Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Mayor Amante turns over vehicle to local police
By: REY V. POLOYAPOY
BUTUAN City – In an effort to enhance police capability in the campaign against criminality, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. issued another vehicle to the city police office.
In a simple turnover ceremony, Amante turned over city police director Senior Supt. Jose Carillo a slightly-used Toyota Pick-up type vehicle.
“My regular visit to this office means that I have a friendly relationship with the local police,” Amante said
He informed the some 200 lawmen gathered at the BCPO Quadrangle the sad news about the diminution of the city’s internal revenue allotment (IRA) for FY 2012.
“It simply means that Butuan City will be poorer by P120 million next year”, he said.
Amante said that because of the IRA diminution, the plan to increase each policeman’s rice allowance to one sack would be stalled with the amount of P500 every month to remain.
On the other hand, Amante pledged to give a cash bonus to the group of Police Chief Inspector Rowena A. Martinez for the recent arrest of Allan Lagangga, the number six Most Wanted Person in Caraga.
Amante announced his interest to buy an electric car for the use of the Butuan City Police Office in the future.
“Electric cars are very economical to use and maintain. Besides, it’s a one-time investment.
“If we can keep Butuan a low-crime-rate city, investors from neighboring cities which, today are suffering from high-crime incidents, will transfer to us and our people will benefit from it,” Amante said.
For his part, Carillo thanked Amante for city hall’s help in the renovation of the Quality Service Lane, repair of the BCPO building, and support for the Discipline Zone Project.
“Although the Discipline Zone still lacks the necessary road signs for proper implementation, the project is gaining ground in terms of enforcement of ordinances and community support,” Carillo announced. He also informed the local chief executive that the city’s crime rate from January to September, 2011 is very minimal compared to the crime rate for the same period last year. “This was made possible because of the never-ending support that the city government extended to the city police of Butuan. And because of this, I am informing the mayor and everybody for the future launching of other projects under my officership like the E-Blotter, creation of the BCPO Mini-Library, Renovation of the Bachelor’s Quarter, and soon, the groundbreaking ceremony of the future site of the Butuan City Police Office’s headquarters in Doongan,” Carillo ended.
In a simple turnover ceremony, Amante turned over city police director Senior Supt. Jose Carillo a slightly-used Toyota Pick-up type vehicle.
“My regular visit to this office means that I have a friendly relationship with the local police,” Amante said
He informed the some 200 lawmen gathered at the BCPO Quadrangle the sad news about the diminution of the city’s internal revenue allotment (IRA) for FY 2012.
“It simply means that Butuan City will be poorer by P120 million next year”, he said.
Amante said that because of the IRA diminution, the plan to increase each policeman’s rice allowance to one sack would be stalled with the amount of P500 every month to remain.
On the other hand, Amante pledged to give a cash bonus to the group of Police Chief Inspector Rowena A. Martinez for the recent arrest of Allan Lagangga, the number six Most Wanted Person in Caraga.
Amante announced his interest to buy an electric car for the use of the Butuan City Police Office in the future.
“Electric cars are very economical to use and maintain. Besides, it’s a one-time investment.
“If we can keep Butuan a low-crime-rate city, investors from neighboring cities which, today are suffering from high-crime incidents, will transfer to us and our people will benefit from it,” Amante said.
For his part, Carillo thanked Amante for city hall’s help in the renovation of the Quality Service Lane, repair of the BCPO building, and support for the Discipline Zone Project.
“Although the Discipline Zone still lacks the necessary road signs for proper implementation, the project is gaining ground in terms of enforcement of ordinances and community support,” Carillo announced. He also informed the local chief executive that the city’s crime rate from January to September, 2011 is very minimal compared to the crime rate for the same period last year. “This was made possible because of the never-ending support that the city government extended to the city police of Butuan. And because of this, I am informing the mayor and everybody for the future launching of other projects under my officership like the E-Blotter, creation of the BCPO Mini-Library, Renovation of the Bachelor’s Quarter, and soon, the groundbreaking ceremony of the future site of the Butuan City Police Office’s headquarters in Doongan,” Carillo ended.
1st Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. Basketball Tournament
By JOEL PORTUGAL
Butuan City -The Basketball Association of the Philippines and the Butuan city government launched the 1st Mayor Ferdinand “Jun” Amante Basketball tournament in conjunction with the 15th Butuan City Inter-Secondary and Elementary basketball elimination on October 8 to November 19, 2011.
The kickoff ceremony was held at the Rainbow of Angels Learning Center on Montilla Boulevard.
The tournament is participated in by all elementary, pasarelle, boys and girls high schools here.
Vice-Mayor Lawrence Fortun, in his message, stressed the importance of sportsmanship and the value of humility in victory and grace in defeat. He urged the participants to keep themselves fit and healthy at all times in preparation for the tournament.
The participating teams were presented at the start of the program with retired police officer Pancho Camingue stressing discipline as the secret formula in winning games. Mr. Jay Rivero, city sports and games officer, in his remarks, urged the participants to follow tounament rules and regulations, to respect not only tournament officials but their opponents as well. A ceremonial toss was led by Vice Mayor Fortun, Rivero, Camingue and Mr. Joseph Gorme after the latter declared the tournament open.
The search for Miss Inter-School Basketball Tournament was also held to provide flavor to the affair.
The tournament is managed by city sports and games officer Jay Rivero.
Butuan City -The Basketball Association of the Philippines and the Butuan city government launched the 1st Mayor Ferdinand “Jun” Amante Basketball tournament in conjunction with the 15th Butuan City Inter-Secondary and Elementary basketball elimination on October 8 to November 19, 2011.
The kickoff ceremony was held at the Rainbow of Angels Learning Center on Montilla Boulevard.
The tournament is participated in by all elementary, pasarelle, boys and girls high schools here.
Vice-Mayor Lawrence Fortun, in his message, stressed the importance of sportsmanship and the value of humility in victory and grace in defeat. He urged the participants to keep themselves fit and healthy at all times in preparation for the tournament.
The participating teams were presented at the start of the program with retired police officer Pancho Camingue stressing discipline as the secret formula in winning games. Mr. Jay Rivero, city sports and games officer, in his remarks, urged the participants to follow tounament rules and regulations, to respect not only tournament officials but their opponents as well. A ceremonial toss was led by Vice Mayor Fortun, Rivero, Camingue and Mr. Joseph Gorme after the latter declared the tournament open.
The search for Miss Inter-School Basketball Tournament was also held to provide flavor to the affair.
The tournament is managed by city sports and games officer Jay Rivero.
DILG XIII reveals Gawad Pamana ng Lahi 2011
The Regional Awards Committee of Gawad Pamana ng Lahi 2011 chaired by the DILG has selected winners for the provincial, city and municipal levels. Other members include DSWD, DBM, DOH, DENR, Propegemus Foundation, Rotary Club of Midtown Butuan and Butuan Chamber of Commerce.
This program is the recognition of exemplary performance in local governance based on the different indicators: a.) average result of the service areas of the local governance performance management system for 2010, b.) result of the seal of good housekeeping in 2011, c.) innovations introduced for the last three years and d.) regional or national awards/distinctions received in 2010.
Agusan del Norte emerged as the winner for the provincial level. They are entitled to a cash award of three million pesos (Php3,000,000.00). In the case of cities, Surigao City is the winner and is entitled to a two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) cash award. Lastly, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur is the winner for the municipal level category and will be receiving one million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) award.
However, since the prizes are to be taken from the Performance Challenge Fund of the DILG, the awards are governed by certain policies as provided under the General Appropriations Act of 2011. The prizes will be used to finance projects that are geared towards the attainment of the MDGs, local economic development or those that relate to adaptation to climate change and preparedness for disasters.
The awarding ceremony will be held on October 11, 2011 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Manila.(Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise-LGOO II/RIO-Designate)
This program is the recognition of exemplary performance in local governance based on the different indicators: a.) average result of the service areas of the local governance performance management system for 2010, b.) result of the seal of good housekeeping in 2011, c.) innovations introduced for the last three years and d.) regional or national awards/distinctions received in 2010.
Agusan del Norte emerged as the winner for the provincial level. They are entitled to a cash award of three million pesos (Php3,000,000.00). In the case of cities, Surigao City is the winner and is entitled to a two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) cash award. Lastly, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur is the winner for the municipal level category and will be receiving one million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) award.
However, since the prizes are to be taken from the Performance Challenge Fund of the DILG, the awards are governed by certain policies as provided under the General Appropriations Act of 2011. The prizes will be used to finance projects that are geared towards the attainment of the MDGs, local economic development or those that relate to adaptation to climate change and preparedness for disasters.
The awarding ceremony will be held on October 11, 2011 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Manila.(Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise-LGOO II/RIO-Designate)
Briefly News
Robbery
Agusan del Sur - Gold buyer Angelicone C. Empleo 23 of Purok Perez, Sta Cruz town was robbed by unidentified suspects who pretended to be customers who wanted to buy mercury chemical to be used for processing raw materials. As Empleo handed over the chemical, the suspects declared a hold-up. Empleo resisted prompting one of the suspects to punch her. The robbers took 120 grams of pure gold from Empleo’s store, two cellphones, and P200,000 cash before fleeing. The incident happened on October 5, at around 2:30 am. Police investigators are still looking into the case.
Illegal fishing
Hinatuan Surigao del Sur- Members of the municipal police led by SPO4 Joselito Orcullo and local Department of Agriculture staff apprehended Eddie Montilla, Mario Fernandez, Alex Pilonggo, Roland Laurel, Jimboy Felison, Ireneo Plaza, Ricky Bacal of legal ages of Brgy Maribuhok, Lingig, Surigao del Sur, Tuesday at around 9 am in Brgy. Portlamon of said town while fishing with the use of fine mesh nets, a violation of R.A. 8550. Thirty kilos of assorted fish were confiscated from the suspects including two pump boats. They were brought to the municipal agriculture office for booking.
Shooting Incident
Agusan del Sur- Unidentified suspects shot and killed 30-year old rubber tree tapper Jedie Boy Miranda, at around 9 am last October 4, 2011 in Km 5, Brgy. Nato, Esperanza town. Police investigation revealed that prior to the incident, the victim was with two other rubber tree tappers at the Espia Agro Industrial Corporation. As Miranda’s co-workers later left him and moved to another area in the course of their work. Minutes later John, 17, and Miguel, 11, (not their real names) heard gunshots and ran away. They reported the incident tothe security guard who in turn informed barangay Nato officials. Learning about the incident from Nato officials, Esperanza police investigators found Miranda dead on the ground with gunshots in the face and body. The lawmen recovered four pellets believed from a shotgun. As of press time, policemen were still working on the case.
Suicide Attempt
Agusan del Norte- Depression could have caused a 40-year old man of Purok 4, Barangay 1, Municipality of Buenavista to try to commit suicide. Through an urgent cellphone call, responding Carmen police members found Rene Pagaran Empeso inside the toilet at his relative’s house in Purok 1, Brgy. Rojales, Carmen town with a stab wound in the stomach and a slash in the left wrist. The lawmen led by Insp. Benjamin Espina rushed Empeso to the hospital where he is now recovering. In an interview, the victim said he was so depressed not only because he was jobless but because his wife had left him. Empeso’s relative Antonieta Fortuna told police that the victim arrived at her residence on Oct. 2, a day before he tried to commit suicide. The police received the call at around 2:34 pm of Oct. 3.
Bislig Mayor thanks Agnor for visit
TINUY-AN FALLS
OBET SAMONTE
Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro thanked the Agusan del Norte government officials and employees for visiting on Family Day Bislig’s tourist spot, the Tinuy-an Falls.
During a courtesy call led by Provincial Administrator Percianita Racho, Mayor Navarro expressed his highest appreciation for the presence of the Agusan del Norte employees.
Navarro said it is a great honor and pride for Bislig City in having an attraction like the Tinuy-an Falls, which is one of Caraga Region’s most beautiful places where tourists and visitors enjoy and unite with nature.
Liga lauds Carillo on Adopt a barangay Project
By REY V. POLOYAPOY
BUTUAN City – The members of Liga ng mga Punong Barangay praised the Butuan City police for its “one policeman for every barangay” project last Thursday.
This developed when a team of Butuan City Police Office personnel headed by Senior Supt. Jose V. Carillo launched the Adopt-a-Barangay Project of their office during the monthly regular session of the Liga ng mga Punong Barangay held at Imadejas Convention Center this city.
A few minutes into the session, Hon. Nestor D. Amora, Liga President, following on the list of topics in their agenda, turned over the floor to the visiting policemen.
Police Superintendent Joseph B. Boquiren, Chief of the Police-Community Relations Branch, BCPO, gave the preliminaries and the background of the project.
Carillo explained to the punong barangays the nature of the project as embodied in the Letter of Instruction prepared by his office previously.
The project’s scheme provides for the assignment of one policeman for every barangay to coordinate with the local officials and act as liaison officer between the police and the barangay unit.
The assigned policemen will also act as representative of the police to discuss matters regarding the maintenance of peace and order in the area during the regular meeting with the Barangay-Based Institutions such as: Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPOC), Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC), and to include the barangay Tanod organization.
After the presentation of the project, Hon. Menelio Galan of Barangay San Ignacio immediately moved for the adoption of the above project by the Liga ng mga Punong Barangay and was readily approved by the body.
A few minutes into the session, Hon. Nestor D. Amora, Liga President, following on the list of topics in their agenda, turned over the floor to the visiting policemen.
Police Superintendent Joseph B. Boquiren, Chief of the Police-Community Relations Branch, BCPO, gave the preliminaries and the background of the project.
Carillo explained to the punong barangays the nature of the project as embodied in the Letter of Instruction prepared by his office previously.
The project’s scheme provides for the assignment of one policeman for every barangay to coordinate with the local officials and act as liaison officer between the police and the barangay unit.
The assigned policemen will also act as representative of the police to discuss matters regarding the maintenance of peace and order in the area during the regular meeting with the Barangay-Based Institutions such as: Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPOC), Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC), and to include the barangay Tanod organization.
After the presentation of the project, Hon. Menelio Galan of Barangay San Ignacio immediately moved for the adoption of the above project by the Liga ng mga Punong Barangay and was readily approved by the body.
The MIndanao Scribe
MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS
The MINDANAO SCRIBE comes out with this maiden issue with the resolve of seeking and promoting the truth in every event, in every idea and in every subject matter of public interest. We shall try to be in the forefront of providing the reading public credible information with all sides thrown in as part of the whole story. Investigative journalism shall be our guiding principle in this quest for truth.
The coordinated attacks by New People’s Army rebels on mining companies in Claver, Surigao del Norte are a timely issue that we shall take up in this paper. The warning National Democratic Front-Mindanao spokesperson Jorge Madlos aka Ka Oris had subsequently issued against other mining projects that he said violate “revolutionary policies to protect the environment and the rights of indigenous people, farmers and workers “ is another subject matter we are anxiously following. So with the position of the Chamber of Mines to continue investing in the mining industry despite Madlos’ threats. The government stand on the NPA raids vis-à-vis the country’s investment climate and its efforts to invite foreign capital are ticklish matters we are taking up. The peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front/New People’s Army and between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are issues too important and effects too far-reaching to set aside.
Events occur and Issues come up everyday. They are taken up depending on the impacts and concerns they generate. They will be subjected to analyses and discussions in the marketplace of ideas. We shall henceforth be its participant.
Events occur and Issues come up everyday. They are taken up depending on the impacts and concerns they generate. They will be subjected to analyses and discussions in the marketplace of ideas. We shall henceforth be its participant.
Loverkada Kids take TV program by storm
By: OBET SAMONTE
BUTUAN City – The LOVERKADA KIDS arrived here from Manila after taking the television program, Pilipinas Got Talent, by storm.
The group won the elimination round of the TV program’s national contest to become a grand finalist..
Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., led a huge crowd in welcoming the group as it arrived at the Bancasi airport. A special parade around the city followed before proceeding to city hall.
Amante expressed his great appreciation to the group and thanked its young members for making the city proud through their special talents at their young ages ranging from 9 to 13 years old.
The group won the elimination round of the TV program’s national contest to become a grand finalist..
Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., led a huge crowd in welcoming the group as it arrived at the Bancasi airport. A special parade around the city followed before proceeding to city hall.
Amante expressed his great appreciation to the group and thanked its young members for making the city proud through their special talents at their young ages ranging from 9 to 13 years old.
Amante urged Butuanons and Caraganons to continuously support the group as they did during the TV program’s semifinal round.
The young girls brought inspiration to TV viewers as they made a statement of strength and determination in the face of hunger pains during their stay in Manila.
They confessed to Pilipinas Got Talent host Luis Manzano how hard they trained on rocky and muddy ground for lack of space. They said they were even despised and described by critics as insane and hopeless as they practiced. They cried as they recalled a senseless and cruel neighbor who threw urine at them. Mrs. Adelfa Nedia, their trainer, was so determined for her wards to reach perfection despite the odds, the girls said.
An article said “Loverkada” brings to mind the word “barkada”. These Butuan kids put a positive connotation to the sometimes negative implication of the word. And they translated the positive into real, tangible group action – they danced. Employing innate skills perfected with training and discipline, they danced their way to a million pesos.
Their story is an inspiring one. The Loverkada Kids started when Ms. Nedia was looking for local kids who can dance for the town fiesta. She selected the children due to their talent regardless of who they were and where they came from. She trained and taught them the value of discipline and practicing their skills. The group blossomed and decided to continue with what they do best, dancing. They won in several local competitions, until they heard and found out about “Chooks-to-Go Sayaw Fever One Million Pesos Chicken Dance Showdown”. Upon winning the grand prize, the eldest among them said “Masaya lang po kami, hindi na po maglalabandera yung nanay ko tsaka yung mga nanay nila” (we are happy, my mother will not have to laundry for others anymore, and also their mothers – referring to her group mates).
Ms. Nedia believes that the Loverkada Kids have inspired everyone throughout their journey to the competition. When asked what carried them through she stated, “Faith in God and we must not stop to dream and believe that everything is possible. But we need to work for it, earn it and achieve it. And we must not stop to pursue our dreams and aspirations, as we will continue to dance and dance as we move on with our life and destiny.”
Other published stories said
In June 14, 2011, a fever that spread nationwide in 5 months obviously attracted much attention. It did for this one.Only that this kind brought joy and inspiration instead of fear and pain. Bounty Fresh – Chooks To Go’s nationwide Sayaw Fever Chicken Dance competition attracted more than a thousand dance groups from all over the country. Vying for the top prize of One Million Pesos, the top seven group finalists converged for the Grand Finals at The Terraces, Ayala Center, Cebu in a hotly contested dance showdown last April 30, 2011,
The road to the Grand Finals was a grueling but rewarding journey. It starts with the eliminations at the local level, then the regionals prior to reaching the Grand Finals. But there are rewards along the way. The winner in the eliminations gets P10,000. The Regional winner gets P30,000. Then at the Grand Finals, the 2nd runner up gets P100,000, the 1st runner up P200,000 and the Champion P1 Million.
The Loverkada Kids took the contest at every dance step, at every jump, at every swing and eventually snared the P1 million championship prize.
The young girls brought inspiration to TV viewers as they made a statement of strength and determination in the face of hunger pains during their stay in Manila.
They confessed to Pilipinas Got Talent host Luis Manzano how hard they trained on rocky and muddy ground for lack of space. They said they were even despised and described by critics as insane and hopeless as they practiced. They cried as they recalled a senseless and cruel neighbor who threw urine at them. Mrs. Adelfa Nedia, their trainer, was so determined for her wards to reach perfection despite the odds, the girls said.
An article said “Loverkada” brings to mind the word “barkada”. These Butuan kids put a positive connotation to the sometimes negative implication of the word. And they translated the positive into real, tangible group action – they danced. Employing innate skills perfected with training and discipline, they danced their way to a million pesos.
Their story is an inspiring one. The Loverkada Kids started when Ms. Nedia was looking for local kids who can dance for the town fiesta. She selected the children due to their talent regardless of who they were and where they came from. She trained and taught them the value of discipline and practicing their skills. The group blossomed and decided to continue with what they do best, dancing. They won in several local competitions, until they heard and found out about “Chooks-to-Go Sayaw Fever One Million Pesos Chicken Dance Showdown”. Upon winning the grand prize, the eldest among them said “Masaya lang po kami, hindi na po maglalabandera yung nanay ko tsaka yung mga nanay nila” (we are happy, my mother will not have to laundry for others anymore, and also their mothers – referring to her group mates).
Ms. Nedia believes that the Loverkada Kids have inspired everyone throughout their journey to the competition. When asked what carried them through she stated, “Faith in God and we must not stop to dream and believe that everything is possible. But we need to work for it, earn it and achieve it. And we must not stop to pursue our dreams and aspirations, as we will continue to dance and dance as we move on with our life and destiny.”
Other published stories said
In June 14, 2011, a fever that spread nationwide in 5 months obviously attracted much attention. It did for this one.Only that this kind brought joy and inspiration instead of fear and pain. Bounty Fresh – Chooks To Go’s nationwide Sayaw Fever Chicken Dance competition attracted more than a thousand dance groups from all over the country. Vying for the top prize of One Million Pesos, the top seven group finalists converged for the Grand Finals at The Terraces, Ayala Center, Cebu in a hotly contested dance showdown last April 30, 2011,
The road to the Grand Finals was a grueling but rewarding journey. It starts with the eliminations at the local level, then the regionals prior to reaching the Grand Finals. But there are rewards along the way. The winner in the eliminations gets P10,000. The Regional winner gets P30,000. Then at the Grand Finals, the 2nd runner up gets P100,000, the 1st runner up P200,000 and the Champion P1 Million.
The Loverkada Kids took the contest at every dance step, at every jump, at every swing and eventually snared the P1 million championship prize.
Jobs, graduates from Angel
By OBET SAMONTE
CABADBARAN City - Congresswoman Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba will hold her lst Jobs Fair on October 14, 2011 at Candelaria-covered Court here.
“The Jobs Fair will be a great opportunity for job seekers in Agusan del Norte to get employment”, said Jiovani F. Cabungcal, TESDA focal person to the office of the congresswoman.
Cabungcal added that employers from different companies will be at the Jobs Fair to attend to job applicants.
The TESDA official is calling on all applicants to come and submit their applications together with resume or bio-data,Transcript of Records, Barangay and Police Clearances, NBI Clearance and Birth Certificate.
The activity is supported by the Technical Education Skills & Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte provincial office, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE), National Statistics Office (NSO), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Candelaria Institute (CI), Bishop Haden Institute (BHI), Caraga State University (CSU)-Cabadbaran Campus, Northern Mindanao Institute (NORMI), and TESDA Provincial Training Center.
Meanwhile 900 trainees will graduate on October 14, 2011, the same day the Jobs Fair will be held. They represent the first batch of beneficiaries of the TESDA ScholarshipProgram of Congresswoman Angelica Rosedell M. Amante Matba.
The graduates had completed actual training on technical skills supervised by TESDA such as Welding, Building Wiring Installation, Foods & Beverage Servicing, Commercial Cooking, Electronics Servicing, Housekeeping and other technical courses.
The Office of Congresswoman Angelica Rosedell Amante Matba announced it is still accepting interested applicants for the scholarship program.
Amid threats, mining investments to proceed
By: PAT SAMONTE
BUTUAN CITY – Threats against mineral-extraction companies in the wake of the October 3 New People’s Army attack on three mining firms in Claver, Surigao del Norte will not discourage mining investments, an industry source said.
Amid warnings from the National Democratic Front of renewed assaults on mining projects, the Chamber of Mines said the communist rebels “may not want to see the kind of development that large-scale responsible mining has to offer since they thrive on poverty as it swells their numbers”.
BUTUAN CITY – Threats against mineral-extraction companies in the wake of the October 3 New People’s Army attack on three mining firms in Claver, Surigao del Norte will not discourage mining investments, an industry source said.
Amid warnings from the National Democratic Front of renewed assaults on mining projects, the Chamber of Mines said the communist rebels “may not want to see the kind of development that large-scale responsible mining has to offer since they thrive on poverty as it swells their numbers”.
Following the coordinated raids by some 200 heavily-armed communist rebels on Taganito Mining Corporation, Taganito High-Pressure Acid-Leaching (HPAL-Sumitimo) and Platinum Gold Metals Corp. in Claver town which destroyed an estimated $1.5 million of the firms’ assets, NDF-Mindanao spokesperson Jorge Madlos aka ‘Ka Oris’ warned other big mining firms of suffering the same fate “should they violate revolutionary policies to protect the environment and natural resources as well as the rights of workers, farmers and indigenous people”.
In a press statement dated Oct. 5, Madlos named Eastern Mining Corp. in Diwalwal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley, Extrata-SMI Mining Corp. in Tampakan, South Cotabato, San Roque Mining, Inc. in Tubay, Agusan del Norte and Toronto Ventures, Inc. in Zamboanga Sibugay would be meted the same “punitive action” as the Claver mining firms should they continue setting aside “revolutionary policies”.
Chamber of Mines vice-president for communications Rocky Dimaculangan said the rebels’ threat to launch attacks on other mining sites were a cause for concern. But he said mining companies would continue to invest in the Philippines given government support.
Dimaculangan added that “Chamber members are determined to pursue their projects as long as we have the support of the government and our host communities.”
Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Leo Jasareno acknowledged that the attacks on the Claver mining firms “are causing jitters in the mining industry and sending the message that investments might not be safe without security”.
In a press statement dated Oct. 5, Madlos named Eastern Mining Corp. in Diwalwal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley, Extrata-SMI Mining Corp. in Tampakan, South Cotabato, San Roque Mining, Inc. in Tubay, Agusan del Norte and Toronto Ventures, Inc. in Zamboanga Sibugay would be meted the same “punitive action” as the Claver mining firms should they continue setting aside “revolutionary policies”.
Chamber of Mines vice-president for communications Rocky Dimaculangan said the rebels’ threat to launch attacks on other mining sites were a cause for concern. But he said mining companies would continue to invest in the Philippines given government support.
Dimaculangan added that “Chamber members are determined to pursue their projects as long as we have the support of the government and our host communities.”
Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Leo Jasareno acknowledged that the attacks on the Claver mining firms “are causing jitters in the mining industry and sending the message that investments might not be safe without security”.
“Any assault on a mine is a serious thing. There are investments there. A mining project is capital intensive. If you hear such news of an attack, it is a cause for worry for the industry”, he said.
Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesperson of the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City said soldiers were placed on alert status, especially in areas hosting mines. The command’s operational area includes Caraga, Southern Mindanao, parts of Northern Mindanao and Central Mindanao.
Lieut. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division which has jurisdiction over Southern Mindanao said the military has maintained close coordination with security officials of mining firms in the region.
“Immediately after the incident (in Claver, Surigao del Norte), we alerted out troops and implemented security measures”, he said.
MGB noted that there are 30 metallic mines across the country including 10 in Surigao.
The Philippines is the world’s fifth most mineralized country, with large resources of gold, copper and nickel. However, extraction of these minerals has been slow owing to bureaucratic red tape and opposition from environmental activists.
Environment Secretary Ramon Paje revealed that last year’s mining investments reached $956 million to peak to $18 billion in 2016.
Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesperson of the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City said soldiers were placed on alert status, especially in areas hosting mines. The command’s operational area includes Caraga, Southern Mindanao, parts of Northern Mindanao and Central Mindanao.
Lieut. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division which has jurisdiction over Southern Mindanao said the military has maintained close coordination with security officials of mining firms in the region.
“Immediately after the incident (in Claver, Surigao del Norte), we alerted out troops and implemented security measures”, he said.
MGB noted that there are 30 metallic mines across the country including 10 in Surigao.
The Philippines is the world’s fifth most mineralized country, with large resources of gold, copper and nickel. However, extraction of these minerals has been slow owing to bureaucratic red tape and opposition from environmental activists.
Environment Secretary Ramon Paje revealed that last year’s mining investments reached $956 million to peak to $18 billion in 2016.
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