MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH | JUSTICE | PROGRESS
Volume XII, No. 085
www.mindanaodailynews.com
Saturday, December 10, 2022
P15.00
Gunfires disrupt Christmas lights display launch in Cotabato City By MINDANEWS
COTABATO CITY – Just when Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao finished the opening of the display of Christmas lights at the plaza here past 7 p.m. Tuesday and was about to speak before the media, gunfires rang nearby, causing spectators to scamper for safety. Police and other security units sealed off the city plaza, securing the city mayor and key officials. As it turned out, a security guard fired his gun while chasing a thief who stole a chocolate bar from a convenience store, according to Police Colonel Querubin Manalang Jr. “It was a warning shot, that’s what we learned. But
it’s still not right for a civilian to fire his gun. We are looking for the one who did that since no one is admitting yet,” he added. Journalists who covered the event witnessed the chaotic scenario themselves as they ran towards the security officers for protection, fearing of any sabotage. After things settled, the City Government of Cotabato asked the residents who may have been injured to inform authorities. Among the attendees were children and their mothers, as well as senior citizens. “We are all calling for every Cotabateño to pray for safety and peaceful holiday celebration to everyone,” the mayor said. (Ferdinandh Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao (seated, center) leads Cotabateños in welcoming the Christmas season Tuesday Cabrera / MindaNews) night (6 December 2022). Moments later, gunfires rang nearby. Photo from the Facebook page of Mayor Matabalao
Panguil Bridge in N. Mindanao 61% complete: DPWH exec By FERDINAND PATINIO
MANILA – The construction of the longest seacrossing bridge in Northern Mindanao is now 61 percent complete, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Thursday. DPWH senior under-
secretary Emil Sadain, who supervises the construction of the PHP7.3 billion Panguil Bay Bridge project that will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod town in Lanao del Norte, led the inspection on Wednesday and vowed
to complete the project in December next year. Sadain said the project, which began in February 2020, is part of DPWH’s continuing Build Better More Program. “The bridge costing PH7.375 Billion, financed
MULTI-BILLION BRIDGE. The Panguil Bay Bridge project, the longest seacrossing bridge in Northern Mindanao, is now 61 percent complete, the Department of Public Works and Highways says Thursday (Dec. 8, 2022). The bridge will reduce the travel time between Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod town in Lanao del Norte from two hours to just seven minutes. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
by a loan agreement between the Government of the Philippines and Korean Export Import Bank not only represents a long dream come true of the people of Lanao Del Norte and Misamis Occidental but a milestone highlighting how the design and construction of a modern bridge with sea offshore excavation depth of up to more than 50 meters has evolved,” he said in a statement. The construction started following the full completion of all 54 bored piling works to allow the start of construction of the 36 abutments and pier column, 32 coping, and begin on both ends at Tubod and Tangub City the incremental launching method (ILM) for the superstructure. While construction by about 336 manpower takes place round-the-clock to complete the project by See BRIDGE, page 10
DFA confirms death of Pinoy OFW in Qatar resort By JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Thursday night the death of a male Filipino national while working at a resort in Mesaieed, Qatar. The department said an investigation is underway and the Philippine Embassy in Doha is in coordination with legal authorities to ascertain the facts of the case. "They will remain in contact with the next of kin of the deceased as they work for the earliest repatriation of his remains," DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Gonar Musor told reporters in a text message. "Out of respect to
the family, we are not providing more details at this time." Meanwhile, the government, through the embassy, sent its thoughts and prayers to the family. Local reports said the man died while doing repairs at the resort reportedly being used as a training base for the Saudi Arabia national team during the World Cup. Online sports publication The Athletic reported that the Filipino worker was "involved in a forklift truck accident in which he slipped off a ramp while walking alongside the vehicle and fell headfirst against concrete." (PNA)