October 7, 2004

 OPA gears up for “Taboan ni Lando”

Spreading the good news that Zamboanga del Norte is indeed richly endowed with agricultural products, the personnel of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) are bustling and hustling for the upcoming Taboan ni Lando, which will be slated on October 5-8, inside the Capitol Compound.

Vicente B. Sanchez Jr., Office In-Charge of the Provincial Agriculturist stressed that their office will be showcasing different agricultural products coming from the farms of the entire province of Zamboanga del Norte, during the Agri-Expo and Fair, which is also inclined with Gov. Rolando E. Yebes’ first 100 days since he assumed office last July 1.

Moreover, Sanchez pointed out that Taboan ni Lando will not be only exhibiting agricultural products but will sell low price rice from the National Food Authority.

OPA planned to have a food processing contest, livestock exhibition, cooperative convention, best in booth and product display, as Zamboanga del Norte is known to be abundantly blessed with agricultural and marine resources and to further boost and encourage farmers to bring out the best in producing agricultural products in the province.

They will also give free tilapia and bangus fingerlings, banana plantlets, and vegetable seedlings to the less fortunate individuals who will participate in the fair.  This feat is in accordance with the governor’s program that aimed to give free services, marine and agricultural products to the constituents of the province.

Sanchez, urged the people of the province to take part on this first Agri-Fair Taboan ni Lando that will surely encourage and develop farmers to potentially produce good products and bring greater development in the province. (ZN Provincial Information Center)

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 DIPOLOGNON CONFERRED  PRESIDENTIAL LINGKOD BAYAN AWARD

Dr. Salvador A. Aves, a Dipolognon and now the Regional Director of the National Statistics Office, Region X brings honor to the region after being conferred the highest Presidential Award for Civil Servants – the LINGKOD BAYAN AWARD – at the Heroes Hall, Malacañang Palace last September 22, 2004.

This award was given to Director Aves for his innovativeness and responsiveness, initiating projects and researches that have greatly enhanced and have led to the better appreciation of the role of civil registration in society. Director Aves conceptualized the barangay civil registration system. Bringing this to the grassroots has ensured more accurate baseline data for use of government policy and decision-makers.

Dir. Aves received a cash prize of P100,000.00 a presidential plaque with citation and signature of the President, and a gold gilded medallion from President Macapagal Arroyo along with six individuals and two groups Lingkod Bayan awardees. A musical tribute, “Parangal Pasasalamat,” was staged in Camp Aguinaldo in honor of all the awardees the day before the Awards Rites at Malacañang Palace.

The Gawad Lingkod Bayan is an annual search of the Civil Service Commission to give recognition to public officials and employees who have rendered exemplary and outstanding performance which resulted to the successful implementation of an idea or concept that bears nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony. This year’s search had a total of 103 nominees all over the country, which was trimmed down to 19, and ultimately to nine. The awardees are entitled to an automatic promotion to the next higher position, or salary increase equivalent to the next higher position.

The 2004 Lingkod Bayan Committee was composed of the following: Vice President Alicia Lumanog of the Mercury Drug Corporation as Chairperson, Ms. Maria Isabel G. Ongpin as Vice Chairperson, and Commissioner J. Waldemar Valmores of the Civil Service Commission, Ambassador Linglingay Lacanlale, Chief of Presidential Protocol Office of the President, and Atty. Oscar Orbos as members. (ZN Provincial Information Center)

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  Abusive school principal arrested by police agents inside school campus By: Joey G. Ybañez

(Editor’s note: The writer is a journalist connected with a Washington-based news wire firm. He is from Dipolog City. Mr. Ybañez shares this two-part series EXCLUSIVE to the New Nandau Today)

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – This one is for the books. Criminal Investigation and Detection (CIDG) agents based here arrested a high school principal inside the school campus after an arrest warrant issued by a local judge here, amid cheers and jubilation from students.

The principal, Jenny T. Dosil, acting school principal of the state-run Kabasalan Science and Technology High School, was charged with six counts of grave coercion and one count of slight physical injury, after she allegedly ordered six high school students to eat peelings of lanzones picked from the school grounds and slapping one student in the face three times.

The students, all minors, were punished because of misdemeanor, Dosil 48 years old, claimed in her counter affidavit submitted to the court. But Judge Reubin L. Maraon, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court branch 24 here, believes otherwise and found probable cause in issuing the arrest warrant dated September 15, 2004, with a recommended bail of 12,000 pesos for each count. Mrs. Emma Balsamo, a teacher of a government-run college and whose son was slapped three times by the principal and one of those made to eat lanzones peelings, told this writer in an interview that Dosil has a long list of abuses committed against other student in the school.

“It’s only now that the students came out and complained to their parents,” Balsamo told this reporter here. “It was like a holiday in the school campus when the arresting officers escorted the principal and brought to a police vehicle,” Balsamo said in describing the arrest and the cheering and jubilation of the students at the sight of their principal being arrested last September 15.

The six high school male students, all 15 years old, were all sons of prominent families in nearby Kabasalan town, 20 kilometers southwest of this capital town of the province. The incident took place between September and November 28, last year. Fifty-two students of the same school also wrote a petition letter to top Education department officials in Zamboanga Sibugay pleading that Mrs. Dosil be transferred from their school because of alleged abuses against the students.

State prosecutor Jeric Kagaon here who handled the preliminary investigation said “the office of the state prosecutor believes that a possible violation of Child Abuse Act or Republic Act 7160 was committed by the accused” against the six minor students. The high school principal faces a jail term of six years and one day if convicted.

The RTC court will sit as a family court when it tries the case against the high school principal.

Earlier, Zamboanga Sibugay Education Department Division Superintendent Manuel Muyargas has slapped the principal a light reprimand when the case was brought to his attention. Not contented with the alleged light treatment of Muyargas against Dosil, the parents filed criminal charges in court. However, despite of the criminal charges and the arrest made, the parents said, Muyargas reportedly reinstated Dosil as school principal of the Kabasalan Science and Technology High School.

Dosil reportedly posted the bail bond set by the court and is on leave when this writer tried in vain to get her side of the story. (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 19)

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  On Focus: By: Ma. Venus T. Marapao
Perfect Combination

The comparison between the previous and the present administrations of the provincial government never stops. With every program or project that the new administration undertakes, comes the unavoidable comparison between the previous set of elected officials and those that compose the present. Admittedly, the comparison has created a sense of competition between the two sets and has posed a greater challenge to those currently in power.

If we look at things objectively, we may say that both have their strengths and weaknesses. But as to who shall come out better, it remains to be seen in as much as the new administration is only on its third month. The past administration was known for its successful entrepreneurship programs, fiscal management skills, and output-oriented policies, whereas, the present administration projects a pro-people stance and a more sensitive attitude towards employees’ benefits. As to their vulnerability to abuse and corruption, it is still too early to conclude that one is less vulnerable than the other.

The contest that started last elections did not simply end with the changing of guards at Capitol. It in fact rose to a higher level with the continued comparison of the central figures in the two administrations. Undeniably, the comparison has raised our expectations of the new administration – that it should come at par or even surpass the previous in its accomplishments for the good of the greater number of people. Much as we would not want to hear the exchange of all kinds of criticisms between the two camps, this paper welcomes the comparison and eventually, the competition, as this will surely work for the best interest of the public.

Others may not believe in the impact of this so-called ‘comparison’ to the public, but I already heard some people say that the more we compare the old with the new, the more we see the contrast rather than the similarity. Who would not laugh when one hears a comment such as this: “Comparing Governor Yebes with Governor Amatong is like comparing a bull with a pig”. Whether it favors the previous or the present, shall be for the public to judge.

Perhaps, without the perceived ‘political retaliation’ by the new administration, the "mano a mano" comparison of the two governors would just die down naturally. But with “first blood” drawn from both sides, the comparison may stay until the next elections, with lots of heads rolling as each intrigue comes. Whether true or not, a lot of those who served under the former administration still believed that the "reconciliation" line dangled by the present administration is just that -- a line. If indeed, the present administration is smarting from this kind of perception, then they should be humble enough, nay, sincere enough, to dispel such belief. As the Editor says, the only way to kill a critic is to prove that he is either insane or blind not to see the truth. "Actions speak louder than words", he says, although he doubts if the present administration will adopt even that slogan, it being identified with the former administration.

But on wishful hindsight, if only the two administrations would be given a chance to work side by side, they would surely complement each other. Like peach halves, they surely match, which will really spell bliss for the employees of the provincial government! What the previous administration missed in compassion is provided by the present; and what the latter lacks in entrepreneurship is supplied by the former. That would have been a perfect combination! (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. IX No. 47)

Credits: Tingog PENINSULA is published by the Horn Blower Publications with editorial office at MINAOG HIGHWAY (100 meters after GSIS going to Dapitan City) Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-4703; Cell No. +63918346-8133

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   CHAFF & GRAIN
By Alan D. Marapao
Tingog Peninsula
Nearing the End of Days

As we write today, Jose, the first 100 days honeymoon will just be over the corner. As of Capitol's count, this will end with a big bang on October 8, with a Tabo ni Lando to boot. Officially, my honeymoon will end on October 10, and that means we can start writing our assessment and observations and yes, irreverent criticisms, on the powers that are here in the province. Whew! What an exhilarating feeling to anticipate indeed!

o0o

I was asked by a friend what should my first column be after the 100 days honeymoon is over? Who should be the personalities who shall grace our column space and what these people may do in reaction? Modesty aside, the anticipation is killing them more than it is killing me! Bwahahahahaa... Ang mga kanahan, ganahan baya gayud intawon nga mobasa niining mala-komiks kong lindog huh? Talk about being irreverent and still loved huh?

o0o

Honestly, my mind is cluttered as to what will grace the first salvo after the honeymoon. But at least, people are expecting that there is indeed something nicely irreverent to write about. All are agreed that it will good staple for a column to read my thoughts on how the new officials handled their office during the first 100 days in service. Frankly, I believe that we will have a contradiction in our assessment of what they did. Not that I know better than they. As always, we will call a spade as a spade and no matter how the torotots or the mamamaghots call theirs, we shall always be ascendant to say that we are the most honest and objective with our opinions when that time comes. After all, we shall be the proudest to say that we are the only remaining media outlet who are uncorrupted by either money or political accommodations and connections. We are proud to declare that we are still friends and enemies simultaneously of the people now in government and those who are no longer there to merit our attention. 

o0o

Funny, but when I told my friends that my first column may carry the title: Mamamaghot versus Torotot, they chorused that that it is one column they will trade a good piece of bulad to read. Kita mo na, Jose? Title pa lang, mosugot na ning mga kanahan nga dili na lang mopalit ug bulad kay Tingog Peninsula na lang ang gastuhan nila sa ilang singko? Bwahahahaha... For starters it would seem like a little sacrifice indeed. But tell it to them and they will cringe and grimace knowing plenty of bulad were now sacrificed in the altar of Tingog Peninsula. That is, if we count, they say, all those times they have been buying this irreverent paper for the straight ten years now, take or give a few issues! Bwahahahaha...

o0o

Ciao, Jose. Next week I will sharpen my pen, and put acid in the inkpad to do justice to our tag as the most irreverent firebrand Zamboanga del Norte ever produced. On second thoughts, I might just write with the title: 100 arays for 100 days! One for each day? Bwahahahaha... My bagtok now is laughing! He says: "Sana October 10 na!" Bwahahahaha... (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. IX No. 47)

Credits: Tingog PENINSULA is published by the Horn Blower Publications with editorial office at MINAOG HIGHWAY (100 meters after GSIS going to Dapitan City) Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-4703; Cell No. +63918346-8133  email:marapao@dipolognon.com

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DIPOLOGNON TODAY

  details of the Privilege Speech rendered
by the Chairman of the Committee
on Environment & Natural Resources,
Hon. NORBIDEIRI B. EDDING

Our young energetic Chairman, esteemed colleagues, friends of the media, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

As elected members of this Honorable Body, we won on the platform that the poor and the needy comes first and foremost in improving their lot. And again when sworn into office, now under oath we bowed to God / Allah and country to the outmost good of our people. As a neophyte and the youngest member of this August body, I have a lot to learn in the subtle art of movement and position in the political arena. In the process of learning, I would not stand idle waiting for the time that I stand equal to my peers. With the boundless energy of youth as my ally, I would see to it that those who voted me into office would not be disappointed of my performance during my term. And Allah is indeed just and all knowing for putting me in a place as if a turtle thrown into water. Yes my colleagues I am so happy to chair the Environment and Natural Resources Committee for it has always been my dream even as a boy to do something to protect the environment, specially our forest resources. This is a duty imposed to us by law, but sad to say that nobody in the bureaucracy has done anything to prevent the destruction of our forest land. In fact the national agency concerned (DENR) on this important task, failed miserably in their job, and they clearly allied themselves to the enemy of our forest. Their behavior unmasked them since they were in disagreement with the Dec. 11, 2003 findings. Once again, this body, via my committee is urge to push through with the findings of the NGO, Diocese of Dipolog, the media, and the NBI, in their report dated December 15, 2003, for the stoppage of the logging operation of the DACON. Thanks to our veteran and seasoned colleague, for bringing this matter into the open and that time it is the province of Zamboanga del Norte that must make her move to make the effort of those who had done their share for the closure of DACON logging enterprises.

I rise before this August Body to report on my personal experience as well as the rest of the investigating team when we conducted an ocular inspection on the DACON logging operation at Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte last September 3-5, 2004.

Last September 3, 2004, the Committee chaired by the undersigned together with BM Joseph Brendo C. Ajero, BM Florentino M. Dulang, BM Anecito S. Darunday, BM Arasam A. Ismael, NBI Chief Atty. Oscar Tomarong, NBI agent Atty. Barbaso, Engr. Roland Soliva of NGO and our securities proceeded to Sitio Canatuan, Tabayo, Siocon to conduct an ocular inspection at TVI mining site. On our way, we came across a logging truck full of newly cut lawaan and apitong trees abandoned along the logging road at Sitio Maambong, Kandis, Siocon. The cargo is estimated to be around 20 to 25 cubic meters. The group inquired the whereabouts of the driver because Atty. Oscar Tomarong of the NBI, who was with the group, would like to inquire if the cargo has a CTO (Certificate of Timber Origin) but unfortunately the driver was not there. To our surprise, a guy by the name of Nonie arrived and he was asking what we were doing there and why we were snooping around the area. We discovered that Nonie is the chief security of DACON. He was recognized by no less than Board member Arasam Ismael. We took some pictures of the truckload and proceeded to TVI.

From TVI, we went back to where we found the truckload of logs and saw that it was not there anymore. As we were going down the hill, we saw three empty trailer trucks going up maybe to the cutting area. We followed the trailer trucks. After a few minutes, we were surprised that one of the trucks stopped and after 1 kilometer another one stopped, then the last one stopped too. Nonie appeared again and asked us where we were going? We replied that we were going to there cutting area. Thereafter, he dashed off at high speed going uphill. Engr. Roland Soliva, an NGO representative also sped off to follow him. After a few minutes of high speed chasing, we were stopped in what seemed to be a DACON checkpoint. Before we arrived in this checkpoint, we also saw a DENR scaling station. At the checkpoint, Engr. Soliva asked the CAFGU who stopped us where Nonie went, but, the CAFGU did not answer. Instead he asked us with questions like who we were, despite showing our ID’s. We told them that we are Board Members and we are doing an ocular inspection. About 30 to 40 minutes had passed; still we were not given permission to pass. We noticed that armed CARFGUs were arriving by twos and posting on high grounds, like they were getting ready for a fight. Engr. Soliva intercepted a radio message at DACONs frequency, saying, “sir naka mount na ang spider” If we forced ourselves to get in probably, we were going to be shot and ambushed. So at this point, the group decided to pass through the Canatuan-Sirawai road where the logging trucks were passing through. On our way, we were again stopped by a man by the name of Ulysses Kho. He introduced himself as the manager of DACON. He told us that we cannot pass because the road is of a private property. Atty. Tomarong then asked him if he had the ECC. He produced none. And so, he let us pass. But he was escorting us on board his vehicle in front of us. After a few kilometers ride, we again came across a truck full of logs; it looked as if it was having engine trouble. But what amazed us more is there was no driver around. So we proceeded, and we were amazed on how big the road was. It was a super highway of the mountains.  The road ran for at least 80 to 90 kilometers. It was an all weather road. It went thru thick second growth wood lands. This was the area where Col. Emmanuel Caiton warned us not to go because MILF rebels were spotted in the area and that the condition of the road was very bad. But for us and the rest of the group which was composed of around 35 people, the road was the exact opposite of what Col. Caiton said. The road was very good and the place was far from being MILF-infested because of the presence of CAFGU detachment located 3-4 kilometers from each other. We passed by around 15 CAFGU detachments. Then after a 1½ hour-drive, we arrived at the intersection of GUBAN-SIRAWAI and Mr. Kho even invited us to go to Guban. But it was getting dark. So we proceeded to Sirawai. After a few hours in Sirawai we proceeded to Siocon where we stayed for the night.

In the morning, we proceeded to IFMA 37 where we found out that this area was already abandoned. We went to some unmanned checkpoints and took some pictures. We then went to IFMA 38; it was manned by a blue guard unlike in IFMA35, where it was manned by SCAA. We were not allowed to enter, because accordingly it was a restricted area. So after taking pictures in the area we then proceeded home.

In the process, we came into a conclusion that something fishy is going on in DACON and IFMA areas because the guard prevented the group from going to the cutting sites. Despite knowing that we were provincial officials, the guards prevented us from performing our official functions. Hence, there is really a need to suspend and if given the chance to stop the operation of this logging company because they are causing massive destruction to the forest of Sirawai, Siocon, Baliguian and Sibuco. If this logging operation is not stopped as early as possible, the effects of this will be very devastating not only on the area covered by the logging operation but to other neighboring municipalities of the province. At present, we only have 17% left of our forest area and at the rate of 2% destruction per year because of mismanagement, by 2009 or 2011 we would not have any forest left.

Mr. Chairman, our mission was very dangerous, but despite the volatile situation, still we conducted it with dispatch for the sake of public service. I do not know why our DENR personnel assigned in the area we’re apprehensive on exposing the true picture of DACON operation. We cannot affectively implement the laws if no less than the DENR is not serious on their task. They always say that the provincial officials have no jurisdiction on the DACON operation. If that is the mentality of our DENR, it is suggested that we should established a common stand to fight this destructive logging operation. Let us not wait for tomorrow that the incident that happened in Ormoc, Leyte we’re hundreds of people died because of flash flood due to illegal logging. Let us finish this before our term is over to show to our people that we mean business in protecting our remaining forest in our dear province of Zamboanga del Norte.

In closing my colleagues, I am certain that we will be successful in the difficult task ahead of us. With your unselfish cooperation to our committee, we cannot fail for what we are trying to do is for the good of the people. Our committee would not just be dormant and idle but would be always on the forefront when it comes to environmental protection. As of the moment, we are in the process in studying for implementation a responsive and effective Provincial Forest Protection Agency considering that our province is still blessed with patches of virgin forest and to remain indifferent and nonchalant of the plunder of our forestland, we may wake up one day with nothing left but the ashes of our dreams, hope and aspiration for a better tomorrow.

Thank you.

*

  Dipolog farmers ready protest rally

As Agriculture Fund for the repair of irrigation canal was drained for the purchase of spare parts and equipment, farmers will stage a protest rally to express their sentiments to Mayor Roberto Uy.

This will be staged by farm-owners, rice farmers and members of the Dipolog-Polanco Irrigators Association who are dismayed when Mayor Uy took P1M from the agricultural fund.

Sources said that these farmers will challenge the mayor to use the P7M Intelligence Fund for the purchase of spare parts rather than the P1M which was initially intended for irrigation canal repair.

If said fund were only used for what it was intended for, rice farmers who were not able to plant due to the long drought, could have availed the irrigation system if the canals were repaired, farmers argued. (Press Freedom, Vol. XVII No. 12)

17 more container vans confiscated

For more love of pebbles…!

While the Provincial Environment and Development Office is tightening its drive against pebble smuggling, in Pulauan wharf Dapitan, smugglers tried to sneak them into Ozamiz wharf.

Unluckily, they were apprehended and the pebbles were confiscated. This was confirmed by PEDO Remelo Damuag who led in the confiscation at the WG & A van yard in Ozamiz City.

PEDO Damuag revealed that these pebbles which come from this province could have been successfully smuggled if not for WG & A Manager Mr. Antonio Tiu who informed their office.  Mr. Tiu doubted that the shipment was illegal due to the absence of shipping documents.

Damuag revealed that these cargoes were bound for Manila and owned by Rolly Laput, Alex Moises and Tipan Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

In an investigation, PEDO Damuag revealed that the shipments were done in different modes.  He said smugglers placed them under “ukay-ukay” or perhaps loaded in fish carriers which are covered with cheap fish and transported via Sergio Osmeña.

Like Ronie Pango, PEDO Damuag said that these three pebble transporters shall be dealt with accordingly. The cargoes were estimated to be worth P500T. (Press Freedom, Vol. XVII No. 12)

 

Outstanding Judge bows out from service

If there is one thing he would leave as legacy as he retired, it would be his secret for being chosen as one of the country’s outstanding judges.

As his 32 years of government service in the judiciary ended, last September 24, 2004, Judge Wilfredo Martinez bared his secret formula: integrity and hard work.

In an interview with this paper, Judge Martinez revealed that industry and work untainted and unblemished by corruption of any forms and “dirty tricks” make one stand out in serving our justice system.

This has been the message Judge Martinez wanted to leave not only his comrades in the judiciary but also to all government workers, as he retired last September 24, 2004.

However, he believed that the judges in Zamboanga del Norte are dignified and outstanding in their own right because they have never been involved in anomalous cases.

Judge Martinez was appointed judge in Sirawai in 1972, transferred to Dapitan and appointed RTC Judge in 1986 after EDSA.

Within 32 years, Judge Martinez revealed, he has not convicted anyone to a death sentence.

“If there is a way where I could salvage a person from death sentence, I would do it,” Judge Martinez remarked. (Press Freedom, Vol. XVII No. 12)

 

Big motorbike riders to drop by dipolog & Dapitan
for Mindanao Ride for peace

Over 150 big motorbike riders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are slated to arrive in Dapitan and Dipolog cities on October 8 and 9 for the “Mindanao Ride for peace” (MR4P) campaign.

Reports reaching PIA-Dipolog disclosed that more than 150 motorbike riders would serve as ambassadors of peace and tourism as they ride through places all over Mindanao to start from Davao City on October 6 and to culminate in Isabela City of Basilan province on October 10, negotiating the long and winding national highways of regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and the ARMM.

Mindanao Ride for Peace (MR4P) is one of the major component activities of the WOW Mindanao Exposition 2004, a Mindanao showcase of “Ganda ng Pilipinas, Galing ng Pilipino” organized by the Department of Tourism. This exposition aims to feature the various eco-tourism and cultural destinations all over Mindanao.

In Dapitan City, the rides will pay a courtesy call with Mayor Dominador Jalosjos. They are also slated to visit the Rizal Shrine to lay wreath at the national hero’s monument before a side trip to Dakak Park then they will proceed to Dipolog City for an informal call with Mayor Uy including a press conference, refueling and overnight rest.

The riders will leave Dipolog City the following day for Zamboanga City with brief stops in Sindangan and Liloy towns.

MR4P is a private peace and tourism support initiative in coordination with the Office of the President-Mindanao/Mindanao Economic Development Council Office, Department of Tourism, Department of Interior and Local Government, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine national Police. (PIA)

 

Armed men "raid" Fil Products

About 30 armed men barged into the FilProducts station at old airport road, Sicayab, early Friday night, October 1.

The men, allegedly led by co-owner Mr. Ali Umpa, hauled all the facilities and equipment inside the building and transferred them to its new office at Nadala Bldg., Estaka, Dipolog City. About 2,000 cable subscribers were affected by the “raid.”

Mr. Umpa narrated to this paper that he and Mr. Nonito Limchua were partners but their relationship went sour when the latter filed several cases against him in order to drop him as industrial partner in the operation of the cable station. Mr. Umpa claimed that he was forced to take over the management of the cable station since he could no longer wait for the decision of the Supreme Court.  Mr. Umpa further disclosed that he believed Limchua had greatly influenced the courts in Cebu which could give him (Limchua) favorable decision. 

Although he did not rule out the possibility of Limchua filing a case against him for his takeover, he warned that he is ready to face any charges his partner might file. Mr. Umpa further narrated that both he and Limchua started operating in Dipolog in 1990. Since then they have expanded operation in Surigao, Marawi and other parts in Mindanao.

But Limchua filed a “dissolution of partnership” case against him which Mr. Umpa found inconsistent since their partnership was not registered as partnership but as a corporation. Mr. Umpa denied his partner’s allegation of the station’s bankruptcy since he had even put in additional P10M for its expansion.

Moreover, Mr. Umpa disclosed to this paper that another reason which prompted him to forcibly take over in its operation is the fact that Limchua registered the lot where the FilProducts building is situated in the name of Limchua’s wife. Mr. Umpa deplored the act since the money which was used to buy it is the company’s money.

FilProducts, Mr. Umpa revealed, has now been registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission as Dipolog City Cable Television. However, Mr. Umpa denied reports that the 30 armed men accompanied him in his taking over of the operations of the cable station. He claimed they were just sympathizers but they did not have a hand in the takeover.

Mr. Umpa who is the brother-in-law of Vice-governor Francis Olvis appealed to the public that he had never used any influenced or political backup.  He appealed further to the cable subscribers that the station will resume operation on Saturday October 2. (Press Freedom, Vol. XVII No. 13)

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NEWSPIX

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    Now & Then
By: Czarito “BoyZam” Zamora

can we stop tvi, DACON?

environmentalist in Zamboanga del Norte are dreaming of one day stopping TVI from continuing with its mining operations and DACON from cutting trees, all in the so-called triple S-B towns of the province. They claim TVI isn’t only destroying the forests and the mountains but is also polluting the environment with toxic chemicals, aside from dislocating the Subanons from their ancestral domain. Likewise, they accuse DACON of trying to wipe out these last remaining virgin forests in the province by violating forest laws.

— oo000oo —

Well, it’s a foregone conclusion that TVI will have to level down mountains and topple down some trees if it has to extract precious minerals from under the soil. Otherwise, how can they properly gather gold? Ha… ha! But whether or not TVI is polluting the environment with the cyanide they’re using in getting gold is another story. For all we know, as TVI claimed, the chemical pollution in the area were left-overs of the small-scale miners who invaded the area before TVI even set foot in Sitio Tabayo, Canatuan, Siocon.

— oo000oo —

The problem is that, there’s already so much animosity between TVI and anti-mining groups that both sides appear to have closed their minds to any explanation by either side. Those against mining, for example, refuse to believe that TVI has an environment-friendly technology that has been “perfected” through the years in their mining experiences. TVI, on the other hand, refuse to allow any anti-mining group to get inside their camp. They suspect the anti-mining people are just out to sabotage their operations. Heh… heh!

— oo000oo —

The trouble is that, while local government units are joining the anti-mining groups, President Gloria Arroyo already issued Executive Order 270 last January 16 declaring a “policy-shift from tolerance to promotion of mining in recognition of the economic contributions” from the mining sector. In short, the national government is all-out in support of the mining industry which was once among the top five mineral producers in the world but now is listed only at the bottom. Before, it contributed 25% of the nation’s dollar earnings. But now, no more!

— oo000oo —

New DENR Secretary Mike Defensor said last Friday, with a revitalized mining industry, the government expects 5 billion dollars initial investment coming in with a potential annual income of 2.3 billion dollars that can easily wipe out the country’s budgetary deficit. He added that we don’t even have to impose new taxes. But he advised leaders in the mining industry that to continue dialogues with indigenous people who are affected by the mining industry so as to iron out misunderstanding and fears. In other words, “tuloy ang mining.”

— oo000oo —

But exactly 11 days after President Arroyo issued EO 270, the Supreme Court nullified all provisions of the 1995 Mining Act concerning financial or technical assistance agreements and other permits granted to foreign investors in the mining industry. So, where does that leave TVI today? Ha… ha! Whatever it is, it’s best for TVI and its oppositionists to sit down once more, with open hearts and minds, to understand each other’s position. For as long as the national government is behind TVI, nothing can be done below.

— oo000oo —

As for DACON, let’s leave it to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to investigate whether it still holds a logging concession in the area or a holder of an Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) with DENR through dummies, or has a permit to cut banned species as reportedly caught by an NGO environmental patrol. DACON is based in Sirawai but its equipment was seen hauling logs from as far as Siocon and Baliguian. It has built roads inside forests and reforested areas, too. So, everybody wonders what it’s really up to. Heh… heh! (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 18)

Credits: The New Nandau is a member of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI). Editorial office is located at 076 Quezon Avenue, Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-3794; Cell No. +639205201041

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  On his 100^th day in office Gov. Yebes ready to face ‘katawhan’

Not even the issue about the pickup, the death of Milard Sularte nor the issue about the drunk employee on the poolside could cow the Provincial Governor to face the people of Zamboanga del Norte on his 100^th day in office.

This was revealed to the Press Freedom by Provincial Administrator Atty. Rafael Cabanlit and Atty. Jes Gal Sarmiento, Jr., Provincial Attorney. Cabanlit was saddened at the “mess” the new administration experienced during the transition when he knew the computer units at the Provincial Administrator’s Office were deliberately destroyed.

The provincial Administrator felt differently when he took his post at the Capitol compared to his ascendancy at the City Mayor’s Office when Mayor Roseller Barinaga made his exit. Cabanlit observed that Barinaga paved the way to the graceful entrance of the new administration, even acquainted them of the operations of the different offices and their facilities.

Despite the “sabotage”, Atty. Cabanlit prided the new administration’s accomplishments to serve the people of the province. On the other hand, Provincial Attorney Sarmiento revealed that his office had claimed the 14 lots which belong to this province.

The said lots were still used by Zamboanga City as a conciliary gesture extended by the past administration. Atty. Sarmiento believes that it is now high time that the titles of these lots be transferred to Zamboanga del Norte. (Press Freedom, Vol. XVII No. 13)

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