Sunday 30 November 2008
ICC Dispatch - Friday, November 28, 2008
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ICC Dispatch - Thursday, November 27, 2008
AFP: No definite time as yet to end their campaign against lawless rebel elements in Mindanao
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines has no definite timeline yet as to when it would end their campaign against the rogue Bangsamoro rebels in Mindanao especially so that politicians are in the midst of heated confrontation regarding sensitive political issues.
AFP Chief of Staff Alexander Yano admits that their operations against the rebel groups are somehow affected by political policies especially on developments regarding peace talks.
Yano however clarified that they not coordinating with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) regarding the scuttled peace negotiation with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
It might be recalled that earlier, MILF chief negotiator Mohager Icqbal pointed out that the MILF is ready to go back to the negotiating table provided that government will sign the controversial Memo of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).
The resumption of peace talks yet to be considered by both sides and for the meantime that the peace negotiation with the MILF still remains uncertain, the military will have to pursue their police action against the rogue elements of the MILF in Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and the province of Maguindanao, Yano further said. (CLC/PIA Cotabato City)
Resumption of peace talks asked by multi-sectoral groups
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) – A multi-sectoral groups convened here today to ask both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to resume the stalled peace talks in Mindanao.
Representatives from the youths, women, academe, farmers, NGOs, religious, transport and other peace advocates lamented the deplorable condition of about 620, 000 evacuees composed of children, men, women and elderly scattered in various evacuation centers, especially in Central Mindanao and thereby call for the immediate stop to the on-going firefight between troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“In every arm encounter, those who suffered most are the hapless non-combatant civilians who are forced to flee from their homes, leaving behind their source of livelihood and hard-earned properties. What is worst is that there are times that these fleeing non-combatants are caught in the crossfire in the battles between the warring groups”, declared a member of the Mindanao Alliance for Peace.
“The youths strongly believe that without the GRP and MILF continuing the peace negotiation immediately, the gains of all peace and development initiatives done by them as well as other peace advocates which had been nurtured since the two protagousts started talking peace will ultimately go in vain to the detriment of the people that both the GRP and MILF ought to serve and represent,” expressed a youth participant.
The youths reiterate that the GRP and MILF should now listen to the cry of the people for peace even as it also calls on fellow peace advocates to exert more efforts in urging the government and the MILF to honor and implement the much- awaited peace agreement.
The Mindanao Alliance for Peace further calls on the government, MILF and international communities and other peace advocates to help for the immediate stop to the war in Mindanao and to resolve the problem in Mindanao in a very peaceful manner. (MCD/PIA Cotabato City)
Government troops recover hand-held radio, uniform and other items of LMG
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) - Elements of the 75th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, recovered a hand-held radio, antennae and other items belonging to LMGs under Umbra Kato of the 105th base command following an encounter with government troops on Monday, Nov. 24.
6th Infantry Division spokesperson LTC Julieto Ando positively identified said items left behind by the LMG during an encounter with the elements of the 75th IB at barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano town in Maguindanao.
The MILF, Ando said, cannot deny these items belong to the LMG since these were recovered after the encounter.
Earlier, government troops have likewise recovered assorted high-power firearms, icom-base radio and other items in said area during manhunt operations against Umbra Kato.
The military believes that the series of recovery of valuable items of the LMG have negative implications to the MILF operations.
“We believe that these recovered items belong to the LMG and this has severely affected the control of the MILF leadership over their troops who have apparently splintered,” Ando said.
The pursuit operations against Kato will continue with some technical adjustments, he added. (PBC/PIA Cotabato City)
Bagsakan Center launched in Mamasapano
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) – The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM) has conducted the training on the operations and management of Barangay Bagsakan Center in Manungkaling, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, yesterday November 27.
According to DAF-ARMM Director for Field Operations Dr. Salik Panalunsong, highlight of the activity was the turn over of post-harvest equipment for the said Bagsakan Center.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between Mamasapano Mayor Datu Akmad Ampatuan and the Golden Harvest Multi Purpose Cooperative, DAF-ARMM Regional Secretary Keise T. Usman and DA Maguindanao OIC Provincial Agricultural Officer Naison U. Baguindali, on the operation of the Bagsakan Center.
The training focused on the presentation and discussion of Management, Post-Harvest and Proper Handling and Preservation of the Barangay Bagsakan Center (BBC) through Project Development Officer Ms. Josephine Faustino, Baranagy Bagsakan Coordinator Ma. Nelia Madamba and Joseph Pangilinan of Department of Agriculture central office.
The said Center is one of the five (5) to be established in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to help local farmers and fisher folks in the region market their products. (Joven Mark T. MApait/PIA Cot City)
DAR 12 Provincial Women’s Desk Office, launched
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) – The Department of Agrarian Reform Region 12 (DAR 12), in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched its Provincial Women’s Desk Office last November 10, 2008 at the Celema’s Place, Koronadal City.
The DAR 12 women’s desk provides service to the female employees of DAR and their children who are victims of violence and crimes as provided under Republic Act 9262 otherwise known as the anti – violence against women and their children; R.A. 8353 otherwise known as the anti – rape law; R.A. 8505 otherwise known as rape victim assistance and protection; R.A. 9208 otherwise known as anti – trafficking of persons and R.A. 7877 otherwise known as anti – sexual harassment.
The women’s desk personnel will provide counseling to the victims while the DSWD will adopt the victim especially the children for counseling.
PNP’s role include the investigation of the complaint, gathering of evidences, conduct physical examination and financial assistance for the victim’s hospitalization in rape cases.
According to Mr. Angelito Cabacungan, Information Officer of DAR 12, the complainants may file cases against the perpetrators to the DAR office. (Michelle Angelique H. Barcelonia/PIA)
Two IEDs planted in Christian churches in North Cotabato
ICC General Santos City (27 November) - Renegade members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are being eyed as prime suspects in the attempted bombing of two Christian churches belonging to two religious groups in Central Mindanao.
Major Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command said the first bomb exploded 9:40 p.m. Wednesday in front of the Jehovah’s Witness church at Matalam Street in Kabacan town, North Cotabato.
At about 6:35 the next morning, the team from Military’s Explosives Ordnance Division defused another improvised bomb lodged at the gate of the Iglesia ni Cristo at Segundo village, also in Kabacan.
Cabangbang told media that EOD team rushed to the area after they were informed by residents regarding the explosive.
He added the team “recovered the IED using remote removal through hook and line.”
The explosives, according to the team were comprised of nine volts battery, an alarm clock, an 81mm round without fuse, and an improvised blasting cap.
Cabangbang also observed that the IEDs were akin to those recovered during a recent raid in a bomb-making facility of fugitive MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.
He also opined that the incidents could be part of the diversionary tactics of the rebels saying further that this could be related since these happened in the same town.
But Cabangbang likewise lauded civilians for being alert paving the way for the second bomb to be recovered in time.
The military spokesman chided the lawless MILF groups (LMGs) stressing that they can never distract the military “if that is their purpose.” (PIA SarGen)
Undetermined number of LMG killed in Central Mindanao clash
ICC General Santos City (27 November)--- – Undetermined number of rogue members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed or wounded when it attacked a road security Wednesday in Central Mindanao.
But the military has yet to determine the number of lawless MILF Group (LMG) killed or wounded, Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman for the Army's 6th Infantry Division said.
Ando said the attack triggered a heavy exchange of gunfire that left four soldiers badly hurt.
He also lamented that one of them died before reaching the hospital.
Ando said the soldiers were securing a highway in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Shariff Kabunsuan province when they came under fire near a village called Makir.
Ando said the MILF rebels made the first attack by firing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades prompting soldiers to retaliate.
Sporadic fighting continues in central Mindanao between government and rebel forces since August after the Supreme Court stopped the government from signing the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).
The deal would have given more than four million Muslims their own separate homeland across Mindanao’s 700 villages.
In October, the High Court finally ruled that the MOA-AD was a violation of the Philippine Constitution and therefore unconstitutional.
Report from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) revealed that the atrocities in Mindanao have already displaced over half a million people.
The DSWD also said that the government had already spent almost Php70 million to address the needs of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), who are mostly in evacuation centers. (PIA SarGen)
Seven lawless MILF members surrender
ICC Iligan City – The government’s on-going law enforcement operations in Lanao del Norte has gained another headway with the voluntary surrender of at least seven active members of the Lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Group (LMG), recently.
Thus disclosed Lt Col Agane Adiratico, Civil Military Operations (CMO) Chief, G7, First Infantry Division (1ID), Philippine Army, during the surrender rites which took place at the 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) main command post in Barangay Gadungan, Madalum, Lanao del Sur (LDS).
Adriatico said 65IB belongs to the 9th Infantry Division (9IB), Philippine Army that provides augmentation force to the 1ID in the province.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Motus, Battalion Commander of 65IB has identified the LMG surrenderees as follows: Ansary Diambangan, Nager Angni, Abdullah Solaiman, Mutilan Angni, Alamoden Angni, Camel Ismael and Macatoman Angni , all of the 212th Brigade, 102nd MILF Base Command in LDS.
The rebel returnees also surrendered to the military authorities their heavy firearms with the corresponding serial numbers (SN):
One (1) unit each of 5.56mm M653 (Elisco) with SN 249328, 7.62mm J1 (FAL), SN 1771, US rifle caliber .30 M1 (Garand), SN 1348039, US rifle caliber .30M1 (Garand Springfield), SN 142357, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launcher SN 770051, Shot gun (Winchester) SN 1151974 and improvised M79 Grenade Launcher with deface SN.
The rebels decided to surrender because they had realized that doing terroristic activities is against the tenets of Islam and they are also tired of running and evading the government troops operating in the area, Adriatico said. (RTD/PIA Marawi)
Lanao Norte now generally peaceful – Col. De Leon
ICC Iligan City – It is time for us to rebuild and consolidate our efforts so that we can proceed with development and progress for the people of Lanao del Norte.
Thus declared Col. Benito de Leon, Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (104th Bde), Philippine Army, who said that the situation in the province has now become generally peaceful.
“After three (3) months of the armed conflict, the internally displaced persons (IDP) must now have to return back to their places of origin,” he said.
He said that the province is now undergoing an early recovery program to attend to the needs of the IDP’s in areas affected by the said conflict.
This is one of the components of their rehabilitation considering the primary objective of the government to extend services that would alleviate their living conditions, De Leon said.
It can be recalled that several municipalities in the province were directly affected of the atrocities made by the lawless MILF group (LMG) led by the Terrorist Bravo last Aug. 18 resulting to almost 200 thousands of displaced civilian who sought shelter inside the evacuation centers.
As of presstime, however, only the IDP's of the town of Munai have not yet returned to their places of origin, despite the assurance of the military in the area that it is already safe for them to do so. (OSM-Radyo ng Bayan)
Iligan’s Rehab Center ground breaking ceremony set on Nov 28
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 26 -- The Iligan Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation will soon rise at the 2-hectare lot area located at Sitio Fatima, Barangay Abuno, this city.
Unveiling of the Project Profile will be executed by City Councilor Bayani C. Areola - City Council’s Committee Chairman on Drug Abuse. He will be assisted by ICADAC action officer Suzette Redondo, and all ICADAC members. The blessing of the site will be officiated by Msgr. Jemar Veracruz of the St. Michael’s Cathedral.
No less than the chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Secretary Vicente C. Sotto, lll will grace the ground breaking ceremony and the burying of the time capsule on November 28, 2008, 10:00 o’clock in the morning.
ICADAC Action Officer Suzette P. Redondo said Secretary Sotto will be received by the city’s local leaders headed by Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz- ICADAC chairman, Vice Mayor Henry C. Dy, the city councilors and officials of Barangay Abuno and the rest from the city’s 44 barangays.
Redondo said with the Php 15 million funding from the DDB, the city’s dream of putting up a rehabilitation center will be realized to cater drug dependents here in our city and the neighboring areas.
The release of funds shall be in three (3) tranches, and ICADAC received an initial amount of Php 5million in preparation for the construction of the said center.
A short program will follow at Barangay Abuno gymnasium where Sec. Sotto delivers his message and handing over of Plaque of Appreciation to be awarded to Mr. Elpedio Kwan- the lot donor.
Sec. Sotto will then meet the press for a conference in the afternoon and shall join the Torch Rally Parade which will converge at the Rizal Park, this city. The Torch Rally will highlight the culminating activity in this year’s celebration of the Dangerous Drug Prevention Month this November. (LVG/PIA Iligan)
DTI Iligan conducts twin price monitoring activities
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 26 - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Iligan City/Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, in coordination with the Local Price Coordinating Council of Iligan (LPCC) conducted a simultaneous monitoring on Price Tag compliance and the new ICC Markings for Christmas Lights.
Linda O. Boniao, Assistant Regional Director of DTI-10 said the group has inspected 408 public market stalls from the city’s two big markets.
Stores which did not comply with the Price Tag Law were issued notice of violation by the market superintendents’ office.
While there were 19 establishments inspected for compliance to the new Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) markings on Christmas lights, 12 were found to be selling uncertified and mislabeled products. These stores will be subjected to further verification as to their ICC Certificates and the possible correction of the mislabeled items, otherwise penalties will be imposed to erring establishments as mandated by law, Boniao underscored. (LVG/PIA Iligan)
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines has no definite timeline yet as to when it would end their campaign against the rogue Bangsamoro rebels in Mindanao especially so that politicians are in the midst of heated confrontation regarding sensitive political issues.
AFP Chief of Staff Alexander Yano admits that their operations against the rebel groups are somehow affected by political policies especially on developments regarding peace talks.
Yano however clarified that they not coordinating with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) regarding the scuttled peace negotiation with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
It might be recalled that earlier, MILF chief negotiator Mohager Icqbal pointed out that the MILF is ready to go back to the negotiating table provided that government will sign the controversial Memo of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).
The resumption of peace talks yet to be considered by both sides and for the meantime that the peace negotiation with the MILF still remains uncertain, the military will have to pursue their police action against the rogue elements of the MILF in Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and the province of Maguindanao, Yano further said. (CLC/PIA Cotabato City)
Resumption of peace talks asked by multi-sectoral groups
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) – A multi-sectoral groups convened here today to ask both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to resume the stalled peace talks in Mindanao.
Representatives from the youths, women, academe, farmers, NGOs, religious, transport and other peace advocates lamented the deplorable condition of about 620, 000 evacuees composed of children, men, women and elderly scattered in various evacuation centers, especially in Central Mindanao and thereby call for the immediate stop to the on-going firefight between troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“In every arm encounter, those who suffered most are the hapless non-combatant civilians who are forced to flee from their homes, leaving behind their source of livelihood and hard-earned properties. What is worst is that there are times that these fleeing non-combatants are caught in the crossfire in the battles between the warring groups”, declared a member of the Mindanao Alliance for Peace.
“The youths strongly believe that without the GRP and MILF continuing the peace negotiation immediately, the gains of all peace and development initiatives done by them as well as other peace advocates which had been nurtured since the two protagousts started talking peace will ultimately go in vain to the detriment of the people that both the GRP and MILF ought to serve and represent,” expressed a youth participant.
The youths reiterate that the GRP and MILF should now listen to the cry of the people for peace even as it also calls on fellow peace advocates to exert more efforts in urging the government and the MILF to honor and implement the much- awaited peace agreement.
The Mindanao Alliance for Peace further calls on the government, MILF and international communities and other peace advocates to help for the immediate stop to the war in Mindanao and to resolve the problem in Mindanao in a very peaceful manner. (MCD/PIA Cotabato City)
Government troops recover hand-held radio, uniform and other items of LMG
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) - Elements of the 75th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, recovered a hand-held radio, antennae and other items belonging to LMGs under Umbra Kato of the 105th base command following an encounter with government troops on Monday, Nov. 24.
6th Infantry Division spokesperson LTC Julieto Ando positively identified said items left behind by the LMG during an encounter with the elements of the 75th IB at barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano town in Maguindanao.
The MILF, Ando said, cannot deny these items belong to the LMG since these were recovered after the encounter.
Earlier, government troops have likewise recovered assorted high-power firearms, icom-base radio and other items in said area during manhunt operations against Umbra Kato.
The military believes that the series of recovery of valuable items of the LMG have negative implications to the MILF operations.
“We believe that these recovered items belong to the LMG and this has severely affected the control of the MILF leadership over their troops who have apparently splintered,” Ando said.
The pursuit operations against Kato will continue with some technical adjustments, he added. (PBC/PIA Cotabato City)
Bagsakan Center launched in Mamasapano
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) – The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM) has conducted the training on the operations and management of Barangay Bagsakan Center in Manungkaling, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, yesterday November 27.
According to DAF-ARMM Director for Field Operations Dr. Salik Panalunsong, highlight of the activity was the turn over of post-harvest equipment for the said Bagsakan Center.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between Mamasapano Mayor Datu Akmad Ampatuan and the Golden Harvest Multi Purpose Cooperative, DAF-ARMM Regional Secretary Keise T. Usman and DA Maguindanao OIC Provincial Agricultural Officer Naison U. Baguindali, on the operation of the Bagsakan Center.
The training focused on the presentation and discussion of Management, Post-Harvest and Proper Handling and Preservation of the Barangay Bagsakan Center (BBC) through Project Development Officer Ms. Josephine Faustino, Baranagy Bagsakan Coordinator Ma. Nelia Madamba and Joseph Pangilinan of Department of Agriculture central office.
The said Center is one of the five (5) to be established in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to help local farmers and fisher folks in the region market their products. (Joven Mark T. MApait/PIA Cot City)
DAR 12 Provincial Women’s Desk Office, launched
ICC Cotabato City (27 November) – The Department of Agrarian Reform Region 12 (DAR 12), in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched its Provincial Women’s Desk Office last November 10, 2008 at the Celema’s Place, Koronadal City.
The DAR 12 women’s desk provides service to the female employees of DAR and their children who are victims of violence and crimes as provided under Republic Act 9262 otherwise known as the anti – violence against women and their children; R.A. 8353 otherwise known as the anti – rape law; R.A. 8505 otherwise known as rape victim assistance and protection; R.A. 9208 otherwise known as anti – trafficking of persons and R.A. 7877 otherwise known as anti – sexual harassment.
The women’s desk personnel will provide counseling to the victims while the DSWD will adopt the victim especially the children for counseling.
PNP’s role include the investigation of the complaint, gathering of evidences, conduct physical examination and financial assistance for the victim’s hospitalization in rape cases.
According to Mr. Angelito Cabacungan, Information Officer of DAR 12, the complainants may file cases against the perpetrators to the DAR office. (Michelle Angelique H. Barcelonia/PIA)
Two IEDs planted in Christian churches in North Cotabato
ICC General Santos City (27 November) - Renegade members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are being eyed as prime suspects in the attempted bombing of two Christian churches belonging to two religious groups in Central Mindanao.
Major Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command said the first bomb exploded 9:40 p.m. Wednesday in front of the Jehovah’s Witness church at Matalam Street in Kabacan town, North Cotabato.
At about 6:35 the next morning, the team from Military’s Explosives Ordnance Division defused another improvised bomb lodged at the gate of the Iglesia ni Cristo at Segundo village, also in Kabacan.
Cabangbang told media that EOD team rushed to the area after they were informed by residents regarding the explosive.
He added the team “recovered the IED using remote removal through hook and line.”
The explosives, according to the team were comprised of nine volts battery, an alarm clock, an 81mm round without fuse, and an improvised blasting cap.
Cabangbang also observed that the IEDs were akin to those recovered during a recent raid in a bomb-making facility of fugitive MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.
He also opined that the incidents could be part of the diversionary tactics of the rebels saying further that this could be related since these happened in the same town.
But Cabangbang likewise lauded civilians for being alert paving the way for the second bomb to be recovered in time.
The military spokesman chided the lawless MILF groups (LMGs) stressing that they can never distract the military “if that is their purpose.” (PIA SarGen)
Undetermined number of LMG killed in Central Mindanao clash
ICC General Santos City (27 November)--- – Undetermined number of rogue members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed or wounded when it attacked a road security Wednesday in Central Mindanao.
But the military has yet to determine the number of lawless MILF Group (LMG) killed or wounded, Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman for the Army's 6th Infantry Division said.
Ando said the attack triggered a heavy exchange of gunfire that left four soldiers badly hurt.
He also lamented that one of them died before reaching the hospital.
Ando said the soldiers were securing a highway in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Shariff Kabunsuan province when they came under fire near a village called Makir.
Ando said the MILF rebels made the first attack by firing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades prompting soldiers to retaliate.
Sporadic fighting continues in central Mindanao between government and rebel forces since August after the Supreme Court stopped the government from signing the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).
The deal would have given more than four million Muslims their own separate homeland across Mindanao’s 700 villages.
In October, the High Court finally ruled that the MOA-AD was a violation of the Philippine Constitution and therefore unconstitutional.
Report from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) revealed that the atrocities in Mindanao have already displaced over half a million people.
The DSWD also said that the government had already spent almost Php70 million to address the needs of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), who are mostly in evacuation centers. (PIA SarGen)
Seven lawless MILF members surrender
ICC Iligan City – The government’s on-going law enforcement operations in Lanao del Norte has gained another headway with the voluntary surrender of at least seven active members of the Lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Group (LMG), recently.
Thus disclosed Lt Col Agane Adiratico, Civil Military Operations (CMO) Chief, G7, First Infantry Division (1ID), Philippine Army, during the surrender rites which took place at the 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) main command post in Barangay Gadungan, Madalum, Lanao del Sur (LDS).
Adriatico said 65IB belongs to the 9th Infantry Division (9IB), Philippine Army that provides augmentation force to the 1ID in the province.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Motus, Battalion Commander of 65IB has identified the LMG surrenderees as follows: Ansary Diambangan, Nager Angni, Abdullah Solaiman, Mutilan Angni, Alamoden Angni, Camel Ismael and Macatoman Angni , all of the 212th Brigade, 102nd MILF Base Command in LDS.
The rebel returnees also surrendered to the military authorities their heavy firearms with the corresponding serial numbers (SN):
One (1) unit each of 5.56mm M653 (Elisco) with SN 249328, 7.62mm J1 (FAL), SN 1771, US rifle caliber .30 M1 (Garand), SN 1348039, US rifle caliber .30M1 (Garand Springfield), SN 142357, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launcher SN 770051, Shot gun (Winchester) SN 1151974 and improvised M79 Grenade Launcher with deface SN.
The rebels decided to surrender because they had realized that doing terroristic activities is against the tenets of Islam and they are also tired of running and evading the government troops operating in the area, Adriatico said. (RTD/PIA Marawi)
Lanao Norte now generally peaceful – Col. De Leon
ICC Iligan City – It is time for us to rebuild and consolidate our efforts so that we can proceed with development and progress for the people of Lanao del Norte.
Thus declared Col. Benito de Leon, Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (104th Bde), Philippine Army, who said that the situation in the province has now become generally peaceful.
“After three (3) months of the armed conflict, the internally displaced persons (IDP) must now have to return back to their places of origin,” he said.
He said that the province is now undergoing an early recovery program to attend to the needs of the IDP’s in areas affected by the said conflict.
This is one of the components of their rehabilitation considering the primary objective of the government to extend services that would alleviate their living conditions, De Leon said.
It can be recalled that several municipalities in the province were directly affected of the atrocities made by the lawless MILF group (LMG) led by the Terrorist Bravo last Aug. 18 resulting to almost 200 thousands of displaced civilian who sought shelter inside the evacuation centers.
As of presstime, however, only the IDP's of the town of Munai have not yet returned to their places of origin, despite the assurance of the military in the area that it is already safe for them to do so. (OSM-Radyo ng Bayan)
Iligan’s Rehab Center ground breaking ceremony set on Nov 28
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 26 -- The Iligan Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation will soon rise at the 2-hectare lot area located at Sitio Fatima, Barangay Abuno, this city.
Unveiling of the Project Profile will be executed by City Councilor Bayani C. Areola - City Council’s Committee Chairman on Drug Abuse. He will be assisted by ICADAC action officer Suzette Redondo, and all ICADAC members. The blessing of the site will be officiated by Msgr. Jemar Veracruz of the St. Michael’s Cathedral.
No less than the chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Secretary Vicente C. Sotto, lll will grace the ground breaking ceremony and the burying of the time capsule on November 28, 2008, 10:00 o’clock in the morning.
ICADAC Action Officer Suzette P. Redondo said Secretary Sotto will be received by the city’s local leaders headed by Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz- ICADAC chairman, Vice Mayor Henry C. Dy, the city councilors and officials of Barangay Abuno and the rest from the city’s 44 barangays.
Redondo said with the Php 15 million funding from the DDB, the city’s dream of putting up a rehabilitation center will be realized to cater drug dependents here in our city and the neighboring areas.
The release of funds shall be in three (3) tranches, and ICADAC received an initial amount of Php 5million in preparation for the construction of the said center.
A short program will follow at Barangay Abuno gymnasium where Sec. Sotto delivers his message and handing over of Plaque of Appreciation to be awarded to Mr. Elpedio Kwan- the lot donor.
Sec. Sotto will then meet the press for a conference in the afternoon and shall join the Torch Rally Parade which will converge at the Rizal Park, this city. The Torch Rally will highlight the culminating activity in this year’s celebration of the Dangerous Drug Prevention Month this November. (LVG/PIA Iligan)
DTI Iligan conducts twin price monitoring activities
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 26 - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Iligan City/Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, in coordination with the Local Price Coordinating Council of Iligan (LPCC) conducted a simultaneous monitoring on Price Tag compliance and the new ICC Markings for Christmas Lights.
Linda O. Boniao, Assistant Regional Director of DTI-10 said the group has inspected 408 public market stalls from the city’s two big markets.
Stores which did not comply with the Price Tag Law were issued notice of violation by the market superintendents’ office.
While there were 19 establishments inspected for compliance to the new Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) markings on Christmas lights, 12 were found to be selling uncertified and mislabeled products. These stores will be subjected to further verification as to their ICC Certificates and the possible correction of the mislabeled items, otherwise penalties will be imposed to erring establishments as mandated by law, Boniao underscored. (LVG/PIA Iligan)
Wednesday 26 November 2008
ICC Dispatch - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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ICC Dispatch - Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Iligan City hosts 1st National Summit of ICT Councils
ICC Iligan, Nov. 25 – City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz of Iligan expressed his gratitude to the practitioners and stakeholders in the field of information technology who responded to the invitation and bringing them together to the 1st Information Communication Technology (ICT) Councils/Foundations/Organizations Summit here in this city.
Addressing the participants to the 2-day Summit which opened today-November 25 and until tomorrow, Mayor Cruz said that he hopes to have this undertaking a fruitful and rewarding experience to all, a welcome sign for the growth of the ICT industry in general and maximize its benefits and improve the lives and the systems that govern the conduct of the lives of the people.
Cruz admitted that he may not be as computer savvy as the participants may have been, but through some movies he has come to know awesome power of computers that dramatically changing our way of life and have made us worth smarter and of course faster.
Supervasive is the use of ICT, that it has swoon a genre of computer of science fiction movies, and computer animated films, added Cruz
The concept of open source has given rise to such concerns as: reliability, fewer infections, hardware independence, choice of programs, upgrade putting, interoperability, community not customers, and easy on the professor.
Mayor Cruz extended his deep appreciation to the prime movers of this first ever Summit particularly the Iligan Information Communication and Technology Council (IICTC) chaired by Dr. Emmanuel M. Lagare, and the resource speakers and guests who have unselfishly contributed their time, knowledge, experiences, and resources, and to the participants from the different regions in our country. (LVG/PIA Iligan)
Sexual abuses forbidden even in war—Col De Leon
Iligan City (25 November). “Sexual violence is outlawed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines even in times of war or armed conflict.”
This was the message of Col Benito de Leon, Commander of 104th Infantry Brigade, speaking during the “Observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” held in the city by the Gender Equality Network for Peace (GEN4PEACE) in cooperation with the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Forum for Peace and the British Embassy.
The activity was organized in consonance with UN Security Council Resolution No. 1820 covering the issues on rape and sexual violence in conflict situations.
Adopting the theme “Women, Peace, and Security: Issues of Rape and other Forms of Sexual Abuse in Times of War,” the consultation was attended by the delegates from the 13 NGO-member groups of the CSO Forum with its President Jane Bernardo, and participated in by the military and police. Ms Anita Sescon, the Commissioner of the Mindanao Commission on Women Forum provided the inputs for the UN Resolution. On the other hand, Atty Florante Ursua of the Commission on Human Rights spoke on the responsibility of the government to prevent human rights violations.
In responding to concerns that women have been portrayed as a booty of war and that the incidence of sexual molestations were high during times of armed conflicts, Col de Leon explained that the notion of war booties were things of the past long gone by.
As societies became more civil, laws and norms were adopted to forbid this practice, he adds.
Further, De Leon says, the military aside from the existing criminal laws enforces the punitive Articles of War governing the conduct of military personnel.
Furthermore, the officer clarified that other measures are in place to ensure that members of the military observe the prohibitions as provided in our legal system including the adoption of the AFP Code of Ethics outlining the professional conduct, the inclusion of all these as discussion points in military education courses, and the regular conduct of troop information. Accordingly, commanders at all levels have to see that these are all observed and enforced.
“All abuses or violations of the law, including rape or violence on women, committed by any military personnel at any given time especially during times of conflict will not be tolerated by the AFP,” the army commander underscored.
PC/Supt Felizardo Serapio, Jr. heads the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in ARMM, Regions IX and XII
ICC Cotabato City (25 November) - In a move to further strengthen and intensify government’s campaign to eliminate criminal and lawless activities in Mindanao, the Phillipiine National Police (PNP) headquarters has created the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO).
PC/Supt. Felizardo Serapio, Jr. has been named to head the newly created office which covers the police regional offices in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Regions IX and XII.
PNP-ARMM Deputy Regional Director for Administration PS/Supt. Faisal Umpa revealed that the DIPO would ensure more efficient and effective coordination, supervision and control of police operations in said areas.
Aside from police operations, the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations would likewise be involved in matters pertaining to law enforcement, counter-insurgency and disaster management, Umpa said.
Umpa said, this new development would have significant impact to PNP’s continuous drive against lawlessness particularly in the campaign against loose firearms.
He noted that the campaign against loose firearms in the ARMM particularly in the island provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan is gaining grounds.
Through police checkpoints, the official said, more than 70 assorted firearms have been confiscated to this date. (pbc/PIA Cot City)
Young Mindanao leaders discuss “Moro problem” with Japanese
ICC Cotabato City (25 November) – Young leaders from Mindanao, including an election reform advocate from Cotabato City, completed on Monday a five-day seminar tour in Japan.
Salic Ibrahim, chair of the Citizens Coalition for Electoral Reforms (Citizens CARE), said the seminar focused on peace and development issues in Southern Philippines.
Ibrahim was one of the seven young Mindanao leaders invited by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to join the training.
Other well-known personalities who joined the seminar tour were Mike Pasigan and Mohajerin Ali, panel members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Julie Maliga of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Elisa Calimag of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPPAP), Karlo Nograles of the Office of the Hause Speaker in the Congress. Hanafi Ibrahim, Secretary to the Governor of Sarangani province.
“One of the issues raised during the seminar was about the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD),” said Ibrahim.
The document has fallen ‘victim’ to the kind of politics existing in the Philippines, Ibrahim quoted one of their speakers.
“An order from the Supreme Court halted the signing of such agreement, which it later declared’ null and void,” he said.
For Ibrahim, government with a president committed to peace can help solve a decade-old conflict in Mindanao.
One professor there said the collapse of the MOA-AD cannot be simply attributed to the inability of a “weak” or “lame duck” president but was blamed on the country’s political maneuvering. (MCD/PIA Cotabato City)
Cotabato City population increased to 259,123 eyes for a separate congressional district
ICC Cotabato City (25 November) –The population of Cotabato City has finally reached its required number and even more than what it is required of it to quality for a separate congressional seat.
Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema disclosed through a local media report that based on the latest result of the population census obtained from the National Census and Statistics Office, the city population has now reached to 259,123 more than its expected number of population.
The city’s local government has been trying all these years to have its own separate congressional district from what is now the lone district of Shariff Kabunsuan with Cotabato City.
Sema said, having a separate congressional district, will have positive impact on the city’s development as it further hastens the growth of the city’s business community.
A formal communication has already been sent to Shariff Kabunsuan with Cotabato City Congressman Didagen “Digs” Dilangalen regarding the matter, the report added. (CLC/PIA Cotabato City)
DA-MRDP focuses on Natural Resource Management
ICC Cotabato City (25 November) – The Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) in collaboration with Natural Resource Management (NRM) conducted a four (4) day Feasibility Study and Planning Workshop recently in Cotabato City.
NRM aims to enhance awareness of local government officials on the effects f destructive upland and coastal resources exploitation and the need for collective management and protection of these resources.
This will improve peoples organization’s capacity for sound NRM planning, sustainable development principles, and methodology in assessing local policies, strategies, and programs and projects.
More than forty participants comprising of the officials and representatives from eight (8) enrolled barangays in Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan.
These barangays include Barangay Bakak, Awang, Dinaig Proper, Tapian, Linek Mompong, Labungan and Kusiong underwent extensive workshop MRDP conducted by NRM Specialist for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Mr. Ulysses R. Triambulo.
NRM focuses on providing holistic development concepts and orientation on the importance of MRDP-NRM Program as an approach for sustainable integrated area development,Sub-watershed Area Site Situational Analysis and Introduction to NRM Watershed Area Defined (Different Ecosystems). (Joven Mark T. Mapait/PIA Cot City)
DTI enjoins businessmen to sell quality products to consumers
ICC GENERAL SANTOS CITY (25 November)---- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here ordered business establishments to sell only quality products to their consumers.
DTI assured the public that it considers their safety to be of paramount important than that of profits.
“Kinahanglang ipanigurong de-kalidad ang produkto nga ilang gibaligya alang usab sa kasiguruhan sa mga kunsumedures,” Atty. Ramon Dosejo Jr of the DTI said.
The DTI, Dosejo said has been tightly monitoring food products including non-food based products to ensure that these have passed the quality standard required.
The recent “melamine scare,” according to the DTI paved the way for government agents to step up to the highest level its market monitoring.
The DTI admitted that there are lots of faked or sub-standard products being sold nowadays that are being patronized by people especially the poor.
Dosejo believed that despite the ICC mark which certifies the product’s quality and originality, there are still plenty of substandard and faked products that are proliferating in the market.
One of the non-food based products that DTI monitors is Christmas lights which are very saleable this season, he said.
The DTI warned unscrupulous businessmen that they would be dealt with accordingly once they were caught violating the Consumer Act of 1992 which protects the interest of the consumer against deceptive sales and practices. (PIA SarGen)
ICC Iligan, Nov. 25 – City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz of Iligan expressed his gratitude to the practitioners and stakeholders in the field of information technology who responded to the invitation and bringing them together to the 1st Information Communication Technology (ICT) Councils/Foundations/Organizations Summit here in this city.
Addressing the participants to the 2-day Summit which opened today-November 25 and until tomorrow, Mayor Cruz said that he hopes to have this undertaking a fruitful and rewarding experience to all, a welcome sign for the growth of the ICT industry in general and maximize its benefits and improve the lives and the systems that govern the conduct of the lives of the people.
Cruz admitted that he may not be as computer savvy as the participants may have been, but through some movies he has come to know awesome power of computers that dramatically changing our way of life and have made us worth smarter and of course faster.
Supervasive is the use of ICT, that it has swoon a genre of computer of science fiction movies, and computer animated films, added Cruz
The concept of open source has given rise to such concerns as: reliability, fewer infections, hardware independence, choice of programs, upgrade putting, interoperability, community not customers, and easy on the professor.
Mayor Cruz extended his deep appreciation to the prime movers of this first ever Summit particularly the Iligan Information Communication and Technology Council (IICTC) chaired by Dr. Emmanuel M. Lagare, and the resource speakers and guests who have unselfishly contributed their time, knowledge, experiences, and resources, and to the participants from the different regions in our country. (LVG/PIA Iligan)
Sexual abuses forbidden even in war—Col De Leon
Iligan City (25 November). “Sexual violence is outlawed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines even in times of war or armed conflict.”
This was the message of Col Benito de Leon, Commander of 104th Infantry Brigade, speaking during the “Observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” held in the city by the Gender Equality Network for Peace (GEN4PEACE) in cooperation with the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Forum for Peace and the British Embassy.
The activity was organized in consonance with UN Security Council Resolution No. 1820 covering the issues on rape and sexual violence in conflict situations.
Adopting the theme “Women, Peace, and Security: Issues of Rape and other Forms of Sexual Abuse in Times of War,” the consultation was attended by the delegates from the 13 NGO-member groups of the CSO Forum with its President Jane Bernardo, and participated in by the military and police. Ms Anita Sescon, the Commissioner of the Mindanao Commission on Women Forum provided the inputs for the UN Resolution. On the other hand, Atty Florante Ursua of the Commission on Human Rights spoke on the responsibility of the government to prevent human rights violations.
In responding to concerns that women have been portrayed as a booty of war and that the incidence of sexual molestations were high during times of armed conflicts, Col de Leon explained that the notion of war booties were things of the past long gone by.
As societies became more civil, laws and norms were adopted to forbid this practice, he adds.
Further, De Leon says, the military aside from the existing criminal laws enforces the punitive Articles of War governing the conduct of military personnel.
Furthermore, the officer clarified that other measures are in place to ensure that members of the military observe the prohibitions as provided in our legal system including the adoption of the AFP Code of Ethics outlining the professional conduct, the inclusion of all these as discussion points in military education courses, and the regular conduct of troop information. Accordingly, commanders at all levels have to see that these are all observed and enforced.
“All abuses or violations of the law, including rape or violence on women, committed by any military personnel at any given time especially during times of conflict will not be tolerated by the AFP,” the army commander underscored.
PC/Supt Felizardo Serapio, Jr. heads the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in ARMM, Regions IX and XII
ICC Cotabato City (25 November) - In a move to further strengthen and intensify government’s campaign to eliminate criminal and lawless activities in Mindanao, the Phillipiine National Police (PNP) headquarters has created the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO).
PC/Supt. Felizardo Serapio, Jr. has been named to head the newly created office which covers the police regional offices in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Regions IX and XII.
PNP-ARMM Deputy Regional Director for Administration PS/Supt. Faisal Umpa revealed that the DIPO would ensure more efficient and effective coordination, supervision and control of police operations in said areas.
Aside from police operations, the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations would likewise be involved in matters pertaining to law enforcement, counter-insurgency and disaster management, Umpa said.
Umpa said, this new development would have significant impact to PNP’s continuous drive against lawlessness particularly in the campaign against loose firearms.
He noted that the campaign against loose firearms in the ARMM particularly in the island provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan is gaining grounds.
Through police checkpoints, the official said, more than 70 assorted firearms have been confiscated to this date. (pbc/PIA Cot City)
Young Mindanao leaders discuss “Moro problem” with Japanese
ICC Cotabato City (25 November) – Young leaders from Mindanao, including an election reform advocate from Cotabato City, completed on Monday a five-day seminar tour in Japan.
Salic Ibrahim, chair of the Citizens Coalition for Electoral Reforms (Citizens CARE), said the seminar focused on peace and development issues in Southern Philippines.
Ibrahim was one of the seven young Mindanao leaders invited by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to join the training.
Other well-known personalities who joined the seminar tour were Mike Pasigan and Mohajerin Ali, panel members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Julie Maliga of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Elisa Calimag of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPPAP), Karlo Nograles of the Office of the Hause Speaker in the Congress. Hanafi Ibrahim, Secretary to the Governor of Sarangani province.
“One of the issues raised during the seminar was about the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD),” said Ibrahim.
The document has fallen ‘victim’ to the kind of politics existing in the Philippines, Ibrahim quoted one of their speakers.
“An order from the Supreme Court halted the signing of such agreement, which it later declared’ null and void,” he said.
For Ibrahim, government with a president committed to peace can help solve a decade-old conflict in Mindanao.
One professor there said the collapse of the MOA-AD cannot be simply attributed to the inability of a “weak” or “lame duck” president but was blamed on the country’s political maneuvering. (MCD/PIA Cotabato City)
Cotabato City population increased to 259,123 eyes for a separate congressional district
ICC Cotabato City (25 November) –The population of Cotabato City has finally reached its required number and even more than what it is required of it to quality for a separate congressional seat.
Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema disclosed through a local media report that based on the latest result of the population census obtained from the National Census and Statistics Office, the city population has now reached to 259,123 more than its expected number of population.
The city’s local government has been trying all these years to have its own separate congressional district from what is now the lone district of Shariff Kabunsuan with Cotabato City.
Sema said, having a separate congressional district, will have positive impact on the city’s development as it further hastens the growth of the city’s business community.
A formal communication has already been sent to Shariff Kabunsuan with Cotabato City Congressman Didagen “Digs” Dilangalen regarding the matter, the report added. (CLC/PIA Cotabato City)
DA-MRDP focuses on Natural Resource Management
ICC Cotabato City (25 November) – The Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) in collaboration with Natural Resource Management (NRM) conducted a four (4) day Feasibility Study and Planning Workshop recently in Cotabato City.
NRM aims to enhance awareness of local government officials on the effects f destructive upland and coastal resources exploitation and the need for collective management and protection of these resources.
This will improve peoples organization’s capacity for sound NRM planning, sustainable development principles, and methodology in assessing local policies, strategies, and programs and projects.
More than forty participants comprising of the officials and representatives from eight (8) enrolled barangays in Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan.
These barangays include Barangay Bakak, Awang, Dinaig Proper, Tapian, Linek Mompong, Labungan and Kusiong underwent extensive workshop MRDP conducted by NRM Specialist for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Mr. Ulysses R. Triambulo.
NRM focuses on providing holistic development concepts and orientation on the importance of MRDP-NRM Program as an approach for sustainable integrated area development,Sub-watershed Area Site Situational Analysis and Introduction to NRM Watershed Area Defined (Different Ecosystems). (Joven Mark T. Mapait/PIA Cot City)
DTI enjoins businessmen to sell quality products to consumers
ICC GENERAL SANTOS CITY (25 November)---- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here ordered business establishments to sell only quality products to their consumers.
DTI assured the public that it considers their safety to be of paramount important than that of profits.
“Kinahanglang ipanigurong de-kalidad ang produkto nga ilang gibaligya alang usab sa kasiguruhan sa mga kunsumedures,” Atty. Ramon Dosejo Jr of the DTI said.
The DTI, Dosejo said has been tightly monitoring food products including non-food based products to ensure that these have passed the quality standard required.
The recent “melamine scare,” according to the DTI paved the way for government agents to step up to the highest level its market monitoring.
The DTI admitted that there are lots of faked or sub-standard products being sold nowadays that are being patronized by people especially the poor.
Dosejo believed that despite the ICC mark which certifies the product’s quality and originality, there are still plenty of substandard and faked products that are proliferating in the market.
One of the non-food based products that DTI monitors is Christmas lights which are very saleable this season, he said.
The DTI warned unscrupulous businessmen that they would be dealt with accordingly once they were caught violating the Consumer Act of 1992 which protects the interest of the consumer against deceptive sales and practices. (PIA SarGen)
Monday 24 November 2008
ICC Dispatch - Monday, November 24, 2008
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ICC Dispatch - Sunday, November 23, 2008
CPP/NPA/NDF violates International Humanitarian Law in keeping wounded soldier
ICC General Santos City (23 November) – The hesitation of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New Peoples Army and the National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) to declare that they have in their custody Lt. Vicente Camayo is due to the fear being accountable if something happens to the wounded officer.
This was the statement of Major Medel Aquilar, 5th CRG Commander, Civl Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRS-AFP), Panacan, Davao City who pointed out that this is the same reason why they lied to the people by saying that Lt. Camayo is not in their custody.
They are also afraid, according to Aguilar, that the international community will know they are violating the international humanitarian law (IHL) by depriving a wounded person with the necessary medication he needs.
Major Aguilar said this is the problem with a publicity obsessed organization that instead of bringing the wounded officer to a hospital or turning over to the government for the much needed life-saving medical intervention, they continue to keep him in their custody which unnecessary endangers his life.
With the hope that subject officer can survive ordeal of bearing the pain, the 5th CRG commander said, the CPP/NPA/NDF keeps him for a media mileage someday to boast around the world by projecting an image of being a strong adherent of IHL. But if something happens to the officer, they could simply deny that they had him in their custody alive and avoid public condemnation, he concluded. (PIA12)
Duque says President Arroyo is sincere to end her term in 2010
General Santos City (November 23, 2008) – Health Secretary Francisco Duque III doused off speculations by local media here of a possible term extension for President Arroyo saying he believes the president is sincere to end her term in 2010.
In a press conference today, Duque was asked to react on the controversial prayer of Press Secretary Jesus Dureza for the President to have the “tolerance to serve the nation until 2010 and beyond,” which he delivered at the start of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Malacañang.
Duque said the president is not showing any sign that she wanted to extend her presidency beyond 2010 every time they get together during Cabinet meetings.
“Naniniwala ako na ang Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ay tatapusin lamang ang kanyang termino till 2010 at sa aking tingin sa tuwing kami ay nagtitipon para sa Cabinet meeting wala namang indikasyon na mayroon s’yang hangad na manatili sa kanyang pagiging pangulo na lampas ng 2010,” he said.
Duque urged members of the press not to take seriously the prayer of Secretary Dureza, and avoid putting more meaning to it.
He said Dureza himself admitted that he committed a “gag,” a sort of “blunder” when he said those words, but had already apologized to the President.
“Wag na po tayong maglagay pa ng karagdagang kahulugan doon sa mga nasabi ng isang gabinete ako na lang ang paniwalaan ninyo na wala ho akong nakikitang ganung indikasyon at naniniwala naman ako na ang pangulo ay tapat na ang kanyang panunungkulan ay hanggang 2010 lamang,” he added. (PIA-SarGen)
Sec Duque urges media to advance the cause of people’s health
General Santos City (23 November)--- Health Secretary Francisco Duque III appealed to tri-media to help advance the cause of people’s health by disseminating the department’s various programs.
“I would like to appeal to our friends in the tri-media to please help us disseminate the worthy programs of the DOH with the end in view of advancing the cause of health of our people,” he said.
Secretary Duque was the keynote speaker of the first ever held Field Implementation Management Office (FIMO) meeting for Region XII.
He said the importance of the meeting was to make sure that the foundational structure of the “FOURmula 1 for health” will be understood and implemented without hitches.
The FOURmula 1 for health which covers healthcare financing, health service delivery, good governance, and regulations is poised to address the various health issues as translated in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Duque explained that DOH convened all its top officials and regional directors to discuss strategies on how to better improve delivery of government health services for the Filipinos.
He pointed out that DOH is also mandated to attain the MDG target by coming up with various health programs and projects.
Among these health programs and initiatives are: facilitate access of cheap medicines to the poor; attain the universal health insurance coverage of PhilHealth; establish more Botika ng Barangay (BnB); reduce maternal and child mortality rates by addressing health concerns of women and children and strengthening the nutritional needs of pregnant women and lactating mothers; and increase the numbers of primary and secondary hospitals through the health facilities upgrade program of the department.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, according to him has considered health service as priority need thus allocating huge fund to improve the capacity of primary and secondary hospitals to be able to give quality services to patients.
With this, he also lauded the PhilHealth coverage in SocSarGen specifically General Santos City for its strong advocacy on health insurance saying the local government’s initiative is at its best.
“Kami ay natutuwa dahil dito sa Socsargen-- sa Gensan ay maganda ang kanilang PhilHealth coverage at nagpapasalamat kami sa pamunuan ng Gensan dahil sa kanilang advocacy on health insurance syempre kasama din dito ang kampanya natin upang mapadami ang bilang ng botika ng barangay,” Duque told media and government officials and employees.
The Secretary also revealed that some 350 BnBs are expected to be established in Socsargen in the near future.
South Cotabato First District Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio, City Mayor Pedro Acharon, and Sarangani Gov. Migs Dominguez were in attendance to rally their support of DOH programs.
“We cannot survive without the support of our local chief executives … their presence gives the DOH the confidence that the executives and the entire LGU are in support of the worthy programs of the DOH,” Duque said. (PIA SarGen)
ICC General Santos City (23 November) – The hesitation of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New Peoples Army and the National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) to declare that they have in their custody Lt. Vicente Camayo is due to the fear being accountable if something happens to the wounded officer.
This was the statement of Major Medel Aquilar, 5th CRG Commander, Civl Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRS-AFP), Panacan, Davao City who pointed out that this is the same reason why they lied to the people by saying that Lt. Camayo is not in their custody.
They are also afraid, according to Aguilar, that the international community will know they are violating the international humanitarian law (IHL) by depriving a wounded person with the necessary medication he needs.
Major Aguilar said this is the problem with a publicity obsessed organization that instead of bringing the wounded officer to a hospital or turning over to the government for the much needed life-saving medical intervention, they continue to keep him in their custody which unnecessary endangers his life.
With the hope that subject officer can survive ordeal of bearing the pain, the 5th CRG commander said, the CPP/NPA/NDF keeps him for a media mileage someday to boast around the world by projecting an image of being a strong adherent of IHL. But if something happens to the officer, they could simply deny that they had him in their custody alive and avoid public condemnation, he concluded. (PIA12)
Duque says President Arroyo is sincere to end her term in 2010
General Santos City (November 23, 2008) – Health Secretary Francisco Duque III doused off speculations by local media here of a possible term extension for President Arroyo saying he believes the president is sincere to end her term in 2010.
In a press conference today, Duque was asked to react on the controversial prayer of Press Secretary Jesus Dureza for the President to have the “tolerance to serve the nation until 2010 and beyond,” which he delivered at the start of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Malacañang.
Duque said the president is not showing any sign that she wanted to extend her presidency beyond 2010 every time they get together during Cabinet meetings.
“Naniniwala ako na ang Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ay tatapusin lamang ang kanyang termino till 2010 at sa aking tingin sa tuwing kami ay nagtitipon para sa Cabinet meeting wala namang indikasyon na mayroon s’yang hangad na manatili sa kanyang pagiging pangulo na lampas ng 2010,” he said.
Duque urged members of the press not to take seriously the prayer of Secretary Dureza, and avoid putting more meaning to it.
He said Dureza himself admitted that he committed a “gag,” a sort of “blunder” when he said those words, but had already apologized to the President.
“Wag na po tayong maglagay pa ng karagdagang kahulugan doon sa mga nasabi ng isang gabinete ako na lang ang paniwalaan ninyo na wala ho akong nakikitang ganung indikasyon at naniniwala naman ako na ang pangulo ay tapat na ang kanyang panunungkulan ay hanggang 2010 lamang,” he added. (PIA-SarGen)
Sec Duque urges media to advance the cause of people’s health
General Santos City (23 November)--- Health Secretary Francisco Duque III appealed to tri-media to help advance the cause of people’s health by disseminating the department’s various programs.
“I would like to appeal to our friends in the tri-media to please help us disseminate the worthy programs of the DOH with the end in view of advancing the cause of health of our people,” he said.
Secretary Duque was the keynote speaker of the first ever held Field Implementation Management Office (FIMO) meeting for Region XII.
He said the importance of the meeting was to make sure that the foundational structure of the “FOURmula 1 for health” will be understood and implemented without hitches.
The FOURmula 1 for health which covers healthcare financing, health service delivery, good governance, and regulations is poised to address the various health issues as translated in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Duque explained that DOH convened all its top officials and regional directors to discuss strategies on how to better improve delivery of government health services for the Filipinos.
He pointed out that DOH is also mandated to attain the MDG target by coming up with various health programs and projects.
Among these health programs and initiatives are: facilitate access of cheap medicines to the poor; attain the universal health insurance coverage of PhilHealth; establish more Botika ng Barangay (BnB); reduce maternal and child mortality rates by addressing health concerns of women and children and strengthening the nutritional needs of pregnant women and lactating mothers; and increase the numbers of primary and secondary hospitals through the health facilities upgrade program of the department.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, according to him has considered health service as priority need thus allocating huge fund to improve the capacity of primary and secondary hospitals to be able to give quality services to patients.
With this, he also lauded the PhilHealth coverage in SocSarGen specifically General Santos City for its strong advocacy on health insurance saying the local government’s initiative is at its best.
“Kami ay natutuwa dahil dito sa Socsargen-- sa Gensan ay maganda ang kanilang PhilHealth coverage at nagpapasalamat kami sa pamunuan ng Gensan dahil sa kanilang advocacy on health insurance syempre kasama din dito ang kampanya natin upang mapadami ang bilang ng botika ng barangay,” Duque told media and government officials and employees.
The Secretary also revealed that some 350 BnBs are expected to be established in Socsargen in the near future.
South Cotabato First District Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio, City Mayor Pedro Acharon, and Sarangani Gov. Migs Dominguez were in attendance to rally their support of DOH programs.
“We cannot survive without the support of our local chief executives … their presence gives the DOH the confidence that the executives and the entire LGU are in support of the worthy programs of the DOH,” Duque said. (PIA SarGen)
ICC Dispatch - Friday, November 21, 2008
Col. Ardo gets commendation for improvement of Kampo Ranao facilities
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 21 – Col. Rey C. Ardo, Commander of the 3rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (103rd Bde) has been commended for his efforts in improving the facilities of Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.
The commendation came from Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA) during the Nov. 20, 2008, turn over, of the Php2.1 million worth of building facilities and the unveiling of markers in the camp considered home of the “Haribon” troopers.
These facilities, the construction of which were funded by the Lanao del Sur (LDS) Provincial Government, include the administration building annex for the Brigade Conference Room, receiving area, water system and facilities, electrical system, drainage system, camp posts, perimeter fence, officers’ quarters and mess hall.
“We very well know that Kampo Ranao is a permanent military reservation and as such, instead of putting up temporary and makeshift facilities, we should be able to improve it and put up our permanent fixtures and facilities in this very valuable piece of our real estate,” the CGPA said.
Ibrado also said he is sure that the men and women of the unit are very happy and proud to have a more spacious and presentable facility that will hopefully inspire them in their daily job.
The newly constructed building is not the first time that the Army soldiers received from the people of LDS as the late Mamintal Adiong, Sr., former governor, also initiated the construction of the Brigade Grandstand whose marker was also unveiled during the occasion. (RCA/PIA10)
Kampo Ranao improvements are monuments of Army-LDS partnership – Lt. Gen. Ibrado
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 21 – Lt. Gen. Victor Ibarado, Commanding General of the Philippine Army has considered the new building facilities and grandstand at Kampo Ranao, Marawi City, as monuments of the strong partnership between the Philippine Army and the people of Lanao del Sur (LDS).
Thus stressed the CGPA during the recent turn over from the LDS Provincial Government to the Army of the newly completed building facilities worth Php2.1 million in the camp which provides shelter to the 3rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (103rd Bde).
“We are therefore very fortunate to have the continuing support of the people of LDS and the generosity of our local government officials who remained very supportive to our thrusts for peace, security and progress in this province,” the CGPA said.
He then assured the people of the province that the Army will continue to focus on its mission of ensuring peace and security in the communities and will remain as their reliable partner in nation building and in the promotion of the welfare of the Maranao people.
To the troops of the 103rd Bde who are the primary beneficiaries of the project, he said “ Your charge is to return the benevolence of the local government in this area with better service and commitment to do your mandate.”
Ibrado also asked them to ensure that the structures are properly maintained so that it will serve its purpose. “In addition to the improvements that you have undertaken on the other camp facilities, the PA headquarters will expect more significant accomplishments and outputs from you, he told the men and women of 103rd Bde.
“I am therefore, counting on everyone to sustain your gains and exert more efforts to accomplish more as we vigorously pursue the accomplishment of our Internal Security Operation (ISO) missions to posture peace and prosperity,” the CGPA said.
More importantly, I expect your individual and collective contribution and commitment as we push forward the TEAM Army’s call towards our vision of a professional, capable and responsive Army that is a source of our national pride, Ibrado finally said. (RCA/PIA10)
CGPA vows to provide Army soldiers all support requirements
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 21 – The Philippine Army will continue to find ways to provide the soldiers with all the support requirements that they need within the capacity of its available resources.
Thus assured Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, PA Commanding General, during the recent ground-breaking for the construction of the Enlisted Personnel (EP) Barracks at the 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (103rd Bde), PA Headquarters in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.
He said the Army will ensure that priority in the use of these resources will be for the well-being of the soldiers and the accomplishments of their mandates, hence, the realization of the project.
“The recently completed building facilities in the camp, which was constructed, courtesy of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Government, gave us this good start to the pursuit of our vision,” Ibrado told the troops of 103rd Bde led by Col. Rey C. Ardo, the Brigade Commander.
Hence, he said, it is only fitting that the support facilities, such as billeting, also be given a longer-lasting and more durable structure to go with the permanent ones used for official operations and administrative activities newly completed within the camp.
He said he is hopeful that the construction of the EP Barracks will be completed very soon so that it will allow its beneficiaries and the transient occupants to have a better living condition, better performance in their soldierly duties by quickly responding to the needs of our fellowmen
Addressing the troops, Ibrado said “We expect this to serve as inspiration for you to work even harder. And to those who will be occupying this facility once it is completed, I count on each one of you to maintain it so it can also serve future generations of Army soldiers after you have served your tour of duty here.”
Measuring 9 m. x 38 m. with a total floor area of 342 sq.m., the EP Barracks which can accommodate more or less 120 EP’s, will have the basic amenities of toilets and baths, wash area and a day room.
It is targeted to be finished in 120 calendar days, the construction of which will be undertaken by the 547th Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB), Philippine Army. (RCA/PIA10)
Army’s 547 ECB to construct Php2 M worth of EP barracks in Kampo Ranao
ICC Iligan City, Nov 21 – At least Php2 million will be spent to construct one (1) unit of an Enlisted Personnel (EP) Barracks inside Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.
This was revealed Lt. Col. Gerardo Catindoy, Commander of the 547 Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB) which is tasked to undertake the project, during its groundbreaking ceremony in the area.
Formerly called Camp Keithy, Kampo Ranao which occupies an area of 4,687 ha. of military reservation is now home of the 3rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (103rd Bde), Philippine Army.
With a measurement of 9 m. x 38 m. and a floor area of 342 sq.m., which can accommodate more or less 120 EP’s with basic amenities of toilets, bath, wash area and a day room, the said barracks has a site location that conforms with the proposed camp development plan.
As such, the plan is only an initial scan of the unit requirements in the long-term and provides only a graphical spatial framework for future developments of the Kampo Ranao, Catindoy said.
Hence, the more comprehensive long-range plan containing detailed studies and analysis can be obtained through the preparation of a master development plan that will serve as a detailed guide for the long term physical growth of the camp.
Catindoy added that the project duration is only120 calendar days and thus commit to finish the project before the target completion date.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, Commanding General, PA, Col. Rey C. Ardo, Commander, 103rd Bde and Col. Michaelo Salvaleon, Commander, 55th Engineer Brigade, PA. (OSM – Radyo ng Bayan)
Community participation, heaviest weight in GABAY 2008 Awards
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 21 -- Apparently heeding the call of Pres. Gloria Macagal-Arroyo to involve the communities in all barangay affairs, “participation of constituents” has been allocated the highest points in the criteria for the Gawad Galing Barangay (GABAY) Awards, 2008.
Thus stressed Asst. Regional Director Wendelin Orillaneda of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government, region 10, who said the GABAY Awards is a joint initiative of the department and the Liga ng mga Barangay to confer “The Best Performing Barangay’s” in the region.
Consistent with the mandate of DILG in providing capability building programs to strengthen decentralization in the country, the GABAY awards aims to ensure that barangay governments comply with the provisions of the Local Government Code and various presidential directives and issuances.
It is also the primary intention of the GABAY awards to enhance the performance of the barangays for more effective delivery of basic services through the appropriate program intervention.
Specifically, the program hopes to strengthen good barangay governance, stimulate innovations and institutionalize a system of providing incentives and rewards to these barangays, Orillaneda said.
Aside from that, it will also provide valuable information in surfacing operations for a more effective barangay government administration and highlight their exemplary and excellent performance and service delivery to their constituents.
The awards, which shall cover the performance of the barangays in region 10 for the period starting December 2007 to October 2008, will assess the following key areas of concern in barangay governance:
Transparency, 14 pt., fiscal accountability and responsibility, 26 pts., participation of constituents, 30 pts., leveling of playing field/equality of opportunity, 15 pts. and organization and membership, 15 pts.
Meanwhile, Orillaneda said there will be four (4) categories of the GABAY Awards: Category A for the for Highly Urbanized City (HUC), Category B for Component City, Category C for 1st to 3rd Class Municipalities and Category D for 4th-6th Class Municipalities. (RCA/PIA10)
LBP loans to priority sectors in Region IX reach P3.146Billion
ICC, Pagadian, Zamboanga City, Nov21 - LandBank’s total loan exposure to its priority sectors in Region IX reached P3.145 Billion as of third quarter of this year. This is a P300 million increase over the P2.8 Billion loans posted in 2009 said AVP Camilo Leyba, Regional Head, Region IX, LBP.
The Bank’s expanded loan portfolio benefited its priority sectors which include the small farmers and fisherfolks, micro and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agri-business, agri-infrastructure projects of LGUs, agri-related projects of GOCCs, and environment-related projects.
Of the P3.1Billion, 42 percent or P1.3 Billion was channeled thru farmers and fisherfolks cooperatives and CFIs. This benefited a total of P16, 630 small farmers & fisherfolks all over Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Misamis Occidental, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Meanwhile, a total of P1.2Billion or 39 percent financed various infrastructure projects of LGUs and P605 Million or 19 percent went to livelihood and agri-business projects of micro, small and medium enterprises.
“The cooperative, CFIs and LGUs have been our strongest partners in delivering the most needed resources to the countryside. Thru our effective alliance with these conduits, we are able to hit 109% of our target even before yearend” says AVP Leyba.
Projects financed in the region include crop production loans, rubber replanting and rehabilitation, fishery, livelihood, trading and agri-infrastructure projects. (LBP/PIA ZC)
Farmers receive P346 Million credit assistance from LBP for Palay production
ICC, Pagadian, Zamboanga City, Nov21- a total of P346 Million was released by Land Bank region 9 as credit assistance to support the financial needs of small farmers in the region who are engaged in palay production.
The loan was channeled through various conduits comprising of cooperatives, countryside financial institutions, farmers organizations and irrigators associations.
It benefited a total of 10, 779 small farmers in various barangays in Zamboanga City, and the entire Zamboanga Peninsula region and Misamis Occidental.
The credit assistance is in line with the bank’s Rice Production Program, which was launched early this year to support the national government in its thrust to increase rice production to achieve food sufficiency in the country.
“To fully support the government in its food security program, LandBank expanded its credit conduits to include non-government organizations, irrigators association, small and medium enterprises such as rice millers and inputs suppliers, so that it can extend its reach to more small farmers,” says Assistant Vice President Camilo Leyba, Head, LandBank, Region 9.
Leyba further explained that Landbank pursued credit policy changes specific to rice in order to promote rice production. (LBP/PIA ZC)
Ambassador Kenney Announces $2.5 Million in Assistance to Families Displaced by Recent Armed Conflict in Mindanao
ICC Cotabato City (21 November) - During a visit today to a camp for internally displaced persons in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Province, U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney announced that the U.S. Government is providing $2.5 million in assistance to individuals and families displaced by the tragic outbreak of violent conflict in Mindanao. The assistance includes 1,480 metric tons of U.S. rice, valued at approximately $2 million, for free distribution by the United Nations World Food Programme, as well as water, health, and sanitation support by NGO partners.
Soon after the conflict began, the United States Government responded by supplying essential relief goods to families in need in the provinces of North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Sarangani, and Maguindanao, through Save the Children.
During her visit to Datu Odin Sinsuat and Cotabato today, the Ambassador recognized the work of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Departments of Health of the national government and in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to improve the health and sanitation situation to people who were forced to flee their homes due to the violence.
"My thoughts are with those who have been displaced by fighting, people whose lives have been lost and disrupted,” said Ambassador Kenney. “Working together, we can help Mindanao move toward peace and prosperity, so the citizens of Mindanao – especially the children – may have the future they deserve,” she added. (US Embassy/PIA12)
DOH monitors the health situation of IDPs, says Sec Duque
ICC General Santos City (21 November) - Health Secretary Francisco Duque III assured that the health situation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict areas is properly monitored and attended to.
This he clarified during a news conference Friday when asked on the health situation of the IDPs.
“I think the health situation is being monitored since day 1 the conflict broke out and in so far as the health issues are concerned our people continue to provide the basic health care services,” he said.
Duque said the estimated 200,000 IDPs in Cotabato Province and Maguindanao also included children who were mostly in school.
He said the DOH had a meeting on November 19 with its partners from DSWD, DepEd, PNP, DND, and DPWH “to assess the situation not only health but also looking rather if the students are continuing their schooling.”
Aside from the health issues, Duque said “we continue to assess even the number of houses that had been gutted down by fire, and the reconstruction efforts being carried out according to schedules and timelines.”
The government, he added has reconstructed school buildings “because we want to make sure that there is an immediate recovery and rehabilitation of our facilities.”
The Secretary also assured that based on DOH monitoring there had been no reported outbreak so far.
He said DOH has been monitoring the condition of the IDPs by sending team of doctors and sanitation engineers in partnership with other concerned national line agencies.
“We can give you a list of the activities that have been undertaken by the different regions because there are many regions that are involved in making sure that the basic and fundamental needs and services of the IDPs are met,” the Secretary told members of the press.
He emphasized that DOH has been continuously providing essential drugs and medicines, and also vaccines especially in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), where there was outbreak of measles reported in the past months.
“We have pre-positioned the DOH personnel and our supplies to respond to all of these very important needs of the IDPs,” Duque concluded.
Earlier the European Union (EU) has also pledged a multi-million humanitarian aid to ARMM officials for the thousands of villagers in the region displaced as a result of armed skirmishes between government forces and the lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front group (LMG). (PIA SarGen)
MRDP (CFAD Component) projects boost farming and fishing sectors
ICC Cotabato City (21 November) – The Department of Agriculture- Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) is committed to attain its goal to boost and strengthen the farming and fishing sectors in Mindanao through demand-driven projects.
To ensure efficient and effective project implementation, MRDP under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD component) conducted recently the Community Organizing and Facilitation Skills Workshop for Municipal Facilitators.
CFAD Focal Person Susan Unggel said, the workshop aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of agricultural technologists and extension workers who are also the MRDP municipal facilitators in the provinces of Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan and Lanao Del Sur.
These provinces are the three (3) major rice producing areas of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
CFAD projects are being implemented in the towns of Ampatuan in the province of Maguindanao; Tuburan in Basilan, North Upi, Shariff Kabunsuan province; Mapun in Tawi-Tawi; and Parang, Sulu. (Joven Mark T. Mapait/PIA Cot)
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 21 – Col. Rey C. Ardo, Commander of the 3rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (103rd Bde) has been commended for his efforts in improving the facilities of Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.
The commendation came from Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA) during the Nov. 20, 2008, turn over, of the Php2.1 million worth of building facilities and the unveiling of markers in the camp considered home of the “Haribon” troopers.
These facilities, the construction of which were funded by the Lanao del Sur (LDS) Provincial Government, include the administration building annex for the Brigade Conference Room, receiving area, water system and facilities, electrical system, drainage system, camp posts, perimeter fence, officers’ quarters and mess hall.
“We very well know that Kampo Ranao is a permanent military reservation and as such, instead of putting up temporary and makeshift facilities, we should be able to improve it and put up our permanent fixtures and facilities in this very valuable piece of our real estate,” the CGPA said.
Ibrado also said he is sure that the men and women of the unit are very happy and proud to have a more spacious and presentable facility that will hopefully inspire them in their daily job.
The newly constructed building is not the first time that the Army soldiers received from the people of LDS as the late Mamintal Adiong, Sr., former governor, also initiated the construction of the Brigade Grandstand whose marker was also unveiled during the occasion. (RCA/PIA10)
Kampo Ranao improvements are monuments of Army-LDS partnership – Lt. Gen. Ibrado
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 21 – Lt. Gen. Victor Ibarado, Commanding General of the Philippine Army has considered the new building facilities and grandstand at Kampo Ranao, Marawi City, as monuments of the strong partnership between the Philippine Army and the people of Lanao del Sur (LDS).
Thus stressed the CGPA during the recent turn over from the LDS Provincial Government to the Army of the newly completed building facilities worth Php2.1 million in the camp which provides shelter to the 3rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (103rd Bde).
“We are therefore very fortunate to have the continuing support of the people of LDS and the generosity of our local government officials who remained very supportive to our thrusts for peace, security and progress in this province,” the CGPA said.
He then assured the people of the province that the Army will continue to focus on its mission of ensuring peace and security in the communities and will remain as their reliable partner in nation building and in the promotion of the welfare of the Maranao people.
To the troops of the 103rd Bde who are the primary beneficiaries of the project, he said “ Your charge is to return the benevolence of the local government in this area with better service and commitment to do your mandate.”
Ibrado also asked them to ensure that the structures are properly maintained so that it will serve its purpose. “In addition to the improvements that you have undertaken on the other camp facilities, the PA headquarters will expect more significant accomplishments and outputs from you, he told the men and women of 103rd Bde.
“I am therefore, counting on everyone to sustain your gains and exert more efforts to accomplish more as we vigorously pursue the accomplishment of our Internal Security Operation (ISO) missions to posture peace and prosperity,” the CGPA said.
More importantly, I expect your individual and collective contribution and commitment as we push forward the TEAM Army’s call towards our vision of a professional, capable and responsive Army that is a source of our national pride, Ibrado finally said. (RCA/PIA10)
CGPA vows to provide Army soldiers all support requirements
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 21 – The Philippine Army will continue to find ways to provide the soldiers with all the support requirements that they need within the capacity of its available resources.
Thus assured Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, PA Commanding General, during the recent ground-breaking for the construction of the Enlisted Personnel (EP) Barracks at the 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (103rd Bde), PA Headquarters in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.
He said the Army will ensure that priority in the use of these resources will be for the well-being of the soldiers and the accomplishments of their mandates, hence, the realization of the project.
“The recently completed building facilities in the camp, which was constructed, courtesy of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Government, gave us this good start to the pursuit of our vision,” Ibrado told the troops of 103rd Bde led by Col. Rey C. Ardo, the Brigade Commander.
Hence, he said, it is only fitting that the support facilities, such as billeting, also be given a longer-lasting and more durable structure to go with the permanent ones used for official operations and administrative activities newly completed within the camp.
He said he is hopeful that the construction of the EP Barracks will be completed very soon so that it will allow its beneficiaries and the transient occupants to have a better living condition, better performance in their soldierly duties by quickly responding to the needs of our fellowmen
Addressing the troops, Ibrado said “We expect this to serve as inspiration for you to work even harder. And to those who will be occupying this facility once it is completed, I count on each one of you to maintain it so it can also serve future generations of Army soldiers after you have served your tour of duty here.”
Measuring 9 m. x 38 m. with a total floor area of 342 sq.m., the EP Barracks which can accommodate more or less 120 EP’s, will have the basic amenities of toilets and baths, wash area and a day room.
It is targeted to be finished in 120 calendar days, the construction of which will be undertaken by the 547th Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB), Philippine Army. (RCA/PIA10)
Army’s 547 ECB to construct Php2 M worth of EP barracks in Kampo Ranao
ICC Iligan City, Nov 21 – At least Php2 million will be spent to construct one (1) unit of an Enlisted Personnel (EP) Barracks inside Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.
This was revealed Lt. Col. Gerardo Catindoy, Commander of the 547 Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB) which is tasked to undertake the project, during its groundbreaking ceremony in the area.
Formerly called Camp Keithy, Kampo Ranao which occupies an area of 4,687 ha. of military reservation is now home of the 3rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (103rd Bde), Philippine Army.
With a measurement of 9 m. x 38 m. and a floor area of 342 sq.m., which can accommodate more or less 120 EP’s with basic amenities of toilets, bath, wash area and a day room, the said barracks has a site location that conforms with the proposed camp development plan.
As such, the plan is only an initial scan of the unit requirements in the long-term and provides only a graphical spatial framework for future developments of the Kampo Ranao, Catindoy said.
Hence, the more comprehensive long-range plan containing detailed studies and analysis can be obtained through the preparation of a master development plan that will serve as a detailed guide for the long term physical growth of the camp.
Catindoy added that the project duration is only120 calendar days and thus commit to finish the project before the target completion date.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, Commanding General, PA, Col. Rey C. Ardo, Commander, 103rd Bde and Col. Michaelo Salvaleon, Commander, 55th Engineer Brigade, PA. (OSM – Radyo ng Bayan)
Community participation, heaviest weight in GABAY 2008 Awards
ICC Iligan City, Nov. 21 -- Apparently heeding the call of Pres. Gloria Macagal-Arroyo to involve the communities in all barangay affairs, “participation of constituents” has been allocated the highest points in the criteria for the Gawad Galing Barangay (GABAY) Awards, 2008.
Thus stressed Asst. Regional Director Wendelin Orillaneda of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government, region 10, who said the GABAY Awards is a joint initiative of the department and the Liga ng mga Barangay to confer “The Best Performing Barangay’s” in the region.
Consistent with the mandate of DILG in providing capability building programs to strengthen decentralization in the country, the GABAY awards aims to ensure that barangay governments comply with the provisions of the Local Government Code and various presidential directives and issuances.
It is also the primary intention of the GABAY awards to enhance the performance of the barangays for more effective delivery of basic services through the appropriate program intervention.
Specifically, the program hopes to strengthen good barangay governance, stimulate innovations and institutionalize a system of providing incentives and rewards to these barangays, Orillaneda said.
Aside from that, it will also provide valuable information in surfacing operations for a more effective barangay government administration and highlight their exemplary and excellent performance and service delivery to their constituents.
The awards, which shall cover the performance of the barangays in region 10 for the period starting December 2007 to October 2008, will assess the following key areas of concern in barangay governance:
Transparency, 14 pt., fiscal accountability and responsibility, 26 pts., participation of constituents, 30 pts., leveling of playing field/equality of opportunity, 15 pts. and organization and membership, 15 pts.
Meanwhile, Orillaneda said there will be four (4) categories of the GABAY Awards: Category A for the for Highly Urbanized City (HUC), Category B for Component City, Category C for 1st to 3rd Class Municipalities and Category D for 4th-6th Class Municipalities. (RCA/PIA10)
LBP loans to priority sectors in Region IX reach P3.146Billion
ICC, Pagadian, Zamboanga City, Nov21 - LandBank’s total loan exposure to its priority sectors in Region IX reached P3.145 Billion as of third quarter of this year. This is a P300 million increase over the P2.8 Billion loans posted in 2009 said AVP Camilo Leyba, Regional Head, Region IX, LBP.
The Bank’s expanded loan portfolio benefited its priority sectors which include the small farmers and fisherfolks, micro and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agri-business, agri-infrastructure projects of LGUs, agri-related projects of GOCCs, and environment-related projects.
Of the P3.1Billion, 42 percent or P1.3 Billion was channeled thru farmers and fisherfolks cooperatives and CFIs. This benefited a total of P16, 630 small farmers & fisherfolks all over Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Misamis Occidental, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Meanwhile, a total of P1.2Billion or 39 percent financed various infrastructure projects of LGUs and P605 Million or 19 percent went to livelihood and agri-business projects of micro, small and medium enterprises.
“The cooperative, CFIs and LGUs have been our strongest partners in delivering the most needed resources to the countryside. Thru our effective alliance with these conduits, we are able to hit 109% of our target even before yearend” says AVP Leyba.
Projects financed in the region include crop production loans, rubber replanting and rehabilitation, fishery, livelihood, trading and agri-infrastructure projects. (LBP/PIA ZC)
Farmers receive P346 Million credit assistance from LBP for Palay production
ICC, Pagadian, Zamboanga City, Nov21- a total of P346 Million was released by Land Bank region 9 as credit assistance to support the financial needs of small farmers in the region who are engaged in palay production.
The loan was channeled through various conduits comprising of cooperatives, countryside financial institutions, farmers organizations and irrigators associations.
It benefited a total of 10, 779 small farmers in various barangays in Zamboanga City, and the entire Zamboanga Peninsula region and Misamis Occidental.
The credit assistance is in line with the bank’s Rice Production Program, which was launched early this year to support the national government in its thrust to increase rice production to achieve food sufficiency in the country.
“To fully support the government in its food security program, LandBank expanded its credit conduits to include non-government organizations, irrigators association, small and medium enterprises such as rice millers and inputs suppliers, so that it can extend its reach to more small farmers,” says Assistant Vice President Camilo Leyba, Head, LandBank, Region 9.
Leyba further explained that Landbank pursued credit policy changes specific to rice in order to promote rice production. (LBP/PIA ZC)
Ambassador Kenney Announces $2.5 Million in Assistance to Families Displaced by Recent Armed Conflict in Mindanao
ICC Cotabato City (21 November) - During a visit today to a camp for internally displaced persons in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Province, U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney announced that the U.S. Government is providing $2.5 million in assistance to individuals and families displaced by the tragic outbreak of violent conflict in Mindanao. The assistance includes 1,480 metric tons of U.S. rice, valued at approximately $2 million, for free distribution by the United Nations World Food Programme, as well as water, health, and sanitation support by NGO partners.
Soon after the conflict began, the United States Government responded by supplying essential relief goods to families in need in the provinces of North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Sarangani, and Maguindanao, through Save the Children.
During her visit to Datu Odin Sinsuat and Cotabato today, the Ambassador recognized the work of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Departments of Health of the national government and in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to improve the health and sanitation situation to people who were forced to flee their homes due to the violence.
"My thoughts are with those who have been displaced by fighting, people whose lives have been lost and disrupted,” said Ambassador Kenney. “Working together, we can help Mindanao move toward peace and prosperity, so the citizens of Mindanao – especially the children – may have the future they deserve,” she added. (US Embassy/PIA12)
DOH monitors the health situation of IDPs, says Sec Duque
ICC General Santos City (21 November) - Health Secretary Francisco Duque III assured that the health situation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict areas is properly monitored and attended to.
This he clarified during a news conference Friday when asked on the health situation of the IDPs.
“I think the health situation is being monitored since day 1 the conflict broke out and in so far as the health issues are concerned our people continue to provide the basic health care services,” he said.
Duque said the estimated 200,000 IDPs in Cotabato Province and Maguindanao also included children who were mostly in school.
He said the DOH had a meeting on November 19 with its partners from DSWD, DepEd, PNP, DND, and DPWH “to assess the situation not only health but also looking rather if the students are continuing their schooling.”
Aside from the health issues, Duque said “we continue to assess even the number of houses that had been gutted down by fire, and the reconstruction efforts being carried out according to schedules and timelines.”
The government, he added has reconstructed school buildings “because we want to make sure that there is an immediate recovery and rehabilitation of our facilities.”
The Secretary also assured that based on DOH monitoring there had been no reported outbreak so far.
He said DOH has been monitoring the condition of the IDPs by sending team of doctors and sanitation engineers in partnership with other concerned national line agencies.
“We can give you a list of the activities that have been undertaken by the different regions because there are many regions that are involved in making sure that the basic and fundamental needs and services of the IDPs are met,” the Secretary told members of the press.
He emphasized that DOH has been continuously providing essential drugs and medicines, and also vaccines especially in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), where there was outbreak of measles reported in the past months.
“We have pre-positioned the DOH personnel and our supplies to respond to all of these very important needs of the IDPs,” Duque concluded.
Earlier the European Union (EU) has also pledged a multi-million humanitarian aid to ARMM officials for the thousands of villagers in the region displaced as a result of armed skirmishes between government forces and the lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front group (LMG). (PIA SarGen)
MRDP (CFAD Component) projects boost farming and fishing sectors
ICC Cotabato City (21 November) – The Department of Agriculture- Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) is committed to attain its goal to boost and strengthen the farming and fishing sectors in Mindanao through demand-driven projects.
To ensure efficient and effective project implementation, MRDP under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD component) conducted recently the Community Organizing and Facilitation Skills Workshop for Municipal Facilitators.
CFAD Focal Person Susan Unggel said, the workshop aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of agricultural technologists and extension workers who are also the MRDP municipal facilitators in the provinces of Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan and Lanao Del Sur.
These provinces are the three (3) major rice producing areas of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
CFAD projects are being implemented in the towns of Ampatuan in the province of Maguindanao; Tuburan in Basilan, North Upi, Shariff Kabunsuan province; Mapun in Tawi-Tawi; and Parang, Sulu. (Joven Mark T. Mapait/PIA Cot)
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