MOA signing for Peace highlights PPOC meeting

MOA signing for Peace highlights PPOC meeting

By PHIL PA-ALAN

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (Feb. 11, 2015) – Signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Peace was the major highlight of the Provincial  Peace and Order Council of Lanao del Norte convened Wednesday (Feb. 11), to promote peace and security in the province. The PPOC  meeting, the first to be held for the year 2015, was  chaired by Provincial Governor Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo , and  attended by other provincial officials, municipal officials, the military, the police, government agency officials, and non-government and civil society  organization. The PPOC meeting tackled the reading/consideration and approval of the previous minutes of the PPOC meeting held on September 2, last year, updates on peace and order from the military and police perspective, and PAMANA projects from the DILG, and  important other matters.

Dispensing with the reading of the minutes, the PPOC approved the minutes of the prior PPOC meeting.

Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, commanding officer of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade based at Maria Cristina, Iligan City made a power point presentation of the current peace and order situation in the province.  He said the situation in the province is generally peaceful but the situation is highly volatile due to issues on Mamasapano incident and the delayed passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Col Gapay said that the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade has four (4) battalions covering its area of operation which includes Iligan City and the entire province of  Lanao del Norte.  He said the ceasefire agreement is still in effect and the military conducts support operations to address internal security.

Col. Gapay said that two (2) MILF commanders from Lanao del Norte are allegedly involved in the Mamasapano bloody incident but this has yet to be verified, validated and investigated.  He said the MILF is on the watch and see posture on the offshoot of the bloody clash in Mamasapano.  He said the peace process is holding but the situation remains volatile.  He said the BIFF continues to oppose the passage of the BBL which is now pending in Congress for further deliberation.

Col Gapay said the response of the military in the face of these situation include the following:  maintain deterrent posture; maintain open lines of communication between the military and the MILF, the CCCH and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group; continue public information and awareness through the media to correct misinformation; intensified monitoring of MILF actions; and put the contingency plan in place.

Col Gapay also said that the military is supporting the development of a culture of peace by supporting the program “From Arms to Farms” project, Lakbay-aral for farmers, continued support to  confidence building measures, cultural sensitivity lectures for the troops, humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness in communities and youth anti-drugs symposium.

Col. Gapay said that the military adopts a more comprehensive approach to peace and security concerns.  He said the military helps in enhancing the community Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) capability, strengthen Provincial Crisis management Committee,  support peace advocates, enhance public information and awareness, greater social pressure against hostile armed groups, strengthen collaboration  among stakeholders, continued vigilance in safeguarding the peace and security in the community, generate support from government, non-government, and  civil society organizations as well as the international organizations in developing culture of peace, and remain steadfast to our mandate. Col Gapay stressed that  the military is ready for the worst scenario.

On the other hand, Police Senior Superintendent Madid M. Paitao, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office based at Pigcarangan,Tubod, this province said that the peace and order situation in the province is  relatively peaceful as the police has succeeded in neutralizing armed groups and sustained peace through the implementation of public safety and security plans.  He said  the crime volume in the province has reached 1,216 crimes and  increased the crime clearance efficiency.  He said the increase in crime volume is attributed to realistic recording of crimes, while the increased in clearance efficiency for the past three (3) months is due to close supervision and follow up on cases.

PSSupt. Paitao said the police has arrested two (2) persons,  rescued three (3) victims, and recovered twelve (12) stolen animals.  He said the police has also intensified its campaign against illegal fishing, illegal gambling, wanted persons, and cattle rustlers, among others. PSSupt. Paitao said that the police continues to utilize out modeled equipment and facilities in their fight against criminals in the promotion of peace and security in the communities.

In another development, Engr. Camelo Enrique B. Libot, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that the beneficiaries of the PAMANA Projects in the province include the towns of Tangcal, Kauswagan and Munai.  He said the PAMANA projects involved medical and health centers as well as water project. He said the project of Poona Piagapo was re-aligned. Director Libot also said that there is a need to organize the PPOC to include representative of civil society organizations.

Gov. DImaporo asked the local chief executives of the beneficiary towns to confirm the acceptance of the said projects. Mayor Fatima Tomawis of Tangcal, and Mayor Rommel Arnado of Kauswagan confirmed the acceptance of the PAMANA projects in their respective municipalities, while Mayor Muammar Maquiling of Munai  was not able to confirm the projects as he was represented by his Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Felix Bandojo.  Gov. Dimaporo asked Mayor Maquiling to confirm the PAMANA projects in his town in the next PPOC meeting. Important matters such as peace, safety  and security of the provincial community were raised by municipal mayors.

Mayor Neshreen Eleanor D. Lantud of Pantao Ragat questioned the installation of checkpoints in the community without signboards or vehicles for proper identification. She said these checkpoints should be installed properly because there are leaders in the province who are having family feuds. She said to avoid untoward incidents, the military and police officers should do something to correct checkpoint manning lapses. Mayor Joselito Miquiabas of Bacolod inquired on the measures adopted by the military and the police to check threats for the safety and security of the provincial community.  He said, “We are not ready for war, but we are ready to receive investors, especially when our project in Pagayawan will push through.” Gov. Dimaporo claimed that some 100 MILF members were fully armed when they entered Tambo, Munai to conduct a meeting.  He said the MILF members should not be allowed to enter community centers in Lanao del Norte when armed, but they may do so when they are unarmed.

In answer to the reported meeting of the MILF members who were said to be fully armed, Lt. Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, Battalion commander of the 15^th Infantry Battalion based in Kauswagan, clarified that  no MILF  entered Tambo, Munai to conduct meeting.  He said the MILF members held their meeting somewhere in Tamparan, Munai, which is part of the Camp Bilal area.  He said we have our limitations. We  cannot  attack them because the ceasefire agreement in Lanao is in full force and effect.  He said after their assembly the MILF members dispersed and went home.  He said the military  coordinates closely with the MILF through the Ceasefire Committee to maintain peace and prevent the violation of the ceasefire agreement.  He said the military is not sleeping on the post.  He said the military talks about people’s safety upon waking up in the morning and even when the people are already fast asleep.

The Government and the MILF had signed a Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro as a solution to end the Bangsamoro problem in Mindanao.

Asked by the governor if it is alright with him that the MILF will enter Lanao del Norte with firearms, Musa Sanguila said the MILF should abide with the agreement signed between the government and the MILF without directly answering the question with a yes or no.   He said the community is the first line of defense, He said we have to build and re-build relations with Muslims and Christians in the communities.  He said we have strong coordination in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

Other municipal mayors and participants  made their comments and observations regarding peace and security.

Mayor Rommel Arnado of Kauswagan said, “Kauswagan is worried. We have to establish contingency plan as we will be protecting the community.  He added, “We will not allow our people to swim again.” He concluded, “We will hold the line and negotiate.” Mayor Rafael C. Rizalda of Maigo said that the civilian communities must be protected.  He said we don’t lke our people to suffer, like what happened in Zamboanga City.  He said the lawless elements will not penetrate the communities without having civilian hostages. He said we have to protect ourselves.

Gov. Dimaporo said the province, the military, the police and other members of the PPOC should move as one pursuing one direction to preserve peace in the province.  e said the MILF should not be allowed to move around the province when they are armed, but they may do so if they are unarmed.

A Memorandum of Agreement to promote peace,   safety and security in the province was signed by Governor Dimaporo, Brigade Commander Gapay and Police Provincial Director Paitao. Gov. Dimaporo adjourned the PPOC meeting after all other matters were taken up and after all participants had been given the opportunity to raise questions, make  comments and observations.

Also present in the PPOC meeting were Provincial Vice Governor Cristy Atay,  provincial board members, local chief executives, military battalion commanders and company commanders, police municipal station commanders,  representatives from national line agencies, and non-government and civil society organizations. With reports by Malyne Gungob.

Zambo Sur gov orders filing of charges vs mangrove destroyers

Zambo Sur gov orders filing of charges vs mangrove destroyers

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Feb. 11 (PNA) -– Gov. Antonio Cerilles has ordered the Task Force Bakawan to investigate and file charges against the people behind the destruction of the mangrove in Barangay Pisaan, Dinas, this province.

Cerilles issued the order after he received report supported with photographs that the mangrove areas in Barangay Pisaan, Dinas, are already denuded.

Reports stated the mangroves were cut by the residents who are engaged in charcoal business. The charcoal they produced is reportedly being sold in this city.

Over the weekend, the Task Force Bakawan has confiscated 51 sacks of charcoal made of mangrove and several illegally cut mangrove trees.

Cerilles said charges must be filed against those responsible since the cutting of mangroves is prohibited under existing law.

“It might be true they are poor but they are abusive and they destroyed the things which can help the poor like them,” Cerilles said.

Mangrove forests serve as spawning area for fish and crustaceans as well as habitat to oysters. It also protects coastal areas from erosion and storm surge.

Cerilles has also directed the task force to file charges against those who are behind the illegal construction of fishponds. (PNA)
FFC/TPGJR/HDC/SSC/ Jong Cadion

Maigo, Kolambugan benefit from DIFS Project funds

Maigo, Kolambugan benefit from DIFS Project funds

By PHIL PA-ALAN

KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (Feb. 4, 2015) –A ceremonial turn-over of the Diversified Integrated Farming System (DIFP) Project funds/check was conducted today at the quarters of the 15^th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army,  Barangay Bagumbayan, Kauswagan in the presence of officials and farmers from the towns of Maigo and Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.   

In a brief turn-over program, Lt. Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero, commanding officer of the 15^th Infantry Battalion (IB), welcomed the participants from the beneficiary towns of Maigo and Kolambugan, as he urged the farmers and farmer organizations to strive hard to develop their farming communities. 

People’s organization presidents Primitivo A. Benitez of Maigo and Fernadito R. Ridao of Kolambugan thanked the Agriculture Department for extending the farming assistance and the 15^th IB for facilitating the farming turn-over ceremonies.

In the turn-over of DIFS Project funds/check, Director Angelito Y. Quirog of the Regional Field Office 10, assisted by Lt. Col. Doctolero, turned over the Project funds amounting to P300,000.00  in check to beneficiary municipalities through Mayor Rafael C. Rizalda of Maigo and a representative of the mayor of Kolambugan in the presence of farmers from the two towns and officers and men of the 15^thIB, together with some officials of the assisting office  and  assisted towns. Each municipality received P300,000.00 for the farming projects of their respective communities. The representative of Kolambugan Mayor thanked the Agriculture Department for the farming project assistance and the 15^th IB for helping facilitate the turn-over ceremony.

On the other hand, Mayor Rizalda  stressed that the farmers of Maigo are very grateful for the farming assistance and that the officials and farmers of Maigo will exert all efforts to develop their farms for the benefit of their respective families and the municipal constituents. Lt. Col. Galileo R. Goyena, executive officer of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade will continue to support the farming project through bayanihan where the military, and civilians cooperate and coordinate in the implementation of socio-economic projects in the attainment of peace, progress and prosperity in the farming communities.

For his part, Director Quirog stressed that the provision of the farming assistance carries a great responsibility as the beneficiaries are expected to perform.  He said an assessment of the performance of farmers will be conducted on the basis of the Memorandum of Agreement entered into by and between the Department of Agriculture and the recipient municipalities to determine whether or not the farming communities have complied with their respective obligations.  He added that if the performance of the farming communities is satisfactory, the Agriculture Department may provide additional farming assistance to the farming communities.  He also assured the people that the Agriculture Department will be there to help and provide funding assistance for the farming projects.  He added that it is not only livelihood that the Agriculture Department will help provide but also capacity to allow them to gain skills and knowledge on farming through the training program implemented by the Agriculture Training Institute which the government subsidizes.

PFC Joyriel L. Allaga led the invocation while 1Lt. Rene M. Belmonte, Jr. ably served as master of ceremonies.  Over 50 officials and farmers from the two towns and the officers and men of the 15^th IB witnessed the turn-over ceremonies. A picture taking session was conducted to serve as souvenir of the turn-over event.  The Agriculture officials as well as the officials of the recipient municipalities, including the military officers joined the picture taking event.With reports from Malyne Gungob.

Businessman shot dead on broad daylight

By Jun Enriquez

Iligan City (February 6, 2015) - At around 11:30 in the morning in a busy streets of Pala-o this city, killers riding in tandem a motorcycle shot dead a businessman, Lolito Libumfacil, 48 years old, a resident of Purok 8, Tipanoy, Iligan City, was hit by a lone bullet of a caliber 45 in the head caused his untimely death. Libumfacil was engage in lumber trading had prior delivery of lumber products before his tragic death. He was the driver of his own delivery jeepney color maroon with plate number MBS 634. His companion known in his name "Kabal" witnessed at the time of the shooting incident, said that they stopped in a traffic light at Bro. Jeffrey road, Pala-o this city near Dear Manok restaurant, the suspects riding in tandem in a black motorcycle without plate number approached beside Libumfacil and quickly shoot the victim. Witnesses said that the gunman covered his face with jacket and shoot libumfacil at close range and immediately left the crime scene heading towards east of Pala-o going to the new c-3 road but was chased by the police. Lorna Libumfacil, the wife of the victim said that some people with the same business in their place got envy on their business operation but declined to name names.

The body of Lolito Libumfacil was remove from his jeepney seat

In a separate incident, at around 11:40 in the morning on same day, a riding in tandem of a motorcycle was crushed in c-3 road in Pala-o and the said passengers were immediately brought to nearby City hospital by an ambulance. When "Kabal" learned the incident he immediately proceeded to the hospital to look for the victims. He said that one of the victims was their neighbor in Tipanoy whose name is Ariel Oregue but he registered his address in the hospital was in Pala-o. Kabal told the hospital worker that Oregue is a resident of Tipanoy not in Pala-o. Kabal said that Oregue is identical to  the killer of Libumfacil who changed his t-shirt but his short pant still the same. Kabal suspected Oregue as the killer of Libumfacil. Police authorities will conduct parrafin test to Oregue to ensure if he used a gun, as soon as Kabal will execute his affidavit. Oregue was former worker of Libumfacil.

Businessman shot dead on broad daylight

By Jun Enriquez

Iligan City (February 6, 2015) - At around 11:30 in the morning in a busy streets of Pala-o this city, killers riding in tandem a motorcycle shot dead a businessman, Lolito Libumfacil, 48 years old, a resident of Purok 8, Tipanoy, Iligan City, was hit by a lone bullet of a caliber 45 in the head caused his untimely death. Libumfacil was engage in lumber trading had prior delivery of lumber products before his tragic death. He was the driver of his own delivery jeepney color maroon with plate number MBS 634. His companion known in his name "Kabal" witnessed at the time of the shooting incident, said that they stopped in a traffic light at Bro. Jeffrey road, Pala-o this city near Dear Manok restaurant, the suspects riding in tandem in a black motorcycle without plate number approached beside Libumfacil and quickly shoot the victim. Witnesses said that the gunman covered his face with jacket and shoot libumfacil at close range and immediately left the crime scene heading towards east of Pala-o going to the new c-3 road but was chased by the police. Lorna Libumfacil, the wife of the victim said that some people with the same business in their place got envy on their business operation but declined to name names.

The body of Lolito Libumfacil was remove from his jeepney seat

 

In a separate incident, at around 11:40 in the morning on same day, a riding in tandem of a motorcycle was crushed in c-3 road in Pala-o and the said passengers were immediately brought to nearby City hospital by an ambulance. When "Kabal" learned the incident he immediately proceeded to the hospital to look for the victims. He said that one of the victims was their neighbor in Tipanoy whose name is Ariel Oregue but he registered his address in the hospital was in Pala-o. Kabal told the hospital worker that Oregue is a resident of Tipanoy not in Pala-o. Kabal said that Oregue is identical to  the killer of Libumfacil but change his t-shirt but his short pant still the same. Kabal suspected Oregue as the killer of Libumfacil. Police authorities will conduct parrafin test to Oregue to ensure if he used a gun, as soon as Kabal will execute his affidavit. Oregue was former worker of Libumfacil.

               

Overwhelming support marks UBJP General Assembly at Camp Darapanan

By PHIL PA-ALAN

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao (Dec. 26, 2014) - Tens of thousands volunteers of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) participated in the First General Assembly of the newly organized political party held at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao from December 23-25, 2014 with the theme: “UBJP: My Party, Your Party, Our Party”.

The 3-day general assembly of the UBJP aimed to discuss the role of the UBJP and present the officers, as well as orient the participating volunteers on the principles adhered to by the UBJP in governance and in the service of God, country and humanity and encourage the volunteers to extend their commitments and support to make the newly organized political party  a viable service political organization.

The UBJP is headed by MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, as President and supported by five (5) vice presidents, namely, Ghadjali Jaafar, VP for Central Mindanao; Alim Ali Solaiman, VP for Northern Mindanao; Mohagher Iqbal, VP for Southern Mindanao; Hussein Munoz, VP for Eastern Mindanao; and Hadji Ma’amur Estino, VP for Western Mindanao, while Sammy Al. Mansoor serves as secretary general of the UBJP.

The first day (Dec. 23) of the general assembly was devoted to registration of the newly arrived delegates from the various parts of Mindanao and palabunibuniyan, while the second day (Dec. 24) included the recital of the verse of the Holy Qur’an by Al-Qari Ust. Zainudin Esmael; welcome address by the Maguindanao Provincial Committee and the Mayor of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; opening remarks by UBJP Secretary General Sammy Al. Mansoor, who introduced the role of the UBJP Volunteers and presented the UBJP officers, while the inspirational message was made by UBJP Vice President for Southern Mindanao  Mohagher Iqbal.

Iqbal said he encouraged all ground commanders to join the UBJP and participate in the electoral process and ensure winning. He added that the interest of the party is to win the majority seats in the Bangsamoro parliamentary assembly to continue the political aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. Iqbal said that the party is open to any interested individuals in adherence to party principles and policies.  

The representatives of the multi-sectoral groups took turns in expressing their unwavearing support to the UBJP.  These sectors include: the Ulama Sector, the Professional Sector, Academe, Traditional, Women, Youth, Business, Agriculture, NGO, CSO, IPs, Non-Muslm, OFWs/UOB, Senior Citizens, Labor Sector and the Transportation Sector. In the afternoon of the second day, the general staff, the front commanders and base commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the  MILF expressed their commitments to support the UBJP.

On the third day (Dec. 25) the participants listened to the recital of the verse of the Holy Qur’an by Al-Qar Ust, Abdulganji Daud; the opening message by Alim Ali Solaiman, vice president for Northern Mindanao, a discussion on Political Party in Islamic Perspective by Abu Huraira Udasan, followed by the message of Hadji Ma’amur Estino, Vice president for Western Mindanao, and  another message by Hussien Munoz, vice president for Eastern Mindanao, then the messages of UBJP Provincial and City Executive Officers.

In the afternoon of the third day, Ust. Moh. Saudi Gandisa made the recital of the verse of the Holy Qur’an, followed by the symbolic application for UBJP membership by all executive officers from the regional, provincial and city levels, then the keynote address of MILF Chairman and UBJP President Al- Haj Murad Ebrahim.  The afternoon program was closed by Ghadjali Jaafer,  vice president for Central Mindanao of the UBJP. The Bay’ah was made by Uz. Abdulkadir Abdullah, ACEO, Maguindanao, UBJP. Tengku Rahib Payapat and Dr. Norodin Salam ably served as masters of ceremonies of the UBJP 3-day program.

The Steering Committee was chaired by Sammy Al. Mansoor; the Finance Committee by Ust. Said Salendab; the Program, Invitation and Ground Preparation Committee  by Mohammad Nasif, Al Haj; Registration Committee by Dr. Taugan S. Kikay; the Decoration and Sound System Committee by Toks Ebrahim; the Reception Committee by Dr. Tomanda Antok; the Security Committee by Gordon Sayfullah Khan; the Sanitation and Medical Service Committee by Hji. Maguid Gentao; the Stocks and Logistics Committee by Jameellah Husain; and the Communication and Transportation Committee by Von Al-Haq.

The site of the general assembly at Camp Darapanan became an instant busy business district with a sizeable number of halal eateries mushrooming the streets and around the assembly site including dry markets selling assorted items such as commemorative T-shirts, malongs, hijab, shoes, and other household materials which the delegates may need while in the assembly areas.  BIAF officers and men provided the security of the participants, guests and visitors in the assembly areas.

The delegates were provided spaces for their lodging needs while discussion tents for male and female participants were erected to facilitate the discussion of issues and concerns regarding the newly organized political party and the people committed to support the UBJP. Participants came from various regions in Mindanao, namely, Northern, Southern, Eastern,  Western  and Central Mindanao.

In his keynote address, MILF Chairman and UBJP President Al-Murad Ebrahim stressed the importance of the UBJP in the life of the Bangsamoro.  He said the party could serve as vehicle to attain the dreams and aspirations of the Bangsamoro who had been neglected by prior governments for generations.  He added that it is  essential that the UBJP as a new political party be embued with enthusiasm and equipped with principles that could usher in an era of unity, peace, progress and prosperity for all Bangsamoro inhabitants.  He continued that it could serve as a vehicle to transport us all to destinations we have crafted for ourselves, despite cultural diversity, whether in the social, economic, and political fields and concerns.  With the support and commitment of the volunteers, the sectoral groups, political party leaders, and the Bangsamoro stakeholders, are our common dreams and aspirations for a better life could be attained. (with reports from Jun Enriquez and Ric Clet)

15th IB launch “Kalinga sa Bayan” ng Tangkal

By Phil Paalan and Malyne Gungob

TANGKAL, Lanao del Norte, January 30, 2015 – The Kalinga Sa Bayan ng Tangkal was conducted in Tangkal, Lanao del Norte last January 29-30, 2015 to train school children to become responsive, responsible, useful and productive citizens and participate in the development process of their respective communities.

Lt. Col. Goyena, Ex-O of 2nd Mech Bde, on his message of support

The two-day Kalinga Sa Bayan ng Tangkal undertaking  was initiated by the 15^th Infantry “Molave Warrior” Battalion, Philippine Army headed by Lt. Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, battalion commander, in partnership with the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Lanao Development Team, and the Local Government Unit of Tangkal (LGU-Tangkal), Lanao del Norte, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Administration (PDEA).

The “Kalinga Sa Bayan” event, held at the Municipal Gymnasium, Barangay Poblacion, Tangkal, Lanao del Norte, aimed to empower school children to become useful and productive citizens of the communities to be able to contribute largely in the development of their respective localities as change agents and was participated in by over 400 school children from the various schools in the 18 barangays of the municipality with ages ranging from 5 years old to 18 years old, both males and females.

Mayor Hadja Fatima M. Tomawis, expressed her full support

The activities included Bayanihan race, where the youth who are the hope of the country, are trained in leadership skills such as camaraderie, cooperation, teamwork and similar skills; Kalinga Night where there was film showing of cartoon movies that carry moral values such as nothing is impossible if we want  to perform and accomplish something and you can dream and achieve your dreams; empowerment sessions to teach team the core values of Gawad Kalinga such as unity, solidarity, love for fellow men, cleanliness and similar values; “Bihis Bayani” where the youth are trained to dress properly;  and drug forum where the youth are briefed on the Dangerous Drugs Law,  and the   danger of drugs, among others. The  “Kalinga Sa Bayan”  ended with the mass singing of the song, ”Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

Fifteen youth leaders were trained to facilitate the activities to make the children get the most out of the activities. Several guests from Negros Oriental were present to observe the “Kalinga Sa Bayan ng Tangkal”  activities. In a brief program, Hon. Abdany C. Buanding, Sangguniang Bayan Member of Tangkal welcomed the participants, guests and visitors, as he thanked the participants and the people behind the children’s activities,

Giving slippers to children

Lt Col Galileo R. Goyena, Jr., Executive Officer, 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, who represented Col. Gilbert Gapay, gave his message of support.  He said the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade under Col. Gapay is committed to support the undertaking as it is intended to mold our youth who are the hope of our fatherland, to become productive citizens of the community.

Mr. Jake Gerona, Head Gawad Kalinga, Province of Lanao del Norte , expressed his thanks and gratitude especially to the 15^th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, headed by Lt. Col. Doctolero, for the opportunity of becoming a partner for the “Kalinga sa Bayan” program. He also extended his gratitude to the Local Government of Tangkal and other partners.  Gerona said they built houses for Sendong victims in Iligan City. He said that they will talk with Mayor Tomawis for possible housing project in Tangkal. The Gawad Kalinga provided slippers for free to the children numbering to at least 400 pairs.

Jake Gerona, GK Head, delivered a message before a crowd

The Department of Education (DepEd) of Tangkal has declared January 29 and 30 for no classes just to attend the “Kalinga sa Bayan ng Tangkal” as a great opportunity for children and youth for personal development. Hon. Hadja Fatima M. Tomawis, Municipal Mayor of Tangkal expressed the fullest support and cooperation of the LGU-Tangkal in the successful implementation of the undertaking as she extended her warmest thanks and gratitude to the 15^th Infantry Battalion, for initiating the activity to educate and capacitate the youth for personal development and become model citizens of the community.  She said, “We appreciate the initiatives of the  15^th IB and the partners and cooperators of the undertaking for making it happen in Tangkal as she said that we will not forget this event as it was intended for our children.”

Lt. Col. Doctolero awarded a token of appreciation to the Mayor

In his message Lt. Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero extended his thanks and gratitude to the  partners and cooperators, especially the youth for largely helping implement the Kalinga Sa Bayan despite sleepness nights as they have to wake up early to serve as facilitators and make the event successful. The Kalinga Sa Bayan ng Tangkal was well attended and the children enjoyed so much the various activities. With reports and photo by Jun Enriquez.

Mindanao Summit adopts workshop outputs

Mindanao Summit adopts workshop outputs

By PHIL PA-ALAN, Publisher-Editor, The Mindanao Gazette

(A reprint from The Mindanao Gazette in August 2014 issue for purposes of documentation and reference)

ILIGAN CITY - The Mindanao Empowerment Summit held in Davao City from June 26 to 27, 2014 has adopted the Covenant for the Mindanao Empowerment and a Resolution endorsing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), including the reform and development proposals for Mindanao.

Hosted by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the Summit organized ten (10) workshops to tackle issues and concerns affecting Mindanao to ascertain the real needs and problems of the people of Mindanao and to evoke from them what they believed as the most realistic solutions thereon.  The issues and concerns  tackled and intensely deliberated upon in  the ten (10) workshops include: (1) Energy Sufficiency; (2) Peace and Order; (3) Food Security and Agro-Industrial Economy; (4) Infrastructure; (5) Reconstruction and Rehabilitation; (6) Social Services and Development; (7) Fiscal Autonomy for the LGUs; (8) Climate Change; (9) Transportation and Communications;  (10) Political Reform;  (11) Electoral Reform;  and (12) Representation in the National Government.

On Energy Sufficiency, the workshop members stressed that of the three major Islands of the Philippines, Mindanao has, on several occasions, been on the verge of economic cliff, not only because of the insurgency that it has since the 1970s, but because of inadequacy of electric power for the last decades or so.  They added that almost all the social and economic activities in Mindanao have been adversely affected by electric fluctuation and irregular or intermittent supply of energy brought about by benign-neglect or intentional deprivation by those in-charge. 

Without enumerating the specific issues and concerns affecting power generation, transmission and distribution, the workshop members are of the opinion that the energy department should consider any or all or a combination of the following measures:

1. Immediate repair, rehabilitation and operation of the government existing power generation plants and facilities in Mindanao so they can be put in full utilization, not to waste;

2. Immediate construction of additional hydro plants in combination with windmills, solar energy, and other renewable sources of energy where they are appropriate.  To this end, each local government unit should take the necessary steps to prevent power interruptions/shortfalls;

3. Immediately ban the installation/construction of environmentally-unfriendly and health hazard power generators, including those whose costs to the consumers are prohibitive.  The affordability and sustainability factors should also be considered.

4. Initiate and support the regionalization of power generation, transmission and distribution through the consortium of local government units within each region;

5. Creation of the Mindanao Power Corporation to manage and operate government power generation plants/facilities.  For this purpose, revisit and amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA LAW) to bring the government back to the industry as a major power generator, supplier and distributor;

6. Creation of a joint Executive-Legislative Oversight Committee;

7. Provide 20% subsidy on the electric consumption of the poor whose income is below the poverty line.

On Peace and Order, the workshop members said that we witnessed the fact that the signing of the 1996 GRP-MNLF Peace Accord did not bring peace in Mindanao due to the lapses in the implementation of the agreement that both parties should willingly address in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), after all, the MILF and MNLF are comrades in arms.  They added that however, even with the harmonization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the 1996 GRP-MNLF peace accord, the problem on peace and order would still be around as crimes against persons, properties and liberties are committed in broad daylight and almost every minute.

To gradually mitigate the incidence of criminalities which is rising in Mindanao, the workshop members recommend to the national government to consider any or all of the following measures:

1. Provide police visibility in the 42,027 barangays all over the country. This can be done by converting the barangay tanod into barangay policemen clothing them with authority to pursue and arrest culprits.  the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall conduct the training for the barangay policemen who are appointed by the barangay council with disciplinary power to suspend erring barangay policemen by majority vote of its members, and to dismiss an erring barangay policemen by 3/4 vote of its members;

2. Make the local chief executives, including the barangay chairmen responsible for the maintenance of peace and order in their respective locality/barangay. Failure to do so should be considered a ground for the suspension of the local chief executives concerned;

3. Strengthen the regional and local peace and order councils by giving them powers to recommend the transfer, suspension, or dismissal from the service of an erring police officer. Expand the composition of the council by including more members from the private sector;

4. Strengthen the barangay justice system by empowering the Lupong Tagapamayapa to cite for contempt parties who do not submit to mediation and arbitration;

5. Creation of the Mindanao peace commission with the following powers, duties and functions:

                5.1. supervise the regional and local peace and order councils in the performance of their duties and functions so that their members would not be remiss in the performance of their respective duties and functions;

                5.2. Promote peaceful co-existence so that the Muslims, Christians and Lumads, alike, can peacefully and harmoniously co-exist and accept each other as Filipinos having the same roots and origin. In a multi-sectoral and diverse society, social , economic and political integration is still the key to peaceful co-existence and solidarity;

                5.3 dismantle as soon as possible private armies and organized crimes so that every man and woman in the Philippines would feel safe and secure;

                5.4. Initiate the collection of loose firearms.  this will pave the way for the rule of law to prevail;

                5.5. Integrate into the social and economic life of our society the leaders and members of the private armies and organized crimes to promote national solidarity in its truest meaning.

The workshop members also stressed that while it is true that the economic development effort can simultaneously proceed hand-in-hand with the peace and order effort, it must be conceded that peace is the key to economic development as in tourism and investment,  investors come to places where they are safe and secure.

On food security and agro-industrial economy, the workshop members are of the belief that the survival of a nation, such as ours, largely depends on our capacity to produce the food that we need without having to depend from other countries.  Also, a nation does not exist by food alone,  it goes on with the industrial products, non-food products, hence, the need for the adoption of an agro-industrial and export-oriented economy.

Other than the essential products that we need in our homes, workplaces and surroundings, we need to intensify the production of steel, cement, electronics, and venture into manufacturing of vehicles, ship building and military equipment to be truly independent, self-sustaining and self-reliant.

Specifically, to attain food security and sufficiency, including the industrialization of Mindanao, the national government should consider the following measures:.

                1. Formulation of a land use policy in Mindanao to delineate land for food production, fruit bearing trees, high value/root crops, coconut plantation, palm oil plantation, vegetables and similar farm products and the lands for industrialization;

                2. Promote with the support of the national government, regional and local food production with each local government unit at the core of the initiative in partnership with the private sector. This will stimulate regional and local food security and sufficiency;

                3. Strengthen the farmer's organizations with technical and local assistance from the national and local governments. This is the stimulus for agricultural growth and effective mechanism for poverty mitigation;

                4. Organize pioneering Mindanao industrialist and the government should provide them technical and financial assistance, including tax holidays and incentives from both the national and local government;

                5. Sustain the technical and financial assistance being extended by the national government to the fisher folks in the marine and aquatic/fishing industry to elevate their social and economic status;

                6. Declaration of the strategic regions/areas in Mindanao as industrial zone, agricultural zone, aquamarine/fishing zone, summer and cultural center, financial center, convention center and tourist destination.

On infrastructure, the workshop members claim that the presence of the government is manifested by the infrastructure that it has put in place, it is not what it has at the drawing table. Never can anyone or any local government aspire for social and economic development without connectivity to its neighbors. The first connectivity which links the local governments and regions with each other is a road network such as national , provincial, municipal, city roads including the barangay roads which should all be compliant with the international standard.

And so the following proposals:

1. Widening of existing national roads in Mindanao, construction of national roads in the interior parts of Mindanao, concreting of provincial roads as the major access and farm to market roads. This will provide efficient and effective overland connectivity to the cities, provinces and regions in Mindanao;

2. Construction of municipal halls in all the municipalities in Mindanao where there is none.; This is very important because government is certainly non-existent when its physical presence is not in sight.

3. Construction of additional schoolable school buildings in areas where it is needed and the repair and renovation of existing school buildings with comfort rooms. the need is so acute and urgent in Mindanao if education is considered as one of the solutions to insurgency and poverty reduction;

4. Construction of tourism infrastructure and facilities in areas declared as tourist destination.

On reconstruction and rehabilitation, the workshop members said that the Philippines has now become a prone-disaster country, a typhoon path in Asia, as direct result of climate change the disaster is not only annual but could take place at any time without warning.

As natural and man-made disasters would regularly hit the country, it is proposed very strongly that the Department of National Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (DNRR) be created as soon as possible whose mandate shall be to reconstruct the areas devastated by natural and man-made disasters and to rehabilitate socially and economically the people affected by such calamities.

The loss of human lives and the destruction of properties inflicted upon our people by Typhoons Peping, Ondoy, Sendong, Pablo, and Yolanda as well as the armed siege in Zamboanga city, prompted the recommendation for the creation of the Department of National Reconstruction and Rehabilitation.

Other workshop groups also made recommendations concerning the issues and concerns assigned to them and also subsequently adopted by the Summit.

It can be recalled that a two-day Mindanao Empowerment Summit was convened by Summit convenors headed by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on June 26 and 27, 2014 at Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City to consolidate all existing development plans for Mindanao and integrate them into a single comprehensive development plan with the new challenges in the social, economic, and political life of the our people with the consolidated plan to be known as the “Mindanao Development Agenda for 1630”. 

Specifically, the Mindanao Empowerment Summit hosted by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, aimed to unite the people of Mindanao for their social, economic, and political empowerment; formulate strategies which will effectively address the issues and concerns affecting Mindanao; and ensure equitable representation of the people of Mindanao in the national government.  The Summit rational cited that since the Commonwealth time up to this day, Mindanao has not been accorded with equitable representation in the government and has been continuously denied proportionate allocation of government resources in terms of projects and programs, despite the fact that Mindanao accounts for the second largest population in the country, the second largest island of the Philippine Archipelago, and produces a little over forty percent (40%), in real terms, of our national food requirements.  It added that to ensure the development of Mindanao, and to fast track the same, and to restore normalcy and maintain peace and order in Mindanao, it is high time that the people of Mindanao should take it upon themselves to lay down their development plan and pursue the same for their better future and the next generation to come.  It concluded that the formulation of the social, economic and political empowerment effort of Mindanao should start  from tackling the present- day issues and concerns affecting its people, as it claimed that the summit could stir up the battle cry for a genuine empowerment of Mindanao.  The issues and concerns tackled in the Summit for Mindanao included energy self-sufficiency, peace and order, infrastructure and rehabilitation, food security and agro-industrial economy, social services and development, transportation and communications, LGUs fiscal autonomy, climate change, political and electoral reform, and representations in the national government. 

The Summit was attended by multi-sectoral leaders of Mindanao with cabinet secretaries as resource speakers, which include Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino of the Mindanao Development Authority (MDA), who delivered the keynote speech of President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III, who at the time of the Summit was in Japan; DPWH Secretary Rogelio I. Singson;  Undersecretary Austere Panadero, representing  DILG Secretary Mar Roxas; Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos, representing DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla; and Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr.. Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, representing the MILF; and Atty. Mohammad Al-Amin Julkipli, representing the GRP Negotiation Panel were also present.  Present from the House of Representatives included Representatives Bai Sandra A. Sema; Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba; Rogelio Neil P. Roque; and Maximo Rodriguez.

President Aquino in his keynote address which was delivered by Secretary Luwalhati Antonino reassured the people of Mindanao of their share of the wealth of our country, while DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson underscored the various infrastructure projects in Mindanao both completed and on-going.  On the part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Undersecretary Austere A. Panadero assured the people of Mindanao that in due time they will have enduring and lasting peace with the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the dismantling of private armies and organized crimes in Mindanao that the department sees soon to happen.  The Department of Energy speaking through Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos assured the delegates that by 2016 there will be no power interruption in Mindanao.  Senator Koko Pimentel spoke on his bill seeking to increase the share of the local government units (LGUs) in the national taxes, fees and charges from forty percent (40%) to fifty percent (50%) to guarantee that the LGUs would have fiscal autonomy which will make them more responsive to the needs and problems of the their constituents.  Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. and City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte both spoke on the Federal System of Government and proposed for a charger change via Constitutional Convention after the 2016 presidential elections so that the various regions of the country as federal states can be self-reliant and competitive. Both leaders also proposed that the delegates to the convention should be elected simultaneously in the 2016 presidential elections. Director Mae Est6er T. Guiamadel, who represented NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, presented before the Summit the Mindanao Strategic Development Framework in conjunction with the Mindanao 2020 of the Mindanao Development Authority (MDA) which the office also presented.  Also in attendance were provincial governors led by Governor Steve C. Solo, vice governors led by Vice Governor Arturo Carlos A. Egay, provincial board members led by Board Member Maybell T. Valdevieso, city mayors led by City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and municipal mayors led by Mayor Omaradji C. Pizarrro, Jr.. From the sectoral groups were Dr. Gerlita S. Ruiz of the University of Mindanao, Pastor Leonardo S. Pumanhog of the assemblies of God, Andy Manlapus of the Davao Housing Cooperative, Rene Arias of the Mindanao Transport Services; Conrado R. Sillada of the Urban Poor of Davao City and many others from the private sector.  Adopted in the Summit were the Covenant for the Mindanao Empowerment and a Resolution endorsing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), including the reform and development proposals that the summit adopted for Mindanao.