PAF joins other security sectors in denouncing CTGs

COTABATO CITY - - - In a press release dated July 21, 2021, the Philippine Air Force publicly demands from the members of communist and terrorist groups (CTGs) to stop the spread of wrongful ideologies and criminal acts that impede on the rights and security of the citizens.

“Members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) have continuously spread false notions, recruit members, and destroy the image of the government, with the aim to topple down the current government, and claims that a country must not have leaders and laws. It is unjustifiable to believe in these narrow-minded people,” it stated. 

“Are your means that involve violence and harassment, right? Are you that desperate to get attention? Pity you. Just a reminder, you don’t have the power to control the people. You look stupid with what you do. You don’t have the right to abuse innocent children. If your purpose is to expand their knowledge, isn’t it better to consult the majority before you teach them your ways? Or are you just forcing them because you knew that nobody is on your side? If you think of it, who would like to adhere to your beliefs?” it added. 

In the country, New People’s Army (NPA) is one of the recognized CTGs.

From 2010 to 2020, the NPA has committed 1,506 atrocities, and 141 incidents that involved the use of banned anti-personnel mines against government troops and civilians were recorded, according to Center for Law of Armed Conflict of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“You may be deceived by the false notions spread by the NPA. But think again. To the youth, you are the future of the country. The desire for a free and progressive country is in your hands. Your free consciousness serves as a vessel for good morals, which will make you a good example to others. It is in your hands that the country will be reformed and developed. Let us help the country by setting aside our personal interests. Let us strive for the best and what’s right. For the country, fight against violence and armed struggle. It is high time to unite with the government. You are the future of the nation who will fight against their false and bent doctrines,” the press release ends.

The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

Rido settled between warring families in Maguindanao

Rido settlement between the Zailon and Menak families. Mayor Edris Sindatok of Datu Saudi Ampatuan (2nd from the left) and Mayor Solaiman Sandigan of Datu Salibo (rightmost) witness the signing of peace covenant on Sunday, July 25, 2021, between the involved parties. Click above to read more…..

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – Local chief executives, Mayor Edris Sindatok of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Mayor Solaiman Sandigan of Datu Salibo”, reconciled Sunday, July 25, two families after a long-standing rido.

Samarudin Zailon and Ansari Menak who are residents of Brgy. Sambolawan, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, decided to end their familial disputes.

The former warring families signed a peace covenant and pledged to the Almighty Allah, as their commitment to sustain peace and order within their families and respective communities. (Anne B. Acosta)

 

 

PAF exhibits assets during the 3rd Air Power Advocacy Forum

COTABATO CITY --- The Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao conducted the third Air Power Advocacy Forum in Western Mindanao at Edwin Andrews Air Base, Zamboanga City, on June 3. Click above to read more…..

Graced by Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao military chief, as guest of honor, the forum aims to showcase the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in search and rescue, medical evacuation, relief goods transport, repatriation of overseas Filipino workers, and environmental protection. 

The role of PAF in the protection of the country’s sovereignty and survival of troops were also exhibited. 

In a message, Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, commanding general of PAF, said the potentials of air power can maximize assets used in supporting Armed Forces of the Philippines units, local government units, and other important activities.

“When we talk about leveraging air power, we recognize that the proper coordination between land, naval, and air assets served to be a key in ensuring air superiority,” he said.

He also mentioned that numerous helicopters and transport aircraft are due for delivery this year to augment the existing assets in various areas of deployment of the security forces.

The forum was also attended by various commanders and officers from the AFP and Philippine National Police in Western Mindanao, along with the Joint Task Force (JTF) Central JTF Zampelan, JTF Zamboanga, JTF Basilan, JTF Sulu, JTF Tawi-Tawi, and Naval Forces Western in Mindanao.

NoCot hospitals to benefit from BARMM’s ‘AMBAG’ project

AMBAG Project Manager Mohd Asnin Pendatun during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement between the Office of the Chief Minister and provincial government of Cotabato.

COTABATO CITY – More indigent and low-income patients will get free medical assistance and healthcare support as three additional partner hospitals from North Cotabato forged a partnership with the Office of the Chief Minister on Friday, July 30.

Through the Ayudang Medikal Mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBaG) project, hospitals such as Aleosan District Hospital, which will receive P5 million; Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Amas, Kidapawan (P10 million); and Dr. Amado B. Diaz Hospital in Midsayap, in North Cotabato (P5 million) – joining other 22 hospitals within and outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as partner-beneficiaries.

BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua hopes that Friday’s memorandum of agreement signing will “foster a more profound sense of commitment and more extensive collaboration among all of us that will translate into concrete forward-looking actions for health.” 

“The Government of the Day is thoroughly determined to work with relentless vigor towards attaining universal health care. Together, we will continue with increased devotion in stamping out illness and in building a healthy Bangsamoro,” he added. 

On the other hand, Dr. Eva Rabaya, chief of the Provincial Health Office, expressed her gratitude to the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) “for considering Cotabato province for this very noble endeavor, particularly providing medical services that would benefit the communities in the 63 barangays in North Cotabato”. 

“Rest assured that the amounts provided to the province will be properly utilized under the management of each chief of hospitals as they will really help the medical needs of the patients admitted in three hospitals,” Rabaya added.

In his message read by Pendatun, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim said the AMBaG Project, as one of his special programs, was “born out of a simple yet meaningful desire to help the indigent and underprivileged Bangsamoro.” 

“The importance of lending a helping hand for medical expenses cannot come at a more suitable period than what we are experiencing today with the ongoing pandemic,” Ebrahim said highlighting that healthcare and medical services are among the top priorities of the government.

 

Since its creation in December 2019, AMBaG had already helped a total of 14,748 patients from its partner hospitals. Of which, 10,347 beneficiaries were totally cleared of their balances.

Qualified beneficiaries of the AMBaG project will receive an initial amount of P10,000 for medical support, provided that they will comply with the necessary requirements such as endorsement letter, a request letter addressed to the OCM, including their updated medical abstract and latest hospital bill.

According to Pendatun, patients whose hospital bills extend beyond the said amount will be forwarded to AMBaG Program Management Office (PMO) for arrangements. These also include those who are undergoing dialysis, chemotherapy, and physical therapy.

The said assistance will prioritize patients who are situated in the service ward. However, it will also cater those who are in-suite rooms and private rooms.

Applicants of the AMBaG’s medical services are encouraged to contact 0917-803-9295 or visit the official Facebook page, AMBaG-Ayudang Medikal Mula sa Bangsamoro Government. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MTIT-BARMM capacitates business enthusiasts, entrepreneurs

COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Industry (MTIT) conducted various skills and enterprise trainings for business enthusiasts in the Bangsamoro region on July 21 to 23 at Pagana Kutawato Native Restaurant in this city.

 This is in line with this year’s week-long celebration of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), which carried the theme, “Bangsamoro MSMEs: Go! Grow! Glow! For Resiliency, Development and Sustainability”. 

 The line-up of trainings focused on entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, good manufacturing pratices, hazard analysis critical control point, product development, and digital literacy skills.

During the opening program, Director General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo encouraged the MSMEs to adapt to the new normal and see what is the demand of the market. 

“Digital literacy is very important during this pandemic. Even other government services are shifting online,” he said.

Sinarimbo also challenged the MSMEs to “survive, sustain, and thrive during and even after the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, MTIT Minister Abuamri A. Taddik encouraged the participants to be more active in the business sector, considering that the pandemic have greatly affected the economy.

 “As a ministry responsible in the economic recovery of the region, we invite more people to engage in business particularly during this time of pandemic,” he said.

 A total of 24 MSMEs from Cotabato City and Maguindanao benefited from the trainings.

The three-day activity was capped off with an actual product clinic wherein the MSMEs presented and consulted their products to Mr. Christopher Gomez, an invited resource person for product development from Chromez Industrial Services based in Cagayan De Oro City.

  Gomez, during the event, gave vital and practical tips to each participating business owner about proper branding, labelling, and packaging of products. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

MP Esmael conducts capacity training for cooperatives in BARMM

Member of Parliament Abduladzis M. Esmael, Al-Haj, via zoom call (on screen) and participants of the program “A Day with BTA Member of the Parliament” held on to Monday, July 26, 2021, at Kutawato Hall, Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.

COTABATO CITY – The Office of Member of Parliament Abduladzis M. Esmael Al-Haj, initiated a two-day capacity training for 21 cooperatives of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants from the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat through the program dubbed as “A Day with BTA Member of the Parliament”.

Held on Monday and Thursday, July 26 and 29, participants received seminars and trainings on Islamic business and finance, financial inclusion, and financial growth 

In a message, Esmael said it is important to collaborate and achieve a sense of partnership among members of the cooperatives. 

“I hope everyone will earnestly take and learn from the trainings. This activity aspires to accommodate more cooperatives in the coming months,” he said.

Ustadz Abdulamanan Pasigan, in his lectures, introduced the importance of integrating Islamic finance into the systems of cooperatives to achieve financial inclusion and financial growth.

Also, Chief of Staff Khalid Esmael of the office of MP Esmael presented the significance of cooperatives in the grassroots level, which may have “huge potential in making a difference in their local economies.”

The two-day activity was a product of the series of public consultations among cooperatives to magnify their organizational capacities and become sustainable and resilient.

The Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority under the Office of the Chief Minister also envisions to strengthen the capacity of registered cooperatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. (MOHAMADAN ABDULKASAN, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MIPA-BARMM rescues 8 scammed Army applicants

Eight Army applicants who are members of the Teduray tribe from Upi, Maguindanao were rescued by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on Saturday, July 31, 2021, after getting scammed by MSgt. Gilbert Diwan.

COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao rescued Saturday, July 31, eight aspiring Army applicants who are members of the Teduray tribe from Upi, Maguindanao, after getting scammed by MSgt. Gilbert Diwan.

The said applicants were identified as Danilo Cornelio, Benzar Cornelio, Aladin Mosarta Ulobalang, Renato Amay Ulobalang, Nilo Clemente Timpadan, Benjie Montibayen Ulobalang, Jandy Ricardo Mobilao, and Lino Montibayen Timpadan.

According to them, after expressing their intention to enter the Philippine Army, Diwan assured them of immediate slots, which will shorten the application process.

However, a charge ranging from 35,000 to 45,000 was asked from the them, which Diwan said will be used in the processing of requirements.

Despite the applicants’ hesitation due to their educational attainment, they agreed to give in to Diwan’s offer after being guaranteed that it will not hinder them to pursue a career in the Philippine Army.

After paying a total of 390,000, Diwan brought them to Bulacan for the supposed training. For five months, the applicants stayed at his house who suffered from dire conditions, but Diwan never returned.

Their concern reached the media until MIPA was prompted regarding a group of applicants who were victimized of a scam. The said office, under the leadership of Minister Melanio Ulama, directly Development Management Officer III Jocelyn S. Palao, along with two other officials, to facilitate the rescue operation.

Now safe and back to their homeland, the said applicants still hope to enter the Philippine Army. (Anne B. Acosta)

MENRE-BARMM partners with LGUs to protect rivers in Maguindanao

Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Parang, Maguindanao on Saturday, July 24, 2021, for the protection and preservation of the town’s Nituan River. (Photo courtesy of MENRE-BARMM) 

COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) on Saturday, July 24, entered into an agreement with the local government unit of Parang, Maguindanao, to protect and preserve the Nituan River.

MENRE’s Chief Environment Management Specialist (EMS) Engr. Amier Ashan Aplal and Senior EMS Mahid Gayak signed the memorandum of agreement with Barangay Chairman Precious Johanney Biruar and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator May Quesada.

This partnership is in line with MENRE’s implementation of the Adopt-an-Estero program, which is a collaborative undertaking between and among the ministry, communities, donor-partners, LGUs, and other government agencies 

The program aims to clean waste, debris, and silt from the creeks, mobilize the communities for cleanup activities, and prepare and implement plans for the sustainable cleanliness of creeks and other water bodies in the region.

“The objective of this program is to preserve the cleanliness of our rivers, which we hope that the next generation could still witness and benefit from them,” Aplal said. 

“For 2021, our target is to adopt and rehabilitate 20 creeks under the Environmental Regulations and Pollutions Control Program. Per quarter, we urge them to adopt five creeks,” he added.

Since March this year, MENRE has already signed similar agreement with seven stakeholders in the provinces Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

These include Agumil Philippines Inc. in Buluan town, and EKA-SALAM Agri-Ventures Corp. in Ampatuan – all in Maguindanao; Bushra Base Command Marketing Cooperative in Butig, Farmers Producer Cooperative in Maguing, Wao Development Corporation in Wao, Kabataang Salam ang Hangarin (KASALAH) Buadipuso Buntong, and Mt. Kalatungan Agri-Ventures Inc. in Amai Manabilang – all in Lanao del Sur. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

IP group calls for BARMM extn to realize institutional reform

 Indigenous peoples join the rally supporting the passage of bills extending the Bangsamoro transition period. (File photo from Mindanao) 

COTABATO CITY – Indigenous peoples (IP) group in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) issued a signed manifesto on Monday, July 26, declaring their “unequivocal support” for pending Congress bills extending the transition period.

“If the transition period will not be extended, the Indigenous Peoples fear that the desired institutional reforms, particularly the protection and preservation of the Fusaka Inged (ancestral lands) and the entrenchment of the Tribal Justice System will be relegated and forgotten like what previously happened in the defunct ARMM,” the manifesto reads 

Received by the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, the manifesto was signed by Tribal Chieftains Phoebe Grace Villamor of the Higaonon Tribe and Timuay Felino Samar of the Teduray Tribe. Other signatories also include IP women Representatives Jocelyn Palao and Bae Magdalena Suhat of the North Cotabato Council of Elders.

“Based on the manifesto, if the extension bills will not be passed, we fear that the Indigenous Peoples Code will be disregarded,” Samar said during an online media forum held by the Mindanao Peoples Caucus on Thursday, July 29.

Article XVI, Section 4 of Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, mandates the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to enact seven priority codes including the Indigenous Peoples Code, which aims to promote IP rights and welfare, and protect and recognize their historical rights to their native lands.

The manifesto also states that “the process of IP Code drafting, consultations and consensus-building among the various tribes is still ongoing at various levels…These legal and cultural processes are hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limit the movement of peoples within and among the various communities, thus, causing delay in the enactment of the IP Code.”

“We will not falter in forwarding the advocacies and concerns of the IPs in BARMM because we feel that the current regional government is supportive of the realization of our collective aspirations and desired reforms,” Palao said.

The said IP leaders also commended the BARMM for designating two IP representatives in the BTA, and for significantly increasing the annual budget of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, as well as the approval of the Education Code that enjoined the establishment of a tribal university.

“This only shows the high level of respect afforded to the right to self-determination of the Indigenous Peoples within the autonomous region,” they stated in the manifesto. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Army gathers 97 loose firearms in Sarangani

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 97 loose firearms were surrendered by members and supporters of the New People’s Army and Dawlah Islamiyah to the local authorities of Maitum, Sarangani province, an official reported Thursday, July 29.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, commanding officer of the 603rd Infantry Brigade (IB), said the collected firearms – which include 94 homemade shotguns with ammunition, two M79 grenade launchers, and one homemade pistol – were turned over to the 603rd and 38th IB. 

“These loose firearms came from various personalities wherein some of them were believed to be members of Militiang Bayan under Platoon West Musa-Far South Mindanao Region,” Gubat said.

“The confiscated firearms were the results of the community support program and the sustained focused-military operations conducted by the ‘We Clear Troops’ since June 9, 2021 in Barangays Zion, Batian, Upo and New La Union, all of Maitum, Sarangani,” said Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, commanding officer of the 38th IB.

Atilano added that the surrender of loose firearms is a manifestation of the weakening forces of the communist terrorist groups (CTG) in the area as the security forces are actively pursuing the remaining members of the CTGs.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, lauded the efforts of the Army for protecting the residents of Sarangani province and sustaining peace and order in their areas of responsibility.

“Every loose firearm surrendered will save innocent lives and secure a better future for the next generations,” he said.

The turnover ceremony was graced by Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit, the local chief executive of the said municipality. (DPAO, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Access to potable water now possible for BARMM island provinces

  BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim and MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo during the inspection and launching of desalination machines on Friday, July 30, 2021, in Parang, 
 Maguindanao. 

BARMM island provincesPARANG, Maguindanao – To address the crisis on safe drinking water in the island provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the regional government is scheduled to deliver on August 4 three sets of desalination machines, which costs P20 million each, to the municipalities of Pata, Pandami, and Hadji Panglima Tahil in Sulu.

On Friday, July 30, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim and Interior and Local Government (MILG) Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo led the inspection and launching ceremony of the said project at Brgy. Polloc in Parang, Maguindanao 

At least ten units of machines that will convert salty sea into safe drinkable water will be installed in provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi by MILG, which are granted through the 2020 contingency fund of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM).

Ebrahim said the project is basically intended for waterless communities in the island provinces that have no access to clean and drinkable water.

“To our constituents especially those living in the island provinces, the regional government is doing its best to alleviate your problems, which are not only limited by the lack of access to safe and potable water,” he said.  

On May 27, MILG and Water Equipment Technologies (WET) Industries, Inc. signed a contract agreement.

WET Industries, Inc. Operation Manager Donna N. Paiso said they are fully committed to help and support the BARMM constituents and their government. 

“We commit ourselves to you and to the future projects of BARMM. We also vow to continue helping other people in Mindanao,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sinarimbo said seven desalination machines are already in transit from Manila to the region.

“Our target beneficiaries are waterless communities such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Based on testing, it was found out that despite the efforts to drill and extract water, it is still impossible to gather potable water. Also, the water remains high in salinity that’s why we need desalination machines,” he said.

During the inspection, a representative from the Commission on Audit was also in attendance. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

520 BASULTA farmers, fisherfolk to receive tech-voc trainings

 MAFAR Minister Dr. Mohammad Yacob (center), together with FAO Project Team Leader Ruben Miranda (left) and Assistant to the Minister for Special Concern Pendatun Patarasa (right), during the signing of letter of agreement on July 22, 2021. 

COTABATO CITY – Five-hundred twenty farmers and fisherfolk in the provincial islands of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi are set to undergo technical-vocational skills training after an agreement was signed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN).

On July 22, MAFAR Minister Dr. Mohammad Yacob and FAO Project Team Leader Ruben Miranda signed a letter of agreement under the project dubbed as “The Project for Agricultural Training for Establishment of Peace in Mindanao”, which will cover P4.7 million in total cost.

Funded by the government of Japan, the project is geared towards capacitating farmers and fisherfolk using production techniques and adaptive practices to sustain the growing agri-fishery sector in the islands.

It is projected to conduct 26 training batches of farmers and fisherfolk who will be trained on agriculture and horticultural courses, including basic agri-entrepreneurship, livelihood, and skills training.

Target beneficiaries are composed of former combatants and immediate families, Bangsamoro Women’s Auxiliary Brigade members, farmers and fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, out-of-school youth, and former grantees of Japan International Cooperation Agency-Market Driven Local Industry Promotion (JICA-MDLIP).

Yacob expressed his gratitude to FAO and the Japanese government for their partnership and commitment to “achieve self-reliant, food-secured, and resilient Bangsamoro.”

FAO assures to provide assistance to MENRE for the effective implementation of the said trainings

Also present during the event were MAFAR Assistant to the Minister for Special Concern Pendatun Patarasa, Director for Agriculture Services Engr. Ismail Guiamel, and other MAFAR and FAO key dignitaries who attended via online platforms. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

6 MILF camps receive medical supplies from MOH-BARMM

  Dr. Bashary Latiph, health minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, leads the turnover of medical supplies and devices to Moro Islamic Liberation Front camps in Maguindanao on July 28 to 29, 2021.

             MAGUINDANAO – Health facilities inside the six recognized camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) received medical supplies from the Bangsamoro Government through the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a series of turnover ceremonies.

MOH Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph led the turnover of medical supplies and devices to camps in Maguindanao, which include Camp Rajamuda in General Salipada K. Pendatun and Camp Abubakar in Barira on Thursday, July 29 

Camp Badr in Guindulungan and Camp Omar in Datu Hoffer were also given the same medical resources on Wednesday, July 28.

Beneficiaries received personal protective equipment (PPEs), face masks and face shields, alcohol, vitamins, Oresol powder, ointment, weighing scale, thermometer, and hygiene kits.

Latiph said the distribution of medical supplies will augment the available healthcare services in the province especially to the people living inside the MILF camps. 

“Ipinaabot natin ang mga medical supplies at devices na ito para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan dito sa mga kampong ito,” he said. 

The said MILF camps are set to receive more development projects, which aim to turn these areas into peaceful and productive communities, under the camps transformation component of the normalization process stipulated on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Meanwhile, similar supplies were earlier turned over to Camp Bushra Somiorang in Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur, and Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte in the last week of June.

Health facilities constructed inside these camps were funded through the Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Project that were implemented by the Community and Family Services International and Bangsamoro Development Agency.

“Ang tinatawag na camp transformation ay hindi lang camp transformation to a peaceful society, but also a camp transformation to a better health,” Latiph said.

Currently, the MOH and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process are set to build rural health units inside the camps to better and widen the available health services to the public. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Column

Olympic medal stories

Adding to the hall of fame of Filipino athletes, Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial are assured of medals in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. After 97 years, the Philippines finally bagged the first gold medal after Diaz has beaten with a one-point margin Liao Qiuyun of China who took the silver with 223 kilograms. With the prestige and honor attached to Olympic medals, what do they really mean for the common Filipinos?  

Following the story of Hidilyn Diaz, she won her first silver Olympic medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics. At that time, she became the first woman in the Philippines to win an Olympic medal. However, apart from winning the country’s first gold, she was also vocal and insistent about asking for support to be given to Filipino athletes. In June 2019, she went public and pleaded for financial support. With her adamant efforts to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics despite the criticisms, she has also become a champion of athlete’s rights and welfare.  Her victory opened opportunities to young and thriving athletes who may have lost hope or have become tired of trying. The medal, based on her story, is a symbol of perseverance.

Another Filipino athlete assured of an Olympic medal is Nesthy Petecio, a boxer from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, who is the first woman to win a boxing medal. Despite the fact that Filipino Olympic boxers had already brought home several medals, female boxers are yet to break that drought. Now that Petecio will be competing in the final round (as of writing), women boxers are put in the spotlight, who are now seen as capable and remarkable as their male counterparts. The medal, based on her story, is a symbol of equality amidst a male-dominated sport.

The third Filipino athlete who will receive an Olympic medal is Manny Pacquiao’s “natural successor”, Eumir Marcial. The Olympic semifinalist (as of writing) who hails from Zamboanga City admitted that apart from strenuous and difficult training sessions, Pacquiao’s motivational advice pushed him to pursue his Olympic dreams. “The higher you get, the humbler you should be.” These are the exact words Pacquiao had instilled in him. Apart of going for the gold, Marcial said in an interview that his journey is also for the entire country. The medal, based on his story, is a symbol of humility.

Above all, the Olympic medal is a symbol of our collective dreams. Despite financial constraints, lack of sports facilities and training centers, and limited sponsorship grants and opportunities that many Filipino athletes face, they have continued to strive and fight for their what they truly deserve.

Apart from Olympic medals, may our future athletes win more rights and spaces in the country.

 Let us hope that no more Filipino athlete will have to beg for support and assistance. Let us envision for changes and developments in our institutions to favor sports apart from the more prominent basketball and boxing. And let us start writing victorious stories by championing the rights and welfare of our athletes in the country.

Editorial

Lower crime rat

The Philippine National Police (PNP), in a press release dated July 30, 2021, reported that the crime rate in the country has dropped by 64 percent in the past five years. The success, according to PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, was achieved due to aggressive law operations (which include the campaign against illegal drugs) and the efficacy of solving crimes, which reflect the accomplishment of the PNP in “maintaining peace and order and protecting people from criminal records and terrorist elements.” If the country’s top security agency has been effective in its fight against criminal acts and terrorist attacks, how is it reflected in communities?

Better internal policing. As emphasized by Eleazar, part of the effective crime campaign is the involvement of community members. This gave citizens the upper hand to report immediately suspicious and criminal activities in their respective residences. As a result, timely interventions are given to prevent and resolve crimes.

Amidst pandemic, the PNP has harnessed the power of social media due to limited movement imposed by the current health protocols. Web-based platforms such as E-Sumbong and Project E-ACCESS through the PNP anti-cybercrime group were utilized. The former uses Facebook in reporting crime and seeking police assistance, while the latter gives netizens access to information regarding cellular phone numbers, e-mails, and social media accounts that are being used for illegal online activities. By empowering citizens to become active agents of peace and order, healthy cooperation between the police and community will be achieved.

Enhanced sense of security. Based on the PNP data, a total of 1,113, 712 focus crimes were recorded from July 2010 to June 2015 compared to only 395, 920 recorded focus crimes from July 2015 to June 2021, which reflects a 64.45 percent reduction rate. By definition, focus crimes include murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, robbery, theft, and carnapping of motor vehicles. With more resolved cases and convicted suspects, citizens would feel safe and secured.

However, the aforementioned claim was challenged by data published by Global Finance, an international monthly magazine, which ranked the Philippines at the bottom of the list of safest countries. Based on three factors (war and peace, personal security, and natural disaster risk), the Philippines got a score of 14.8899 in the Global Finance Safety Index, putting it at the bottom of 134 countries included in the ranking. Iceland was listed as the safest country with a score of 3.9724. As a response, the PNP said that the country’s statistics of crime rate does not jive with the ranking. Though, considering that the criteria involved isn’t only limited to lower crime rates, the PNP took the Global Finance’s findings as a challenge to bet

yond statistics, may all Filipinos continue to obey the laws of the land to maintain communities that are safe, respectful, and dignifying. May all Filipinos continue to stay humane, for criminality and terrorism hinder progress and development in the country.

Solon says bill postponing BARMM elections now on final stage

Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri (File photo)

COTABATO CITY – Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri announced during the Bangsamoro Governance Summit on Friday, July 23, that the passage of the bill postponing the elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is now on its final stage.

  The postponement, according to him, will allow the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to fulfill its mandated duties in achieving elusive peace and prosperity in the Bangsamoro region. 

“In shaa Allah, within a month, we will get it done,” Zubiri said.

 Senate Bill No. 2214, a bill that would move the BARMM’s first regular elections from 2022 to 2025, was discussed on the second reading in June.

This August, Congress will resume deliberations on the proposed bill.

Once passed into law, the transition period will be extended for another three years. The bill aims to provide enough time for the interim government to accomplish the transition requirements cited in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), including the passage of the six priority legislations.

Currently, three of the six codes – administrative, civil service, and education code – were already approved in the Parliament.

Other key measures such as the local government, electoral, and revenue code, are currently in the appropriate committees and are ready to be presented in the plenary.

BARMM steps-up monitoring, evaluation system efforts

 BPDA Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali (in pink polo shirt), UNDP-Pintig Lab Project Coordinator Jeffrey Pilapil (in blue polo shirt), BPDA Deputy Director General Engr. Amil Abubacar (leftmost), and Camelia N. de Vera-Dacanay (rightmost) unveil the Bangsamoro Development Tracker (BDT) during its official launch on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at BPDA Conference Hall, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City. (Photo courtesy of Lovella L. Lastimosa)

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is improving the region’s monitoring and evaluation system as it officially launched on Thursday, July 22, the Bangsamoro Development Tracker (BDT).

Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, director general of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), said BDT is an interactive dashboard of the 1st Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) 2020-2022 in a virtual and engaging manner.

“It was technically developed with set of tools to make the data submission easier for ministries, offices, and agencies and integrate it as part of BARMM’s strategic operation,” he said.

BARMM holds 1st governance summit to link, strengthen LGUs

 Governors and local chief executives of the five provinces of BARMM with Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim (third from right) and Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM spokesperson and MILG minister, during the Bangsamoro Governance Summit held Friday, July 23, 2021, in Cotabato City.

COTABATO CITY – In pursuit of upholding moral governance and uplifting the lives of its people, the Bangsamoro Government held its first Bangsamoro Governance Summit 2021 here on Friday, July 23.

 The summit aims to fortify coordination among BARMM local chief executives (LCEs) and the regional government to ensure alignment of the consolidated and deliberated programs and projects laid out by each local government unit (LGU) for its inclusion in the region’s priority Projects Program Activities (PPAs) for the fiscal year 

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim expressed his hope that the summit will help the region achieve a more responsive and grounded governance. 

“I am optimistic that we can bridge our programs, projects, and activities that are genuinely responsive to the needs of our people,” he said.

Ebrahim also said the transition period provides the Bangsamoro the opportunity to build the foundations that would address development challenges.

“I am proud to say that we have done significant strides in laying the groundwork needed for the attraction and infusion of capital – such as stable environment, infrastructure, and favorable regulatory schemes – but we still need to do a lot more and we need more time. It is along these lines in which strong partnership between the Bangsamoro Government and the local government units is of high importance”, he said.

“Over the past week, regional authorities went to your respective provinces and listened to your plans and priority programs and projects. We believe that being the government at the local level, you can shed more light on the situation on the ground,” he added.

LCEs and governors from the BARMM’s five provinces, contingents from the national government including Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sec. Salvador Panelo and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri (via Zoom), BARMM key officials, and development partners attended Friday’s event.

In a message read by Panelo, Senator Bong Go said: “Our LGUs will play a vital role in this endeavor by ensuring that our government is seen, heard, and felt by the people.”

“Your success in this undertaking will definitely complement the national agenda to further empower our LGUs to become stronger, more capable, and more resilient,” Go added.

Go also reiterated his unwavering support to the Bangsamoro Government and lauded its efforts in serving the people amidst pandemic.

“I salute the BARMM for continuing the hard work despite the challenges caused by the present COVID-19 pandemic, and for being one with the government in finding ways to secure a peaceful, stable, and progressive future for Muslim Mindanao,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Zubiri commended the interim government of BARMM for holding the summit despite the challenges it faces amidst pandemic.

“I’m very happy to see that despite the challenges of this pandemic, the BTA and our LGUs were able to hold much-needed consultations to identify the needs of our people and what projects and programs that they require both short-term and the long-term,” he said.

Furthermore, BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua presented the Mandanas Ruling, which aims to significantly affect the service delivery of Bangsamoro LGUs constituencies.

“The impact of Mandanas Ruling is another issue that we need to look into and integrate into our local government code. While the Ruling provides you more financial resources, it would also mean that some of nationally funded projects will be devolved to you,” he said.

He added that through the summit, both local and regional governments can best coordinate, cooperate, and collaborate towards the same goal of making lives easier for the Bangsamoro people 

During the summit, Governors Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. of Lanao del Sur, Jim Hataman Salliman of Basilan, Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi Provincial  Planning and Development Coordinator Wahab Bakil, Guindulungan, Maguindanao Municipal Mayor Datu Midpantao Midtimbang, Jr., and Special Geographic Area (SGA) Administrator Mohammad “Kellie” Antao, presented their respective Provincial Development Frameworks and PPAs.

To cap off the event, BARMM key officials, which include Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesperson and concurrent interior and local government minister, and Engr. Mohajirin Ali, director-general of Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), presented the State of Local Governance Functionality and Performance and the Regional Development Directions and Priority Thrusts for 2022, respectively. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BARMM all set for 2021 Bangsamoro Governance Summit

BARMM Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra (center), Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan (in blue shirt), and Trade, Investments, and Tourism Minister Abuamri Taddik (in stripes), along with some Sulu officials during the conduct of the Bangsamoro Governance Pre-Summit in the region’s five provinces on Saturday, July 17, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Interior and Local Government) 

COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) has successfully completed the conduct of the 2021 Bangsamoro Governance Pre-Summit in the five provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including its special geographic areas (SGAs) in North Cotabato.

On Saturday, July 17, local government units (LGUs) in the provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, as well as the provincial heads of the different BARMM ministries, presented their proposed programs and projects for inclusion in the region’s priority Projects Program Activities for fiscal year 2022.

The pre-summit in Sulu held Saturday was led by Governor Abdusakur Tan, Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra, and Trade, Investments, and Tourism Minister Abuamri Taddik.

Army, MBHTE-BARMM produce first ALS graduates in Sulu

 BASIC EDUCATION. A soldier-teacher handling Basic Literacy Program teaches Alternative Learning System students basic education in this undated photo. A total of 103 learners complete on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, their respective ALS program jointly implemented by the 11th Infantry Division and the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education in Patikul, Sulu. (Photo courtesy of the 11ID Public Affairs Office) 

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A 56-year-old housewife of Patikul, Sulu expressed elation that she was able to acquire basic education despite her age through the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Manis Hasan, is one of the 103 learners who completed on Wednesday, July 21, their respective ALS program jointly implemented by the 11th Infantry Division (ID) and the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) in the province of Sulu.

Column

Scientific solutions

With the emergence of new viruses and diseases in the present times, it is high time for the country to establish its own virology institute to aid leading agencies such as the Department of Health and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Diseases in the prevention and management of viral diseases. The consequences brought about by viral pandemics to the country’s population and economies are insurmountable. In fact, according to the data from World Bank, the estimated economic loss is at least 80 billion US dollars from six major outbreaks of highly fatal infections between 1997 and 2009 around the globe. Given this, the importance of scientific research gives the country an advantage to develop mechanisms in tracking, investigating, and diagnosing emerging viral diseases.

On May 22 last year, the Department of Science and Technology publicly expressed its intention to establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines. Efforts to institutionalize the move have now reached the House of Representatives where current Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said on Friday, July 23, two measures seeking to establish the Philippine Virology Institute are being prioritized.

Editorial

Fill the gaps

Quality conversations about love, sexuality, and relationships are still difficult to achieve between parents and children in the country, which is one of the reasons why cases of teenage pregnancy are rising, according to the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Population and Development (PopCom), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). PopCom chief, in one DOH press releases, cited the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality study which showed that “only 10% of Filipino youth reported that sexuality was discussed in their homes and that young people are likely to consult their peers for questions about sexuality.” This reflects a gap between parents and children, making issues on the aforementioned topics unattended and unresolved in various households. 

As a response, DOH, PopCom, and USAID utilized Facebook as a main tool to formulate parenting strategies given the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies in the country. Through a Facebook page, Konektado Tayo PH, pertinent information about love, sexuality, and relationships are provided and discussions on such matters are comprehensively conducted by experts. To date, the said online campaign had already reached more than 13 million people. Also, engagements based on statistics are from 35 to 54 age groups, which are the intended audience for the campaign.

Aside from communication gap, there are structural and cultural problems that teenagers have to hurdle to overcome their circumstances.