ICC Dispatch - Thursday, December 18, 2008

PGMA surprise visit amazed vendors

ICC Cotabato City (18 December) - People of Cotabato City and nearby areas were surprised to the unannounced visit of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday, Dec. 17.

President Arroyo was met at the Awang by military, PNP, and civilian officials led by 6th Infantry Division Commanding General Raymundo Ferrer and Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin upon her arrival at 9:00 AM.

From the airport President Arroyo and her party motored to Cotabato City and proceeded to the City Mega Market. The President was delighted to see the cheap prices of rice and other basic commodities sold at the Mega Market where she was also met by surprised vendors who couldn’t believe to see their President in person.

“Ang ganda ni Presidente, hindi ko akalain na Makita ko siya nang personal at dalawin kaming mga mahihirap na vendors ditto,” Aminah, an ambulant vendor exclaimed as she got to see the President up close.

As the President and her convoy toured the main hub of city, she was also amazed to see the proliferation of big buildings and business establishments in downtown Cotabato City.

To her delight, President Arroyo urged the Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema as well as other city official to make Cotabato into industrialized city.

The President’s surprise visit it was learned, was in fulfillment to her promise earlier made that she will her visit to the city despite her hectic schedule. (CLC/PIA Cotabato City)


PGMA gives recognition to a “backyard business” that has grown into a multi-million enterprise

ILIGAN CITY – President Gloria Macagagal-Arroyo will be the guest of honor at the inauguration on Friday of Green Gold Gourmet Corporation's (GGGC) food processing plant here that was constructed to address the growing demand for the company's unique and innovative food products.

The President will join local government officials and members of the business community in cutting the ribbon formally opening the GGGC's food processing plant in Barangay Puga-an, this province.

Completed in October 2008, the 1,184-sq.m. factory building that sits on a 4,292-sq. m. lot can produce 10,000 bottles of Suka Pinakurat a day, more than double the capacity of the original GGGC plant in Pala-o, also in Iligan City.

The GGGC produces three kinds of Suka Pinakurat – the sweet vinegar with soy sauce called Kuratsoy, the hot spicy vinegar called Way Kurat, and the chilli garlic sauce Chigar. The company also produces garlic chips and shrimp paste (Naprik bagoong).

The GGGC products are sold in key cities of Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and other areas of Mindanao and Visayas. Distribution centers in Metro Manila and in some areas in Luzon have also been established.

GGGC's products have long been a favourite "padala" for Filipinos with relatives abroad. Recently, export consolidators have made GGGC products available in some Filipino stores in the United States, Canada and Australia.

GGGC -- a 100-percent Filipino-owned family business -- is the brainchild of Rene del Rosario, the inventor of "Suka Pinakurat," a spicy vinegar made from pure fermented coconut nectar and spices that are native to the farmlands of Iligan.

Started in 2000 as a "backyard business" of the del Rosarios in their residence in Pala-o, Iligan City, GGGC has grown into a multi-million-peso business of a hardworking Filipino family that believes in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s advocacy of providing livelihood and job opportunities for the people.

As of today, GGGC employs close to 200 residents of Puga-an and nearby barangays who work for the company as “managguetes” (gatherers of sap from coconut or palm trees), spice and chili farmers, and junk bottle and carton box gatherers.

ICC Dispatch - Wednesday, December 17, 2008

EU Heads of Mission interact with Maguindanao IDPs

ICC Cotabato City (16 December) - Gearing to implement its longer-term rehabilitation assistance to help civilian victims of the recent armed conflict in Mindanao, a number of European Union (EU) Heads of Mission arrived in Cotabato City for a 2-day visit to evacuation centers in Maguindanao.

Upon arrival on December 15, the EU officials conferred with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for updates and status of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The EU Mission, led by Ambassador Alistair MacDonald, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines had likewise a breakfast meeting with the Bangsamoro Development Authority (BDA) before their departure for a Datu Piang, barangay Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Mamasapano in Maguindanao Province.

The Mission would likewise witness the food distribution to the IDPs by the World Food Programme (WFP).

Aside from Ambassador MacDonald, other members of EU Mission include H.E Rubens Fedele of Italy, H.E Christian Ludwing Weber Lortsch of Germany, H.E. Peter Beckingham of the United Kingdom, H.E. Heiki Hannikainen of Finland, H.E Luis Arias of Spain, H.E. Valeriu Gheorghe of Ramania, Mr. Didier Ortolland of France and EU Presidency, Anita van Hear-Conijin of the Netherlands, Mr. Florian Brandi of Austria, Mr. Jan Janda of Czech Republic, Nikolaos Verghis of Greece, Isabelle Epaillard-French Scientific Attache, Steven Malmberg-Swedish Political Affairs Minister, David Verboom and Maria Olsen of the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), Camilla Hagstrom, Carol Maningo, Emily Mercado and Thelma Gecolea of the European Commission.

Contingent from the World Food Programme (WFP) include Stephen Anderson, Wurie Alghassim, Pia Facultad, Harold Clavite and MIKE Argonza. (PBC/PIA Cotabato City)


Army overruns MILF camp in Sarangani

MAITUM, Sarangani (16 December 2008) – Army troops from the 28th Infantry Battalion have overrun a camp of lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front group (LMG) following a chance encounter in thehinterland barangay of Tuanadatu, a military official said today.

"There are undetermined casualties on the enemy side," said Lt. Col. Ferdinand Lazaro Budeng, commander of the 28th Infantry Battalion. "No casualty was reported on the military side."

The captured LMG camp has bunkers, Lt. Col Budeng said in a report.

The skirmish erupted yesterday when operating troops of 28IB under 1Lt. Maduli encountered more or less 40 LMGs at Tuanadatu.

Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett said that "due to information of LMG movement in and into Maitum, high alert was put into effect. Intensive patrolling was conducted by the AFP, wherein they had a chanceencounter with LMGs."

"Due to the efficient operations of the 28IB under Lt. Col. Budeng, the LMGs were overpowered causing them to retreat," the mayor added.

Barangay Tuanadatu, Maitum's farthest village, lies at the hinterland boundary of Sarangani province with South Cotabato.

The military continues its hot pursuit on the enemy who retreated towards poblacion Tuanadatu, the military report said.

Security forces in MAKIMA area (Maitum-Kiamba-Maasim) have been placed on high alert.

Early this month, Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon, 73rd Infantry Battalion commander, escorted to Maitum the new armed force in the area under Lt. Col. Budeng whose battalion covers the Maitum-Palimbang (Sultan Kudarat) area while Lt. Col. de Leon handles Kiamba and Maasim. (Sarangani Info Office/PIA12)

ICC Dispatch - Monday, December 15, 2008

European Union Heads of Mission to Mindanao from 15 to 17 December

ICC Cotabato City (15 December) - A group of European Union Ambassadors will visit Mindanao from 15 to 17 December, to see how EC assistance for the civilian victims of the conflict in Mindanao is being implemented. The group will include , Ambassadors Heikki Hannikainen (Finland), Christian Ludwig Weber-Lortsch (Germany), Rubens Fedele (Italy), Valeriu Gheorghe (Romania) , Luis Arias (Spain), Peter Beckingham (United Kingdom), and ) Alistair MacDonald (European Commission), as well as French Chargé d'Affaires Didier Ortolland, representing the EU Presidency. Colleagues from the Austrian, Czech, Dutch, Greek and Swedish Embassies will also take part, together with officials from the World Food Programme, led by Mr. Stephen Anderson, Country Director, and from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, led by Undersecretary Celia Yangco and Assistant Secretary Ruel Lucentales.

The group will meet with local government officials and civil society organizations and NGOs involved in peace and development in Cotabato City, Maguindanao, South Cotabato and Saranggani. The group will also visit a number of evacuation centers in Maguindanao, where assistance provided by the EC is being implemented.

The Ambassadors' visit recalls the statement issued by the European Union on 15 September, which expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Mindanao, and the growing number of civilian casualties and displaced persons. It particularly condemned the indiscriminate killing of civilians and called for those responsible to face the due process of law.

The EU statement underlined that the conflict in Mindanao can only be resolved through dialogue and called upon all parties to show restraint and genuine respect for the rule of law. The European Union urged the government of the Philippines and the MILF, who both have invested heavily in the peace process, to agree to an early return to negotiating table in order to seek a lasting solution to the conflict.

In October 2008, the European Commission agreed to provide € 7.0 million (approx PhP 440 million, at current exchange rates) to help civilian victims of the conflict in Mindanao. The assistance is used to cover emergency food distribution, drinking water and additional sanitation facilities, non-food relief items, basic shelter assistance, health care and psycho-social support, emergency support to livelihood rehabilitation and protection. Over the last decade, and including this latest assistance, the EC has now provided some € 33.0 million in assistance to persons displaced by conflict in Mindanao (including some €12.0 million in humanitarian assistance, and €21.0 million for longer-term rehabilitation) . Other EC assistance for Mindanao (development assistance, excluding purely humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation assistance) has amounted to some € 93.0 million (approx Php 6.2 billion) over the last two decades.

Taken together, the EC's humanitarian, rehabilitation and development assistance for Mindanao thus amounts to € 126.0 million (approx PhP 7.9 billion) over the last two decades. This figure does not include the assistance provided by individual EU Member States, several of whom have also contributed substantially to the development of Mindanao. (EU/PIA12)


UN officials urge local authorities in Central Mindanao to ensure uninterrupted schooling of child evacuees

ICC General Santos City (15 December) - Officials of the United Nations (UN) urged local authorities in Central Mindanao to make sure that children evacuees have an “uninterrupted” education.

Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy, special representative of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for Children in Armed Conflict (CIAC) led the delegation of UN officials from New York and those from the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) based in Manila.

The team visited Cotabato City and Maguindanao over the weekend to see the plight of children in evacuation centers.

She said authorities must find means to make sure that child evacuees are able to study like other normal school children even inside evacuation centers.

UN officials were worried about the plight of child evacuees in conflict areas in Central Mindanao as fights between government troops and the lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front group (LMG) continue to disrupt the life of the people in the area, thus, affecting hundreds of children.

Coomaraswamy said that UN endeavors to “bring peace” so that children in conflict areas may be able “to live a truly good life.”

Datu Gumbay Piang Elementary School, one of the schools visited by UN officials has become temporary shelter of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) after renewed fighting erupted in North Cotabato and Maguindanao in August as a result of the failed signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).

Record showed that at least 600 families have considered the school compound as temporary safe haven for their children.
Badria Kamaong Uy-Andamen, a former teacher and executive director of the Bureau of Cultural Heritage of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) expressed hope that one day peace shall be restored in the area. (PIA SarGen)


News Feature: Renegades’ Jihad Sabotages Peace, Adds to Suffering of South

ICC General Santos City (15 December) - Nine-year-old Rakma tried unsuccessfully to soothe her baby sister, restless on a makeshift hammock. Rakma’s other sisters were guarding the family’s meager possessions, heaped on the muddy ground of an evacuation camp in North Cotabato. Rakma is among the thousands who fled the mixed Muslim-Christian hamlet of Takepan after renegades from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front invaded the area.

The rogue MILF fighters invaded southern Philippine villages in early August to protest the stalled peace deal between the MILF and the government. The MILF had agreed to stop its war in exchange for expanded autonomy for Muslim areas on the island of Mindanao. The deal, initialed by both sides in June, stalled because of legal questions. Some Philippine lawmakers challenged the pact’s constitutionality, with claims that the law of the land barred creating an independent state within the state. The Supreme Court ordered the government to argue the merits of the peace pact. In other words, the peace agreement was not dead but merely under legal review.

Influenced by the anti-democratic bias of allied terrorists like the Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah, some MILF fighters spurned waiting for democratic legalities. Proving their terrorist leanings, they simply lashed out. Not only did they occupy North Cotabato villages in mid-August but later in the month, they also went on the rampage in 6 Lanao del Norte villages. About 40 civilians died in those attacks. Some were hacked to death with machetes. The rebels took hostages, looted property and burned homes to the ground.

Although most of the victims were Christians, Muslim villagers also suffered at the hands of the MILF renegades. Muslims certainly numbered among the civilians uprooted by the MILF violence.

Not surprisingly, Philippine Muslims denounced the attacks. Adel Tamano, a Muslim scholar and lawyer, called the rampage by MILF rebels “immoral, un-Islamic and un-Christian.”

He worries that the actions of a few Muslim extremists will blacken the name of all Philippine Moros. Tamano said, “The vast majority of Filipino Muslims are law-abiding citizens who want nothing more than to find decent jobs and education for their children.”

Those modest goals, along with the prospects for a lasting peace, have been set back by the violence committed by MILF renegades. The MILF leadership has distanced itself from the two rebel commanders responsible for the attacks. But that does not help the dozens of civilians killed or the thousands uprooted by the violence and facing even more hardship, after decades of economic malaise in the south. (MW/PIA SarGen)

ICC Dispatch - Thursday, December 11, 2008

PGMA to observe palay trading in Shariff Kabunsuan

SHARIFF KABUNSUAN— President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will witness the setting up of mobile palay buying stations here tomorrow in line with her administration’s program to ensure the stable supply of rice in the province.

Upon her arrival at the town of Sultan Mastura here, the President will observe the trading of palay between the farmers and the National Food Authority at the buying station of the municipality.

The President will be welcomed here by ARRM Regional Vice Governor Ansaruddin Adiong, Sultan Mastura Mayor Datu Armando Mastura, Shariff Kabunsuan Acting Gov. Ibrahim IIbay and Rep. Didagen Dilangalen .

The NFA is buying clean and dry palay with 14 percent moisture content and a minimum of 95 percent purity at P17 per kilogram.The agency is also granting an additional incentive of P1,800 to farmers for every 50 bags of 50 kilograms of palay sold to said office.

As a Christmas tradition, the President will also lead the distribution of farm production inputs and food packs for the indigent families. The farm production inputs will include 50 bags of assorted vegetable seeds and one flat bed dryer.

The Chief Executive will also distribute some 5,000 Christmas food packs to qualified beneficiaries under her “Pamaskong Handog Program” of the President.

“Malaking karangalan sa amin na madalaw ng Pangulo at mabigyan ng tulong ang mga mamamayan dito, lalo na ang mga mahihirap,” Mayor Mastura said.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will also conduct a medical and dental mission in the province under the Peoples Government Mobile Action (PGMA) and “Serbisyo Muna” program.


Children in evacuation centers at Datu Piang receive anti-measles immunization

Cotabato City – Hundreds of children in the evacuation centers at Datu Piang town in Maguindanao province received immunization conducted recently by the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM).

DOH-ARMM in coordination with the Maguindanao Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), rural health workers and Datu Piang municipal government conducted anti-measles mass immunization in said evacuation centers.

Maguindanao provincial health officer Dr. Elizabeth Samama said, the conduct of the latest mass immunization is over and above the department’s regular immunization programs in the region.

Rural health workers regularly visit and monitor the health situation and living condition of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) especially women and children at the evacuation centers, Samama said.

Since the conflict started, Samama said, five children at the evacuation centers have died of measles due to congestion and unhealthy environment and poor sanitation.

Those who need medical attention are immediately confined and isolated at nearby rural hospitals and clinics, she said.

She stressed that while rural health workers are directed to conduct regular camp visitation and to submit observation reports, they also conduct advocacy campaign on cleanliness and sanitation, proper waste disposal and personal hygiene among the IDPs.

DOH-ARMM, she added, targets to immunize some 20,000 children in the autonomous region this year.

Aside from the anti-measles immunization, they also give Vitamin A supplement to their target beneficiaries, Dr. Samama stressed. (pbc/PIA)


Fighting erupts anew in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town

Cotabato City – A heavy encounter between the troops of the 601st Brigade and the rogue elements of the MILF erupted anew yesterday in Barangay Tatapan in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

Col Julieto Ando, spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division told the media that before the incident, civilians in the reported to the authorities about the presence of armed men were at the vicinity of the said barangay.

The armed group he was told were out to take get stocks of rice which are intended for distribution to the IDPs in the area.

Ando said, the troops from the 69th IB who are securing the area immediately responded and heavy exchange of gunfire ensued. Due to the intensity of firefight, the military decided to use air assets and artillery support which lasted about noon time yesterday.

Although the encounter area is at the interior part of Barangay Tatapan, the highway leading to Datu Piang was closed to traffic for the safety of the commuters, Ando said.

With the incident, Ando expressed utmost regret that efforts to resettle the IDPs to their respective places of origin has been wasted again. The IDPs are still hesitant to return to their homes because of the alleged threat that attacks are expected from these groups.

The military, together with local and national government agencies has been joining efforts to convince the evacuees to return to their respective barangays, Ando said. (CLC/PIA Cotabato City)


Military foils bomb attempts by LMG

ICC General Santos City (12 December) - Military have foiled two improvised bombs from exploding thus saving the lives of officials of the United Nations (UN) who were passing through Tenorio area in Shariff Kabunsuan.

Military believed that the followers of fugitive Ameril Umbra Kato were behind the foiled bombing attempt.

Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said the attempted bombing happened just near public market in Tenorio, few kilometers from Camp Siongco, 6th ID command center.

He opined that perpetrators made the attempt in a bid to create trouble as UN officials would be passing by at an adjacent national highway on their way to Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

According to military reports UN officials were passing the area to inspect relief sites at Datu Piang for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) recently bolted out from their houses as a result of armed conflicts between the military and lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front group (LMG).

Military’s informants, Ando said reported that rogue members of the MILF were behind the bombing attempts.

Immediately, the Army’s 6th Ordnance Battalion deactivated the two explosives that were shaped from 81 MM mortar rounds with battery-operated blasting device and attached to mobile phones.

Witnesses said the improvised explosives came from a Green-colored vehicle that also boarded the suspected bombers who were allegedly responsible in dropping the bombs at the scene.

Ando attributed the prompt recovery of the bomb to the people in the area "who saw the passengers of the vehicle drop very suspicious boxes at both sides of a road near the public market.”

He said they were the ones who immediately reported it to the police.

Government authorities have been going relentlessly without let up after Kato and his followers who remain at large until now. (PIA SarGen)

ICC Dispatch - Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Esperon underscores govt’s peace negotiating scheme

ICC Iligan City - Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has emphasized to the people of the province of Lanao del Norte that the government’s decisions are not only aimed at achieving peace in Mindanao but also to provide security to the inhabitants as well.

Esperon made this announcement in front of a crowd numbering to a thousand during his “Mobile Peace TV” held at the Mindanao Civic Center, in Tubod town, this province.

The program, which showcased peace initiatives that lead to development, was sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and will be aired over NBN Channel 4 at 8 o’clock in the morning, every Saturday.

In his message, Esperon lauded Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Dimaporo for holding activities such as tthe Department of Education’s (DepEd) Peace Village, Mindanao Week of Peace culminating activity, Bishops Ulama Conference, peace talks at the local level to pacify ‘rido’ (armed settlement of a family feud), and the creation of the Peace Initiative Council.

While there are factors attributed to resolve conflict, the solution is not at all military operations, because conflicts can be settled through dialogues or peace negotiations, which we are pushing now. The conflict must be resolved in the table, not in the battle field, Esperon expressed.

Esperon added that through dialogues with the local government units (LGU) affected, different ideas could be shared on how to attain peace and the necessary inputs will be gathered.

He said hopefully by the middle of December, they would be able to submit recommendations to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her to decide before the year ends on whether to resume peace the talks or not.

Esperon emphasized President Arroyo’s three conditions to consider before the start of the peace negotiation: 1) all our communities must be safe from the degradations of armed groups, and that we must maintain our security forces-the government troops; 2) internally displaced persons must be brought back/or return to their own community; 3) responsible leadership of the MILF must regain control, which explains that lawless elements led by Bravo, Kato and Pangalian shall respect by controlling any attack they intend to commit while the peace negotiation is going on.

The Secretary reiterated that the renegade leaders mentioned still have to answer for the crimes they committed last August 18 atrocity if and then the peace negotiation pushes through. (lvg/PIA Iligan City)


Christians and Muslims in Mindanao urged to unite this Christmas season

ICC GENERAL SANTOS CITY (9 December)---Task Force Salaam Federation of General Santos City (TF Salaam-Gensan) urged Filipino Christians and Muslims to unite and keep the peace this Christmas season as the Roman Catholic Church and the Islamic world simultaneously celebrated two important religious occasions.

Catholics around the world on Monday, December 8 celebrated the annual feast of Immaculate Concepcion, while Muslims worldwide marked the Eid’l Adha Hariraya Hajj.

Malacañang declared December 8 as a non-working holiday in Muslim areas in Mindanao.

This solemn occasion of Islamic and Christian holidays fell together in same date only demonstrated the many similarities rather than differences of both religions, a Task Force Salaam official said.

As such, TF Salaam-Gensan – a tri-people organization – called on Mindanaoan Christians and Muslims to unify and work together for the ultimate development of the natural resource-rich southern island.

TF Salaam-Gensan made the call in view of reports that some militant Islamists identified with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Al Khobar extortion-terrorism group were planning to launch attacks in some urban areas of South-Central Mindanao using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Military and police intelligence reports identified the cities of Kidapawan in North Cotabato, Koronadal City in South Cotabato and General Santos City as primary targets.

TF Salaam-Gensan has been involved in conflict prevention and peace building in South Central Mindanao. (PR/PIA SarGen)


Ceasefire still holds in many MILF base commands-GRP CCCH

ICC Cotabato City (09 December) – Mechanisms such as the ceasefire agreement remains in many areas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under its base commands, Gen. Reynaldo Sealana said.

Sealana, chair of the GRP Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) denies the reported all out war launched by the AFP against the MILF.

Out of 19 MILF base commands in Mindanao, Sealana said, only 3 remain targets of the military operations.

These are the 105th base command in Maguindanao under Umbra Kato, 102nd base command in Lanao del Norte under Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo and Commander Solaiman Pangalian of the 103rd base command in Lanao Del Sur, Sealana said.

He said, the three base commands have been declared as “no ceasefire zones.”

These past days, general situation in many parts of the region has been relatively peaceful except for the series of bomb explosions in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat province and Maguindanao.

Gen. Sealana said, all indicators point to MILF’s involvement in bomb-making and the planting of the improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The official believes that the bombing incidents in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao were carried out by students of the suspected Bangladeshi bomb expert who was arrested earlier by the authorities. (pbc/PIA Cot. City)


ANAD denounces, condemns CPP-NPA-NDF human rights abuse vs. Filipino people

ICC Iligan City (10 Dec 2008) – The Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD), an aggrupation of pro-democracy and pro-government organizations in the country, strongly denounces and condemns the Maoist communist-terrorist Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for allegedly committing a series of human right violations against the Filipino people.

This was disclosed today by Major Benedicto S Manquiquis, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Civil Military Operations Units (CMOU) of the Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG) of the Philippine Army, saying that ANAD described the CPP-NPA-NDF as true violators of human rights and as real transgressors of people’s right under a free and democratic society.

Major Manquiquis said the ANAD press statement was released by their command as the Filipino nation joins with the international community in today’s worldwide celebration of the International Human Rights Day.

The military spokesman said that for almost 40 years the CPP-NPA-NDF continuously, skillfully and expertly manipulated the sentiments of the many Filipino to fight the free and democratic government and without any hesitation and left-up, stifled the rule of law in this country.

He said ANAD believes that with these glaring rights violation by Maoist communist terrorists, a strong condemnation by the Filipino people, due to their inhuman and un-Filipino actions, is a must for all Filipinos.

The ANAD also calls on each and every freedom loving Filipino to rise and join in their call to peaceable expose and oppose the Maoist communist-terrorist acts of the CPP-NPA-NDF and all of their legal front organizations, including their party-groups like the Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis, Gabriela, Suara Bangsa Moro, and Anak Bayan among others, the military spokesman added. (RTD/PIA Marawi)


Army captures 3 lawless MILF members

ICC Iligan City -- Operating troops belonging to the 8th Infantry Battalion under the command of Lt. Col Eric C. Vinoya captured three suspected Moro rebels believed to be members of the Lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Group (LMG) during an encounter Tuesday afternoon (December 2) at Sitio Lihan, Kaizar village in the town of Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte province.

Lt. Col Agane C. Adriatico, spokesperson of the Advance Command Post of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, said the firefight ensued when the Army soldiers of the 1st Platoon, 8IB Charlie Company were scouring the area to confirm the reported sightings of undetermined number of fully armed group harboring at the said barangay.

Adriatico revealed no one was killed on the side of the operating units.

However, he said five of their men were reported wounded during the encounter and they were identified as: Pfc Hosine Michael C. Salonga, Pfc Ahma Rawas Abedulla, Pfc francis Ian C. Molijon, Pfc Hulasman I. Acob, and Pvt Aldazer I. Baid.

Meanwhile, Adriatico said three captured LMGs were identified by LTC Vinoya as Julumodin Emam, Sangali Tabuacar, and Samin Sarif. The captured LMG members were turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for proper disposition and appropriate filing of criminal charges, added Adriatico.

Likewise, Adriatico also said that the operating troops recovered at the encounter area the following: one improvised RPG with ammunition; two live ammunition of caliber 30; different empty ammunition cartridges; one sack of rice and assorted canned goods and food supplies.

Adriatico further said intelligence reports also indicated that the enemy suffered one killed and five others were wounded according to the accounts of some civilians who saw the wounded LMGs being dragged by their comrades. (RTD/PIA Marawi)


Basilan Agri Extension Workers trained on Palay Check System, Veggies & Root Crops Techno (TOT)

ICC Cotabato City (09 December) – The Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – ARMM in coordination with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-ARMM) successfully conducted the 6th day Trainers Training on Palay Check System plus Vegetable & Root Crops Techno Updates in Isabela City, Basilan recently.

The various topics discussed in the training were Overview of the Rice Industry in the Philippines-Provincial self-sufficiency Program for 2009, GMA Rice Programs (FIELDS), Crop & Nutrient Establishment, Minus One Element Technique (MOET), Use of Leaf Color Chart (LCC) and water, pest and Harvest Management.

The participants were briefed on the concepts & principles and Strategies in Establishing Palayamanan in the PFS Sites/Communities, Boimass Management & Utilization using Microbial-based Inoculants, Trichoderma & Vermicomposing and the vegetables &Root Crops Industry Situationer (Current level of Production, Trends & Prospects, Factors Affecting Vegetable and Root Crop Production).

DAF-ARMM Secretary Keise T. Usman said that the training was substantial to fast tract implementation of various banner programs of the department. It will also help the region’s MAOs and ATs to be updated on the current agricultural technologies and trends to cope with the current supply and demand in the agri-fishery sector.

He added that the training would also help the MOAs and ATs to impart their acquired knowledge to their farmers effectively and efficiently.

ATI-ARMM OIC Center Director Vadreya M. Solaiman said that the activity was part of the series of trainings for Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAO) and Agricultural Technologies (ATs) in preparation to the nationwide Farmers Field School (FFS) in ARMM.

More than forty MAOs and ATs from Basilan province headed by Provincial Agricultural Officer Abdulhan Sabdani and Provincial Agriculturist Abdulcarim Hairin participated the said training.
The program is in support to the FIELDS Program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and DA Secretary Arthur Yap for food security and sufficiency. (Joven Mark T. Mapait/PIA Cot. City)

ICC Dispatch - Monday, December 8, 2008

Gaining access to education thru bike-for-school initiative

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (8 December) - Dennis Cañete, 19 stays more than 5 kilometers away from the school where he is currently enrolled. He wakes up at 3:30 in the morning, helped his mother fetch water in nearby stream, cooked breakfast before going to school at 6:00am.

Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School (DPLMHS) is home to about 5,000 students in Zamboanga, and is considered one of the biggest high schools in the city. Dennis, now in second year, is one of the students who despite of poverty, has tried his luck in finishing high school and hopefully proceed to college and finish a degree.

“I spent P30 pesos for fare during classes”, Dennis said in local dialect. He seldom took snacks during recess time to save money for his fare. However, there are times that he has to walk to school because his step-father has yet to receive his pay as a carpenter. Like any indigent student in their school, Dennis literally walks to school for several times.

“One day I was glad to hear from our teacher about a plan to give bicycles to some indigent students in the school, however; I am not sure to be chosen as one of the lucky ones”, he said with a mark of loneliness in his face.

Only 100 bikes have been reserved for Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School (DPLMHS) while the other 100 would be apportioned to 50 indigent students at Talon-Talon National High School, and another 50 students at Ramon Enriquez National High School both in Zamboanga City. Fifty bikes have also been apportioned for students in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

When the bikes arrived, Dennis eagerly waited for information whether he is included in the list of recipients. With mixed feelings, he asked his teacher if he is one among those to be given the bicycle. “Yes, you are lucky”, his teacher gladly replied.

Like a small child he was overwhelmed by gladness. “This was my first time to have a bike since I was a child. Now, aside from having it, my mother would be happy at least I can go to school using the bike”, he said. The money intended for his fare can now be saved for other purposes. “I used whatever money I saved to buy spare parts whenever my bike broke down”, he added.

Now he can go to school without spending for his fare. He can easily ride home without going through heavy traffic especially in the afternoon. “I can choose a safer shortcut route when I go to school and in going home”, he gladly said.

To assure safety and protection of those who were given bikes, school officials briefed them on road safety and traffic. “We see to it that each student who was given the bike must know road safety tips and should have insurance coverage with the Philippine National Red Cross for safety and medical services. The cost is minimal and we are looking at possibilities that the insurance coverage will be the counterpart of the school”, Mr. Jonathan Kawaguchi, a teacher from DPLMHS disclosed.


A book that tells about Manobo culture & tradition launched

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (8 December) - First of its kind and written by a Lumad, POOVIYAN WOY GONTANGAN (Balaod ug Paghusay sa Mga Monuvu sa Apu Sandawa) is off the press now.

A useful source book for researchers, community organizers, educators and workers; the book contains the essential aspects of the culture and tradition of the Manobo tribe who lives in the vicinity of the sprawling Mt. Apo in Davao region.

Painstakingly recording the cultural practices and laws of a people who handed them from generation to the other through oral tradition, Bai Eva Umpan Colmo España captured the unwritten history of the Manobo people in this book.

“I am just an instrument, the credit belongs to the tribe”, Bai Eva said during the book launching. In particular, she highlighted the role of Datu Salumay Iyong, who despite old age at more than 100 years old; has contributed so much in wisdom and rich history of the people by recounting their stories, laws and tradition.

“Written in simple way with nice layout, churches can use the book in its reflection sessions particularly on conflict resolution,” said Arnold Vandenbroech, a Belgian who has been working among indigenous peoples (IPs) in the region.

The book launching held at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) was part of the culmination activity of the weeklong observance of Mindanao Week of Peace which starts on November 27 and ended on December 3. This year’s theme is “Integrity of Mind and Heart: A way to reconciliation and peace”.

Interested individuals may get in touch with the Social Involvement Coordinating Office (SICO) of the ADDU for copies of the books. (PBSP/PIA SarGen)

ICC Dispatch - Friday, December 5, 2008

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ICC Dispatch - Thursday, December 4, 2008

572 displaced families in Lanao del Norte to return home

Iligan City - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 10 announced that as a result of the series of dialogues with the internally displaced persons (IDPs) housed in the town of Munai in the province of Lanao del Norte last November, at least 572 are scheduled to return to their places of origin beginning December 4.

OCD-10 Regional Director Carmelito Lupo disclosed that the four concerns taken up during the dialogues with the IDP's such as security, food, livelihood and education and were addressed right away by concerned government and private agencies involved and all is set for them to go back to their homes.

Lupo said the military troops assigned in the area gave an assurance to the IDP's that they have already secured the area, but the law enforcement operations will continue following their mandate to go after the Lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Group (LMG) led by terrorist leader Abdullah Macapaar alias Bravo. (OSM - Radyo ng Bayan)


Gov’t agencies, NGOs to provide ‘pabaon’ to displaced families returning home in Lanao del Norte

Iligan City - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 10 will be giving away food packs or “pabaon” good for a month of consumption consisting of kilos of rice, noodles, canned goods and milk to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Munai town, Lanao del Norte province who are returning to their homes beginning December 4.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 10 Director and Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Region 10 Chair Carmelito Lupo said the Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Assistance Center, Inc. (RDRRAC), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) also contributed to the pabaon, including some toiletries and other non-food items such as sleeping mats and blankets.

For its part, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 10 will be distributing distribute some 100 sacks of palay (rice) and corn seeds to the farmers and will coordinate with other line agencies in providing livelihood projects when the families are back to their respective homes.
Lupo said the IDP's who stayed at the school building were being will be prioritized in the return so normal classes will resume from the elementary and high school level, in answer to the earlier appeal of the Department of Education (Deped).

"This return of IDP's will be part of the early recovery program as transition period into the full blast implementation of the Rehabilitation plan of the province of Lanao del Norte as they hope to give the displaced families a normal life after three months in the evacuation centers,” said, Lupo.

Meanwhile, Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte remarked that the 400million Rehabilitation plan for the province is already under way.
However, the fund will be released once the evacuation centers are closed and the families have gone tot heir respective homes.

The Governor added that the province was heavily affected by the atrocities of the Lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Group (LMG) last August 18 and it needs a full recovery program to bring normalcy to the area. (OSM - Radyo ng Bayan)

ICC Dispatch - Wednesday, December 3, 2008

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ICC Dispatch - Monday, December 1, 2008

Region 12 governors urge PGMA to start talks with MILF towards new peace formula

ICC Cotabato City (01 December) – Three governors of region 12 agreed to urge President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to open anew the negotiating table with the MILF towards a new formula for peace.

Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 12; North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan and Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez unanimously supported a move of RPOC 12 to pass a resolution requesting the President to support the start of the talks with the MILF on exploring a new peace formula after the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain was junked by the Supreme Court.

Mangudadatu set the tone for the council to be an instrument of paving peace initiatives for the region during its meeting held on November 26 at the Farm, Koronadal City. Likewise, Governor Dominguez saw this political unity of the leaders as a healthy climate to reviving the peace efforts in Mindanao recommending a peace summit to be spearheaded by region 12.

To formalize the move, Governor Sacdalan proposed for the passage of a resolution urging the President to open anew the negotiating table with the MILF to explore and pursue a new formula for peace.

In attendance during the meeting aside from the aforementioned governors were Chief Superintendent Fidel Cimatu, Jr, PNP 12 regional director, Mayor Ramon Abalos, president of Sultan Kudarat League of Municipalities, regional directors/ heads, private sector representatives, military and police officials.

The Department of Interior and Local Government led by Director Buagas Sulaik serves as the secretariat of RPOC 12.

The RPOC provides a forum for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order, including insurgency and recommends measures which will improve or enhance peace and order and public safety in the areas of the region including anti insurgency measures among others. (PIA12)


RPOC 12 creates working committees to respond to prevailing peace and order situation

ICC Cotabato City (01 December) – To respond to the demands of the peace and order situation obtaining in region 12 and in line with Executive Order No.739, the regional peace and order council organized six (6) working committees during its meeting at The Farm, Koronadal City on November 26.

Presided over by Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, RPOC 12 chairman, the council approved the adoption of the six (6) working committees and the appointment of the chairmen namely: 1.) Security and Law Enforcement – chaired by North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan; 2.) Rehabilitation and Interagency Coordinating Committee – Lambayong Mayor Ramon Abalos, president of Sultan Kudarat League of Municipalities; 3.) Relief Operations Committee – Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez; 4.) Inter Council Coordinating Committee – DILG 12 Director Buagas Sulaik; 5.) Development Monitoring Committee – Alfredo Bronx Hebrona, Jr., president of the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and 6.) Peace Monitoring and Consultative Committee.- Cotabato City Mayor Muslimen Sema. The other committee, the Internal Security Operations is organic in the structure.

In the same meeting, the following three (3) private sector representatives were inducted into office by Governor Mangudadatu; Carlito Uy, president of the South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI); Dr Ramon Floresta, DVM, president of the Metro Kidapawan City Chamber and Industry Foundation, Inc.) and Alfredo Bronx Hebrona, Jr, president of the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce.

The regional peace and order council will provide a forum for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order including insurgency in the area. It will recommend measures which will improve or enhance peace and public safety in the region including anti insurgency measures.

The council is also tasked to initiate and/or oversee the convergence and the orchestration of internal security operations efforts of civil authorities and agencies, military and police. It is expected to apply moral suasion to and/or recommend sanctions against local executives who are giving material and political support to the communist rebels.

Through the council, the provision of livelihood and infrastructure development programs and projects will be monitored in the remote rural and indigenous populated areas to isolate them from communist rebels. (PIA12)


OWWA-ARMM acts on 43 OFW cases

ICC Cotabato City (01 December) – Forty- three (43) OFW cases have been lodged with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao based in Cotabato City for the month of October.

Adulwahab Jaafar, OWWA – ARMM officer-in-charge disclosed during a press conference on November 27 at the Information Command Center, ARMM Compound, here in this city, that the various cases filed in their office include overstaying, runaway/ stranded at the embassy , illegal recruitment, unpaid salaries, non-remittance of salaries, death benefit claims, whereabouts unknown and detention at the immigration. He further disclosed that nine (9) of these have already been solved.

In the same media activity, Jaafar reported that his office has organized 82 OFW family circles with 1,327 members. We have extended livelihood assistance to the OFW members and families and scholarship grants to deserving children.We conduct a continuing program on reintegration to those who have chosen to stay which includes training on capability building, leadership and entrepreneurship to prepare them for a better future.

Responding to a media practitioner’s comment that many OFWs are not being attended to by the Philippine Embassy in the foreign country where they are based.. Marilou Sumalinog, head of the programs and services, OWWA-ARMM, explained that once they seek the help of the Philippine Embassy, they will be inhibited from leaving while their cases are being looked into. Kaya wala na silang opportunity na makapag-hanap-buhay o hindi na makapag-sideline. Ang reality sa abroad, marami talagang Pilipino na nag-memaintain ng mga apartment o condominium unit para makapag part time sila. Hindi kami naniniwala na hindi sila tinutulungan ng Philippine Embassy, Sumalinog pointed out.

“Binabantayan ng OWWA yong mga OFWs na in distress at yong mga tumatakas. Hindi sila puedeng lumabas hangga’t hindi na resolve ang kaso nila. Sila ay naiinis kung tumatagal ng isang lingo dahil wala silang income but they are being provided with food and accommodation,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration representatives in the press conference warned job seekers to foreign countries to exercise prudence and utmost care to avoid being entrapped into illegal recruitment. Contact and consult POEA, they said, to make sure you are dealing only with recruiters operating legally. (PIA12)


Simple ceremony marks 68th Infantry Battalion’s 21 years

ICC Kidapawan City (01 December) – The celebration of the 68th Infantry (KAAGAPAY) Battalion, 2nd Infantry (JUNGLE FIGHTER) Division, Philippine Army observed its recent 21st foundation anniversary with simple but fitting rites. With the theme “68IB: Ang inyong KAAGAPAY sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”, in its new Battalion Headquarters at Poblacion 8, Midsayap, North Cotabato the activities included flag raising ceremony followed by the blessing of the headquarters, a program and a sportfest.

The first part of the celebration was the flag raising ceremony attended by the personnel of the unit, next was the thanksgiving mass and blessing of the new battalion headquarters and vehicles, officiated by Fr. Hilario Asilo, the Parish Priest of Midsayap. The program proper was the highlight of the celebration where Major General Roland Detabali AFP, Commander, 2ID, PA awarded medals to the deserving personnel of the unit and certificates of appreciation to those who helped 68IB in the construction of the battaliion Headquarters.

Aside from General Detabali, the other guests were Brigadier General Loreto Rirao, deputy 6th ID commander and North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan. Likewise the municipal mayors of Midsayap, Libungan and Pigcawayan together with the military commanders in the area of North Cotabato graced the affair.

The unit commemorated the founding anniversary to acknowledge and recall with pride the history which catapulted the battalion to its numerous accomplishments contributed by each and every member. The celebration also fostered a challenge to the KAAGAPAY troopers to show more courage and dedication to the service, as protector and kaagapay of the people and the republic. (68th I(Kaagapay)B/PIA12)


Soldiers not only fight, they also play

ICC Kidapawan City (01 December) - 68th Infantry Battalion “KAAGAPAY” Troopers held a sports fest in connection with the Battalion’s recent 21st founding anniversary, as one of the highlights of the anniversary celebration.

Although the unit is preoccupied with various activities in its area of operation, it still went ahead with the sports fest purposely to let the personnel experience a bit of relaxation, in the height of rigid day to day activities and combat operations and to strengthen the camaraderie among the members of the unit.

The sports competition was participated by the players and representatives of Headquarters (Providers) Company, Alpha (Raiders) Company, Bravo (Peacemakers) Company and Charlie (Cougars) Company.

Despite the minimal participation from Alpha Company due to its status being placed under the operational control of another brigade, the activity was successfully conducted developing sportsmanship among the officers and men. Showcasing the behavior of the personnel as games were witnessed by the civilians in the area, who have become supporters of the unit. The competition ended with Alpha (Raiders) Company bagging 4th place, Charlie (Cougars) Company 3rd place, Bravo (Peacemakers) Company 2nd place and Headquarters (Watchdog) Company the as the 2008 Basketball champion. The “KAAGAPAY” Trooper’s excellent athleticism and friendly attitude displayed in the competition charmed the civilians, who invited the unit to join the community’s future basketball tournament.

The 68IB has always been into team building exercise to continually develop the capacities of the mental and physical jungle fighters who are ready to serve and protect the people in its new area of operation. (68th I(Kaagapay)B/PIA12)


Mindanao-born career diplomat is the new GRP chief peace negotiator

ICC, Cotabato, PNA, Dec1=--Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis has accepted the post of Chief Negotiator for the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) in peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Seguis, a career diplomat who was called from retirement by President Gloria Macapgal-Arroyo, vowed to do his "best to advance the cause of peace in Mindanao."

He comes from Anao-aon, Surigao del Norte in Eastern Mindanao, and replaces Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Garcia. Garcia's team was dissolved in August just before the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD0, which he steered through, was declared unconstitutional by the Philippine Supreme Court. Seguis said that in his concurrent positions at the DFA and the GRP peace panel, he would be able to harness his diplomatic experience as a negotiator.

The added appointment by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signals GRP's intent to resume scuttled peace talks with the MILF but Seguis pointed out that "the time line is not set yet, though it's not far behind."

"This is a tremendous challenge and opportunity which I humbly accept knowing fully well the difficult road that lies ahead. We will do our work quietly, but diligently because in any negotiation it is just as important to listen and understand the views of the other side," the newly-appointed Chief Negotiator said.

Seguis told the Philippines News Agency that President Macapagal-Arroyo has begun the first steps for resumption of talks by considering the composition of the panel of negotiators, which he will head. The names of his four-co members are not yet known.

Asked if his being a working diplomat does not go against the grain of the negotiations, Seguis said, "we’re all working for peace, that’s most important."

But he added he will still seek some comments from Malacanang regarding his appointment.

Seguis retired in 2004 but was immediately reappointed DFA Undersecretary for Special Concerns.

Known for his coolness in crisis situations, he led the crisis team to Iraq on two separate occasions to negotiate for the eventual safe release of Filipino workers Angelo dela Cruz of Pampanga and Davao native Roberto Tarongoy. The captives face near-certain death in the hands of an Al-Qaeda-linked group as well as put the very life of Seguis on line as well.

On July 19, 2005, Seguis received a Presidential Citation "for his steadfast and able leadership of Team Iraq" which resulted in the successful release of the Filipino hostages.

He also received the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Gold Distinction) on October 26, 2006 which is the highest presidential award bestowed to government officials and employees.

Inside the DFA, the soft-spoken Seguis is often tapped to represent the country in vital diplomatic missions and conferences in the Middle East-including being a regular member of the guest Philippine delegation to the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Islamic Summits from 1996 to 2008.

He also represented the Philippines in various United Nations (UN) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) high-level meetings. He is the recipient of many awards and citations from DFA, including the "Distinguished Service Award" conferred by then DFA Secretary Domingo L. Siazon Jr.

The low-key Seguis also served as Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia and East Timor ( 2002 – 2003); Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen (1999-2002); Iraq and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (1992 to 1996); Deputy Chief of Mission in Tripoli (1988-1991) and in various capacities in the Philippine Embassies in Rome, Bangkok, Cairo, Tehran and the United States.

At the DFA, he served as Assistant Minister for Fiscal Management (1986-1987) and Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa (1996-1999).

Seguis is also concurrently Chairman of the Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat of the DFA.

He passed the Foreign Service Officers (FSO) Examinations in December 1973.

He is a graduate of the University of the East and attended post-graduate studies at the American University in Cairo and the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business. (PNA) VVV/GJB

ICC Dispatch - Sunday, November 30, 2008

GRP-MILF CCCH allays fears on escalation of atrocities with Malaysian IMT pullout

ICC Cotabato City (30 November) – The GRP-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) are continuously in close contact regarding the prevention of occurrences of hostility in the areas where the MILF has established base commands excluding the three (3) which have been declared as no ceasefire zones and more so with the end of the tour of duty of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) led by the Malaysian contingent.

GRP-CCCH chairman Brigadier General Reynaldo Sealana has conveyed the fears of some people to his MILF counterpart by saying: “Paano ang apprehension ng ibang tao kung aalis ang IMT na gagawa ng gulo ang ibang commanders ninyo. Ang sabi ng aking counterpart ay they are constantly reminding their commanders not to do drastic actions kasi kung mangyayari ito ang sabi ko ang military will do some actions to prevent them from creating any atrocities. Nag-assure ang MILF na they will not do that because they are for peace talaga. Yon nga lang, may mga commanders sila na hindi makontrol katulad nung tatlo – Kato, Bravo at Pangalian ng 105th, 102nd 103rd base commands.”

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency at the Awang Airport, Maguindanao this morning, Sealana reminded his MILF counterpart telling him:: “Yong others na mga gustong magsympathize nasa inyo bro (short for brother) pero isipin ninyo din ang consequences kung lalong magkagulo.”

Sealana admitted that the Malaysian IMT is a big help in preventing the commission of atrocities as he said: “Maganda ang may third party. Tripartite kasi kami – GRP-MILF CCLH and IMT. Ngayon kailangan ng palaging back channeling kami reminding our forces to be confined in the no ceasefire zones.”

The GRP-CCCH chairman also disclosed that it is the Malaysian IMT contingent only that is leaving but the Libyan, Japanese and Brunei members of the team will stay since they have not received directives from their respective embassies to pull out. They were waiting for the negotiation of the reconstitution of the International Monitoring Team which is ongoing.”

He said the government panel requested for extension of the tour of duty of the IMT last November 17 but the MILF accordingly submitted a counter proposal with the following three (3) demands: 1.) Reconstitute peace panel; 2.) IMT will conduct the investigation of ceasefire violations and 3.) Declare null and void the warrants of arrest of erring commanders Kato, Bravo and Pangalian and stop the punitive actions against them. “Dito sa demand na ibalewala ang warrants of arrest ng mga rouge commanders nagkaroon ng impasse na hindi katanggap-tanggap sa pmahalaan.,” he blurted out.

The Malaysian embassy released an aide memoire stating they are definitely pulling out and that they are temporarily suspending their participation in the IMT, he stated.The outcome of the renegotiation of the reconstitution of the team might be known first week of December, Sealana added. (PIA12)


VP de Castro highlights housing projects; stresses land banking

ICC GenSan (30 November)--- keynoting the opening of Sarangani’s MunaTo Festival which kicked off Thursday (Nov. 27), Vice President Noli de Castro highlighted the government’s housing projects to community folks here as well as stresses the importance of local government’s land banking.

The Vice President said that there are various government housing programs that could be availed of by formal and informal sectors of Sarangani.

“Marami pa po tayong mga programang pabahay ng pamahalaan para sa formal at informal sectors na pwedeng ipatupad dito sa Sarangani,” he said.

But it should be understood, according to him that national government housing projects also need the support of local governments for these to prosper.

“Ang palaging sinasabi po namin ni PGMA na ang proyektong pabahay ay hindi lamang ho proyekto ng national government kinakailangan ho nagtutulungan ang national government at ang local government. So kung masipag ang provincial gov’t at local gov’t at tinitingnan nila ang proyektong pabahay sa kanilang lugar ay napakadali po sa national government. Sa ganun ay magtagumpay ang naturang proyekto,” he told an audience of community folks, government employees, officials and the media.

Vice President de Castro along with Governor Migs Dominguez and provincial and municipal officials of Sarangani broke ground and buried the time capsule for the housing project of the provincial government employees in the capital town of Alabel.

The 200-medium grade housing project will be built with supporting facilities and amenities sprawled in a 6-hectare land under a joint-venture partnership with private developer. The province bought the land roughly at P5.4 million.

“Itong project po na ito ay isang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga empleyado ng provincial government kasama po ang iba’t-ibang intresadong parties na pwede pong manirahan dito sa Alabel,” Gov. Dominguez said.

De Castro assured the governor that the project will succeed as long as there is collaboration with various government agencies.

He also encouraged the provincial government to tie up with the Home Development Mutual Fund or PagIBIG for a possible financial assistance in the form of direct loan.

“Sinasabi ko rin kay governor na maaari naman nyang ipasok o i-enroll ang proyektong ito sa ilalim ng Pag-IBIG developmental housing loan program kung saan ang pag-IBIG fund ay maaring magbigay ng financial assistance para sa site development and house construction in the form of direct loan sa LGU,” he explained.

Vice President De Castro added that PagIBIG can provide loan assistance for qualified employees being bonafide members of the agency.

“Ang pag-ibig ay maari ring magbigay ng take out, individual and user financing para sa qualified myembro… para sa proyektong ito at sigurado ko naman na ang myembro ng kapitolyo eh myembro ng pag-ibig yan,” he opined.

De Castro also lauded the provincial government for its land banking effort stressing its importance to the local governments in their plan for future housing projects.

“Ako’y natutuwa po sapagkat binanggit sa akin ni governor na sila pala ay nag land banking ……ito ang mga sinasabi ko sa mga LGUs na pinupuntahan ko na lagi silang mag land banking para pag dumating ang panahon na kailangan na silang magtayo ng project sa kanilang bayan, ciudad o lalawigan ay meron na agad silang lupa,” the Vice President emphasized.

Dominguez said there’s really a need for the municipality of Alabel to put up a model housing subdivision in its bid for cityhood. (PIA SarGen)


68IB joins ground breaking and turn-over of housing materials in North Cotabato

ICC Kidapawan City (30 November) - The Local Government Unit (LGU) Midsayap led by Mayor MANUEL M. RABARA together with the 68th Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion, 2ID, PA under LTC Antonio B Sugarol INF (GSC) PA and the Civil Affairs Team of the US Army under CPT Tyler Oliver, have recently bonded together to repair structures destroyed by the retreating MILF rebels during the height of armed encounter at Brgy Upper Labas, Midsayap last August 10, 2008.

On the other hand, both Muslims and Christians in the area provided much needed manpower in the noble project. They were directly affected by the encroachment of the Lawless MILF Group (LMG) particularly the 105th Base Command under the leadership of Umbra Kato.

One of the atrocities that the LMG committed in August was the burning of the Catholic Chapel and two (2) residential houses in Brgy Upper Labas, Midsayap, North Cotabato. The burnt buildings reminded the community and the populace the wounds inflicted into the consciousness of the people in the area. To usher peace and stability there, the 68IB, LGU Midsayap and Civil Affairs Team of the US Army under CPT Oliver, conducted community relations activities in Upper Labas.

One of the community relations projects that the unit identified in consultation with the residents is the construction of the new Catholic Chapel in the affected barangay. The LGUs, 68IB, together with the US troops in the area provided the construction materials and the residents of the barangay provided manpower and labor.

The ground breaking ceremony and the turn-over of construction materials was a symbolic gesture of cooperation between the AFP and the US Army, in helping the communities directly affected by the conflict.

A harmonious relation between the parties involved and peace loving Muslims residing in the area was very evident after the turnover. The populace felt the government is concern in their plight as well as the sincerity of the other parties involved in protecting and saving lives and properties of innocent civilians in Mindanao. (68th I(Kaagapay)B/PIA12)


Kaagapay Battalion participates in bloodletting program

ICC Kidapawan City (30 November) - The 68th Infantry (kaagapay) Battalion based in Poblacion 8, Midsayap, North Cotabato has not been only confined into combat duties but also into civic involvement. In cooperation with the Civilian Volunteers Organization (CVOs) in the area, Recon Midcom, Rotary Club, Association of Brgy Captains (ABC), Local Government Units (LGUs), KTM, MMTO, Karancho, 40thIB, MIB, PNP, PPC, PREX, Couples for Christ (CFC) and other civic and religious organizations, the Kaagapay troopers participated in the recent blood letting activity at Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The bloodletting activity which is program part of the unit’s community outreach program to strengthen the relationship between the military and the civilians was held at I-Link College of Science and Technology at Midsayap, North Cotabato in coordination with the Philippine National Red Cross.

Lt. Colonel Antonio B Sugarol (GSC) INF PA 68th IB commander, is one of the volunteer participants during the occasion where the unit provided qualified personnel, living up to its name as “KAAGAPAY” of the people and the community. With this kind of involvement the AFP is their full time partner, not only in maintaining peace and order but also in addressing vital community needs.

The unit aside from being a maneuver battalion has reached out and extended its services in the community especially in the far flung areas inhabited by marginal sectors and indigenous peoples during its stint in Southern Tagalog. The unit is looking forward in duplicating related community activities in its present area of responsibilities.

Through community involvement the 68th IB hopes to contribute in making the government’s services felt for better understanding between Muslims and Christians alike who want to live peacefully and harmoniously. (68th I(Kaagapay)B/PIA12)


Government assistance to stranded OFWs abroad continues

ICC Cotabato City (30 November) - The government through POEA, OWWA, DOLE and other concerned agencies do not abandon overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) stranded abroad.

This was the reaction of the representative of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during Thursday’s press conference conducted by the Regional Information Command Center and sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency, Region XII.

The statement was made by POEA-ARMM in reaction to the allegation of a reporter who said that “if not of former Senate President Manny Villar’s efforts in sending home to our country several stranded OFWs, who either received maltreatment or abuse from their employers, particularly those from Jordan, said OFWs will not be able to go back to our country.

Tohamie M. Abas, Planning Officer, POEA-ARMM said, “it is not true that the government through our office abandoned, those OFWs given assistance by Senator Villar.”

“All OFWs are being extended assistance by the government except that they (OFWs) have to undergo regular process in terms of documents submitted to our office,whether they are properly documentary or not,” Abas said..

Asked what is irregular immigration, Abas said, there is no clear or universally accepted definition of irregular migration, but generally, irregular migration is the movement of persons, that takes place outside the regularly norms of the sending, the transit and the receiving or host countries.

From the perspective of destination countries, it is entry, stay or work which mean that the migrant does not have the necessary authorization or documents required under immigration regulations to enter, reside or work in that country.

From the perspective of the sending country, irregular migration takes place when a person crosses an international boundary without a valid passport or travel documents, or does not fulfill the administrative requirements for leaving the country.

On the main, there is, however, a tendency to restrict the use of the term “illegal migration” to cases of smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons. (MCD/PIA Cotabato City)

ICC Dispatch - Friday, November 28, 2008

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