BARMM emergency responders serve 800 displaced families

GETTING HELP ---  Families displaced by skirmishes between military forces and the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao lined up for relief items last August 1 as Ministry of the Interior and Local Government - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG - BARMM) Minister Naguib Sinarimbo (inset with megaphone), concurrent head of the Rapid Emergency Action On Disaster Incidence-BARMM, called for an orderly dispensation of the goods that accommodated over 800 conflict-affected families in two villages of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town. (PHOTO COURTESY OF READI-BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) emergency response unit has served over 800 families displaced by last week’s skirmishes between government forces and the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao.

Myrna Jocelyn Henry, Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI-BARMM) spokesperson, said that as of July 31, beneficiaries of the relief assistance have reached 569 families from Barangay Ganta and another 236 families in Barangay Bakat, both of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town.

“The initial relief goods included 10 kilos of rice, 10 pieces of instant coffee sachets, and four cans each of corned beef and sardines per family,” Henry said in an interview.

Leading the distribution was Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, concurrent head of READI-BARMM, who noted that more relief assistance would be given to the displaced families in the coming days.

The displacement arose from the continuing military operation against the BIFF in the so-called “SPMS box” that refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano, and Datu Salibo.

Nine BIFF radicals and a government trooper were so far reported killed in clashes that began on July 25.

Henry said that the READI-BARMM is mandated to respond and provide relief assistance to at least 20 percent of the affected population within 72 hours after the occurrence of either man-made and natural calamity,  provided the security sector gives them the go-signal. (NOEL PUNZALAN, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Over 300 BARMM employees join earthquake preparedness drill

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ---  Rescue workers carry to safety a 

supposed disaster victim during a simultaneous inter-office earthquake 

drill conducted inside the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional 

seat of the BARMM in Cotabato City last July 30.. More than 300 

employees inside the compound participated in the drill exercise.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF DENNIS ARCON-DXMY COTABATO / MINDANAO 
EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- More than 300 employees of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) participated in a simulated earthquake drill here last July 31, which was aimed at preparing the workers in times of disasters.

The drill inside the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the BARMM in this city, was spearheaded by the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI) – BARMM that replaced the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team (ARMM-HEART).

Established in 2013 by then ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, ARMM-HEART is composed of rescuers and medical responders trained to serve even in hostile parts of the region.

Capable and dependable workers of ARMM-HEART were absorbed into the READI-BARMM agency for the continuance of its rescue missions on natural and man-made calamities across the region.

Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) was designated by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Murad to head READI-BARMM in concurrent position.

“The READI-BARMM remains as a confluence of various s agencies acting and responding as one in times of disaster,” Sinarimbo, also assigned as spokesperson of the BARMM, said in a press briefing last July 31.

Sinarimbo described the earthquake drill as a means of measuring the BARMM’s state of readiness in dealing with various disasters and, at the same time, instill the culture of readiness and preparedness in the region’s constituents.

He recalled that in 1976, a powerful tremor triggered a tsunami and greatly devastated Cotabato City and many parts of the region, causing many casualties.

"This is the reason why we always have to be prepared," he said referring to the incident.

Meanwhile, Engr. Rainier Amilbahar of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology-Central Mindanao underscored the importance of the drill, especially for employees, who can pass on the knowledge to their families.

Aside from the MILG-BARMM, other agencies that participated in the drill were the Office of the Chief Minister, Bureau on Cultural Heritage, Office of the Regional Treasury, and the Regional Budget and Management Office.

The drill carried out under the theme “Kahandaan sa Sakuna’t Peligro para sa Tunay na Pagbabago." aligns with the observance of this year’s National Disaster Resilience Month. (NOEL PUNZALAN, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BARMM launches new emergency response office

COTABATO CITY ---  The government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao launched a new emergency and disaster response office – the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI-BARMM) last July 31 in Cotabato City.

The launching took place during the first organization meeting of the BARMM – Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC) following the release of the Executive Order No. 12 signed by BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim on July 29, 2019.

Executive Order No. 12 provides for the establishment of the BDRRMC and a Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center, the READI-BARMM, which shall be managed by the Ministry on Interior and Local Government (MILG).

The new office replaces the ARMM Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ARDRRMO) previously known as the Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM-HEART).

The MILG shall coordinate with all the ministers of the Bangsamoro Government, local government units, and the National DRRMC on programs and activities pertaining to disasters.

Also, the MILG shall be coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in monitoring and responding to displacements resulting from human-induced and natural calamities within the territorial jurisdiction of the region.

MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo said “the council shall prepare an action plan to review the proposed budget for responding to disasters.

Meanwhile, Chief Minster Murad expressed his full support on the establishment of the BDRRMC. “The organization of this council will allow us to be prepared at all times and will put in place our response and bring about the disaster resilient region,” he said.

He also mentioned that aside from the Bangsamoro Government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be helping on the security of the region from those human-induced calamities.

“We are planning to establish the joint peace and security teams so we can collaborate more, especially with regards to the human-induced calamities,” he added.

He said the MILF is trying to open a dialogue with the extremist groups, hoping that the organization can convince them to join the peace process.

One of the provisions in Republic Act No. 11054, also known as Organic Law of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OLBARMM), states that disaster risk reduction and management shall be one of the exclusive powers to be exercised by the Bangsamoro Government. (BPI-BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BARMM launches new emergency response office

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Datu Unsay’s first councilor takes mayoralty post

FROM COUNCIL TO MAYORALTY --- Datu Andal Ampatuan V takes oath before Senator Nancy Binay.

DATU UNSAY, Maguindanao --- A member of the Ampatuan clan is now the mayor of this town after both the elected mayor and vice mayor resigned from their posts on July 1, the start of the official function of elected local government officials.

Datu Andal “Datu Aguak” Ampatuan V took his oath before Senator Nancy Binay in Quezon City last July 23.

Atty. Richard Petisme,  Ampatuan V’s legal counsel, said the effectivity  of  his succession took effect on July 1.

It was learned that mayor Fuentes Dukay and his son Wanay Dukay stepped down from their posts, citing as reason their “lack of capability to govern."

The assumption of elected first councilor Datu Andal V as mayor of Datu Unsay is valid and legal under the rule of  succession as stipulated in the Local Government Code. This has been clarified by Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Atty. Sinarimbo said it was only logical for Ampatuan V to sit as mayor after garnering the highest number of votes as number one councilor in the May 13, 2019 polls.

“Under the rule of succession in Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code, it is granted,” Atty. Sinarimbo said.

Ampatuan V is the son of former Datu Unsay mayor Datu Unsay  “Andal” Ampatuan, Jr.

The new mayor, who had just turned 21, is the second of six siblings.

Bai Janine Mamalapat, who garnered the second highest votes for town councilor, is now the new vice mayor, also by rule of succession.

Atty.  Petisme said the young mayor is yet to gather the municipal government officials and employees to discuss his plans and programs for the municipality.

"The good mayor now is focusing his direction towards the progress and development of the humble town. He will soon pronounce his program of government through the policy of consultation and sectoral participation in governance," said Petisme.

Mayor Ampatuan V has appealed to his constituencies for their cooperation in the development initiatives of their local government unit under his administration. (Gilmhar Lao & Anne Acosta)

CCPO strengthens 'community partnership'

Trisha Andrea Ampatuan (4th from left) of Notre Dame University- Junior High School was hailed 'champion' during Poster Making Contest as part of the activities of the 24th Police Community RelationsMonth 2019. (GILMHAR A. LAO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) continues to strengthen its partnership with community sectors through significant activities in line with the 24th Police Community Relations (PCR) Month.

The CCPO, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cotabato East, City Government of Cotabato, and the City Advisory Council, held last July 27 the "Poster-making and Spoken Poetry Competitions" at the City Mall entertainment area.

Fourteen junior high school students, together with their coaches from different public and private schools, participated in the "Poster-making" contest, while 12 students joined the "Spoken Poetry" competition.

Following the result of poster-making contest, Trisha Andrea Ampatuan of Notre Dame University - Junior High School was hailed 'champion' followed by second placer, Twinkle Abella of Notre Dame Village National High School, and third placer, Mohamidin Mamalapat of Notre Dame RVM.

Mamasapano culminates "Nutrition Month 2019"

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao --- This local government here has joined the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in the annual celebration of Nutrition Month 2O19 with the theme, "Kumain ng Wasto at Maging Aktibo... Push Natin 'to!"

At the culmination of the Nutrition Month program last July 29 at the Mamasapano Elementary School, Julieta D. Tercero, Sangguniang Bayan secretary, said nutrition is one priority of the local government, saying: "All schools here are supported by our good mayor to ensure the nutrition of the school children."

Mayor Datu Akmad Ampatuan, Jr. said several visitors from the Provinvial Office, led by Provincial Nutritionist Baiking Ali Balinte, attended the culmination program.

"We chose an impoverished school, the Mamasapano Elementary School. Good thing, our governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu assured to extend aid to improve the situation of the school," Ampatuan said.

The mayor said at least 200 pupils attended the program highlighted by the coronation of the "King and Queen of Nutrition" followed by a boodlefight.

District School Supervisor Esmael Asim was also around during the activity.

Tercero said they are lucky after receiving the good news that the Provincial Nutrition Office have included them in the top-five priority list that the governor will help for the six-month feeding program.

"It's not all about feeding, the governor shall also give health supplies. However, they will only select schools which are poorest of the poor," said Tercero. (Gilmhar A. Lao with Anne Ac

OCD-BARMM holds 21st Gawad KALASAG regional awarding

COTABATO CITY --- Various local government units from across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao received recognition for their outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction and management during the 21st Gawad KALASAG regional awarding ceremony conducted by the region’s Office of the Civil Defense (OCD-BARMM) last August 2.

Raylindo Aniñon, regional director of OCD-BARMM, said that the Gawad KALASAG was established to give recognition or honor to various stakeholders who design and implement the disaster risk reduction and management programs aimed at protecting and shielding various communities against disasters.

“The concept of Gawad KALASAG was adopted from the Filipino term ‘to shield’ which was used by early Filipinos as a means of protection from attacks of enemies or harmful animals,” Aniñon explained.

Gawad KALASAG, or the Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan, is the country’s premier annual awards for outstanding contributions in the fields of disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance.

Plaques and Certificates of Recognition were awarded to the following LGUs:

Best City DRRMC – Lamitan City, Basilan; Best Municipal DRRMC 1st-3rd class municipality – Upi, Maguindanao (finalist), Wao, Lanao del Sur (winner); Best Municipal DRRMC 4th-6th class municipality – Paglat and South Upi, Maguindanao (finalists), Datu Abdullah Sangki, Magundanao (winner).

The OCD-BARMM has also recognized Barangay Limo-ok in Lamitan City, Basilan as Best Barangay DRRM committee; Barangay Busbus in Jolo , Sulu as Best Volunteer Organization; Jolo Emergency Rescue Network as Best Government Emergency Management; and awarded the Heroic Act Award to Emergency Response Network – Lanao del Sur.

“Yung mga awards na nakuha niyo ay patunay po na dito sa rehiyon natin, maliban dun sa lagi tayong dinadalaw ng mga disasters, ay mayroon tayong mga local government units, institutions, at individuals na palaging preparado para i-address yung pagdating ng disaster,” said Local Government Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, who was the event’s guest speaker.

“Kaya po natutuwa ako na yung Office of the Civil Defense ay patuloy na nire-recognize yung kagalingan ng mga individuals, government institutions, at saka private organizations na katuwang natin sa pagresponde sa disasters,” Sinarimbo added.

The awarding of the Gawad KALASAG also marked the culmination of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM).

The OCD-BARMM gave Plaques of Appreciation to its NDRM partners such as the BARMM’s Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Social Services, 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division, PAGASA, and PHIVOLCS Cotabato Station, among others. (BPI-BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Editorial

The sanity of traffic

Many commuters and observers gave sighs of relief in appreciating the smooth flow of traffic along Sinsuat Avenue and Quezon Avenue-highway in Cotabato City after the city government implemented the “no parking” edict along these two main thoroughfares.  Police and security forces have been posted along these highways so motorists develop the awareness of the “no parking” scheme and religiously observe or comply with the traffic regulation or else suffer the sanctions for violation.

When this parking scheme becomes a permanent ordinance to decongest traffic, motorists or vehicle owners, mostly private individuals and corporations, have to make their adjustments in doing transactions with establishments located along these highways. If only there are open private-owned spaces, these lots could be invested as parking avenues for a fee like in other urban centers. Anyhow, there are several public utility vehicles plying the two main routes where private motorists have no way to park their vehicles. Big malls have parking spaces for customers/transactors.

Take note, the traffic ordinance in Davao City took years for the mainstay of orderly traffic situation there. But now, this city is facing a heavy traffic crisis as it continues to progress and expand, both in the economic and social spheres. Even its diversion roads are full, a result of the process of urbanization.  The locale has then to restructure its traffic management to cope with urban dynamism.

Really, the urban setting has to ordain an effective traffic landscape to facilitate the economy of time and business transactions. Traffic jams or congestion could only result to pyramidic loses, especially on densely populated districts. Detours and opening of new avenues have to be devised to defuse social and economic activities so as not to further worsen congestion problem. Smooth traffic is good business and so with opening of avenues to decongest transactions. This is part of the essence of urban expansion and development.

If we mean good traffic, motorists, including commuters, have to develop the culture of subserviency to road courtesies and regulations --- parking and no parking, loading and unloading,  entry and no entry, one-way route, and so-forth.

In urban progression, expansion, and dynamism also comes traffic structuring when motorists and commuters have to go along with travel changes in coping with mobility. The culture of motoring and commuting has to be aligned with traffic ordinances and so “we will have good order.”

Brilliant traffic management means convenience, comfort, and good business…this makes a lot of sense.