GREENING PROGRAM

GREENING PROGRAM --- The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office CENRO-General Santos City team visited last April 21, 2017 the People's Organization (PO) ALDATUA Farmers Association Central Nursery with regards to the National Greening Program NGP. The PO is located at DaanBanwang,Upper Labay in General Santos City.The team led by Conservation Development Licensing - Chief Josephine Y. Liberato (speaking) had a brief meeting in the area as a strategy to market the nursery with its seedlingsand discussed new policies on the enhanced NGP. The gathering also became a venue for P.O.Chairman Paquito L. Baton, officers and members to voice - out their issues and concerns that were settled later.(KBBENPOLOK/RSCIS/DENRXII - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Warring clans in Lanao Sur end 19 years of conflict

SETTLEMENT --- Balindong and Montañer clans with elders and influential clan members made a peace pact last April 14 witnessed by Lanaodel Sur Vice Governor MamintalAdiong, Jr. and ARMM Vice Governor HarounAlrashidLucman, Jr., and other provincial and regional officials. (GILMHAR A. LAO- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MALABANG, Lanao del Sur --- One of the biggest feuding clans reconciled last April 14 in Lanao del Sur, ending almost two decades of armed hostilities involving clan members.

The long-time rido (clan war) between Balindong and Montaner clans have finally come to settlement after years of efforts to convince elders of both sides to amicably settle their misunderstanding and sign a peace covenant.

Col. Jesus Sarsagat, chief of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Ruben Aquino, commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion, have been instrumentalin bringing the settlement.

“After all, the feud is going nowhere. This is the best thing to do for the sake of the present and future generations,” said Col. Sarsagat.

Col. Aquino expressed gratitude on the sincerity of the two clans, saying: “They were very cooperative the reason why this endeavour became a success.”

Over the years, the deep-seated animosity involving the Balindong and Montañer clans was triggered by misunderstanding over politics and territorial issues. More than two dozen supporters and clan members from both sides had perished in sporadic skirmishes that spanned almost 20 years.

The peace pact of elders and influential clan members were witnessed by Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr. and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman, Jr., and other provincial and regional officials.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, lauded the efforts of his subordinates and local officials of Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

“This is truly a milestone,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DSA PNP opens new office bldg

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN (DSA), Maguindanao ---The new Philippine National Police office building in this town has been inaugurated last April 19.   

Senior Inspector Rexel Louie Malingan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan police chief, said the building will serve as a comfortable center and office for the town’s policemen and constituents as they work together in ensuring a peaceful and orderly situation in the municipality.

“This is another milestone for the PNP to further aid in its fight against all forms of criminalities and illegal drugs,” Malingan said.

Municipal Administrator Mastura S. Tapa said it has been their long-time dream to have one like this in the past and now it becomes a reality.

“This is a good gift, so let us all help in maintaining and protecting this building for the benefit of our local populace,” Tapa said.

Meanwhile, Malingan said the construction of the PNP building is one of the thrusts of the national headquarters.

“To our police officers, may you utilize the opening of the new police office as avenue to reaffirm your commitment in providing quality service to the residents of Datu Saudi Ampatuan,” he said.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

PRRD-PENAMFED appoints ARMM officers

FEDERALISM --- Newly appointed PRRD-PENAMFED Regional Chairman for ARMM Datu Nathaniel S. Midtimbang (left) speaks before members during a recent meeting in support to the shifting of the system of government into federalism. Reverend Wilmino B. Liboon (2^nd from left) was appointed the secretarygeneral for the ARMM. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY---The PRRD-People’s National Movement for Federalism (PENAMFED), a private organization that supports and promotes the shift to a federal form of the Philippine government, has appointed its officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Datu Anggal Vice Mayor Datu Nathaniel Midtimbang is the new regional chairman of PRRD-PENAMFED for the ARMM mainland area, whileReverend Wilmino B. Liboon is the new secretary-general. They were appointed by national chairman Ka Freddie Aguilar and national president Dante Liban.

Midtimbang said during a gathering last April 20 in Cotabato City that PRRD-PENAMFED is a mass-based, multi-sectoral social movement committed to work for the transformation of the present system of government from unitary into a federal form of government.

“The PRRD-PENAMFED’s objective is to serve as an instrument for real change by partnering with the current administration in realizing the vision of a more democratic federal government where the essentials of federalism are practiced,” said Midtimbang.

Midtimbang stressed the importanceof the advocacy mechanism down to the grassroots level so the people would be able to understand what a federal form of government is.

“In the PRRD-PENAMFED version of federalism, we embrace the system which is best suited for the needs of the populace in this part of the country. After all, it is for their best benefit,” Midtimbang said.

Meanwhile, Liboon said federalism shall guarantee efficient delivery of social services.

“This would surely address issues on insurgency, distribution of national wealth, and even graft and corruption,” Liboon said.

       

In federalism, there will be sharing of power, responsibility, and sovereignty in the two types of government or structure, the central government and the federal or regional states. (GILMHAR A. LAO- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MARINA-ARMM details out its functions

COTABATO CITY --- The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) continues to strengthen its functions within the area of jurisdiction.

Alonto A. Sahiron, regional director of MARINA-ARMM, said that he joined MARINA in year 2014 and as the head of office, one of his major priorities was the databank asto the number of vessels operating within the area of jurisdiction of the ARMM.

“However, we have some devolution issues here. Like for instance, we are only given the power to register within the ARMM areas, but when it is in the regional route, the power is with MARINA national,” he said.

Sahiron cited the case of Isabela City which is not part of the region but belongs to the island of Basilan which is under the ARMM.

“We cannot register those vessels or motorize bancasoperating within Isabela City simply because it is within the regional route. It is not under our territory or area of jurisdiction,” Sahiron said.

Sahiron added it was one of their sentiments as they implement the agency’s functions.

“Others would tell us why not? We’re from the ARMM so why we’re not allowed? Sahiron said in Tagalog.

In this case, Sahiron said that all they register were only small motorize bancas.

“But we can only register home ported vessels covering Tawi-tawi-Basilan-Sulu routes. Meaning, when the route for example is from Tawi-Tawiheading to Zamboanga City, we are not allowed,” he said.

Further, Sahiron said they also issues SP’s for the temporary utilization of domestic vessels in the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippine- East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) routes.

In the midst of the challenge, Sahiron believed there should be revisiting of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Executive Order with MARINA national on the powers and functions that has been devolved to the agency.

“After an initial meeting with MARINA national, my 2017 plan is to negotiate with them to solve the problems here,” he said.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Sultan Sa Barongis pursues MASA MASID

LAUNCHING --- The local government of Sultan Sa Barongis led by Mayor Ramdatu Angas (left) sworn in last April 19 the  municipal government and barangay officials as they affirm support to the implementation of the national leadership program MASA MASID. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao ---The local government of Sultan SaBarongis in Maguindanao launched last April 19 the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) initiative program, the “MamamayangAyaw sa Anomalya, MamamayangAyaw saIlegalnaDroga” or MASA MASID.

The municipal government, together with the DILG in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),held the organization and orientation of MASA MASID program in this town before barangay officials and police and Army personnel at the municipal gymnasium.

Mayor RamdatuAngas said that since the program is aimed at encouraging communities to take a pro-active stance in the government’s fight against corruption and illegal drugs, he is desirous for its full implementation in his town.

“We are doing this to protect the welfare of the people in our 12 barangays ---Angkayamat, Barurao, Bulod, Darampua, Gadungan, Kulambog, Langgapanan, Masulot, Papakan,Tugal, Tukanakuden, and Paldong,” he said.

Angas is elated to make the residents realize that MASA MASID intends to unite different organizations in creating safer and drug-free communities.

“This program could bring together barangay officials, religious groups, and other non-government organizations with the common goal to establish good governance,” he said.

Edgardo Padolina, MASA MASID coordinator of the DILG-ARMM, cited the importance of multi-sectoral linkages in the grassroots to prevent the spread of illegal drugs and other criminalities.

“The local government could not do this alone, so we call on the sincere cooperation of barangay officials and residents as we fight criminalities and illegal drug activities,” Padolina said.

Marlon Santos, PDEA representative, encouraged local leaders andpopulace in the advocacy of the national leadership.

“You may extend help by reporting any irregularity in your respective areas. Let us be vigilant,” Santos said.

The MASA MASID mobilizes and convergesUgnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) and Barangay Action Teams (BATs) with members from community-based  civil society  and non-government organizations.

The Barangay Peace and Order Council is tasked to advocate crime prevention, peace and order, security, and in enhancing transparency and accountability in the barangay.

MASA MASID is designed to enhance the conduct of advocacy and education campaigns, information gathering, and reporting to reduce the supply and demand of illegal drugs and establish community-based rehabilitation program to address the need for interventions of the surrendering drug personalities.

With such strategy, the BLGUs can get immediate action from the people in the barangays since the program intends to heighten community involvement and mobilizing the support of the stakeholders, volunteers, civic organization, faith-based organizations, and the private sectors.

The Barangay MASA MASID teams will be composed of representatives of faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and CSO representative from the Barangay Peace and Order Council and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Capt. Dexter Mabenta of the 40th Infantry Battalion said the endeavor is very helpful as they extend their endeavors of safeguarding Sultan SaBarongis.

“It is not the sole responsibility of the barangay officials. The constituents play a major role, too,for the success of the program. It should be a collaborative effort,” Mabenta said.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Family of slain doctor seeks justice

COTABATO CITY --- The family of slain eye specialist Dr. Shahid “Jaja” Sinolinding cries for justice few days after he wasshot deadtogether with his bodyguard last April 18 in his clinic at the Cotabato City Doctors’ Clinic along Sinsuat Avenue – highway.

Representing the family, Dr. Kadil “Jojo” M. Sinolinding, Jr., regional health secretary of the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,  in a statement said that his brother, Dr. Jaja, has “no grudge” with anyone as he is a peace-loving citizen.

“We believe that justice will be served. We believe in the responsible agencies handling this case,” Dr. Kadil said.

Dr. Kadil expressed dismayafter learning that the medical facility’s CCTV cameras failed to capture the events before and after the murder.

“We find it confusing that all other events inside the clinic were recorded except the minutes or seconds before and after Dr. Jaja and his bodyguard were killed,” said Dr. Kadil.

According to police report, the gunmanwho posed as a patient,fired a pistol at Sinolinding first and turned on his security escort, whom he shot repeatedly before he fled casually amid the commotion.

Dr. Kadil revealed that the closest motive of the killing isrelated to the problem with a school in Arakan, North Cotabato.

“Dr. Jaja is only a collateral damage. My older brother, Professor Harris Sinolinding, also survived an ambush last year after he exposed corruption at the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology CFCST) in Arakan town,” he said.

P/Senior Inspector Alexander de Pedro, Police Station 2 chief and city police spokesperson, said they are still on the “investigation process of the case.”

“We’re gathering affidavits of witnesses and compare theseif they delivered their statements the same with each other. We are also looking at possible manipulation of the CCTV where it appeared the suspect had jammed the video signal,” said De Pedro.

The Sinolinding siblings are known for their medical missions, giving free eye operations to indigent patients.

Amidmourning, Dr. Kadil appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to order an investigation on the murder case as well as the alleged corruption at theCFCST.

Meanwhile, City Vice Mayor Graham Nazer Dumama also condemned the killing of the eye doctor.

“We are always addressing peace and order and this affects our efforts of sustaining a peaceful Cotabato City,” the vicemayor said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

City SP reveals LACAP ‘inclusives’

Vice-Mayor Graham Nazer Dumama

COTABATO CITY --- The 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod here has revealed the inclusive details in the Local Anti-Criminality Action Plan (LACAP) which the council has approved and adopted as crafted by the executive department to further maintain peace and order in the city.

City Vice-Mayor Graham Dumama said among the inclusions in the plan are measures against kidnapping, bomb threats,shootings, carnapping, robbery, and illegal drugs.

In anti-kidnapping, he said there is intelligence report stating that the Sulu-based kidnapping groups,the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Maute group,are planning to expand its kidnap-for-ransom activities in Region-12 of which Cotabato City is part of.

He said the Cotabato City Police Office in coordination with the AFP counterparts is formulating its anti-kidnapping plan to counter these threats.

“It is assumed that the ASG, Maute Group, and other kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) groups such as the splinter rebel group --- the BangsamoroIsliamic Freedom Fighters(BIFF) --- will sow havoc/terror to embarrass the governance of the city government,” Dumama said.

For the action plan against bombing threats, Dumama said security guidelines have been set with procedures and tasks of every police station of the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) in close-coordination with barangay officials as well as AFP counter-parts, particularly the 5th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army, in promoting an environment of peace and order in their respective area of responsibility.

“Like other cities in the country, Cotabato City is similarly, if not specially, situated in terms of challenges confronting it and on how to effectively thwart crimes, more particularly the bomb threats and other related-lawlessness transpiring within its jurisdiction,” he said.

There are also guidelines and response measures against shooting incidents, motorcycle theft, and other related-lawlessness.

“Be that as it may, the Cotabato City Police Office, with the support of the local government unit, AFP, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders, is invariably resolved to stamp out all forms of criminalities within its area of responsibility allowing the herein strategies, which, although not perfect, are deemed doable and cost-effective when applied in the local milieu,” he said.

Dumama added that the CCPO in coordination with the 37 barangay chairmen will launch an aggressive campaign against carnapping,  particularly motorcycle theft.

For anti-robbery plan, he said the city is also challenged on how to effectively thwart street crimes such as snatchings and pick-pocketings.

For the anti-illegal drugs campaign, the city government continues with its serious battle against this menace.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi, since day one up to this time, has been regularly conducting ronda patrol at night to ensure the safety of the populace. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

HEARING CONCERNS

HEARING CONCERNS ---ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman (right), along with regional officials of DepEd, DSWD, DOH, and DENR, addresses key issues at the Social Development Summit in Marawi City last April 19. (Omar Mangorsi, BPI-ARMM- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Royal couple receives award

RECOGNITION --- The Royal Couple of the Royal Empire of Maharadjah Tabunaway Kinship in Mindanaue Darussalam has been recognized during the Gawad Filipino Awards, Parangal sa Natatanging Filipino. Her Royal Highness Hadja Putri Bai Marieta Nor-aisha P. Mindalano-Adam, president/CEO of MTDCPI, was awarded Outstanding Women Empowerment of the Year Award 2017 while her husband, His Majesty Hadji Datu Lihondo E. Adam, was awarded Outstanding Civic and Community Muslim Leader 2017. (MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MANILA --- Aroyal couple of the Royal Empire of Maharadjah Tabunaway Kinship in Mindanaue Darussalam received last April 3 a national awarding Manila and both were appointed as Ambassador for Royal Kingdom of Peace International by the Gawad Filipino Awards, Parangal sa Natatanging Filipino.

Her Royal Highness Hadja Putri Bai Marieta Nor-Aisha P. Mindalano-Adam, president and chief executive officer of MTDCPI was awarded Outstanding Women Empowerment of the year Award 2017 while her husband, His Majesty Hadji Datu Lihondo E. Adam, was awarded Outstanding Civic and Community Muslim Leader 2017 by the national awards body of the Gawad Filipino Awards, Parangal sa Natatanging Filipino.

The awards were conferred on them through proper nomination based on the exemplary performance and dedication to the service of the Filipino people.

The royal couple has been working hand in hand for the promotion of peace and humanitarian services and because of their outstanding performance, the Gawad Filipino Awards appointed them as Ambassador for Royal Kingdom of Peace International.

Recently, the MTDCPI president and CEO Hadjah Putri Bai Marieta Nor-Aisha Mindalano-Adam was again given the highest honorary award of Doctoral Degree in Humanity and Peace Development (Honoris Causa) from the International Studies of Global Leadership in Makati City.

The royal couple, who leads the Maharadjah Tabunaway Descendants Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MTDCPI), is the official and sole organization in charge of implementing the programs and activities of the Royal Empire of Rajah Tabunaway Kinship in Mindanao Darussalam Philippines.

The MTDCPI is a non-political, non-partisan, non-profitable, and non-stock organization established in 2011 to respond to the current needs ofthe Moros and the tri-people in order to sustain, strengthen, and promote human rights, cultural heritage, peace building, good governance initiatives, and humanitarian service to the under-privileged Muslim Ummah and the tri-people of the Philippines.

The MTDCPI is managed by independent and non-partisan Muslim leaders who are expertise and are practically and technically-minded individuals, compassionate on various fields of capacity building, humanitarian services, and community development. The organization is mass-based community group.They have special trainings on the sectors of humanitarian interventions, human rights, child protection, and capacity building program to underprivileged indigenous people in the country.

The MTDCPI’s goal is to lead the powerless, reserved individuals, and the Indigenous people to achieve and realize their honour and dignity, rights and capability, justice and freedom to support and help one another. They have been engaged in charity works for almost 10 years and because of their noble work and achievements, many of the local and international institutions, groups,and organizations are recognizing their efforts and initiatives.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Full alert vs. terror plots

Cities and other urban centers in Region-12 are in full or heightened alert with security measures in place to thwart anew terror attempts by armed groups or bandit cells out to destabilize peace and order and inflict injuries to the populace and damage to properties or infrastructures.

In Cotabato City, Vice Mayor Graham NazerDumama, in an interview by this community paper, said the campaign against terrorism such as bomb threats is part of the “inclusives” in the Local Anti-Criminality Plan or LACAP which the SangguniangPanlungsod lately approved or adopted upon request of the City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi in an effort to further sustain and maintain peace and order.

The city also reactivated Task Force Kutawato, a contingent in the LACAP, as a beef-up force to security along with the Philippine National Police, elements from 6^th Infantry Division, and barangay auxiliary.

The city government of Kidapawan in North Cotabato has likewise stepped up security measures in its urban center against terror threats.

Following the  twin improvised explosive device  blast in  Tacurong  City on the evening of April 17,  Kidapawan  Mayor Joseph Evangelista  ordered the City Philippine National Police  Station and the  Public Safety Office to further intensify its bomb awareness campaign, “OplanPaalala,” especially  in the urban  center.

The bomb awareness  campaign that  took  off during the  celebration of the Holy Week has police patrol with  public announcement system  roaming around the city reminding the residents to be extra careful  and  be  vigilant  against terror threats.

Mayor Evangelista’s call for increased security measures also came after Kidapawan City figured in an intelligence report as one target of bombing plot.  The same report also named other cities in SOCCSKSARGEN Region as targets of the plot. 

Evangelista called on the public to take the threats seriously.

“Immediately  report  to  authorities  suspicious persons  and unattended bags in your villages and public places,” he said, advising them  to immediately keep a  distance from  suspected  improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Last April 17,  two  IEDs  exploded  at  the Dragon Mart along the national highway at Barangay New Isabela in  Tacurong  City in Sultan Kudarat province  and  wounded 15  persons:  threeArmy soldiers, three  police officers, and nine civilians.

A report from the Tacurong City PNP said thefirst IED exploded inside the comfort room  ofDragon Mart  at 6: 45 p.m. The second went off outside the store at 7:10 p.m. when emergency  responders  were already in the area.

Listed as  wounded in the incident report  were:LogenPresaldo, 42, AFP;  RamilGarde, AFP;  Alvin Jimenez, 44, AFP; DanicailaBallaran, 14, student, Barangay San Pablo, Tacurong City;  Reymart del Rosario, 21, student, BarangayCalean, Tacurong City;SaulsautoManoy, 47, CDRRMC;  Joseph Liba, 33, driver, Barangay San Pablo, Tacurong City;  Leo Cueva, 34, teacher, Tantangan, South Cotabato; Roger Bamo, 47, ambulance driver, Barangay New Isabela, Tacurong City;  P02 Gerard Martin San Pedro;  SPO2 Jasper Garcia; MichealPon; P01 EleazarSustiguer;  Ryan Omar Ali, 27, BarangayPoblacion, Tacurong City; and Richard Piñeda, 36, tinsmith , Barangay New Isabela, Tacurong City.

According to Sultan  Kudarat  Provincial Social  Welfare and Development Officer  Henry  Albano, the  provincial  government   extended  P10,000  aid to each of the  blast  victims while the  Department of Social  Welfare and Development and the  city government of Tacurong  foot the bill  for their  hospitalization.

In a separate interview, Superintendent Romeo Galgo, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-12, confirmed that “full alert”has been raised in all cities of Region-12 due to terror threat. 

Galgo said local Peace and Order Councils need to implement security measures to ensure the safety of their respective residents as police and military units prepare to respond to any contingency.

Cops arrest 2 with grenades

TACURONG CITY --- Police in Tacurong City arrested two men with hand grenades and handguns minutes after two blasts rocked this city that hurt at least 14 persons on Monday night of April 17.

On that night, the police initially reported that eight persons, including five soldiers and police officers, were wounded in the bomb attack.

The two, WarenGani and JohariGani, were on board a motorbike and are from Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao. Two mobile phones were also taken from them, which contain their photographs in fatigue uniform carrying firearms.

Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, said the two claimed they are members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The two were subjected to inquest and verificationof their Front membership.

Supiter said prior to the twin blasts at the Dragon Mart and Gasoline Station, a bomb scare was reported near St. John Learning Center along Ilang-Ilang Street, Barangay New Isabela at around 5:50 p.m.

"No bomb was found near the school," he said.

But at around 6:45 p.m., an explosion ripped the roof of the gas station's comfort room.

As police and Army bomb experts were conducting a post blast investigation, another improvised bomb exploded at around 7:10 p.m. in front of the gas station that damaged parked motorbikes and a vehicle.

"It was a well-planned bomb attack," Supiter said, adding that the bombs used were similar to previous bombings in the region.

Supiter identified the injured as bomb disposal team members S/Sgt. IpilPresaldo, S/Sgt. MenzoSalsalitoManoy, SPO2 Jasper Garcia, PO1 Martin San Pedro, and PO1 EleazarSustiguer, all from Tacurong City Police Station.

Also hurt were nine civilians who were customers of the resto bar.

Only a few remained in the hospital while others only sustained superficial wounds from cut nails used as shrapnel of the improvised explosive device. (DEDOGUILES, PIA-12 WITH REPORTS FROM LKOASAY, KIDAPAWAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE; PNA – COTABATO; & MINDANAO EXPOSE’)