing vapor compression and ozonation and is the first bottled water company to receive NSF certification.

However, there is still no company information available on when construction would start for a P250-million soft drinks factory (also announced by Tan) which will reportedly manufacture the branded Virgin Cola within the same ABI complex.

Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno welcomed the entry of the two rival liquor companies in the province and believes the intense competition between the two firms would serve as a catalyst for further growth and development in the region.

"We would like to stress laissez faire or free enterprise in Misamis Oriental, and allow the investor to go about his businessman with a minimum of interference but maximum support from local government," Moreno said.

Besides the ABI brewery and the upcoming Tanduay, Absolute, Virgin Cola and GSMI plants, Misamis Oriental also hosts other fruit and other beverage plants in Cagayan de Oro City like Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, Nature's Spring and Del Monte.

" mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com >Link

Comelec throws out people’s initiative

Transco Transition: Abellanosa promoted, Sanchez takes over NCMA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (By MIKE BAÑOS / Sep 1) The National Transmission Corporation's (Transco) Mindanao Operations and Maintenance in Bgy. Ditucalan, Iligan City has a new boss.

He's Engr. Emmanuel M. Abellanosa, erstwhile North Central Mindanao Area Manager for Transco, formerly based in Cagayan de Oro City. Abellanosa has been appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Mindanao. He is charged with the operations and maintenance of all Transco's transmission facilities in Mindanao, including its power lines, power pylons and substations.

Abellanosa has been serving as NCMA Manager since 1992. A native of Cagayan de Oro City, he is an Electrical Engineering graduate of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, and passed the board for electrical engineers in 1974, and the professional electrical engineering board in 1987.

He will be replaced by Engr. Virgilio P. Sanchez, who previously served as corporate staff officer in the Transco Office of the Vice President for Visayas and Mindanao Operations and Maintenance.

Gil, as he prefers to be called, is no stranger to Cagayan de Oro, having served here previously under Abellanosa as a Technical Staff in 1992-2001. He also served briefly in the same capacity in Transco's North Western Mindanao Area based in Pagadian City, before moving to Cebu in 2002 prior to this assignment.

Sanchez is an electrical engineering graduate of the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) Class '83 and passed the board for electrical engineers in the same year. He hurdled the professional electrical engineering board in 1988.

email at: mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com

Cabanlas says judge has an ax to grind against him

COUNCILOR Edgar Cabanlas yesterday risked catching the ire of regional Judge Anita Lucagbo when he attacked her––and her decision––in declaring him and other local officials guilty of deceiving the court in connection with a case that stemmed from the redevelopment of Cogon market.

Cabanlas, one of those who served as city hall’s lawyers in the case, said a personal grudge made Lucagbo decide against him and his clients.

"Dunay kami’y personal nga away sa piskal pa siya (We had a personal misunderstanding back when she was still a prosecutor)," said Cabanlas without elaborating.

He called Lucagbo’s order ‘‘unfair and biased" and added that the judge took matters personally.

This was not the first time Lucagbo ruled against him. He said the judge has not been fair in her decisions in many, if not all of the cases he handled in her courtroom.

"For a long time, all my cases were not given a single merit in that branch," Cabanlas said.

Cabanlas described Lucagbo’s recent decision as ‘‘unjust, cruel and unfair,’’ adding that the judge should have first decided on his group’s motion for reconsideration in connection with a case for the annulment of City Ordinance no. 8931-2003 before she cited them for indirect contempt.

"She has no respect for the members of the city council," said Cabanlas.

The Mindanao Gold Star Daily

Who will pay the fines?

LOCAL legislators met behind closed doors late Tuesday afternoon to discuss if the payment of fines imposed on them by Judge Anita Lucagbo would come from their own pockets or from city hall’s coffers, sources said.

Insiders said some councilors were insisting that it was city hall’s duty to pay because the case was a result of their official functions.

For indirect contempt, Mayor Vicente Emano, Spiers, councilors, contractor Yian Ping of UKC Builders and their lawyers, were fined. The fines range from P20 thousand to P30 thouand each.

The local legislators immediately met at the office of Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers right after the council session.

Councilor Maryanne Enteria said the officials failed to meet with Emano as scheduled because the mayor was resting.

Enteria said the officials cited for indirect contempt cannot do anything but pay the fine although an appeal would likely be made.

"Ingon ana man gyud na ang kaso. Kung pabayron mobayad kita," said Enteria, herself a lawyer.

Enteria said cut short the interview, saying she opted not to say more about the case. She said
she was leaving matters in the hands of Cabanlas and another lawyer, Damian Mart Maandig.

Councilor Juan Sia agreed with Enteria. He said Lucagbo’s order was ‘‘fair enough.’’

"We have to respect the court’s order," Sia said.

Other councilors like Edgar Cabanlas, Jose Benjamin Benaldo and Caesar Ian Acenas said they were willing to be sent to prison by Lucagbo.

"Willing kami nga magpa-priso kung iyang gi-order. Andam kami niana nga panghitabo," said Cabanlas.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya declined to comment. "I will reply at the proper time."

His father-in-law, Councilor Reynaldo Advincula, said local officials agreed to bring their case before the Court of Appeals.

Cabanlas said he and the other officials would file appeal their case before the appellate court next week.

"We’re still working on it," Cabanlas said.

The Mindanao Gold Star Daily

Photos courtesy of the Army's 4th Infantry Division

(Left photo) Recovered detonating wire and switch.

Personnel from Explosives, Ordnance & Demolition

(EOD) unit recovering the improvised landmines.

JEBSON PEREZ, 11years old of Purok 5, Buenagracia,

Talacogon, Agusan del Sur was wounded during an ambush

last 25 August 2006 at KM 5, Marbon, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

Email at: mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com, alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com

Emano issues gag order

CAGAYAN de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano has issued an order that prevents city hall’s department heads or employees from attending official meetings intended for investigation without his go-ahead, shows a document uncovered by Councilor Zaldy Ocon.

The document, Memorandum no. 374-06, reads: "xxx any communication to summon any department head, chief of office or employee of the city government... to attend meetings shall be forwarded to the office of the city mayor for approval."

The memo also reads: "xxx any invitation for attendance to meetings or investigation must be forwarded to the office of the city mayor at least three days before the scheduled date...’’

Supposedly, the policy is aimed at giving Emano enought time ‘‘to act on the said invitation."

Emano issued the memorandum last Aug. 22 to ‘‘remind’’ the offices of the vice mayor and the city council not to send summons or invitations to department heads in regard to official matters, ‘‘except [to] the undersigned (Emano).’’

The Mindanao Gold Star Daily

Sabotage, says Transco of B'non power outage

THE National Transmission Corp. (Transco) yesterday said the power outage in Bukidnon the other day was a result of sabotage.

Officials said the power transmission lines of five steel towers of Transco in Bukidnon were loosened. The towers are located within the Montalvan Farm in Barangay Botong, Quezon town, a place where the New People’s Army is known to be active.

Transco officials declined to point to any group responsible for the alleged sabotage.

As a result, over half of Bukidnon, including Malay-balay and Valencia cities, were left without electricity. In some areas, the Transco service resumed at dawn.

"In some areas, the outage lasted 20 hours," said Rufino Magbanua, a Transco spokesperson.

Based on Transco’s investigation, the culprits loosened the volts and clamps connecting the transmission lines to the towers.

The task was difficult, said Magbanua, adding the group responsible for the sabotage had enough men and were well-equipped.

It took five Tranco teams to repair the damage. Each team, called ‘‘line gangs,’’ is composed of seven people.

The Mindanao Gold Star Daily

Laguindingan Airport Update: Bidding Process for Access Road Starts, Construction slated for January 2007

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Aug 19) No less than ten companies have signified their intention to participate in the bidding for the access road to the soon-to-be constructed Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.

Engr. Della P. Capicenio, manager of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LAPD) said the invitation to bid has already been published as mandated by law, and the evaluation and actual bidding set for the next 60 days.

The 4.3 kilometer access road's entry point will be the Bgy. Poblacion in Laguindingan with its exit point in Bgy. Kibaghot, also in the same municipality.

"Since it is a national road, it will be a four-lane highway which shall form part of the airport complex and will be constructed and maintained by the Dept. of Transportation and Communication's Air Transportation Office (ATO)," Capicenio said.

The budget for the P188-million project is already part of the line item included by the DOTC for the duration of the construction phase of the LAPD from 2007-2010, she added.

"So far, President Arroyo has already released P530-million to the LAPD for this year," Capicenio said.

At present, the LAPD project office is focusing on land acquisition, specifically the administrative and judicial titling of lots which have already been acquired and still to be acquired under the project.

"We have already completed acquisition of 90% of the 265 hectares (has.) needed for the project," Capicenio said. "The balance to be acquired consists mostly of lots belonging to Ayala Corporation."

Although they have asked Ayala Corp. to donate the additional 94 has. for the airport and 1.7 has for the access road to the government, the Ayala Board of Directors has reportedly expressed its preference to have the DOTC secure it by expropriation, Capicenio said.

The company has previously donated 88 hectares to the LAPD but the additional 96.7 has. of its property which covers Laguindingan and Alubijid municipalities are now needed after the total area for the LAPD was expanded from the previous 167 hectares.

"mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com
alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link

BLGF Restores Misamis Oriental as First Class Province

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Aug 17) The Bureau of Local Government Finance has restored the status of Misamis Oriental as a First (1st) Class province after it was earlier downgraded to Second (2 nd ) Class Status following its reduced incomes for the fiscal years 2000 to 2003.

Records show that Capitol had earned an average annual income of P384 million for 2000-2003, well above the benchmark of P350-M for first-class provinces.

Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno immediately wrote a letter to BLGF executive director Ma. Presentacion Montesa questioning to the downgrading of the province to second class status.

"The downgrade was based on the 2000-2003 income, before my term started in 2004," Moreno said. "But we had to find why and look for ways to rectify it and restore the province to 1 st Class Status."

The BLGF based the recommendation for the downgrade on the reduced income of the Capitol during the preceding administration.

After the income data of the province was reconciled by the Commission on Audit (COA), the BLGF-Central Office restored Misamis Oriental to its first-class status.

"The exercise was part of our rebuilding process," Moreno commented with regards to the experience. "Thanks to the support of our financial managers."

He identified the capitol financial managers as Elmer Wabe (Budget), Amy Pacuribot (Treasury), Nene Bade (Accounting) and Cynthia Abanil (Planning).

In July 2005, the Department of Finance prescribed new income brackets for the reclassification of provinces, cities and municipalities.

These brackets now serve as the basis for the determining the financial capability of local government units (LGUs) to provide in full or in part the funding requirements of its priority developmental projects and other priority needs in their respective localities.

The Department order states that "in the preparation of project studies and proposals, the income class of LGUs is used as the factor in the allocation of national or other financial grants."

It is likewise used "to determine the maximum amount expendable for salaries and wages as well as the salary scales and rates of allowances, per diems and other emoluments that local government officials and employees may be entitled to."

"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision, Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link

Jaraula to critics: Dissociate fertilizer funds, impeachment

CAGAYAN de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula has called on a group that is pushing for the ouster of President Arroyo to dissociate the impeachment complaint from the alleged fertilizer scam.

"The complaint will be treated on its merits independent from the fertilizer (issue)," said Jaraula in reaction to the local Black and White Movement’s call for him and Rep. Augusto Baculio of Misamis Oriental to inhibit from the impeachment proceedings.

Earlier, ex-vice mayor and local Black and White leade convenor Antonio Soriano criticized Jaraula and Baculio and said the two congressmen should inhibit from committee discussions for the sake of delicadeza. Soriano said Jaraula, Baculio and over 30 other congressmen were recipients of the controversial fertilizer fund.

"The issue is understandable, I have nothing to do to those who don’t understand," said Jaraula.
Jaraula said the justice committee "does not have the power and authority to require any member to inhibit..."

To do this, he said, would be to "disenfranchise our constituents," Jaraula said.
The 8th and last complaint was filed by some 60 people. Forty-four of the complainants are from Cagayan de Oro, including Soriano.

Jaraula also said he wanted the impeachment complaint dismissed because it is "against the interest of the national leadership and the President."

But he said the justice committee, chaired by Rep. Simeon Datumanong, would not railroad the proceedings.

He said Soriano’s group and other opposition groups should rely on the "intellect and wisdom" of the members of the House committee on justice.

Jaraula said congressmen whose districts reportedly benefited from the P728-million fertilizer fund, would refuse to inhibit because the ‘‘fertilizers issue is much different from the impeachment.’’

"Soriano should ask first the three of the four endorsers of the 8th complaint if they would inhibit or not," Jaraula.

He said at least three endorsers of the complaint also received fertilizer funds for their respective districts. He identified them: Reps. Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon, Henedina Abad of Batanes and Manuel Mamba of Cagayan.

Jaraula said Bukidnon’s first district received P3 million based on documents.
"The motion to inhibit is not proper," Jaraula said adding if this would be the rule, then no one would be left to endorse the 8th complaint .

Jaraula also appealed to his critics to be patient enough. "If we accept the argument to inhibit, meaning is this an admission of guilt? It’s unfair to them (Acosta, Mamba, Abad). That’s wrong."
Jaraula added: "More than 100 congressional districts benefited from the funds and I believe it is purely a support to the local governments, and not to ensure President Arroyo’s victory in the 2004 elections."

That can be read at Gold Star Daily

Two dead as huge waves batter Misamis Oriental coastal towns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- (Aug 10 / MIKE BAÑOS) Two person are dead and over 900 families affected as huge waves pounded the coastal towns of Misamis Oriental last Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9.

Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council Executive Officer Teodoro A. Sabuga-a, Jr. identified the fatalities as Lilibeth Roa, 46, and her two-year old son Christian Swind Roa. They were hit by a falling coconut tree in Barangay Poblacion of Libertad town.

Sabuga-a said nine municipalities, four in the west coast (Laguindingan, Libertad, Naawan, Manticao) and five in the east coast (Tagoloan, Jasaan, Balingasag, Lagonglong, Salay) were adversely affected by the huge waves.

Initial estimates released by the PDCC revealed a total of 928 families affected in thirty barangays with 31 houses totally damaged and 51 partially. Four families were rendered homeless in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon Balingasag.

So far, damage to infrastructure appear to have been confined to a concrete farm-to-market road in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon, Balingasag which was totally damaged (28 meters)
The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental is now undertaking relief and rehabilitation measures to the affected areas.

The huge waves struck at about the same time as similar giant waves swept away over a thousand houses in the island province of Tawi-Tawi Tuesday evening, leaving four persons missing and feared dead.

Earlier last week, flash floods also rampaged through four eastern towns of Misamis Oriental, killing an entire family of four and leaving over P30 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure. The local office of the Pagasa said the floods may have been triggered by a cloudburst which breached a dike, sending floodwaters raging downstream.

MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City Philippines Primary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile) Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com

LP sees Palace hand in Garci's likely bid

THE Liberal Party yesterday said it sees the hand of the Palace in the likely bid of controversial ex-commisioner Virgilio Garcillano to become a Bukidnon congressman next year.

With Rep. Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon’s 1st District out––he is now serving his 3rd and last office term––the chances of a Malacanang-backed candidate for congressman in the same district is almost certain.

Acosta, the leader of LP for Mindanao, quoted the party’s head, Sen. Franklin Drilon, as telling him: "So you now have Garcillano who undoubtedly will win the election, and now will be called honorable gentleman from the province of Bukidnon."

"I’m sure he will run,’’ said Acosta in a telephone interview, adding that the former elections commissioner ran for the position but lost to his mother, now Manolo Fortich Mayor Socorro Acosta, in 1987.

This early, Garcillano has been meeting with political figures in Bukidnon and in Manila.
Quoting Drilon, Acosta said Garcillano has also been meeting with ‘‘field operators,’’ including presidential chief-of-staff Michael Defensor, apparently to ensure a 2007 victory in Bukidnon.

Garcillano, who owns a farm in Lingating, Baungon town in Bukidnon’s 1st District, became widely known for the role he played in the ‘‘Hello, Garci’’ scandal that nearly cost President Arroyo her seat last year.

Garcillano, whose voice fitted the man in the wiretapped phone conversations supposedly with Arroyo, repeatedly denied he engineered the alleged rigging of the 2004 election results in favor of the President.

"That can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Flash flood wipes out family of four, one still missing

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL (MIKE BAÑOS / Aug 3) – The flash flood which rampaged through this town and two other adjacent municipalities Wednesday dawn wiped out an entire family of four.

The remains of the wife of a farmer who drowned in Wednesday's flash flood in this municipality was recovered around 10AM today by rescue teams in Macajalar Bay while the bodies of their two children were recovered in the seas off Camiguin island late Thursday afternoon. Neil's remains were recovered at Baliti, Sagay while Joy's body was found in Cantaan, Guinsiliban.

Teddy Sabugaa, acting provincial social welfare officer, said residents believe Ronald Ayuman, his wife Ana Marie and children Joy, 3 and Neil, seven months, were crossing the Balatukan River in Bgy. Kibanban when they were swept away by a flash flood which struck around 4:30AM Wednesday.

Ayuman's remains were fished out of the Balatukan river late yesterday afternoon by the Rescue 2000 team led by Michael Bustamante. The family's remains will be interred tomorrow.

Sabugaa said another farmer identified only as Jamiro from Bgy. Talusan, Balingasag remains missing as of Thursday afternoon.

Provincial Board Member Jaime Caina inspected the damage to infrastructure yesterday and estimates the flash flood caused P20-million in damages to a dike and spillways. Region 10 agriculture director Bebot Rudinas was also in the area and estimates losses to livestock and agriculture could reach P3-4 million. All the crops in the farming village of Napiliran were wiped out by floodwaters and at least 19 houses destroyed in Balingasag alone.

The flash flood hit three municipalities: Sugbungcogon, Lagonglong and Balingasag, hometown of Misamis Orienal Gov. Oscar Moreno. Balingasag was the hardest hit of the three with Cogon, Napiliran and the lowland barangays of Binitinan, Mandangua, Talusan, Tulay Grande and San Isidro. Also hit was Bgy Kauswagan in Lagonglong and some portions of Sugbongcogon along the river.

Sabugaa said some 181 families were affected in Balingasag and 150 in Lagonglong where Mayor Jovenal Puertas Jr. evacuated villagers to the Lagonglong Multi-Purpose Court since the floodwaters had already risen to three feet.Balingasag vice mayor Alexis Quina called an emergency meeting of the Sangguniang Bayan today to declare the municipality a disaster area to enable the local government to access its 5% calamity fund.

Caina said in a radio interview heavy rains started to pour around 11:00PM Tuesday but flood waters started surging around midnight when the dike was breached. However, the flash flood only struck around 4:30AM after the dike was believed to have collapsed under the sheer volume of the rainwater.

Pag-asa senior weather specialist Leo Rodriguez, Sr. said the three-feet height of the floodwaters indicates heavy rains of four hours or more. He said the speed with which the flood waters rose and overcame the flood dike indicates a cloudburst, or a sudden heavy fall of rain from a cumulo-nimbus cloud with a rate of fall exceeding or greater than 100 millimeters ( 3.94 inches) per hour.

"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link

Flashfloods hit Misor villages, displace 300 families

FLASHFLOODS struck 17 villages in two Misamis Oriental towns yesterday morning, displacing at least 331 families and destroying farms.

A man identified as Ronald Ayuman drowned as floodwaters submerged a village in Balingasag town.

Another man was declared missing.

Balingasag, the hometown of Gov. Oscar Moreno, was the most badly hit. There, floodwaters submerged communities in Cogon, Barangay Napaliran and the lowland villages of Mandangwa, Talusan, San Isidro.

Floodwaters also submerged communities and farms in Kauswagan, Lagonglong.
Capitol workers counted at least 19 houses destroyed by the floodwaters in Balingasag as of yesterday afternoon.

Capitol’s social welfare chief, Teddy Sabugaa, told The Gold Star Daily the floodwaters hit the populated Napaliran around 4:30 am following a night of heavy rains.

Sabugaa said some 181 families were displaced in Balingasag and 150 other families fled for safer grounds in Lagonglong.

"Kalit kuno kaayo ang maong panghitabo kay kusog kaayo ang ulan unya natingala na lang sila kay mitakilid naman ilang mga balay didto," Sabugaa said.

From Napaliran, floodwaters reached Talusan and other lowland villages where and destroyed crops.

The floodwaters reached as far as the village of Mandangwa where some 20 hectares planted with vegetables were destroyed.

Balingasag Vice Mayor Alexis Quina called on the capitol to immediately declare the town under a state of calamity. A delaration would facilitate the speedy release of emergency funds for the town.

Quina said the town government was still assessing the damages.
Of the 11 Balingasag barangays that sustained damages in Balingasag, Napiliran was the hardest hit with damages to crops and structures estimated at some P20 million.

This included a P10 million dike which was washed out by the flashfloods.
"We badly need help from the national government on this," said provincial board member Jaime Caina, adding the capitol’s funds were not enough to rebuild the dike.

In Lagonglong town, local officials had to evacuate villagers from Kauswagan because the floodwaters were already three feet deep.

Lagonglong Mayor Jovenal Puertas Jr. ordered the evacuation of some 50 families from Barangay Kauswagan to the Lagonglong Multi-Purpose Court.

A team from the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council headed by Danny Matias rushed to the towns to distribute food to the evacuees.

The problem on floodings was also felt in Cagayan de Oro.

Areas flooded in Cagayan de Oro included San Juan I and II in Lapasan, Purok 2A in Gusa, Cugman, Camaman-an, Kauswagan, Consolacion and Iponan.

City Engineer’s Office head Emmanuel Abejuela said he sent a team to declog drainages in the affected areas.

That can be read at Gold Star Daily

Emano points to Customs, BIR, DPWH

CAGAYAN de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano said national government offices have been contributing to the problem on corruption in Cagayan de Oro.

Emano, over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, said the survey cited by President Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address (Sona) did not refer to city hall alone. He said it also refers to the local offices of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Department of Public Woks and Highways (DPWH).

In her Sona, Arroyo congratulated Emano for the drop in reports of corruption in the city from 65 percent in 2005 to 38 percent this year.

If there are still reports on corruption here, Emano said the survey refers to public contracts made by these offices.

Emano said the survey, conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) was focused on these offices and not city hall alone.

"The surveys on corruption in the Philippines were not only focused on local government units but also on the government’s collecting agencies," Emano said.

He said the government agencies he cited were widely perceived to be corrupt.
While Emano warned officials and employes against engaging in corruption in city hall, he said ‘‘corruption is more evident at the BIR, Customs and DPWH."

Emano added: "I would say that corruption at the city hall, if any, is less compared to these offices.’’

Emano also lashed back at his critics for calling his administration corrupt.

"The city (hall) has not engaged in any illegal contract," Emano said.

Proof that he is not corrupt, Emano said city hall’s coffers are not empty.

That can be read at Gold star Daily

Lawyer: No hidden agenda behind Sulog

LAWYER Rogelio Bagabuyo, a convenor of the newly formed Socialist Union of Local Opposition Groups (Sulog), yesterday said there is no ‘‘hidden agenda’’ behind the moves to unify groups opposed to the Emano administration.

"Sulog is not competing with any opposition group," said Bagabuyo, adding that he and ex-Emano lawyer Frederico Gapuz were just doing their best to unite all those opposed to the present city administration.

"It’s because we know that unless the opposition groups unite, they will be ‘slaughtered’ once again to the detriment of Cagayan de Oro. Fred (Gapuz) and I have no hidden agenda," Bagabuyo said. "All I can say is that when someone kicks you from behind, it means you are ahead."

Bagabuyo said this obviously as a response to the criticisms of another opposition leader, lawyer Manolo Tagarda Sr. of Pundok Mindanao. The other day, Tagarda said Sulog was infiltrated by ‘‘scalawags’’ and ‘‘DPAs’’ (deep penetration agents) of Mayor Vicente Emano.

Gapuz said it was a bit unfair to call Sulog’s initiators ‘‘scalawags’’ and ‘‘DPAs’’ because Sulog was created out of the desire to unify all groups opposed to Emano’s PaDayon Pilipino.
Gapuz said it was possible that some of those who attended last Saturday’s Sulog meeting were agents of Emano.

‘‘Yes, maybe since the meeting was open to anyone. We had no control over people who may have wanted to spy on us," Gapuz said.

But Gapuz said Tagarda should rethink his position since his group, Pundok Mindanao, ‘‘can’t stand alone’’ in the fight against PaDayon Pilipino.

"Remember that in politics, one needs some allies to win in an election," said Gapuz.
"Is Tagarda really with the ‘opposition’? Yes, but what kind?" Gapuz asked.

He said he would rather not quarrel with Tagarda. He said he would just respect Tagarda’s opinion.

Instead, Gapuz said he would continue working to unite local opposition groups to fight the Emano administration.

"If we can unite the opposition groups, at least 70 to 80 percent, Tagarda’s group would become irrelevant," Gapuz said. "So let him (Tagarda) do his own, and I will do own my own.’’

Meanwhile, Bagabuyo said Sulog’s critics were the ones causing chaos in the local opposition.
"I’m not saying that he (Tagarda) is the one causing chaos. They are the ones who do not want change in the city," Bagabuyo said.

He said the political oppositionists in Cagayan de Oro are now moving toward one direction.
"From 74 people during the first meeting to 145 participants during last Saturday’s meeting... This is a good sign," he said.

At the rate things are going, he said he was confident Emano would soon lose his grip over Cagayan de Oro politics.

"That can be read at Gold Star Daily"

Pimentel calls on media to keep close tabs on proposed anti-terrorism bill

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / July 28) - Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. today called on the media to keep close tabs on the anti-terrorism bill which he fears could become a convenient tool to muzzle the press in the country.

"We need legislation to combat the sophisticated methods that terrorists employ to harm the innocent," Pimentel said in his keynote speech during the induction of the incoming Board of Trustees of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) at a local hotel. "But everyone, especially the members of the media, are called upon to help see to it that the law on terrorism that comes out of Congress must not infringe upon our basic freedoms in the name of the fight against terrorism."

"I suggest that it is important for the PPI and for all other mass media organizations and concerned citizen groups to monitor the shape and form that this legislation will take," the only Senator from Mindanao said. "Your views are especially welcome on the provisions on arrests without warrants, surreptitious wire tapping, scrutinizing your emails and other private communications, and probably even your bank accounts by government agents."

Pimentel also warned that the difficulties the US press has been experiencing in publishing what the US government had at various times considered to be sensitive information is already "pressing on our shores" citing the news blackout over the military operation against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu a year or two ago.

"It would do the PPI well to put their collective heads together and map out suggestions on how the press will handle matters involving issues on terrorism under present laws and the rights of our people under the projected anti-terrorism legislation."

Earlier, Amado "Jake" Macasaet, PPI chairman and president, warned that media and state can never mix, lest this spell the end of the latter as a democratic institution.

"Media and the state are classical adversaries," Macasaet said. "They should never be friends. If media and the state should ever come to terms, we are finished."

Following are the new officers and members of the PPI Board of Trustees who were inducted into office: Amado Macasaet, chairman and president, Publisher (Malaya); Isagani Yambot, vice president, Publisher (Philippine Daily Inquirer); Ronaldo Romero, treasurer, Editor-Publisher (Business World); Allan Mediante, trustee for Mindanao, asst. vice president (Mindanao Gold Star Daily); Quirino Alban, trustee for Luzon, editor-publisher, Makiling Journal; Michelle So, trustee for Visayas, Executive Editor, Sun Star Cebu; and trustees Augusto Villanueva, Editor-in-Chief (Journal Group); Rogelio Salazar, Chief Executive Officer (Manila Standard); Antonio Katigbak, Managing Editor (Philippine Star) and Juan Mercado, Director (Press Foundation for Asia).

Also present during the induction were Jose Pavia, executive director, editor-publisher (Mabuhay) and Gary Mariano, Philippine Press Council chairman, asst. professor ( De La Salle University-Greenhills).

Besides inducting the new PPI Board of Trustees into office, Pimentel also inducted the charter officers of the Cagayan de Oro Communicators Association, an aggrupation of writers in government and the private sector. Also gracing the occasion was Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Oscar Moreno, former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Pablo Magtajas, Cagayan de Oro Press Club President Uriel Quilinguing and KBP-Cagayan de Oro Chapter Chairman Jonas Bustamante.

MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart) IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com

PDDG Lapeña visits Alagar

POLICE Deputy Director General Isidro Lapeña (at rostrum), Crame's deputy chief PNP for operation as he delivers his message as guest of honor speaker during his visit at Police Regional Office 10. (Inset Photo) Northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Florante Baguio (left, inset) in a pleasant conversation with Lapeña. (Photo by SPO1 NELSON Q. SALAAN)
"Email me: cagayanjournal@gmail.com

Unproductive, says archbishop of impeachment moves

THE head of the Roman Catholic archdiocese in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday called the moves to impeach President Arroyo ‘‘unproductive’’ and said he doubted if the ongoing campaign would lead to the truth.

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, concurrent vice president of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippnes (CBCP), echoed a joint statement issued by organized bishops that they were not inclined on supporting the new impeachment campaign ‘‘unless the process and its rules, as well as the mindsets of all participating parties... are guided by no other motive than genuine concern for the common good."

Ledesma said the impeachment moves would ‘‘once again serve as an unproductive political exercise.’’

Ledesma’s pronouncements during his homily last Wednesday came even as the local opposition announced it was preparing to turn over its impeachment complaint against Arroyo.

Ex-vice mayor and local Black and White Movement lead convenor Antonio Soriano said he would turn over the impeachment complaint forms to opposition Rep. Francis Escudero of Sorsogon during a meeting here on Saturday.

Soriano’s group initiated the local impeachment campaign; the ex-vice mayor’s law office has opened its doors to all those who want to sign the complaint.

The archbishop echoed the statement of the CBCP released after a three-day plenary of 98 bishops at Pope Pius Center in Manila. "This is the stand of the CBCP, the impeachment drive at this time would not really be the way to truth."

Ledesma however said he and the other bishops respect the position of those who are pursuing the impeachment campaign.

While the CBCP has ackowledged that the search for the truth over the controversies hounding the Arroyo administration must be relentlessly pursued through structures and processes under the Constitution, the impeachment process being one of them, Ledesma admitted that the bishops have not discussed alternatives to the impeachment process.

The local Black and White Movement said it was unfazed over the CBCP’s position even as it intensified its information campaign in the barangay levels.

‘‘More people are coming to listen to the ‘Stop Cha-cha (Charter change), Impeach Gloria’ campaign, and more and more people are expressing desire to sign the impeachment complaints,’’ said Soriano in a statement sent to The Gold Star Daily.

Soriano said his law office would remain open to all those who want to sign the verification and certification forms to the complaint. "That can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Advincula denies P4-m mango profit

EMBATTLED Councilor Reynaldo Advincula has admitted doing business using a city hall-owned property in Barangay Indahag but he strongly denied earning millions of pesos by harvesting fruits and selling these.

‘‘I did not earn P4 million,’’ said Advincula in denying accusations made by Indahag barangay chairperson Carmelito Damo that the councilor has been harvesting fruits from the property since 1998.

Damo earlier told The Cagayan de Oro Kournal that Advincula earned at least P4 million out of the mangoes and other fruits harvested from the government-owned property.

Aside from the Indahag property, Advincula has also been accused of using his position to do business at the local government-owned Cogon public market.

While Advincula said he was aware that he did not own the fruit trees in the Indahag property,
Advincula admitted to this paper that he was among those who financed the spraying of the mango trees. He did not identify the other financiers.

The sharing scheme, according to Advincula, is this: 70 percent of the profit goes to the financier, 20 percent to the watchers and 10 percent to the owner of the property (city hall).

Although Advincula claimed that it was Mayor Vicente Emano who asked him to keep squatters away from the 15-hectare property, it is unclear if the business venture was santioned by city hall. Neither is it clear if city hall was aware that it was supposed to receive a 10-percent share.

Advincula denied he raked in profits. ‘‘Break even,’’ he told The Gold Star Daily.

Since the venture allegedly yielded no profit, Advincula said he gave the farmers the 10-percent share supposedly intended for city hall.

"No millions," maintained Advincula, adding that the financiers only received 60 percent instead of 70 percent because the price of the chemicals used in treating the mango trees soared.

He claimed he did not even recover his investment.
Advincula earlier claimed that he has been providing funds to farmers in the area so they could till the land and that all he has been asking in return is for them to give back his money.

Advincula also denied that he has been using the property to breed goats.

The 15-hectare property was acquired by city hall during the Magtajas administration; it was intended for a relocation program.

Meanwhile, Advincula lashed back at Damo for allegedly issuing certificates to non-deserving land beneficiaries in Indahag.

By doing so, Advincula claimed Damo deprived impoverished residents of Indahag the opportunity to own lands.

Advincula said he has received complaints that Damo refused to issue certificates to farmers who have been living in Indahag for years.

"Why did Damo issue certifications to (former councilor Celestino) Ocio and the family members of former mayor Pablo Magtajas? Are they supposed to be beneficiaries?" Advincula asked.

That can be read at Gold Star Daily

Out of his mind, Advincula to Ocio

IT was the city assessor who identified former city hall officials who acquired properties in Barangay Indahag, said Councilor Reynaldo Advincula as he tried to brush aside a threat of a libel suit.

Advincula said this in response to a threat of a libel suit made by ex-councilor Celestino Ocio III whose name surfaced in the city council inquiry on the distribution of government land in Indahag.

Advincula lashed back at Ocio, saying the former councilor was merely taking the issue for a ride.

"I did not name names. Ocio is out of his mind," said Advincula of the libel-case threat. "Why is Ocio reacting this way? I did not mention his name in my special report," Advincula said.

He said the names of Ocio and the daughters of ex-mayor Pablo Magtajas were mentioned by city assessor Atinodoro Asequia who was asked during a council session to identify the people who acquired public lands in Indahag.

It was Advincula who asked the council to invite Asequia and city environment and natural resources officer Ronaldo Gadut in regard to supposed complaints that deserving farmers were deprived of the opportunity to own properties in Indahag.

Before the city council last week, Advincula said former officials may have used their influence to acquire the properties.

In view of Asequia’s revelation, Advincula said Ocio and the Magtajases should explain how they were able to acquire the properties intended for the poor and under the guidelines of the environment department.

Gadut said 544 hectares in Indahag were supposed to have been given to poor farmers under the government’s agrarian reform program.

Advincula said Indahag barangay chairperson Carmelito Damo should also explain why he supposedly certified that the Magtajases and Ocio were qualified to receive land titles. (Ben Balce)
That can be read at Gold Star Daily

BIKERS need good and friendly bikes!!!

Bikers out there! This sports-bike is for you, a 100 percent good running condition that would suit for your taste. It has 4 Cylinders and 250cc Engine Displacement. This is also an ideal for all starters. It runs 10Km/L and will go from 0-100 in less than 5 seconds. It’s newly painted w/a Ferrari Red scheme in the rear damper has just been changed.

The steering clips are all new and just recently installed 2 give a more safety drive. Papers are complete! This is for a serious buyers and bikers only.

Interested? Email me at cagayanjournal@gmail.com or call me (GEORGE GORDON E. LIM) at this mobile phone number 09189084778.

Hurry! A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BUYERS ONLY!!!
Email me: mailto:celaben96@yahoo.com,

"No room for death squads"

Email me: "cagayanjournal@gmail.com"

Acenas hits Xavier over Carp failure

COUNCILOR Ian Caesar Acenas has blamed the Jesuit-run Xavier University for the failure of the government to give farmers some 300 hectares under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp).

The 300 hectares are part of 1,968.75-hectare government property that extends from Upper Tablon to Puerto. The property is presently being used by Ramcar as a ranch under the pasture lease agreement. Local officials said Ramcar’s lease agreement has already expired.

Acenas said the government could have long given the 300 hectares to the city’s farmers had it not been for Xavier’s opposition.

Of the 300 hectares, Xavier is reportedly claiming ownership of 109 hectares.

Acenas said Xavier even went to the extent of seeking a court order to stop the government from giving the land to impoverished farmers.

Acenas pointed to Xavier as the cause of the delay after Councilor Reynaldo Advincula raised a question on the status of 300-hectare agricultural land that was supposedly set aside from the 1,968.75-hectare government property.

Acenas said he could not understand why Xavier was forcing the issue when several decisions favored the farmers. He said even the environment department favored the farmers.

Meanwhile, Councilor Advincula accused Ramcar of ‘‘overstaying’’ in the property. He said Ramcar has applied for the renewal of its lease agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for another 25 years.

Advincula said he feared Ramcar might seek ownership of the land.

"Twenty-five years are enough, no need for an extension," Advincula said.

He called on Ramcar to yield to the city’s poor farmers.

City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Cenro) Ronald Gadut said Ramcar’s lease agreement allowed it to have control over 1,968.75 hectares. Some 1,517.75 hectares of this property is located in Cagayan de Oro while the remaining 451 hectares are situated in neighboring Bukidnon.

"Ramcar did not violate any law," said Gadut.

Ramcar has been leasing the land since 1984.

But Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya said the Ramcar could be held liable for not giving the land up.

Nacaya said the city council might be forced to declare Ramcar’s owners persona non grata.

That can be read at Gold Star Daily

The new PHP 5.00 bill

The

new

PHP

5.00

bill
">Link

Ocon blows whistle on 11 consultancy deals

OPPOSITION Councilor Zaldy Ocon yesterday accused the Emano administration of wasting public funds to pay 11 ‘‘consultants.’’

Ocon blew the whistle after the PaDayon Pilipino-dominated city council approved on Monday Ordinance no. 2006-251 that renewed city hall’s 11 consultancy contracts.

The consultants have been receiving fees ranging from P15 thousand to P20 thousand a month.

At P15 thousand each for the 11 consultants, city hall has been spending P165 thousand a month.

The ordinance renewed the contracts from July 1 to December 31. The consultants are lawyers Noel Guibone, Ramon Tabor, Reynaldo Llego, Pureza Ramos, President Elipe, Virginia Plaza, Marvin Pacheco, Armando Pomar, Dulcesimo Ytem, Cipriano Paasa and Engr. Jose Belen.

Four of the consultants––Tabor, Ramos, Elipe and Ytem––used to serve as elected councilors of the city.

Aside from Guibone and Tabor who have been serving as ‘‘overseers’’ of the City Economic Enterprise Department (CEED) and the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA), respectively, there is no immediate and clear explanation for the renewal of the contracts of the other consultants. Neither are their functions clear.

Ocon questioned the passage of the ordinance, saying it did not specify the functions and duties of the consultants.

Ocon called on the Commission on Audit (COA) to start reviewing the approved ordinance.
"The COA should look into it (ordinance), even question it... City hall has no basis in getting consultants," Ocon said.

Ocon also urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to disallow the release of public funds to pay the consultancy fees.

Earlier, DBM declared the incentives for some 2,588 city hall employees illegal.

DBM director for northern Mindanao Romeo Melad, who disallowed city hall’s 2006 budget due to a projected overspending, said city hall should stop giving bonuses that were ‘‘without legal basis.’’

Ocon lashed at Mayor Vicente Emano for allegedly certifying the ordinance on consultancy contracts as urgent. He said there ordinance was approved without 1st and 2nd readings.

Ocon said Emano and his allies in the council violated Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. He said this law applies to consultancy services.

Based on this law, he said, there should have been a public bidding to ensure competitive prices for consultancy services, and transparency.

"Why is it that Emano wants to spend another million for 11 people when the DBM disallowed the release of allowances to city hall employees?’’ asked Ocon. ‘‘The employees are complaining yet they (Emano and his allies) have been wasting public funds for consultancy services.’’

"What I know is that the consultants would be receiving P1 million, more or less, during the remaining months of this year," Ocon said. ‘‘I can’t say eaxactly when city hall started paying these consultants.’’

He added: "Some of the consultants are reportedly bedridden. How can some of them help city hall when they are already weak due to old age?"

Ocon said he stepped out of the council’s session hall to protest the ordinance’s passage.
"I didn’t want to be part of their corruption," Ocon said.

"That can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Bishops doubt impeach drive is way to truth; Nix poll scrapping, propose con-con

"Email at cagayanjournal@gmail.com"

Misamis Oriental to pursue alternative to GMA's All-Out War: A War to Win the Hearts of the People

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, MISAMIS ORIENTAL - (MIKE BAÑOS / July 10) - Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar S. Moreno revealed in his 2nd State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered yesterday before a special session of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Board that the province will be pursuing a different tack from the national government in its bid to address the communist insurgency.

"The national government has to adopt a policy it can implement to demonstrate its resolve and decisiveness to address the insurgency once and for all," Moreno said. "Being the national government, it has to implement a policy that is applicable in all areas."

"But here in Misamis Oriental we are adopting a strategy which we hope will prove better and that is to bring government closer to the people," Moreno stressed.

Moreno cited the "threshold case" of Sitio Lantad in Bgy. Kibanban in his hometown of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental as a showcase of how teamwork between various agencies of government and a resolute commitment to bring peace and prosperity to the people has successfully converted the former enclave and regional headquarters of the New People's Army (NPA) into a growing, vibrant community of forward looking and optimistic residents.

"It is easier to make war than peace," Moreno told media at a press conference following his 2 nd SOPA. "I hope we will exert every effort to achieve peace that is lasting, fulfilling and satisfying."

He also thanked Maj. General Cardozo Luna, 4th Infantry Diamond Division commanding general and the highest ranked military officer in the region, "for giving us the lead in local strategy and acknowledging the constitutional guarantee that civilian authority at all times remains supreme."

Moreno said the provincial government would be fighting a different kind of war. "It's a war to win the hearts of the people."

Two years ago, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also pushed for peace talks at the local level, ordering the implementation of the terms of a peace pact with a splinter rebel faction, the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade. However, the peace process with the RPA-ABB and another splinter group in Northern Mindanao, the Rebolusyonarying Patrido ng Mamamayang Pilipino (RPMM) have continued.

National Democratic Front (political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines) negotiating panel chairman Luis Jalandoni called for renewed peace talks July 5 after President Arroyo's declaration of an all-out war against the NPA last week. Arroyo released P1 billion war chest to finance the renewed campaign against the NPA.

The NDF, the political arm of the communist insurgents which groups the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army, and 13 other underground organizations, pulled out of the peace talks in August 2004.

"In repudiation of the regime's all-out war policy and the extra-judicial killings and involuntary disappearances of political and leftist activists, we call for the resumption of formal peace talks between the GRP and the NDF as soon as possible," Jalandoni said.

mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com
alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com

KBP to Advincula: File plaint vs. Ocon

THE Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) called on Councilor Reynaldo Advincula to file a formal complaint against opposition councilor cum radio commentator Zaldy Ocon.

Jonas Bustamante, KBP chairperson for Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, said his group would look into Advincula’s complaint against Ocon only if he (Advincula) makes it official.

Advincula has accused Ocon of using his public affairs program at Radio Mindanao Network’s DxCC station to advance his political interests at the expense other city hall officials. He said Ocon cannot be a credible broadcaster because of his being a politician.

Advincula also appealed to KBP to punish Ocon for his alleged violations.
But Bustamante said Advincula should specify the issues he has against Ocon and file a formal complaint.

If Advincula files the complaint, he said he would forward it to the local KBP’s grievance committee chaired by veteran broadcaster Frank Mendez. He assured that KBP would act on any complaint against the councilor-broadcaster.

"We don’t tolerate our members who have conflicts of interest,’’ Bustamante said. But he said if a complaint is filed, Ocon would be given the opportunity to defend himself.

Bustamante said Ocon can be subjected to disciplinary actions if proven that he violated the KBP’s code for broadcasting.

"Truth won’t come out if there are conflicts of interest,’’ said Bustamante, adding a broadcaster cannot serve two masters at a time.

"That can be read at Gold Star Daily"

Maguindanao's bloody clashes traumatize villagers

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanaop (JOHN UNSON / July 9) - In armed conflicts, poor people become poorer and their hearts are scarred with wounds so difficult to heal.

More than 4,000 people are now languishing in evacuation sites in Maguindanao’s neighboring Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano and Datu Unsay towns, nowhere to return to since their houses have been razed in the violent skirmishes between Moro Islamic Liberation Front and local militia units.

The hostilities, sparked by the June 23 roadside bombing here which let seven people dead and nearly killed Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan, also left many farming communities without power due to the destruction of P10.8 million worth of solar electrification facilities built by a non-government organization using foreign grants.

Ramon Santos, chairman of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, and his counterpart in the MILF, Von Al-Haq, the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team, and the Department of Social Welfare in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, are now initiating extensive relief missions in the affected towns.

The ARMM’s social welfare secretary, Ruby Sahali-Tan, said with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross, more than three-fourths of the 4,134 families have been provided with relief supplies.

“The evacuees still refuse to return to their communities. They are so traumatized and are so afraid of a repeat of the hostilities,” Sahali-Tan said.

ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, chairman of the regional peace and order council, said there is a need to deploy enough soldiers, as “peacekeepers” in the five war-devastated villages.

Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza, who has ministerial control over the government’s ceasefire committee, said the conflict here has scarred the hearts of the protagonists --- the rebels and the militia forces --- and the innocent civilians trapped in the crossfire.

“It is easy to rebuild houses, facets of government service, roads, but difficult to heal the wounds in the hearts of all the people affected by the conflict,” Dureza said. (JOHN UNSON)

john felix unson wrote:

Mission Impossible Accomplished: Government Restored to Lantad, Misamis Oriental

SITIO LANTAD, BGY. KIBANBAN, BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – (MIKE BAÑOS / July 10) - Nineteen years after reaching its nadir as the center of the communist insurgency in Northern Mindanao, government was officially restored to this enclave with the re-opening of the Kibanban-Lantad provincial road Saturday, July 8, 2006.

Spearheaded by Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, the inter-agency government task force returned in triumph aboard a 16-vehicle convoy to link up with elements of the Philippine Army's 8 th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Andrelino Colina which has earlier secured the sitio from the New People's Army latest effort to wrest it back.

"When I arrived here this morning, I shed tears of joy at the realization we have fulfilled our promise to you, and together we have accomplished what everybody said was impossible," an emotional but jubilant Moreno told a crowd of around 500 residents and visitors at simple rites to turn over a brand new multi purpose dryer and P30,000 worth of livelihood assistance to barangay officials led by Kibanban Bgy. Chairperson Adelina Santua.

The sitio was earlier identified by the Moreno administration as a high-profile target for development. "We focused on bringing government back to Lantad because it was the symbol of past neglect, the province's wealth in agriculture, especially abaca, and not the least, Lantad's role in history as the symbol of the communist insurgency," the governor told the Star.

In 1987, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army set up a shadow government in Lantad headed by "Mayor" Conrado Castillo. It became the NPA's Front Committee 4B, North Central Mindanao Command's guerrilla base which supplied logistics to communist guerillas in present day Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region. All former government services were taken over by the rebels including health and education. A cooperative store was even set up to ostensibly serve the residents but in reality served as the logistics center for arms, ammunition and supplies for the rebels.

"We had up to 200 guerrillas training here in 1990," recalls Bgy. Kibanban Kagawad Bruno Lindahay, himself a former NPA guerrilla. "Our comrades would come down every week to buy around P30,000 worth of food and supplies from our cooperative store."

Lindahay, like 95 percent of Lantad's 400 residents, is a Higa-onon. The NPA used their native bushcraft and knowledge of the local terrain to effectively isolate Lantad from the rest of the province using indigenous booby traps such as the abo-abo, batik and gahong. They also used land mines making the enclave impregnable from military and police forces who had no recourse but to bomb and strafe the area from the air using MG-520 helicopter gunships, and the prop-driven T-33 "Tora-Tora" COIN aircraft and OV-10 Broncos.


The CPP-NPA functioned as the de facto government in Lantad from 1987-1990 and control of the area see-sawed back and forth between the NPA guerrillas and military troopers until late last year when the 8IB under Colina effectively wrenched control of the area from the insurgents.

Moreno, with Misamis Oriental Mayor's League Chairman and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental Mayor Yevgeni Emano, first attempted to reach Lantad on foot during Holy Week in 2005. The Capitol team finally reached the enclave during the Lantad fiesta celebrating the feast of Sto. Niño in October 24-25, 2005 after which the decision was made to bring back government to the place through the restoration of the Kibanban-Lantad road.

During the team's latest visit previous early February 2006, , they had to trek the 11-kilometer stretch from Bgy. Kibanban's poblacion on foot and back due to inclement weather which turned the road into an impassable morass of mud.

"I promised you the next time I would come back, I would arrive here with no mud on my shoes," Moreno recalled. "I myself did not expect this would be realized so soon and I share this moment of victory of our commitment, unity and teamwork as members of the team which brought back government to Lantad."

Provincial Board Member James Caiña, chairman of the Misamis Oriental Infrastructure Committee, said he fielded practically the entire complement of the Provincial Engineer's Office under Engr. Roland Pacuribot to restore the 18-kilometer road from Kibanban to Lantad.

"I consider this project only 50 percent finished since we still have to upgrade it to provincial road standards of 6-8 meters from its present 4-5 meters," Caina, known as "Mr. Infrastructure" to his fellow board members and capitol department head said. "So far, we have spent some PhP1.5 million in fuel and other supplies, and quarried the gravel and sand we needed from the creeks below."

Although they have already fielded three dump trucks, a payloader, a road roller and a road grader in addition to the original bulldozer deployed earlier, Pacuribot admitted their work has often been delayed by the weather since it usually starts raining in the afternoon in Lantad, situated some 890 meters above sea level.

Already, Kibanban Bgy. Chair Adelina Santua said motorcycles for hire, know locally as habal-habal , have started plying the road since May. A one way trip from the national highway in Balingasag costs P150 and takes less than two hours, though residents have petitioned operators to bring it down to P70-100 since the road is constantly being improved. Previously, it took residents a three hour walk to reach the poblacion of Bgy. Kibanban, some 11 kms. away and the only means of transporting their farm produce was on horseback, which cost P120 and took 2-3 hours.

"Since the road was restored in May 2006, our people have been encouraged to plant more coffee, banana, abaca and corn," Lindahay said. "Our greatest need now is for electricity but we are hesitant to approach Gov. Moreno for this since he has already done so much for us and also needs to take care of other areas in the province."

Moreno concurs there's not time for resting on their laurels. "Caina's army is here in tandem with Colina's army," he said. "This is a teamwork I hope will be replicated in other areas of the province; a partnership that can become a showcase for others to follow. It is difficult to attain peace through peaceful means, but it is more rewarding."

As he addresses the capitol hierarchy Monday morning in his annual State of the Province Address, Moreno has a showcase that not only Misamis Oriental, but other similarly situated sitios and barangays all over the country can emulate as well.

"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippines Primary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.co"

Davao-born former adult film star throws hat into Nevada politics

Davao-born Melody Damayo a.k.a. Mimi Miyagi shows her stuff. (www.melodydamayo.net)

">Link

40 city hall workers to lose houses; Ocon faults Dongkoy

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - (Cagayan de Oro Journal / July 8) - SOME 40 city hall employees would likely lose their houses for good due to the alleged failure of the local government to remit payments made for their loans to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The houses would be auctioned off at the Hall of Justice on Aug. 10 after the GSIS subjected the properties to foreclosure.

Opposition Councilor Zaldy Ocon yesterday sought an investigation, saying he has reasons to believe that the legal proceedings were initiated by GSIS, the creditor, to repossess the properties because the employees’ loans were in default.

Ocon said he would raise the matter during the city council’s session next week.
Lino Daral, the city treasurer, said he also received a complaint from a group of employees. However, he denied it was city hall’s fault.

Daral said the foreclosed properties were that of city hall employees’ who opted to directly pay GSIS. He said their payments to GSIS were not automatically deducted by city hall.

"We (councilors) should look into this," said Ocon, adding that city hall officials responsible should be punished.

Ocon showed a letter from a group of city hall employees that complained about the failure of the local government to remit their payments to the GSIS. It blamed the foreclosure on city hall.

The group alleged that this has been going on for two years already.
Based on the complaint, Ocon said surcharges and penalties accumulated, and the debts of some employees reached to some P400 thousand each apparently as a result of the non-remittances.
Many of the foreclosed properties are in Canitoan, according to Ocon.

Ocon opted not to disclose the identities of the employees, saying they feared the mayor and his subordinates would get back at them for going public with their complaint.

Ocon said he would try to get evidence of the non-remittances including receipts and other related documents.

"Why is it that city hall is not remitting the payments to GSIS? How is this possible when the payments made by the employees for their loans were automatically deducted?’’ asked Ocon.
He said the unremitted payments could easily amount to millions of pesos.

A GSIS executive earlier confirmed to this paper that city hall has not been remitting contributions and payments for loans on time. The official said city hall was also into ‘‘underremittance’’––meaning, payments are not made in full.

Ocon has been accusing the Emano administration of corruption. Over DxCC where Ocon is a commentator, the opposition councilor has repeatedly demanded that Mayor Emano show the public a financial statement.

Ocon said he suspected city hall was having problems with its cash flow because of alleged corruption.

‘‘Our funds are drained out,’’ he said. ‘‘The GSIS is not at fault and neither is it the fault of the employees. It’s the fault of the Emano administration.’’

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily"

Bagabuyo says Emano could end up behind bars for defying court

LAWYER Rogelio Bagabuyo on Tuesday warned that Mayor Vicente Emano could end up behind bars for allegedly defying a court order.

"I will bring this matter even if it reaches the Supreme Court because Emano no longer respects the court. If he can’t respect the court, how can he be expected to respect ordinary Cagayanons?" asked Bagabuyo.

Bagabuyo’s warning came even as the 17th branch of the Regional Trial Court here gave Emano and Bugo leader Nerio Obliosca 10 days to explain why they should not be held in contempt.

Judge Florenciana Abbu issued the order after Obliosca admitted that he continued to perform the duties of barangay chairperson despite a 20-day temporary restraining order issued by the court.

In a courtroom early this week, Obliosca said he was merely following Mayor Emano’s orders.
On June 16, Abbu ordered Obliosca to refrain from exercising the powers of a village chief in Barangay Bugo.

"He (Obliosca) admitted during cross exams. Despite his receipt of the TRO and advise by his counsel to obey it, still Obliosca defied the order," Bagabuyo said. "Defying a lawful order from the court is a criminal offense."

Bagabuyo said Obliosca and Emano violated Rule 17 of the Rules of Court.

Bagabuyo said Obliosca violated the order by attending a meeting for barangay chairpersons at Pearlmont Hotel. Obliosca maintained that it was Emano who ordered him to attend the meeting.

Obliosca said he also received an invitation from the ombudsman to attend the activity.
"Mayor Emano personally asked me to attend through a letter," Obliosca said.

The TRO was issued after lawyer Perseverando Araña staged a comeback last month. He was elected barangay chairperson but he submitted a resignation letter to Emano early this year, prompting the mayor to name Obliosca as his replacement. Arana said President Arroyo never accepted his resignation.

"That can be read at Gold Star Daily"

Sia: Nanding is lying

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (LITO RULONA and Cagayan de Oro Journal / July 7) - "HE lies.’’
Councilor Juan Sia said this in response to embattled Councilor Reynaldo Advincula who accused him of being ‘‘irresponsible.’’

Sia earlier divulged that it was Advincula’s committee that pushed for the approval of an ordinance that wiped off the debts of market vendors. Debts incurred by the Advinculas who are leasing stalls at city hall-owned Cogon market were among those written off when the city council approved the ordinance last April.

Councilor Sia, known to be mild-mannered, said, ‘‘He (Advincula) is not telling the truth. He lies."

Sia maintained that Advincula failed to show a list of the vendors and their corresponding debts despite demands from him (Sia) during meetings of the finance committee.

Sia, finance committee chair, said he was saddened over Advincula’s reaction. He said he merely told the truth about what really happened.

"Kinsa namakak namo karon? The record will show that he (Advincula) agreed to furnish my committee a list of vendors in its next meeting," said Sia.

This, he said, never happened. Instead, Sia said, he was surprised because the then proposal reached the plenary.

Sia said the then proposed ordinance was certified as ‘‘urgent.’’
"God knows what’s really happening around here. Mao na lang ako nahibaw-an naka-pasar na og ordinance," said Sia.

At the city council last Monday, Sia said Advincula approached and greeted him. But he said he told Advincula: "Walang personalan. The record shows it all."

Hearing this, Sia said Advincula avoided a confrontation and went outside the session hall.

Excerpts from the minutes of the Dec. 6, 2005 meeting of the finance committee shows that Sia demanded a list of vendors. Motion no. 262-2005 also shows that he asked the City Economic Enterprise Department (CEED) to submit to the committee a list of delinquent stall holders with the corresponding debts.

Advincula during an earlier interview admitted that he had owed city hall nearly P10 thousand, but he said his debts were written off with the passage of Ordinance no. 10127-2006.

The stall awared to him is now registered under the name of his son Reynaldo Jr.
Advincula was the chair of the market committee at the time of the passage of the ordinance.

Meanwhile, Councilor Edgar Cabanlas lashed at former mayor Manolo Tagarda Sr. for allegedly engaging in "dirty politics" when he threatened to bring Advincula to the ombudsman for his alleged conflicts of interest.

On Tuesday, Tagarda filed disbarment case against Cabanlas and three other lawyers of Mayor Vicente Emano for allegedly lying in court in regard to city hall’s memorandum of agreement with UKC Builders, the redeveloper of Cogon market.

Advincula also lashed at Tagarda and challenged his former political ally to file the case as soon as possible.

Tagarda is "talking a lot in front of the media," said Advincula. ‘‘File it immediately.’’
He said he suspected Tagarda was only bluffing.

After filing the disbarment case against Cabanlas and the other lawyers, Tagarda said Advincula would be next.

"I am still completing some documents to prove his (Advincula’s) wrongdoings," Tagarda said in an interview over DxCC.

Advincula replied: "I am hoping that he (Tagarda) would be able prove in court that my actions as a public official and my business interests constitute violations."

Advincula said he welcomes a case against him in court so he could prove his innocence.
He said Tagarda was only making noise because he wants to stage a politcal comeback.

Cabanlas laughed off Tagarda’s accusations, saying the former councilor and mayor was just "forgetful due to old age."

"Gibungaw na tingali kana si Atty. Tagarda, walay lingaw," said Cabanlas.

">Link

Ocon says Emano, council keeping Oro in the dark on P300-m deal with UKC

OPPOSITION Councilor Zaldy Ocon sharply criticized the PaDayon Pilipino-dominated city council and Mayor Vicente Emano for allegedly keeping Cagaya-nons in the dark in regard to its new multimillion-peso deals with the construction firm UKC Builders.

"The contracts have not been shown to the public until now," said Ocon.

The undertaking, a bridge and road project, according to Ocon, would cost the city some P332 million. The bridge would be built near the St. Augustine Cathedral and would link Carmen and Nazareth.

Ocon also questioned two ordinances that authorized revisions in an agreement between city hall and UKC Builders Inc. He said the contract was revised despite his and Councilor Alvin Calingin’s objections.

Ocon said councilors closely identified with Emano approved the ordinances despite the mayor’s failure to show copies of the contracts for the ‘‘5th Bridge’’ and ‘‘access road’’ project.

One of the ordinances (Ordinance Number 225-2006) set aside P8,033,093.39 to pay residents whose properties would be affected by the road project. The road project implementation received a city council green light through Ordinance no. 10150-2006.

He said city hall has already set aside P141 million for the road project.
‘‘How come there is an additional P8,033,093.39?" asked Ocon.

Ocon said the agreement with UKC is "defective" and ‘‘is full of legal infirmities."
Ocon questioned the road project, saying spending over P140 million was too much.

‘‘How many kilometers? Where would it start and where would it end?" he asked.

He accused PaDayon Pilipino councilors of approving the ordinances on orders of Emano.

"I wonder why they’re hiding the contract and why they can’t give us the specifications," Ocon said. "They approved the contracts without any plan, without public bidding and until, they haven’t shown the original contracts that were supposedly revised."

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily"

Gold Star Daily marks its 17th anniversary today

"gsd9000.tripod.co"

MISORTEL Strikes Back

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / June 29) – In a strong bid to stop the further erosion of its subscriber base and give its competitors a taste of their own medicine, the Misamis Oriental Telephone System, Inc. (MISORTEL) is bringing in affordable high-speed data services to its furthest service areas.

Misamis Oriental Governor and MISORTEL President Oscar S. Moreno signed a Memorandum of Agreement with DCTech Micro Services, Inc. that will make 24/7 internet services available to new subscribers.

Engr. Ryan Sumalinog, DC Tech Vice President for Operations, who signed in behalf of the firm, said the new value added service called MISORNET will feature a two-tiered service structure: its Unlimited Dial-Up service will deliver 24/7 internet services at a minimum speed of 52 kbps (vs. 38 kbps. tops for competitors) for only P399 a month while its DSL service guarantees a spped of 384 kbps for only P799 a month, but will enable the user to access the internet and use his voice phone at the same time.

Sumalinog said the 24/7 Unlimited Dial-Up Service is ideal for home/personal use while the DSL service would best serve the needs of msall and medium enterprises.

DC Tech is a full complement service provider based in Davao City which is now providing similar value-added services in partnership with Globe-Telecoms to local exchange carriers (LECs) of the Telecommunications Office in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan; Maramag, Malaybalay and Valencia cities in Bukidnon; Cotabato, Pikit, Kabakan, Matalam, Panabo, Tagum and Mati.

Marriz Manuel B. Agbon, DCTech Sales and Marketing Partner in Northern Mindanao, said the move would provide local businessmen the impetus to invest in ICT.

"With additional investments in ICT, enhanced executive reporting follows, leading to significant cost reductions, revenue growth and increased profitability as a result of improved work efficiency brought by reduced data losses and integrated systems of operations," Agbon said.

Moreno is optimistic the venture would further push MISORTEL's mission to provide modern, adequate, efficient, reliable and affordable telecommunications specially to areas currently unserved and underserved by the company, which is majority owned by the Misamis Oriental provincial government.

"The provision of Voice and Internet applications in remote areas has become a necessity," Moreno said. "In order for us to keep up with other developing nations, our citizens must be aware and knowledgeable to successfully compete in the global market. This is where MISORTEL's partnership with DCTech plays a vital role.

Industry sources estimate internet users in the Philippines would grow to 20 million by next year and to 41 million by 2014.

"The business sector, being an engine of growth, is also a priority of this venture," Moreno said. "For our economy to be globally competitive, Filipino businessmen, especially those engaged in agri-business, must also be at par technology wise with their global competitors."

Sumalinog said the new venture would also bring in new subscribers to MISORTEL which has seen its former dominance in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental diminish with the inroads made on new and existing subscribers by cellphone service providers.

"Since we shall do the installation, maintenance and collection from MISORTEL, they will gain a steady revenue stream at little or no expense to their present network," he said.

Already, Sumalinog said DCTech provides its value added services to some 60 percent of the internet cafes in Cagayan de Oro City, offering 1mpbs package for only P8,000 and their 768 kbps for only P4,000. He said they have also successfully increased the total subscriber base of all the Telof LECs they are now serving by 15 percent after only four months of operations.

"We hope we will be able to do the same, or even better, for MISORTEL," he added.
" mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com>Link