Small town Linamon faces challenges towards development

By Jun Enriquez

 

The Tinago falls of Linamon, Lanao del Norte

Linamon, Lanao del Norte – Mindanao was dubbed as the land of promise, until the present time still dreaming on it as a vision. As part of it you will notice Linamon, the smallest town of Lanao del Norte with the co-existence of good relations among the Christians majority, Muslims and the Lumads, can be found as far as 100 kilometers west of Cagayan de Oro City. It is composed only of 8 Barangays situated in a 2,000-hectare land area. Its Local officials, especially the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) has conducted a planning workshop by the committee of the whole to review some existing policies, ordinances since the 1990s to attune the changing times as its priority legislative agenda. Linamon has an ongoing development of the Tinago falls managed by the local government to keep its nature intact. A continuing solid waste management (SWM) program and implementation of garbage disposal from the household is strictly observed. This SWM program had help so much in the tourism promotion in the maintenance of clean environment. Linamon beaches facing the Iligan Bay is one of the tourist attractions of the province. The local government of Linamon also improved the traffic congestion along the National Highway for public safety.

 

At center with paper, Municipal Councilor Rene Pestolante

Municipal Councilor and Statesman Rene “Atoy” Pestolante, Chairman of the committee on rules and good governance, also a labor leader and a businessman, has a lot of experienced in his studies abroad about governance from other countries especially in Germany. Councilor Pestolante also a “Federalista”, is a member of Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP)–LABAN, the political party of Philippine President Duterte, an advocate on Federalism pushing  for federalism in the country. He said there is a need to change the structure of the government to give political and economic justice for the Filipino people especially in Mindanao. Councilor Pestolante said that the small land area of Linamon is now planned to maximize land utilization and if possible private spaces will be expropriated to respond the needed development in the town such as expansion of public market, public terminal, public cemetery, among others.

Linamon Councilor Pestolante said he sponsored a resolution in the Council to cater directly the problem of the people in the Barangays of Linamon. He said a resolution was approved to conduct a joint session with the SB of Linamon and a Barangay council every month. He said there are three Barangay councils expressed their intention to have a joint session on the first Monday of September and it will be the first joint session after the resolution  was approved. The Linamon SB session is held every Monday of the week and the joint session is scheduled every first Monday of the month. Councilor Pestolante was then a Vice Mayor in Linamon for two terms said that the SB during his stint was already implemented the joint session but was stopped when he was no longer in the position for unknown reasons. The Local government of Linamon aims to have an industrial zone in every Barangay to have equal opportunity  for economic development.

4th from left, Councilor Pestolante with the CSO leaders

Councilor Pestolante said that Linamon is assured in terms of peace and order, the project “tokhang” of the police still going on to cater people especially the drug dependents, the program counterpart of the local government under the administration of Mayor Randy Macapil called reformatory program is to recover themselves from the menace of the drug impact to health and domestic economy. Councilor Pestolante said that they are calling the civil society groups to accredit in Linamon council to help the local government in its efforts for peace and development. Before he was elected into public office in 2016 elections, he was the co-chairman of the Bottom-up-Budgeting (BUB) representing the civil society organizations (CSOs) in Linamon. Councilor Pestolante further informed that the local government of Linamon will avail a two million-peso project for Mobile corn mill from the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process (OPAPP) intended for the rehabilitation of the conflict affected areas in the country.

Linamon has the existing land space to at least 80 hectares intended for the Metro Iligan Agro-Industrial Center (MIRAIC). This land was owned by the National government for the establishment of a domestic airport but was stopped for safety reasons and was converted into a MIRAIC a good potential for economic development since the Ramos administration in the 1990s.

 

2nd from right, Councilor Pestolante on Agridev (BUB) project 

Linamon is the center of economy in the eastern part of Lanao del Norte, and the traffic will congest every market days, Saturdays and Sundays. Lanao del Norte is a food basket rich in fresh marine and agriculture products coming from other places in the province will be sold in Linamon public market at very low prices affordable for the poor.

People in the market place of Linamon apprehensive on the impact of the GN Power in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte in terms of its pollution to diminish the potentialities of the marine and agriculture products in the province. The GN power will produce 540 megawatts of electricity allegedly to be supplied to Luzon and Visayas. Potential environmental damage will be experienced in land, air and water, and the most potential sector of the environment to suffer are the people in the province of Lanao del Norte and nearby places, especially on health issues. Air Pollution will reach the potential places through a radius of at least 40 kilometers. The most damaging pollutants in water is the hydrocarbons because of its toxicity that will damaged the corals and fish sanctuaries. The Iligan Bay will suffer the direct impact of the rise of water temperature that will potentially get damaged the marine environment in the bay including the Panguil Bay. Carbon emissions will affect the air and land areas bringing other toxic substances that will get damaged the agriculture production. This will greatly affect the livelihood of the farmers and fisher-folks in the province of Lanao del Norte and nearby places including businesses related to agriculture as a food basket of the country. If this will happen the people in these areas will suffer hunger, illnesses and poverty, and crime incidence will increase due to economic survival because people will commit crime just to survive. (the blogger, Jun Enriquez, is also a broadcast & peace journalist based in Iligan City)

MMM conducts 3rd induction of officers and invites OPAPP Sec. Dureza, PCO Sec. Andanar

By Phil Pa-alan, MMM Director

MMM officers, members, & other Guests with (seated) ASEC Banaag in red dress beside her at right is MMM Pres. Enriquez

Oroquieta City- Some people say that it was a big event for the media in Oroquieta City on August 17, 2016 with the Induction of officers of the Manggagawang Media ng Mindanao (MMM) held its 3^rd induction of officers at Rhovics place this city, with Secretary Jesus Dureza, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace process (OPAPP) and Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) as the invited guest speaker and inducting officer, respectively. Unfortunately, due to prior important appointments both the invitees were unable to attend the media gathering as they have to leave for Kuala Lumpur Malaysia for a meeting with the MILF. Despite their physical absence, Secretary Dureza sent his message for the officers and members of the MMM to ponder, while PCO Secretary Andanar sent his representative  in the person of Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag, a lawyer by profession as the inducting officer.

MMM Vice President Noel Manapsal welcome the guests, visitors and participants of the MMM affair. Secretary Dureza sent his message which was read by MMM Director Ric Clet of DWIZ Manila,

(from l-r) MMM VP Manapsal, ASEC Banaag & Tubod Bagy
Chair Joy Alquizar

OPAPP Secretary Jesus “Jess” Dureza in his message: I am extending my greetings to the newly-inducted officers of the Manggagawang Media ng Mindanao (MMM), as well as to your members across the island. I am grateful for your invitation but I regret that I cannot be with personally on this occasion because of our meeting with our brothers in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

As you all know I’ve been part of media prior to my stint in government, and even I am part of the bureaucracy I was still with my fellow media men and women as Presidential spokesperson and Press secretary during the administration of former Presidents Ramos and Arroyo, respectively. That’s why my absence tonight is a missed opportunity to be reunited with my friends and colleagues in the media.

Center-left, MMM Pres. Jun Enriquez awarded ASEC Banaag

Given that we have the first Mindanaoan President he is expecting the media friends of the MMM to contribute to the success of President Rodrigo Duterte’s endeavors - especially in the pursuit of peace, not only in Mindanao, but in the entire country. As media we have the power to direct the conversation in communities and even shape their views on almost all issues. We should take advantage of it use and use it as our leverage to ignite positive changes from the grassroots.

The six point in the Peace and Development Roadmap of the Duterte administration – which is about building and mainstreaming a culture of peace is where you can make a significant contribution information dissemination is always crucial in the peace process. Misunderstanding and misinformation can spark conflicts, with others resulting to the use of arms. You can be an instrument of peace. Our media friends should always endeavor to contribute in generating positive atmosphere in the local communities by providing information that makes our people understand the intricacies of our peace efforts.

As you all know, our meeting in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend has reinvigorated the optimism of our Bangsamoro people. We are now moving towards the full implementation of all signed Bangsamoro accords – resting on the principles of inclusivity, collaboration and cooperation to bring to our Moro brothers and sisters the peace that they long for.

Meanwhile later this week, we will also proceed to Oslo, Norway for the resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines –new people’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) after being stalled for years. The government is ensuring that most of the detained rebels will be released in time for the formal opening on August 22. With an accelerated timeline, we are looking forward to forging peace with the communist rebels, who have been waging armed struggle for almost half a century now.

Inclusivity and people’s participation in the peace process can be fruitful when our people are well-informed and fully able to engage in the discussions. Journey with us, help us hurdle the challenges, be critical when needed. Friends in media, let us be partners in peace. Congratulations to new MMM officers

At left, PSSUPT Edgar Daniel

Police Senior Superintendent (PSSUPT) Edgar Daniel, Provincial Director of the  Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (MOPPD), fully supports the peace efforts of the government and would do what needs to be done by all means and at all costs. Daniel said two weeks ago, President Duterte read the names in the list of political drug personalities. He said the City Mayor and Vice Mayor of Ozamiz City surrendered their firearms. He said the authority of the local chief executives relating to the appointment control and supervision of the local police force had been revoked. He said, “hope all of us will be helping in eliminating illegal drugs in our communities.”

At left, Lt. Col. Pompeyo Jason M. Almagro, PA

LT. Col. Pompeyo Jason M. Almagro, Battalion Commander of the 55^th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, who represented Major General Gerardo Barrientos, Philippine Army, the designated representative of Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz, also an invited guest. He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Western Mindanao Command particularly those assigned in Misamis Occidental are supporting the peace initiatives of the government by 100 percent and he sees the hope of attaining peace in Mindanao.

Public information Officer (PIO) Larry Enerio of Oroquieta City said that Mayor Jason Almonte is sending his apologies as he cannot be here tonight and he must to go back to Cagayan de Oro City for an important appointment. He said in our time media has not been united. He said it is important to inform the people of developments in Mindanao. He said Mindanao lags behind compared to other islands in the country in terms of development. Peace should be attained in Mindanao to promote development in our communities, and the people should be informed so they could decide effectively. We cannot ignore Mindanao because Mindanao is the food basket of the country. Enerio said we should know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Enerio indeed the community should work for peace in Mindanao.

At left, MMM President Jun Enriquez, delivered a message

In his acceptance speech, MMM President Jun Enriquez, a broadcast and peace journalist, a blogger and at the same time peace advocate, Managing Director of the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP), based in Iligan City is advocating for a just and lasting peace for Mindanao. Adding that MMM is a media organization for peace. He said the MMM is practicing peace journalism by conducting media forum for peace so that the members will be updated of the ongoing peace process. However, funds will always be a challenge in disseminating information and education activities. He said there is nothing wrong in advocating peace journalism rather than advocating for war.  The MMM was organized on March 9, 2009 in Iligan City through the efforts of the CSO-FP, a peace advocacy network of non-government organizations (NGOs) based in Iligan City. The MMM composed of the independent media personalities in Northwestern Mindanao considered to be the alternative media for peace especially in peace reportage on the updates of the GPH-MILF peace process and now to include the GPH-CPP/NPA/ NDF peace talks.

MMM members & Officers with ASEC Banaag

Enriquez said inclusive peace dialogue policies adopted by the government could lead to the just and lasting peace for the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao. The inclusive peace dialogue key players such as the MILF, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other stakeholders could mutually agree in the establishment of a new Bangsamoro government unit focusing on the discussions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro(CAB), the 42 consensus points as the results of the tripartite review of the 1996 GRP-MNLF final peace agreement, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) defined in the peace roadmap of the Duterte Administration.

Enriquez said that the Bangsamoro Basic law was not approved in the previous congress due to the constitutional issues. He gathered information that under the Duterte Administration, the new enabling law for the Bangsamoro can be approved in the present congress setting aside the constitutional issues, and the new Bangsamoro government unit (BGU) could be established. He said the information added that by addressing the constitutional issues in the enabling law for the new BGU can only be resolved through the establishment of federalism, a peace formula inclusive for all. 

Indeed Enriquez said the MMM will continue its peace journalism advocacy to inform and educate the people on the peace initiatives of the government. He said “we have to educate ourselves first before we educate others.” The MMM will pursue one united direction and continue to establish local chapters in different parts of Mindanao and practice the concept of federalism in the organization to become more responsive and resilient.

Ms. Lorry Gabule, standing, introduced ASEC Banaag

Ms. Lorry Gabule, manager of the office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) based in Iligan City introduced the Guest Speaker, Atty. Ana Marie Banaag, is the Assistant Secretary (ASEC) of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Legal Affairs Office, an Igorot Tribe from the Mountain province, a lawyer by profession, finished her Masters of laws in Canberra, Australia, a former Director of the office of the Ombudsman, a former Mayor in a municipality of Paracelis, Mountain province.

Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag, in her speech: “Maayong gabii. Pahiyom ta permi para malipayon,” it means good evening, we smile always to be happy.

I am here to represent Secretary Martin Andanar who unfortunately cannot join you tonight due to some urgent and pressing matters that he has to attend to.

PCO ASEC Ana Marie Banaag, delivered her message

We live in challenging times. Mindanao is on a roll. Three of the country’s top leaders are sons of Mindanao. The President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is from Davao City. The Senate President, Aquilino Pimentel III is from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. The House Speaker, Pantaleon Alvarez, is from Davao Del Norte. Imperial Manila has been shattered, and Mindanao, often called the Land of Fulfilment. With the island’s rich natural resource, there is no way that the economic promise of Mindanao will not be fulfilled.

Development, however, would only come if there is peace. It is this reason that President Duterte vowed to end the war and bring peace in Mindanao. He started to talk to the MILF even before he assumed the presidency.

I am pleased to report that within a record time of just six weeks soon after the start of the Duterte administration, the new architecture for peace between the government and the Bangsamoro has been drawn an crafted by the newly launched government peace panel and the MILF in Kuala Lumpur.

ASEC Banaag with the MMM officers & members

Secretary Jess Dureza, our keynote speaker, may talk about this at length in another occasion.

Relative to this, the Duterte administration is spending P7 trillion for infrastructure in the next six years, which includes implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allotted P31.5 billion for the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network in 2017 – higher that the P19.5 billion allocation this year.

Things are certainly looking up and you – the media based here in Mindanao – are fortunate to witness the unleashing of the enormous potential of Mindanao. Thus, your theme “Community Reporting for Mindanao Progress and Development in line with the Duterte Administration in Achieving Mindanao’s Real and Inclusive Peace,” is timely and auspicious. You have your hands full reporting the latest peace and development initiatives of Mindanao.

Rebuilding a nation, however, is best done – as one British national daily newspaper wrote in its editorial – with constructive criticisms. Kayo pong mga media counterpart, mga kasamang private journalists ay inaasahan naming, kasama ng PNP, AFP at iba pang ahensiya ng gobyerno. Hindi po makakausad ang mga programa ng administrasyon pag hindi po naming kayo kaagapay na maging partner for change.

We are fully aware that the nature of media in the Philippines is adversarial and we in the government do not seek a compliant and patronizing media. What we therefore hope to seek is a middle ground where we have a vibrant press that would put agencies of government in check in the same vein a Fourth Estate that would Communicate government’s vision and policies to people without sacrificing the tenets of accuracy , truth, and fairness. Secretary Martin Andanar believes in building communication bridges because he acknowledges that people will never understand what they don’t know. Let us communicate now and understand the President and the President’s program better.

Again, congratulations to the Manggagawang Media ng Mindanao! Mas maganda pag mag-usap usap at hindi mag kanya kanya para nice kayo. Daghang salamat sa inyong tanan!

In her closing remarks, MMM Director Edelyn Dela Cruz, publisher of the local paper LDN Today and Station Manager of the Radyo Natin in Lanao del Norte, extended her thanks to the guests, visitors and participants for joining the affair especially to Mayor Jason Almonte of Oroquieta for his able cooperation for the very successful event. She also extended her thanks to PCO ASEC Ana Marie Banaag for her energy of coming to the event from the North to South of the country. Dela Cruz finally stressed, “You can count on us to be partner in peace and bringing the government information closer to the people and widest public.” With reports & Photo by Jun Enriquez

PAMANA continue implement peace and development projects in conflict affected areas

By Jun Enriquez

(3rd from right) OPAPP ASEC Rolly Asuncion, (2nd from right) PAMANA Chair Musa Snguila Resource Person and presiding officer, respectively.

Iligan City – It was the 23^rd Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) meeting held on August 16, 2016 at Hotel Alemania this city and discussed among others  the assessments and updates of project implentations. PAMANA is the national government’s convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind. The design and delivery of PAMANA is conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting (CSPP) to avoid the recurrence of any source of conflict. With a number of national line agencies as implementing partners, PAMANA remains as the government’s flagship program for conflict-vulnerable and –affected areas in the country—covering all existing peace tables and agreements. The PAMANA projects in Lanao del Note totaled to at least 63.5 Million pesos composed of Agriculture development for the people affected by the conflict, construction of farm to market roads, livelihood projects to former combatants, agriculture development, farm implements and equipments, farm animals, and livestock raising, livelihood skills training program and alternative learning system are also included in the project.

4th from right, Linamon Mayor Randy Macapil

National government agencies involved are the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This included the security sector, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP). Also include the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in partnership with the identified communities by providing culture of peace education as part of the conflict transformation program. At least 63.5 million pesos worth of projects mostly on Agriculture development were given to the local government units to be implemented on communities affected by the conflict.

Mr. Musa Sangila, chairman of the PAMANA Lanaw said he is very thankful of the cooperation of the local government chief executives in attending meetings to update the status of the PMANA projects in their respective communities. Some of the project implementations were on delay due to the just concluded elections in May 2016. Other unimplemented projects in previous years were forfeited and budget for those projects were return back to the general fund.

 

at left, Lorry Gabule, PIA Manager, Iligan City

Assistant Secretary Rolly Asuncion, for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said PAMANA projects will continue to be implemented in the identified conflict affected areas especially in Lanao del Norte. He said the OPAPP will recommend to the AFP to establish two Engineering brigade to implement infrastructure projects to far flung areas which are unreachable by the contractors due to safety issues. This idea was brought up by Col. Ezra James Enriquez, Deputy Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army based in Ma. Cristina, Iligan City.

Former Commander Abedin Sanguila, former combatant of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) border command, based in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte said that their group is one of the beneficiaries of the arms-to-farms program. They acquired mechanized farm tractor, seeds and seedlings, livestock and farm animals. He said “meron na kaming livelihood ngayon bigay ng gobyerno at kailangan naming alagaan ito.” It means we acquired livelihood projects from the government and we will take care of this.

 Assistant Secretary Rolly Asuncion, on the other hand said that the government expressed concern on the Six-point Peace and Development Agenda of the Government. First, is the Continuity of the GPH-MILF Peace Process through implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CAB), Assessment and formulation of an enhanced approach and timetable (roadmap) for the implementation of the CAB and its annexes and sub-agreements;

Second, closure of the GPH-MNLF Peace Process, Complete implementation of remaining commitments of GPH under the MNLF Peace Agreement based on the result of the Tripartite review within an agreed timeframe, Ensure convergence between the 1996 FPA and the CAB in an enabling law that will include the 42 consensus points agreed upon by the GPH and the MNLF legal panels during the Tripartite review process;  Third, is the Continuity of the GPH-CPP/NDF/NPA Peace Process towards a Final Peace Agreement, Reconstitution of the list and release of NDFP consultants protected by special agreements participating in the negotiations;

Fourth, the Closure of the peace agreements with the Communist Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa – Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletariat Army/Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). Fifth, is the Development in conflict-affected areas, Enhancement of the Peace and Development framework making social cohesion, conflict transformation and good governance as cornerstones, accelerated implementation of peace and development projects in areas covered by peace agreements.

 

At left, Mayor Casan Maquiling of Munai & next
to him is Mayor Rafael Rizalda of Maigo

Sixth, Promotion of the culture of peace and conflict sensitivity in peace building and development, continuing the work of integrating gender in the peace process including the implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security Support to and capacity building for local conflict resolution, Integration, healing and reconciliation of former combatants and conflict affected communities, among others.

As of this time, the GPH and CPP-NPA-NDF started their first scheduled peace talks on August 22 and will end on August 27 held in Oslo, Norway. Unilateral ceasefire was declared on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF until August 27, 2016. Both parties expected to sign peace agreement within this year.

Army’s Magbalantay supports IHL month

By The Magbalantay Information Bureau

Col. William Alunday, Commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade delivered a message on IHL during the flag raising ceremony, August 8, 2016 

Iligan City - This year’s month of August is the observance of the 67^th International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade commemorated the IHL month pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 134 of July 31, 1999. On the first week of August, the Magbalantay Brigade started the celebration by posting tarpaulin in front of the brigade main entrance bringing  the theme “IHL: Mga Aral ng Nakaraan, Hamon sa Kasalukuyan,” it means learning from the past, a challenge nowadays.

Army CAPTAIN EDDIE M ALCIMA JR (CAV) PA, the Civil Military (CMO) of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, said a Flag raising ceremony was conducted on August 08, at 07:30 A.M., for purposes of commemorating the IHL. It highlighted the Oath-taking by all personnel of the “AFP soldier’s pledge of reaffirmation of commitment and support to IHL” led by COL EZRA JAMES P ENRIQUEZ CAV (GSC) PA, the Human Rights Officer of the Brigade unit.

Col. Ezra James Enriquez, lead the pledge 
on IHL commitment, Aug. 8, 2016

In their pledge, the soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines solemnly swore to commit, reaffirm, and strictly adhere to abide by the provisions of the IHL in the discharge of their duties and functions. Grant preferential treatment, respect, and protect the vulnerable sectors, namely the women, children, and aged, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities at all times. To distinguish at all times under all circumstances between the combatants and military objective on the one hand, and civilian object on the other, and only to target legitimate military objectives and combatants, and apply only the amount and kind of force necessary to defeat the enemy. Treat the civilians and non-combatants humanely at all times, including the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked and treat all protected persons with the same consideration by parties to the conflict without discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or political opinion. The AFP soldiers will stand up on their pledge as their committed responsibilities to fellow individuals, and role as protector of the Filipino people and the state.

COL WILLIAM A ALUNDAY CAV (GSC) PA, the Commander of 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in his message emphasized to all the personnel to strictly internalize and follow their pledge especially during and in times of conflict to avoid violations of the IHL.   

Standing: Mr. Manuel James Laygo of ICRC
discussed the overview of ICRC, Red Cross
& Red Crescent, Aug. 11, 2016

Captain Alcima said an IHL orientation was conducted on August 11 participated by the military personnel with the members of the International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) as the lecturers based in Cotabato City, in the persons of Mr. Jacques Gay-Crosier, Mr. Manuel James Laygo, and Mr. Abdul Gafar Marohom. The participants were coming from personnel of “Magbalnatay” Brigade and the personnel of 4^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion.

Standing: Mr. Jacques Gay-Crosier of ICRC
discussed the topic on IHL, Aug. 11, 2016

Captain Alcima added that the activity was so fruitful and the personnel participated in the orientation had fully understood and learned functions of the ICRC, Red Cross, and the International Federation of the Red Cross. The limitations of soldiers in times of conflict with the basic principles of IHL were thoroughly discussed are all applicable especially during combat operations.

15th IB launches community relations activities to sustain peace

By the 15^th IB information Bureau

Youth Summit participants along with the military facilitators

Salvador, Lanao del Norte - It’s a continuing program of the 15^th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army by touching the hearts of the people in the community especially the youth by participating the Regional Youth Leadership Summit (RYLS) with six youth participants came from the municipalities of Nunungan, Magsaysay, Sapad, and Tubod Lanao del Norte, with the theme “Shaping the Youth as Agent in Achieving Peace and Progress”. The venue of the summit was conducted at Provincial Government Center, Dao, Pagadian City on 29-31 July 2016. The Lanao del Norte participants were assisted by 1LT ARNEL P LOZADA (INF) PA, CMO Officer and Cpl Joyriel L Allaga (Inf) PA, Civil Affairs NCO of 15IB, 3ID, PA

This activity was facilitated by the 1^st Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army in collaboration with the National Youth Congress (NYC) Region IX and participated by 56 youth participants coming from Region 9, 10 and Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); with the presence of ten facilitators from the Army and six civilian facilitators.

This activity aims to shape the character of the youth to be an agent of peace and development in their community; enhance and enrich the leadership skills of the youth, and equip them with appropriate knowledge to boost their confidence increase self-esteem, self-confidence and self-belief by engaging interactive activities and participation among the participants; and to promote constructive and positive relationships among the participants regardless of diversity in religion, creed and culture.

The 15^th Infantry Battalion is engaging the youth in its area of operation through the youth development and empowerment as an investment for a dynamic, well-motivated and responsible future citizen that advocates peace and harmony among each other.

In Another development, “OPLAN TOKHANG” program of the PNP supported by the 15^th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army aims to encourage the drug pushers and users to voluntarily surrender themselves and to stop engaging in using and selling of any forms of illegal drugs and were attended by more or less 80 local populace came from Barangay’s Mindalanao, Pawak and Kalimudan all of Salvador, LDN held last August 2, 2016 through a Information drive (pulong-pulong) at Barangay Mindalanao, Salvador, Lanao del Norte.  

This activity formally started thru opening prayer by Ustads Saiba Alando followed with the welcome remarks by Barangay Chairman Samsudin Said of Mindalanao, Salvador, LDN; messages of PO2 Jacob T Jevarie, PNP, Salvador MPS discussed the significance of OPLAN TOKHANG and RA 9262 VAWC; message of support from Barangay Chairman Dimadid Ampaso of Barangay Pawak, Salvador, LDN; Ustadz Sihab Tomaranga; Ustadz Cosain; 1LT LOZADA; and closing remarks by Barangay Kagawad Usman Aladan.

 

Standing in unifrom, 1Lt Arnel Lozada 

1LT ARNEL P LOZADA (INF) PA, CMO Officer of 15IB, 3ID, PA gave his impression regarding the role of the AFP in the pursuit of peace security towards progress and development as part Internal Peace and Security Plan IPSP “Bayanihan and AFP support to anti-illegal drug campaign.

The 15^th Infantry Battalion intensified the collaboration and rapport with the PNP counterpart; Barangay and Local Government Unit (BLGU) and religious sector in winning the community support through information outreach program. Photo by Cpl Allaga

 

DEPADEV works on political party development in the Bangsamoro

By Jun Enriquez

Video file: Mr. Hendrik Mollenhauer, DEPADEV Project Manager, 

 Davao City - Democratic Party Development (DEPADEV) – Bangsamoro, a non-government organization (NGO) based in Cotabato City conducted a training on political party development held in Davao City on July 20-22, 2016.The main goal of the training is to empower the civil society to actively participate in political decision processes which are at the basis of political pluralism. In this context, seminars and training activities will be implemented which are addressed to the various religious and non- religious groups inside the future Bangsamoro area. The project is managed by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines in Makati City, jointly implemented by Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG) in Cotabato City and funded by the European Union. There were at least 50 participants coming different places in Mindanao attended the three-day training.

Group photo of the Training Participants 

 The purpose of the training is to train the trainers, advanced training and orientation seminar. The overall objective to which the project shall contribute is the establishment of a pluralistic political landscape within the future autonomous Bangsamoro entity. One specific objective is to educate and train all Muslims, Christians and indigenous groups in order to enable them for active political participation under a federal parliamentary system. Another specific objective is to empower stakeholders and underrepresented groups to transform their interest groups and operate them as functional programmatic political parties based on the rule of law.

Dr. Mohamed Nawab Osman, Assistant professor, coordinator of Malaysia programme, Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nayang Technological University, was the speaker on day one of the training. He discussed the topics on the state of politics in Southeast Asia, and Islam and Politics. A participant asked if separation of Mindanao is considered as an option. Osman said that separation was not considered as an option in his study. Understanding civil society is very important. It is understood that civil societies are voluntary composed of non-government Organizations (NGOs) and peoples Organizations (POs), but they are think-tanks and have respectful laws to follow. The CSOs role and political role are separate. The Issue of corruption is exclusive to politicians while the CSOs will monitor abuses.

Osman said in Malaysia, investigation of the case on corruption was conducted involved huge amount of government funds allegedly transferred to the personal account of the Prime Minister. The Members of the parliament of the ruling party was supported by the CSOs. The government cannot function effectively without the support of the civil society political participation. The CSOs will have to promote views focus on particular issues, participate in the peace process through peacebuilding activities.

Citing the case in Indonesia had experienced the improved relationships among the Christians and Muslims. There is possibility that civil society groups form political parties depending on political context, such as the Muhammadiyah and National mandate party, the Tehreek-e-Insaf Party in Pakistan. However, political party has nothing to do with civil society. As in the case in Pakistan, a concept for change cannot be translated without political power. In a case study on political parties, the Muhammadiyah in Indonesia was founded in 1912 by Kiyai Ahmad Dahlan. In 1997 Amien Rais, chairman of Muhammadiyah led the reform movement calling for Suharto to step down.

Osman said that in Singapore there was an Association of Muslim professionals founded in 1990 following the first Malay-Muslim Professionals convention. The issues of concerns are the economic underprivileged, performance of the Muslim members of Parliament, perceived discrimination of Malays such as representation in the Singapore Armed forces, among others. They established different outfits to deal with different challenges. Some observations have been found out that there was no Muslim in the armed forces. Time goes on and things change, and presently there is already a Muslim general in the armed forces. Pregnant Muslim women already received assistance from the government and there is now an education scholarship for the Muslims. However the political context is illiberal democracy with history of discord with the Singaporean government. In 1990 to 2005, it was the time of defending Muslim rights in Singapore. Started in 2005 up to the present the Muslims in Singapore are now working within the system. Osman Observed that political parties funded by the government is not so much effective unless to do otherwise.

Mr. Mollenhauer awarded certicate to Miss Tina Lomoljo,
Executive Director, BIRTHDEV, Inc. Iligan City, assisted by
Mr. Narciso Jover, Jr. 

Mr. Narciso Jover, Jr., DEPADEV training expert facilitated a workshop on political parties has considered the three things in political party situation in the Philippines was motivated by money. It was found out, first, that no political party engaging across sectors, example, the Party-list. Second, no political party with membership among the Muslims and Christians and third, lack of understanding of political parties on how the people participates.

On the second day of the training, Mr. Patrick Asinero, coordinator of Centrist Democracy for Youth Association of the Philippines (CDYAP), facilitated the topic on political parties. He discussed a party was started from a movement to a political party and creates party structure and organization with designed political party’s constitution and by-laws. Other discussions included the political party interest, Ideology corrupted-political party principles, voluntary participation in political party, collaboration between the CSOs and political party and discussed its commonalities and differences. Workshop results came out the common attributes of CSOs and political party have the same objectives and principles, representation, volunteerism, service oriented, has agenda, among others, but differ on the implementation, principles, loyalty, among others.

Political party is a political group with official name participates in the elections and have candidates for public office. Most of the criteria for political parties will influence the formation of political opinion. It is an association of citizens and members consistently taking part during elections and does not necessarily need to win. In Germany political parties and CSOs are subsidized by the government. CSOs in the Philippines are separate from political parties on the principles of check and balance. Political parties are usually funded by social elites and intellectuals around a group of influential supporters. It is founded by citizens seeking support of like-minded people to achieve political or social change.

Miss April Dela Cruz

On the third day of the training, it was facilitated by Miss April Dela Cruz, Education and training coordinator of the Centrist Democracy Political Institute (CDPI). She discussed the topic on Political Party Membership. She paused a question “Bakit magulo ang politika sa Pilipinas?” why is it the political situation in the Philippines is complicated? It was believed that there exists a Problem on political system.

Most often public positions on issues will be debated in the party that adhering party principles. Internal democratic structure is equated internal democracy. There must be an election of officers and criteria for the selection of leaders on a democratic process based on the constitution and by-laws of the party. If conflicts of ideas and disagreements arise will come to a decision to divide the house and observe majority rules. Transparent process on official party stand, sometimes will have compromise to come up with a final decision. A member has the right not to support and has the freedom to leave the party. The party has the prerogative to drop the member from its roster especially on disloyalty. There is so called conscience vote based on personal conscience on its individual decision.  Autonomy and party loyalty of sector association linked with political party, maintain its Independence, Autonomy, Freedom and Self-reliance. Barangay elections in the Philippines are not allowed to exercise political party, any elections must have political party.

Some politicians believed that political parties are for political convenience only transferring from one party to another labeled as political butterfly. There is a need to enact laws to strengthen the political system and subsidy to political party will receive funds from the government to finance party development. Political party must also raise their own funds for party subsidiarity. House Bill 403, the Political Party development Act, was authored by Senator Angara when he was still in the House of Representatives now a pending Bill. Political reform on Federalism is needed for the country from highly centralize government called unitary form to decentralize government called federal form. On this system there will be equitable distribution of political and economic power to federal states.

A membership fee or dues is required from the member to claim ownership of the party. Non-paying dues members have no voting power but can still participate in deliberations. Political parties will have to accept donations and engage on entrepreneurial activities to generate funds for the party. The strong political party shall maintain administrative and financial management for transparency and accountability and attract more members for expansion.  

Some participants expressed their concern to for the continuation of the GPH-MILF peace process to solve the problem on the failed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in congress during the last administration but hoping for good under the Duterte administration. It was observed that the training is in preparation for the political reform specifically on federalism to accommodate BBL. The youth participants said they earned a lot of things and awareness on political development during the training. The challenges of the non-Moro CSOs is the participation and their role in party development in the Bangsamoro, but they were committed to continue working on the quest for in Mindanao.

Mr. Hendrik Mollenhauer, DEPADEV Project Manager in his message after the training said that he is hoping that the training shared good learning to the participants and the role of CSOs acquired more knowledge on how to engage in politics in different places in the provinces up to the Barangays. He said that they are working with different groups and the existing parties including the CDP and United Bangsamoro Justice party (UBJP) for the future Bangsamoro.  Mollenhauer said that the Bangsamoro also needs a strong CSOs and he addressed such concern to the participants, the challenge to continue the good works they have started. He said that KAS and IAG will continue engage and be involved in the future in shaping of the Bangsamoro parliamentary system. The objectives of the training build a foundation on which active civil society participation within the autonomous region will be possible. By being organized and registered political parties, supporters, members and leaders of those parties can integrate their programs into political processes.