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==Tawi-Tawi gets P1-B assist fund==
==Endangered Species==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/tawi-tawi-gets-p1-b-aid-fund/
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=806227&publicationSubCategoryId=67
*NOVEMBER 25, 2011
*Saturday, May 12, 2012
:By  tawitawi.net
:by philstar.com




BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines – The inhabitant supervision has allotted some P1 billion from a impulse account of President Aquino to financial several growth and provision programs for Tawi-Tawi, in an bid to rise a socio-economic condition of a province, and propel a internal residents from poverty.
Employees of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau inspect dead hawksbill turtles for parasites and take tissue samples, too, for mitochondrial DNA testing, during an inspection of the marine species confiscated by joint government operatives from 12 Vietnamese off Pangutaran Island in Sulu last April 22. The suspected poachers are currently detained at the provincial jail in Tawi-Tawi, having been charged for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Aside from the 87 marine turtles, also found in the Malaysian-registered fishing vessel used by the Vietnamese were five bundles of black corals and about 600 kilograms of hammerhead fish, lapu-lapu (grouper) and squid.


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali pronounced a allotted volume was postulated by a Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).


“The provincial supervision here is so most beholden that President Aquino extended us about P1 billion to urge a province’s socio-economic condition. Thank we Mr. President for your regard and affability to us,” Sahali said.


According to Sahali, a volume is partial of a P8.5 billion account appropriated for a ARMM by a inhabitant government, and taken from a P72 billion impulse account of a Aquino administration.


Of a P1 billion budget, a Department of Public Works and Highways in a range got an allocation amounting to P240 million, Department of Health with P140 million, Department of Agriculture – P91 million, Department of Science and Technology with P3.6 million, Department of a Interior and Local Government got P80 million, a Electric Cooperative got P200 million, Department of Transportation and Communications with P30 Million, and a Department of Energy got P200 million.


The administrator here pronounced a volume extended them underneath a impulse account would be of good assistance for a range and to a people here.


Sahali pronounced all a projects lined-up underneath a programs of any of a line agencies are all geared towards misery alleviation and alleviation of a socio-economic condition of a province.


Adding that once a growth module will be implemented, there will be a large employing of manpower to commence a projects in many tools of a province.


The impulse account that is termed as a ARMM Transition and Investment Support Plan will embody gratification projects covering cash-for-work-programs, construction of day-care centers, supplemental feeding, and core preserve assistance.


The impulse account will also financial a doing of several infrastructure projects like irrigation and farm-to-market roads.


Last Saturday, a Office of a Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) has also allotted some P36 million to former combatants of a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in this range to financial several provision projects and support programs to serve urge their vital conditions.
==More charges to be filed against Vietnamese fishermen==
*Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=More-charges-to-be-filed-against-Vietnamese-fishermen&id=51466
*Thursday, May 10, 2012
:by Bettina Faye V. Roc


OPAPP pronounced a volume will be used to financial several provision programs for a former combatants vital in during slightest 12 villages located in a municipalities of Bongao, Languyan, Sapa-Sapa, Simunul, and Panglima Sugala.


OPAPP Director Susan Marcaida disclosed that a volume of P3 million will be allotted to any of a 12 villages by a Peace and Development Council Program (PDCP) that was tasked to lift out a community-driven projects that are approaching to residence a needs of a beneficiaries, Sahali said.
THE ENVIRONMENT department is set to file additional charges on the Vietnamese nationals caught allegedly poaching marine species off Sulu last month, this time for the violation of the Wildlife Act.
“This is a clear violation of international and local laws on wildlife, especially since most of the species caught are considered endangered, and they were killed or collected in the Sulu Sea Marine Ecoregion (SSME), which is a protected area,” said Environment Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje in a statement.


The Vietnamese fishermen were aboard a Malaysian-registered vessel when they were caught by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on April 22 off Pangutaran Island in Sulu. Upon inspection, the vessel was found to be loaded with five bundles of black corals, 87 pieces of hawksbill turtles and around 600 kilograms of hammerhead fish, lapu-lapu (grouper) and squid.


The poachers are currently detained at the Tawi-Tawi provincial jail. The BFAR had earlier filed against the men charges for violating provisions in Republic Act No. 8550, also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, which prohibits the catching and taking of fish and other aquatic products by foreign fishing vessels in Philippine waters.


Meanwhile, collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and derivatives are violations of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Act.


==La Aunor’s new film will showcase Tawi-Tawi as tourism destination==
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/inside-stories/9913-la-aunors-new-film-will-showcase-tawi-tawi-as-tourism-destination.html
*Wednesday, May 9, 2012
:by NT-PIO/RVC/PIA-9 ZBST




Superstar Nora Aunor is making Tawi-Tawi shine as she takes pleasure filming her new movie in the province.
The Superstar and her co-stars and the film’screw have just concluded their shooting recently of Brillante Mendoza’s newfilm titled “Thy Womb”, a love drama portraying a Bajau couple’s sacrosanct relationship as husband and wife though unblessed with offspring.


The movie depicts the seafaring Bajau tribeof Tawi-Tawi, their culture and tradition and a précis that tells of a Bajao woman who is more than willing to endure personal sacrifice for the sake of hereternal love for her husband.


==Tawi-Tawi gets P1-B aid fund==
The controversial Cannes-film winningdirector Mendoza said in an interview that “this cultural and dramatic filmwould portray the people of Mindanao, especially, Tawi-Tawi and that they [thepeople of Mindanao] are [also] capable of loving.”
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342463/tawitawi-gets-p1b-aid-fund
*November 24, 2011, 5:19pm
:By  NONOY E. LACSON


“That in spite of the troubles and conflictsevident in Mindanao, there are people here, who are capable of loving and peaceful as well,” Mendoza stressed.


To finance development, livelihood programs
He also said that the film would somehowconvey to the world the tourism potentials of Tawi-Tawi saying that this southern frontier of the country has peace and serenity with beautiful sitesworth visiting.


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines – The national government has allotted some P1 billion from the stimulus fund of President Aquino to finance various development and livelihood programs for Tawi-Tawi, in an effort to develop the socio-economic condition of the province, and propel the local residents from poverty.
Mendoza also said that they have chosenTawi-Tawi as a location shooting because it delivers the scenario and the characters needed for the film.
For their part, Aunor and Roco, expressedtheir appreciation of Tawi-Tawi’s hospitality and said that they are captivated by the beauty of this southern province.


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said the allotted amount was granted through the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Ms. Aunor plays the lead character as amidwife named Salehah and is co-starred by Bembol Roco as Bangas-an, Lovi Poeand Mercedes Cabral with support cast from the locals of Tawi-Tawi.  


“The provincial government here is so much grateful that President Aquino extended us about P1 billion to improve the province's socio-economic condition. Thank you Mr. President for your concern and kindness to us,” Sahali said.
Aunor flew in to Tawi-Tawi last April 14, toshoot the indie film, her first since returning from a hiatus in the UnitedStates. Shooting took place in at least 3 locations: the island-towns ofBongao, Sitangkai and Taganak. She left the province last April 28.


According to Sahali, the amount is part of the P8.5 billion fund appropriated for the ARMM by the national government, and taken from the P72 billion stimulus fund of the Aquino administration.
Meanwhile, Provincial Information OfficerNash Tahang said that the local government officials and the locals ofTawi-Tawi was elated and honored and was grateful to the film-makers forchoosing the province to be the location for the Superstar’s new film.


Of the P1 billion budget, the Department of Public Works and Highways in the province got an allocation amounting to P240 million, Department of Health with P140 million, Department of Agriculture – P91 million, Department of Science and Technology with P3.6 million, Department of the Interior and Local Government got P80 million, the Electric Cooperative got P200 million, Department of Transportation and Communications with P30 Million, and the Department of Energy got P200 million.
Vice Governor Ruby Sahali said that thismovie will eventually help pump prime the exposure of the province’s tourism potentials not only for the local visitors influx, but more so, that of theforeigners.


The governor here said the amount extended them under the stimulus fund would be of great help for the province and to the people here.
“These are the days Tawi-Tawi shines with thesuperstar,” she said.
Moreover, Provincial Secretary Nurjay Sahali made thesame observation, saying that the film will help boost the tourism aspects ofthe beautiful and peaceful province, as most of the location shootings weretaken in Tawi-Tawi.


Sahali said all the projects lined-up under the programs of each of the line agencies are all geared towards poverty alleviation and improvement of the socio-economic condition of the province.
==Thespians in Tawi-Tawi==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/thespians-in-tawi-tawi/
*Tuesday, May 8, 2012
:by  tawitawi.net


Adding that once the development program will be implemented, there will be a massive hiring of manpower to undertake the projects in many parts of the province.


The stimulus fund that is termed as the ARMM Transition and Investment Support Plan will include welfare projects covering cash-for-work-programs, construction of day-care centers, supplemental feeding, and core shelter assistance.
ACCLAIMED actor Bembol Roco and the great Nora Aunor just got back from a tedious but totally reinvigorating work assignment in the far-flung province of Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao.  The multiawarded actors immersed themselves for more than two weeks with the locals of the towns of Bongao and Sitangkai, where most of the scenes of the latest Brillante Mendoza film Thy Womb were shot.


The stimulus fund will also finance the implementation of various infrastructure projects like irrigation and farm-to-market roads.
We met up with both Roco and Aunor in Cebu, the final leg of their nonstop shoot for this much talked-about movie, where both recounted their unforgettable experiences in Tawi Tawi.


Last Saturday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) has also allotted some P36 million to former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in this province to finance various livelihood projects and support programs to further improve their living conditions.
“Breathtaking” was how Roco described the Tawi-Tawi that he saw and experienced. “You feel like you are in a totally different world and a different time frame. The water is always clear and the marine life does not only sustain the day-to-day existence of the people but it also makes you realize that God is so generous with His many natural gifts to us.”


OPAPP said the amount will be used to finance various livelihood programs for the former combatants living in at least 12 villages located in the municipalities of Bongao, Languyan, Sapa-Sapa, Simunul, and Panglima Sugala.
Roco added that although life there may appear difficult because much is stripped to the essentials, it’s the simplicity that will capture the heart of a visitor like him.  “Imagine taking a pump boat to the islands for countless hours, just gazing at the vastness of the ocean and the sky. Imagine living in stilt houses with no real toilets.  Imagine being with people who, despite their seeming poverty, can flash a smile like they are the happiest creatures on earth.  That was the Tawi-Tawi that has pierced my heart.”


OPAPP Director Susan Marcaida disclosed that the amount of P3 million will be allotted to each of the 12 villages through the Peace and Development Council Program (PDCP) that was tasked to carry out the community-driven projects that are expected to address the needs of the beneficiaries, Sahali said.
For her part, Aunor, unquestionably the country’s One and Only Superstar, she admitted that she shed all inhibitions and doubt, plunging into her character right away the moment she stepped on the island.


==P36-M allotted for Tawi-Tawi projects==
“Isa akong midwife dito na nagbabangka at dumadayo sa iba’t ibang lugar para magpaanak pero hindi ako mabiyayaan ng sarili kong anak [I play a midwife who travels from one place to another to deliver babies, but I can’t have my own child],” she volunteered. “Pagdating na pagdating namin ni Kuya Bembs  [her nickname for Roco], na-in love agad kami sa lugar at sa mga tao.  Mababait ang mga kababayan natin sa Tawi-Tawi. Simple lang sila pero masaya, kahit mahirap ang buhay. Ibang-iba sa inire-report ng media na magulo at delikado doon. Peaceful sila at masisipag [The moment Bembol and I arrived, we immediately fell in love with the place and its people. The people of Tawi-Tawi are nice. They are simple and happy even if life seems difficult. It’s totally different from what the media sometimes report. They are peace-loving and industrious people],” she stressed.
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/p36-m-allotted-for-tawi-tawi-projects/
*NOVEMBER 23, 2011
:By tawitawi.net


She added, “S’yempre may mga security na naka-assign sa amin, hindi dahil sa delikado ang lugar kundi para maging smooth ang shooting namin doon. Pero wala kaming naging problema. Nag-cooperate lahat kaya naging maayos at masaya lahat. [We were provided with security not because it was a dangerous place but because we wanted the shoot to be smooth. Everyone was cooperative.]”


BONGAO, Philippines – The Office of a Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) has allotted some P36 million for Tawi-Tawi to financial several provision projects and support programs for an identified zone in a province.
Aunor shared that she had to learn to weave the native banig and constantly practice paddling a banca. “Gusto kasi ni direk Brillante na makatotohanan lahat kaya kelangan akong maging gamay sa mga gawain nila doon. Tingnan mo nga at sunog na sunog ako dahil namamangka ako kahit matirik ang araw. [Our director wants everything to be realistic so I had to do what they do there. Look at me, my skin is so sun-burnt because I had to paddle a banca even when the sun was scorching hot].”


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali pronounced that OPAPP sensitive a provincial supervision about extend during a unchanging assembly of a Provincial Peace and Order (PPOC) to urge a vital condition of former combatants of a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) here.
Brillante Mendoza, who holds the distinction of being the only Filipino to have won a Cannes International Film Festival best director plum, only has good words for his two main actors.


Sahali pronounced OPAPP Director Susan Marcaida disclosed that a volume of P36 million has been earmarked from a supports of a Payapa during Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) for a former MNLF combatants vital in during slightest 12 villages located in a towns of Bongao, Languyan, Sapa-Sapa, Simunul, and Panglima Sugala, all in Tawi-Tawi.
“Nora and Bembol are who they are because they are both true artists.  You see, I do not allow my actors to have scripts on the set. They know and understand their respective roles after every briefing and take everything to heart. They are thespians and I am so blessed having both of them in this film. They certainly make my work easier and more fulfilling,” Mendoza enthused.


Sahali pronounced that Marcaida explained to a provincial supervision that a volume of P3 million will be allotted to any of a 12 villages by a Peace and Development Council Program (PDCP) that is tasked to lift out a community-driven projects to residence a people’s needs.
Altruistic to the core, Mendoza and his team headed by production head Larry Castillo and cinematographer Odyssey Flores flew to Tawi-Tawi hoping for the best and he told us that his team got more than what they expected. “The weather was perfect, the people were very cooperative, the local government of Tawi-Tawi was all out in its support to our vision for the project. The shoot went very, very well and I am simply grateful.”


PAMANA is a government’s assent and growth module that seeks to revoke poverty, urge governance, and commission communities by community-driven projects, while compelling peace.
Now that the principal photography of the film is finished, Mendoza and his team will start the difficult phase of post-production with big smiles on their faces, knowing that this film will bring them far and do the country proud in the coming months.


For her part, Tawi-Tawi Vice Governor Ruby Sahali-Tan has reminded OPAPP to delicately brand a projects that will be implemented in a identified areas to equivocate duplication with existent projects being saved from other supervision sources.
Meanwhile, Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco will pursue their other acting assignments but this experience in Tawi-Tawi will surely remain in their hearts for a very long time.


As this developed, Sahali has tasked a mayors of a pronounced 5 municipalities to rush their consultations with a beneficiaries of a program, and contention them a soonest probable time to his office.
==Scuba diving training enhances MSU-Tawi-Tawi students’ skills==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=424242
*Monday, May 7, 2012
:by  (PNA)
FPV/FMS/ssc


He also tasked a mayors to immediately ready a programs of work for a projects, observant “in this manner, we are positive of a clarity on a partial of a internal supervision units (LGUs).”


He pronounced a PAMANA program’s categorical plan is to move behind a supervision in aim communities by ensuring that they advantage from softened smoothness of simple amicable services, and are served by responsive, pure and accountable governments.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 7 (PNA) -– The Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO), in cooperation with the Tawi-Tawi Divers Club (TDC), has conducted a two-month introductory course in scuba diving for selected students of Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences.


It also aims to minister to attaining durability assent by achieving a rebate of misery and disadvantage by village infrastructure, and a smoothness of amicable services, Sahali stressed.
The training is relevant because Tawi Tawi is part of the coral triangle in Southeast Asian region, and there are more interesting coastal fishery resources and pristine beaches to explore in the province , even better than those in other places within the country and around the world.


==Sabah-bound boat intercepted off Tawi-Tawi==
TDC President Engr. Rosendo R. Reyes said the free training was participated in by at least 20 people, of which, 15 are students of MSU-TCTO and members of the Marine Bio & Environmental Sciences Students’ Association (MABESSA).
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342073/sabahbound-boat-intercepted-tawitawi
*November 21, 2011, 4:54pm
:By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN


Reyes said this project with the MSU-TCTO was initiated as part of the club’s social responsibility “to draw strategic partnership with the academic institution like the MSU-TCTO that offers courses in marine biology and fisheries and environmental sciences.”


MANILA, Philippines — Combined teams from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) rescued about 300 persons believed to be victims of human trafficking in the waters off Tawi-Tawi last Sunday.
He pointed out that TDC provides such training to students so that “they will utilize their skills, exposures and experiences especially in the conduct of their academic research in marine and environmental sciences.”


Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said the victims were on a motor launch, the ML Wendelene, which was spotted by elements of Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao and two PCG-BFAR Mon-itoring and Control Vessels.
He added that conducting under water research studies require students to be scuba divers.


The joint team was on routine patrol off Taganak Island at around 2:30 p.m. when they spotted the Wen-delene overloaded with passengers.
He said two dive masters-- Prof. Ramon Tangon and Rasul Sabal, assisted him in the training that ended March 31.


Ricafrente said that the motor launch, which has an authorized capacity of 58 passengers, was sailing towards the direction of Sabah, Malaysia.
He emphasized that TDC would continue to participate on collaborative engagement with concerned agencies and NGOs in projects related to marine life.


The Wendelene was then escorted by the patrol vessels to Zamboanga City.
These project will include coral assessment, establishment and management of fish sanctuary, construction of artificial reef, Crown-of Thorns clean-up, coastal clean-up like scubasurero (garbage collector of the sea) and other projects and programs of similar considerations, especially those involving environmental concerns.


It was learned that the motor launch was skippered by Captain Rogello Anas and operated by Bernalda Julwadi of Canelar in Zamboanga City.
Meanwhile, MSU-TCTO Chancellor Atty. Lorenzo R. Reyes underscored the significance of scuba diving to the academic program of the university.


The rescued victims will be turned over Wednesday to the Visayan Forum Foundation which has been providing support, education, housing and legal advice to women and children trafficked into prostitution.
He said he plans to make scuba diving as one subject area of study in the academic curriculum of the Department of Marine & Environmental Science of the university.


==Over 200 suspected trafficked victims rescued in Tawi-Tawi==
“I have always encouraged the college of fisheries and environmental science to undertake more research studies in fisheries and marine biology as well as in environmental sciences because MSU-TCTO is a vocational institution by its mandates,’ he stressed.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/20/11/over-200-suspected-trafficked-victims-rescued-tawi-tawi
*11/20/2011 5:09 PM | Updated as of 11/20/2011 7:39 PM
:By Queenie Casimiro, ABS CBN News Zamboanga


He shared his vision to make MSU-TCTO a center of excellence in fisheries and oceanographic studies, and to ensure that the graduates will be relevant and globally competitive.


ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Authorities in Western Mindanao intercepted a vessel loaded with over 200 suspected victims of human trafficking.
He also pointed out that Tawi-Tawi is considered a haven for research studies and that he expect that the college should be able to come up with more vital research proposals in which he assured that it would be his responsibility to find possible source of funding for any research proposal submitted.


Reports from the Coast Guard Zamboanga Station revealed two monitoring and control vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources were on routing patrol operations with joint elements from the Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao on Saturday when they spotted and intercepted Motorlaunch Wendelene at the vicinity of Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi.
Moreover, Director for Coastal Resource Management Prof. Felimon Romero said that, “there’s a need to strengthen our environment and ecological system as this is our only potential source of eco-tourism for foreign investment in Tawi-Tawi.”


The vessel was proceeding towards the direction of Sabah, Malaysia.
“We are part of coral triangle in Southeast Asian region, and that what we have here in Tawi-Tawi is that we can find more interesting coastal fishery resources and pristine beaches to explore that we are proud to say is much better than those in other places within the country, including other places abroad,” he added.,


Upon inspection, authorities discovered that the ferry was carrying over 200 passengers, way above its capacity of 58 passengers.
Meanwhile, the Office of MSU-SCTO Chancellor has donated to the club some ten pieces of junked steel cabinets that will be used as artificial reef in support to the national coral reef restoration program of government.


The vessel is said to be owned by a certain Bernaida Julwadi of Canelar, Zamboanga City, while the ferry captain was identified as Rogelio Anas.
As part of their commitment to the TDC, the trainees will install the cabinets to the seas near Mountain View Resort Beach at Barangay Pasiagan in Bongao.


Coast Guard Zamboanga Station Commander Perfecto Eden said ML Wendelene is now being escorted by authorities to Zamboanga City while the rescued victims are set to be turned over to the NGO Visayan Forum Foundation.
TDC said the areas that are devastated by dynamite and cyanide fishing are the targets of coral reef restoration.


Under Republic Act 9993, otherwise known as the Philippine Coast Guard Act of 2009, the Coast Guard is mandated to assist in the enforcement of laws on human smuggling, among others.
MABESSA President Yunadzmal Ong, moreover, expressed his gratitude to the TDC President and MSU Chancellor for making the scuba training possible that helps in their quest for scientific exploration of the seas and the oceans of Tawi-Tawi.


==Tawi-Tawi agenda==
==Introducing Tawi-Tawi, Sulu folk to healthcare==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/peace-week/
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/introducing-tawi-tawi-sulu-folk-to-healthcare/
*NOVEMBER 17, 2011
*Sunday, May 6, 2012
:By   tawitawi.net
:by   Edwin O. Fernandez




BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi (PIA) – The range of Tawi-Tawi continues to propel a healthy resources supervision (NRM) module on Mapun and Turtle Islands, dual far-flung municipalities of this southernmost province.
Health services know no boundaries Workers brought together by a Department of Health (DOH) campaign to bring medical services to the people of Tawi-Tawi sweltered in 36-degree-Celsius heat, endured hours of sea travel, ignored threats of kidnapping to attend to people who have not seen a doctor all their lives.


Provincial Information Officer Abdel Nasser Tahang pronounced in a formulation assembly during a Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall that Vice Governor Ruby Sahali discussed a bulletin with a endangered agencies participating in a doing of a module that includes mangrove planting in partnership with a Department of Environment and Natural Resources, fruit-bearing tree planting, dive exploration, and coastal apparatus supervision and meridian change.
The campaign had been successful last year, bringing medical and dental care to the people of Mapun and Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi, two of the remotest places in the country.


==Suspect in slay of Tawi-Tawi deputy police chief killed in shootout==
Last month, the health caravan spent five days bringing services to people in the towns of Languyan and Sapa-Sapa where diseases have been left untreated and ailments are often blamed on supernatural causes.
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/93949/suspect-in-slay-of-tawi-tawi-deputy-police-chief-killed-in-shootout
*12:10 am | Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
:By  Karen Boncocan
INQUIRER.net


Never mind if the campaign name smacks of politicking (“Alay ni RG-Kasama Mo Si Sec,” which translates to Alay ni Regional Governor-Kasama Mo Si Secretary), it was able to bring surgeries, dental work and lessons on safe motherhood and reproduction to areas where doctors have never been known to exist.


MANILA, Philippines—Authorities shot dead a suspect who killed a deputy police chief in Tawi-Tawi province Monday night.
The campaign also brought essential information on health, maternal and child care, nutrition, reproduction and birth spacing.
Inspector Erick Fregillana, Bongao town deputy police chief died after being shot by Abdul Sabdani at 8:38 p.m. in Pahut village, Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said.
Police said that Fregillana was trying to wrestle an M16 rifle from Sabdani when he was shot. The suspect was under investigation for a traffic incident at that time, said Cruz.
Bongao town police tried to shoot at the suspect but it took three hours and several more officers from the Tawi-Tawi police to fight off Sabdani who was killed in the shootout.
Recovered from Sabdani were an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, a rifle grenade and a homemade airgun.


==Tawi-Tawi agenda==
It was merged with the DOH’s “Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan” (Journey to Health) that the department has been bringing to remote communities with barely any access to health clinics much less hospitals.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/341129/peace-week
*November 13, 2011, 4:02pm
:By  mb.com.ph


The blind can see


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi (PIA) – The province of Tawi-Tawi continues to propel its natural resources management (NRM) program on Mapun and Turtle Islands, two far-flung municipalities of this southernmost province.
“Ignorance in health is not bliss, it kills,” said Kadil Sinolinding Jr., health secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).


Provincial Information Officer Abdel Nasser Tahang said in a planning meeting at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall that Vice Governor Ruby Sahali discussed the agenda with the concerned agencies participating in the implementation of the program that includes mangrove planting in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, fruit-bearing tree planting, dive exploration, and coastal resource management and climate change.
While using what sounds like a self-serving theme “Sa Biyaheng Kalusugan Kasama Mo Si Sec” obviously referring to Sinolinding, the medical mission was able to bring together health workers and volunteers who helped the people of Tawi-Tawi realize that healthcare is not a guessing game.


==9th PNP Maritime to build gunboat unit in Tawi-Tawi==
As a result, more than 1,000 people received free cataract and other eye surgeries in Languyan town alone. At least 25 people who have been rendered blind by cataracts were able to see clearly again. Some of the people had minor surgeries and received free dental and medical services.
*Source: http://www.zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/2965-9th-pnp-maritime-to-build-gunboat-unit-in-tawi-tawi.html
*Saturday, 12 November 2011 15:21
:By  Allen Abastillas


From Languyan, the DOH-ARMM continued the campaign to Sapa-Sapa, reached by boat after a six-hour journey, where free cataract and other eye surgeries were given to the poor, restoring eyesight to many who had gone blind.


The 9th Maritime Mobile  Unit will soon construct a  special gunboat unit in  Bongao  and Mapun Tawi-Tawi.
Bilateral tubal ligation and other minor surgeries were also provided as part of the project.


Newly assumed  9th MMU chief Sr. Supt. Agustin Derio Molina said the construction of the special gunboat unit in Bongao and Mapun is in  partnership with the provincial  government of Tawi-Tawi under Gov. Sadikul Sahali.
Risky mission


The special gunboat unit  includes a wharf and a building that will house a gunboat.
Sapa-Sapa municipality is one of the island towns of Tawi-Tawi, where people never had access to health services because of two things—they live too far from the nearest clinic and it was too dangerous for them to travel.


Molina said the Philippine National Police  Maritime  national headquarters is expected to receive a gunboat that will be donated by the US- Department of Justice.It will be detailed in Bongao and Mapun to combat piracy and lawlessness in the high seas.
In the last three years, at least four health workers in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu have either been kidnapped or harmed by criminal elements.


Molina said his office is waiting for the formal donation of the 2,500 square meters coastal area in Bongao and Mapun  from the provincial government.
At the latest medical mission, villagers from far-flung island communities took pump boats to reach the town center to avail themselves of health-care services—antenatal care, child healthcare, vitamin A supplements and immunization.


According to Molina, the  9th MMU has a  big command  group of area of jurisdiction because it has a two regions —  9th MMU and Maritime Mobile Unit of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for Basilan ,Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
The campaign also seized the opportunity to provide information on healthcare through exhibits, classes, songs, dances and story-telling sessions that were found entertaining by the people whose communities are not reached by cable TV or regular radio broadcasts.


At present, the gunboat donated by the US Department of Justice is now detailed in Balabak Palawan.
DOH launched its Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan simultaneously with the medical mission in Sapa-Sapa.


Malaysia is also speeding up the construction of a special gun boat unit because they also want to receive similar donation from the US government, Molina revealed..
“I cannot allow myself to just sit and wait when I know that there are a lot of blind people out there who survive in darkness and misery, and mothers and children die needlessly just because they are poor,” said Sinolinding.


Before assuming command last November 3, Molina was assigned in Palawan.   He graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy in 1985.
“Poverty is already social injustice, making people hopeless. Inaction aggravates their condition,” he said. Sinolinding is one of two members of the ARMM Cabinet who had been retained by acting ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman when he assumed office in December 2011.


Former 9th MMU chief Sr. Supt. Eduardo Serapio Garado is now the new assigned in Cebu City (Region 7).
Sinolinding thanked the people who shared their time and effort for the medical mission.


==Tawi-Tawi to propel environment program in Mapun, Turtle Island==
Before the Tawi-Tawi mission, ARMM health workers had brought similar services to Sumisip, Basilan, with more than 200 people receiving cataract and glaucoma surgeries. Surgeries were held at Sumisip District Hospital which, after 13 years of being nonfunctional, was revived by Sinolinding in September last year.
*Source: http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/2948-tawi-tawi-to-propel-environment-program-in-mapun-turtle-island.html
*Friday, 11 November 2011 13:32
:By  Zamboanga Times


Sinolinding said he was so elated seeing people very grateful for the services.


The Province of Tawi-Tawi is on another leg next week of propelling its Natural Resources Management (NRM) program in Mapun and Turtle Island, two far-flung municipalities of this southern province.
“From the cries of hopelessness and injustices to jubilation and enlightenment, and from eyes and hearts laden with apathy and ignorance to eyes filled with hope and understanding—such could be the transformation now in the people of ARMM,” Sinolinding said.


Provincial Information Officer Abdel Nasser Tahang reported that in a planning meeting at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall Tuesday, Vice Governor Ruby Sahali discussed the agenda with the concerned agencies participating in the implementation of the program.
“Taken for granted, our mothers and children were dying unnecessarily because of poor health service deliveries,” he added.


The NRM activities include mangrove planting in partnership with the DENR, fruit-bearing tree planting with the DA, dive exploration with WWF, and Coastal Resource Management and Climate Change with WWF and DA.
The Journey to Health success has led to the commitment of DOH-ARMM to bring its health caravan to the farthest islands of Muslim Mindanao, to include the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Sulu.


Tahang added that social services that will be included are Brigada Iskwela, maternal and child care, 4P’s beneficiary assessment, Islamic lectures, assistance to Mother’s Club of Turtle Island, operation gupit, and medical/dental services.  
“No one can imagine how satisfied these poor people were after the mission,” Sinolinding, an eye doctor, said.


Sahali said these are the programs and activities that the provincial government is undertaking since 2010 in line with its implementation of the province’s NRM program.
==Screen queens gear up for their ‘vanishing acts’==
She said that after Mapun and Turtle Island, she has eyed for Sapa-Sapa municipality as the next recipient.
*Source: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/39029/screen-queens-gear-up-for-their-vanishing-acts
*Saturday, May 5, 2012
:by  Rito P. Asilo


“We are doing this public service for the benefits of the people and we have set aside politics here,” she said.


Meanwhile, Task Force 62 commander, Captain Renato Yongque, PN, GSC, has assured the availability of a navy boat to ferry the Mapun and Turtle Island-bound group this week end. — RVC/PIA
Tinseltown’s acting icons remain at the top of their game by choosing projects that don’t just make them emerge smelling like roses at the box office, but also show off their dramatic chops, to keep their followers’ interest high. For their latest projects, top female superstars, Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor, are backed up by directors whose filmmaking acumen can guarantee that their projects aren’t the usual stuff and fluff.
For the Star for All Seasons, risk-taking is key to her sustained popularity. Vilma told us she didn’t want to be seen in hackneyed variations of the same themes and stories—which explains why she decided to do Chito Roño’s chiller, “The Healing,” as a follow-up to Olivia Lamasan’s 2009 dramedy blockbuster, “In My Life.” Moreover, it’s been almost 40 years since Vilma last dabbled in the horror genre via “Kamay na Gumagapang” and “Anak ng Aswang”—when she was only 19 years old!
We’re also looking forward to Nora Aunor’s comeback movie, “Thy Womb”—which wrapped up its Tawi-Tawi and Cebu shoots last week—because Cannes-winning director, Brillante Mendoza, is helming it. Last seen on the big screen in the US-shot 2006 indies, “Ingrata” and “Care Home,” the Superstar portrays a Badjao midwife in the film that also stars Bembol Roco and Lovi Poe.
Campy turn
American screen queens are also gearing up for their thespic “vanishing acts”: After Julia Roberts’ campy turn as Snow White’s power-grabbing, evil-queen nemesis in Tarsem Singh’s “Mirror, Mirror,” it’s Angelina Jolie’s turn to make life a living hell for another fairy-tale princess.


==Basic services==
In Robert Stromberg’s “Maleficent,” Brad Pitt’s better half is cast as the proud and vengeful sorceress who takes offense at not being invited to the christening of Princess Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty (Elle Fanning), the only daughter of King Stefan (Jude Law). If Jolie portrays Maleficent the way she played Evelyn Salt, whoever’s portraying Aurora’s knight in shining armor has his work cut out for him!
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/340781/govt-citation
For her part, Roberts is relying on the jump from stage to screen of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer-winning dark comedy, “August: Osage County,” and Larry Kramer’s Tony-winning autobiographical HIV/AIDS drama, “The Normal Heart,” to boost her acting cachet.
*November 10, 2011, 3:30pm
In Ryan Murphy’s (“Glee”) screen adaptation of the 1980s-set “The Normal Heart,” Julia plays wheelchair-bound Dr. Emma Brookner, who helps gay activist, Ned Weeks (Mark Ruffalo), raise awareness about the deadly (then unidentified) viral disease that was killing gay men.
:By  Nonoy Lacson
Level of difficulty
The level of difficulty gets higher for Julia in “August,” where she portrays Barbara Fordham, the 46-year-old eldest daughter of Beverly and Violet Weston who’s forced to come home when her alcoholic father goes missing. She hasn’t visited her parents in years, because she doesn’t get along well with her shrewd, prescription drug-addicted mother.
The film’s emotionally charged scenes present exciting dramatic possibilities for cinema’s Pretty Woman, not the least of which is the fact that her combative mother is played by—Meryl Streep!
And, Catherine Zeta-Jones revisits her musical-theater roots via Adam Shankman’s big-screen version of the stage musical, “Rock of Ages,” where she will perform Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”
The anticipated movie musical has a bigger come-on, however: Tom Cruise’s latest (and very bold) attempt at reinvention. In its motion-picture soundtrack, Cruise will be rendering Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City” and Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me”—not the easiest tunes to sing, that’s for sure. If that isn’t gutsy, we don’t know what is!


==Tawi-Tawi enchants Nora Aunor yet again==
*Source: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/38871/tawi-tawi-enchants-nora-aunor-yet-again
*Friday, May 4, 2012
:by  Bayani San Diego Jr.




BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi – National and provincial government agencies here will conduct on Monday an evaluation on the basic and social services that the provincial government is extending to the municipalities of Mapun and Turtle Islands. Vice Governor Ruby Sahali-Tan said the evaluation aims to further improve the basic and social services that the province is extending to the people of the province.


Tan said senior officials of the province, including officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and World Wide Fund for Nature will compose the group in the conduct of the evaluation.
It wasn’t Nora Aunor’s first time in Tawi-Tawi. Still she felt seduced by the island’s pristine beauty.
The singer-actress, known as the country’s Superstar, recalled that she briefly visited the island on the country’s southernmost tip years ago.
“Para sa kampanya ni Erap (former President Joseph Estrada),” she recounted. “Pero sandali lang. Hindi ako nagtagal.”
For her latest Tawi-Tawi “adventure,” she totally “immersed” herself, staying over two weeks, from April 14 to 30, for the shooting of Brillante Mendoza’s latest work, “Thy Womb.”
Mendoza won best director for “Kinatay” at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in 2009.
“Thy Womb” is scheduled to premiere at an A-list international film fest.
Little dialogue
The indie film marks her big-screen comeback after eight years, Aunor said. She had appeared in indie productions like Suzette Ranillo’s “Care Home” and Joey Gonzales’ “Ingrata” (both in 2006) during her stay in the United States. But “Thy Womb” is her biggest film since Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “Naglalayag” in 2004.
“Na-miss ko ang pag-arte,” she told Inquirer Entertainment in an interview held upon her return to Manila on May 1.


==Cops still seeking info on blank fish breeder and his Filipino abductor==
She said that she hit it off with Mendoza, who shares her artistic principles. “Magaling talaga si Direk Brillante. Ang gusto niya natural ang acting. Wala masyadong dialogue pero taos-puso.”
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/cops-still-seeking-info-on-missing-fish-breeder-and-his-filipino-abductor/
In the movie, she plays a midwife who serves the seafaring Badjao and other indigenous tribes in Tawi-Tawi.
*NOVEMBER 9, 2011
“Bilang kumadrona, ako lang ang nagpapaanak sa mga nanay doon. For the first two days, nag-aral kami na mag-sagwan at mag-habi ng banig,” she recounted.
:By  THE TAWI-TAWI JOURNAL
Mindanao reality
The experience opened her eyes to both the promising and disheartening realities in that part of Mindanao. “Mababait ang mga tao doon. Talagang inalagaan kami. Nakita ko kung gaano kaganda ang Tawi-Tawi. Peaceful naman. Naging biktima lang sila ng mga maling balita,” she explained. “Sabi nila may mga planong gawin itong tourist destination.”
Their hosts, Gov. Sadikul Sahali and his wife Juana and daughter Vice Gov. Ruby Sahali and son Nurjay Sahali, assisted by the Philippine Marines and the Philippine National Police, made sure that the entire cast and crew remained safe during their stay, Aunor said.
She plans to return their kindness by asking friends from the industry to help the people in the small villages where they shot the film—specifically, Sitangkai, known as the “Venice of the Philippines.”
“Nag-shooting kami doon sa mga bahay na nakatayo sa dagat,” she said. “Gusto ko sanang mabigyan sila ng isang health center, sa tulong ng mga kaibigan natin dito sa Maynila.”
Playing a midwife, she saw with her own eyes the residents’ most pressing needs. “Kailangan nila ng gamot. ’Pag may manganganak, kailangan pang mag-bangka para makapunta sa ospital,” she said.
As expected, she and her co-stars — Bembol Roco, Lovi Poe and Mercedes Cabral—were mobbed by the residents.
“Natutuwa sila na nabisita namin sila at gumawa kami ng isang pelikula tungkol sa buhay nila … para naman malaman ng Pilipinas at ng buong mundo ang tunay nilang kalagayan,” she pointed out.
Aunor said she and her co-stars had no qualms about roughing it in the southern province. “Walang pa-istaran. Pantay-pantay kaming lahat. Parang kaming magkakapatid sa set. Sama-sama sa hirap at ginhawa,” she said. “Nakisama pati ang panahon. Kung kailangan sa shoot ang ulan, umulan. Pag kailangan maaraw, umaraw!”
She remembered traveling by boat for almost 14 hours to reach one location, Turtle Islands. “Doon na kami natulog sa bangka,” she said.
Down-to-earth
Poe said that the Superstar took pains not to intimidate her co-workers. Cabral agreed: “She’s down-to-earth. Motherly. I was in my dressing room once, fixing my stuff, and someone knocked.”


When Cabral opened the door, she saw the Superstar holding a bowl of noodle soup. “She gave it to me,” Cabral said. “I was really touched. She made me realize that not all superstars are air-headed snobs. It’s a shame that other so-called stars, some who are not even as big as her, have lousy attitude.”
Aunor said that she enjoyed working with her castmates. “Sabi ko kay Mercedes: Ang dami ko nang anak-anakan. Magagaling na artista sina Mercedes at Lovi. At mababait.”
Although far from Manila, word on the campaign to declare her a National Artist had reached her.
“Natutuwa ako na isa ako sa mga napili. Pero marami pang mas karapat-dapat na parangalan sa ating industriya,” she remarked. “Kung sakaling ibigay sa akin, isa itong malaking karangalan at magpapasalamat ako. Pero kung hindi, matatanggap ko rin.”
Aunor is proud that Filipino filmmakers are making headway abroad. “It’s about time,” she said. “Dapat nga matagal na ’yan. Sana nga magkaisa na tayo at imbes na harangan ay tulungan natin ang isa’t isa na mapansin ang ating mga pelikula sa labas ng Pilipinas.”
Aunor will celebrate her 59th birthday on May 21 in the US.
She is set to leave for Boston on May 19 for her throat surgery on May 23. “Sana nga maging okay na ang boses ko,” she said.


==Scuba Diving training enhances MSU-Tawi-Tawi students’ skills in marine, environmental science==
*Source: http://piazampen.blogspot.com/2012/05/scuba-diving-training-enhances-msu-tawi.html
*Thursday, May 3, 2012
:by  Rene V. Carbayas


KOTA KINABALU: There has been no word from Malaysian fish breeder Pang Chong Pong a month after he was abducted during Sitangkai Island in a uneasy southern Philippines region.


Philippine military in a Tawi Tawi range pronounced conjunction Pang, 47, nor his purported abductor Merham Maraji, a former business partner of Pang, could be traced.


“We have filed a rapist box for abduction and so far, no release direct has been made,” Tawi Tawi provincial military director Senior Supt Rodeleo Jocson pronounced Sunday.
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, May 3 (PIA) – The Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) in cooperation with the Tawi-Tawi Divers Club (TDC) has successfully conducted a two-month introductory course to scuba diving to selected students of Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences.


He pronounced a military had checked with family members of Maraji and also his neighbours in Sitangkai though they pronounced they had not seen him or any Chinese man.
The free training that culminated last March 31 was participated by at least 20 people, of which, 15 are students of MSU-TCTO and members of the Marine Bio & Environmental Sciences Students’ Association (MABESSA).


“Maraji seems to have left but a trace,” he said, adding that he had not been seen during his home encampment in Panglima Segala either, that is partial of a Tawi Tawi sequence of islands.
TDC President Engr. Rosendo R. Reyes said that this project with the MSU-TCTO was initiated as part of the club’s social responsibility “to draw strategic partnership with the academic institution like the MSU-TCTO that offers courses in marine biology and fisheries and environmental sciences.”


Pang, a father of 3 children from Sarawak, operated a fish-breeding plantation in Semporna and had entered Philippines illegally with 3 Filipino workers to buy uninformed fish shrimp.
Reyes pointed out that TDC provides such training to students so that “they will utilize their skills, exposures and experiences especially in the conduct of their academic research in marine and environmental sciences.” He added that conducting under water research studies require students to be scuba divers.


Maraji, a former workman of Pang, who after became a business associate, was purported to have forced Pang during gunpoint into his vessel on Oct 5. Pang’s workers were not harmed.
He said that two Dive Masters, Prof. Ramon Tangon and Rasul Sabal were assisting him in the training. He emphasized that TDC would continue to participate on collaborative engagement with concerned agencies and NGOs in projects related to coral assessment, establishment and management of fish sanctuary, construction of artificial reef, Crown-of Thorns Clean-up, coastal clean-up like scubasurero (garbage collector of the sea) and other projects and programs of similar considerations, especially those involving environmental concerns.


Supt Jocson pronounced formed on declare statements, military trust there was a disagreement between a two.
Meanwhile, MSU-TCTO Chancellor Atty. Lorenzo R. Reyes, in his message underscored the significance of scuba diving to the academic program of the university. He said that he is planning to make scuba diving as one subject area of study in the academic curriculum of the Department of Marine & Environmental Science of the university.


Maraji had no famous links to kidnap syndicates or belligerent groups, he said.
“I have always encouraged the college of fisheries and environmental science to undertake more research studies in fisheries and marine biology as well as in environmental sciences because MSU-TCTO is a vocational institution by its mandates, he stressed.


He combined that Pang had entered Sitangkai in an unregistered speedboat.
He shared his vision to make MSU-TCTO a center of excellence on fisheries and oceanographic studies and to ensure that the graduates will be relevant and globally competitive. He pointed out, further, that Tawi-Tawi is considered a haven for research studies and that he wishes to expect also that the college should be able to come up with more vital research proposals in which he assured that it would be his responsibility to find possible source of funding for any research proposal submitted.


Sitangkai is about a 30-minute vessel float from Sabah’s Semporna.
Moreover, Director for Coastal Resource Management Prof. Felimon Romero said that “there’s a need to strengthen our environment and ecological system as this is our only potential source of eco-tourism for foreign investment in Tawi-Tawi.”


Pang’s family members pronounced Sunday they had not listened anything given a kidnapping.
“We are part of coral triangle in Southeast Asian region, and that what we have here in Tawi-Tawi is that we can find more interesting coastal fishery resources and pristine beaches to explore that we are proud to say is much better than those in other places within the country, including other places abroad,” he added.,


==‘Surgical strike’ backed==
Meanwhile, the Office of MSU-SCTO Chancellor has donated to the club about ten pieces of junked steel cabinets that will be used as artificial reef in support to the national coral reef restoration program of government. As part of their commitment to the TDC, the trainees will install the cabinets to the seas near Mountain View Resort Beach at Barangay Pasiagan in Bongao.  
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/top-stories/16037-surgical-strike-backed
* Tuesday, October 25, 2011
:By  Ryan Ponce Pacpaco


TDC said the areas that are devastated by dynamite and cyanide fishing are the targets of coral reef restoration.


MABESSA President Yunadzmal Ong, moreover, expressed his gratitude to the TDC President and MSU Chancellor for making the scuba training possible that helps in their quest for scientific exploration of the seas and the oceans of Tawi-Tawi.


MUSLIM lawmakers yesterday strongly endorsed surgical strike against perpetrators of the series of fatal attacks on government forces, but rejected all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as this would endanger the lives of innocent people.
Among the successful trainees include the 15 students from the MSU-TCTO, namely: Adzmil Ledinil, Aharul, Almyra Samimi, Arthur Attuh, Delmar Asanol, Ibkar Salip Marijan, Joemary Alpha, Kara Habibon, Shaima Abdul, Sherelyn Abdul, Willy Rafales, Yunadzmal N. Ong, Maria Mita Fe Beringuel, Mira Luna Lagao and Nuradzmar Sali;  the three personnel from Bongao Water District—Rommel Nunal, Jose Baldevino and Dante Delfinado; and the PMAer,  ILt. Charles Dennis Tan from the Philippine Marines. (MSU-TCTO/PIA-9 ZBST)


In a press conference, Tawi-Tawi Rep. Nur Jaafar said “a surgical operation should be adopted against the perpetrators of this heinous crime. We have to unleash the full might of our law.”
==Oslob, Cebu whale shark in indie film==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/oslob-cebu-whale-shark-in-indie-film/
*Wednesday, May 2, 2012
:by  tawitawi.net


Jaafar stressed that a surgical operation “can be done with good intelligence report with the cooperation of the local authorities.  In this way, civilians won’t suffer.  We don’t want an all-out war because we know the collateral damage – non-combatants and civilians.”


He sought the review of the existing ceasefire agreement with the MILF which he said is “duty-bound to police their ranks so that these untoward incidents won’t happen again.”


“The provisions on disciplining their (MILF) ranks must be included in the ceasefire agreement, so that other groups won’t be able to use them (as shields from liability),” he said.
CEBU CITY – Oslob’s whale sharks will become even more famous.


In the same press conference, Basilan Rep. Jim Hataman urged the MILF leadership to turn over the violators of the ceasefire agreement “to complement the efforts of the government.”
The sharks will play a “cameo role” in director Brillante Mendoza’s independent film, which he said he plans to submit as an entry in the Cannes Film Festival in France.


“The  GPH  and the MILF should discuss how to deal with these perpetrators,” he said.  “Such provisions should be in the ceasefire agreement.”
The film is about a couple from Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao who have been trying to conceive, but were not blessed with a child.


House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman urged President Benigno Aquino III to “convene soonest the National Security Council (NSC) to rationally and effectively address the escalating carnage being repeatedly committed by MILF rebels against government soldiers and civilians.”
It stars Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco.


“The President must not rely on the bungling assessment of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the amateurish pronouncements of Presidential spokespersons,” said Lagman.
One of the few scenes that will be shot in Cebu will feature Oslob town and the sharks that have gained popularity worldwide.


House Deputy Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez filed House Resolution No. 1841 calling on the House Committee on National Defense and Security to investigate the effects of Al-Barka incident to the peace negotiations between the government and MILF.
The full feature movie “Thy Womb” is not a movie about the whale sharks, the director said, “but they will appear in a side scene.”


==Mindanao lawmakers call for review of ceasefire agreement==
“Parang isa na rin itong paraan para ma-showcase natin ang ating culture, and the things we are proud of, like the whale sharks of Oslob,” Mendoza said in an interview aired over radio dyAB on Sunday.
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/10/24/mindanao-lawmakers-call-review-ceasefire-agreement-186809
*Monday| October 24, 2011
:By  Kathrina Alvarez/Jonathan de Santos/SDF/Sunnex


He said that 95 percent of the film was shot in Tawi-Tawi, and they plan to start filming in Oslob soon.


In a phone interview, Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren said he has not heard from Brillantes yet, but he is open to having the sharks and his town featured in a film if this will benefit them.


(UPDATED) The ceasefire agreement with Moro rebels must be reviewed if the government wants to bring long-awaited peace in Mindanao, Muslim lawmakers said Monday.
He said there are no guidelines yet in having the sharks appear in advertisements or movies. For now, what the Municipal Government allows is filming for research work and documentation of the sharks.


“We have to review the existing ceasefire agreement. The MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) is duty bound to police their ranks so that these untoward incidents won’t happen again,” Tawi-Tawi Representative Nur Jaafar said in a press briefing.
“We’ll see what the director’s plans and intentions are. If it will be beneficial to the town in terms of promoting tourism and care for the sharks, of course, we will allow them to come here and shoot,” Guaren told Sun.Star Cebu.


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Brillante is a multi-awarded director whose works have been recognized here and abroad. He won the award for Best Director for “Kinatay” at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival. His film “Lola” also won the award for Best Film at the 6th Dubai International Film Festival.
 
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Visayas has initiated efforts to promote environment conservation education to host communities of eco-tourism projects.
 
The agency will hold an information caravan from Argao to the towns in the southern tip of Cebu, DOT-Central Visayas Director Rowena Montecillo said.
 
She told Sun.Star Cebu these areas are part of the route of the whale shark.
 
Montecillo was referring to the whale sharks (Rhyncodon typus) that have become the main tourist attraction of Barangay Tan-awan in Oslob town.
 
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists whale sharks as “vulnerable” due to the threats they face such as hunting and their dwindling population.
 
Montecillo said the tourism agency has tapped the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in educating the community about whale sharks and perhaps turtles too.
 
The participants who will be required to attend trainings are the boatmen and other members of the affected community.
 
Montecillo said that with this effort on environmental management education, the School of the SEA (Sea and Earth Advocates) resources can be tapped.
 
The School of the SEA managed by the Law of Nature Foundation headed by environmental lawyer and Ramon Magsaysay laureate Antonio Oposa Jr. was re-launched a few years after its infrastructure was destroyed by Typhoon Frank.
 
The school promotes education, engineering and enforcement in promoting the implementation of environmental laws and policies through environment-friendly practices such as waste segregation and water conservation.
 
Montecillo had pledged to continue to support the school and at the same time bring environmental conservation awareness to Regions 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas) and 8 (Eastern Visayas). (LCR/BAP/Sun.Star Cebu)


"The provisions on disciplining their (MILF) ranks must be included in the ceasefire agreement, so that other groups won’t be able to use them," said the lawmaker adding that some lawless elements or other rebel groups use the MILF to shield themselves from any liability.
==Nora Aunor finishes movie shoot in Tawi-Tawi==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/04/30/12/nora-aunor-finishes-movie-shoot-tawi-tawi
*Tuesday, May 1, 2012
:by RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga


The MILF claimed responsibility for last week’s bloody ambush attack, which claimed the lives of 19 Special Forces soldiers. They were also responsible for the twin attacks in Zamboanga Sibugay on October 20.


On Sunday, four civilians were included in the eight recorded fatalities out of two separate attacks believed to be committed also by the MILF.
MANILA, Philippines – Veteran actress Nora Aunor is back in Manila after shooting several scenes in Tawi-Tawi for her comeback movie.


In its official website, the MILF claimed that it was the military which violated the ceasefire agreement after the latter attacked an area “where innocent civilians are being caught in the middle of the ferocious artillery strike”.
Aunor’s skin was relatively sunburned when she arrived at the Zamboanga airport on Sunday but the actress said it is all part of her role in the film.


“This attack of the government forces blatantly violated the existing ceasefire accord between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF, which only overstates the insincerity of the government and its armed forces with the ongoing peace process and ceasefire,” the group said referring to the incident in Basilan.
In “Thy Womb,” Aunor plays a Badjao midwife working in the province.


Meanwhile, Muslim legislators urged the public to respect the decision of Aquino to continue the government’s pursuit of peace as a declaration of an all-out war against the rebel group may harm hundreds of civilians.
Aunor said she is happy about her whole experience in doing the movie as she was able to learn a lot of new things like sailing and weaving using local materials.


Jaafar, together with Representatives Jim Hataman-Saliman (Basilan), Bai Sandra Sema (Maguindanao and Cotabato City), Pangalian Balindong (Lanao del Sur) and Nur-ana Sahidulla (Sulu) expressed this position considering their constituents which may greatly be affected by such move.
Aunor said she was also overwhelmed with the beauty of Tawi-Tawi.


"Once (the) President declares war, it is not only Mindanao but the whole Philippines (that) will be affected," Sema noted.
She even encouraged tourists to visit the province because contrary to what’s always written, Tawi-Tawi is not a dangerous place.


Like President Aquino, they said an investigation should first be conducted if there were lapses on the side of the government troops.
Aunor said she is happy with the warm welcome the local government of Tawi-Tawi gave her and the rest of the movie’s cast and crew.


Balindong, for his part, noted that the public should remain vigilant against anyone or any group who would take advantage of the situation to sow more fear and disorder.
“Thy Womb” is under the direction of Cannes-winning director Brillante Mendoza.


"We must support pursuit operations against lawless elements, but not
==Charges filed against 12 Vietnamese poachers==
against the MILF. The just response to aggression must be discriminate; it must be directed only against unjust aggressors, not against innocent people caught up in a war not of their making,” he said in a press statement.
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/21976-charges-filed-against-12-vietnamese-poachers
*Monday, April 30, 2012
:by AL JACINTO


Senators call for end to ceasefire, direct action


Calls for suspension of the ceasefire agreement resounded in the halls of the Senate as well. Senator Francis Pangilinan, a member of President Benigno Aquino III's Liberal Party, said the ceasefire should be lifted after reports of continued MILF attacks that have killed seven more, five of whom were civilians.


"We also urge the President to suspend peace talks with the MILF temporarily. The GPH (Philippine government) and the MILF must first strengthen the mechanisms of the peace talks, specifically the provisions on ceasefire violations,” he said.
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Authorities have filed charges against 12 Vietnamese poachers who were arrested in Tawi-Tawi, officials said Saturday.


"Ceasefire violations are a hindrance to genuine peace talks. The strengthening of mechanisms against such violations is crucial to both parties moving forward with the peace negotiations. This must include provisions on bringing to justice those perpetrators who, with their actions—regardless of their motives—have resulted in the loss of lives,” he added.
Officials said the Vietnamese fishermen have been charged for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code and Wildlife Resources Protection and Conservation Act, and have been detained in the provincial jail.


In a separate statement released Monday morning, Pangilinan said rogue elements of the rebel group should be met with "the full force of the law."
The poachers, who were on a Malaysian fishing vessel, were intercepted on April 22 off the island of Pangutaran. Authorities said the vessel is owned by Tuaran Marine Park SDN BHD in Sabah, Malaysia.


“We cannot simply turn a blind eye to the murderous and lawless armed elements in the area, who, with treachery, take advantage of the restraint exercised by our men in uniform out of respect for the peace process,” he said in a press statement.
Recovered from the vessel were five bundles of black corals, 85 pieces of endangered hawksbill turtles, and some 600 kilos of assorted hammerhead sharks, groupers and squid.  


In a text message to Sun.Star, the senator made clear that he was not blaming a clash in Basilan that left 19 soldiers dead on MILF "lost commands," or MILF members who have gone rogue. He said he meant rogue members of the group in general.
Officials identified the Vietnamese as Truong Van Hoang, the captain; Pham Ngoc Binh, Nguyen Minh Anh Dong, Tran Hong Tho, Nguyen Thank Ninh, Nguyen Van Vung, Nguyen, Van Ba, Nguyen Thanh Ninh, Nguyen Van Tuan, Nguyen Van Hai, Tran Hing Thien and Nguyen Van Vuong.


"We should continue to talk peace with the MILF but we should show no mercy for the murderous lost commands. We trust that the MILF will agree that these lost commands should be dealt with the full force of the law," he said. He changed his stance on peace talks Monday afternoon.
==Nora Aunor, Brillante Mendoza wrap up Tawi-Tawi shoot==
*Source: http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/4512-ate-guy-wraps-up-tawi-tawi-shoot
*Sunday,April 29, 2012
:by DAVID Y. SANTOS


Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, on Monday, also said Philippine security forces should be allowed to enter MILF "areas of temporary stay" to go after lawless elements.


She said pursuit operations against criminals fall under "military necessity" as defined under the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, which was passed in 2009.


The law defines military necessity as "necessity of employing measures, which are indispensable to achieve a legitimate aim of the conflict and are not otherwise prohibited by International Humanitarian Law."
MANILA, Philippines – “It's a wrap.”


She said military necessity "trumps any ceasefire agreement." She said this in reaction to recent MILF attacks in Basilan that left soldiers and plantation workers dead.
Close to two weeks since coming to the island province of Tawi-Tawi, the country's southernmost frontier, Nora Aunor has finished shooting her latest film “Thy Womb.”


The senator added the MILF should be made accountable for the attacks because of command responsibility. She said if the MILF cannot
“We are gratetful to Ms Aunor, as well as those behind this movie, for choosing Tawi-Tawi as their location,” Vice-Governor Ruby Sahali told Rappler by phone. “It's a welcome breather for us amid all the bad press the province has been getting.”
rein its forces in, "there would be no point continuing peace talks with them.”


With plantation workers among the casualties in an ambush in Lanao Del Norte, Santiago said "the rebels are guilty of war crimes.”
The superstar herself is equally grateful for the hospitality the province has shown to her and the film's crew.


"We don’t have to wait for the next round of peace talks in Kuala Lumpur. Great necessity requires great action to defend the state. We do not need the approval of the International Monitoring Team or the MILF,” she said.
Aunor flew in to Tawi-Tawi last April 14, to shoot the indie film, her first since returning from a hiatus in the United States. Shooting took place in at least 3 locations: the island-towns of Bongao, Sitangkai and Taganak. She left the province last Saturday, April 28.


She warned that if the government continues to stay out of these areas of temporary stay, the military will be “so severely hampered in its law enforcement functions that the Philippines would be flirting with the status of a failed state.”
“Thy Womb” is a collaboration between Aunor and Brillante Mendoza, Cannes award-winning director, and is seen as a landmark in modern Filipino filmmaking.


Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, from Cagayan de Oro, menwhile said that although he understands the sentiments of people, including fellow lawmakers, calling for a military assault on the MILF, "we should look at the over-all picture and seek lasting peace even as we demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice."
Initial press releases indicate that the movie tackles the struggles of a native Badjao midwife (Aunor) and deals with “an intriguing tale of love adrift with an unsettling question [on] how to sustain a life struck between the devil of passion and the deep blue sea of tradition?”


He said that as a lawmaker from Mindanao, he "knows first-hand" that Mindanao's peace and order problem is rooted in poverty. He said the solution lies not in military action but in going back to the negotiating table. “All-out war against the MILF will only exacerbate the socio-economic conditions in Muslim Mindanao," he warned.
Aside from Aunor, other stars who were in Tawi-Tawi for the location shoot included Lovi Poe, Mercedes Cabral and Bembol Roco.


The senator, who joined the Senate majority bloc when he took office in August, said he will support President Benigno Aquino III's decision to push through with peace talks with the MILF.
Action star Raymart Santiago was also part of the film, reportedly not as among the actors, but as part of the film's crew.


For its part, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a pastoral letter on Monday, appealing to its followers to continue pushing for peace, which it says is the best way to end the conflict in Mindanao.
“It was surreal for us to see all these movie stars coming down to Tawi-Tawi. Being the farthest to the nation's capital, we never thought they would come and shoot a film here,” Sahali said.


"Nobody wins in a war; let us renounce violence’ let us not allow these violent acts of lawless elements to provoke us to further violence," CBCP president Nereo Odchimar said in a pastoral letter.
Security


The series of violent events, including the killing of an Italian priest, has prompted a "reflex reaction" among other sectors who are in favor of an all-out war against the MILF.
Provincial police director Rodelio Jocson said there were no untoward incidents reported throughout the duration of the filming. Both the police and units of the Philippine Marines provided security for stars and the film crew, which numbered around 30 to 40 members, excluding local talents who were tapped for minor roles.


"The reactions are valid, and the perpetrators of these dastardly acts must indeed be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice," he reiterated, adding that time, energy and resources have also been invested for peace-building.
“Whether they are famous movie stars or ordinary tourists, as long as they coordinate with us, we will be ready to secure them,” Jocson said, pointing out the security plans are prepared each time they are informed of incoming visitors.


==Bangun Ra'ayat expands to other Tawi-tawi towns==
Two foreign birdwatchers abducted two months ago in the remote town of Panglima Sugala remain in captivity up to this time.
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/38786-Bangun-Raayat-expands-to-other-Tawi-tawi-towns.html
*Sunday, October 23. 2011
:By  Bernie Concepcion


Tawi-Tawi is also infamously known as the jump-off point for illegal immigrants to Malaysia, due to its proximity to the State of Sabah.


Apparently, despite the security concerns, Aunor and Brillante pursued shooting in Tawi-Tawi, which reportedly will be shown in “at least 70% of the film.”


The Tawi-Tawi-based newly recognized Non-government organization has organized its various local chapters in the different towns of the island province in order to further expand its membership to be able to better serve its constituents and spread its principles of unity and peace.
Though smaller films have been shot in Tawi-Tawi “decades ago,” this is the first time in recent years that a full-length was shot in Tawi-Tawi.
Bangun Raa’yat, Inc Sec. Gen Sonardy Jayari said the organization, which was formed recently has set up its municipal chapters in the towns of Mapun, Turtle Island, Tandubas, Sapa-Sapa, Simunul, Sibutu, Sitangkai, Languyan, Panglima Sugala, and the capital town of Bongao.
“There is a need for us to expand our area of coverage in order we could deliver our services and spread to the different islands our advocacy, said Jayari.
Supported by other pioneering members, Jayari said the organization would be embarking on various programs and projects envisioned in our constitution and by-laws which we wanted to attain in the next few months.
This pledging NGO has the following objectives; To support the government and non-government programs on peace and development efforts: To be responsible and productive citizens in the community; To promote human dignity and social justice in the community; To advocate and promote preservation and respect for human right;. To promote social awareness among the members and the constituents in the community; To coordinate with the different government agencies, on matters that will enhance the morale and welfare of the constituents; To assist and engage on livelihood programs and projects to help alleviate the living condition of the people;. To secure assistance/aid from various government and non-government institutions both local and foreign entities for the benefit of the community; and To initiate and conduct other legitimate activities as necessary.
Each town had started to form its own chapter and enlisted new members after undergoing the basic screening and orientation workshops, Oath-taking rites will be officially administered by the provincial chapter which will be scheduled later.
Some hundred of members are already bonafide members of the NGO representing the cross-section of the communities of the island province, particularly in the town of South Ubian.
Considering the distance of every municipality and geographical setting of the island province, it is imperative and practical for the individual chapter to exist, said the official.
“As much as possible , we wanted to reach all sectors in order to involve everyone in our advocacy,” he said. He added that Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu and Basilan will soon have their separate chapters and will be appropriately recognized.
Bangun Ra’ayat was given a tremendous boost following its official registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) just recently.(faber_concepcion2004@yahoo.com)


==Upgraded Tawi-Tawi airport draws commercial airlines and interest from investors==
“The abduction of the foreign birdwatchers was just an isolated case. We can assure you that we are doing everything to have been freed as soon as possible,” Jocson added.
*Source: http://realestatemindanaophilippines.com/703/upgraded-tawi-tawi-airport-draws-commercial-airlines-and-interest-from-investors/
*October 21, 2011
:By  BusinessWorld Online


Both Sahali and Jocson noted that ironically, since the February abduction, there has been a rise on the number of tourists coming to Tawi-Tawi. A crew from the National Geograhic Channel is also reportedly doing a documentary in the province.


“If you set aside all the bad press, Tawi-Tawi, or Mindanao as a whole, is a very beautiful place,” Sahali lamented. “We don't get to be appreciated so much by majority of the Filipinos because all we hear and see are the negative news about our place.”


BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI — Once considered one of the most inaccessible provinces in the country, Tawi-Tawi is experiencing a surge in business activity and investor interest. Through a partnership between the Philippine and US governments, the Tawi-Tawi airport runway was upgraded.
“We hope that with the widespread publicity of 'Thy Womb' both here and in other countries, it will also draw interest into our province, more than just the reports on violence and cases of human trafficking we have become to be known for.” - Rappler.com


This month, Cebu-Pacific begins new commercial flight routes daily from Zamboanga City to Sanga-Sanga airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, using an Airbus A319.
==Breakthrough In PHL-MILF Peace Talks Draws More Positive Comments==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/358257/breakthrough-in-phlmilf-peace-talks-draws-more-positive-comments
*Saturday,April 28, 2012
:by EDD K. USMAN


Earlier, Airphil Express began flying a 77-seater along the same route, with connecting flights to Manila and Davao.


“The presence of two commercial airlines means more competitive transport rates, which is good for business,” said a local entrepreneur.
More Moro political leaders have added their voices to the positive responses to the breakthrough on June 24 achieved by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the 15-year-old peace process.


The Department of Transportation and Communications, the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program implemented the runway project.
The stalemate-breaking feat re¬fers to the "10 Decision Points" docu¬ment signed by Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF peace panel chairmen Dean Mario Victor F. Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal, respectively, providing a roadmap for a new form of Bangsamoro governance entity.


“Linking Tawi-Tawi to the rest of the country and the world is in line with the Philippine Government’s efforts to ensure the physical integration of Mindanao through major transport infrastructure,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority, which oversees implementation of USAID’s GEM Program.
It could include replacing the much-maligned autonomous government composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and component cities Lamitan and Marawi.


The Tawi-Tawi runway was extended by USAID from 1,608 to 1,920 meters, and widened from 18 to 30 meters. It is now all-concrete, and able to accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s.
On Friday the leadership of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by caretaker Gov. Mujiv Hataman lauded the two parties for their Bilateral Decision Points on Principles.


“The A319 has a large cargo hold, which is convenient for shipping live fish to buyers in Manila, Hong Kong and other destinations, without having to repack the cargo,” said Nazrullah Masahud, vice-president of the Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The ARMM officer-in-charge said the accord may serve to pave the way for a new political entity to be crafted by GPH and MILF that both parties will accept.


He added that the air links would support the expansion of the mariculture industry in Tawi-Tawi, home to the Sulu Archipelago’s only multi-species hatchery.
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael "Datu Toto" Mangudadatu said he will continue to strongly support the peace process under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III.


The chamber and the provincial government worked with the airlines and the CAAP to expedite the establishment of the new flights
"Filipinos, particularly Muslims in Mindanao, all have been yearning for peace. Whatever is good for the Bangsamoro is welcomed," said Mangudadatu.


Previously, travelers going from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi had to endure a 17-hour ferry ride.
On the other hand, Hataman de¬fended the autonomous region from its critics, saying "the role of the re¬formed ARMM cannot be downplayed in the government’s efforts to come up with a permanent solution to the Moro problem."


The easy access by air has drawn investors and domestic tourists to the island-province, where in recent months two small beachside hotels have opened, in addition to the expansion of existing resorts.
He outlined some of the autonomous government's efforts in support of the peace process.


Redentor Lauddin, director of the Tawi-Tawi Board of Investments-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said that Malaysian investors have expressed interest in linking Tawi-Tawi with the thriving tourism industry in nearby Sabah.
"The ARMM and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process had initially come up with 'common points of cooperation' in support to the peace process from some mid-level meetings (on multilateral support through peace com¬munication)," he said.


In addition to resort development, there are investment opportunities in power generation, cold storage, and housing development which are opening up in the wake of the new flight routes, said Mr. Lauddin.
Hataman assured that the autonomous region is still an important part of the solution to the Bangsamoro aspirations, not a problem as some quarters may want to believe.


==Tawi-Tawi turns into busy hub after airport upgrade==
He said the ARMM under his helm is presently working to strengthen the building of institutions to come up with mechanisms supporting the peace process.
*Source: http://www.tribuneonline.org/business/20111020bus6.html
*10/20/2011
:By  The Daily Tribune


On the other hand, Hataman appealed to the stakeholders and other sectors of the peace process to support the government's initiative leading to a solution of the Muslim Mindanao conflict.


==Raps filed vs 11 Vietnamese poachers==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/27/12/raps-filed-vs-11-vietnamese-poachers
*Friday,April 27, 2012
:by Report from RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga


Once considered one of the most inaccessible provinces in the country, Tawi-Tawi is experiencing a surge in business activity and investor interest. Through a partnership between the Philippines and US governments, the Tawi-Tawi airport runway was upgraded.


This month, Cebu-Pacific begins new commercial flight routes daily from Zamboanga City to Sanga-Sanga airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, using an Airbus A319.
MANILA, Philippines – Charges have been filed against 11 Vietnamese poachers who were arrested off Tawi-Tawi last Wednesday.


Earlier, Airphil Express began flying a 77-seater along the same route, with connecting flights to Manila and Davao.
The fishermen, who were allegedly poaching endangered marine species, were charged with violating the Wildlife Act of the Philippines for possession of dead hawksbill turtles and black corals.


“The presence of two commercial airlines means more competitive transport rates, which is good for business,” said a local entrepreneur.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Asis Perez said the foreigners may face a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment of up to 2 years.


The Department of Transportation and Communications, the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program implemented the runway project.
Perez said a legal team from the BFAR has been sent to Tawi-Tawi to monitor the case.


“Linking Tawi-Tawi to the rest of the country and the world is in line with the Philippine Government’s efforts to ensure the physical integration of Mindanao through major transport infrastructure,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority, which oversees implementation of USAID’s GEM Program.
Foreigners are not allowed to fish in Philippine territory, based on the Philippine Fisheries Code.


The Tawi-Tawi runway was extended by USAID from 1,608 to 1,920 meters, and widened from 18 to 30 meters. It is now all-concrete, and able to accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s.


“The A319 has a large cargo hold, which is convenient for shipping live fish to buyers in Manila, Hong Kong and other destinations, without having to repack the cargo,” said Nazrullah Masahud, vice president of the Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.


He added that the air links would support the expansion of the mariculture industry in Tawi-Tawi, which is home to the Sulu Archipelago’s only multi-species hatchery, which was established with assistance from USAID.


The chamber and the provincial government worked with the airlines and the CAAP to expedite the establishment of the new flights.


Previously, most travelers going from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi had no choice but to endure a seventeen-hour ferry ride.


The easy access by air has drawn investors and domestic tourists to the picturesque island-province, where in recent months two small beachside hotels have opened, in addition to the expansion of existing resorts.


“The number of rooms is still limited, but already one group is proposing to hold a small convention here,” said Masahud.


“The diving association has had so many inquiries, it’s now working to mark key dive sites, from sunken vessels to coral walls,” he added.


Redentor Lauddin, director of the Tawi-Tawi Board of Investments-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said that Malaysian investors had expressed interest in linking Tawi-Tawi with the thriving tourism industry in nearby Sabah.


“Tourism links are part of our development strategy under the Mindanao 2020 plan, which aims to establish seamless connections for trade and tourism,” said Antonino.
==ARMM polls in May 2013 to proceed if peace pact not signed this year; Leonen says no need to amend Consti==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/04/26/armm-polls-in-may-2013-to-proceed-if-peace-pact-not-signed-this-year-leonen-says-no-need-to-amend-consti/
*Thursday,April 26, 2012
:by Carolyn O. Arguil las


==Upgraded Tawi-Tawi airport draws commercial airlines and investor interest==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/338287/upgraded-tawitawi-airport-draws-commercial-airlines-and-investor-interest
*October 19, 2011, 2:47pm
:By  .mb.com.ph


KUALA LUMPUR (MindaNews/26 April) –  Elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front  will replace with a “new autonomous political entity,” will proceed as scheduled on May 13, 2013 if no peace agreement is reached by the peace panels this year.
“Government is very aware in terms of timelines of our political exercises and in terms of the political realities,” government (GPH) peace panel chair Marvic Leonen told MindaNews. He said the roadmap would take on a different shape if the elections were to proceed and a new set of ARMM officials is elected. The timeline, too, may change given that the elected officials in May 2013 will, under the present law, serve a three-year term until 2016, he said.
“It’s possible you’ll wait until 2016 but in 2016 what is the political reality?” he asked
Declaring that the “status quo is unacceptable,” the GPH and MILF peace panels on Tuesday agreed to work for the creation of a “new autonomous political entity in place of the ARMM” as one of ten “decision points on principles” they signed that day at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel.
The  present ARMM  comprises the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan,Sulu and Tawi-tawi.
No need
Government peace panel chair Marvic Leonen, an expert on Constitutional Law, is confident there is no need to amend the 1987 Constitution to create the new entity that would replace ARMM.
He said many of the proposals of the MILF are contained in the Organic Act (RA 9054) although he acknowledged that the MILF views this differently.
“From the GPH point of view as of the moment, a Republic Act is more doable. But of course in so far as the Constitution is concerned, no Constitution is always permanent but the constitutional exercise requires a lot more than amending a law. And it’s always a balance between you change the rules first of the game before you mobilize the leaders. Is it exclusive? Mauna ito bago ito?  Di ba pwede magsabay (Should this come first? Cannot they go together) and then later the political realities might be more favorable towards greater political exercise?” Leonen told MindaNews on Wednesday afternoon.
MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal  has yet to be convinced that there is no need to amend the Constitution to accommodate their demands.  “The government says no need, but we hope they can demonstrate graphically how they do it without amending the Constitution. Our belief is this cannot be done,” he told MindaNews a day on Wednesday.
The peace negotiations adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, two days ahead of scheduled, after the parties signed the “GPH-MILF Decision Points on Principles as of April 2012.”
The panels will resume talks next month. Congress on the other hand will resume sessions on May 7 and will go on sine die adjournment June 8 until it reopens with the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President on July 23.
The GPH peace panel in a press conference via Skype with the Malacanang Press Corps Wednesday noon,  was repeatedly asked how soon the two panels can forge an agreement and how this would impact on the May 2013 elections in the ARMM.
“If there is no agreement in due time then the elections of ARMM will continue (in 2013),” as provided for by law,  Leonen said.
Panel member Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, explained to the press corps that the peace agreement that will be signed “will not automatically suspend the ARMM or suspend the elections. Ibig sabihin maski magkapirmahan tayo bukas, marami pang requirements yan para ma-put in place. (This means even if we sign tomorrow, there are still many requirement for that new political entity to be put in place). For instance, we will need to generate support from Congress, from both the Senate and the House, to actually pass the law that will make it possible for some kind of implementing mechanisms to take place.”
Ferrer acknowledged that the longer the negotiations take, the “normal political timetable” of elections in 2013 and Presidential elections in 2016 will set in “if all these steps are not done early enough.”
She said signing the agreement does not mean it will be implemented immediately because there are many legislative requirements “that’s why we’re working closely with Congress, we’re working closely with the public so that they will be able to  support all the requirements that will implement elements of that agreement.”


Timetables


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines – Once considered one of the most inaccessible provinces in the country, Tawi-Tawi is experiencing a surge in business activity and investor interest. Through a partnership between the Philippines and US Governments, the Tawi-Tawi airport runway was upgraded.
The filing of certificates of  candidacy for all elective positions in the May 2013 polls is on October 1 to 5 this year, according to the Commission on Elections’ Resolution 9385.
Congress, after reopening on July 23, goes on break from mid-October to mid-November and Christmas break from mid-December to mid-January, leaving only a limited number of session days before the official campaign period for the May 2013 polls begins.
The 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party list groups is from February 12 to May 11, 2013 while the 45-day campaign period for candidates for the House of Representatives, provincial, city and municipal officials as well as the ARMM is from March 29 to May 11.
The MILF in February last year proposed a Bangsamoro substate,  an “asymmetrical state-substate relationship, wherein powers of the central government and state government are clearly stated, aside from those powers they jointly exercise, which are also defined in this draft.”
The MILF summarized it as “less than independence but more than autonomy” apparently referring to the present ARMM.
Government handed its proposal on August 22 last year,18 days after President Aquino met with MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Japan and both agreed to fast-track the peace process so that a peace agreement can be forged within the first half of the President’s six-year term, or by June 30, 2013, so that implementation can be done immediately. The President’s term of office ends noon of June 30, 2016.
The GPH proposal was a “three for one solution” which involves three components: massive economic development, a peace accord, and cultural-historical acknowledgment.”
The MILF peace panel rejected the GPH proposal, prompting Leonen to say, “We reject your rejection.”
The talks went on an impasse with Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed shuttling between the panels until they resumed talks in December. The panels have been meeting every month since.
In a press conference in Cotabato City in late August last year, Leonen said amending the 1987 Constitution was not a priority of the present administration.
“The proposal of government to the MILF does not contain a proposal for constitutional amendment,” he said.
“Autonomy as practiced by the ARMM in the past is a failed experiment.  However it does not necessarily mean we do not learn from that experience,” he said, adding the autonomy they are proposing “comes close to the idea of self governance also of the MILF.”
“We read sub-state also as autonomy. We do not see sub-state as a separate republic,” Leonen said then.
He also noted in August that many of the fundamental aspirations of the MILF “can be fitted into the provisions of the current Constitution.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)


This month, Cebu-Pacific begins new commercial flight routes daily from Zamboanga City to Sanga-Sanga airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, using an Airbus A319.
==Dead sea turtles, corals seized in Vietnamese boat==
*Source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/4345-dead-sea-turtles,-corals-seized-in-vietnamese-boat
*04/25/2012 4:44 PM  | Updated 04/25/2012 5:49 PM
:by DAVID Y. SANTOS


Earlier, Airphil Express began flying a 77-seater along the same route, with connecting flights to Manila and Davao.


“The presence of two commercial airlines means more competitive transport rates, which is good for business,” said a local entrepreneur.
MANILA, Philippines – Marine authorities in Tawi-Tawi said they have confiscated at least 50 dead sea turtles and bundles of rare corals from a Vietnamese fishing boat while docked at the port of Bongao town on Tuesday, April 24.


The Department of Transportation and Communications, the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program implemented the runway project.
The seized items, which are classified as endangered species under maritime laws, were intended to be smuggled to other countries.


“Linking Tawi-Tawi to the rest of the country and the world is in line with the Philippine Government’s efforts to ensure the physical integration of Mindanao through major transport infrastructure,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority, which oversees implementation of USAID’s GEM Program.
The Philippine Coast Guard Station in Bongao said the dead turtles were found along with 5 bundles of Black Corals inside SBF 48, a Vietnamese-registered fishing boat, during a routine inspection. The contraband was “concealed inside a refrigerated fish cargo hole located at the port side of the vessel.”


The Tawi-Tawi runway was extended by USAID from 1,608 to 1,920 meters, and widened from 18 to 30 meters. It is now all-concrete, and able to accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s.
Bureua of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Asis Perez has confirmed that charges have been filed against the boat's 12 crew members, who were all Vietnamese, for violating laws forbidding the collection and sale of sea turtles and corals.


“The A319 has a large cargo hold, which is convenient for shipping live fish to buyers in Manila, Hongkong and other destinations, without having to repack the cargo,” said Nazrullah Masahud, vice president of the Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The cases, citing violations of Republic Acts 8550 or the Fisheries Code of the Philippines and 9147 or the Wildlife Act of the Philippines, were filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 5 in Bongao.


He added that the air links would support the expansion of the mariculture industry in Tawi-Tawi, which is home to the Sulu Archipelago’s only multi-species hatchery, which was established with assistance from USAID.
Among the different sea turtles, the Hawksbill turtle is commonly found in Tawi-Tawi and has been classified as critically endangered. Hawksbill shells are used for decorative purposes, while Hawksbill eggs and meat are cooked as a native delicacy. - Rappler.com


The chamber and the provincial government worked with the airlines and the CAAP to expedite the establishment of the new flights.
==Airphil plane engine emits smoke before take-off, passengers ordered to disembark==
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/9674-airphil-plane-engine-emits-smoke-before-take-off-passengers-ordered-to-disembark.html
*Tuesday, 24 April 2012 12:34
:by Nonong Santiago/Hader Glang


Previously, most travelers going from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi had no choice but to endure a seventeen-hour ferry ride.


The easy access by air has drawn investors and domestic tourists to the picturesque island-province, where in recent months two small beachside hotels have opened, in addition to the expansion of existing resorts.
Hundreds of passengers bound for Manila, Davao, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi were stranded yesterday morning when a turbo-prop plane of the Air Philippines started emitting smoke in the middle of Runway 27 while it was about to depart for Sanga-Sanga Airport in Tawi-Tawi Province.


“The number of rooms is still limited, but already one group is proposing to hold a small convention here,” said Masahud.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Manager Celso Bayabos disclosed that the plane was given the clearance for departure at 7 a.m.
when the pilots noticed smoke coming from the right engine of the propeller plane while it was already 300 meters away from Runway 27.


“The diving association has had so many inquiries, it’s now working to mark key dive sites, from sunken vessels to coral walls,” he added.
The pilots had to stop the plane in the middle of the runway and ordered the affected passengers to disembark the aircraft resulting to the delay of the 7:45 a.m. Philippine Airlines flight for Manila, Bayabos said.


Redentor Lauddin, director of the Tawi-Tawi Board of Investments-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said that Malaysian investors had expressed interest in linking Tawi-Tawi with the thriving tourism industry in nearby Sabah.
According to Bayabos, the inbound flight of Cebu Pacific from Manila to Zamboanga was also diverted to Davao City Airport because of the
obstruction.


“Tourism links are part of our development strategy under the Mindanao 2020 plan, which aims to establish seamless connections for trade and tourism,” said Secretary Antonino.
“Ang AirPhil bound for Sanga-Sanga Airport in Tawi-Tawi was given a clearance for take off at Runway 27, but rolling for take off mga around
300 meters away na sya beginning sa runway 27, biglang hininto ng piloto ang eroplano dahil nahalata na may diperensya ang right engine ng eroplano. Ang ibang flight ng PAL for Manila ay na-hold muna. Ang inbound flight of Cebu Pacific from Manila to Zamboanga was diverted to Davao City airport,” Bayabos said.


In addition to resort development, there are investment opportunities in power generation, cold storage, and housing development which are opening up in the wake of the new flight routes, said Lauddin.
The airport manager said they had to borrow the tow bar of the Philippine Air Force to tow the plane out of the runway.
Bayabos said the airport was cleared for landing and departure at past 8 in the morning. A Norwegian, Einar Solheim said his flight was supposed to be at 7:45 a.m. but due to the incident, it was delayed.


==No word on blank S’wakian: Anifah==
Rossnelly said this is not good because they are supposed to go to the Norwegian Embassy to apply for a fiancée visa. Some passengers were also clearly upset with the delay.  
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/no-word-on-missing-swakian-anifah/
*OCTOBER 18, 2011
:By  Tawi-Tawi Journal


There is no clear report yet as to what was the cause of the incident.


==Air Philippines flight to Tawi-Tawi aborted due to smoke from engine==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/181255/air-philippines-flight-to-tawi-tawi-aborted-due-to-smoke-from-engine
*10:34 am | Monday, April 23rd, 2012
:by  Julie Alipala
Philippine Daily Inquirer


BONGAWAN: The Foreign Ministry has nonetheless to accept any information on a news about a disappearance of a 47-year-old Sarawakian, Pang Chong Pong, in Tawi-Tawi, Southern Philippines.


Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Anifah Aman pronounced they are capricious either Pang has left blank or kidnapped by several Filipinos as reported by an general handle agency.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines— An Air Philippines flight to Tawi-Tawi was aborted on Monday morning as smoke emitted from the right engine of the plane, an official said.
Celso Bayabos, manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in Zamboanga, said  the plane was about to take off  when pilots noticed  the  smoke prompting them to park and order  around 50 passengers to disembark  shortly after 7:00 in the morning.
“It’s not really fire, there was smoke. It’s good that pilots noticed it before they take off otherwise (it would be) another disaster,” Bayabos said.
Other flights supposedly about to land at Zamboanga City international airport like Cebu Pacific from Davao city and Manila were advised to redirect their flights back.
Fire marshalls and other airport personnel immediately towed the aircraft back to the taxi area to determine the actual cause of engine trouble.


“So far, there is no recover concerned in a box (to recover a victim).


However, we will liaise with a Philippine Government,” he said.


Anifah, who is also Kimanis MP, pronounced this to Daily Express after presenting contributions to 46 people from a Bongawan and Membakut constituencies, who will shortly be behaving a Haj in Mecca, during Nurul Hidayah Mosque in a township, Saturday.


They will be withdrawal Sabah to perform a event on Oct. 20 and 27.


According to an AP report, Pang, a businessman, was believed kidnapped by 4 Filipinos while shopping live fish during Pondohan Lok Anki, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.


Pang, who hailed from Kuching, Sarawak, was believed to be with 3 of his Filipino workers in dual boats when he was kidnapped.


The news settled 3 of Pang’s workers were believed to have been incarcerated by a Philippine military for investigation.


Pang is a second Malaysian still being hold somewhere in southern Philippine waters. The other is a male from Selangor who went to Tawi-Tawi to buy geckos late final year.


On Thursday, State Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib reliable Sabah military had perceived a news about a disappearance of Pang in Tawi-Tawi from his relative. However, Hamza pronounced they are not certain either Pang went blank or was kidnapped.


Meanwhile on a Indonesian situation, Anifah pronounced a series of protestors who staged bootleg demonstrations outward a Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta, recently, were being paid to do so by unethical people in Indonesian internal politics.


“The demonstrators are there since they have been hired to do so and a scripts are supposing by those people who sinecure them.
==P2.8-B infra projects for roads, bridges in ARMM under way==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/26160-p28-b-infra-projects-for-roads-bridges-in-armm-under-way
*SUNDAY, 22 APRIL 2012 18:27
:by JONATHAN L. MAYUGA / REPORTER


They will stay for an hour and get a tasks finished only for money.


“In fact, all of them do not know what is function outward É Indonesian officials have accurate that a nation has not mislaid any of a territories in Camar Bulan and Tanjung Datu, in West Kalimantan, to Malaysia,” he said.
PUBLIC Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said several infrastructure projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are being implemented to boost economic development in the region.
Singson said 26 projects worth around P2.8 billion are in various stages of implementation. All in all, the projects involve 117 kilometers of national roads and 132 linear meters of bridges.


He pronounced a proof does not offer a purpose of any antithesis members when Malaysia and Indonesia are operative tighten together.
“I’ve just met with President Aquino and the governors of the ARMM provinces and ARMM Governor [Mujiv] Hataman.  We have reported the status of our program in ARMM,” Singson told reporters during the Communication and News Exchange (CNEX) forum at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office in Quezon City.


Anifah also voiced his thankfulness to a Indonesian Government for providing some-more than 300 policemen to sunder a bootleg demonstrations outward a embassy.
The projects, he said, are part of the “Transition Investment Support Program for ARMM” being implemented by the Aquino administration.  It has a total budget of P8.5 billion, P2.8 billion of which is for the repairs, rehabilitation and upgrading of major roads in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.


“These insane people are only ludicrous and formulating something that we call ‘cheap politics’ in a region. We have zero to worry about.
According to Singson, a total of three projects in Basilan involving the upgrading of 13 kilometers of road and 36.9 linear meters of bridge are now ongoing.


“It is fine to revisit IndonesiaÉin fact, we will be going to Indonesia really soon.
In Sulu he said the DPWH will implement a total of five projects that will construct 15 kilometers of road. Four of the projects have started.


But my recommendation is that visitors including Malaysians who are staying and operative in Indonesia should equivocate going to areas that poise risk to their lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, there are two upgrading projects involving 13 kilometers of road in Tawi-Tawi.  “We are also looking at improving the water system in Tawi-Tawi,” he said.


==No word on blank S’wakian: Anifah==
In Lanao del Sur there are a total of eight projects. Five projects have just been awarded to private contractors while three others “will be awarded very soon.”
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/no-word-on-missing-swakian-anifah/
*OCTOBER 18, 2011
:By  Tawi-Tawi Journal


The projects involve the rehabilitation and upgrading of 33 kilometers of road and 75 linear meters of bridges.


“In Lanao we are also looking at upgrading the Agos River to improve and add 60 megawatts of power in Mindanao,” the DPWH revealed.


BONGAO, Philippines – Top officials of the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi foresee a major boost to their socio-economic development, including BONGAWAN: The Foreign Ministry has nonetheless to accept any information on a news about a disappearance of a 47-year-old Sarawakian, Pang Chong Pong, in Tawi-Tawi, Southern Philippines.
On the other hand, there are a total of eight ongoing projects in the province of Maguindanao, involving a total of 38 kilometers of roads and 20 linear meters of bridges. “We have updated [data on] the road networks in the ARMM. We now have a plan to fully restore the road networks there,” he said.


Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Anifah Aman pronounced they are capricious either Pang has left blank or kidnapped by several Filipinos as reported by an general handle agency.
==Shipper questions hold order on bark shipment==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/180283/shipper-questions-hold-order-on-bark-shipment
*8:27 am | Saturday, April 21st, 2012
:by Cebu Daily News


“So far, there is no recover concerned in a box (to recover a victim).


However, we will liaise with a Philippine Government,” he said.
THE owner of the 1,000 sacks of tree bark of mangroves or tanbarks locally known as “tungog” that was seized by authorities last Thursday in Cebu City came forward to seek the release of the shipment.
Erickson Kho of Sulu questioned the hold order issued by the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force.
The foregst goods originated from Tandubas, Tawi-tawi, Mindanao.
Edward Pamplona, head of the Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force, told Kho that he failed to present a Certificate to Transport Forest Products to justify his claim on the shipment.
Kho’s papers said he was the lone bidder who won and paid P25,520 for the 51.4 tons of tanbarks previously confiscated in Mindanao and put up for auction.
But the potential market value of the bark is P14.39 million, according to Pamplona, making the shipment suspicious.
A physical examination was made yesterday by the task force, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Community of Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro),
Pamplona said 10 vans loaded with 280 tons of tanbarks were seized in Pier 8 Dec. 6 last year under Kho’s name.
He said the tanbarks were released to Kho because no hold order was immediately issued.
He said they have been “monitoring” Kho’s tanbarks shipment almost every month after reading documents that noted that the shipment was “bought through public bidding.”
“Why isn’t this (tanbarks shipment) controlled?” Pamplona said.
Pamplona said the National Anti-illegal Logging Task Force is meeting with the Forest Management Team to verify whether the tan barks were the subject of a public bidding.
The shipment was consigned to Paul Bercina of barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City.
It was seized from a motor boat by Navy personnel on Thursday. Tanbark is used in the production of paint, beads and food coloring. Correspondent Rhea Ruth V. Rosell


Anifah, who is also Kimanis MP, pronounced this to Daily Express after presenting contributions to 46 people from a Bongawan and Membakut constituencies, who will shortly be behaving a Haj in Mecca, during Nurul Hidayah Mosque in a township, Saturday.
==Magnitude 4.4 strikes off Tawi-Tawi==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/20/12/magnitude-44-strikes-tawi-tawi
*04/20/2012 9:46 AM | Updated as of 04/20/2012 9:46 AM
:by  http://www.abs-cbnnews.com


They will be withdrawal Sabah to perform a event on Oct. 20 and 27.


According to an AP report, Pang, a businessman, was believed kidnapped by 4 Filipinos while shopping live fish during Pondohan Lok Anki, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.


Pang, who hailed from Kuching, Sarawak, was believed to be with 3 of his Filipino workers in dual boats when he was kidnapped.
MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off Tawi-Tawi on Thursday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.


The news settled 3 of Pang’s workers were believed to have been incarcerated by a Philippine military for investigation.
Phivolcs said the earthquake occurred at 6:59 p.m. Its epicenter was located 260 kilometers southeast of South Ubian town.


Pang is a second Malaysian still being hold somewhere in southern Philippine waters. The other is a male from Selangor who went to Tawi-Tawi to buy geckos late final year.
The earthquake was tectonic in origin. It had a depth of 491 kilometers.


On Thursday, State Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib reliable Sabah military had perceived a news about a disappearance of Pang in Tawi-Tawi from his relative. However, Hamza pronounced they are not certain either Pang went blank or was kidnapped.
No tremor was felt in any part of the province. Likewise, no damage was reported.


Meanwhile on a Indonesian situation, Anifah pronounced a series of protestors who staged bootleg demonstrations outward a Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta, recently, were being paid to do so by unethical people in Indonesian internal politics.
Phivolcs said aftershocks are not expected from the earthquake.


“The demonstrators are there since they have been hired to do so and a scripts are supposing by those people who sinecure them.
==Authentic HK Dimsum, Half-Price!==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/357457/authentic-hk-dimsum-halfprice
*April 19, 2012, 10:05am
:by SOL VANZI


They will stay for an hour and get a tasks finished only for money.


“In fact, all of them do not know what is function outward É Indonesian officials have accurate that a nation has not mislaid any of a territories in Camar Bulan and Tanjung Datu, in West Kalimantan, to Malaysia,” he said.


He pronounced a proof does not offer a purpose of any antithesis members when Malaysia and Indonesia are operative tighten together.
MANILA, Philippines — In the '60s and '70s, there was only one place outside of Chinatown for Manila dimsum lovers: Kowloon House on A. Mabini, Ermita, just off the corner of Herran (now Pedro Gil). The selection was limited: but it was the only show in town. The short dimsum menu listed siopao (asado or bola-bola), siomai, hakaw (shrimp dumpling), shark’s fin, beef balls, wugok (fried taro balls filled with chicken and mushrooms) and custard tart for dessert.


Anifah also voiced his thankfulness to a Indonesian Government for providing some-more than 300 policemen to sunder a bootleg demonstrations outward a embassy.
Filipino Chinese businessmen, many born in Mainland China, often flew to Hong Kong for weekend R & R, to visit girlfriends or relatives. Highlighting their trips were dimsum binges at the ground floor restaurant of the Luk Kwok Hotel in Wanchai, setting for the Richard Mason novel that inspired the movie “World of Suzie Wong.”


“These insane people are only ludicrous and formulating something that we call ‘cheap politics’ in a region. We have zero to worry about.
MANILA’S AUTHENTIC HK DIMSUM -- Today, there is no need to fly to Hong Kong to feast on a vast selection of authentic Chinese dimsum. Nor do we have to negotiate the narrow streets and no-parking areas of Binondo’s Chinatown. Families and friends now gather for traditional Sunday reunions, or weekday meals, at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant on Diosdado Macapagal Avenue off Roxas Boulevard.


“It is fine to revisit IndonesiaÉin fact, we will be going to Indonesia really soon.
Not only do they enjoy the food, there’s the convenience of guarded parking spaces, and the assurance of enough tables, chairs and rooms capable of handling small, medium or large gatherings.


But my recommendation is that visitors including Malaysians who are staying and operative in Indonesia should equivocate going to areas that poise risk to their lives,” he said.
A family of 10 would need several Sunday reunions to taste everything on the Golden Bay’s dimsum menu, which lists 81 varieties. China-trained Chef Hui Chun Yuk, better known to diners and staff as Chef Ben, prepares all the iconic dumplings (siomai, hakaw), steamed buns (chicken pao), rice (machang), congee, steamed pig knuckle and tripe (goto), among others.


==Economic boost==
TRADITION AND INNOVATION – In addition to the familiar dishes, Golden Bay’s menu also carries dozens of dimsums incorporating non-traditional ingredients, which surprisingly blend perfectly with dimsum cuisine.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/337934/kids-program
*October 16, 2011, 4:37pm
:By  Nonoy Lacson


Succulently reminiscent of the ocean are the uncommon Yuan Yang Dumplings, filled with fish fillet and topped with deep orange crab roe. Each dumpling, glistening in the steamer, is accented with a whole baby abalone. How many can claim to have eaten, or even seen, whole baby abalone?


The small abalone comes from the clear blue waters of the Pacific, where fishermen from Aurora province pluck them from rocks and keep them iced for delivery to Golden Bay’s purchasing officer Joseph Wong.


BONGAO, Philippines – Top officials of the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi foresee a major boost to their socio-economic development, including the expected easier mobility of people and goods to and from the province, with the entry of a leading commercial airline here.
Joseph travels from extreme northern Luzon to the waters of Sulu Sea off Tawi-Tawi in search of marine products for the restaurant and for export. His knowledge extends beyond the harvests’ economic value; like an artist, he collaborates with Chef Ben in creating new dishes, transforming and reshaping the sea’s bounty to produce spectacular tasty delights.


Governor Sadikul Sahali said the entry of a new commercial airline here will further enhance the eco-tourism industry, and socio-economic activities in the province.
MINI BEGGAR’S CHICKEN – Golden Bay has a greaseless version of the common Machang (sticky rice, sausage, pork and mushrooms). Glutinous Rice with Chicken come as rectangular, single-serving packets of sticky rice layered with a filling of chicken, mushrooms and seasonings wrapped in lotus leaf.


“We expect a new beginning in the tourism and economic activities in the province because domestic and foreign tourists can now visit the province anytime, likewise, businessmen can easily engage in business activities,” Sahali said. (Nonoy Lacson)
The heady aroma of chicken and mushrooms wafts as soon as the lotus leaf is opened. Unwrapped, the contents resemble a rice sandwich. The flavors are complex yet complementary, much like Beggar’s Chicken which was the inspiration for the dish. Imported Chinese dried lotus leaves impart smoky and earthy undertones which could not be duplicated if one used other leaves, such as banana or pandan.


==products in Tawi-Tawi==
I took home a few pieces, kept them in the fridge overnight. The next morning, they were unwrapped and pan-fried until toasty crisp on the outside. Heavenly!
*Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/14899/navy-seizes-illegally-cut-forest-products-in-tawi-tawi
*11-Oct-11, 7:36 AM
:By  Philippine News Agency


GIGANTIC HAKAW – The regular bamboo steamer basket is hardly big enough for one order of Hakaw, which are definitely the biggest shrimp dumplings I’ve ever seen.  The wrapper alone is worthy of note: shiny, transparent as cellophane, quivering in the rising steam. Inside are several pink shrimp, firm to the bite and with a texture implying they’ve never been frozen.


“It is not a secret; to ensure quality tasting food, we make sure that we have fresh quality ingredients daily,” emphasizes Chef Ben.


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Philippine Navy operatives have intercepted a boat loaded with illegally cut forest products estimated to be worth millions of pesos off Tawi-Tawi province, a Navy official announced Monday.
EXTRA-ORDINARY SIAO LONG – There is a unique system to eating Siao Long, lovingly described by experts as “soup in a dumpling,” one of the trickiest dumplings to assemble.


Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander Rear Admiral Armando Guzman said the boatload of illegally cut forest products was confiscated around 2 p.m. Saturday in the vicinity of Lamion Point, Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi province.
Carefully, the dumpling is lifted to one’s mouth, making sure the skin stays intact. A small bite near the top would then allow the diner to slurp the juices before attacking the rest of the piece, composed of minced lean pork and herbs.


Guzman said the confiscated shipment consisted of 10,000 board feet of undocumented assorted good lumber and 69 round logs.
As with the other Golden Bay dumplings, Siao Long dumplings are large, and take at least three bites to finish. The pork filling is so lean there is no hint of greasiness or oil either in the filling or the “soup” inside its wrapping.


Guzman said troops from the Naval Special Operations Unit-1 (NAVSOU-1) under the operational control of Naval Task Force 62 were conducting Maritime Interdiction Operation and Maritime Security Patrol when they spotted M/L Sulna sailing towards the port of Bongao municipality.
STEAMED GOTO – One item very few ever cook at home is tripe; even the most avid kitchen lover loses patience with the hours required to clean, soak, stew and simmer to make this animal part edible. Cooked well, though, tripe, or goto, is beyond description.


Guzman said the skipper and crew of M/L Sulna failed to present documents to show the legality of the shipment of the forest products when the troops inspected the wooden-hulled ferry.
Golden Bay’s Steamed Goto is a dish that looks deceptively simple; this impression quickly disappears with the first bite, which bathes the mouth with indescribable richness. To enjoy the dish fully, one should chew very slowly, savoring the nuances of dozens of herbs the tripe was simmered in. A few slivers of fresh green and red chili peppers enliven the meat, elevating the experience to sensuous heights.


M/L Sulna, which is owned by Hadja Darmina Sandangan, is skippered by a certain Amirjakka with six crew and was also carrying five passengers when it was intercepted, Guzman said.
CONGEES AND OTHERS – Like many Hong Kong residents, I got used to congee breakfast, teamed with salty stuff. At Golden Bay, my favorite congee partners are Rice Roll with Abalone Sauce and Radish Cake with XO Sauce and Crispy Dried Scallops.


He said the vessel and the apprehended illegally cut forest products were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) official in Tawi-Tawi for proper disposition.
The Rice Rolls are Ho-Fan, or sheets of steamed ground rice batter rolled and bathed in thick Abalone Sauce. The Radish Cake is cubed, fried, bathed in sauce and covered with a thick layer of crisp shreds of fried dried imported scallops. How’s that for decadent?


He said the apprehension of M/L Sulna is part of their continuing effort to help curb illegal cutting of trees not only in Tawi-Tawi but also in the entire Western Mindanao region.
Of course, one should not miss what we call Pata Tim, listed on the menu as Steamed Pig Knuckle with Preserved Beancurd. Melt-in-the-mouth pig trotters come with bone marrow that’s to die for, stewed in cubes of preserved beancurd which we call tahure. This is a welcome twist from the ordinary stew using salted black beans or tausi; it’s complex in flavor and more authentic. Makes one want to pour it over plain steamed rice.


Last month, an estimated of 28,000 board feet of illegally cut forest products from Tawi-Tawi were apprehended at Sulu Sea.
CHEAPER THAN FASTFOOD – The Golden Bay’s dimsum menu regular prices are lower by half compared to dishes of the same quality in five-star hotels. This summer, there is an ongoing promo that is offering 50% off the regular dimsum prices.


“The Naval Forces Western Mindanao will continue and intensify their naval operations in their areas of responsibility to prevent lawlessness at sea, including the transport of illegal logs in all parts of Western Mindanao particularly in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces where rampant incidents of this activity were recorded and monitored,” Guzman added.
Bottomline? Golden Bay’s authentic Hong Kong dimsum are now discounted to only P63 to P75 per order. This is definitely cheaper than most fastfood outlets considering the larger servings and superior quality.


==Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi get possess military office==
“We are not after profits. Our aim is authenticity, pleasant ambience and to bring Hong Kong dimsum to Manila at prices that will be more affordable for more people,” Joseph Wong says, laying out the goals of the country’s premier dimsum destination.
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/basilan-sulu-tawi-tawi-get-own-police-office/chinese-fish-trader-snatched
* OCTOBER 8, 2011
:By The Tawi-Tawi Journal


==Roperos: Cost of living pains==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/opinion/2012/04/18/roperos-cost-living-pains-216824
*Wednesday, April 18, 2012
:by Godofredo M. Roperos
Politics also




MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Interior and Local Government non-stop a new police regional bureau catering to a conflict-ridden island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi, or Basulta for short.
YESTERDAY, there was a story in this daily about the city’s waterworks system being the subject of complaints by some subscribers who suddenly found their water faucets dry. They realized that the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) had interrupted its services to repair pipe leakage in some parts of the city.


DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo pronounced a opening of a Basulta police office in Sulu as a sub-post of a Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police Regional Office (PRO) would raise assent and order in these 3 provinces, that are deemed too distant from Maguindanao where a informal military headquarter is.
Of course, the subscribers failed to realize that what they experienced was one of the hazards of urban living. It is the way we live today that sometimes subjects us to certain discomforts.


Sulu Governor Sakur Tan pronounced a pierce will also dive a processing of papers in a removed provinces of ARMM, adding, “It is really hard for us to go to Maguindanao as it needs a lot of money, time, and effort to routine some paper works.”
When I was still a kid in the countryside, I often went with my grandfather to his farm about three kilometers away from the poblacion. There was a concrete tank on a promontory overlooking his cornfield. The Tangke was the source of the piped water to the houses in the poblacion.


“This new prolongation of a informal military bureau here will also help a lot in nutritious a assent and sequence conditions here in Sulu,” he added.
No wonder the water turned brackish when there was heavy rain, and we were warned not to drink the water when it was brackish. Then, when it was election season, I remember candidates promising to improve our water system so we would not get sick when the water would turn brackish.


An estimated 500 policemen will be deployed to male a Basulta police office and will be headed by Chief Superintendent Raul Boac and Senior Superintendent Eric Vahn Dela Rama.
Many years later, when I started covering the rural areas from Aparri of the Cagayan Valley in the north, to Tawi-tawi in the Muslim country of the far south, I realized how gravely had water grown to be a national problem. This despite efforts of government to initiate various projects to provide water in our communities.


==Chinese fish trader snatched==
But then only recently, there was the typhoid outbreak in Tuburan that was generally blamed on water. It really seemed as if the problem of providing safe water source to our rural communities would drag on across the years as a continuing problem seeking solution. This is, of course, one of the basic political issues that our government is constantly challenged, just like the problem of power and the environment.
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/us-funded-bridge-project-to-link-tawi-tawhttp://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/8755-chinese-fish-trader-snatched
* Friday, October 07, 2011
:By Al Jacinto


Not very long ago, our drainage canal was unable to function effectively. Imagine my surprise one morning when we awoke with rainwater flooding our ground-floor. Since rain went on for days, water also stayed on in our ground floor, until we sought the help of the mayor who had the highway drainage canal cleared of debris and plastic waste.


Now, it is my power bill that I am concerned with. But my request to Cebeco III to change my power meter has not been heeded in the past two months. With the cost of living having gone up, even the cost of kitchen gas going up a thousand pesos a tank, we pray that our basic services suppliers would listen to our appeal for help. But then, the contemporary existence is something we can no more avoid than we can climate change. It is a reality of our present urban existence that we just have to suffer through, and coyly live with.


ZAMBOANGA CITY: A Chinese fish merchant was kidnapped in the remote town of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, officials said on Thursday.
Officials initially identified the foreigner only as Pang, who was seized by four gunmen on Wednesday near the village of Larap. The gunmen escaped with the hostage aboard a speedboat, said Army Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.


He said the boat has markings “AKP” and “AKRHO.” One of the gunmen was identified as Mirham, but it was not immediately known whether he is a member of the Abu Sayyaf which has been tagged as behind the spate of kidnappings of foreigners in the southern Philippines.


“The Philippine National Police in (the capital town of) Bonggao coordinated with the Naval Intelligence Security Group-Western Mindanao and (Naval Patrol) Task Force 62 personnel. The TF62 is currently taking appropriate action,” Cabangbang told reporters.


==US-funded overpass plan to couple Tawi-Tawi islands==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/us-funded-bridge-project-to-link-tawi-tawi-islands/
* OCTOBER 6, 2011
:By Julmunir I. Jannaral


ISABELA CITY, Basilan — A United States-funded highway and overpass plan will shortly bond a dual vital islands of Tawi-Tawi and is approaching to coax growth and significantly boost a province’s economy.




The bridge-road plan is being finished here by inhabitant and informal agencies, with assistance from a U.S. government, and will directly couple Sanga-Sanga Island, where a internal airfield is located, with a mainland of Tawi-Tawi.


The plan is a partnership involving a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a Tawi-Tawi Provincial Government, and a Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).


Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali pronounced a bridge-road tie will capacitate internal growers to ride their crops and other products some-more well and during reduce cost to a collateral city of Bongao, that is located on Sanga-Sanga Island and is a core of blurb activity in a province.


“This will severely urge a provision of farmers, quite in a municipalities on Tawi-Tawi Island, such as Panglima Sugala, Sapa-Sapa and Languyan,” Governor Sahali said.
==Tawi-Tawi peace council convened to address Sitangkai conflict==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/46406-Tawi-Tawi-peace-council-convened-to-address-Sitangkai-conflict.html
*Tuesday, April 17. 2012
:by (PNA)
LAP/FMS/mec


“Upland growers will have an easier time removing their harvests to markets,” he added.


“This has been a longtime dream here, to have a land tie between a dual largest islands,” pronounced Nazrullah Masahud, clamp boss of a Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Governor Hadji Sadikul Sahali has convened the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) to settle a clan war in that otherwise peaceful province in Southeestern Philippines.
Sahali, who chairs the PPOC, said that his agenda in convening the council was to address the armed conflict between two groups in the Municipality of Sitangkai that has been reportedly escalating.
The PPOC chairman has directed the Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Rodelio Jocson to provide him with regular updates on the situation in the area.
Initially, Jocson confirmed that there has been armed engagement between the two warring factions, which were not identified.
However, he said that the groups have agreed on a ceasefire and settlement of the conflict is under negotiation.
He also said that the peace and order situation in the Province of Tawi-Tawi is manageable and there is no cause for alarm.
In the same manner, Task Force 62 Commander, Navy Captain Renato Yongque also said that Tawi-Tawi in its entirety is peaceful, “that is why there is no military movement,” he stressed.
Yongque also cited that the military has made changes in its approach and has adopted the so-called “Internal Peace and Security Plan or the Bayanihan,” composed of teams of selected soldiers to help work for peace in the community.
Meanwhile, Sahali said that the conflict in Sitangkai between the two groups is purely a clan war, which is normally occurring in the province and elsewhere.
He stressed his optimism that such conflict could be addressed soon, just like incidents of the same nature that have already occurred in the past but were given solutions.
“We have peace in Tawi-Tawi, and we will protect that peace,” the governor stressed.


Masahud pronounced he approaching growers to start expanding prolongation and diversifying their crops, following a infrastructure improvements.


“Previously, farmers had told me that they hesitated to rivet in new ventures since ride was undependable,” Masahud also said.


He combined that a bridge-road connectors would also promote a designation of H2O pipelines and electric energy connectors to offer fast flourishing communities between a city of Bongao and Panglima Sugala municipality.


Through a GEM Program, USAID has helped to urge a island-province’s economy by 51 barangay infrastructure projects, including a construction of 26 vessel landings.


Six incomparable infrastructure projects finished by GEM in Tawi-Tawi embody a prolongation and widening of a Bongao airfield runway, that enabled Airphil Express to settle a Zamboanga-Bongao route, now plying 4 times weekly by a 77-seater Bombardier Q400.


==Tawi-Tawi cops seize suspected tellurian trafficker; rescue 4 victims==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/tawi-tawi-cops-nab-suspected-human-trafficker-rescue-4-victims/
* OCTOBER 2, 2011
:By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian




Tawi-Tawi military executive Supt. Rodelio Jocson pronounced a 4 victims of tellurian trafficking were discovered around 3 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Basyagan, Bongao, a collateral of Tawi-Tawi province.


Jocson funded a victims’ identities solely in observant they were aged 16s and 17s and all from Sindangan municipality, Zamboanga del Norte.


Jocson pronounced a victims were discovered by policemen led by Insp. Jeseryl Dela Cruz aboard a motorized banca that was about to skip Bongao en track to Sandakan.


Jocson pronounced Dela Cruz and his crew unsuccessful to detain a suspect, who unexpected left on saying a participation of policemen during a time a victims were rescued.
==Rescued==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/rescued/
*APRIL 16, 2012
:by www.tawitawi.net


However, he pronounced a suspect, who carried 3 opposite names, was arrested shortly after 7 a.m. Friday aboard a vessel that was scheduled to leave Bongao to Zamboanga City.


The think was arrested nearby a boat’s canteen when one of a victims, who was during that time were eating their breakfast, famous him, he said.


The think was usually identified by a dual newcomer tickets he carried as he was not bringing any other marker papers when arrested by a police, Jocson said.
Two alleged victims of human trafficking were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) while onboard a ship in Tawi-Tawi. Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrent, PCG spokesman, said that Coast Guard Station-Bongao received a report that two teenagers – Remelyn Ponce, 18 and Roselyn Ponce, 16 – who were reportedly victims of human trafficking, were held onboard MV TrishaKerstin-2 while en route to Bongao, Tawi Tawi on April 10.


One of a newcomer tickets seized from a suspect’s possession bears a name of Ian Reyes while Ian Balmendras on a other ticket, Joscon said.
Further investigation disclosed that the girls, who left home without the knowledge of their families, were promised jobs as domestic helpers in Malaysia. Upon learning of the incident, Ponce’s mother sought assistance from the Coast Guard.


Jocson pronounced they were sensitive by a victims that a think had introduced himself as Rey Garcia when he recently recruited them in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Meanwhile, five persons were arrested in separate anti-illegal drugs operations in Quezon City since Friday afternoon. Investigators of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified the arrested suspects as Mary Jane Obarra, 39; Danilo Fernando Sr., 52; Theresa Cruz, 43; Gilbert Cruz, 22; and Aldrin Rivera, 22.


The think is a proprietor of Liloy municipality, Zamboanga del Norte, Jocson said.


The victims pronounced that a think hired them to work to a Chinese employer in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia though it was not transparent what would be their work “as they were told that they will know what are their jobs on arrival,” Jocson disclosed.


The discovered victims were incited over to a control of a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) while a think was incarcerated and charges were being readied for filing in court, Jocson said.


==Tawi-Tawi cops nab suspected human trafficker; rescue 4 victims==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=376226
*September 30, 2011, 8:43 pm
:By (PNA) RMA/Teofilo P. Garcia/utb




ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 30 (PNA)) – Police arrested Friday the suspected illegal recruiter of four underage women who were rescued a day earlier in Tawi-Tawi.


Tawi-Tawi police director Supt. Rodelio Jocson said the four victims of human trafficking were rescued around 3 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Basyagan, Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi province.


Jocson withheld the victims' identities except in saying they were aged 16s and 17s and all from Sindangan municipality, Zamboanga del Norte.


Jocson said the victims were rescued by policemen led by Insp. Jeseryl Dela Cruz aboard a motorized banca that was about to depart Bongao en route to Sandakan.


Jocson said Dela Cruz and his personnel failed to arrest the suspect, who suddenly disappeared upon seeing the presence of policemen at the time the victims were rescued.


However, he said the suspect, who carried three different names, was arrested shortly after 7 a.m. Friday aboard a vessel that was scheduled to leave Bongao to Zamboanga City.
==Promoting Tourism on Beautiful but Violent Tawi-Tawi==
*Source: http://www.bongao.net/promoting-tourism-on-beautiful-but-violent-tawi-tawi/
*Apr 15th, 2012
:by Bongao.


The suspect was arrested near the boat's canteen when one of the victims, who was at that time were eating their breakfast, recognized him, he said.


The suspect was only identified through the two passenger tickets he carried as he was not bringing any other identification papers when arrested by the police, Jocson said.


One of the passenger tickets seized from the suspect's possession bears the name of Ian Reyes while Ian Balmendras on the other ticket, Joscon said.
The island’s pristine waters, prehistoric caves and mountain lookouts, it turns out, lie in the vicinity of fierce battles between rebel groups and the Philippine military.


Jocson said they were informed by the victims that the suspect had introduced himself as Rey Garcia when he recently recruited them in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Kidnappings are a recurring problem on Tawi-Tawi, and clan warfare, beheadings and roadside bombs are all too common on the surrounding islands in the southern Philippines. Nonetheless, Gov. Sadikul Sahali and local tourism officials are laying out the welcome mat, with a new promotional campaign aimed at trumpeting the charms of Tawi-Tawi and other nearby isles.


The suspect is a resident of Liloy municipality, Zamboanga del Norte, Jocson said.
National tourism officials are opposed to foreigners visiting the area because of the dangers. A national tourism campaign, with the slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” has been something of a sensation on the Internet, though, and users have appropriated the slogan in postings on social media sites to celebrate — and mock — what constitutes “fun” in some areas. One such image under the heading “Vacation. It’s More Fun in the Philippines” shows a kidnapped couple flanked by masked, armed men in Mindanao, the easternmost island in the Philippines.


The victims said that the suspect hired them to work to a Chinese employer in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia but it was not clear what would be their work “as they were told that they will know what are their jobs upon arrival,” Jocson disclosed.
“If you are in central and western Mindanao, you should leave immediately,” states a recent travel advisory from the Australian government to its citizens.


The rescued victims were turned over to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) while the suspect was detained and charges were being readied for filing in court, Jocson said.
“If, despite our very strong advice against travel, you decide to visit central or western Mindanao,” it added, “you should put in place robust measures to ensure your personal security, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.”


==Tawi-Tawi hosts local film festival==
The United States, Britain and many other countries have had similar travel warnings for more than a decade.
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=732149
*September 29, 2011 10:57 AM
:By PhilStar.com


It is no surprise, given the recent history of the area around Tawi-Tawi, that visitors are urged to arrange security along with their tour packages.


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Sineng Pambansa opened Wednesday a three-day film festival in Tawi-Tawi as part of its commitment to bring local films to Filipinos.
On nearby Jolo Island in February, Philippine Air Force jets dropped two bombs that killed more than a dozen rebels, including top leaders of a regional terrorist network with links to Al Qaeda, military officials said.


The Sineng Pambansa is a program of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
A nearby island, Basilan, is a stronghold for the top terrorist organization in the Philippines, Abu Sayyaf.


“The decision to hold a Filipino film festival in Tawi-Tawi underscores the commitment of the FDCP to bring Filipino films to Filipinos, wherever they may be in the scattered islands of the archipelago, or in their overseas communities,” FDCP said in a statement.
Just beyond Basilan, in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, Warren Richard Rodwell, a 53-year-old Australian, has been held captive since his abduction on Dec. 5. In July, a vacationing American, Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann, her 14-year-old son and her 19-year-old Filipino nephew were kidnapped in a coastal area of Zamboanga City. All three are now free, and Ms. Lunsmann and her son have returned to the United States. No one has confirmed or denied rumors that ransoms were paid.


The event is also the first ever cultural activity of its kind to be staged in the province, which in the past was considered a remote outpost.
Despite the warnings, two European birdwatchers decided to visit Tawi-Tawi in hopes of seeing the extremely rare Sulu hornbill. They were kidnapped on Feb. 1 and remain in captivity. The violence and kidnappings in the south pose a significant problem for Philippine tourism officials.


It said the Memorandum of Agreement for the festival was signed on July 19 by Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali and FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos and Executive Director Jose Miguel de la Rosa at the FDCP office in Makati City.
“The Philippines remains an ideal destination, with foreign individuals and groups continuing to arrive,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement shortly after the birdwatchers were kidnapped. “So far, no cancellations have been made.”


The film festival in Bongao town, which ends on Friday, is the third location site of Sineng Pambansa in Mindanao. The first was in Zamboanga City on February and the third location would e in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province on June 28 next year.
In Bongao, on Tawi-Tawi, the desk clerk at the Beachside Inn, Nur Uddin, said by telephone that foreigners continued to arrive, although not very often. “If you come here, you should hire a security guard to make sure you are safe,” he said.


The list of films included in the festival were Limbunan (Teng Mangansakan, 2011), Hospital Boat (Arnel Mardoquio, 2009), Last Journey of Ninoy (Jun Reyes, 2010), Alab ng Lahi (Robin Padilla, 2003), Bagong Buwan (Marilou Diaz-Abaya, 2001), Ang Panday (Fernando Poe Jr., 1980) and Tum (My Pledge of Love, 2010).
Salvacion Pescadera, a provincial tourism officer, said the kidnapping of the birdwatchers was an isolated case that, she said, occurred because they had not sought security clearance from the Tourism Department before visiting a remote area. She said that her office coordinated with the local police to provide security for visitors. “You’ll be in good hands,” she said.


The Sine ng Masa (mobile People’s Cinema) will feature Badjao (Lamberto Avellana, 1957), Emir (Chito Roño, 2010), Perlas ng Silangan (Fernando Poe Jr., 1969), Home Along da Riles I and II (Efren Jarlego, 1993 and 1997).
==DENR, tourism council seek more no-mining zones==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/176421/denr-tourism-council-seek-more-no-mining-zones
*4:59 am | Saturday, April 14th, 2012
:by  Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer


The three winning films of the Lanao del Sur film festival’s short film competition on the theme of Peace - Margas (Najib Alyhar Benito Zacaria, 2011), Renek (Doss Lucman Pacasum, 2011), and Pagari (Sittie Ayeesha Dicali, 2011). (Mindanao Examiner )


==Greece envoy lauds peace situation in Tawi-Tawi==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=731788
*September 28, 2011 10:00 AM
:By Becky De Asis


MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Tourism Council last week endorsed proposals to delineate hundreds of areas as “no-mining zones.”
According to Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, the DENR has recommended that the government add nine more sites to its current list of 239 protected areas. Of those already on the list, 178 of them would be further declared as “eco-tourism zones,” to expand their protection from all extractive activities, including small-scale mining.
The nine new areas to be placed under the conservation area status are: Balbalan-Balbalasang National Park in the Cordillera Region, Zambales Mountains in Regions 1 and 3, Mts. Irid Angelo and Binuang in Region 4A, Polilio Group of Islands, also in Region 4A, Mts. Iglit Baco National Park in Region 4B, Nug as Lantoy in Region 7, Mt. Nacolod in Region 8, Mt. Hilong-hilong in Region 13, and Bongao Peak in Tawi-tawi Island.
On strengthening restrictions in 178 protected areas, Paje said:  “The priority land use in these areas is tourism,” Paje said. “We have agreed that these areas are no-mining zones,” Paje added.
‘In conflict’
He said government is supportive of the idea since it wants to bolster the country’s tourism industry. A few months ago, the Department of Tourism launched a campaign with a tag line “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” to entice more foreign tourists to come to the country.
The move to delineate more protected areas came after DENR, Silliman University and the German aid agency noted that the National Integrated Protected Areas System (Nipas) Act of 1992 has loopholes that allow some extractive and commercial activities even in protected areas.
Also, the review noted that current laws on protected areas and the Mining Act of 1995 are “in conflict” when it comes to areas that are open to mining and areas with a protected status.
The Nipas law also mandates Congress to declare a particular area as a protected site, which is an expensive and long process.


TAWI-TAWI, Philippines – Ambassador Xenia Stefanidou, Greece envoy to the Philippines, commended the peace and order situation of this province as compare to its neighboring areas, saying she can “walk around it without the hesitation of being kidnapped.”
==DPWH Sec. Sadain visits, inspects Tawi- Tawi Projects==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/44752-DPWH-Sec.-Sadain-visits,-inspects-Tawi-Tawi-Projects.html
*Tuesday, March 13. 2012
:by  (PR/BFC)


The Greece envoy issued the statement after her weeklong visit here as she graced the 38th Kamahardikaan Day, or founding anniversary, of the province this week.




Greece envoy lauds peace situation in Tawi-Tawi
BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi- (March 11, 2012) Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Secretary Emil K. Sadain personally inspected on-going projects being undertaken by the ARMM government in the island provinces over the weekends.
By Becky de Asis Home Updated September 28, 2011 10:00 AM 0 comment to this post
TAWI-TAWI, Philippines – Ambassador Xenia Stefanidou, Greece envoy to the Philippines, commended the peace and order situation of this province as compare to its neighboring areas, saying she can “walk around it without the hesitation of being kidnapped.”


The Greece envoy issued the statement after her weeklong visit here as she graced the 38th Kamahardikaan Day, or founding anniversary, of the province this week.


Sec. Sadain made his province-hopping across the southern islands including Tawi-Tawi where he, along with local executives led by Gov. Sadikul Sahali officially inspected the continuing construction of three steel bridges worth approximately P97.0 M across the Sanga-Sanga-Lapid-Lapid rapids in Bongao town, which, if completed, will spur economic growth as well as boost social transformation in the islands.


Stefanidou also disclosed her positive impressions on the province’s richness of natural resources, saying “the good ambiance and the sparkling seawaters of the province added flavor to the hospitalities of the islanders.”
Phase I and II of the project had been substantially completed while Phase III posted accomplishment now at 98.13 percent complete while construction works still continuing and expected to be finished by September this year. Construction started last June 10, 2010.


“My whole family in Greece is all islanders and I love islands like Tawi – Tawi because this province is just like my home,” she said after an inter-island tour in various municipalities here.
Bridge Project Engr. Jul-Arab Kong of the DPWH-RO-9 said that by April of this year, President Benigno Aquino III is set to inaugurate and declare it open for public use.


She also lauded the development of the islands here especially on its peace and order situation, saying “I can walk around Tawi Tawi without hesitations of being kidnap because I smell a good peace and order here unlike the other provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”
Sec. Sadain, con-currently DPWH-President Bridge Program Director with an appointment as national Assistant Secretary, pointed out that after decades at attempting to construct the bridge projects, it is only now that we are to realize it.


Meantime, the celebration of the annual seaweed festivities here has started last week with Governor Sadikul Sahali headed the showcasing of the province’s cultural heritage and natural resources.
The bridge project, one of the priorities of the national government would connect the Bongao capital town island to the other mainland island towns making accessible trade and commerce as well as allow the movements of people to travel by land, according to Sadain.


The four-day celebration kicked-off with a colorful fluvial parade from different island-municipalities, displaying the colorful attires that boosted the uniqueness of the province’s multi-culture society.
Sec. Sadain also led the ocular assessment and inspection of Tubig Malum (Rio Hondo) in Sitio Malum, Barangay Magsaggaw, Panglima Sugala town about 6 kilometers  from the capital Barangay Bato-Bato to determine the possibility for implementation of the proposed water system as a potential source of potable water. The water system will be tapped and distributed to the entire main island of the province. The river which stretches downstream from barangay Marang-Marang (Languyan town) to Barangay Magsaggaw extending further through Barangay Kulapi towards the southern tip of Panglima Sugala municipality has sufficient volume of fresh water that could cater a growing population.


“I am very thankful to the people here on their dedications and support to the provincial government in uplifting their living conditions by respecting the cultures and rights of every resident here,” said Sahali.
Meanwhile, Gov. Sahali briefed Sec. Sadain about the proposal to undertake the project because it is a priority need of the people. The Governor said it’s high time that a viable and sustainable water works system harnessing the Malum River will address the perennial shortage of water supply in the island province Sahali, likewise emphasized his willingness to extend his local counterpart contribution to start with the project even as he toured the ARMM official to the site despite the difficulty in traversing the rugged road conditions and trails to reach the area.


The various activities lining-up for the yearly event are different sports competitions, search from Miss Budjang or Tawi-Tawi 2011, fluvial parade, and Agar–Agar festivals, among others.
“We must do an actual assessment of the situation on the ground and know where to start,” Sadain emphasized even as he assured to work for its realization under PNoy’s administration.


The famous seaweed festivals also coincided on the province’s 38th Kamahardikaan or founding anniversary celebrations, which honored the leading source of livelihood here - the Agar–Agar.
Accompanied by DPWH officials and staff, Sadain took time out to conduct consultations with the seven district officials of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, who joined him in Tawi-Tawi for the holding of the First Joint Regional and District Conference held at the DPWH district office in Bongao town, where the DPWH-ARMM Reform Agenda 2012 was laid down as a policy guidelines of the ARMM leadership by fully implementing important milestone projects using available resources and funding.


Sahali noted that the event also renewed the people’s reflection to their culture.
Tawi-Tawi DPWH District Engr. Bensoud Ajihil, who played host to the conference vowed to continue to support the ARMM Secretary in fulfilling the reform agenda as mandated by doing its share in developing the southern frontier of the country.


The province is one of the top producers of seaweeds in the country, citing that the area produced thousands of tons of Agar-agar every week to cater to the demand in the Philippines and other countries.
Sadain said that in support of the reform programs and good governance of ARMM, milestone targets has been set in place.


==‘Agar-Agar’ draws thousands of visitors==
He declared that DPWH-ARMM has attained remarkable achievements in the pursuit of reform for good governance, defining its new policies and programs in the field of administrative, technical and financial matters, in just almost 3 months since he assumed.
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/agar-agar-draws-thousands-of-visitors/
*SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
:By BLOGTOPIA


He said, the first 100 days accomplishments, for both physical and financial inclusive of the difficulties encountered, the impact of the programs and activities as reflected in the reports as well as recommendations has been submitted to the ARMM regional Governor.


BONGAO, Philippines – The “Agar-Agar Festival” and a “Kamahardikaan Tawi-Tawi,” a annual festival imprinting a 38th initial anniversary of a range rigourously non-stop here over a weekend with a colorful march showcasing a several informative and racial groups of people entrance from a 11 municipalities in a province.
Discussions also centered on all the accomplishments of the department and the sharing of information on the problems experienced with regards to project implementation and on how to address them.


With a really colorful pageantry, signaling a wish for a improved tomorrow, this year’s celebration, that captivated thousands of visitors and commission members, carries a thesis “Sustaining Peace and Responsive Local Governance: Paving a Way to a Progressive Tawi-Tawi.”
Sadain is optimistic, with help from all stakeholders to include local government units, Barangays, the NGO’s and the members of the community; ARMM will be able to take off from its slumber under the present administration of Regional Gov. Hataman.


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul A. Sahali pronounced a jubilee will be featuring a ecotourism potentials, abounding resources, and informative birthright of this colourful range in a southern-most partial of a country.
Sadain, who assumed last January 17, 2012 as DPWH cabinet secretary promised to institute changes not only from within the system but also develop a scheme to address on the deep-seated “culture of people” working habits in bringing the desired development for the ARMM.


The prominence in this year’s initial anniversary is a Agar-Agar Festival that non-stop yesterday morning, followed by a informative display during a Datu Amilbahar Cultural Center Gym here.
Earlier, Saidain said that when he was appointed as the DPWH-ARMM secretary, he noticed that it's not only the system that need to be changed but also the culture of the people working on it especially the public officials particularly those under his supervision from what he described as, “from the culture of officials down to workers in the office” and the department's programming on project implementation solely focuses on local roads which were then gradually destroyed as of this period.


This will be followed currently by a Fluvial Parade and a Search for a Budjang Tawi-Tawi 2011 or a celebration’s beauty pageant, and a Grand Anniversary Parade will be hold on Tuesday.
On national roads with a total of 1,100 kilometers, about 70 percent of the road was done adding that with the marching orders of the President to the newly appointed ARMM governor to cover the 100 percent National paved roads by next midterm elections, due to that the 70 percent of the national roads should be given right priority under the program of DPWH-ARMM.


The administrator pronounced that as a assimilated and brotherly people of Tawi-Tawi, they also wanted to uncover to a universe a province’s potentials and a people’s genuine end and zeal to be during standard with other provinces and cities in a nation in terms of tellurian growth and advancement.
Sadain added he is now in the midst of undertaking the needed reforms within his department to set the right example and provide the avenue for real change to take its course for the good of the ARMM constituents.


Sahali pronounced Greece Ambassador to a Philippines Stefanidou Polyxeni is also here to declare a anniversary, and to revisit a turtle sanctuaries and other sea stable areas during a Turtle organisation of islands.
Part of the reform effort focuses on reviewing falsified documents on the appointments of employees while upholding civil service rulings in cleansing his department on the old ways of culture to professionalize the bureaucracy, according to Sadain.  


As partial of a celebration, stalls offered outlandish fruits and savoury seafood have assigned a vast space in a bustling blurb areas of this town, where vital streets have been embellished with inland decorations regulating colorful panoply done of racial materials.
Sec. Sadain claimed that President Aquino’s choice for OIC Regional Gov. Hataman is welcome as the latter is sincere and committed in delivering reform in the ARMM Region even as he expects everyone to support.


Meanwhile, Sahali started to accept delegations from a 11 island municipalities given Thursday, where he awarded a P100,000 inducement to Sibutu city for nearing initial in this collateral municipality and has a many series of commission members.
The department also looks forward in developing some projects that would invite donor countries in the form of providing grants such as the USAID, Organization of Islamic Conference, JICA and others that extends assistance for member countries.


Also, Simunul city was adjudged as a many colorful delegation, while Sitangkai was named as a many behaved and trained delegation.
Much earlier, Sec. Sadain has issued a memo to the two district engineering offices which compliments the first district of Maguindanao and the second district of Lanao del Sur for the maintenance of road clearing for the commuters to feel comfortable in their travel from Cotabato City up to Parang and Malabang all the way to Marawi City which stretch up to 70 kilometers long. The road signage's on the sharp curves, street markings and kilometer posts were planned to be placed along the roadsides.


Simunul and Sitangkai was awarded P50,000 any by a administrator while a remaining 8 other towns were given P10,000 each.
The department targets to cater about 80 percent of the budget focused on national roads and bridges and the balance will be considered by 2013. He further explained that he sub-divided their office programming, 80 percent of it for the national roads and 20 percent for the high-impact or strategic roads adding that these roads are those problematic roads on calamity or conflict affected areas.


Kamahardikaan Tawi-Tawi is an annual eventuality that brings together Tawi-Tawians to this city to applaud and commemorate a origination of a province, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 302 antiquated Sep 11, 1973.
While in Basilan, the secretary accompanied Governor Hataman to inaugurate the multi-million pesos worth of JICA-funded Integrated port Terminal in Lamitan City and inspected other infra projects.


The jubilee is approaching to pull thousands of internal and unfamiliar tourists to declare a colorful Muslim presentations and attires during a grand parade, that will be assimilated by a member of a 11 municipalities.
In Sulu, Sadain, together with the regional governor and Sulu officials led the ground-breaking of Jolo-Taglibi-Tiptipun road network; inspection of the existing and on-going construction road projects; visit of the area equipment and the Sulu’s two engineering district offices; assessment of the proposed water and drainage systems in Jolo; and meeting with local officials led by Gov. Sakur Tan.


Hja. Juana Sahali, a province’s initial lady and chairperson of both a Provincial Tourism Council and a Search for Budjang Tawi-Tawi 2011, pronounced a manifestation participants wish to infer that a ladies of Tawi-Tawi also posses beauty and talent, like their counterparts in other vital cities in a country, including a civic areas.
In the Secretary’s entourage were Maguindanao District Engineers Emran Buisan (Dist. 1), and Zainal Mlok (Dist. 2), Lanao District Engineers Tetinga Langit Sumagayan (Dist. 1) and Maldamin Decampong (Dist. 2), Sulu D.E. Taballang Atluh (Dist. 1) and Barlie Nahudan (Dist. 2), Basilan D.E. Bensali Kasim and Tawi-Tawi D.E. Bensoud Ajihil.


“We have so many pleasing and gifted immature ladies in a province, and this is what we are exploring now,” Hja. Sahali said.
==Simunul Mayor ousted==
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/9462-simunul-mayor-ousted.html
*Thursday, 12 April 2012 11:43
:by  Press Release


The contestants together with Mrs. Sahali paid a pleasantness call on a administrator Friday morning during a Provincial Capitol building.


They will strive for a pretension of Budjang Tawi-Tawi 2011 currently during a Department of Education Gymnasium here.
Nazif Ahmad B. Abdurahman, the mayor of Simunul, a fourth class and one of the 11 municipalities in Tawi-Tawi, has been ousted from office.
This came about as Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 5 Acting Presiding Judge Peter V. Eisma of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, has issued a five-page Special Order dated April 2, 2012 granting the “motion for execution” of its February 10, 2012 order that “annulled and set aside” Abdurahman's proclamation and declared Benzar N. Tambut as the duly elected mayor of Simunul municipality, Province of Tawi-Tawi.


==Seaweed festivities in Tawi-tawi start==
“Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered, finding the protestant Benzar N. Tambut as the duly elected Municipal Mayor of the Municipality of Simunul, Province of Tawi-Tawi. The proclamation of the protestee Nazif Ahmad B. Abdurahman as Municipal Mayor of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi in the last May 10, 2012 elections is hereby ANNULED and SET ASIDE,” the Court stated in its February 10, 2012 decision.   
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=730868
*  September 25, 2011 07:16 PM
:By Becky De Asis


The Court issued the order after Tambut, assisted by election lawyer Quirino Esguerra, Jr., has protested Abdurahman's proclamation citing various irregularities allegedly conducted and/or perpetrated by Abdurahman and/or his followers and cohorts during the conduct of the automated national and local elections on May 10, 2010.


TAWI-TAWI, Philippines – The celebration of the annual seaweed festivities here has started today in Bongao town with Governor Sadikul Sahali headed the showcasing of the province’s cultural heritage and natural resources.
Tambut has contested and impugned the results of six of the total 20 clustered precincts for the mayoralty position.
Earlier, Abdurahman was proclaimed as the winner in the mayoralty race having garnered the highest votes casted and canvassed during the May 10, 2010 election with a total of 2,955 votes as compared to Tambut who obtained 2,386 votes, the second highest ranking in the race of six aspirants for mayor.


The eight-day celebration kicked-off with a colorful fluvial parade from different island-municipalities, displaying the colorful attires that boosted the uniqueness of the province’s multi-culture society.
However, the Court, after the revision and judicial appreciation of ballots, has annulled and set aside Aburahman's proclamation since it found out that Tambut garnered 2,329 votes while Abdurahman garnered a total of 1,933 votes or with a difference of 396 votes.


“I am very thankful to the people here on their dedications and support to the provincial government in uplifting their living conditions by respecting the cultures and rights of every resident here,” said Sahali.
The Court in its April 2, 2012 decision has cited “public interest” in granting the “motion for execution” filed by Tambut and Esguerra, his legal counsel.


The various activities lining-up for the yearly event are different sports competitions, search from Miss Budjang or Tawi-Tawi 2011, fluvial parade, and Agar–Agar festivals, among others.
“Public interest involved is beyond doubt that warrants the execution of the decision of this court pending appeal when this court established the true and genuine expression of the will of the electorate of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, thereby establishing protestant's right to the contested office by declaring him undoubtedly the true and genuine winner with a plurality of Three Hundred Ninety Six (396) votes as manifestly established in the decision promulgated by this Court on February 10, 2012,” the Court said.


The famous seaweed festivals also coincided on the province’s 38th Kamahardikaan or founding anniversary celebrations, which honored the leading source of livelihood here - the Agar–Agar.
“Public interest demands the immediate execution of the decision of the court and to rule against the execution pending appeal is greatly prejudicial to the constituents of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi whose true and genuine winner has been judicially determined by this court,” the Court added.  


Sahali noted that the event also renewed the people’s reflection to their culture.


“I am also thankful to Ligaya Amilbangsa, the mentor of this very prestigious festival, who studied and teach the Agar–Agar dance to the young generation,” he said, while lauding the support of the 11 mayors here.


Professor Felimon Romero, festival chairman, said the province is one of the top producers of seaweeds in the country, citing that the area produced thousands of tons of Agar-agar every week to cater to the demand in the Philippines and other countries.


==Seaweed seminar==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/seaweed-seminar/
* SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
:By  BLOGTOPIA




BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi (PNA) – The Philippine and United States (US) Navies conducted a two-day Seaweed Industry Innovation Seminar in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, a tip Navy central said. Naval Forces Western Mindanao’s Task Force 62 commander Captain Renato Yongque pronounced a convention was conducted recently during a Naval Station Juan Magluyan.


It was schooled that seaweed tillage is one of a categorical sources of provision among a people of Panglima Sugala. Yongque pronounced they instituted a convention intentionally to assistance a internal proletariat to make a living, raise their believe in this kind of aquaculture project, and minister in boosting Tawi-Tawi’s economy.


==Navy conducts Seaweeds Industry Innovation Seminar in Tawi-Tawi==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/navy-conducts-seaweeds-industry-innovation-seminar-in-tawi-tawi/
*SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
:By LTJG Ian Sagge, Public Affairs Officer, Naval Forces Western




Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi – In coordination with a internal supervision officials of Panglima, Sugala, a Naval Forces Western Mindanao thru a Naval Task Force 62 ordered by Capt Renato B Yongque conducted Seaweed Industry Innovation Seminar aboard Naval Station Juan Magluyan final Sep 14-15, 2011
==Court unseats Tawi-Tawi municipal mayor==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/04/11/court-unseats-tawi-tawi-municipal-mayor-215763
*Wednesday, April 11, 2012
:by Bong Garcia




Panglima Sugala is a fourth category municipality in that seaweed tillage is one of a categorical sources of provision among a people. Given this aspect, a navy instituted a control of a convention intentionally to assistance a internal proletariat to make a living, raise their believe in this kind of aquaculture plan and eventually contributes to boosting of Tawi-Tawi’s economy.
A REGIONAL trial court has unseated Nazif Ahmad B. Abdurahman as the mayor of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi province.


Part of this initiative, a Navy together with a US Navy member from LCE TYPHOON collected and distributed dull bottles to a participants of a convention for their use in tangible tillage of seaweed.
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 5 acting presiding judge Peter V. Eisma of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, has issued a five-page special order dated April 2, 2012 granting the motion for execution of its February 10, 2012 order that annulled and set aside Abdurahman's proclamation.


A sum of 143 internal residents from 13 barangays of Panglima Sugala benefitted in this Navy’s program.
The court declared Benzar N. Tambut as the duly elected mayor of Simunul municipality.


Radm Armando L Guzman, a Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao has presided a shutting ceremony. He speedy all a participants to put into actions what they have gained from a convention and to share a believe they have schooled with their kin and friends in sequence for seaweed tillage in Tawi-Tawi will continue to flourish.
The court issued the order after Tambut, assisted by election lawyer Quirino Esguerra Jr., has protested Abdurahman's proclamation.


Governor Sahali, who is also benefaction in a shutting ceremony, extended his intense appreciation to a Philippine Navy for initiating a control of a convention in his area of concern.
Tambut’s camp cited various irregularities allegedly conducted by Abdurahman or his followers and cohorts during the conduct of the automated national and local elections on May 10, 2010.


==Tawi-Tawi gears for 'Seaweeds Festival==
Tambut has contested the results of six of the total 20 clustered precincts for the mayoralty position.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/334878/tawitawi-gears-seaweeds-festival
*September 19, 2011, 3:45pm
:By Nonoy Lacson


Earlier, Abdurahman was proclaimed as the winner in the mayoralty race having garnered the highest votes casted and canvassed with a total of 2,955 votes as compared to Tambut who obtained 2,386 votes, the second highest ranking in the race of six mayoral aspirants.


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines – The provincial government of Tawi-Tawi expressed its readiness to host the 10th Seaweeds Festival this year, as it assured visiting local and foreign tourists that the celebration would be better and more exciting than the previous years.
The court has annulled and set aside Aburahman's proclamation after it found out after the revision and judicial appreciation of ballots that Tambut garnered 2,329 votes while Abdurahman garnered a total of 1,933 votes or with a difference of 396 votes.


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali Monday said the provincial government has undertaken an extensive preparation for this year’s festival.
The court in its April 2, 2012 decision has cited public interest in granting the motion for execution filed by Tambut and Esguerra.


The Seaweeds Festival has been integrated the 38th founding anniversary of the province that is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, September 24.
“Public interest involved is beyond doubt that warrants the execution of the decision of this court pending appeal when this court established the true and genuine expression of the will of the electorate of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, thereby establishing protestant's right to the contested office by declaring him undoubtedly the true and genuine winner…,” the court said.


Dubbed “Kamahardikaan Tawi-Tawi,” this year’s four-day celebration carries the theme “Sustaining Peace and Responsive Local Governance: Paving the Way to a Progressive Tawi-Tawi.”
Simunul, which comprises of 15 villages, is a 4th class and one of the 11 municipalities of Tawi-Tawi.


According to Sahali, he expects a bigger number of domestic and foreign tourists to witness the festival, as seaweed farmers from the municipalities of Sitangkai, and the nearby Sibutu committed to participate and grace the twin celebration.
Simunul has a population 31,962 people in 4,910 households based on the 2000 census of the National Statistics Office.


Sahali said Sitangkai accounts for about 70 percent of the country’s seaweed output, producing at least 4,000 metric tons of dried seaweed monthly.
==DENR-ARMM pursues greening program==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1521334025588
*Tuesday 10th of April 2012
:by  (EOR/APB-PIA 10)


Seaweed farming in the island-town covers about 15,000 hectares, with 60,000 more hectares are being readied for high-quality seaweeds, Sahali said.


In an effort to boost the seaweed industry in the province, Sahali said the provincial government has already drafted a scientific scheme in planting seaweeds, which they intend to implement next year – aimed at increasing the production and income of farmers in their respective localities.
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) is engaging in a massive region-wide reforestation under the National Greening Program (NGP).  


The new method, Sahali said, will provide farmers a projected average income of between P40,000 to P60,000 per hectare per year.
“We are vigorously pursuing the implementation of the NGP which seeks to address poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said DENR-ARMM Secretary Kahal Kedtag during the 1st ARMM Summit on Environmental Protection held here recently.  


With good farming methods and infusion of new technology to produce good quality seaweed, local farmers will now have a better chance of selling their produce at a higher price, the governor said.
He said the DENR-ARMM is set to produce 5,296,500 seedlings for the 2011-2012 implementation of the program.  


Sahali said the global prices of seaweed continue to remain high, but seaweed farmers here are still trapped in poverty despite the strong demand for their product in the global market.
According to him, these seedlings will be planted in 2,500 hectares of denuded and open forestland within the region’s five provinces, namely Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.  


Roughly about 80 percent of the population or about 20,000 individuals in Sitangkai rely on seaweed farming for their living, and while the resources are there, this has not translated into an uptrend economic development for the marginal sectors,” according to the governor.
It can be recalled that DENR Secretary Ramon Paje and ARMM OIC-Governor Mujiv Hataman inked an agreement earlier this year to ensure the full implementation of the NGP in the region.  


But with an aim to develop the industry and improve the life of the seaweed farmers, Sahali had adopted a new system in the planting of seaweeds in Tawi-Tawi to overcome the farmers’ fear that the local production may be overtaken by other major seaweed exporting countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
A flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the greening program involves the growing of 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of lands nationwide from 2011 to 2016.


Tawi-Tawi produced an estimated 500,000 metric tons of dried seaweed, supplying close to 60 percent of the world market, making the Philippines one of the world’s top seaweed producer, and world’s top carageenan producer.
==ARMMAA 2012 reels off==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/armmaa-2012-reels-off/
*APRIL 8, 2012
:by  Bong Garcia


==Tawi-Tawi to celebrate 'Kamahardikaan' Festival==
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/6226-tawi-tawi-to-celebrate-kamahardikaan-festival.html
*Thursday, 15 September 2011 13:10
:By Nonoy Lacson


LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — The 2012 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (ARMMAA) meet kicked off Saturday with officials encouraging the athletes “to aim for the best.”


Tawi-Tawi – The capital town of Bongao is now in a festive mood after the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi declared on Tuesday that “all systems are go” for the holding of the “Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi” festival as part of the celebration of its 38th founding anniversary.
The week-long athletic competition is being participated by some 6,000 athletes composed of 12 athletic delegations coming from the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said the celebration, which will start from September 24 and ends on September 27, will feature a colorful parade showcasing various ethnic groups and tribes in the province.
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Various kinds of exotic fruits and colorful hand-woven materials are expected to flood Bongao's busy commercial district.
The largest athletic contingent is from the province of Tawi-Tawi.


With the theme “Sustaining Peace and Responsive Local Governance: Paving the Way to a Progressive Tawi-Tawi,” Sahali said the annual event would bring together the people of the province to commemorate its creation, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 302, dated September 11, 1973.
“Aim high and aim for the best,” Armm officer-in-charge Governor Mujiv Hataman told the athletes.


Sahali said this year’s celebration will be simple yet meaningful, and full of entertainment for the local and foreign visitors.
Hataman encouraged the athletes to set a goal not just in participating in the 2012 ARMMAA but to be able to reach to the Palarong Pambansa and possibly in the Olympics.


The provincial government also lined up several interesting activities for this year, like the most awaited beauty pageant, sports competition, Qur’an reading competition, and cultural shows that will feature the colorful ethnic cultures of the Sama, Badjao, Jama Mapun, and the Tausug tribes.
Hataman also enjoined them to be instruments of peace as this year’s sports competition is themed: “Bridging Peace, Unity and Development through Sports.”


Sahali said that most of the activities are centered on the eco-tourism program of the provincial government, including environmental protection, and health agenda, aimed at attracting local and national investors to venture in the province.
“Let sportsmanship and discipline be the order of the day,” Basilan Congressman Jim Salliman, the elder brother of Hataman, told the athletes.


Another highlight of the celebration is the “Agar-Agar Festival” that gives emphasis on the number one product of the province – seaweeds.
Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay said the hosting of the ARMMAA 2012 gives them the opportunity to showcase the best of the city especially in the field of tourism.


The province is located in the southernmost of the country, sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah, and the Indonesian Kalimantan province.
“We may not provide you excellent facilities but we will offset it with warm hospitality,” Furigay said.


To the northeast lies the province of Sulu, and to the west is Sabah.
Lamitan City has pristine beaches and beautiful falls like the Bulingan Falls.


==ARMM’s public forum on RLA enunciates nominees’ plans, programs==
Furigay has thanked Hataman and Salliman for their full support to the City Government in the hosting of ARMMAA 2012.
*Source: hhttp://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r09&id=54053
*Wednesday, September 14, 2011
*by Gideon C. Corgue


The holding of this year’s ARMMAA is the second time this city played hosts.


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, September 14 (PIA) -– The public forum on the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) thru the National Screening Committee has offered opportunity for the candidates to present their respective plans, programs and positions to the stakeholders, the ultimate beneficiary of their agenda, as well as to help generate meaningful discussion and possible solutions to different issues and concerns of ARMM, among others. Provincial Director Julgabir I. Sappayan in his message said the forum has provided stakeholders the opportunity to assess strengths and capabilities of RLA candidates. Citizens Coalition in ARMM for Electoral Reform (CICARE) provincial coordinator Cynthia Hassan said “we were grateful that a public forum like this was conducted for the public to know the best candidates to represent Tawi-Tawi in RLA.” The CICARE is a local organization formed and created in 2005 primarily to monitor the conduct of electoral process to include election monitoring, voter’s education and meeting with stakeholders in Tawi-Tawi. Youth panelist, Kamila Masahud, a senior student of Mindanao State University- Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography said she praised the nominees for giving their respective agenda and at the same time, giving good answers raised by the panelists and the audience. “We hope that whoever will be appointed to the RLA will fulfill their promise and represent the voice and true sentiments of the people of Tawi-Tawi,” Masahud added. After the eight (8) nominees were given the time to introduce themselves and their platforms as well, they were asked by the panelists to demonstrate their competence and worth as candidates to the RLA. The panelists were composed of the following: chairman, Prof. Felimon Romero (academe), Bongao Mayor Jasper Que (LGU), Engr. Rolando Lim (business), Babelyn Keno Omar (media), and Kamila Masahud (youth). (ALT/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)
The first time Lamitan played hosts to ARMMAA was in 2005 when it was still a municipality.


==Nominees for ARRM’s regional legislative assembly sign covenant for good governance==
==Remote Villages Get Health Care==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r09&id=53876
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/356292/remote-villages-get-health-care
*Tuesday, September 13, 2011
*April 4, 2012, 4:52pm
:by Gideon C. Corgue
:by ALI G. MACABALANG


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Sept. 13 (PIA) -– To show support to President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III’s good governance program, nominees for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) on Monday signed a covenant during the public forum conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), provincial office at Beachside Inn here.
The eight (8) nominees who willfully signed the covenant were Rodolfo A. Bawasanta, Ismael B. Abubakar Jr., Dayang Carlsum S. Jumaide, Nurjay M. Sujali, Hamid K. Ladjakahal, Abdelnooh Hadjirul, Syed R. Bederi, and Eddie M. Alih.
ARMM Provincial Director Julgabir I. Sappayan said the covenant is a roadmap of national government that will ensure the introduction and sustenance of needed reforms in the ARMM.
This roadmap, Sappayan said being pursued relentlessly and vigorously, a package of strategic key action that includes cleaning up of electoral process, strengthening bureaucratic reforms , accelerating service, delivery and implementation of development projects, ensuring good governance benchmark in ARMM , and fully engaging civil society and people’s organizations in government, and maximizing the potential of the government.
“This roadmap for good governance shall be carried out in a manner in which the voice, sentiments and concerns of the people of ARMM , the stakeholders, local officials and even our foreign and local development partners are upheld and respected which are complete expression our strict adherence to the principles of democracy and making it in the region and for the people of ARMM,” Sappayan opined.
The covenant signing concluded the 4-hours public forum with the stakeholders from local officials, people’s organization, civil society, academe, etc
Among those who attended the public forum were Philippine Information Agency (PIA-9) regional director Noemi B. Edaga, Zamboanga City DILG director Taha Arakama, and Bongao Mayor Jasper Que. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)


==Suspected drug pushers nabbed==
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Remote villages in the once scary Maguindanao province and the southernmost tips of Tawi-Tawi islands are now receiving health services and medical care which rural folks had longed for decades.
*Source: http://www.goldstardailynews.com/soccsksargen--xii/5865-suspected-drug-pushers-nabbed-.html
Reports about the trend-setting outreach services surfaced at the education and health summit conducted here recently.
*Monday, 12 September 2011
Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., incumbent health secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), told summit participants that more than 2,000 “deprived people” of Tawi-Tawi received medical attention and health services in a week-long (March 18-25) caravan on the island towns of Sapa-Sapa and Languyan.
: by Gold Star Daily
The “geographically disadvantaged” villagers of the two island towns received various “medical-surgical-safe motherhood outreach” services never done in one setting before, Sinolinding said in his presentation backed by statistics and photos.
“Braving the scorching heat of the sun and the staggering hours of travel by sea, we once touched hearts and brought vision and hope among more than 2,000 people in Languyan and Sapapa island towns,” said the ARMM health official cum expert ophthalmologist.


COTABATO City-- Three persons were arrested when elements of Bongao Municipal Police Station (MPS) conducted recently an illegal drug operation at Maharlika Institute of Technology, Barangay Lamion1,Bongao Tawi-Tawi.
==Philippines says it is now ready to sign peace deal with Muslim rebels==
The suspects identified as Muhajir Muddasil, Najir Jamali and Almida Wadud, owner of a shanty, while they were in the act of sniffing white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride also known as "Shabu".
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120402065814
*Monday, April 02, 2012 06:58:14 PM
:by  (Mindanao Examiner)


Confiscated in the possession of the suspects were twenty one (21) pieces of transparent plastic straws, and other shabu paraphernalia.


The illegal drugs that were confiscated from the suspects were brought to Tawi-Tawi Crime Laboratory while the arrested suspects are under the custody of Bongao MPS for filing appropriate charges in court.
COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 2, 2012) – The Philippines said it is ready to sign a peace agreement with Muslim rebels fighting for self-determination in the restive South. The statement came ahead of peace talks set to begin this month in Kuala Lumpur.


==US-funded bridge project to link Tawi-Tawi islands==
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front said peace negotiations are going nowhere after Manila rejected the rebel demand for a Muslim sub-state in Mindanao similar to Malaysia, which is brokering the talks.
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/37457-US-funded-bridge-project-to-link-Tawi-Tawi-islands.html
*Wednesday, September 7. 2011
:by Julmunir I. Jannaral


“Government maintains that it is ready to sign a peace pact with the MILF in the soonest possible time. We have laid a very pragmatic proposal that will ensure real and genuine autonomy for the Bangsamoro on the table,” Marvic Leonen, chief government peace negotiators, said on Monday.


He said the last round of talks with the MILF in Marc have been very difficult, with both parties engaged in hard bargaining on the substantive aspects of the negotiations.


ISABELA CITY, Basilan — A United States-funded road and bridge project will soon connect the two major islands of Tawi-Tawi and is expected to spur development and significantly boost the province’s economy.
“Given the dynamic nature of the negotiations, it has to be understood that there are issues that may be hard to resolve. However, government is committed to work hard with its counterparts in the MILF to find mutually acceptable solutions and bring peace in Mindanao. Instead of trying to fuel people's apprehensions, we urge the MILF to work with government and meet our timetable for a peace agreement this year,” Leonen said.
The bridge-road project is being completed here by national and regional agencies, with assistance from the U.S. government, and will directly link Sanga-Sanga Island, where the local airport is located, with the mainland of Tawi-Tawi.
The project is a partnership involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Government, and the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali said the bridge-road connection will enable local growers to transport their crops and other products more efficiently and at lower cost to the capital town of Bongao, which is located on Sanga-Sanga Island and is the center of commercial activity in the province.
“This will greatly improve the livelihood of farmers, particularly in the municipalities on Tawi-Tawi Island, such as Panglima Sugala, Sapa-Sapa and Languyan,” Governor Sahali said.
“Upland growers will have an easier time getting their harvests to markets,” he added.
“This has been a longtime dream here, to have a land connection between the two largest islands,” said Nazrullah Masahud, vice president of the Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Masahud said he expected growers to begin expanding production and diversifying their crops, following the infrastructure improvements.
“Previously, farmers had told me that they hesitated to engage in new ventures because transport was undependable,” Masahud also said.
He added that the bridge-road connections would also facilitate the installation of water pipelines and electric power connections to serve rapidly growing communities between the town of Bongao and Panglima Sugala municipality.
Through the GEM Program, USAID has helped to improve the island-province’s economy through 51 barangay infrastructure projects, including the construction of 26 boat landings.
Six larger infrastructure projects completed by GEM in Tawi-Tawi include the extension and widening of the Bongao airport runway, which enabled Airphil Express to establish a Zamboanga-Bongao route, now plying four times weekly by a 77-seater Bombardier Q400.


==Tawi-Tawi to symbol 38th anniversary==
The MILF said it will not sign any peace deal unless the Aquino government agreed on the creation of Muslim sub-state. “We cannot backtrack on our demand because it the will of the Bangsamoro people,” said Mohagher Iqbal, the chief MILF peace negotiator.
*Source:http://www.tawitawi.net/tawi-tawi-to-mark-38th-anniversary/
*Tuesday, September 06, 2011
:  NEWS


He said the MILF is unlikely to sign any peace accord anytime soon, saying, the government is not committed to forging a genuine and long and lasting solution in Mindanao.


The MILF said Manila has offered the five-province Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao which is composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao provinces.


BONGAO, Philippines – The provincial supervision of Tawi-Tawi has urged a 11 city mayors to showcase their municipality’s particular ecotourism potentials and destinations, products and furnish during a jubilee of a province’s 38th initial anniversary from Sep 24 to 27.
“We will stick with our demand for a Muslim sub-state in Mindanao and nothing more,” Iqbal said.


Dubbed “38th Kamahardikaan impiety Tawi-Tawi,” Governor Sadikul Sahali pronounced a provincial supervision will core a jubilee on a graduation of a province’s eco-tourism potentials and destinations, products and produce.
The Aquino government has proposed the so-called “3-for-1” formula to achieve political settlement of conflict in Mindanao.  


Sahali pronounced this year’s jubilee can be deliberate one of a best, and an suitable time for a city officials to showcase their particular eco-tourism potentials, and products.
Among in the proposal is a roadmap for development and socio-economic rehabilitation in the Mindanao through the creation of the Joint Coordinating Committee on Development in which the Philippines offered partnership with the MILF in identifying and implementing socio-economic projects.  


Sahali cited this collateral city as a microcosm of eremite and informative diversity. He pronounced this town’s Bongao Peak offers a monumental perspective of circuitously Sabah in Malaysia, while a Bolobok Cave is one of a oldest caves – given 800 A.D. – that is located in Barangay Lakit-Lakit, and deliberate to be a strange allotment of a early inhabitants.
And peace accord through the creation of the Bangsamoro Commission that will be composed of representatives from the government, the MILF, and stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process and to re-craft an Organic Act for “genuine autonomy” and supervise the implementation of the peace pact.


The city of Simunul, he said, is a site of a oldest Mosque in a Philippines, and home of a worshiped Sheikh Makdum – a colonize for a widespread of a Islamic sacrament in a country.
And lastly is for the government to acknowledge the historical injustice of conflict and reconciliation wherein it is willing to officially retell the real history of Mindanao.  


It was during Tubig-Indangan in Simunul where a initial Muslim companion Sheik Karimul Makdum set feet to build a initial mosque in a nation in 1380 A.D.
Ghazali Jaafar, the MILF vice chairman for political affairs, also expressed pessimism about the peace talks with the Aquino government, saying negotiations have been going on for a long time now, but nothing concrete has been achieved, except for the cease-fire agreement.


Sahali pronounced that a city of Sapa-Sapa is also a good traveller end given it is famous as a home of descendants of a Malay kingship of a Federal State of Borneo.
“We are very doubtful now whether we can sign a peace deal with government under this present administration,” he said following a recent caucus with senior MILF leaders in the South.


Adding that a island-town of Sitangkai is famous as a “Venice of a South.”
“The assessment of the political officers was the recently concluded peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Malaysia was very disappointing. What the government peace panel headed by Marvic Leonen did in the last talks was never our immediate expectation which is the reason why we are very much disappointed,” Jaafar said.


Sahali positive a visitors that Tawi-Tawi is a pacific and protected province, citing troops and troops statistics and reports.
==Damaged luxury cruise towed to port in Tawi-Tawi==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=793317&publicationSubCategoryId=200
* April 01, 2012 04:00 PM
:by  philstar.com


First-class fish and crustaceans, like lobsters and coconut crabs, are abounding in a range of Tawi-Tawi due to a satisfactory pleasant climate, a administrator said.


Sahali confirmed that staying in Tawi-Tawi is not a problem given this collateral city hosts several hotels, inns, beach cottages, and restaurants to support a needs of internal and unfamiliar tourists.
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Ships are towing the damaged luxury cruise M/V Azamara Quest towards an island in the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi, police said today.


==US-funded bridge project to link Tawi-Tawi islands==
Philippine National Police spokesman Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that a towboat of the Philippine Coast Guard has started towing the ship anchored at Tubbataha Reef at around 9:45 a.m. and is expected to arrive at Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi at around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. They are being escorted by a Philippine Navy ship.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=52675
*Tuesday, September 06, 2011
: by Julmunir I. Jannaral


He added that all the passengers were still onboard the ship.


The 30,277-tonnage cruise ship, which has 590 passengers and 411 crew members, caught fire off southern Philippines Friday night while on its way to Sandakan, Malaysia.


ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept 6 (PIA) -– A United States-funded road and bridge project will soon connect the two major islands of Tawi-Tawi and is expected to spur development and significantly boost the province’s economy.
Azamara Club Cruises, operator of Azamara Quest, said in an earlier statement that the vessel caught a fire in the engine room, but it was quickly extinguished; five of its crew members got injured, but no passenger hurt in the accident.
The bridge-road project is being completed here by national and regional agencies, with assistance from the U.S. government, and will directly link Sanga-Sanga Island, where the local airport is located, with the mainland of Tawi-Tawi.
The project is a partnership involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Government, and the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali said the bridge-road connection will enable local growers to transport their crops and other products more efficiently and at lower cost to the capital town of Bongao, which is located on Sanga-Sanga Island and is the center of commercial activity in the province.
“This will greatly improve the livelihood of farmers, particularly in the municipalities on Tawi-Tawi Island, such as Panglima Sugala, Sapa-Sapa and Languyan,” Governor Sahali said.
“Upland growers will have an easier time getting their harvests to markets,” he added.
“This has been a longtime dream here, to have a land connection between the two largest islands,” said Nazrullah Masahud, vice president of the Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Masahud said he expected growers to begin expanding production and diversifying their crops, following the infrastructure improvements.
“Previously, farmers had told me that they hesitated to engage in new ventures because transport was undependable,” Masahud also said.
He added that the bridge-road connections would also facilitate the installation of water pipelines and electric power connections to serve rapidly growing communities between the town of Bongao and Panglima Sugala municipality.
Through the GEM Program, USAID has helped to improve the island-province’s economy through 51 barangay infrastructure projects, including the construction of 26 boat landings.
Six larger infrastructure projects completed by GEM in Tawi-Tawi include the extension and widening of the Bongao airport runway, which enabled Airphil Express to establish a Zamboanga-Bongao route, now plying four times weekly by a 77-seater Bombardier Q400. (BPI-ARMM/ALT/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)


==Navy rescues vessel in distress off Tawi-Tawi==
Because of the fire incident, the rest of the 17-day Azamara Quest's voyage was canceled.The ship started with the voyage on March 26 in Hong Kong and docked in Manila, Philippines' port on Thursday.
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2011/08/31/navy-rescues-vessel-in-distress-off-tawi-tawi/
*Wednesday| August 31, 2011
: Mindanews


ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/30 August) – Task Force 62 of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) has rescued a wooden-hull vessel in distress in the province of Tawi-Tawi, belated reports from the Philippine Navy said.
==[[Tawi-Tawi_Archived_News]]==
Commodore Armando Guzman, NFWM commander, said the vessel loaded with 67 people, including the seven crew, was rescued Thursday 4.8 nautical miles off Pagasinan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. Of the 60 passengers, 12 were children, he added.
The older news reports are kept [Tawi-Tawi_Archived_News|here]]
Guzman said M/L Virginia departed Sipangkot Island and bound for Lamion Pier in Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi, “when it incurred derangement on her main propulsion.”
The NFWM’s Naval Task Force 62, which is based in Panglima Sugala town, upon receiving a distress call from the M/L Virginia, directed the Patrol Ship-19 (PS-19) to conduct search and rescue operation for the distressed vessel amidst rough seas and strong winds prevailing in the area, Guzman said.
Battered by big waves, he said the vessel was listing on its port side while its crew members were “bailing out” water using pails in attempt to trim the vessel when the task force personnel aboard PS-19 arrived.
He added that the hapless passengers, some throwing up over the sides because of the violent rolling and pitching, were anxiously waiting for help.
Interviewed by the PS-19 personnel, M/L Virginia’s crew confirmed that their main engine incurred technical problem and “that they were already more than four hours dead-on-water,” he said.
Guzman said the PS-19 personnel led by Commander Ernesto Baldovino immediately rendered necessary assistance to the vessel. The PS-19 towed M/L Virginia, which arrived safely at Lamion Pier in Bongao.

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Endangered Species

by philstar.com


Employees of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau inspect dead hawksbill turtles for parasites and take tissue samples, too, for mitochondrial DNA testing, during an inspection of the marine species confiscated by joint government operatives from 12 Vietnamese off Pangutaran Island in Sulu last April 22. The suspected poachers are currently detained at the provincial jail in Tawi-Tawi, having been charged for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Aside from the 87 marine turtles, also found in the Malaysian-registered fishing vessel used by the Vietnamese were five bundles of black corals and about 600 kilograms of hammerhead fish, lapu-lapu (grouper) and squid.






More charges to be filed against Vietnamese fishermen

by Bettina Faye V. Roc


THE ENVIRONMENT department is set to file additional charges on the Vietnamese nationals caught allegedly poaching marine species off Sulu last month, this time for the violation of the Wildlife Act. “This is a clear violation of international and local laws on wildlife, especially since most of the species caught are considered endangered, and they were killed or collected in the Sulu Sea Marine Ecoregion (SSME), which is a protected area,” said Environment Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje in a statement.

The Vietnamese fishermen were aboard a Malaysian-registered vessel when they were caught by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on April 22 off Pangutaran Island in Sulu. Upon inspection, the vessel was found to be loaded with five bundles of black corals, 87 pieces of hawksbill turtles and around 600 kilograms of hammerhead fish, lapu-lapu (grouper) and squid.

The poachers are currently detained at the Tawi-Tawi provincial jail. The BFAR had earlier filed against the men charges for violating provisions in Republic Act No. 8550, also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, which prohibits the catching and taking of fish and other aquatic products by foreign fishing vessels in Philippine waters.

Meanwhile, collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and derivatives are violations of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Act.

La Aunor’s new film will showcase Tawi-Tawi as tourism destination

by NT-PIO/RVC/PIA-9 ZBST


Superstar Nora Aunor is making Tawi-Tawi shine as she takes pleasure filming her new movie in the province. The Superstar and her co-stars and the film’screw have just concluded their shooting recently of Brillante Mendoza’s newfilm titled “Thy Womb”, a love drama portraying a Bajau couple’s sacrosanct relationship as husband and wife though unblessed with offspring.

The movie depicts the seafaring Bajau tribeof Tawi-Tawi, their culture and tradition and a précis that tells of a Bajao woman who is more than willing to endure personal sacrifice for the sake of hereternal love for her husband.

The controversial Cannes-film winningdirector Mendoza said in an interview that “this cultural and dramatic filmwould portray the people of Mindanao, especially, Tawi-Tawi and that they [thepeople of Mindanao] are [also] capable of loving.”

“That in spite of the troubles and conflictsevident in Mindanao, there are people here, who are capable of loving and peaceful as well,” Mendoza stressed.

He also said that the film would somehowconvey to the world the tourism potentials of Tawi-Tawi saying that this southern frontier of the country has peace and serenity with beautiful sitesworth visiting.

Mendoza also said that they have chosenTawi-Tawi as a location shooting because it delivers the scenario and the characters needed for the film. For their part, Aunor and Roco, expressedtheir appreciation of Tawi-Tawi’s hospitality and said that they are captivated by the beauty of this southern province.

Ms. Aunor plays the lead character as amidwife named Salehah and is co-starred by Bembol Roco as Bangas-an, Lovi Poeand Mercedes Cabral with support cast from the locals of Tawi-Tawi.

Aunor flew in to Tawi-Tawi last April 14, toshoot the indie film, her first since returning from a hiatus in the UnitedStates. Shooting took place in at least 3 locations: the island-towns ofBongao, Sitangkai and Taganak. She left the province last April 28.

Meanwhile, Provincial Information OfficerNash Tahang said that the local government officials and the locals ofTawi-Tawi was elated and honored and was grateful to the film-makers forchoosing the province to be the location for the Superstar’s new film.

Vice Governor Ruby Sahali said that thismovie will eventually help pump prime the exposure of the province’s tourism potentials not only for the local visitors influx, but more so, that of theforeigners.

“These are the days Tawi-Tawi shines with thesuperstar,” she said. Moreover, Provincial Secretary Nurjay Sahali made thesame observation, saying that the film will help boost the tourism aspects ofthe beautiful and peaceful province, as most of the location shootings weretaken in Tawi-Tawi.

Thespians in Tawi-Tawi

by tawitawi.net


ACCLAIMED actor Bembol Roco and the great Nora Aunor just got back from a tedious but totally reinvigorating work assignment in the far-flung province of Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao. The multiawarded actors immersed themselves for more than two weeks with the locals of the towns of Bongao and Sitangkai, where most of the scenes of the latest Brillante Mendoza film Thy Womb were shot.

We met up with both Roco and Aunor in Cebu, the final leg of their nonstop shoot for this much talked-about movie, where both recounted their unforgettable experiences in Tawi Tawi.

“Breathtaking” was how Roco described the Tawi-Tawi that he saw and experienced. “You feel like you are in a totally different world and a different time frame. The water is always clear and the marine life does not only sustain the day-to-day existence of the people but it also makes you realize that God is so generous with His many natural gifts to us.”

Roco added that although life there may appear difficult because much is stripped to the essentials, it’s the simplicity that will capture the heart of a visitor like him. “Imagine taking a pump boat to the islands for countless hours, just gazing at the vastness of the ocean and the sky. Imagine living in stilt houses with no real toilets. Imagine being with people who, despite their seeming poverty, can flash a smile like they are the happiest creatures on earth. That was the Tawi-Tawi that has pierced my heart.”

For her part, Aunor, unquestionably the country’s One and Only Superstar, she admitted that she shed all inhibitions and doubt, plunging into her character right away the moment she stepped on the island.

“Isa akong midwife dito na nagbabangka at dumadayo sa iba’t ibang lugar para magpaanak pero hindi ako mabiyayaan ng sarili kong anak [I play a midwife who travels from one place to another to deliver babies, but I can’t have my own child],” she volunteered. “Pagdating na pagdating namin ni Kuya Bembs [her nickname for Roco], na-in love agad kami sa lugar at sa mga tao. Mababait ang mga kababayan natin sa Tawi-Tawi. Simple lang sila pero masaya, kahit mahirap ang buhay. Ibang-iba sa inire-report ng media na magulo at delikado doon. Peaceful sila at masisipag [The moment Bembol and I arrived, we immediately fell in love with the place and its people. The people of Tawi-Tawi are nice. They are simple and happy even if life seems difficult. It’s totally different from what the media sometimes report. They are peace-loving and industrious people],” she stressed.

She added, “S’yempre may mga security na naka-assign sa amin, hindi dahil sa delikado ang lugar kundi para maging smooth ang shooting namin doon. Pero wala kaming naging problema. Nag-cooperate lahat kaya naging maayos at masaya lahat. [We were provided with security not because it was a dangerous place but because we wanted the shoot to be smooth. Everyone was cooperative.]”

Aunor shared that she had to learn to weave the native banig and constantly practice paddling a banca. “Gusto kasi ni direk Brillante na makatotohanan lahat kaya kelangan akong maging gamay sa mga gawain nila doon. Tingnan mo nga at sunog na sunog ako dahil namamangka ako kahit matirik ang araw. [Our director wants everything to be realistic so I had to do what they do there. Look at me, my skin is so sun-burnt because I had to paddle a banca even when the sun was scorching hot].”

Brillante Mendoza, who holds the distinction of being the only Filipino to have won a Cannes International Film Festival best director plum, only has good words for his two main actors.

“Nora and Bembol are who they are because they are both true artists. You see, I do not allow my actors to have scripts on the set. They know and understand their respective roles after every briefing and take everything to heart. They are thespians and I am so blessed having both of them in this film. They certainly make my work easier and more fulfilling,” Mendoza enthused.

Altruistic to the core, Mendoza and his team headed by production head Larry Castillo and cinematographer Odyssey Flores flew to Tawi-Tawi hoping for the best and he told us that his team got more than what they expected. “The weather was perfect, the people were very cooperative, the local government of Tawi-Tawi was all out in its support to our vision for the project. The shoot went very, very well and I am simply grateful.”

Now that the principal photography of the film is finished, Mendoza and his team will start the difficult phase of post-production with big smiles on their faces, knowing that this film will bring them far and do the country proud in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco will pursue their other acting assignments but this experience in Tawi-Tawi will surely remain in their hearts for a very long time.

Scuba diving training enhances MSU-Tawi-Tawi students’ skills

by (PNA)

FPV/FMS/ssc


ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 7 (PNA) -– The Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO), in cooperation with the Tawi-Tawi Divers Club (TDC), has conducted a two-month introductory course in scuba diving for selected students of Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences.

The training is relevant because Tawi Tawi is part of the coral triangle in Southeast Asian region, and there are more interesting coastal fishery resources and pristine beaches to explore in the province , even better than those in other places within the country and around the world.

TDC President Engr. Rosendo R. Reyes said the free training was participated in by at least 20 people, of which, 15 are students of MSU-TCTO and members of the Marine Bio & Environmental Sciences Students’ Association (MABESSA).

Reyes said this project with the MSU-TCTO was initiated as part of the club’s social responsibility “to draw strategic partnership with the academic institution like the MSU-TCTO that offers courses in marine biology and fisheries and environmental sciences.”

He pointed out that TDC provides such training to students so that “they will utilize their skills, exposures and experiences especially in the conduct of their academic research in marine and environmental sciences.”

He added that conducting under water research studies require students to be scuba divers.

He said two dive masters-- Prof. Ramon Tangon and Rasul Sabal, assisted him in the training that ended March 31.

He emphasized that TDC would continue to participate on collaborative engagement with concerned agencies and NGOs in projects related to marine life.

These project will include coral assessment, establishment and management of fish sanctuary, construction of artificial reef, Crown-of Thorns clean-up, coastal clean-up like scubasurero (garbage collector of the sea) and other projects and programs of similar considerations, especially those involving environmental concerns.

Meanwhile, MSU-TCTO Chancellor Atty. Lorenzo R. Reyes underscored the significance of scuba diving to the academic program of the university.

He said he plans to make scuba diving as one subject area of study in the academic curriculum of the Department of Marine & Environmental Science of the university.

“I have always encouraged the college of fisheries and environmental science to undertake more research studies in fisheries and marine biology as well as in environmental sciences because MSU-TCTO is a vocational institution by its mandates,’ he stressed.

He shared his vision to make MSU-TCTO a center of excellence in fisheries and oceanographic studies, and to ensure that the graduates will be relevant and globally competitive.

He also pointed out that Tawi-Tawi is considered a haven for research studies and that he expect that the college should be able to come up with more vital research proposals in which he assured that it would be his responsibility to find possible source of funding for any research proposal submitted.

Moreover, Director for Coastal Resource Management Prof. Felimon Romero said that, “there’s a need to strengthen our environment and ecological system as this is our only potential source of eco-tourism for foreign investment in Tawi-Tawi.”

“We are part of coral triangle in Southeast Asian region, and that what we have here in Tawi-Tawi is that we can find more interesting coastal fishery resources and pristine beaches to explore that we are proud to say is much better than those in other places within the country, including other places abroad,” he added.,

Meanwhile, the Office of MSU-SCTO Chancellor has donated to the club some ten pieces of junked steel cabinets that will be used as artificial reef in support to the national coral reef restoration program of government.

As part of their commitment to the TDC, the trainees will install the cabinets to the seas near Mountain View Resort Beach at Barangay Pasiagan in Bongao.

TDC said the areas that are devastated by dynamite and cyanide fishing are the targets of coral reef restoration.

MABESSA President Yunadzmal Ong, moreover, expressed his gratitude to the TDC President and MSU Chancellor for making the scuba training possible that helps in their quest for scientific exploration of the seas and the oceans of Tawi-Tawi.

Introducing Tawi-Tawi, Sulu folk to healthcare

by Edwin O. Fernandez


Health services know no boundaries Workers brought together by a Department of Health (DOH) campaign to bring medical services to the people of Tawi-Tawi sweltered in 36-degree-Celsius heat, endured hours of sea travel, ignored threats of kidnapping to attend to people who have not seen a doctor all their lives.

The campaign had been successful last year, bringing medical and dental care to the people of Mapun and Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi, two of the remotest places in the country.

Last month, the health caravan spent five days bringing services to people in the towns of Languyan and Sapa-Sapa where diseases have been left untreated and ailments are often blamed on supernatural causes.

Never mind if the campaign name smacks of politicking (“Alay ni RG-Kasama Mo Si Sec,” which translates to Alay ni Regional Governor-Kasama Mo Si Secretary), it was able to bring surgeries, dental work and lessons on safe motherhood and reproduction to areas where doctors have never been known to exist.

The campaign also brought essential information on health, maternal and child care, nutrition, reproduction and birth spacing.

It was merged with the DOH’s “Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan” (Journey to Health) that the department has been bringing to remote communities with barely any access to health clinics much less hospitals.

The blind can see

“Ignorance in health is not bliss, it kills,” said Kadil Sinolinding Jr., health secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

While using what sounds like a self-serving theme “Sa Biyaheng Kalusugan Kasama Mo Si Sec” obviously referring to Sinolinding, the medical mission was able to bring together health workers and volunteers who helped the people of Tawi-Tawi realize that healthcare is not a guessing game.

As a result, more than 1,000 people received free cataract and other eye surgeries in Languyan town alone. At least 25 people who have been rendered blind by cataracts were able to see clearly again. Some of the people had minor surgeries and received free dental and medical services.

From Languyan, the DOH-ARMM continued the campaign to Sapa-Sapa, reached by boat after a six-hour journey, where free cataract and other eye surgeries were given to the poor, restoring eyesight to many who had gone blind.

Bilateral tubal ligation and other minor surgeries were also provided as part of the project.

Risky mission

Sapa-Sapa municipality is one of the island towns of Tawi-Tawi, where people never had access to health services because of two things—they live too far from the nearest clinic and it was too dangerous for them to travel.

In the last three years, at least four health workers in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu have either been kidnapped or harmed by criminal elements.

At the latest medical mission, villagers from far-flung island communities took pump boats to reach the town center to avail themselves of health-care services—antenatal care, child healthcare, vitamin A supplements and immunization.

The campaign also seized the opportunity to provide information on healthcare through exhibits, classes, songs, dances and story-telling sessions that were found entertaining by the people whose communities are not reached by cable TV or regular radio broadcasts.

DOH launched its Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan simultaneously with the medical mission in Sapa-Sapa.

“I cannot allow myself to just sit and wait when I know that there are a lot of blind people out there who survive in darkness and misery, and mothers and children die needlessly just because they are poor,” said Sinolinding.

“Poverty is already social injustice, making people hopeless. Inaction aggravates their condition,” he said. Sinolinding is one of two members of the ARMM Cabinet who had been retained by acting ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman when he assumed office in December 2011.

Sinolinding thanked the people who shared their time and effort for the medical mission.

Before the Tawi-Tawi mission, ARMM health workers had brought similar services to Sumisip, Basilan, with more than 200 people receiving cataract and glaucoma surgeries. Surgeries were held at Sumisip District Hospital which, after 13 years of being nonfunctional, was revived by Sinolinding in September last year.

Sinolinding said he was so elated seeing people very grateful for the services.

“From the cries of hopelessness and injustices to jubilation and enlightenment, and from eyes and hearts laden with apathy and ignorance to eyes filled with hope and understanding—such could be the transformation now in the people of ARMM,” Sinolinding said.

“Taken for granted, our mothers and children were dying unnecessarily because of poor health service deliveries,” he added.

The Journey to Health success has led to the commitment of DOH-ARMM to bring its health caravan to the farthest islands of Muslim Mindanao, to include the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Sulu.

“No one can imagine how satisfied these poor people were after the mission,” Sinolinding, an eye doctor, said.

Screen queens gear up for their ‘vanishing acts’

by Rito P. Asilo


Tinseltown’s acting icons remain at the top of their game by choosing projects that don’t just make them emerge smelling like roses at the box office, but also show off their dramatic chops, to keep their followers’ interest high. For their latest projects, top female superstars, Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor, are backed up by directors whose filmmaking acumen can guarantee that their projects aren’t the usual stuff and fluff. For the Star for All Seasons, risk-taking is key to her sustained popularity. Vilma told us she didn’t want to be seen in hackneyed variations of the same themes and stories—which explains why she decided to do Chito Roño’s chiller, “The Healing,” as a follow-up to Olivia Lamasan’s 2009 dramedy blockbuster, “In My Life.” Moreover, it’s been almost 40 years since Vilma last dabbled in the horror genre via “Kamay na Gumagapang” and “Anak ng Aswang”—when she was only 19 years old! We’re also looking forward to Nora Aunor’s comeback movie, “Thy Womb”—which wrapped up its Tawi-Tawi and Cebu shoots last week—because Cannes-winning director, Brillante Mendoza, is helming it. Last seen on the big screen in the US-shot 2006 indies, “Ingrata” and “Care Home,” the Superstar portrays a Badjao midwife in the film that also stars Bembol Roco and Lovi Poe. Campy turn American screen queens are also gearing up for their thespic “vanishing acts”: After Julia Roberts’ campy turn as Snow White’s power-grabbing, evil-queen nemesis in Tarsem Singh’s “Mirror, Mirror,” it’s Angelina Jolie’s turn to make life a living hell for another fairy-tale princess.

In Robert Stromberg’s “Maleficent,” Brad Pitt’s better half is cast as the proud and vengeful sorceress who takes offense at not being invited to the christening of Princess Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty (Elle Fanning), the only daughter of King Stefan (Jude Law). If Jolie portrays Maleficent the way she played Evelyn Salt, whoever’s portraying Aurora’s knight in shining armor has his work cut out for him! For her part, Roberts is relying on the jump from stage to screen of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer-winning dark comedy, “August: Osage County,” and Larry Kramer’s Tony-winning autobiographical HIV/AIDS drama, “The Normal Heart,” to boost her acting cachet. In Ryan Murphy’s (“Glee”) screen adaptation of the 1980s-set “The Normal Heart,” Julia plays wheelchair-bound Dr. Emma Brookner, who helps gay activist, Ned Weeks (Mark Ruffalo), raise awareness about the deadly (then unidentified) viral disease that was killing gay men. Level of difficulty The level of difficulty gets higher for Julia in “August,” where she portrays Barbara Fordham, the 46-year-old eldest daughter of Beverly and Violet Weston who’s forced to come home when her alcoholic father goes missing. She hasn’t visited her parents in years, because she doesn’t get along well with her shrewd, prescription drug-addicted mother. The film’s emotionally charged scenes present exciting dramatic possibilities for cinema’s Pretty Woman, not the least of which is the fact that her combative mother is played by—Meryl Streep! And, Catherine Zeta-Jones revisits her musical-theater roots via Adam Shankman’s big-screen version of the stage musical, “Rock of Ages,” where she will perform Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” The anticipated movie musical has a bigger come-on, however: Tom Cruise’s latest (and very bold) attempt at reinvention. In its motion-picture soundtrack, Cruise will be rendering Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City” and Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me”—not the easiest tunes to sing, that’s for sure. If that isn’t gutsy, we don’t know what is!

Tawi-Tawi enchants Nora Aunor yet again

by Bayani San Diego Jr.


It wasn’t Nora Aunor’s first time in Tawi-Tawi. Still she felt seduced by the island’s pristine beauty. The singer-actress, known as the country’s Superstar, recalled that she briefly visited the island on the country’s southernmost tip years ago. “Para sa kampanya ni Erap (former President Joseph Estrada),” she recounted. “Pero sandali lang. Hindi ako nagtagal.” For her latest Tawi-Tawi “adventure,” she totally “immersed” herself, staying over two weeks, from April 14 to 30, for the shooting of Brillante Mendoza’s latest work, “Thy Womb.” Mendoza won best director for “Kinatay” at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in 2009. “Thy Womb” is scheduled to premiere at an A-list international film fest. Little dialogue The indie film marks her big-screen comeback after eight years, Aunor said. She had appeared in indie productions like Suzette Ranillo’s “Care Home” and Joey Gonzales’ “Ingrata” (both in 2006) during her stay in the United States. But “Thy Womb” is her biggest film since Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “Naglalayag” in 2004. “Na-miss ko ang pag-arte,” she told Inquirer Entertainment in an interview held upon her return to Manila on May 1.

She said that she hit it off with Mendoza, who shares her artistic principles. “Magaling talaga si Direk Brillante. Ang gusto niya natural ang acting. Wala masyadong dialogue pero taos-puso.” In the movie, she plays a midwife who serves the seafaring Badjao and other indigenous tribes in Tawi-Tawi. “Bilang kumadrona, ako lang ang nagpapaanak sa mga nanay doon. For the first two days, nag-aral kami na mag-sagwan at mag-habi ng banig,” she recounted. Mindanao reality The experience opened her eyes to both the promising and disheartening realities in that part of Mindanao. “Mababait ang mga tao doon. Talagang inalagaan kami. Nakita ko kung gaano kaganda ang Tawi-Tawi. Peaceful naman. Naging biktima lang sila ng mga maling balita,” she explained. “Sabi nila may mga planong gawin itong tourist destination.” Their hosts, Gov. Sadikul Sahali and his wife Juana and daughter Vice Gov. Ruby Sahali and son Nurjay Sahali, assisted by the Philippine Marines and the Philippine National Police, made sure that the entire cast and crew remained safe during their stay, Aunor said. She plans to return their kindness by asking friends from the industry to help the people in the small villages where they shot the film—specifically, Sitangkai, known as the “Venice of the Philippines.” “Nag-shooting kami doon sa mga bahay na nakatayo sa dagat,” she said. “Gusto ko sanang mabigyan sila ng isang health center, sa tulong ng mga kaibigan natin dito sa Maynila.” Playing a midwife, she saw with her own eyes the residents’ most pressing needs. “Kailangan nila ng gamot. ’Pag may manganganak, kailangan pang mag-bangka para makapunta sa ospital,” she said. As expected, she and her co-stars — Bembol Roco, Lovi Poe and Mercedes Cabral—were mobbed by the residents. “Natutuwa sila na nabisita namin sila at gumawa kami ng isang pelikula tungkol sa buhay nila … para naman malaman ng Pilipinas at ng buong mundo ang tunay nilang kalagayan,” she pointed out. Aunor said she and her co-stars had no qualms about roughing it in the southern province. “Walang pa-istaran. Pantay-pantay kaming lahat. Parang kaming magkakapatid sa set. Sama-sama sa hirap at ginhawa,” she said. “Nakisama pati ang panahon. Kung kailangan sa shoot ang ulan, umulan. Pag kailangan maaraw, umaraw!” She remembered traveling by boat for almost 14 hours to reach one location, Turtle Islands. “Doon na kami natulog sa bangka,” she said. Down-to-earth Poe said that the Superstar took pains not to intimidate her co-workers. Cabral agreed: “She’s down-to-earth. Motherly. I was in my dressing room once, fixing my stuff, and someone knocked.”

When Cabral opened the door, she saw the Superstar holding a bowl of noodle soup. “She gave it to me,” Cabral said. “I was really touched. She made me realize that not all superstars are air-headed snobs. It’s a shame that other so-called stars, some who are not even as big as her, have lousy attitude.” Aunor said that she enjoyed working with her castmates. “Sabi ko kay Mercedes: Ang dami ko nang anak-anakan. Magagaling na artista sina Mercedes at Lovi. At mababait.” Although far from Manila, word on the campaign to declare her a National Artist had reached her. “Natutuwa ako na isa ako sa mga napili. Pero marami pang mas karapat-dapat na parangalan sa ating industriya,” she remarked. “Kung sakaling ibigay sa akin, isa itong malaking karangalan at magpapasalamat ako. Pero kung hindi, matatanggap ko rin.” Aunor is proud that Filipino filmmakers are making headway abroad. “It’s about time,” she said. “Dapat nga matagal na ’yan. Sana nga magkaisa na tayo at imbes na harangan ay tulungan natin ang isa’t isa na mapansin ang ating mga pelikula sa labas ng Pilipinas.” Aunor will celebrate her 59th birthday on May 21 in the US. She is set to leave for Boston on May 19 for her throat surgery on May 23. “Sana nga maging okay na ang boses ko,” she said.

Scuba Diving training enhances MSU-Tawi-Tawi students’ skills in marine, environmental science

by Rene V. Carbayas


ISABELA CITY, Basilan, May 3 (PIA) – The Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) in cooperation with the Tawi-Tawi Divers Club (TDC) has successfully conducted a two-month introductory course to scuba diving to selected students of Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences.

The free training that culminated last March 31 was participated by at least 20 people, of which, 15 are students of MSU-TCTO and members of the Marine Bio & Environmental Sciences Students’ Association (MABESSA).

TDC President Engr. Rosendo R. Reyes said that this project with the MSU-TCTO was initiated as part of the club’s social responsibility “to draw strategic partnership with the academic institution like the MSU-TCTO that offers courses in marine biology and fisheries and environmental sciences.”

Reyes pointed out that TDC provides such training to students so that “they will utilize their skills, exposures and experiences especially in the conduct of their academic research in marine and environmental sciences.” He added that conducting under water research studies require students to be scuba divers.

He said that two Dive Masters, Prof. Ramon Tangon and Rasul Sabal were assisting him in the training. He emphasized that TDC would continue to participate on collaborative engagement with concerned agencies and NGOs in projects related to coral assessment, establishment and management of fish sanctuary, construction of artificial reef, Crown-of Thorns Clean-up, coastal clean-up like scubasurero (garbage collector of the sea) and other projects and programs of similar considerations, especially those involving environmental concerns.

Meanwhile, MSU-TCTO Chancellor Atty. Lorenzo R. Reyes, in his message underscored the significance of scuba diving to the academic program of the university. He said that he is planning to make scuba diving as one subject area of study in the academic curriculum of the Department of Marine & Environmental Science of the university.

“I have always encouraged the college of fisheries and environmental science to undertake more research studies in fisheries and marine biology as well as in environmental sciences because MSU-TCTO is a vocational institution by its mandates, he stressed.

He shared his vision to make MSU-TCTO a center of excellence on fisheries and oceanographic studies and to ensure that the graduates will be relevant and globally competitive. He pointed out, further, that Tawi-Tawi is considered a haven for research studies and that he wishes to expect also that the college should be able to come up with more vital research proposals in which he assured that it would be his responsibility to find possible source of funding for any research proposal submitted.

Moreover, Director for Coastal Resource Management Prof. Felimon Romero said that “there’s a need to strengthen our environment and ecological system as this is our only potential source of eco-tourism for foreign investment in Tawi-Tawi.”

“We are part of coral triangle in Southeast Asian region, and that what we have here in Tawi-Tawi is that we can find more interesting coastal fishery resources and pristine beaches to explore that we are proud to say is much better than those in other places within the country, including other places abroad,” he added.,

Meanwhile, the Office of MSU-SCTO Chancellor has donated to the club about ten pieces of junked steel cabinets that will be used as artificial reef in support to the national coral reef restoration program of government. As part of their commitment to the TDC, the trainees will install the cabinets to the seas near Mountain View Resort Beach at Barangay Pasiagan in Bongao.

TDC said the areas that are devastated by dynamite and cyanide fishing are the targets of coral reef restoration.

MABESSA President Yunadzmal Ong, moreover, expressed his gratitude to the TDC President and MSU Chancellor for making the scuba training possible that helps in their quest for scientific exploration of the seas and the oceans of Tawi-Tawi.

Among the successful trainees include the 15 students from the MSU-TCTO, namely: Adzmil Ledinil, Aharul, Almyra Samimi, Arthur Attuh, Delmar Asanol, Ibkar Salip Marijan, Joemary Alpha, Kara Habibon, Shaima Abdul, Sherelyn Abdul, Willy Rafales, Yunadzmal N. Ong, Maria Mita Fe Beringuel, Mira Luna Lagao and Nuradzmar Sali; the three personnel from Bongao Water District—Rommel Nunal, Jose Baldevino and Dante Delfinado; and the PMAer, ILt. Charles Dennis Tan from the Philippine Marines. (MSU-TCTO/PIA-9 ZBST)

Oslob, Cebu whale shark in indie film

by tawitawi.net


CEBU CITY – Oslob’s whale sharks will become even more famous.

The sharks will play a “cameo role” in director Brillante Mendoza’s independent film, which he said he plans to submit as an entry in the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The film is about a couple from Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao who have been trying to conceive, but were not blessed with a child.

It stars Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco.

One of the few scenes that will be shot in Cebu will feature Oslob town and the sharks that have gained popularity worldwide.

The full feature movie “Thy Womb” is not a movie about the whale sharks, the director said, “but they will appear in a side scene.”

“Parang isa na rin itong paraan para ma-showcase natin ang ating culture, and the things we are proud of, like the whale sharks of Oslob,” Mendoza said in an interview aired over radio dyAB on Sunday.

He said that 95 percent of the film was shot in Tawi-Tawi, and they plan to start filming in Oslob soon.

In a phone interview, Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren said he has not heard from Brillantes yet, but he is open to having the sharks and his town featured in a film if this will benefit them.

He said there are no guidelines yet in having the sharks appear in advertisements or movies. For now, what the Municipal Government allows is filming for research work and documentation of the sharks.

“We’ll see what the director’s plans and intentions are. If it will be beneficial to the town in terms of promoting tourism and care for the sharks, of course, we will allow them to come here and shoot,” Guaren told Sun.Star Cebu.

Brillante is a multi-awarded director whose works have been recognized here and abroad. He won the award for Best Director for “Kinatay” at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival. His film “Lola” also won the award for Best Film at the 6th Dubai International Film Festival.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Visayas has initiated efforts to promote environment conservation education to host communities of eco-tourism projects.

The agency will hold an information caravan from Argao to the towns in the southern tip of Cebu, DOT-Central Visayas Director Rowena Montecillo said.

She told Sun.Star Cebu these areas are part of the route of the whale shark.

Montecillo was referring to the whale sharks (Rhyncodon typus) that have become the main tourist attraction of Barangay Tan-awan in Oslob town.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists whale sharks as “vulnerable” due to the threats they face such as hunting and their dwindling population.

Montecillo said the tourism agency has tapped the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in educating the community about whale sharks and perhaps turtles too.

The participants who will be required to attend trainings are the boatmen and other members of the affected community.

Montecillo said that with this effort on environmental management education, the School of the SEA (Sea and Earth Advocates) resources can be tapped.

The School of the SEA managed by the Law of Nature Foundation headed by environmental lawyer and Ramon Magsaysay laureate Antonio Oposa Jr. was re-launched a few years after its infrastructure was destroyed by Typhoon Frank.

The school promotes education, engineering and enforcement in promoting the implementation of environmental laws and policies through environment-friendly practices such as waste segregation and water conservation.

Montecillo had pledged to continue to support the school and at the same time bring environmental conservation awareness to Regions 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas) and 8 (Eastern Visayas). (LCR/BAP/Sun.Star Cebu)

Nora Aunor finishes movie shoot in Tawi-Tawi

by RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga


MANILA, Philippines – Veteran actress Nora Aunor is back in Manila after shooting several scenes in Tawi-Tawi for her comeback movie.

Aunor’s skin was relatively sunburned when she arrived at the Zamboanga airport on Sunday but the actress said it is all part of her role in the film.

In “Thy Womb,” Aunor plays a Badjao midwife working in the province.

Aunor said she is happy about her whole experience in doing the movie as she was able to learn a lot of new things like sailing and weaving using local materials.

Aunor said she was also overwhelmed with the beauty of Tawi-Tawi.

She even encouraged tourists to visit the province because contrary to what’s always written, Tawi-Tawi is not a dangerous place.

Aunor said she is happy with the warm welcome the local government of Tawi-Tawi gave her and the rest of the movie’s cast and crew.

“Thy Womb” is under the direction of Cannes-winning director Brillante Mendoza.

Charges filed against 12 Vietnamese poachers

by AL JACINTO


ZAMBOANGA CITY: Authorities have filed charges against 12 Vietnamese poachers who were arrested in Tawi-Tawi, officials said Saturday.

Officials said the Vietnamese fishermen have been charged for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code and Wildlife Resources Protection and Conservation Act, and have been detained in the provincial jail.

The poachers, who were on a Malaysian fishing vessel, were intercepted on April 22 off the island of Pangutaran. Authorities said the vessel is owned by Tuaran Marine Park SDN BHD in Sabah, Malaysia.

Recovered from the vessel were five bundles of black corals, 85 pieces of endangered hawksbill turtles, and some 600 kilos of assorted hammerhead sharks, groupers and squid.

Officials identified the Vietnamese as Truong Van Hoang, the captain; Pham Ngoc Binh, Nguyen Minh Anh Dong, Tran Hong Tho, Nguyen Thank Ninh, Nguyen Van Vung, Nguyen, Van Ba, Nguyen Thanh Ninh, Nguyen Van Tuan, Nguyen Van Hai, Tran Hing Thien and Nguyen Van Vuong.

Nora Aunor, Brillante Mendoza wrap up Tawi-Tawi shoot

by DAVID Y. SANTOS


MANILA, Philippines – “It's a wrap.”

Close to two weeks since coming to the island province of Tawi-Tawi, the country's southernmost frontier, Nora Aunor has finished shooting her latest film “Thy Womb.”

“We are gratetful to Ms Aunor, as well as those behind this movie, for choosing Tawi-Tawi as their location,” Vice-Governor Ruby Sahali told Rappler by phone. “It's a welcome breather for us amid all the bad press the province has been getting.”

The superstar herself is equally grateful for the hospitality the province has shown to her and the film's crew.

Aunor flew in to Tawi-Tawi last April 14, to shoot the indie film, her first since returning from a hiatus in the United States. Shooting took place in at least 3 locations: the island-towns of Bongao, Sitangkai and Taganak. She left the province last Saturday, April 28.

“Thy Womb” is a collaboration between Aunor and Brillante Mendoza, Cannes award-winning director, and is seen as a landmark in modern Filipino filmmaking.

Initial press releases indicate that the movie tackles the struggles of a native Badjao midwife (Aunor) and deals with “an intriguing tale of love adrift with an unsettling question [on] how to sustain a life struck between the devil of passion and the deep blue sea of tradition?”

Aside from Aunor, other stars who were in Tawi-Tawi for the location shoot included Lovi Poe, Mercedes Cabral and Bembol Roco.

Action star Raymart Santiago was also part of the film, reportedly not as among the actors, but as part of the film's crew.

“It was surreal for us to see all these movie stars coming down to Tawi-Tawi. Being the farthest to the nation's capital, we never thought they would come and shoot a film here,” Sahali said.

Security

Provincial police director Rodelio Jocson said there were no untoward incidents reported throughout the duration of the filming. Both the police and units of the Philippine Marines provided security for stars and the film crew, which numbered around 30 to 40 members, excluding local talents who were tapped for minor roles.

“Whether they are famous movie stars or ordinary tourists, as long as they coordinate with us, we will be ready to secure them,” Jocson said, pointing out the security plans are prepared each time they are informed of incoming visitors.

Two foreign birdwatchers abducted two months ago in the remote town of Panglima Sugala remain in captivity up to this time.

Tawi-Tawi is also infamously known as the jump-off point for illegal immigrants to Malaysia, due to its proximity to the State of Sabah.

Apparently, despite the security concerns, Aunor and Brillante pursued shooting in Tawi-Tawi, which reportedly will be shown in “at least 70% of the film.”

Though smaller films have been shot in Tawi-Tawi “decades ago,” this is the first time in recent years that a full-length was shot in Tawi-Tawi.

“The abduction of the foreign birdwatchers was just an isolated case. We can assure you that we are doing everything to have been freed as soon as possible,” Jocson added.

Both Sahali and Jocson noted that ironically, since the February abduction, there has been a rise on the number of tourists coming to Tawi-Tawi. A crew from the National Geograhic Channel is also reportedly doing a documentary in the province.

“If you set aside all the bad press, Tawi-Tawi, or Mindanao as a whole, is a very beautiful place,” Sahali lamented. “We don't get to be appreciated so much by majority of the Filipinos because all we hear and see are the negative news about our place.”

“We hope that with the widespread publicity of 'Thy Womb' both here and in other countries, it will also draw interest into our province, more than just the reports on violence and cases of human trafficking we have become to be known for.” - Rappler.com

Breakthrough In PHL-MILF Peace Talks Draws More Positive Comments

by EDD K. USMAN


More Moro political leaders have added their voices to the positive responses to the breakthrough on June 24 achieved by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the 15-year-old peace process.

The stalemate-breaking feat re¬fers to the "10 Decision Points" docu¬ment signed by Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF peace panel chairmen Dean Mario Victor F. Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal, respectively, providing a roadmap for a new form of Bangsamoro governance entity.

It could include replacing the much-maligned autonomous government composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and component cities Lamitan and Marawi.

On Friday the leadership of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by caretaker Gov. Mujiv Hataman lauded the two parties for their Bilateral Decision Points on Principles.

The ARMM officer-in-charge said the accord may serve to pave the way for a new political entity to be crafted by GPH and MILF that both parties will accept.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael "Datu Toto" Mangudadatu said he will continue to strongly support the peace process under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

"Filipinos, particularly Muslims in Mindanao, all have been yearning for peace. Whatever is good for the Bangsamoro is welcomed," said Mangudadatu.

On the other hand, Hataman de¬fended the autonomous region from its critics, saying "the role of the re¬formed ARMM cannot be downplayed in the government’s efforts to come up with a permanent solution to the Moro problem."

He outlined some of the autonomous government's efforts in support of the peace process.

"The ARMM and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process had initially come up with 'common points of cooperation' in support to the peace process from some mid-level meetings (on multilateral support through peace com¬munication)," he said.

Hataman assured that the autonomous region is still an important part of the solution to the Bangsamoro aspirations, not a problem as some quarters may want to believe.

He said the ARMM under his helm is presently working to strengthen the building of institutions to come up with mechanisms supporting the peace process.

On the other hand, Hataman appealed to the stakeholders and other sectors of the peace process to support the government's initiative leading to a solution of the Muslim Mindanao conflict.

Raps filed vs 11 Vietnamese poachers

by Report from RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga


MANILA, Philippines – Charges have been filed against 11 Vietnamese poachers who were arrested off Tawi-Tawi last Wednesday.

The fishermen, who were allegedly poaching endangered marine species, were charged with violating the Wildlife Act of the Philippines for possession of dead hawksbill turtles and black corals.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Asis Perez said the foreigners may face a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment of up to 2 years.

Perez said a legal team from the BFAR has been sent to Tawi-Tawi to monitor the case.

Foreigners are not allowed to fish in Philippine territory, based on the Philippine Fisheries Code.






ARMM polls in May 2013 to proceed if peace pact not signed this year; Leonen says no need to amend Consti

by Carolyn O. Arguil las


KUALA LUMPUR (MindaNews/26 April) – Elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will replace with a “new autonomous political entity,” will proceed as scheduled on May 13, 2013 if no peace agreement is reached by the peace panels this year. “Government is very aware in terms of timelines of our political exercises and in terms of the political realities,” government (GPH) peace panel chair Marvic Leonen told MindaNews. He said the roadmap would take on a different shape if the elections were to proceed and a new set of ARMM officials is elected. The timeline, too, may change given that the elected officials in May 2013 will, under the present law, serve a three-year term until 2016, he said. “It’s possible you’ll wait until 2016 but in 2016 what is the political reality?” he asked Declaring that the “status quo is unacceptable,” the GPH and MILF peace panels on Tuesday agreed to work for the creation of a “new autonomous political entity in place of the ARMM” as one of ten “decision points on principles” they signed that day at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel. The present ARMM comprises the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan,Sulu and Tawi-tawi. No need Government peace panel chair Marvic Leonen, an expert on Constitutional Law, is confident there is no need to amend the 1987 Constitution to create the new entity that would replace ARMM. He said many of the proposals of the MILF are contained in the Organic Act (RA 9054) although he acknowledged that the MILF views this differently. “From the GPH point of view as of the moment, a Republic Act is more doable. But of course in so far as the Constitution is concerned, no Constitution is always permanent but the constitutional exercise requires a lot more than amending a law. And it’s always a balance between you change the rules first of the game before you mobilize the leaders. Is it exclusive? Mauna ito bago ito? Di ba pwede magsabay (Should this come first? Cannot they go together) and then later the political realities might be more favorable towards greater political exercise?” Leonen told MindaNews on Wednesday afternoon. MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal has yet to be convinced that there is no need to amend the Constitution to accommodate their demands. “The government says no need, but we hope they can demonstrate graphically how they do it without amending the Constitution. Our belief is this cannot be done,” he told MindaNews a day on Wednesday. The peace negotiations adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, two days ahead of scheduled, after the parties signed the “GPH-MILF Decision Points on Principles as of April 2012.” The panels will resume talks next month. Congress on the other hand will resume sessions on May 7 and will go on sine die adjournment June 8 until it reopens with the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President on July 23. The GPH peace panel in a press conference via Skype with the Malacanang Press Corps Wednesday noon, was repeatedly asked how soon the two panels can forge an agreement and how this would impact on the May 2013 elections in the ARMM. “If there is no agreement in due time then the elections of ARMM will continue (in 2013),” as provided for by law, Leonen said. Panel member Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, explained to the press corps that the peace agreement that will be signed “will not automatically suspend the ARMM or suspend the elections. Ibig sabihin maski magkapirmahan tayo bukas, marami pang requirements yan para ma-put in place. (This means even if we sign tomorrow, there are still many requirement for that new political entity to be put in place). For instance, we will need to generate support from Congress, from both the Senate and the House, to actually pass the law that will make it possible for some kind of implementing mechanisms to take place.” Ferrer acknowledged that the longer the negotiations take, the “normal political timetable” of elections in 2013 and Presidential elections in 2016 will set in “if all these steps are not done early enough.” She said signing the agreement does not mean it will be implemented immediately because there are many legislative requirements “that’s why we’re working closely with Congress, we’re working closely with the public so that they will be able to support all the requirements that will implement elements of that agreement.”

Timetables

The filing of certificates of candidacy for all elective positions in the May 2013 polls is on October 1 to 5 this year, according to the Commission on Elections’ Resolution 9385. Congress, after reopening on July 23, goes on break from mid-October to mid-November and Christmas break from mid-December to mid-January, leaving only a limited number of session days before the official campaign period for the May 2013 polls begins. The 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party list groups is from February 12 to May 11, 2013 while the 45-day campaign period for candidates for the House of Representatives, provincial, city and municipal officials as well as the ARMM is from March 29 to May 11. The MILF in February last year proposed a Bangsamoro substate, an “asymmetrical state-substate relationship, wherein powers of the central government and state government are clearly stated, aside from those powers they jointly exercise, which are also defined in this draft.” The MILF summarized it as “less than independence but more than autonomy” apparently referring to the present ARMM. Government handed its proposal on August 22 last year,18 days after President Aquino met with MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Japan and both agreed to fast-track the peace process so that a peace agreement can be forged within the first half of the President’s six-year term, or by June 30, 2013, so that implementation can be done immediately. The President’s term of office ends noon of June 30, 2016. The GPH proposal was a “three for one solution” which involves three components: massive economic development, a peace accord, and cultural-historical acknowledgment.” The MILF peace panel rejected the GPH proposal, prompting Leonen to say, “We reject your rejection.” The talks went on an impasse with Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed shuttling between the panels until they resumed talks in December. The panels have been meeting every month since. In a press conference in Cotabato City in late August last year, Leonen said amending the 1987 Constitution was not a priority of the present administration. “The proposal of government to the MILF does not contain a proposal for constitutional amendment,” he said. “Autonomy as practiced by the ARMM in the past is a failed experiment. However it does not necessarily mean we do not learn from that experience,” he said, adding the autonomy they are proposing “comes close to the idea of self governance also of the MILF.” “We read sub-state also as autonomy. We do not see sub-state as a separate republic,” Leonen said then. He also noted in August that many of the fundamental aspirations of the MILF “can be fitted into the provisions of the current Constitution.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)

Dead sea turtles, corals seized in Vietnamese boat

by DAVID Y. SANTOS


MANILA, Philippines – Marine authorities in Tawi-Tawi said they have confiscated at least 50 dead sea turtles and bundles of rare corals from a Vietnamese fishing boat while docked at the port of Bongao town on Tuesday, April 24.

The seized items, which are classified as endangered species under maritime laws, were intended to be smuggled to other countries.

The Philippine Coast Guard Station in Bongao said the dead turtles were found along with 5 bundles of Black Corals inside SBF 48, a Vietnamese-registered fishing boat, during a routine inspection. The contraband was “concealed inside a refrigerated fish cargo hole located at the port side of the vessel.”

Bureua of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Asis Perez has confirmed that charges have been filed against the boat's 12 crew members, who were all Vietnamese, for violating laws forbidding the collection and sale of sea turtles and corals.

The cases, citing violations of Republic Acts 8550 or the Fisheries Code of the Philippines and 9147 or the Wildlife Act of the Philippines, were filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 5 in Bongao.

Among the different sea turtles, the Hawksbill turtle is commonly found in Tawi-Tawi and has been classified as critically endangered. Hawksbill shells are used for decorative purposes, while Hawksbill eggs and meat are cooked as a native delicacy. - Rappler.com

Airphil plane engine emits smoke before take-off, passengers ordered to disembark

by Nonong Santiago/Hader Glang


Hundreds of passengers bound for Manila, Davao, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi were stranded yesterday morning when a turbo-prop plane of the Air Philippines started emitting smoke in the middle of Runway 27 while it was about to depart for Sanga-Sanga Airport in Tawi-Tawi Province.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Manager Celso Bayabos disclosed that the plane was given the clearance for departure at 7 a.m. when the pilots noticed smoke coming from the right engine of the propeller plane while it was already 300 meters away from Runway 27.

The pilots had to stop the plane in the middle of the runway and ordered the affected passengers to disembark the aircraft resulting to the delay of the 7:45 a.m. Philippine Airlines flight for Manila, Bayabos said.

According to Bayabos, the inbound flight of Cebu Pacific from Manila to Zamboanga was also diverted to Davao City Airport because of the obstruction.

“Ang AirPhil bound for Sanga-Sanga Airport in Tawi-Tawi was given a clearance for take off at Runway 27, but rolling for take off mga around 300 meters away na sya beginning sa runway 27, biglang hininto ng piloto ang eroplano dahil nahalata na may diperensya ang right engine ng eroplano. Ang ibang flight ng PAL for Manila ay na-hold muna. Ang inbound flight of Cebu Pacific from Manila to Zamboanga was diverted to Davao City airport,” Bayabos said.

The airport manager said they had to borrow the tow bar of the Philippine Air Force to tow the plane out of the runway. Bayabos said the airport was cleared for landing and departure at past 8 in the morning. A Norwegian, Einar Solheim said his flight was supposed to be at 7:45 a.m. but due to the incident, it was delayed.

Rossnelly said this is not good because they are supposed to go to the Norwegian Embassy to apply for a fiancée visa. Some passengers were also clearly upset with the delay.

There is no clear report yet as to what was the cause of the incident.

Air Philippines flight to Tawi-Tawi aborted due to smoke from engine

by Julie Alipala

Philippine Daily Inquirer


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines— An Air Philippines flight to Tawi-Tawi was aborted on Monday morning as smoke emitted from the right engine of the plane, an official said. Celso Bayabos, manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in Zamboanga, said the plane was about to take off when pilots noticed the smoke prompting them to park and order around 50 passengers to disembark shortly after 7:00 in the morning. “It’s not really fire, there was smoke. It’s good that pilots noticed it before they take off otherwise (it would be) another disaster,” Bayabos said. Other flights supposedly about to land at Zamboanga City international airport like Cebu Pacific from Davao city and Manila were advised to redirect their flights back. Fire marshalls and other airport personnel immediately towed the aircraft back to the taxi area to determine the actual cause of engine trouble.






P2.8-B infra projects for roads, bridges in ARMM under way

by JONATHAN L. MAYUGA / REPORTER


PUBLIC Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said several infrastructure projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are being implemented to boost economic development in the region. Singson said 26 projects worth around P2.8 billion are in various stages of implementation. All in all, the projects involve 117 kilometers of national roads and 132 linear meters of bridges.

“I’ve just met with President Aquino and the governors of the ARMM provinces and ARMM Governor [Mujiv] Hataman. We have reported the status of our program in ARMM,” Singson told reporters during the Communication and News Exchange (CNEX) forum at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office in Quezon City.

The projects, he said, are part of the “Transition Investment Support Program for ARMM” being implemented by the Aquino administration. It has a total budget of P8.5 billion, P2.8 billion of which is for the repairs, rehabilitation and upgrading of major roads in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

According to Singson, a total of three projects in Basilan involving the upgrading of 13 kilometers of road and 36.9 linear meters of bridge are now ongoing.

In Sulu he said the DPWH will implement a total of five projects that will construct 15 kilometers of road. Four of the projects have started.

Meanwhile, there are two upgrading projects involving 13 kilometers of road in Tawi-Tawi. “We are also looking at improving the water system in Tawi-Tawi,” he said.

In Lanao del Sur there are a total of eight projects. Five projects have just been awarded to private contractors while three others “will be awarded very soon.”

The projects involve the rehabilitation and upgrading of 33 kilometers of road and 75 linear meters of bridges.

“In Lanao we are also looking at upgrading the Agos River to improve and add 60 megawatts of power in Mindanao,” the DPWH revealed.

On the other hand, there are a total of eight ongoing projects in the province of Maguindanao, involving a total of 38 kilometers of roads and 20 linear meters of bridges. “We have updated [data on] the road networks in the ARMM. We now have a plan to fully restore the road networks there,” he said.

Shipper questions hold order on bark shipment

by Cebu Daily News


THE owner of the 1,000 sacks of tree bark of mangroves or tanbarks locally known as “tungog” that was seized by authorities last Thursday in Cebu City came forward to seek the release of the shipment. Erickson Kho of Sulu questioned the hold order issued by the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force. The foregst goods originated from Tandubas, Tawi-tawi, Mindanao. Edward Pamplona, head of the Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force, told Kho that he failed to present a Certificate to Transport Forest Products to justify his claim on the shipment. Kho’s papers said he was the lone bidder who won and paid P25,520 for the 51.4 tons of tanbarks previously confiscated in Mindanao and put up for auction. But the potential market value of the bark is P14.39 million, according to Pamplona, making the shipment suspicious. A physical examination was made yesterday by the task force, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Community of Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro), Pamplona said 10 vans loaded with 280 tons of tanbarks were seized in Pier 8 Dec. 6 last year under Kho’s name. He said the tanbarks were released to Kho because no hold order was immediately issued. He said they have been “monitoring” Kho’s tanbarks shipment almost every month after reading documents that noted that the shipment was “bought through public bidding.” “Why isn’t this (tanbarks shipment) controlled?” Pamplona said. Pamplona said the National Anti-illegal Logging Task Force is meeting with the Forest Management Team to verify whether the tan barks were the subject of a public bidding. The shipment was consigned to Paul Bercina of barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City. It was seized from a motor boat by Navy personnel on Thursday. Tanbark is used in the production of paint, beads and food coloring. Correspondent Rhea Ruth V. Rosell

Magnitude 4.4 strikes off Tawi-Tawi

by http://www.abs-cbnnews.com


MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off Tawi-Tawi on Thursday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs said the earthquake occurred at 6:59 p.m. Its epicenter was located 260 kilometers southeast of South Ubian town.

The earthquake was tectonic in origin. It had a depth of 491 kilometers.

No tremor was felt in any part of the province. Likewise, no damage was reported.

Phivolcs said aftershocks are not expected from the earthquake.

Authentic HK Dimsum, Half-Price!

by SOL VANZI


MANILA, Philippines — In the '60s and '70s, there was only one place outside of Chinatown for Manila dimsum lovers: Kowloon House on A. Mabini, Ermita, just off the corner of Herran (now Pedro Gil). The selection was limited: but it was the only show in town. The short dimsum menu listed siopao (asado or bola-bola), siomai, hakaw (shrimp dumpling), shark’s fin, beef balls, wugok (fried taro balls filled with chicken and mushrooms) and custard tart for dessert.

Filipino Chinese businessmen, many born in Mainland China, often flew to Hong Kong for weekend R & R, to visit girlfriends or relatives. Highlighting their trips were dimsum binges at the ground floor restaurant of the Luk Kwok Hotel in Wanchai, setting for the Richard Mason novel that inspired the movie “World of Suzie Wong.”

MANILA’S AUTHENTIC HK DIMSUM -- Today, there is no need to fly to Hong Kong to feast on a vast selection of authentic Chinese dimsum. Nor do we have to negotiate the narrow streets and no-parking areas of Binondo’s Chinatown. Families and friends now gather for traditional Sunday reunions, or weekday meals, at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant on Diosdado Macapagal Avenue off Roxas Boulevard.

Not only do they enjoy the food, there’s the convenience of guarded parking spaces, and the assurance of enough tables, chairs and rooms capable of handling small, medium or large gatherings.

A family of 10 would need several Sunday reunions to taste everything on the Golden Bay’s dimsum menu, which lists 81 varieties. China-trained Chef Hui Chun Yuk, better known to diners and staff as Chef Ben, prepares all the iconic dumplings (siomai, hakaw), steamed buns (chicken pao), rice (machang), congee, steamed pig knuckle and tripe (goto), among others.

TRADITION AND INNOVATION – In addition to the familiar dishes, Golden Bay’s menu also carries dozens of dimsums incorporating non-traditional ingredients, which surprisingly blend perfectly with dimsum cuisine.

Succulently reminiscent of the ocean are the uncommon Yuan Yang Dumplings, filled with fish fillet and topped with deep orange crab roe. Each dumpling, glistening in the steamer, is accented with a whole baby abalone. How many can claim to have eaten, or even seen, whole baby abalone?

The small abalone comes from the clear blue waters of the Pacific, where fishermen from Aurora province pluck them from rocks and keep them iced for delivery to Golden Bay’s purchasing officer Joseph Wong.

Joseph travels from extreme northern Luzon to the waters of Sulu Sea off Tawi-Tawi in search of marine products for the restaurant and for export. His knowledge extends beyond the harvests’ economic value; like an artist, he collaborates with Chef Ben in creating new dishes, transforming and reshaping the sea’s bounty to produce spectacular tasty delights.

MINI BEGGAR’S CHICKEN – Golden Bay has a greaseless version of the common Machang (sticky rice, sausage, pork and mushrooms). Glutinous Rice with Chicken come as rectangular, single-serving packets of sticky rice layered with a filling of chicken, mushrooms and seasonings wrapped in lotus leaf.

The heady aroma of chicken and mushrooms wafts as soon as the lotus leaf is opened. Unwrapped, the contents resemble a rice sandwich. The flavors are complex yet complementary, much like Beggar’s Chicken which was the inspiration for the dish. Imported Chinese dried lotus leaves impart smoky and earthy undertones which could not be duplicated if one used other leaves, such as banana or pandan.

I took home a few pieces, kept them in the fridge overnight. The next morning, they were unwrapped and pan-fried until toasty crisp on the outside. Heavenly!

GIGANTIC HAKAW – The regular bamboo steamer basket is hardly big enough for one order of Hakaw, which are definitely the biggest shrimp dumplings I’ve ever seen. The wrapper alone is worthy of note: shiny, transparent as cellophane, quivering in the rising steam. Inside are several pink shrimp, firm to the bite and with a texture implying they’ve never been frozen.

“It is not a secret; to ensure quality tasting food, we make sure that we have fresh quality ingredients daily,” emphasizes Chef Ben.

EXTRA-ORDINARY SIAO LONG – There is a unique system to eating Siao Long, lovingly described by experts as “soup in a dumpling,” one of the trickiest dumplings to assemble.

Carefully, the dumpling is lifted to one’s mouth, making sure the skin stays intact. A small bite near the top would then allow the diner to slurp the juices before attacking the rest of the piece, composed of minced lean pork and herbs.

As with the other Golden Bay dumplings, Siao Long dumplings are large, and take at least three bites to finish. The pork filling is so lean there is no hint of greasiness or oil either in the filling or the “soup” inside its wrapping.

STEAMED GOTO – One item very few ever cook at home is tripe; even the most avid kitchen lover loses patience with the hours required to clean, soak, stew and simmer to make this animal part edible. Cooked well, though, tripe, or goto, is beyond description.

Golden Bay’s Steamed Goto is a dish that looks deceptively simple; this impression quickly disappears with the first bite, which bathes the mouth with indescribable richness. To enjoy the dish fully, one should chew very slowly, savoring the nuances of dozens of herbs the tripe was simmered in. A few slivers of fresh green and red chili peppers enliven the meat, elevating the experience to sensuous heights.

CONGEES AND OTHERS – Like many Hong Kong residents, I got used to congee breakfast, teamed with salty stuff. At Golden Bay, my favorite congee partners are Rice Roll with Abalone Sauce and Radish Cake with XO Sauce and Crispy Dried Scallops.

The Rice Rolls are Ho-Fan, or sheets of steamed ground rice batter rolled and bathed in thick Abalone Sauce. The Radish Cake is cubed, fried, bathed in sauce and covered with a thick layer of crisp shreds of fried dried imported scallops. How’s that for decadent?

Of course, one should not miss what we call Pata Tim, listed on the menu as Steamed Pig Knuckle with Preserved Beancurd. Melt-in-the-mouth pig trotters come with bone marrow that’s to die for, stewed in cubes of preserved beancurd which we call tahure. This is a welcome twist from the ordinary stew using salted black beans or tausi; it’s complex in flavor and more authentic. Makes one want to pour it over plain steamed rice.

CHEAPER THAN FASTFOOD – The Golden Bay’s dimsum menu regular prices are lower by half compared to dishes of the same quality in five-star hotels. This summer, there is an ongoing promo that is offering 50% off the regular dimsum prices.

Bottomline? Golden Bay’s authentic Hong Kong dimsum are now discounted to only P63 to P75 per order. This is definitely cheaper than most fastfood outlets considering the larger servings and superior quality.

“We are not after profits. Our aim is authenticity, pleasant ambience and to bring Hong Kong dimsum to Manila at prices that will be more affordable for more people,” Joseph Wong says, laying out the goals of the country’s premier dimsum destination.

Roperos: Cost of living pains

by Godofredo M. Roperos

Politics also


YESTERDAY, there was a story in this daily about the city’s waterworks system being the subject of complaints by some subscribers who suddenly found their water faucets dry. They realized that the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) had interrupted its services to repair pipe leakage in some parts of the city.

Of course, the subscribers failed to realize that what they experienced was one of the hazards of urban living. It is the way we live today that sometimes subjects us to certain discomforts.

When I was still a kid in the countryside, I often went with my grandfather to his farm about three kilometers away from the poblacion. There was a concrete tank on a promontory overlooking his cornfield. The Tangke was the source of the piped water to the houses in the poblacion.

No wonder the water turned brackish when there was heavy rain, and we were warned not to drink the water when it was brackish. Then, when it was election season, I remember candidates promising to improve our water system so we would not get sick when the water would turn brackish.

Many years later, when I started covering the rural areas from Aparri of the Cagayan Valley in the north, to Tawi-tawi in the Muslim country of the far south, I realized how gravely had water grown to be a national problem. This despite efforts of government to initiate various projects to provide water in our communities.

But then only recently, there was the typhoid outbreak in Tuburan that was generally blamed on water. It really seemed as if the problem of providing safe water source to our rural communities would drag on across the years as a continuing problem seeking solution. This is, of course, one of the basic political issues that our government is constantly challenged, just like the problem of power and the environment.

Not very long ago, our drainage canal was unable to function effectively. Imagine my surprise one morning when we awoke with rainwater flooding our ground-floor. Since rain went on for days, water also stayed on in our ground floor, until we sought the help of the mayor who had the highway drainage canal cleared of debris and plastic waste.

Now, it is my power bill that I am concerned with. But my request to Cebeco III to change my power meter has not been heeded in the past two months. With the cost of living having gone up, even the cost of kitchen gas going up a thousand pesos a tank, we pray that our basic services suppliers would listen to our appeal for help. But then, the contemporary existence is something we can no more avoid than we can climate change. It is a reality of our present urban existence that we just have to suffer through, and coyly live with.






Tawi-Tawi peace council convened to address Sitangkai conflict

by (PNA)

LAP/FMS/mec


ZAMBOANGA CITY — Governor Hadji Sadikul Sahali has convened the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) to settle a clan war in that otherwise peaceful province in Southeestern Philippines. Sahali, who chairs the PPOC, said that his agenda in convening the council was to address the armed conflict between two groups in the Municipality of Sitangkai that has been reportedly escalating. The PPOC chairman has directed the Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Rodelio Jocson to provide him with regular updates on the situation in the area. Initially, Jocson confirmed that there has been armed engagement between the two warring factions, which were not identified. However, he said that the groups have agreed on a ceasefire and settlement of the conflict is under negotiation. He also said that the peace and order situation in the Province of Tawi-Tawi is manageable and there is no cause for alarm. In the same manner, Task Force 62 Commander, Navy Captain Renato Yongque also said that Tawi-Tawi in its entirety is peaceful, “that is why there is no military movement,” he stressed. Yongque also cited that the military has made changes in its approach and has adopted the so-called “Internal Peace and Security Plan or the Bayanihan,” composed of teams of selected soldiers to help work for peace in the community. Meanwhile, Sahali said that the conflict in Sitangkai between the two groups is purely a clan war, which is normally occurring in the province and elsewhere. He stressed his optimism that such conflict could be addressed soon, just like incidents of the same nature that have already occurred in the past but were given solutions. “We have peace in Tawi-Tawi, and we will protect that peace,” the governor stressed.






Rescued

by www.tawitawi.net


Two alleged victims of human trafficking were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) while onboard a ship in Tawi-Tawi. Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrent, PCG spokesman, said that Coast Guard Station-Bongao received a report that two teenagers – Remelyn Ponce, 18 and Roselyn Ponce, 16 – who were reportedly victims of human trafficking, were held onboard MV TrishaKerstin-2 while en route to Bongao, Tawi Tawi on April 10.

Further investigation disclosed that the girls, who left home without the knowledge of their families, were promised jobs as domestic helpers in Malaysia. Upon learning of the incident, Ponce’s mother sought assistance from the Coast Guard.

Meanwhile, five persons were arrested in separate anti-illegal drugs operations in Quezon City since Friday afternoon. Investigators of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified the arrested suspects as Mary Jane Obarra, 39; Danilo Fernando Sr., 52; Theresa Cruz, 43; Gilbert Cruz, 22; and Aldrin Rivera, 22.






Promoting Tourism on Beautiful but Violent Tawi-Tawi

by Bongao.


The island’s pristine waters, prehistoric caves and mountain lookouts, it turns out, lie in the vicinity of fierce battles between rebel groups and the Philippine military.

Kidnappings are a recurring problem on Tawi-Tawi, and clan warfare, beheadings and roadside bombs are all too common on the surrounding islands in the southern Philippines. Nonetheless, Gov. Sadikul Sahali and local tourism officials are laying out the welcome mat, with a new promotional campaign aimed at trumpeting the charms of Tawi-Tawi and other nearby isles.

National tourism officials are opposed to foreigners visiting the area because of the dangers. A national tourism campaign, with the slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” has been something of a sensation on the Internet, though, and users have appropriated the slogan in postings on social media sites to celebrate — and mock — what constitutes “fun” in some areas. One such image under the heading “Vacation. It’s More Fun in the Philippines” shows a kidnapped couple flanked by masked, armed men in Mindanao, the easternmost island in the Philippines.

“If you are in central and western Mindanao, you should leave immediately,” states a recent travel advisory from the Australian government to its citizens.

“If, despite our very strong advice against travel, you decide to visit central or western Mindanao,” it added, “you should put in place robust measures to ensure your personal security, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.”

The United States, Britain and many other countries have had similar travel warnings for more than a decade.

It is no surprise, given the recent history of the area around Tawi-Tawi, that visitors are urged to arrange security along with their tour packages.

On nearby Jolo Island in February, Philippine Air Force jets dropped two bombs that killed more than a dozen rebels, including top leaders of a regional terrorist network with links to Al Qaeda, military officials said.

A nearby island, Basilan, is a stronghold for the top terrorist organization in the Philippines, Abu Sayyaf.

Just beyond Basilan, in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, Warren Richard Rodwell, a 53-year-old Australian, has been held captive since his abduction on Dec. 5. In July, a vacationing American, Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann, her 14-year-old son and her 19-year-old Filipino nephew were kidnapped in a coastal area of Zamboanga City. All three are now free, and Ms. Lunsmann and her son have returned to the United States. No one has confirmed or denied rumors that ransoms were paid.

Despite the warnings, two European birdwatchers decided to visit Tawi-Tawi in hopes of seeing the extremely rare Sulu hornbill. They were kidnapped on Feb. 1 and remain in captivity. The violence and kidnappings in the south pose a significant problem for Philippine tourism officials.

“The Philippines remains an ideal destination, with foreign individuals and groups continuing to arrive,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement shortly after the birdwatchers were kidnapped. “So far, no cancellations have been made.”

In Bongao, on Tawi-Tawi, the desk clerk at the Beachside Inn, Nur Uddin, said by telephone that foreigners continued to arrive, although not very often. “If you come here, you should hire a security guard to make sure you are safe,” he said.

Salvacion Pescadera, a provincial tourism officer, said the kidnapping of the birdwatchers was an isolated case that, she said, occurred because they had not sought security clearance from the Tourism Department before visiting a remote area. She said that her office coordinated with the local police to provide security for visitors. “You’ll be in good hands,” she said.

DENR, tourism council seek more no-mining zones

by Kristine L. Alave

Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Tourism Council last week endorsed proposals to delineate hundreds of areas as “no-mining zones.” According to Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, the DENR has recommended that the government add nine more sites to its current list of 239 protected areas. Of those already on the list, 178 of them would be further declared as “eco-tourism zones,” to expand their protection from all extractive activities, including small-scale mining. The nine new areas to be placed under the conservation area status are: Balbalan-Balbalasang National Park in the Cordillera Region, Zambales Mountains in Regions 1 and 3, Mts. Irid Angelo and Binuang in Region 4A, Polilio Group of Islands, also in Region 4A, Mts. Iglit Baco National Park in Region 4B, Nug as Lantoy in Region 7, Mt. Nacolod in Region 8, Mt. Hilong-hilong in Region 13, and Bongao Peak in Tawi-tawi Island. On strengthening restrictions in 178 protected areas, Paje said: “The priority land use in these areas is tourism,” Paje said. “We have agreed that these areas are no-mining zones,” Paje added. ‘In conflict’ He said government is supportive of the idea since it wants to bolster the country’s tourism industry. A few months ago, the Department of Tourism launched a campaign with a tag line “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” to entice more foreign tourists to come to the country. The move to delineate more protected areas came after DENR, Silliman University and the German aid agency noted that the National Integrated Protected Areas System (Nipas) Act of 1992 has loopholes that allow some extractive and commercial activities even in protected areas. Also, the review noted that current laws on protected areas and the Mining Act of 1995 are “in conflict” when it comes to areas that are open to mining and areas with a protected status. The Nipas law also mandates Congress to declare a particular area as a protected site, which is an expensive and long process.

DPWH Sec. Sadain visits, inspects Tawi- Tawi Projects

by (PR/BFC)


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi- (March 11, 2012) Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Secretary Emil K. Sadain personally inspected on-going projects being undertaken by the ARMM government in the island provinces over the weekends.


Sec. Sadain made his province-hopping across the southern islands including Tawi-Tawi where he, along with local executives led by Gov. Sadikul Sahali officially inspected the continuing construction of three steel bridges worth approximately P97.0 M across the Sanga-Sanga-Lapid-Lapid rapids in Bongao town, which, if completed, will spur economic growth as well as boost social transformation in the islands.

Phase I and II of the project had been substantially completed while Phase III posted accomplishment now at 98.13 percent complete while construction works still continuing and expected to be finished by September this year. Construction started last June 10, 2010.

Bridge Project Engr. Jul-Arab Kong of the DPWH-RO-9 said that by April of this year, President Benigno Aquino III is set to inaugurate and declare it open for public use.

Sec. Sadain, con-currently DPWH-President Bridge Program Director with an appointment as national Assistant Secretary, pointed out that after decades at attempting to construct the bridge projects, it is only now that we are to realize it.

The bridge project, one of the priorities of the national government would connect the Bongao capital town island to the other mainland island towns making accessible trade and commerce as well as allow the movements of people to travel by land, according to Sadain.

Sec. Sadain also led the ocular assessment and inspection of Tubig Malum (Rio Hondo) in Sitio Malum, Barangay Magsaggaw, Panglima Sugala town about 6 kilometers from the capital Barangay Bato-Bato to determine the possibility for implementation of the proposed water system as a potential source of potable water. The water system will be tapped and distributed to the entire main island of the province. The river which stretches downstream from barangay Marang-Marang (Languyan town) to Barangay Magsaggaw extending further through Barangay Kulapi towards the southern tip of Panglima Sugala municipality has sufficient volume of fresh water that could cater a growing population.

Meanwhile, Gov. Sahali briefed Sec. Sadain about the proposal to undertake the project because it is a priority need of the people. The Governor said it’s high time that a viable and sustainable water works system harnessing the Malum River will address the perennial shortage of water supply in the island province Sahali, likewise emphasized his willingness to extend his local counterpart contribution to start with the project even as he toured the ARMM official to the site despite the difficulty in traversing the rugged road conditions and trails to reach the area.

“We must do an actual assessment of the situation on the ground and know where to start,” Sadain emphasized even as he assured to work for its realization under PNoy’s administration.

Accompanied by DPWH officials and staff, Sadain took time out to conduct consultations with the seven district officials of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, who joined him in Tawi-Tawi for the holding of the First Joint Regional and District Conference held at the DPWH district office in Bongao town, where the DPWH-ARMM Reform Agenda 2012 was laid down as a policy guidelines of the ARMM leadership by fully implementing important milestone projects using available resources and funding.

Tawi-Tawi DPWH District Engr. Bensoud Ajihil, who played host to the conference vowed to continue to support the ARMM Secretary in fulfilling the reform agenda as mandated by doing its share in developing the southern frontier of the country.

Sadain said that in support of the reform programs and good governance of ARMM, milestone targets has been set in place.

He declared that DPWH-ARMM has attained remarkable achievements in the pursuit of reform for good governance, defining its new policies and programs in the field of administrative, technical and financial matters, in just almost 3 months since he assumed.

He said, the first 100 days accomplishments, for both physical and financial inclusive of the difficulties encountered, the impact of the programs and activities as reflected in the reports as well as recommendations has been submitted to the ARMM regional Governor.

Discussions also centered on all the accomplishments of the department and the sharing of information on the problems experienced with regards to project implementation and on how to address them.

Sadain is optimistic, with help from all stakeholders to include local government units, Barangays, the NGO’s and the members of the community; ARMM will be able to take off from its slumber under the present administration of Regional Gov. Hataman.

Sadain, who assumed last January 17, 2012 as DPWH cabinet secretary promised to institute changes not only from within the system but also develop a scheme to address on the deep-seated “culture of people” working habits in bringing the desired development for the ARMM.

Earlier, Saidain said that when he was appointed as the DPWH-ARMM secretary, he noticed that it's not only the system that need to be changed but also the culture of the people working on it especially the public officials particularly those under his supervision from what he described as, “from the culture of officials down to workers in the office” and the department's programming on project implementation solely focuses on local roads which were then gradually destroyed as of this period.

On national roads with a total of 1,100 kilometers, about 70 percent of the road was done adding that with the marching orders of the President to the newly appointed ARMM governor to cover the 100 percent National paved roads by next midterm elections, due to that the 70 percent of the national roads should be given right priority under the program of DPWH-ARMM.

Sadain added he is now in the midst of undertaking the needed reforms within his department to set the right example and provide the avenue for real change to take its course for the good of the ARMM constituents.

Part of the reform effort focuses on reviewing falsified documents on the appointments of employees while upholding civil service rulings in cleansing his department on the old ways of culture to professionalize the bureaucracy, according to Sadain.

Sec. Sadain claimed that President Aquino’s choice for OIC Regional Gov. Hataman is welcome as the latter is sincere and committed in delivering reform in the ARMM Region even as he expects everyone to support.

The department also looks forward in developing some projects that would invite donor countries in the form of providing grants such as the USAID, Organization of Islamic Conference, JICA and others that extends assistance for member countries.

Much earlier, Sec. Sadain has issued a memo to the two district engineering offices which compliments the first district of Maguindanao and the second district of Lanao del Sur for the maintenance of road clearing for the commuters to feel comfortable in their travel from Cotabato City up to Parang and Malabang all the way to Marawi City which stretch up to 70 kilometers long. The road signage's on the sharp curves, street markings and kilometer posts were planned to be placed along the roadsides.

The department targets to cater about 80 percent of the budget focused on national roads and bridges and the balance will be considered by 2013. He further explained that he sub-divided their office programming, 80 percent of it for the national roads and 20 percent for the high-impact or strategic roads adding that these roads are those problematic roads on calamity or conflict affected areas.

While in Basilan, the secretary accompanied Governor Hataman to inaugurate the multi-million pesos worth of JICA-funded Integrated port Terminal in Lamitan City and inspected other infra projects.

In Sulu, Sadain, together with the regional governor and Sulu officials led the ground-breaking of Jolo-Taglibi-Tiptipun road network; inspection of the existing and on-going construction road projects; visit of the area equipment and the Sulu’s two engineering district offices; assessment of the proposed water and drainage systems in Jolo; and meeting with local officials led by Gov. Sakur Tan.

In the Secretary’s entourage were Maguindanao District Engineers Emran Buisan (Dist. 1), and Zainal Mlok (Dist. 2), Lanao District Engineers Tetinga Langit Sumagayan (Dist. 1) and Maldamin Decampong (Dist. 2), Sulu D.E. Taballang Atluh (Dist. 1) and Barlie Nahudan (Dist. 2), Basilan D.E. Bensali Kasim and Tawi-Tawi D.E. Bensoud Ajihil.

Simunul Mayor ousted

by Press Release


Nazif Ahmad B. Abdurahman, the mayor of Simunul, a fourth class and one of the 11 municipalities in Tawi-Tawi, has been ousted from office. This came about as Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 5 Acting Presiding Judge Peter V. Eisma of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, has issued a five-page Special Order dated April 2, 2012 granting the “motion for execution” of its February 10, 2012 order that “annulled and set aside” Abdurahman's proclamation and declared Benzar N. Tambut as the duly elected mayor of Simunul municipality, Province of Tawi-Tawi.

“Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered, finding the protestant Benzar N. Tambut as the duly elected Municipal Mayor of the Municipality of Simunul, Province of Tawi-Tawi. The proclamation of the protestee Nazif Ahmad B. Abdurahman as Municipal Mayor of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi in the last May 10, 2012 elections is hereby ANNULED and SET ASIDE,” the Court stated in its February 10, 2012 decision.

The Court issued the order after Tambut, assisted by election lawyer Quirino Esguerra, Jr., has protested Abdurahman's proclamation citing various irregularities allegedly conducted and/or perpetrated by Abdurahman and/or his followers and cohorts during the conduct of the automated national and local elections on May 10, 2010.

Tambut has contested and impugned the results of six of the total 20 clustered precincts for the mayoralty position. Earlier, Abdurahman was proclaimed as the winner in the mayoralty race having garnered the highest votes casted and canvassed during the May 10, 2010 election with a total of 2,955 votes as compared to Tambut who obtained 2,386 votes, the second highest ranking in the race of six aspirants for mayor.

However, the Court, after the revision and judicial appreciation of ballots, has annulled and set aside Aburahman's proclamation since it found out that Tambut garnered 2,329 votes while Abdurahman garnered a total of 1,933 votes or with a difference of 396 votes.

The Court in its April 2, 2012 decision has cited “public interest” in granting the “motion for execution” filed by Tambut and Esguerra, his legal counsel.

“Public interest involved is beyond doubt that warrants the execution of the decision of this court pending appeal when this court established the true and genuine expression of the will of the electorate of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, thereby establishing protestant's right to the contested office by declaring him undoubtedly the true and genuine winner with a plurality of Three Hundred Ninety Six (396) votes as manifestly established in the decision promulgated by this Court on February 10, 2012,” the Court said.

“Public interest demands the immediate execution of the decision of the court and to rule against the execution pending appeal is greatly prejudicial to the constituents of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi whose true and genuine winner has been judicially determined by this court,” the Court added.






Court unseats Tawi-Tawi municipal mayor

by Bong Garcia


A REGIONAL trial court has unseated Nazif Ahmad B. Abdurahman as the mayor of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi province.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 5 acting presiding judge Peter V. Eisma of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, has issued a five-page special order dated April 2, 2012 granting the motion for execution of its February 10, 2012 order that annulled and set aside Abdurahman's proclamation.

The court declared Benzar N. Tambut as the duly elected mayor of Simunul municipality.

The court issued the order after Tambut, assisted by election lawyer Quirino Esguerra Jr., has protested Abdurahman's proclamation.

Tambut’s camp cited various irregularities allegedly conducted by Abdurahman or his followers and cohorts during the conduct of the automated national and local elections on May 10, 2010.

Tambut has contested the results of six of the total 20 clustered precincts for the mayoralty position.

Earlier, Abdurahman was proclaimed as the winner in the mayoralty race having garnered the highest votes casted and canvassed with a total of 2,955 votes as compared to Tambut who obtained 2,386 votes, the second highest ranking in the race of six mayoral aspirants.

The court has annulled and set aside Aburahman's proclamation after it found out after the revision and judicial appreciation of ballots that Tambut garnered 2,329 votes while Abdurahman garnered a total of 1,933 votes or with a difference of 396 votes.

The court in its April 2, 2012 decision has cited public interest in granting the motion for execution filed by Tambut and Esguerra.

“Public interest involved is beyond doubt that warrants the execution of the decision of this court pending appeal when this court established the true and genuine expression of the will of the electorate of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, thereby establishing protestant's right to the contested office by declaring him undoubtedly the true and genuine winner…,” the court said.

Simunul, which comprises of 15 villages, is a 4th class and one of the 11 municipalities of Tawi-Tawi.

Simunul has a population 31,962 people in 4,910 households based on the 2000 census of the National Statistics Office.

DENR-ARMM pursues greening program

by (EOR/APB-PIA 10)


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) is engaging in a massive region-wide reforestation under the National Greening Program (NGP).

“We are vigorously pursuing the implementation of the NGP which seeks to address poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said DENR-ARMM Secretary Kahal Kedtag during the 1st ARMM Summit on Environmental Protection held here recently.

He said the DENR-ARMM is set to produce 5,296,500 seedlings for the 2011-2012 implementation of the program.

According to him, these seedlings will be planted in 2,500 hectares of denuded and open forestland within the region’s five provinces, namely Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

It can be recalled that DENR Secretary Ramon Paje and ARMM OIC-Governor Mujiv Hataman inked an agreement earlier this year to ensure the full implementation of the NGP in the region.

A flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the greening program involves the growing of 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of lands nationwide from 2011 to 2016.

ARMMAA 2012 reels off

by Bong Garcia


LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — The 2012 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (ARMMAA) meet kicked off Saturday with officials encouraging the athletes “to aim for the best.”

The week-long athletic competition is being participated by some 6,000 athletes composed of 12 athletic delegations coming from the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

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The largest athletic contingent is from the province of Tawi-Tawi.

“Aim high and aim for the best,” Armm officer-in-charge Governor Mujiv Hataman told the athletes.

Hataman encouraged the athletes to set a goal not just in participating in the 2012 ARMMAA but to be able to reach to the Palarong Pambansa and possibly in the Olympics.

Hataman also enjoined them to be instruments of peace as this year’s sports competition is themed: “Bridging Peace, Unity and Development through Sports.”

“Let sportsmanship and discipline be the order of the day,” Basilan Congressman Jim Salliman, the elder brother of Hataman, told the athletes.

Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay said the hosting of the ARMMAA 2012 gives them the opportunity to showcase the best of the city especially in the field of tourism.

“We may not provide you excellent facilities but we will offset it with warm hospitality,” Furigay said.

Lamitan City has pristine beaches and beautiful falls like the Bulingan Falls.

Furigay has thanked Hataman and Salliman for their full support to the City Government in the hosting of ARMMAA 2012.

The holding of this year’s ARMMAA is the second time this city played hosts.

The first time Lamitan played hosts to ARMMAA was in 2005 when it was still a municipality.

Remote Villages Get Health Care

by ALI G. MACABALANG


COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Remote villages in the once scary Maguindanao province and the southernmost tips of Tawi-Tawi islands are now receiving health services and medical care which rural folks had longed for decades. Reports about the trend-setting outreach services surfaced at the education and health summit conducted here recently. Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., incumbent health secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), told summit participants that more than 2,000 “deprived people” of Tawi-Tawi received medical attention and health services in a week-long (March 18-25) caravan on the island towns of Sapa-Sapa and Languyan. The “geographically disadvantaged” villagers of the two island towns received various “medical-surgical-safe motherhood outreach” services never done in one setting before, Sinolinding said in his presentation backed by statistics and photos. “Braving the scorching heat of the sun and the staggering hours of travel by sea, we once touched hearts and brought vision and hope among more than 2,000 people in Languyan and Sapapa island towns,” said the ARMM health official cum expert ophthalmologist.

Philippines says it is now ready to sign peace deal with Muslim rebels

by (Mindanao Examiner)


COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 2, 2012) – The Philippines said it is ready to sign a peace agreement with Muslim rebels fighting for self-determination in the restive South. The statement came ahead of peace talks set to begin this month in Kuala Lumpur.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front said peace negotiations are going nowhere after Manila rejected the rebel demand for a Muslim sub-state in Mindanao similar to Malaysia, which is brokering the talks.

“Government maintains that it is ready to sign a peace pact with the MILF in the soonest possible time. We have laid a very pragmatic proposal that will ensure real and genuine autonomy for the Bangsamoro on the table,” Marvic Leonen, chief government peace negotiators, said on Monday.

He said the last round of talks with the MILF in Marc have been very difficult, with both parties engaged in hard bargaining on the substantive aspects of the negotiations.

“Given the dynamic nature of the negotiations, it has to be understood that there are issues that may be hard to resolve. However, government is committed to work hard with its counterparts in the MILF to find mutually acceptable solutions and bring peace in Mindanao. Instead of trying to fuel people's apprehensions, we urge the MILF to work with government and meet our timetable for a peace agreement this year,” Leonen said.

The MILF said it will not sign any peace deal unless the Aquino government agreed on the creation of Muslim sub-state. “We cannot backtrack on our demand because it the will of the Bangsamoro people,” said Mohagher Iqbal, the chief MILF peace negotiator.

He said the MILF is unlikely to sign any peace accord anytime soon, saying, the government is not committed to forging a genuine and long and lasting solution in Mindanao.

The MILF said Manila has offered the five-province Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao which is composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao provinces.

“We will stick with our demand for a Muslim sub-state in Mindanao and nothing more,” Iqbal said.

The Aquino government has proposed the so-called “3-for-1” formula to achieve political settlement of conflict in Mindanao.

Among in the proposal is a roadmap for development and socio-economic rehabilitation in the Mindanao through the creation of the Joint Coordinating Committee on Development in which the Philippines offered partnership with the MILF in identifying and implementing socio-economic projects.

And peace accord through the creation of the Bangsamoro Commission that will be composed of representatives from the government, the MILF, and stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process and to re-craft an Organic Act for “genuine autonomy” and supervise the implementation of the peace pact.

And lastly is for the government to acknowledge the historical injustice of conflict and reconciliation wherein it is willing to officially retell the real history of Mindanao.

Ghazali Jaafar, the MILF vice chairman for political affairs, also expressed pessimism about the peace talks with the Aquino government, saying negotiations have been going on for a long time now, but nothing concrete has been achieved, except for the cease-fire agreement.

“We are very doubtful now whether we can sign a peace deal with government under this present administration,” he said following a recent caucus with senior MILF leaders in the South.

“The assessment of the political officers was the recently concluded peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Malaysia was very disappointing. What the government peace panel headed by Marvic Leonen did in the last talks was never our immediate expectation which is the reason why we are very much disappointed,” Jaafar said.

Damaged luxury cruise towed to port in Tawi-Tawi

by philstar.com


MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Ships are towing the damaged luxury cruise M/V Azamara Quest towards an island in the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi, police said today.

Philippine National Police spokesman Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that a towboat of the Philippine Coast Guard has started towing the ship anchored at Tubbataha Reef at around 9:45 a.m. and is expected to arrive at Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi at around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. They are being escorted by a Philippine Navy ship.

He added that all the passengers were still onboard the ship.

The 30,277-tonnage cruise ship, which has 590 passengers and 411 crew members, caught fire off southern Philippines Friday night while on its way to Sandakan, Malaysia.

Azamara Club Cruises, operator of Azamara Quest, said in an earlier statement that the vessel caught a fire in the engine room, but it was quickly extinguished; five of its crew members got injured, but no passenger hurt in the accident.

Because of the fire incident, the rest of the 17-day Azamara Quest's voyage was canceled.The ship started with the voyage on March 26 in Hong Kong and docked in Manila, Philippines' port on Thursday.

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