WH I AT’S INS DE: Aftrf e gaf e, Sotto vows to seek more benefits for solo parents 2 Ch u ina on D terte drug war: Respect PH sovereignty 7

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION • MAY 12 - 18, 2017 • YEAR 56 • ISSUE 41 $0.50 UN body to PH: Investigate EJKs By Beting Laygo Dolor, Editor-in-Chief this week. violations are the EJKs that Guevarra, deputy executive The UPR concluded that the are estimated to have reached secretary for legal affairs. ANILA -- Forty five out of the 47 member-states of the Philippine report submitted to the 12,000, although the Philippine During his presentation, United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) UNHRC was inaccurate as it did National Police contests this Cayetano said most of the so- gave the Philippines failing marks during the recent not reflect what was happening number as being overly bloated. called EJKs were actually M on the ground. The Cayetano-led delegation homicides and that it was Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the country’s rights situation. Human rights violations in was accused of glossing over the not the policy of the Duterte the country are “state sponsored, total of EJKs in the country since administration to agree to EJKs The UN body’s near Duterte assumed the presidency systemic, and have affected a the first review in 2008. perpetrated by the police or by unanimous call for the 10 months ago came after great majority of the Philippine The senator who ran as Mr. “death squads” patterned after Philippines to investigate the Senator Alan Peter Cayetano population,” a statement released Duterte’s running mate in last the Davao Death Squad that extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that had defended the government’s Monday, May 8, said. year’s presidential elections have taken place since Rodrigo record in Geneva, Switzerland The worst of the human rights was joined by lawyer Menardo See page 12

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A fish pen like this is one of the industries inside Magat Dam. The water that converges inside the dam are from Cagayan River, Nueva Vizcaya and Banaue. The reservoir is home to eels and fresh water shrimps. Once the biggest in Asia after its completion in 1981, rehabilitation efforts were done after it heavily deteriorated due to siltation and sedimentation, typhoons, slash and burn farming, illegal logging and fish caging. The stored water is enough to supply two months of normal energy requirements as it hydrates 85,000 hectares of farmlands. Photo by Gilda C. Pasion-Balan US embassy warns citizens against traveling to Palawan MANILA – The United States (US) embassy in the From left: Consul Gen. Henry Bensurto Jr. and Assembly Member Phil Ting topbill event with journalists Lloyd LaCuesta and Frances Dinglasan. Philippines issued on Tuesday, May 9, a travel advisory for the province of Palawan. “The US Embassy has received credible information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnap- Seniors official priority ping operations targeting foreign nationals in the areas of constituents behind closed eve of Mother’s Day. event is staged purely on Palawan Province, Philippines, to include Puerto Princ- By Cherie M. Querol Moreno doors at meetings and The officials will donations by ALLICE esa City, and the areas surrounding Puerto Princesa Sub- Editor at Large hearings. This time the headline 11th Annual Alliance for Community terranean River National Park,” read the travel advisory SAN FRANCISCO – diplomat and the legislator Our Family, Our Future, Empowerment, a private posted on the US Embassy website. Every day, Philippine will step on stage and a free event 1-3:30 pm, nonprofit organization It added, “US citizens are advised to carefully con- Consul General Henry lead advocates, service Saturday, May 13, at whose mission is to prevent sider this information as they make their travel plans and S. Bensurto Jr. and and resource providers in Grace United Methodist and end family violence to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and California Assembly promoting elder care and Church on 2540 Taraval through education. gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.” Member (19th Dist.) Phil preventing elder abuse at St. in San Francisco. “We support and Ting advocate for their a community event on the Open to the public, the See page 12 See page 12

‘Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern’ The pioneers, the 2nd-gen, and social media: featured the Philippines on the Their role in elevating Philippine cuisine Travel Channel. captivating conversation about culture 22, 18 restaurants in New York and ‘Balut,’ or fertilized By Cristina DC Pastor, The FilAm over servings of ‘adobo’ and ‘balut’? New Jersey will offer their best dishes duck egg, earned a NEW YORK CITY -- We love to That seems to be the motivation at a fixed price. special mention for eat, we have great tasting food, why behind Filipino Restaurant Week Grill 21 on East 21st Street will being weirdly exotic. not invite our American friends to (FRW), a flagship project of the offer a Silog brunch for two people for Photo from The enjoy our favorite food and have a Philippine Consulate. From May 15 to See page 12 Travel Channel Vatican says Philippine killings ‘deeply troubling’ MANILA – The Vatican condemned “deeply troubling” extrajudicial killings in the Philippines as the Southeast Asian country underwent a periodic United Nations (UN) review of its human rights record. The Vatican at the UN headquarters in Geneva on Monday, May 8, also voiced concern over enforced disappearances as well as human trafficking in the Philippines. The Vatican’s representative, Monsignor Mauro Cionini, began his remarks by saying the Vatican delegation “recognizes the many positive steps that the Philippines has taken toward the elimination of trafficking in persons.” “However, there remain troubling reports of trafficking of Filipino men and women, and children, for labor exploitation. The perpetuation of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances is also deeply troubling,” Cionini said. Cionini made these comments at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council, which the See page 12 A12 (Norcal/Nat’l/SoCal/LV) Week of May 12 - 18, 2017

From page 1 From page 1 UN body... Senior... eliminated criminals during the president’s time as mayor endorse ALLICE and this event to our elders. Maybe we copy what intersecting domestic violence. In of the city. bring enlightenment and healing, we see on TV or in the movies. homes where there is intimate partner The UN member states denied that they were especially to families,” said Bensurto, Maybe we don’t realize that we are violence – or violence between two interfering in the internal affairs of the Philippines. Still, whose keynote address is expected actually committing abuse, thinking people romantically involved with to captivate with personal anecdotes such is always physical. Which is each other – chances are high there they expressed concern at the country’s handling of its and pearls of wisdom. why the heart of the event - the skit is abuse involving other members of drug problem. Also, the administration’s plan to restore Longtime ALLICE allies and depicting unhealthy interaction and the family including the elders, the the death penalty and to lower the minimum age for media pioneers Lloyd LaCuesta and the healthier alternatives - is a must- subject of today’s event. Hearing criminal liability to 12 was deemed highly disturbing. Frances Dinglasan will reprise their watch.” from our experts enables us to roles as co-emcees. Rev. Alex Cambe, pastor of Grace recognize healthy and unhealthy “In my previous day job, I United Methodist Church, embraced behaviors and make changes as Unwelcome guest covered stories involving families the all-volunteer alliance and its needed.” Last week, UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard struggling with violence,” said efforts to foster wellness of the spirit Reinforcing the message are visited the country and reached the same conclusion as LaCuesta, retired South Bay on top of the body and mind. 15 service providers led HICAP the UNHRC. bureau chief of KTVU Channel “Being a faith community we of San Mateo that will be present For her efforts, she was lambasted by the administration 2 News. “It is an issue facing set examples by practicing scripture to consult on their programs and for allegedly entering the Philippines unannounced every community, and yet many as followers of Christ,” Cambe services. Kaiser Permanente Filipino and communicating only with opponents of the Duterte are uncomfortable reaching out, underscored. “The Holy Scripture Association will provide free health whether to friends, professionals teaches, requires us to seek justice, screenings. administration. or the faith community. Events love kindness and walk humbly with Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Callamard, however, clarified that she had informed like ‘Our Family, Our Future’ God ( Micah 6:8).” Center, Union Bank and Seton the government of her planned visit. can help us recognize and learn Every spring the Kumares & Medical Center are sponsoring the Previously, President Duterte had invited, then uninvited, to distinguish between healthy Kumpares, as ALLICE members call event with San Mateo Behavioral the UN special rapporteur to visit the Philippines because he and abusive behaviors, and make themselves, focus on senior matters Health & Recovery Services, said his administration had “nothing to hide.” adjustments to promote healthy around May, Older Americans Philippine News, Philippines Today, relationships.” Month, in the first of their two major Positively Filipino, GMA News Mr. Duterte had also previously threatened to pull the “Our children are our future yearly events. In the fall, they zero Online, Rappler.com, The Filipino country out of the UN. and we adults are their models,” in on intimate partner relationships Channel, Lucky Chances, Moonstar, Dinglasan, general assignment in commemoration of October, Noah’s Bagels, Chalet Ticino and reporter with KGO Channel 7, Domestic Violence Awareness Peninsula Family Service donating explained the event objective. “How Month. refreshments and raffle prizes. we behave toward our parents, “2017 is the 14th year we For more information on the event, EU backs PH’s elderly relatives, associates – and have been staging free education call Philippine Consulate General 415- even strangers - is how our young presentations to address family 433-6666, Grace United Methodist will tend to behave toward us and issues,” said Jennifer Jimenez Wong, Church 415-731-3050, or Pilipino anti-drug program older persons. a licensed MFT and surrender Bayanihan Resource Center 650-992- MANILA –The European Union (EU) is gearing up “Sometimes,” she added, “we ALLICE president. “This 11th 9110. See the psa elsewhere in this are not aware that we are hurting spring event sheds light on issues issue or visit www.allicekumares.com. for rollout of a project designed to ensure that for- mer drug addicts do not return to their old habit, as more countries continue to offer support for Duterte From page 1 administration’s aggressive war against illegal drugs. EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen PH top geologist urges gov’t told reporters the project involves constructing half- way houses in barangays across Luzon. US... “We call it half-way houses where you have peo- The travel advisory also to focus on ‘rare’ elements reminded US citizens of a MANILA –One of the top geologist in the country and a mining expert has urged the gov- ple who are out of drugs but you want to make sure Worldwide Caution dated ernment to focus on “rare” elements that can possibly be found in the country’s ores in order they are out of drugs so you work with their families, March 6, which warned to give additional value to mineral exports. you work with the neighborhood. (This is) trying to about “an ongoing threat According to Dr. Carlo Arcilla, a professor at the University of the Philippines’ National make them understand that being drug-free is impor- of terrorist actions and vio- Institute of Geological Sciences, such rare elements like “scandium” can be used in manu- tant. Imperative to that discussion is the provision of lence against US citizens facturing advanced batteries and as an alloy to aluminum in order to enable the latter to be job opportunities, do what they used to do,” he said. and interests abroad, in- welded with other metals and be utilized in producing plane parts. If such system becomes effective, Jessen said they cluding the Philippines.” “The price of scandium can reach USD170 per gram. China is the biggest producer of would roll-out the project in other areas outside Lu- The US embassy said scandium and we should know how many percent of that we are bringing in to them without extremists have targeted our knowledge. If you mix scandium with aluminium, it will become heat resistant yet still zon. lightweight,” said Arcilla in an interview over the weekend. Jessen further said the EU is working with the “public venues where large crowds gather,” such as It can be noted that majority of the country’s nickel shipments is brought to China and Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health scandium can be found in nickel ores. Organization (WHO) for the implementation of such sporting events, theaters, “If you wash the ores using acid, nickel will be melted but scandium will be dissolved. project, as they incorporate the best experiences and markets, and mass trans- So, what we will do is to discover how we can separate scandium from nickel since the rare introduce them in the Philippines. portation systems, includ- earth element is not pannable,” he said. ing airlines. “It is also strictly voluntary, if people (who are For this year, Arcilla said he would partner with a Japanese scientist and will explore “Crowded nightclubs, nickel mining areas in the country to collect samples and quantify the level of scandium con- already out of drugs) are ready to do this, then we are shopping malls, buses and ready to help,” he added. centrates as well as to discover other potential elements, an effort wherein the Department popular restaurants have of Science and Technology (DOST) has allotted a Php 10 million funding. More drug treatment and rehabilitation centers also been targets. US citi- He, however, said that they still had not identified yet the locations for the exploration are expected to be completed before the year ends, zens should be mindful of but will initially collect samples in Palawan, Surigao and Zambales, and later on finding a which were funded through donations from local the importance of taking way to effectively extract scandium from nickel ores. private sector firms and foreign agencies, including preventative measures to The geologist also claimed that there were already talks between DOST and the Cham- Chinese non-governmental organization Friends of ensure their safety and se- ber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) on researches where they could jointly fund to the Philippines, Ministry of China and Japan Inter- curity while traveling and further improve the country’s mining industry. national Cooperation Agency. PNA residing in the Philippines,” “We have a very good chance of becoming big (supplier) on scandium. We also really the US embassy warned. need to develop nickel for us to have local steel as all of its raw materials are being im- – Rappler.com ported,” he said. PNA De Lima accuses Duterte admin From page 1 of entering into deal with Napoles Senator Leila de Lima accused the administration of enter- ing a deal with alleged pork scam mastermind Janet Lim-Na- poles as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to “blackmail The pioneers... and threaten” his political foes. $25, a lunch choice of Bistek, Grilled “There are now a variety of in Brooklyn), the second-generation De Lima issued the statement after the Court of Appeals Pork Belly, or Dinuguan for $25, platforms that showcase street food, restaurateurs like Nicole Ponseca (CA) acquitted Napoles in the serious illegal detention case filed and a dinner choice of Crispy Pata, home-cooked comfort food, Filipino of Jeepney and Maharlika who against her by her former aide, Benhur Luy. Pancit, Bulalo, or Kare-Kare for $35. fusion, or culinary heritage cuisine,” promoted Balut through an eating “In his desire for the absolute acquiescence of all politi- Appetizers, rice, and soda come with said Consul General Tess Dizon- contest, and Aris Tuazon of Ugly cians, it is not remote that Duterte will use Napoles to blackmail the price. De Vega during the media launch Kitchen. and threaten any remaining opposition in Congress,” De Lima Ugly Kitchen in the East Village on May 3 attended by chefs and “These are the second-generation said Tuesday. has a Kamayan Night for $35 per restaurant owners. FilAms who sort of took Filipino GMA News Online is still getting Malacañang’s reaction as of person. Imagine how much more Just as important, she added, are cuisine and said, we want to do this, posting time, but it previously said that the acquittal would not have enthused your conversation is going to the different chefs “who put their we want to promote, we want to any bearing on other cases pending against Napoles. be if you have to explain to your guests personal stamp, their own creative represent (Filipino food),” she said. Napoles’ appeal received a boost from the manifestation of Solicitor-General Jose Calida, who filed a manifestation before why eating with the hands is perfectly twist on Philippine cuisine thereby Not to be taken for granted are the the CA stating that the evidence presented by the prosecution OK. And why this dining tradition, at transforming it, making it reach a restaurants, like Max’s in Jersey City, did not support the conviction beyond reasonable doubt of Na- one time considered socially taboo, is larger or a more diverse audience.” that root for well-loved traditional poles for serious illegal detention. now given a trendy revival by some The debate over who and what comfort food. They are equally a big The government’s top lawyer, however, said that Napoles’ Filipino restaurants in NYC. started the so-called Philippine food part of the food movement, she said. illegal detention case is “totally different and independent from Swell Dive will be hitting the revolution of the last five or six years Social media has made a other” cases pending against her in relation to the multi-billion ground running, opening FRW for continues. Food author and researcher huge impact in raising the profile pork barrel scam, or the alleged misuse of the Priority Develop- breakfast. This taco joint in Brooklyn Clang Garcia believes it may have of Filipino food, said Philippe ment Assistance Fund (PDAF) of several lawmakers. will be serving Breakfast Tacos, started in San Francisco by a group Garcesto, who represented Jeepney Napoles will remain in detention over pending plunder and Chips and Queso and non-alcoholic of second-generation FilAms who and Maharlika at the media launch. graft charges before the Sandiganbayan in relation to the pork drinks for $25. gathered chefs around America and “We’re getting Snapchatted, barrel scam. —GMA News Jeepney in the East Village is served what she called “curated we’re getting Instagrammed,” he including Balut in its $25 per person cuisine.” said. “It’s good to see that, good to From page 1 brunch offering, together with Fried “They managed to win a lot of see our cuisine everywhere.”  Tripe, Lumpia, Silogs, and its famous attention,” she said at the launch Other participating restaurants – Chori Burger, which won NYC’s event. Battle of the Burger in 2014. For Dizon-De Vega noted that Kuma Inn Vatican... dinner at $38 per person, the meal Philippine food may have been Lumpia Shack Snack Bar Philippines underwent on Monday at the UN headquarters is a choice of Bicol Express, Inasal elevated before the mainstream by Maison Hugo in Geneva. Manok or Pancit Malabon. the likes of Andrew Zimmern and Megu The UPR checks the human rights records of each UN In Brooklyn, Purple Yam’s FRW Anthony Bourdain, both celebrity Payag Restaurant member state. Created in 2006, it aims “to improve the menu does not sound like your chefs and TV personalities. But credit Tito Rad’s Grill human rights situation in all countries and address human mother’s everyday home-cooked for the explosion in the popularity Phil-Am Kusina rights violations wherever they occur.” dishes. Bacalao with Laing, Duck of Philippine cuisine goes equally Noodle Fan UN member states like the Philippines have to undergo Leg Adobo, Noritaco with Heirloom to pioneers, such as Romy Dorotan Pinoy Filipino Restaurant the UPR every 4 years. Rice, Grilled Pork Chop Waray, are and Amy Besa of 1990s Cendrillon Calesa Restaurant just some of them. in Manhattan (and now Purple Yam Sisig City Food Truck ‘Maintain protection of life’ Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, co-head of the Philippine delegation, spoke on behalf of the Philippines during the UPR on Monday. After Cayetano’s speech, UN member states took turns AFP chief Año is next DILG chief – Duterte in making interventions. MANILA – Armed Forces chief Gen- local officials and the civilian Philippine The Vatican, or the Holy See, enjoys by choice a eral Eduardo Año is the next interior National Police (PNP). permanent observer status at the UN. It is the world’s and local government secretary, Presi- The late Angelo Reyes, himself smallest state, which keeps full diplomatic ties with 177 out dent Rodrigo Duterte announced on a former armed forces chief, also of 193 UN member countries, including the Philippines. Wednesday, May 10. served as DILG secretary under the The Vatican’s representative was the 37th UN member Duterte made the announcement Arroyo government – from 2004 to state to comment on the Philippines’ human rights record. in response to questions in a news 2006. In his remarks, Cionini also offered at least 4 briefing before he left for Cambodia The PNP is headed by Año’s un- recommendations for the Philippines: to attend the World Economic Fo- derclass at the academy, Ronald dela · “to increase efforts aimed at combating trafficking rum. Rosa, who graduated from the PMA in persons and all forms of exploitation of children, but inter “You really want to know, who’s in 1986. alia taking the necessary measures to prevent impunity for the next? May I call upon the Chief Talk about Año’s impending ap- perpetrators” of Staff?...You are now facing the pointment began to circulate in mili- · “to maintain the protection of the right of life from next DILG secretary,” the President tary circles last week. It came at the conception to natural death” said. height of tension between the mili- · “to sustain and promote the family-based When asked, Duterte said Año will tary and the PNP over operational is- marriage between a man and a woman, and the natural and serve as AFP chief until he retires in sues involving the hunt for terrorists fundamental unit of society” October because he has to see through in Bohol, in the aftermath of a foiled · “to continue to announce laws and policies of some programs at the AFP. Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año terror attack on the tourist spot. access to education for the most disadvantaged learners as Former senator Ferdinand “Bong- Año is also the second military done through the alternative learning system program” bong” Marcos Jr was widely believed Military generals in departments general to be named to a department Like the Vatican, 44 other UN member states aired to be the next DILG chief because the A 1983 graduate of the Philippine post this week. On Monday, May 8, concern about the recent Philippine killings linked to President initially wanted him for the Military Academy, Año is a veteran the President appointed former armed President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. post. intelligence officer who was named forces chief Roy Cimatu as head of China stood out, however, for hailing the Philippines for But Duterte himself said in February military chief only last December the Department of Environment and its “relentless efforts” to promote human rights. that Marcos was not interested. The de- 2016. Natural Resources, replacing envi- China’s representative, Ma Zhaoxu, also urged the world feated vice presidential bet is in the mid- His appointment to the DILG would ronmental advocate Gina Lopez who to respect Philippine sovereignty and support the country’s dle of an electoral protest against Vice be a second for a retired military general was rejected by the Commission on anti-drug campaign. – Rappler.com President Leni Robredo. in a department that deals with elected Appointments. – Rappler.com