HELPING HANDS

HELPING HANDS --- Mayor Shameem Mastura of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao  and his wife, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament member Sittie Shahara Dimple Montañer, distribute relief assistance to affected families in the Road Clearing Operation in Barangays Gang and Limbo last September 18. (Ella Dayawan)

ROAD OBSTRUCTION FREE

ROAD OBSTRUCTION FREE --- Mayor Datu Sajid Islam Uy  Ampatuan of Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao, pursuant to the directive of the national government, personally conducted ocular inspections in different barangays to ensure the strict implementation of and compliance to the road clearing operation. Mayor Ampatuann during an inspection last September 17 was accompanied by Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Jennifer Ampatuan (in head dress), personnel from the Philipine National Police and AFP, and other municipal and barangay officials.

The barangays inspected were Linantangan,  Pusao, East Libutan, Pagatin, Pagatin 2, Dalembong, and Nabundas.

“Actually nauna na tayo sa ibang barangays nitong mga nakalipas na mga linggo. Trabaho natin talaga na ipatupad ang batas kahit gaano man ito kahirap. May mga barangay officials tayo na apektado rin pero kinausap ko sila na maki-isa rito kasi isa sila sa mga dapat maging modelo ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan. Sa mga naapektuhan naman, may mga inaayos din tayo na programa para sa kanila para naman makatulong kahit papaano,” Mayor Datu Sajid said. (ELLA DAYAWAN / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Datu Unsay LGU convenes 3 councils

Mayor Datu Andal Santiago Ampatuan V

DATU UNSAY, Maguindanao --- The local government of this town conducted last September 11 a joint meeting of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), Municipal Anti Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), and the Municipal Disaster Risks Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) held at Datu Unsay Municipal Hall building.

Local chief executive Datu Andal Santiago Ampatuan V, the presiding officer, said they tackled on issues and measures to tone down or further prevent the occurrence of illegal drug activities, acts of terrorism and extremism, and other illegal acts to sustain the peace and security of the community.

All  barangay chairmen were present as they presented situationers and observations on the state of security as well as suggestions on how to further improve the prevailing atmosphere of peace.

 Mayor Datu Andal Santiago Amaptuan V and municipal police chief Capt. Mark Harry A. Boglosa said tranquility stands prevailing and petty crimes have been manageable.

‘As of now, I would say and proudly say that our locality is generally peaceful and as per report of the PNP, we have zero criminality for the past few months,” mayor reported.

The Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting was attended by the different line-agencies with representations from the Philippine National Police,  Armed Forces of the Philippines, Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, Ministry of Social Welfare and Development, Ministry of Education, and the business sector. 

Also in attendance were barangay officials and those from the Rural Health Unit and from the different departments of the local government led by Municipal Administrator Alhamde Kadtong.

 Mayor Datu Ampatuan V was thankful to all the various sectors, stakeholders, barangay chairmen and officials, staff and employees of the locality, different line-agencies for their unconditional and untiring support to his administration.

“As a young politician, the tasks given to me is not an easy one. And to tell you frankly, I can’t do it alone without your assistance and support. Thank you so much for entrusting me the post as your municipal chief executive and rest assured I will do my best to maintain the peace and order and making  this town  a more  progressive, developed, and peaceful community to live in. I want all of us to work hand in hand together in unity for the betterment of this community,” Mayor Datu Ampatuan V added.  (Anne B. Acosta)

VMLP in BARMM elects its headship

 RAPPORT --- Leading elected officers of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao meet the press following an assembly in Davao City of three regional delegations. At left is VMLP-BARMM regional president Sultan Usman Sarangani while seated right is VMLP regional vice president Almedzar A. Hajiri. With them is VMLP national president Donnabel Joy F. Mejia.  (Anne Acosta)

COTABATO CITY --- Sultan Usman T. Sarangani, the vice mayor of Madalum in Lanao del Sur, emerged as president of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following separate elections during the joint conduct of the VMLP Regional Assembly for Regions 11 and 12 and the BARMM held last September 16-18 at Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.

         The joint assembly for the three regions took on different issues and concerns pertaining to the role and functions of vice mayors in different municipalities and cities.

Main objective of this organization is to strengthen the camaraderie and to promote unity and solidarity among the VMLP members and helping each other in resolving  crisis situation.

BARMM inks 3 agreements with FAO-UN

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur --- Acting Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua inked a partnership agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) for the implementation of three new agricultural development projects for Mindanao.

Present during the agreement signing last September 23 were Jose Luis Fernandez, FAO representative; Keise Usman, director of operations of the BARMM’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform; and Minister for Economic Affairs Masahiro Nakata and Second Secretary Kosuke Kawashima, both representing the Embassy of Japan.

The projects which aim to improve the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers and fisherfolks and their families through agribusiness training and by enhancing agribusiness value chains of key commodities include agricultural training for the establishment of peace in Mindanao, support agriculture and agribusiness enterprises in Mindanao for sustainable development, and support the new Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in establishing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the Philippines.

BARMM conducts free civil service exam review sessions

                                  Reviewers for the civil service examination

 COTBATO CITY --- Six hundred  employees without civil service eligibility from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) different ministries and offices in the city are undertaking a 10-day Civil Service Exam (CSE) review conducted for free by the Development Academy of the Bangsamoro (DAB).

The activity is an initiative of the Bangsamoro government which aims to help deserving non-CSE passer employees of the BARMM who want to apply for a permanent position.

The review started on September 16 and will end on September 25. It is being implemented under the DAB’s Transform Bangsamoro Project and is funded by the BARMM’s Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance and Synergy (HELPS).

Sheryan Guialel, program officer of the Transform Bangsamoro Project, said the participants attend lectures on four of the major scopes and coverage of the civil service exam, namely: Linguistics, English and Filipino Vocabulary, Mathematics, and Philippine Constitution.

Guialel said the first four days  focused on the formal review on the four topics. “The fifth day would be the initial mock exam. Titingnan natin dun sa mock exam kung saan sila medyo mahina at kung saan sila nage-excel,” she said.

        The participants received lectures on subjects they have difficulties with on the 6th-9th day of the review. On the last day, the participants will be taking the final mock exam.

The lecturers are from the ANIMO Review Center of the De La Salle University-Manila. (BPI – BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SSB vice mayor succeeds uncle

 Vice Mayor Al-Fizzar Allandatu M. Angas (left) took his oath as municipal Mayor before his father, Allandatu M. Angas, the Liga ng mga Barangay president, last September 10. (Photo courtesy of SSB LGU).

SULTAN SA BARONGIS (SSB), Maguindanao --- The local government of this town has a new municipal chief executive following the untimely death of Sultan Sa Barongis municipal mayor Ramdatu Mamalo Angas, Al-hadj, last September 8.

By law of succession, Municipal Vice Mayor Al-fizzar Allandatu Maulana Angas took over the realm of the local municipal government as he took his oath of office as municipal mayor last September10  before his father, Liga ng mga Barangay president Allandatu M. Angas.

Upon assuming office last September 16, Al-Fizzar M. Angas  relayed his priorities, one of which is  to address the perennial problem of flooding or  overflowing of water coming from the nearby municipality of Lambayong in Sultan Kudarat province through the Alla River.

Mayor Al-Fizzar Angas said their locality is a catch basin when almost all barangays become submerged  following heavy rainfall, triggered by the overflow.

This problem, he said, has affected the livelihood of the constituents living in the locality.

Other than flood control, the newly assumed municipal mayor said: “I have so many plans, programs and projects, in mind but, as early as now, I want to study first the policies of this government, so, maybe we could easily work for a plan. I also believe that every politician has his/her own vision for the good of the locality. But, in my case, I have engaged into politics not only because of my own interest of investing more, earning and investment is only my second priority, although at my young age I’m only 27 supposedly earning is needed. But, definitely as of now, my ultimate goal and vision as a young politician is to develop and to uplift the living condition of my constituents and to continue the plans, projects and programs of my late uncle, Mayor Ramdatu M. Angas.”

Mayor Al-Fizzar assures his constituents that all of the plans, programs, and projects for the betterment of the locality left by his uncle, mayor Ramdatu M. Angas, will be continued and be implemented, citing the farm-to-market road, concreting of one-kilometer Barangay Gadungan and Barangay Barurao Poblacion Road.

Mayor Angas, in his first week of office, gathered all of his staff and employees as they  responded to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s  Memorandum Circular 121-2019 or the Road Clearing Operations.

“First, we conducted the clean-up drive  along the highway of the town and after that had a dialogue with the stakeholders who are the most affected in the road clearing operations,” he said.

He said all went well as those affected by the clearing operation took cognizant of the intent and purpose of the national government in removing road obstructions.

   “I want to take this opportunity also to thank all of my staff, employees, department heads, barangay chairmen, especially to my father, the Liga ng mga Barangay president, Allandatu M. Angas, for the support entrusted to me. Without them, I cannot do it alone. Allow me to put also into emphasis the importance of unity for the stability and betterment of our locality and to sustain the good governance of this town,” he said. (Anne Acosta)

Editorial

Freeing the roadfrom obstructions

No local government unit has yet been declared as fully “compliant” to the road clearing operations which are still ongoing in several places. These LGUs have until September 29 to execute the operation or local chief executives face the consequence of being suspended for failure to comply with the national directive.

By this directive, all roads must be free from obstructions so flow of traffic will be rendered smooth and free from unnecessary accidents. Most of these obstructions are physical structures used for commercial purposes and some street sides or shoulders have been utilized as parking areas of private vehicles. Public roads are for use of commuters and never for private purpose. We understand that a public road has its width as standard measure of span… And if there are physical structures within the width span, then these are construed as obstructions and these have to be removed.

In some instances, these physical structures obstruct the waterways which cause flooding following heavy downpours. Waterways along the roads have to be cleared from obstructions but there are some constructions that have rendered parts of waterways as closed, hence, the cloggings.

The road clearing operation has its high merit as this would improve the flow of traffic. But there are already existing laws that disallow or prohibit obstructions in which certain agencies of the government, such as the engineering department, have to look on and prevent from such occurrence. Why these obstructions have permeated despite restrictions are responsibilities of enforcement agencies, the local government units as one. Are the obstructionists so untouchable that enforcement agencies, including barangay governments, appear to be blind and not to see the illegal structures. There are even barangay halls subjected to demolition because the buildings stand on road-right-of way.

Let the road system be for the sole purpose it was built and be free from obstructions. Let the appropriate government agencies police the roads so illegal structures would not thrive. We want a road that looks healthy in sight and motor travel that is really smooth.

No local chief executive would want to be suspended if one fails to comply with the road clearing operation. The LGU has its instrumentality responsible for keeping an eye on roads so these are not proliferated with unwanted physical structures. The LGU has the responsibility for managing traffic and it can pass ordinances to obliterate the road against structures that pose as hazards to traffic.

Let our public roads really be commutable.

Sultan Sa Barongis high on SGLG 2019

HOPEFUL AWARDEE --- Vice Mayor Al-Fizzar Allandatu Angas extends the municipal government’s service commitment to the constituency following SGLG validation by a team of validators last August 27. (Anne B. Acosta).

SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao --- There is "high hope” that the local government of this town will be one among the top lists of awardees in the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for year 2019 following validation process last August 27 by a combined team from the Department of the Interior and Local Government --- those from the central office, Region-12, and Maguindanao in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The team of six-man validators was led by Local Government Operations Officer VII Bai Musarapha A. Alim, MPA, from Region-12.

Bai  Alim said being validated by the team are the qualifying areas on Good Financing Housekeeping; Peace and Order; Social Protection; Environmental Management; Disaster Preparedness; Business Competitiveness; Tourism; and Culture and Arts.

Editorial

What the attacks on Saudi Aramcomean for oil prices

(Editorial note: This news item is adopted for editorial column)

Oil prices, which have remained low for months, could spike when markets open Monday (September 16) as Saudi Arabia scrambles to repair damage to its energy infrastructure inflicted over the week-end.

Coordinated strikes on key Saudi Arabian oil facilities disrupted about half of the kingdom's oil capacity, or five percent of the daily global oil supply. Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saturday (September 14) took responsibility for the attacks on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Khurais and Abqaiq -- the world's largest oil processing facility and crude oil stabilization plant.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said that 5.7 million barrels a day of crude oil and gas production have been affected. The latest OPEC figures put total Saudi production at 9.8 million barrels per day.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday (September 14) blamed the attack on Iran, which backs the Houthi rebels, calling it an "unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply." Iran, under US sanctions on its oil industry, has denied any involvement.

"The events in Saudi Arabia have ratcheted up tensions in the Middle East to a new level raising concerns about supply security," Chris Midgley, global head of analytics at S&P Global Platts said in a statement. "The sudden change in geopolitical risk" could cause crude prices to jump between $5 and $10 a barrel, Midgley said.

Oil prices have recently been low. Brent, the global benchmark, closed at $60.22 per barrel last Friday (September 13). The price closely followed in the United States, known as WTI, closed at $54.85.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, had cut back on production of crude and other energy products as part of an OPEC effort to boost prices. The kingdom produces approximately 10 percent of the total global supply of 100 million barrels per day.

Other analysts expect a smaller oil market rally in the short term. "A small $2-$3 per barrel premium would emerge if the damage appears to be an issue that can be resolved quickly, and $10 if the damage to Aramco's facilities is significant," Ayham Kamal of the Eurasia Group said in a research note.

Two other analysts told CNN Business they believe prices could jump $15 per barrel because of the amount of Saudi oil affected by the attacks.

Saudi's energy minister said Saturday (September 14) that officials are "working to recover the lost quantities" of oil and will update the public within two days. Regional sources in the Middle East estimate Saudi Aramco has about 200 million barrels in storage in Amsterdam, Japan, and China.

The strikes come as Saudi Aramco is taking steps to go public in what could be the world's biggest IPO. Aramco attracted huge interest with its debut international bond sale in April. It commissioned an independent audit of the kingdom's oil reserves and has started publishing earnings. Over the past two weeks, the kingdom has replaced its energy minister and the chairman of Aramco.

"The attacks could complicate Aramco's IPO plans given rising security risks and potential impact on its valuation," Kamal said. (John Defterios & Victoria Cavaliere, CNN Business)

BARMM showcases heritage,tourist spots in PH travel mart

TOURISM PROMOTION --- Photo shows the Bangsamoro Pavilion in the August 30 to September 1 Philippine Travel Mart Exposition at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The pavilion features unique products, traditional music, and cultural costumes and dances that can only be found in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao provinces. (PHOTO COURTESY OF MTIT-BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Bangsamoro government is making its presence felt in the tourism industry as it participated in the 30th Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is among the country’s vibrant tourist destinations through its rich culture, heritage, colorful tradition, and rich marine resources, among others.

“These are showcased in the Bangsamoro Pavilion of the Travel Mart venue,” Shalimar Candao, BARMM's Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT) department head, said in a statement last August 30.

The 30th Philippine Travel Mart started on August 30 and  ended September 1.

The pavilion, designed by Candao herself, features unique products, traditional music, and cultural costumes and dances that can only be found in the BARMM provinces.

The BARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi; the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan; and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato.

"We are showcasing to the world our rich art, music, and literature in this event,” Candao said.

She added that the BARMM exposition also offers tour packages that would gauge the region's successful participation in the activity.

There were booths showcasing food and non-food items that are unique to the region,” Candao said, adding that the BARMM also hosted a cultural presentation on the last day of the exposition.

Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa), the Philippine Travel Mart is an annual activity that aims to promote and develop domestic and inbound tourism.

This year's Travel Mart is packed with more than 250 exhibitors from various regions, hotels/resorts, airlines, theme parks, and travel agencies.

Carrying the theme, “Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism,” the Philtoa supports environmental protection by advocating the use of electronic boards rather than non-biodegradable materials in its marketing collaterals. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Man arrested for shooting at ‘Ronda’ patrol convoy

ARRESTED SHOOTER --- Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi questions the man (seated, handcuffed) who shot at a police vehicle of the mayor-led “Ronda” patrol last September 2. (PHOTO COURTESY OF COTABATO CIO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY ---  Police arrested one of two men who shot at a team of law enforcers, headed by Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, on Monday (September 2) night.

The mayor said the man, who had no identification card and refused to reveal his true identity, was arrested by police at the Poblacion area after he fired at the police car that was part of the convoy of the mayor’s nightly “Ronda” patrol.

“The suspect was armed with a .38-caliber revolver. His companion, identified only as ‘Haq,’ managed to escape and is now the subject of manhunt,” Sayadi said in an interview with reporters here on Tuesday (September 3).

Sayadi regularly leads police and village watchmen in conducting the “Ronda” around the city’s crime-prone areas to prevent lawless elements from sowing terror.

The “Ronda patrol” is composed of police, soldiers, and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team.

Police said the detained suspect was earlier arrested for firing at the steel gates of residences and electric posts at night in their area for no apparent reason.

Although also suspected of being involved in illegal drug pushing in the area, no illegal substance was found in the man’s possession following his arrest. (NOEL PUNZALAN & EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Shariff Aguak pushes for 2nd SGLG award

 GOOD GOVERNANCE --- Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop B. Ampatuan is joined here by 2019 SGLG validation team leader Bai Musarapha A. Alim during 'national validation' last August 27. (Gilmhar A. Lao)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- For the second time around, the local government here attempts to imprint in its annals the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for this year 2019.

Mayor Marop B. Ampatuan said a group of validators from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region-12 and Ministry of Local Government (MLG) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) held its validation last August 27.

Led by its team leader Bai Musarapha A. Alim, the mayor said the validation “went well.”

"The focal persons in the areas of Good Financial Housekeeping, Peace and Order, Social Protection, Environnental Management, Disaster Preparedness, Business Competitiveness, Tourism, Culture and the Arts were all prepared, responsive, and articulate during the validation process," Mayor Ampatuan said.

Mayor Ampatuan said he is optimistic that Shariff Aguak will be included again as one of the many SGLG passers in the whole country as it did in 2018.

For one thing, Shariff Aguak is among the 16 local government units, including the Maguindanao provincial government, that underwent the process of validation as a result of the assessment recommended by the MLG-BARMM to the  national level.

"The result of the validation is expected to be out in the last week of September 2019," Mayor Ampatuan added.

Mayor Ampatuan also thanked the people behind the success of this endeavor. (Gilmhar A. Lao)

Cotabato City dads Confirm appointment of female cop director

                                                 P/Col. Portia Manala

COTABATO CITY --- The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) confirmed here last August 28 the appointment of Col. Portia Manalad, making her the city’s first full-fledged female police director.

Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi lauded the members of the legislative body for allowing Manalad to prove her worth as a police official.

Since May 27, Manalad has been acting as officer-in-charge, replacing Col. Michael Lebanan as head of this city's 300-strong police office.

Manalad herself made history after becoming the first and lone woman to graduate from the Philippine National Police Academy in 1995.

Following Manalad’s confirmation, the mayor appealed to all victims of crime against persons, to come forward and file appropriate charges against crime suspects arrested by the Cotabato City Police Office.

She said in most cases, victims of violence in the city refuse to cooperate with the police in filing charges.

“Some have filed the complaint but eventually withdraw,” the mayor said.'

Sayadi said the prosecution would not prosper if the victims or their relatives do not pursue the case against the offenders. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA - Cotabato) (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)