Military assures security during the three-day COMELEC special registration for MILF members

Lt. Col. Bernardo A. Taqueban CAV (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander, 4th Mechanized Infatry Battalion, Philippine Army.

Balo-i, Lanao del Norte - There were 3 consecutive days for special Commission on Election (COMELEC) registration for the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), from September 11-13, 2018. There were three clusters of Comelec registration, the Balo-I cluster, Munai cluster and Nunungan cluster with an average of seven municipalities per cluster area.

The Balo-i cluster Comelec registration was held at Barangay Multi-purpose Hall in Mumongan, Pacalundo. The purpose of the special registration is to allow the MILF members to vote for the coming plebiscite on January 21, 2019 in favor “Yes” to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to be included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

There were six municipalities in Lanao del Norte and 39 Barangays in six municipalities in North Cotabato are included in the Bangsamoro core territory and these provinces will vote en masse or at large during the plebiscite to determine the inclusion of those local government units in the Bangsamoro.

In an interview with Mr. Rabin M. Arumpac, Election Officer of Matungao, Lanao del Norte recounted that requirements for MILF members to register is the certification from the MILF central committee leadership. The Comelec registration was also become open to non-MILF members who are regular voters. There were 73 new registered voters on the first day of registration on September 11. On the second day, September 12, there were 216 newly registered voters. On the third day, September 13, it is expected to register to less than 1,000 new registered voters of MILF members based on the trends of the first two days. MILF local leaders in balo-i will request for another one day registration because some of the MILF members were not able to come in the three-day registration.

MILF members in COMELEC registration.

Arumpac said that the Balo-i cluster of registration is composed of nine municipalities such as Balo-i, Tagoloan, Matungao, Pantar, Pantao Ragat, Poona Piagapo, Bacolod, Linamon and Maigo.

Arumpac added that the Election Registration Board (ERB) will hold hearing to validate the new registered voters in every municipality starting October 15, 2018 good for 5 days to scrutinize the records of the registered voters in terms of residency and others.   

It was estimated that 40% of the newly registered voters belongs to the municipality of Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte. It was observed that no new registered voters coming from the coastal municipalities within the cluster.

At left, Election Officer Rabin M. Arumpac.

Lt. Col. Bernardo A. Taqueban, Commander of the 4^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, said that prior to the scheduled Comelec registration, they already cleared and secured the Balo-i and Munai areas under their area of responsibility to be peacefully hold the special Comelec registration. Taqueban said that the MILF members should be given the opportunity to exercise their rights to vote on the coming plebiscite on January 2019 for peace and development in their respective areas of concern. He said the government peace mechanism headed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is actively on track. Taqueban said that MILF Commander “Bravo” was able to register in Munai Comelec cluster area. (News reports by Jun Enriquez; Photos by Salve Gimena).   

CSOs launches child protection against human trafficking in Marawi City

At Presidential table from left-right: Ms. Noraima Sabar Taurac Punong Brgy. Datu Sabar, Ms. Hashreen Lucman Rep. City persecutor office, DRP Norma M. Tanggol DOJ - RPO XIV (ARMM), Hon. Jamil Faisal Saro Adiong SK Provincial of L.D.S. Chairperson on youth committee, Major Palawan D. Miodas (INF) PA - Civil - Military Operation Officer, 103BDE, 1ID, PA, Ms. Rismirah Adad CSWDO, Focal Person, Ms. Christina Lomoljo Executive director, Birthdev.

By PHIL PA-ALAN

MARAWI CITY – Most vulnerable on human trafficking nowadays are children especially during crisis situation. Marawi City was being sieged by the ISIS-Maute group in May 2017 and runs for five months. After the siege, there were alleged cases of disappearances mostly children but needs to be validated.

The CSOs in its response held protection project for one year, conducted a Forum on human trafficking and the launching of the Child Protection Project: “Children in the Philippines are not for Sale” with slogan, "Better lives through safer migration, stop human trafficking," implemented by the Balay Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Total Human Development (BIRTHDEV) in partnership with The Save the Children, jointly held at the Provincial Capitol Complex, Marawi City on July 31, 2018.

The forum and project launching were attended by barangay officials and constituents, particularly the 4 target barangays, namely, Barangay Poblacion, Barangay Datu Saber, Barangay Panggao Saduc and Barangay Matampay, all of Marawi City.

BIRTHDEV Executive Director Ms. Cristina Lomoljo said the project aims to protect boys and girls affected by armed conflict in Marawi City from Child Trafficking. She said the project will be implemented in four (4) barangays for ten (10) months from May, 2018 to February, 2019 with the Save the Children Organization serving as partner. She said initially four barangays are the target areas with project activities include the baseline on children protection (knowledge, attitudes,  and practice survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview); community child protection risk mapping; learning session on children’s rights and child protection for children and adults; establishment of community-based mechanisms on child trafficking; collaboration with Local Government Unit on protecting children; capacity building for service providers; and campaign activities; observance of important dates related to children’s rights.

City social welfare and development officer (CSWDO) focal person Ms. Rismirah Adad stressed that the city social welfare office is implementing programs and projects related to child protection including other similar programs.

DOJ Regional Prosecutor (DRP) Atty. Norma M. Tanggol of the Department of Justice-Regional Prosecutor’s Office (DOJ-RPO) – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the main speaker of the forum in her presentation, Modus operandi of trafficking in persons and salient features of anti- trafficking laws (RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364). She discussed issues and concerns relative to human trafficking and the legal procedure on filing complaints, as such other related concerns. Tanggol said that in cases of threats the victims and witnesses can avail the governments protection program with full security presence to protect them from harm and possible harassments and attacks by the suspects or accuse persons.

Courtesy of ICRC.

Atty. Hashreen Lucman of the Prosecutor’s Office advised the families of the victims to report the incident to the barangay for action, and if no action is taken the barangay official can be held liable for obstruction of justice.

Major Palawan D. Miodas, PA, Civil Military Operations Officer of the 103 Brigade said that the military is always ready to provide the needed services or assistance to LGUs and citizens encountering problems on security.

Provincial Board Member Jamil Faizal Saro Adiong, President of SK Provincial Federation said the forum and project launching are timely because the subject on human trafficking was discussed during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting where cases of human trafficking had been mentioned, but no reports had been made of the unfortunate incidents.  He reminded the  children and families to report any incident on human trafficking to authorities, like kidnapping, slavery, involuntary servitude, and human smuggling.  He said children deserve to be protected and provided with opportunities to learn and have a better future.

Punong Barangay Taurac of Datu Saber said the barangay is supporting the project on child protection and implementing local measures towards the protection of children.

Participants of the Forum.

Save the Children chief executive officer Alberto Jesus T. Muyot told reporters that the forum and project launching relate to the protection of children in conflict areas of Marawi City.  He said that disaster maybe natural or man-made but children are the most vulnerable, and added that the project aims to build communities to make them aware of the issues and concerns affecting their lives. He reiterated of four barangays are the initial target of the project, expressed hope that the project will be successful, and as soon as the target barangays will be fully covered, the project will be applied to other barangays in Marawi.  Muyot said the project has the support from the provincial government, local government, national government agencies, and non-government organizations. He said the organization intends to organize 7,000 adults to serve as watch groups to ensure that every child deserves a future. “The Save the Children works everyday to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm” said Muyot. He added that the Save the Children will do whatever it takes for children everyday and in times of crisis transforming their lives and the future we share.

Other key officers of the Save the Children present during the forum were Ms. Alrene Mae Fuentes, Project Officer on Child Protection; Mr. Aedrian Araojo, Information and Communications Officer; Mr. August Ceazar Acorda, Project Coordinator. (with reports by Jun Enriquez, photos by Salve Gimena)

AFP law enforcement operation continues against pro-ISIS militants in Lanao Sur and BIFF in Maguindanao

Marawi City - An airstrike and subsequent armed confrontation occurred in Barangay Guiarong, Tubaran and Barangay Padas, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched a law enforcement operation (LEO) on 17 June 2018 against “pro-ISIS” militants in the area. The airstrike was launched between 9:00am to 12:00 noon from Barangay Wago and Dinaigan, Tubaran. This encounter was reported in connection to an earlier armed confrontation between the two groups two days prior to the just recently concluded Barangay Elections in Barangay Malaganding in the same town.

The AFP LEO against an alleged number of people led by Abu Dar considered to be rebuilding a group based on the remnants of the ISIS-inspired group that caused the five (5) month Marawi conflict started in May 2017.

An estimated 1,024 families have been displaced from the municipalities of Tubaran and Pagayawan. Local Government units of the two municipalities have opened designated evacuation centers for Internally displaced persons (IDPs) to take temporary shelter. In the municipality of Pagayawan, a total of 255 displaced families have been recorded that are both home-based and in evacuation centers. These IDPs came from seven barangays of Padas, Rangiran, Ilian, Guiarong, Bangon, Linindingan, Madang and Diampaca. Two evacuation centers are located near the municipal hall and are housing about 57 displaced families.

In the municipality of Tubaran an estimated 769 displaced families have been recorded, with 312 families currently being sheltered in four designated evacuation centers, and the rest taking temporary shelter with friends, families and relatives. These IDPs came from ten barangays of the same town.

More IDPs were reported as being trapped in Barangays Diampaca and Padas of Pagayawan. A subject for validation is the burning of 27 houses in Barangay Malaganding, Tubaran.

A total of 2,325 families (11,605 individuals) have been displaced from the municipalities of Tubaran and Pagayawan as of 11:36 am of 20 June 2018. Of this total, 1,791 families (8,935 individuals) have evacuated to the homes of friends, families and relatives (home-based), while 534 families (2,670 individuals) have taken shelter in ten (10) designated evacuation centers.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices of Tubaran and Pagayawan are presently conducting validation and assessment and have made initial distribution of humanitarian assistance in the form of family food packs.

Thanks and appreciation were extended to Protection Cluster Members of the United Nations on High Commission on the Refugees (UNHCR) based in Lanao del Sur, who contributed to this report and continue to send updates from the ground. This included the Community and Family Services International (CFSI), Casamila Sedic, MSWDO, Tubaran, LDS, Haima Manongkarang, MSWDO, Pagayawan, LDS for providing information on this report.

In another development in Maguindanao, airstrikes by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on 10 June 2018 were launched against a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the marshy areas of the municipalities of Datu Montawal, Pagalungan, Gen. SK Pendatun, and Sultan sa Barongis in the province of Maguindanao, as well as in the municipality of Pikit in the province of North Cotabato. 

As of 13 June 2018, prompted approximately 4,200 families (20,279 individuals) were forced to flee from the municipalities of Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, Sultan sa Barungis, General SK Pendatun and Pikit. This figure is expected to rise as military operations continue against the BIFF armed men. 

Thanks and appreciation were extended to all UNHCR Protection Cluster Members based in Cotabato who contributed to this report and committed to continue sending updates from the ground. (News reports filed by Jun Enriquez; UNHCR reports)

Iligan 68th year charter celebrations to refocus on unity for one direction - Vera Cruz

OIC Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz awarded token to "Lolo Iking" as guest speaker of the event with members of the city council.

Iligan City - On June 16, 2018 was the 68th year of existence since Iligan became a chartered city. The celebration was held at the public plaza freedom park here. City Councilor Ryan Ong in his message said that Iligan history is a foundation of the youth and Iliganons that cannot be forgotten owed respect to people who were instrumental in the creation of Iligan City.

Mr. Salvador H. Ong fondly called “Lolo Iking”, the granfather of Councilor Ong,  was the invited Guest Speaker, the lone survivor and son of the late Mayor Benito Ong, the first Mayor of Iligan City. “Lolo Iking” said the plan of the national government in the 1950s was to make Iligan City the Industrial center of the southern Philippines due to the presence of Agus power plant of the National power corporation (NPC). During this time Muslims and Christians in Iligan were united and live peacefully looking forward towards development. 

at right, Councilor Ryan Ong and his "Lolo Iking"

“Lolo Iking” said that Iligan City is not only for the Iliganons but for all the people living in it. He was apprehensive of the closures of the industries mentioning vested interest to some of the previous local politicians. “Lolo Iking” added that Cagayan de Oro was once part of Iligan City before but now it was one of the most develop industrial cities in the country the so called the “city of friendship.”  He said there is a need to unite the people for the development of Iligan City. 

Vice Mayor now Officer-in-charge (OIC) Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz, assumed the office of the Mayor of Iligan City due to the suspension of Mayor Celso Regencia for 90 days, in his message said it was the time of President Elpidio Quirino, Iligan City became a chartered city on June 16, 1950 by virtue of the Republic Act (RA) 525 signed by President Elpidio Quirino through House Bill 425 sponsored by the late congressman Ali Dimaporo. President Quirino appointed Mayor Benito Ong as the first Mayor of Iligan City. The first elected Mayor of Iligan City was the late congressman Mariano Badelles.

Iligan City OIC Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz

Iligan City was part of the history of the divided Lanao provinces, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, with significance to the efforts of the then late congressman Ali Dimaporo, a Maranao and Muslim. There were six Mayors served Iligan City since it became a city, with Mayor Camilo P. Cabili, the son of Senator Tomas P. Cabili, served as mayor of Iligan City for 28 years.

Vera Cruz said the politics in Iligan city before was only up to word confrontations but no use of physical and violence or court battles to discredit the local administrations after elections, respecting the will of the people’s decision. In recent years since 2013 the political landscape in Iligan City was change, political oppositions are disrespectful to local administration.

The singing dance troupe of Iligan City East Natl high Sch.

Vera Cruz added the rise and fall of the economy of Iligan City have many factors to consider affecting the situation such as global economic crisis, political crisis among others. He said let the people decide for the right direction of the future of Iligan City. There should be unity among the people of Iligan City leading into one direction and focus to real politics to serve the people.

Vera Cruz urged his fellow local and government officials to set aside the personal interest and carry the interest of the people. He said there is no meaning of being a public servant if the focus is only for personal interest. Indeed He said the present administration is committed to move heaven and earth to let National Steel Corporation (NSC) will go back to its operation so that Iligan City will overcome crisis and the people will live in peace and prosperity in the near future. (News reports and photos by Jun Enriquez)

SND local govt. turnover 52 loose firearms to military

SND Barangay Chairmen posed with Philippine Army Col. Dauz, Lt. Col. Manalo and Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo.

Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), Lanao del Norte – There were 52 loose firearms turned-over from the 37 Barangays thru their chairmen and 15 civilians, Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo told reporters during the turnover ceremony on June 13, 2018 at the Municipal gymnasium this town.

LTC Ronel R. Manalo CAV (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander, 5^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army extended his thanks to the local officials of SND headed by Mayor Ulwan M. Dimaporo including the Barangay officials for their utmost cooperation for the turnover of 52 high powered firearms. Manalo said the turnover of firearms is a gesture of peace leading towards development of SND as part of the thrust of the national government program on peace and development to stop the proliferation of loose firearms.

 

Turnover signing, R-L: LTC Manalo, Mayor Dimaporo & Col. Dauz

Dimaporo said the turnover of 52 loose firearms were coming from the 37 Barangays and 15 civilians who voluntarily turnover without any remunerations to benefit peace. He assured that the Local government of SND will always support the program of the Military and the national government headed by President Duterte to stop the proliferation of loose firearms. Dimaporo said the people of SND are united for peace and development aiming to boom its tourism industry with the presence of environmentally friendly beaches and guaranteed peaceful environment. SND is the center of attraction between the Zamboanga peninsula and Cotabato peninsula. That’s why peace is very important to invite more visitors in the area, said Dimaporo.

The turnover of 52 loose firearms.

Col. Robert C. Dauz CAV (PCSC) PA, Commander, 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army. In his message he borrowed the idea of MGen Murillo, AFP, Commander, 1^st “Tabak” Division, a simple equation of the turnover of firearms is to save lives. The turnover of 52 loose firearms will save 52 lives at the minimum. He extended his thanks to Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo for leading the people in SND united towards peace and development, a beautiful and peaceful place. Dauz further explained about the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). He said the military supports the Government efforts on dealing with peace with the Bangsamoro. The final decision of the BBL will be watched on July 23 as soon as congress will resume their session and probably announcement will come during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte.  

Dauz said the 52 loose firearms turned-over to the military will be demilitarized and cut into pieces. Loose firearms will be the responsibility of the Military while expired licenses of firearms is the responsibility of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for safekeeping while processing the licenses renewal. Firearms is part of the culture and tradition of the Maranaos because it symbolizes power and security of a family to protect from “rido” or family feud. 

The boodle fight!

Col. Dauz said comparing to the analogy on half full-half empty glass. He said people looking at the half empty are pessimistic while those who are looking at the half-full are optimistic. The pessimist will look at the situation in a negative perception while the optimistic will look at the situation on a positive perception. Dauz added that there are some chief executives in their area of responsibility (AOR) who have lack of support and cooperation in the calling to stop the proliferation of loose firearms. Indeed, the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade is committed to protect the people in their AOR at all times and supports the development program of the municipality of SND, said Dauz. (News reports by Jun Enrique

z, photos by Salve Gimena)

ESRA to address effective, truthful elections

Voters look their names at the voters' lists outside the voting center at the Iligan City National High School (ICNHS).

Iligan City - Some reactions from teachers didn’t know the new law on ESRA, the Republic Act 10756, otherwise known as the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA). This law is to address the problem on the ineffectiveness of the election service during elections.

The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) network nationwide headed by the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) based in Quezon City, conducted the nationwide survey with its network non-government organizations (NGOs) on the new law during the 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. The ESRA was approved into law in 2015. The purpose of the survey is to strengthen the said law to be more effective and responsive in the next succeeding elections.

At left, Mr. Rex Razo, School principal, ICNHS

The ESRA was conceptualized by the LENTE in 2013 to address the concerns of teachers to serve as poll workers to ensure the proper conduct of the elections. Mr. Rex Razo, School principal of Iligan City National High School (ICNHS) said that they informed the teachers who wish to serve the elections. He said the conduct of the Barangay and SK Elections 2018 at ICNHS is relatively peaceful. 

In past decade elections was like a public market selling goods meaning rampant vote buying within and outside the polling place giving sample ballots to the voters when entering to the polling precincts.

Barangay elections was the most crucial and critical elections than the local, midterm and national elections because it’s a personalize elections even relatives are opponents in running for barangay elections and some personal issues become political issues.

In areas considered hotspots with absence of law enforcements, some cases the candidates will engage on shooting to defend their position of winning the elections at all costs. That’s why teachers will not serve as poll workers during elections especially in hotspots areas for safety reasons.

Voters look names at Iligan City Central School lists

Some teachers will not serve due to meager budget on allowances with less benefits. others learned a lesson that their allowances will not be released in due time. In the new law public school teachers are no longer compulsory to serve during elections but they are still priority and preference by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) if they are willing to serve during elections.

In the same law, as soon as the public school teachers will not serve as poll workers during elections, an order of next priority to serve are allowed in the said law, first, is the private school teachers; national government employees such as the non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd), other national government officials and employees holding regular or permanent positions, excluding uniformed personnel of the Department of National Defense and all its attached agencies; members of the commission-accredited citizen arms or other CSOs and NGOs duly accredited by the commission; and any registered voter of the city or municipality of known integrity and competence who is not connected with any candidate and political party. Teachers and other interested persons are prohibited to serve in the Election with relations to the candidates up to the 4th civil degree of affinity or consanguinity. 

In cases where the peace and order situation requires as determined by the commission and where there are no qualified voters willing to serve, uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police shall be deputized to render election service as a last resort.

The persons rendering election service shall be entitled with honoraria and allowances including other benefits. The chairperson of the Election boards shall receive an honoraria of PhP6,000.00; the members of the electoral boards PhP5,000.00; the department of Education Supervisor Official shall receive 4,000.00; and the support staff shall receive PhP2,000.00; All of them are entitled an additional travel allowance of PhP1,000.00. Such honoraria and allowances shall be given within 15 days from the date of the Election otherwise it is considered an election offense.  A minimum of five (5) days service credits shall accrue to all persons rendering election service including legal assistance, medical and death benefits for election related risks to be drawn from the trust fund.

Most of the reports in 2018 Barangay Elections whose names of voters were not found in the lists of voters at poll precincts but can be found in the lists of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and at the Comelec office. The Board of Election Tellers composed of chairman and two members will not allow the person to vote without their names in the official list of voters.

The Senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pregnant women hardly voted during the elections because some of them found their poll precincts at the 2nd floor of the two-story building. They suggested to have their poll precincts at the ground floor.

There were also reported cases that a barangay Treasurer and Secretary were allegedly caught campaigning inside the polling place in favor of their re-electionist incumbent Barangay chairman in Barangay Poblacion this city, a potential violations of the election law that might be a reason for disqualification of a certain candidate.

Mayor Jabar Tago of Pantar, Lanao del Norte with his relatives was reportedly caught by the Military confiscated nine high powered firearms, five shotguns and a short firearm pistol with assorted ammunitions found in their family compound in the said municipality without any incidents of firefight.

The 2018 Barangay and SK elections in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte was generally peaceful. (by Jun Enriquez, photos by Salve Gimena).

Balo-i, Pantar of Lanao del Norte holds election peace covenant signing among candidates

L-R: Comelec officer Sania Macarambon, Pantar Mayor Jabar Tago, Major Teodoro Nicor, Capt Jovane Roble & PSI Mohammad Doro 

Balo-i, Lanao del Norte – there are two municipalities under the area of responsibility of the 42^nd Mechanized Infantry company, Philippine Army, based in Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, under the command of Captain Jovane C. Roble, Philippine Army (PA), company commander, were able to conduct the Peace covenant signing on May 3, 2018 in the municipalities of Pantar at 9:00 A.M. and Balo-i at 1:00 P.M., all of Lanao del Norte. The 42^nd Mechanized company is under the 4^th Mechanized Battalion based in camp pintoy, Suarez, Iligan City, headed by Lt.Col. Valdez, PA, and under the higher command of the 2^nd mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, PA, headed by Col. Robert C. Dauz, PA.

Peace covenant signing in Pantar, LDN

The peace covenant signing was attended by the candidates for the barangay and SK election elections. There are 21 barangays in Pantar with seven barangays considered hotspots due to numbers of candidates running for barangay chairman with nine barangays have unopposed candidates, the rest considered to be normal. The municipality of Balo-i have 21 barangays with seven barangays considered hotspots with several candidates filed for the Barangay chairman others have unopposed candidates for the same positions. Candidates for Barangay councilors and SK candidates are not so much complicated.

Historically observed in hotspots barangays with several candidates to run for barangay chairman will result to violence and killings during and after elections. Capt. Roble warned to all the candidates in both municipalities to avoid committing vote buying, employing flying voters, harassments, violence and other form of election laws violations will be directly arrested. Roble said that martial law still exists until December 2018. He also said that there will be one company of scout ranger on stand-by during the election day ready to respond on any emergencies.

Roble said peace covenant is a commitment to peace during elections. He explained to the people about those who live in far places, a long time registered voter in the barangay and will come home to vote during elections is not a flying voter.

3rd-5th left: Capt Roble, Maj. Nicor & Balo-i Mayor Ali

Major Teodoro M. Nicor, Battalion Executive Officer of the 4^th Mechanized battalion, headed by Lt. Col. Valdez, said that cooperation is the key to peace, He urged the candidates who attended the forum to follow election laws not to commit any violations and create violence during elections to maintain peace. Nicor said let the voter choose freely whom to vote.

Pantar Mayor Jabar D. Tago welcome the guests and participants of the event on peace covenant signing held at Barangay Campong multipurpose covered court, Pantar, Lanao del Norte he is urging the barangay candidates to cooperate to make the elections credible and peaceful. 

Police Senior Inspector Mohammad E. Doro, Municipal Chief of police of Pantar, reminded to Barangay election candidates and reiterated the conduct of peaceful elections free from any violence.

Pantar Comelec officer Sania M. Macarambon same with Noronisa M. Mapangcat, Acting election officer of Balo-i, led the oath taking of the candidates for the honest, orderly and peaceful elections not to commit and employ violence during the elections on May 14, 2018.

Balo-i candidates signed peace covenant

Balo-i Mayor Madid Elias L. Ali had served for 30 years (broken) as Mayor of Balo-i, said that during the period of his term there was no killings in the Municipality of Balo-i during Barangay elections only in Lanao del Sur. Ali said that  Balo-i had turnover 50 loose firearms, the highest among other municipalities, to the 2^nd Mechanized infantry brigade, last May 2, 2018. He urged whoever will be the newly elected Barangay chairman will also turnover their loose firearms available after elections because it is a continuing program of President Duterte to put an end of the proliferation of loose firearms to attain and sustain peace. (Reports and Photos by Jun Enriquez, with reports by Salve Gimena)

2nd Mech Bde turn-in 535 loose firearms to win peace not war

L-R: BGen Budiongan, Col Dauz, Gov. Angging Dimaporo, MGen Murillo & Col. Ponio

Iligan City - Just 24 days ago upon assumption as commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade by no other than  Col. Robert C. Dauz, Philippine Army, gathered a meeting of the chief executives from the 22 municipalities including the city of Iligan, at the brigade headquarter here on April 5, for an executive session to end the proliferation of loose firearms. Dauz said, it is their mandate and tasks based on existing rules and regulations especially on the Presidential proclamation number 216, declaring the state of martial law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao. The martial law was extended until December 31, 2018.

Turned-in of loose firearms

On May 2, 2018, the Presentation of turned-in of loose firearms ceremony was conducted at the headquarter of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army at Ma. Cristina, this city. “Today is the 27^th day after my assumption of command, we are able to witness the turned-in of 535 firearms from the 18 municipalities and one city not included the ammunitions and explosives awaiting detonation of the disposal team,” said Dauz during the turn-in ceremony here. He added, “This ceremony is a manifestation of the response of the calling of the President to put an end of loose firearms.” The Mayors also attended the turned-in ceremony.

Dauz said, the turned-in represents 83 percent of the accomplishments composed of 18 municipalities and one city with the remaining 17 percent composed of four municipalities to follow, and urged those chief executives to expedite the process of loose firearms. He said, “we are a government we should work hand-in-hand.” He added, “we cannot wait forever and there is no forever.” 

Dauz said they will abide their sworn duty to provide peace at all cost.

He said they also agreed with Mayors to establish the “Kasabotan” park, means agreement, to plant different species of trees representing the turned-in of loose firearms and resembles the covenant of the Mayors of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City to end the proliferation of loose firearms in their area of responsibility. He said, “this reminds us that cultural and religious diversity should never be a hindrance to attain common understanding and common purpose.”

Col. Dauz, left, awarded a token to BGen Budiongan

The “kasabotan” park  is a joint project of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army and the local chief executives of the province of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City, with purposes on their commitment to end the proliferation of loose firearms. Second, to create awareness among stakeholders in the significance of collaboration towards lasting peace. Third, help preserve the ecosystem and bio-diversity. Fourth, improve the landscape and aesthetics thereby adding tranquility in the camp. Lastly, encourage the future leaders particularly the youth for utmost concerned issues that affects the humankind, environment protection and peace towards development. Dauz ended in saying “let’s make a habit of making peace”

In her message, Lanao del Governor Imelda “Angging” Q. Dimaporo, said to possess gun is part of the culture of the Maranao use to protect their families especially in Muslim communities due to family feud called “rido.” She said most of the guns in the hinterland municipalities are not license but in the coastal municipalities mostly are license.

MGen. Murillo, right, received token from Col. Dauz

Dimaporo said, the 535 firearms turned-in from 18 municipalities will also reduce violence during the coming Barangay Elections expected in some parts of the province identified as hotspots but now the Comelec has not yet declared any of the Barangays as hotspots.

She said, the campaign to surrender loose firearms painstakingly affects the gunowners but this is a program of President Duterte to surrender loose firearms in all  of the Barangays to reduce if not prevent electoral violence. The provincial government of Lanao del Norte showed the support of the campaign by asking Barangay officials to surrender loose firearms presence in their barangay. There are four out of 22 municipalities in the province of Lanao del Norte were not able to surrender loose firearms but maybe still on process of looking for it.

“One gun one bullet will kill one life. Today there are 535 lives save at a minimum by making to turned-in the 535 firearms.” said Major General (MGen) Roseller G. Murillo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Commander, 1st “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army. He added, there is an estimated of 2,800 loose firearms in the province of Lanao del Norte with a balance of 2,265 loose firearms to surrender,” Murillo said, it is not the numbers of firearms to turn-in but the important is to save lives. He said, the term turned-in is use because we are not enemies that’s why not to use the term “surrender.” The Mayors and Barangay chairmen were tasks to convinced their people to turnover their firearms. This will benefit the people to avoid killing especially during elections and live peacefully.

The attending Mayors of lanao del Norte

Murillo said killings will scare investors to put up their businesses in the localities. Economic security is very important for peace and development. He said Peacemaking is not a one day activity but it is a daily, weekly and monthly undertaking. “What we are doing now is a call for peace, a process of peace and peace in itself.” Said Murillo.

Major General (MGen) Gilbert I. Gapay, AFP, Commander, Mechanized Division, Philippine Army based in Tarlac, was the invited Guest of honor and speaker, represented by Brigadier General (BGen) Felicisimo P. Budiongan, AFP, Assistant Commander, Mechanized Division.

Budiongan said MGen Gapay was not able to come due to conflict of schedules. Gapay extended his congratulations to the Mayors of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City of winning the peace. Gapay and Budiongan  expressed their love of the province of Lanao del Norte including Iligan City and said “we are here of winning the peace.” They also expressed their congratulations to the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade headed by Col. Dauz together with the two battalion commanders, Lt. Col. Manalo and Valdez of 5^th and 4^th Mechanized Battalions, respectively.

Budiongan recalled during their Captain years, he was the Commander of the 52^nd light Armor company in year 2000 supporting the 402^nd Infantry Brigade here in this camp. The then Captain Gapay replaced Budiongan and later on the all-out-war in Mindanao brokeout on same year started in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

In year 2015, the then Coronels Gapay and Budiongan returned back in Lanao del Norte and were assigned as the Commander and Deputy commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade here, respectively. Cited the local chief executives before were the first generation of Mayors but now the local chief executives are mostly sons and daughters who are the second generation politicians.

Budiongan reiterated “we are here not to win the war but to win the peace.” He said “that’s why we deeply involved in “rido” settlement during our assignments in the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade.”

Budiongan said he will retire in the next three months and he will join the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) after his retirement in the military. He said on joining the TFBM is another chance to serve the people of Lanao del Sur where he started his higher academics in molding his life for good.

Budiongan said he was a student in the Mindanao State University (MSU), Marawi City for three years, 1979-1982, before entering the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) with the former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) “Bato” Dela Rosa as his contemporary. He said during the opening of classes at the height of Marawi siege in 2017, he insisted to open the enrollment of classes in MSU because if MSU will be lost Lanao del Sur will become nothing. He is ready to recommend to provide war tanks just to protect MSU if necessary. He said security is not the concern of military alone it is the concern of everybody. There must be cooperation among the stakeholders from the local government, Civil Society, academe, traditional leaders among others.

Budiongan said the turned-in of firearms ceremony is an opportunity to lessen the projected violence during the coming Barangay elections. He urged all stakeholders to continue the peacemaking that has been started by winning the peace through the whole of nation approach. (Reports and photos by Jun Enriquez, with reports by Salve Gimena)

EO 51 frustrates labor sector but continue fighting to end "endo"

Iligan City – End of contract, popularly known “endo,” is a monster to the Filipino workers, said Renato Magtubo, Chairperson, Partido Manggagawa (PM) and spokesperson of “Nagkaisa!” labor solidarity nationwide in a press release on Labor day celebrations, May 1, 2018.

The endo means job remained contractual even if the worker is working on a certain job which is permanent in nature vital to the operations. Magtubo said hiring of workers will course through the labor contractors or agencies to supply labor requirements to employers. Most of the contract will range from three to five months to avoid regular employment upon reaching six months based on the Labor code of the Philippines. Magtubo said, the security of tenure is at stake, a perennial problem of the Filipino workers from previous administrations. Magtubo said direct hiring by the principal employers should be imposed to address the problem the security of tenure of workers on regular positions.

The “Nagkaisa!” labor solidarity remembered the hopes of Mayor Duterte in his campaign during the 2016 Presidential elections, “Contractualization will stop the moment I become the President.” Consequently, in his first day in Malacanang, Duterte said to the businessmen, “Huwag na ninyo akong hintayin na mahuli ko kayo (Don’t wait me to caught you) because I will be unforgiving. You will not only lose your money, you will lose your pants.”

The “Nagkaisa!” presented the problem on “endo” to President Duterte in series of dialogues in Malacanang. Magtubo said, there were three meetings of dialogues held (February 27, 2017; May 1, 2017 and February 7, 2018) with the President. The labor groups also attended the Labor summit called by the Labor department. In the of dialogue-meetings, the President asks the labor groups to draft an Executive order (EO) for him to sign and was discussed in fifth drafts due to series of adjustments, to replace the Department order 174 that allows contractualization by the labor contractors.

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President Duterte signed EO 51 during the recent Labor day celebration in Cebu. Magtubo said the EO 51 is the product of the consultation between the DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Employers’ confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). Magtubo said it is a “win-win” formula of DTI that would legitimize labor contracting in all industries will regularize workers under the agencies  service providers. Magtubo said this will not address the problem on the security of tenure because as soon as the principal employer will cut their contract to agencies or contractors the workers will lose their jobs. He said this will not put an end on contractualization but instead promotes it.

Magtubo said “what we have proposed to the President is an EO that would bring back the norm of direct hiring as a policy of his administration in employment relations but open to labor contacting of some jobs and functions subject to consultations.” This type of EO would cure for the mean time the defects of present regulations contained in DO 174 and provide policy direction to congress, the senate in particular on laws that it will legislate in order to realize the PDigong’s promise to end contractualization of labor in the long run, said Magtubo. The draft EO of the labor solidarity was endorsed by the President to congress for legislation.

Presently, the “class conflict” between the employers and workers on labor contracting issue has shifted to congress after the EO 51 was signed by President Duterte. The House of Representatives has already approved their security of tenure measure under House Bill 6908 principally authored by Rep. Ting, chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Reps. Mendoza and Villarin of TUCP and Akbayan party-lists, respectively.

Finally Magtubo said, the Nagkaisa! labor solidarity will continue its fight against the ill-effects on the contractualization of labor and hopeful that President Duterte will issue directives to expedite the process to his “super majority coalition” in the Senate and House of representatives to act accordingly and put an end on contractualization of labor, a realization of his campaign promise.

The Federation of Democratic labor Organization (FDLO) is all-out-support to end contractualization because it is a threat to unionism, said Leonilo Ratilla, Executive Vice President, during the Labor day celebrations held at City Public Plaza freedom park, Iligan City. the PM-Iligan chapter, Sanlakas and other sectors also joined the Labor day march rally in Iligan City. (Reports & photos by Jun Enriquez)