More war materials recovered by JTFC troops from terror groups

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao ---  As the government troops continue to scour and track down the terror groups, more improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and high-powered firearms have been recovered during their operation last December 3 in one of the villages of Shariff Aguak town of Maguindanao.

Combined troops of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, 5th Special Forces Battalion, and 3rd Light Armor Company under Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) were conducting clearing operations in Barangay Lupos against the terror groups Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah Islamiya Terror Group (DITG).

At around 6:00 a.m., while conducting clearing operations in Barangay Lupos, troops recovered two caliber 50 homemade sniper rifles, two  caliber 7.62mm M14 rifles, one rocket-propelled grenade, one M203 40mm tube, one M79 grenade launcher, one 81mm mortar round (unexploded ordnance), three upper projectiles of  81mm mortars, IED components making, bandoliers, and magazines.

The recovery of firearms and explosives are the result of the ongoing security operations by the JTFC troops against the terror groups who are planning to conduct bombing and atrocities in Central Mindanao.

“Our JTFC troops will continue to track down the terror groups that threaten the peace and security situation in the communities in Central Mindanao,” JTFC and 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon said.

He also said that the clearing operation will continue because more IEDs are being discovered in the different areas of engagement in Maguindanao. (DPAO, 6TH ID / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Editorial

Christmas as gift of life and charity

Care for a little reflection on the meaning of Christmas, especially among Christians? In celebrating the start of the traditional “Simbang Gabi” in Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, in his homily, reminded the faithful of the true essence of Christmas --- which is “the birth of Jesus Christ.”

He asked: “Are the others excited for Jesus this Christmas?” Answering the question, he commented: “What they are excited about is the bonus. Even if there’s no Jesus as long as there’s a bonus… They know where to shop (Christmas) sales but the Gospel seems to be not important.” 

The cardinal also expressed lament on the losing tradition of home Nativity scenes where people nowadays “just place gifts beneath the Christmas tree… And when some people did not receive gifts, they would go for money instead.” 

While bonuses are considered as extra dimes for certain necessities, what the cardinal is stressing is celebrating the essence of  Christmas --- “to be charitable and to take every opportunity to witness to the good news of salvation.”

“We should give witness to Jesus at all times, even if it’s not Christmas,” he said in his homily.

BARMM holds 1st Food Security Summit

COTABATO CITY --- The Bangsomoro government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) spearheaded the conduct of the first ‘Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Food Security Summit’ last December 10 to 12 here.

The summit, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Halal Food Industry Development Program, carried the theme, “Bangsamoro ay Paunlarin: Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita, Halal at Organikong Pagkain ay Siguruhin.”

        MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob said the summit was aimed at discussing  the current challenges affecting food security, presenting programs and projects that are geared towards addressing the challenges, and bringing together support and agreements to pave way for a profitable agriculture and fishery sector.

“We have carried out the development of the first Bangsamoro security road map – envisioning a self-reliant, food secure and resilient Bangsamoro. […] This will ensure that food is accessible, available, utilized, and stable for every Bangsamoro,” Yacob said.

Datu Saudi Ampatuan yields unlicensed firearms to JTFC

BEAR NO ARMS --- Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Edris Sindatok  (right) and Barangay Chairman Anwar Kedtag of Elian (3rd from right) turn over to military officials unlicensed firearms surrendered by certain personalities in different villages of the town.

 CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- Seven barangays of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao handed over unlicensed firearms to the 57th Infantry Battalion and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion under the 601st Infantry Brigade last December 10. 

These were voluntarily turned over by the barangay chairmen of Madia, Gawang, Elian, Salbu, Kitango, Kitapok, and Dapiawan to the municipal mayor.

The firearms were received by Lt. Col. Edwin M. Alburo, commanding officer of the 57th IB, and Capt. Dominador G. Tagorda III, company commander of the 14th Mechanized Company, during the town’s Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting at the Municipal GAD Office presided over by Mayor Edris A. Sindatok.

                                                                                

Among those surrendered firearms were one homemade caliber .50 rifle, three 40mm M79 grenade launcher, one homemade 7.62mm M14 rifle, one 12-gauge shotgun, and one caliber .45 pistol.

“The municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan has proven their support and cooperation on our government's campaign against loose firearms,” said Lt. Col. Alburo.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th ID, expressed his appreciation to the local chief executive and the barangay chairmen of Datu Saudi Ampatuan for their genuine gesture to participate in the campaign of the government against loose firearms. (DPAO, 6th ID / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BTA to pass bill creating Bangsamoro Youth Commission

Dr. Marianie Macasalong

 
COTABATO CITY --- The drafted bill for the creation of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) is now on its second readingin the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

        Executive Director Dr. Marianie Macasalong of the Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA), who is also a member of the  BTA, said the BYC will replace the OBYA, which was created under the defnct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The OBYA was created to plan, prepare, and implement development programs that will address the concerns of the ARMM’s youth sector.

Macasalong said the BYC will be patterned with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and will  exercise the autonomous privilege given to the BARMM.”

        He said there will be minor changes in the mandate, powers, and functions of the BYC “in order to widen the scope of the office and strengthen it.”

He said it will address one of the main challenges of the previous administration, which is the coordination of the OBYA with other departments in the ARMM.

“We would strengthen the coordination of our office with the other ministries in order to maximize the programs and activities related to the youths.

The BTA will also pass the bills drafted for the creation of the following offices: Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority, Bangsamoro Economic Development Council, Bangsamoro Women Commission, Attorney General’s Office, Bangsamoro Sports Commission, and the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission.  (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Editorial

Dynamics of feast days

We in our geographical region markedly celebrate and commemorate three religious and historical events in the month of December. These are feast days and holidays for fitting observance of these dates.

        Last December 8 was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. To the Christians, this reflects a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The feast marks the continuity and strengthening of faith through her.   

        The yuletide season is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ set by the Church every December 25. In historical viewpoint, Christ is the founder of the religion of Catholicism which spread at an era when the Roman Empire was at its height and glory, though there were religious persecutions.

        Come December 19 is Shariff Kabunsuan Day which commemorates the introduction and spread of Islam in this part of Mindanao and the rest of the country. This will be highlighted by the traditional fluvial parade from the Bucana, mouth of Rio Grande de Mindanao, where missionary Shariff Kabunsuan and his fellows laid anchor and then established a system of government whose vestiges remain culturally rooted up to this time.

BARMM gets P500-M to fund separation pay of ARMM employees

READY TO PAY --- BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua, currently Environment Secretary and Member of Bangsamoro Parliament, announced last December 6 that employees of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  affected by the phase-out program will start getting compensation this week after the recent release of some P500-million in gratuity funds for the purpose by the national government. An estimated 6,000 ARMM employees sill get their separation pay as the BARMM rolls out its gradual phase-out plan for the region’s transition period. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BPI-BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’) CLICK PHOTO ABOVE TO READ MORE.....

COTABATO CITY --- Public servants in the Bangsamoro government to be separated from government service as part of the transition period phase-out program will soon get their separation pay.

Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has announced that national government has released about P500-million in gratuity funds for the purpose.

The fund will finance the separation pay of employees of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Macacua, also BARMM Environment secretary, said BARMM officials and the employees are thankful to President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado for the prompt releases of the service separation funds.

The BARMM phase-out program affects more than 6,000 employees after they deemed to have lost their positions under the BARMM government.

On October 31, the first batch of employees ceased working while another batch also deemed to have retired on November 30.

The last batch of the ARMM employees to end government service will have until December 31, 2019. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Maguindanao PDDRMC aids 3K displaced residents

RELIEF DISTRIBUTION --- Workers from the Provincial Disaster Management Office of Maguindanao hand out relief packs to over 3,000 displaced families in at least seven conflict-affected villages of Shariff Aguak town on Sunday (December 8). The families fled their homes after the military launched an all-out offensive against the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the peripheries of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha municipalities last November 24. (PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGUINDANAO PDDRMO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- Thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have received relief assistance from the provincial government of Maguindanao on Sunday (December 8), local and disaster officials said Monday (December 9).

Editorial

Seeing the barangay

        Pretty sure the incumbent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials welcome their extended term in office when President Duterte signed last week Republic Act 11462 which postpones the elections, originally scheduled for May 2020 to December 5, 2022. After 2022, the barangay and SK elections will be conducted every three years.

Because of the new law, there would be two elections in 2022 -- the presidential election in May and the village and youth polls in December. Duterte himself, in his fourth State of the Nation Address last July, asked Congress for the postponement, which have been deferred in many instances since 1998. 

A lawyer-accountant now leads the Royal House of Rumayas

Sultan Atty. Mimbalawag T. Mangutara, Jr.

BARIRA, Maguindanao --- The Royal House of Rumayas,  led by Sultan Abedin Pacalna and Barira former mayor Sultan Abdulrajack Tomawis, has enthroned Atty. Mimbalawag Tomawis Mangutara, Jr., CPA as the new Sultan sa Rumayas.

The enthronement was held at the gymnasium in Barangay Poblacion Barira  last November 28.

The newly enthroned Sultan Atty. Mimbalawag Tomawis Mangutara, Jr., CPA  is the son of the late Sultan sa Barira and District Supervisor Mimbalawag Morog Mangutara, Sr. and Bailabi sa Iranun, Hadja Sittie Raiza Tomawis Mangutara, the outgoing Bailabi sa Rumayas.

In his talk, the new Sultan sa Rumayas said: “First and foremost, I would like to thank  all of my relatives and the entire  clan  of  the Rumayas for their unanimous decision  in choosing and enthroning me as the 3rd Sultan sa Rumayas. Thank you so much for the trust and confidence entrusted upon me as a leader in the entire community of the Royal House of Rumayas. Being a sultan or a community leader is not an easy task  because this title is a pro-bono, meaning no budget allocated. And this role is a challenge in leadership as  Sultan sa Rumayas.”

Datu Unsay LGU hosts anti-polio drive

AWAY WITH POLIO --- Mayor Datu Andal Santiago Ampatuan VI administers the ceremonial oral vaccines during the “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio.” (Photo by Datu Unsay LGU)   

DATU UNSAY, Maguindanao --- The local government here, through the leadership of Mayor Datu Andal Santiago Ampatuan VI, launched the anti-polio advocacy program of the Department of Health, dubbed as “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio,“ which was held at the municipal gymnasium last November 25, a simultaneous health activity until December 7, 2019.

 The  “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio” launching was a collaboration with different line-agency partners such as, Ministry of Social Services and Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Ministry of Education,  barangay officials, rural health workers, and department heads and staff.

Cotabato City gets Presidential Child-Friendly Award, citation

PROGRAM FEAT --- Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi poses with the plaque at the Malacañang grounds after receiving the Presidential Child-Friendly Awards last November 29. Cotabato is the only city in Mindanao to have received the award in the first-class city category. (PHOTO COURTESY OF COTABATO CITY INFORMATION OFFICE / MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

COTABATO CITY --- The local government here has earned the most coveted Presidential Child-Friendly Award in recognition of its programs for the welfare of children in the city.

Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi received the recognition during awarding ceremonies on Friday (November 29) in Malacañang.

Sayadi said Cotabato was the lone city in Mindanao that earned the award and one of only four in the first-class cities category. The other awardees are Naga, Ormoc, and Dagupan.

Sayadi said the programs and activities for the welfare of children, especially on education and health, have paid off.

The city government received a P500,000 cash award to be used to undertake more programs for the welfare of the children.

“This (award) inspires us to do more for the welfare of our children,” Sayadi wrote on her social media account after receiving the award. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

BTA-BARMM approves P65.3-B budget for 2020

INCLUSIVE BUDGET --- Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority led by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Ahod “Murad’ Ebrahim (center with black Muslim cap) flashes the peace sign after signing (inset) last November 30 the P65.3-billion BARMM budget for fiscal year 2020.  (PHOTOS COURTESY OF BTA-BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

COTABATO CITY -- Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has approved a P65.3-billion budget for the fiscal year 2020 with the education sector getting the biggest share of the allotment.

In a statement, the BTA said it has approved on third and final reading the 2020 regional budget on November 30 after thorough deliberations.

BTA-Cabinet Bill No. 31 entitled, "An Act Appropriating Funds for the Operation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from January 1 to December 31, 2020, and Other Purposes," was approved by the BTA with 48 “yes” votes, one “no” vote, and five abstentions.

Editorial

Fascination of sports events

It’s fascinating to witness, even viewing it live through television, the opening programs of international sports events, such as the Olympics which are conducted once every four years when nations’ contingents flock for glory of games and show of mettles. Even the closing programs are equally fascinating as they depict talents and culture at their best in grandiose and colorful presentation.   

The Philippines is host to the ongoing 30th South East Asian Games which opened last November 30 when talents and culture have been outlaid with gusto during the opening program. Yes, preparations for welcoming the sports delegations are perspiringly tedious and costly, but worth the efforts because of the magnificent rich and imaginative choreographic showcase. While our government has hugely poured financial resources for the hosting, the selling points are the tickets, tourism flow, advertisements, crowd cheers, and opportune opening of the country to Asia if not the world.

Datu Piang town marks 83rd Founding Anniversary

ASSISTIVE DEVICES --- Mayor Victor T. Samama (center) of Datu Piang distributes wheelchairs as anniversary gifts for needy senior citizens and persons with disability. The devices are provisions for the target sectors programmed by the Maguindanao provincial government under Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu. With him is Sultan Kudarat Mayor Shameem Mastura (2nd from right), and  Executive Assistant V Harris Samal (left) who represented the provincial governor. (Anne Acosta)

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao --- This historic town celebrated its 83rd Foundation Anniversary last November 25 with week-long activities participated in, witnessed, and enjoyed by the local populace.

In line with the celebration, Mayor Victor T. Samama said the local government featured a merry-making “Kulintang Festival” which showcased various activities such as Qur’anic Reading exhibition, Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Day, banca race, palo sebo, parlor games, pasiklaban, Kanduli, Kulintang Ensemble exhibition, Madrasah activities, drum and lyre competition, Children’s Congress, blocking, street dancing competition, float design competition, and showdown competition.

The culmination program was held at the municipal covered court attended by the municipal officials,  town residents, and guests.

“We are more than thankful for the support of our various partners in the progress and development of our humble town. Maraming salamat higit sa lahat sa ating mamamayan sa walang sawa nilang suporta sa ating administrasyon. Hindi po magiging matagumpay ang ating selebrasyon kung hindi dahil sa pagtutulungan ng bawat isa,” Samama stressed.

Balabagan mayor asserts solidified performance in local governance

Balabagan Mayor Edna Ogka Benito shares the limelights of governance in a meeting of the Local Development Council last November 21. (Anne Acosta) 

BALABAGAN, Lanao del Sur--- In presiding over the Local Development Council (LDC) meeting here at the Municipal Hall Building last November 21, Mayor Edna Ogka Benito reiterated the power point of unity and solidarity among government departments and partner agencies, barangay governments, and the various sectors or stakeholders in further sustaining the fruits of development efforts through local governance and initiatives.  

        This she asserted at a time when the municipal government of Balabagan, during her term or administration, was awarded its first Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2019, an incentive and award-program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to push local government units to excel in performance levels and put more impetus to the delivery of basic services to the constituents.

Datu Anggal Midtimbang LGU reiterates unifying character

SOCIAL ATTACHMENT --- Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and Municipal Mayor  Maryjoy Estephanie Uy-Midtimbang poised to distribute wheelchairs for qualified senior citizens and persons with disability during celebration of the 13th Founding Anniversary of the municipality of Datu Anngal Midtimbang. The assistive devices are being funded by the provincial government for the target sectors. Assisting them is Maguindanao (2nd district) Board Member Bobby Midtimbang. (Anne Acosta)  

DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG, Maguindanao  ---  The first Kapamagayun Festival, which means “peace and unity,” has been featured in the week-long 13th Founding Anniversary of this town which was celebrated November 23 with theme adaptation of “Responsible at Demokratikong Pamamahala tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”

        Led by Municipal Mayor Maryjoy Estepahnie Uy Midtimbang, the festive “kapamagayun” is a continued call for a united effort among  stakeholders, government and non-government organizations, in the pursuit of sustainable peace, which, she said is “a prerequisite before we can advance development initiatives and implement our progressive agenda in an atmosphere of tranquility and mass-base support of the different sectors and the entire populace.”

North Cotabato turns over 63 barangays to BARMM

HISTORICAL EVENT ---- North Cotabato acting Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza hands over the symbolic  “key of responsibility” to Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim during turn-over on November 20 of the 63 villages in North Cotabato that voted “yes” to inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao earlier this year. Joining them are Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal   and acting Vice-Governor Shirlyn Macasarte-Villanueva. (PHOTO BY ZSDIOLANAN / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO   CITY  ---  The province of North Cotabato officially turned   over last November 20 the 63 barangays from its six towns to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that voted “yes”to the inclusion during a plebiscite held in February 2019.

The   turn-over   ceremony   was   headed   by   BARMM   Chief   Minister   Ahod   Balawag Ebrahim   together   with   North   Cotabato   acting   Governor   Emmylou   “Lala”   Taliño-Mendoza.

Ebrahim received the symbolic “key of responsibility” from Mendoza during simple rites held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.

Editorial

Drug war: a challenge

War on illegal drugs continue to hit the headlines and the episodes come everyday under stories of apprehensions and raids with certain casualties, including enforcement agents. Even Vice President Leny Robredo made the headlines when appointed by President Duterte as drug czar only to be sacked a few days after sharing co-chairmanship in the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs.

Illegal drug trafficking is a long menace to many societies and many believe as long as there are supplies, there will still be drug business and “awe” as a consequence. Shabu may be eliminated but other substitutes may likely appear. Society has still to trash “marijuana,” a plant species which is also considered as medicinal. In the past, over-the-counter drugs have been swallowed for addictive intakes; to some are injectibles for immediate effect. 

Maguindanao lady guv leads medical, relief outreach in SSB

MOBILE TRIP --- Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu and Sultan Sa Barongis Mayor Al-Fizzar M. Angas, Sr. in a huddle as folks await the delivery of medical and relief services. (Anne Acosta)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS (SSB), Maguindanao --- Some 3,000 individuals have been  beneficiaries of a medical mission and relief assistance here last November 14 conducted by the Maguindanao provincial government led by Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu, which she said is a “way of delivering or giving back the financial resources to the constituency.”  

Murad reshuffles BARMM Cabinet

Photo shows interim Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim (left) and Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Almansoor” Macacua.

COTABATO CITY --- Interim Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, more known for decades as Hadji Murad, has carried out a minor revamp in his cabinet in what his lieutenants described as a springboard towards the formation of full-blown regional autonomous governance next year.  CLICK ABOVE PHOTO TO READ MORE....

In a cabinet meeting here last November 11, the Bangsamoro Information Bureau said, Ebrahim appointed Parliament Member Abdulraof  Macacua as his executive secretary on concurrent capacity as Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE).

Macacua, current chief of staff of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, reportedly replaced former Executive Secretary Esmael Omar Pasigan, who has been on “indefinite leave” since last August.

The Bureau of Public Information said Chief Minister Ebrahim also transferred Finance Minister Eduard Guerra to the Ministry of Public Works and Highways. Guerra is a licensed architect, the BPI said.

Ebrahim has placed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MBFBM) under his direct supervision, added the BPI in a statement.

The statement said Minister Guerra has endorsed the appointment of Atty. Ubaida Pacasem, a Parliament member, as head of the Regional Budget and Management Office (RBMO).

In a separate statement, Minister Macacua explained that his appointment as Executive Secretary underwent “proper consultation.”

“I assume (as executive secretary) that by virtue of (the chief minister’s) mandate. That is the first step. The second step is that every civil servant should respect since the BARMM is still under the ambit of the National Civil Service Code… There is an issue of QS (qualification standard). The person appointed to this position must be at least bachelor degree which I have not,” Macacacua said.

Macacua, known for decades as Almansoor or Sammy Gambal, posted his statement on Facebook “to inform the public that there is still remaining process to get through.”

“But until the issue of QS is resolved, I would act as ES by mandate entrusted to me by the Chief Minister. We are only a good soldier (obliged to follow order),” he said, adding that even an “honest opinion from the legal community can help.” (ALI MACABALANG / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Murad reshuffles BARMM Cabinet

COTABATO CITY --- Interim Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, more known for decades as Hadji Murad, has carried out a minor revamp in his cabinet in what his lieutenants described as a springboard towards the formation of full-blown regional autonomous governance next year.

In a cabinet meeting here last November 11, the Bangsamoro Information Bureau said, Ebrahim appointed Parliament Member Abdulraof  Macacua as his executive secretary on concurrent capacity as Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE).

Macacua, current chief of staff of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, reportedly replaced former Executive Secretary Esmael Omar Pasigan, who has been on “indefinite leave” since last August.

The Bureau of Public Information said Chief Minister Ebrahim also transferred Finance Minister Eduard Guerra to the Ministry of Public Works and Highways. Guerra is a licensed architect, the BPI said.

Ebrahim has placed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MBFBM) under his direct supervision, added the BPI in a statement.

The statement said Minister Guerra has endorsed the appointment of Atty. Ubaida Pacasem, a Parliament member, as head of the Regional Budget and Management Office (RBMO).

In a separate statement, Minister Macacua explained that his appointment as Executive Secretary underwent “proper consultation.”

“I assume (as executive secretary) that by virtue of (the chief minister’s) mandate. That is the first step. The second step is that every civil servant should respect since the BARMM is still under the ambit of the National Civil Service Code… There is an issue of QS (qualification standard). The person appointed to this position must be at least bachelor degree which I have not,” Macacacua said.

Macacua, known for decades as Almansoor or Sammy Gambal, posted his statement on Facebook “to inform the public that there is still remaining process to get through.”

“But until the issue of QS is resolved, I would act as ES by mandate entrusted to me by the Chief Minister. We are only a good soldier (obliged to follow order),” he said, adding that even an “honest opinion from the legal community can help.” (ALI MACABALANG / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Some Cotabato City employees tested positive for drug use

DRUG TEST --- Some 2,200 Cotabato City government employees underwent a surprise mandatory drug test in this file photo on October 16, 2019. Results of the drug testing revealed that a number of local government employees have tested positive for illegal drug use. (PHOTO COURTESY OF COTABATO CIO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY ---  Some city government employees here have tested positive for drug use after a recent mandatory drug test conducted by anti-narcotics personnel, an official said.   

Violators told to claim seized licenses, plates

STRICT TRAFFIC POLICY --- Traffic enforcers confiscate the license of a commuter van driver after caught violating the “absolute no parking” ordinance along major thoroughfares – Sinsuat and Quezon Avenues – in Cotabato City on Monday (November 18). More than 1,000 confiscated driver’s licenses and vehicle registration documents remain to be claimed at the Traffic Management Office since the new Traffic Code was implemented in August this year. (PHOTO COURTESY OF COTABATO CIO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- Traffic violators here are advised to claim their confiscated drivers’ licenses and motor vehicle registration documents at the City Traffic Management Unit (CTMU) Office to avoid high surcharges.

BARMM to assume official supervision over 63 NorCot villages on November 20

 BARMM Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo (FACEBOOK / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)  CLICK MOREON YN 

COTABATO CITY ---  The 63 villages (barangays) in six North Cotabato towns that opted for autonomy will be placed under the official supervision of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) this coming November 20.

The corresponding turn-over rites has been set on November 20 during  regular session of the Bangsamoro Parliament based on bilateral arrangements between the regional leadership and the officialdom of North Cotabato, said BARMM spokesman and Minister of Local Government Naguib Sinarimbo.

400 ex-MILF fighters as ‘palaw’ rangers I greening program

The BARMM’s Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy, Abdulraof Macacua at his recent guesting at the weekly “Kapehan sa Bangsaoro” media forum in Cotabato City. (PHOTO VIA ALI MACABALANG / MANILA BULLETIN / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Bangsamoro region’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) will recruit former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as forest rangers to implement the government’s greening program in the region.

Bangsamoro Parliament Member and MENRE Minister Abdulraof Macacua who was appointed as concurrent Executive Secretary at the Office of Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim  said last November 12 that the hiring of 400 forest rangers from the BIAF would pursue the normalization track of the 2014 peace accord with the MILF.

Macacua is more known as “Sammy Gambal Almansoor,” his pseudonym as chief of staff of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), which Ebrahim once headed before their central committee named him MILF chairman a few weeks after founding chieftain Ustadz Salamat Hashim passed away on July 13, 2003.

Editorial

_{Bonus as investment}

Really? Do Filipinos celebrate the Christmas season the longest? In years past, Christmas ended on January 6, Feast of the Epiphany. Some contend that Christmas begins at the start of Misa de Gallo (midnight mass) when caroling usually starts. Anyhow, it’s the “ber’ months and it would be good to be merry for wellness sake.

By this time, members of the labor sector, both private and public, await the release of their 13th month pay and receipt of the much anticipated year-end bonus, if at all there would be for every wage earner. There will be celebrative expenses during the yuletide holidays. Spendings, other than foods for the holidays, come as gifts for members of the family, the kins, and others close to their hearts if the wallets are that bulky. At this age of modern technology, the young ones would prefer newer gadgets in the market trending --- phones and tablets, whatever their terminologies. 

GOOD PERFORMANCE

GOOD PERFORMANCE --- Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año (4th from right) hands over to Mayor Edna Ogka Benito of the Municipality of Balabagan in Lanao del Sur  the “2019 Seal of Good Local Governance” Award during ceremonial program last November 5 at Manila Hotel. (Balabagan LGU)

City mayor calls for utmost vigilance vs. terroristic acts

COTABATO CITY --- Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi approved the proposed creation of the Cotabato City Security Network and Standby Quick Reaction Force to further ensure a secured environment here and as a way of intensifying the drive against criminalities and different forms of threats, including acts of terrorism and extremism.

Col. Edgar delos Reyes, commander of Task Force Kutabato, endorsed the formation of this security network which was immediately given nod by the lady mayor during the conduct of the 4th quarter meeting of the Cotabato City Peace and Order Council last November 7 at the South Seas Function Hall.

The task force commander said the establishment of the security network is a necessitating measure since the task of security covers a wide area that also needs the cooperation of the different sectors and the constituents themselves in the drive of keeping the peace and repelling threats to stability.

As this developed, the city government reiterates its continuing implementation of the “No ID, No Entry” policy following the declaration by President Duterte  of martial law in Mindanao in 2017 amid the rise and threat of ISIS extremism. All forms of vehicles are still being checked upon entry to the city “for security purposes.”

ISIS entry – fake news!

PRESIDING over the 4th Quarter Peace and Order Council Meeting, Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi calls for the continued vigilance of the different sectors against threat to peace and security. (Anne Acosta)  

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao ---  The presence or penetration of an unidentified group at Barangay Dalumangcob in this town last October 31 was but merely construed or suspected by some residents to be ISIS-inspired lawless elements that caused panic and then the evacuation of some of these constituents.

“Fake News! Such notion or report is fake news,” said Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem Biruar Mastura in the joint meeting of the Municipal Peace and Order Council and Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council last November 4 held at the Conference Room of the Municipal Hall building with the presence of top security officials who assured the constituents here and in Cotabato City “could sleep well at night.”

Upon verification of verbal reports and those sent through the social media, Mayor Shameem Mastura said there were certain individuals, who are mere farmers, who passed through that day in Barangay Dalumangcob only to source out some food --- fish and birds --- for their respective families, but construed or merely assumed by frightened residents thereat as lawless elements, causing a “fearsome” climate that compelled a number of families to flee their homes.

According to accounts, a frightened individual sent a text message to her sister about the presence of ISIS and then the story spread to the fright of a number of residents in that barangay. The story run through the social media.

He said the barangay chairman testified and confirmed that the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) visibility is “not true.”

Philippine Marine Deputy Brigade commander Col. Eric A. Macaambac and Maj. Ryan F. Lacuesta, commanding officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2, said the purported presence of ISIS in the area is “not really true,” emphasizing that their area of responsibility is “totally peaceful”, adding: “We are conducting foot patrol even at night to dislodge criminals and notorious groups.”

Maguindanao Provincial Police Director Col. Atty. Arnold Santiago and Municipal Police chief Maj. Julhamin Asdani also said the area, particularly Barangay Dalumangcob, is “definitely negative” of ISIS entry.

“We have searched and cleared the reported area… and the issue regarding the visibility of an ISIS-inspired group in this town is not true and we consider the report or allegation as fake news,” the two police officials noted.

Upon learning of the reported or alleged sighting of ISIS elements, the mayor said they initiated an investigation together with local government and security officials and “we found nothing of that sort of information… “There is no ISIS to be found in the area. All of these are considered fake news.”

He further said their locality serves as a blocking area and a buffer against the entry of lawless groups into other communities such as the towns of Sultan Mastura and Datu Odin Sinsuat as well as Cotabato City.

“And with the stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in our municipality, it is impossible for this ISIS group to enter and ruin this developed, progressive, and peaceful community,” Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura stressed.

One MILF enclave is located at Barangay Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town.

In witnessing and testifying and to allay fears of destabilization, the mayor stated: “We, in this locality, strongly deny the accusations of the presence of ISIS or lawless elements in our municipality.”

Such misinformation and distortive reporting likewise cause apprehension and alarm among some residents in Cotabato City that alerted also security forces, placing themselves on heightened alert. (Anne Acosta)