Dumingag bags National Award

From left is Mayor Jun Pacalioga posing with TESDA

acting Regional Director Lorenzo Makapili. (Photo

Provided)

By Julius Breva

DUMINGAG, Zamboanga del Sur - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) honors the Dumingag LGU with the Kabalikat National Award for training tens of thousands of people in organic agriculture and in technical education.

The award is annually given by TESDA to companies, institutions, and local governments that help it achieve its goal of training the manpower resources of the country and of making them world class.

In receiving the award at the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig, Manila last August 22, Mayor Pacalioga was accompanied by his wife Girlyn and the Municipal Economic and Development Officer of Dumingag Neil Estillore.

In an interview about the award, Mayor Jun Pacalioga said that he would take the award as an instrument to inspire and motivate more people to participate in the training programs of the Dumingag LGU and become productive members and even world-class work force of society.

MGB APPROVES ATRO MINING COMPANY’S SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM

By JONG CADION

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Regional Office IX (MGB-9) has approved the 2013 Safety and Health Program (SHP) of Atro Mining-Vitali, Inc. (AMVI) after it was determined to be 
“substantially accomplished the requirements”.

Antonio M. Manaytay, ATRO information officer said that in its Certificate of Approval under SHP No. 09-2013-01, the MGB-9 granted AMVI the go-signal to implement its SHP after it found out that the submitted program is in accordance with the requirements as mandated by law.

Signed by Officer-In-Charge Regional Director Alfredo T. Relampagos, the Certificate however mandated the company to submit regular reports to MGB-9; to implement the additional conditions to the approved SHP should the results of monitoring and safety audits require; and to secure also all necessary permits from all concerned government agencies, Manaytay disclosed.

The approved SHP is provided for by management as a guide “to all its employees to be aware and cognizant of the program as it affects their works so that SHP can be properly followed and implemented to avoid accident at work place.”

AMVI VP for Exploration and OIC-Resident Manager, Leo A. Sosa said that “AMVI management considers the program very important as it affects the health and safety of the life of its employees and that there is no other more important in the phase of company's operation than the prevention of accident and the maintenance of cleanliness and healthy lifestyle at the work place .” 

PRO9 HOSTS DISASTER DRILL COMPETITION ON SAR

By JONG CADION 

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Police Regional Office 9 hosted today a whole day activity on Simulated Disaster Drill Competition on Search and Rescue Operation held at Camp Abendan, Mercedes, with this year theme: “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan”.

                       

Police Regional Office 9 Public Information Officer P/Chief Inspector Ariel Tolorio Huesca said, the participating units are coming from the Bureau of Fire Protection, PNP Special Action Force, 3^rd Air Division, Philippine Airforce, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, and PNP Contingents all from PRO9.

Western Mindanao Police Director Chief Supt Juanito Vano Jr. explained during his message that they are conducting this activity for anticipating a natural and manmade disaster. “For few days we have experienced heavy downpour with cloudy skies and strong winds and the latest of that was Typhoon Maring which struck the country that left a devastated effect which reached as far as Metro Manila,” He said.

“So we are taking up advance steps, measures and appropriate training with our Search and Rescue Team to address this problem once it happens. We are fortunate that we are less affected by these typhoons and we are here to anticipate as part of our expectations to level up our state of preparedness as far as disaster management is concern,” The PNP Regional Director further explained.

Conflict's impact on children highlighted by winners of Red Cross humanitarian reporting contest

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (August 27, 2013) - Three entries underlining the plight of children affected by armed conflict led the list of winners in the Red Cross Award for Humanitarian Reporting 2013.

"Batang Halau," a one-hour documentary by GMA News and Public Affairs on the plight of undocumented Filipinos living in Sabah, followed the stories of "stateless" children who were born in Sabah to Filipino parents, and how they could not go to school or avail of public services. Halau means "forced to leave" or "expelled" in Malay.

Produced by Eleazar del Rosario for GMA News and Public Affairs' Reel Time, the documentary won first place in the nationwide media competition's video category.

"Mga nag-aaral lang pwedeng mangarap (Only the educated can dream)," reflected a young boy in "Batang Halau" who scoured garbage to earn money and buy food for his family. In the documentary, his mother said they fled Tawi-Tawi because of the conflict.

The Napoles Story: So the entire Philippines will know

http://globalbalita.com/2013/08/21/the-napoles-story-so-the-entire-philippines-will-know/

Janet Lim Napoles and

husband Jaime Napoles

By Alfredo Masigan
August 21, 2013 

Janet Lim Napoles has strong ties before with the late Emilia Boncodin, DBM Secretary. Emilia is the one that keep Janet in the loop whenever a budget or SARO is approved and to which senator or congressman.

Gringo Honasan is a dear friend of Janet’s husband, Jimmy Napoles. I was surprised when I read somewhere online when Honasan was interviewed and he said that he doesn’t know the Napoles family.

During the coup in Cory’s time, Jimmy Napoles was driving a tank on the way to Camp Crame when his tank was hit by a mortar. Jimmy was operating the .50 caliber machine gun and the soldier driving the tank died during the blast. Jimmy survived and was jailed along with Honasan. If you can get clear photos of Jimmy Napoles online, you will see that part of his face and his arms show burn marks.

Their wealth started to build up during the late 90’s when they engaged themselves with mayors based in Zamboanga to use them as a front for a Foundation that will implement projects or deliver farm materials. With connections at COA, they were able to arrange completed projects without delivering anything. They established JLN group of companies sometime in 2000 and they moved to their new office from AFPOVAI to Discovery Suites on the 25th floor.

KuMuNet launch Radio Programs

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KuMuNet launch Radio Programs 

  

By JONG CADION

COTABATO – The Kutawato Multimedia Network (KuMuNet) had launched their Radio Project “Bangsamoro Ngayon: Tinig ng Kapayapaan” (Bangsamoro Today: Voices for Peace) on August 15, 2013.

The said program is on the air every Thursday at 7:00 to 7:30 in the evening via local Radio Stations of the Notre Dame Broadcasting Cooperation DXMS in Cotabato City, DxND Kidapawan, Radio Station DXMM in Jolo, Sulu and Radio Station DXGD in Bongao, Tawi-tawi. We can listen to the radio program at frequency 882 kHz (DXMS Cotabato), frequency 747 (DXND Kitapawan) and via internet www.ustream.tv/channel/dxms882 . 

The program foresees to support the information flow on the Bangsamoro Peace Process to facilitate and support conflict transformation processes in the region. It will provide the latest news on the peace negotiations, interviews with the people in the communities (VoxPop), comments of leadership/stakeholders in the peace process and other relevant and current information of happenings and events in the Autonomous Region in Muslijm Mindanao (ARMM) Region. The program will be in Tagalog.

1976 TSUNAMI SA PAGADIAN PAGAHANDUMON UGMA AGOSTO 17

Mao kini ang Land Mark kun haldumanan sa

Nahitabong Tsunami nga ibutang sa dalang

F.S. Pajares dapit sa may Mercury Drugs.

(Hulagway ni Jong Cadion)

JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOSUR (August 16, 2013) – Karong Domingo Agusto 17, 2013 handumon sa Pagadian ang ika 27 na katuig ang nahitabong Linog ug Tsunami nga mikalas sa gatusan ka kinabuhi sa mga taga Pagadianon nga diin gitumbok nga pinaka unang hitabo sa kasaysayan sa tibook ASIA kaniadtong tuig 1976.

Matud pa ni City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Head Haron Damada nga sa maong paghandum pagahimoon na ang Earthquake and Tsunami drill diin lauman nga masaksihan ang reenactment sa mga nahitabo sa maong tuig. Kini pagasalmutan sa mga coastal barangay, pinaaghi sa mga tulunghaan, government agencies lakip na ang mga Non-government organizations.

Ang maong Earthquake drill magsugod ugma mga alas 8:00 sa buntag ug ang mahimong command post mao ang dalan sa F.S. Pajares tunga-tunga sa dalang Pulmones ug Jamisola.            

Permanente na usab nga ibutang ang command post sa dalang F.S Pajares, sa may poste dool sa Mercury Drugs ug ang usa MARKER nga maghinumdum sa tanan nga utlanan nga naabot sa maong tubig Tsunami nga nahitabo sa Pagadian kaniadtong panahuna.

OCD Regional Director Adriano Fuego ug si

CDRRMC Haron Damada naghisgot sa systema

nga himoon sa Earthquake drill ugma sa coastal

nga mga Barangays. (Hulagway ni Jong Cadion)

Civilian and military jointly planted 1-thousand trees in Zamboanga del Sur

Army’s Premiere Cavalry Squadron Commander

LTC Antonio John B. Divinagracia leads the tree

Planting activity. (Photo provided)

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR (August 14, 2013) – A total of one thousand seedlings of Narra and Mahogany trees were jointly planted by the residents, ROTC students and Barangay Officials of Barangay Navalan, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur and the soldiers of the Army’s 1^st Cavalry (Eagle Eye) Squadron of the Mechanized Infantry Division following the weeklong celebration of their 37^th Founding Anniversary that will culminates on Friday August 16, 2013.

It was recalled that on August 16, 1976 the first Light Armored Battalion (1LAB) was fully organized and was renamed as First Cavalry (Eagle Eye) Squadron under the Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army last April 1, 2013.

For this year theme, “37 years of gallant service, wisdom gained and experiences learned continuously enhancing capability to respond significantly on present challenges,”. They will be giving honor award to their wounded comrades in service during the culmination program and to those who gave their lives while in line of duty, spoke person Capt. Ronnie M. Madriñan said. 

NPA rebels in cops uniform disarms town Mayor and his PNP escort in ZamboSur

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 NPA rebels in cops uniform disarms town Mayor and his PNP escort in ZamboSur

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOSUR – Mayor Richard “Tata” Medalla Garban of Pitogo town, Zamboanga del Sur together with his police escort was flagged down and disarmed by more or less 20 heavily high powered armed men believed to be members of communist rebels New People’s Army (NPA) at about 6:20 Tuesday morning, August 12, 2013.  

The group of Mayor Garban was on board in his vehicle while on their way to his municipality. Upon reaching Barangay Mati particularly in front of Elementary School in San Miguel town, they were stopped by the armed men wearing PNP SAF camouflage and color blue and green uniform conducting a check point, 53^rd Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Victor Tanggawohn in a mobile phone call said.

“Abi namo nga mga police nag check point mao to kompiyansa me ug kalit nga giti-unan me,” (We thought it was the policemen conducting check point that’s why we are very confident, unexpectedly were at gun-point), Mayor Garban also said in a mobile phone interview.

RANK No.6 ABU SAYAFF SURRENDER TO TFZ

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (August 12, 2013) – A member of Zamboanga Based Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) surrendered to the element of Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) at Brgy. Curuan District in Zamboanga City.

In a press statement yesterday by Division Public Affairs Officer of the Army’s Premier (Tabak) Division Capt. Jefferson Somera said, the Abu Sayaff member was voluntary surrendered to Cpt. Jerry V. Doldol after successful negotiations with his family on Saturday, August 4, 2013.

In a Report reaching  Tabak Division Headquarters Capt Somera said, Task Force Zamboanga Commander Col Adrelino G. Colina identified the surrender ASG member as certain Abdurahin M. Nasalon aka Papoy Nasalon who is a member of Astaz Abdullah Ajilul aka Abu Termijie Group operating in Zamboanga City and ranked number six in the watched list of the AFP.

The surrender of aka Papoy Nasalon was due to the presence and continued Military and Police operations and visibility in the area that created pressure on the subject.

As of now, Nasalon is under military custody for further investigation.

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW (IHL) MONTH 2013 Calendar of Activities

Every year, August is the month when we put the spotlight on International Humanitarian Law, or the law that governs armed conflict situations. This year is of particular importance as we commemorate the ICRC’s 150 years of humanitarian action—starting with a new 25-panel exhibit with images of major conflicts in the world since this neutral, impartial and independent organization came into being in 1863.

We share with you below the different activities taking place around the country to mark IHL. These are organized by different agencies and organizations (not necessarily with the ICRC) that are also concerned with promoting respect for the law that restricts the means and methods of warfare.  

To find out more about an event, please contact the respective organizing agencies or liaise with the communication department of the ICRC office (contact details below).

METRO MANILA

• Photo Exhibit: 150 years of humanitarian action
  5-9 August | AFP HQ, Camp Aguinaldo (ICRC and AFP) 
• IHL Fun Run, Fun Bike and bloodletting activity
  10 August | Camp Aguinaldo/Taguig City, 6AM simultaneous
  (DND, AFP, IHL committee member agencies)
• Flag-raising and ribbon cutting ceremony
  Photo Exhibit: 150 years of humanitarian action
  12-16 August | Department of Foreign Affairs, Pasay City
  (DFA and IHL committee member agencies)
• Flag-raising ceremony 
  12 August (IHL Day)  | With IHL Focal Commissioner Jose Manuel Mamauag (CHR)
• Poster-making contest and quiz bee
  12 August (IHL Day)  | SM Manila (PRC Manila chapter)
• Photo Exhibit: 150 years of humanitarian action
  19-23 August | Philippine State College of Aeronautics
  Villamor Airbase, Pasay City (PRC and ICRC)
• Mandatory Continuing Legal Education V Lecture Series
  20 August | Malacañang, Manila (Office of the President)
• Roundtable Discussion on RA 9851 and the Rome Statute
  22 August  | 9:30am-12nn UP Law Center, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City
  (Institute of International Legal Studies of the UP College of Law, Philippine Coalition on the International Criminal Court)
• Red Cross Award for Humanitarian Reporting 2013: forum and awarding ceremony
  27 August  | Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila (ICRC, PRC, INSI, Pecojon, PCP, RCM)
• IHL Training
  29-30 August | Department of Foreign Affairs, Pasay City (DFA and IHL committee member agencies)
• IHL Seminar for ROTC Cadets and Student Leaders
  31 August  | UP Vanguard, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City
  (DFA and AFP)

VISAYAS

• IHL Formation
  1 August  | Lapu-Lapu and Cordova, Cebu City (PRC)

MINDANAO

• Photo Exhibit: Our World at War
  1-15 August | SM Mall, Davao City (ICRC and PRC)
• Open Forum: Commemoration of IHL Day
  10 August | Davao City (PRC Davao City chapter)
• Walk for Humanity
  11 August | Zamboanga (PRC Zamboanga chapter)
• Run for Humanity
  11 August  | Bukidnon (PRC)
• Poster-making contest, quiz bee, photo exhibit, IHL dissemination campaign and book caravan
  12 August (IHL Day)  | Zamboanga del Norte (PRC Zamboanga del Norte chapter)
• Photo Exhibit: Our World at War
  19-23 August | Central Mindanao University (PRC and ICRC)
• Photo Exhibit: Our World at War
  26-30 August  | Bukidnon State University (PRC and ICRC)