Friday, January 13, 2017

Documentary Report: Media Summit in Commemoration of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2016

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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.  
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.
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.
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. 
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
As part of the culmination of the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP), a Peace Caravan was conducted on December 6, 2016 routed from Iligan City started at the C-3 road in Barangay Hinaplanon at 6:00 O’clock in the morning. Then the caravan proceeded to Linamon, Matungao, Balo-i, all of Lanao del Norte and going back to Iligan City. the route was identified as the conflict affected areas in the past. During the caravan, there was a stopover at the Linamon National High School for a short program attended by the caravan participants, CSOs, media, military, students, teachers and public officials.
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
During the short program at the Linamon National High School with the teachers, students and visitors, Mr. Jonathan Malacas, School teacher and Disaster Risk reduction and Management (DRRM) coordinator, in his welcome address said “Mahirap hanapin ang kapayapaan” means it is difficult to find peace and he paused a question, “why is peace elusive?”, and he explained, “Ang kapayapaan ay nakatago sa ating puso”, meaning peace is in the heart of everyone. He said “If you cannot find peace within you then you cannot find peace outside. I dreamed a world without violence and everyone is looking for peace.”

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


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