Pay without work? DepEd employees demand salary despite yearlong absence

Cotabato City (March 31, 2017) - Like fish easily caught by its mouth, two employees of the Department of Education admitted to non-performance of their duties for an entire year as they demanded to receive salaries they apparently did not earn nor deserve.

In a dialogue with ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman on Thursday, March 30, Nasseb Macabato and Hadji Ali Disomato said that they did not show up for work despite the issuance of a memorandum ordering them to report to the Marawi City divison office.

Pharida Sansarona, division superintendent of Marawi City, was also present in the dialogue and showed documentation that the division was not remiss in calling the attention of the two absentee employees.

However, Macabato and Disoma, despite their yearlong absence from work in Marawi City, managed to show up in Manila to plead their case last March 23 via a radio broadcast.

This wasn't the first time the employees resorted to a publicity stunt regarding their case as the regional government remains unfazed.

ARMM Department of Education Secretary John Magno issued a statement following this latest attempt to undermine the department's strict compliance with the law.

While the department recognizes every employee's right to receive his or her salary promptly, Magno said that "such right is contingent upon his or her faithful compliance with the requirements laid down by law; vis, submission of their daily time records, among others."

"DepEd-ARMM is mandated to strictly enforce this rule in order to safeguard government funds and prevent damage to the government," he added.

Eight teachers from different schools in Marawi City who were also demanding for their salary despite non-submission of their daily time records, were also present in the dialogue.

The dispute between the said employees and the regional government is currently the subject of at least seven criminal and/or administrative cases in different courts in the region. (Bureau of Public Information)

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

Notorious Abu nabbed by WestMinCom troops

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 31, 2017) – the elements of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga and the Zamboanga City Police Office arrested Abu Sayyaf member Amilton Tammang, a.k.a Nonoy or Dondon, at the port area of Zamboanga City at 7am yesterday, officials said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Tammang, 29 years old and a resident of Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu, was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder and frustrated murder. Reports from the JTF Zamboanga disclosed that Tammang was spotted by a concerned citizen who immediately notified the authorities.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the subject is a notorious member of the ASG Ajang-Ajang group operating in Jolo town, Jolo, Sulu. He is tagged in the harassment of a construction company in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu in 2016 where a construction worker was beheaded.

At 10am yesterday, Tammang was turned over to the Zamboanga City Police Office for documentation, proper disposition, and legal procedure.

Lawless Group Leader Arrested, Thirty-Six Firearms and Crew-Served Weapons Seized in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 30, 2017)- Joint law enforcement operations of the Joint Task Force Sulu under Col. Cirilito Sobejana and the police led to the arrest of a lawless group leader, death of one of his members, and the seizure of several high-powered firearms in the nearby province of Sulu early yesterday, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that an exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting to the arrest of Saudi K. Hamja, and the death of one of his followers whose identity is yet to be known. Hamja has a standing warrant of arrest (WOA) for arson and attempted murder.

Also seized were thirty-six (36) firearms and crew-served weapons composed of: one (1) Cal .50 HMG; one (1) 60mm Mortar; seven (7) M14; five (5) Garand rifles; eight (8) M16A1 rifles; four (4) M653; two (2) M79 Grenade Launchers; one (1) AK47 Kalashnikov rifle; one (1) FALN; three (3) caliber .30 Carbine; two (2) M79; one (1) cal .22 rifle.

A civilian was caught in the crossfire and was immediately rushed by the troops to Luuk District Hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, no casualty was reported on the government side, Cpt. Petinglay added.

"Our troops on the ground continue to intensify the conduct of focused military operations in Sulu and adhere to the rules of engagement to contain lawless groups and pre-empt the conduct of atrocities in the province,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

"We will continue to support the PNP's efforts against criminality and lawlessness. The entire WestMinCom, will be ready to move and react when needed," MGEN Galvez added. Previously, there were engagements between the government troops and the ASG/KFRG at the said area after focused military operations were directed to the identified safe havens of the lawless group.

Capacity training for the dependents of KIA/KIPO AFP and PNP personnel

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 30, 2017) – The 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of BGen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista thru the Office of the Department of National Defense with other partner agencies of the government will be conducting a 3-day capacity training for the dependents of the KIA/KIPO AFP and PNP personnel at Headquarters 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Kuta Major Cesar L. Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on March 27-29, 2017, military official said.

       

1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division Information Officer Maj. Richard A. Enciso disclosed that the said activity will benefit the dependents of KIA/KIPO AFP and PNP personnel under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program of the government. It aims to uplift the way of living of every dependents both military and PNP who clashed in battle just to secure our mother land and fight the enemy of the state.

       

The Team composition from the National Government are the following: Asec Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad, Department of National Defense; Asec Emily O Padilla, DILG; Ms. Yetlen Labaro, PMS; Mr Eduardo C Jimenez, BSP; Dir Sonia Lipio, TESDA; Asec Ameenah Fajardo, DTI and LTC Jester M Bautista PA, DND and PSSUPT Wilfredo P Cayat, PNP.

       

Maj. Enciso said that there are 52 benefeciares from AFP and PNP dependents who avail the program. All dependents received the benefits of Comprehensive Social Benefits Program from the different agencies of the government such as: Special Finacial Assistance (KIA) amounting to Two Hundred Fifty Thousand (Php 250,000.00) from the Office of the President and additional of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand (Php 250,000.00) upon completion of Capacity Training and the Capability Training for Financial Management and Skills and Livelihood.

       

BGen. Bautista, the Commander of 1ID/ZAMPELAN mentioned that the AFP will continue to support the dependents and families of the fallen soldier in bringing them a new happy life.

  

After the capacity training, the beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program of the government will be monitored by the different above mentioned agencies to observe how they utilize their benefits and how it helps improve their lives to cope from the loss of a loved one.

Kidnapped Roro 9 Tugboat Chief Engineer Rescued

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 29, 2017) - Four days of unrelenting, intensive, and extensive search-rescue-recovery operations by Joint Task Force Basilan aided by intelligence and civil-military cooperation with local government and police pressured the terrorist Abu Sayaff Group to release their kidnap victim Laurencio Tiro, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Tiro, Chief Engineer of Supershuttle Roro 9 Tugboat, was rescued and recovered by the shoreline of SitioSasa, BrgyBasakan, Hadji Mohammad Ajul (HMA), Basilan 10:30PM Monday (March 27) by elite Army unit, 4^th Special Forces Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Bacala, and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team of Basilan.

Cpt. Petinglay said Tiro was kidnapped along with Aurelio Agac-ac the Boat Captain of Super Shuttle T/B 1 under the Asian Marine Transport from their vessel last 23 March 2017 at the seawaters off Sibago Island, Basilan by a group of armed men suspected to be belonging to the ASG/kidnap-for-ransom group.

“Terrorism and violent extremism, including kidnapping for ransom and other capital crimes have no place in our civilized society,” says Major General Carlito G Galvez Jr, the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“These menaces will never be able to thrive in Basilan where the military, the police, local government executives, and the communities are united and firm with our common resolve to deny sanctuary or support to misfits and terrorist groups like the ASG.”

“The recent case of rescue and recovery of Mr. Agac-ac and Mr. Tiro from the clutches of the terrorist ASG is the success of a military-political-social approach in thwarting violent extremism and criminality from establishing foot holds in our communities.”

“In the end, this will be for the safety and security of our children, our families, our communities, and the Filipino society at large.”

“Let us keep a united front to shield our localities from criminals and fight back by cooperating with your security forces in unmasking the terrorists and leading your AFP into the terrorist lairs to crush their breeding grounds.”, Mgen. Galvez added.

Cpt. Petinglay added that upon his rescue, Engineer Tiro, was immediately escorted to the headquarters of 19SFC in BrgyDancalan, Lamitan City where a medical team was already waiting. He was then brought at Hqs Western Mindanao at 6:30 in the morning yesterday.

He is undergoing thorough medical checkup at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City and will be transported back to his family in the afternoon.

Three Malaysian kidnap victims held captive by Abu Sayyaf rescued in Sulu

By Jong D. Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 27, 2017) - Days of unrelenting massive search and rescue operations by sea, air, and land units of Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-S) led to the rescue of three kidnapped Malaysian boat crew at 11:30 in the evening last night at the boundary of Sitio Kasanyangan Brgy Tuyang, Talipao, and Brgy Jinggan, Panglima Estino, Sulu Province, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of JTF-S reports that operating troops under him consisting of 63rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Marines Ready Force and Naval Intelligence Special Group-Western Mindanao, while conducting Focused Military Operations successfully rescued Malaysian kidnap victims (KVs): 1) Mohammad Jumadil Rahim; 2) Mohammad Ridzuan Bin Ismail; and, 3) Fandy Bin Bakran.

Cpt. Petinglay said that following the lead and the information gathered from the two Malaysian crew members Tayudin Anjut and Abdurahim Bin Sumas, who were rescued last Thursday (March 23) in the seawaters off Kalinggalang Caluang near Pata island, Sulu Province, the Commander, JTF-Sulu immediately dispatched all available resources at the heels of the Abu Sayyaf. This pressed the bandits to leave the Malaysians behind while government forces were pursuing them.

"We are overwhelmed by the support we are receiving from the different organizations and entities that led to these recent successes," says Sobejana.

"We will continue to exert all means to rescue all the kidnap victims that are still being held captive by these bandits," Col Sobejana added.

Major General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command lauded the troops for their selfless efforts.

"Our troops are doing the extra effort just to be able to rescue all the KVs. We consider this a success on a higher level since we were able to rescue KVs without firing a single bullet. This indicates that the people are coming together to go against the bandits and no longer wants them in their communities," MGEN Galvez said.

“We are again reiterating our call to every peace-loving citizens of Western Mindanao to continue supporting us in this endeavor. If efforts are united, we can surely make things happen and be able to reap the results together by attaining a peaceful community free of fear from terror," MGEN Galvez added.

Upon rescue, the Malaysians were immediately brought at Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista Station Hospital, Brgy Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu and were immediately attended to by military doctors and nurses.

The three (3) KVs were among the five (5) Malaysian crewmen of T/B Serudung 3 kidnapped on 19 July 2016 at vicinity sea waters of Dent Haven, Tambisan, Lahad Datu, Sabah by the group of ASG sub leader Berham LUTIAN @Vietnam.

Two Malaysian crewmen held by Abus rescued in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 23, 2017) - A Fleet-Marine team composed of sailors and marines under the Joint Task Force Sulu successfully rescued two Malaysian hostages, who were held captive by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), at 2am earlier in the seawaters off Kalinggalang Caluang near Pata island in the nearby province of Sulu, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that rescued after eight (8) months in captivity were Malaysians Tayudin Anjut, 45 years old, and Abdurahim Bin Sumas, 62 years old, in a focused military operation launched by combined elements of the Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu led by Major Angcap, Marine Special Operations Group, and Marine Battalion Landing Teams 1 and 3 in Kalinggalang Caluang.

Both kidnap victims were immediately brought by the troops to the Sulu military station hospital for medical check-up and interview, she added.

"The rescued kidnap victims are weak and in a sickly state when they were rescued by our troops. Military doctors are now attending to them as we speak in our hospital in Sulu," says Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Cpt. Petinglay said that earlier, the marines received information that Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya with about 30 fully armed followers and two (2) Malaysian hostages were hiding at the mangrove area of Barangay Karudong in Kalinggalang Caluang, Sulu. This prompted the marines to focus their efforts at the reported area in order to rescue the victims.

"This accomplishment is a product of the combined efforts of our soldiers and the different stakeholders in putting pressure on the kidnappers for the past months," said MGen Galvez.

“Following the successful operation of the Marine troops in Capual Island last February 7, where eight Abu Sayyaf members under Misaya were killed, our troops on the ground have maximized their intelligence monitoring and have been closely pursuing the group of Misaya to safely rescue the hostages."

"WestMinCom troops are continuing pursuit against the kidnap for ransom groups to rescue the remaining kidnap victims and continue the pressure on the Abu Sayyaf to release their hostages and possibly for them to surrender to authorities," added MGen. Galvez.

Anjut and Sumas were among the five (5) Malaysian crewmen of Tugboat Serudung 3 who were kidnapped on July 19, 2016 at the sea waters of Dent Haven, Tambisan, Lahad Datu, Sabah by the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Sibih Pissih. They were reported missing after their tugboat and barge were recovered without crew members in Tanjung Labian, Lahad Datu Sabah.

WestMinCom Chief leads send-off ceremony of fallen Marine, visits wounded soldiers in Sultan Kudarat

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 23, 2017) - The troops of the Joint Task Force Central accorded military honors to a member of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT)-2, who was killed in action during the encounter with the New People's Army of the Guerilla Front 73, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the marine soldier was Pvt. Albino B. Bahian III, 24 years old, who died during a clash with the NPA 3 days ago (March 20) in Barangay Hinalaan, Kalamansig in the nearby province of Sultan Kudarat.

Cpt. Petinglay said a platoon of MBLT-2 sent to verify the presence of the NPAs in the area encountered about 50 militants under a certain Tirzo Sakudal, a.k.a. Commander Macmac, that lasted for 20 minutes.

The Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., led the send-off ceremony for Pvt Bahian before the fallen soldier's remains was transported to his home in Barangay Masilakon 1, Lugait, Misamis Oriental yesterday morning.

MGen. Galvez also visited on March 21 seven (7) soldiers who were admitted at Camp Siongco Station hospital, Staff Sergeant Alexander Falcansantos, Corporal Joseph Accad, Corporal Castle Camu, Corporal Robert Paul De Asis, Corporal Marlon Ampao, Private First Class Kenneth Dave Calaycay, Private First Class Jared Sugaguil and Pvt Randy Borromeo who were wounded during the heavy armed engagement.

Cpt. Petinglay also said that earlier that same day, the WestMinCom Chief visited two (2) wounded marines at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga. Cp.l Marlon C. Ampao and PFC Glenn C. Genova were airlifted from Maguindanao by military ambulance aircraft for further medical treatment at the said hospital. As of this report, both are already stable and in good condition.

“The Western Mindanao Command commiserates with the bereaved family and friends of Private Bahian, who made the ultimate sacrifice and dedicated his life in serving the people,” said MGen. Galvez.

“Our salute to Private Bahian and the nine wounded soldiers for their gallantry in action”, MGen. Galvez added.

"We will make sure that the best doctors from higher headquarters will attend to our wounded heroes. They deserve the best medical attention and treatment for their gallantry," declares MGen Galvez.

ARMM holds Social Development Summit in Basilan

Cotabato City (March 22, 2017) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) held its first Social Development Summit in Basilan province on Tuesday, March 21, to address issues at the local level and promote greater inclusion of the community in the decision-making process.

The summit brought together regional and local government officials including the Basilan governor, provincial board members, assemblymen, health officials, and teaching officials and their staff.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the summit with the region’s cabinet members namely the regional Vice-Governor and concurrent Social Welfare and Development Secretary Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr., Health department Secretary Dr. Kadil Jojo Sinolinding Jr., and Education department Secretary Dr. John Magno.

“Said summit is a consultation, a dialogue with our constituents; we listened to the issues and concerns raised by the participants in order to develop mechanisms for efficient delivery of government services,” Gov. Hataman said.

The main thematic issues discussed during the consultation were education, health, and livelihood. Problems with teachers’ appointments, promotions, lack of school buildings, the schools maintenance and other operating expenses, lack of health facilities and health services were raised by the participants.

“Dialogue is one of the best ways to resolve the problems. So, through this summit, the local officials as well as the stakeholders voiced out the issues and concerns affecting the residents in Basilan,” Mayor Arcam Istarul of Tipo-Tipo said.

“We are happy that the regional government is open and willing to listen to its constituents in order to generate viable solutions; this shows the inclusiveness of the regional government and it helps build trust and understanding between sectors,” Mayor Istarul added.

Governor Hataman reiterated that the regional government will go down to the grassroots level to ensure the efficient delivery of the region’s projects and programs. The same consultation will also be conducted in the other provinces in the region. (Bureau of Public Information)

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

Two members of the NPA killed, several wounded after clash with military in Sultan Kudarat

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 22, 2017) - Following a heavy armed confrontation with elements of the Joint Task Force Central, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front suffered several casualties based on reports gathered by the military in the nearby province of Sultan Kudarat at past 10am on Monday.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the operating troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 under the Joint Task Force Central were conducting focused military operations when they encountered about 50 militants led by Tirzo Sakudal, a.k.a Commander Macmac, in Barangay Hinalaan, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

The said exchange of gunfire ensued for 20 minutes, after which the militants withdrew, bringing with them their casualties. Then at 10:40am of same day, Marine troops delivered fire mission and reinforced the engaging troops.

Cpt. Petinglay said that pursuit and blockade are being conducted by our ground troops to thwart the extrication of the rebels. Aerial and land assets are being utilized to track down the fleeing armed rebels in the immediate vicinity of the encounter site.

Unfortunately, a soldier died, while eight others were wounded and immediately extricated by the responding team for prompt medical attention, she added.

"It is with grief that we report to you the death of one of our soldiers during the firefight. We will make sure that his remains be accorded with the highest honor and his family be given the most assistance that the government can provide," said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

"Our wounded personnel are now being attended to by the best surgical team of the Armed Forces."

"The Joint Task Force Central will continue to conduct focused military operations and maximize intelligence monitoring with the assistance of the police, the local government, and the civilians in the province of Sultan Kudarat."

"We will exhaust all means through our Joint Task Force Central,led by Brigadier General Arnel Dela Vega, to disallow these rebels to thrive in the communities and continue doing their terroristic activities," MGen. Galvez added.

The names of the casualties will be held pending notification of their next of kin.

Abu surrenders, another nabbed by operating troops

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 22, 2017) - Due to continuous pressure through unrelenting combat operations by the different Task Forces under the Western Mindanao Command, one Abu Sayyaf member voluntarily surrendered to the soldiers in Sulu, while another bandit was nabbed by government troops in Basilan, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Abu Sayyaf member Absara Mursalin Akbara, a.k.a. Talin Amsang, a 41 year old and a resident of Talipao municipality, turned-over himself to the troops of the 41st Infantry Battalion at 10am on Sunday (March 19) at Sitio Palan, Barangay Mampallam, Talipao, Sulu. He also surrendered his firearm one (1) M16 rifle to the government authorities.

Immediate medical check-up and documentation were done to Akbara before he was turned-over to the Sulu PNP for filing of appropriate charges, Cpt. Petinglay added.

Akbara is a member of the ASG Sub-Group under Jihad Susukan, operating in the Municipalities of Talipao, Maimbong and Indanan of Sulu Province.

During the initial investigation, Akbara revealed that he opted to surrender due to fear that he be the next target of the military offensives. He said that he no longer feels safe as communities have been tipping-off the sanctuaries and homes of Abu Sayyaf members.

Cpt. Petinglay also disclosed that an ASG member Abdul Muhsin Nur belonging to the group of Furuji Indama was apprehended by the soldiers of the 18th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Block 4, Barangay Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province at 11:30 Monday morning (March 20).

Nur's location was reported by a concerned citizen from the same area where he was apprehended, Cpt. Petinglay added.

"This is an offshoot of the command's relentless focused military operations against the ASG inside their strongholds and comfort zones," MGEN Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, says.

"We will maintain the momentum and we will deny this "evil" bandits safe havens and hiding areas with the strong support of Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, all the governors, mayors and barangay officials of ARMM, including the traditional and religious leaders," he added.

"WestMinCom and the AFP will continue the pressure and sustain the strategic alliance with our partners in eradicating the ASG menace and terror threats in Central and Western Mindanao. For as long as the community and the local government units are with us in this fight, we will surely accomplish our mission at the soonest possible time. Together we can make things happen," declares the WestMinCom Commander.

NPA’s camp overran by troops in Misamis Occidental

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 21, 2017) - A stronghold of the New People’s Army was overran, while several war materials were seized by the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan amid the conduct of focused military operations against the rebel group in the nearby province of Misamis Occidental, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the said camp was seized following an encounter between the elements of the 55th Infantry Battalion and the members of the SECOM “Sendong” of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in Barangay Gala, Tudela, Misamis Occidental 3pm last Saturday (March 18, 2017).

Cpt. Petinglay said troops were able to recover two claymore mines; a Grenade rifle; three rolls of wires for landmine; unexploded M203 ammunition; and several subversive documents.

Also seized were an NPA flag with a logo of the National Democratic Front; 11 NPA bull caps; a bandoleer; and several subversive documents belonging to the rebels.

The troops under the JTF ZamPeLan, led by Brigadier General Rolando Bautista, are continuously scouring the area of encounter, she added.

 "We will not give these rebels some time to rest and recuperate," MGen. Carlito G Galvez, Jr says.

 "Our troops will continue to track them as communities who suffer from their atrocities and abuses for the longest time are already tipping to us their locations and whereabouts," he added.

Troops of Joint Task Force are continuously scouring the area of encounter and immediate vicinity as of this report.