Friday, August 18, 2006 (Philippines)

Amid controversy, the final selection and coronation night of "Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2006" pushed through Wednesday night with Kristine Grace Maambong (center), a 23-year-old BS Economics graduate of the University of the Philippines-Mindanao, winning the crown. (Sun.Star Davao/Rene B. Lumawag) MILITANTS staged Thursday a protest rally against what they called the troops build-up in Davao Region, following the activation of the Army's 10th Infantry Division based in Davao City. While the newly created Army command was formally presented to the public during the activation ceremony inside Panacan naval headquarters, a number of protesters gathered outside, asking the government to stop "militarization of cities and the countryside." Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo [full story]