ICC Dispatch - Thursday, November 13, 2008

Army to conduct SALAAM training in Iligan

ICC Iligan City, Nov. 13 – The Philippine Army will be conducting a trainers training for the Special Advocacy and Livelihood Assistance for the Advancement Among Muslims (SALAAM) to be implemented in the Lanao areas affected by the on-going armed conflict.

Thus revealed Maj. Benedicto Manquiquis, Commander of the First CMOU, CMOG, PA assigned with the Advance Command Post (ACP) of the First Infantry Division (IID), PA in Maria Cristina, this city.

Manquiquis said SALAAM aims to help educate and alleviate the plight of the Muslims affected by the current peace and order situation, particularly, the internally displaced persons (IDP) in the hinterlands of Lanao.

“We will train, mostly our soldiers who know not only the Maranao culture but also those who can fluently speak the dialect so that Muslims in the armed-conflict areas will be able to understand what the government is doing to help improve their lives,” he said.

It has always been a problem for people who lack education to easily believe in stories and disinformation campaign aimed at getting their sympathy to topple the government. Hence, it is important to send the Maranao-speaking soldiers instead of the Christians to erase their wrong notion that they are going to be Christianized.

Meanwhile, he said the SALAAM training will be conducted in Mindanao, particularly, within the area of responsibility of IID and tap those who are already members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Maranao soldiers will be trained on the SALAAM, just like the time of the Jolo Peace Campaign which became successful with the Tausog or Jolohano fighters from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) after they were absorbed by the AFP.

And since our Muslim soldiers do not want to go to Manila to study, the CMO School is going to conduct the training here at the ACP, IID, PA on the 3rd week of the month.

However, for their “on the job training (OJT)” phase, the SALAAM trainees will be dispatched to their respective battalions which are confronted by the ongoing conflict, Manquiquis added. (RCA/PIA10)


DA to distribute fruits and vegetables in Munai

ICC Iligan City, Nov. 13 – Final arrangements are now being worked out by the Department of Agriculture (DA), region 10, regarding the distribution of fresh fruits, vegetables and root crops for the internally displaced persons (IDP) in Lanao del Norte (LDN).
This was disclosed by Regional Director Carmelito A. Lupo of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), region 10, who said that DA-10 has contacted his office for their assistance to be distributed to the IDP’s in Munai town.

He said he recommended the area to be served by DA-10 considering that it has the most loses in terms of agricultural produce and livestock, as well, as the most number of IDP’s due to attack of the lawless MILF group (LMG) in the coastal areas of the province last Aug. 18.

Meanwhile, he said, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), region 10, is supporting the local government units (LGU) in the management of the IDP’s particularly in areas most affected by the armed conflict.

As Executive Officer of RDCC-10, Lupo led the assessment team together with the other council members who visited the evacuation centers (EC) of Munai.

He said all agencies of the government from the national down to the local government units (LGU) under the umbrella of RDCC-10 also help in the relief operations from the municipality to the provincial level.

Aside from the needs of the IDP’s in the EC’s, there are also other services that have to be addressed right away, such as the additional construction of bunkhouses, since we are now in the rehabilitation process after almost three (3) months of the relief operations.
“This is very important that the school buildings they are occupying will be vacated because classes need to resume immediately, hence, the additional construction of temporary shelters in the area,” he said. (OSM – Radyo ng Bayan)



PGMA Serbisyo Muna medical caravan reels off Nov. 17-20 in Mis. Occ.

ICC Iligan City, Nov. 13 – The People’s Government Mobile Action (PGMA) Serbisyo Muna Task Force will conduct community service caravans and medical missions in Misamis Occidental from Nov. 17-20, 2008.

The activities are geared towards responding to the needs of the 10 poorest provinces in the country one of which is Mis. Occ., Jenny Esguerra of the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said.

It will be participated by member agencies involved in health, livelihood, micro financing and other high impact services of the government.

Particularly, the medical mission has been scheduled in the following towns: Panaon and Jimenez, Nov. 17, Concepcion and Aloran, Nov. 18, Lopez Jaena and Calamba, Nov. 19 and Plaridel and Baliangao, Nov. 20.

Accordingly, the venues of the medical missions are: Don Mariano Gym, Poblacion in Panaon with 1 doctor and 1 dentist, Jimenez Cultural & Farmer’s Training Center, Sta. Cruz in Jimenez with 2 doctors and 2 dentists and Aloran Gym, Poblacion in Aloran with 2 doctors and 1 dentist.

On the other hand, the caravan schedule is as follows: Don Mariano Matunog Gym, South Western in Calamba with 2 doctors and 2 dentists, Nov. 19 and Plaridel Plaza, Northern Poblacion in Plaridel with 1 doctor and 1 dentist, also on Nov. 19.

Baliangao Gym, Northern Poblacion for the medical mission and Baliangao Plaza parallel to the Baliangao Gym for the caravan site in Baliangao with 1 dentist on Nov. 20.

Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to grace the culmination of the caravan in Baliangao, Esguerra added. (RCA/PIA10)


LDN rehab plan, now with Sec. Teodoro of DND

ICC, Iligan City, Nov. 13 – The Rehabilitation Plan of Lanao del Norte (RPLDN) is now in the hands of Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro of the Dept. of National Defense (DND).

This, after the Regional Disaster and Coordinating Council (RDCC), region 10, has endorsed it to the National DCC for funding allocation, said P/Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan, Chairperson of RDCC-10.

He said the RPLDN was endorsed by the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of the province by virtue of Resolution No. 09 s. 2008 dated Oct. 14, 2008.

Capuyan who is the Regional Director of the Philippine National Police (PNP), region 10, is also the Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order (RPOC) in the region.

He said the RPLDN was then submitted to Sec. Teodoro on Nov. 10, 2008 through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator and National DCC Executive Officer Glenn J. Rabonza for its funding support.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Carmelito A. Lupo of OCD and Executive Officer of RDCC-10 said the RPLDN needs the convergence of resources for the early recovery and rehabilitation interventions to assist the province in their earnest efforts in moving forward back to normalcy.

As such, it identifies the rehabilitation components and programs for psycho-social, basic needs, housing, livelihood, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure development of the areas affected by the lawless MILG group (LMG) atrocities last Aug. 18.

It also looks into institution building including expansion of peace and development communities in the areas affected by the armed-conflict for which the province has indicated by their LGU counterpart, Lupo added. (RCA/PIA10)


15 LMGs killed in encounters with military and police in Cotabato province

ICC Kidapawan City (13 November) – Fifteen (15) lawless MILF members died in a firefight with the forces of the 68th Infantry Battalion and the 6th Regional Mobile Group, Philippine National Police at Barangays Campangi and Bulukaon in Pigkawayan, North Cotabato on November 12 around 6:00 PM.

The dead casualties, Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division said, were a result of the blocking operations and encounter where nine (9) lawless MILF members died in Barangay Campangi and six (6) others in Barangay Bulukaon, Pigkawayan, North Cotabato. These firefights, according to Ando, came after a series of assaults by the Lawless MILF Groups (LMG) on military detachments on November 11.

Col Ando disclosed an undetermined number of LMG members under Maestro Lanson of the 105th base command led by commander Ameril Umbra Kato harassed a patrol base of the 40th IB at Barangay Rangaban, Midsayap, North Cotabato on November 11 about 11:00 AM.

The next was an attack on November 11, 4:35 AM through three (3) rounds of mortar shelling by LMGs under Commander Paradise also of the 105th base command on the location of the Bravo Company, 68th IB at the boundary of Barangays Campangi and Capayuran of Pigkawayan, North Cotabato.

On November 12, about 11:35 AM, operating troops of the 40th IB encountered more or less 15 LMG members under the 105th base command. The troops recovered some firearms and assorted ammunitions from the lawless elements, the 6th ID spokesman said.

While on clearing operations, the elements of the 68th IB under Lt. Emmel Martinez and the 6th RMG, PNP led by Inspector Ramses encountered an estimated 50 LMG members under Commander Musa Alamada also known as Commander Paradise of the 105th base command at Sitio Mangga, Barangay Campangi, Pigkawayan, North Cotabato where nine (9) LMG members died, Ando continued.

On same day of November 12, the combined forces of the 68th IB and 6th RMG, PNP while conducting a blocking operation at Barangay Bulukaon, Pigkawayan, North Cotabato encountered more or less 30 LMG members with six (6) dead casualties on the enemy side, Col Ando reported.

The LMG elements withdrew using the river west side of the encounter site boarding pump boats, he added. (PIA 12)



P31.5B financial assistance for R-XII farmers

ICC Cotabato City (13 November) – Several government financing institutions have infused P31.5B to as financial assistance to local farmers and cooperatives of Region XII through the Accelerated Enhancement Competitiveness Fund (ACEH) of the Department of Agriculture Region 12 (DA-XII).

The beneficiaries of this lending program are farmers from provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and Sarangani.

According to Norman William Kraft, Public Affairs and Information Services Director of Agriculture and Policy Credit Council (ACPC), it is imperative to let the farmers know the importance of programs and services of government financial institutions for them to be able to avail of such assistance. Thus, he encourages the farmers to avail and support the program.

The financing institutions involved in the credit loan assistance include the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Cooperative Banks and Allied Bank.

Aside from credit assistance, farmers can also avail technical services being extended by Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and Quedan Corporation or Quedancor under the ACEF.

To facilitate the speedy processing of credit assistance and for other details, DA and ACPC have designated agri-credit desk officers in the regions, which include Danilo Centillas as the regional agri-credit desk officer; Evelyn Galas-agri-credit desk officer for South Cotabato, Inocencio Padilla for Sultan Kudarat, Noli Villaruz for Cotabato and Junadrilo Bulang for the province of Sarangani. (Joven Mark Mapait/RICC Cotabato City)


DAF-ARMM eyeing mariculture hatchery farm at the Liguasan Marsh

ICC Cotabato City (13 November) – The government efforts to increase agriculture production is focused in all key sectors vital to attend food sufficiency.

One important component of agricultural production to alleviate poverty especially in rural areas is the development of the fisheries sector.

In the autonomous region, fisheries development remains a priority of DAF-ARMM, said Secretary Keise Usman.

The agency, he said, continues to strengthen the implementation of programs and project to enhance this sector.

He cites the tilapia fish cage project at Butilan Marsh in the town of Datu Piang, Maguindanao province being undertaken jointly by DAF-ARMM and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

Land Bank is in the process of expanding its support to the project which is successful with the mass production of quality tilapia, Usman said.

Aside from this, Usman stressed, they are also studying the possibility of developing a mariculture park in the Liguasan Marsh with the support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Existing mariculture hatchery parks established by BFAR are located at the Davao Gulf in Region XI, Sarangani Bay in General Santos, Region XII, Tawi-Tawi-Sibutu-Sitangkay in the ARMM which would significantly contribute to governments’ campaign to attain food security not only in Mindanao but the whole country, he added.

The official said, maricultur park is a multi- species marine hatchery project for the mass production of high value fish species boosting the country’s fishing industry. (PBC/RICC Cotabato City)



Commentary: Consider a second look at disarmament

General Santos City (13 November)---The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is averse to the idea of “disarmament” which the government is (now) advancing as among the agenda in the revival of peace talks with the secessionist front.
This surfaced as Jun Mantawil, the MILF head of its peace panel secretariat, reacted to the British security adviser Robert Hannigan who shared the experience of the successful accord between the Irish Republican who wanted to secede from Britain and the Unionist who oppose the idea.

The conflict lasted for over three decades. Although there were earnest efforts to put an end to violence which ran for almost another decade, stable peace was only achieved when protagonists agreed to arms decommissioning.

We do not know whether Mantawil is speaking in behalf of the MILF, but his rejection of the idea of Disarmament, Demobilization and Rehabilitation, is worrisome. What mitigates this foreboding declaration is the MILF official statement that DDR is part of the overall conflict resolution process but “invariably” taken up only in the last agenda.

Which is fine. But given the notoriety of a large segment of its ground forces and commanders, among them Bravo, Kato and Panglian, there is no guaranteeing that they will give up their arms in exchange for peace. This is the reason why while there is a loud cry for peace from the overwhelming majority of Moro, Christians and Lumad peoples the government cannot stop its pursuit against these lawless MILF elements.

While Mantawil is saying that the government is interpreting the British idea of “decommissioning” of arms to suit its agenda, we also cannot reject the fact that indeed only when the arms are out of the hands of these lawless bands can a lasting and meaningful accord be established in the conflict areas in Mindanao.

Moreover, we totally agree with and support Mantawil’s advocacy that disarmament or call it decommissioning be applied not only to MILF but also to government. We stand on the principle that disarmament of rebel forces and demilitarization of Mindanao will only be the sole guarantee for a stable peace in the region.

Mindanao has no religious conflicts. The peoples have the capacity to accept each other cultural differences and in fact take pride of its varied expression and genres. There are clans war and differences but we are confident that in time these too will dissipate. (MW/ICC GenSan)



Habitat for Humanity trains lady masons

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (13 November) –---Mothers and daughters here have joined a masonry training called "Akay Kababaihan", a six-day training spearheaded by European Union's Habitat for Humanity (HFH) in strengthening its peace building effort in Sarangani and in Mindanao.

"This is the first time that we conduct masonry training for women," said Benjo Besmanos, HFH's peace and development coordinator.

Barangay Tuyan and Lumatil in Maasim town are HFH's peace build projects in Sarangani. Thirty ladies from these two barangays are training from November 10-16 at Tuyan barangay compound.

Tuyan and Lumatil are among the war-torn areas during rebel and government forces encounters some two decades ago.

"We do not build only houses. We help build communities in some of our poorest barangays all over the country," Besmanos said.

HFH targets four key result areas in their peace build projects which are to build houses, establish partnership with the barangay, provide livelihood and maintain sanitation in the HFH community.

"We would rather build our own house than pay for the costly labor," Michelle Harid, a 29 year-old participant, said.

"Kung kaya ni mister, kaya ni misis," said Annie Juan.

Ricardo Marin, a trainer from the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, said the ladies will receive certificates of competency after the training.

The unfinished barangay community center will be used by the trainees for their training in jalousie installation and flooring.

Kalinaw Sarangani Unit provides technical assistance for the participants and HFH's peace build projects in the province.

The Alcantara Foundation, Incorporated provides food and transportation for the duration of the training.

HFH has helped build 17,000 houses to date. It also builds schools and community centers in partnerships to transform lives beyond shelter.

Among the Muslim and Blaan traditions, wives do more of the household chores than their husbands.

As skilled workers identified by TESDA, masonry learned by the women can bring more income to the family. (PIO Sarangani/ICC GenSan)



PhilHealth-LGU GenSan tie up on social insurance for 2,000 indigents

ICC GenSan (13 November) - FRAME (Family Resource Allocation Management Enhancement) penned a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Local Government Unit of General Santos and PhilHealth for the enrollment of 2,000 indigent FRAME members under the Sponsored Program last November 7, 2008 at the Conference Hall, CSWD Office, General Santos City.

FRAME is a people’s organization implemented by LGU General Santos thru the CSWDO under the sponsorship of the DILG “Bayanihan Savings Replication Program” and the 1st Congressional District of South Cotabato that provides values formation, livelihood and financial management seminars, housing loan, and cash loan programs and other economic activities aimed at increasing income of its 3,600 more or less members.

PhilHealth Regional Office XII Assistant Vice-President Ramon F. Aristoza, Jr. said that the MOA Signing was a manifestation of FRAME, LGU General Santos and PhilHealth’s commitment to proffer the government’s program, particularly in the aspect of health.

“PhilHealth is mandated by law under Republic Act 7875 as amended by Republic Act 9241, to provide the basic health care services thru social health insurance where partner-stakeholders pool their resources to pay for the premium of its members, particularly under the Sponsored Program with a determined PhilHealth and LGU counterpart sharing”, explained Aristoza.

“Hopefully, we will continue this undertaking, our sacrifices, our unity, our prayerfulness, our demonstration of a true general (hinaut unta nga ipadayon nato ni, ang atong sakripisyo ang atong unity, pag-ampo, ang atong pagpakita sang usa ka tinud-anay nga abilidad sa isa ka general),” said Hon. Pedro B. Acharon, Mayor of General Santos City.

“I hope that this enrollment of 2, 000 to the 7,500 old family health card holders of General Santos City will increase or double by next year”, said AVP Aristoza.

Aristoza also hoped that the Representative of the 1st District of South Cotabato, Hon. Darlene Antonino-Custodio will support the program.

ID Distribution for the 2, 000 family health cards, with validity period of January 1-December 31, 2009, will be early next year. (amor sequito/PhilHealth 12/PIA12).