Dr. Julian Iñaki Larrazabal-Garcia is being led into a waiting ambulance by responding relatives and policemen after he sent a message on Facebook to his brother saying that he was in Carcar City. Witnesses claim that the 26-year-old doctor was thrown off a speeding white van some three hours after he was snatched near the Cebu Doctors University Hospital in Cebu City.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

An old personal grudge may have caused Saturday’s abduction of 26-year-old Dr. Julian Iñaki Larrazabal-Garcia, a scion of the prominent Larrazabal family of both Cebu and Ormoc.

A day after Garcia was snatched in broad daylight by four men and then set free about three hours later, police ruled out kidnapping for ransom as the abductors’ possible motive yesterday.

The incident was also neither a ploy by terrorists, said deputy mayor on police matters and Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak.

Dr. Garcia, a post graduate intern (PGI) of the Cebu Doctors University Hospital (CDUH) and a grandson of CDUH owner, Don Potenciano Larrazabal, was snatched by four unidentified men, wearing bonnets, near the hospital’s Medical Arts Building along F. Ramos Extension just outside CDUH.

“Grudge to but wala sad intent to kill the victim (It was a grudge with no intent to kill the victim),” Tumulak said.

After going on a 24-hour duty at the hospital last Saturday, Garcia was about to board his vehicle in a private parking lot at around 7:45 a.m. when four men forced him to board a white Toyota Hiace van parked next to him.

He was later found in a hilly portion of Barangay Poblacion I, Carcar City, with bruises, abrasions and wounds on his head, face, body and knees nearly three hours after he was taken.

Angles

Tumulak said that police are now looking into many angles of the case but are more inclined to believe that all possible motives were “personal”.

According to the deputy mayor, the incident may have something to do with Dr. Garcia’s work or the businesses of his family who are also into farming in Ormoc City.

“Galibog pa sad and police. Wala pa’y klaro ang statement sa victim (The police are still confused because the victim has not issued a clear statement yet),” Tumulak said.

Garcia was picked up by an ambulance in Carcar after he was found in that southern city and brought home in Cebu City to rest.

Tumulak

Tumulak added that even the victim’s family was confused about the possible motive as the young doctor was known to be a good man.

The abductors also did not send the family any demand for ransom.

Tumulak said that the family, however, was not ruling out the possibility that the kidnapping was done by an “enemy in business”.

A probe conducted by Cebu City Police Station 2 also led government operatives to believe that jealousy may have also been a motive based on Garcia’s initial talk with members of the police unit who responded to Saturday’s kidnapping alarm.

“Palawman pa ang investigation (We have to conduct a deeper investigation),” said Supt. Cheryl Boniao, head of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Police Community Relations (PCR).

CCPO is giving Dr. Garcia time to recover from his trauma before they will probe more into the incident.

“As of now, gitagaan natog time ang victim. Ilahang reason under state of fear, trauma pa ang victim. Nihangyo sila nga papahuwayon sa (We are giving the victim time. The family’s reason is the victim is under a state of fear and traumatized. They appealed to allow him to rest) then they will cooperate through their lawyers,” Tumulak said.

The post Police: ‘Personal grudge’ leads to Larrazabal-Garcia abduction appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Duterte

Members of a supposed “Korean mafia” have the “strongest” presence in Cebu province, selling illegal drugs and running a prostitution ring in the economic powerhouse of the Central Visayas region.

The revelation came from President Rodrigo Duterte himself who, while speaking with reporters in Davao City on Saturday night, warned the unscrupulous South Korean tourists involved in unlawful activities that they would be treated just like any other criminal.

A police officer, who belonged to the now-disbanded Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) of the Philippine National Police, had told the INQUIRER that a group of South Korean criminals masterminded the abduction and killing of their compatriot, Jee Ick-joo, which was now blamed on scalawags in the PNP.

The President acknowledged the information provided by the unidentified police officer, whose claim was also supported by PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

“It’s (Korean mafia) strongest in Cebu,” said the Chief Executive. “If you ask anyone in Cebu or you go to Cebu for an investigative journalism, you will find out. Cebu is the hardest hit (of their criminal activities).”

“I’ve always heard from all intelligence sources that in Cebu, with due respect to the South Korean government, they were behind the illegal drug trade and prostitution there,” he added.

They are here

While others expressed surprise over this revelation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas PDEA 7) director Yogi Filemon Ruiz was not among them.

BATO

Ruiz revealed that the Korean mafia has been existing in Cebu long before Mr. Duterte revealed their presence here.

Ruiz, in an interview with Cebu Daily News, said it was in 2009 when he was still a deputy regional director of PDEA 7, when they learned about the Korean mafia running a drug trade in Cebu.

He said their investigation in the death of a Korean family massacred on Mactan Island in 2009 led them to discover that it was the handiwork of a Korean mafia over a soured deal with the family’s patriarch, who operated a restaurant.

Ruiz said they have no information linking a Korean gang to prostitution, but he said this is likely true since the President has access to information that the PDEA does not know anything about.

He said they have confirmed that some Koreans have been engaged in the drug trade as evidenced by the arrest in September last year of Kim See Woong, 47, also known as alias Kuma, a Korean tourist guide in Lapu-Lapu City who was just one of undetermined number of Koreans who imported and pushed illegal drugs on the island.

Ruiz said their monitoring indicated that this group of Korean drug pushers mostly smuggled in drugs from Thailand. Another group smuggled drugs from the Philippines to South Korea, since drug is cheaper in the Philippines than in their own country.

Ruiz, however, said it has been hard for anti-drug agents to penetrate the Korean mafia since they hardly transact with Filipinos and they only deal with fellow Koreans.

Big Korean community

Cebu has an estimated 25,000-strong South Korean community as of 2015, who mostly live in condominium-styled enclaves centered around a school teaching Koreans to speak and write in English.

The Korean Consulate in Cebu, sought for comment, vowed to help authorities in investigating the allegation of President Rodrigo Duterte that a Korean mafia is involved in the illegal drug trade and prostitution in Cebu.

But Consul General Oh Sung Yong of the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu said they have no idea about the President’s allegations.

“I did not hear it before. (But) we will (do what we can to extend) help for Philippine police to wipe out the mafia in Cebu,” he told Cebu Daily News in a text message.

“I don’t have a problem with law-abiding Koreans. You will be protected, you will be treated equally as a Filipino,” Mr. Duterte said in an interview on Saturday night.

“But for those who are into the racket of prostitution, (illegal) drugs and kidnapping, well, you will be treated just (like) an ordinary criminal. You do not enjoy special privileges just because you’re a foreigner,” he said.

The President has apologized to Seoul for Jee’s kidnap-slaying, which was blamed on a group of rogue policemen who allegedly used Mr. Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign to commit the crime.

Jee’s killing, which showed that the government’s crackdown was prone to abuses, also prompted Mr. Duterte to temporarily bar the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation from conducting drug raids.

Short-term effect

Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, the city’s deputy mayor on police matters, said he has not also heard about a Korean mafia in Cebu.

“I haven’t heard about anything like that so far. But I will entrust that matter to CCPO (Cebu City Police Office) director Senior Supt. Joel Doria to investigate and gather information to attest the allegation of the President,” Tumulak told CDN.

TUMULAK

Edilberto Mendoza, president of the Cebu Association of Tour Operators (Cato), said the President’s revelation might affect investments and business partnerships involving South Korean entities but not in the long-term.

“I don’t think it will (have that much of an effect), only probably for a while,” he said in a text message on Sunday.

He said local traders might become more cautious in their dealings with South Koreans while the latter may also feel offended by the President’s remarks.

Mendoza, however, said that since the revelation came from the President, this was a serious matter that needs to be investigated, and if proven true, Cebuanos should be vigilant especially with so many South Korean visitors here.

Tourism data

Data from the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) showed that 626,364 South Koreans visited the region from January to September 2016, most of whom, or 593,946 came to Cebu, making the island-province the top tourism destination for South Koreans.

About one million South Korean tourists visit the country each year, according to DOT data gathered from international airports all over the country.

According to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), there are over 89,000 Korean expatriates living in the Philippines as of 2015. Of this number, 25,000 are living in Cebu.

As of 2007, there have been 200 recorded Korean businesses in various cities in the province.

The Korea Times reported that many South Koreans are drawn to the Philippines due to the low-cost of English-language education and housing, both significantly cheaper than those offered in their native country.

The warmer climate is yet another motivating factor for the recent surge in migration, the publication added.

Furthermore, the Philippines is also a popular destination for retired South Koreans on fixed pensions since the Philippine government actively promotes the settlement of retirees here because of the potential lucrative opportunities for the local economy.

Mendoza said the government as well as the private sector should be extra careful when dealing with these visitors.

“(We should) report right away any malicious actuations by this group of people,” he said./with reports from Jose Santino Bunachita and Victor Anthony V. Silva

The post DUTERTE’S REVELATION: KOREAN MAFIA ‘STRONGEST’ IN CEBU appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Members of USC Team Lahutay with their vehicle.
grabbed from USC Team Lahutay’s FB page

THE UNIVERSITY of San Carlos (USC) Team Lahutay is taking its setback in the Shell Eco-Marathon Philippines 2017 positively, vowing to bounce back in the next edition of the ultimate-energy-efficiency challenge.

The Cebuano team finished fourth place in the Internal Combustion Engine Prototype category last weekend at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Though the team was the first team to pass the technical inspection, Team Lahutay just could not get it going as it finished with a mileage of 117.1 kilometers to a single liter of fuel. Though it was an improvement from their 105.8 km/L mark in their third-place finish in the Asian leg of this very same competition last year, it still failed to reach their expected target of over 150 kilometers.

But not a single tear was shed as the team held its head high and vowed to do better.

“There’s no time for slacking off! We will come back stronger! See you at SEM-Ph 2018!” the group posted in its Facebook page.

The Shell Eco-marathon challenges student teams around the world to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient cars.

USC Team Lahutay is a group of individuals who are committed to innovation, said team manager Kylle Despi during a press launch last week.
Despi said that several factors played a part in their fourth place finish.

“First, the track was a lot different than what we were used to. There were uphill slopes that led us to consume more fuel to propel our vehicle,” she explained. “In addition, there were electronic glitches in the middle of the run that always occurred. In one of our best attempts, our driver was forced to stop and evacuate the vehicle due to smoke appearing in the cockpit. The smoke was caused by the loosening of the engine exhaust.”

Future auto industry leaders

Isuzu Cebu Inc. is one of the team’s chief supporters. Despite the fourth-place finish, Isuzu Cebu general manager Steve Gingco expressed his admiration for the heights the team has reached in such short a time.

Isuzu Cebu is sharing its support in line with its corporate social responsibility program, which includes promoting innovation and improved fuel efficiency.

“Isuzu Cebu Inc. believes these students are the future leaders in the auto industry. We hope that they can be better innovators, better leaders and we are one with their vision in providing better transport solutions. We will continue to support them by providing mentorship and consultancy in their future endeavors,” Gingco said.

The post Team Lahutay vows to bounce back appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Joshue Ian Laroga, grand prize winner of the Sinulog photo contest, during last Saturday’s awarding ceremony.

IF THERE’S one thing that Joshue Ian Laroga learned from all the setbacks he had all gone through from the previous years, it is to never lose sight of his passion and to always put family on top of his priorities.

One may call it beginner’s luck but it was not at all a walk in the park for the 28-year-old former video journalist Joshue, who might have fallen several times but decided to pick himself up.

Out of the thousands of participants for this year’s Sinulog Photo Contest, Joshue emerged as the grand prize winner, bringing home a trophy and P100,000 cash with his winning entry, a photograph of the Tuburan contingent.

“Wa ko nag-expect ato, pag registration nag duha-duha ko kung mu-apil ba jud ko, wa ko’y ikabuga kay first time baya to nako. Ampo lang jud,” said Joshue.

The entries of Angelo Miguel Sanchez and Maui Recla, landed on the second and third places, respectively.

A first-time participant of the Sinulog Photo Contest, Joshue said he was grateful for the help of a friend, Jude Montejo, during that busy Sinulog weekend when he took photos of the festivities.

ROUGH ROAD

He recalled how the setbacks he had to go through made him stronger—from losing his job due to retrenchment, getting bedridden for months because of pneumonia, and having his heart broken as his mother who raised him alone for years was diagnosed of stage two breast cancer.

Working for a regional television network in Cebu, Joshue along with the other employees and talents were caught off guard as the news regarding their retrenchment arrived.

To make matters worse, he was later diagnosed with pneumonia that prevented him from getting a new job to start anew.

“Nasakit ko ato, na diagnose og pneumonia. So kinahanglan ko muuli balik og Bohol aron pahuway,” he said.

It took him for months in bed, before he eventually started feeling better and eventually bounced back after getting employed in another media company as a video journalist.But it did not last long.

“Pero wala pod to nagdugay, kailangan pod ko mu-resign kay akong mama na diagnose og cancer. Kailangan man siya sige pa-check-up, travel diri gikan Bohol unya walay mukuyog,” he said.

Her 65-year-old mother Susipatra was diagnosed of stage two breast cancer.

“Though nihunong kog trabaho, nangita kog paagi nga makatang-tabang, Mao nga nipalit kog camera gikan sa akong tinigom. Kailangan pa gani to pun-an ni mama kay timing man pod ni-retire na siya as public school teacher,” he said.

Since then, he started accepting freelance work such as photographer for weddings, birthdays and other events. Eventually, he was able to buy a more
sophisticated camera lens.

Every thing eventually became better as his mother went into surgery to take out the cancer cells last November, and is currently in chemo therapy.
Five months since he went into photography and after winning the most coveted Sinulog Photo Contest grand prize, he said the cash prize would be a great help for the full recovery of his mom.

The post Sinulog photo contest grand winner’s story of triumph appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Miss Germany Johanna Acs

NO ONE leaves the Philippines without a little side trip to its famous beaches.

This holds true for four Miss Universe candidates who chose to stay a week after the coronation last Jan. 29 to explore the country’s white sand beaches and experience the tropical life.

One of them is Miss New Zealand Tania Dawson, who flew to Cebu two days after the grand coronation night held in Manila, spending around five days at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Based on her Instagram account, the half-Filipino beauty queen explored the city, as she went to hotel hopping from Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, where she chanced upon actor Cesar Montano.

Miss New Zealand Tania Dawson

Tania even got to do a shopping spree in one of the malls in uptown Cebu and bought munchkins as a treat for herself after the pageant. She also had some henna tattoo!

“Rounding off my trip here in Cebu. Thank you Plantation Bay for the wonderful stay and to the Philippines for the love and kindness,” she wrote in one of her posts as she promised to come back as she flew to New Zealand last Sunday.

Miss Israel Yam Kaspers Anshel

Aside from Tania, Carolyn Carter from the US Virgin Islands also stayed behind to explore the beauty of Palawan, including the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River, Snake Island and El Nido’s Big Lagoon.

“7,107 islands and I will explore you all,” she captioned her Instagram post.

Miss Universe Germany Johanna Acs is also enjoying the summery heat in Palawan with her family while Yam Kaspers Anshel of Israel is having the time of her life on the white sand beaches of Boracay island.

The post Miss Universe candidates stay after pageant to explore beaches appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Cuenco

THE majority enjoyed by Cebu City councilors allied with Team Rama were threatened anew with rumors that some in their ranks are ready to bolt the party to join the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK).

But Team Rama councilors refuted claims by BO-PK insiders by saying that their group is still intact.

“I heard the rumors, but they turned out to be untrue. I was assured by that person that such plan has been aborted,” Councilor James

said.
Cuenco, who refused to name the councilor who made the assurance, said he will remain with Team Rama.

Cuenco was rumored to join Councilors Dave Tumulak and Hanz Abella, who left Team Rama to become independent councilors.

Other rumored names include Councilors Jerry Guardo, Pastor Alcover Jr. and Philip Zafra.

ZAFRA

In yesterday’s press conference, Guardo said he will stay with Team Rama.

Guardo said he owes his position to Team Rama for helping him win in last year’s election as councilor.

Sought for comment, Alcover admitted there were friends who were sent by BO-PK to convince him to join the party.

But he said he’s with Team Rama and called the rumor a “Valentine’s Day joke.”

Alcover said he will continue to support programs which he thinks will benefit the city’s constituents regardless of political affiliations.

Cebu Daily News  tried several times yesterday to get Zafra’s comment on the rumor, but his personal cell phone number could not be reached.

Alcover said he also tried but was unable to contact Zafra.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, one of the founders of Team Rama, said he never heard of any councilor leaving the party.

But he said any attempts by BO-PK to sweet talk their allies into shifting allegiance is a political reality.

“If it is their intention or feeling that they should be with the other party, well, I respect their decision. We cannot decide for them,” he said.

Councilor Joel Garganera, a staunch Team Rama loyalist, said BO-PK’s efforts to recruit more allies is a “futile exercise” since their group is united.

Garganera said the BO-PK and Mayor Osmeña are relentless in courting their allies to get the majority number in order to approve the mayor’s plans for the city including the sale of another three hectares of the South Road Properties (SRP).

Councilor Alvin Garcia, a Team Rama ally, agreed.

“What I heard is that BO-PK is moving heaven and earth to convince Team Rama councilors to switch sides. They want to be the majority in the council to advance their agenda,” he said.

Still, BO-PK members like Councilor Joy Young said there are three Team Rama councilors who want to transfer to their team, but there is still no decision yet. /USJ-R Intern Delyne Marl Saragena

The post No ally bolting party, Team Rama loyalists insist appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Suspended Ermita Barangay Chairman Felicisimo Rupinta talks to Chief Insp. Clark Arriola, Carbon Police Precinct chief, after his followers padlocked the barangay hall.
CDN Photo/Lito Tecson

He had yet to show up at Barangay Ermita, and yet followers of suspended Barangay Chairman Felicisimo Rupinta made it clear that SPO1 Adonis Dumpit isn’t welcome to take over as the barangay’s caretaker.

Rupinta’s supporters gathered at 6 a.m. yesterday, bringing placards to voice their disapproval of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s appointment of Dumpit as Ermita’s acting caretaker.

The barangay hall’s gate was even padlocked, accompanied by a green placard that read “Ermita para sa taga Ermita (Ermita should be for people of Ermita).”

“It is okay with us if the caretaker is from Ermita. If someone from another planet comes here, they don’t know the problem in the barangay,” said Emerita Juab, a Gender and Development (GAD) staffer.

Rupinta later showed up to thank supporters and told reporters he submitted a petition for certiorari asking for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to the Court of Appeals in Manila last Friday against their preventive suspension.

The Ombudsman-Visayas placed Rupinta and seven barangay councilmen under a six-month preventive suspension due to a complaint filed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7.

The agency accused the barangay officials of refusing to cooperate with them in last year’s drug raid in the barangay.

The rally lasted until 11 a.m. with the residents and supporters sitting in plastic chairs outside the barangay hall. Dumpit did not show up at all yesterday.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, arrived in the area where he met with Rupinta and some barangay workers.
Tumulak convinced the residents to stop the rally.

“I asked them to stop because it might create a bad impression on the barangay officials. They can resolve their problem legally,” Tumulak said.

He said the people closed the barangay hall because they feared that someone may plant something that can be used against them and Rupinta.
The residents later relented and agreed to reopen the barangay hall.

They also signed a petition to be passed to the Office of the President, asking them to fast-track the appointment of a caretaker in the barangay.

Chief Insp. Clark Arriola, chief of the Carbon Police Precinct whose area of jurisdiction includes Barangay Ermita, said two police officers were assigned there to keep the peace.

On learning about the picket, Vice Mayor Edgaro Labella said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and even the Ombudsman should make sure that nothing untoward happens in the barangay.

LABELLA

At the Police Regional Office (PRO-7), Chief Supt. Noli Taliño said Dumpit cannot assume as caretaker of Barangay Ermita unless he retires or resigns from his job.

“Police siya eh. Puwede ba yun na ia-appoint siya pero active na police? Hindi puwede yun. Mag-retire or mag-resign muna siya (He is a police officer.

Is it allowed to appoint him when he is still an active police officer? It’s not allowed. He must retire or resign first),” said Taliño, PRO-7 chief.

The PRO-7 chief said there were no documents attesting to Dumpit’s appointment by Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Even if the mayor publicly declared his appointment of Dumpit as caretaker of Barangay Ermita, Taliño said it’s also up to the DILG to review it.

He said Dumpit can only act as a “barangay-police” and not a barangay chairman if ever he assumes as caretaker of Barangay Ermita.

“If his work is related to law enforcement, then it’s allowed,” Taliño said.

In choosing Dumpit as caretaker, Mayor Osmeña said he hopes to get rid of the illegal drug problem in Barangay Ermita./USJ-R Intern Delyne Marl Saragena

The post No show, no entry for Dumpit appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Mariel Vincent Rapisura, president of Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI), and Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III seals the deal to help small and micro enterprises of the province.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

WHILE the Capitol is already at work building the capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) in the province, a development worker said more should be done in terms of market development.

Mariel Vincent Rapisura, president of Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI), said a lot of government interventions have a bias toward production or addressing the supply side.

“As a development worker, I want to ensure there is a market first before there is production. We produce and produce, but where will it be sold?” he told Cebu Daily News in a phone interview on Monday.

He said many government agencies don’t look at market intervention first because they don’t find it “sexy” dealing with business heads or institutional buyers, contrary to their interactions with farmers or other members of the marginalized sector.

Rapisura said that if the market is developed with the intention of involving micro-enterprises in the value chain, government will create more sustainable programs and initiatives that have more impact on the community.

The Cebu provincial government, through Gov. Hilario Davide III, entered into a partnership with SEDPI last Feb. 3 in a bid to help MSMEs increase their income following a series of financial literacy trainings.

Rapisura, an awardee of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur in 2012, said they will be inviting small and micro-entrepreneurs from different municipalities in Cebu to undergo training on financial literacy, financial analysis and marketing strategies.

Rapisura said it was very important for MSMEs to be trained in financial literacy since most of these entrepreneurs mix personal and business money. He said there is a need to teach them how to separate these so they will be able to know whether they are generating enough income to cover their business expenses.

“One example is that because they are the business owner, they no longer charge salaries for themselves. They think that they are already generating income, but if you compute the value of their labor, it’s not sustainable,” he explained.

Financing and marketing, on the other hand, are two of the most challenging parts of doing business in the Philippines since a lot of MSMEs have no access to financial services.

Marketing also helps them understand the essence of their products and the needs of their market, while SEDPI provides them tools to link with other markets, allowing them to think beyond who they are serving now.

During SEDPI’s initial partnership with Capitol last year, three trainings have been conducted between October to November with the largest number of participants reaching 400, said Rapisura.

The participating MSMEs came from farming communities, food processing, beverage sector, small manufacturing, handicrafts, and cooperatives.

“We’re going to do the evaluation six months after to see whether there’s an increase in gross revenues of those who attended,” said Rapisura.

This year, they target 300 MSMEs for a series of trainings that will run from March to June.

SEDPI also plans to conduct a forum within that period that would link financial institutions to MSMEs allowing them to access loans and insurances procedures.

The post Gov’t urged to develop markets first to make programs sustainable appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Provincial Women’s Commission chairperson, says President Duterte’s revelation of a Korean mafia should be taken seriously. Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella (above, left) on the other hand, is calling for the police to go after this Korean gang while Gov. Hilario Davide III (left) is calling on the Koreans with knowledge of this group to report this to the authorities.

As local officials were caught by surprise by President Duterte’s pronouncement of the strong presence of a “Korean mafia” in Cebu, a Cebu City official is calling on law enforcement agencies to track down this foreign gang, who are into selling drugs and prostitution in this Central Visayas province.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said that the law enforcement agencies must be on the lookout to track down this Korean gang.

Labella said that the information linking Korean nationals in the illegal drug trade, prostitution and kidnapping is a matter that has to be seriously looked into.

He also called on those at the immigration department to strictly evaluate the Koreans entering and staying in the country.

“Well, I think, (the) immigration authority should also really make a thorough evaluation of Koreans coming in and out of the country especially those who live and stay longer in the City of Cebu,” he said.

President Duterte has earlier announced that he received the information about the Korean mafia from intelligence sources.

Labella, however, said that there are also well-meaning Korean nationals who are only studying here in the city.

“But of course, there are some perhaps, that should be thoroughly monitored and observed,” he said.

Labella also said that he had a dialogue with the Korean Consul and they vowed to cooperate with the authorities.

He encouraged the Cebuanos to be more vigilant amid the President’s revelation.

Labella

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Provincial Women’s Commission chairperson, said she was surprised by the President’s announcement because most of the human trafficking cases involving foreigners that the provincial government were able to intercept had ranked the Koreans low on the list.

Magpale said she had never heard about any syndicate involving Koreans prior to the President’s revelation.

Despite this, Magpale said that the President’s declaration about “Korean mafia” must have come from reliable sources and should not be discounted.

“Naa mi nga cases na rescued victims from Koreans but we never knew that there was a syndicate or they call it a mafia,” she said. “But of course, coming from the President and the President has access to information which we don’t really have, kinahanglan i-validate g’yud na sa PNP.”

Magpale said that she had already told Provincial Women’s Commission representative, Insp. Marginette Yosores of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), to look into the reports.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, for his part, said he was surprised at the President’s pronouncement since he had not heard about this Korean mafia in Cebu.

Davide said that he is aware about previous criminal incidents including Koreans, but he has never heard about “Korean mafia” prior to hearing about it on the news.

“Wala pa, first time pa gyud ko kadungog ana,” he said. “I have read na 2009 pa kuno na but karon pa gyud ko, quite frankly.

He said that the Korean consul was also unaware of this unruly Koreans visiting the country.

Based on the data of South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), there are over 89,000 Korean expatriates living in the Philippines as of 2015. Of this number, 25,000 are living in Cebu.

However, considering the number of Koreans in Cebu, Davide said that the likelihood of a syndicate “could be operating” among them is possible.

He said he was hoping that the Koreans who know something about the Korean mafia in Cebu would report this to the authorities.

“I’m sure ma-concern gyud sila ani,” he said. “It’s really a cause of concern nila kay sila man tanan ani. Sila pud nga some muari diri para mubakasyon lang or already taken residence here, nag-negosyo diri. Of course, makaapekto gyud ni.”

DAVIDE

Aside from local officials, business and tourism leaders in Cebu are also calling for stricter requirements for foreign tourists to come to the Philippines.

Ma. Teresa Chan, immediate past president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said that the Philippine government should be more concerned of the “quality” of tourists that come here instead of the quantity.

“Proper screening should be made. Documents to be required such as ITR (income tax return), school or employer certificate, etc., should be reviewed,” she told Cebu Daily News in a text message on Monday.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), nationals from 157 countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of not more than 30 days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six months beyond the contemplated period of stay.

Chan said there should be closer coordination between local governments here and Korean authorities as well as vigilance among local stakeholders.
Cebu Association of Tour Operators (CATO) president Edilberto Mendoza, meanwhile, said there was no need to regulate the number of South Korean visitors coming to the Philippines.

He echoed the statement of Chan, adding that there should be measures to ensure these visitors’ backgrounds are not “tainted.”

Mendoza said this goes for tourists of all nationalities, not just South Koreans, which are currently considered to be Central Visayas’ and Cebu’s top tourist market.

The tourism leader earlier said Duterte’s revelation was seen to hurt business relations between Cebu and South Korea, but only for a short time.
Melanie Ng, current CCCI president, said an increase in tourist arrivals will greatly help spur the growth of the economy and business will thrive if the economy is growing.

“We encourage initiatives in increasing our tourist arrivals and not restrict them,” she said.

The chamber leader said authorities just have to make sure the activities of these tourists are well monitored and that the country’s laws are being observed.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Glenn Soco, for his part, said there is a need to welcome foreigners to the country and accept that Cebu is fast becoming a multi-cultural destination.

What needs to be strengthened, however, is law enforcement to address elements tagged as “mafias” here.

Cebu Business Club (CBC) president Gordon Alan Joseph, on the other hand, believes Korean tourism has been good and that this may not even be an issue.

Data gathered by Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) from accommodation establishments in the region showed that 626,364 South Koreans visited the region from January to September 2016, 593,946 of which came to Cebu.

About one million South Korean tourists visit the country each year, according to DOT data gathered from international airports all over the country.

The post Cops told: Track down Korean mafia in Cebu appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

A driver’s assistant gives a change to the passenger. (CDN File Photo)

CEBU is not included in the approved P1 provisional fare increase for jeepneys by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday in Metro Manila and Regions 3 and 4.

Starting Wednesday, jeepney fare for these areas will be at P8, but LTFRB-7 Assistant Regional Director Reynaldo Elnar clarified that Cebu is excluded from the order.

“For Cebu, jeepney fare remains at P6.50 (provisional fare). Jeepney drivers should follow that rate because it has never changed,” Elnar told Cebu Daily News.

LTFRB issued an “additional provisional reduction” in February 2016 for whole Central Visayas making P6.50 as the minimum fare for the first five kilometers of public utility jeepney (PUJ) service.

Elnar said that senior citizens and students could still avail with the twenty percent discount from the basic fare.

Drivers are also reminded to give exact change to the riding public to avoid overcharging.

Under the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01, drivers will pay P1,000 and P5,000 for overcharging.

Petition

Ryan Benjamin Yu, president of Cebu Integrated Transport Service Cooperative (Citrasco) said that if Cebu had been included in the fare adjustment, he would have canceled the filing of petition on Friday.

“Of course that will be too much for the riding public. But if Cebu is not included then the filing of petition will push through,” Yu told Cebu Daily News.

Yu plans to file on Friday for a fare surge, which is an additional P1.50 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Reasons for Citrasco filing the fare adjustment include traffic, increasing fuel prices and basic commodities./With Inquirer report

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Dumanjug Mayor Efren Gica is confident that he will stay in his post as he intends to file an appeal next week denying all the charges against him.

Dumanjug Mayor Efren “Gungun” Gica, who was ordered dismissed after he was found guilty of dishonesty and grave misconduct, filed a motion for reconsideration on Monday at the Visayas Ombudsman’s office, contesting the anti-graft office’s decision against him.

Gica said he is raising several arguments in his motion for reconsideration to explain his side and to contest his dismissal.

He said this would include forum shopping on the part of the complainant, former Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia, which led to the Ombudsman decision ordering his dismissal from service and finding probable cause to indict him for malversation of public funds, falsification of official documents, and violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

He said that under the law, a complainant was not allowed to file several complaints over the same facts against the same party as it would constitute forum shopping.

Gica also said that among the arguments he raised in his motion for reconsideration are non-receipt on his part of any summons to file his counter-affidavit and position paper, and the authority of the Ombudsman to discipline a Salary Grade 27 official, the salary bracket which Gica falls under since being elected as mayor, among others.

Gica said that Sandiganbayan, as opposed to the Ombudsman, has original jurisdiction over cases involving Salary Grade 27 officials.

In addition, Gica insisted that he had submitted four receipts in his liquidation report, belying Garcia’s claim that there was only one receipt which Gica had submitted and allegedly tampered with.

“Wa gyud ta mag-falsify sa mga dokumento,” he said. “Klaro ug tataw kaayo nga upat kabuok ang atong resibo nga gisumiter sa accounting didto sa atoang lungsod.”

(I never falsified any document. It was clear that I submitted four receipts to the accounting department of our municipal government)

According to Gica, he had all the receipts, which would account for the whole amount of P21,435, photocopied knowing that Garcia would be back as mayor by the time he would submit his liquidation report and would thus have control of the original copies of the receipts he submitted.

Gica’s dismissal and indictment by the Ombdusman stemmed from the complaint filed by then town mayor Garcia whom Gica had defeated during last year’s elections.

Gica was sitting as acting municipal mayor while Garcia was serving a preventive suspension when Gica obtained a cash advance in the amount of P50,000 on April 25, 2014.

The amount was used by Gica as payment for the meals of the town’s barangay officials during the Association of Local Budget Officers (ALBO) seminar held in Cebu City.

In his complaint, Garcia said that Gica made a liquidation of the amount he advanced, stating that the total cost of the dinner during the ALBO seminar was P21,435 and that it was held at Ding Qua Qua Dimsum located at JY Square, Lahug.

Gica returned to the municipal treasurer what was left the amount he advanced, amounting to P28,565.

However, Garcia claimed that a supposed certified true copy of the Ding Qua Qua original receipt (OR) showed that the actual amount paid for the ALBO dinner was only P11,435.

Garcia contended that Gica “willfully misappropriated and pocketed for his own personal benefit” the excess amount of P10,000.

Garcia claimed Gica also falsified the purchase order, where it was indicated that the dinner was for 100 persons when it was only reportedly for 39 attendees.

But Gica said he was confident that the dismissal order would eventually be overturned.

He added he also planned to file a temporary restraining order before the Court of Appeals within the week to stop the implementation of his dismissal order.

In addition, Gica said he had filed a counter-charge of falsification of documents, grave abuse of authority, and malversation of public funds against Garcia as well as an answer with grounds for dismissal against Garcia before the Sandiganbayan.

The post Gica contests dismissal order, files motion for reconsideration at Ombudsman’s office appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is leading an eight-man delegation to Kitakyushu, Japan on Wednesday to learn from their waste management system.

Traveling with Osmeña are Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Department of Public Services (DPS) head Roberto Cabarrubias and Barangay Captains Gremar Barete (Buhisan), Dario Arcilla (Talamban), Eduardo Lauron (Carreta), Jovito Taborada (Lahug) and suspended Barangay Captain Victor Buendia (Labangon).

Cabarrubias said their delegation would be leaving Cebu for a three-day travel to Japan scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.

However, Cabarrubias said, that their travel would be of no cost to the city government.

He said that government of Kitakyushu would take care of their airfare, accommodation and meals.

Cebu City is now faced with a dilemma on how to take care of the around 500 tons of garbage that it produces daily, with the closure of the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill.

Cabbarubias said their visit there would be an opportunity for city and barangay officials to learn the latest technology in waste segregation.

Their study tour will include a travel around the Kitakyushu City to learn from the city’s garbage collection system, observe the technology that they now use in recycling and determine which of these can be applied here.

Cabbarubias said Kitakyushu had long been Cebu City’s partner especially in the city’s waste management concerns.

The post Tom leads 8-man ‘waste management study’ group to Japan appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

TALIÑO

Following reports of alleged Korean mafia operating strongest in Cebu, the Korean community in Cebu has committed support to Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) to monitor and track down the organization in Cebu.

In a press conference on Tuesday morning, PRO 7 director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño said they had a closed door meeting with Korean Consul General of Cebu Oh Sung Yong and the Korean Police Attaché, who he declined to name.

He said the officials committed their full support and cooperation to monitor and track down the said mafia.

Taliño added that the Korean Police Attaché confirmed there was indeed a Korean mafia operating in the province for several years now.

“We discussed and confirmed na nagkaroon ng Mafia operation (in Cebu) last 2009 to 2013 (We discussed and confirmed that there were mafia operations in Cebu in 2009 to 2013), ” Taliño said.

With the partnership, Taliño said that PRO 7 and its Korean counterpart will be closely coordinating to locate and monitor the activities of the mafia.

The post Cebu Korean community commits to help police track down alleged Korean mafia appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

NO LOADING STOPOVER

A passenger jeepney stopped in front of a “No Loading” area to buy cigarettes from a roadside vendor during rush hour.

Barely five minutes after the jeepney started on its way, it was stopped by a traffic enforcer and all passengers were told to get off.

While some passengers looked sheepish, the others were seen mumbling in contempt of the driver who had to get caught parking somewhere he should not be at.

10:30 PRACTICE

While 30 minutes may not seem a long time, it might as well be the world to a 10-year-old girl who argued with her nanny on how long she should be out for practice.

The nanny told her that she knew from the girl’s teacher that the practice would only be for an hour, but the little girl insisted that it was for an hour and a half.

Seeing that she has no chance against her nanny’s insistence, the girl conceded a bit, saying, “Ya, palitan tika ug ice cream pero kutob lagi mi 10:30 og practice (I’ll buy you ice cream but I’ll practice until 10:30).”

EXERCISE CHALLENGE

A girl who started on a 30-day exercise challenge complained about the pain from all the crunches she had been doing.

When her mom saw her grimacing in pain while holding her stomach, she told her to just relieve herself at the toilet.

The girl complained that her mom didn’t see her effort in her exercise regimen.

The post MAO BA? appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

RAYMUND FERNANDEZ

It is quite true that not all bishops and priests are shining examples of what it means to be good. But who among us are? It is the primary premise of Christianity that we are all weak and prone to sin. The acceptance of this is not hypocrisy. It is humility. This is why forgiveness and love are values we hold dearly. It is impossible to understand Christianity and Catholicism unless we view it in reference to these values. Jesus Christ suggested two commandments after the ten Mosaic laws: the Gospel of St. Mark says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Last Sunday’s pastoral letter from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines reminded me of these. It was a letter necessitated as a matter of course because of current developments in our country, especially having to do with the spate of killings — now estimated at 7,600 — resulting from the “war on drugs.” The letter makes no definite accusation against anyone. Nevertheless, it stated in clear terms that while the drug problem ought to be solved, the solution cannot include extrajudicial killing. Killing is not allowed by the tenets of Christian faith. Indeed, the bishops went on to say in very strong terms that we are not allowed to approve or be indifferent to both the drug problem and the extrajudicial killings. That this pastoral letter would be met with criticism by agents of the current government is expected. Once again, and as a direct reaction to this letter, some government officials repeated their accusation of hypocrisy against the bishops, citing their lack of “moral ascendancy” to tell us what is right and wrong.

These accusations are false. They set off from a wrong premise. They seem especially ironic when they come from politicians who are members of the Philippine Congress. Just because many members of Congress have been known, some proven, to be corrupt does not mean the whole Congress therefore lacks the “moral ascendancy” to tell right from wrong. By the same token, no one can assail the moral ascendancy of the bishops even if it were proven that some of them have erred and are imperfect or even sinful. That logic is wrong at many levels. And if some congressmen would remind us that corruption is wrong and illegal, then we would not be right to say, “No, you do not have the moral ascendancy to tell us that because politicians are corrupt.”

The legitimacy of government institutions does not derive from officials of government given their innate limitations. They derive from the rule of law and the Constitution. In the same way, the moral ascendancy of the bishops derive not from their person but from their priesthood. Their priesthood derives from clear tenets of faith. And no matter that the bishops may themselves be “imperfect vessels” of faith, their imperfections do not detract from the tenets of the faith themselves. There is no hypocrisy when bishops remind us what the tenets of our faith are. To do so is their work. And the tenets are clear in this: That we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves. If we would not want us and our children to be killed without due process, if we do not want to be killed merely on suspicion of drug use and drug trading, then we should not allow this to be done to others. To allow this would go against our faith.

The Constitution of our Republic also disallows such manner of dispensing punishment. It guarantees every person’s right to a fair trial in a court of law before he or she may be punished. Murder is a crime. It cannot be used as state policy for whatever end, no matter how necessary that end would seem. Every government official takes an oath before assuming any position in government. It is an oath to defend the Constitution. Whenever and wherever a government official approves the legitimacy of murder as a state policy, that government official violates this oath to defend the Constitution. If that government official sees it happening and turns the other way or denies it, then it is he who is the hypocrite. He might as well resign or be removed from office.

The post God and the Constitution appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Local business leaders give pros and cons of gov’t-proposed measure

Cebu business stakeholders lauded the Duterte government’s proposal to reduce the tax imposed on sales of micro-enterprises in the country, saying that this move will help small players grow.

A local business leader, however, said that this would hurt more than it would do good to micro-businesses.

Ma. Elena Arbon, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu provincial director, said this will be very advantageous to micro-enterprises as it means more resources for them to grow and expand.

“Instead of using their funds to pay for tax, they can channel it back to their businesses and grow it, maybe through inventory or payment of liabilities,” she said in a text message.

The proposed change is part of the Department of Finance’s (DOF) tax reform package under the current administration, which is aimed at reducing tax rates both for corporate and personal income.

Last week, the DOF presented its proposal before the Senate Ways and Means committee.

In the current set-up, micro-businesses are required to file quarterly income tax, but they are expected to only file tax on annual gross sales under the proposed scheme.

Presently, businesses in the Philippines, whether micro, small, medium, or conglomerate, pay the same tax rate of 30 percent.

Ma. Teresa Chan, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) past president, meanwhile, said this would be good for micro-enterprises in the country.

“It might even encourage those who are not registered to register and be legitimate. This might even increase total collection related to this tax,” she said.

But Philip Tan, past president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said this would be more disadvantageous to micro-businesses than it would be beneficial.

He said the current tax system taxes net income of businesses, which is a venture’s gross sales minus total expenses such as salaries and other operating costs.

Tan said if the tax the micro-businesses pay is based on their gross sales and not on their net income, then the small players will end up paying more.

Tan is proposing a bracketing system for micro-businesses instead, allowing them to pay according to the size of their income.

Under Republic Act No. 9178 or the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise Law of 2002, micro-enterprises are defined as those businesses with total assets of not more than P3 million.

According to DTI, 99.6 percent of enterprises in the Philippines are micro, small, and medium-sized, 90 percent of which are micro. The remaining 0.4 percent, meanwhile, are large businesses.

The post Will proposed tax cuts benefit small businesses? appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Albert Montanez (left), a satisfied Wunder driver, is with his carpool passengers in one of his trips to work at the Cebu Business Park.
CONTRIBUTED

WUNDER Carpool would have been a welcome addition to Cebu’s thriving app-based transport services if not for an order from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for them to cease operations.

LTFRB, in a statement, said Wunder and one other app-based transport service have yet to meet government requirements.

The board cited their failure to coordinate with the agency in order to be accredited as TNCs or transport network companies.

Wunder was launched in Cebu this month following its launching in Manila last February 2016.

Driver

Albert Montanez drives a 7-seater MPV Suzuki Ertiga to work every day, with the seats always left unfilled on his way to work and back.

That was until the 46-year-old Management Information System (MIS) head discovered Wunder, which allowed him to share his car with others.

Montanez learned about Wunder, a carpooling mobile application, on social media and decided to give it a try last January 13 this year.

“The concept of sharing your car in almost a regular basis with the public, particularly with the working class, is a very noble idea. That means less cars on the street, which means less traffic, less fumes, and that’s helping our environment in a way,” he said in an interview with Cebu Daily News on Facebook.

Montanez, married and a father of one, lives in Lapu-Lapu City with his family and goes to work in Cebu Business Park in uptown Cebu City.

Montanez said the experience had been promising and hoped to try Wunder as a rider as well.

“I have riders with cars who left their vehicles at home. Imagine if we can multiply that. How many cars can we take out of the streets, lessening the traffic and fumes? I say it should be supported by the government,” he said.

However, he said that he will have to stop for now until the issue with the LTFRB is resolved.

Wunder COO

Wunder chief operating officer Sam Baker said in an email to CDN that they would exert all efforts to coordinate with the LTFRB and explain how the platform really works.

Baker said that Wunder was launched in Metro Manila in February 2016.

He claimed that within 10 short months, the Wunder community grew to over 200,000 riders and drivers, and there were over 1,000,000 rides given.

Unlike other ride-haling apps that the public are more familiar with, Wunder drivers are into the carpooling venture not to earn profit but only as a way to cover their vehicle’s fuel and maintenance expenses.

He said the Wunder drivers don’t work on 8-to-10-hour shifts to wait for passengers unlike those in other app-based transport service providers.

“We are focused on car owners who drive their car to work every day and then back home. These are people with full-time jobs in offices who enjoy sharing empty seats once or twice a day,” he said.

The most popular professions among Wunder drivers are those working in information technology, engineering, financial services, and management.

Riders

On the other hand, passengers need to be more flexible as Wunder vehicles are not taxis.

Baker said they might be asked to coordinate for a more convenient pick-up location or a time that works best for all others sharing the ride.

Drivers accept a partial reimbursement of their costs from passengers and cannot make a profit.

Wunder was established in Germany, and is now operating globally.

The post Wunder carpool service rolls out but gets derailed appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

Acting Cenro chief Placido Jerusalem inspects the plastic wastes dumped in a private lot near the Butuanon River.
Contributed Photo/Mandaue CIO

The Mandaue City government ordered a halt in the dumping of solid wastes from private company in a 2,000-square meter private lot in Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City yesterday.

Placido Jerusalem, acting Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) chief, said their personnel caught a dump truck owned by a certain company named “EnviroTech” that were disposing tons of shredded plastic wastes.

He said the wastes were being used to produce PVC pipes.

Jerusalem said they are verifying reports that the wastes supposedly came from South Korea.

He said they issued a citation ticket to EnviroTech for dumping waste in a private lot and transporting waste materials without securing a transport permit from City Hall.

EnviroTech is also fined P16,500 which the company must settle within 72 hours from the issuance of the citation.

“The private lot should not have been made a dumpsite. If they wanted to, they should have went through a process and conducted a public hearing,” Jerusalem said.

When the Cenro team went to the area yesterday morning, tons of shredded plastics contained in what appeared to be sacks were piled all over the lot.

Jerusalem said EnviroTech began dumping wastes in the area since Jan. 22 and the wastes were emitting a strong foul odor that can harm nearby communities.

The lot is near the Butuanon River within the boundary of Barangays Tabok and Tingub.

Jerusalem said the 2,000-meter lot was reportedly rented out to EnviroTech by an architect.

Cebu Daily News is withholding the name until his side is heard on the issue.

“A representative of EnviroTech named Edmund Roxas told me that they only used the lot as a ‘yard.’ But I don’t think this is a yard, they have turned it into a dumpsite,” Jerusalem said.

He said they will investigate the incident to determine if EnviroTech has the documents to dump their wastes there.

Jerusalem said they were ordered by Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing to investigate there last Sunday.

“If they don’t have the documents, we will have to recommend the filing of case against them for violation of the Section 48 of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act,” Jerusalem told Cebu Daily News.

Jerusalem said the law prohibits the transport and dumping of collected industrial, commercial and institutional wastes in a non-designated area.
He said it also prohibits the operation of waste management facilities without an Environmental Compliance Certificate.

Violators will be fined at least P100,000 or imprisonment of at least one year or both depending on the court’s discretion.

The post Firm under probe for dumping wastes appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

THE University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors, third placers in last season’ s Cesafi volleyball tournament, will represent Cebu in the women’s volleyball competition of the regional Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) meet in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Feb. 24-26.

USC’s upcoming stint in the multi-sporting event is an unexpected one.

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars, who were supposed to represent Cebu in lieu of the defending champions Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras, were not given the green light from the front office.

The Lady Jaguars, who finished second to SWU in the Cesafi competition, got the chance to compete in the Prisaa after the Lady Cobras decided to sit out this year’s tournament due to some transition process specifically pertaining to strengthening the school’s athletics program.

In a text message sent by multi-titled Jaguars mentor Grace Antigua to Cebu Daily News, she pointed out that only their men’s team will be competing in the event.

“The women’s won’t because it’s the decision of the office,” Antigua said.

The Lady Warriors were put in the spotlight in the last few game days of the Cesafi tournament when they just won a single game in the single-round robin semifinals.

USC looked rock solid heading into the semis following a stint in the 2016 Philippine University Games where it fared well against the best teams in the country, namely the UAAP champions De La Salle University Lady Archers, Adamson Lady Falcons and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

USC went on to lose to the Lady Archers in the quarterfinals.

But instead of learning from their University Games stint, the Lady Warriors sputtered in the Cesafi semifinals where they went 1-2 (win-loss) card.
Aside from the poor semifinal performance, USC almost collapsed in the battle for third game and struggled to beat the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 22-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-21.

Now, the Lady Warriors will have a chance to redeem themselves in the Prisaa competition.

The Lady Warriors are comprised of team captain Debbie Gamboa, Nemy Rose Pangan, Hove Dela Silva, Marie Malagar, Mary Jane Igao, Sheila Ricahuerta, Christa Gonzales, Cris Jezza Estose, Rhea Fuentes, Jasmin Uy and Celine Monsod.

The post USC Lady Warriors get chance to compete in Prisaa volleyball appeared first on Cebu Daily News.

DUMPIT

NO LONGER SPO1 DUMPIT

A day after Ermita residents staged a protest against the mayor’s designation of SPO1 Adonis Dumpit as their barangay caretaker, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced on Tuesday that he will be designating Carbon Market administrator lawyer Winifredo Orcullo Jr., instead.

Meanwhile, Dumpit will still be very much in the picture as he will be tasked to head a police unit assigned in Ermita, a drug prone area.

“Everyone is entitled to voice their opinion. But they (residents) cannot order me …I don’t care about acceptability. I am just interested in cleaning it (barangay) out. When we use the word acceptability, acceptable to the drug pushers?”, Osmeña asked wryly.

“We are not going to put Dumpit as caretaker but it will be Atty. Orcullo. But we are sending (a) letter to chief of police to assign Dumpit (to) help maintain peace and order in the barangay which is really my main concern anyway,” he added.

Osmeña’s announcement came in the heels of a statement by Police Regional Office (PRO-7) Director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño that should SPO1 Dumpit decide to act as barangay caretaker, he should first resign from the police force.

According to Osmeña, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is still awaiting the President’s decision on who of three people, earlier recommended by the mayor, should act as officer-in-charge (OIC).

Osmeña recommended Dumpit, former City Councilor Jun Pe and Tejero Barangay Captain Jessielou Cadungog for the post.

Meantime, Osmeña said Orcullo will act as temporary caretaker of the village who can sign payroll vouchers and other documents as soon as authority is given by the DILG.

“Other administrative concern that we have (is) to get written authority from DILG,” Osmeña added.

He said that once they have everything in place, Orcullo will assume the post immediately.

Barangay hall

It was business as usual at the Ermita barangay hall, yesterday, or several hours after supporters of suspended Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta padlocked the hall in an effort to stop SPO1 Dumpit from assuming as caretaker of the barangay.

The hall was re-opened to the public but only up to 5 p.m. while the office of the barangay tanods, which is right beside the village hall, will remain open 24 hours a day.

Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo Rupinta

“We made that decision even before we started to serve our suspensions so that the barangay hall will be kept clean and not just anybody can get inside to use the comfort room or sleep,” Rupinta said in Cebuano.

Although he could not personally enforce this policy, Rupinta said that this is being implemented by village workers who had been left to man the barangay in their absence.

Rupinta along with seven Ermita barangay councilors were slapped with a six-month preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas following a complaint filed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the region (PDEA-7) that they had failed to help the agency in an anti-drug operation last November.

A petition for review of the decision was filed by Rupinta before the Court of Appeals (CA) last Friday. He also asked the court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).

A hearing on Rupinta’s petition will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, at the CA Cebu station located along Dr. Pablo Abella Street in Banawa Cebu City.

The post Osmeña announces new Ermita caretaker appeared first on Cebu Daily News.