Diyandi Festival in Iligan City, "One Culture, One Heritage, One celebration"

 

 

By Jun Enriquez

ILIGAN CITY (September 1, 2026) – Every September Iligan City celebrates Diyandi Festival, a tradition rooted in the Higaonon word “Diyandi” meaning celebration. Officially institutionalized in 2004, the festival culminates on September 29, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, Iligan’s Patron Saint and protector.

More than a fiesta, Diyandi embodies the enduring harmony of the city’s tri-people, the Higaonon, Muslim and Christian communities, united under one heritage, one culture and one celebration.

The festivities begin with the sacred “Pagpananghid” ritual, followed by the revered Pagpakanaog procession and nine day novena in honor of Sr, San Miguel.  Cultural highlights include the sacred Diyandi dance, the lively Yawa-yawa, the Sinulog tradition, and the colorful Kasadya sa Diyandi showcase, each performance reflecting Iligan’s collective identity, bound by faith, respect and peace that will highlight Iligan’s diverse traditions, drawing visitors and locals alike into a vibrant cultural experience.

Hon. Frederick W. Siao, Mayor, Iligan City

Mayor Frederick W. Siao, underscores the festival’s deeper significance, “Ang Diyandi dili lamang usa ka fiesta celebration nga atong gina-celebrate ug ginasaulog. Kini usa ka tradisyon nga atong gustong ipadayon, usa ka kultura nga atong gipanalipdan, ug usa ka pagkaila nga atong ipasa sa sunod nga generations. 

The Diyandi festival returns this September as Iligan City’s Premier cultural tourism event, reaffirming its place as a living tradition that unites communities and strengthen local identity. The festival was formally institutionalized in 2004 and culminates on September 29, the feast of St. Michael Archangel, Iligan’s Patron Saint and protector.

Diyande is a cultural bridge that brings together the city’s Tri-people in a shared celebration of heritage and faith. The festivities open with the sacred Pagpananghid ritual, followed by the revered Pagpakanaog nine-day procession and novena. 

Guided by the Diyandi Executive Management Board, the festival has grown into one of Northern Mindanao’s premier cultural tourism events, drawing visitors and locals alike to witness the unity of Iliganon's heritage.

Atty. Riezel Reen P. Angas, RN, EMB Chairperson

Atty. Riezel Reen P. Angas, RN, EMB Chairperson, highlighted the festival’s unifying role, “Despite our differences, It’s one culture, one heritage, one celebration. Our direction towards this Diyandi is to bring all three groups together as one Iliganon, while honoring the feast of our patron Saint, Señor San Miguel.”

Finally, Atty. Angas said that Iligan is a diverse city. We have different cultural communities, different religious traditions, different backgrounds, and different generations. We Have people whose families have been for generations and people whose families have been here for generations and people whose families came from different parts of Mindanao and the Philippines. All of these have contributed to what Iligan is today. So when we say “One culture,” we are talking about unity arising from diversity. (CIO Press Release; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist)

 

Mensahe ni Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao Kabahin sa Rally sa Katawhang Iliganon batok sa pagsaka sa presyo sa Kuryente sa dakbayan sa Iligan

Hon. Frederick W. Siao, Mayor of Iligan City

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  By Jun Enriquez

Iligan City (Septembre 12, 2026) -  Sa tanang mga nitambong karong adlawa, sa mga organizers, participants, ug mga miyembro sa PIPOL POWER–Iligan Rally and March, ug labaw sa tanan, sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga Iliganon, maayong adlaw kaninyong tanan.

Ania ako karon sa inyong atubangan aron ipahibalo kaninyo nga nakasabot ko sa kabug-at nga inyong gibati tungod sa pagsaka sa presyo sakuryente. Naminaw ug nakasabot kami sa City Government of Iligan sa inyong mga kabalaka, ug karon gusto namong ipadayag ang among bug-os nga suporta niining panagtapok alang sa mas makatarunganon, transparent, ug accountable nga serbisyo sa kuryente alang sa tanang Iliganon.

Ang padayon nga pagsaka sa presyo sa kuryente usa ka problema nga dili nato angay pasagdan. Matag pagsaka sa atong bayranan sa kuryente direktang gibati sa atong mga pamilya, mga trabahante, mga negosyo, ug sa tibuok komunidad. Ang dugang nga atong gibayad sa kuryente, mahimo na unta nga usa ka kilo o duha ka kilo nga bugas, usa ka sud-an, o pagkaon na para sa pamilya.

Mga pinalangga kong Iliganon, ma-assure tamo nga wala nato pasagdi ang inyong mga tingog. Padayon kitang nakig-coordinate  ug nakigtambayayong sa mga concerned offices ug ahensya, sama sa ILPI, Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, PSALM, ug National Power Corporation, aron mapadayon nato ang atong paningkamot sa pagpangita og hustong mga solusyon sa atong problema sa kuryente.

Atong gisuportahan ang panawagan alang sa mas ubos ug makatarunganon nga power rates, klaro ug transparent nga mga bayranan, ug kasaligan nga serbisyo sa kuryente. Gisuportahan usab nato ang panawagan nga mahatagan og hustong pagtagad ang power requirements sa Iligan, lakip na ang atong panawagan alang sa 25-megawatt power allocation alang sa atong siyudad.

Isip siyudad nga nag-host sa dagkong Agus Hydroelectric Power Plants, atong gituohan nga ang mga Iliganon angay usab makabenepisyo sa atong mga energy resources. Mao nga padayon ang atong paningkamot nga masiguro nga ang atong mga pamilya, mga negosyo, ug ang tibuok siyudad makatagamtam og mas kasaligan nga suplay sa kuryente.

Ug karon, adunay maayong balita alang sa atong mga Iliganon. Gidawat ug gi-welcome nato ang desisyon sa Energy Regulatory Commission o ERC nga i-recalculate ang electricity prices alang sa August 2026 billing period, nga mahimong maghatag og angay nga adjustment o kahupayan sa atong mga konsumante. Mapasalamaton kita nga adunay aksyon nga gihimo, apan atong bantayanang pagpatuman niini aron masiguro nga ang angay nga relief tinuod nga maabot ug mabati sa matag Iliganon.

Apan dili pa kita mohunong dinhi. Ang atong panawagan nagpabilin—mas ubos, makatarunganon, ug kasaligan nga presyo sakuryente alang sa matag Iliganon. Padayon nato nga ipadayag ang atong mga kabalaka, padayon kitang mangayo og hustong aksyon, ug padayon kitang magkahiusa hangtod makita ug mabati gyud nato ang tinuod nga kahupayan sa atong mga bayranan. Kini nga lakang usa lamang ka sugod, dili pa ang katapusan sa atong panawagan.

Ang atong panawagan dili batok kang bisan kinsa. Kini usa ka panawagan alang sa atong katawhan alang sa patas nga serbisyo, makatarunganon nga bayranan, ug mas maayong kaugmaon alang sa Iligan. Gusto lang nato nga ang atong mga kabalaka paminawon ug ang atong mga panawagan tagaan og hustong aksyon.

Maong mga igsoon kong Iliganon, mangayo usab ko sa inyong tabang. Buhaton sa City Government of Iligan ang among bahin. Padayon kitang makig-coordinate ug makigtambayayong sa ILPI, ERC, DOE, PSALM, NPC, ug sa ubang concerned offices ug ahensya. Apan mas lig-on ang atong panawagan kung kita nga mga Iliganon magkahiusa. Ang inyong tingog, inyong presensya, ug inyong padayon nga pagpangayo og aksyon makatabang aron mas madungog ang atong mga kabalaka ug mas seryosong tagdon ang atong mga panawagan.

Sa tanan nga niapil niining rally ug march, gusto namong ipahibalo kaninyo nga wala kamo nag-inusara. Ang City Government of Iligan anaa kanunay sa inyong luyo. Padayon kaming maminaw sa inyong mga kabalaka, makigtambayayong sa mga concerned agencies, ug mangita og mga paagi aron maprotektahan ang kaayohan sa atong mga Iliganon.

Ang inyong tingog mao usab ang tingog sa atong siyudad.

Busa, magpadayon kita sa pagtinabangay ug pagbarog alang sa usa ka Iligan nga adunay kasaligan, makatarunganon, ug angay nga kuryente alang sa tanan.

Daghang salamat sa inyong pagbarog alang sa atong mga kaigsuonan.

Kanunay ania kami, ang City Government of Iligan, kauban ug katimbang sa atong katawhan. Maong atong isaulog ang atong panaghiusa, atong ipaabot ang atong mga tingog, ug atong ipadayon ang atong panawagan. Magpadayon kita, hinay-hinay apan sigurado, kauban ang usa'g usa. Daghang salamat, ug padayon, Asenso Iliganon! (Gipasa gikan sa CIO; Gisulat ug Gihan-ay ni Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist)

Peace challenges of the successful First BARMM Parliamentary Elections

 

 

By Jun Enriquez

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (Sept 14, 2026) - A Press conference regarding the issues and concerns in the conduct of the First Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary elections through the Provincial Election Monitoring Action Center (PEMAC) in Lanao del Sur was held at the 103rd Haribon Brigade Kampo Ranaw Philippine Army in Marawi City.

Guests present during the said event were BGen Jessie R. Montoya, Philippine Army (PA), Commander of the 103rd Infantry Haribon Brigade, PA. BGen Montoya said that their main responsibility is to protect the civilians in the province during the casting of votes in polling precincts in every municipality.

 

(Left to right) BGen Jessie R. Montoya, PA, Brigade Commander, 103rd Brigade PA; Atty. Mohammad Nabil Mutia, Provincial Election Supervisor, COMELEC Lanao del Sur; PCol Caesar P. Cabuhat, PNP Provincial Director., Lanao del Sur

 

The main Guest of the event was Atty. Mohammad Nabil Mutia, Provincial Election Supervisor of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) through the PEMAC in the province of Lanao del Sur. He said Lanao del Sur is the most peaceful province during the conduct of 1st BARMM Parliamentary Elections because there was no untoward incidence happened. 

 

Atty. Mutia said, there were about 79 teachers did not show up to serve as Election board of canvassers in polling precincts but were being replaced by 79 PNP Electoral boards during the day of the election assigned in the vacated polling precincts as it was confirmed by PCol Caesar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of PNP Lanao del Sur. The voting time of the elections started at around 5:00 A.M and ended at 7:00 P.M.. Voting machines in trouble which will not functioning has been replaced immediately because there are few spares voting machines readily available. Atty. Mutia said that the voting machines are using starlink internet signal to process voting results. 

Mutia said, the voting results will be processed through the Consolidating Cavass System (CCS) and will be transferred and submitted in just 3 minutes from voting precincts in the municipalities to the Provincial COMELEC Board. The winning candidates in the province, especially the winning Districting candidates will be proclaimed by the Provincial Board of Canvassers.

In addition, all results of the CCS from the Provincial Board will be submitted to the Regional Board of canvassers for consolidation of the results, especially the voting results casted of the Regional parties and sectoral candidates will depend on the computation results of the Provincial Board of canvassers.

Other guests attended the said event were coming from the Philippine National Police (PNP), PCol Caesar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director, PNP Lanao del Sur, and PBGen Jemuel F. Siason, Deputy Regional Director for Administration, PNP BARMM. 

PBGen Jemuel F. Siason, Deputy Regional Director for  Administration, PNP BARMM

PBGen Siason said that Cotabato is under COMELEC control, including the municipality of Maluso, Basilan. He said, the PNP BARMM provides maximum security in the region under the supervision of the COMELEC to maintain peace and order, to secure the BARMM Parliamentary Elections under the COMELEC supervision to provide security together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP. In related development about the issues and concerns of the election is to share information updating the situation of the conduct of the First BARMM Parliamentary elections held September 14, 2026, and another issues was about the peace and security situation in the region.

Atty Mutia said that the conduct of Parliamentary elections in BARMM, especially in Lanao del Sur during the day was very peaceful without untoward incidence and violence.

There are about 2.39 million voters to cast their votes in the first BARMM Parliamentary election. Generally, as information gathered, there are a total of 80 seats to be elected in the BARMM Parliament, 40 seats are coming from the Regional Party, 32 seats are coming from District representatives , and Eight (8) seats are coming from sectoral representatives. 

 

The Partial results of the elections Regional parties, with which the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) garnered 16 seats, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) garnered 15 seats, the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) garnered Eight (8) seats and One (1) seat coming from BPDP/RAAYAT Party. 

In the BARMM districting election partial results with 10 seats coming from UBJP, 13 seats from BFP, Six (6) seats from BGC, One (1) seat from PRO Bangsamoro Party, One (1) seat from ITIHAD Party, and One (1) seat coming from Independent.

Election results from sectoral representatives garnered Six (6) seats from UBJP representing the settlers community, Women, Youth, Ulama and Traditional leader, and Two (2) seats from the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) sector. All the results of the elections still on partial situation. Final election results will be declared by the Regional Commission in the next few days. 

 

During the day of the election, there was a shootout happened in Cotabato City with three (3) dead and 15 wounded due to rivalry of political supporters of UBJP and BFP in Datu Usman Mampen school site in Barangay Bagua 2, Cotabato City. The commotion happened outside the school on the eve of the elections.

 

Another one (1) person died and three (3) others wounded after violence erupted at the pilot Central Elementary School in Cotabato City. COMELEC Chairman Atty. George Erwin Garcia is hoping for about 65%-70% voters turnout in BARMM polls.  

 

In recent development, the Commission shared information regarding the tension in the municipality of Al-Barka, Basilan due to the incident involving the MILF and other partisan groups, while in the municipality of Maluso, Basilan considered that their was a poll fraud of having pre-shaded ballots composed of 36 ballot boxes invalidated, the main reason to reprint another ballots in the National printing office in Quezon City and brought on its way to Basilan at around 3:00 P.M. on the same day. 

 

COMELEC Chairman Garcia, decided to move the ending of the voting time in the aforementioned place of Basilan for two (2) hours from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on the same day of the election. A total of 16,563 official ballots of the 36 polling precincts were pre-shaded prompting the commission to reprint new ballots again for a votation.

 

In another recent development, COMELEC Chairman Garcia, released a statement with regards to the BARMM Parliamentary Elections (BPE) recorded the highest voters turnout at 84.34 percent represents a total of 2,018,478 voters cast their votes who participated in the BPE elections with a total registered voters at 2,393,202. (Presscon; Press release; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist)

Inflation Report: Highlighting the CPI (2018=100) in the City of Iligan and Province of Lanao del Norte for the month of August 2026

 

By Jun Enriquez

ILIGAN CITY (September 14, 2026) - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) of Lanao del Norte based in Iligan City shared information updating the Inflation Report highlighting the Consumers Price Index (CPI) in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. This information was shared by the PSA information office headed by Ms. Brenda Lynn M. Castro, Officer-in-Charge (OIC).

Consumers Price Index in Iligan City

Iligan City’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August 2026 was recorded at 134.9. This implies that, on average, the prices of goods and services commonly purchased by consumers were 34.9 percent higher compared with their price levels in the 2018 base year.

The CPI is an indicator that measures changes over time in the average retail prices that represents basket of goods and services.

Among the commodity groups, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco recorded the highest CPI in August 2026 at 166.2, followed by Transport at 150.4 and Financial Services at 145.9. Meanwhile, the commodity groups with the lowest CPI in August 2026 were Information and Communication at 102.0, Clothing and Footwear at 115.9, and Recreation, Sport, and Culture at 118.3.

On August 2026 inflation rate of Iligan City increased to 8.2 percent from 7.9 percent in July 2026, marking a 0.3 percentage-point acceleration. Moreover, it remained significantly higher than the 0.2 percent inflation rate posted in August 2025. This indicates that the prices of goods and services continued to increase at a higher rate compared with the same month of the previous year.

Main Drivers to the Uptrend of the Overall Inflation

The acceleration in the August 2026 inflation was primarily driven by faster increases in the inflation rates of several major commodity groups. Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels recorded the highest inflation rate at 18.0 percent, higher by 1.2 percentage points from 16.8 percent in July 2026. This was followed by Transport, which posted an inflation rate of 17.8 percent, up by 1.4 percentage points from 16.4 percent in the previous month. 

The upward trend in August 2026 inflation was also influenced by the faster annual increase in the index of Restaurants and Accommodation Services, which rose to 1.4 percent from 1.2 percent in July 2026.

On the other hand, slower increases in the indices were observed in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages; Information and Communication; and Recreation, Sport, and Culture, which limited the acceleration in the August 2026 inflation.

Meanwhile, the indices of the remaining commodity groups remained at their previous month’s annual rates.

Main Contributors to Overall Inflation

The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels commodity group remained the largest contributor to the August 2026 inflation, accounting for 44.9 percent or 3.68 percentage points of the overall inflation. The higher inflation in this commodity group was primarily attributed to the prices in Actual Rentals for Housing.

This was followed by Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, which accounted for 23.0 percent or 1.89 percentage points of the overall inflation. The higher inflation in this commodity group was primarily influenced by the Cereals and cereal products, particularly Rice.

The Transport commodity group ranked as the third largest contributor, accounting for 17.1 percent or 1.40 percentage points of the overall inflation. The higher inflation in this commodity group was largely driven by the prices of Fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment, particularly Gasoline.

Collectively, these three commodity groups accounted for 85.0 percent or 6.97 percentage points of the 8.2 percent overall inflation in August 2026, indicating that they were the major sources of price movements during the month.

Food Inflation

Food inflation in Iligan City slowed to 4.3 percent in August 2026 from 4.8 percent in the previous month. In August 2025, food inflation recorded an annual decrease of 0.8 percent.

Main Contributors to Food Inflation

The top three food groups in terms of contribution to the food inflation during the month were the following:

a. Cereals and cereal products, which include rice, corn, flour, bread and other bakery products, pasta products, and other cereals, with 111.7 percent share or 4.80 percentage points;

b. Fish and other seafood with a share of 10.6 percent or 0.46 percentage point; and

c. Ready-made food and other food products not elsewhere classified, with a share of 6.1 percent or 0.26 percentage point.

Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP)

The Purchasing Power of the Peso (PPP) measures the value of the peso in the current period relative to 2018, the base year. It reflects the amount of goods and services that one peso can purchase over time.

In August 2026, the purchasing power of the peso (PPP) in Iligan City was recorded at 0.74. This indicates that an amount of ₱100.00 in the base year 2018 is equivalent to only ₱74.00 worth of goods and services in August 2026. This reflects a decline in the real value of the peso over time.

Consumer Price Index in Lanao del Norte

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Lanao del Norte was recorded at 133.7 in August 2026, indicating that the average price level of a fixed basket of goods and services increased by 33.7 percent compared with the 2018 base year.

The CPI is an indicator used to measure changes over time in the average retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by consumers. The CPI of Lanao del Norte for August 2025 and August 2026, with 2018 as the base year. 

Among the commodity groups, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco recorded the highest Consumer Price Index (CPI) in August 2026 at 177.0, followed by Transport at 163.5, and Financial Services at 146.0. In contrast, the lowest CPI levels were observed in information and Communication at 109.5, Education Services at 110.3, and Clothing and Footwear at 126.4.

Overall Inflation

The inflation rate in August 2026 accelerated to 8.5 percent from 8.3 percent in July 2026, or an increase of 0.2 percentage point. This was significantly higher than the -2.1 percent inflation rate recorded in August 2025, indicating a substantial acceleration in the annual increase in consumer prices.

Main Drivers to the Upward Trend of the Overall Inflation

The acceleration in the headline inflation in August 2026 was primarily attributed to the faster annual increase in the Transport index, which registered an inflation rate of 23.2 percent, up from 21.4 percent in July 2026. 

Also contributing to the uptrend in inflation in Lanao del Norte was the faster annual increase in the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels index, which registered an inflation rate of 11.9 percent in August 2026, up from 11.3 percent in July 2026.

On the other hand, slower annual increases in the indices were observed in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Clothing and Footwear; Health, Recreation, Sport and Culture, Restaurants and Accommodation Services and Personal Care and Miscellaneous Goods and Services.

Meanwhile, the indices of the remaining commodity groups remained at their previous month’s annual rates.

Main Contributors to Overall Inflation

The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages commodity group remained the primary driver of the August 2026 inflation, contributing 43.7 percent or 3.72 percentage points to the overall inflation rate. The increase was largely attributed to Cereals and cereal products, which registered the largest contribution within the commodity group.yhg54

This was followed by Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, which accounted for 22.8 percent or 1.94 percentage points of the overall inflation. The increase in this commodity group was primarily influenced by Actual Rentals for Housing.

The Transport commodity group ranked as the third largest contributor, accounting for 18.4 percent or 1.56 percentage points of overall inflation. The increase was largely driven by the prices of Fuels and lubricants.

Collectively, these three commodity groups contributed 84.9 percent, or 7.22 percentage points, to the overall 8.5 percent inflation rate in August 2026, indicating that they were the major contributors to the province's inflation during the month.

Food Inflation

Food inflation in Lanao del Norte eased to 7.4 percent in August 2026 from the recorded 7.5 percent inflation in July 2026. In August 2025, food inflation recorded an annual decrease of 4.7 percent.

The top three food groups in terms of contribution to the food inflation during the month were the following:

a. Cereals and cereal products, which include rice, corn, flour, bread and other bakery products, pasta products, and other cereals, with 85.0 percent share or 6.29 percentage points;

b. Fish and other seafood with a share of 9.5 percent or 0.71 percentage point; and

c. Ready-made food and other food products not elsewhere classified with a share of 4.8 percent or 0.35 percentage point.

Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP)

The Purchasing Power of the Peso (PPP) measures the value of the peso in the current period relative to the 2018 base year, indicating the quantity of goods and services that one peso can purchase over time.

In August 2026, the PPP in Lanao del Norte was estimated at ₱ 0.75, implying that an amount of ₱100.00 in 2018 would have the equivalent purchasing capacity of only 75.0 percent in August 2026. (PSA Special Releaese; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist) 

Why the world cannot normalize the killing of those who help

On World Humanitarian Day, Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, call for stronger action to protect humanitarian personnel and preserve the space for humanitarian work.

 

By Jun Enriquez  

ICRC (19 August 2026) - On World Humanitarian Day, we rightly celebrate the courage of humanitarian workers and volunteers. But honouring their bravery and commitment while aid workers are being killed in record numbers is not enough.

So far this year, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has mourned 12 colleagues killed in violence-related incidents while carrying out their work. Last year, that number stood at 24.

We must not allow the targeting of aid workers to become normalized. Today there is a real risk that the world comes to accept that humanitarian personnel will be attacked, injured or killed as “part of the job” or an inevitable feature of today’s crises.

The answer cannot be to ask our colleagues to be braver. The answer must be to make it possible for them to do their jobs safely.

 

The reality on the ground

Every day, somewhere in the world, a humanitarian worker sets out knowing they may not return home. They are medics, drivers, engineers and volunteers. Their courage is extraordinary. But courage does not stop bullets or guarantee safe passage.

The risks are also becoming harder to navigate. In an increasingly polarized environment, facts are contested, trust is fragile and falsehoods spread quickly. Political leaders, public figures, media and online platforms all shape the environment in which humanitarian action takes place.

Rhetoric that dehumanizes humanitarian workers, casts suspicion on impartial assistance or erodes trust in the emblems can make already dangerous work even more dangerous. Harmful information campaigns deliberately targeted at aid workers often do not remain online. They can have real-world consequences in terms of the danger and hostility our teams face while carrying out their work.

 

Protection requires action

The safety of our colleagues depends on governments and parties to armed conflicts upholding their obligations under international humanitarian law. We are encouraged that 122 states have signed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, and are hopeful that this renewed commitment will translate into concrete measures to strengthen the safety and security of aid workers.

Expressions of support for humanitarian workers matter, but words must be matched by decisions from those with power and influence to uphold the rules, defend the space for humanitarian action and make choices that allow aid workers to reach people and return home.

Protecting humanitarian personnel is not a favour to our organizations. It is an obligation and, more importantly, a lifeline for every person who will one day depend on an ambulance that arrives, a volunteer who stays or an aid worker who is able to reach them because the world has preserved the space to do so safely. (ICRC Press release; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalism)

KAPWD controversy with the LGU Kapatagan in worst case scenario

 

    

By Jun Enriquez

KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE (August 20, 2026) - The Kapatagan Water District (KAPWD) has been a water supply service since 1989, a Government-owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) created under Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended. Mr. Clair Grebern U. Elumir nicknamed "Khankhan" is the General Manager (GM) of KAPWD. He was the acting GM in 2017 and became the permanent GM position in 2019. There are about 7,000 water consumers of KAPWD  which have 5,000 consumers in Kapatagan and 2,000 consumers in Maranding, Lala in the province of Lanao del Norte.

GM Elumir said that the KAPWD served the water consumers to address the problems on 24/7 per day. The emerging challenge is to remove him from his position as GM of KAPWD by the LGU of Kapatagan but he is countering the challenges by filing a case to the Ombudsman against the responsible LGU officials. In his affidavit, GM Elumir, Complainant of the case against herein-mentioned respondents conspiring, confederating and mutually helping one another in committing the offenses of Grave misconduct, oppression, grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest against him, employees and concessioners of KAPWD.

Mr. Clair Grebern U, Elumir, Gen. Mgr of KAPWD

In his affidavit, the respondents of the case are, Firstly, the Municipal Mayor Beth Baguio-Ali, the local Chief Executive of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, whose power of appointment over Water District Directors is strictly confined by Section 9 and 12 of P.D. 198; Secondly, the Municipal Vice Mayor Barry Barry Y. Baguio, Presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte; Thirdly, Meralyn Rosales, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager; and lastly, Fourth, Vergie Juliata, Administrative Aide IV of LGU Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, who are the respondents of the case. GM Elumir filed the said complaint in official capacity as General Manager of KAPWD to protect the corporate autonomy, assets, and service delivery of KAPWD against illegal local executive encroachment.

In addition, Mayor Beth Baguio-Ali is the daughter of Vice Mayor Barry Baguio, living in one roof in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. GM Elumir is politically motivated to terminate a certain Nick Reyes KAPWD employee without any basis. Nick Reyes is the brother of Annalyn Reyes-Dimaporo, the political opponent of Mayor Beth Baguio-Ali in 2025 elections with a margin of 161 votes of winning the elections as Mayor. GM Elumir will be held liable for violation of the civil service rules if he will terminate Nick Reyes. He was informed by the KAPWD Board of Directors that they were summoned several times to the house of Mayor Beth and Vice Mayor Barry to remove him (GM Elumir) as General Manager of KAPWD, but the BOD suggested to Vice Mayor Barry Baguio to hold talks with GM Elumir for the misunderstanding to settle the matter. Vice Mayor Barry Baguio is the first cousin of GM Elumir.

In another instance, Mayor Beth Baguio-Ali raised the matters related to the May 2025 elections expressed her political issues directly to GM Elumir for the lack of support in her electoral campaign. It is understood as a clear indication that his continued tenure as GM depended not upon his performance, qualifications or compliance with law, but upon the perception on political loyalty and personal relationships with the respondents.

In view to this, GM Elumir filed his complaint to the Ombudsman against the respondents for Grave Abuse of Authority for their acts of conspiring to arbitrarily remove him without cause in order that the respondents will take over the operation of KAPWD. The KAPWD is composed of 5 Board of Directors (BOD) but 1 seat is vacant, due to the resignation of Dir. Jocelyn N. Orlanes, representing the Business sector, prompting the BOD  Secretary to initiate the prescribe nomination process of a new BOD representing Business sector.

KAPWD Building Office Oprations

In accordance with LWUA rules, four (4) business organizations submitted their nomination to the BOD Secretary, namely, the first nominee is Mr. Josito D. Ababa, nominated by the (1) Makabasakpa Irrigators Association, Inc., (2) AIMCOOP Micro-Unit 2, and (3) The Kapatagan Market Vendors Association. The second nominee is Ms. Buenalita Rañises, Business sector nominee by the (4) Lanao Chamber of Commerce, nominated by one of the Sangguniang Bayan member of LGU Kapatagan, Hon. Claire Joy V. Te. As per the KAPWD Board Secretariat’s Summary report of nominations, she (Rañises) failed to provide and submit copies of mandatory proof, such as DTI registration, Business permit, BIR certificate of Registration.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) requires the 4 members of the BOD to vacate their seats to resign. In addition, the LGU resumes the BOD membership with the same persons to assume their vacated seats together with the new member to fill-up the vacant seat representing the business sector. The four (4) members of the BOD are Dir. Romulo R. Insoy (Civic sector), Dir. Josephine J. Lerasan (Women secotr), Dir. Manolito B. Pactol (Professional sector), and Dir. Rolando M. Mocorro (Education sector). The BODs informed GM Elumir that they were just forced to sign the resignation letter presented to them by Mayor Beth and Vice Mayor Barry, but they have no intention to resign.

In response, The four (4) BOD members of KAPWD reiterated that they later executed a “Joint Manifestation of Withdrawal and Revocation of Purported Resignation” dated April 15, 2026 submitted to the LWUA national office in Quezon City, Manila. The BODs were instructed by the LGU not to attend meeting on April 17, 2026. The scheduled meeting did not push through due to the absence of the BODs.

GM Elumir received the resignation letters of the BODs from the office of the Mayor. Likewise, he sent a letter to Mayor Beth Baguio-Ali that the resignation letters of the BODs cannot be acted upon but still to be reviewed by the LWUA and the KAPWD. They will continue to function as BOD representing their sector with one (1 ) vacant seat representing the business sector. As recommended by the LGU, a certain Ms. Buenalita Rañises, was a nominee of Business sector but disqualified and changed her nomination of appointment to the Education sector to replace Dir. Mocorro was transferred to the Business sector but was not acted upon by the LWUA. In addition, GM Elumir emphasized that on June 3, 2026, LWUA was officially confirmed the appointment of Mr. Josito D. Ababa as a member of the BOD of KAPWD, representing the Business sector.

On June 24, 2026, Vice Mayor Barry Baguio, chairman of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), invited the KAPWD regarding a hand written petition entitled “Sulat Hangyo” opposing the Maranding Annex Deep Well, which is part of the service area of KAPWD. However, upon verification with Barangay Chairperson Pedrito Sombrino of Maranding, Kapatagan, he denied that there was a complaint/grievance filed at the Barangay Level regarding the operation of the Maranding Annex Deep well as contained in the “Sulat Hangyo”. 

The KAPWD organized a Pre-consultative dialogue scheduled on June 26, 2026. One day before the scheduled dialogue to discuss the petition, notices were personally served to the petitioners, including Barangay Captain Sombrino by KAPWD employee through Mr. Zoren Balili, former councilor and resident of Barangay Maranding, acquainted and identified all individuals who signed the petition. However, No single petitioner who signed the “Sulat Hangyo”attended the dialogue. It causes altercations to some individuals pros and cons of the petition “Sulat Hangyo” signed by 18 petitioners. Therefore, there were about 11 petitioners of the “Sulat Hangyo” who retracted their petition because they don’t know the reasons behind such a petition. In addition, another one signatory of the petition retracted her position unknowingly the reasons behind the said petition that will cause her health in unstable conditions physically and mentally. 

During the Regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, dated June 29, 2026, the BOD members of KAPWD were invited to attend the SB session but in response they did not showed-up during the session.  

A certain Mr. Albert Esguerra, a Barangay Councilor of Maranding, circulated the Petition “Sulat Hangyo” to sign the petition written in the yellow paper and requested the residents to sign it without explaination. Councilor Esguerra admissibly stated to circulate the petition for signing under the instruction of the Mayor.

GM Elumir inquired Dir. Pactol (Professional sector) regarding the voluntariness and true intent behind his resignation. Dir. Pactol openly disclosed that it was his daughter’s decision to file a resignation letter on his behalf, Monet Pactol, an employee of Kapatagan LGU under the supervision of Engr. Jerick D. Orlanes, who signed the nomination paper for Manuel F. Sabillo to replace Dir. Pactol is invalid based on the KAPWD declaration of vacancy based on the PD 198 and LWUA Memorandum circular No. 005-16.  Other forced resignations and nominations by the LGU are invalid to replace the incumbent BODs based on laws, rules and regulations.

GM Elumir sent demand letter to obtained certified copies of documents from the Office of the Secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan concerning the Notice of Termination of the Bulk Water Supply Contract of Kidalos Water Treatment Facility was signed electronically by Mayor Bet Baguio-Ali, affecting the interruption of water supply to thousands of KAPWD concessioners for approximately 10 days. However, there was no SB Resolution authorizing the Mayor to terminate the contract, only the copies of the minutes of SB Regular Session dated March 16, 2026 was received by the KAPWD GM. This indicates the termination was only discuss more than a month after the Mayor already unilaterally terminated the contract, an evidence further disregard the legal procedure and abuse of power that affects thousands of water concessioners disconnected with water supply. The Termination of Contract and minutes of Regular session are attached as evident documents of the case filed in the Ombudsman.

In another concerning issues, the LGU of Kapatagan excluded entirely the KAPWD in participating the 77^th Araw ng Kapatagan Celebration dated July 8, 2026. In previous years, the KAPWD officially participated actively the celebration that includes sports, health services, local civic organizations, cultural, athletic events and exclusion from the civic parade. This situation constitutes acts of Oppression and Harassment under the Civil Service rules and administrative law under P.D. 198.

Accordingly, GM Elumir respectfully submits that PD No. 198 does not expressly vest upon the appointing authority the power to accept the resignation of an incumbent Director or to declare such resignation effective. Mayor Beth Baguio-Ali issued and caused the delivery of three (3) letters accepting their irrevocable resignation addressed to Director Rolando M. Mocorro of the Education sector; Director Manolito B. Pactol of the Professional sector, and Director Josephine J. Lerasan representing the women sector, without any  legal basis. However, the legal significance of the Mayor’s acceptance letters respectfully submitted for determination by the office of the KAPWD.  The BODs of KAPWD convened on July 7, 2026 and decided  to place the nomination in abeyance pending legal guidance from LWUA.

Due to this effect, GM Elumir filed a case of Forum Shopping to the Ombudsman based in Davao City, to protect his dignity and BDOs responsibilities of legitimate services to supply water effectively to water consumers in Kapatagan with 5,000 concessionaires and in Maranding, Lala with 2,000 concessionaires with a total of 7,000 concessioners under the Kapatagan Water District, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

GM Elumir said that pursuant on Section 4 of RA No. 6770, respectfully submitted evidences of filing a complaint against the respondents, Mayor Beth Baguio-Ali, Vice Mayor Barry Baguio; Meralyn Rosales, Manager, Public Employment Service Office (PESO); Vergie Juliata, Administrative Aide IV, all of Kapatagan LGU, who are the respondents of the case which charges of grave misconduct, oppression, grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service to be ordered dismissal from the public service. (Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist)