Regional News

Provincial News

Mindanao

National News

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Volume 1, No. 4 23-29 April 2016

By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

Cover StoryDOFWA undergoes

mushroom production training

COMELEC Caraga, law enforcement agencies step-up preparations for May polls

Butuan City MSEs participate in 2016 Brunei International Trade and Consumer Exhibition

DOH Caraga to provide medical assistance in May 9 elections

Palace official on continuing military and law enforcement operations in Sulu

President Aquino to Abu Sayyaf: We will speak to you in language of force

President Aquino declares May 9 as a special non-working holiday

300 young boys get circumcised in Surigao City

DTI Surigao Norte recognizes top taxpaying business entities

8 former rebels receive livelihood, financial assistance in SurSur

37 ARBs participate in rubber production training in AgSur

DTI AgNor launches consumer rights and responsibilities billboard project

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

By: DTI-Agusan del Norte

By: DTI-Caraga

By: Ma. Lourdes Pizarro-Apego

By: Engr. Ilany N. Dapar

By: 30IB

By: DTI-Surigao del Norte

By: Capt. Regie H. Go

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Table of contents

The six cities of Caraga region have receive¬d their new Mahindra patrol jeeps to boost police mobility and to immediat¬ely respond to crime incidents, disaster¬s

and other emergency situations in their areas.

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III has declared May 9 as a special public non-working holiday throughout the country to enable the entire citizenry to participate in the national elections. Vote RIGHT for a #HealthyNation.

(PUBLIC ADVISORY) In consonance with the implementation of Anti-Truck Overloading Campaign as provided under Republic Act 8794 (MVUC Law) and Section 7c of its implementing rules & regulations (IRR), DPWH Caraga announces that all loaded cargo trucks/trailers are required to pass through the Weigh-bridge Station in Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City. Hence, to pass along Butuan City By-Pass Road NRJ-Antongalon and Jct. Lemon-Tiniwisan Section is strictly not allowed.

(PUBLIC ADVISORY) Following the recent report of an encounter

between the military & unidentifed lawless group on April 23, 2016 in

Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte where no reported deaths & injuries from

both sides, the public is hereby advised to be very vigilant & discerning to

any other possible related reports that might deceive them & give them

wrong perspective. CMO battalion commander LTC Rey Pasco said that

there is a clear indication this recent incident will be used by the militant

groups who are sympathetic to the NPA bandits to create public opinion

just like what they did in Lianga, Surigao del Sur last year. “Let us not

be victims of these groups,” said Pasco.

News Briefs

4 23-29 APRIL 2016

By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

DOFWA undergoes mushroom production training

W ith the huge number of tourists exploring the marvelous Island of Siargao and the increasing demand for food supply, the

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) carried out a Community-Based Mushroom Production Training for Dapa Overseas Filipino Workers Association (DOFWA) on April 21-22.

Cover Story

523-29 APRIL 2016

Cover Story DA Research Specialist Jason O. Dalapo tackled the different mushroom species including the benefits derived from it. Dalapo thereafter discussed and demonstrated the steps in the propagation using the Tissue Culture Method. The 28 DOFWA members who participated in the training were given time to perform the spawning process using rice straw and glass bottle, among others. Contemporary indoor growing techniques were likewise introduced to the members. Furthermore, the group will

be re-visited after three months to monitor whether they have successfully carried out the procedures among themselves. Should the organization be able to produce outputs, the organization will be assisted by the DA through providing necessary equipment and more mushroom varieties to begin their own mushroom

propagation.

OWWA Caraga regional director Samuel S. Madrid lauded DOFWA for sustaining their organization through

continuous activities to intensify their enthusiasm. Madrid also stressed that the agency will assist them by providing necessary skills and trainings for the organization to eventually stand on their own. Mushroom Cultivation is only one among the targeted high-value crops that the agency wishes to introduce to its OFW organizations.

6 23-29 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

COMELEC Caraga, law enforcement agencies step-up preparations for May pollsBUTUAN CITY -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Caraga, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies have intensified needed preparations for the upcoming May 9, 2016 elections.

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

In the Regional Coordinating Conference held here on Thursday, the COMELEC along with National

Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), PNP, AFP, and Department of Health (DOH) bared updates on their

REGIONAL

723-29 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

respective functions and preparations for the election.

COMELEC Caraga regional election director Renato Magbutay emphasized that “it’s all systems go” for their office as they ensure a secure and fair elections. He also said that the COMELEC and other concerned agencies are continuously working closely to safeguard the rights and welfare of the candidates and voters. “In Caraga region, we have around 1,547,093 registered voters who are expected to cast their votes on May 9, 2016,” he added. When asked about the security in the delivery of the ballots, Atty. Magbutay stressed that escorts of the COMELEC personnel are already in place. “For Agusan del Sur, ballots will be delivered on May 2-3 from the regional hub; Surigao del Norte on May 3; Surigao del Sur on May 3-4; Province of Dinagat Islands on May 3-4; and Agusan del Norte on May 5, 2016,” he said. It was also learned that the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of the ballots

will be conducted from May 2-6, 2016.

Meanwhile, Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., division commander of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army underlined that his personnel will strictly monitor peace and order in the different designated polling stations in the provinces.

Also, according to Police Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix, PNP Caraga regional director, they will intensify police visibility in the different barangays. “We have been religiously implementing our campaign against criminality, illegal firearms, and illegal drugs, among others. We also have constant coordination with other partner law enforcement agencies,” he remarked.

8 23-29 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

Butuan City MSEs participate in 2016 Brunei International Trade and Consumer Exhibition

BUTUAN CITY -- Six Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) Program-assisted micro and small enterprises (MSEs) recently participated in the Brunei International Trade and Consumer Exhibition (BITCE) 2016, held at the Brines Hall 1-2, Jerudong, Darussalam. The said enterprises were: 1) Marjeck Food Products; 2) JIDA Aqua Resources; 3) Lagman-Regis Farm and Agri-Resources, 4) Bidlisiw Foundation Inc. of the Missionary Sisters of Mary; 5) RTR Federation of Abaca weavers; and 6) Mercado’s Sudlanan. DTI Agusan del Nort provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo headed the delegation.

The participation of these enterprises had greatly benefited them in terms of gaining of wider market exposure; access to new markets; generation of additional sales; and learning about product trends in the BIMP-East Asia Growth Areas. Through this event the MSEs were able to showcase some of the best

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REGIONAL NEWS

products in the city such as: bottles sardines, turmeric powder, herbal coffee, abaca bags, abaca hampers, and water hyacinth slippers. Cash and book order sales amounting to more than P100 most of which were derived from the food products. Significant amount of negotiated sales were also done during the event. The participants gained valuable

insights and lessons which will guide them to future initiatives in leveling up their respective businesses. They further understood the importance of Halal certification if they are to gain more mainstream markets in Muslim-dominated economies in ASEAN countries like Brunei. They also recognized the huge opportunities in selling their products abroad given the sizable population of Filipinos overseas who crave for Philippine made products. (DTI-Caraga)

DOH Caraga to provide medical assistance in May 9 elections

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region during the regular monthly media forum revealed that they will provide medical assistance in the upcoming May 9 national and local elections.

By: Ma. Lourdes Pizarro-Apego

10 23-29 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

According to Richard Maniago, Health Emergency Coordinator of the said office, 500 nurses will be assigned to 100 pre-identified priority voting centers in region on the day of the elections. Maniago clarified the medical personnel will only provide medical assistance at the level of first aid. Each team of medical personnel will be

composed of five nurses. In Butuan City, the team of first aid personnel will be assigned to eight largest voting centers in the city namely, Ampayon Central Elementary School, Libertad Central Elementary School, Doongan Elementary School, Agusan National High School and San Vicente Elementary School. (Radyo ng Bayan Butuan)

GALLERY

Commission on Election (COMELEC)Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

Philippine National Police (PNP)Caraga Regional Coordinating Conference

28 April 2016

1123-29 APRIL 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PROVINCIAL

DTI AgNor launches consumer rights and responsibilities billboard project

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office in partnership with the local government units of Kitcharao, Cabadbaran City, RTR, Butuan City, Buenavista, Nasipit and Carmen recently launched the Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Billboard Project at the public markets of said cities and municipalities of Agusan del Norte.

DTI Agusan del Norte provincial director Gay Tidalgo said in this era of globalization, more domestic and foreign products will be available in the market place. “It is important that consumers must be informed, because of wider choices some substandard products might be present in the market,” she added.

With this project, Tidalgo said it will help the consumers decide and choose wisely and intelligently the products they will buy that are safe, reliable and of good quality. “Undeniably, an informed consumer is the best protected consumer,” she emphasized. (DTI-Agusan del Norte)

12 23-29 APRIL 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- Thirty-seven Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from Agsao Rubber Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ARBEMUPCO) recently participated in the three-day training on Establishment and Management on Rubber Production held at Kalahi Center, Veruela, this province.

37 ARBs participate in rubber production training in AgSurBy: Engr. Ilany N. Dapar

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) thru Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) extends help to the ARBs who were affected by the devastating Typhoon Pablo.

Said activity was aimed to enable them overcome poverty through

capability and skills training and capacitate them to plant, manage and take care of rubber production to be profitable. Plantation Superintendent Narciso Samblacinio of JCA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (JARBEMCO) as resource

1323-29 APRIL 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- A total of 300 young boys were given free circumcision during the recently held “Operation Tuli” conducted by the Surigao Health Specialist, Surigao Medical Center, various civic organizations, and government agencies at the City Cultural Center here.

300 young boys get circumcised in Surigao City

speaker, expounded topics on Establishment and Management of Rubber Nursery, Rubber Plantation Establishment and Management and Tapping Technology that includes technical assistance for the operation, maintenance, sustainability and on-site applications of rubber pruning and tapping. “I thank the DAR for giving us the opportunity to be part of this program. It is a big help especially to us who

are affected by the Typhoon Pablo. They equip us with learning’s on how to progress from our current situations and be productive in spite of the devastated effects of the typhoon in our area. Rest assured that we will practice and apply all that we have learned from this training, that we could be more productive in cultivating our CARP lands,” expressed Romeo A. Plaza, ARB/ARBEMUPCO chairman. (DAR-Agusan del Sur)

14 23-29 APRIL 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

The boys also received free pain relievers, anti-biotics and other medicines. It was learned that these groups conduct “Operation Tuli” every summer as part of their corporate social

responsibility program. Meanwhile, the 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte also provided free haircut for the boys. (30IB)

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Business Permit Licensing Office (BPLO) gave due recognition to top 10 taxpaying business entities operating the city on April 26, 2016, here.

DTI Surigao Norte recognizes top taxpaying business entities

The top 10 taxpayers who received the awards are Absolute Essential Traders Inc.; Greenwhich and Jollibee Franchise; Tai-Pan Development Inc.; First Consolidated Bank; Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative; Evergreen Tavern Development Management Corporation; Apo Cement Corporation; Surigao Education Center; Clybros Merchandising Inc.; and Jollibee Franchise (Gaisano). To improve the quality of service to the business sector, the BPLO is consistent in its effort to improve and meet the standard of the Business

Permit and Licensing System through the streamlining program being implemented in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DTI. (DTI-Surigao del Norte)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Provincial Comprehensive Local Integration Program Committee of Surigao del Sur headed by Governor Johnny Pimentel successfully conducted the awarding of CLIP benefits (livelihood assistance and immediate cash assistance) to eight Former Rebels (FRs) held on Monday, Apr. 25, 2016 at the pacific conference room, Villa Maria Louisa Hotel, this city.

8 former rebels receive livelihood, financial assistance in SurSur

The CLIP awarding is the third batch conducted for the year 2016 in the 402nd Brigade area of operation. Around 57 FRs from lawless New Peoples’ Army (NPA) Guerilla under North Eastern Regional Committee (NEMRC) received assistance from the CLIP program. A total of P65,000.00 each (P50,000.00 livelihood assistance and P15,000.00 immediate cash assistance) was given per beneficiary aside from the P5,000.00 incentive from the provincial government.

In Surigao del Sur, the CLIP committee has awarded around P3.9 million for the 57 FRs composing the three batches of surrenders for the year 2016. The influx of NPA surrenders in the province is a result of the negotiation efforts of the Bayanihan Teams, local government units, tribal leaders and other stakeholders in the province. Massive information awareness campaign through pulong-

pulong, radio and TV program has also contributed to the surrender of the CPP/NPA bandits. On the other hand, the eight FRs had also surrendered six high powered and two low powered firearms which will be paid through Firearms and Explosive Remuneration under the CLIP programs as additional benefits. Likewise, they will undergo skills trainings and seminars as intervention by different government agencies to ensure readiness in their return to mainstream society. Moreover, the committee had agreed and identified ways to improve the CLIP process and possible location of the half-way house for rebel returnees. The CLIP benefits for the fourth batch of NPA surrender is on process and the CLIP committee is expecting influx of surrenders. (CMO-402nd Brigade, PA)

By: Capt. Regie H. Go

16 23-29 APRIL 2016

GALLERY

Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Provincial Selection Committee (PDRRMC-PSC) Field Evaluation

April 25 – 28, 2016Local Government Unit of Kitcharao Barangay Bangonay, Kitcharao

Local Government Unit of Carmen

Santiago Central Elementary School Local Government Unit of Las Nieves

Local Government Unit of Magallanes

1723-29 APRIL 2016

MINDANAO

MINDANAO

MANILA -- Malacanang expressed deepest sympathy and condolences to the Canadian government and to the family of Mr. John Ridsdel who died in the hands of the ASG bandits.

Palace official on continuing military and law enforcement operations in Sulu

Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, in a statement, said, “We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Canadian government and to the family of Mr. John Ridsdel who died in the hands of the ASG bandits.”

Coloma said there will be no let-up in the resolute efforts of the joint PNP-AFP task group in pursuing intensive and wide-ranging military and law enforcement operations to neutralize these lawless elements and thwart further threats to peace and security.

He said the President has directed the security forces to apply the full

force of the law to bring these criminals to justice.

To recall, the ASG, based in the Jolo in the southern Philippines, had threatened to kill Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Hall’s Filipino girlfriend Marites Flor, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad who they abducted in September last year.

The police in Jolo City, the provincial capital, was informed a plastic bag dumped on the street was found to contain the head of a Caucasian man, later identified as Ridsdel, 68. The fate of his three companions was not known. (PIA)

photo: inquirer.net

18 23-29 APRIL 2016

GALLERY

Department of Labor & Employment -Reg’l Coordinating Committee (RCC)

Caraga Press Conference29 April 2016

Bugsay MindanaoPress Conference

29 April 2016

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NATIONAL NEWS

NATIONAL

“The full resources of the State are being brought down on the ASG. Our primary objective is to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of our civilian population. We will leave no stone unturned and are studying every instrument, both military and legal, to ensure success in our areas of operations and wherever else required,” he said in a statement.

The ASG beheaded Canadian mining executive John Ridsdel after the government failed to pay the P300 million ransom demanded by the

bandits.

Ridsdel’s severed head, which was inside a plastic bag dropped by two men on a motorcycle, was found by residents in Jolo town, five hours after the expiry of the ransom deadline set at 3 p.m. last Monday (April 25).

Ridsdel was among the four hostages who were abducted by ASG bandits on September 21 last year from a resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte. Also seized were Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan

MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday vowed that the government will not stop until the threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is ended.

President Aquino to Abu Sayyaf: We will speak to you in language of force

20 23-29 APRIL 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

Sekkingstad, and Filipina Marithes Flor. According to reports, the group is also holding 14 Indonesians, four Malaysians, a Dutch, and a Japanese.

In his statement, the President said he had sent a letter to Ridsdel’s family on Tuesday to express his condolences.

“We are so appalled by this murder… This murder was meant to terrorize our whole population. The Abu Sayyaf thought they could instill fear in us; instead, they have galvanized us even further to ensure justice is meted out. We have always been open to talks with those who desire peace; but those who commit atrocities can expect the full might of the State,” he said.

“I am ready to devote all my energies towards ensuring that, at the very least, this will be a very seriously degraded problem that I will pass on to my successor,” he added.

President Aquino explained that since its founding in the early 1990s, allegedly as AN AFFILIATE

of Al-Qaeda, the Abu Sayyaf has committed atrocity upon atrocity. He cited as examples the sacking of Ipil in 1995, the bombing of the Davao International Airport in 2003, and multiple cases of kidnapping foreign tourists over the past decade and a half.

“Their actions speak for themselves. Even as it poses as a group of Islamic freedom fighters, the Abu Sayyaf has behaved as criminals focused on enriching themselves by taking hostages for ransom,” he said.

“ASG and various smaller terrorist groups and factions now want to align themselves with ISIS to gain access to the funds and resources of ISIS. From Day One of my administration, they have had aspirations to conduct bombings in Metro Manila to catch the attention of ISIS. May I emphasize that these have been, and remain, only aspirations,” the Chief Executive said.

He noted that as part of the group’s efforts to gain favor with ISIS, one of its leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, through his cohorts in prison, has tried to convert other prisoners in the New Bilibid Prison to their cause and establish ties with remnants of the Rajah Sulayman Movement, purportedly in an attempt to embark on a bombing campaign in Metro Manila.

They allegedly even hatched plots to kidnap Manny Pacquiao or one of his children, as well as the

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NATIONAL NEWS

President’s sister, Kris Aquino, or one of her children, “with the plan to use them in bargaining for the release of their cohorts”, he said.

“Threats against my own life have been investigated,” the President added.

He however emphasized that no improvised explosive device (IED) attributable to the group of Hapilon has been found.

“We have monitored their activities, unraveled their network, and arrested the key players, while some of the minor players who were already on the run are being hunted down. I credit our security services for putting these threats to bed with both professionalism and discretion. The public may rest assured that they may go about their daily lives without fear or unease,” he said.

President Aquino said the government wants “to seriously erode any ability of the ASG to continue to function” by conducting continuing operations in Basilan against Hapilon and his sub-leader, Furuji Indama.

On the current situation in Sulu, he said “our reports tell us that the captives are under the control of Radillon Sajiron, who has consolidated his forces around himself and the captives”.

He explained that this is both a problem and an opportunity -- a problem because of the sizeable force

surrounding Sajiron and the captives, but also an opportunity because “smashing these forces is within our grasp”.

“This is why intensive operations are ongoing against the ASG forces holding civilians captive in Sulu,” he said.

“Casualties are to be expected. But what has to be of utmost importance is neutralizing the criminal activities of the ASG. The men and women in our Armed Forces are well-trained, well-equipped, and resourceful. I have full trust and confidence in them,” said the President.

“We have proven before that we will choose all-out justice over all-out war. We have always believed in the power of dialogue, development, and positive engagement over arms. But we will always act from a position of strength. So, to the ASG, and whoever may aid or abet them, you have chosen only the language of force, and we will speak to you only in that language. We will not stop until the threat they pose to our communities is ended,” President Aquino said. (PND)

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NATIONAL NEWS

“President Aquino signed Proclamation No. 1254 on Monday (April 25), declaring May 9, as a Special Public (Non-Working) Holiday throughout the country to enable the entire citizenry to participate in the national elections and to properly exercise their right of suffrage,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

Malacañang is optimistic that next month’s local and national

elections would be orderly.

The Commission on Elections, which has assured the integrity of the automated voting system to be used in the polls, last week conducted a mock election to test the transmission of the votes from the polling precincts to the canvassing centers.

The election body said it has reached its 100 percent transmission target during the trial run. (PND)

MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared May 9 as a special public non-working holiday, a Palace official announced on Wednesday.

President Aquino declares May 9 as a special non-working holiday

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NATIONAL NEWS

ONE MINDANAOMOBILE APP

Executive Editor

Associate Editor

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Contributors

Agusan del Sur

Dinagat Islands

Business Manager

Surigao del Sur

ABNER M. CAGA

EDITORIAL BOARDRegional Office

Information Centers

FRYAN E. ABKILAN

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DTI-CARAGA

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DTI-AGUSAN DEL NORTEDTI-SURIGAO DEL NORTE

30TH INFANTRY BATTALION

ENGR. ILANY N. DAPARCAPT. REGIE H. GO

JEAN PEARL I. MILLONES

PhotographerROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO

AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 815-1991E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.comFacebook: PIA Agusan del NorteTwitter: @PIAAgusanNorte

Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.phTelephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates Twitter: @PIACaraga

AGUSAN DEL SURProvincial Government Center,Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del SurCellphone no. 0917-723-3455E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.phFacebook: PIA Agusan del SurTwitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL SUROld DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com;sds_pia@yahoo.com.phFacebook: PIA Surigao del SurTwitter: @piasurigaosur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDSParrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao CityTelephone no. (086) 826-9450E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.comFacebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat IslandsTwitter: @PIASurigaoNorte

ACROSS THE NATION

MINDANAO INFOCUS

In an interview with reporters here, the President said the farmers’ quest for government support in the midst of a severe drought in Mindanao should not have resulted in violence. “Siyempre, nakikiramay muna ako doon sa namatay. Awang-awa ako sa lahat nang nasaktan,” he said.