RD Mirasol assumes office as DENR IX OIC RD

RD Felix S. Mirasol, Jr. (right) accepting the key of responsibility from

RD Arleigh J. Adorable (left) during the turn-over ceremony.

By Jong Cadion                    

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 1, 2017) - Director Felix S. Mirasol, Jr. assumes today as regional director for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX, Zamboanga Peninsula during a turn-over ceremony in Pagadian City.

RPAO (Regional Public Affairs Office) Officer Roservirico A.  Tan disclosed that Director Mirasol was appointed by DENR Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez to replace Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable who was reassigned to central office as part of her nationwide “restructuring of the 17 regional offices to ensure success of environmental programs and projects designed to help local communities protect their environment and improve living conditions as well as for the department to carry out its mandate as one of the government’s social justice champion”.

Director Mirasol, in his message, extolled the remarkable accomplishments of his predecessor Director Adorable who was at the helm of DENR-9 for more than seven (7) years to include the completion of the spacious DENR regional office building, the Kalikasan Covered Court, the completion of PENR and CENR office  buildings, mechanized nursery, to name a few.

“It is the acceptance of the key of responsibility that will help me unlock the door of the supportive people of Region 9 and together work for the welfare of the community and the people’s happiness,” he added.

Director Mirasol is a Forester by profession and started in 1988 as a Forest Guard in the Bureau of Forest Development in Region X. He rose from the ranks and became a Protected Area Superintendent (PASU), CENR Officer, PENR Officer and OIC-Assistant Regional Director with DENR Region X.

PRO9 mass oath taking and donning of ranks

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 30, 2017) - At about 7:30 AM newly promoted PCSupt. Jonathan V. Ablang, Deputy Regional Director for Administration, PRO9, lead the simultaneous Mass Oath Taking and Donning of Ranks to the newly promoted Police Commission Officers (PCO) and Police Non-Commission Officer (PNCO) held at PRO9 Quadrangle, Camp Col. Romeo A. Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City.

PRO9 Information Officer PSupt. Rogelio C. Alabata disclosed that a total of 39 PCOs and 30 PNCOs assigned from different units of PRO9 and 7 PCOs and 62 PNCOs assigned in the National Operation Support Units (NOSU) were promoted to the next higher ranks.

PCSupt. Ablang administered the oath – taking and presided the donning of ranks insignias together with their respective family to the 138 newly promoted PCOs and PNCOs coming from the different units of PRO9 and NOSU.   

In his speech and message to the newly promoted PNP personnel, he challenged the promoted PCOs and PNCOs to do better and help the PNP in the fight against scalawags in the organization and set good example to others to follow.  

He also reiterated to the PNP promoted personnel the famous line from the Spiderman movie clip “Great Power Come Great Responsibility and extends his deepest congratulatory remarks to the newly promoted PNP personnel for their well-deserved promotion and to their respective family and love-ones for their untiring support to the promoted personnel.  

                            

Gov. Hataman declares ARMM ecozone ‘halal hub’

Cotabato City (January 30, 2017) – Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has officially declared the Polloc Freeport and Ecozone in Parang, Maguindanao as ‘halal hub’, the first truly halal ecozone in the country.

“The ARMM government is continually working to open the possibilities to the halal market in the region as well as in the country that serves as a gateway to the multi-trillion dollar halal industry,” Gov. Hataman said.

The declaration of a halal economic zone will attract local and foreign investors to export and import halal products and services. Aleem Guiapal, ARMM’s economic zone authority (REZA) executive director, said a declared halal ecozone becomes halal-industry ready and industry investments would be fully supported.

Guiapal noted that REZA continues to forge stronger partnerships with potential investors. Halal is an Arabic word meaning permissible based on Islamic Sharia law and the term can cover both goods – such as foods, drinks, medicines, clothing and cosmetics – and services as well as places.

“We see tremendous opportunities here in the region. So now, we want to differentiate our market on the other economic zones in the Philippines,” Guiapal said. “The declaration is considered a medium to attaining the vision of a sustainable ARMM economy,” Guiapal added.

“We, in Muslim Mindanao, should seize the opportunity as the halal market worldwide is continuously growing,” he said .

Ecozones are selected areas with highly developed, or which have the potential to be developed into, agri-industrial, industrial, tourist/recreational, commercial, banking, investment and financial centers. Having halal ecozones in the ARMM means it would open opportunities to the region as well as to the country for the growing global halal industry.

A worldwide study conducted two years ago by Thomson Reuters in collaboration with Dinar Standard noted the global halal market in 2018 would reach $1.6 trillion with an annual growth rate of 6.9%.

Among the potential markets for Mindanao-produced halal foods are Middle East countries, Singapore as well as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines under the East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

With these exciting opportunities, Guiapal said the region is still facing challenges. “We still need to continually capacitate our experts, the halal-certifying bodies and in terms of technical know-how and operations to run a halal hub,” he said.

In the region, outside of the Polloc Freeport, REZA’s list also included the facility of B.J. Coco Oil Mill, a firm operating in ZambongaPeninsula and in Sulu, as an ecozone. Coco Oil Mill’s port, however, is currently not operating.

Other planned ARMM ecozones are located in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Jolo, Sulu; Malabang; Lanao del Sur; Marawi City in Lanao del Sur; and in Basilan.
As early as 10 years ago, Polloc Port has been identified as priority area in hosting halal-related enterprises but this was not officially declared and did not receive adequate push from the government.

Ishak Mastura, then ARMM trade and industry secretary and now chairman of the Regional Board of Investments, said in August 2006 that a halal chicken poultry project under the BIMP-EAGA cooperation will be hosted by the Polloc Freeport.

Recently, REZA conducted a round table ecozone consultation with the ARMM local government units. ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Masuhud Alamia in her opening remarks cited the importance of ecozone development in the ARMM.

REZA is mandated to oversee the integration, coordination, planning and monitoring of special economic zones, industrial estate/parks, export processing zones and other economic zones in the ARMM. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information - ARMM)

Pagadian City LGU joins Chinese New Year Celebration

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (January 28, 2017) - The Local Gov't of Pagadian City participated in the celebration of the Chinese New Year held at the City Plaza Taklobo stage with a program started at 6pm Friday at Plaza Luz.

Pagadian City Press Bureau Officer Leah Agonoy said the celebration were participated in by the Chinese Community especially the Filipino-Chinese Business Community thru a joint effort of the City Tourism Office and the City Tourism Council.

Highlights of the event are the fireworks display, the colorful Dragon dance, and Chinese food display at the city plaza.

ASG member arrested in Zamboanga City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 27, 2017) – At about 12:30 AM combined elements of CIDG-NCR, National Intelligence Service Group (NISG), 4^th Company of Regional Public Safety Battalion 9 (RPSB9) and Intel operatives of Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) conducted police operation against a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member at Barangay Cawit, Zamboanga City.

Information Officer PSupt. Rogelio C. Alabata disclosed that the operation resulted to the arrest of a ASG member identified as Faizal Jaafar aka Jaafar Mundi @ Abu Jaafar @ Aren @ Ben/ Abu Raba.

This is by virtue of warrant of arrest for Kidnapping and serious illegal detention (87 counts) in relation to Sipadan kidnapping incident last 2001 and murder with the use of illegal possession of firearm issued by Hon. Judge Danilo Bucoy RTC9 Branch, Isabela City and Hon. Judge Chito S Meregillano, RTC4 Branch 51, Puerto Princesa City, Alabata said.

Alabata added that the arrested ASG member is presently detained at CIDG9 for proper disposition before turn-over to the issuing court.

As this developed, PCSupt Billy B. Beltran, PRO9 Regional Director, lauded and commended the operating police and AFP units for a job well done and for their utmost efforts that resulted to the arrest of the ASG sub leader. 

PCSupt Billy B. Beltran urges the general public to continually support and cooperate with the police by providing timely and relevant information on any wanted person/ terrorist who may be hiding in their respective places. Report any suspicious persons to the nearest police station.

  

ARMM gov’t will be ‘culturally sensitive’ on the issue of condom distribution in schools

Cotabato City (January 26, 2017) – The government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be “culturally sensitive” should the program on the distribution of condoms in schools is implemented in the region, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said.

The governor made the statement during the ‘Tapatan sa ARMM’, a regular media forum held on Thursday, January 26, at the ARMM's seat in Cotabato City.

Secretary Paulyn Ubial of the Department of Health (DOH) earlier said the program will be implemented nationwide this year as part of efforts to stop the increasing number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among the youth.

The program would be implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), which has expressed reservation on the plan. In a statement, DepEd said it recognizes the need to stop the surging spread of HIV/AIDS among the youth and that discussions with DOH on this matter will soon be conducted.

In the ARMM, where most places are conservative and people consider sex-related topics taboo, Gov. Hataman underscored that the ARMM government will undertake measures to deliberate on the plan.

“Definitely, the ARMM government will be culturally sensitive,” Gov. Hataman said. He added that Islamic religious leaders such as the Regional Darul 'Ifta, which is the authority on religious and cultural values of Muslims in the region, would be consulted on this issue.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has warned that condom distribution in schools will encourage pre-marital sex among Filipino youth noting it could even condone sexual activity among students.

The DOH has explained that the distribution of condoms will be accompanied by guidelines and measures, and will not be distributed indiscriminately to students.

Those receiving condoms, it added, will undergo counseling, and sex education discussions with their parents. Teachers, it noted, will be trained on how to impart lessons on sex education.

In the Philippines, 32,099 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported from 2011 to October 2016. Government data also showed 9,066 HIV/AIDS cases reported during the five-year period were traced to those aged 15 to 25.

The ARMM has remained at the bottom of the DOH’s list of regions with cases of HIV/AIDS. Despite this, the Infectious Diseases Cluster (IDC) of the ARMM’s Health department warned citizens not to be complacent.

“Whether we like it or not, we have HIV cases in the ARMM,” said Soraida Amilil, IDC cluster head. As of October this year, 13 cases of HIV have been reported while none emerged as a full-blown AIDS case.

The region reported two AIDS cases and seven HIV cases in 2014. Since 1984, the region’s Health department has reported a total of 76 cases of HIV while 11 were reported to have led to AIDS.

The DOH has allocated a P1-billion fund for the HIV/AIDS program, with P50 million to P100 million intended for the procurement of condom. The department has launched awareness drives on preventive measures for HIV leading to AIDS. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

ARMM advocates peace through infra projects in Mamasapano

Cotabato City (January 25, 2017) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) continues to advocate for peace in the region through investing in infrastructure projects that would respond to the needs of the once conflict-inflicted Mamasapano town in Maguindanao.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman reiterated that infrastructure projects are also a key to wiping poverty in Mamasapano.

The encounter between government forces and revolutionary groups in Mamasapano two years ago today, January 25, has been horrific for local residents but the tragedy has become an opportunity for the government to respond to the community’s needs.

A series of site inspections were conducted to continually identify the needed services of the community for education, health services, and other community welfare services such as water supply and road networks.

To help Mamasapano residents improve their lives, the regional government has earmarked P667 million for infrastructure to be constructed within the municipality, including high-impact projects.

These projects provide greater impacts in the community including:

opportunity for economic growth and community connectivity through intra-barangay and inter-barangay roads; 

job opportunities for construction workers; 

better education and learning experiences through school building projects;

greater access to government services through community health centers; and

lesser threat of water-borne and sanitation caused diseases through water sanitation and water supply projects, among others.

Different programs and instrumentalities of the ARMM government have poured investments in conflict-inflicted towns such as the ARMM’s Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS), and ARMM’s Humanitarian and Development Action Plan (ARMM-HDAP).

ARMM-HELPS is a convergence initiative of the regional government and is regarded as the centerpiece of the Hataman administration. In Mamasapano alone, ARMM-HELPS implemented various projects in Barangay Tukanalipao and Barangay Libutan.

In Barangay Tukanalipao, projects worth roughly P8 million were completed including construction of health center, water sanitation, barangay hall, community learning center and solar drier.

While in Barangay Libutan, P9-million worth of projects are still on-going such as the renovation of a health center, construction of barangay hall, market, water system, and community learning center.

To date, the construction of one storey two-classroom units in Hadji Kalaing Elementary School and Hadji Salik Kalaing National High School as well as the construction of Tukanalipao footbridge and concreting of Tukanalipao access road has been completed.

“Other infrastructure projects in Mamasapano are still on-going,” Engr. James Mlok, head of ARMM’s 2nd district engineering office said.

Anwar Upahm, ARMM-HELPS executive director, said Governor Hataman wants an increase not only in infrastructure investments in Mamasapano but also livelihood programs.

“Due to the incident, the governor together with the concerned line agencies formulated a comprehensive plan that will immediately aid the needs of the people in the area. It encompasses not just Mamasapano but also its neighboring areas,” said Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Regional Planning and Development Office executive director and ARMM- HDAP project manager.

The ARMM-HDAP primarily focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and various government initiatives relative to development such as livelihood, infrastructure, health facilities, education, and others. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

ARMM Government and PSA Strengthen Ties

Cotabato City (Jan. 24, 2017) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao(ARMM) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) have strengthened their partnership through active communication and coordination. On Tuesday, January 24, PSA conducted a forum here on the update of the 2011-2017 Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP).

Atty. Laisa Alamia, ARMM Executive Secretary, said Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman is delighted with the presence of the PSA at the region’s seat. Gov. Hataman, she said, looks forward that with the help of the PSA, ARMM can set its direction, thrust and priorities in strengthening statistical development in the region.

The mere presence of PSA in the city, Sec. Alamia added, signals that ARMM is now getting timely and relevant data on the different sectors of the region. Prior to the Hataman administration, there has been no established communication between the PSA and the regional government, she said.

During the forum, PSA’s civil registrar general Lisa Grace Bernales said there is gradual decline in poverty incidence in the region but the figure is lower than what was expected by the ARMM regional government. Based on data covering 2014-2015, poverty incidence in the region was estimated at 48.2% close to figures monitored in previous years.

“The basis of our poverty statistics is income, and incomes of households respond very slowly to the interventions; but I feel that it’s a good start,” said Bersales.

“Poverty statistics is the most controversial because poverty is multi-dimensional, very complex situation, and our official poverty statistics for now focuses on one dimension, which is income,” she said.

“The government interventions, to trickle down to household level income, take much time and this is the reason for the disappointment sometimes of our local government on the poverty statistics that we release,” Bersales said

In recognition of this, Bersales said the PSA listens and knows the needs of their partners and try to address these needs as much as possible. “We hope to develop multi-dimensional statistics which will capture the improvements in health and education, not just the income statistics,” she said.

PSA-ARMM regional director Abubakar Asaad stressed the importance of data in the regional government’s planning. The PSDP activity here was described as a regional dissemination forum that also provided updates on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for both the ARMM and Soccsksargen, or Region 12.

During the forum, Candido Astrologo, assistant national statistician, discussed highlights of the PSDP, while Wilma Guillen, assistant national statistician for the social sector statistics service, provided the overview for the SDGs.

Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, executive director of the ARMM Regional Planning and Development Office, as well as Atty. Maqtahar Manulon, regional director of PSA-Soccsksargen, were also present in the event.

As of latest official statistics, ARMM has a total population of 3,781,387 in 116 municipalities, and 2,490 barangays. From 2014 to 2015, the region registered an economic growth of 5.3% in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

ARMM, Maguindanao LGU inaugurate HDAP-funded town hall

Cotabato City (January 25, 2017) – A new town hall for Datu Anggal Midtimbang in Maguindanao was officially inaugurated by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the beneficiary local government unit (LGU) on Monday, January 23.

The town hall was funded under the Humanitarian and Development Assistance Program (HDAP) of the ARMM.

The construction of the municipal hall was implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-ARMM with a total approved cost of P7,334,469.39. The turnover of office facilities to the Datu Anggal Midtimbang LGU was earlier held on November 4, 2016, right after the completion of the building.

ARMM’s HDAP aims at addressing the immediate needs of the affected families as well as provide follow through interventions in affected communities. It also aims at establishing a systematic and a coordinated approach in addressing and mitigating the effects of future disasters and calamities, towards a more peaceful and resilient autonomous Muslim region.

Among the projects under the ARMM-HDAP is the development of town government centers. The ARMM has earmarked a total of P30 million for the construction of three town hall buildings and rehabilitation of two existing buildings located in the towns of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Salibo, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Piang and Talitay, all in the second district of Maguindanao.

In her message, Mayor Maryjoy Estephanie Uy-Midtimbang expressed her gratitude to the ARMM government for the realization of the project. Mayor Midtimbang encouraged the people of her town to work together and cooperate in taking care of the new government building.

Engr. Baintan A. Ampatuan, executive director of the Regional Planning and Development Office and program manager of the ARMM-HDAP Project Management Office, congratulated the local officials and DILG-ARMM on the town hall’s completion.

Ampatuan said that this is the first to be completed among the projects being implemented under ARMM-HDAP. “Government center is one of the basic requirements for a functional local government unit. A conducive working environment for the municipal officials and personnel will result in better delivery of basic services,” Ampatuan said.

The national government, as well as the ARMM government, allotted more than P2 billion in the implementation of projects for 15 conflict-affected municipalities in Maguindanao.

Atty. Noor Hafizullah “Kirby” Matalam Abdullah, Regional Secretary of the DILG-ARMM, asked the town officials and the community to work together in maintaining the government center.

Vice-Mayor Datu Nathaniel S. Midtimbang; S/Supt. Agustin J. Tello, provincial police director for Maguindanao; Lt. Col. Roberto B. Sarmiento, 19 IB Commander; and former mayor of Talayan town H. Ali M. Midtimbang, were also present in the town hall’s inauguration. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

ARMM embarks on BRIDGe Project to boost business and investments

Cotabato City (January 24, 2017) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is embarking on a project that aims at facilitating the development of Bangsamoro-specific business investment standards and protocols. The project will empower both the communities and businesses to engage in sustainable business enterprises.

Dubbed “Brokering Business Investments in the Bangsamoro to achieve Inclusive Development and Growth” (BRIDGe), the project will be implemented by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Hineleban Foundation in collaboration with the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI)-ARMM.

BRIDGe is funded by the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The formal partnership among the players was sealed on Monday, January 23, 2017, at the ARMM Manila Liaison Office in Makati City through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PBSP and ARMM Regional Government through RBOI.

The memorandum cites the roles and areas of cooperation of each participant agency for the successful implementation of the project. PBSP recently conducted a Development Partners’ Meeting with the Program Advisory Committee to generate inputs on the formulation and finalization of the Business Sustainability Framework in Bangsamoro and how to improve the project’s implementation.

Such framework seeks to define the role and behavior of corporations and partner communities that would make agribusiness investments in the Bangsamoro sustainable and responsible.

Lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, chairman and managing head of RBOI, said part of the project outcome will strengthen the capacity of RBOI to facilitate investments in the ARMM, help capacitate local communities to engage in business development, and promote businesses in the region among local and international investors.

“The project is very relevant and timely because this will prepare us, especially on the business aspect, in the possible transition from the present form of government to federalism, which is what the Duterte administration is now pushing in congress,” Mastura said.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman expressed his optimism about the project. “In line with the initiative of President Duterte to promote and encourage business investments from big businesses and tycoons to the ARMM, this project will enhance the capacity of our communities to receive those investments,” Gov. Hataman said. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

Mindanao lawmaker urges the preservation of traditional art’s heritage

Cotabato City (January 24, 2017) - A lawmaker representing the Anak Mindanao (AMIN) party-list has underscored giving value to traditional art by way of respecting its heritage including giving recognition to its origin and the local community from where it came from.

In a privilege speech at the House of Representatives on Monday, January 23, Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman said it is unfair for Basilan, her home province, to be always mentioned for something bad, negative and ugly but does not get proper credit for its beautiful and precious art.

Rep. Turabin-Hataman was referring to an event dubbed Mindanao Tapestry held on January 19 in Davao City where 28 Miss Universe candidates wore dresses made from Mindanao’s traditional fabrics.

Even as she praised the pre-pageant event for showcasing the best in Mindanao’s ethnic communities, specifically their colorful yet diverse fabrics, she noted an error with respect to the background information given on the Yakan cloth.

“We are, however, very much disheartened to take notice of the fact that our very own Yakan tennun, popularly known as Yakan weave or cloth, was presented as a fabric from Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) instead of from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM),” she said.

Members of the Yakan tribe, who are known for their colorful hand-woven clothes, are traditional inhabitants of the province of Basilan, which is part of the ARMM.

“We recognize the presence of a Yakan Village in Zamboanga City promoted as a popular tourist destination producing Yakan tennun and we are sincerely grateful for this support to our traditional art,” said Rep. Turabin-Hataman. Based on available data, some Yakans migrated to Zamboanga City only in the 1970s to escape armed conflicts in Basilan.

The Yakan tennun, Rep. Turabin-Hataman further explained, is not just a product but represents a priceless traditional art of weaving along with the Landap of the Maranaos, the Inaul of the Maguindanawons, the Pis siyabit of the Tausugs, which are all traditional arts that survived for centuries.

“While those who fail to appreciate culture may perhaps see just a piece of cloth in our weave… to us, the wisdom, the values, the very spirit of our forebears live in every single strand of every piece of cloth,” she said noting those weaves represent the people of Basilan’s identity and being.

The colors, patterns and techniques of the Yakan tennun, she added, are the same colors, patterns and techniques, created in Basilan centuries ago. Thus, the issue is not just the Yakan cloth but the centuries-old tradition attached to a community.

Still, Rep. Turabin-Hataman said people from Basilan support the use and promotion of their products.

“Our only appeal is for our traditional arts to be recognized as having originated from us; that it is our own distinct contribution,” she said.

“As a people, so much has already been taken away from us. We thus call upon everyone, to take on a conscious effort in ensuring that nothing more is taken away, because no people and community must be denied of their rightful heritage.” (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

Erstwhile ARMM Information Chief is now Head of Office of Bangsamoro Youth Affairs

Youth advocate, journalist, and erstwhile executive director of the ARMM Bureau of Public Information, Amir Mawallil is the new head of the Office of Bangsamoro Youth Affairs. Mawallil steps into the shoes of Salic Sharief, Jr. after the former's appointment was signed by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman on January 12, 2016.

Hataman based his choice on Mawallil's advocacies of youth awareness, vis a vis the numerous issues that Moro youth need to deal with. Hataman expects the new OBYA Executive Director to take the lead towards empowering the youth at all levels. It is time that the Bangsamoro youth take an active role in their communities, engaging their leaders to bring youth awareness to the fore.

“The youth is constantly faced with a lot of challenges, especially here in the ARMM where poverty has proven to be a pervasive problem,” Mawallil said. “Poverty makes our youth vulnerable, especially with the rise of extremism that preys on the youth’s idealism and hope,” he said. Add to that the clear and present danger of terrorism now targeting the youth, making Mawallil's job cut out for him.

Mawallil believes that the youth should go beyond the education that they get from schools, and that opportunities should be provided for this, alongside the regional government's efforts to make basic social services available to all.

“We have been working hard to provide quality services and job opportunities across the region, especially for the Bangsamoro youth,” Mawallil said. “The OBYA is committed to ensuring these efforts translate to real opportunities, which translates to the growth and development of our region.”

The young Mawallil has had years of experience in human rights work and communications, and has served as the Executive Director of the BPI-ARMM for more than three years, prior to his appointment as OBYA head.

The OBYA was established in recognition of the vital role of youth in regional development and nation building. It is mandated to develop, promote and protect the well-being of the Bangsamoro youth in various aspects, including their moral, social, and political growth as citizens. (Bureau of Public Information) 

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

ARMM answers allegations of unfinished projects in Sulu province

Patikul, Sulu (January 17, 2016) - Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led the regional government party in a forum held in Sulu to respond to complaints about unfinished government projects on Monday, January 16.

Former Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan presented the alleged unfinished projects including schools and hospitals, among others. Tan also sent a formal complaint to the regional government back in December 2016.

Regional Vice-Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr., DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, DPWH-ARMM Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha Loong and DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary Alfhadar Pajiji were also present in the said forum.

Hospitals and barangay health stations

Tan’s formal complaint included the alleged unfinished construction of hospitals and rural health stations, including the Maimbung Municipal Hospital.

Sinolinding said the P10 million fund for Maimbung Hospital Maimbung was under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) funded by the Transition Investment Support Program (TISP).

The construction of the hospital stopped after the TISP-Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) fund was declared unconstitutional.

Housing projects and school buildings

Meanwhile, Lucman, who is also the Department of Social Welfare and Development-ARMM (DSWD-ARMM) secretary, said concerns regarding the housing projects being carried out by the Habitat for Humanity Philippines could only be answered by the DSWD Central Office since the project underwent national bidding.

Meanwhile, the budget for some classrooms and school building projects in different towns in Sulu were not yet downloaded by the Department of Education Central Office to the DepEd-ARMM causing the projects to remain unfinished, DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary Alfhadar Pajiji said.

Tan also claimed that the province of Sulu was supposed to get funding of 328 classrooms in 2013 alone. Loong, in response, said that based on DPWH data, only 42 classrooms were given fund by the DepEd Central Office amounting to P26 million pesos for the whole province.

Hataman added that the budget for additional classrooms in the region for 2013 is still with the DepEd Central Office.
 
Future Collaboration

"We are helping the regional government monitor the projects of the government under the regional governor’s leadership because this is not a matter of fault finding; my intent is to help the regional governor," Tan said.

Hataman replied, "rest assured that the ARMM government is very transparent, and we are very willing to be rectified."

After the Sulu provincial government forum, Governor Hataman led the turn-over ceremony of the P30-million Sagay-Sagay water system (Phase IV) in Talipao town.
Manis Baluan, 77 year-old resident of Barangay Buntod, said that with this new water supply system, they will now have safe and clean drinking water.

"I was born and raised here, but this is the first time that a project like this was implemented in our barangay," Baluan said. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information - ARMM)

Poverty alleviation is ARMM's top priority this year – Hataman

Cotabato City (Jan. 11, 2017) – Regional governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) underscored that poverty alleviation is his administration’s top priority this year.  

This objective was discussed today, Jan. 11, at the Tapatan sa ARMM, a regular media forum, held at the Bajau Hall, Office of the Regional Governor compound in this city.

During the event, Gov. Hataman covered various issues affecting the ARMM as well as policies of President Rodrigo Duterte specifically the war against illegal drugs and criminality and its effects in the region.

He noted that around 95% of the ARMM’s 116 municipal mayors and two city mayors have confirmed their attendance to an invitation for a meeting with the President in Malacañang scheduled today, Jan. 11. 

The governor has expressed full support to the President’s initiative to eliminate illegal drugs and criminality in the country. “Tama naman talaga na matapos na ang problema sa droga,” he said.

As to poverty alleviation -- the regional government’s prime focus for the year -- Gov. Hataman said there is a P4-billion allocation for various programs and projects aimed at eliminating hunger and malnutrition in the region. 

He also answered the long-standing question on the cause of delay in the release of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) payouts that sometimes take as long as five months.

“Ang control ng DSWD (Department of Social Welfare of Development) -ARMM at regional government ay monitoring lamang,” the governor said, “kahit mag huhumiyaw ang DSWD-ARMM at ang regional government na bayaran na, kung walang paper for the contractor to pay it, walang mangyayari,” he added.

DSWD-ARMM has already scheduled a meeting with the DSWD central office to discuss about the technical problems the program is facing and to clear out issues on inconsistencies.

The regional governor also answered questions on terror threats and drug-related violence. The 6th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police, he said, have intensified security measures and will definitely be on top of the situation, along with the regional government’s support, to ensure peace and order stability in the region.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in the ARMM at the provincial levels are also on high alert after the recent jailbreak in North Cotabato involving high-profile inmates, the regional governor said.

The local government units of areas where the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operates, said Gov. Hataman, have created teams led by the Cooperative Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture to implement productivity activities aimed at helping local communities, including families of ASG members.

As to the economy, the regional government is expecting this year around the same level as 2016’s investment inflow. Gov. Hataman said his administration is looking at inviting more job-generating investments this year to provide more opportunities to his constituents. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

Eight killed as gunmen strafe fishing boat off Zamboanga waters

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 10, 2017) – Eight (8) crew members were killed in a strafing of a fishing boat off the high seas of Laud Siromon, Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City yesterday evening, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr disclosed that the fishing boat, owned by a certain Mumar from Sangali and manned by 15 personnel, was successively shot by five (5) unidentified armed men, killing eight (8) of its crew members, while the other members jumped off the said boat and survived.

Tan also said that the motive of the gunmen was said to be personal grudge between two fishing groups and another angle considered is extortion.

At 8:40 a.m. today, Hon. Daud Bakil, barangay chairman of Sangali, Zamboanga City, appeared before the Sangali Police Station with Kervin Banahan, a resident of Sangali, to report the strafing incident, Tan added.

The other survivors are currently on Siromon Island in Zamboanga City.

The Joint Task Force Zamboanga is now closely looking and monitoring the developments in the area. The Marine Battalion Landing Team-11 is also currently in the area to assist the Curuan police as investigations are ongoing.

PRO9 Celebrates New Year’s Call and 23rd PNP Ethics Day Celebration

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 9, 2017) - The Police Regional Office 9 celebrated the traditional News Year’s Call ceremony and 23^rd PNP Ethics Day Celebration held simultaneously at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Romeo Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City today.  

Information Officer PSupt. Rogelio C Alabata disclosed that PNP officials from different cities and provinces of Region IX, together with their respective spouses, made the New Year’s Call to the energetic and workaholic Acting Regional Director PCSUPT Billly B. Beltran at the Parade Ground, Camp Romeo Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City.

This was followed by the program proper wherein the Acting Regional Director delivered his inspiring New Year’s Message.

Alabata said, the acting regional director, in his speech, acknowledges the significant events that transpired in Zamboanga Peninsula and cited the police operational accomplishment of the region for the year 2016.

He also laid his plans and programs for the year 2017, wherein some of his plans were the intensification of war against illegal drugs by targeting the remaining at large high value target personalities and the destruction of drug den, neutralization of gun for hire syndicates, criminals and wanted persons, promotion of health fitness among the PNP personnel of PRO9.

The acting regional director also expressed his sincere thanks to the men and women of PRO9 for their support that led to its success in complying the mission and vision of the PNP.

Alabata added that the PRO9 also celebrated the 23^rd PNP Ethics Day Celebration with the theme “Tapat at May Malasakit na Kapulisan, Sandigan ng Mamamayan”

This was graced by Dr. Milabel E. Ho, President, Western Mindanao State University and member of Regional Advisory Council (RAC) of PRO9, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

In her speech, Dr. Milabel Ho, reiterated RA 6713, an act establishing a code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, to uphold the time-honored principle of public office being a public trust, granting incentives and rewards for exemplary service, enumerating prohibited acts and transactions and providing penalties for violations thereof and for other purposes.                                      

PRO9 commemorates the 28th Death Anniversary of BGen. Eduardo B. Batalla and Col. Romeo Abendan

By Jong Cadion

Zamboanga City (January 7, 2017) - The Police Regional Office 9 commemorates the 28th Death Anniversary of two fallen officers BGen Eduardo B. Batalla and Col. Romeo A. Abendan held at the Police Regional Office 9 Headquarters, Camp Col. Romeo A. Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City and JRT Lim, Boulevard, Zamboanga City yesterday.

Information Officer PSupt. Rogelio C. Alabata disclosed that Police Senior Superintendent Narciso B. Verdadero, Deputy Regional Director for Operation, who led the commemoration of the 28th death anniversary of Col. Romeo A Abendan. The activity started with the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by PCInsp. Marlou N. Labares, Assistant Regional Chaplain and attended by the Command Group, Regional Staffs, Officers and personnel of PRO9 with Mrs. Gloria A Abendan, wife of the late Col. Romeo A. Abendan, and the immediate family.

This was followed by Wreath-Laying Ceremony and the 21nd Gun Salute rendered by the personnel of Regional Public Safety Battalion 9, Alabata added. 

PSSupt. Narciso B. Verdadero delivered the message of the Acting Regional Director, PRO9, in which he stressed that the heroism of Col. Romeo A. Abendan was worth remembering.

This was followed by response made by Mrs. Gloria Abendan, wherein, in her message, she expressed her sincerest thanks to the men and women of the PRO9 led by PCSupt. Billy B. Beltran for always remembering and acknowledging the heroism made by her late husband. She also thanks the officers and men of PRO9 for giving importance the death of her husband as manifestation of every year’s commemorative rites in the PRO9 Camp.

Meanwhile, PSSupt Jose Bayani L. Gucela, Regional Chief Directorial Staff, spearheaded the commemoration of the 28th Death Anniversary of BGen Eduardo B. Batalla held at the grounds of Camp Eduardo B Batalla, JRT Lim, Boulevard, Zamboanga City.

                                                                                 

Military vehicle crashes in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 06, 2017)- A military vehicle boarded by personnel of the 21^st Infantry Battalion crashed in Barangay Upper Kamuntayan, Talipao, Sulu early this morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr disclosed that the said accident resulted in the deaths of three (3) enlisted personnel, who were declared dead on arrival by the attending physicians, and the wounding of 22 others.

The military convoy was traversing Danag-Bilaan road when the brake of the Isuzu truck malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to lose its balance and slip out of the road, Tan added.

The said truck came from the headquarters going to the operational area.

Tan also said that the injured personnel were brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital for medical attention. Eighteen (18) of them were airlifted via C130 to Zamboanga City for further medical attention, two of whom were brought to a private hospital in the city.

Also airlifted to Zamboanga City were the remains of the three (3) fatalities which will be transported to Manila today.

Eighteen jail escapees captured in North Cotabato

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (January 05, 2017) - Pursuit operations launched this morning by the military and police led to the capture of 18 jail escapees in North Cotabato, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr disclosed that escapees from the Amas Provincial Jail were monitored in Barangay Bangilan, Kabacan, North Cotabato, joint elements of the 7^th Infantry Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Lomas E, under the Joint Task Force Central and the Cotabato Provincial Police Office, led by Police Senior Superintendent Peralta, proceeded to the said area and conducted pursuit, yielding to the arrest of 17 individuals.

Troops positioned at the crossing of Valdevieso, Matalam, North Cotabato also apprehended a jail escapee.

Pursuit operations are ongoing in the municipalities of Kabacan and Matalam, Tan Added.

The military continues to assist the police in the conduct of law enforcement operations to expedite the arrest of lawless elements in the province.

ARMM to turn over Lamitan City port expansion project on Friday

Cotabato City (January 5, 2017) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will turn over the newly completed Lamitan City expanded port worth P150 million on Friday, January 6.

Engr. Soler Undug, Basilan district engineer, said the port expansion – involving 80-meter long and 20-meter wide pier – would be able to accommodate more vessels, including Roll-on Roll-off, or Ro-Ro, boats.

The project was funded by the ARMM’s Public Works and Highways through its 2016 infrastructure budget. Through the initiative of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, the construction of the project started in April 2016.

Gov. Hataman, with local officials, will attend Friday’s turnover rites. The governor said the regional government will continue to rehabilitate and improve the region’s ports.

The ARMM operates base ports in Jolo, Sulu; Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and Lamitan City, Basilan; as well as the sub-ports of Siasi in Sulu, Maluso in Basilan, and Mapun, Sitangkai, and Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi. The regional government also exercises regulatory powers over six private ports/wharves operating in the region.

“It will be an economic gain. With a bigger port, delivery of services would be more efficient and effective,” Gov. Hataman said. The ARMM port management authority also distributed a CCTV package to
the Lamitan City port.

Allan Pisingan, the Regional Ports Management Authority’s assistant general manager for operations, said the region in 2012 provided P40 million for the first expansion of the Lamitan port. He said the latest expansion will help the city to move more cargoes and goods.

“The development of the ports in the region will help handle the smooth movement of goods and passengers,” Pisingan added.

Lamitan’s economy is based primarily on agriculture producing rice, tobacco, and garlic. Its major agricultural products include copra, rubber, and coffee. At present, the Lamitan City-Zamboanga City route is served by two passenger vessels. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information – ARMM)

Pagadian City police chief sacked for taping cops’ gun muzzles

Supt. Kiram Jimlani

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Jan. 2, 2017) -– The local police chief has been relieved from his post for disobeying orders from the highest official of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Relieved as city police chief was Supt. Michael Palermo. He was replaced by Supt. Kiram Jimlani, the former deputy provincial director for operations and chief of the intelligence division.

Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, provincial police director, on Monday told the Philippines News Agency that Palermo was relieved as he ordered the taping of the gun muzzles of policemen contrary to the order of Director-General Ronald Dela Rosa, the PNP chief.

Dela Rosa has stopped the taping of the gun muzzles before Christmas Day, citing such practice did not prevent indiscriminate firing of guns by policemen in past Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Dela Rosa decided to forgo the tapping of the gun muzzles to show to the Filipinos that the policemen are more disciplined under his stewardship.

Ecaldre said Palermo ordered the taping of gun muzzles of the local policemen despite the directive from Dela Rosa, thus, he was relieved from his post effective December 31, 2016.

Jimlani has assured the residents of this city that he will continue to implement the programs of the PNP, especially the war against drugs of President Rodrigo Duterte.

PSupt. Michael Palermo

He commended the local police force for the efforts against the sale of illegal firecracker that resulted in zero firecracker-related injury during the New Year revelries. (PNA)

LAP/TPGJR/HDC

Indama’s follower killed in intensified military operations in Basilan

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 4, 2017)- A notorious follower of Abu Sayyaf top leader Furudji Indama was killed in the intensified operations launched by the military in Basilan early this morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr disclosed that the composite forces of the 64^th Infantry Battalion, Civilian Active Auxiliary under the 4^th Special Forces Battalion, and members of the Civilian Volunteer Organization in Sumisip conducted focused military operations against the group of Abu Sayyaf member Garabat in Barangay Sapah Bulak, Sumisip, Basilan early this morning.

Tan also said that the said armed confrontation led to the death of Garabat and the recovery of an R4 assault rifle.

The Abu Sayyaf members withdrew towards the direction of Sitio Pandekepan through Sitio Gantalan, Barangay Sapah Bulak, Basilan.

Troops under the Joint Task Force Basilan proceeded to the encounter to provide follow-on and augmentation forces. All other troops were alerted and continue to conduct full inspection to all vehicles going to and from the vicinity, Tan added.

Pursuit operations are ongoing as of this press time.

Seajacking attempt thwarted on Basilan waters

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 04, 2017)- While on its course from Zamboanga City to Davao City, MV Ocean Kingdom, a container vessel registered in Manila, Philippines, was harassed by armed men boarding two (2) watercrafts off Sibago Island in the nearby Province of Basilan Monday afternoon, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr said that due to the vigilance of the ship crew and the prompt response of naval troops, the armed perpetrators aborted their attempt to seajack the vessel and retreated towards Moro Gulf.

Reports from ground units disclosed that the two (2) watercrafts boarded by the perpetrators were manned by six (6) Abu Sayyaf members armed with M16, M14, and AK47 rifles.

MV Ocean Kingdom incurred gunshot holes on her port and starboard freeboard, but no casualty was reported on her crew members.

Tan also disclosed that the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command deployed naval vessels with the Naval Special Operations Unit in the area. Air assets were also deployed to conduct aerial reconnaissance and later on prepositioned in the area as government forces continue to monitor transiting vessels at Basilan Strait and Zamboanga City waters.

The Joint Task Forces Zamboanga, Basilan, and Sulu were already alerted and directed to look out and pursue the perpetrators.

MV Ocean Kingdom and its 27 crewmen are now back on its course towards Davao City.