Editorial

A threat in the neighborhood

Indonesia is reportedly studying the possibility of seeking international arbitration. This was after a
Chinese coastguard vessel prevented Jakarta from impounding over the weekend a fishing boat that
was caught in the Natuna Sea – the waters surrounding Indonesia’s Riau province. Indonesia detained
the eight Chinese crewmembers. It was not the first such incident. In 2010 and 2013, Chinese vessels
also demanded the release of Chinese fishermen and a trawler apprehended by Indonesia in the
Natuna Sea. The incident over the weekend comes on the heels of reports that 11 Filipino fishermen
were shooed away from Panatag Shoal off Zambales by the Chinese. In 2012, the Philippine Navy
apprehended eight Chinese fishing vessels around Panatag. One of the vessels was found with a cargo
of illegally collected corals, giant clams and live sharks. Chinese maritime surveillance ships,
however; prevented he Philippine Navy from arresting the fishermen. The incident contributed to the
decisions of the Philippines to ask the United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal in The Hague to define
the county’s maritime entitlements under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. A decision is
expected within the year. Recent reports said Vietnam, Japan and now Indonesia are studying a
similar approach to settle its maritime disputes with China. This is what happens when Beijing’s
response to its neighbors’ protests against its expansive maritime territorial claims is met with even
more aggressive moves in disputed waters. Beijing is painting its activities as parts of efforts to
protect the environment, maritime resources and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. But
this is belied by numerous incidents in which Chinese maritime vessels, almost always armed, deprive
marginalized fishermen of their livelihood, in waters that are a long way from China’s 200-mile
exclusive economic zone as defined under UNCLOS. Beijing should not wonder why it’s a vowed
peaceful rise rings hollow, especially among several nations in its own backyard.

Gasoline, kerosene prices up anew

By: Danessa Rivera

Petroleum companies raised anew pump prices for gasoline and kerosene products products after last
week’s mixed trading in the international market.
In a text advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said it increased gasoline and kerosene
prices by P0.10 per liter effective 6 a.m. today. Diesel products, on the other hand, will have no
change in prices, Shell said.
In separate advisories, Eastern Petroleum Corp., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and PTT
Philippines implemented a similar price adjustment on gasoline prices effective 6 a.m.
Gasoline prices were raised for the fifth straight week while kerosene saw price increases for
three consecutive weeks.
So far in the year, gasoline prices registered a net increase on P0.40 per liter and kerosene
prices with a net increase of P1.20 per liter following this week’s price movement.
Diesel prices maintained a net increase of P1.15 per liter since the start of 2016.
Trading in the international market was mixed last week, Department of Energy-Oil Industry
Management Bureau director Melita Obillo said in a phone interview.
Last week, crude prices started weak as the US increased its stockpile but recovered mid-week
after Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members and non-members firmed
up plans to meet and discuss cutting production next month in Doha, Qatar, Obilla said.
“Players are still looking forward to the meeting of OPEC member countries and non-OPEC
members by next month for production cuts,” she said.
By the end of the last week, crude prices fell after the US increased its oil rig, raising concerns
over a supply glut anew, according to a reporter by Reuters.
 Gov’t urged to expedite K to 12 preparations
By: Mario B. Casayuran

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto yesterday urged the Aquino administration to go full
speed ahead in acquiring needed K to 12 classrooms, equipment and teachers after the Supreme Court
(SC) rejected several pleas seeking to stop the implementation of the program adding three years to
the basic education curriculum.
“Government should exploit good summer weather to finish new classrooms before monsoon
arrives in June,” Recto said.
With classes in public schools about to end in two weeks, Department of Education (DepEd)
officials should use the summer break to build or repair schools, hire teachers, and buy equipment
“so all of these will be ready when 21 million students return to schools in June,” he said.
Reacting to the SC’s dismissal of consolidated petitions for the suspension of the K to12
program, vice presidential candidate Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV said that High Tribunal should have
taken into consideration the problems that the K to 12 program brings to parents, teachers and student.
“Maraming hindi makakapagtapos ng high school dito. Bukod pa rito, hindi pa talaga handa
ang mga public high schools sa K to 12 (Many will not be able to graduate at the high school level.
Public high schools are not yet ready for the K to 12 program),” he explained.
But Recto said there should be no repeat of the horrible delays” which plagued classroom-
construction and teacher-hiring in the past. This year, 43 000classrooms will be built at a cost of
P61.8. Of these, “23 000 classrooms are for the grades 11 and 12, or what constitute senior high,
Recto explained.
Congress also allocated 18.8 billion for 62 320new teaching posts, plus 17, 371 additional
support personnel.

Marine killed as BIFF strikes anew in Maguindanao

By: Ali G. Macabalang

COTABATO CITY- A Maritime was killed whie his immediate superior was wounded when
elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a civilian zone Monday,
sparking a 30-minute encounter in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.
A reporter said Private Ronel Undecimo was slain, while Second Lt. Shajeed Andik was
wouned when about 20 BIFF bandits attacked the perimeter security for a P58-million flood control
project which had been the subject of harassment by he group last month.
The renewed violence was sparkes by the incursion of the bandits into Sitio Ampaud,
Barangay Andavit in Datu Salibo at around 8 p.m.
The fire fighter lasted for about 30 minutes until the BIFF combatants were forced to
withdraw after reportedly running low in ammunition.
But before they can run into the mountains, witnesses saw the bandits carrying with them five
wouned comrades who were identified only as Kiram, Alikhan, Samroud, and Jamil.

And it was while the government forces were pursuing the BIFF attackers that they chanced
upon their adversaries’ camp and eventually captured it. It turned out that the camp was a bomb-
making facility.
“We found bomb making devices, mortar rounds, black powder and ammonium nitrate, cut
nails and plain metal sheets used as shrapnel and electric wiring,” an Army officer, who asked
anonymity, said.
Since the fighting began last February 5 with the initial salvo of harassment from the BIFF,
the bandits have set off more than 50 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the adjoining towns of
Datu Salibo, Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. These targeted soldiers and even civilians
traversing the national highway in Maguindanao.

La Salle tossers turn back UP

By: Kristel Satumbaga

Games Saturday
(Philsports Arena)
2 p.m.- NU vs. FEU
4 p.m.- UST vs. Ateneo

La Salle displayed the poise and composure that made them a regular title contender to defeat
the up-and-coming University of the Philippines, 18-25, 25-12, 25-18, 25-21, yesterday for the share
of the lead in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Mika Reyes, Ara Galang, Kim Dy, and Cyd Demecillo stepped up in the next three sets as the
Lady Spikers leaned on their vast experience to snap the Lady Maroons’ four-game winning run and
tie the archrival Ateneo Lady Eagles at 8-2.
Reyes and Dy finished with 14 points while Galang chipped in 12 markers for La Salle, which
repeated its four-set victory over UP in the first round.
Despite the loss, UP remained in third place at 6-4 but allowed three 5-5 teams – University of
Sto. Tomas, Far Eastern University and National University – to move within a game.
Earlier, UST won the last two sets to beat Adamson, 25-21, 17-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-12,
behind 21 points each from RJ Laure and rising star Cherry Rondina.
La Salle nearly lost the lead when the UP threatened to force a deciding fifth set by pulling
within 20-21 in the fourth.
But Reyes, Galang and Demecillo rose to the occasion to foil UP’s bid to slay another
powerhouse team following its stunning straight set defeat of Ateneo last March 6.
PSL MATCHES TODAY
Meanwhile, RC Cola-Army, already assured of a slot in the final round, takes on Petron in the
Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference today at The Arena in San Juan.
The game is set at 4 a.m. before Foton battles Cignal at 6 p.m.

Pacquiao right hand menaces spar mate

By: Nick Giongco

Did the Los Angeles doctor who operated on Manny Pacquaio last year insert bionic implants on the
Filipino fighter’s right shoulder that he has morphed into the 21st Century’s rebirth of The Six Million
Dollar Man?
Based on reports coming from Los Angeles, Pacquaio’s first sparring session since arriving
reportedly had him unleashing an avalanche of right hands against Congolese-Canadian Ghislan
Maduma and American Lydell Rhodes as the Filipino icon’s buildup intensified for the April 9 clash
with ____ Bradley.
Actually, Pacquaio had been using his right hand a lot even during his training in General
Santos City and Rhodes as the main recipient of those blows.
“I caught a lot of rights,” said Rhodes Tuesday, sounding surprised since he had sparred with
Pacquaio before but always had his eye on the boxer’s legendary left, which is the fighting
congressman’s money shot.
Pacquaio was forced to go under the knife four days after the Floyd Mayweather super fight in
May last year. After the operation, Pacquaio was advised to wear a sling to protect his right arm and
was told to refrain from engaging in strenuous activities.

Workers to get holiday pay today

By: Mayen Jaymalin

Workers nationwide can again opt for additional pay or just enjoy some rest today. In an
advisory, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said employers must abide by the pay rules since July 6
has been declared a regular holiday.
The end of Ramadan or Eid’l Fitr is being celebrated by Muslims worldwide, thus Malacañang
declared it as a regular holiday nationwide.
Bello said workers who will report for work today are entitled to receive double their regular
daily pay for the first eight hours of service.
For those who will work for more than eight hours, employers must provide an additional 30
percent of their hourly rate.
Workers who will be required to work on their day-off shall get an additional 30 percent of
their daily rate on top of their 200 percent pay.
Bello said work done in excess of eight hours during a holiday shall be paid an additional 30
percent of hourly rate.
Even those who will choose not to report for work are also entitled to receive their regular
daily pay.
Meanwhile, in celebrating of Eid’l Fitr, the Professional Regulation Commission announced
the temporary suspension of its services today.
The PRC said normal operations at its main and other offices nationwide will resume
tomorrow.

ZCHS teachers spend a day teaching, playing with orphans

By: Edeliza U. Que

“A day outside the classroom and spending with the less fortunate orphans is a worthwhile
experience.” Thus how a group of teachers from the Zamboanga City High School Main described
their community outreach last Saturday (January 25) at the St. Francis House Orphanage in
Pasonanca.
The ZCHS Math teachers headed by Edeliza Que taught and played games to enhance the
math skills of SFH children, fed merienda, gave them hygiene lessons and deworming pills.
Canadian priest Fr. Arthur Winikoff, SFH founder and director, welcomed the teachers for
sharing their precious moments with the over 70 children at the SFH.
The other teachers who joined were Sahaya Gargollo,Samson Que, Lynn Delacruz, Esperanza
Tompong, Noel Ryan Calnizon and ZCHS school nurse Vangie Bue who spearheaded the hygiene
lecture and deworming activity.

No need to go to other place, we have it here anyway!

You read it right, Virginia! No need to go to other cities just to study culinary arts! We have it here
right in Zamboanga City. I am referring to you the newest school in town- International Institute of
Culinary Arts.
They offer regular program, that’s one year in culinary arts and also offering class for
professionals.
One good thing with the said school, they have a very ideal location, it’s at San Jose Road
with very spacious place enough for the students to move freely and make their preparations in
cooking.
They also have a mini garden right at the back of their school, freshly picked huh! The school
administrator also disclosed that they also offers short terms courses for the kids from 6 to 10 years
old, so with teen-agers 16 and above the junior chef all at reasonable fees! The advantage of int’l
institute of culinary arts is they have the- one is to one policy in using the gas range, and the
ingredients is free.
Their Chefs are internationally trained. The outcome of this, you can work locally or abroad or
you can even open a business.
For inquiries, you may call them through 990-1494. More chikka about the International
Institute of Culinary Arts next time, promise!