Saturday, January 21, 2006 (Philippines)

Volunteers from the University of Southeastern Philippines teach Sta. Ana Central Elementary School students about the various endangered marine species in the Davao Gulf, including the marine mammal dugong. A student was later asked to demonstrate how a dugong gives birth to a calf. (Sun.Star Davao/Stella A. Estremera) NORTH Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Piñol warned the US government he would be forced to stop the ongoing Balikatan exercises in his province if it continues to refuse to give the Philippines custody of four American servicemen accused of rape. In an interview over the radio Friday, Piñol said he would pass a resolution before the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on Monday to prevent the further holding of the war exercises in his province. [full story]