Dawlah Islamiya leader killed, 2 captured in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A leader of Dawlah Islamiya (DI), a notorious local terrorist group was killed while two others were arrested during a law enforcement operation conducted by the military in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao on Saturday, July 17.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, commanding officer of the Army’s 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, identified a slain terrorist only through his alias as “Tong Bomber”, a bomb expert responsible for attacks against military convoys and installations in the province

“While our troops approach the location of the suspected terrorists, we were met by heavy fires forcing our troops to retaliate,” he said.

Also arrested during the Saturday’s operation were two other cohorts identified as Nondo Sangalan and Tong Sangalan, who both peacefully surrendered.

Seized from them were one M14 rifle, ammunition, and two improvised explosive devices.

“This accomplishment displays the important role of the community in defeating the threats brought by the terrorist groups in Maguindanao,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade.

BTA bill hopes to strengthen BARMM’s satellite coordinating offices

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Parliament has proposed a measure that will strengthen the Bangsamoro satellite coordinating offices, citing that it will increase operational effectiveness and reinforce the efficient government’s program implementation.

Bill No. 116 or Bangsamoro Satellite Coordinating Office Act of 2021 proposes to improve collaboration, coordination, management, and communication between the regional government and its component local government units. 

     The bill aims to ensure that the BARMM’s three subregions – South Western, North Central, and South Central Mindanao – have “full and effective participation” in developing and implementing the projects in the region.

It will function as the Chief Minister’s coordinating offices, providing advisory or consultative services to their respective subregions.

“The coordination between these areas as well as the different levels of the government in the region is essential to ensuring the protection of the general welfare of the Bangsamoro people,” authors wrote in their explanatory note.

Through the bill, the coordinating office is expected to exercise its functions and mandates such as to coordinate and evaluate the implementation of all programs and projects in the subregion; mandate the LGUs in submitting comprehensive local development plans, in coordination with their Local Planning Officer and Local Development Council; establish linkages with the region’s LGUs in pursuing program development; recommend the enactment of local ordinances and the enhanced implementation of local programs; assist in the implementation of all cross-border regional projects along and within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; and promulgate rules and regulations and perform such other powers and functions necessary

“Close cooperation and continuous dialogue between these regional actors will enable the Bangsamoro Government to make informed decisions and crucial changes in its implementation, if needed, and ultimately lead to responsiveness and efficiency,” the authors added.

Members of the Parliament Amir Mawallil, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, and Atty. Rasol Mitmug presented the bill in the plenary on Wednesday, July 14. (PUBLICATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS DIVISION / MINDANAO EXPOSE’

BARMM’s ‘palay’ output yields up to 36% in Q1 2021

COTABATO CITY – During the first quarter of 2021, a significant 36.46 percent increase in palay production in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was recorded by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

This was affirmed by Saudi Mangindra, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform’s chief of agriculture for operations, during the culmination ceremony of Farmers’ Field School (FFS) training held Tuesday, July 13, at Brgy. Liong, Barira town in Maguindanao.

According to him, the 36.46 percent hike is equivalent to 310,012 metric tons, as compared to 196,987 metric tons logged last year.

Mangindra said, “this is a huge accomplishment for the reason that before, the region usually hit about a 3 to 5 percent increase in rice production.”

He also acknowledged the significant contribution of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice-Midsayap) to BARMM’s agriculture sector.

Meanwhile, Ommal Abdulkadil, assistant director of PhilRice Midsayap, said amidst COVID-19 pandemic, the agriculture sector and its agencies remained resilient and continued to provide the needed food supply.

“Ang ahensya ng pagsasaka ang patuloy na naging matatag sa gitna ng pandemya. Kaya kung wala ang ating magsasaka, wala po tayong kakainin,” he said.

MAFAR is currently working on conducting more FFS training across BARMM in order to sustain and secure food production in the region. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

 

Ministry of Health offers medical scholarships to BARMM students

COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro graduates of pre-medical courses may avail themselves of free medical schooling as the Ministry of Health (MOH) offers scholarships starting August this year.

Dr. Bashary Latiph, current health minister, and University of Southern Mindanao (USM) President Francisco Gil Garcia, PhD signed a memorandum of agreement on Monday, July 12, in Kabacan, North Cotabato, to formally start the Bangsamoro Medical Scholarship Program in the universit 

BARMM trains SK officials, youth sector thru ‘ESKEY’

Bangsamoro Youth Commission Chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong (in green polo shirt) during the capacity building training of Sangguniang Kabataan and youth organizations on July 16 to 18, 2021. (Photo courtesy of the Bangsamoro Information Office) 

COTABATO CITY – Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, youth development officers, and council members across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have undergone a serie“performing and functioning institutions”.

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) and the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) conducted the mandatory trainings through a collaborative initiative dubbed as ESKEY or “Engaging the SK, Empowering the Youth”. 

Trainings covered the topics of Republic Act 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, decentralization and local governance, meetings and resolutions, budgeting and planning, and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong, BYC chairperson, said trainings are directed towards equipping the youth leaders for better governance in the Bangsamoro region.

“We have been doing this activity in order to instill a strong foundation for the proceeding generation,” he said.

Around 120 Local Youth Development Officers (LYDOs) and members of Local Youth Development Councils (LYDC) from 12 towns in Lanao del Sur have undergone the said trainings on July 16 to July 18.

Nasserudin Dunding, BYC commissioner for Maguindanao and special geographic areas, said trainings are being conducted in order to support the implementation and realization of their mandates to uplift the lives, perspectives, and empowerment of the youth sector in their communities.

“The Bangsamoro Government remains committed to support the empowerment and development of the youth sector. We envision that these trainings will capacitate you in order to deliver your mandate in your respective communities,” he said.

In the province of Maguindanao, 527 SK officials underwent the trainings in April and May. About 150 LYDOs and members of LYDC from 15 towns in Maguindanao underwent similar trainings in June.

On July 12, similar mandatory trainings were conducted in Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi for their first batch, while schedule for Basilan and Sulu participants will be on August.

ESKEY is a partnership program between the MILG and BYC that aims to ensure that the youth leaders in Bangsamoro region are engaged, connected, informed, and capacitated. The partnership started in August 2020. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

 

 

Balabagan mayor cleared of corruption charges, resumes COVID-19 vax rollout

Mayor Edna Ogka-Benito of Balabagan, Lanao del Sur (right photo). With her husband, Hji. Fahad Benito, a retired police officer, they received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, along with other 543 eligible residents of the said municipality (left photo).

BALABAGAN, Lanao del Sur – The local chief executive here, Mayor Edna Ogka- Benito, was acquitted of corruption charges after Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Rafael Lagos decided to dismiss the case due to lack of strong evidences.

A corruption case was filed by previous Municipal Budget Officer Sarahlyn Masbud against Mayor Benito for allegedly depriving Masbud of her salary in 2004 and replaced her after the latter was unable to present her original appointment paper.

According to the office where Masbud had worked, she was declared AWOL or absent without official leave.

Meanwhile, this municipality, through the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Lanao del Sur, continued the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Under the leadership of Dr. Jasmin Bacarat of IPHO-Lanao del Sur, a total of 543 eligible individuals were inoculated on Thursday, July 15. Also, 100 individuals received their first dose of Astrazeneca vaccine on same day.

Mayor Benito expressed her gratitude to the IPHO-Lanao del Sur headed by Dr. Alinader D. Minalang for their prompt and efficient assistance to successfully conduct the vaccination program.

“I thank the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Lanao del Sur their assistance and guidance in implementing the COVID-19 vaccination program in this locality,” she said. (Anne B. Acosta)

Column

Why are they killing our lawyers?

In broad daylight, lawyer Sitti Gilda Mahinay-Sapie and her husband Muhaimen Mohammad Sapie were killed in Solariega, Brgy. Talomo, Davao City on Wednesday, July 14. A closed-circuit television video is now circulating in social media showing the couple while conversing with some visitors outside of their residence. Shortly after, Atty. Sapie sank to her knees without anyone pointing a gun at her. When her husband approaches, he was also shot from a distance. Authorities rushed the two victims to Southern Philippines Medical Center but both had expired. Responding to the incident, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines has condemned the killings and called on authorities to protect lawyers and allow them to practice their profession without the fear of attacks. Sadly, another public servant and pro bono lawyer adds to the names of slain legal professionals. 

From 1977 to 2021, at least 110 lawyers, judges, and prosecutors were killed in the country. According to current tally derived from the Supreme Court, Department of Justice, Free Legal Assistance Group, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, and Rappler, at least seven lawyers were killed during Marcos’ administration; Corazon Aquino (9); Ramos (none); Estrada (2); Arroyo (22); Benigno Aquino (9); and 61 were killed under the administration of current President Rodrigo Duterte.

Amidst the public clamor and established mechanisms to protect lawyers, why are they still vulnerable to threats and intimidation?

Maybe because of the country’s state of impunity. Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid, in a Manila Bulletin opinion article, shared their book entitled “Crimes and Unpunishment, The Killing of Filipino Journalists”, which presented levels of analyses of the country’s state of impunity, including its causes, manifestations, and implications. On the book, Dr. Michael Tan discussed that impunity can be structural (where structures only serve the abusers of powers), strategic (where laws and regulations are used to derail legal processes), and political or psychological (where political options are restricted through manipulation of fear). Also, Law Dean Jose Manuel Diokno, also notably examined impunity as an act of cooptation of three important institutions – law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts. Impunity, he said, is a result of “failure by the state to meet its obligations – to investigate, and to take appropriate action.” 

Maybe because of the country’s unequal power relations. Like journalists, lawyers are also purveyors and gatekeepers of truth. Atty. Lorna Patajo-Katipunan, in one of her Business Mirror opinion articles, highlighted that being an “attorney is not only a title – it is a responsibility. She also noted that lawyers are expected to embody qualities of “truth speaking, of a high sense of honor, of granite discretion, of the strictest observance of fiduciary responsibility…” But the threats of misinformation and disinformation make it more difficult for lawyers to seek and uphold the truth. The country, unfortunately, is losing against those who have the power to control and manipulate the truth.

Whatever the reason, Atty. Sapie’s death is another wake up call for us to strengthen current mechanisms that protect our lawyers and other legal professionals. To achieve reform and justice, we need to make the perpetrators of abuse and killings accountable; we need to establish more safe spaces for lawyers to practice their profession; and we need to involve the entire society to examine how evil acts turn into a culture of impunity that pushes people to undermine respect, human dignity, and life.

Editorial

Silver linings

Alarmingly, the formidable and more transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has entered the country, the Department of Health reported Thursday, July 15. Of the current 19 recorded cases, 11 contracted the virus locally while the rest are overseas workers. The government’s National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, however, assured on Friday, July 16, under the leadership of Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., that the country is prepared against the Delta variant. He said the government has scaled up both of its hospitalization and treatment capacity through the Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate strategy. He added that consultations with local government officials in the Visayas, the Davao Region, and Northern Mindanao are conducted to check their COVID-19 situation.click above to read more.....

Amidst the growing number of COVID-19 cases, are the current strategies still effective? Perhaps the better question would be, are Filipinos ready for another surge?

For the record, the Philippines was placed under a 16-month indefinite lockdown already. When it comes to economy, according to Our World in Data, a trusted non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom, the country was placed at the bottom in the whole world. It also belongs to the list of countries with low vaccination rates of below 10 percent of the total population. As of June 18, 2021, the country logged a 5.4 vaccination rate, still far from the targeted 70 percent to attain herd immunity. Despite the seemingly negative statistics, the country slowly progresses towards bouncing back from the adverse effects of the pandemic.

One of the hopes that the country banks on is the increased number of Filipinos who are willing to get vaccinated. According to the recent survey of the Social Weather Station (SWS) conducted on June 23 to 26, around 45 percent of Filipinos are now willing to get inoculated. Though it did not reflect at least 50 percent of the total respondents, it was a huge leap from the initial 32 percent willing Filipinos recorded in May. Regionally, the SWS stated that “willingness to get vaccinated is highest in Metro Manila with 49 percent – an eight percentage point jump compared to last May.  It was followed by Luzon at 46 percent, Mindanao with 42 percent, and Visayas with 41 percent.”

Another progress the country has achieved is the increased number of vaccinated Filipinos. On Tuesday, July 13, the country has recorded its highest number of administered COVID-19 vaccines in a day with 375,059 doses, the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 reported. Health Secretary Francisco Duque also said in a pre-SONA press briefing the country has already administered a total of 14 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, including around 10 million administered doses of first jabs.

While the government continues to fortify its mechanisms in beating COVID-19, the aforementioned developments provide silver linings to those who continue to suffer amidst this health crisis. As the country moves forward towards collective healing, may everyone, regardless of social positions, continue to follow health protocols and get vaccinated. Indeed, silver linings remain as false hopes without actions.

Datu Saudi Ampatuan completes Step 2 of PhilSys reg

Municipal Mayor Edris A. Sindatok of Datu Saudi Ampatuan while completing the second step of the Philippine Identification System registration.

DA Datu Saudi Ampatuan completes Step 2 of PhilSys regTU SAUDI AMPATUAN – The local government here, under the leadership of Mayor Edris A. Sindatok, completed the second step of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration on Monday, July 12.

Through the assistance of Hji. Razulden A. Mangelen, OIC-regional director of the Philippine Statistics Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, this municipality has registered its constituents for the national ID.

Step 2 of the registration process includes capturing the biometric information and validation of the documents of registrants.

Under Republic Act No. 11055, all Filipinos citizens and resident aliens are required to secure their national ID, which will used in all government transactions, including private and public affairs 

PSA aims to reach its target of 50 to 70 million registrations by the end of 2021.

As of Wednesday, July 14, 16.2 million individuals have also completed their Step 2 registration or biometrics capture while 343,742 registrants have already received their PhilID or national ID cards. (Anne B. Acosta)

 

Editorial

Information consumption

Apart from vaccination and adherence to health protocols, information consumption is also vital to withstand the current health crisis. Due to the rise of misinformation in social media platforms, many Filipinos were victimized by false information about ways to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). From the “banana diet” to the intake of anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin, a significant portion of the population were forced to believe these false and debunked information (through science and research), just to become immunized from COVID-19. Given this dilemma, there is certainly a need for Filipinos to only consume appropriate information and trust news agencies to never be deceived again by unverified and erroneous information. 

Recently, key findings of the 10th edition of Digital News Report released Wednesday, June 23, by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, the most comprehensive global analysis of news consumption trends present that Filipinos has increased trust in news but has lessened interest in news products. The research polled 92,000 people in 46 media markets, where 2,209 Filipinos, ages 18 and above, participated in the survey conducted in late January to early February by UK-based market research agency YouGov. Aside from its positive implications of increased trust and credibility of news, the research findings encourage Filipinos to consume news products to increase their knowledge about social issues and enhance their capacity to fact check and validate existing information. But how?

Subscribe to local newspapers. The best way to acquire timely, valuable, relevant information about local and national events is by subscribing to local newspapers. Not only that these news products are receptive to the local context of the readers, but also creates a community of informed and equipped citizenry. Though it may seem more convenient to access information from social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and others, but these spaces are prone to misinformation and disinformation. This claim is supported by one of the key findings of the aforementioned research where 59 percent of the sample expressed their “concern about what is true and false on the internet.” In contrary, every information on print newspapers is fact-checked and verified carefully by editors and writers to ensure veracity and correctness of reporting.

Value community journalism. It is known that “reader trust” is important in journalism and reporting. This can flourish between the readers and news agencies by localizing media and amplifying the stories of people in the community. Given this, local stories and contexts, which may not be captured comprehensively by mainstream news agencies, are deeply investigated and explored. Also, by practicing community journalism, principles of trust such as completeness, accuracy, balance, transparency, and presentation are achieved since information is shared directly between journalists and members of the community.

In these turbulent times, information can truly save lives. But information consumption has to be consciously and prudently done. Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing infodemic has to be addressed. And the only way to do it is by treating information consumption as a social responsibility, which is equally important as following health protocols.

MP Esmael appraises progress thru mid-year assessment

 Office staff of Member of Parliament Abduladzis M. Esmael, Al-Haj after their successful conduct of mid-year assessment on June 21 to 24, 2021 at Secret Spot Exclusive Resort in General Santos City. (Photo courtesy of Secret Spot Exclusive Resort staff) click above to read more…..

COTABATO CITY – Eighteen immediate office staff of Member of Parliament Abduladzis M. Esmael, Al-Haj convened in a four-day mid-year assessment to evaluate its previous programs and legislative operations during a span of six months.

The meeting was conducted from June 21 to 24 at Secret Spot Exclusive Resort in General Santos City, with the goal of strengthening capacities and exploring on new proactive strategies in governance and legislation.

Suharto S. Esmael, program manager of the office of MP Esmael, said it is necessary to look back at their previous activities to understand the roadmap it had traversed for the last six months.

“We want to strengthen our game in servicing our constituents, the Bangsamoro people. Our purpose here, among the many, is to refine our plan of action by evaluating our past performance for us to gauge what elements need improvements, and which programs need to continue,” he said.

Allan D. Calido, political affairs officer VI and legal officer of MP Esmael, also resonated with the previous statement by highlighting the importance of assessment in legislative processes.

“It is good that we are driven in being one step ahead in comparison of what we were for the last two quarters of the year. In addition, the crafting of Bangsamoro Cooperative Code (BCC) is one of our high points as part of Bangsamoro Parliament, exercising the mandates that are set upon this office,” he said.

Moreover, Chief of Staff Khalid S. Esmael, during his address, accounted the achievements of the said office during the implementation of its programs and legislative agenda through the collaborative efforts of its staff.

“We can only take steps forward if we are going to put a value on what we have accomplished, including the areas where we fall flat because of unforeseen events. I would also want to extend MP Esmael’s congratulatory message to everyone who has been working tirelessly in assisting this office with one goal, putting forward the general welfare of the Bangsamoro,” he said.

At present, the MP Esmael is focused on the crafting of the Bangsamoro Cooperative Code and other legislative agenda, along with his various community-driven programs for the marginalized communities in the region. (Mohamadan Abdulkasan)

 

Civil service eligibility eyed for long-serving BARMM employees

 Employees of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao take their oath in this undated photo. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Government) 

COTABATO CITY – BARMM employees who served continuously for at least seven years may get civil service eligibility once a bill pending in the Bangsamoro Parliament is passed into law.

Parliament Bill No. 91, filed by Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, intends to cover temporary government employees occupying career posts for seven years. 

“While these temporary employees are equipped with the educational requirement, training, and experience for the career service position to which they are appointed, they lack the appropriate civil service eligibility that will qualify them for the permanent appointment to their current positions,” Dipatuan said.

In 1990, Congress passed Republic Act 6850, which granted civil service eligibility to government employees on provisional or temporary status who served for at least seven years.

“If temporary employees covered by RA 6850 were given this opportunity to become permanent, we could not see why the same privilege cannot be extended to temporary employees in BARMM,” Dipatuan added.

The temporary employees, as defined in the proposed bill, refers to government employees who meet the education, experience, and training requirements for the position.

Under the said measure, the Civil Service Commission shall formulate performance evaluation standards to be used to determine temporary employees who are qualified to avail themselves of the privilege. (PUBLICATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS DIVISION / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

 

BTA, MPW install solar street lights, partner in infra projects

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), in partnership with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of Public Works (MPW), led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of various infrastructure projects and installed solar-powered street lights in selected areas in the region. 

As part of the BTA’s Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF), the Office of Member of Parliament (MP) Engr. Aida Silongan installed twenty solar-powered street lights worth P800,000 to Jamiat Cotabato and Institute of Technology (JCIT) in Cotabato City 

“While they give wisdom to strengthen the students’ Iman (faith), ours is light. We hope that this will help the students to keep striving for excellence in education and life,” Silongan sai

“This project is significant for us because it brings light to our compound. It will also help ease security concerns caused by dimly-lit streets,” Sheikh Saad Sindatok, president of JCIT, said.

Sindatok added that the initiative of BTA and MPW demonstrates the continuous delivery of excellent services of BARMM to its constituents.

Meanwhile, the Office of MP Abdulwahab Pak led the groundbreaking ceremony for various infrastructure projects in Maguindanao, including the construction of a multipurpose building and the installation of solar lights.

The said projects are supported by MPs Silongan and Pak’s Transitional Development Impact Fund project. (PUBLICATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS DIVISION / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)