OCD-ARMM kicks off Disaster Consciousness Mo.

READINESS --- OCD-ARMM Officer In-Charge Ms. Myrna Angot explains to media partners the importance of Disaster Consciousness Training for LGUs and different line-agencies as responders. With her is 6th ID Chief of Staff Col. Bernie S. Langub, who is also the Division Training School commander.  (Anne B. Acosta)

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao (July 2, 2016) --- The Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD), the Secretariat of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the ARMM, held a kick-off ceremony for the region’s activities on the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) last July 1 at the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division Training School (DTS).

Attended by various government agencies and other organizations, the activity was spearheaded by OCD-ARMM Officer-in-Charge Myrna Angot together with 6th ID Chief of Staff and at the same time DTS Commander Col. Bernie S. Langub.

After a short program and prayer offering, the event formally opened with a press conference  followed by the “Showcasing of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Equipment”  at the DTS, where members of the media had a glimpse of the capabilities of responders come any disaster.

Various personalities who took part during the opening of the NDCM 2016 included the four pillars under the DRRM Thematic Areas:  the Department of the Interior and Local Government-ARMM Focal Person Mauricio Civiles, Department of Science and Technology-ARMM Focal Person Jimmy Hedesin, Department of Social Welfare and Development-ARMM Representative Abie Ayao, and Regional Planning and Development Office-ARMM Focal Person Palawan Mamaon.

Other partner line-agency representatives present were Bureau of Fire Protection-ARMM Regional Director Superintendent Adam Ali Guiamad, 6th ID DRO Col. Gerardo Cap-atan, 6 CMO Bn Commander Col. Noman Alcovindas, PAGASA Cotabato Chief Charlyn Jamero, and PRO-ARMM RPCRD P/Senior Superintendent John Roderick A. Morales.

Angot said the disaster risk reduction is vital for the building a more equitable and sustainable future.

“In fact, it is a must that we make serious investments in prevention and preparedness, including our various drills for it is a contributor to the systematic efforts aimed at increasing disaster resilience,” said Angot.

Leo Alicas, DRRM division chief, said the responsibility for disaster risk management does not lie solely with disaster managers. “This is a concern of everybody and it should come down from the grassroots. We must be empowered to make decisions which reduce risk into various platforms. For one thing, the country has a comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management law since the birth of R.A. 10121.”

Alicias added that the DRRM putting into practice may appear to be complicated task for others, but he said there are basic steps to break and generate effective approaches in reducing risks.

“Concerned government line-agencies are now focusing on local needs, such as capacity building which is cost effective. With increased capacity, local government units can find support from their community for disaster risk reduction program,” said Alicias.

Col. Langub, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of water search and rescue training as one of the priority programs under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

“It is very significant that we have a pool of responders who are well trained and that we are also well equipped when it comes to the DRR. Right now, you have witnessed how prepared we are,” said Langub, adding its importance “so we could lessen the threats on rescuers when rescuing victims or people during incidents.”

“They will be more aware on how to find hazards, and at the same time learn the mechanisms on personal safety and survival and basic lifesaving. We would want to strengthen the capacities of our rescue teams in the ARMM,” said Langub.

The NDCM-related activities for the ARMM include the Medical First Responders (MFR) Training, Media Forum on DRRM, Poster Making Contest, 2nd Quarter National Simulation Earthquake Drill (NSED), Flood Drill for Sultan Kudarat, Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Training for the Mainland Provinces, Contingency Planning Formulation Workshop (CPFW) for Lanao del Sur, DRRM Government Orientation for Regional Agencies, Multi-Hazard Simulation Exercise, and the Gawad Kalasag 2016 Desk Evaluation.

Earlier, Angot encouraged various government line-agencies in the ARMM to hang on with their respective tarpaulins in observance of the Disaster Consciousness Month.

The NDCM 2016 theme is: "Kahandaan at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa." (Gilmhar A. Lao, OCD-ARMM Information Officer)

DEMO SAMPLING --- A member of the Cotabato “City-based media, Anthony Henilo of Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation, is on the go for the seat hip rappelling demonstration at the 6th ID Division Training School in Barangay Simba, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat ,Maguindanao.  The demonstration is part of the month-long celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month 2016. Related story on page 8.  (Anne B. Acosta)

Bangsamoro Mass Iftar and Prayer for Unity and Solidarity

Assalamu Alaykum!

We are calling all our fellow Bangsamoro in Cotabato City to come and join the Bangsamoro Mass Iftar and Prayer for Unity and Solidarity at the New City Hall (People's Palace) on July 2, 2016, Saturday at 4:00 in the afternoon.

We are asking everyone to bring their family here and listen to the Muhadhara to be given by our Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abu Huraira Udasan. Afterwhich will be the Mass Iftar.

After the breaking of the fast, we shall be praying in congregation the Salatul Maghrib so we are advising those who wish to join to perform ablution before coming to the City Hall and bring their prayer mats and prayer attires.

Please spread the word to your family and friends. Let us all join in the noble cause of praying for unity and solidary during this Mass Iftar.

Papedsabutan nami su mga pagali nami Bangsamoro sya sa Cotabato City sa aden a nya pakaragyan tanu sya sa City Hall sa mawma nya a July 02, 2016, gay na Sapto, alas kwatro sa malulem a mana su Bangsamoro Mass Iftar and Prayer for Unity and Solidarity.

Bangenin nami sa lekanu na pananggit nu su mga pamilya nu sya sa City Hall ka bago su Iftar na pakikinegen tanu su Muhadhara ni Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abu Huraira Udasan.

Kapasad na nya ba na makadsambayang tanu sa Salatul Maghrib tembu ya mapya na makadtapik kanu bun sa mga Sajadan endu su mukena para sa mga babay. Mapya bun a bago kanu makasya sa city hall na makapagabdas kanu den.

Nya ba a pasabot na mapakay a makasampay nu kanu langun a mga pagali endu mga pakat nu sya sa Cotabato City.

Shukran! (Halima K. Satol-Ibrahim – Mindanao Expose)

104th Brigade conduct football for peace in Basilan

Isabela City, Basilan Province – The Basilan PNP Tennis Club of Isabela City in tandem with 104 Brigade  headed by Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista  spearheaded a 2-day 1st Basilan Football for Peace at Headquarters 104th Bde, Brgy Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan earlier.

The Football for Peace were participated by Brgy Busay Team, Cabunbata National High School, Conception National High School, Isabela City Football Club, Grade-7, Maluso Townsite, Tabiawan Sonic, Tumahubong Claret School and Sta. Clara with categories Under-15, Under-12 and under-10.

The participating team were supported by the LGU’s and their parents. The participants and their parents who came from the far flung barangays of Basilan still found time to participate the meaningful event while the youth are still on summer vacation.

The initiative of the unit have a great impact to the youth participants in the Province making them more responsible, disciplined and become good leaders in the future.

 It is a common knowledge in Basilan the youth is a sector that is targeted by the ASG, lawless elements and other crime groups to do illegal activities.

This innovative activity for the youth who actively engaged in sports and other socialization in the community mould them to become more responsible and God fearing citizen of the Basilan. This is a milestone for a better future of the youth of Basileneous (with report by Becky D. de Asis – Mindanao Expose)

Another batch of drug personalities surrender in Zambo Sur town

PAGADIAN CTY, Zamboanga del Sur, June 28 (PNA) -- Another batch of drug personalities have surrendered to the authorities in the nearby municipality of Dumingag in this province, the police reported Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Edgar Hinoctan, Dumingag police chief, told the Philippines News Agency that the group surrendered on Monday and has pledged to support the anti-drug campaign of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte, who will officially assume office on Thursday, announced that there will be relentless anti-drug campaign under his administration.

Hinoctan said the municipal government of Dumingag and barangay officials as well as the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) facilitated the surrender of the group.

He said the surrenderees, who came from the different barangays, are known either as drug pushers and users.

He said they are set to undergo rehabilitation and would receive livelihood assistance from the local government to keep them away from drugs.

The group who surrendered on Monday was the second batch of drug personalities to surrender to the government in Dumingag.

The first group, consisting also of 10 people, surrendered on Thursday last week. (PNA)
BNB/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

Hataman, Lucman formally take oath as ARMM Gov, Vice-Gov.

ARMM Governor-elect Mujiv Hataman and Vice-Governor-elect Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman formally took their oath of office today, June 30 at the region's seat in Cotabato City.

The oath of office of Hataman and Lucman was administered by Mayor Ramon Piang of Upi town in Maguindanao before hundreds of employees and ARMM constituents at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.

Hataman and Lucman also assumed office today for their second term as ARMM governor and vice-governor, respectively. 

Hataman was appointed by Former President Benigno Aquino III in 2011 as ARMM caretaker governor and was later elected in 2013. Lucman was first elected ARMM Vice-Governor in 2013. (Bureau of Public Information-Mindanao Expose)