BTA consults experts on proposed Bangsamoro Education Code

 PUBLIC CONSULTATION. Member of Parliament (MP) and Technical Working Group (TWG) Chair Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr. leads on Monday, December 7, 2020, the public consultation with the experts on BTA Cabinet Bill No. 70, otherwise known as the “Bangsamoro Education Code”. (NUALI, PUBLICATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS DIVISION, BTA PARLIAMENT, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament consulted experts on Monday, December 7, as part of its series of public consultations on BTA Cabinet Bill No. 70 or the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code, held at the BTA Extension Office.

Member of Parliament (MP) and Technical Working Group (TWG) Chair Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr. led the public consultations in behalf of Panel Chair and Minister of the Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), MP Mohagher Iqbal.

MP Mitmug served as main moderator during the activity.

Ampatuan municipality receives multiple awards on governance

 

Mayor Baileah G. Sangki receives the awards on governance from Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) BARMM on Friday, December 18, at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, ORG Compound, Cotabato City.

AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – This municipality’s local government received awards on governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government and its regional government counterpart, the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM). 

Mayor Baileah G. Sangki attended the awarding ceremony with MLGOO Anisa Abdulkarim and Hon. Reynaldo Huesca of Brgy. Kauran on Friday, December 18, at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, ORG Compound, Cotabato City.  

The said mayor and barangay official received the Excellence Award to the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Kauran, which was hailed as Champion, and was given P125,000 in cheque.

NCMF announces registration sked for Hajj 2021 pilgrims

COTABATO CITY – The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has called on pilgrims to register from December 16 to 31 this year for the 2021 Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

"This is to determine the actual number of intending pilgrims for the 2021 Hajj,” said Director Malo Manonggiring of NCMF’s Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment (BPE), in a statement on Wednesday, December 16.

Manonggiring said the BPE accepts registrants between the scheduled dates but no fees would be collected until the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will release a confirmation on foreign pilgrims' inclusion.

“There is no advice yet from the KSA if foreign worshipers would be allowed for the 2021 Hajj,” Manonggiring said. 

However, he said Saudi Arabia has already eased some restrictions for foreign pilgrims who were allowed to perform the “Umrah” pilgrimage.

Umrah is the name given to a pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a shorter version of the annual Hajj gathering.

Manonggiring said it was still possible for the 2021 Hajj to push through for the international Muslim community.

The annual Hajj is a religious duty for able-bodied Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Manonggiring said registration is free of charge and fees would only be collected upon approval. (NOEL PUNZALAN, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Año backs MILG: “Cotabato City is now officially part of BARMM”

COTABATO CITY – Secretary of Interior and Local Government (SILG) Eduardo Año told the press Tuesday, December 15, that Cotabato City is now officially under the supervision of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He reiterated it was clearly stated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) that Cotabato City, which is an independent city, is now officially under the supervision of the regional government. This includes programs and projects, documents, properties and assets, and movable properties and records of the DILG Cotabato field office, including that of 63 barangays. 

“Ang tinutukoy natin dito ay buong Cotabato City [...] Ang ating Cotabato City ngayon ay ganap nang kasapi ng BARMM,” Año stressed.

MILG grants incentives to performing LGUs, launches ‘Salamat Awards’

Minister of Interior and Local Government Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo said this is through the Local Government Functional Appraisal Award (LoGFA) and Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Award (LTIA) under the said ministry. The awarding ceremony was conducted on Friday, December 18, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in the city.

Fifty-one (51) LGUs from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi were awarded with the LoGFA, wherein each received P200,000 and plaques of recognition. LoGFA aims to define, operationalize, and assess the functionality of LGUs in the region.  

Meanwhile, eight barangays bagged the LTIA where the champion received P125,000; first place with P100,000; and P75,000 for the second placer.

DOH-12 provides health facilities to Cotabato gov’t

 Photo shows Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Aristides Concepcion Tan, MD, MPH, CESO III (right) and City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi (center)

 Eight barangay health facilities were turned over by the Department of Health Region 12 to the city government of Cotabato during the ceremonial activity on Wednesday, December 16, at the Social Hall of People's Palace.  

A total of P13.5 million pesos was funded and allocated for the construction and renovation of the barangay health facilities.

Out of the recipient barangays, four barangays received newly-constructed health stations. These include barangays Tamontaka Mother, Bagua 2, Rosary Heights 11, and Rosary Heights 9.

Also, three barangays had their health stations repaired and renovated. These barangays include Rosary Heights Mother, Bagua 1, and Rosary Heights 8. One barangay had a newly-constructed birthing home in Kalanganan 2.

DENR regional offices turn over supervision to BARMM

COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro Governments’ Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) now officially oversees Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) protected areas, documents, maps and other resources, covering Cotabato City and the 63 Barangays of North Cotabato.

In line with the city’s ceremonial inclusion to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), DENR Undersecretary of Enforcement, Mining and Muslim Affairs Jim O. Sampulna formally turned over its National Office to Executive Secretary Abdulraof A. Macacua on Thursday, December 17. 

“We are willing to provide guidance in the administration of ENR projects in the BARMM. That is what DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu told me, ‘Tulungan’,” said Sampulna.

BARMM-MPOS engages youth in peacebuilding, conflict transformation

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) conducted its 1st Bangsamoro Peace Promotion Fellowship dubbed "iMPOSing Peace" to the youth in remote and vulnerable conflict-affected areas in five (5) provinces, including special geographic area and communities outside the Bangsamoro region.

Fifty (50) youth members participated in the activity from December 15 to 17, at Kinason Resort, Initao in Misamis Oriental.  click above to read more.....

MPOS Planning Consultant Dr. Jolly Lais, representing Minister Hussein P. Muñoz, assured that the ministry will engage the youth in achieving peace through integrating peacebuilding transformation to their respective communities.

6ID commander witness’s turnover of Cotabato to BARMM

    Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), attended the ceremonial turnover of Cotabato City and 63 barangays of North Cotabato to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Tuesday, December 15, at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.

MGen Uy said that “the troops of JTFC and 6th Infantry Division will remain in the areas of Central Mindanao to sustain peace and stability, in coordination with the respective local government units (LGUs) and local government agencies.  

“Our security forces will remain on alert at all times despite the pandemic and the celebration of yuletide season. Rest assured that any major threat in the BARMM region will be addressed accordingly,” he added.

Saudi nat'l with alleged links to ISIS, BIFF nabbed

 ARRESTED. Members of police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) present the search warrant issued by a local court to Saudi national Abdel Solaiman Alsuhibani, a suspected Islamic State of Iraq and Syria member operating in East Asia with alleged links to Maguindanao-based terrorist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. (PHOTO COURTESY OF CIDG-BARMM, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY – Police and military troops on Wednesday, December 9, arrested a Saudi national believed to be a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) linked to Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, regional police director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), identified the Saudi national as Abdel Solaiman Alsuhibani, alias “Khalid”, who was nabbed at his house in Sitio Bubong Barangay Balabaran here at around 1 p.m.

“He was arrested based on a search warrant issued by a court in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat,” Rodriguez said in a radio interview.

Elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), backed by Philippine Marines, arrested Alsuhibani based on a search warrant issued by Judge Allan Edwin Boncavil of Regional Trial Court 12 Branch 19.

Initial investigation showed that the suspect belongs to ISIS operating in East Asia and has personal links with the BIFF under Abu Toraife Group.

“He was placed under surveillance for more than a month,” Rodriguez said.

Police also invited Alsuhibani’s Filipina wife, Norhaya, after the police seized an improvised bomb component, a laptop, flash drives, a passport, and passbook at their house.

Rodriguez said the suspect claimed he was a money-lending businessman who arrived in Manila a few years ago, met a Muslim woman, and married her. He then moved and lived in Cotabato City.

Residents near Alsuhibani’s house told reporters he has been living in the village for the past two years.

Rodriguez said the suspect is still being investigated as of this posting. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

P680-K shabu seized in Maguindanao drug op

COTABATO CITY – Anti-narcotics agents collared a drug suspect and seized some P680,000 of shabu in a drug buy-bust operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Thursday morning, December 10.

Arrested in the 9:45 a.m. drug operation was Allan Sambutan Abdul, according to a report by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) Director Juvenal Azurin.

“The suspect has long been on our watchlist,” Azurin said, adding Abdul was caught in an entrapment following a month-long surveillance. 

Abdul yielded some 100 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P680,000, drug paraphernalia, and other pieces of evidence.

Azurin said the suspect is currently detained at the PDEA-BARMM detention facility here, as charges for violation of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared against him.

On Wednesday evening, December 9, PDEA agents also seized some P102,000 worth of shabu in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, and arrested three suspects.

The fourth suspect, identified as Angkino Mamalangkas, was killed after he allegedly tried to lob a grenade at the arresting team. (NOEL PUNZALAN, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

NoCot hospitals get modern facilities vs. Covid-19

 North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco (2nd left) inspects one of the new hospital beds and other modern equipment distributed to the provincial, district, and municipal health stations in the province on Wednesday, December 9. The governor said the new facilities intend to boost the capabilities of health units in the province in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019. (PHOTO COURTESY OF NOCOT PIO, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)  

COTABATO CITY – In anticipation of a possible spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the coming days, the provincial government of North Cotabato acquired more facilities to improve its anti-Covid-19 response measures.

On Wednesday, December 9, North Cotabato Governor Nancy A. Catamco inspected the P100 million worth of facilities and equipment that will be distributed to the provincial and district hospitals in North Cotabato.

The provisions include hospital beds, medicine cabinets, stretchers, anesthesia machines, ventilators, and oxygen regulators, among others.

“All of these are meant to equip our health facilities with modern equipment that will help save the lives of every Cotabateño,” Catamco said.

Newly-appointed MAFAR officials take oath, pledged to instill moral governance

 MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob administers the oath-taking of eighty-eight (88) newly-appointed officials and employees in a ceremony held Wednesday, December 9, at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center. 

 COTABATO CITY – Minister Mohammad Yacob of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) administered the oath-taking of his ministry’s newly-appointed officials and employees in a ceremony held Wednesday, December 9, at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center, this city.

Of the newly-appointed personnel, 45 are designated in MAFAR’s regional office, while 10 are assigned at Maguindanao provincial office, another 10 in Sulu, eight in Lanao del Sur, eight in Basilan, and seven in Tawi-Tawi.

MBHTE grants scholarships to 799 BARMM students

COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro Government’s education ministry granted scholarship to 799 incoming first year college students from the cities of Cotabato and Marawi, provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, and from the 63 barangays in North Cotabato.

On Monday, December 7, some of the scholars started signing their Notice of Award (NOA) and scholarship contract at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center in the city.

The students passed the qualification process for the Access to Higher and Modern Education Scholarship Program (AHME-SP), one of the flagship programs of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) introduced this year.

Also known as the Bangsamoro IQ Scholar, the scholarship complements existing higher education scholarship, subsidy, loan, and similar programs implemented in BARMM for qualified Senior High School and Alternative Learning System graduates who will enroll as freshmen college students. The students must enroll to AHME-SP priority programs on Science, Technology, and Mathematics; Engineering; Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries; and other programs for economic development.  

Islam 'religion of peace': AFP chief

FOSTERING PEACE. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay meets with local officials and religious leaders in Sulu at the Provincial Capital on Thursday, December 10, 2020. During the meeting, Gapay said the AFP believes that Islam is a religion of peace and stressed the importance of cooperation between various stakeholders to prevent radicalization as part of efforts to combat terrorism. (PHOTO COURTESY OF AFP PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)  

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) believes that Islam is a religion of peace, its chief said on Thursday, December 10.

Gen. Gilbert Gapay made this remark following a meeting with Sulu local government officials and religious leaders in Sumadja Hall, Provincial Capitol on the said date.

“We in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, kaming mga kasundaluhan, believe that Islam is a religion that espouses peace above all matters,” Gapay said in a statement.

In attendance during the meeting were Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, First District Rep. Samier Tan, and several municipal mayors and Ulamas of the province.

“Again, I would like to clarify that I never said that the madaris are spreading radicalization or sowing terrorism among its students,” Gapay said, referring to an October 13 statement where he said “Madrasas and other schools in Sulu” are being monitored by the military.

He added that this is a call for unity and cooperation between the AFP and the Muslim community to protect and shield vulnerable sectors of the society from attempts of radical groups to “infiltrate our educational system”.

Joining Gapay in the proceedings were Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr and 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales and senior officers from the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Also present were Ustadz Abdul Muhaimin Abubakar, chairman of Sulu Ulama Council for Peace and Development; Jul-Asiri Abiron, Mufti of Sulu, and Adbulgafar Mangabong, head of Tablig.

Entry of smuggled cigarettes in Cotabato monitored

 SEIZED. Marine soldiers and Bureau of Customs personnel inspect the seized smuggled cigarette boxes loaded at the back section of a commuter van while passing through a Marine checkpoint in Cotabato City on Tuesday, December 8. On Monday, authorities intercept a motorboat (inset) loaded with 500 boxes of cigarette contraband valued at P15-million at Tamontaka River in the same city. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF COTABATO CITY MEDIA GROUP, MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

COTABATO CITY – Authorities here have doubled their efforts in monitoring the entry of smuggled items, particularly cigarettes, being sneaked into the city lately before its distribution to the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

“We managed to intercept two deliveries of smuggled cigarettes the past two days using this city as a transshipment point,” Col. Richard Fiesta, city police director, told reporters Wednesday, December 9.

This came after Marine troopers intercepted on Tuesday afternoon, December 8, 15 boxes of smuggled New Berlin and Royal Rania cigarette brands aboard a commuter van in Barangay Biniruan.

Fiesta said two suspected smugglers, Adin Musa Piang, 41, driver, and Esmael Gampong Abubakar, 41, were arrested after failing to present appropriate documents for their cargo.

“The two were on their way to Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao when intercepted at the Marine checkpoint,” he said of the suspects currently held at the city police detention facility.

The Marines handed over the seized cigarette boxes to the police, which in turn forwarded it to the local customs office for proper value assessment and custody.

On Monday, December 7, authorities also intercepted an estimated P15-million worth of smuggled cigarettes loaded on a motorboat along Tamontaka River in Barangay Kalanganan.

At least 10 suspects were arrested as they were all on board the motorboat together with some 500 boxes of smuggled cigarette items that allegedly came from Basilan.

Cotabato City is crisscrossed by tributaries of two big rivers, the Tamontaka River and the Rio Grande de Mindanao. (NOEL PUNZALAN, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DOLE-12 turns over Cotabato field office to MOLE-BARMM

 DOLE-12 Regional Director Raymundo Agravante turns over the office's programs and functions to MOLE Minister Romeo Sema on Friday, December 11, in Koronadal City. 

KORONADAL CITY – The field office of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-12 in Cotabato City was recently put under the supervision and control of Ministry of Labor and Employment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOLE-BARMM) in a turnover ceremony on Friday, December 11, this city.

DOLE-12 Regional Director Raymundo Agravante turned over the office's programs and functions to MOLE Minister Romeo Sema in the said event.

Minister Sema underscored that the regional government, through the MOLE-BARMM, shall continue to maintain the uniform implementation of labor laws, rules, and regulations in the implementation of its programs, projects, and services.

"It must be emphasized that the transfer of the powers and functions of the DOLE-12 and its attached agencies to MOLE is not the end of our working relationship but a beginning of a more cohesive and stronger collaborative partnership," Sema said.

Aside from Cotabato City field office, MOLE will also undertake the governance and delivery of services in the 63 barangays from the six municipalities of North Cotabato such as Midsayap, Aleosan, Pigcawayan, Pikit, Kabacan, and Carmen.

"We are confident that the people behind MOLE shall continue the programs and services of the DOLE-12," Agravante said.

DOLE is set to conduct series of technical assistance to capacitate the partners from MOLE, which aims to ensure the continues delivery of labor and employment services in the region.

Present to witness the ceremonial turnover were Assistant Regional Director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez, MOLE Chief of Staff Dong Anayatin, and other officials from DOLE and MOLE. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Cotabato City’s ‘no movement Sunday’ stays till yearend

COTABATO CITY – The city’s inter-agency task force addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis has maintained that the “no movement Sunday” policy here will stay until yearend.

Lawyer Kitem Kadatuan Jr., speaking for the city government, said on Friday, December 11, the directive takes effect on December 13, 20, and 27.

Kadatuan, however, noted that on December 20, the “no movement policy” would be suspended from 3 a.m. until 7 a.m. to allow people to attend the “Misa de Gallo”. 

“The decision to continue the “no movement Sunday’ is meant to contain the continuing prevalence of (the) coronavirus disease 2019 in the city,” he said.

As of December 11, the city has 94 active cases.

Kadatuan appealed to all Cotabateños to observe minimum health protocols at all times, adding that staying at home is still the best precautionary measure. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Cops help repair Datu Piang church damaged by BIFF attack

COMMUNITY SERVICE. Policemen in Datu Piang, Maguindanao helped repair and clean the Sta. Teresita parish church on Wednesday, December 9,  after it sustained bullet holes during the BIFF terror attack on December 3. Fr. Prudencio Alviar, OMI, (inset, center in white shirt) the parish priest, who is celebrating his 63rd birthday on the same day, said his “well-wishers” were the police officers who helped him restore the place of worship. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PRO-BARMM, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao – Local police here on Wednesday, December 9, helped the parish priest renovate the Catholic church hit by stray bullets during a terror attack. 

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, police director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said members of the Datu Piang municipal police, backed by the Police Special Action Force (SAF), helped Fr. Prudencio Alviar, parish priest of Sta. Teresita Church, repair the damaged glass windows and clean the parish compound.

Fr. Alviar was elated with the gesture, especially since he was celebrating his 63rd birthday. He called the policemen his “special guests” and human resources in restoring the partly-damaged church.

“Help the people of Datu Piang, help places of worship, and make everyone feel they are safe,” Rodriguez told the Datu Piang police, now under Major Alexander Butuan, the new town police chief.

About 50 gunmen of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked the town center shortly before midnight on December 3, trading shots with lawmen and setting a police car on fire.

BWC culminates 18-day campaign against VAW

                                                            BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon 

 COTABATO CITY – With high hopes for a VAW-free region, Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) culminated its successful 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) on Friday, December 11, in Cotabato City. 

The 18-day campaign aimed to protect women and their human rights from any form of physical, emotional and sexual violence.

During the culmination activity, BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon presented the status of the commission’s efforts to formulate programs on gender, women, peace and security.

Karon noted that the drafting of Gender and Development (GAD) Code, which is now on its final consolidation stage, will soon be presented to Chief Minister Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim, the cabinet, and caucus of women MPs.

BARMM okays P14-M internet investment

 Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chairman of the Regional Board of Investments – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF RBOI-BARMM, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY – The Regional Board of Investments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-BARMM) has approved the registration of Community Wireless and Power Corporation (CWPC), a community internet service provider, to operate in the region. 

In a statement on Thursday, December 10, the RBOI-BARMM said the P14-million worth of investment will initially serve the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

“The town of Wao in Lanao del Sur will be its first project site,” RBOI chair Ishak Mastura said.

Balabagan inaugurates newly-established municipal hall

 Façade of the newly-established and inaugurated municipal hall of Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.

BALABAGAN, Lanao del Sur – This local government under the leadership of Mayor Edna V. Ogka-Benito, DMD, inaugurated the newly-constructed two-storey municipal hall executive building situated along the old town hall building on Thursday, December 3. 

The inauguration ceremony was led by Mayor Edna V. Ogka-Benito, DMD, with the presence of Sec. Emmanuel “Manny” F. Piñol, chairman of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Mr. Emmanuel G. Herbosa, president and CEO of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

Mayor Edna V. Ogka Benito expressed her thankfulness to all the people behind the successes obtained by the said municipality.

OCM teams up with EU for organizational capacity building

 SUBATRA Core Governance Expert Rommert Folkertsma presents the OCM Development Plan to Assistant Executive Secretary Abdullah Cusain and the rest of OCM service directors and division heads.

COTABATO CITY – Service directors and division chiefs of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) participated in a three-day Development Plan working group assembly with the European Union (EU) from December 7 to 10, this city. 

OCM and EU partnership is through the latter's Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) program, which aims to improve the structuring, organization, and processes of the OCM being the executive branch of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

BARMM's Assistant Executive Secretary Abdullah Cusain said, “this SUBATRA project, as one of its components is aimed towards improving governance in the OCM since this office exercises control and supervision over the rest of the Bangsamoro government. We want to improve our competence, capabilities and even work ethics."

7 suspected BIFF gunmen nabbed in Maguindanao

 SEIZED. The firearms confiscated from seven alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao on Tuesday, December 8. Those arrested initially introduced themselves as members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front 105th base command when accosted but failed to present identification documents associating themselves with the MILF organization. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF 6ID, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Seven suspected combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were arrested in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao on Tuesday, December 8, the military here reported Wednesday (December 9).  

Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion commander, said that the seven BIFF men were nabbed on Tuesday afternoon in Sitio Barugot, Barangay Mother Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, after posing as members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 105th base command.

“However, when asked for proper identification, the armed group could not present any identification card or papers associating them with the MILF,” Gabi said, prompting Army troopers to arrest the seven and confiscate their firearms.

Seized from the group were two M1 Garand rifles, an M14 rifle, an M4 rifle, and ammunition.

6ID lauds BARMM reform programs for former BIFF combatants

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The 6th Infantry Kampilan Division lauded the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in its provision of skills and development training to the former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) combatants.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, expressed gratefulness to the BARMM in his message conveyed by Col. Jovencio Gonzales, assistant division commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, during the commencement program of the Skills Development Training for Former Combatants on December 4, held at Darul Aman Convention Hall in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. 

“Activities like these were made to ensure that our brothers are given a chance to achieve renewed lives in the civic areas,” Col. Gonzales said.

1 killed, 4 arrested in Maguindanao drug bust

 BUSTED. Four drug suspects hide their faces as PDEA agents account for the P102,000 worth of shabu items seized at the drug den they are operating in SPDA Village, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. The PDEA operation on Wednesday night, December 9, 2020, also resulted in the killing of principal target Angkino Mamalangkas who attempted to lob a grenade towards the law enforcers. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PDEA-BARMM, MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

 COTABATO CITY – A drug suspect was killed while four others were arrested following a drug buy-bust operation that yielded some P102,000 worth of suspected shabu in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Wednesday night, December 9.

Juvenal Azurin, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) identified the slain suspect as Angkino Mamalangkas, of SPDA Village, Barangay Semba in the municipality.

Soldier, militiaman hurt in Maguindanao grenade attack

COTABATO CITY – A soldier and militiaman survived a rifle grenade attack by suspected Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Wednesday dawn, December 2, the Army here said.

Lt. Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that Sgt. Randy Guleng of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade and Marek Sangcopan, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, were manning a checkpoint in Barangay Labu-Labu, Shariff Aguak, when two rifle grenades landed near them.

“One of the rifle grenades landed in one of the shanties inside the fenced para-military detachment,” Atilano said, adding that the explosive projectiles were fired from a distance.

Atilano said the two sustained minor injuries and are now in stable condition at the Camp Siongco Hospital in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Atilano believed the attackers were members of BIFF out to avenge the death of their companions in recent military operations in Maguindanao and Region 12. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Sinarimbo: Transition extension bid because of ‘practical considerations’

COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro Spokesperson Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo explained Friday, December 4, why the transition government needs another three more transition years.

In an interview by ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Sinarimbo pointed out that several factors were the reasons for the bid to transition extension.

Sinarimbo, who is also the minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), added both the national government and the Bangsamoro government were ‘distracted’ in implementing its commitments to the normalization and mandates to the transition due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“Pati sa atin po medyo na disturb ‘yung focus natin doon sa pagpapatibay ng institusyon ng awtonomiya ng Bangsamoro Government, and then ‘yong paglalatag ng mga programa na maramdaman ng mga kababayan natin sa baba,” Sinarimbo added.

According to Sinarimbo, the normalization track peace deals entered into agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), are yet to be accomplished due to many factors and this was even acknowledged by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who heads the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Sinarimbo said some of obligations of the national government to the normalization were not fulfilled, and is taking more time to be completely implemented.

It can be noted that there have been delays in implementation of several components of decommissioning process of former combatants, in addition to other problems in camps transformation of six MILF camps, organization of Joint Peace and Security Teams, turn-over of ‘opt-in territories’, among others.

In a separate interview, Sinarimbo said that there have been delays in implementing some provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). 

“The bureaucracy moves in a way na hindi kasing bilis ng desire natin,” Sinarimbo said noting that obligations of the national government cannot be fulfilled in the three-year transition term of 2019 until 2022.

Sinarimbo further explained that these are “practical considerations” that the Bangsamoro government is looking into in the bid to extend transition period from 2022 to 2025.

Residents in remote NoCot villages trained on agro-technology

TULUNAN, North Cotabato – At least 50 residents from eight far-flung villages here are set to complete an agriculture technology training initiated by the military in partnership with the Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).

Participants in the agro-technology training are from the villages of Batang, Bacung, Bituan, Banayal, Nabundasan, Daig, Tuburan, and Magbok, all former communist-influenced areas in the municipality, according to the military.

1Lt. Walter Jhun Orille, the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) civil-military operations officer, said that the agriculture program forms part of the government’s Enhanced Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) that aims to improve the villagers’ agricultural output 

NPA official, 4 others killed in Army operation

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Five members of New People’s Army (NPA) were killed, including a high-ranking official in a law enforcement operation conducted by the Lake Sebu Municipal Police Station officers and 5th Special Forces Battalion under 6th Infantry Kampilan Division in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Wednesday, December 2.

The slain NPA suspects were identified as Romeo Libron and spouse Merly, Rogelio Magsaya, and two others initially identified only as Macoy and Megan.

Accordingly, Libron was a head of Regional Ordnance of Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC), a subject of warrant of arrest with criminal cases no. 5739 and 5740 for murder and several other warrants.  

The troops of army and PNP raided the suspects’ hideout in Sitio Kibang, Brgy Ned in the said town, around 5:00 in the morning.

More security personnel deployed to Datu Piang after BIFF attack

 Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas (File photo)

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said additional security personnel have been deployed in Datu Piang town, Maguindanao to prevent a repeat of Thursday's (December 3) attack of suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) terrorists. 

In a statement late Saturday, December 5, Sinas said reinforcements are composed of 70 personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14 under Lt. Col. Jeff Uy, and one section of 4th Special Action Battalion, PNP- Special Action Force (SAF) under Lt. Ian Rey Diolanto and Lt. Brett Allen Alde with 17 members.

He said units from 34th Infantry Battalion, and 6th Infantry Battalion of 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army were also sent to Datu Piang “to maintain peace and order and established normalcy in the area.”

Sinas said all other nearby municipal police stations in the province were also alerted against similar incidents of armed harassment on civilian communities.

He added that he had already informed Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año that Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) is now closely putting together all facts and evidence “to establish the circumstances surrounding these cases of attempted murder, arson, damage to property, indiscriminate firing, grave threats, and intimidation.”

Mangudadatu files bill resetting BARMM elections to 2025

 Maguindanao 2nd District Representative Esmael Mangudadatu. (PHOTO COURTESY OF MANGUDADATU'S OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY – Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu has filed a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to move the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from 2022 to 2025. 

The proposed measure effectively seeks to extend the transition period for the BARMM set by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) from 2019 to 2022 for another three years.

“My House Bill 8117 was a product of committee hearings conducted and consultations,” said Mangudadatu, chair of the House Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, in a statement Wednesday, December 2.

Livelihood kits benefit 250 Cotabatenos

COTABATO CITY – A total of P5 million worth of livelihood starter kits were turned over to this city from the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated and Emergency Employment Programs (DOLE DILEEP) at the Social Hall of the People’s Palace on Friday, December 4.

The said kits will assist the needs of 250 beneficiaries from 37 barangays in Cotabato city in starting their own eatery, barbershop, venture in carpentry, sewing, meat processing, baking, and cosmetology.  

Pursuant to Department Order No. 173 series of 2017, the DOLE DILEEP implemented programs to achieve one of the government's agenda which aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the poor, marginalized, and workers.

The said program will enable beneficiaries to jump start their entrepreneurship venture and provide for their families.

The city government of Cotabato, under the leadership of City Mayor Hon. Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi, together with partners from line agencies vowed to continuously help and alleviate the lives of the poor and marginalized, and improve the overall Cotabatenos' quality of life. (LGU-COTABATO, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

LGU ordinances needed before minors can enter malls

MANILA – Local government units (LGUs) would have to enact an ordinance allowing minors to enter malls despite the government's move allowing them to leave their homes provided they are with their parents or guardians, a ranking police official said on Tuesday, December 1.

"Kailangang pagtibayin yan ng isang ordinansa [It should be justified by an ordinance]," Joint Task Force Covid Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag said in a radio interview.

This came as the Metro Manila mayors' recommendation allowing minors to go to malls was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).  

"Aside from malls, they will also be allowed in parks because we should also give the children the chance to go out because this community quarantine has been going on in the past nine months,” Binag said. “But they have to be accompanied by their parents and this should take effect once an ordinance is approved by LGUs specifically here in Metro Manila.”

The IATF earlier allowed 15 to 65 years old to go out as the quarantine rules were eased as part of the preparation for the new normal.

Guns, bomb-making components seized in Maguindanao

 SECURING THE PERIMETER. Two members of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion take cover during a law enforcement operation against armed lawless elements on Tuesday morning, December 1, 2020, in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao. While the suspects eluded arrest, government forces found in their safe house assorted high-powered guns. (PHOTO COURTESY OF 40IB, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)  

 CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Government forces on Tuesday, December 1, seized assorted high-powered firearms and bomb components from the safe house of lawless gunmen in Sultan sa Barongis town of the province.

Lt. Colonel Rogelio Gabi, commander of the 40th Infantry Battalion who led the focused- military operation in Barangay Langgapanan, said government forces were after Edsrafil Manalasal Guiwan, a field commander of Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and a certain Lakim Esmael, a member of a kidnap-for-ransom gang.

BTA, SUBATRA hold workshop on strategic plan for Parliament Secretariat

 STRATEGIC PLANNING. BTA Parliament Secretary General Prof. Raby B. Angkal (1st from left) is joined here by SUBATRA Team Leader Rommert Folkertsma (2nd from right), Office of the Parliament Speaker Chief of Staff Atty. Ranao Datu-Dacula (2nd from left), and UNOPS Country Head Alberto Prieto (1st from right) during opening program of the seminar-workshop on developing strategic plan for the Parliament Secretariat. (ZSDIOLANAN, PUBLICATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS DIVISION, BTA PARLIAMENT, MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

 COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament in partnership with the European Union (EU) funded “Support to Bangsamoro Transition” (SUBATRA) programme successfully finished a three-day “Seminar-workshop on developing strategic plan for the Parliament Secretariat”, from December 1 to 3, held at Em Manor Hotel, this city.

Rommert Folkertsma, team leader of the SUBATRA programme, said the purpose of the workshop is to strengthen the skills of the BTA Parliament Secretariat.

“One objective of this activity is for them to acquire new tools in the development of a medium-term strategic plan,” Folkertsma said.

Speaker Pangalian M. Balindong stressed in his message as read by Chief of Staff Atty. Ranao Datu-Dacula, that the Bangsamoro government greatly encourages the active participation of the non-government organizations (NGOs) in its peace and development efforts.

'BIFF bomber' killed in Cotabato City shootout

 KILLED IN SHOOTOUT. Suspected bomber Abraham Abad Abdulrahman lays dead inside his hideout following a predawn shootout with authorities in Barangay Bagua 2, Cotabato City on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. A report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) says the suspect was one of those who planned and carried out the December 31, 2018 bombing at the entrance of South Seas Mall in Cotabato City that killed two and injured 34 other shoppers. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGADA NEWS FM COTABATO, MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

 COTABATO CITY – Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-BARMM) killed a suspected terror bomber at his hideout here during a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, December 1.

Maj. Esmael Madin, CIDG-BARMM deputy regional chief, identified the suspect as Abraham Abad Abdulrahman alias Abu Suffian, one of the primary suspects behind the South Seas Mall bombing on December 31, 2018.

The explosion that took place just outside the mall’s main entrance door killed two and injured 34 others.

“A surprised Abdulrahman was killed after pulling out a handgun from underneath a pillow on his bed and firing at our arresting team,” Madin said of the 1:30 a.m. operation against Abdulrahman and his group in Barangay Bagua 2

Madin said the arresting team was in the area to serve a search warrant issued by Judge Allan Edwin Boncavil of the 12th Judicial RTC Branch 19 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, against Jasmiya Camsa Ibrahim, an alleged cohort of Abdulrahman, for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Act.

“Unfortunately, Ibrahim, who is the primary target, managed to elude arrest,” Madin said.

Recovered from the slain suspect were a .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, and bomb-making components, and other evidence, he said. (NOEL PUNZALAN, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BARMM officials hopeful for extension of transition period

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11 high-powered firearms seized in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - Eleven high-powered firearms were seized from an armed lawless group (ALG) by the operating troops of 40th Infantry Magiting Battalion in Barangay Bulod, General SK Pendatun, Maguindanao, on Tuesday, December 1.

Operating troops of 40th IB conducted focused-military operation targeting a certain Commander Mac4 at Brgy. Bulod, GSKP town of Maguindanao, after an information from concerned civilians reported the presence of the said group in the area.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division, commended the decisive actions of troops led by Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, commanding officer of 40th IB, that resulted in the recovery of one (1) RPG, one (1) Barret, one (1) M79, one (1) M14, two (2) M16, four (4) 7.62mm AR16, one (1) submachinegun 9mm M10, and several identified war materials.

The ALG, led by Mac4, sought refuge in GSKP municipality when they evaded the focused-military operation conducted at Sitio Balayman, Brgy Langapanen, Sultan Sabarongis, adjacent town of GSKP on the afternoon of November 29.

Mindanao Week of Peace: BARMM highlights youth’s role in sustaining peace

 BYC Chairperson Marjanie Macasalong delivers the opening remarks during the Mindanao Week of Peace culmination in Cotabato City on December 3. 

COTABATO CITY – Significant roles of the Bangsamoro youth in peace promotion and community development were highlighted in this year’s culmination celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace in the region. 

Chairperson Marjanie Macasalong of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) said the youth are “valuable innovators and active agents of positive change.”

He also noted that the Bangsamoro youth have had a big contribution in the Bangsamoro struggle.

“Young people played an important role in the Bangsamoro peace process, and they continue to play an important role in safeguarding this peace,” Macasalong added.

The culmination activity, which stood on the theme “Zooming-in the Bangsamoro Peace Narratives’, was held on Thursday, December 3, at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City.

It showcased inspiring stories of selected youth peace advocates and leaders in different fields of governance, education, active citizenship, environment, health, and peacebuilding.

61 new MENRE officials take oath, pledge to BARMM’s moral governance

 Newly installed officials taking their oath and pledge to Bangsamoro Government’s Moral Governance

COTABATO CITY – Some 61 newly appointed officials and employees of Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) took their oath of office and pledged to Bangsamoro government’s ‘Moral Governance’ Wednesday, December 2, in Cotabato City.  

MENRE Minister Abdulraof Macacua led the oath taking ceremony and highlighted the adherence to moral governance specifying the importance of integrity and punctuality.

“The ministry hopes that we all abide by the values of moral governance and that we avoid the evils in it, especially graft and corruption.” said Macacua.

Macacua, who is also Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s executive secretary, urged them to value punctuality while working.

7 more NPAs yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat

COTABATO CITY – Seven more members of the New People’s Army surrendered Sunday, November 29, to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Major General Juvymax Uy, 6th ID’s commander, said Monday, November 30, the first to yield were Bryan Berallo Bransuela, Julito Blag, Romel Manguda, and Justie Mayao. 

They are now in the custody of the 7th Infantry Battalion whose officials secured their surrender through backdoor dialogues.

Uy said the four NPA former members are to be reintroduced to mainstream society with the help of the local government units (LGUs) of Senator Ninoy Aquino and Esperanza, both in Sultan Kudarat province.

The four NPAs belonged to a group operating in the hinterlands in both towns.

Three other NPAs, Joselito Kantem, Bebeng Dimaog, and Daniel Policia surrendered later on Sunday, November 29, and renounced their membership with the rebel group before pledging allegiance to the government.

7 CTGs in Sultan Kudarat surrender to ‘TAPAT’ troops

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Seven suspected members of communist guerrillas surrendered to the troops of 7th Infantry TAPAT Battalion under the Joint Task Force Central on Saturday, November 28.

The four former rebels were members of the Platoon My phone of Sub-Regional Command of Daguma under Far South Mindanao Regional Committee.

They are residents of Barangay Kuden, Senator Ninoy Aquino and Sitio Tudi, Brgy. Legodon, Esperanza all from Sultan Kudarat, while the three other combatants were members of guerilla unit 3 living in Brgy. Lagubang and Brgy. Midtungok of Senator Ninoy Aquino of the said province.  

The surrenderees, whose names are being withheld for security reasons are now undergoing custodial debriefing after they have denounced their membership in the communist organization and have returned to the folds of the law.

They yielded multiple firearms including one M1 rifle, one Garand rifle, two carbines, one .30 caliber M1, .30mm caliber sniper rifle, one rifle, caliber 30M1, Garand converted to 7.62mm, one 45 caliber pistol and one .357 caliber revolver.

"Donde" (not his real name) said that he decided to avail of the government’s offer of a new life for the sake of his family.

"Lalong humirap ang kalagayan namin ng pumasok ako sa Kilusan na akala ko ay tutulong sa amin. Aking iwinawaksi ang anumang armadong pakikibaka," Donde said.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, commander of 6th Infantry Kampilan Division and JTF Central, encouraged the former rebels to seriously consider the program being offered for them by the government as part of President Duterte's mandate through the EO 70 to “End Local Communist Armed Conflict”.

"Bumaba na sila at magbalik-loob sa gobyerno para makapiling nila ang kanilang mga anak at pamilya. Walang lugar dito sa Cental at South Central Mindanao ang mga terroristang grupo na NPA,” Uy, added. (DPAO, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)