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| Media Summit Participants |
Iligan City - This Documentary report was written in detail
of the results transpired from the first ever held Media Summit for
Northwestern Mindanao on November 28-29, 2016 at the Macapagal-Macaraeg
Ancestral House, Timoga, Buru-un, Iligan City. This report is published in Six
Parts with corresponding topics with the following: Part 1, the preliminaries
of the Media Summit; Part 2, the topic on Federalism; Part 3, the Updates on
the Peace Process of the government with the MILF and NDFP; Part 4, is about
the topic on the Power and Energy Situation in Mindanao; and Part 5, is the
topic on the Government’s campaign against illegal drugs. In addition to this
documentary report, Part 6, is the Peace Caravan held on December 6, 2016
routed mostly in the conflict affected areas in Lanao del Norte, as part of the
culmination of the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration.
This
event was supported by the Local Government of Iligan City through the office
of the City Mayor, Hon. Celso G.
Regencia for his all-out-support for the success of the Media Summit for Northwestern Mindanao with
the able cooperation of his key administrative personnel such as Atty. Rafael
A. Benedictos, Jr.; Atty. Dexter Sumaoy; Mr. Ray Clavano, CPA; and Ms. Gloria
Villaraza, for their impatient support for the realization of the Summit.
Acknowledgement
and Special thanks to Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri; Iligan City Congressman
Frederick Siao; OPAPP Secretary Jess Dureza; PCSUPT Noel G. Constantino, CEO
VI, Regional Director, PNP Region 10; Hon. Bae Soraya Alonto Adiong, Governor,
Lanao del Sur; Dr. Sukarno Tanggol, Chancellor of the MSU-Iligan Institute of
technology, and the Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) with
the presence of Octava Choir and Kalimulan Dance Troupe during the media
fellowship in the evening of November 28, including the 15th Infantry Battalion
Musical Band headed by Lt. Col. Audie Mongao, Battalion Commander, 15th IB, PA,
based in Salvador, Lanao del Norte.
PART 1: THE MEDIA SUMMIT FOR
NORTHWESTERN MINDANAO
It was more
than a decade the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) was sustainably celebrated in
Mindanao by virtue of the Presidential Proclamation No. 127 signed by former
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on November 26, 2001, declaring the last
Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year
thereafter as the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP). Prior to the proclamation
since 1997, the Mindanao Week of Peace was celebrated by the Bishop-Ulama Forum
and later on became the Bishop-Ulama Conference (BUC). This year’s MWOP
celebration falls on November 24 to December 7.
The Media Summit for
Northwestern Mindanao was held on November 28-29, 2016 at the Macapagal-Macaraeg
Ancestral House, Timoga, Buru-un, Iligan City. Media Participants of the Summit
was coming from the places in Northwestern Mindanao including Cotabato region, with
the theme, “A Government closer to the
media, is a Government closer to the People.” This event was organized by
the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP) and the Manggagawang
Media ng Mindanao (MMM) in cooperation with the German Development Cooperation
(giz) and the Lanao Peace Partnership (LPP), supported by the Iligan City
Government through the office of Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia.
CSO-FP
is a non-government organization based in Iligan City with program on media
advocacy headed by its President, Mr. Pastor R. Tenorio, Jr.. The Manggagawang
Media ng Mindanao (MMM) is an organization of Independent media based in
Northwestern Mindanao from Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Lanao
del Norte, Ozamiz City, Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, Pagadian City,
Zamboanga City including Cotabato City. The MMM has a program on peace
journalism headed by its President, Mr. Juanito C. Enriquez, Jr., is based in
Iligan City. There were at least 50 media participants attended the summit coming
from Cotabato City, Zamboanga peninsula, Oroquieta City, Bukidnon peninsula,
Lanao region, Ozamiz City, Cagayan de Oro City and the host Iligan City.
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| Mr. Jho Pantoja & City Councilor Pardillo (seated) |
Mr.
Jose “Jho” Pantoja, head of the City Information Office (CIO) of the Iligan
City government declared the opening of the media summit as the host City. Pantoja
said “the media summit will open the opportunities for the two-day discussions
of the concerned topics and issues exercising the freedom of expression inside
and outside of the conference room for the good of our nation.”
Ms.
Gloria C. Villaraza, administrator of the Macapagal-Macaraeg
Ancestral House delivered the welcome address. She said that in 1993 former
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) decided to turned-over the
Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House property to the Iligan City government as
manifestation of her love to the people of Iligan City for supporting her and
elected as Senator with a huge votes from Iligan City. There were two
Presidents of the Philippines once lived in the Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral
House, President Diosdado Macapagal and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now
District Representative of Pampanga second district. Congresswoman Arroyo during
her younger days had countless memories and played in a cool stream in Timoga
when she and her family lived in the said place with her relatives.
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| Ms. Gloria C. Villaraza (front,standing) |
Iligan City Councilor
Petronilo Pardillo
represented Iligan City Mayor Celso G.
Regencia in a welcome address emphasized the theme, “A government closer to the media, is a government closer to the people.”
He said that the true and correct information will make a society enjoy peace
and development. He added the wrong information will create conflict. Pardillo
said that most of the media during election were used by politicians in
propaganda and hoping that it is only up to election period but the problem was
some of the media propaganda goes beyond election. Pardillo said that he is
hoping that this practice will be changed because the people will suffer if the
media continue issuing wrong information. He said it is very important that the
government must be closer to the people much more if the media will serve to
bridge the government and the people.
Mr. Juanito C. Enriquez,
Jr. President of
the Manggagawang Media ng Mindanao (MMM) said the aim of the Media Summit is to
balance the power of information in Northwestern Mindanao because most of the
information of national issues and concerns is only concentrated in the
national capital of Manila and the new capital of the south in Davao, but any
of the national issues will affect the people in the countryside. The need to
balance the information is to achieve the balance of development and equitably
distributed in the countryside to attain peace. Some communities that hardly access
correct information is vulnerable to misinformation and will be easily
motivated by realities leading to conflict and impacted to less develop communities.
PART 2: THE FEDERALISM
In
the morning session of November 28, the topic no. 1 was Federalism, with Mr. Candido Aparece, Jr. was the
invited resource person, Executive Director of the Centrist Democracy Political
Institute (CDPI). The invited reactors were former Iligan City Mayor, Atty.
Franklin Quijano, Mr. Ryan Rosauro, Journalist and Mr. Antonio G. Bayamban, Regional
Director for non-sectoral, Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines, Region
9 based in Pagadian City.
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| Mr. Candido "Jun" Aparece (standing) |
Aparece
explained, a clear division of authority within the system of Federation that the
national government Federal in nature recognizes the rights of each region to
govern itself and pursue its own agenda of progress and development consistent
with the national interest. The Regional government of States will run its own
affairs and decide its own destiny without interference from the national
government. The constitution will define the powers of the Federal government
and the Regional government. All other powers not belonging to the Federal
Government are retained or given to the states. The Federal government is
responsible to provide assistance to poorer states also called equalization
fund. Federalism is a multi-step process that requires the revision of the 1997
constitution to make a successful transition from Unitary to Federal
government.
Aparece
said Federalism is a multi-step process that must be clearly written in the
constitution. In its Step one, there are four preconditions to a successful
shift to Federalism. First, Building and reforming our political party system; Political
parties must possess an ideological core aggregating the needs and aspirations
of a diverse segment of our society; Reform our political party system through
the Political Party Development and Financing Act that requires political
parties with principles and platforms, representative of the people’s interest
and transparent competition; Penalize Turncoatism or the switching of parties; Regulate
campaign financing to eliminate graft, corruption and patronage; State subsidy for
political education and campaign initiatives.
In
Step two, passage of the Anti-dynasty bill, to level the playing field and
provide equal opportunities to emerging leaders; Practice transparent
nomination among political parties with candidates willing to contest in the
local elections; Ban concentration of powers by the few dynastic families in
the barangay, local, and national positions.
Step
three, the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill is to enforce
transparency in all transactions in government (not only through executive
order); A law will empower citizens through public access of public documents; Uphold
transparency and accountability in public service by requiring financial
information. Step four, initiate electoral reforms, to merit competence and
quality leadership on future public leaders.
The
immediate transition to a Parliamentary Government, also known as “Party
Government” with Unicameral Parliament is the fusion of Executive and
legislative powers. The Prime minister is the head of government, Cabinet
recruited from among the members of the Parliament, Vote of No Confidence
replace the Prime Minister.
The
President, head of state is elected from among the members of the parliament, ceases
to be a member of parliament and any political party and serves a term of 5
years. The Unicameral parliament is composed of elected members from the
parliamentary districts, chosen on the basis of “proportional representation”
by the political party according to the votes each party obtained in the
preceding elections, Members chosen by the political parties (party list) shall
constitute 30 percent of the total number of Members of Parliament, Ensure that
in the 30 percent, sectors are properly represented. The Parliamentary System
is superior than a Presidential system.
In
the third step, moving from Unitary to Federal will allow the provinces and
highly urbanized component cities to evolve first to an autonomous territory; Citizens
within a contiguous territory, with common language and culture must decide in
a referendum; Petitions are passed by their local legislative assemblies.
Aparece
showed the Philippine map that there are 12 Federal states based on the
proposal of former Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., these are the Northern
Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Metro Manila, MINPAROM, Western
Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao
and the Bangsamoro.
The
time frame for the first 18 months of Duterte Presidency focusing on Federalism
transition, from August 2016 to February 2017, President Duterte will create a
Commission to direct a nationwide
massive information campaign and precipitate a debate on the Federalization
process; Congress and Senate to enact a law on Constitutional Convention
(ConCon) with appointed delegates.
On
March to November 2017, Delegates are appointed and the 1987 Constitution is
revised, writing into the constitution the framework for Federalism, Meantime
Congress needs to start putting in placed the four (4) preconditions to
Federalism. On December 2017, a Plebiscite will be conducted and by 2018,
Federalism is on track.
Former
Iligan City Mayor Atty. Franklin M. Quijano in his position as reactor, started
in a question why adopt the Federal System of government? Geographically
Philippine archipelago is composed of 7,107 islands. Philippines is culturally
diverse with population is estimated to have reached 108 million with Diaspora
is estimated at 12million. It has a colonial history that dates back to its
“discovery” and annexation by Spain in 1521. It has unitary political system,
with powers centralized in the capital region of Manila and once became Under
Martial Law and dictatorship rule from 1972 to1986 resulted to People Power in
1986.
Unitary
system is a centralized system of governance, a system of command and control,
have faster decision-making. However problem arising from unitary system is the
deep roots of corruption in government; the viral spread of political dynasties
in elective and appointive positions in government; the stranglehold of the
economic elite on the wealth of the nation; The immoral multiplication of the
poor in a nation wallowing in rich natural resources; the iniquitous electoral
system that cannot prevent the triumph of the unqualified and perpetuate the
victory of he who has the gold and goons; government’s inexcusable failure to
address the legitimate demands of our ethnic and cultural minorities especially
the demand for better rule by our Muslim brothers and sisters and our various
indigenous people;
government’s
continuing inability to negotiate peace with the NPA which now holds the world
record of running the longest rebellion against government; government’s
frustrating war against terrorism especially in the South where terrorists can
kidnap and kill with apparent impunity, the dominance of criminal syndicates,
especially the drug lords and their narco politics.
In
sum, our unitary form of government has failed us. Too much power has been
given to our national government and even within the national government there
is an imbalance of power between and among the executive, the legislative and
the judicial branches of government. Too little power has given to the local
governments and this insufficient power has stunted their growth.
It
is further recommended Federalism is best alternative for a nation
characterized by diversity. The Philippines is one of the most diverse nations
in the world. It is composed of 7,107 islands. Its people are of the South
Asian stock but inter-marriages with other races have resulted in a great deal
of stock blending. It is also one of the formulas to help decongest the
population in Manila and a proposition to have equitable representation in the
Senate coming from Regional Federal States.
A
system of shared rule and self-rule, the constitution provides separate powers
to national and Regional Governments based on respective competencies. The
advantage of the Federal government provides venues for greater democracy,
healthy regional, economic development, greater cultural pluralism,
competitiveness and competition. Constitutional change will undergo three
options, the constitutional convention, constitutional assembly, initiative and
referendum.
In
the Unitary form of government, all revenues are remitted to the national
government; Basic Governance falls under the jurisdiction of the national
government, Centralized, top to bottom planning. The regions take care of
tariff, taxation and revenue. They retain large percentage (70%) of all
revenues and remits to the national government the smaller part, Regional
governments take care of basic governance, decentralized planning,
Mr. Antonio Bayamban, in his reaction, cited an example
of Canada, is a federation of union and states. Federalism simply defined as
one territory control by two levels of government, the central or federal
government and state government. The proposed 11 or 12 regional states will
compose a federal government. Each state will have its own constitution. In Mindanao
we better knew Bangsamoro is not a religion but an identity of Moro people, if
become a federal state, it is not a Islamic state but it’s a government of the
Moro people under the Federal Government.
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| Mr. Ryan Rosauro |
Mr. Ryan Rosauro, a Journalist, in his reaction cited
the peace roadmap. He said a long fought advocacy started in Mindanao. A modern
advocacy on federal form of government, a political promise of Duterte
administration is not only for Mindanao but in the entire country. It’s not
only political agenda but also a solution to a peace problem in Mindanao, the
fulfillment of the Bangsamoro. Federal is an opportunity to amend the
constitution for political and constitutional reform, Government and NDFP talks
is an appreciative peacebuidling value and the media colleague must have better
understanding on the situation than anybody else.
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| The Kalimulan dance troupe of MSU-IIT |
In
her message sent in the summit, former President now second district Pampanga
Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said it is not only Mindanao that has
complained of inequity, other regions away from Metro Manila have made this a
big issue. But nowhere can this issue be felt more strongly than here in
Mindanao. Therefore, the people of Mindanao should be seriously involved in the
debate on whether or not should change the present form of government.
Arroyo
believed that the Philippine Constitution needs to be revised to cope with the changing
times. She particularly interested in amending some of the economic provisions
of the 1987 Constitution so that the country can be more investor-attractive
and therefore more economically competitive in the global arena. In her term as
President, she floated the possibility of amending the Constitution, “NOT, I
should emphasize, because I wanted a longer term” Arroyo said. She was in favor
of Constitutional amendments because she saw how the restrictions in our
Constitution held up the free flow of investments and trade which could have
propelled us to more growth than what we had between 2001 to 2010.
At
the start of her Presidency, charter change was not a top priority because she
had a list of other actions to do to get sinking economy back on track. Towards
the middle of her term, when there was a strong move in Congress to amend the
Constitution, she looked at the idea more closely, but she was willing to
change the charter only if majority of the people would accept the changes, and
she would do so only after an appropriate body could determine what changes
ought to be made. She created a Commission to study what changes had to adopt
and conduct open consultations with all sectors of our society to determine the
acceptability of Constitutional amendments. Unfortunately, the feedback from
the Commission was that majority rejected the idea of touching the Constitution
at that time. Arroyo said her administration did not pursue the idea any
further.
Arroyo
said luckily for President Duterte, Congress, especially the House of
Representatives, is warm to the idea of changing the form of government as well
as to his other reform measures. His public trust rating is high and that
support is echoed by most of the country’s congressmen and women. In the House
of Representatives now, several bills have been filed for charter change, but
these have yet to be deliberated on at the Committee level.
Arroyo
said in 2003, “for a federal system of government to succeed, there are prerequisites
that must be in place. A federal
(presidential or parliamentary) form of government is made up of entities that
are economically and politically autonomous.”
PART 3: PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT PEACE
PROCESS WITH THE PEACE
ROADMAP
In
the afternoon session of November 28, the topic no. 2 was the updates on the
Government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), with the invited Guest
Speaker, HON. JOJO ANDOT,
Undersecretary of the office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
(OPAPP) representing Secretary JESS
DUREZA, to present the Peace Roadmap of the Duterte Admistration.
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| OPAPP USEC Jojo Andot |
Usec
Andot said During the inaugural address of President Duterte in an Oath taking
ceremony of the President of the Philippines on June 30, 2016 at Malacanang
Palace, Manila in a statement said, “On the domestic front, my administration
is committed to all signed peace agreements in step with constitutional and
legal reforms.”
In
the current situation, the key issues and gaps are the High optimism among many
Filipinos on peace and development prospects; Two major peace processes are
ongoing, the implementation of the Bangsamoro peace agreements and Peace
negotiations with the Communist Party Of the Philippines – New People’s Army –
National Democratic Front-Philippines (CPP/NPA/NDFP); Improving peace and
security conditions, greatly reduced number of violent incidents involving
government forces and MILF or MNLF, the Unilateral ceasefire declarations by
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the NDFP/NPA.
There
are gaps need to be addressed, one is poverty incidence among Filipinos and in
2015 is highest in Mindanao at 41.3 percent. Peace and stability is at critical
level in areas registering high poverty incidence. ARMM remains as the region
with highest poverty incidence. Untapped Potentials, while Mindanao’s economy
grew by 29 percent from 2010 to 2014, this growth rate is the lowest among the
island groups in the country.
The
key actions for reforms is the Six-Point Peace and Development Agenda towards
building a HIGH TRUST SOCIETY and achieving INCLUSIVE GROWTH. First, is the Meaningful
implementation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) towards healing in the Bangsamoro; Second, is
the Completion of the implementation of remaining commitments under the Government
and the Moro National Liberation Front (GRP-MNLF) Peace Agreements; third, is
the accelerated signing and the implementation of peace accords with communist
insurgents; fourth, Immediate conclusion of the peace process with the Cordellera
CPLA and the Rebolusyonaryo Proletariat Manggagawang Pilipino, RPMP-RPA-ABB;
fifth, Peace promoting catch-up socio economic development in conflict affected
areas; Building of a culture of peace and conflict sensitivity.
The
meaningful implementation of the FAB and CAB towards healing in the Bangsamoro.
The Normalization aspect of the CAB is the Socio-Economic Component, Transitional
Justice and Reconciliation and, Security and Ceasefire. The Political Aspect of
the CAB is the Passage of the Bangsamoro enabling law, and E.O. 8 expanding the
membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) with 21 members, the 10
members are coming from the government side and 11 members are coming from the
MILF side. The BTC will draft the enabling law for the Bangsamoro and not later
by July 1, 2017 and will be submitted to congress for ratification, so that by
the end of 2017 or early of 2018 there is already the so called Enabling law for
the Bangsamoro, to start implementing the CAB.
Another
important factor in the CAB is the implementation of the Normalization process,
to normalize the situation of the conflict affected areas in Mindanao,
especially to the former combatants of the MILF anchored on economic
development component. Another element of the normalization process is the
Transitional justice and reconciliation (TJR). There was a committee tasked to
study the social justice. The TJR Committee recommended for the creation of the
TJR Commission and the government is preparing to put it into law. The TJR Commission
will work on the justice and reconciliation especially on areas affected by the
long conflict in Mindanao. Another important element of normalization is the
security in the conflict affected areas.
This
will include the full implementation of the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement, Establishment
of the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund, and Integration of the 42
consensus points resulting from the Tripartite Review in the crafting of the
Bangsamoro enabling law.
The
third aspect is the accelerated signing and implementation of peace accord with communist insurgents, Early Agreement on
Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-eco reform (CASER) and Political and
constitutional reform (PCR); It is expected that there will be an agreement
within the next six months moving slowly but surely. In the last peace talks in
Oslo, Norway both parties agreed an outline of the peace agreement tasked to
the CASER committee and PCR committee. The focus in the talks is in the CASER
and PCR as substantive agenda.
End
of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces in the next 9-12 months; and Agreement
on Bilateral Ceasefire. Presently only unilateral ceasefire exist. No one can
accuse the other of violations of the ceasefire if no bilateral agreement
signed. The next talks is in January 2017 and the third party facilitator, the
Norway government already informed about the scheduled talks will be outside
Norway but still in Europe because of very cold weather condition.
The
Immediate conclusion of the peace process with the CPLA and the RPMP-RPA-ABB,
Signing of closure agreement and eventually the exit or completion agreement
with RPMP-RPA-ABB; Immediate releases of APOs and PPs belonging to RPMP-RPA-ABB
for humanitarian reasons; and Full implementation of CPLA closure agreement
towards exit or completion
Socio-economic
deliverables, their combatants are already considered as former combatants but
no development program implemented for the communities. What they want is
economic development programs in their communities that contribute to
peacebuilding. This will shows to the people in the community that there is a
government exists.
Peace
promoting catch-up socio economic development in conflict affected areas. Building
of a culture of peace and conflict sensitivity. Strengthened and accelerated
implementation of PAMANA, Enhanced peace and development framework, Mindanao
Comprehensive Peacebuilding Program, Rationalization, coordination and
monitoring of donor-supported interventions.
IMPLEMENTATION
CHALLENGES: Ensuring inclusivity towards a unified settlement of the Bangsamoro
problem by creating another peace table other than the main peace table of the
GPH-MILF peace panel. However, the Maute group is in Butig and Butig is one of
the MILF strongholds due to the presence of camp Busra. Some of the members of
the Maute Group are relatives of the MILF members but the government preserves
the peace table with the MILF.
Security
threats posed by other armed groups and terrorist/criminal elements; Sustaining
the momentum of the peace negotiations with the CPP/NDF/NPA; Providing timely
and comprehensive human security interventions in conflict-affected areas; and Enabling
and empowering communities to participate meaningfully in the peace process.
Opportunities for peace are to Engage the larger peace table to expand and strengthen
the peace constituency: Intensive social mobilization
and communication; Formulation of the Philippine
Development Plan (2017-2022); Institutionalizing an all-government approach to
peacemaking, peacebuilding and development, Consolidating and improving convergence among
government mechanisms, Improving economic connectivity of conflict-affected
areas to market and service centers; Better
management, coordination and harmonization of all peace and development efforts
supported by donor agencies in Mindanao through the Mindanao Working Group.
OPAPP Secretary Jesus “Jess” Dureza sent a
message said, the administration of President Duterte has already walked the
extra mile to achieve peace. His intention to permanently end the armed
conflicts requires the support and participation of the stakeholders. Now is
our time to own the process—our ownership of the peace process begets durable
peace agreements. Working for peace is always a joint effort between our
government and our people. Our peace and development roadmap directs us to a
shared peace and prosperity. “
THE COMMUNITY POLICING
The Community Policing is part of the
normalization of the GPH-MILF peace process concerning on security for the Bangsamoro.
In her presentation, Miss Tina Lomoljo, Executive Director of the Balay
Integrated Rehabilitation for Total Human Development (BIRTHDEV), based in
Iligan City, said that R.A. 6975, An Act Establishing The Philippine National
Police Under A Reorganized Department of The Interior And Local Government, and
for other Purposes, …” the State shall bolster a system of coordination and
cooperation among the citizenry, local executives and the integrated law
enforcement and public safety agencies,” Section 2, Declaration of Policy. In
the Bangsamoro Basic Law Article 11 Section 11 states that the Bangsamoro
Police shall adopt community policing as an essential mechanism in maintaining
peace and order.
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| Miss Cristina Lomoljo |
Lomoljo
said that the Community Policing project was supported by the British Council
and implemented by the Security Reform Initiative through the Civil Society
Organizations (CSOs) partners in Mindanao. The priority areas of concern is part
of southwestern Mindanao such as North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu,
Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. In Iligan City and Lanao del
Norte areas are Rogongon, Iligan City; Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte; Munai, Lanao
del Norte; Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte; and Bacolod, Lanao del Norte;
The
criteria in the selection of the community policing project, consulted and
participated by the dominant Moro Community, Mix Moro and Lumad, Mix Moro and
non-Moro, Majority women and children, Presence of police in the community,
Communities with active peoples organizations including the local government units (LGUs), security forces
and other sectors.
The Phases of the
project are the Baseline, Awareness, Consultation, Strategy Development and
toolkit Feedback. Provincial meeting and
discussions with the local champions and
partners were frequently conducted. The Community policing project have
developed a toolkit by the Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of the Philippine
National Police, ARMM- Department of Interior
and Local Government, National Police Commission NAPOLCOM ), Police
Regional Office in Autonomuos Region for Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM), Arm Forces
of the Philippines (AFP), Security Reform Initiatives (SRI), Conciliation
Resources, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), British Council and the Philippine
Public Safety College.
In the project
status, the BASELINE results
indicated a total of 767 participants from 17 different towns in 6 different
provinces; Majority of the participants reported having no knowledge or awareness
of Community Policing; 60% never having heard of Community Policing; 66% not
knowing the meaning of Community Policing; 79% never been consulted about it; 79%
not being able to name any of its elements. The AWARENESS results had a total of 1,178 participants from the 29
communities in 6 provinces attended the awareness sessions. In the CONSULTATION phase, had a total of 1,071
participants took part in the consultations of 27 communities. The Parang,
Maguindanao will be the target pilot area for the implementation of the
Community policing.
PART 4: POWER AND ENERGY
In
the morning session of November 29, the topic no. 3, is about the Power and
Energy situation. The invited Guest Speaker is Hon. Benito “Ben” Ranque,
Undersecretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), represented by Engr. Darwin
P. Galang, Science Research Specialist II, Energy Industry Management Division,
DOE, Mindanao Field Office based in Davao City. Mr. Pastor R. Tenorio, Jr. who
was also the Vice President for the Power Alternative Agenda in Mindanao
(PALAG-Mindanao) provided the presentation on the Civil Society Organizations
(CSOs) perspective on power situationer. The National Power Corporation through
its Vice President for Mindanao Generation, Mr. Dadelio Corpuz, was also
invited to give the overview on power situationer of the Agus-Pulangui hydro
power operations represented by Engr. Omar Lawa. The National Grid Corporation
of the Philippines (NGCP) with Mr. Emie Abellanosa, Vice President for Mindanao
Operations was also invited to give situationer on power distribution but to no
avail reasons with anyone from NGCP was not around to response on the issues
and concerns raised during the media summit. The Octava choral group of MSU-IIT rendered the Philippine National Anthem upon the start of the program.
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| MSU-IIT Octava Choral Group |
In his
message, Mr. Patrick Graf, an International Media expert from Germany
representing the German Development Cooperation or giz, said media is the key
element that can help the government on the problem of corrupt government
structure, conflict to transform into peace, power and energy problem and other
issues that affect the people and society. Any wrongdoings must be corrected to
have a peace and justice in the society. On the aspect of Power and Energy in
Germany was produced through nuclear power, renewable energy and bio mass by
the people formed cooperation. Power mix in Germany is composed of 40 percent
nuclear; 32 percent renewable energy; coal is 20 percent; bio mass is 8 percent
but more than 50 percent of the energy in Germany is produced by the community
cooperative.
Engr. Omar Lawa,
of the National Power Corporation, gave updates on the power generation of the
Agus-Pulangui operations. To date, for Agus 1 unit No. 1 was on shutdown
maintenance from November 28 to 30, 2016 while the unit 2 is operational. For
the Agus 2 plant, unit 1 is on preventive maintenance shutdown from October 3
to November 30, 2016, while unit 2 and 3 are operational. For Agus 4 power
plant with 158.10 mw, for unit 1 and 3 are operational while unit 2 is on
preventive maintenance shutdown from November 9 to December 15, 2016. For the Agus 5 power plant with output
capacity of 55 MW, for unit 1 and 2 are operational. For the Agus 6 hydro power
plant with 200 MW output capacity, for unit 1 and 2 is under repair and expected
completion is November 30, 2016, while unit 3 is on preventive maintenance
shutdown from November 4 to December 4, 2016 while unit 4 and 5 are
operational. For the Agus 7 hydro power plant has a capacity of 54 mw, the two
units are operational. The Pulangui 4 hydro power plant in Bukidnon has a
capacity of 255 mw, the 3 units are all operational. The total NPC
Agus-Pulangui power capacity is 982.10 mw. For 2016, the total rated capacity
for Mindanao grid is 3,291.67 mw composed of different types of technology, for
hydro Agus-Pulangui power plant is 982.10 mw, for diesel has a total of 552.64
mw, geothermal has 108 mw, coal fired has a total capacity of 1,183 mw,
embedded generation such as solar and other technology has a total of 495.35
mw. The NPC Agus-pulangui power share for Mindanao is 30 percent while total
projected demand for 2016 is only 1,600 mw. For 2017 total projected installed
capacity is 3,577.67 mw while total projected demand is 1,704 mw. For 2018,
installed capacity is 4,282.67 mw, projected demand is 1,832 mw. For 2019, installed
capacity is 4,282.67, total demand is mw 1,950 mw. For 2020 the total installed
capacity is 4,282.67 mw and the total projected demand is 2,097 mw. In 2021 the
projected power surplus is 2,165.67 mw.
 |
| Mr. Pastor R. Tenorio, Jr. |
Mr. Pastor R. Tenorio,
Jr., Vice President
of the Power Alternative Agenda-Mindanao or PALAG-Mindanao, presented the
performance of the Aquino administration
in terms of power and energy for the
past 6 years. It was observed
that the Aquino administration
miserably failed to protect the consumers from high prices and predatory pricing of power imposed by the
private electric companies controlled
and monopolized by
corporations like Meralco, Aboitiz, DMCI.
The
Meralco during the time of the Aquino
administration reported an increase in its earnings as approved by Energy Regulatory
Commission (ERC) in a Case No. 2010-069 granting MERALCO its Annual Revenue
Requirements for the 3rd Regulatory Period, and collected from consumers the
Return on Capital: 2012, P19.137B; 2013, P19.770B; 2014, P20.261B; 2015,
P20.684B, or a total of P79.853B in four consecutive years. From such a
generous return, MERALCO reported the following huge net earnings: 2011,
P14.88B; 2012, P16.2B; 2013, P17.023B. These figures are also identical to
other distribution utilities nationwide.
As
of March 2016, electricity rates in selected ASEAN countries, Philippines was
the highest rate at an average of PhP8.91 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for
residential rates, PhP7.49 per kwh for
the commercial rates and PhP5.84 per kwh for Industrial rates. The lowest rate
is Indonesia at an average of PhP5.24 for the residential rate, PhP5.24 per kwh
for commercial rate and PhP4.06 per kwh for Industrial rates.
The
government’s solution to resolve the power
crisis is nonetheless building of
additional coal power plants, which are harmful
to life and the environment. Since Energy power Industrial Reform Act
(EPIRA) in 2001 when deliberated in congress, the Freedom from debt coalition
(FDC) strongly opposed it and warned Congress and the people repeatedly that
privatization cannot deliver the promises of EPIRA. On the contrary, EPIRA
would drive the power industry down to perennial crisis. For more than a
decade, EPIRA is one big broken promise. Instead of free and fair competition,
the power industry fell into the hands of a monopsony of the big 3 – First Gen
of Lopez, Aboitiz Power and San Miguel Power for the power generation, a
monopoly of MERALCO in power distribution and the control by a private company
NGCP of the transmission sector owned by Henry Sy and the Chinese government.
 |
| Engr. Darwin P. Galang |
Engr. Darwin P. Galang of the DOE gave updates on the
Mindanao Power situationer said the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) in
its Meeting of Principals on 15 November 2016 at Diamond Hotel, Manila was hosted
by the Department of Energy - Electric Power Industry Management Bureau
(DOEEPIMB).
In
its report, in 2016, the 1st half capacity mix for Philippine
Installed capacity is equivalent to
20.06 Giga Watts (GW), these are composed of wind with 2.1 percent, solar is
3.4 percent, bio mass is 1.2 percent, hydro 18 percent, coal 33.2 percent,
geothermal is 9.6 percent, natural gas is 14.3 percent, oil based is 18.2
percent. The Renewable Energy has a total capacity of 34.3 percent. The biggest
contributor on the capacity mix is coal.
In
the installed capacity mix in Mindanao has a total capacity of 2,742 MW but
dependable capacity mix is only 2,318 MW with percent sharing on bio mass is
zero percent, solar is 2 percent, coal is 25 percent, hydro is 36 percent,
Geothermal is 5 percent and oil based is 32 percent. This figure shows the
Electric Power Industry are composed of four sectors, the generation,
transmission, distribution and load for customers. There is a need for
continuous balancing of supply on the generation side versus demand load.
Reserves should be enough for stable system with fuel mix composition.
In
2016 1st half power generation on Mindanao Generation Mix with a
total of 5,044.5 Giga watt-hour (GWH) is composed of Bio mass with 0.22
percent, solar is 0.55 percent, hydro 22.21 percent, Geothermal is 8.05
percent, oil-based is 28.79 percent, coal is 40.19 percent. The total Renewable
energy Mindanao generation mix has a total capacity of 31 percent.
Mindanao minimum power demand of 1,166
MW was experienced on 25 March 2016, it was a Good Friday, while the maximum power
demand of 1,645 MW was experienced on 25 October 2016. Mindanao Additional
Capacities from 01 January to 31 October 2016 have total installed capacity of 328.2
MW while total dependable (reliability) capacity is 283.3 mw, located in the
provinces of Davao del Sur and Sarangani, Camiguin, Bukidnon and Koronadal.
Summary of Mindanao power projects
as of October 31, 2016 have two components, the COMMITTED power capacity and the INDICATIVE power capacity. The committed power capacity is the
power usages actually consumed while the Indicative power capacity comprises
the power actually consumed and the excess power also known as reserve
power.
The
Committed power has a total capacity to 1,687.9 megawatt (mw), with 17 proponents, comprising the coal-fired power source
with 5 proponents or power plants have total capacity of 1,501 mw equivalent to
89.5 percent share contribution to the overall power capacity; oil-based have 4
proponents with total power capacity of 29.5 mw equivalent to 1.7 percent share;
natural gas is zero percent share; renewable energy have 8 proponents with
power capacity of 148.4 mw equivalent to 8.8 percent share; Under the Renewable
energy, geothermal with zero percent share, hydro with 8 percent share composed
of 5 proponents with a total capacity of 134.2 mw, Biomass have 3 proponents with
total capacity of 14.2 mw with 0.8 percent share, solar and wind energy have
zero percent share.
Indicative
power has a total capacity of 2,765.8 mw with 37 proponents, comprising the coal-fired power source
with 6 proponents or power plants has a total capacity of 1,733 mw equivalent
to 62.7 percent share contribution to the overall power capacity; oil-based has
3 proponents with total capacity of 30.9 mw equivalent to 1.1 percent share; natural
gas has zero percent share; renewable energy has 28 proponents with total
capacity of 1,001.9 mw equivalent to 36.2 percent share. Under the renewable
energy, geothermal has 1 proponent with power capacity of 40 mw equivalent to
1.4 percent share, hydro has 17 proponents with total power capacity of 662.7
mw equivalent to 24 percent share, Biomass with 5 proponents has a total
capacity of 61.2 mw equivalent to 2.2 percent share, solar power has 5
proponents with indicative power capacity of 238 mw equivalent to 8.6 percent
share and wind energy have zero percent share.
The
Challenges in Mindanao power sector generation identified the Excess generation, Policy
on Embedded Generation, Transition to a Competitive Environment, Marketing of
the Excess Capacity to Investors. The Challenges
on the TRANSMISSION operations is the Security of Transmission Facilities, Timely
Completion of Transmission Projects, DISTRIBUTION Collection Efficiency, Supply
Contracting Issues. The Excess power generation is the difference of the
Indicative power capacity of 2,765.8 MW and Committed power capacity of 1,687.9
MW. Therefore the excess power in Mindanao for 2016 is estimated to 1,077.9 MW.
The Inter-Agency task force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) was mandated
upon the directive of former President Benigno S. Aquino III, to ensure
sufficient uninterrupted electric power supply and secure transmission
infrastructure and facilities during elections, the IATFSEF was created on 27
January 2016.
PART 5: GOVERNMENT’S CAMPAIGN
AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS
In
the afternoon session of November 29, the discussion was about the topic no. 4,
the Government’s Campaign Against Illegal drugs. PCSUPT Noel G. Constantino, Regional Director for Region 10,
Philippine National Police (PNP) was one of the invited speakers represented by
PSSUPT Gerardo Rosales, Deputy
Regional Director for Region 10, PNP based in Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City,
gave the presentation on the updates of Government’s campaign against illegal
drugs.
 |
| PSSUPT Gerardo Rosales, double barrel project presentation |
The
PNP established the Double Barrel program to combat the proliferation of the
illegal drugs, established an activities, the “toktok hangyo” or “tokhang”
meaning knock and appeal to stop illegal drug activities and aim the High value
target. President Duterte’s message on the campaign against the illegal drugs, “A
leader must be a terror to the few who are evil in order to protect the lives
and well-being of the many who are good.”
Project
double barrel accomplishments period covered July 1, 2016 to November 24, 2016
on “Oplan Tokhang” Number of House Visitations Conducted: 983,037; “Modified
Tokhang” Number of Visitations Conducted is 3,454, in schools and universities,
Out-of-School Youths, business establishments and others Government Agencies; “TapHang” Number of
Tapok-Hangyo Activites is 3,597 by conducted pulong-pulong and recorida or
motorcade.
Surrenderers
from users is 74,840 and from pushers is 4,266 with a total of 79,106
individuals; Police operations conducted numbering to 1,192; arrested 1,872
individuals, killed in police operations numbering to 43, cases filed numbering
to 1,535; Evidences seized with Shabu 5.08 kilograms, marijuana 14.60
kilograms, short firearms is 127, long firearms is 11, a total monetary value
of PhP 29.8 Million.
Death
under Investigation is numbering to 77 in Region 10 and 31 of it was happened
in Iligan City the highest killings in the region. Total number of Barangays
affected on illegal drugs is numbering to 2,022. PO3 Jerson Autida of Bukidnon
PPO Killed in Police Operation, SPO1 Ronaldo Eugenio of Misamis Oriental PPO
Seriously Wounded in Police Operation. Comparative crime statistics typically
reduced with crime volume of 11,443 in 2015 compared to the crime volume of
7,961 in 2016, a reduction by 30.42 percent.
Drug
Test of 7,083 PNP personnel in the region all had already undergone Drug
Testing or 100 percent of the total nr of personnel, 7 found to be positive,
Operations Conducted for William Galacio and Remy Gumapac. Joint PNP-AFP Implan
on Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign and gaining the support of Local Government
units (LGUs) and Non-government Organizations (NGOs). Camp-based Drug Rehabilitation
(CADRE), PRO 10 has initially pilot-tested the program in coordination with an
NGO, Pathway Foundation in Barangays 25 of Police Station 5 (PS5) and Barangay
26 of PS 3, Cagayan de Oro City with 18 and 42 surrenderers, respectively.
Issues
and concerns, LGUs are not prepared to handle Illegal drugs surrenderers such
as the provision of Rehabilitation and Livelihood programs. The Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has no program to minors who voluntarily
surrendered. Detention facilities in the region are already congested with the
massive influx of arrested illegal drugs personalities and Drug courts
congested with illegal drugs cases due to aggressive police operations.
Recommendations,
LGUs must prioritize Rehabilitation and Livelihood Programs for surrendered
Illegal Drugs Personalities; DSWD must develop their diversion programs and
provide adequate facilities to minors who voluntarily surrendered; and more prosecutors
and judges shall be assigned to handle illegal drugs cases.
The
discussion was ended with the message of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, “Drug
problem has to be stopped by all means that the law allows…The fight will be
relentless and it will be sustained”
THE HEALTH EFFECTS ON ILLEGAL DRUGS
Dr. Ray P. Sagge, M.D.
Psychiatrist, City
health Office, Center Head, Iligan City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation
Center (ICDTRC). He discussed about the Health effects on the Illegal drugs and
its treatment.
 |
| Dr. Ray P. Sagge, presented health effects on illegal drugs |
Dr.
Sagge define drug Any chemical substance that brings about physical,
emotional or behavioral change in a
person taking it. Example the paracetamol is to treat fever or antibiotics is to
treat infection.
DRUG
ABUSE is also define, the use of any chemical which results to an individual’s
physical, mental, or social impairment.
It refers to the following: use of drugs without prescription, use of
drug or any substance for a purpose different from the one which the drug was
prescribed for and use of illegal or illicit drugs
DRUG
ADDICTION refers to a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by
compulsive drug-seeking & use, despite harmful consequences. This is
considered a brain disease because drugs can change the structure of the brain
and how it works. The change can damage the brain and it can be long lasting
and can lead to harmful behavior.
In
2012 Statistics, the Profile of drug abusers in National Capital Region (NCR)
Facility based with mean age of 29 years, sex ratio of male to female is 10:1
on Single individuals. Duration of drug - taking is more than six (6) years.
Nature of drug – taking is Poly drug use. The drugs or substances of abuse are Methamphetamine
Hydrochloride or Shabu is 47 percent, Cannabis or Marijuana is 18 percent, Inhalants
or Contact cement adhesive is 18 percent.
The
nature of drug abuse is poly drug use or abuse drugs one after the other or in
combination with other intoxicating substances. Based on 2006 reported cases
admitted for treatment and rehabilitation, the top 10 drugs or substance abuse
are, Methampethamine hydrochloride or Shabu with 3,256 cases; cannabis or
marijuana with 1,807 cases; contact cement with 563 cases; Benzodiazepenis with
173 cases; cough and cold preparations with 128 cases;
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA also called ecstacy have 71 cases;
cocaine with 53 cases; Nalbuphine Hydrochloride have 29 cases; Psilocybin or
magic mushroom have 23 cases; solvents – acetone or thinner have 16 cases.
The
effects of drug abuse will increase DOPAMINE or become “High” state for the
first 20 minutes. After 20 minutes the drug user still “High” but
“Tweaking”. During the period of “high
and tweaking” the person ALTERED PERCEPTIONS will come through their illusion,
delusion and hallucination. The ILLUSION
will make misperception of a real external stimulus; The DELUSION is a fix false belief and
cannot be corrected by logic; The HALLUCINATION is a false sensory
perception without an external stimulus. Illegal drug users will have effects
on brain damage with pot holes based on the study using the brain scanner.
Effects
of the Methamphetamine or shabu will have short effects indicates dry mouth,
headache, restlessness, euphoria, increase alertness, anxiety, dilated pupils.
On the long term effects will have anorexia, insomnia, convulsions, liver
damage, kidney damage, heart attack, stroke, low resting heart rate with under
60 beats per minute (BPM), abnormal beating of the heart, death. The Aneurysm
in cerebral artery breaks open, causing bleeding around the brain. Pressure of
blood on brain causes brain tissue death.
Addiction
can be treated just like any other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed
successfully. People enable to counteract addiction’s powerful disruptive effects
on brain and behavior and regain control of their lives. To prevent drug abuse
is to stay away from illegal drugs, maintain physical, mental health and
well-being, understand yourself, accept and respect your own capabilities and
limitations, choose your friends wisely, seek professional help if you feel
cannot cope with your problems, develop strong moral and spiritual foundations.
Treatment of chronic diseases involves changing deeply imbedded behaviors and
relapse does mean treatment failure. For the addicted patient, lapses back to
drug abuse indicate that treatment needs to be reinstated or adjusted, or that
alternate treatment is needed.
THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN
PEACEBUILDING
Mr. Ryan Rosauro is not only a Journalist but also a
Peace advocate gave his impression on the Role of Media in Peacbuilding. The
media will not only work for accurate information but also endeavor to be
reflective of our history, context, circumstances and conditions specially in
mapping conflict and power actors, including their interests, and the importance
of the balance of power and access to information with media’s educative
function. Media who'd get accurate information from government &
corporation will be considered as bridge of community's peace and order, and to
determine and report gaps of developments and ensure that this disparity is
addressed by government adequately. The media's role on peacebuilding, peace
process, historical & ground truthing is to address historical prejudices
and injustices in Mindanao and of the entire country. The media's role on
governance is to maintain transparency, peace, democracy and rights protection
among others.
PART 6: THE PEACE CARAVAN
 |
| Flag Ceremony at Linamon National High School during the Peace caravan |
 |
| Peace caravan participants with the Karancho motorbikes |
There
were at least 60 motorbikes from the Karancho motorcycle riders headed by its
chairman Jong Jarilla, with at least
five four-wheel vehicles joined the caravan. The purpose of the caravan is to
inform the people passing in the conflict affected areas in particular on the
importance of achieving peace in order to have a peaceful society to live on.
The theme for the caravan is “Ipadayon
ang Pagpanday sa Malungtarong Kalinaw,” it means continue building
sustainable peace.
During
the program at the Linamon National High School, Juanito C. Enriquez, Jr., Managing Director of the Civil Society
Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP), also a media practitioner, shared the
information about the MWOP celebration. He reiterated that MWOP celebration is
celebrated every last Thursday of November to first Wednesday of December of
every year thereafter. In 2016 MWOP celebration falls on November 24 to
December 7. He said the students should know how important the celebration is. The
people in Lanao del Norte have many experienced of atrocities in the past
decades and up to now building peace still going on, and hoping no more repetition
of those atrocities and must stop the culture of violence for the good of
humanity. Enriquez said that people must live on a culture of peace and peace
campaign must continue especially during peace celebrations to remind the
people the importance of peace because there is no development when there is no
peace.
 |
| Peace caravan on the road |
Hon. Roel Pestolante, Barangay Chairman of the Barangay
Poblacion, Linamon, Lanao del Norte said that they were able to “tokhang”
(toktok hangyo) or knock and appeal with 158 surenderees from Barangay
Poblacion in support to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. He
added that the ongoing peace process of the Government to the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) and National Democratic Front in the Philippines (NDFP)
is beneficial for the Filipino people especially in Mindanao.
 |
| The Students for Peace |
Col. Alex Aduca, Battalion Commander of the 4th
Mechanized Battalion Philippine Army based in Camp Pintoy, Suarez, Iligan City
in his message said that the Philippine Army is an instrument of peace. He said
they joined the peace caravan to make peace. They also support and join the
government’s effort in the campaign against illegal drugs and urged the people
especially the students to study more and know things better, stay healthy
physically and mentally and help maintain peaceful community.
In
a peace message of Mr. Rene B. Montesa,
School Principal of the Linamon National High School said “we are moving in the
same direction to nourish, protect and respect life and make life worth living
from the life receive from God.” He said if these things happened peace
follows. Montesa said there are two things exist gifted of life good or bad. He
said human life to everybody dwells with good. Montesa challenged the students
to well discern the peace messages and insights from the speakers to achieve
peace in our communities.
 |
| Faculty and students on the expression of peace |
After
the short program, the Peace caravan proceeded to Matungao, to Balo-i and going
back to Iligan City, was successfully ended at lunch time. With
reports and photos by Phil Paalan, Jac Macatimbol, Violy Gloria & Patrick
Graf
