CSC-ARMM culminates celebration w/ awarding

Several government workers and offices in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  were awarded during the Civil Service Commission-ARMM's culmination of the 117th Civil Service celebration last  September 28 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

The awards were given under the 2017 Honor Awards Program and Citizens' Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in Parang, Maguindanao received the 2016 5-Star Citizen's Satisfaction Center of Seal of Excellence.

The individual awardees were Hja. ShaihaIrahani, a school principal in Tawi-tawi; Alexander Manuel, Maguindanao risk reduction officer; Abou Mohammad Asmawil, director of Department of the Interior and Local Government in Basilan; and Dr. Sangkula Laja, Tawi-Tawi health officer.

Lamitan City government's Reaching Out Serving Everyone Caravan also received the award in the group category.

Four CSC-ARMM employees were also honored for having rendered 15 years of service, namely Director II Sandrah Arnica Usman, Acting Director II Gil Caburnay, Eiffel Camaganacan, and Anna Marie Araral.  (Bureau of Public Information – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM hosts Budayaw banquet

Budayaw Festival 2017 - Pagana Night. (Photo by BPI-ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) took pride in its rich history and culture as it hosted the Pagana or dinner which marked the culmination of the week-long 1st International Budayaw Festival last September 24 at the KCC Convention Hall in General Santos City.

ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman in his message read by Norkhalila Mae Mambuay-Campong, ARMM cabinet secretary, said the Pagana is a traditional royal banguet that exhibits the culture, hospitality, and culinary grandeur of the Moro people.

“The ARMM government is honoured to introduce some of the cuisines of the Moro people and provide a glimpse of what the Philippines and the region can offer,” Hataman said.

He expressed optimism that the Pagana and the Festival itself will encourage meaningful discussions among the guests and participants not just on matters pertaining to culture and the art but also on wider social, economic, and political issues.

Maritess Maguindra, director of the Bureau on Cultural Heritage-ARMM, said: “The event is an infinite collaboration of our partners. The Pagana and other activities of the Festival are beginnings of a strong and lasting partnership among the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines-East Asean Growth Areas.”

The Bureau on Cultural Heritage, Department of Tourism, and Department of Education  in the region collaborated in the preparation of the Pagana Night.

During the Pagana, organizers and partners of the Festival which include the National Commission for the Culture and Arts, Mindanao State University - General Santos City, Department of Tourism-12, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, LGUs of General Santos and Saranggani, and Mindanao Development Authority were recognized and given a token of appreciation.

It also paved the way for the announcement of the next Budayaw Festival to be held in Malaysia sometime in 2019.

The Budayaw, a Festival of Culture and Arts and a celebration of the harmony in diversity, opened last September 20 with about 300 delegates from the four-member countries of the BIMP-EAGA. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Rajah Buayan LGU counters extremism

Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan

RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao --- This municipal government has its serious concern in adopting measures to counter violent extremism with the help of the religious sector.

Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan said understanding fully the role of the religious sector can better advance the advocacy in countering violent extremism’s objectives.

“I had a meeting with the leader of our religious sector, Ustadz Sec Badrudin, and we talked about some concerns on our Madrasahs,” the mayor said.

Mayor Ampatuan said religious leaders have their own Madrasahs and one of the issues they brought up is about their salaries.

“Sustaining the salaries is one problem. One alarming concern is that they could get bigger support from the outside. This is one thing we would want to counter because they have the capacity to attend to the various needs of our Madrasahs,” the mayor  said.

He stressed that it is a must that the government strengthen its support to the Masjid and Madrasahs.

He said the religious leaders are integral members of our society and key contributors to public discourse.

“The religious sector is our great partner in the development aspect of our locality and as well as in sustaining peace and security,” he said.

The role of education in countering extremism, he said, is reflective of terrorism prevention.

“Proper education plays a critical role in helping our people distance themselves from extremism through the conduct of symposia, seminars, awareness campaign, and dialogues,” Mayor Ampatuan said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

FAMILY CELEBRATION

FAMILY CELEBRATION --- The ARMM's Department of Social Welfare and Development awarded the regional winners of the 2017 Regional Search for Huwarang Pamilyang Pilipino during the kick-off program of the 25th National Family Week last September 27 ORG Compound in Cotabato City.

The Macatanong (below photo) family from Marogong, Lanao del Sur bagged the Regional Pantawid Huwarang Pamilya and will represent the region in the DSWD's search for model 4Ps families in October 2017. The family received a cash prize and plaque of recognition.

"The 2017 National Family Week celebration envisions better initiatives to strengthen the Filipino family in the new generation," Hja. MeriamAbdulkasan of DSWD-ARMM said.

Among the activities lined up for the week-long celebration were medical missions, family planning commodities, family planning counselling, and film showing. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Pigcawayan prepares for 64th founding day

MAYOR ELISEO “JUN” GARCESA

PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato --- This municipal government is gearing up for the upcoming celebration of its 64th Foundation Anniversary slated on October 20, 2017.

Mayor Eliseo “Jun” Garcesa said the highlight for this year’s celebration would be the “Mutya ng Pigcawayan.”

“For the first time, we are also going to have the ‘Parangal’ in recognition of the exemplary services extended by individuals and groups who have contributed to the progress and development of our beloved municipality,” Mayor Garcesa said.

The mayor said they are finalizing the various activities to be conducted. “It’s going to be a one-week celebration.”

Further, he said there will also be a Muslim Festival. “We will feature traditional Muslim sports and showcase Muslim delicacies.”

The municipality of Pigcawayan is composed of at least 30 percent of Muslim population.

“The very reason of this special activity is for them to feel the sense of belonging,” he said.

Mayor Garcesa encouraged his fellow Pigcawayanons, Christians, and Muslims to live harmoniously and be united for the betterment of the town. “There is unity in diversity.”

“As we face the countless challenges, this is our battle cry: One for all, all for one. Padayon Pigcawayan”, Mayor Garcesa exclaimed. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DSA hosts joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council

SECURITY --- Maguindanao Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Agustin J. Tello (2nd from right) led the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council meeting of chiefs of police from various towns in Maguindanao. Also in attendance were 603rd Brigade Commander Col. Jesus Sarsagat (2nd from left) and Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Bai AnidaDimaukom (3rd from left). (ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN (DSA), Maguindanao ---- This municipal government hosted the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) meeting spearheaded by the Maguindanao Provincial Police Office last September 28.

Senior Superintendent Agustin J. Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the meeting gathered the 10 police chiefs from the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Datu Hoffer, Datu Piang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Shariff Aguak, Datu Salibo, Mamasapano, Sultan Sa Barongis, and Rajah Buayan.

“The purpose of the activity is for us to be updated on the current peace and security situations in these municipalities,” Tello said.

For the 3rd Quarter, the peace and order situation in Datu Hoffer municipality has been relatively peaceful having received no threat from the lawless groups.  However, security personnel have been deployed to the different barangays with the members of Barangay Peace Action Team in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines  (AFP) to monitor the situation in the area.

As for Datu Piang, due to the presence of AFP troops in Barangays Montay, Balong, and Dado, there have been no reports on the presence of armed groups and other lawless elements in the area of responsibility, particularly within the barangays along the river. However, the shooting to death of Barangay chairman Kadatuan Masukat of ontay brought horrible fear to other barangay officials.

In Datu Unsay, the peace and order situation within the area is the primary concern of every stakeholder residing and doing business here. This town is home to or beleaguered with the presence of armed groups such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and ISIS- inspired group.

As of the moment, the MILF and MNLF adhere to the existing peace agreement  with the government of the Republic of the Philippines.

As a whole, the threat to peace and order condition remains due to the presence of  the BIFF  and ISIS-inspired group.

In spite of the extra efforts exerted by the PNP, AFP, and other line-agencies, atrocities have been disturbing the peace in the area. The recent incident was the harassment by undetermined number of lawless elements against police station and 21st Mechanized Company of the Philippine Army at Barangay Meta of Datu Unsay which resulted to wounding of one policeman.

The armed group, however, has no capability of disrupting the entire peace and order in the area as government forces are still on top of the situation and executing precautionary measures to prevent any eventuality and avert terror plans of the enemies.

Mamasapano marked a low crime volume and only listed some cases of rido.

In Shariff Aguak, the peace and order is still affected by the political grudge of the present and previous administration.  On illegal drugs, they cannot discount the presence of drug users, although the source of the illegal drugs comes from a nearby municipality based on the statement of an arrested drug suspect.

Other municipalities remain relatively peaceful. In Datu Saudi Ampatuan, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  declared last September 22 its four barangays as “drug-cleared.” These are Gawang, Dapiawan, Elian, and Salbu. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Mamasapano holds joint meeting of MPOC, MADAC

Mayor Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan 

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao --- This municipal government conducted last September  27 its Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council meetings at the Sangguniang Bayan session hall.

Mayor Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan led the meeting with the presence of municipal and barangay officials together with 40th Infantry Battalion Commander Col. Edgar Catu, Chief of Police Senior Inspector Regie Abellera, and representatives from the Municipal Health Office (MHO), Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and Department of Education (DepEd).

“We are happy to announce that our town has listed a low crime volume. We have only listed some cases of rido and we all know there is the presence of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters,” the mayor said.

In an interview, Col. Catu, who reported the status of peace and security, said that most barangays in the town are generally peaceful.

“With the recent explosion in Datu Odin Sinsuat, we are strengthening the security in the area. Base on the report from the barangays, Mamasapano is generally peaceful, although we are closely looking at the interior barangays with marshy areas,”  Catu said.

Senior Inspector Abellera reported the update of the local government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

The barangay officials also reported the status of peace and order as well as the situation and campaign against illegal drugs. The MHO, MSWDO, and DepEd also delivered their report.

Mayor Ampatuan said the MADAC is pushing for the drug testing of drug surrenderees.

“Those barangays with drug surrenderees who will turn out negative after the drug testing will be pushed to be ‘drug-cleared.’ Based on our list, there are around 150 drug surrenderees in the town. While majority of them are still in the area, some went abroad and others have changed location,” Mayor Ampatuan said.

Mamasapano is politically subdivided into 15 barangays: Bagumbong, Dabenayan, Daladap, Dasikil, Liab, Libutan, Lusay, Mamasapano, Manongkaling, Matias, Pidsandawan, Pimbalakan, Sapakan, Tuka, and Tukanalipao. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DAM hosts KIATF 3rd regular meeting

CLUSTER CONCERNS ---- Datu Anggal Midtimbang led by Mayor Mary Joy Estephanie U. Midtimbang (5th from right) hosts the 3rd regular meeting of the “Kapamagayun” Inter-Agency Task Force last September 27 at its municipal hall. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG (DAM), Maguindanao --- The “Kapamagayun” Inter-Agency Task Force (KIATF) conducted its 3rd regular meeting last September 27 held at the Municipal Hall of Datu Anggal Midtimbang. 

Present during the meeting were local chief executives and other officials from the clustered municipalities of Kabuntalan (Mayor Salaban Diocolano), Datu Odin Sinsuat (Mayor Datu Ombra Sinsuat), Datu Anggal Midtimbang (Mayor Mary Joy Estephanie U. Midtimbang), Talitay (Vice-Mayor Kamid L. Buisan), Talayan (Mayor Datu Tungkang Midtimbang, and Guindulungan (Datu Midpantao M. Midtimbang, Jr.).

Also in attendance were 603rd Brigade Commander Col. Jesus Sarsagat, Maguindanao Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Agustin J. Tello, and Datu Anggal Vice-Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang.

The task force’s thrusts and advocacy focus on peace and security, anti-illegal drugs campaign, developmental support, environmental protection, and disaster response operations.

The technical working groups presented their proposed plan attuned with the thrusts of the KIATF.

Highlighted was the proposed construction of a bridge in the municipality of Mother Kabuntalan which will be requested by the chairman of KIATF to the national government. If approved, it will be implemented in Calendar Year 2019.

One specific concern discussed was the status of the local chief executive of the municipality of Talitay since the acting mayor cannot fully exercise his functional tasks, especially on the financial aspect of the municipal government.

The constituents of Talitay conducted a “peace rally” during the KIATF meeting to convey the problem of their local government. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA)

SIGN NEW BBL

SIGN NEW BBL --- Several civil society organizations launched the Sustainable Initiatives of Grassroots and Networks for Bangsamoro Basic Law (#SIGNNewBBL) Movement that aims to magnify the support of Moro people for the passage of the new version of the BBL and establishment of the envisioned Bangsamoro Government.

The launching drew about 700 participants from partner organizations last September 29 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

"Our calls to both the Senate and House of Representatives to give credence to the new Bangsamoro Transition Commission-drafted BBL," the manifesto of the movement said. (Bureau of Public information – ARMM)

So. Upi celebrates 41st Founding Day

SOUTH UPI, Maguindanao --- This local government celebrated its 41st Foundation anniversary last September 22 held at the municipal grounds.

Mayor Reynalbert Insular said as they add on another year, they look at it with noble purpose.

“The humble beginnings and spirited growth of South Upi through the years have resulted for what it is today. I encourage our constituents to live in harmony despite their cultural diversities. Together, hand in hand, let us grasp our deepest desire to achieve a peaceful and developed South Upi,” Mayor Insular said.

Mayor Insular expressed gratitude to the people in the municipal government who made possible the remarkable success of this year's commemoration.

“My sincerest thanks to our department heads and line-agencies,” he said.

Maguindanao 2nd District Congressman Zajid "Dong" G. Mangudadatu, who was the guest of honor and speaker in the event, also extended his warm greetings to the South Upi populace.

“As you step on another year, let us be united in achieving a more progressive South Upi,” Congressman Mangudadatu said.

Also present during the festivity included Maguindanao 2nd District Assemblyman Khadafeh "Toy" G. Mangudadatu, Assemblywoman Pearl Joy "BaiKulit" L. Piang, and Maguindanao 2nd District Board Members King Jhazzer T. Mangudadatu, Ibrahim "Jun" P. Paglas, IV, and Mamatanto M. Mamantaland.

He also thanked Governor Mujiv S. Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Maguindanao Provincial Governor Esmael "Toto" G. Mangudadatu for their unwavering support to his leadership in his municipality.

Vice-Mayor Abdullah A. Campong, in his written message, expressed his deepest congratulation to their constituents.

"Overseeing this year's theme, ‘South Upi at 41: Uniting and Transforming Towards Good Governance,’ should be a guiding maxim as the responsibility of South Upians. Let us work as one and commit ourselves into our craft and learn to live with others in love and passion to do their part in a God-centered undertaking. Let us do this for a more peaceful and progressive South Upi in the different fragments of governance,” Vice-Mayor Campong said.

Among the anniversary lined-up activities comprised of the  more than a month-long celebration basketball tournament, agro-trade fair, Barangay Expo, fun-run, women's volleyball tournament, horse fight, weaving competition, tree growing and revisiting, TriPuso day dental mission, the nightly presentations of all sectors, and cheer dance competition.

“The highlight were the first-ever Mountain Bike Challenge, also called Bike for Peace, participated by more than 200 bikers coming from the adjacent places, the Boxing Tournament, Carabao Race, Hiyas ng Upi 2017, and the spectacular National Invitational Motocross Competition. We were also joined by some celebrity artists, Jordan Herrera and Jason Abalos. Mike Liwag, a GMA Kapuso artist also entertained the audience during the culmination day,” Mayor Insular said. (MINDANAO EXPOSE’)