Two (2) more ASG fall in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Oct. 30, 2016) – Two (2) Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed this early morning encounter between soldiers and the bandit group in Indanan, Sulu, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF Sulu) Information Officer Col. Rodrigo Gregorio disclosed that upon acting on information from local residents about the presence of armed men, elite troops from the 11th Scout Ranger Company immediately sent a patrol and engaged the bandit group of about eight men at 6:45am in a brief firefight before the ASG scampered away.

Col. Gregorio added that the rangers recovered the body of the still unidentified terrorist together with an M16 assault rifle with M203 grenade launcher attached and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Another ASG was killed and was being carried by companions according to revelation of local residents.

This brings to 38 the total number of ASG killed since the intensified combat operations was launched in July while scores were also wounded on the ASG. Soldiers suffered 15 killed in action and 28 wounded in action since July, he said.

Authorities believe that the ASG has splintered into small groups to evade soldiers and are planting IEDs to delay movements of government troops.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said the successful pursuit is a "result of the cooperation of the community against the ASG".

Brig. Gen. Dela Vega condemned the use of IED by the ASG saying "IEDs maim and kill individuals regardless whether they are soldiers or civilians and the main losers are the innocent people in the community. The use of IED is not only against the law but it is outrightly evil and un-Islamic."

"The focused military operation will continue until we deal a crippling blow against the ASG and rescue the remaining hostages", Brig. Gen. Dela Vega concluded.

PNP adopts tight security to ensure solemn, peaceful ‘Undas’ in Zamboanga del Sur

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=935794&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=pagadian%20city&andor=and&mdte_arch=10&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 29 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has adopted tight security measures, dubbed as Oplan Kaluluwa, to ensure the solemn and peaceful observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in this province.

Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, provincial PNP director, on Saturday told the Philippines News Agency that the implementation of Oplan Kaluluwa takes effect Sunday, Oct. 30, until Thursday, Nov. 3.

Ecaldre said policemen would be stationed in public and private cemeteries and were tasked to conduct visibility patrols in all public places to thwart any possible disturbance by lawless elements.

There are six cemeteries in this city alone. These included four private, one public and one Chinese cemeteries.

This province comprises of one city and 26 municipalities. Each of the towns has their respective public and private cemeteries.

Ecaldre said that troops from the Army’s First Infantry Division would augment the PNP forces in providing security for the peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

He said the soldiers would man the checkpoints along the highways and roads leading to the cemeteries.

In this city, Supt. Michael Palermo, local police chief, has tapped the assistance of the village watchmen (barangay tanods) for traffic management leading to the cemeteries.

Palermo said that Provincial Public Safety Battalion policemen and troops from the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion will conduct mobile patrols as well as secure public places like public markets, department stores, seaport and bus terminal.

He said the bringing of bladed weapons, firearms, intoxicating drinks, playing cards, flammable materials and sound system into the cemeteries is prohibited.

He called on the public to cooperate with them since the tight security measure is to ensure the safety of everybody.

He also urged the public to immediately report to them any presence of people acting suspiciously in their respective communities. (PNA)
RMA/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

Pagadian City police probe school official’s gun slay

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=934814&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Hirohito%20D.%20Cadion&andor=and&mdte_arch=10&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 26 (PNA) -- The local police has ordered a thorough investigation to track down and arrest the gunmen behind the killing of a school official here Tuesday afternoon.

Police chief, Supt. Michael Palermo, issued the order after he received the report that 64-year-old Elmey Yukoya, was killed while his nine-year-old grandson, Yoriko Montejo, was injured when gunmen on a motorcycle repeatedly shot at them at about 5:20 p.m. Tuesday along Rizal Ave. in Barangay Balangasan here.

Yukoya, who is of Japanese ancestry, is the dean of Graduate School and one of the stockholders of the Southern Mindanao Colleges (SMC).

Yukoya’s wife Santa, 64, and 11-year-old granddaughter, Tisha, were left unscathed in the incident.

Initial investigations showed the victims were in a sports utility vehicle driven by Yukoya when one of the two gunmen repeatedly shot at them.

Yukoya did not make it to the hospital while Montejo is in critical condition.

Palermo ordered investigators to look into all possible motives that could lead to the solution of the case.

(PNA)
CVL/TPGJR/Hirohito D. Cadion

Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital: A standing refuge for our fighters

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Oct. 27, 2016) – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya flew to this southwestern province of Mindanao Wednesday 26 October 2016 for the inauguration of the newly-renovated, 65-bed capacity Hospital ng Kampo Heneral Teodulfo Bautista or Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital (CGTBH) in Jolo, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Chief of Public Affairs Office AFP Col. Edgard A. Arevalo said that Gen. Visaya was joined by the local government executives of Sulu, other military top brass from General Headquarters, field commanders in Western Mindanao, and representatives of San Miguel Foundation, Incorporated led by Atty. Peter Suchianco. 

Undersecretary Emmanuel Bautista, a retired General, a former AFP Chief of Staff, and a son of General Teodulfo Bautista on whose honor the camp was named after, was the Guest of Honor, Col. Arevalo added.

Col. Arevalo disclosed that the Commander-in-Chief and President Rodrigo Duterte promised support for the construction of a medical facility that shall cater to soldiers committed to the fight against terrorists groups in Western Mindanao.

Brigadier General Mariano A. Mejia, the Surgeon General of the AFP and concurrent Commanding General of the AFP Medical Center expressed his elation for the realization of this project. 

“The fulfillment of this once dream of having a hospital in Sulu did not come easy. It faced financial challenges, among others. This is why we are grateful to the AFP leadership, to the Commander in Chief, and to San Miguel Foundation, Incorporated for their gracious donation of ambulances, equipment, and other hospital implements.”, said General Mejia.

The CGTBSH begun as a Trauma Center back in 2007. It aims to provide immediate management of combat casualties among AFP uniformed personnel engaged in combat operations in that part of Mindanao. With its metamorphosis into a hospital, it can now accommodate injured or sick military personnel, their dependents and even civilians. 

The hospital’s capabilities include immediate resuscitative care and advance trauma management, in-patient and out-patient services, ancillary services such as pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, and primary psycho-social and mental health, post-surgical and medical hospitalization and treatment, and also dental health care services.

“As the Chief of Staff, I exhort field commanders to care for and show their concern for the men—our most valuable asset. This is the moving force that rallied us to this endeavor where even government and non-government corporations weighed in.” General Visaya remarked.

“Camp Teodulfo Station Hospital is a testimony to the enduring partnership between the military, local government, and public and private corporations. That we can put together and contribute to the common good. Not only for the protectors, your soldiers, but also the ones they are protecting, the people.” Visaya concluded.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Emmanuel Bautista, the Executive Director of the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice, and Peace expressed the elation of his family. “If only my father was alive, he would have been very happy for the operation of this hospital. Our gratitude goes to all of you who made this project possible. Indeed, the death of Brigadier General Teodulfo Bautista and his men on that fateful day is an act of supreme sacrifice for our people. And this hospital embodies the same spirit-of treating our soldiers and our people from the wounds of conflict.”

Local school official shot dead and one (1) wounded by riding in tandem in Pagadian City

 By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 26, 2016) – Dean of graduate school of Southern Mindanao Colleges (SMC) in this city was shot dead by riding in tandem Tuesday at 5:20 PM along Rizal Avenue, Barangay Balangasan in this city while his grandson was wounded and in critical condition confined at local hospital, local police official said.

Local City Chief of Police Supt. Michael Palermo identified the victim as Elmey Yukoya Y Mendoza, 64 years old, male, married and a resident of nearby town of Dumalinao of this province while the his grandson identified as Yoriko Montejo Yukoya 9 years old sustained gunshot wound on his chest and still under critical condition.

Supt. Palermo in their initial investigation disclosed that the victim driving his white SUV (Mitsubishi Montero Sport) with plate number VFT 676 together with his wife Santa Lebitario-Yukoya, 64 years old, and granddaughter Tisha Montejo Y Yukoya, 11 years old, both unharmed, and his grandson. When the two (2) unidentified suspects tailed them and upon their arrival near the junction of the said place suddenly shoot them several times with the use Cal .45.

The victims were brought immediately by the responding policemen in the Borbon Hospital but the victim Elmey Yukoya was later pronounced dead on arrival by his attending physician.

Police recovered from the crime scene were four (4) fired cartridge cases for .45 caliber subject for turned-over to PNP Crime Laboratory for Ballistic Comparison. While the police conducting thorough investigation to establish the possible motive of the case.

Lopez assures IPs: 'No one in ancestral lands will be evicted'

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Oct. 25, 2016) - Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has assured indigenous peoples (IP) from Mindanao, who have been holding a series of protest actions in Metro Manila, that they will not be evicted from their ancestral lands.

“No one will be evicted from your land.  That is your exclusive right,” Lopez told the IPs as they continued to protest against what they claimed as continued plunder and militarization of ancestral lands across the country. 

Lopez made the assurance during a meeting with the IPs at the University of the Philippines in Diliman on Tuesday. On invitation by the IP leaders and representatives, Lopez went to UP with other senior officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for a dialogue.

Right then and there, Lopez directed DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Isabelo Montejo to look deeper into issues being raised by the IPs.

​“I want you to investigate the various issues being raised, and address them,” Lopez told Montejo, who in turn assured the IPs of immediate assistance from the DENR.

“I will direct all our regional directors to go and dialog with you. Sila ang papupuntahin ko sa inyo, at hindi kayo ang pupunta sa kanila,” Montejo said.

​Lopez also enlightened the group of the DENR’s move to engage them in the National Greening Program, the government's massive reforestation initiative that doubles as a poverty alleviation measure.  “Ang gusto namin ay isama kayo sa National Greening Program upang magkaroon ng economic activities – magkaroon kayo ng pera,” she said.

​The DENR chief likewise urged them to help the government in protecting the resources in their ancestral lands.

“Kailangan protektahan ninyo ang mga resources na nasa inyong ancestral lands upang manatiling malinis ang inyong ilog, pati na ang kagubatan.  Dahil yan ay para tin sa inyo at sa ating bayan.”

​Lopez also introduced to the minority groups Philip Camara who briefed them on biochar, which the group may engage in as an economic activity with the help of the DENR's corporate arm, the Natural Resources Development Corporation.

​On the issue of militarization of ancestral lands, Secretary Lopez phoned Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya on the spot and put him on speaker phone to explain the side of the military.

​Visaya explained to the IPs that the presence of military in their areas was meant “not to disturb you but to respond to the presence of the NPA (New People's Army) who are exploiting you.”

​On the clamor of the IPs to stop mining in their areas, Lopez told them that she has already issued a moratorium for new mining projects, while assuring them of immediate investigation on issues allegedly being perpetrated by mining companies against the lumads and other minority groups in the country.

“No new mining.  I wanna go to agriculture and eco-tourism,” she said.

(By Jong Cadion with PR)

Islamic scholar holds interfaith dialogue with WesMinCom

By Jong Cadion

Zamboanga City (October 25, 2016) -- Islamic scholar Sheikh Muhammad Imran Anguilla Al-Hafiz from Singapore emphasized the importance of interfaith collaboration in countering violent extremism during a round-table discussion with officers and enlisted personnel of the Western Mindanao Command.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr. disclosed that in coordination with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Zambasulta Halal Club, Inc., the WesMinCom hosted the dialogue on “Islam, Moderation, Interfaith-Intercultural Dialogue and Countering Violent Extremism,” which aimed to discuss the importance of understanding Islam and the need for Muslim communities to be involved with the government’s initiatives for peace and development in the light of the challenges posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Jemaah Islamiya, and Abu Sayyaf Group.

Maj. Tan added that the said dialogue was held this 8:00 morning at the Civil Development Center in Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city.

Maj. Tan also said that among those who participated were the chaplains of the WesMinCom; 3rd Air Division, Philippine Air Force, and Naval Forces Western Mindanao; officers of the Civil-Military Operations of the 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army; and the 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Recognized by the Islamic council of Johor as a qualified religious teacher, Sheikh Anguilla Al-Hafiz previously visited the Philippines and gave discussions on counter radicalization to academes and the police in Zamboanga City in January, this year.

Police shot dead the suspect after stabbing him

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga City (October 24, 2016) – The member of Pagadian City Police operatives landed at the hospital after stabbed by his attacker Saturday evening. The policeman identified as PO1 Rolito Sinajon shot the suspect after attacking him at Barangay Tuburan at 8:30 PM in this city.

Pagadian City Chief of Police Supt. Michael Palermo disclosed that based in the initial investigation the Pagadian City operatives responded the call from the concern citizen regarding the commotion incident happen at Purok Caimito in the said barangay. PO1 Rolito Sinajon, duty operation PNCO, after conducting interview to the two (2) drunken male persons when he was about to leave the area one of the suspects stabbed him from behind using broken glass of beer that caused him to retaliate and shot his attackers using his service pistol.

PO1 Sinajon was brought by the responding police operatives to the Pagadian City Medical Center for his immediate medical treatment while the other police operatives conducted hot pursuit operations against to the other unidentified fleeing suspect wearing blue t-shirt, curly hair, 5’9” in height and slim built.

Supt. Palermo identified the attacker as Junjie Oberez y Babao, 23 years old, male, single, welder and a resident of Purok Chico Hills, Barangay Tuburan, this city, was died on the spot after sustaining two (2) entrance gun shot wounds at the left side portion of the upper body and two (2) exit gun shot wounds at the right portion of the upper body.

Supt. Palermo added that before the incident the suspect together with his companion having drinking spree beside the road.

The police operatives recovered from the crime scene were three (3) pieces of 9mm fired cartridge cases.

Eleven (11) Abu Sayyaf members choose to live peacefully, surrender to troops in Basilan

By Jong Cadion

Zamboanga City (October 24, 2016) - A notorious sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and kin of Furudji Indama, along with his followers, to include a 12-year-old child, surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan led by COL CIRILITO DONATO thru the efforts of the local government units of Sumisip, Basilan Monday morning headed by Mayor Gulam S. Salliman Hataman and Basilan Governor Jim Salliman Hataman, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Major Filemon I. Tan Jr. disclosed that Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Moton Indama, along with his 10 followers, surrendered to the headquarters of the 64th Infantry Battalion in Sumisip, Basilan led by LTC JULIUS A CABARLOC. Surrenderees were Moton Indama, Haimin Jalil, Marham Musana, Sadjara Hadjaraman, Tari and Halid Murasimin, Gulam Hajim, Haraward Sahirulla, Basri Laisun, Nasim Baliyung and Ring Langka. Their age ranges from 12-35 years old.

Indama and his followers also surrendered their firearms of 3 - Cal. 45 pistols, 1- Cal. 38 handgun, 1- M653 Rifle, 1- MINIMI Sub machine gun, 1- M203 Rifle, 1- M1 Garand, 1- 12 gauge Shotgun, 1 - M1 Carbine and several ammunition and magazines.

Major Tan said that per reports, Indama, second cousin of Furuji Indama, is the leader of more or less 20 Abu Sayyaf members operating in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. His group is responsible for the laying of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Basilan Circumferential Road in Barangays Baguindan and Silangkum, Tipo-Tipo.

Indama’s group is also involved in the 2010 bombing in Isabela City, Basilan, as well as in several armed confrontations with government forces in the province in 2009.

Major Tan added that the said surrender was made possible through the combined efforts of the Joint Task Force Basilan, the Local Government Units (LGUs) from ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman down to the barangay officials, and the police.

From July to October 24 today, a total of 34 Abu Sayyaf members in Basilan have surrendered to the government authorities.

The military, local government officials and the people of Basilan are one in working for peace in Basilan, which in the future, will pave the way for prosperity and development in the province.

Arrested ASG: We don't know we do evil

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 22, 2016) - "We don't know that what we are doing is evil and against the law". This is the revelation of an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member in the psycho-social processing done after his arrest on Tuesday, military official said.

Speaking in vernacular, ASG member Pauji Asgari was baffled why he was arrested by Army troops. Not being able to speak Tagalog well, his revelation was translated by a local who cannot help but shake his head. Asgari believed they (ASG) are doing what is right and are against evil doers as they are being indoctrinated every now and then by their leaders.

Asgari's mother showed up a day after his arrest and thanked soldiers for treating his son well before he was turned-over to Sulu PNP on Wednesday. Asgari is facing multiple cases after he was arrested with an M16 assault rifle, magazines, ammunition, backpack, electric cords, cellphone, hammock, motorcycle and Marine Battle Dress Attire.

Joint Task Force Sulu Information Officer Col. Rodrigo Gregorio disclosed that Islamic scholars locally and around the world condemned the ASG for its kidnapping and brutal beheading of victims saying it is un-Islamic and outrightly evil.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said, "The case of Asgari shows the deception being done by ASG leaders to their members. The ASG leaders are manipulating and deceiving their members into believing falsehood to commit unimaginable crimes against the law and against Islam".

Authorities believe the revelation highlight the need to fully and rightfully educate people in the countryside so that they will not fall prey to the deception and manipulation of any criminal elements.

Relatedly, National Government Agencies, LGU, NGOs together with the PNP and AFP have done series of collaborative planning to deliver basic services including humanitarian and infrastructure projects to address the causes of insurgency and criminality in Sulu, Southern Philippines.

Meanwhile, in the remote areas in Sulu, soldiers continue combat operations to destroy the ASG and rescue the remaining hostages.

DSWD, LGU, NGO, AFP firm up humanitarian projects in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 21, 2016)- National officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) together with Local Government Units (LGU), Non-Government Organizations and officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) firmed up humanitarian programs in Sulu in a series of meetings Thursday afternoon, military official said.

Joint Task Force Sulu Information Officer Col. Rodrigo Gregorio said that the DSWD delegation from the national office headed by Dir. Maristela Abenojar and ASec. Darwin Rasul III of DSWD ARMM met with LGU representatives, NGO Hope Inc. and allied groups; and Joint Task Force Sulu officers to craft out the details of plans previously worked out a few weeks ago in a coordinative meeting on the implementation of development projects and humanitarian programs in Sulu.

Particular concern laid out to be addressed is the plight of the internaly displaced persons in areas of conflict. Sustainment method, appropriate measures and filling of gaps in collaboration with NGOs were essentially discussed, he added.

It may be recalled that a string of visits and collaborative works were done by Officials from the Office of the President, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways and DSWD with LGU, NGOs and the AFP to further enhance inter-agency efforts and stakeholder collaboration. The series of meetings are geared towards addressing the immediate needs of people affected by the conflict and delivery of basic services: and the long term goal of addressing the issues of poverty, lack of infrastructure, lack of education and lack of opportunity believed to be the roots of insurgency and criminality in Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Dela Vega, Commander of JTF Sulu said "The collaboration of different government agencies and Non-Government Organizations exemplify the time honored tradition of Bayanihan deeply engrained in our culture as Filipinos. The Bayanihan of government instrumentalities and civilian stakeholders in bringing necessary services will greatly help in addressing the basic causes of insurgency and criminality in Sulu". 

ZamPen-RCC classifies Agustin Cave and Zapanta-Gomez Cave in ZDN as Class II Caves

Jay Mark P.  Balbosa from CENRO Manukan  presenting the  Agustin Cave and Zapanta-Gomez Cave Assessment Report to the Zamboanga Peninsula  Regional Cave Committee .

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 21, 2016) - The Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Cave Committee  (ZamPen-RCC) conducted a meeting at  Mibang Hotel, Dipolog City on October 5, 2016 to  review, deliberate and adopt the  Class II classification of Agustin Cave and Zapanta-Gomez Cave, located in Barangay Lipakan, President Manuel A.  Roxas,  Zamboanga del Norte.  This is a timely development as Zamboanga del Norte will be the host of the Philippine Cave Congress in April 2017.  

Accordingly, the cave exploration and assessment on the abovementioned natural resources  were conducted  during the 3rd Regional Cave Summit held in the same  municipality on March 9-11, 2016 with  technical assistance from the Regional Cave Assessment Team (RCAT), Zamboanga Peninsula Cavers Association (ZAMPEN) and SpeleoNederlands (Belgium based group).  Participants include personnel from the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs/CENROs) of DENR9, representatives from the different Local Government Units, Non-Government Organizations and other cave stakeholders across Region 9.

The assessment used three different methodologies, namely:  (1) Basic Caving, where the assigned group assessed the flora and fauna and cave resources inside; (2) Cave Survey and Mapping where the topography, terrain and location of the same caves were plotted and (3) Cave Photography which documents in photo the resources found therein.

Based on the report presented by  the technical personnel of CENRO Manukan and PENRO Zamboanga del Norte,  both caves conform to Class II Classification as defined by Republic Act 9072 (National Caves and Cave Resources Management Act). In the said category, Agustin Cave and Zapanta-Gomez Cave are both recommended to be used for educational tours and guided ecotourism purposes. However, it is to be noted that some parts of these caves may be closed to the public and only expert spelunkers and scientists are allowed to access it due to the presence of important and sensitive biodiversity resources  in those areas which may be disturbed or threatened when opened to neophyte cavers.

RPAO Representative Elaine C.  Pascua requested the technical team to include in the report the specific points or parts of the assessed caves which are open for ecotourism purposes and those that are exclusively for scientific and expert cavers use only.

Upon approval of DENR 9 Regional Director Arleigh J.  Adorable, ZamPen RCC will endorse the matter to the Biodiversity Management Bureau for the final classification of these two mentioned caves.  [ECPascua - RPAO9].

(By Jong Cadion with PR)

DENR 9 Employees Celebrate “Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino”

During the ceremonial turn-over of different medical supplies and equipment/aid, a quad cane (mobility device) was awarded to Forester Hiya Jaapar for his exemplary performance by DENR IX Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable.

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 21, 2016) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) IX observed the Linggo ng Katandaaang Pilipino through a lecture-demo on Basic Life Support Training Course by Hamza Laguiab of the 1st Infantry TABAK Division and Home-Based Livelihood/Entrepreneurial Opportunities by Virgie Crumb of Peaches and Blossoms Catering last October 10, 2016 at the Kalikasan Court, DENR IX Compound, Pagadian City.

Then President Fidel V. Ramos declared the first week of October as “Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino” (Elderly Filipino Week) through Proclamation No. 470 issued on September 26, 1994 to give emphasis on the important role of older persons in nation-building, and to raise and address issues concerning the sector.  This year’s theme, “Pagmamahal at Respeto ng Nakababata, Nagpapaligaya sa Nakatatanda”, emphasizes that older persons should be loved, cared for, and respected.

Forty (40) senior citizen participants from the DENR regional office, PENRO Zamboanga del Sur and CENROs Ramon Magsaysay and Guipos also availed of medical services, such as random blood sugar screening and blood pressure measurement, foot and back massage, manicure and pedicure. “Pangkabuhayan Starter” rewards such as kitchen and food preparation appliances were also raffled off during the event.

“Early training for retirement can be a preventive measure in avoiding problems and depression after retirement,” said DENR IX Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable.  “With this activity, Senior Citizen (SC) personnel can develop decision-making skills and the ability to be flexible; they can ward off many problems later in life especially on financial and non-financial areas,” he added.  (WA DENRIX RPAO)

(By Jong Cadion with PR)

Korean flagship seajacked off Tawi-Tawi waters

By Jong Cadion

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (October 21, 2016)- A Korean flagship was seajacked by armed men aboard a speedboat off the waters of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi  2:45 PM yesterday.

Park Chul Hong, ship captain of MV Dong Bang Giant 2 heavy loader carrier cargo ship coming from Australia going to Korea, and crew member Glenn Alindajao from Cebu, Philippines, were seized by 10 armed men suspected to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) under Jul Hassan, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr. disclosed that the perpetrators are alleged followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Idang Susukan based in Sulu.

The Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi alerted all units and dispatched military assets for counteraction.

As of this press time, validation and intelligence monitoring are currently being conducted by the military in coordination with local chief executives and the locals to track down the perpetrators and safely rescue the victims.

DENR names 29 priority areas for community development program

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 21, 2016) - The environment and natural resources department has identified 29 areas to transform into "income-generating sites" to improve the lives of marginalized communities through the agency's AREA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (AMP), according to its chief, Regina Paz Lopez.

The DENR chief said that through the AMP, the agency will make these identified areas self-sustaining in a well-protected environment, and with people happy because they are free from hunger and poverty.

"The AMP will provide alternative sources of livelihood that promote the preservation of the environment and natural resources," Lopez added. 

Of the 29 priority areas, 13 are located in Luzon, 6 in Visayas and 10 in Mindanao.

The AMP areas in Luzon are Chico River and Mt. Pulag in the Cordillera Administrative Region; Zambales; Laur in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija; Sierra Madre in Cagayan; Sierra Madre in Nueva Ecija; Kaliwa Watershed in Marikina and Sierra Madre; Batangas Coastline and Verde Passage; Laguna Lake; Palawan; Sibuyan Island; Romblon; Occidential and Oriental Mindoro; and Sorsogon. 

The priority areas in Visayas are the provinces of Guimaras, Antique, Samar, Bohol and Cebu, and the city of Iloilo. 

Saranggani, Caraga-Cantilan, South Upi, Marilog, Mt. Hamiguitan/Mati, Talaingog in Davao del Norte, Rajah Buayan, Dinagat Island, Tawi-Tawi, and Lanao del Sur make up the areas in Mindanao.

The areas will be evaluated based on available resources, as well as needs and requirements, which will become the basis in determining possible livelihood opportunities similar to those in established ecotourism zones like the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, and Ugong Rock and Iwahig Firefly Watching in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Following the convergence model, the civil society, academe, business sector, concerned government agencies and the community will be brought together to help build the model development areas.

Among the possible livelihood activities to be implemented in these areas are massive tree planting including hardwood and fruit trees; coffee processing and trading; bamboo propagation; manufacture of woodcraft from gemelina lumber and furniture from bamboo; and tiger grass farming and soft broom production.

(By Jong Cadion with PR)

                          

Two (2) drug personalities nabbed in drug bust police operation

Fatima Jamaluddin y Abdulla aka. “Tima”,

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 20, 2016) - Two (2) individuals listed in the priority/watch list of RSOG 9 and known drug distributors were arrested in a separate drug buy bust operation carried out by the operatives of RID-RSOG9 led by PSI Gaspar C. Gadingan, TL under the direct supervision of PSupt. Ferjen T. Torred. OIC, RSOG9, in Purok 8, Dacon Homes, Barangay Recodo and Barangay Suterville, Zamboanga City on October 18, 2016 at about 10:40 PM and 11:50 PM respectively.

Chief Police Information Officer of Police Regional Office 9 PSupt. Rogelio C. Alabata said that the suspect arrested in Barangay Recodo police operation was Edilberto Ramos y Figoro aka “Jun-Jun”, 38 years old, married, resident of said place.  

Edilberto Ramos aka Jun-Jun is included in the priority/watch list of this Office who is a known drug pusher of Brgy Recodo, this city, PSupt. Alabata added.

A total of one (1) plastic pack containing suspected shabu. Several drug paraphernalia and Four (4) pieces of One Hundred Peso bills marked money were confiscated from suspect’s possession and control during his arrest.

PSupt. Alabata also said that the other suspect arrested in Barangay Suterville Operation was Fatima Jamaluddin y Abdulla aka. “Tima”, 30 years old, married, a resident of Brgy Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.   

Fatima Jamaluddin aka “Tima” is included in the priority/watch list of this Office and a known drug distributor of Brgy Upper Calarian who used to distribute illegal drugs to some drug pushers in Brgy Recodo and other barangays in Zamboanga City, he also added.

A total of Two (2) plastic packs each containing suspected shabu, Three (3) pieces of One Hundred Peso bills marked money with boodle money and one (1) single motorcycle Honda XRM 125 color white/blue bearing plate number JA51873 were confiscated from suspect’s possession and control. The suspect was apparently pregnant when she drives her motorcycle in delivering the suspected shabu at the aforementioned place.

Both suspects are temporarily detained at Zamboanga City Police Station 8 and Zamboanga City Police Station 9, respectively, pending the filing of appropriate charges in court.  

As this developed, PCSupt. Billy B. Beltran, PRO9 Acting Regional Director, lauded and commended the operating police unit for a job well done and for their utmost efforts that resulted to the arrest of the High Value Target drug personality.  

PCSupt. Beltran urges the public to support the police in waging the war against illegal drugs by providing relevant and timely information on the identity of drug personalities in their respective places to report it to the nearest police station or to the PNP hotline number 911- 09178475757 – 09175062000

                                                           

Soldiers to ASG: surrender and live; Human Rights, IMT visit Sulu

By Jong D. Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Oct 20, 2016) - Abu Sayyaf members must surrender to preserve countless lives. This is the sentiment of soldiers in Sulu as the BaSulTa Sub-Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) and International Monitoring Team (IMT) for the peace process visit Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) 4pm Wednesday and whole of Thursday respectively, military official said.

Joint Task Force Sulu Information Officer Col. Rodrigo Gregorio said that the ARMM BaSulTa Sub-RHRC led by Atty Edy Lyn Santiago conferred with JTFS officers on status of human rights awareness of troops and was assured of the compliance of soldiers on Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and the Rule of Law. JTFS officials cited the case of suspected ASG Pauji Asgari who was arrested last Tuesday. Asgari was treated well, brought to the hospital for medical check-up and was immediately given food.

The IMT on the other hand was led by Malaysian Maj. Gen. Datuk Wir Zamrose who conferred with JTFS and LGU officials on the status of peace process in the province, he added.

Soldiers in Sulu are calling on the ASG to surrender in light of successive encounters which resulted to the death of many ASG members including the neutralization of the notorious Muktadil brothers and the arrest of Asgari by Army troops in Talipao, Sulu on Tuesday.

Soldiers said that the arrest of Asgari is essentially a surrender since he did not put a fight. Troops of 41st Infantry Battalion pursuing a group of armed men apprehended Asgari on information of local residents and recovered an M16 assault rifle, ammunition, electric cords, combat pack, cellphone, hammock, motorcycle and Marine Battle Dress Attire.

Soldiers speaking in vernacular said, "It’s good he did not resist. He and his mother are now glad he is alive. We don’t want anyone being killed but if he tried to shoot at us, we will have no choice but to shoot back". 

Asgari's mother showed up a day after his arrest and thanked soldiers for their kind treatment on his son. JTFS officials assured her and all relatives of ASG that surrenderees will be treated well.

It may be recalled that AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Ricardo Visaya made a call for the ASG to surrender to preserve lives and for them to have a new life. A week after, 21 ASG from Basilan surrendered.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, JTFS commander is echoing the same, "We are calling on the ASG to surrender and stop these kidnapings and all un-Islamic activities so that they may be given chance to live, atone for their crimes and be with their families".

Reports from communities indicate that many ASG want to surrender but are being held and intimidated by their leaders saying they will be killed by soldiers if they surrender. However, authorities say that is far from truth and that is part of coercion and misinformation ASG leaders feed to their members.

Brig. Gen. Dela Vega said, "The humane treatment of our soldiers to the arrested ASG is a proof of the commitment of our toops in respecting Human Rights and protecting the lives of others even those of criminals".

"We are all losers in this war specially the victims and the people of Sulu. Our soldiers die, many more on the ASG are killed and those who suffer most are the victims and innocent people being displaced due to the atrocities of the ASG", Brig. Gen. Dela Vega concluded.

Since July, a total of 36 ASG were killed in Sulu and scores were wounded while the AFP suffered 15 killed in action and 28 wounded in action.

The focused military operation launched by the AFP since July resulted to the rescue and recovery of 16 hostages while a total of 12 kidnap victims remain to be rescued.

DENR holds first leg of GNH lecture series in Davao

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 20, 2016) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) began on Tuesday a nationwide lecture series promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a model of economic development and metric of national progress.

Secretary Gina Lopez led DENR officials in welcoming the participants to the first leg of the GNH lecture series and workshop on sustainable area management held in Davao City, featuring Dr. Saamdu Cheri of Bhutan's GNH Centre.

Lopez said she wants the Philippines to follow Bhutan's model of measuring GNH, which gives equal importance to non-economic aspects of well-being in quantifying social and national progress, apart from the usual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Coined by Bhutan's fourth king, His Majesty JigmeSingye Wangchuck, GNH is based on the four pillars of good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation.

"I want to explore on a societal level, take on something more sublime than money," Lopez told the participants that include Mindanao-based local government and DENR officials, indigenous peoples, and members of people's organizations, civil society and the military.

Lopez said the lecture and workshop will serve as input to area development planning to be done in 10 identified priority areas in Regions 10, 11, 12, 13 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The DENR plans to use an integrated development and management approach to address poverty and deliver social justice to marginalized communities across the country.

"Ang DENR ngayon ay gagawa ng programa para sa pag-unlad ng komunidad. Kung magagawa natin dito sa lugar nyo, ang pag-aalaga at pagmamahal sa kalikasan ay aangat ang buhay ng tao. Kaya nga ang sinasabi natin: pwede pala, kaya natin," Lopez said.

In his lecture, Chetri emphasized that the GNH approach to development begins with "change in one's self."

"If we do not look after ourselves, how can we help others? We have to change our inner environment so we can change the environment outside us," he pointed out.

The concept of GNH has been introduced to the United Nations and brought about the celebration of the International Day of Happiness on March 20 of every year, as per a resolution adopted by the U.N. General Assembly. This also led to the first International Meeting on GNH and Economic Development in 2012. 

In 2013, Bhutan submitted its World Happiness Report to the U.N. The development components in the report have been incorporated in the U.N. development goals.

"Bhutan is happy that we are able to contribute in a very little way to the world in a different platform," Chetri said. 

He added: "If we can transform ourselves, development will happen naturally and automatically."

The Ateneo de Davao University was the first venue of the GNH lecture. The Visayas leg of the GNH lecture series will be held at the University of San Carlos in Cebu on October 20. 

In Luzon, lectures will be held at the Ateneo de Manila University on October 22 and the University of the Philippines in Diliman on October 24.

Chetri will also conduct a special lecture for members of the media at the DENR central office in Quezon City on October 21.

(By Jong Cadion with PR)