ICC Dispatch - Thursday, January 22, 2009

More families flee from skirmishes between government troops and LMGs elements in Kalamansig town

ICC Cotabato City (22 January) – Due to continue attacks by armed groups believed to be rogue MILF rebels, the farming communities to Barangays Sangay and Paril in Kalamansig town of Sultan Kudarat province have become virtually ghost barangays.

Reports from the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division’s Spokesman Col Julieto Ando, a total of 7,000 families and increasing, have already fled their homes and took shelters at evacuation centers in Kalamansig town.

Local authorities fear that the conflict will trigger more evacuation as more residents flee from the affected areas.

Since last week, sporadic fighting has continued and a total of 40 houses have been reportedly torched by the armed groups who earlier tried to occupy the two barangays.

Col Julieto, Army Spokesman of the 6th ID said, military troops in the area have intensified their offensive to extracate the rogue elements from the occupied farming communities in Kalamansig town. (CLC/PIA Cot. City)


Rogue MILF members hit an evacuation center in Maguindanao

ICC General Santos City (22 January) - Suspected rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reportedly attacked a village Wednesday in Maguindanao hurting two civilians.

Lieutenant Colonel Julieto Ando, spokesperson of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, identified those injured as Momina Sangutin, 14, who was hit on the right knee, and Salamudin Sangutin, 15, who was hit on the left arm.

Ando said the two were rushed to a private clinic in the town for appropriate treatment.

When asked, Ando said the assailant at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday fired two rounds of M203 grenade launchers toward a company composed of 11 Special Forces troops at Libutan village in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

At 5:30 a.m. the next day, the military conducted clearing operations at the area and found the grenades hit an evacuation center of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

To this day, the Philippine government has continuously addressed the basic needs of the IDPs in terms of food and non-food items, among others. A number of IDPs remained at evacuation centers due to sporadic fighting between the military and the lawless MILF group. (PIA SarGen)


Americans, long time partners against terrorism in the country- PGMA

ICC Cotabato City (22 Jan) - “Americans has been a long time partners in fighting terrorism in our country,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo bared this during her recent visit here.

US military personnel are very good in their sharing training, intelligence and military exchange to our Armed Forces of the Philippines, the President said.

But most of all, the President said, they (Americans) are also very good in civic action works. They help their AFP counterparts in building school buildings in the country.

They also assist in the construction of roads and other infrastructure projects. With these help, psychologically, the President added, gradually isolates terrorists from the mainstream of the society.

According to the President, the cooperation and military assistance of the US personnel in the country ultimately leads to the improvement of the well-being of the people in the communities who are being served.

When asked of her observation on the seemingly increasing number of NPA elements rejoining the government, the President said, “ang ibig sabihin nito ay nagtatagumpay ang ating national internal security plan at siguro ang isang dahilan ay ang pagkilala natin na ang kahirapan ay lalong nagpapalawak ng terorismo.”

The President believes that one of the reasons why there is an increasing number of NPA rebels returning to the fold of law, is because these (returnees) are already tired in fighting and living in the jungles. They (NPA returnees) have decided to concentrate now on the welfare of their respective families and the future of their children. (Moner C. Dayaan/PIA Cot City)


PSBank opens Search for Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service 2009

ICC General Santos City (22 January) - The PSBank has open its annual search for the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) 2009 that aims to honor the men and women of Philippine National Police (PNP) for their career achievements and service to the community.

The search representatives from the Rotary Club of Manila East headed by Dr. Wilson Pamintuan visited the police regional office headquarters here to conduct an information drive on the activity.

PSInsp. Alexander Sarabia, chief of Public Information Office of PRO 12, said COPS recognizes the shared responsibility between the police force and the community in the prevention and resolution of crime.

The annual nationwide search will honor four commissioned officers and six non-commissioned officers who have steadily demonstrated integrity, courage and professionalism on duty.

COPS was established in 1999 by the Rotary Club of New Manila East and Metrobank Foundation, and is now co-presented by PSBank and implemented in close coordination with the Philippine National Police, it was learned.

The winning COPS 2009 are considered as PNP’s cream of the crop, that will be singled out following a stringent selection process that will include documentation of achievements, background check, and panel interview with the distinguished Board of Judges representing various sectors of society.

COPS is just among the activities the Metrobank Foundation, the corporate social arm of the Metrobank Group of Companies has advanced over the last 29 years.

The foundation has been promoting a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs. Notably among them is the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, The Outstanding Philippine Soldier, the Metrobank Math Challenge, and College Scholarship Program.

It has also a grant program that assists NGOs and government in the fields of education, healthcare, and the arts.

Metrobank Foundation celebrates Filipino excellence and presents wellsprings of hope in the future of our nation, said Sarabia.

The search also seeks to identify gallant men and women in the police force who are able to work with the community to prevent and address crime with efficiency.

Every year, four commissioned officers, and six non-commissioned officers win this prestigious award, Sarabia added.

For this year, the deadline for submission of supporting documents and clearances of the nominated police officers will be on February 27.

Interested applicants may also avail nomination forms at city/provincial offices and nearest Metrobank and PS Bank in their area. (PIA SarGen)


DA- MRDP extends livelihood assistance to T’boli women

ICC Koronadal City (22 January) - At least 15 members of Sitio Spring Women’s Association (SSWA) of T’boli, South Cotabato received two heads of piglets each from Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Rural Development Program.

Dr. Jimmy M. Olivo, MRDP Coordinating Officer for region 12, said the group is a recipient of the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD Phase 2) component, a municipal-based funding facility which addresses community-prioritized projects, with a fund support of P50,000.

He said MRDP forged partnership with various municipalities for a program that will provide small infrastructure and livelihood.

Betty Ardiente, SSWA president, said the members will have to pay for the exact value of each piglet for the next four months but the amount to be collected will be used to purchase another quantity of piglets to be dispersed to other members of the association.

She added the project is a big assistance for the women of Sitio Spring, a small place situated in the innermost part of T’boli municipality. They will have an opportunity to earn and help their families.

Aside from the piggery project, SSWA is also maintaining a one-fourth hectare of organic vegetable. (edpasaol/rafid-DA12/PIA12)