New Year Revelry in Zamboanga Peninsula ‘Generally Peaceful’

PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 1, 2019) - The Police Regional Office 9 gladly announced that the New Year Celebration of 2018 in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula was generally peaceful as it recorded zero cases for stray bullet, indiscriminate firing and firecracker-related incidents during the New Year celebration in the region.    

Except for a few cases of reported incidents, such as shooting incident in Isabela City and Kumalarang, Zamboanga Del Sur Pagadian City and hacking incident in Zamboanga City and Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, this year’s New Year revelry in the entire region has been “generally peaceful” as the Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 recorded “negative” incidents of stray bullet, indiscriminate firing, and fire or burning incident due to firecrackers. There were no reported major injuries in relation to use of firecrackers.

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director, attributed the achievement to the intensified implementation of security and public safety campaign launched by the PRO9 through its Ligtas Paskuhan 2018, a plan designed to minimize crimes and incidents during the Yuletide season.

He also attributed such achievement to the step up implementation of firecracker ban-sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic products in the whole region, wherein a total of 14 Illegal Possession/use/sale of firecrackers incidents were registered with more than 1, 000 pieces of firecrackers such as five star, Judas belts, rockets (kwitis), piccolo, sticks of seven colors and among others amounting to Php 28, 990 were confiscated by the police in the region.

The PRO9 recorded only two minor incidents due to firecrackers that occurred on December 23 and 24, 2018 while arrested 6 individuals due to arrest due to illegal possession/use/sale of firecrackers. The Zamboanga City Police have also confiscated a total of 48 canons made of PVC canon known as “Boga.”

PCSUPT Licup announced that not one among the 9, 000 policemen under the Police Regional Office 9 were found to have fired his service firearms during the New Year’s revelry.

Earlier, the PNP hierarchy implemented the no taping of gun muzzles of every PNP personnel nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Regional Director acknowledged the support and cooperation of general public throughout the region in the realization of peaceful and injury free New Year celebration. (By JONG D.CADION with PRO9 PIO PR and Photo)

Notorious Kidnapper Nabbed in Enforcement Operation in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Dec. 28, 2018) - A notorious kidnapper was arrested by combined police operatives of Zamboanga City Police Station 2, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 and Marines Battalion Landing Team 11 during law enforcement operation conducted at Barangay Curuan Proper, Zamboanga City at about 4: 00 AM of December 27, 2018.

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director identified the arrested suspect as Ben Mungakay, aka Boy Negro, 57 years old, Male of Sittio Binaluy, Brgy Curuan, Zamboanga City.

The kidnap suspect Ben Mungakay was arretsed by virtue of  warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with Criminal Case no. 24270 issued by presiding Judge of 9th Judicial Region, Branch 16, Zamboanga City.

Arrested person is allegedly a member of Abu Sayyaf Group/Urban Terrorist Group Zamboanga base under ASG subleader Marzan Ajijul. He is the main suspect in kidnapping Mr. Doroteo Gonzales last April 2009.

Further, arrested person was properly turned over to the Zamboanga City Police Station 2 for proper disposition.

MAHIGIT 940 NA MGA SASAKYAN NAHULI NG LTO TUBOD LANAO DEL NORTE NGAYUNG TAON

TUBOD Lanao del Norte (Dec. 25, 2018) - Umabot sa mahigit 940 na mga sasakyan na may ibat ibang paglabag sa batas trapiko ang nahuli ng Land Transportation Office Tubod Lanao del Norte ngayung taon mas mataas ng mahigit 200 nuong taong 2017.

Ayun kay LTO Tubod District Office head Malic Sultan na mas maraming mga kabataan ang nagmamaniho na walang mga lisensya at mga walang rehistro.

Target ng LTO sa susunod na taon na mas palalakasin pa nila ang panghuhuli sa mga kabataan na nagmamaneho ng mga single motor na mga walang lisensya para maiwasan ang mga disgrasya sa mga pangunahing kalsada sa probinsya.

Samantalang umabot ng mahigit 30.5 milyon ang kita ng LTO ngayung taon kumpara sa 27.3 milyon nuong taong 2017 o mas mataas ng mahigit 3 milyon. Bunga umano ito sa puspusang kampanya ng kanilang opisina na "No Fixer" at ang magandang pamamalakad ng kanilang hepe.

Sunod sunod din ang kanilang mga road operation kung saan naka impound sila ng mahigit 394 na mga sasakyan na may ibat ibang paglabag sa batas trapiko o mas mababa kay sa nuong taong 2017 na kung saan umabot ng 403 ang kanilang na impound.

Ayun pa sa LTO opisyal na ngayung 2019 asahan ang kanilang sunod sunod na mga operation sa mga pangunahing kalsada laban sa mga nag driver na mga walang lisensya at mga sasakyan na mga walang rehistro.

Target nila ang mga kabataan dahil sila umano ang madalas na didisgrasya at para umano maiwasan ito. Palalakasin din nila ang kanilang kampanya sa mga kabataan at magulang kung papaano ang magmaneho na makaiwas sa disgrasya. (Mike Navarro)

MGA BIKTIMA NG BAGYONG VINTA NOONG ISANG TAON GINUNITA ANG KANILANG KARANASAN

MARANDING Lala Lanao del Norte (Dec. 25, 2018) - "Pagtutulongan at Pagkakaisa kasama ang panalangin sa Panginoon" ito ang sinabi ni Shemy Marie Yap Undag Salimbangon ng kanilang ginunita ang isang taon pananalasa ng bagyong vinta noong 2017 sa Barangay Maranding Lala Lanao del Norte.

Sa paggunita sa mga residente, kanilang binalikan ang kanilang karanasan nung panahon na nanalasa ang bagyong vinta sa kanilang lugar kung saan ilan sa kanila nawalan ng bahay at ang iba nawalan ng mga kamag-anak at mahal sa buhay. Isang residente din ang hindi parin makapaniwala sa nangyari na binaha ang kanilang lugar.

Daan daang nga residente ang naapektuhan at mahigit 40 ka mga bahay ang nasira at inanod sa nabanggit na barangay. Ang ibang apektado ay nakisilong sa NCMC isa sa pinakamalaking Paaralan sa Lanao del Norte.

Ilang mga kawani din sa nabanggit na paaralan ang nagbigay ng tulong sa mga residente at ang iba ay apektado rin maging ang may ari ng paaralan ay naapektuhan pero hindi sila huminto sa pagtulong sa mga naapektuhan ng bagyo at tuloy tuloy ang kanilang pagbibigay ng tulong maging ang mga opisyal sa ng Bayan at ng Probinsya.

Ngayung ginunita ang isang taon ng pananalasa ng bagyo, nagsasagawa ang NCMC kasama ang ACT Foundation ng isang Pasasalamat 2018 isang Praise and Worship at Panalangin at namimigay din ito ng regalo sa mga pamilya na minsan ng nabiktima ng bagyo.(Mike Navarro)

Adilao's family seeks justice over shootout in CDO

By JONG CADION

PNP in civilian clothes involved in a shootout?

PAGADIAN CITY (Dec. 24, 2018) - Days after of silence, the family of the slain businessman and politician Abdul Rahim Batawi Adilao,  who was killed after fatally shot by the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in Masterson Ave. in upper Carmen over the weekend, came out after the family seen the recording of the camera circuit television (CCTV) while the victim having a gas up at the gasoline station.

Butig Vice Mayor Abunail Adilao, son of the victim disclosed that after the wake of his father, their family decided to come out in the open after they have learned that the PNP enforcers claimed that  “They were at the wrong place and at the wrong time,” according to Senior Supt. Danilo Buentipo.

In an interview with Adilao's helper, Nena said prior to the fatal incident, Joan N. Gomez, the woman identified with Adilao in the said vehicle told her that they (Adilao and Gomez) are going to a massage parlor with no other companion and stressed that they brought no firearm.

Contrary to what police said there were two other male suspects who supposedly escaped, but Buentipo said the CCTV recording showed that Adilao was only with Joan Gomez, 30, who was reportedly dropped off by Adilao at the convenience store before the shootout.

Buentipo said the two men seen running were motorela passengers who ran for cover when Adilao and the policemen fired shots at each other.

Police said the shootout took place after SPO1 Serge de Constantine Maceren and SPO2 Lyndie Baltazar, now recovering from a gunshot wound, flagged down Adilao’s car because they found the vehicle’s license plates suspicious.

Prior to the shooting incident ,Buentipo said the police officers felt something was not right with the car’s plates, “ULI-440,” and so, they followed Adilao’s vehicle up to an area near a convenience store.

But Buentipo said investigators found out later that Adilao’s vehicle, a new Hyundai Accent, is not a “hot car.” Except for modified temporary license plates, Adilao’s Land Transportation Office (LTO) documents — a certificate of registration and an official receipt — were in order.

“If he (Adilao) had nothing to hide, why did he not immediately open his window?” Buentipo asked rhetorically.

Vice Mayor Adilao said after the family had seen the CCTV, asked why the policemen had to flagged down the victim for the second time after the two enforcers approached and talked to the victim and seen opened the doors while he is having a gas up at the said gasoline station.

“We were puzzled why the police didn’t apprehended my father if he is carrying a long firearm while he is having a gas up in the first time they approached and talked to him,”, Adilao said.

He said why did the police let his father went out at the gasoline station with his car just to confront him for the second time and was shot and killed them.

They also asked, how can Adilao fired the alleged M-4 baby armalite with a tampered serial number when in fact he was inside the small vehicle. He said that his father knew that the area is under martial law and he is aware that carrying a high powered firearm is prohibited at a time because he owned a gun store.

He said that his father owned a glock 9MM with permit to carry (but was missing) after he received a death threat after he filed his candidacy to run for mayor in Butig, Lanao del Sur. Abunail Adilao added that based on the police report the officers in charge declared that 20pcs of 9mm cartridges were found at the crime scene.

One of the residents (asked not to be named) said prior to the filing of Adilao’s candidacy, four (4) individual had filed their candidacy but withdrew after they had learned that Adilao will run for mayor and pledged their support to his candidacy in front of several leaders of Butig Lanao del sur. It was also learned that it was not Adilao who personally filled his candidacy instead his supporters filled for him and witnessed by the election officers of Butig Lanao del Sur.

It was also learned that the funeral of Adilao was attended by almost every influential and big families of Butig that only showed that he was loved by its residents as their leader.

The family, relatives, friends and his supporters are now asking the intervention of the concern agency to resolve the most tragic incident and the untimely death of one of the most influential leader of Butig, Lanao del Sur. 

ATM statement on MICC decision to continue moratorium on mining permits

Dec. 20, 2018

ATM welcomes the move of the MICC to defer the lifting of the moratorium on new mining permits.

The new excise tax rates approved under the TRAIN law is not sufficient to address the demand of EO 79, which is that a new fiscal regime on mining must be passed. For ATM, a new fiscal regime on mining includes new rules on royalties, a tax on super profit or windfall profits, increased social development funds and increased rehabilitation and decommissioning funds.

But the MICC should not forget that other conditions remain in place that justify this moratorium. The MICC should first issue publicly the “no-go zones” map and decide with finality the closure and suspension orders issued by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez

For more information: 

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (0917) 549.82.18
 <nc@alyansatigilmina.net>

Troops Rescues Wife and Children of ASG Member

PAGADIAN CITY (Dec. 19 2018) - The Operating troops from Naval task Group Sulu and Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu composed of 62nd Marine Company, Special Operations Platoon 1 and 83rd Marine Company, rescued one adult female and two minors while conducting clearing and follow-up operations at Minis Island in Patikul, Sulu on Dec 15, 2018.

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina AFP, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander disclosed that the rescued individuals were identified as ManahSolaiman, 27 years old with her two daughters namely RaizaSolaiman, 7 years old and PirhanaSolaiman, 2-year old, Phil. Navy official said.

Accordingly, the rescued adult and minors where caught during the firefight between the marine troops and Abu Sayyaf Group on December 13, of which prompted them to hide along the mangrove areas, Medina said.

Upon rescue, the said individuals were provided with food and water prior to their transfer at KHTB Station Hospital for medical check-up and proper assistance., Medina added.

More so, during the debriefing, it was found out that ManahSolaiman and the two minors were the wife and children of an Abu Sayyaf Group member Jackie Solaimanalyas Jackie Chan.

Medina assured that the Fleet-Marine troops will continue to intensify the conduct of Focused Military Operations and monitoring activity in the area, to further pre-empt any attacks and lawless activities brought by the Abu Sayyaf Group and other LTGs that threatens the peace ans security in Western Mindanao. (By JONG CADION with PR and photos fromPublic Affairs Officer NFWM)

Mass surrender of NPAs, Militia and Supporters in Two Zamboanga Provinces

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Dec. 20, 2018) – A total of three (3) NPAs, thirty-eight (38) Militia ng Bayan and one hundred sixty two (162) supporters, surrendered to 102nd Infantry Brigade in the two provinces of Zamboanga this week.

Capt. Clint Antipala, Acting DPAO Chief disclosed that on December 15, 2018, twenty-two (22) Militia and fifty-nine (59) supporters surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

On the same day Antipala said, three (3) NPAs, two (2) Militia and seventy-two (72) supporters surrendered to 53rd Infantry Battalion in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

And on December 18, 2018, fourteen (14) Militia and thirty-one (31) supporters surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Antipala added,

“Their surrender will be a setback for the upcoming 50th Communist Party of the Philippines anniversary because of weakening mass base support,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, 102 Infantry Brigade Commander.

“We will facilitate for their enrollment to Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government and we commended the LGUs, barangay officials and other stakeholders who implemented the localized peace talks,” Col. Gaerlan added.

1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Chief Major General Roseller G Murillo, Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, commended the efforts of 102nd brigade, 44IB, 53IB and the stakeholders who were involved and facilitated the successful surrender.

“We encourage other NPAs to return to the folds of law and take advantage of the E-CLIP and spend the yuletide season with their families.” Maj. General Murillo added. (By JONG CADION with DPAO PR and photos)

Philippines Indigenous Rights Defenders Targeted Over Opposition to OceanaGold Mine; Seek Support from Canadian Embassy

(Ottawa/Manila, December 18, 2018) - In October, 27 individuals and a number of organizations in the Philippines found themselves targeted in a way that is a common precursor to extra-judicial killings. The one thing these individuals and organizations have in common is their open criticism of Canadian mining company OceanaGold’s copper-gold mine in the Province of Nueva Vizcaya.

In mid-October, large signs started to appear along major roads and thoroughfares. The crude signs accused various organizations of being associated with the country’s New People’s Army (NPA), an outlawed long-running communist guerilla movement. Following the signs, a pamphlet was distributed with the names of 27 individuals and two organizations. All were accused of being in one way or another associated with the NPA – known in the Philippines as “red-tagging.”  Neither the signs nor the pamphlet identified who had produced them.

Five of the individuals targeted live in the village of Didipio, where the OceanaGold mine operates. One is an elected provincial board member. One is lawyer, advocating for critics of the mine, and one is a priest who supports affected villagers. Others include scientists who have lent their expertise to the affected villagers. One of the organizations named, Sapakkmmi, is in the village of Didipio. Other organizations operate provincially and nationally on behalf of villagers from Didipio directly impacted by the mine.

“Getting yourself red-tagged and vilified in the Philippines is often a prelude to murder most foul,” says Clemente Bautista of the Philippine organization Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, one of the organizations named on the posters. “The recent massacre of nine sugar plantation workers—and subsequently even their own legal counsel—in the town of Sagay, Negros Occidental Province last October was preceded by months of vilification drives by the military.”

“The only thing these red-tagged people and organizations have in common is that they are known to be critical of the OceanaGold mine and supportive of the locally affected Ifugao Indigenous people,” says Jaybee Garganera of Alyansa Tigil Mina (Alliance Against Mining - ATM). “The mine has had a major negative impact on their food security and water resources, among others.”

“I am the only one named on the pamphlet who does not live in Nueva Vizcaya,” says Manila-based scientist Feny Cosico of AGHAM (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People), “and my organization is also named on the posters. I think it is because we have been helping the people of Didipio to understand the social and environmental impacts of the large-scale mining operation of OceanaGold with the Environmental Investigation Mission that we conducted in 2014.”

“I am the duly elected village head of Didipio where the mine is located.” says Barangay Captain Erenio Bobola. “I think I was named on the pamphlet because I am representing so many people in Didipio that do not want the mine to continue, or to expand, because of all the negative impacts we have been experiencing and the mine’s broken promises.” On October 2, Bobola handed over a petition to Minister Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) asking for the suspension of the project and asking that the mine comply with its commitments to the people of Didipio in an MOU signed in 2013. Bobola and the village council of Didipio prepared a resolution on October 19, stating that the villagers of Didipio who were ‘red-tagged” are “law abiding citizens” with “no record or involvement in any NPA activities.”

The OceanaGold mine’s 25 year lease comes up for renewal in 2019. Local opposition to the mine is one factor that will be taken into consideration in the mine lease renewal process.

“I am deeply concerned that these Indigenous people, and those who support them, now have targets on their backs for no other reason than that they are standing up against a Canadian mining project that has a history of human rights abuses and unacceptable environmental impacts,” says Catherine Coumans, of MiningWatch Canada. “For that reason the Canadian embassy must do everything in its power to keep these people safe.”

On November 15, Coumans accompanied four villagers from Didipio, three of whose names appeared on the red-tagging pamphlet, as well as Ms. Cosico and representatives of Kalikasan and ATM to the Canadian Embassy in Manila. There information was shared and a discussion was had about how Canada’s “Voices at Risk” policy should be mobilized by embassy staff to help protect these rights defenders.

For more information see:

        - Background brief on information shared with the Canadian Embassy in Manila

        - Photographs of “red-tagging” posters and pamphlet here

        - Resolution prepared by the village council in support of the local villagers and their organizations that were “red-tagged.”

Contact:

        - Catherine Coumans, MiningWatch Canada, catherine@miningwatch.ca

        - Jaybee Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina, nc@alyansatigilmina.net

        - Clemente Bautista, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, secretariat@kalikasan.net

        - Feny Cosico, AGHAM (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People), finesacosico@gmail.com

Press Statement

December 19, 2018  

International environmental award to Rene Pamplona, Mindanawan human rights defender

Quezon City - Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) excitedly welcomes the news today that an international award was given to one its leading human rights defenders from Mindanao.

Mr. Rene Pamplona, Campaign-Advocacy Officer of the Convergence of Initiatives for Environmental Justice, Inc. (CIEJ) received the Alexander Soros Foundation Award for Environmental and Human Rights Activism for 2018.  The award was announced by the foundation today.

Pamplona has been coordinating the campaign in South Cotabato against the “Unholy Trinity” of projects, which includes the Tampakan Mining Project, the CONAL coal-fired power plant in Sarangani and coal-mining projects in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The coal mining projects will supply the coal for the CONAL coal-fired power plant which in turn will fuel the energy needs of the Tampakan mining project.  The Tampakan mining project straddles the four provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and Davao del Sur in Mindanao.

Our alliance believes that Pamplona deserves this recognition for his roles in organizing and educating the affected-communities on the serious negative impacts of these projects to their lives and livelihoods.  Equally important, these projects will bring permanent land-use changes and destroy the ecological balance of several watersheds, primary forests and ancestral domains of indigenous peoples or lumads.

Pamplona has also worked tirelessly for more three decades with Church-based groups and national environmental organizations to assist communities in protecting their food, land, water and biodiversity resources.  We laud this dedication and passion to his mission.

As a human rights defender, ATM salutes Pamplona on his generous service to the people.  And this award comes in a very timely manner, as environmental activists join the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights last Dec. 10, 2018.

Our alliance recognizes that this award will increase Pamplona’s security risks, as he has suffered and continues to face numerous threats and harassments while performing his work.  We demand that the Philippine government ensure that the safety and well-being of Pamplona and all his co-workers as well as community partners, are ensured.

Together with Rene Pamplona, ATM stands in solidarity with all mining-affected communities who continue to struggle and resist destructive and irresponsible mining.

Jaybee Garganera 

Php21-M Worth of Smuggled Rice Confiscated during Anti-Smuggling Operation in Zamboanga City

7-Thousand sacks of alleged smuggled rice intercepted in Zamboanga City (Photo provided)

PAGADIAN CITY (Dec.12, 2018) – The Combined elements of Philippine Coast Guard 9, Intelligence Force-Field Station South Western Mindanao, 11th Infantry Battalion of Task Force Zamboanga and Zamboanga City Police Station 9 conducted Anti-Smuggling Operation at Brgy Recodo, Zamboanga City at about 11:30 PM, December 11, 2018.

The successful operation was resulted in the confiscation of more or less Seven Thousand (7, 000) sacks of alleged smuggled rice that were already unloaded from unknown motor launch which was stock file near the mosque. 

The estimated amount of confiscated items is Twenty One Million Pesos (Php21,000,000.00).

The motor launch being utilized in the smuggling activity was not apprehended due to unfavorable sea condition in the area.

Confiscated alleged smuggled rices are still at the custody of Philippine Coast Guard prior turn over to the Bureau of Customs.(By JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR)

Bangsamoro leaders to show unity in Hataman’s last ‘Ulat sa Bayan’

ARMM Governor  Mujiv Hataman during his  final address to the Autonomous 
Region in Muslim Mindanao 

Cotabato City (December 17, 2018) – Showing support and unity, leaders of former Moro rebel groups will attend regional governor Mujiv Hataman’s final address to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday, December 19. The governor will report to his constituents for the last time before the January 21 plebiscite that will ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Gov. Hataman, in his 2017 State of the Region Address, anticipated the approaching transition from the ARMM to the new Bangsamoro government. “Maaring ito na ang huling pagkakataon at nagpapasalamat ako sa inyong lahat hindi bilang pagwawakas ng aklat kundi paglipat lamang ng susunod at mas magandang kwento sa ating kabanata. Tuloy ang ating kwento bilang Moro. Tara na’t isulat natin ito,” he said.

Earlier this month, Gov. Hataman together with Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Muslimin Sema of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) expressed their support to the BOL by encouraging everyone to vote next month.

The ARMM governor, in his previous remarks, vowed to voluntarily step down from his position as the region’s chief executive once the plebiscite is done. “Once na ma-ratify ang BOL, personal at boluntaryo akong bababa sa aking pwesto upang bigyang daan ang mga kapatid natin sa Bangsamoro Transitional Authority na pamunuan at gawin ang mga nararapat para sa Bangsamoro,” he said.

In anticipation of the plebiscite, Gov. Hataman tasked all the ARMM agencies to have all the documents ready for the transition to a new Bangsamoro political entity.

“Ihanda natin ang lahat para sa mga bagong uupo sa pamahalaan dahil ayaw natin na maranasan nila ang pinagdaanan natin noong unang upo natin sa regional government,” the governor said referring to problems he encountered when he assumed as ARMM officer-in-charge (OIC) in 2011.

During his address on Wednesday, Gov. Hataman is expected to report his administration’s accomplishments including development plans for the Bangsamoro.

Civil society groups have noted that Gov. Hataman’s brand of leadership, which is characterized by transparency and innovation, has allowed ARMM to redeem itself from being labeled a “failed experiment” into a working government and converting the region into an emerging place of growth.

Gov. Hataman is the seventh regional governor of the ARMM. He was first appointed as an OIC governor in December 2011. He then won a three-year term in the election held in 2013.

After addressing his constituents on December 19, the governor will lead the launching of the book ‘Mujiv Hataman: The Biography,’ inside the ORG Compound. It will be followed by the closing ceremony of ‘Pakaradjaan’, the year-long anniversary celebration of the ARMM. (By JONG CADION with PR from Bureau of Public Information)

Editorial

Gift-giving is LOVE

Many youths would prefer “material items” as gifts for Christmas as shown in a survey by the Social Weather Station. This preference was nearly 50 percent of the respondents’ choice compared to a measly two percent for “family togetherness” as a gift.

        But to qualify qualitatively, material items decay but not familial togetherness or affirming family bond which goes generation by generation. A gadget like cellphones can be bought anytime but not one cannot just throw family union outdoors. From the family we get belongingness, affection, protection, and survival. Of course, we need material items but these could only be temporal unlike social bonding which is more lasting.

        People give material gifts to make us happy of our wants or needs but the non-material aspect , which is family togetherness, is far more reaching in social relationship. Better in togetherness we extend material gifts out of love. Of course, the youths or the kids would want material items, including cash, as gifts during Christmas Day but these are given out of love. If it is out of love and it will further strengthen social bonding, then the material and non-material aspects are fine blending… but not as an obsession to acquire the material things to selfishly satisfy oneself.

        There are wonders in giving material items as gifts. For one, it must be usable. If one can afford,, a computer set or laptop unit with internet connection is functional, especially for studies and research and as a communication tool, and that could also be used by the whole family. But of course, there must be a fund sourcing for maintenance and operation of such device. What we mean is a gift that is long lasting and very useful and functional. Of course, this depends on affordability.

        There are choices in giving material items as gifts so long as these are meant to be useful. Surely, kids love toys but these items can be bought with a learning process in it. These items would make the receivers think that they are loved and are given attention by the givers. Loving is non-material and giving can come in the form of material aspect and could be reciprocated by non-material gesture such as respect and appreciation borne out of gift-giving.

        So folks, this Christmas season learn how to blend the material and non-material nature of the occasion. Giving material items is a token of love and the receiver is reminded that they are being loved and not just for the sake of tradition of buying gifts.

        Remember, the greatest gift of all is always LOVE. This is especially true among families of close-knit relationship. Enjoy the season folks!

Drug Suspect Nabbed, Php6.8M Worth of Shabu Seized in Zamboanga City Drugs Operation

PAGADIAN CITY (Dec, 17, 2018) – A drug suspect was arrested by combined operatives of Zamboanga City Police Station 11, of Philippine Air Force and PDEA9 during buy-bust operation against Illegal Drugs at Purok 11, Acasia Drive, Brgy Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City at about 2:00 PM of December 16, 2018.

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director identified the arrested suspect as Marrisa Wee Y Musa, aka " Indah" 32 yrs old, married, born on June 12, 1986, housewife, college graduate of Purok 11 Acasia Drive Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Suspect sold the suspected shabu to the poseur buyer worth One Million Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1, 200,000.00). Meanwhile, her companion identified as Mayong Ilang Kamlon aboard his driven faded color beige Isuzu trooper without plate number fled heading towards west coast area.

Accordingly, the driver of said SUV coming from west coast arrived at the transaction site when he sense Marissa Wee was surrounded with police operatives; he quickly made a U-turn and sped west coast. One of the police officer onboard his MC and the vehicle of the operatives of Phil Air force who served as blocking force was bumped by the said SUV.

As a result, the police officer sustained injury on his left leg and different parts of his body while the blocking vehicle bearing plate number XBH-247 (fake plate) Toyota Revo color blue of the Philippine Air Force and One (1) Skygo single motorcycle without plate number owned by Reynaldo Mendoza Rebollos of Brgy. Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City also incurred damages.

Recovered/confiscated from the possession of Marissa Wee were One (1) Blue Caltex Delo Gallon containing One (1) cling wrapped large transparent self-sealing bag containing suspected shabu weighing more or less One (1) Kilo and .007 grams with an estimated market value of Six Million Eight Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php6, 800,000.00), One (1) paper bag (bench) containing Twelve (12) bundles of boodle money with One (1) genuine One Thousand Peso bill with serial numbers EE047215, One (1) BIR Identification Card of the arrested subject, One (1) Samsung Cellular phone and One (1) Fragmentation Grenade.

Confiscated items were brought to Crime Lab Office for examination while One (1) Fragmentation Grenade was turned over to EODT/K9 for proper disposition. Subject person is presently detained at the detention cell of Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for filing of appropriate charges in court. (By JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR and photos)

Fleet-Marine Troops render honors to Marine Hero killed in Sulu

PAGADIAN CITY (Dec. 15, 2018)– – On December 14, 2018, the Officers, men and civilian employees of Naval Forces Western Mindanao rendered funeral honors to the remains of the late Marine soldier who was killed during an operation in Minis Island, Patikul, Sulu.

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina AFP, NFWM commsnder disclosed that the late Sgt Randy B Cariaso PN(M) was a member of the 62nd Marine Company operating in the island of Sulu. While conducting clearing operations, said troops from 62nd Marine Company encountered an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group members in the area where SgtCariaso was unfortunately killed in action.

NFWM and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole express their sympathy to the family of the fallen marine hero who bravely sacrificed his life to end the fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group and other Lawless Terrorists Groups. His comrades assure that his death will not be in vain; that they will carry on the fight to bring back the peace in the Western Mindanao region.(By JONG CADION with PR snd photos from NFWM)

Fleet-Marine Team neutralize Abus in Sulu

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (Dec. 14, 2018)– Fleet-Marine Troops neutralized seven members of the Abu Sayyaf Group during an encounter at Minis Island, Patikul, Sulu, early morning of December 13, 2018, Philippine Navy Official said.

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina AFP, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander disclosed that the Joint elements of 62nd Marine Company of Philippine Marine Ready Force – Sulu under Col Armel S Tolato PN(M)(MNSA) responded to the reports received from Joint Task Force Sulu on the sightings of Abu Sayyaf bandits in the area.

Medina said the Navy ship, BRP Juan Magluyan (PC 392) and BRP Waray (LC288) which serves as Command and Control Platform also proceeded to the encounter site with the Special Operations Platoon1 of Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 for reinforcement. More so, NH434, an armed PN helicopter conducted ISR and CAS to support the ongoing operation augmented by Multi Purpose Attack Craft with Seal Team and PBL boat of NAVSOU. Sea denial is now being enforced by the Fleet-Marine team over the sea waters of Minis Island to avoid escape and enemy reinforcement while NAVSOU and MARSOU hunts down the ASGs in the mangrove area of the Island.

The encounter between the Fleet-Marine troops and undetermined number of ASG resulted to the neutralization of seven (7) ASG members which includes an alleged ASG sub leader with several firearms and military items recovered and apprehension of 10 persons for identification who surrendered voluntarily, Medina added.

He also said that the encounter left one killed-in-action and three (3) wounded on the government side. Said casualties were immediately brought to KHTB Hospital in Bus-bus, Jolo, Sulu for medical treatment and proper disposition.

The neutralization of this ASGs was a result of the commitment and continued monitoring activity of the government troops in the Western Mindanao Area of Responsibility. The public is assured that the AFP particularly the Fleet-Marine troops will continue to exercise vigilance in the ZAMBASULTA area to pre-empt any activities brought by the Abu Sayyaf Group and other lawless terrorist groups that threatens the peace, stability and development in the area, Medins explained.(With PR from NFWM)

Murder Suspect, Most Wanted Person Captured in Pagadian City

PAGADIAN CITY (Dec. 11, 2018) - A 67-year old man listed as the most wanted person (national level) was arrested by the combined operatives of Pagadian City Police Station and CIDG during police operation on wanted person at about 7:40 PM of December 10, 2018 at Purok Bakhaw B, Barangay Kawit, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur.

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director identified the accused as Paulino Napoles Campomanes, 67 years old (June 17, 1951), male, married, Filipino presently residing at Purok Bakhaw B, Barangay Kawit, Pagadian City with postal address of Sitio Malasugat, Barangay Sangali, Zamboanga City.

The accused person were arrested by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for the crime of Murder docketed under Criminal Case No. 18536 issued by Hon. Vicente L Cabatingan, Executive Judge, 9thRegional Trial Court, Branch 16, Zamboanga City issued on March 25, 2002 with no bail recommended.

The arrested subject person is now under the custody of CIDG-ZDS, Camp Abelon, Pagadian City for proper disposition. (By JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR and Photos)