Emano, councilors a no-show on Ledesma installation

CAGAYAN de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano and local legislators were conspiciously absent during Tuesday’s installation of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.

There was no immediate explanation but many perceive their absence as a breach of protocol given that Ledesma is an appointee of Pope Benedict XVI, the head of the State of the Vatican City.

There were reports that the only city hall official who attended the installation rites at the St. Augustine Cathedral was Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers but this could not be independently verified at presstime.

‘‘If he (Emano) did not give an explanation, that means it was a deliberate snub,’’ said lawyer James Judith, a known critic of the Emano adminisration.

Judith added, ‘‘It could mean a lot of things. He is either indifferent to church affairs, bears a grudge against the church officials or the clergy, hates church politics, uncomfortable with its (Church’s) tradition or (it could just be) plain arrogance. It could be any of these.’’said Sen. Aquilino Pimentel: ‘‘He’s (Emano’s) running true to form. He has no need for God and things spiritual.’’

‘‘It’s a pity,’’ reacted former vice mayor Antonio Soriano. He did not elaborate.

President Arroyo, who was reported by another paper earlier to be coming over for the affair, did not show up. Neither did anyone represent her during the formal assumption of the 63-year-old Jesuit priest as head of the Cagayan de Oro archdiocese.

Ledesma is the vice president of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) which has voiced apprehensions over moves to quickly change the 1987 Constitution. The Charter change campaign is something that Arroyo and her allies, including Emano, have been preoccupied with.

The new archbishop is said to be personally against the Charter change campaign.

The only prominent political ally of Arroyo who attended the affair was Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno.

But Moreno declined to comment on the absence of city hall officials. Ledesma’s installation, he said, is a ‘‘purely Church affair.’’

But Tagoloan-based priest Raul Bagongon said he felt disappointed because ‘‘political alliances’’ became evident during the archbishop’s installation.

"There is a clear division between those in the administration and the opposition," said Fr. Bagongon.

The VIP guest list included prominent opposition figures: Senate President Franklin Drilon and Sen. Pimentel and their wives, Black and White Movement lead convenor Dinky Soliman, and Mila Roco whose late husband Raul was a senator and one of Arroyo’s challengers in the 2004 presidential elections, among others.

"We sent invitations to city officials," said Fr. Butch Zayas, overall chairperson for the installation rites preparation. The invitations were sent out three weeks ago.

Zayas said a committee even called local officials to follow through on the invitations. "We called them by phone."

Said Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya: "No comment. Better ask the vice mayor, the invitations were sent when she was the acting mayor."

Councilor Reynaldo Advincula said he was surprised because he received no invitation.

"I was really surprised why the city council was not invited," said Advincula.

Speaking at the jampacked St. Agustine Cathedral for the first time since he was appointed by the Pope, the archbishop stressed the need for the Church to promote a ‘‘culture of peace’’ through interreligious dialogues and intercultural understanding.

Ledesma also stressed the need for the collaboration of efforts of the Church and State to attain peace and development in Mindanao. He also cited the work of ‘‘civil society’’ groups which he also called the ‘‘NGO community’’ for helping address social concerns.

Gov. Moreno said Ledesma’s pronouncement’s only showed that the archbishop is an "activist and a reform-minded Church leader."

‘‘His message to Cagayanons was so deep," said Moreno.

"Very inspiring,’’ said former Social Welfare secretary Soliman. ‘‘He became an archbishop at the right time and in right place.’’

gsd9000.tripod.com"can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Ledesma makes a 'triumphal entry' into C. de Oro

ARCHBISHOP Antonio Ledesma’s arrival from Zamboanga del Sur was greeted with a rousing fanfare in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro on Sunday.

Thousands waited as a caravan organized for the new archbishop passed by parishes until it reached St. Augustine Cathedral.

People waved white and yellow flags and hung welcome streamers along the highway.

Priests and parishioners, including local politicians, greeted Ledesma as he dropped by the towns.

He spent about 10 minutes in every town he visited just to talk to people, said Monsignor Rey Monsanto.

From the Our Lady of Peace Parish in Lugait town, Ledesma visited at least nine other Misamis Oriental towns––Man-ticao, Naawan, Initao, Libertad, Gitagum, La-guindingan, Alubijid, El Salvador and Opol––before proceeding to Caga-yan de Oro.

Archbishop emeritus Jesus Tuquib greeted his successor at the Arch-bishop’s Palace past 5 pm. The two visited a chapel where they briefly prayed. They then sang ‘‘Te Deum,’’ an early Christian hymn of praise.

From the chapel, Monsanto said Ledesma and Tuquib had dinner with priests, nuns and lay leaders.

Last night, a pre-installation reception for Ledesma was hosted by relatives and friends of the new archbishop, said the Rev. Fr. Butch Zayas.

The fanfare continues today with the official installation of Ledesma as the fourth archbishop of Cagayan de Oro by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio
Cardinal Rosales at the St. Augustine Cathedral. Some 11 bishops are expected to grace the event, including Bishop Angel Lagdameo, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Senate President Franklin Drilon, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and former Social Welfare secretary Dinky Soliman as well as local politicians are expected to witness Ledesma’s installation.

Ledesma and the local archdiocese would also honor Tuquib who served here for 22 years.

Ledesma hails from Negros and served as the dean of the College of Agriculture of the Jesuit-run Xavier University from 1983 to 1993. He was also dean of the Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences for three years before he was named the bishop of Ipil in l996.

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Militant groups ask Church leaders to openly oppose ID system

MILITANT groups in the city on Saturday challenged Church leaders and ‘‘intellectuals ’’in northern Mindanao to join them in asking the Supreme Court to reverse its previous decision on the ‘‘unified multi-purpose identification system," saying the scheme would result in violation of citizens’ rights.

Ryan Guerrero of the local Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said the ID system would become another form of harassment.

During the rally near the capitol, activists sharply criticized President Arroyo’s Executive Order 420, calling it ‘‘anti-people’’ and the ‘‘handiwork’’ of National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales.

The ID system, according to Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran’s daughter Oda, would allow the state to spy on citizens suspected of being the government’s enemies.

The KMU and other militant groups said they would launch an information campaign aimed at telling people in the region about the dangers of the planned ID system.

They maintained that EO 420 is the same as Administrative Order 308, which was issued in 1996 by then president Fidel Ramos. The administrative order was an attempt to set up a national computerized identification reference system.

The High Court invalidated AO 308 on the grounds that "a national ID card system requires legislation because it creates a new national data collection and card issuance system where none existed before."

"People are really tired on the government’s position on the right of the people to live in a democratic country like the Philippines," said Guerrero.

Beltran’s daughter Oda said Arroyo’s executive order was tantamount to usurpation of legislative powers.

Guerrero called on Cchurch leaders in Cagayan de Oro and elsewhere in the region to openly criticize the proposed ID system for the sake of citizens whose right to privacy would likely be violated.

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Tanduay faces Young Guns, Slashers meet Veterans in Oro Aces Summer Tourney Crossover Semis

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mike Baños / May 28) IT was supposed to be two no-bearing games to mark the end of the elimination round, but someone forgot to tell the Oro Aces. Result? A pair of cliff hangers that saw some of the best basketball in the summer tournament so far.

In the first game, No. 4 Tanduay racked up its second straight win after four straight defeats at the expense of No. 1 Team A Young Guns, the same team they now have to beat twice in the crossover semifinals to get a shot at the summer tourney crown.

The Distillers used an eye-popping 39-point third quarter after scoring only six in the second, to cushion the 26 points of Boyet Macarayan and prevail, 83-80 after the Young Guns erased a 18-point third quarter deficit behind the torrid shooting of Macarayan, who dropped six triples, four of them in the last quarter, to tie the game twice.

Despite outscoring Tanduay 32-17 in the final canto, the Young Guns, who sorely missed the scoring sock of J.B. Valle, Ramil Rendon and Acenas, and the rebounding of Luis Borja, missed several scoring chances in the final 40 seconds of regulation that would've sent it into overtime.

The Distillers leaned on the team high 23 points of Bert Lim and the 19 points of Arnold Bertulfo, most of them in the paint, to buck Macarayan's game high 26 points. Loloy Bollozos chipped in 16 and Gali Garcia 15 points for the losers.

In the second game, the Team C Veterans proved steadier down the homestretch to lead all the way in turning back the Slashers of Team B, 75-64. The Veterans played ball control throughout, more by necessity than purpose, having only seven players to field, but controlled the tempo from the start, ending the first and second quarters on top 24-17 and 42-34, behind the 1-2 outside-inside punch of Alan Lumayno who shot a tournament high 28 points and the slashing of Gabriel Rosales who chipped in 20.

The Slashers closed to within three after the third quarter, 53-50, leaning on the beefy Acedera and Gonzaga to outscore the Veterans 16-11 for the period. But experience proved too much in the final canto as Lumayno continued his steady sniping with a game high six treys and veterans Jun Oran and Tony Cadiz controlled the boards and successfully protected the lead for the final count.

Due to scheduled repairs at the MPSC gym, the tournament shifts venue to the Macasandig covered courts next Sunday as Tanduay meets Team A in a grudge match, needing two games to get into the finals. Team B and C were tied with similar records of 3-3 after the double round robin elimination round but Team B gained the No. 3 seed as a result of its +17 quotient, compared to only +11 for Team C. Thus, Team C will also have to beat Team B in their rematch this Sunday to get into the tournament finals.
____________

Schedule of Games:
Cross-Over Semifinals
June 4, 2006
Bgy. Macasandig Covered Basketball Court

First Game : No. 1 (Team A)* vs. No. 4 (Tanduay)
Second Game: No. 2 (Team B)* vs No.3 (Team C)

* Twice to beat advantage

Results:

First Game:

TANDUAY 83 – B. Lim 23, A. Bertulfo 19, R. Roma 13,

G. Keng 10, Gonzales B. 6,

G. Lim 4, D. Guevara 4,

F. Lim 2, V. Guevara 2

TEAM A Young Guns 80– B. Macarayan 26,

K. Bollozos 16,

Garcia G. 15,

V. Gaabucayan 7,

De La Cruz 6,

Banaag 6,

J. Reyes 4,

L.R. Banos 0

Quarters: 21-13, 27-32, 66-48, 83-80

Second Game :

TEAM C Veterans 75 – A. Lumayno 28, G. Rosales 20,

P. Oran 10, A. Cadiz 9, M. Banos 2, A. Bax 0

TEAM B Slashers 64 – Acedera 16, L. Cadiz 12, Amparo 12,

R. Labitad 7, P. Oran 5, Gonzaga 4,

D. Ramas 4, Cadiz 4, N. Onico 0, J.G Banos 0

Quarters : 24-17, 42-34, 53-50, 75-64
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'Irresponsible,' says Zubiri of Nat'l security adviser

Baguio defend Arroyo adviser, Camp Evagelista

BUKIDNON Gov. Jose Zubiri yesterday continued to hurl brickbats at National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales. He called the Palace official ‘‘irresponsible.’’

Zubiri’s tirades came even as the provincial board threatened to declare Gonzales persona non grata unless he apologized to Bukidnon for claiming that there were mass graves in the province.

The mass graves story was later denied by the source––barangay chairperson Jimmy Arion of Kibongtod, San Fernando town––whom Gonzales cited when he made the claim at Camp Evangelista over a week ago.

Zubiri said the story was a hoax. He denied that two mass graves were found in Quezon and San Fernando towns and that these yielded 29 bodies.

The bodies supposedly belonged to victims of the New People’s Army (NPA).
But Zubiri said only one body was exhumed by the military in San Fernando last year.

‘‘Bukidnon is peaceful,’’ said Zubiri, citing a military report that said the Maoist rebel group only has a little over 100 armed members in the province.

Bukidnon officials said Gonzales’ pronouncements make the province look like a ‘‘killing fields,’’ hence the demand for a public apology.

Arion, the village chief, was presented by the military to Gonzales during his recent visit to Camp Evangelista, the seat of the army in the region. After he ‘‘escaped’’ from Camp Evangelista, he claimed the military forced him to make the story up.

The police in northern Mindanao however defended Gonzales and Camp Evangelista, saying the claim was ‘‘factual and no concoction.’’

It was just a matter of semantics, said regional police director Chief Supt. Florante Baguio.

Said Baguio: "There are killings that were attributed to the CPP-NPA (but there are) no mass graves. The term used is not correct, it should be ‘buried separately.’’’

Baguio said the pronouncements of Gonzales were based on facts, adding that the remains of over 20 people murdered by communist rebels were found in the province.

But he said the victims were killed and buried separately since 2000.
The victims, he said, were ordinary civilians from the hinterlands of Bukidnon who did not cooperate with the rebels.

Baguio said he suspected Arion was under pressure, hence the retraction.
"The probability of a threat on Arion and his family is possible. That is the usual practice of the rebels," said Baguio.

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Luna to rights advocates: What about the NPA's civilian killings?

FOURTH Infantry Division chief Cardoso Luna on Wednesday lashed at human right advocates in northern Mindanao for ‘‘unfair’’ and ‘‘biased’’ to the military.

"Why only us? They are just are criticizing us if there are violations committed by soldiers. It is unfair to us," said Maj. Gen. Luna, speaking before reporters.

Luna said communist rebels have committed many human rights violations and yet the same groups never raised a howl of protest.

Luna said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have been abusing ordinary civilians and have even killed innocent people.

"Where are freedom, justice and equality there?" Luna asked.
Luna also called on the Commission of Human Rights ‘‘to be factual and fair’’ to the military and the police.

He challenged CHR to investigate the alleged human rights violations, including murders, committed by rebels, citing the case of farmers who were allegedly tortured and then killed by guerrillas in an outlying village in Surigao.

"Pinatay sila ng walang kalabanlaban, nasaan ang hustisya? Nasaan ang mga human right advocates dyan?" asked Luna.

He also challenged militant groups to make a stand and issue statements in regard to killings attributed to the NPA.

Meanwhile, Luna assured that journalists would not be barred from Camp Evangelista, the seat of the army’s 4th ID. He said this in response to reports that Camp Aguinaldo issued a memorandum to restrict the movement of journalists in military camps, including Camp Evangelista.

Luna also assured that the military was not spying on journalists.

"What we are asking is for you tell us where you want to go and we’ll make the coordination," Luna told reporters.

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily, gsd9000.tripod.com>Link

Mindanao power supply to remain critical despite coal plant

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mike Baños / May 25) The worst may be over for the Mindanao grid this summer with the onset of the rainy season, but power supply in the island remains critical, as oil fired plants come down and repairs in its hydroelectric plants continue.

Emmanuel Abellanosa, Transco area manager for North Central Mindanao, said they have been constrained to implement voluntary power curtailment or "power shedding" at various times this simmer due to imbalances between the available power from National Power Corporation (NPC) and the demand from residential, commercial and industrial users.

"There's not enough spinning reserve in the Mindanao grid to address contingencies," Abellanosa said.

NPC figures show the system gross reserve in Mindanao from the latter half of 2005 to year end 2006 to be insufficient to meet the 11.9-percent load following/frequency reserve and spinning reserve requirements.

NPC president Cyril C. del Callar, NPC president Cyril C. del Callar earlier warned that "recurring power shortages are expected especially during peak periods, when generators and or associated transmission lines are on forced outage."

Peak power demand in Mindanao this summer topped 1,100 megawatts but the NPC only managed to supply an average of 1,050 megawatts to the Mindanao Power Grid. As a result, whenever there's a glitch in the distribution system, power is cut in some areas as the grid seeks to balance the remaining available power throughout the delicately balanced system.

Abellanosa said NPC's total power generated has been curtailed due to ongoing rehabilitation works in the Agus IV Hydro-Electric Power Plant at Iligan City, the 255-megawatt Pulangi IV Hydro Electric Plant in Bukidnon and the Iligan Diesel Power Plant in Ditucalan, Iligan City, turned over a few years back by independent power producer Northern Mindanao Power Corporation.

Agus IV's generators Nos.1 and 4 with a total output of 92 MW experienced problems with its turbines while low water level in the catchment area for the Pulangi IV HEP drastically curtailed its production. The Iligan Diesel Power Plant (25 MW) is not producing as much power as it should.

As a result, power supply to the Zamboanga peninsula and nearby areas was curtailed by 50MW causing up to three hour power outages although Cagayan de Oro city managed to get by due to the Mindanao Energy Systems (Minergy) power plant which augmented available power to the local utility (Cagayan de Oro Electric Power & Light Co. or CEPALCO) with 18 MW.

The onset of rains bodes well for the hydroelectric power complexes in Agus and Pulangi rivers but until power from these sources stabilize, Transco would be constrained to continue its power shedding contingency, Abellanosa said.

Rafael Magbanua, communications officer for Transco NCMA, said at least 85 percent of Mindanao has already been tapping independent power producers (IPPs) and NPC power barges particularly in key areas.

"But we are still talking about a very erratic and critical power supply...this power sourcing is very abnormal still," he said.

That's for the short term. Over the medium and long term, even if only ongoing base load coal-fired power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental comes online as scheduled by year end, it's merely going to patch things over but not fix it.

Although the grid is being weaned away from its traditional dependence on hydroelectric power plants, the bulk of generated power in the island is still being sourced from the Agus Hydroelectric Power Plants in Iligan City and Lanao del Sur and the Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plants in Maramag, Bukidnon.

The Regional Development Council in Region 10 (RDC-10) has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating power situation in Mindanao.

Arsenio L. Sebastian III, RDC-10 vice-chairman and Dr. Modesto Babaylan, RDC 10 infrastructure committee co-chairman, disclosed recently that Pulangi is producing only 100-120MW of its 255MW rated capacity due to accumulated siltation in the Pulangi River feeding its catchment basin.

Besides the lack of available funds to dredge the Pulangi river, Sebastian said they also have no place to dump the dredged silt taken from it.

Sebastian is also concerned the Mindanao Coal –Fired Power Plant might be delayed. Department of Energy statistics show a rising demand for power that the present supply might be unable to meet even with the new base load plant online, he said.

STEAG state power communications officer Jerome Soldervilla said RDC-10's fears are unfounded. "As of 15 May 2006, the power plant project is 95.5% complete. Based on this figure vis-à-vis the timelines, we are on track and confident that it will commence commercial operations by end of this year,"

"Right now, we are at the commissioning stage, meaning all mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment undergo series of testing," he added. "Transco's term of 'on-line' simply means that the power plant (through its 6-kilometer 138kV transmission line connected to Transco's sub-station in Natumulan, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental) is already energized and is technically connected to the grid."


NPC President del Callar earlier said that from 2007 to 2008, power supply in Mindanao would be stable as the system gross reserve remains sufficient to meet the LFFR and spinning reserve with the scheduled commissioning of the 200 MW coal plant.

The average power supply reserve margin in the Mindanao grid from 2005 to 2008 is 7.26% with 2008 having the lowest projected power supply reserve margin of 3.93% . By 2009, peak demand for power in Mindanao will start to exceed the existing power capacity , with additional new capacity of about 57 MW to be needed for the year and an average of 116 MW every year thereafter.

But the environmental advocacy group Task Force Macajalar (TFC) has called the NPC projections inaccurate.

TFM spokesperson BenCyrus Ellorin said Mindanao can sustain its power needs without resorting to fossil fuels like oil or coal because its existing hydropower plants are sufficient to meet the island's needs if their full potential of 12,000MW is tapped.

Latest NPC figures only show an existing power band of 982 –1,500 MW with independent power producers (IPPs) capable of another 543 MW.

NPC expects power demand in Mindanao to grow 11.8 percent from 2005-2011 and would need to have an installed capacity of 2,830MW by the end of this period with the Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant filling the gap.

Ellorin believes Mindanao would be better off if it rehabilitates its present hydroelectric power plants and reforest the watersheds that support them or inter-connect with the rest of the Philippine grid with the Leyte-Mindanao Inter-connection project.

The Mindanao grid is divided into three sub-grids - North, West, and South Mindanao. Of these, , only North Mindanao enjoys an excess capacity while the West and South Mindanao grids have to import from the North Mindanao sub-grid to sufficiently address peak power demand in their respective areas.

The country's Power Development Plan for 2005 to 2014 stresses the importance of putting up more power generating plants in order to avert a power shortfall in the major islands of the country, particularly in Mindanao since the previous surplus has been effectively erased with the reopening of the National Steel Corporation (NSC, now Global Steel International, Inc. or GSII) steel plant in Iligan City.

If power plants were to deliver the expected power supply in the future, the time to construct them (in no. of years) would be : coal (6), hydro (5), geothermal (5), diesel (high capacity)-4, gas turbine (4), wind (4), diesel (low capacity)-1, power barge (8 mos.)

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Enteria warns of Oro ban on VT Lao

COUNCILOR Maryanne Enteria yesterday threatened to push for a ban on Adhi Karya-VT Lao Construction in the city if the firm fails to finish in giving the Ysalina Bridge a major facelift on time.

Enteria also warned the contractor could be slapped with forfeiture unless it finishes the project on or before June 23.

She said the firm’s executives may even be declared persona non grata in the city.

"Sorry for them if they fail to finish the repair of bridge on the target date. People are expecting them to follow the contract heartily... The contractors should be man enough in their dealings with the government," said the councilor.

Enteria said she is serious in her plans to convince her fellow councilors to demand the forfeiture of the the contract and in banning Adhi Karya-VT Lao Construction from undertaking more projects in the city.

The warning came after a representative of the construction firm undertaking the Ysalina Bridge retrofitting project failed to attend the city councilo session last Monday despite an invitation. It was the second time, according to councilors, that the firm ‘‘snubbed’’ the council.

The council invited Jesus Diaz, resident engineer of the construction firm contracted to repair the Ysalina Bridge, and the district engineers to answer questions in regard to the ongoing project last Monday.

"We’re now studying their contract,’’ said Enteria. ‘‘If they will fail to show up during the session next week, the resolution may be filed," warned Enteria.

She added: "The harshest will be declaring them persona non grata if they would fail to appear again."

Meanwhile, Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya said the construction company should be asked to issue a bond to the government from five percent to 10 percent of the total cost of the project.

"This proposal would only be effective through an ordinance. We have no enabling ordinance to impose or demand a bond yet," Nacaya said.

Nacaya said the city council should immediately approve a resolution to this effect if local legislators feel that the contractor would not be able to finish the project on time.

Nacaya said he agreed that the firm’s executives should be declared persona non grata if they fail to beat their June 23 deadline or if they snub the city council again.

"They are supposed to come in aid of legislation and for the interest of the people of Cagayan de Oro," Nacaya said.

Diaz declined to comment when asked why he did not show up last Monday. He merely maintained that the firm would finish the project on time.

Earlier, Diaz faulted city hall for the delay, saying it did not immediately act on its request to start the project last March. The city hall greenlight, he said, was given in late April, hence the delay.

"There is nothing wrong with their (councilors’) plan, that is their right. I am only hoping that their criticisms would be based on the contract," Diaz said.

Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers, the acting mayor, earlier issued an order allowing the bridge to be fully closed until June 4.

She was reportedly assured that the complete closure of the bridge until June 4 would fasttrack the ongoing repairs. The extension would mean that the project would be finished on June 15 or eight days ahead of the target date, according to the City Information Office.

One lane of the Ysalina bridge will be opened to vehicles from Carmen from 5 am to 2 pm and to motorists bound to Carmen from 2 p.m. to 10 pm starting on June 5.

The project has been blamed for the traffic jams that have inconvenienced thousands of motorists and commuters since May 7.

that can be read at Gold Star Daily>link

A Call to Arms

Hammer&Anvil

By Mike Banos

EARLIER this week a radio journalist earned the dubious distinction of becoming the 42nd media worker to be killed under President Arroyo's tenure at Malacanang, the 79th since 1986, the fifth in the first five months of this year.

It has also won the Philippines the equally dubious distinction of being the most dangerous country in the world for journalists, second only to strife-torn Iraq.
And how does Malacanang react to this appalling genocide in its constituency? Urging journalists to carry firearms to defend themselves. Hello?

Even regional police director Chief Supt. Florante Baguio admits this is no guarantee for the safety of journalists'. He cited the case of the radio commentator who managed to fire back at his assailants but still died from his wounds.

The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) concurs. We thank the PNP's PRO-10 for their assurance of support and protection but again, this is no assurance of safety for the members of the fourth estate.

The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) said in a statement both police and the military should ensure the safety of journalists because arming journalists is an admission of failure from the authorities to protect not only media but anybody from armed assault and perpetrates what NUJP spokesperson Joe Torres calls "the culture of impunity."

The body count of murdered journalists under the GMA presidency already exceeds that of the 14 year Marcos dictatorship and similarly unabated attacks on human rights activists will soon make the record for that death count history also.

The PNP has admitted that, of the 79 journalists killed since the so-called democratic restoration of 1986, only five cases have been resolved by the courts, and in none of those instances was the mastermind ever brought to justice, perhaps because many of those responsible are themselves persons in authority.

The failure of this administration to protect the Filipino people, journalists among them, is its failure to defend democracy. On top of that, it has the gall to continue trying to censor media, adding insult to the injury already heaped on the "free" Philippine press for this conspiracy to bury the truth from its constituents.

Now, the deaths of our colleagues has become fair game in the name of political survival and gamesmanship. Enough is indeed enough.

Let this insult on journalists to protect themselves with guns be our battle cry and call to arms.

The NUJP is right in saying let us fight this battle with the weapons we know best– our profession, our pens, our cameras, our microphones.

Over and above that, may I also humbly exhort our colleagues to continue doing with fervor their excellent record of reportage which has unveiled the graft and corruption in our society responsible for this genocide of those who dare bring their lies, deceit and thievery into the light of day.

Tama na! Sobra na! Makibaka na kayo! Makibaka tayong lahat!

Mabuhay ang Filipino….


comments to mike_banos@walla.com
">Link

Enough Is Enough: NUJP

NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Arroyo government may argue until it is blue in the face that a culture of impunity does not exist in the country.It should tell that to the family of Palawan broadcaster Fernando "Dong" Batul, murdered early this morning on his way to anchor his regular Bastonero program on DYPR in Puerto Princesa.

And to the families of Albert Orsolino, gunned down in Caloocan City on May 16, Iring Maranan, mauled just hours after Orsolino's murder by San Pablo City, Laguna Councilor Edgardo Adajar in full view of 100 people, including other journalists, and our 40 other colleagues who have lost their lives in the five years since Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power.

With a death toll of journalists that has already far outstripped the 34 claimed by the 14-year dictatorship and the unabated murders of activists in numbers human rights groups say is fast catching up to the Marcos regime's record, we no longer see how this administration can claim to preside over a society that claims to be the freest in this part of the world.

The murder of Batul happened just three days after UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura warned Friday that, "When violence poses a permanent threat for journalists, it poses a threat to the whole of society.""When crimes against journalists remain unpunished, the future of a country is endangered and organized crime or corruption becomes the main beneficiaries of this impunity," he said.

Indeed, the Philippine National Police itself has acknowledged that, of the 79 killings of journalists since the so-called democratic restoration of 1986, only five cases have been resolved by the courts.And we stress that, while the killers in these cases may have been convicted, NOT A SINGLE MASTERMIND has ever been brought to justice.

Not to mention the fact that, in many cases, the killings may be traced to agents of state security.We hold Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her administration accountable for the murders of our colleagues under her watch and the increasingly brazen manner in which they have been killed.

For not only has this administration's inaction emboldened those who would impose on us the ultimate form of censorship – death – it has actually attempted to muzzle the independent Philippine press.

In its obsession with national security and its own survival, this administration has failed to protect the lives and respect the rights of the Filipino people, journalists included, and consequently failed to defend democracy.

To our legitimate demands for justice and security, what we get are empty promises, inutile task forces, and fatuous claims by the likes of National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales that "forces out to destabilize" the government are behind our colleagues' deaths and those of hundreds of activists.

We reject and condemn such facile attempts to trivialize our colleagues' deaths and make them another pawn in the political games this government plays.Today, we say enough is enough. We have condemned enough. We have issued statement enough.

We have marched in the streets and called government's attention enough.Today, we call on all our colleagues to fight back.Let us cease to be just observers and recorders to the death of democracy.

United, we can fight back the threats to our lives and liberties with the weapon we know best how to use – our profession, our pens, our cameras, our microphones.We call on the people, the public, the audiences we serve, to stand with us.

For the Freedom of the Press we struggle to uphold is not ours alone but the logical extension of the people's right to free expression and to know from which all other rights emanate.It is clear that the survival of democracy now rests solely in our hands.

www.nujp.org ">Link

30 southern Philippines journalists attend peace, conflict journalism seminar in Davao

Mindanao-based journalists strike a pose during the Peace and Conflict Journalism seminar held at Eden Nature Park and Resort in Davao City. The 4-day seminar is the second this year. In January, the PECOJON held a similar seminar in Zamboanga City. PECOJON has members in at least 11 countries. The participants were selected from newspaper, television and radio reporters and film makers from all over the southern Philippines who finish on May 17, 2006, sponsored by the international Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON), InWent and Pax Christi in Davao City's Eden Nature Park.

The De Venecia Code... 'rated-GP'?

The De Venecia Code: A protester dressed as a monk and wearing an Arroyo mask stands in front of a photograph of De Venecia to protest attempts to amend the Constitution.

Opol freezes Barra road levy

THE Opol government suspended over the weekend the implementation of a barangay law that authorizes the collection of fees from drivers of ‘‘commercial’’ vehicles that use a road in the village of Barra.

The suspension order came even as the town government started looking into the complaints of taxi and jeepney drivers in regard to the road-use fees, said Opol town administrator Fermin Jarales.

On Saturday, Jarales reportedly told Barra barangay chairperson Emiliano Madronal to temporarily stop the collections in view of the investigation.

Jarales said the town government would also look into the validity of the Barra ordinance.
"We will look into the legitimacy of the ordinance. In the meantime, the collections of fees will be suspended," said Jarales who was acting mayor. The mayor, Dixon Yasay, was reportedly in Manila.

Last week, a group of mostly taxi and jeepney drivers complained about the collections and questioned the validity of the barangay ordinance.

One taxi driver said that collectors have been asking him to pay P2 to P5 every time he would bring a passenger to the place.

Madronal, the barangay chairperson, reportedly maintained that the collections were legal. The collections go to the barangay treasury, the chairperson was quoted as saying.

The barangay law, Ordinance 2002-030, authorized the collection of fees from drivers of public vehicles, including market vendors, who use the road leading to Vamenta and Jonhdorf subdivisions.

Jarales said the ordinance would likely need some changes if investigators find any of its provisions ‘‘fishy.’’

Jarales said Madronal was invited to shed light on the ordinance during a session of the town council today.

Cagayan de Oro Journal tried to interview Madronal but his staff said the official was attending a meeting.

A woman at the barangay office who spoke on condition of anonymity said collectors were only collecting P2 from every taxi and jeepney driver. She denied allegations that some drivers pay as much as P3 to P5.

She also apoligized for the way Madronal behaved during an earlier interview with this paper. An angry Madronal hung up in the middle of a phone interview. "We are sorry for what our chairman (Madronal) did during the interview.’’

Jarales said Barra officials could set up a billboard to inform the public about the ordinance. He said collectors also need to be easily identified by the public.

"They should be responsible to the public. They should not allow ordinances to become problems but solutions," Jarales said.

He also said investigators would check if the ‘‘cash tickets’’ given to drivers were properly documented for auditing purposes.

The tickets being used by Barra officials were bought from the town government. These came from the provincial treasurer’s office.

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily>

Bridge contractor snubs city council

REPRESENTATIVES of Adhi VT Lao Construction, the firm undertaking the Ysalina Bridge retrofitting project, were a no-show during the city council’s session yesterday.

‘‘This is a clear defiance,’’ said Councilor Edgar Cabanlas as he expressed disappointment.

Councilor Maryanne Enteria said it was the second time the firm and officials of the public works department ‘‘snubbed’’ the city council.

The council invited the contractor and government engineers to shed light on the ongoing bridge repair that has been blamed for traffic jams in the city since May 7.

‘‘They cannot ignore the city council just like that,’’ said Councilor Simeon Licayan.

Councilor Ian Nacaya said city hall might resort to drastic measures unless the contractor and public works officials show up during the next council session.

Councilor Alvin Calingin said the ongoing bridge retrofitting has inconvenienced residents and has caused damages.

Earlier, an engineer of the construction company faulted city hall for the delay in the implementation of the retrofitting project. He said the firm sought city hall’s permission to implement the project as early as March but the green light was given a month later.

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily, gsd9000.tripod.com>Link

Opol government slaps 4 beach resorts with closure orders

LOCAL officials ordered the closure of four beach resorts in Opol, Misamis Oriental, for allegedly violating a town ordinance that requires lifeguards and other important requirements.

"This is an effort to make Opol beaches safe, secure and clean," said Opol municipal administrator Fermin Jarales over the weekend.

The beaches of Opol are among the most crowded in Misamis Oriental because of the town’s proximity to Cagayan de Oro.

Jarales said local officials documented specific cases of safety breaches at the beach resorts.

Slapped with closure orders were the Lacang-lacang, Baybayon, Cagatin and at least another beach resort.

The beach resorts are said to be owned by Nestor, Fe, Leah and Mario Yasay. The beaches, according to Jarales, are located between Roan and Marvilla beach resorts.

"They can only operate again after they have fully complied with the existing ordinances," said Jarales.

Meanwhile, the Opol police has heightened security operations on the beach. Police are keeping an eye on the beach resorts in shifts 24 hours a day.

This is so, according to Opol police chief Henry Dampal, because the beach resorts were being used as hangouts and for drinking sessions of gangs that have been scaring villagers.

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily, gsd.tripod.com>Link

"Bato bato sa langit ang tamaan huwag magalit...pls!"

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'Da Vinci' breaks record sales in Oro

THE controversial film The Da Vinci Code is raking in record profits in predominantly Roman Catholic Cagayan de Oro where film piracy has nearly put local cinemas to sleep. Gaisano, which is showing the film at its Cinema 2, recorded ticket sales of some P100 thousand on the first day alone.

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Romanian theater group conducts workshops, performances in Oro

MISAMIS Oriental governor Oscar Moreno strikes a pose with Liceo de Cagayan University owner Madam Rafaelita Pelaez Golez and her son, an international pianist artist and awardee during opening rite of the World Festival of Drama Schools held at Capitol building on May 18, 2006. Right photo shows Romanian delegate, mostly students are singing their cultural song during fellowship night at the provincial capitol of Misamis Oriental. (Photos by ED MONTALVAN)

New Oro archbishop speaks on 'Da Vinci Code'

THE new archbishop of Cagayan de Oro on Friday doused cold water on calls to ban the film version of the controversial bestseller The Da Vinci Code, saying the local archdiocese would instead focus on teaching Roman Catholic doctrines and in telling people about the ‘‘erroneous claims’’ of book author Dan Brown.

The Movies and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) gave the film an R-rating last Tuesday––meaning, anyone below 18 years old are not supposed to see the film in the theaters. The adults rating also means SM-Cagayan de Oro would not show the film. The establishment has a policy against showing films that have been given R-ratings by MTRCB.

Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, who would officially assume the top Roman Catholic post in the city on May 30, said Brown’s book and its film version should be taken as a challenge.
It will ‘‘challenge the maturity of Christians,’’ said Ledesma in a phone interview.

The controversial film, which stars Oscar award winning actor Tom Hanks, is scheduled to be shown across the country on May 18, a day after it premieres at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

It’s a ‘‘soft stance,’’ said Ledesma on calls to ban the film. ‘‘Challenging Christians to be mature in their faith is the more difficult stance."

Ledesma, who is also vice president of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said the Conference has already started issuing guidelines that priests can follow in refuting claims in The Da Vinci Code.

Priests were told to emphasize that the book and its film version is a work of fiction, he said.
"We will just point out the errors. We will not call for a ban. We are just exhorting Christians to study," Ledesma told the Cagayan Journal.

He said other bishops have described the The Vinci Code as "a monetarily profitable attack on the divinity of Christ."

Ledesma said the local archdiocese would encourage Catholics in this part of the country ‘‘to study the history and the fundamental truths of the Catholic faith.’’

Early this week, Mayor Vicente Emano criticized groups that have called for a ban on the film in the city.

Emano, a Mason, said a ban on the film would curtail the right of citizens who want to watch the film that is based on a book that claims the Church suppressed information about Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene’s relationship by smearing the latter. Brown claims Christ and Magdalene had children.

He said those who have called for a ban on the film ‘‘overreacted.’’
"Dili angayan nga ila kining kagubutan," he said.

Like Ledesma, Emano religious groups should take The Da Vinci Code as a challenge so Christians could strengthen their faith.

"Angayan ang Katoliko mag-lig-on sa ilang pagtuo. Challenge kini sa ila," he said. "Naa ra kana nimo kung ma-usab ang imong pagtuo."

"that can be read at Gold Star Daily>

‘Pinoy eagle has landed on summit of Everest’

MOUNTAINEER Heracleo "Leo" Oracion became the first Filipino to conquer the 8,848-meter Mount Everest yesterday, May 17.
Arturo Valdez, leader of the first Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition, said Oracion, of Lukban, Quezon, reached the summit of the world’s tallest peak at 3:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. in Manila).

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30 Journalists Finish PECOJON Peace Seminar

PECOJON international coordinator German journalist Antonia Koop gives out training certificates to Cagayan Journal editor Ben Balce. The seminar is the second this year for Mindanao-based journalists. In January, the PECOJON held a similar seminar in Zamboanga City. PECOJON has members in at least 11 countries. With Koop is Len Manriques (far, center) of PECOJON.

Rey Naranja, (not in photo) representative of Germany's InWent, speaks to selected newspaper, television and radio reporters and film makers from all over the southern Philippines who finish Monday 17 May 2006 seminar on peace and conflict journalism sponsored by the international Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON), InWent and Pax Christi in Davao City's Eden Nature Park.

COWD rules out water rationing in Oro

LOCAL fire department based in Barangay Bulua helps in delivering potable water to Buenavista Village residents. (Photo by Cagayandeorojournal)

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Peace Journalism and the Cynics in Us

Hammer&Anvil
By Mike Banos

WE just came back Monday from Davao city after attending a seminar-workshop on Peace and Conflict Journalism at the Eden Resort in the hills above D.C. Joining me for the Northern Mindanao journalists were the"Cardinal of Lanao" from Linamon, Lanao del Norte, Richel Umel; Aping Bergado, freelance combat videographer extraordinaire; Ryan Rosauro of Business World from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental; Aurell Arais of DXDB Radyo Bandilyo in Malaybalay City and Ben Balce of Gold Star Daily.

The seminar-workshop was organized by PECOJON (Peace and Conflict Journalism Network), a group of international journalists started in Bacolod City but with headquarters in Germany who banded together in a commitment for responsible and constructive conflict reporting aimed at peaceful solutions to root causes of conflict. It was supported by InWEnt or Internationale Beiterbildung und Entwicklung gGmbH (Capacity Building Internationale, Germany), an organization for international human resources development, advanced training and dialogue.

In the van, as always, were the grizzled veterans of combat reporting in Mindanao, like Julie Alipala of PDI, John Unson of Philippine Star, Al Jacinto of Zamboangajournal.com, Malu Manar of NDBC, Boy Punzalan of PNA-Cotabato, Rommel Rebollido of PNA, Charlie Senase of PDI & Mindanao Cross, Aqui Zonio of PDI-Gensan and of course, His Grace Richel and Froi from our region, to name a few.

Not to say the others knew or were less because of their age and experience, but those in this "veterans" group were the most vocal, having been the most in the line of fire, so to speak. Neither to fault our Bacolod-based German facilitator Antonia Koop (promptly christened with the Pinay nickname Toyang by the older folks), who experienced combat reportage on her own in Palestine , Israel and Kenya as a journalist and filmmaker
Here we all deferred to the veterans, since they've been there, done all that.

Being most under fire and already having lost quite a number of comrades-in-arms as a result of the various conflicts which always seem to be just simmering under the surface of Mindanao's verdant greenery, most if not all of those present were all for Peace Journalism as explained by Toyang.

But, similarly, as already experienced by most everyone, especially those whose reports pass through a news desk and/or editor based in Manila and who usually have no idea of what's going on in Mindanao, much less the geography of the place, it's easier said than done. Time and resources seem to be the most prevalent problem in tackling the status quo.

Set for only two days, a plain discussion of the problems encountered by the Mindanao Press in attempting to inculcate Peace Journalism in their reportage is hardly enough time to take a good look at the problems, much less explore solutions to it.

Worse, the prevalent perception appears to be how the Manila-based news desks and editors cut up factual and well-researched reports to the way they want it to be, and that means the old school "war journalism".

Short of setting up an independent, Mindanao-based news agency dedicated to the principles of Peace Journalism as pioneered by Journalists Jake Lynch and his wife Annabel McGoldrick in the BBC, Sky News, and the Independent, it was the consensus of the group that unless a radical paradigm-shift in the orientation of the Manila based press who decided which reports would be published or go on-air and how they would look or sound like, it would be a Sisyphean task to task to even dare think peace journalism in Mindanao.

Nonetheless, it was likewise the consensus that sitting on our butts and pondering how decision makers in Manila or wherever the headquarters of the media outlets would ever be compelled to attend a seminar-workshop on Peace Journalism (what with the work load those people already have, with no one able to sit in their stead while they attend a 2-5 day seminar outside the city) was hardly a solution either, so we had to find a middle ground which was neither here nor there, but generally headed in the same general direction as Jake, Annabel and Toyang eventually would want us to be.

Even this first step already pressupposes organization and advocacy. Organization to facilitate the flow and exchange of information between journalists whose times are already at a premium due to the nature of their vocation; and advocacy to sell the idea of peace journalism especially to decision makers in government, media and NGOs and most especially to local political leaders who are all in a position to decide whether or not Peace Reportage has a place in their vested interests and future.

To start, I've proposed the organization of an independent email group where participants to the recent seminar can talk and discuss their ideas with each other and where future directions and initiatives can be presented for future consideration. As our great, great grandfather Lao Tzu used to tell us, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

comments to mike_banos@walla.com
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Waterless Patag folk threaten to stage rally, file lawsuit

ANGRY residents of Patag yesterday threatened to stage a rally to call on city hall to pressure VT Lao Construction to speed up the ongoing repair of the Ysalina Bridge.

They also threatened to file charges against those responsible for the disruption of the water supply to their communities.

The warning came as a result of a water crisis in Patag that stemmed from the retrofitting of the Ysalina Bridge, also known as the Carmen Bridge, this week.

‘‘We will call the attention of Mayor (Vicente) Emano in a protest rally in front of city hall,’’ one of the residents said. They were contemplating a lawsuit but ‘‘that would be the last resort.’’

Patag is among the barangays that have been badly affected by the ongoing bridge repair. Most of its communities have become waterless since Wednesday after the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) was forced to temporarily cut off a pipeline attached to the half a century-old Ysalina Bridge.

"The worst thing next to traffic (has) now happened, (there is) no water supply," said Engr. Jose Abucejo, a former COWD assistant general manager and a resident of Buenavista Village in Patag.
Abucejo described the situation in Patag: ‘‘It’s torturing us.’’

He called on city hall to quickly act on the problem.
COWD said the water crisis resulting from the bridge repair not only affected villages in the western area. It said the entire city would suffer from low pressure.

COWD chairperson Rey Java said the supply of water to the communities would not normalize until the pipeline is restored. And restoration would not be possible until the construction firm is finished with the retrofitting.

Badly hit areas include Carmen, Patag, Balulang, Bulua, Bulua, Kauswagan, Bonbon and Bayabas, Iponan and some areas in Barra, Opol town, Misamis Oriental.

A group of residents at Mendoza compound in Patag blamed city hall for the water crisis, saying it did not prepare for the bridge project.

One of the residents said he would rather have traffic jams than no water supply.
They said over 100 families in Mendoza Compound and Buenavista Village alone have been suffering due to the complete absence of a water supply since Wednesday.

"The COWD should help us (by) providing potable water. The local government is the one liable," said another homeowner.

Meanwhile, homeowners’ and youth associations’ in Patag have appealed to Patag barangay chairperson Maricor Calizo to act on the problem.

Maura Sabud, one of the complainant of the homeowners’ group, said Calizo should bring the complaints to city hall to pressure local officials to look for ways in solving the problem.

Sabud also asked the local fire department to help in delivering potable water for Patag residents.

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Parents of food-poisoning victims want people responsible identified

A GROUP of parents have called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to step in and identify the people who should be held responsible for the food poisoning of close to 90 workers of the Gaisano malls in the city a few weeks ago.

The group, composed of parents of some of the victims, said it was dismayed over the failure of local authorities to go public with the results of their investigation into the food poisoning.

"It would be hard for workers to file a complaint. They are only ordinary workers,’’ a parent of one of the victims said. He requested anonymity, saying his daughter is still working as a cashier at one of the Gaisano malls.

The group said it was puzzled because the team created to investigate the Gaisano incident has yet to release a clear investigation report.

"We want to know the result of the investigation and their recommendation. Who should be made to pay?’’ the group asked.

They said they were happy at first because many investigators and doctors came. ‘‘But all of a sudden, there was silence. It’s as if no investigation was ever made,’’ they said.

On the day Gaisano workers were rushed to hospitals, officials immediately formed a team composed of experts from the Department of Health (DOH), the city hall-run JR Borja Memorial Hospital and the state-run Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) to investigate the Gaisano incident.

Councilor Simeon Licayan, chairperson of the city’s health committee, also said at that time that a medical team from city hall led by Dr. Joselito Retuya was tasked to investigate. He said city hall’s actions would be based on the team’s recommedations.

"We’re still waiting... no one has really identified the people who should be held liable," the parents of the victims said.

Councilor Reynaldo Advincula said health authorities were certain the workers became sick after eating pancit (noodles) served by the employees’ cooperative. He however said the people who should be held liable have yet to be identified.
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"The Carmelite Code"

SEVERAL years before the publication of Dan Brown's thriller “The Da Vinci Code,” a group of nuns at the Carmelite Monastery in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines put up a mysterious sign that was never decoded. The sign showed an arrow that some Biblical archaeologists believed pointed to an underground vault that possibly contained the Holy Grail. The sign no longer exists today. Posing as cryptologist is Elson Elizaga. (Photo by CLARA MARIE ASUNCION Q. GONZALES ELIZAGA)

Sorry for the inconvenience...

THE YSALINA Bridge, also known as Carmen Bridge in Cagayan de Oro City will not be fully passable until next month because it will undergo a major facelift, reads a signboard placed near city hall. The City has started to experience worst traffic starting Sunday. (Photo by Cagayan de Oro Journal)

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Cardinal eyes legal suit vs 'The Da Vinci Code'

IN the latest Vatican broadside against "The Da Vinci Code," a leading cardinal says Christians should respond to the book and film with legal action because both offend Christ and the Church he founded.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, a Nigerian who was considered a candidate for pope last year, made his strong comments in a documentary called "The Da Vinci Code-A Masterful Deception."

Arinze's appeal came some 10 days after another Vatican cardinal called for a boycott of the film. Both cardinals asserted that other religions would never stand for offences against their beliefs and that Christians should get tough.

"Christians must not just sit back and say it is enough for us to forgive and to forget," Arinze said in the documentary made by Rome film maker Mario Biasetti for Rome Reports, a Catholic film agency specializing in religious affairs.

"Sometimes it is our duty to do something practical. So it is not I who will tell all Christians what to do but some know legal means which can be taken in order to get the other person to respect the rights of others," Arinze said.

"This is one of the fundamental human rights: that we should be respected, our religious beliefs respected, and our founder Jesus Christ respected," he said, without elaborating on what legal means he had in mind.

A transcript of the documentary, due to be screened in Rome later this month just before the release of the film version of the best-selling book at the Cannes Film Festival, was made available to Reuters.

The book, written by Dan Brown, has sold more than 40 million copies.

The novel is an international murder mystery centered on attempts to uncover a secret about the life of Christ that a clandestine society has tried to protect for centuries.

The central tenet of the book is that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children.

Blasphemy

"Those who blaspheme Christ and get away with it are exploiting the Christian readiness to forgive and to love even those who insult us. There are some other religions which if you insult their founder they will not be just talking. They will make it painfully clear to you," Arinze said.

This appeared to be a reference to protests by Muslims around the world over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.

Last month, another broadside against "The Da Vinci Code" was launched by Archbishop Angelo Amato, the number two official in the Vatican doctrinal office which was headed by Pope Benedict until his election last year.

Amato urged a boycott of the film and Arinze, like his fellow cardinal, also blasted the credibility of the book.

"'The Da Vinci Code' presents (Christianity) wrongly ... any film produced on the basis of that book is already in error from the word go, no matter how interesting it might appear," Arinze said.

Catholic group Opus Dei has told Sony Pictures that putting a disclaimer on the movie stressing it is a work of fiction would be a welcome show of respect toward the Church.

In the novel and film, Opus Dei is characterized as the latest in a series of secretive groups that worked over the centuries to obscure truths about Jesus Christ.

Opus Dei is a controversial conservative Church group whose members are mostly non-clerics and are urged to seek holiness in their everyday professional jobs and lives. It has rejected criticisms that it is secretive and elitist.

The movie, which is being released by Sony Pictures division Columbia Pictures, stars Tom Hanks. Sony Pictures is the media wing of Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp. (Vatican News)

Calls vs. Da Vinci useless: Advincula

COUNCILOR Reynaldo Advincula has shattered all hopes that the city council would reconsider its position on the upcoming showing of the controversial The Da Vinci Code in the city.

Advincula said calls made by the local Roman Catholic archdiocese and the Protestant-run Pilgrim Christian College for city hall to ban the film version of Dan Brown’s book were ‘‘useless.’’

“Granting that the city council reconsidered it (stand), can anyone stop the flow of pirated copies of the film into the city?” asked Advincula.

He said the issue now is on how authorities could prevent minors from buying the film’s pirated copies.

“The minors could have it for only P25 per copy. Even an ‘R-18’ rating would not bar minors seeing it,” said Advincula, adding that he has already bought a pirated copy of the controversial film at a public market.

He said the controversy sparked by the book and the film would make it easier for vendors to sell pirated copies.

“The Da Vinci is now the talk of the town... and it’s going to sell like ukay-ukay (used clothing),” Advincula said.

The responsibility, he said, now lies in the hands of citizens. He said parents should guide their children.
He also said law enforcers should use the law on piracy and seize pirated copies of the film.

Last Monday, the city council passed a resolution urging the movie and television Reguilatory and Complaints Board (MTRCB) to give the controversial film, The Da Vinci Code an "R" rating.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya has criticised the council saying he wanted the film banned in the city. He abstained from voting.

"I really wanted to help those who are appealing for reconsideration but I can't because of the parliamentary rules," said Nacaya.

Like Advincula, Nacaya said authorities should launch a crackdown on vendors selling pirated copies of the Da Vinci.

A Cogon public market vendor, Theresa Torres, said the Da Vinci Code is now available in pirated DVD copies and is being sold from P70 to P100 each. The pirated DVD includes three other films.

Torres said pirated copies were bought in large numbers and these were sold out in just two weeks.

Oro Quilter again wins kudos for RP in Int'l Quilt Show

(The author is a former chief of reporters/correspondents of ABS CBN Cagayan de Oro and a former manager of ABS CBN based in Iligan City. He contributes a twice weekly column "Hammer and Anvil" to the Mindanao Gold Star Daily newspaper, the largest community newspaper in Mindanao Mondays and Fridays. He is a member of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc. and has been a journalist for over 20 years covering the entire Northern Mindanao including in the cities of Marawi, Zamboanga and Cotabato in the Philippines.)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - (Mike Baños) A MULTI-AWARDED quilter from Gusa, Cagayan de Oro held high the Philippine flag by winning first prize in her category at the 2006 AQS Quilt Show & Contest held April 26-29, 2006 at the Paducah Expo Center in Paducah, Kentucky, U.S.A. which was dominated by entries from the U.S. and Japan.

Myrl Lehman Tapungot's entry, "Mystic Beauty II", won first prize in the Bed Quilts Category Group - Mettler(r) Imported by A&E, Inc. Second was Sagacious Sisters by Sagacious Sisters, Marysville, WA while third was Flower Symphony by Aki Ueda of Aichi, Japan.

Quilters from around the world, gathered as part of the 22nd Annual AQS Quilt Show & Contest Awards Presentation held Tuesday, April 25th at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center, Paducah, Kentucky and webcast live on Quilters News Network. All 429 quilts were displayed at the annual quilt exhibition which brings over 35,000 quilters, collectors, enthusiasts and vendors to Paducah each spring, and has earned it the moniker "Quilt City USA."

Tapungot joined 428 other quilters in the annual contest. Now in its 22nd year, the competition offered $114,000 in total prize money. Her "Mystic Beauty II" quilt measures 89 inches wide by 89 inches long, and represents hundreds of hours of work. It will be featured in the Fall 2006 issue of American Quilter magazine, which will be in homes and on newsstand in early June, said the magazine’s executive editor Christine N. Brown in an email to Tapungot.

"We have been around for many years, and we have been winning awards for quite a while. We compete in the "group quilt" category, and as you might imagine it is harder for group quilts to compete with other quilts because they are done by several different hands, therefore different stitches," Tapungot wrote in a statement posted in her website http://www.mdeans.com/.

"But in order to offer large works to the general "quilt loving" public, we have to do our quilts as a group/team effort. Some of our quilts can easily take over a year of dedicated effort to complete. We pride ourselves in making quilts with near perfect, identical stitches, and even experts using magnifying glasses find it difficult or impossible to tell the difference"

"Mystic Beauty II" was chosen as a semi-finalist from a field of 806 quilts and compete against others within its category (Bed Quilts) . Three quilting authorities judged the elite group prior to the opening of the show. "Sedona Rose" by Sharon Schamber was awarded Best of Show and garnered the Hancock's of Paducah Best of Show award and a cash prize of $20,000. In addition, the quilt will become part of the permanent collection in the Museum of the American Quilter's Society.

AQS president, Meredith Schroeder said quilts are no longer relegated to serving as mere bed covers but have evolved into works of art, using fabric and thread as the medium. The quilts in this year's contest are from around the world and feature beautiful palettes of color. Entries arrived from 46 U.S. states and 12 other countries, including France, Israel, Korea and Australia.

There were fifteen categories in the judged contest and a special category for young quilters. The quilts include bed-size, large and small wall quilts and miniatures. Designs range from traditional Log Cabin, Mariner's Compass and New York Beauty to innovative designs using paint, threads and original designs.

Tapungot stressed that while she designs and directly supervises all the work done on her award winning quilts, it is a collective effort by M. Dean's House of Design, a small family business that started in 1984 in their residence at Villa Ernesto Subdivision in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City.

"We employ some 150 handicraft people in the making of our beautiful quilts, all done by hand, to achieve that special look that can't be duplicated by any machine." Tapungot stressed. " This is a long, intricate process, because we do some of the finest stitching in the world. However, for maximum strength and accurate alignment, all of our piecing is done by machine."

As can be surmised from a multi-awarded craftsman, there is pride in their work, too. "We guarantee all of our quilts 100% ," Tapungot asserts with confidence. "If for any reason, you are not satisfied with the quilt you ordered, we will fix it, and if it can't be fixed, we will either replace it or cheerfully refund your money."

Although almost all of her quilters did not have any previous experience in quilting, M. Dean's established a family tradition among the quilters she employs who sometimes have three generations of their kin quilting together the award-winning designs in their homes.

"Many of our quilters' main source of income is farming, and quilting provides a valuable source of supplemental income between planting and harvesting," Tapungot explained. "Most of the quilting is done in the traditional way, in the employee's individual homes, providing scores of families in our area additional income and stability. This also affords the homemakers a chance to earn income while caring for their homes and families."

Tapungot is not bothered by the country's lack of a tradition in quilting, which was pioneered in Cagayan de Oro by another Filipino quilter from Carmen, Ellen K. Delgado and the Oro House of Patches.

"We have set up shop here off the beaten track and have grown independent of what is going on with the rest of the Quilt world. We offer original designs and methods few have the means or skill to do. We think you will agree that our Trapunto MAGIC is a complete departure from other more traditional Trapunto Quilting. We make lovely three (3) dimensional Quilts that will please the eye, the hand, as well as the heart. "

Tapungot and M. Dean's House of Design have won many awards over the years, the most significant of which include "Le Mariage d' Eryn", 1st Place in the Group Quilt category at the Houston International Quilt Festival held Nov 4-7, 2004 ("An amazing Trapunto quilt inspired by my lovely granddaughter and the hope that one day I will be there to see her wedding); " Enchanted Doorway II", 1st Place and Judges Choice award, Group Quilt Category, International Quilt Association's Quilt Festival at Houston, Texas held Oct. 21-24 1999; which again won 2nd Place, Group Quilt Category at the 17th Annual Quilt Show and Contest of the American Quilter's Society, Paducah, Kentucky, April 25-28, 2001;

“A Touch of the Heart” 2nd Place, Group Quilt Category (86"x110"), American Quilters Society held April, 1999 at Paducah, Kentucky (“A blend of Trapunto quilting using colored yarn, embroidery, and silk ribbon embroidery. 10 people worked on this quilt entirely by hand for 7 months!”); “Baltimore Album”, 1st Place Viewers Choice Award, 3rd Annual Quilt Show held in Mt. Angel Brewery, Mt. Angel, Oregon, February , 1999 ; “Rosie's Wedding”, 2nd Place, Group Quilt Category from the Houston International Quilt Festival held November 1996; and again 2nd Place, 3rd Annual Quilt Show in Mt. Angel Brewery, Mt. Angel, Oregon on February, 1999; “My Garden of Dreams”, GINGHER AWARD for "Excellence in hand Workmanship", Viewers' Choice Award, American Quilt Society in Paducah, Kentucky, awarded a $10, 000.00 dollar prize in April 1997 and now exhibited in the American Quilters Society Quilt Museum; “L' Art de Aimer”, 2nd Place, Group Quilt Category, Houston international Quilt Festival, November 1995, 85" x 105" (featured in an article: "Quilts: A World of Beauty" Journal of the International Quilt Association); "Purple Lilac Bouquet", 1st Place, Quilting in the Teton's Trapunto Category Viewers Choice Award 1993;

“Small Myomi”, 1st Place, Lampasas Quilt Extravaganza, Lampasas, Texas; "Texas Star", 1st Place, CPQG, Texas, appliqué wall hanging in 1993; and the multi-awarded “Rose Lilac Bouquet”, 1st place and Viewers Choice Award, Misty Mountain Quilters Guild, August 1993; 1st place , Wall Hangings 36" or less category, 22nd Annual Northwest Quilters Guild, March 1997; 1st place, Okefenokee Quilt Fest Ware CO Chapter, Georgia, Council on Child Abuse, 1992 and 1st place, Lane County Fair, Oregon 1997 (competing in the "Applique, trapunto and alphabet quilts" category).

Tapungot and M. Dean's House of Design also won many award in the annual "Miniatures From the Heart" contest sponsored by Miniature Quilts Magazine: “L' Art de Aimer”, 1st Place, Group Quilt (issue #30)1996 (size: 27.5 "x 28"); “Diamond Medallion", 3rd Place, Group Quilt (issue#24), 1995 (size: 8.75"x 10"0; "Yvonne's Flower Garden” 1st place, Group Quilt Category (issue#19), 1994; “Oprah's Quilt”, 1st place, Other Techniques Category, Judges Choice Award by Elsie Campbell (size: 29" square); "Akiko's Irish Chain", 1st Place, Group Quilt Category (issue#13) (size/type: 28" Square Trapunto/Irish Chain).

Perhaps the pride and philosophy which drive Tapungot and her wards are best expressed in the "The M.Deans People" credo posted on their website: "Welcome to the world of Dreamers and Doers. With her whimsical mind comes fantastic and magical images that delight the heart and the spirit. With their skillful hands, beautiful, tiny and perfectly matched stitches are meticulously sewn, and high-quality quilts are made. And together they create these wondrous, seemingly impossible quilts that one would want to keep forever as an heirloom, and a keepsake."
Mabuhay


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For the PARTICIPANTS of Peace and Conflict Journalim Training

Peace and Conflict Journalism Training 1
Eden Nature Park and Resort, Davao City
May 13-15, 2006 (live-in)

Dear jounalists,

First, (before I forget) please keep this mail for reference. =) Print it if possible.

SCHEDULE OF ARRIVAL
May 12, 2006 (Friday)
011:0AM - Arrival of Bacolod team to Davao airport and will proceed directly to Eden.
5:00PM - Arrival of participants.
May 13, 2006 (Saturday)
8:00AM - Arrival of Zamboanga & Sulu Group to Davao Airport and will proceed directly to Training venue.
7:30AM - Arrival of partipants.
_______________________

9:00AM sharp - official start
_______________________

TRAVEL INFO
Below is the schedule of VAN availability that will transport participants from Eden's Sales Office at Matina Town Square to the Resort.
CONTACT NUMBERS: Eden Sales Office - (082)299-1020 & (082)296-0791
May 12, 2006 (Friday)
4:00-5:00PM Assembly
5:10 DEPARTURE
5:30 Arrival (resort) -registration and dinner
May 13, 2006 (Saturday)
6:00-6:30 Assembly
6:45-Departure
7:30-Arrival (resort) -breakfast and registration

EDEN SALES OFFICE: (how to get there?)
IF, you are coming from the north, you may pass Quirino St then Bankerohan Bridge. Matina Town Square is only 100 meters away from the bridge and is on the right side.
IF, you are coming from the south, it is near NDCC Mall and is on the left side of the street.

You can also go to Eden Nature Park and Resort on your own. However, there is NO jeepney going up the resort only TAXI and MOTORCYCLE (not tricycle). I was informed one taxi from the City going up will cost the passenger P500 per trip. The motorcycle costs P70. Moreover, I'm afraid we cannot support travel expense if you go up on your own especially if its taxi. It would be best if you could take our vans reserved as transpo and which is, as mentioned above available at Eden's Sales Office at Matina Town Square in the city as scheduled. If you arrive earlier in Davao than the scheduled departure from the Sales Office, maybe, you can just roam a little and proceed to the assembly point when the time comes.

Also, if (for any reason) you would like to cancel your slot reservation, please let me know at least three (3) days before May 12, 2006 so that we can accommodate those whom we did not accept. At the moment, we are FULL already.

I attached in here again the CALL FOR APPLICATION and APPLICATION FORM for those who have not yet filled it up, please do. You may send it back via e-mail or fax at 034-7083638. Thanks much!

If you have any other questions in mind, please feel free to e-mail me or text at 09218286049.

All for now,
LEN

___________

NOTE: May 15, 2006 DEPARTURE SCHEDULE
5:30 AM departure of Zamboanga group (flight back to Zamboanga at 8:00AM)
9:00 AM departure of Bacolod Team (flight back to Bacolod at 11:00AM)
11:00 AM departure of other participants from the resort.

--------

We have additional info:

Eden Resort said that we should bring JACKETS. It is very cold up there daw. It's mini-baguio.

We have free access to the pool too (but there's no heater---so the water must be freezing!!) Anyway, just bring swim wear in case you plan to swim on break times.

And, its really best that you could be at the resort on Friday. So that it'll be easy for us all. Many thanks!

for peace,

LEN

___________________
FINAL LIST
(in alphabetical order)
1. Alino, Peng
2. Alipala, Julie
3. Alipio, Honeylyn
4. Arais, Aurell
5. Balce, Ben ----------CDO
6. Banos, Mike----------CDO
7. Bergado, Peterson
8. Calderon, Sylvia
9. Chung, Rudy
10. De Guzman, Rosa May
11. Del Rosario, Jambie
12. Dumingsel, Vivien
13. Gallardo, Froilan ------CDO
14. Garcia, Bong
15. Jacinto, Al
16. Jubelag, Joseph
17. Koh, Therence
18. Lao, Marina
19. Manar, Malu
20. Masong, Zeny
21. Maulana, Nash
22. Navales, Mark
23. Palma, Isagani
24. Pareno, Roel
25. Punzalan, Noel
26. Rebollido, Rommel
27. Rosauro, Ryan
28. Saceda, Charlie
29. Sampong, Jeffrey
30. Santos, Dennis
31. Sison, Mylene -----CDO
32. Sombrio, Sonny
33. Umel, Richel
34. Unson, John
35. Wee, Darwin

PLUS:
1. Rey Naranja - InWent
1. Antonia Koop - PECOJON
2. Ledrolen Manriquez
3. Rodesa Jayawon


Ledrolen

Ledrolen

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Oro health body intervenes to resolve conflict

THE city council’s committee on health chaired by councilor Simion Licayan (far left) and his co-committee members’ councilors Ian Mark Nacaya (1st left) and Reynaldo Advincula to work with both sides (warring parties) in a dispute in an attempt to help them reach an agreement.



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No "overcharging" pls!

Cagayan de Oro based Traffic Management Office (RTMO 10) regional chief Superintendent Felixberto Castillo (facing front) looks as an officer point to the billboard reminds taxi drivers of proper fare rate implementation to their passengers. (RTMO - 10 File)

Our Fight For Press Freedom Continues: NUJP

NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
www.nujp.org
World Press Freedom Day 2006
OUR FIGHT FOR PRESS FREEDOM CONTINUES

We commemorate World Press Freedom Day today anguishing over the lack of genuine freedom of expression in our country and girding our loins to resist yet other attempts to muzzle the Philippine Press.

The statistics are grim enough: Seventy-six of our colleagues were lost to the ultimate form of censorship – murder – in the past two decades since the supposed restoration of democracy in the country in 1986.

Thirty-nine of the killings happened only in the past five years during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, making her administration the deadliest for Filipino journalists. Indeed, it was under the Arroyo administration that the country, in 2004, earned the ignominy of being the "most murderous place for journalists."

The killing of journalists is a glaring indictment of the Philippine government's commitment to freedom of the press and of expression. With the exception of three cases, none of our colleagues' murders has been solved and no perpetrator has been brought to justice.

All the while, the victims' families and the witnesses are being hounded, threatened and, at times, killed. As if the toll in the lives of journalists has not been enough, the Arroyo administration has distinguished itself as the only one since the Marcos dictatorship to have attempted and continues to attempt a wholesale clampdown on media.

That it failed with the declaration of Presidential Proclamation 1017 is a tribute to the fierce jealousy of the Philippine press that refused to be cowed into abdicating its calling to serve the people's right to know.

But more threats loom, from Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales' continued pronouncements of keeping news organizations and journalists under watch and threats of sedition charges, to colleagues' names cropping up on military orders of battle and watch lists, to the onerous provisions of the proposed anti-terrorism measure that would effectively criminalize the practice of journalism.

These are just threats from the government. There, too, are the threats to the integrity of our profession that stem from the ownership patterns of media that breed the often unjust and inhuman conditions our colleagues, especially in the provinces, have to toil under, conditions that make them prone to corruption and unethical conduct.

This, in turn, leads to the erosion of public trust in the media as harbingers of truth and the people's last resort against abuse. There can, indeed, be no press freedom when journalists continue to live in conditions of corruption, poverty and fear.

Today, as we observe World Press Freedom Day, we call on our colleagues to unite as never before to confront the continued threats to the untrammeled practice of our profession and demand total and unconditional respect for our rights and liberties.

We are not perfect, either as an institution or as individuals. But let us never allow this to be used to justify the killings and other assaults on our colleagues and the continued attempts to suppress us.

To do so can only bring more assaults and can contribute to the culture of impunity that has already cost us and our profession dearly. Let us take stock of ourselves and examine how we, individually and collectively, can contribute to improving the conditions in which we practice our profession.

Let us resolve never to allow a threat or assault on a colleague and the institution to go unchallenged. Let our dictum be: An assault on one is an assault on us all.We also call on the Filipino people, the public that we strive to honestly serve, to stand with us and jealously guard our freedom against all those who would threaten it.

For, more than the media, Press Freedom rightfully belongs to the people as an indispensable extension of their right to free expression and right to know.
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

105-A Scout Castor Street (near Morato Avenue) Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.:(+632) 4117768
Email: nujphil@gmail.com

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