6th Infantry Division ambulance brought the Banana-Manggo Businessman Datu Ali Midtimbang and son Datu Anggal Vice Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang for an Air Evac

6th Infantry Division ambulance brought the Banana-Manggo Businessman Datu Ali Midtimbang and son Datu Anggal Vice Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang(inset) for an Air Evac by the Philippine Air Force Rescue team to Davao City for medical treatment. Two grenade blast on Friday April 21, 2017, thrown by unidentified suspect riding in a motorcycle that resulted to wounding eight person including another son Talayan Mayor Thonkang Midtimbang after the Friday prayer outside the Mosque in Talayan, Maguindanao. (MARK NAVALES– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

INFRA MACHINERY

INFRA MACHINERY ---  The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s five provinces received new construction equipment from the Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM in a turn-over ceremony last April 27 at the region's seat in Cotabato City.The turn-over was led by ARMM Governor MujivHataman and DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Loong. The equipment were received by eight district engineers of Maguindanao 1 and 2, Lanao del Sur 1 and 2, Basilan, Sulu 1 and 2, and Tawi-Tawi.The equipment include three units of payloaders, three units of road excavators, and two units of road rollers. The equipment form part of the 14 units worth P84,763,560. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MNLF supports ‘federalism’

Datuwata U. Adziz

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao --- The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) strongly supports the national leadership on its campaign towards a federal form of government from the present unitary set-up.

Datuwata U. Adziz,former Board member of Maguindanao and vice-mayor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and now the Western Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee chair of the MNLF, said that last April 25 Chairman NurMisuari  called on all state chairmen, national unit members, and parliament senior leadersto discuss the final peace agreement and the advocacy of President Rodrigo R. Duterte on federalism.

“Chairman Misuarialso consulted us about the coming formal peace talksbetween the MNLF and the GPH on the first week of May. He also updated us on the results of his series of meetings with the President which turned out to be all positive. They discussed federalism,”Adziz said.

Earlier, Misuarivoiced confidence that progress will be achieved in Mindanao under the federal system of government which the Duterte administration in pushing for. He said he fully supports the initiative of President Duterte but “it must be a genuine form of federalism.”

"The President wants us to have federalism, I said it is okay for me because that is midway between colonialism and independence," Misuariwas quoted as saying.

Misuari said he is optimistic that progress will be achieved in Mindanao once the federal system of government pushes through.

"One hundred percent, there will be progress. Fellow Mindanaoans are fed up being colonized,” Misuary further said.

The country, under the federal system, eyes the creation of 11 federal states, three in Mindanao, while keeping a presidential form of government and increasing the number of elected senators from the present 24 to 81.

Under a federal system of government, every state can collect its own taxes, enjoy autonomy, has the power to pursue projects which it deems good for the welfare of the people, and has the power to make its own laws.

For a change in the form of government, It would need not only amendments but revision of the Constitution.

Under federalism, there will only be one Armed Forces of the Philippines, Central Bank, educational system, foreign policy, monetary system, and Philippine Flag.

Further, there will be a change in the qualifications of the two highest officials --- a degree holder or a college graduate. In the Federal Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives will remain.

As proposed, state senators should at least be college graduates. Every federal state will have agovernor and vice governor. The state legislators will be unicameral in each federal state.

In the federal system, the Supreme Court and its power remain.

Local government units will still be intact and their Internal Revenue Allotments  increases. Revenues earned by the government will be divided --- 20 percent for the federal or central government and 80 percentfor the federal state.

Poor regional states can avail of the so-called equalization fund that will be administered by the central government to help these states aside from having a Loan Commission. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MUNTREAL to implement revised SEF guidelines

EDUCATIONAL FUND UPDATES --- Municipal Treasurer’s League (MUNTREAL) of Maguindanao president Engr. TokanBrahim (seated 1st from left, second row) presided over the regular monthly meeting last April 25 with fellow municipal treasures held at the MUNTREAL office along Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY ---- The Municipal Treasurer’s League (MUNTREAL) of Maguindanao is slated to implement the revised guidelines on the use of the Special Education Fund(SEF) which provides the source of fundingas supplementary annual budget for the operation and maintenance of public schools within the municipalities.

Engr. TokanBrahim, president of MUNTREAL, said the formulation, approval, and utilization of the SEF budget are the responsibilities of the individual Local School Board (LSB).

“Previous circulars were jointly issued by the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) providing the general guidelines on the use of the SEF in the implementation of Republic Act 7160. Given the observed practices in the utilization of the SEF and current developments in the basic education sub-sector, particularly the K to 12 and early childhood care and development (ECCD) programs, there is need to reiterate and refocus the policies on the use of the SEF to better support the supplementary budgetary needs of schoolsand learning centers,” Brahim said.

Brahim said the purpose of the guideline is to update the policies and guidelines contained in previous JCs of the DepEd, DBM, and DILG (JC No. 1 s. 1998, JC No. 1-A s. 2000, JC No. 1-B s. 2001 and JC No. 4 s. 2001) on the use and purpose of the SEF as provided under R.A..7160 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and to ensure a more strategic and efficient utilization of resources for priority programs and projects which would complement, as well as reinforce, the budgeting priorities at the different levels of decision-making.

The SEF shall be allocated to the following: operation and maintenance of public schools; construction and repair of school building; facilities and equipment; educational research; purchase of books and periodicals; and sports development.

Further, Brahim stressed that it also provides theSchool Board the budget to give priority to the following: construction, repair and maintenance of school buildings and other facilities of public elementary and security schools; establishment and maintenance of extension classes where necessary; and sports activities at the division, district, municipal, and barangay levels.

“The SEF could be utilized as payment of compensation or allowances of teachers locally-hired in elementary and secondary schools identified to have shortages per the teacher deployment analysis of the DepEd, but the rates shall be determined by the LSB based on funds available, but not to exceed the salary schedule being implemented by the local government unit concerned,” Brahim said.

In addition, he said it could also be used as payment of salaries/wages of utility workers and security guards hired by public elementary and secondary schools which have not been provided such position in the DepEd budget as well as in the payment of expenses pertaining to the operation of schools, which may include utilities and communication expenses.

However, acquisition of laboratory, technical and similar apparatus, and information technology equipment and corollary supporting services (e.g. internet connection, maintenance, etc.), is subject to the prevailing requirements and specifications set by the DepEd.

“Purchase of library books and periodicals for the libraries of the different elementary and secondary schools in the municipality and purchase of instructional materials, workbooks and textbooks needed by public elementary and secondary schools is subject to the prevailing policies and guidelines of the DepEd,” he said.

For the planning and budgeting for the SEF, the LSB shall formulate a three-year program indicating strategic prioritization policies in the allocation of the SEF to schools, taking into consideration equitable sharing, priority needs and such factors as enrollment ratio, distance of the schools, performance, drop-out rate and location of schools, as well as the goals and objectives of the LGU’s Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), and the expenditures, programs, projects and activities in the LGU’s Local Development Investment Program (LDIP) prior to the formulation and preparation of its Annual Budget for the incoming year.

It is understood that the DepEd representative to the LSB shall be responsible for coordinating municipal/city school plans with that of the province and ensuring that the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and the Division Education Development Plan (DEDP) are formulated collaboratively with the stakeholders in the community.

“The LSB in each municipality shall be responsible for the preparation and approval of the annual budgetary requirements of the public schools based on the DepEd-approved SIP and DEDP in the implementation of ECCD Program, kindergarten, elementary and secondary, formal and non-formal education programs, chargeable to their respective SEFs,” Brahim said.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Shariff Aguak places streetlights

LIGHTS UP --- The atmosphere along the national highway in ShariffAguak during night time sparkles with the placement of streetlights. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARIFF AGUAK MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- The national highway in this town will never be the same as the local government places streetlights tobenefitmotorists, commuters, and the constituents.

Mayor Marop Batabol Ampatuan said the atmosphere in the municipality is different when compared before now that the roads have been lighted.

“The scene during night time in Shariff Aguak, wherein streetlights have been placed,serves as a big help for the people and the commuters. It is also an attraction to many residents,” Mayor Ampatuan said.

The mayor said Shariff Aguak has become livelier at night and the lighting system could help prevent road accidents. Another, it could also aid in safeguarding the populace.

“With our roads lighted up, it is expected that criminalities will be minimized,” said Mayor Ampatuan.

Mayor Ampatuan said the local government funded the streetlights.

“The cost of streetlight is more than P300,000 pesos,” he said.

Further, homes of many residents have also been lighted by a service provider.

“It only manifests that electric subscribers in this town are not delinquent that caused all houses of continuous power supply,” the mayor said.

The placement of street lights is also in preparation to the upcoming celebration of the town’s 54th Foundation Anniversary slated on September 11, 2017.

“With a large number of activities in the pipeline, we will experience a joyous yet simple celebration,” Mayor Ampatuan said.

Mayor Ampatuan said he had initial discussions with their advisers since last year on the planned anniversary celebration. Few weeks ago, series of meetings were held stoinitially identify some events to be included in the pipeline.

“We do this to ensure successful staging of the foundation anniversary,” he said.

The mayor and the equally active Vice Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan swore to pursue their desire to maintain peace and order condition within the locality.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Talayan police probing mosque grenade throwing

INVESTIGATION --- Police Senior Inspector Jun Olis talking to some journalists on their continuing investigation related to the grenade throwing at the Talayan Mosque last April 21. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

TALAYAN, Maguindanao --- Police authorities here still continues with its investigation on the grenade throwing incident last April 21 at the Talayan Mosque where eight persons, including DatuAnggalMidtimbang Vice-Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang and his father former Talayan Mayor Datu Ali Midtimbang, were hurt in the blast after coming out from a noon prayer.

Police Senior Inspector Jun Olis, chief of police of Talayan, said they already have in their custody some witnesses who could possibly bring light in the case.

According to police report, Datu Ali Midtimbang and Vice-Mayor Nathaniel just came out of the mosque when two men hurled grenades over the fence.They both sustained shrapnel wounds in different parts of their bodies.

Six other worshippers were injured in the grenade attack, which caused panic among residents in the town proper ofTalayan.

The Regional DarulIfta (Islamic House of Opinion) condemned the attack while worshippers were leaving the mosque premises after the noon prayer.

“We call upon the authorities to investigate to ascertain the motive and to arrest the perpetrators,” the DarulIfta said in a statement.

Maguindanao Police Director Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello said the police are determining the owner of the motorbike. The attackers fled on two motorcycles, one of which was recovered later in Barangay Mapayag along the national highway.

Tello said the Midtimbang father and son were both airlifted to Davao City for further medical treatment.

Some residents said the attackers abandoned the motorbike at the highway and boarded a waiting white ToyotaInnova with no license plate.

Olis said they are eyeing at least two angles in the case but refused to disclose then during the interview. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

TF Kutawato launched

SECURITY FORCE --- City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi (2^nd from left) signs a memorandum of agreement with City Police Director Senior Superintendent Victor Valencia, 6^th ID commander Maj. Gen. Arneldela Vega, 603rd Brigade commander Col. Jesus Sarsagat, and 38th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Michael Santos spelling out the commitment and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the reactivation of “Task Force Kutawato.” At inset is Councilor Abdillah Lim who pins the TF insignia to one soldier. (GILMHAR A. LAO– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- To further secure the environ from threats, the city government here launched last April 25 the “Task Force Kutawato” in rites led by Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, local officials, and Army and police officials.

Task Force Kutawato (TFK) was first established in the 1990s to address kidnap-for-ransom incidents perpetuated by organized crime groups victimizing mostly  Filipino-Chinese traders. 

“The Task Force is reactivated due to the growing threats of terrorism in different parts of the country. We are just making sure that our security and anti-crime capability is always one or more steps ahead of the criminals and the lawless elements,” Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

She said the reactivation of the Task Force is timely in the midst of the government’s campaign against terrorism and extremism.

“The city government is fast tracking its various development programs. As we go through with these development activities, criminalities will somehow thrive. Cotabato City is a growing city and, thus, vulnerable to different forms of criminalities. Its population is also growing rapidly,” the mayor said.

She further said “street crimes are inevitable.”

“The task force will be closely coordinating with the city police during all the operations that they will be conducting in the city to make sure every step they make is in accordance with the law,” she said.

The Task Force’s creation was conceptualized by 603rdBrigade commander Col. Jesus Sarsagat, in collaboration with the city government of Cotabato.

Maj. Gen.Arneldela Vega, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division,  expressed his full support to the operations of the TFK.

“The task force expresses the strong commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be part of the city’s peace-keeping efforts in order to sustain its economic growth and development. In partnership with the city government, the task force will intensify its activities in promoting peace and security within the area of responsibility”, said Maj. Gen. Dela Vega.

Col. Jose Gongona, who is the deputy commander of the 603rd Brigade, heads the Task Force.

A memorandum of agreement was between and among Mayor Guiani-Sayadi, 6th ID commanding general,603rd Brigade commander, 38th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Michael Santos, and City Police Director Senior Superintendent Victor Valencia which states the commitment and responsibilities of each stakeholder.

Further, city officials and the military officials also donned the Task Force Kutawato insignia to the soldiers, which marked the beginning of their task in the city.

In addition, the mayor turned over six units of motorbikes to the task force amounting to P300,000 (P50,000 each)to be used in patrolling the city’s 37 barangays.

“We will add more service vehicles, water crafts, and communication gadgets,” she said.

It was learned that the task force’s revival hasthe support of religious leaders, barangay officials, and the business community. 

Councilor Abdillah Lim, who endorsed a SP resolutionreactivating  the Task Force, said the move is significant in maintaining law and order, public safety, and law enforcement.

“We should consider the topographic characteristics of Cotabato city, composed of dozens of islets and criss-crossed by numerous waterways.Neither the AFP nor the PNP operating separately could ensure the security of the area. For one thing, there is an imperative necessity to unify and combine the resources and capability of law enforcers through the organization of a joint task force so they could effectively perform primary duties and responsibilities and ensure the safety and security of our populace,” said Lim. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)