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’)

2 Lanao del Sur municipalities benefit from installed ATMs

 Photo shows Mayor Edna V. Ogka-Benito, DMD of Balabagan town, inks partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Development Bank of the Philippines represented by its president, Emmanuel Herbosa, and secretary of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Emmanuel F. Piñol. (PHOTOS BY ARGIE LEPARTO, MINDA OC, MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

 MALABANG, Lanao del Sur - One of Mindanao's oldest agricultural companies established in the 1900s by American Thomasites, and two municipalities in Lanao del Sur were connected to the banking network for the first time yesterday with the installation of three automated teller machines (ATM) by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). 

2 arrested, P340-K shabu seized in NoCot buy-bust

 BUSTED. A member of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Region 12 makes an accounting of the estimated P34,000 suspected shabu seized from two suspects (in handcuffs) during a drug buy-bust in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Thursday, December 3, 2020. The suspects are passenger vehicle drivers plying the adjacent Pigcawayan – Sultan Kudarat route bordering North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGADA NEWS FM – COTABATO, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)  

COTABATO CITY – Two suspects were arrested while P340,000 worth of suspected shabu was seized following a drug buy-bust in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Thursday afternoon, December 3.

In a report, Kath Abad, spokesperson of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-12 (Soccsksargen), identified the suspects as Miko Kamsa, 32; and Badrudin Sali, 33; both passenger vehicle drivers and residents of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

“The two were nabbed following the exchange of money and shabu stuff with an undercover agent in Barangay Poblacion 2, Pigcawayan,” Abad said.

Seized from the suspects were P340,000 worth of shabu, drug paraphernalia, and the stack of bogus money bills with a real P1,000 on top.

“They attempted to run but both were surprised that lawmen have surrounded them,” Abad said.

Both suspects are now detained at the Pigcawayan polices station and face violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (NOEL PUNZALAN, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

“Malasakit ng Agila” programlaunched in ‘Liberator’ brigade

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - The lady governor of Maguindanao, Hon. Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu, together with Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of 6th Infantry Kampilan Division, spearheaded the launching of “Malasakit ng Agila” program during the 34th founding anniversary celebration of 602nd Infantry Liberator Brigade in Camp Lucero, Carmen, North Cotabato on Monday, November 30.

Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana PA, in his speech, delivered by Maj. Gen. Uy said: “As your former 6ID Commander, I am truly happy to take part in this launching of the ‘Malasakit ng Agila’ program or AGILA Haven, that aims to address violent extremism in the province of Maguindanao and the concerns of former rebels upon their return to the folds of the government.” 

Maguindanao Governor Mangudadatu stressed that the series of surrender of the former rebels is another positive outcome of the current efforts through the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) program in support to the national government’s peace and development agenda.

Editorial

Governance and technology

At the height of Covid-19 pandemic, institutions have responded to the need for physical distancing, constant disinfection of highly exposed areas, and the implementation of a skeleton workforce. Given all these, the operations in government agencies have slowed down, limiting the admission of people and their transactions to inhibit the spread of coronavirus disease. The current situation has pushed for a shift to online engagements through the intensified use of social media and other platforms for communication (Gmail, Zoom, Discord, etc.) in announcements, meetings, socialization, information dissemination, and interaction. The current situation also paved way for the utilization of technology in governance which was maximized by the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

According to lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM minister of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), the said government will switch office transactions to digital to reduce the face-to-face proceedings which was inspired by the success achieved by Bangladesh in its adaptation of e-governance. The pilot testing of the implementation was started by BARMM-MILG which was reinforced by a three-day seminar-workshop in e-governance in Davao city that commenced on December 3.