Editorial: Dictatorship far fetched?

(Editor’s note: This news material is adopted for editorial column)

Dictatorship far fetched?

MANILA --- A creeping dictatorship under the Duterte administration is far-fetched, Malacañang said last February 1, after Catholic bishops issued guidelines for discerning the moral dimension of charter change. 

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque reiterated that Duterte is an "advocate of the rule of law" and has no intention to remaining in power beyond his term. 

"We understand the sentiments of the Catholic bishops on their aversion to charter change and federalism. We, however, assure our bishops that the President has no interest to extend his term nor will he push for no election," Roque said in a press briefing in Baguio City. 

"The creeping dictatorship that the Catholic hierarchy fears is a far-fetched idea," he added. 

Roque said Duterte has been "clear and unequivocal" that he would follow the Constitution and finish his term on the noon of June 30, 2022.  

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued pastoral guidelines on charter change as efforts to amend the Constitution to establish a federal government are gaining ground in Congress. 

The CBCP said its stand is based on the principles of human dignity and human rights, integrity and truth, participation and solidarity and common good. 

According to the bishops, the principle of integrity and trust requires total transparency and accountability, clarity, and purity of motives. 

"When the move for Charter change becomes self-serving, such as when it calls for “No-El” (no elections) and pushes for an extension of terms of office, it is to be expected that citizens would react with suspicion, astonishment, and exasperation," the CBCP said. 

"In addition, the feeling of a creeping dictatorship is conjured by past experience. Moreover, political dynasties are really and factually becoming a dominant factor in our country’s political life," it added. 

The opposition is worried that charter change can be used to lift the term limits of the president and other officials. Malacañang has denied this, saying a term extension is Duterte's "ultimate nightmare."(Alexis Romero, philstar.com / Google News)

City’s budget, income up

FEATS --- Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi presents the city government’s accomplishments for CY 2017 during her State of the City Address (SOCA) last January 30. The lady mayor also detailed its development agenda for 2018. The city government is still in awe after it was declared the safest place in Region-12 by the PNP Regional Office. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTO BY CM ATTY. CYNIN ACTION -MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government gears for another challenging year following the State of the City Address (SOCA) of Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi last January 30 held at the CityMall Convention Center.

Mayor Guiani said that year 2017 was a very productive and wonderful year for Cotabato City with dozens of infrastructure improvements, investors coming in, employment rates increasing, and peace and order stability, among others.

"The annual budget of the city government for the year 2017 was P872,142.927.00. This was 14.24 percent higher than our 2016 annual budget. For this year, our annual budget is P935,815,256.00. We are optimistic that we will break the one billion mark next year," Mayor Guiani said.

The lady mayor said that with the budget, 48.35 percent goes to General Public Services, 26 percent is allotted for Economic Services, and 20.59 percent for Health, Social Services and Welfare. There is also 0.05 percent for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and 0.2 percent for aid to the barangays.

Further, Mayor Guiani was proud to report that the city has posted the biggest percentage increase in income, saying: "22.79 percent increase in income last year is the highest in the history of the city".

"Real property tax collection rose by 3.47 percent; business tax collection increased by 22.52 percent; the City Arcade posted an increased income of 21.48 percent; the Mega Market posted an increase of 53.53 percent; and, the biggest increase is the City Slaughterhouse, both the hog and the halal slaughterhouse, which posted an increased income of 122.25 percent. The influx of investors that we have experienced last year was brought about by the huge improvement in our peace and order situation. Some 1.2 billion pesos worth of new investments came in last year which resulted in the direct job generation for 1,250 Cotabateños," she emphasized.

As part of the modernization program, Mayor Guiani said the computerized Business Permit and Licensing System or BPLS is now fully operational.

"From the usual five to seven days processing period, before the computerization, Business Permits and Licenses can now be released in two hours or less, provided that all the requirements are complete. Our computerization program is not only limited in the BPLS. It encompasses all of the major operations of the city Government of Cotabato," she stressed.

Mayor Guiani was thrilled when she announced that soon "we will see a new kind of traffic signaling system in Cotabato City."

She said they have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Information Technology and Business Solutions Corporation for the establishment of the so-called Integrated Public Advisory and Analysis Display Solution or IPAAD.

Further, she added, the City Engineering Office was able to complete dozens of infrastructure projects last year. Aside from projects funded out of local funds, the city government is also a recipient of assistance from various national government agencies.

On the issue of public health in Cotabato City in 2017, Mayor Guiani claimed that the health well-being of Cotabateňos remained fairly well in 2017.

On the other hand, the city government tied-up with the Metro Cotabato Water District (MCWD) for the establishment of the City Septage Management Project by 2018 at the old Malagapas Dumpsite.

"This is an 80-million peso project designed to collect all household septage for processing and proper disposal. Under the plan, the Department of Public works and Highways, through the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program, will shoulder 50-percent of the project cost. The remaining 50-percent will be shared equally by the MCWD and the city government," she said.

In the delivery of social services to the people, with 65 Day Care workers or child development workers and 17 Supervised Neighborhood Play Volunteers, the city government’s Child Development Program has increased its capacity to serve pre-school children by about 8.7 percent from 3,277 in 2016 to 3,561 in 2017.

Also, the special program for 40 street-based working children under the Millennium Development Goal-Family based Actions for Children in the Slum and their Environs (MDG-FACES) was initiated this year with the distribution of starter production kits to the mothers of the concerned children.

Tourism

On the aspect of tourism, she said the City Tourism and Trade and Industry Office continue to live up to its purpose of marketing, branding, promoting, and developing tourism and trade industry in the city.

"For 2017, it came up with a series of events and activities that have truly helped boost the tourism promotion of Cotabato City. As a result, there were 359,018 tourist arrivals in Cotabato City in 2017 – an increase of more than 14,000 tourists compared to 2016. There are 250 Cotabateños who have successfully passed and graduated from trainings that the City Tourism, Trade and Industry have organized and more than 100 MSMEs and establishments have been strengthened," the lady mayor said.

Last January 26, a ground-breaking ceremony took place for the project which aims to revitalize the PC Hill, particularly the area facing Sinsuat Avenue. It is dubbed as the "Shine KutangBato Project."

"The project is funded by the Department of Tourism and will involve the painting of the roofing and façade of the houses in the area. The painting is of rainbow design with symbols representing Cotabato City like our crabs, gongs, and the guinakit. Also included in the project is the putting up of a viewing deck at the fly-over at Barangay Rosary Heights 2. Our Cotabato City Tourism Promotion Board is our partner in promoting the project and inviting more tourists to come and visit our city," Mayor Guiani said.

Peace & security

On the issue of peace and order, Mayor Guiani said it is noteworthy that despite the volatile situation in other provinces surrounding the city, there had been no reported threats posed by any criminal elements on the peace and stability of the city.

She said the consistent and effective implementation of the different counter measures on security such as the Ronda Patrol played a very important role in the prevention of crime and deterrence against possible terroristic acts.

"As a matter of fact, the PNP Regional Office-12 has recognized that our Ronda Patrol is a very effective anti-crime mechanism and has been identified as one of the best practices of our city government and local law enforcers. In view of this, the PNP Regional Office-12 will be adopting our Ronda Patrol as a template for other local government units in Region-12," she added.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the number of index crimes committed last year was only 440 as compared to the 2016 record of 963 or a drop of 45.69 percent. In the campaign against illegal drugs, the Cotabato City Police Office conducted a total of 12 anti-illegal drugs operations resulting in the arrest of 15 persons.

Records from the PNP Regional Office-12 showed that, among the five major police offices in the region, the Cotabato City Police Office posted the biggest drop in the number of both index and non-index crimes last year.

"The Cotabato City Police Office posted a high 46-percent decrease. Coming in second to us is the Sultan Kudarat Police Office with 23-percent or just half of what we have accomplished. General Santos City posted the lowest crime reduction of only two-percent. In simple words, Cotabato City is the safest place in Region-12,” Mayo Guiani claimed.

Mayor Guiani stressed that peace and order stability is a very important factor in the performance of duties and responsibilities to the constituents and it also assures the accomplishment of our programs and projects for our people.

"This is a reason why we will be putting up, in a couple of months, the city’s Command Center. It will manage and oversee the security operations in the city. It will also be the central coordinating center of all law enforcement units in the city, including our City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center and the Public Safety Office. The center, which will be situated at the back of the People’s Palace, will be manned 24/7," she said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DAR-ARMM turns over HDAP projects

DAR-ARMM Secretary Dayang Carlsum Sangkula-Jumaide turns over documents to one of the recipients of various infrastructure projects worth P13,656,250 for agrarian reform beneficiaries and communities in Maguindanao.  (BPI-ARMM/ MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY ---The Department of Agrarian Reform in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAR-ARMM) has turned over 46 various infrastructure projects worth P13,656,250 to agrarian reform beneficiaries and communities in Maguindanao in January.

The projects were funded under the Kalilintad sa Kangilupa component of the Humanitarian and Development Assistance Program (HDAP) of the ARMM government, which is implemented by the DAR-ARMM.

Dayang Carlsum Sangkula-Jumaide, DAR-ARMM Secretary, said the projects aim at assisting the agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations to develop agriculture-based enterprises towards improving farm productivity and increasing household income.

The projects include 24 socialized housing units, two community warehouses, and two solar dryers, which were turned over to agrarian reform beneficiaries and communities in the towns of Rajah Buayan and Sultan Sa Barongis in Maguindanao last January 30.

The turn-over was led by Secretary Jumaide and Assistant Secretary Sampaco Mamainte and was witnessed by Sultan Sa Barongis Vice-Mayor Datu Al-Fizzar Allandatu Angas.

Camsa Mindal, 50, is among the recipients of the socialized housing. He said the housing unit is a big help for his family because his house, made mostly of light materials, is nearly damaged since it was built in the 1980s.

Mindal is also the president of the Kulambog Al Amanah People’s Organization, Inc., an agrarian reform beneficiary organization based in Sultan SaBarongis. The organization also received one community warehouse and one solar drier.

Mindal said the projects will surely boost their members’ income. Member-farmers of Al Amanah People’s Organization, Inc. have previously resorted to storing their harvest in their houses, which may cause losses to quality and quantity of their products.

Mindal added that these projects will surely protect their harvest from loses.

“Ya sigurado sa niya ba na katiyakapan name suinenggay nu sa lekami ka masela e makadtabang na niyaba sa lekami (We assure you that we will take good care of these facilities you awarded to us because it helps us a lot.),” Mindal said.

Sixteen socialized housing units, one community warehouse, and one solar dryer were also turned over to beneficiaries in Mamasapano during the ARMM People’s Day that marked the third year commemoration of the Mamasapano incident last January 25.

Immediately following the Mamasapano encounter in 2015, the HDAP was drafted by the ARMM regional government. The program is an anti-poverty initiative covering barangays in 15 municipalities affected by intensified law enforcement operations launched immediately following the events in Mamasapano.

The Kalilintad sa Kangilupa component of HDAP has a total funding allocation of P100,462,000. The amount will be used for social infrastructures in agrarian reform communities, provision of farm inputs, various trainings and capability building, and provision of common service facilities that include mobile rice mills, rice threshers and huskers, and corn shellers, among others. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Displaced families in Marawi City to transfer to transitional shelters

NEW HOMES --- President Rodrigo Duterte led the distribution of 400 certificates of acceptance and occupancy of transitional shelters to residents left homeless by the five-month battle between government troops and local terrorist groups. (BPI-ARMM - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MARAWI CITY --- As the government rebuilds this city, President Rodrigo Duterte led the distribution of 400 certificates of acceptance and occupancy of transitional shelters to residents left homeless by the five-month battle between government troops and local terrorist groups.

Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), together with national and local officials, witnessed the ceremony held last January 30 at the site of the temporary resettlement in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City, which is about 4.4 kilometers away from the city center.

In his report, Marcelino Escalada, Jr., general manager of the National Housing Authority,  said a total of 1,149 families displaced by last year’s fighting are expected to transfer to the temporary shelters in March this year.

“The government will turn over 10 to 20 housing units every two weeks until we completely deliver the 1,149 units in March,” he said. “Hindi lang basta bahay ang itinayo natin, Ito ay isang malaking komunidad at layunin na pagtibayin ito,” Escalada added.

The 11-hectare township will have school buildings, madrasah, houses with kitchen and washroom, wet and dry market, mosque, water supply, and a multi-purpose hall.

“We assure you that the government will always be there for the people of Marawi,” President Duterte said. “Let's build a community for our children,” he added.

The construction of the temporary shelters is part of Task Force Bangon Marawi’s recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation program for the city.

Jariya Dia, a recipient of a housing unit, was in mixed emotions as she shared her traumatic experience during the siege.

“Masaya naman po ako dahil sa kabila po ng nangyari sa amin, nawalan man po kami ng tirahan.Ngayon ay agad kaming mabibiyaan ng matitirahan,” Jariya said, adding: “Ang problema ko naman po ngayon ay kung paano ko maengganyo ang mga anak ko na lumipat na dito sa bago naming matutuluyan dahil hanggang ngayon po ay takot sila na bumalik dito sa Marawi City.”

Dia and her five children are still staying at an evacuation center in Iligan City since the war started. Her home is among those destroyed by the local terror group in Barangay Marinaut West – one of the villages inside ground zero.

“Pero masaya pa din po ako na makita ng hindi kami iniwan at madaming tumutulong sa amin,” she said.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra told his constituents: “Sa inyong pagbabalik, ang gobyerno ay handing tumulong. Magtulung-tulong po tayo, magkaisa tayo, sabay natin ibangon ang Marawi.”

On the same day, Governor Hataman, with Mayor Gandamra and Ayala Foundation president Ruel Maranan, visited the newly inaugurated “Siyapen Center,” a community-based drug rehabilitation center.

The center is a 70-bed, two-storey facility located at Barangay Poblacion. It will also serve as hub for economic activity for Marawi residents, especially those in need of short-term employment or cash-for-work activity.

Aside from the center, the Ayala Foundation has a cash-for-work project worth P3 million for livelihood.

Governor Hataman stressed that the Ayala Foundation has been a partner of the regional government, especially in two program areas: youth leadership and education.

He said the regional government has earmarked funds to support appropriate assistance for the people of Marawi.

Speaking to residents, the governor said: “Makakaasa kayo na hindi iiwan ng ARMM regional government ang Marawi City.” (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MUNTREAL steps up revenue collection

RECOGNITION --- Members of the Municipal Treasurers League of Maguindanao are on high spirits as they held the first monthly meeting for Calendar Year 2018. In accordance to the organization's successful conduct of various programs and activities last 2017, top performing members were also awarded during simple rites last January 30 held at the MUNTREAL office. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTO BY ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Municipal Treasurers League of Maguindanao (MUNTREAL) is optimistic with the positive response of the business sector at the ongoing conduct of "One Stop Shop" program in the province's 36 towns.

Engr. Tokan Brahim, president of MUNTREAL, said during the organization's first monthly meeting for 2018 held last January 30 that they are happy with the program's  positive feedback from business communities spearheaded by various local government units.

"This annual activity simply provides our local businessmen better and faster government processes, most especially in the renewal of their business permits," Brahim said.

Brahim said that for the Calendar Year 2018, they would pay more attention to the business tax.

"Purpose of which is to meet our target collection," he added.

Brahim said that in terms of revenue collection, the province of Maguindanao is not left behind these days.

"For the past calendar year, we have reached our target and hopefully it will get even better this year," he said.

As for the extension on the renewal of business permits, Brahim stressed that it depends on the local government units.

"Extensions can be made by the respective LGUs. For some reasons, it is also their way of giving consideration to our local businessmen. Some LGUs have extended the renewal until the second week of February. Soon after, should they fail to renew, there will  be surcharges," Brahim stressed.

For those establishments who have not yet renewed their business permits, Brahim encouraged them to avail of the program since it speeds up the processing of their documents.

"It is a relief and less hassle because in one sitting, their documents would be processed," Brahim said.

Taking part in the "One Stop Shop" program are government agencies involved with business registration and renewal process. These agencies are the Municipal Treasurer’s Office, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office, Municipal Engineer’s Office, Municipal Health Office, Municipal Administrator’s Office, Office of the Environment and Natural Resources, Municipal Agriculture Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Municipal Police Office.

Meanwhille, the MUNTREAL has acknowledged the active involvement and contribution of its members on their various programs and activities during simple awarding ceremony of  top performing members.

They are: 4th Quarter of 2017 Perfect Attendance Awardees Jocelyn C. Bañas, Elizabeth G. Estrella, Ali A. Mamoribid, Sailani K. Pendong, Roxas G. Adza, and EntingKamensa;

Whole Year 2017 Perfect Attendance Awardees Engr. Tokan Brahim, Misuari S. Guialudin, Norodin Samaon, Lorlene D. Nepomuceno, Abdulkadir Pasandalan, Teresita Sararaña, and Juliet Mariscal;

Outstanding Role as Officers of MUNTREAL Nicanor Garriguez, Beds Pasandalan, and Engr. Tokan Brahim; Gratitude Awardees Masrifa Abedin and Misuari S. Guialudin;

And the Outstanding Non-Sworn Member Awardees Jazer B. Matalam, Shenah Jean Fernandez, Shahada Samiana, Kambal Ali, Samuel Wahalon, and Elisa Billones.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Prayers and wishes flood PAGASA’s ‘super blue blood moon’ livestream

The "Super Blue Blood Moon" as seen from Antipolo, Rizal on January 31, 2018. (PHOTO BY BERNARD TESTA, INTERAKSYON- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MANILA ---The “super blue blood moon” on Wednesday night (January 31) served as a reminder to Filipinos that there’s a divine being that made the spectacle possible.

Facebook users flooded the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)’s livestream of the phenomenon with prayers, reflections, and wishes, especially as the moon gained a red luster during the total lunar eclipse at around 9:30 p.m.

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA explained on Twitter that the phenomenon was extraordinary because of these simultaneous lunar events: (1) the super moon being at or near its closest point to Earth; (2) the blue moon as second full moon in a month; and (3) the blood moon occurring when the Earth’s shadow casts a red tint on it during a lunar eclipse.

“Napakaganda (It’s so beautiful). I can stare at the moon all night long. Thank you Lord for your wonderful creation,” Facebook user An Ge Lie wrote on PAGASA’s livestream, which had gained 54,000 reactions, 34,500 shares, and 22,000 comments in three hours.

“Ang gandang tingnan (It’s beautiful to look at). (M)y family with the super blue moon. We’re out here watching the greatness of the universe,” Riony Desuyo Calleja commented.

“Wow! Very beautiful. It’s evidence that there is a creator of all the universe. Our God Jehovah, the greatest creator,” posted Miriam Hernandez.

World peace, good health for themselves and their families, jobs overseas, academic prowess, and even lottery wins were on the long list of petitions sent in by Facebook users tuned in to PAGASA’s three-hour livestream. With Valentine’s Day drawing near, there were requests for romance, too.

“Lord, bless our country, the Philippines. Makaahon sana sa kahirapan at wala nang gulo (May it get out of poverty and conflict). Peace to our country. Make the Philippines rich and peaceful. No corruption so that we can move on,” wrote Samantha Sy.

“May the… moon bring us peace, prosperity, happiness, and a lot of blessings now and forever. Amen,” commented Marie Arabia.

“We are blessed to witness your creation oh God. I wish for my family always (to have) good health, and happy living,” said Mhadz Taguicana-Dela Cruz.

There were also those who quoted ominous Bible passages that told of Jesus’ second coming, particularly Revelation 6:12 – “I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The Sun became as dark as black cloth, and the Moon became as red as blood.”

“It’s a sign that God will come back, and very soon,” wrote Angelo Vinarao Pedro.

But Debbie Vital Add turned to the Bible to express her wonder, citing Psalm 8:3 – “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”

In the end, Yehlen Sc marveled at how such a vision could unite people together.

“It’s a good feeling that we are all staring at the same moon,” she wrote. “Unity in awe.”(Tricia Aquino, InterAksyon & Jeff Caparas, News5 - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SECURITY

SECURITY --- The municipality of Ampatuan under the leadership of Mayor Datu Rasul M. Sangki spearheaded last January 25 the conduct of the joint Municipal Peace and Order Council, Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council,  and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meetings to further ensure peace and order and safety in the town. Municipal Information Officer Imee Sambolawan said the local government now focuses on the barangays and the visibility of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams to safeguard the populace. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Editorial: The charity behind lottery

The charity behind lottery

Top officials of the Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office faced the Senate last week to shed light on the so-called lavish Christmas spending of some P6.3-M out of the P10-M budget at one of the 5-star hotels in Metro Manila. The spending was indeed huge… many say it could have been used for some more helpful projects for alleviation of the poor sector needing much productive intervention. Anyhow, PCSO officials and personnel received their corresponding Christmas bonuses setting aside the lavish party.

Proceeds from the programs and projects of the PCSO go for charitable purposes --- health services and medications, education, assistance to government activities, etc. When people place bets on lotto and Small Town Lotteries or STL, the gesture is for charity. Betting then in the game of chance is legal. But there were revelations on the Senate hearing that the STL is used as fronts for “jueteng” since the process in the STL is the same with the illegal jueteng… is this so? The winning combinations in lotto draws are also used in the illegal “last-two” and “last-three” in areas of operation.

Whether legal or illegal, placing bets on number combination has become behavioral. In a masteral thesis related to the “last-two” syndrome of my colleague, findings reveal that there are more loses than winnings… the poor become poorer because of the bettings in the hope of winning but ending up losing. And how do the bettors use their winnings? Blow-out or partying with peers or friends is top on scale but education expenses for children land the least priority… what a pity. Then the cycle continues --- losing here and winning at times but more on loses, hence, betting or gambling is a questionable investment.

       

The gaming outlets such as lotto and STL shops employ people but not in millions. Proceeds from PCSO operations go to charities such as donations of ambulances and fund assistance for health needs of the poor sector, amongothers, but the bettings on game of chance take a toll on the poor who pray they could win, dreaming tobe financially secured. Is putting bets on PCSO-sponsored lotteries an act of charity when they gave birth to illegal gambling?

Bettors help in raising funds for charitable purposes but losers end up uncharitable for themselves when betting develops as addictive. What if there is corruption in the guise of charity? There are only a few who win in lotteries everyday… are you one of them? For how many years have you become a bettor and how many winnings have you gained? Yes, PCSO is for charity… so be it!

Guindulungan has visible governance

Mayor Midpantao M. Midtimbang, Jr.

GUINDULUNGAN, Maguindanao --- This municipal government continues with its commitment to have safer communities with the conduct of its Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting last January 15 participated by the municipal and barangay officials and local authorities.

Mayor Midpantao M. Midtimbang, Jr. said during interview that it is in accordance to the Martial Law Instruction Order (MLIO) No. 1 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Mindanao martial law administrator, instructing the regional governor and provincial governors to supervise local chief executives.

The MLIO 1 directs the regional governor and the provincial governors, in ccordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), to provide monitoring system for the local chief executives of the cities and municipalities in Mindanao to ensure their presence in their cities and municipalities.

The monitoring system seeks to ensure the proper and timely delivery of government programs and basic services to the constituents in Mindanao and the proper discharge of their functions by the LCE's.

“We are gladly open to this since as you can see, there is visible and operational governance here in Guindulungan. We assure them of a functional leadership here,” Mayor Midtimbang said.

Midtimbang said he gathered the municipal chairmen, barangay chairmen, and local authorities to discuss the peace and order situation.

“Still, we would want to strengthen our security mechanism for the benefit of our populace. The Barangay Peace Action Teams from our barangays are on stand-by 24/7,” Mayor Midtimbang added.

Previously, the municipal government has listed several drug affected barangays but are now subject to “drug clearing.”

“These barangays are still subject for drug-clearing and it has been our goal ever since to have drug-free Guindulungan,” Mayor Midtimbang said.

The mayor said they have evaluated the barangays and hopefully after they comply with all the necessary requirements, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will soon declare some barangays as drug-cleared barangays.

Guindulungan was created under Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 139 on March 31, 2003 and was carved out of the municipality of Talayan. It is politically subdivided into 11 barangays: Ahan, Bagan, Datalpandan, Kalumamis, Kateman, Lambayao, Macasampen, Muslim, Muti, Sampao, and Tambunan II.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Pagalungan holds POC meeting

SITUATIONAL UPDATES --- Mayor Salik P. Mamasabulod (2^nd from left) spearheaded last January 23 the Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting participated by municipal officials, line-agency representatives, and barangay officials. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTO BY ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao --- This local government unit conducted its Municipal Peace and Order  Council (MPOC) meeting with other special bodies last January 23 at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall with stakeholders at the gathering to present situationers and inputs on the agenda.

Mayor Salik P. Mamasabulod said the meeting updated the MPOC and special body members   on the status of peace and order, municipal anti-drug abuse council activities, disaster risk reduction and management drive, and the municipal development initiatives of the local government.

“This is our way of commitment to our populace, by ensuring them a safe and liveable community,” Mayor Mamasabulod said.

Pagalungan Chief of Police Senior Inspector Blayn Lomas-e gave updates on peace and order.

“We mark a very good record of crime low crime incidence. However, we would still want to get support from the populace in our barangays to closely coordinate with us should there be illegal activities,” Senior Inspector Lomas-e said.

In addition, Capt. Camsa of the 7^th Infantry Battalion discussed about the peace and security condition in the area of responsibility, while Brig. Gen.ManoloSamarita of the 602^nd Brigade also gave his.

“At this point, we encourage everyone, most especially our barangay officials and the constituents themselves, to report to us any suspicious activity within their barangays,” Brig. Gen.Samarita said.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (MDRRMO) Benjamin S. Alip reported the DRR initiatives of the local government.

“The municipal DRRM Council of Pagalungan is ready should disaster takes place anytime. We have trained rescue responder team and our office is equipped,” Alip said.

Further, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Jose Larry Mendoza gave an update on municipal development initiatives, among other presenters.

Sometime late last year, several barangays in Pagalungan had been declared drug-free communities after the recent pronouncement of at least seven “drug-cleared” barangays and one “drug-free” barangay.

The drug-cleared barangays are Bagoenged, Buliok, Damalasak, Galakit, Kalbugan, Kudal, and Linandangan. Barangay Dalgan was declared as drug-free. Barangay Poblacion is yet to be cleared.

Unluckily, Barangays Inug-ug, Layog, and Kilanganfailed to meet the parameters for declaring “drug-cleared” status of drug-affected barangays.

During previous interview, Director Juvenal Azurin of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said the announcement was made after series of evaluations and tests, duly certified by ther agency.

Meanwhile, the municipal government also urged the public to report any abuse or wrong doing committed by policemen not only to Philippine National Police  authorities but also to the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) in their barangays in support to the anti-drug war of the government.

“The board gives ordinary citizens the opportunity of power to complain against law enforcers who abuse their authority,” Mayor Mamasabulod said.

The PLEBs all over the country are powerful agencies which have the authority to discipline erring policemen.Among these powers are investigating and adjudicating all administrative charges formally filed with, or referred to it, against any PNP member, and to impose corresponding penalties that ranges from the withholding of the privileges, restriction to specified limits, suspension or forfeiture of salary or fine, demotion in rank of not more than one rank or dismissal from the service of the erring police.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ASSISTANCE

ASSISTANCE ---Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao  Mayor  Bai Anida Dimaukom personally repacking some 2,600 relief packs  for  the internally displaced persons from Barangays Gawang, Elian, Madia, and Dapiawan  who fled their homes following recent clashes of warrying clans in the affected areas. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM provides health-related infra in conflict-affected Maguindanao towns

COTABATO CITY ---The regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has been providing health and social protection assistance to communities in Maguindanao, the most conflict-affected province in the region, through the construction and enhancement of health facilities.

As of November 2017, over P216 million was allocated for such projects, which are implemented through the ARMM’s Humanitarian and Development Action Plan (HDAP).

The HDAP-ARMM is a project of the Hataman administration that implements various government initiatives in conflict-affected areas of the region.

These initiatives include relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of both horizontal and vertical infrastructures and provision of livelihood programs that will promote peace and help the situation in calamity-affected communities, specifically in 15 towns of Maguindanao.

The projects include 34 Barangay Health Stations, with 86.45 percent physical accomplishment, constructed in the different towns in Maguindanao namely:  Barangay Poblacion II, Tapikan and Satan in Shariif Aguak; Barangay Ganta, Pusao, and Linantangan in Shariff Saydona Mustapha; Barangay Talisawa and Sugadol in Datu Abdullah Sangki;
Barangay Tambunan and South Binangga in Talayan; Barangay Kabingi in Datu Saudi Ampatuan; Barangay Bakat in Rajah Buayan; Barangay LabuLabu II and Tuayan in Datu Hoffer; Barangay Lusay and Pidsandawan in Mamasapano; Barangay Tanuel , Lower Capiton, Ambolodto, and Sibuto in Datu Odin Sinsuat;

Barangay Midtimbang, Tulunan, and Muslim in Datu Anggal Midtimbang; Barangay Mileb, Macadayon, and Pageda in Talitay; Barangay Malangug and Kyamko in Datu Unsay; Barangay Butilanin, Pandi, Andavit, and Pindetan in Datu Salibo; Barangay Damabalas in Datu Piang; and Barangay Macasampen in Guindulungan. 

Meanwhile, three Rural Health Units (RHUs) were expanded in the municipalities of Mamasapano, Talitay, and Datu Piang, while the RHUs in Talayan and DatuSalibo are yet to be constructed.

Fifteen deep wells with elevated water tanks worth P7.5 million and 15 communal toilets worth P3.75 million were also constructed in the municipalities of Rajah Buayan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer, Sharrif Aguak, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talitay, Shariff Saydona, Guindulungan, DatuPiang, and Mamasapano.

On April 21, 2017, a ceremonial groundbreaking was conducted for the construction of the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital –DatuPiang Annex, which has a 25-bed capacity and would be worth over P46 million. As of November 2017, the project has 38.86 percent physical accomplishment.

The provision of support package equipment for the hospital is still under bidding, while the personnel salary for operations will be covered by a memorandum of agreement upon the completion of the hospital building.

The HDAP-ARMM aims at establishing a well-coordinated and systematic approach to address and mitigate effects of disasters and calamities. It also aims at addressing the needs and at providing immediate interventions to families affected by violent encounters between the military and the rebels.

To ensure that the projects are properly implemented, the HDAP-ARMM’s Project Management Office is strictly supervising and monitoring these projects.(BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DAR turns over machineries to DSA

MECHANICAL SUPPORT --- Farmer beneficiaries from Datu Saudi Ampatuan received farm machineries from the DAR–ARMM during turn-over last January 24 headed by Regional Secretary Dayang Carlsum Sangkula-Jumaide. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao --- The Department of Agrarian Reform in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAR-ARMM) turned over last January 24 at least three hard component farm machineries to the MAADEN Irrigators Association, Incorporated in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, this province.

In a simple turn-over ceremony, Municipal Administrator Mastura S. Tapa expressed his gratefulness to the DAR family that came in full force to their town headed by DAR Regional Secretary Dayang Carlsum Sangkula-Jumaide.

“In behalf of our chief executive, we are very thankful to the DAR for granting us the the  hard component farm machineries and was awarded to the MAADEN Irrigators Association, Incorporated,” Tapa said.

Tapa said it is a big help to the farmers who till their land and to the irrigators association.

“The beneficiaries are lucky enough to have this privilege. Rest assured the farm machineries will be used correctly and will be properly maintained,” Tapa added.

Mohidin U. Tungao, irrigator’s association president, expressed optimism on the effort of the DAR office.

“Thank you DAR for this privilege,” Tungao said.

Sangkula-Jumaide said she is thankful to the local government of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and all local officials present in the activity.

“We hope that you will properly take good care of these farm machineries,” Sangkula-Jumaide said.

Sangkula-Jumaide was joined by DARPO-Maguindanao officers headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Engr. Tommy M. Biruar and Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer MominaDataya.

“I salute all the officers and members of the irrigators associations, the Board of Trustees, and other Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries who are present today. You are here today because we are partners in this department and we are trying our best to develop your skills in farming,” Sangkula-Jumaide said.

Sangkula-Jumaide said it was a simple turn-over but has a huge impact in the lives of the farmer-beneficiaries.

“Although the farm machineries are not huge enough but it can be of help in your everyday living as farmers,” Sangkula-Jumaide said.

He said: “If ever in the future that your farms are already developed, I am hoping that you will visit our office and you will utter the impact of our project.”

Secretary Jumaide added that a soft training will be followed later according to the climate change resiliency program pattern of farming.

“My challenge and appeal to our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization:Please help your officers to maintain the farm machineries for a long period so that you can use it for a longer time for it is also part of your daily life,” Sangkula-Jumaide said. (MARINA A. LAO/ACTING INFORMATION OFFICER/DARPO-MAGUINDANAO– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

New face of PC Hill

TOURISM BOOST --- Cotabateños and tourists will sure enjoy the scenery once the PC Hill Revitalization Painting Project, “Shine Kutang Bato” is finished. The city government implements the project in partnership with the DOT-12. (GILMHAR A. LAO / ARKIPOWERLINE CONSTRUCTION & SERVICES – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- There is another reasonfor Cotabateños to rejoice, most especially that the PC Hill is set to become a colourful hillside tourist attraction with the implementation of the revitalization project called “Shine KutangBato.”

A ground breaking ceremony was held last January 26 at the foot of the hill along Sinsuat Avenue led by City Administrator Dr.DandaJuanday alongside local officials and partners.

The city government of Cotabato has initially crafted the project and was later on approved and funded by the Department of Tourism-12 under the Bottom-Up Budget.

The Cotabato City Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) will serve as the civil society organizations’ promotion partner of the project.

Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said the Pedro Colina Hill has been the major landmark of Cotabato City since time immemorial.

“It has played a vital role in the history of our ancestors and it is where our city has gotten its name. This is why it is very important for us to give this landmark a new face and make it as glorious as it was before,” Mayor Guiani- Sayadi said.

Under this project, about 100 houses at PC Hill will be painted with the bright and lively colours of the rainbow with a touch of painted accents such as crabs, gongs, and the guinakitthe symbols of Cotabato City.

“I am giving my full support to this project because I know that aside from making the PC Hill a wonderful tourist attraction once the project is finished, it will also liven up the spirits of my fellow Cotabateños to see this landmark full of life once again,” the mayor added.

Nelly Nita Dillera, former regional director of DOT-12, said the project which was approved during her administration, said Cotabato City is considered as the first ASEAN City and has its own right to entice tourists to come and experience its very own cultural endowments.

“Rich culture, traditional food, arts and crafts, historical places are just among the few to enjoy in the area,” Dillera said.

Dillera said that with the purpose of enticing people to come, the DOT-12 in collaboration with the city officials, barangay officials, and residents of the historical PC Hill came up with a project that is aimed at developing pride of the place among the people and ultimately gain confidence from thetravelling public to come.

“As a historical place, PC Hill will serve as a welcome gestures aside from transforming a mountain of houses which is an eye sore, to aniconic that exudes the friendliness and vibrancy of the city,” Dillera said.

Saida Pagayao, who was the representative of the DOT-12 during the ground-breaking ceremony, said that the project also aims to inculcate ownership and pride of the place.

“This is a good way to rekindle the innate sense of Filipino values of Bayanihan,” Pagayao said.

Bai Sandra Siang, TPB chair, said that the tourism board fully supports the revitalization project.

“We will definitely help in the promotion and hopefully this is only the beginning. Who knows, there might be succeeding phases that we can paint all the houses here for tourism purposes,” Siang said.

Peter Morales, Rosary Heights 1 (PC Hill) barangaychairman, said the project is a big boost to the tourism potentials of the barangay.

“We are so glad that we finally got this revitalization painting project. Even this early, many local residents are already anticipating on the positive outcome of the project. We have the full support of our residents here,” Morales said.

Marina Lao, a long-time resident of RH 1, has expressed her excitement on the implementation of the Shine KutangBato project.

“’Need I say more? Like everybody else here, I am more than excited with the project. We hope that soon, all houses here would be covered with colourful paints,” Lao said.

Christopher Anthony D. Coraza, Rosary Heights 2 barangaychairman, has expressed his optimism on the project.

“Since the viewing deck of the project would be placed in our barangay once the project is finish, for sure it would also benefit our barangay. The realization of this project is sure to boost the image of the city outside Cotabato,” Coraza said.

The project is being implemented by Arkipowerline Construction and Services and is set to be finished after 40 working days. The painting organization partner is Selected Local Artists of Cotabato City.(GILMHAR A. LAO– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)