TALK OF MINDANAO

Flooding in Southern Mindanao

2012-01-15T09:10:00.002Z

Hundreds of people were evacuated in two Southern Mindanao provinces as floods struck several towns following heavy rains, authorities said.

Several towns in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley were under water, forcing villagers to flee their homes.

Maj. Jacob Obligado, civil military officer of the 10th Infantry Division, said as of 7 a.m. on Saturday villages in the municipalities of Laak, Asuncion, New Corella and Kapalong, all in Davao Del Norte, were under water.

American Murdered in Davao City

2012-01-13T11:01:00.002Z

REPRESENTATIVES from the US Embassy in Manila arrived in Davao City to gather information on the death of an American national who was killed inside his house at a posh subdivision in Ma-a, Davao City.

US Embassy representative Richmond Jimenez and Megan Bartholome, deputy chief of the Non-Immigrant Visa Unit, visited the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to get updates on the development of police investigation on the killing of Basil Joseph Griffin, 73, a retired auto salesman and native of Oregon, USA.

Griffin was found with head injuries inside the comfort of his house at Woodridge Subdivision on January 3.

Griffin's sister Carol Malta wrote a letter and requested the US Embassy in Manila to look into the death of her brother.

Mt Apo Boulder the Challenge

2012-01-11T10:42:00.001Z

Rat Urine Now Killing Survivors

2012-01-06T08:24:00.000Z

The Philippines is struggling to help about 429,000 people on the southern island of Mindanao after the country’s worst storm in three years as the first outbreaks of disease are reported and more rains forecast.

Tropical Storm Washi, locally known as Sendong, killed 1,257 people on Mindanao, many as they slept, as rivers overflowed and inundated coastal cities in the early hours of Dec. 17. As anger over a slow government response mounted, Civil Defense Administrator Benito Ramos said by phone yesterday that five people have died from leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that spreads in water contaminated with rat urine.

Australian Pleads For Release

2012-01-05T08:23:00.000Z

A former Australian soldier kidnapped in the southern Philippines is seen in a video sent to his family pleading for his life and urging Manila and Canberra to raise a $2 million ransom being demanded by his captors.

The video of 53-year-old Warren Richard Rodwell, along with four photographs showing him in handcuffs and apparently wounded in the right hand, were mailed to his Filipino wife before Christmas, Philippine police officials said. The Associated Press saw a copy of the video and pictures Thursday.

Immigration Sign Up

2012-01-04T11:07:00.002Z

A TOTAL of 101 foreigners in Davao City appeared before the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for their annual report.

"We do expect more than 3,000 registered aliens in Davao to report towards the end of the first 60 days of this year," said lawyer Nimfa Edroso, BI-Davao officer-in-charge.

In the BI's official website, BI commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the annual report is provided under the Alien Registration Act of 1950, which directs foreigners to report to the bureau within the first 60 days of every calendar year.

Rat Fever

2012-01-03T07:36:00.000Z

he health authorities declared an outbreak of a deadly rat fever on Monday in the flood-hit areas in the southern Philippines.

At least five people were already dead and as many as 200 were diagnosed in the southern city of Cagayan de Oro with leptospirosis, a fatal animal-borne disease that can result in high fever, internal bleeding and organ failure.

The latest fatality, an old woman, died late Monday due to complication.

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, regional health minister, said they fear the number of patients displaced by typhoon Washi could increase in the coming days.

Congressman Rufus Rodriguez has called on people affected by the floods that killed over 1,200 people to avail of the government's vaccination against the deadly disease.

Death Of Al Barnett

2011-12-27T15:02:00.003Z

My post:
Uncle Alan you may be gone but you will never ever be forgotten, you will always be in our hearts and our thoughts.
I am devastated that I have never had the opportunity to meet him and now I will never have the chance.
I have fond memories of Uncle Alan when I was young he used to phone every year to speak to us at Christmas time.

It has only been recently that I have discovered the amazing work that Alan and Robalyn did, I am truly inspired by the Bite for a Byte program, as a Primary Teacher myself this charity foundation really struck a chord with me. I would be very greatfull to have the opportunity to visit Al,s Diner and to see the work that Alan did for the local schools and community in Daveo city.

Kind regards

Kirsty Barnett - Alan's niece (Chris Barnett's daughter)

Two Thousand Maybe Dead

2011-12-24T08:06:00.001Z

Philippine authorities yesterday doubled the number of dead and missing in deadly floods to more than 2,000, as relief groups rushed in aid for desperate survivors.

Water, toilets and other facilities are all urgently needed to head off potential epidemics, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spokeswoman Angela Travis said.

“The water situation is still difficult and we are worried about what this means for their health,” Travis said, adding that damaged tap water systems meant firetrucks had to deliver to the camps.

Nearly half a million people require immediate assistance, UN agencies estimate, including nearly 50,000 at evacuation centers and those reduced to living with relatives and on the streets.

Grenade in Mabuhay Village

2011-12-20T07:58:00.000Z

Four children were wounded when a live ammunition from a 40-mm mortar exploded in a village in the southern Philippines early Sunday afternoon, the military said Monday.

The kids were playing when the explosive from an M-203 grenade launcher went off in Mabuhay village, Tandag city in the southern province of Surigao del Sur around 2:30 p.m., said Maj. Julio Eugenio Osias IV, spokesperson of the army's 4th Infantry Division.

Osias said the live ammunition could have been from the leftist New People's Army (NPA) rebels who on Friday raided the village hall where soldiers doing community works were resting. The rebels killed five and wounded two other government troops.

Osias did not elaborate on how the explosion was triggered.

533 died and 309 remain missing

2011-12-19T07:57:00.002Z

Disaster agencies on Monday rushed to deliver body bags, food, water, and medicine to crowded evacuation centres in the southern Philippines as officials considered digging mass graves for hundreds killed in weekend flash floods.

The national disaster agency said 533 died and 309 remain missing, while the local Red Cross put the toll at 652 killed and more than 800 missing.

Casualties from the flashfloods exceeded the more than 450 people killed in 2009 when a tropical storm dumped heavy rains on the main Luzon island, inundating nearly the entire capital Manila.

Typhoon Washi slammed ashore in the Mindanao region of the Philippines while residents slept at the weekend, sending torrents of water and mud through riverside villages and sweeping houses out to sea.

In the aftermath, radio stations and local governments have been deluged by calls and appeals from survivors asking for help to bury the dead or find missing relatives.

"My suggestion is, so that illnesses won't spread, let's have mass graves," Benito Ramos, head of the national disaster agency, said in a radio interview. "This will be the discretion of local governments and the DOH (Department of Health)."

"From the helicopter, we saw four major river systems, all houses along the riverbanks were totally destroyed."

Al From Als Diner In Davao City

2011-12-18T09:30:00.003Z

It is with regret we announce the death of a well known and industrious expat living here in Davao City. Al was always helping schools and assisting in many charity operations. In fact a percentage of his takings from the famous Al's Diner went to charitable projects in and around Davao City.

Al had been suffering from a heart condition for several years. This December 2011 he died.

Below you will see a video that if you look closely includes Al outside the diner.

Child Porn In Davao

2011-12-18T09:14:00.002Z

Influential persons are behind a syndicate using children here to sell pornographic materials mainly through the Internet and this was the reason the illegal operation persists, a nongovernment organization (NGO) working for children’s welfare said.

Bernardo Mondragon, of the NGO Alert Davao, said the information came from three victims, who were recently rescued.

Mondragon would not identify who the influential persons were but said some of them are “people in authority.”

Based on the accounts of the victims, Mondragon said the sex syndicate would recruit children—preferably males aged 16 to 17—and use them in making pornographic films.

The filming is done in small houses along the Davao Gulf with the use of cameras, laptops and spotlights.

The rescued victims, he said, gave the exact location of the shanties where the pornographic films are being produced.

He said sometime in June this year, police raided a house in Sasa here, seized pornographic materials and arrested several suspects.

Flooding And Deaths In Mindanao

2011-12-17T13:15:00.000Z

Flash floods sparked by a tropical storm in the southern Philippines have killed more than 200 people and left hundreds missing, officials say.

Many of the victims were asleep when it struck Mindanao island, killing many in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro.

Tens of thousands of people have fled to higher ground, the authorities say.

Benito Ramos, head of the national disaster rescue agency, said reports were still coming in and the casualty figures could rise.

Mr Ramos said the floodwaters had risen alarmingly fast overnight as people slept.

"Massive flooding had been reported over the region, especially in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City," he said

Boy Freed By Police

2011-12-17T12:35:00.002Z

Philippine police stormed a kidnappers' hideout and rescued a 4-year-old American boy who was held for ransom for eight days, officials said Friday. Five suspects were arrested in the second recent case of a kidnapped U.S. minor in the Philippines.

The boy, who was living with his Filipino mother and American father, was seized in Manila on Dec. 6 by three gunmen who cut off the car he was traveling in with the mother, said Isagani Nerez, head of the police anti-crime unit.

Christmas Is Coming

2011-12-09T11:48:00.001Z

Australian Kidnapped

2011-12-06T07:27:00.001Z

Philippine security forces found bloodstains at the coastal home where suspected Muslim militants barged in and dragged an Australian man away in the latest of a rash of abductions in the restive south, officials said Tuesday.

Police said Warren Richard Rodwell, 53, may have been injured when at least half a dozen gunmen took him away late Monday in a sparsely populated village with no guards less than 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the shore in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

CDO Journalist Shot

2011-11-29T07:59:00.001Z

A Philippine radio journalist who reported critically on local corruption and drug trafficking was shot and seriously wounded on November 24, a day after the International Day to End Impunity was commemorated.

Two gunmen on motorcycles shot Michael James Licuanan, reporter for Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro City, while he was riding his motorcycle home from his evening radio program in Cagayan de Oro City, on the southern island of Mindanao, news reports said. The journalist fell off his motorcycle as a bullet entered his left buttock and exited through his abdomen. He was able to take cover in a fire station, and had emergency surgery at an undisclosed hospital where he is now stable, news reports said.

Hotel Bombing

2011-11-28T08:35:00.001Z

An explosion has ripped through a small hotel in the southern Philippines, killing three people and injuring at least 27 more.

Reports said most of the casualties were at the hotel in the city of Zamboanga to celebrate a local wedding.

The explosion blew the roof off the hotel and destroyed the upper levels, according to witnesses.

Officials blamed the Abu Sayyaf group - a small Islamic militant organisation with links to al-Qaeda.

MTS Christmas

2011-11-21T06:26:00.001Z

Lose A Game And Bomb A Bus

2011-11-15T07:30:00.001Z

A man who lost a coin-tossing gambling game at a carnival in the Philippines hurled a grenade at other players, killing a teenager and injuring 22 people, according to police.

The suspect was furious because he believed another player at the gaming venue had cheated him, said local police chief Senior Inspector Jordaen Maribojo.

"He was searching for the man who he believed had cheated him. Apparently, the grenade thrower saw the man in the middle of the gambling area. When he saw him, he lobbed the grenade and fled," said Maribojo.

The explosion on Monday killed a 19-year-old man, while most of the 22 injured were also teenagers who had been watching or playing the game, according to Maribojo.

Death was witnessed by his family

2011-11-11T10:23:00.000Z

Members of the New People’s Army assassinated a government soldier this morning in Paquibato District here, the military said.

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the 10^th Infantry Division, identified the victim as Corporal Wenie Carampatan, who was shot to death around 6:30 a.m. at Poblacion Malabog village.

“He was non-combatant, and worst, his death was witnessed by his family. This is a clear manifestation of NPAs brutality even if it involves defenseless civilians”, the military official said.

CARMAN FLOODING

2011-11-10T10:19:00.001Z

About 30,000 people fled from their houses after floods submerged several towns in Davao del Norte, officials said today.

Hours of torrential rain Tuesday night burst the banks of Lasang river in the area, inundating rice paddies and banana plantations in Carmen and Dujali, according to Sonio Sanchez, provincial disaster risk reduction and management division chief.

Floodwaters as high as nine feet swamped 16 villages in Carmen town, forcing some 5, 980 families to flee, Octavio Valle, the town administrator, he added.

One Bank Grows

2011-11-08T09:28:00.000Z

The One Network Bank Inc. (A Rural Bank), or ONB, will be opening five micro-banking offices (MBO) in the greater Davao City area within the next few months.

Last month, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved the ONB request for five MBOs in Davao City “pursuant to BSP Circular No. 694 dated Oct. 14, 2010.”

The five MBOs will be located in Brgy. Catalunan Grande, Brgy. Cabantian, Brgy. Bunawan, Brgy. Sasa and Piapi (to be replaced by another location in Sandawa), all within Davao City.

The total estimated capital expenditure (capex) for the five units is P4.17 million or roughly P834,000 each. This represents cost of leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment on a rented five meters by six meters commercial stall space.

Silk Air Happy To Stay In Davao

2011-11-08T09:22:00.001Z

Singaporean carrier SilkAir expects to maintain passenger volumes on its flights to Davao despite the entry of competitor Tiger Airways, an official said.

SilkAir is expecting a load factor of about 80% for its five times-weekly Singapore-Davao flights, said Chandran Menon, SilkAir manager for the Philippines, on the sidelines of Tourism Malaysia’s promotional drive here over the weekend.

Steven Tan, head of the airline’s Mindanao office, said the company is using Airbus 319 -- which can carry about 120 passengers -- and the 150-seater Airbus 320 for the route.

Ground Assault killed three Abu Sayyaf

2011-11-01T11:14:00.002Z

A Philippine military air and ground assault killed three Abu Sayyaf commanders and two other militants but failed to snare a key Southeast Asian terror suspect in the south, officials said Monday.

The five militants killed during the weekend assault on an Abu Sayyaf jungle encampment near mountainous Indanan town in southern Sulu province were Filipinos, military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said.

But the primary targets — Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and Abu Sayyaf commander Umbra Jumdail — escaped along with two other Asian militants and dozens of Abu Sayyaf fighters, Burgos and marine officials said.

"These offensives keep them on the run, disorganized and unable to plot attacks," Burgos said.

The troops were also after Singaporean militant Muhammad Ali Bin Al-Rahman, also known as Muawiya, and an Indonesian who has been identified only as Qayyim. Both are believed to be affiliated with the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah, officials said.

American Caught In Davao

2011-10-24T10:15:00.000+01:00

An Indonesian-American detainee who bolted the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention cell in Davao City three days ago has been recaptured.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. on Sunday said Tigor Hasongan Siapanar was returned to jail following his arrest on Thursday night by joint operatives of the BI and Davao City police.

David said Siapanar did not resist arrest when BI operatives and police raided his safe house on Madagascar Street, St. Vincent Heights, Mamay Road, Davao City.

Siapanar’s escape prompted David to relieve Maria Kiamco, BI-Davao alien control officer.

Lawyer Nimfa Edroso was designated officer in charge (OIC) of the BI-Davao field office.

Priest Murder TV Report

2011-10-22T09:51:00.000+01:00

Iligan Kidnap Victim Freed

2011-10-19T10:57:00.000+01:00

A businesswoman and her driver were freed in Iligan City yesterday after more than a week in captivity, while the New People’s Army (NPA) released here on Tuesday night six traders it kidnapped 53 days ago, authorities said.
Col. Daniel Lucero, of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said Faridad Ulama Adilao, 37, a gun store owner, and her driver, Casan Adilao, were released near a police checkpoint in Barangay Manukan, Iligan City at around 3:30 a.m. yesterday.
“The victims were released with their hands in handcuffs,” Lucero said.
The victims were immediately brought to the Mercy Hospital in Iligan City where they were given medical treatment.

Dipolog City Infrastructure

2011-10-18T10:56:00.000+01:00

DIPOLOG CITY The local government here has completed at least two infrastructure projects funded under the 20 percent development fund of the city. In a report submitted by City Engr. Nedilla D. Magdayo to Mayor Evelyn Uy indicated that were about 11 projects her office has completed as of September this year.

These projects include the P1.92-M Dipolog City Airport Parking Area and the P2.5-M Urban Poor Road Network at Barangay Galas, Engr. Magdayo told Mayor Uy. The two projects were funded by the 20% Development Fund of the City Government. (Nonoy E. Lacson)

Italian Preist Murdered

2011-10-17T10:55:00.000+01:00

An Italian priest who had been serving Mindanao since 1978 and was head of the Tribal Filipinos Apostolate of the Diocese of Kidapawan, was gunned down at around 8:30 Monday morningjust as he was preparing to leave his convent in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato, for the 9 a.m. Presbyterium in Kidapawan City.

Bishop Romulo dela Cruz told MindaNews Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, parish priest of Arakan Valley, was hit on the left side of his head, chest and side while in his vehicle, preparing to drive for Kidapawan City.

Full details on Mindanews.com

Bureau Of Immigration Bribery

2011-10-15T10:58:00.000+01:00

An Indian man has been arrested for attempting to bribe Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents in exchange for the release of two of his compatriots from the immigration jail in Davao City.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said Thursday Sukhdarshan Singh, 35, was apprehended last October 3 in an entrapment operation at the Victoria Plaza Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao.

Singh was arrested by a team from the BI and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after he went to the BI office in Davao and offered P200,000 bribe for the release of Gurmeet Singh and Amandeep Kaur who are both detained at the office.

Singh was later brought to the NBI headquarters in Davao City where he was booked for attempted bribery and corrupting public officials.

Shit Coffee

2011-10-14T10:40:00.001+01:00

Civet coffee, the “world’s most expensive coffee” being sold at an average of P1,000 per 100 grams, is now in this city.

For coffee lovers, the taste and aroma of civet coffee is all that matters even if they knew it came from the intestinal tract of the civet cat.

The civet cat is of the family Viverridae of Africa and Asia, having anal scent glands that secrete a fluid with a musky odor which is even used in the manufacture of perfumes.

Local trader Philip Dizon said the civet coffee industry is moving so fast that he never regretted engaging into such kind of business.

Davao Tourism

2011-10-13T10:57:00.002+01:00

Around 30 delegates from the Philippines attended the recent China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) 2011 held in Beijing, China. Last year’s CIBTM 2010 saw record-breaking attendance, and this year’s event topped it. Most of the delegates came from Davao City, for an important reason.

During the three-day event, Davao was one of the featured destinations of the Philippines after Boracay and Palawan, which are already popular among Chinese tourists. During the Philippine Travel Conference held at The Regent Beijing, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte gave a brief presentation outlining the “Let us Meet in Davao” campaign, positioning the country’s biggest city as a potential international MICE destination.

Bukidnon Release

2011-10-13T10:57:00.000+01:00

The New People's Army (NPA) released Tuesday six mattress peddlers after 53 days in captivity, bringing to 13 the total number of released captives since October 8.

Released in Barangay Dimagat, between the borders of Bukidnon and Davao City, were the six men who were abducted in Paquibato District, Davao City, on August 20.

Freed Jail Guards

2011-10-10T09:32:00.000+01:00

Communist insurgents in the Philippines freed four jail guards who they took hostage two months ago, the rebels and officials said Saturday, helping ease tensions in peace talks with the government.

The four guards, seized by New People’s Army guerrillas on July 21, were turned over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in the isolated town of Magpet on the southern island of Mindanao, an NPA spokeswoman said.

The four were released for ‘humanitarian reasons’ and were all healthy, NPA spokeswoman Rubi del Mundo said in a statement.

Hotel Bomb Zamboanga

2011-10-09T09:31:00.002+01:00

Suspected homemade bombs exploded in a budget hotel and at a cockfighting arena in a southern Philippine city Sunday, wounding at least eight people, officials said.

The nearly simultaneous blasts ripped through a room inside the hotel and at the cockfighting arena at around noon in Zamboanga city, which was celebrating an annual Roman Catholic festival, said Zamboanga Mayor Celso Lobregat, who rushed to check on the wounded at a hospital.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the blasts. The city has been hit by deadly bombings by al-Qaida-linked militants in the past.

Mid Sea Express To Davao

2011-10-08T10:23:00.000+01:00

A NEW Cebu-based airline is now expanding its operation and adding new routes to connect Cebu-Bohol-Davao and Cebu-Bohol-Cagayan de Oro.

Mid-SeFor inquiries and constant updates on the latest routes offered by Mid-Sea Express, visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midseaexpress or visit www.midseaexpress.com. (PR)a Express will have its delivery of a new British Aerospace Jetstream 32 before the end of this year.

Maguindanao Bus Attacks

2011-10-07T09:33:00.001+01:00

Gunmen opened fire on two buses in the troubled southern Philippines on Friday, killing two passengers and wounding 20 others, police said.

The attack, which police said could be a failed robbery or kidnap attempt, was the latest outbreak of violence in the province of Maguindanao, where a local political clan was accused of murdering 57 people in 2009.

The passenger buses were shot at when they sped past gunmen in military-style uniforms who had tried to flag them down along an isolated stretch of highway, said regional police chief Felicisimo Khu.

US Hostage Freed

2011-10-03T08:47:00.000+01:00

A Filipino-American woman abducted in July in the Philippines was found Sunday on an island stronghold of the Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf, police said.

Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann, 43, was found at Suba Kampong township on the Philippine island of Basilan after her captors released her, said Bienvenido Latag of the Philippine National Police.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila on Monday confirmed Lunsmann's release in Basilan after she was held hostage by a still unidentified group of bandits.

Hazing Death In Mindanao

2011-09-23T11:29:00.001+01:00

TACURONG CITY -- A criminology student of Notre Dame of Tacurong College here died at a hospital due to severe beatings he sustained from an initiation activity of Tau Gamma Phi-Triskelion fraternity.

Nor B. Silongan, 16, a resident of Lambayong town in Sultan Kudarat, died on September 15 and was buried the following day in accordance with the Muslim burial rites.

Naughty Indians In Davao

2011-09-23T10:24:00.003+01:00

A total of 31 Indians were held for questioning in Davao City by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) during a crackdown on illegal aliens in the southern Philippines.

BI commissioner Ricardo David on Friday said the BI-Davao field office rounded up and investigated the 31 Indians last Sept. 19, after months of intensive surveillance on their activities.

David said the foreigners found violating the Philippine Immigration Act would undergo deportation proceedings, adding that most of the 31 Indians were either undocumented or having fraudulent visas.

Bomb At Regional Court

2011-09-22T10:19:00.002+01:00

Proceedings at the Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) got disrupted by two bomb threats on Thursday morning.
The first bomb threat was received by Branch 14 employee Bernadeth Espiritu around 8 a.m.
According to Espiritu, a certain Ahmed told her over the phone that there was a bomb at the 3rd floor of the building. This prompted people inside the building to evacuate.

No Sex Please

2011-09-21T16:58:00.000+01:00

Displaced women in two villages on Mindanao Island find an unconventional way to stop their menfolk fighting, clear roads and start rebuilding amid a separatist rebellion

Tagum Killings

2011-09-20T16:53:00.003+01:00

A trader and son of a former vice governor of Davao del Norte was found dead on a village road in the municipality of Carmen town Tuesday morning, the authorities said.

Senior Superintendent Edgardo Wycoco, Davao del Norte police chief, said Fredelyn San Jose, 46, married and a resident of Trebajo Village, was found on a road in the village of Alejal past 9 a.m. with a wound in the right temple and investigators were still trying to determine what caused it.

The victim was the son of former Davao del Norte Vice Governor Pedro San Jose, who is currently an official of the University of Mindanao.

The victim was last seen alive early Monday morning as he left his home in his car, said Supt. Glenn Cristenes, Davao del Norte police public information officer.

Reports about the victim being abducted by unidentified men were shot down by authorities, saying they could not see any indication yet of the supposed kidnapping.

Police were already communicating with the victim’s family Monday night after his vehicle was found abandoned at Purok 10-B, Alejal, said Wycoco.

Cotabato Bombing

2011-09-15T12:32:00.002+01:00

The City Government here has offered a reward to anybody who could provide information that could help preempt future bombing attempts and arrest those behind bombing incidents in the city.

The offer came following military intelligence reports citing plans of saboteurs to blow up three more bombs here this month.

"I am condemning the bombing incidents, as I would like to clarify that I am offering bounties to get the culprits and charge them before the court," Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. told media in a press conference.

Mindanao Tourism

2011-09-14T16:46:00.000+01:00

THE Mindanao Development Authority's (Minda) advocacy for an increased budget has finally paid off following the approval of the P157-million budget for tourism development in Mindanao this year by the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza).

Speaking before the 20th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) held in Davao City recently, Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, Minda chair, said that in the last 10 years, Mindanao would only get an average of 7-10 percent budget share from Tieza (then Philippine Tourism Authority).

Davao Fire

2011-09-14T16:38:00.003+01:00

At least 60 houses were razed to the ground in an early morning fire that hit Bunawan district here Tuesday, nine days after a bigger fire rendered 218 families homeless in a neighboring village.

Fire Officer 2 Arnold Juaneza, Bunawan Fire Station safety inspector, said the fire started at the house of one Dodong Cañete, Purok 14, Km. 19 in Barangay Tibungco.

Drugs In Davao

2011-09-08T10:52:00.000+01:00

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) submitted to the Mayor Sara Duterte a list of drug personalities in the city, which include a policeman and a former soldier.

Duterte, in news conference Monday, said the policeman has a rank of Police Office 2, the second lowest rank in the Philippine National Police.

Human RightsViolations

2011-09-08T10:33:00.001+01:00

A Filipino farmer’s group held a picket in Davao City in Mindanao to denounce alleged human rights violations of government soldiers.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) in southern Mindanao also joined calls for the pull out of troops of troops who put up a detachment outside a school in the village of Paradise Embac in Paquibato district.

Two local council members Leah Yap and Jimmy Dureza have passed a resolution proposing the pull out of the army detachment after parents of students complained about the presence of troops near the school. But Mayor Sara Carpio was opposed to the proposal.

“It is dismal to hear Mayor Sara Duterte issue such statement attuned to the military’s claims that the detachment in question has been in the area ‘by history and that there were no complaints from the residents,’ when instead she is expected to hear first what her constituents have to say about these lies by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Pedro Arnado, chairperson of KMP, said.

Cocadile Monster In Mindanao

2011-09-07T10:19:00.001+01:00

The biggest crocodile captured along a creek in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on Sunday will soon become the "biggest star" in a future ecotourism park to be built in the town by the local government.

Villagers and veteran hunters ensnared a 20-foot saltwater crocodile (not freshwater as earlier reported) over the weekend after a three-week hunt along a creek in Bunawan town, where terrified villagers have reported at least one deadly attack by the huge reptiles.

Breast Cancer In Davao

2011-09-06T13:12:00.000+01:00

“Silver Linings,” the educational forum and homecoming for breast cancer survivors, and the people who care about them, that’s staged by the ICanServe Foundation, will be held on Sept. 17, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Dawn Zulueta, supporter of ICanServe’s barangay-based breast-cancer screening program, will lead the opening ceremonies.

Britain's Wife Kidnapped

2011-09-06T09:30:00.002+01:00

Gunmen have kidnapped the Filipina wife of a British national in the southern Philippines, the second abduction of a woman married to a European in three months, police said Monday.

Luisa Galvez Morrison, 34, was seized by armed men in her beauty salon in the island of Mindanao late Sunday and taken away in a van that was later found abandoned, said regional police head Chief Superintendent Elpedio de Asis.

"Our police and military forces have been tracking down all the leads on this kidnapping case," de Asis said.

The woman was from the area and recently returned to open the salon, de Asis added. Her husband worked for an oil company in Malaysia.

So far, there has been no ransom demand for the woman, he said.

More Flights To Davao From Cebu Pacific

2011-09-04T13:08:00.001+01:00

AIMED at helping promote Davao tourism, Cebu Pacific, the country's largest airline, will increase its Manila-Davao-Manila flights effective October this year.
Presently, Cebu Pacific flies from Davao to Manila 45 times a week, 24 times a week to Cebu, daily to Iloilo, four times a week to Cagayan de Oro, and daily to Zamboanga.

In a press briefing on August 26, Cebu Pacific corporate communications specialist Michelle Eve de Guzman said flights frequency to and from Davao City will increase by October this year, as follows: effective October 1, Manila-Davao-Manila flights will be up from 45 times to 49 times weekly or 7 times daily; effective October 7, Manila-Davao-Manila flights will increase to 8 times from 7 times daily or 64 times weekly; and effective October 14 Cebu-Davao-Cebu flights will be 28 times from 24 times weekly or four times daily.

Food Poisoning

2011-09-02T10:54:00.001+01:00

A “pamamanhikan" in Davao del Sur in Mindanao turned sour after a guest died and 32 others were hospitalized due to food poisoning supposedly from the meal served during the event Wednesday night.

Radio dzBB’s Davao affiliate on Friday said the incident occurred in Malalag town in Davao del Sur, where 13 of the 32 hospitalized guests remained in serious condition.

The report identified the fatality as Serapio Campus Jr., 76. It added the other guests who complained of stomach pains were brought to the Pineda Medical Clinic in Malalag.

Retraining Davao Police

2011-08-31T11:16:00.000+01:00

THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has a total of 82 police investigators, who have already undergone the Criminal Investigation and Detection Course (Cridec), a month-long basic training on case investigation.

This is contrary to reports published in a local daily (not Sun.Star Davao) that only 20 of the city's 170 police investigators had completed the formal training.

Superintendent Antonio Rivera, chief of the DCPO's Intelligence and Detection Management Branch (IDMB), said that for this year alone, 38 had completed the month-long training, in addition to 44 others who had undergone similar trainings in the past.

Kidnapped Mayor

2011-08-26T10:26:00.000+01:00

Mayor Herny Dano of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, has appealed for the suspension of military operations against a band of New People’s Army guerrillas that has been holding him captive since August 6.

In a voice message e-mailed Wednesday to the media by Rubi del Mundo, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao, Dano addressed his call to President Benigno Aquino III.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte also called for the suspension of military operations to rescue four jail guards of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology who were taken by the NPA in Bukidnon last July.

Del Rosario met with the wives and other relatives of the captives on Tuesday. Also in the meeting were representatives of the group Sowing the Seeds of Peace, which is composed of religious and human rights and peace advocates.

Bomb Blast Davao

2011-08-25T10:25:00.003+01:00

An improvised explosive device went off near a school in Davao del Norte province early Thursday morning, but no one was hurt, police said.

Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the blast happened near the Tibungol Elementary School in Barangay Tibungol in Panabo City at about 5:45 a.m.

Cruz said the "improvised landmine" exploded some 10 meters away from back portion of the school.

The blast "slightly damaged" a stage at the back of the school, he said. Authorities also recovered a 50-meter electrical wire and four "suyak" or sharpened bamboos.

Americans Kidnapped in Jolo

2011-08-24T01:32:00.000+01:00

Police say militants have kidnapped two traders in the southern Philippines where they are already holding two Americans and at least four other people for ransom.

Police commander Felicisimo Khu said the victims were snatched at gunpoint as they were returning homes on a motorcycle Sunday after selling clothes in a marine camp on Jolo Island.

The latest abduction near Patikul town is in the same area where the militants killed seven marines in a July 28 clash that prompted President Benigno Aquino III to order a new crackdown on the notorious terrorist group.

Davao City Overland Transport Terminal

2011-08-23T01:30:00.001+01:00

THE Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Dcott) is set to undergo rehabilitation to further improve its service to commuters. The rehabilitation will cost some P6 million, appropriated through Supplemental Budget No. 1 approved last month by the City Council.

Jose Elmario Guintadcan, assistant chief of the City Economic Enterprise, told Sun.Star Davao in an interview that the terminal rehabilitation is expected to be completed before the end of 2011 or early 2012.

Digos Sex Pest

2011-08-19T10:23:00.000+01:00

DIGOS City, Philippines—The municipal circuit trial court here has ordered the arrest of former Davao del Sur police director Senior Superintendent Cesario Darantinao in connection with a sexual abuse case filed against him by at least six women, four of whom are police officers.

The warrant, issued by Presiding Judge Norma Ruste-Calatrava on July 29, a copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer on Monday, asked the authorities to present Darantinao before the court to answer the allegations of acts of lasciviousness contained in Criminal Case No. 97.

The charges against Darantinao were made by the six women in July 2009.

Car Bomb Mindanao

2011-08-18T10:22:00.003+01:00

The suspect in Monday's car bombing incident in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat was arrested, police authorities said Thursday.

The explosion that struck a convoy of Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu killed two people and wounded six but missed the governor.

The suspect who was identified as Datu Karim Masdal, a resident of Macasampang, Guindolongan, Maguindanao, is now facing double murder and multiple frustrated murder charges, Philippine National Police-Soccsksargen Director Benhardi Mantele said.

Mobile Training Van

2011-08-15T10:45:00.000+01:00

Students determined to have a job by learning some skills did attend training courses, not in a school, but in a van! Some 471 students in Malalag, Davao del Sur finished vocational courses from the Mobile Training Van program of the provincial government.

The students received their certificates in various vocational fields such as Welding, Plumbing, Automotive Servicing, Masonry, Carpentry, and Electrical.

According to a press release of Davao del Sur provincial information office, the students learned and were trained in their chosen courses for 120 days in the mobile training van which stayed in Malalag to cater to two batches of students.

General Santos Soldiers

2011-08-15T05:31:00.000+01:00

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, The Philippine Army (PA) has deployed soldiers who will be tasked to undertake peace and development efforts in the conflict-stricken villages of Malita town in Davao del Sur.

Col. Gloriouso Miranda, 1002nd Infantry Brigade (1002nd IB) commander, said the peace and development teams will compose the “Task Group Mulawin” under the command of Lt. Col. Adolfo Espuelas, the commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

Miranda led the send off ceremony early this week of the “peace soldiers” shortly after they took their oath of commitment before local officials led by Vice Mayor Bradly Bautista at the Malita Municipal Hall.

“We express our support to the peace and development efforts of the Army and urged the local and barangay (village) officials to cooperate with the Army teams deployed in their areas,” Bautista said.

Municipal Councilor Marianela Malinao, chairman of the Committee on Budget and Appropriation, said the local government will support the peace and development efforts launched by the military.

She said the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) has approved a resolution that seeks the merging of the Peace and Order Committee and Peace and Development Volunteers – with corresponding funds.

Davao TB

2011-08-14T05:25:00.001+01:00

DAVAO City reached only 5 percent of its goals in its campaign against Tuberculosis or TB.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, medical coordinator of the National TB Program, despite the insignificant figures on record, they are positive that they will be able to strengthen the program's advocacy.

"We can say na 'di masyadong significant ang figure on our development program, but we are trying hard to address the problem," Lopez said during the Club 888 forum at the Marco Polo Hotel. A total 2,934 TB patients underwent treatment last year.

Kadayawan Festival Holiday

2011-08-13T05:24:00.000+01:00

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has declared August 19, 2011 as a special non-working day in Davao City in celebration of the annual festivity called “Kadayawan Festival.”

By virtue of Proclamation 215, the President declared August 19 which falls on Friday as a special non-working holiday in the city upon the request of the City Government to enable the people to participate in the event.

Ship Collision

2011-08-12T05:21:00.000+01:00

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) plucked 21 crew members of a cargo ship that collided with a container ship off this city Tuesday night. Two crew members were missing and presumed dead.

Two crew members of the ill-fated M/V Bulk Carrier 1, which collided with M/V HS Puccini amid heavy downpour and zero visibility, are still unaccounted for and were presumed dead as crewmen said the two were sucked in by water from the engine room as the Bulk Carrier

Kadayawan

2011-08-11T06:32:00.000+01:00

Boodle Fight

2011-08-10T06:30:00.002+01:00

Beheading

2011-08-09T04:59:00.002+01:00

Philippine troops killed three Abu Sayyaf gunmen in a clash with the al-Qaida-linked militants blamed for killing seven marines and wounding 26 others in a recent gunbattle, officials said Monday.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said a soldier was wounded in Sunday's brief but fierce clash with about 30 Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Patikul town in the mountains of southern Sulu province. Troops have been scouring the jungle area in search of the militants who killed seven marines in a July 28 clash, including two who were beheaded.

Two Mayors Abducted

2011-08-07T10:17:00.003+01:00

Suspected communist rebels ambushed Saturday government troopers who are pursuing the abductors of a Surigao mayor, killing one and wounding five others.

Mayor Henry S. Dano , mayor of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, and two of his military escorts were abducted early Saturday morning.

The Crisis Management Committee (CMC) reported that members of the 75th Infantry Battalion, who immediately pursued the abductors, were on board three vehicles when a landmine exploded within Sitio Mahogany, Barangay Pagbacatan, Lingig, Surigao del Sur on Saturday.

Follies in Davao

2011-08-06T05:04:00.000+01:00

Happy Hour

2011-08-05T05:03:00.000+01:00

Child Trafficking in Davao City

2011-08-03T13:50:00.003+01:00

TEN girls believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued from a manpower recruitment quarters in Matina, Davao City on Tuesday.

The rescue operation, conducted at 747 Molave Street in Juna Subdivision in Matina around 11 a.m. Tuesday, came after a resident of Mintal complained to authorities that his niece from Maguindanao was being held there and will only be released if he pays P15,000 for board and lodging.

The man, 48, said he was asked by his cousin from Maguindanao to get his daughter from the M.R. International Manpower Services Inc. quarters in observance of Ramadan.

He went to the quarters last Monday to fetch his 19-year-old niece but was told by the caretaker that he can only do so if he pays P15,000.

Tiger in Davao

2011-07-31T13:01:00.002+01:00

Davao will soon become a gateway for more international flights, Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato said Saturday.

At the launch of Tagum City’s River Cruise program initiated by the city’s tourism council, Boncato said that Singapore-based Tiger Airways is launching its inaugural Davao-Singapore flight on November 6, and negotiations with Indonesia-based carrier Lion Air to reopen the Davao-Manado connection are under way.

The DoT is now in the final stages of completing the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), a medium-term program that maximizes tourism as a source of revenue. Soon to be presented to President Aquino, the vision of the NTDP is to make the Philippines a must-experience destination, Boncato says.

Marital Rape Case Davao

2011-07-29T03:21:00.002+01:00

THE second conviction of a marital rape case has been recorded in Davao City after a man was meted with life imprisonment for raping his wife.

In an order penned on July 15, Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 12 Judge Pelagio Paguican sentenced Jose (real name withheld) to life imprisonment for raping his wife in 2004.

The court ordered the convict to pay his wife the sum of P75,000 as civil indemnity and P50,000 as moral damages.

Aside from the rape charge, Jose was also found guilty of two counts of violation of sections 5 (i) and 5 (a) of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004. The court ordered Jose to pay the complainant the amount of P20,000 as moral damages.

Old Bomb in Davao

2011-07-23T06:57:00.001+01:00

A person was killed while two others were seriously wounded when a 100-pound World War II vintage bomb exploded in the village of Mandug here yesterday.

The victims were tinkering with the bomb when it exploded inside a hut past 10 a.m., according to PO3 Timothy Manlatican, investigator of the Buhangin police precinct.

Manlatican identified the lone fatality as a certain Luding.

Diosdado Maglasang, 49, and Pablito Hermosa, 44, remained in critical condition at the government-run Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Bukidnon Kidnap

2011-07-22T06:56:00.004+01:00

Four members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were taken by suspected rebels in Bukidnon.
Radio dzMM reported that the BJMP personnel--composed of 2 jail inspectors and 2 jail guards--were transferring detainees from Ozamis City to the Davao Penal Colony.

The names of the BJMP officers as well as the number of detainees on board the intercepted vehicle were not mentioned.
Initial report said suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked when the vehicle reached Barangay Kitaotao.

Samadhi in Davao

2011-07-22T06:53:00.001+01:00

Relax at Eden in Davao

2011-07-18T04:03:00.001+01:00

Kidnappers of an American woman

2011-07-17T09:22:00.002+01:00

The kidnappers of an American woman, her son and Filipino nephew in the southern Philippines have telephoned their family by phone demanding a ransom, officials said Sunday.

At least 14 gunmen seized Philippine-born U.S. citizen Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann, her 14-year-old son and 19-year-old nephew Tuesday from a relative's house they were visiting in a village near southern Zamboanga City. They were taken away at gunpoint on board a motor boat, officials said.

test

2011-07-15T01:42:00.004+01:00

Welcome One and All.

John Grant here.

As mentioned before I am a British Expat now living in the Manila Bay area. The area commonly known as Ermita and Malate.

I had spent six years living in Davao City, before moving here a few months ago. OK,it is not like the hustle and bustle of Makati, and nor does it have those Makati prices. But it is an OK place to live.

I have come across one problem. Where are all the expats in this area?

As this location seems to be a more short stay area for expats, I have started to develop a social organisation on the hunt to find other expats in the area that may be hiding, and need a beer.

No politics, no religion and no subs. Just an honest get together with expats and friends of expats.
My hope is that over the months we can build it up to a social and self support organisation, and a s a link to others who may be coming this way.

In August lets all have a drink up...what do you say?

Eventually a site and separate e mail address will be set up, but for now lets keep in contact via jgrant8165@yahoo.co.UK

Please pass this information to others who you think might benefit from a beer and a chat in Malate or Ermita

Check out some useful sites Manila Bay Talk of Mindanao Asia Bill

Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards John

Leptospirosis in Davao

2011-07-14T10:24:00.002+01:00

A 56-YEAR-OLD resident of Samantha Executive Homes in Matina Pangi, Davao City, which was hit by massive flooding on June 29, died shortly after midnight Wednesday due to leptospirosis.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira interrogans. People are infected by this disease through contaminated animal urine that is usually transmitted through flood waters. It can enter the body through lesions in the skin, eyes or mucous membranes.

Davao Region has the most number of leptospirosis cases in Mindanao in the first six months this year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The disease surveillance report of the DOH from January to June 25 disclosed that Davao Region recorded 56 cases, a 107.4-percent increase from last year’s 27 cases.

The deadly infection, which is commonly transmitted to humans from water that has been contaminated by animal urine, downed three people.

The figure placed Davao at third in the reported nationwide cases of 521, behind Western Visayas (131) and Bicol Region (64).

The heavy rainfall and flooding in Davao this year may have contributed to the high number of leptospirosis cases in the region, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said on Tuesday.

“The rainy season is just beginning, so we are reiterating our advice to the people to prevent leptospirosis by avoiding, as much as possible, wading in floodwaters, and to wear boots if it cannot be avoided,” said Ona.

2011-07-10T08:33:00.000+01:00

At least 10,000 people clad in green showed up late Friday afternoon at the Rizal Park here to express support for Mayor Sara Duterte, who earlier took flak for punching a court sheriff over a demolition row in this southern metropolis.

Green is the favorite color of Duterte, who went on an eight-day leave to give way to an impartial investigation into the incident.
More from Philstar

Video of Davao Flooding

2011-07-02T06:06:00.000+01:00

The flash flood that hit Davao killed nearly 30n people, and left hundreds in turmoil.

Manila Bay Malate: Calling Expats near Manila Bay

2011-07-01T16:10:00.000+01:00

Manila Bay Malate: Calling Expats near Manila Bay: "If you are thinking of visiting Manila Bay and Malate and Ermita, and need some advice from an expats point of view. Then please contact ..."

If you are thinking of visiting Manila Bay and Malate and Ermita, and need some advice from an expats point of view. Then please contact jgrant8165@yahoo.co.uk

Fly me to Davao Airport

2011-07-01T10:15:00.003+01:00

Business and tourism groups here have asked a local and a Malaysian airline company to resume their Asian flights from the Davao airport in the bid to inject more vigor to the local tourism industry and as feedback continued to point at the lack of international connections to attract a slice of the global travel and leisure market.

The appeal by business and tourism groups were already sent to Malaysia Airlines to resume its direct flight to Malaysia but linking it with the Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu, and to Cebu Pacific Air to revive its Davao-Hong Kong flight.

Mary Ann Montemayor, a businesswoman here who joined the Davao travel mission to Beijing in early June, said Davao’s request to the Malaysian airliner may likely be discussed in the upcoming meet on tourism by ministers and senior government officials of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)

Davao Flooding Concert

2011-07-01T02:57:00.000+01:00

Bring in your donations on the following items badly needed for distribution to the flood victims:

- Clothing, blankets, towels, pillows
- Mosquito Nets
- Food stuff, non-perishable food items (i.e. canned goods, noodles, etc.)
- Hygiene Products (i.e. soaps, toothpaste, shampoo)
- Kitchen utensils, kitchen wares
- Drinking Water

Severe Flooding In Davao

2011-06-30T10:46:00.000+01:00

Seventeen people have died from flash floods in parts of Davao City Tuesday night, local disaster management officials said Wednesday.

Fifteen other people are missing, according to the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Th flash floods have affected more than 25,000 people.

A report from ABS-CBN Regional Network Group said 7 of the fatalities were children. Majority of the victims lived near the Matina Pangi River.
Davao Mayor Sara Duterte said the flash floods struck 4 barangays after a heavy downpour caused the Matina Pangi River to overflow Tuesday night.
"This is not the first time that the river has overflowed but it is the first time that it overflowed in all 4 areas at medyo mataas yung tubig. It's more than 10 meters in some parts and in some, up to 20 metyers

Cotabato More Flooding

2011-06-26T10:51:00.000+01:00

Tens of thousands of children displaced by flash floods in the southern Philippines are at risk due to deadly diseases, an official of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said Sunday.

U.N. humanitarian agencies have been asked to provide enough food, medical supplies, latrines and other items to help people hit by widespread floods.

Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF country representative, said by phone that around 450,000 children in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and in central Mindanao staying in evacuation centers and affected communities are at risk of diarrheal diseases and pneumonia.

The Davao city government has sent P2 million worth of relief goods as assistance to more than 22,000 families affected by flooding in Cotabato City brought about by the clogging of the Rio Grande de Mindanao River.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said four truckloads of goods were brought to Cotabato City Friday escorted by operatives of the Task Force (TF) Davao.
Duterte-Carpio also called on the public to help the Cotabato City flood victims by dropping their donations at the City Hall’s assistance area.
However, she said the city government could not send any engineering or disaster personnel to Cotabato City since Davao City is also experiencing floods during heavy rainfall.
For days now, several barangays in Cotabato City have been submerged in water after Rio Grande de Mindanao overflowed because of the buildup of water hyacinths.

Bomb Blast Cotabato

2011-06-19T09:30:00.000+01:00

An improvised bomb has exploded at a bar in the Philippines’ restive southern Mindanao region, wounding four people, police said Sunday.

Witnesses saw a man acting suspiciously and leaving quickly before the bomb exploded at the Starlight Videoke bar in Tacurong city Saturday evening, national police spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although the Muslim separatist rebels and other armed gangs are known to operate in the area.

Time for Pizza in Davao

2011-06-16T16:48:00.000+01:00

I was very lucky to meet up for a Pizza with a lot of the guys from the FOM group in Davao City.
Great food!!!!!

Davao Recent Floods

2011-06-16T16:35:00.001+01:00

Take a look at this. This is one of the main roads in Davao City called J.P. Laurel which regularly floods during heavy rain.
So next time you are in Davao, make sure you have a boat with you!!

U.S. Travel Warning

2011-06-16T10:53:00.000+01:00

Philippines

June 14, 2011

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of terrorist activity in the Philippines, particularly in the Sulu Archipelago and on the island of Mindanao. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur in other areas, to include Manila. Targeted sites may be public gathering places including, but not limited to, airports, shopping malls, conference centers, and other public venues.

This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated November 2, 2010, and updates specific regions of concern and reflects continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities.

Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death. Sporadic clashes have occurred between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces throughout Mindanao, particularly in rural areas. U.S. Government employees must seek special permission to travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago.

ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15

2011-06-13T10:25:00.000+01:00

The region will be celebrating the ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15 at Bastida Elementary School here which is part of Talomo District where the highest number of dengue cases was posted in 2010.
Apart from observing every month of June as Dengue Awareness Month being the peak period of the mosquito-borne viral disease, the Department of Health will also be spearheading for the first time the commemoration of the ASEAN Dengue Day in the country.

DOH said the ASEAN health ministers have set the event on June 15 and every year thereafter in a bid to “foster more awareness” about the disease.

In the region, the DOH-Center for Health Development together with the inter-agency Regional Anti-Dengue Task Force, will start the celebration with a motorcade from its regional office going to Bastida Elementary School in Dumoy, Talomo District, where a short program will highlight the 4-S campaign against dengue.

887 Prisoners Escape from Davao

2011-06-12T10:33:00.000+01:00

A total of 887 inmates detained in prison facilities under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), including the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), escaped during the period 2000 up to April 2011.
Records of the BuCor obtained by ABS-CBN News revealed that the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Panabo, Davao registered the highest number of escapees with 227.

The NBP came in second with 212; followed by the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan with 184; the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro with 147; the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City with 80; the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte with 22; and the Correctional Institution for Women with 10.
Of the 887 inmates who escaped, 246 were retrieved. Over 300 inmates who escaped in previous years were also retrieved.

Philippines has been declared the world's shortest man

2011-06-12T09:13:00.000+01:00

A teenager from a poor family in the rural Philippines has been declared the world's shortest man as he turned 18.

Guinness World Records presented Junrey Balawing, who is 59.93cm (23.6 inches) tall, with a certificate at his birthday party.

Mr Balawing stopped growing when he was two, his father said.

He is more than 7cm shorter than the previous record holder, Khagendra Thapa Magar from Nepal, who had held the record since last October.

Relatives say he has difficulty standing and walking, but the community was protective of him.

Fire razed 14 houses in a barangay in Poblacion

2011-06-11T10:33:00.000+01:00

Fire razed 14 houses in a barangay in Poblacion, Davao City early Saturday, damaging around P1.2 million of infrastructure.
Several residents of Barangay 4A lost all their belongings except for some clothes.
Barangay Councilor Marites Birneza, in her efforts to ensure the safety of the residents, was not able to recover any of her belongings.

Officials of the F. Bangoy Fire Station said the fire broke out at around 12:30 a.m. at the home of a certain Dennis Quiambao. They said an electrical short circuit caused the fire.
The houses were made of light materials, which made the fire spread quickly.

More Flights To Davao

2011-06-10T04:37:00.001+01:00

From October 1st, Davao will have four extra flights a week from Cebu Pacific.

“This is in line with CEB’s continued commitment to promote tourism and economy in the destinations it flies to. Foreign and local travelers can book with CEB to explore the Philippines’ top beaches and diving sites, and attend the country’s most popular fiestas,” said vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog in a statement.
The company will take delivery new aircraft that will support the airline’s expansion plans. Three brand-new Airbus A320s will arrive in October. CEB said this will allow the airline to offer the lowest possible fares in the market and mount more domestic flights.

“We currently already offer the most flights and the lowest fares to Cebu and Davao, two key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, compared with any other airline. Tourists will [soon] have faster, easier access to the most extensive route network in the country,” added Iyog.

Reproductive Bill

2011-06-09T12:29:00.002+01:00

There's a sticker, unpeeled, on my father's office desk. I don't know where it's from, but it's meant to demonstrate one's opposition to the Reproductive Health Bill. "Say no," the sticker reads, a thick red diagonal line dashing across the glossy sheet of vinyl. Maybe it was given out on a recent Sunday at the local parish; maybe it's meant for the family car.