7.3 GRDP growth rate “to set benchmark for Bangsamoro transition” –Hataman

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman 

COTABATO CITY (April 27, 2018) - Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said that he was grateful for the "good news," as lat -est figures of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)'s economic growth figures were announced on Thursday.

“Masaya ako dahil papasok tayo sa isang transition mula ARMM government to Bangsamoro government nang nag-iwan tayo ng isang mark na kailangan . Magiging challenge din ito sa mga susunod na mamumuno sa atin,” Hataman said.

This was after PSA-ARMM’s OIC Regional Director Razulden Mangelen announced in a press conference that the ARMM's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) reached a 7.3% growth rate in its economy.

This year, the ARMM registered a higher growth rate than the national growth rate of 6.7%. It is also far from the region's 0.4% growth rate in 2016.

The region’s economy was lifted mainly by the recovery of the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry, and Fishing (AHFF) sector according to Mangelen.

Hataman called on the region's line agencies to continue their good work. “Panawagan ko sa lahat, isustain natin kung ano na ang naabot natin at lalo pa nating taasan,” he said.

National Statistician Lisa Bersales also commended the efforts of the regional government in the message she delivered during the event.

“We thank the government of Governor Hataman for being our source of information and for helping us advocate for proper data which enabled us to give the right information,” Bersales said.

“We partnered with ARMM, and with the Bangsamoro eventually, to know more about the information that we come up with as we provide the best information for the lives of the people,” she added.

ARMM ranked 6th among the 17 regions in the country in terms of GDRP growth rate, and remains as the only predominantly agricultural region. (Bureau of Public Information)

AGRI EFFORTS

AGRI EFFORTS---Maguindanao Social Welfare Officer, Emma S.Ali (4th from left) turns over farm machineries (inset) to barangay chairmen of Paldong, Darampua, Tukanakuden, and Tugal in Sultan Sa Barongis town under the government’s PAMANA Program coursed through the Department of Social Work and Development. (Anne Acosta)

‘Balik-Baril’ program yields 76 firearms

GUNS of Maguindanao

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao  --- The local government units of Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao turned over 45 and 31 loose firearms, respectively, at the Municipal Hall of Sultan Kudarat last April 17.

Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem B. Mastura and Sultan Mastura Mayor Datu Rauf T. Mastura turned over the firearms surrendered by the residents of their towns to the 37th Infantry Battalion under the 603rd Infantry Brigade in a ceremony organized by the Nuling Inter-Agency Task Force.

603rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Jess B. Sarsagat expressed his gratitude to the local officials of both municipalities as this brought fruitful outcome of the “Balik Baril” program.

“These loose firearms will never be used to sow terror in the community, hence everybody must embrace the culture of peace for a progressive and prosperous Nuling municipalities,” he said.

The surrender of loose firearms in Maguindanao province continues to increase due to the boundless support of the local government units as part of the government’s “Balik Baril” program, the commander of 6th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, said.

As of April 18, a total of 515 firearms have been recovered and surrendered in the areas of the 6th ID (ODPA, 6th ID)

PAVE WAY

PAVE WAY --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) officially launched the Program Against Violent Extremism last April 17 at the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion in Isabela, Basilan. PAVE is the regional government’s program for former Abu Sayyaf members who returned to the fold of the law.

Beneficiaries are provided psycho-social, economic, educational, and spiritual interventions in order to allow them to live as normal and productive members of their communities.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman reiterated the importance of sacrifice in this effort: “Sa programang ito, mahalaga and sakripisyo ng lahat. Magsakripisyo tayo alang-alang sa katarungan at permanenteng kapayapaan.”  (Bureau of Public Information - ARMM)

DSWD-12 opens public library for social services programs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region-12 will establish a public library that will feature materials from learning exchanges and growth programs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dennis Domingo II, DSWD-12 information officer, said last April 16 that the library will mainly cater to social workers and other local stakeholders who may need access to learning resources on social services and other related subjects.

Dubbed the Regional Learning Resource Center (RLRC), library formally opened last April 18 at the DSWD-12 Regional Office compound in Koronadal City.

“The users of the RLRC may view both printed and electronic formats of a range of learning materials,” he said.

Domingo said these included resources on social protection trends, technical and published papers on growth programs, as well as social welfare and development policies, programs, and services.

The RLRC is a component of the DSWD’s knowledge management program and supports its vision to become a “hub for best practices, learning exchange, and growth programs in the Asia Pacific Region.”

It provides a venue for exchange and sharing of knowledge products and will also showcase the current status of the implementation of social protection programs and services in the region.”

“The library is a one-stop shop knowledge management center designed to provide an interactive learning facility for sharing and exchange of knowledge among our partners and stakeholders,” Domingo said.

Bonifacio Selma, DSWD-12’s promotive services division chief, said the facility will have a conference room, computer, and video conference area.

“There will be an online system that will provide our users access to online information,” Selma said.

To further expand its resources, he said they have asked their employees to donate books related to social works and other training materials. (Anna Liza Cabrido, PNA - Cotabato)

Comelec eyes police as poll officials in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY --- The Commission on Elections in Maguindanao is considering police personnel to serve as electoral board in the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections if the situation warrants.

Atty. Udtog Tago, provincial election supervisor, said priority is given to teachers to compose the Board of Election Inspectors to administer and supervise the twin May 14 polls.

But Tago said some police officers in the province have undergone training on administration of local elections and they may be tapped should teachers, for one reason or another, could not serve.

One of the reasons why teachers are disqualified from serving in the elections is they are related by blood or by affinity to any of the local candidates.

“Some for health reasons and other valid excuses, they may skip serving the elections,” he said.

According to Tago, so far the composition of the electoral board is still being assessed and evaluated.

After the filing of candidacy on April 21, the poll body provincial office would have ample knowledge whether the composition of the electoral board has conflict of interest due to relationship with the aspirants.

Tago foresees peaceful and orderly elections in Maguindanao due to the presence of police and military personnel as well as the ongoing campaign of the government against loose firearms.

Maguindanao has 508 barangays with 833,176 registered voters who are expected to troop to various voting precincts on May 14. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA - Cotabato)

BIFF returnees included in re-integration program

COTABATO CITY --- Surrenderers from the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are included in the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) re-integration program of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Last April 17,, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the launching of the program in Isabela City, Basilan, with at least 139 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) initially benefiting from the program.

Specifically, the PAVE package is the regional government's first model program in providing various interventions to former (ASG) members, who surrendered to the government, and their families.

Hataman added though that the scheme also caters to BIFF returnees.

The ARMM covers the cities of Marawi and Lamitan and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur in its area of jurisdiction.

Hataman noted that the PAVE program is recognized by the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC), and will officially be part of the national government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) reintegration program that aims to  achieve permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state groups.

The PAVE’s core principles are to bridge social gaps, balance the military and non-military offensives, and attain justice.

Hataman said after being processed by the local government units (LGUs) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the surrendering Abu Sayyaf and BIFF members will be endorsed to the regional government for the required psycho-social, economic, educational, and spiritual interventions.

"(And) we will allow them to live as normal and productive citizens in their communities and they will be the advocates for peace against violent extremism," the governor said, adding that the cycle of violence must end.

The returnees will automatically be recipients of the regional government's banner programs --- ARMM's Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS) and ARMM's Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development with Growth and Equity.

"We make sure that surrendering Abu Sayyaf members with pending cases would not be beneficiaries of this program,” Hataman stressed.

The PAVE will also be launched in the provinces of Sulu and Tawi-tawi that have 61 and 23 surrenderees, respectively. Only recently, four BIFF members also surrendered in Maguindanao. (Noel Punzalan, PNA - Cotabato)

Army hosts dialogue over land dispute

DIALOGUE --- Lt. Col. Lauro Oliveros, commander of the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, speaks before tribal leaders and representatives of a former logging firm to settle their land dispute in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. (Photo by 1st MIB)

AMPATUAN, Maguindanao --- The Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB) hosted a dialogue last April 16 between the Indigenous Peoples’  community and representatives of a former logging firm-turned coffee planters in a bid to avoid bloody confrontation between the IPs and the firm’s security personnel.

Lt. Col. Lauro Oliveros, commander of the First MIB stationed here, believes that dialogue is the best means to settle dispute than resort to unnecessary confrontation.

Representatives of Magsaysay and Sons (M&S) Company and Manobo tribe’s people sat down in the negotiating table inside the battalion headquarters and gladly welcomed the mediation by Oliveros.

Also in attendance were village officials of Barangays Tomicor and Saniag, both in Ampatuan town, Arlene Catuluyan of the Office of Southern Cultural Communities - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OSCC-ARMM), M&S manager Joselito Invento, and Rolando Baloria, the firm’s chief security officer.

Oliveros said the issue of overlapping boundaries between the tracts of land owned by the M&S Company and the ancestral domain of the IPs has been a perennial conflict that resulted to animosity between the two groups.

“This is the same major issue unearthed during the Community Support Program conducted in Barangay Tomicor that the communist New Peoples Army was exploiting to gain popular support and recruit the IPs to fight against the government,” Oliveros said.

He said the dialogue cleared and ruled out the misconceptions about the company and enlightened the misunderstanding between the two parties.

“It’s good we have the meeting of minds here,” Oliveros told both parties and lauded that both showed their willingness to solve the issue regarding the land dispute for them to move forward and work together in order to wipe out misunderstanding and confusion in the area.

Oliveros said more dialogues would be conducted, this time with the participation of representatives from concerned government agencies that could help address the land issue.

Both sides readily agreed to another or more meetings as tribal leaders lauded the Army for initiating the dialogue.

Invento said the dialogue gave the company the opportunity to explain and clarify matters affecting the firm and the tribal community.

Invento said it was the first time that company representatives have directly engaged the IP leaders to settle the misunderstanding.

Oliveros did not stop at settling the misunderstanding over boundaries but urged both sides to help in the preservation of the remaining forest in the mountains of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.

“This gathering is not for the military, it is for you people here,” Oliveros said, adding: “Your soldiers come and go but you stay here because your life is here.”

A total log ban is currently in effect in the component areas of the ARMM, namely the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Tawi-tawi.

The M&S firm, though not anymore engaged in logging activities, has planted coffee and other agricultural crops in the areas where they used to cut trees, including those near the IP-dominated Tomicor and Saniag villages. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA - Cotabato)

BIFF men harass military base in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- Two Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed and two others injured during a brief firefight in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao on the night of April 16.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army's 6th Infantry Division (6^th ID) commander and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the BIFF was frantic to get back at the military following their losses in recent clashes, including the discovery of a firearm fabrication shop in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao last April 15.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, JTFC spokesperson, said the recent BIFF act of revenge took place in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

About 16 BIFF bandits, led by commander Samad Simpal, harassed a detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion at around 7:40 p.m. that Monday, triggering a brief clashes that left two BIFF killed and two wounded.

“They are desperate to get back at the Army, they continue to harass our detachments,” Besana said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side.

Another clash erupted last in the morning of April 17 when gunmen fired at the 40th IB troopers conducting clearing operations in the previous night’s clash site.

The rebels fled when the Army returned fire.

Two improvised explosive devices  (IED) were also recovered and safely deactivated by Army bomb experts.

Besana has blamed the BIFF for the harassment and bombings in Cotabato City, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato.

A balut vendor was hurt when suspected BIFF set off an IED along the highway near the Army division first sentry in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on the night of April 16.

In North Cotabato, three men were also injured when suspected BIFF tossed a hand grenade in Barangay Kolambog, Pikit town, also on the  night of April 16.

On Sunday (April 15) night, an improvised bomb was planted atop Ugalingan Bridge in Barangay Ugalingan, Midsayap, North Cotabato, but failed to explode. The bridge connects the town of Datu Piang in Maguindanao and Midsayap in North Cotabato.

“These nonsense attacks of the ISIS-inspired BIFF extremist group shows that they can no longer handle the pressure that we have imposed on them,” Dela Vega said as he condemned the bombings by BIFF in civilian areas.

But he said the government remains open to peaceful surrender of the rebels.

“Time and again, we have given them options to lay down their arms and surrender or they will be dealt with more pressure as we intensify our mandate to get rid of all lawless elements in our area,” Dela Vega said.

Besana said tight security measures have been imposed and alert memoranda and security reminders were constantly given to the line units of the 6^th ID and the forces of the Joint Task Force Central within its area of responsibility. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA - Cotabato)

3 wanted murder suspects killed in Maguindanao shootout

PARANG, Maguindanao --- Police killed three men who resisted arrest and traded shots with law enforcers during the conduct of a checkpoint on election gun ban here last April 16.

The police later found out the suspects were wanted in connection with the murder of a woman and a former village head here last month.

Superintendent Ibrahim Jambiran, town police chief, said the three men, who were on board a motorbike and armed with hand guns, traded shots with lawmen at around 11 a.m. when flagged down at a checkpoint in Barangay Gumagadong Calawag.

“We found out later they were linked to a series of shooting in the town,” Jambiran said of slain suspects Abib Sarotsong, Acero Kibad, and Todto Pangalian, all of Barangay Liong in Barira, Maguindanao.

Citing police records, Jamiran said the suspects were involved in illegal drugs and belonged to a gun-for-hire group responsible in the series of shooting here.

“We are closely implementing the election gun ban,” he said, adding that intelligence information  showed the suspects were armed to the teeth.

Recovered from the slain suspects were two cal. 45 pistols and ammunition.

Relatives quickly claimed their remains and buried them according to Islamic rites Monday. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA - Cotabato)

Buldon mayor delivers 2nd SOMA

Mayor Abolais A. Manalao

BULDON, Maguindanao - Mayor Abolais A. Manalao shared among his constituency the municipal government’s year-long feats as these efforts have been compensated  following receipt  of performance awards from the national and regional governments.

He also asserted the municipal government’s resolve to sustain its pursuit for a peaceful and secured community through programs and approaches  related to anti-crime drive and conflict-resolution.

This he boasted during his 2nd State of the Municipal Address before local government officials and personnel, representatives  of other government  agencies and security forces, and town folks last April 17 at the municipal gymnasium.

Mayor Manalao cited his administration’s accomplishments into four clustered categories: administrative, social, environment management, and infrastructure services.

“Through these four-clustered projects of this municipality, Buldon received the  Good Governance and Sound Fiscal Management Awards from the national government,” said Manalao.

From 2015 to 2017, Manalao said his administration facilitated  the occupancy of some 67 plantilla positions to improve administrative and delivery of public services with the support of  the Sangunian Bayan.

“These officials and employees --- accounting to 129 - keep pace with our development efforts through their designated positions and functions. Without them, we could hardly improve and move toward development initiatives. That is why I am very thankful to them through the help of Vice Mayor Atty. Cairoden Pangunutan,” he said.

He credited the contribution and coordination of his vice mayor in the organization of the Municipal Peace and Order Council, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Municipal School Board, Municipal Nutrition Council, Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Municipal Tourism Culture and Arts Council, Municipal Council for the Protection of Children, Integrated Solid Waste Management Board, Office of Senior Citizens’ Affairs, and Pre-Bidding and Awards Committee.

Also created is the Municipal Alternative Dispute Resolution Team tasked to mediate in family or clan disputes within the municipality.

He thanked the role of some non-government organizations such as the World Food Programme and other agencies for their contribution in aid of legislation by the Sanggunian Bayan, citing the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Municipal Zoning Ordinance, Revised Municipal Revenue Code of 2017, and DRMM plan.

For the fiscal year, the Buldon local government established its  Full Disclosure Policy  Portal   to give teeth to the government’s transparency policy through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) website.

Without citing figures, Mayor Manalao said the municipal government has improved its tax revenue collection and fiscal management during his term, citing feats being a recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance Award from the DILG through Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the consequent rise as a 4th class municipality.

On peace and order services, the mayor said the municipal  government signed  a covenant with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the institutionalization of a mechanism in settling family disputes and other disorders.

To address terrorism, criminality, and illegal drug activities, he said the LGU immediately responded to the organization of the Barangay Anti-Drug Advisory Council in the 15 barangays in coordination with the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other concerned citizens and line- agencies.

Under the “Balik-Baril” Program, the LGU facilitated the surrender of a number of  illegal high-powered firearms, hence, was recognized  as “Passer in  Peace and Order “ for the years 2015 and 2016 as a result of their relentless peace and order, anti-criminality, and anti-terrorism campaign..

The mayor added that his administration has further activated  its package of support services  for the economic, agricultural,  and educational uplift of the concerned sectors.

On environment services, the local government has approved the Municipal Integrated Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2015 resulting to the construction of  the Material Recovery Facility   and Waste Segregation Facility. Also planted were bamboo seedlings along the Ambal River and other assorted tree plants within the area of Buldon.

Among the infrastructure completed, the mayor said, are the concreting of Buldon–Parang Road, Karim-Minabay Road and Buldon-Pigcawayan Road Phase II; repair of Salam Bridge in Simuay; construction of a concrete bridge in Nuyo; construction of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – HELPS projects composed of barangay hall, covered court, and multi-purpose building; construction of school fences; construction of water supply; and construction of line-canal and crossing markers, among others.

“For those accomplishments in my governance, I proudly thank  Allah in giving me the strength and power to help my people in Buldon, uplift their living condition, eradicate  criminalities and terrorism, and protect my people against disasters and calamities. I am also very thankful to the municipal vice mayor, employees, the military and PNP, and the entire constituents of Buldon for helping us for the good and betterment of our beloved municipality. We bind our hands together for the better and shining future of our children,” Mayor Manalao said. (Anne Acosta & Becky de Asis)