BARMM prepares for disaster, conducts earthquake drill

By JONG CADION

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Cotabato City (July 30, 2019)-- In line with the observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Government conducted an earthquake drill and simulation on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 inside the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) Compound in Cotabato City.

With the theme, “Kahandaan sa Sakuna’t Peligro Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago," the NDRM celebration is spearheaded by the Bangsamoro Government through its Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART).

The activity was supported by the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Social Services (MSS), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO), Internal Security Services (ISS), Philippine National Police (PNP-BARMM), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-BARMM), and the Office of the Civil Defense - BARMM.

MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo  said "the earthquake drill is a means of measuring our state of readiness to deal with this type of disaster and, at the same time, instill the culture of readiness and preparedness to our people."

He also looked back on the events during the 1976 powerful earthquake, which was followed by a tsunami, that greatly devastated Cotabato City and many parts of the region, causing many casualties. "This is the reason why we always have to be prepared," he added. 

Meanwhile, Engr. Rainier Amilbahar of PHIVOLCS-Central Mindanao said the drill is very essential, especially with the employees. As they practice the crucial steps to take during an earthquake, they can pass on the knowledge to their families.

The offices which participated in the drill were the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), Bureau on Cultural Heritage (BCH), Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Office of the Regional Treasury (ORT), and Regional Budget and Management Office (RBMO).

The drill and simulation aimed to promote awareness among the civilians on what to do in case of emergencies, such as earthquake occurence. The NDRM observance every month of July is in accordance with Executive Order No. 29 series of 2017.

The disaster risk reduction and management is one of the exclusive powers that shall be exercised by the Bangsamoro Government as stipulated in the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (With press release and photo from Bureau of Public Information-OLBARMM).

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Regional forum on violent extremism and terrorism held in Zambo City

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PAGADIAN CITY (July 30, 2019) - Various sectors convened to discuss matters of internal security in Mindanao in a regional forum held in Zamboanga City today, July 30.

        Anchored on the theme, “Enhancing Political Dialogue for Inclusive Peace in the Bangsamoro,” the regional peace and security forum was participated in by representatives of the various sectors and stakeholders.

        Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Lutera, the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations of the Western Mindanao Command, provided a regional security update in the joint area of operations of the Western Mindanao Command.

        The said forum was spearheaded by ZaBiDa Paz, led by Dr. Grace Rebollos, at Celebrity Hall 2, Grand Astoria Hotel in this city.

        Aleem Mohammad Tahir Salih, the Secretary General of the Ulama Council of Zamboanga City, provided insights and perspective of Islam in relation to the current security situation and their view point on violent extremism and terrorism.

        Present were representatives of the academe; religious, private, and security sectors; and other stakeholders. (By JONG CADION with WesMinCom PIO press release and photos)

WestMinCom advocates gender sensitivity

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PAGADIAN CITY (July 30, 2019) - Fifty personnel of Western Mindanao Command attended the gender sensitivity training held at its headquarters in Zamboanga City Tuesday, July 30.

        Marilou Pepito, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development- Region IX, tackled salient provisions of legislations and concepts on gender and development that raise awareness on current issues and identify gender needs in the workplace.

        The gender sensitivity training also included interactive discussions on gender fair language.

        Pepito said, “Gender sensitivity is crucial in increasing employees’ productivity and growth; thus, it is imperative for every workplace to encourage gender equality and work against discrimination.”

        Personnel of 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Camp Navarro General Hospital, 16th Finance Service Unit, and 5th Communications, Electronics, Information System Service Group joined the seminar.

        “This training gives impetus to the armed forces’ initiatives to promote gender sensitivity and to equalize gender roles in the military setting,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command. (By JONG CADION with WesMinCom PIO press release and photos)

PRO9 Culminates 24th PCR Month

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CAMP COL ABENDAN, Zamboanga City – The Police Regional Office 9(PRO)- 9 honored its outstanding police stations and police officers in Zamboanga Peninsula region as part of the culmination rites of the 24th Police Community Relations Month held at PRO9 Quadrangle, Camp Col Romeo A Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City on July 29, 2019.

Police Brigadier General Froilan F Quidilla, PRO9 Director; Police Colonel Leonard Llanera, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; Police Colonel John G Guyguyon, Deputy Regional Director for Operation and Police Colonel Christopher C Birung, Chief Regional Staff led the culmination program of 24th PCR month with its theme “Sambayanan, Mahalagang Kaakibat ng Kapulisan sa Pagtaguyod ng Mapayapa at Maunlad na Bayan”

Dir. Paisal O Abutazil, Regional Director of DILG-9, who was the guest of honor and speaker, emphasized the need for the PNP to establish a good rapport with the community.

Among the police offices and stations that were given awards were Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office for outstanding provincial police office; Zamboanga City Police Office for outstanding city police office; Dapitan City Police Office for outstanding police station and Polanco Municipal Police Station for outstanding municipal police station. 

Awarded as outstanding senior and junior police commissioned and non-commissioned officers were Police Colonel Ray Dante B Soledad for outstanding PCR senior police commissioned officer; Police Major Arland Dalumpines for outstanding PCR junior police commissioned officer; Police Chief Master Sargent Jamila E Dimarunsing for outstanding PCR senior police non- commissioned officer and Police Corporal Manel Mamintas for outstanding PCR junior police non- commissioned officer. (JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO)

PRO9 Units Conferred Proficient under PGS

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CAMP COL ABENDAN, Zamboanga City – Six (6) police units of Police Regional Office 9 have been conferred proficient status under the Performance Governance System (PGS) during the conferment and awarding ceremony held at PRO9 Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Col Romeo A Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City on July 29, 2019.

Police Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius P Cascolan, The Chief Directorial Staff of PNP and Chairman, Technical Working Group on PNP PATROL Plan 2030; Police Brigadier Gen. Noel A Baraceros, Director of PNP Center for Police Strategy Management (CPSM); Mr. Pocholo Soliven, Chairman of Regional Advisory Council 9 and members of the PRO9 Command Group headed the conferment right.

The Regional Mobile Forces Battalion 9 (RMFB9) and Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO) got the “Gold Eagle Award” after garnering an over-all rating of 96.14 percent and 95.04 percent, respectively. On the other hand, Isabela City Police Station with 94.61 percent, Zamboanga City Police Office with 94.35 percent, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office with 92.84 percent and Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office with 90.26 percent, all bagged the “Silver Eagle Award”, respectively.

Police Lt. Gen Cascolan, in his message expressed his appreciation to the Regional Advisory Council of PRO9 for their continuous support and contribution to the Police Regional Office 9 through the years.

PGS is otherwise known as the Philippine National Police - Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding of the Rule-Of-Law (PNP- P.A.T.R.O.L) Plan 2030.  It has four stages: initiation, compliance, proficiency and institutionalization, which aim to improve the quality of police services to the community, strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement as well as to develop all PNP personnel well-being

The proficiency evaluation process includes the strategic readiness test, performance audit and unit which were conducted focusing on the alignment of the activities, projects, and initiatives to the strategy.

Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Froilan F Quidilla, PRO9 Director said the PRO9 is now bracing for the fourth stage and final stage of PGS which is the institutionalization. He is optimistic that the PRO9 will eventually passed the last stage of PGS with flying colors.(By JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO press release and photos)

2 Gov’t Troops WIA while Engage with Communist Terrorists in Lanao del Sur

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (July 29, 2019) – Two government troops under the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade were wounded during the encounter with at least ten (10) members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) commonly known as the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Sabala Bantayao, Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur on Sunday, July 28 at 9:15 in the morning. The said encounter was a result of a combat operations which was conducted by AFP forces to hunt down approximately one hundred and eighty (180) CTG members who encroached in the said town.

        2Lt Angel Manglapus, Acting Division Public Affairs Office Chief disclosed that the members from Guerilla Front 12, which is under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 5, entered the town of Lumba Bayabao to conduct a basic military training and to elude military operations in Bukidnon.

However, their foraging and extortion activities affected the locals and this prompted the latter to report their presence to military authorities stationed in the said town. Basing on the information the 103rd Infantry Brigade launched an operation utilizing 49th, 55th, and 82nd Infantry Battalions (IB), and the 15th Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC).

The troops patrolled in the reported area until personnel from the 49th IB and the 15th DRC discovered their outpost and engaged with the enemy forces. Two (2) were slightly hurt on the government’s side while the casualties on the enemy’s side is yet to be determined.

        BGen Romeo S Brawner, the commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade stressed that there is no place for the CTG in Lanao del Sur and that we will exhaust every means available to rid this place of the enemy’s presence and influence. The provincial government of Lanao del Sur earlier declared the CTG (NPA) as persona non grata in the province and pledged their support to the country’s effort to end communist armed conflict.

General Brawner also iterated that instead of continuing a futile armed struggle where thousands of innocent citizens are being abused and caught in the crossfire, the CTG members should consider surrendering and avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood and Integration Program (E-CLIP) so that  they could enjoy living normal lives and spend quality time with their loved ones.

All members and supporters may avail of the E-CLIP program including those who were in the engagement with government troops earlier today. Otherwise they would probably end up in jail or suffer worse consequences.

The CTG (NPA) is also attempting to derail the peace process between the MoroIslamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine Government in which Lanao del Sur is one of the primary areas in the said peace process. (With DPAO press release and photos)

1st SAAD SAGA Forum held in Region IX

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (July 29, 2019) - Some 450 farmers from all over Zamboanga del Norte, with guests from regions 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, Sulu and Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) attended the SAAD SAGA held recently at the Dipolog Convention Center, Estaka, Dipolog City.

SAAD focuses on providing livelihood projects and assisting in small scale income generating activities to communities in areas tagged as poorest provinces in the country; as per data based on the Philippine statistics in 2007. Only the province of Zamboanga del Norte in Region IX implements the program with a total budget 65,571,470 (2018).

The SAAD SAGA aims to recognize the exceptional performances of partner-beneficiaries in implementing their SAAD projects in their respective municipalities. It also aspires to promote products and services; as well as exchange knowledge in enterprise and marketing; and engage policy discussions.    

Nine (9) associations were awarded Best Emerging Enterprise namely Suisayan Indigenous People’s Association in Manukan, Iwag sa Mananagat Association in Roxas, Newland Women’s Association in Mutia, Matunoy Multi-Purpose Farmers’ Cooperative in Gutalac, Minlasag Farfish Association in Sibutad, Kauswagan Farmers Association in Baliguian, Gabu Farmers Association in Labason, Mauswagon Sibuying Farmers Association and La Libertad Agricultural Producers Association in la Libertad.  While The Bacong Farmers and Fishermen’s Association in Salug was named Best Managed Enterprise and the Macasing Consumers Cooperative in Siayan was awarded as the Fast Growing Enterprise.

Bernadette F. San Juan, SAAD Program National Coordinator gladly remarked what the SAAD SAGA meant. “SAGA means journey or success story. In bisaya SAAD means a promise; let’s change that and realize the promise. Lets realize projects and this way we can look at the SAAD SAGA as a venue to see the experiences of our partner-beneficiaries in their successful stories.”

DA Assistant Secretary for Planning, Project Development and Special Projects Lerey A. Panes also inspired the participants about not to wait for things to happen, but to make things happen in their capacity. “Always focus on value chain. Think of other innovations in your existing projects because there are many ways in doing things for other purpose. If your project is Layer Chicken Egg Production don’t settle in selling fresh eggs alone. You are an association so combine all your knowledge, you brainstorm and think big.” Panes said. 

The SAAD SAGA Partners’ Forum is the first to be held among the eight SAAD regions in the country. Alongside the forum, products exhibit from each SAAD area can be seen and sold such as Healthy Organic Mushroom, Fresh Eggs, White Corn Grits, Crispy Lechon, Fresh Banana Lakatan, Juicy Sweet Corn, Sweet and Sour Sibuying, Sulu Native Delicacies, and Lowland-grown rice and fresh vegetables. (With press release from MDLuzon, DA9)

PNP Launches Official Hotlines “Isumbong mo, I-action ko”

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PAGADIAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 9 is set to launched its pilot project dubbed as “Isumbong mo, I-action ko”, a hotlines for crimes and complaints against erring cops in one of the mall in Zamboanga City Today July 26, 2019.

Police Brigadier General Froilan F QUidilla, PRO9 Director said the hotline seeks to provide speedy police response to citizens' complaints and reports on incidents in their areas, and to help the police in their internal cleansing program.

The PRO9 hotline numbers are 0997-3102-365 for Globe subscribers and 0961-2877-064 for Smart subscribers.

The Regional Director encouraged the public to use the hotline “for police assistance, complaints, emergency concern, suggestions and to report relevant information related to security and peace and order.

“Every relevant information reported to us will be of great help to the police in responding, resolving, and preventing immediately any incident and security issues,”

In Pagadian city the launching abd press conference was held in C3 Mall through the effort of Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Director P/Col. Redentor Lantaca Retusto, the launching was started at 6pm simultaneously Regionwide.

Col Retusto also assured the public that all information received through the hotline will be kept confidential and will be immediately acted upon.

This hotline will be operational 24/7 and will be monitored by a team of competent and responsible personnel of PRO9 who will respond readily to your reports, complaints, suggestions and other concerns, he added.

PRO9 Holds Gun Licensing through “Pulis Natin Caravan”

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) is set to offer License To Own and Posses Firearms (LTOPF) and Firearms Registration inside the City Mall, Tetuan, Zamboanga City on July 24, 2019 as part of the “Pulis Natin Caravan” aimed at bringing the PNP’s services closer to the people.

Police Brigadier General Froilan F Quidilla, PRO9 Director said the one-day caravan set to make it easier for gun owners in Zamboanga City and neighboring places to apply for new license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) and renewal of gun licenses.

The Regional Director said the Regional Civil Security Unit-9 (RCSU-9) will receive applications for LTOPF and for the delinquent gun owners to have their expired LTOPF’s renewed on July 24, 2019 (Wednesday) from 9: 00 in the morning up to 5:00 in the afternoon at the City Mall located at Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

The Regional Director stressed out that the one day caravan is a one-stop shop activity wherein applicants will processed the requirements for a license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) such as the neuro-psychiatric screening, drug test, police clearance and the RTC/MTC or NBI clearance.

As this developed, the Police Regional Office 9 under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Froilan F Quidilla is inviting gun enthusiasts and responsible gun owners across the region to visit and avail the one-day caravan. (With Press release from PRO9 PIO) 

PRO9 on Full Alert Status for SONA

By JONG CADION

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CAMP COL ABENDAN, Zamboanga City – The Police Regional Office 9 has retained the full alert status in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula region in preparation for the upcoming 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte today July 22, 2019.

Police Brigadier General Froilan F Quidilla, Acting Regional Director said the security plans and preparations have been already laid out across the region to ensure the safety coverage for the "SONA 2019.

The Regional Director said police units in the region have been ordered to intensify focused law enforcement, border control, massive checkpoint operations and other intervention activities to address the threats to peace and order situation in the region during the President's SONA.

Meanwhile, PBGEN Froilan F Quidilla appealed to the general public to do their part in maintaining peace and order in their respective localities and report to nearest police stations or to the authorities the presence of suspicious personality, groups or individuals in their area. (With Press release from PRO9 PIO)

Army, Communist NPA Terrorists clash in Zamboanga Sibugay

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY – Army troops under 44th Infantry Battalion and armed elements of Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) figured in an encounter in Brgy Diampak, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province, 3:00 p.m. Wednesday July 17, 2019.

“Our troops immediately responded to the call of the local populace about the presence of armed CNTs in their community that are extorting money and foodstuffs. While we are approaching, the CNTs fired upon us which led to a firefight,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry Battalion Commander.  

The firefight which lasted for 30 minutes resulted to the killing of one CNT member and recovery of one M16 Rifle, magazines, ammunitions and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

One of the government troops was slightly wounded in the course of encounter. Said trooper was immediately brought to the nearest hospital for proper medication.

Templonuevo also said, “Our troops saw several wounded CNT members as they scampered to different directions during the encounter.”

The people of Kabasalan also reported to the government troops that they are already fed up with the threat, intimidation and extortion activities of the CNTs in their communities.

It can be recalled that 44IB troopers and the CNTs also figured in an encounter last July 14, 2019.

“We thank the people of Kabasalan for taking action against the CNTs’ threat and extortion activities in their localities,” said Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., commander of 102nd Brigade.

“We also urge other CNTs especially those who were wounded to come out and be given proper medical treatment. We are assuring you of your safety and security. We will also assist you to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for you to live peacefully,” Gaerlan added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the troops of 44IB for their swift response, and the people of Kabasalan for their cooperation which led to the successful conduct of operations.

“With the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) we will unify and harmonize our peace and development efforts with the the local government units, government agencies and other stakeholders to end the local communist armed conflict in the region,” said Ancan

“Our condolences also go to the family of the dead CNT member. It is tragic that he took arms against the government which led to his senseless demise”, added Ancan.

Additional troops were sent to the area to pursue the fleeing CNTs, while the PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) went to conduct investigation in the encounter area.

The troops of 44IB are also in close coordination with the barangay officials to ensure the safety and security of the residents in the area. (With press release and photos from DPAO)

Binoy to troops: ‘Saludo ako sa inyo’

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (July 18, 2019) - Actor Robin Padilla visited Thursday morning soldiers recuperating at Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.

Padilla saluted wounded soldiers and bade their fast recovery during his visit in Calarian at around 11am on July 18.

“Isa akong practicing Muslim at I pray 5 times a day. Allah Hu Akbar din ang sinasabi ko, pero wala akong terorismo sa katawan,” said Padilla.

The action star was accompanied by Army officials, Major Jean Alia Robles, of the Office of Plans and Research Branch, and Captain Abdulraq Mohammad, Command Imam.

Officials of Western Mindanao Command welcomed Padilla at Laong Laan in Camp Navarro.

He and other military officials met with Islamic leaders in this city to discuss the military’s campaign against terrorism in Mindanao.

“The support that we get from people, like Mr. Padilla, will continue to spur our determination to confront the adversary and to win battles for the sake of peace and for our countrymen,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander. (With press release and photos from PAO WesMinCom)

Tired and weary, 5 BIFFs surrender in Maguindanao

 By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (July 18, 2019) - Tired of hiding, five members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yielded to the troops of the 90th Infantry Battalion in Maguindanao at 3:40pm yesterday, July 17, 2019.

        Major Arvin G. Encinas, WesMinCom spokesperson disclosed that the successful surrender was through the efforts of the Alpha Company, 90IB and in coordination with Mayor Abdulwahab “Allan” Sabal and the local government unit of Talitay, Maguindanao.

        The five surrenderors, who are residents of Barangay Gadungan, Talitay, Maguindanao and members of the Karialan Faction, turned over two Garand Rifles with 15 rounds of ammunition and a bandolier; a Caliber .45 Pistol with an empty magazine; a Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher with ammunition; and a 60mm mortar with ammunition.

       

        “I commend the 90IB troopers for facilitating the successful surrender of the BIFF members. Your hardwork has paid off,” said WestMinCom Commander Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana.

        “We are also very thankful to the positive gesture of support and cooperation of our stakeholders and the civilians in our journey of bringing long and lasting peace in the WestMinCom’s joint area of operations,” added LtGen Sobejana.

        Turned over firearms are currently under the custody of 90IB for documentation and safekeeping.

Local terrorists’ supporters yield, turn over firearms in Lanao del Sur

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (July 17, 2019) - Two supporters of the Local Terrorist Group yielded and turned over two 1911 Caliber .45 handguns to the troops of the 55th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Matitikop, Tubaran, Lanao del Sur at 1pm Monday, July 15, 2019, Major Arvin G, Encinas, WesMinCom spokesperson disclosed.

“The two surrenderors revealed that they’ve provided logistical support to the group of Owayda Marohombsar, a.k.a Abu Dar, before he was neutralized in the neighboring barangay,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ian Noel Ignes, commander of the 55th Infantry Battalion.

Abu Dar and three of his followers were decapitated in an encounter with the government forces in Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran, Lanao del Sur.

Tubaran Mayor Khaledyassin Papandayan and the 55IB facilitated the successful surrender of the two.  

“The death of top LTG leaders, including the Maute brothers, and the surrender of their members have significantly contributed to the sustained peaceful environment in the province of Lanao del Sur,” said 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Romeo Brawner, Jr.

“We continuously collaborate with local chief executives and other stakeholders to encourage other supporters or even the locals with loose firearms to surrender and submit themselves to the folds of the law in order to stop the criminalities and attain a more peaceful community,” BGen Brawner added.  

Likewise, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander Major General Roberto Ancan expressed his gratitude to the local government and stakeholders for their continued trust and support to the troops in sustaining an environment conducive to peace and development in Lanao del Sur.

“The peace efforts of the Western Mindanao Command will never falter. We will continue to eradicate terrorism and criminalities in the entire Western and Central Mindanao through the whole-of-nation approach institutionalized by the President,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander. (With press release from PAO WesMinCom)

Ex-rebels receive Kabuhayan Starter Kits

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (July 18, 2019) - Sixty-four former rebels received Kabuhayan Starter Kits from the combined efforts of the 103rd Infantry (HARIBON) Brigade and the Department of Labor and Employment in a civic program held at the brigade’s headquarters on Tuesday (July 16).

Major Arvin G, Encinas, WesMinCom spokesperson disclosed that former Local Terrorist Group members from Lanao del Sur and Misamis Oriental were aided with farming livelihood grants; six cellular phone accessories business starter kits; 35 rice trading; one package of vulcanizing equipment, and 36 sari-sari store business starter kits.

"We are fulfilling our commitment to the FRs for them to fully reintegrate to the mainstream society," said Ms. Criste Perpekto, DOLE Supervising Labor and Employment Officer.

 According to Alinor Montic, one of the FRs, "Masaya kami at sa pag-uwi namin ay mayroon na kaming panimula sa bagong buhay".

 In his message, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr., said, "Pag nagkita-kita tayo sana ay lumago na ang kabuhayan niyo."

“Mas masarap mabuhay nang normal at maging partner sa kapayapaan at pag-unlad sa komunidad kung saan kayo nakatira,” adds BGen Brawner.

The joint activity of the LGU and the military is part of the government's peace-building effort to prevent and counter violent extremism.

“I am very much grateful of the overwhelming support of other government agencies in our quest for peace in Western and Central Mindanao,”

 Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander said.

“We call on the rest of our brothers and sisters who are still contemplating to come out and take advantage of the livelihood programs implemented by the government,” LtGen Sobejana added.(With press release and photos from PAO WesMinCom)

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