Of deteriorating our world order

TUE, OCTOBER 18, 2016 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

Writing in the German mass-market newspaper BILD, Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said that tensions between Washington and Moscow have created a situation that is “more dangerous” than the Cold War.

“All options need to be considered” in light of recent atrocities in Syria, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman has said, when asked about the possibility of fresh sanctions against Russia. This statement is from October 7, 2016.

Steinmeier penned an opinion piece published  yesterday Saturday warning that relations between the US and Russia have reached a new low. I came across this article while waiting for my flight back to Davao from Manila.

“It’s a fallacy to think that this is like the Cold War. The current times are different and more dangerous,” Steinmeier wrote in a 214-word guest column published by BILD, Germany’s largest circulation newspaper. The Ukrainian crisis, Syrian conflict and a lapse in nuclear material cooperation between the former Cold War adversaries are listed by Germany’s top diplomat as reasons for the dangerous environment. He laid the blame mostly on Russia for “provoking” a new Cold War but, unlike the Cold War-era, in which the US and Russia had “red lines and respected them” the new multi-polar environment has more regional conflict making geopolitics “more unpredictable.”

In my opinion, there is indeed plea for stronger diplomacy. “But in spite of all the frustration, disappointment and deep distrust on both sides,” he wrote. “We must continue to search for ways to put an end to the insanity in Syria. The US and Russia must continue to talk.”

He closed by urging Moscow to put pressure on Damascus to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged city of Aleppo. “Russia can and must bring its weight to bear. And the regional players have to assert their influence on the fighters in Aleppo,” he concluded. This comes as the UN Security Council is poised to vote on two rival resolutions on Syria on Saturday, one drafted by France calling for an end to air raids on Aleppo and a second by Russia that makes no mention of a halt to aerial bombardment.

I experienced myself growing up and later residing in West-Berlin during times of the Cold War. Steinmeier’s opinion could really frighten us. But he is so damned right … !

Zumba, Durian and the Magsaysay Park in Davao City

Zumba, durian and the Magsaysay Park in Davao

CITY SENSE By Paulo Alcazaren (The Philippine Star) | Updated October 15, 2016 - 12:00am

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Magsaysay Park is a landmark site on Davao City’s waterfront.

This week we continue with our series on Philippine plazas and parks with a return to Mindanao. We previously featured plazas in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and General Santos. For this and next Saturday we visit Davao City, home of the current President of the Philippines.

I’ve been to Davao a number of times, the first time in 1999, to attend its famous Kadayawan Festival. Each visit since, I’ve noted the rapid urban growth of the city.  It is now the anchor of a huge metropolitan agglomeration called Metro Davao that includes Digos, Tagum, Panabo, Samal, Carmen and Santa Cruz.

Metro Davao is huge, about eight times the size of Metro Manila. It has a waterfront like Manila and a resort island like Metro Cebu. Both Metro Davao’s waterside and the island of Samal have yet to get anywhere near their full potential, though plans are afoot for ambitious projects in both areas.

That said, Davao does have plazas and parks in much better proportion to its urban population compared to that of Metro Manila or Metro Cebu. We look at the first park that caught my attention because of the 25-meter tall landmark that is a memorial to President Ramon Magsaysay.

Magsaysay Park sits off its eponymous avenue at the edge of the city’s Chinatown. It is a green oasis fronting the water between Davao and Samal, right beside the Santa Ana Wharf. The three-hectare site appears to be reclaimed land, probably for a port area project in the late 1950s. Similar projects were being planned or constructed in Manila and Cebu in the ‘50s to the ‘70s.

When Ramon Magsaysay died in a plane crash in 1957, the whole nation mourned. Many memorials to the beloved president were built afterwards. Davao’s local chapter of the Philippine Veterans Legion raised funds for its own memorial. It was finished in July of 1960. The local government of Davao has managed the three-hectare site from that point on.

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The central core of the park is the memorial to President Ramon Magsaysay. It was designed in a style typical of the late 1950s, influenced by a “sputnik” futurist bent. The memorial consists of a trylon, a tapering obelisk on a tripod containing a life-size statue of President Magsaysay below the apex.

The memorial’s obelisk is reminiscent of the ill-fated addition to the Rizal Monument designed by National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil about the same time. Nakpil’s tower was of steel but the Magsaysay memorial is in reinforced concrete. The steel extension to the Rizal monument was removed shortly after completion after public outcry. The Magsaysay monument’s design did not compromise any existing memorial so it has endured. I can find no attribution for the design of the memorial.

The memorial stands in a large rotunda elevated from the rest of the park.

 

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Davao’s waterside is lovely but underappreciated.

Fronting the memorial is a 1,000-sq. meter paved area ending in another rotunda, which used to be a skating rink (when the sport was popular). The paved area is popular among locals for morning Zumba class.

In the upper eastern corner of the park is an open amphitheater similar to the one at Rizal Park. A five-meter wide esplanade links this amphitheater to the other end of the park. The esplanade apparently ran much longer, to the edge of the site, or about 250-meters, but half of it seems to have been appropriated for several government offices related to tourism.

In front of these offices is a large children’s playground, a restaurant, parking area and a site for fruit kiosks, famous for durian, that line the outside of the western perimeter of the part. The park also hosts a small open-air chapel dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Pilar beside the esplanade. In one corner of the park is an Abueva sculture, a relief called the Pamathalaan Marker, “a symbol of the Mindanaoans commitment to Pamathalaan or God-centered Governance.”

The park is defined on its north side by the historic Sta. Ana Wharf, where Japanese migrant workers first landed in 1903. The Japanese helped develop the abaca industry in the region. The wharf has been expanded and improved several times since. There is a standing proposal for an even bigger expansion and extension for the facility, which involves the construction of mixed-use waterside development.

South of the park is a large informal settlement district that reaches down to the mouth of the Davao River. There appear to be some projects planned for urban redevelopment, relocation of informals and improvements under a PPP arrangement, but this will take a decade or so to come to fruition.

In the meanwhile Magsaysay Park is well used by the public and is a tourism draw. I would rate the park a 6.5 out of 10. The monument and the park facilities could use a makeover. While on my visit I had to use the public comfort rooms, which were less than comfortable. There is a good nursery on site but the general landscape of the park is a tad messy and worn out. The playground has also seen better days and the fruit kiosks could be better integrated with the park.

Finally, the esplanade, or sea wall as the locals call it, is a lost opportunity. This could be extended and improved with the relocation of those government offices. This is a problem nationwide with local or national governments erecting structures on parkland or plazas, which by definition should be green or open.

Overall, Magsaysay Park is still worth a visit if you’re a lover of Durian, a fan of Magsaysay, mid-century memorials, or Zumba early in the morning. Next week we look at Davao’s central civic space and the much larger People’s Park.

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Feedback is welcome. Please email the writer at paulo.alcazaren@gmail.com.

German Lawmakers Supportive of Duterte's Peace and Development Agenda

(PNA) Members of the German Bundestag, Germany's lower house of Parliament, has expressed their full support to peace and development initiatives being espoused by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The German lawmakers expressed this during a courtesy call at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process early last week.

"We wish you all the success, because it could be a very good time, not just for the Philippines, but for the reason to sit together; and this can be a positive sign that could
Dr. Erwin Rueddel, German Bundestag parliament  member, this writer
and wife.

help end conflict, "German parliamentarian Dr. Thomas Gambke said. He also lauded and expressed at Bundestag's support for the Philippine government's transparent and inclusive approach on the peace process.

Gambke, who is the Parliamentary Friendship Group of Relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states chair, was joined by other German lawmakers Petra Ernstberger, Caren Lay, Elvira Drobinski-Weiss, Erwin Rueddel (photo above), Gordon Kricke, and Deputy Head of Mission (German Embassy), H.E. Michael Hasper.

Deputy Head of Mission (German Embassy) Michael Hasper and this writer

They were received by OPAPP Undersecretary for Peace Accords Nabil A Tan who discussed with them the Duterte administration's Peace and Development Roadmap, focusing on plans to implement massive socio-economic interventions and the continued and full implementation of already signed peace agreements with various rebel groups.

"The President has expressed strong will to honor peace agreements and reduce level of violence so that the poverty-alleviation and development programs can be implemented while talks are there," Tan explained.

While the OPAPP executive expressed high optimism for positive results within the year on the negotiations with the communist groups, he also told the German parliamentarians that there is a need to manage expectations.

"(P)ease process is not a destination as to when we can conclude, but it is a journey," he added.

OPAPP Secretary Jesus "Jess" Dureza and this writer

OPAPP Secretary Jesus G. Dureza was in Oslo, Norway, for another round of formal talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front.

Part of the agenda of the second round of peace talks held from October 6-10, involved discussions on the Comprehensive Agreement for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law; the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms; and the Comprehensive Agreement on the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

Women's Group Buck Philippine Hosting of Miss Universe

By Mary Grace Padin (The Philippine Star)

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Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach waves Philippine flag during her homecoming parade in January.Philstar.com / Efigenio Toledo IV, file

MANILA, Philippines – Former women government officials and leaders of women’s advocacy groups and civil society have signed a petition addressed to the Miss Universe Organization to reconsider its decision to hold the pageant in the Philippines next year, in light of what they consider as President Duterte and his allies’ chauvinist demeanor.

Among the prominent names in the petition that has so far gathered 58 signatories, based on a Facebook post by a certain Annie Serrano, were human rights activist Etta Rosales, former chairman of the Commission on Human Rights; Corazon Soliman, former secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; former beauty queen Aurora Pijuan, convenor of the national barangay assembly in 2010; Karina Constantino-David, former chairman of the Civil Service Commission under the Arroyo administration; singer Leah Navarro, co-convener of the Black and White Movement that opposed former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; Imelda Nicolas, former chairman of the Commission of Filipinos Overseas; and Vicky Garchitorena, former president of Ayala Foundation.

The letter, addressed to Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart, cited recent actions and comments of the President and other government officials toward women as a “fundamental” reason not to hold the pageant in the country.

“This reason is the objectionable, scandalous and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte and his cohorts towards womankind,” the letter read.

“In recent months, chauvinism, brutal shaming, rape jokes and a sweeping disregard for women as persons deserving not merely of a token but true respect has been exhibited by the President of the Philippines with his salacious and sexist comments and treatment of female reporters and opposition figures, which has carried over to his allies in the Philippine Congress,” it added.

The petitioners claimed that hosting the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines would only reinforce such attitude toward women.

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“To hold the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines at this time would serve as a reward of this intolerable behavior and excuse such behavior,” the letter went on. “It would reinforce a troubling trend in our society. It would make your organization a partner to these backward and dangerous steps, which are serious violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).”

Among the 58 individuals who have signed the petition are former government officials, businesswomen, human rights advocates, members of non-government organizations, professors and concerned citizens.

The petition, which was also posted on Facebook, gained both support and criticism from netizens.

In a statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) asserted that hosting the Miss Universe pageant would be a “great honor” for the Philippines.

The agency also maintained that the international exposure that the Philippines would get from hosting the pageant would benefit the local tourism sector.

“While the DOT gives due respect to such opinion as signified by a group of women leaders and concerned citizens, we assure everyone that we deem it a great honor to host the distinguished event that portrays the most beautiful and talented women with highest regard,” the DOT said.

“In this light, the DOT expresses its utmost gratitude to the Miss Universe Organization for giving us the great opportunity to treat the world to genuine Filipino hospitality,” it added.

Israel willing to assist Philippines versus war on illegal drugs

• Features
• Envoys & Expats

by Rodel Alzona - October 8, 2016, Business Mirror

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In Photo: Israel Ambassador Effie Ben Matityau.

ISRAEL is willing to work with the Philippine government in its campaign to rid the country of what it has termed as a widespread drug menace that is affecting millions of Filipinos.

Israel Ambassador Effie Ben Matityau said no country is spared of the illegal-drugs problem and that they are willing to cooperate and share their know-how in handling the issue with the administration of President Duterte.

“The illegal-drugs trade is global.  It is an industry that is present and being distributed worldwide. It is a constant struggle against its supply and infrastructure.  We are willing to share information and best practices. We can all learn from one another,” Matityau said.

He added: “Socially and economically, illegal drugs combine to make a disaster.  It is a major destabilizer of society.  It can destroy families.”

Matityau even said in the Middle East, the spread of illegal drugs can even be directly related to terrorist groups.

However, Matityau said the problem of illegal drugs differs from one country to another and that there is no singular solution to the menace.

“The nature of illegal drugs varies in every country.  You cannot copy what is being done in another country but you can learn elements, methodology and techniques from them,” he said.

Matityau said the best solution toward controlling the illegal-drugs problem is through education, as he believes it can act as a preventive measure in its use spread.

He also said to reduce the number of drug users, there has to be a deep level of cooperation between the government and non-governmental organizations.

Still, Matityau said they are able to control the drug menace from spreading in their country through good police work.

“We are a small society of just 8 million people. It is not a major epidemic. Still, law-enforcement operation is vital and gathering of intelligence is a serious issue,” he said, while adding that in principle they do not have a death penalty in their country even for terrorists.

According to Matityau, the youth in Israel are the most vulnerable to the drug menace.

“They young are very impressionable young people.  It is not a major percentage but it can get serious from time-to-time,” he said.

After drawing the anger of the international Jewish community, President Duterte has apologized for drawing a parallel to how Adolf Hitler massacred 6 million Jews during World War II and his plans to kill 3 million Filipinos who use or are involved in illegal drugs.

Just drop me a line!

TUE, OCTOBER 4, 2016 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

“Drop me a line while you’re away” has been one of the most listened to phrases in my life. Yes, I confess, I’ve been always a restless contemporary, who needed to go “somewhere out there” after a couple of days spending with a computer. And, NO LAPTOP, if I am taking my time out. Amazing for many, but it’s really true! Living hidden away – but just to finish some more write ups – has been always okay. But then, I need to go out again and meet people.

When the MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR is hitting the roads, I’ll be staying in Manila for almost a week. I am looking forward to several events and meetings. Celebrating the German National Day of Unity (October 3) in Manila with several diplomatic people is an old annual tradition and a chance to talk with important people about everything under the sun.

Talking about the sun: my problem before –  if somewhere has been very beautiful, my impulse to live there permanently let me quite a to-do about it.

Once upon a time: vacation in Italy. I even enjoyed the nasty weather and decided to stay here for good. I loved (and still love) the Italian language, the Italian pasta, the landscaping, which is really beautiful. One can enjoy real blooming lemon trees.

Vacation in Scandinavia. At that time, I was pretty sure, that this should be my future place, clean air, no pollution, and heaven’s width, mountains and dream lakes.

Vacation in France, and, I knew I couldn’t survive any more without blooming lavender fields, secluded  valleys  and castles nearly falling into ruins. Here, I’ll keep animals for breeding and enjoy my red wine while writing the long awaited book entitled “My Way”. Mmmh, no way…. I am not yet finished.

New York, and, I really enjoyed everything without respite: life, different languages, different people, great variety, explicit restaurants, malls, and a breathtaking view of life and always-new ideas of incredible lifestyle. Let’s rent an apartment in Manhattan and let’s all forget the pendants, sticklers and small-time fellows. Sure, it’s not cheap, but many a mickle makes a muckle….

Yes, I am really blessed having been in many countries around the globe. But guys, I also found out that life isn’t content with dreams only. Reality meant moving up to almost 20-times, the last with  several containers via Singapore to Davao City.

Now I stay here for good and you can tell me anything. I am happy. Just from time to time I still need a lonely island beach and the ocean.

Drop me a line, while you’re away. Yes, sure! Many times I have forgotten to do so. Before  as a globe trotter, and even  now,  as an expatriate living in the Philippines for good…..

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Email: doringklaus @gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit one of my web sites www.germanex patinthephilippines.blog spot.com or www.klaus doringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

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QC Police Department has Krista Miller's Drug Clients' List

QCPD has Krista Miller’s drug clients’ list, checks her link to Bilibid drugs

By: Maricar Brizuela / @mbrizuelaINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:44 AM October 04, 2016

Krista Miller poses for her mugshot (Photo from the Quezon City Police District)

MANILA — The Quezon City Police District is now investigating just how big the drug network actress Krista Miller has worked for and in, according to the QCPD chief, Senior Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar.

The actress known for her roles in the sex-themed films “Hukluban” and “Kabaro” was embroiled in a controversy in 2014 when she was caught on camera visiting convicted drug lord Ricardo Camata in a hospital. She denied doing sexual favors nor delivering drugs to Camata saying she was just offering him a condominium she was selling.

Asked if Camata was indeed the source of the drugs that Miller was selling, Eleazar said police have been looking into that information.

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“We are looking into how broad her network is,” the QCPD director added. He also mentioned that Miller has given him a list of clients, including celebrities.

Miller’s arrest was a low point in her scandal-tainted life of late, which included getting dragged as a third party in the separation of celebrity couple Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano in 2013.

Miller was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Friday night after she was identified by two arrested female models for a men’s magazine as their source of shabu.

In a press conference at Camp Karingal on Monday, the QCPD chief, Senior Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, said the 26-year-old actress, whose real name is Krystalyn Engle, was nabbed during a follow-up operation in Valenzuela City on Friday night.

Operatives of the District Anti-Illegal Drugs (DAID) unit scheduled a purchase with Miller and her cohort Aaron Medina at around9:10 p.m. at the Shell Station along General Tiburcio de Leon Street near Santolan Road.

The undercover policemen were able to buy a sachet of shabu costing P3,000 from Miller and Medina. They were immediately arrested after the trade was completed.

Eleazar said the operation on Miller was carried out after the two female men’s magazine models pinpointed her as their seller of shabu.

Liaa Alelin Bolla, 24, and Jeramie Padolina, 30, were arrested in drug bust early Friday in a house located at 21 A. Luna Street, Bagumbahay in Project 4. Residents in the area reported to the police that the residence was being used as a place to sell drugs and where customers flock daily.

Policemen from the QCPD Station 8 conducted a buy-bust operation and nabbed the owner of the house John Inri Barros and two other sellers Justine Del Rosario and Renato Hernandez Jr. The two models were also discovered inside the residence and the police found illegal drugs and other parahernalia from their possession.

Seized from the five suspects were seven sachets of shabu, a sachet of marijuana, aluminum foil strips and an improvised glass tube pipe.

Aside from these evidence, the police also gathered vital information from the suspects about their suppliers of shabu. Bolla and Padolina pointed at Miller while the three male suspects identified couple Ambay and Muhiddin Sandigan as their source of illegal drugs.

The husband and wife were arrested in a follow-up operation on Saturday in Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City. They are said to be known suppliers to other sellers in Quezon City.

Miller, who was asked for a reaction on her arrest, told members of the media on Monday that she did not want to comment on her arrest.

Bolla, however, confirmed that she personally knew Miller and bought shabu from her.

Miller and the five male suspects arrested have been charged with peddling illegal drugs while the two models, Bolla and Padolina, were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. The authorities also said Miller tested positive for drugs.  SFM