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==Kidnapping no effect on tourism==
==Endangered Species==
*Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/kidnapping-no-effect-on-tourism/#.TzjT906PXJc
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=806227&publicationSubCategoryId=67
*Feb 13th, 2012
*Saturday, May 12, 2012
:by  JUN RAMIREZ
 
 
 
Manila, Philippines – The recent abduction of two foreigners in Tawi-Tawi hardly affected the influx of foreign tourists into the country.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), a total of 83,367 foreigners and Balikbayans arrived in the country from Feb. 2 to Feb. 5, a few days after bandits kidnapped Swiss nationals Lorenzo Vinciguerra and Ewold Horn in Tawi-Tawi.
BI statistics also showed that a total of 19,505 foreigners and Balikbayans arrived at the Ninoy Aquino Interrnational Airport during the four-day period.
On a nationwide scale, the statistics showed that 11,980 Koreans, 9,355 Americans and 5,116 Japanese arrived in the country in the same period.
Chinese nationals are next in the list, followed by Australians, Canadians, Taiwanese, and Malaysians.
BI officials said the statistics prove that there is a continuing influx of foreigners and Balikbayans into the country despite the string of negative travel advisories from Western countries.
They said an average of 10,000 tourists arrived at daily at the NAIA, the country’s premiere port.
Department of Tourism (DoT) officials also downplayed the effect of the advisories, citing the 3.9 million tourists who arrived in the country last year compared to the 3.7 million who came in 2010.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==5,000 comb Tawi-Tawi in search of kidnapped Europeans==
*http://globalnation.inquirer.net/25581/5000-comb-tawi-tawi-in-search-of-kidnapped-europeans
*1:47 pm | Saturday, February 11th, 2012
by: Julie S. Alipala
Inquirer Mindanao
 
 
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Some 5,000 people from security forces and volunteers are now combing the western part of Tawi-Tawi in search of the two European birdwatchers abducted by unidentified gunmen on February 1 as their governments are increasingly worried about their safety, a top provincial official said.
“We have more than 3,000 hectares of forest here and the mission of that team is to make sure every part is inspected,” Governor Sadikul Sahali told the Inquirer by telephone on Friday.
The province is made up of 300 islands, the major ones of which include Tawi-Tawi, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Simunul and Sibutu.
Sahali said the authorities were trying their best to locate Dutchman Ewold Horn and Swiss Lorenzo Vinciguerra, and it was hoped that the deployment of more security forces and volunteers would yield positive results.
Horn, Vinciguerra and Filipino birdwatcher Ivan Sarenas were returning to Bongao, the provincial capital, from a 14-day sojourn in the municipality of Panglima Sugala on the biggest island in the Tawi-Tawi group when they were abducted at sea.
Their escorts, a policeman and a local official, were allowed to leave, along with the boat operator. Sarenas managed to escape by jumping overboard later that night and swam in the darkness toward another island where he was aided by fishermen.
“We are hoping there would be positive news in the coming days,” Sahali said.
He admitted that authorities in Bern and The Hague, the Swiss and Dutch capitals, respectively, were closely watching the developments in the search and rescue operations.
He said officials from the Dutch and the Swiss embassies in Manila have been frequently contacting him for updates.
“They keep on calling me every day; they want to know the progress of our efforts, they are very much worried over the safety of the two victims,” Sahali said.
Acting Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said also that European diplomats were in close contact with him.
He said he would always tell them that the efforts were continuing and that the victims have not been sighted so far.
Sahali said they believed that the kidnappers and the victims have not gotten out of Tawi-Tawi yet.
He said had they done so, the kidnappers would have made contact  by this time.
“Probably, they would have made known their demand by now,” Sahali said.
 
==MNLF linked to abduction of 2 foreigners==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/11/12/mnlf-linked-abduction-2-foreigners
*02/12/2012 12:22 AM | Updated as of 02/12/2012 12:22 AM
:by Honor Blanco Cabie
 
 
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Police said they identified a group of young members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as possible suspects in the abduction of two Europeans in Tawi-Tawi more than a week ago.
Police Director Felicisimo Khu, Jr., director of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO), said there are indications that Ewold Horn and Lorenzo Vinciguerra were taken by third generation members of the MNLF in Tawi-Tawi.
Khu said a possible motive is jealousy among the locals. "These foreign birdwatchers when they go to the area, hire locals to serve as their guides and security." Khu said. "One group was denied."
Khu said they are giving the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi time to negotiate with the abductors, who are said to be still hiding in Panglima Sugala town. "Governor Sahali is sending an emissary," Khu revealed.
The police officer also showed to the news team a copy of the email sent by a certain Mustapha Muallam, using Ivan Sarenas' hacked email address, to the group of birdwatchers, where Sarenas is a member.
Muallam, who identified himself as one of the abductors, demanded for the pull-out of police and military operatives in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. "But when he was asked to present proof of life of the victims, he was not able to comply."
Khu believes Muallam is "someone who is merely trying to confuse things."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Tawi Tawi, on the world’s biggest coral triangle in PHL’s far south, sinking? (Feature)==
*Source: http://bayanihan.org/2012/02/10/tawi-tawi-on-the-worlds-biggest-coral-triangle-in-phls-far-south-sinking-feature/
*FEBRUARY 10, 2012
:by  Honor Blanco Cabie
 
 
 
MANILA, Feb. 9 -– Leaders of the Philippines’ most southern province of Tawi Tawi have raised an urgent call, which sent disturbing ripples nationwide, on climate change watchers and environmentalists.
 
 
The call, in the form of a plea, has been addressed to those who have the political will to save the island World, at the southwestern tip of the country, which has splashes of white sandy beaches and rock-bound coasts.
 
Not many know that Tawi Tawi, which has 107 islands and islets, sits at the center of the world’s biggest coral triangle. It shares the same seas with disaster-prone states Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomons and Timor Leste.
 
The area comprises the South Base of the world’s biggest enclave of marine life representing only two per cent of the world’s ocean but contains 76 per cent of the world’s marine biodiversity.
 
Most of the people in Tawi-Tawi belong to the Sama cultural group, which has sub-groups and named based on the location of the speaker: Sama Sibutu from the Sibutu-Sitangkai Island Group, Sama Simunul from Simunul-Manuk Mangkaw Island Group.
 
The Jama Mapun are largely found in the Cagayan Mapun and Turtle Island Group. Many of the people from the Turtle Islands and Cagayan Mapun maintain daily commerce with Sabah, since it is only 14 kms away.
 
The Badjao (also called "Sama Dilaut") are widely dispersed across the country’s southernmost province. It has been observed the Badjao population is diminishing due to diseases and migration to other areas in the Philippines as well as neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia.
 
There is little wonder that recently Rep. Nur Jaafar filed House Resolution 1919 which underlines the need to set up Tawi Tawi and its sinking islands and islets as a National Laboratory with Climate Change Commission.
 
The Resolution identifies the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as lead agencies to undertake systematic monitoring of appropriate parameters.
 
The parameters must be raised with the use of scientific equipment for continued vulnerability assessment and piloting of mitigation and adaptation measures.
 
This is, as Rep. Jaafar said in his privileged speech, to check the Philippines “from becoming the next South Pacific archipelagic state to submerge and render its people refugees … not to be in the same fate as the sinking of Carteret Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu.
 
Filipinos have taken pride in the fact that Turtle Islands in Tawi Tawi is one of only 16 birth homes of the Green Sea Turtles in the world.
 
But with the obvious sinking of the smaller islands with high tides reaching even the plateau that hides the nests, experts are concerned there may be little chance for the turtles to hatch which would result in the dwindling of the already endangered species.
 
Leakage from container vessels and the resulting dumping of toxic waste also pose serious pollution threats to marine biodiversity in Tawi Tawi.
 
This is similar to the danger level of dying reefs as coastlines recede and warming oceans initiate dreaded diseases in fishes as well as fish mutants.
 
Migratory paths of large pelagic fishes would change as they look for cooler waters. This broadens the migratory path and eats up the smaller fishes.
 
While Tawi Tawi has been known to be the seaweeds capital of the Philippines, 10,000 families producing 75 per cent of raw harvests of the country’s carageenan exports may face bleak prospects.
 
Tawi Tawi also takes pride as being the land below the wind. But that may not be for long since storm surges have destroyed houses and left thousands of people homeless.
 
There have been storm surges that reduced stilt houses to matchsticks, according to Rep. Jaafar. This means serious repercussions on the already diminished ancestral domain of the Sama, Tausug, Jama Mapun and Badjao tribes.
 
Jaafar asks, rather pointedly: “Where else could they seek refuge as the sea rises to claim their homes without destroying their traditions and livelihood as seafarers who live close to the sea on stilts?”
 
What climate change means is that the 307 islands and islets in Tawi Tawi may dwindle and shrink, making the stilt houses unable to survive the sudden rise of the sea.
 
Climate change observers say Rep. Jaafar is on track in calling for action now, not tomorrow.
 
According to them, it would be very pathetic indeed if Tawi Tawi, home to almost 500,000 people and an enviable wealth of flora and fauna, would be allowed to sink because there are other concerns, definitely less in urgency, high in the priority list of the authorities. (PNA)
 
==Kidnapped birdwatchers still kept in Tawi-Tawi==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/16751-kidnapped-birdwatchers-still-kept-in-tawi-tawi
*Thursday, February 09, 2012
:by  AL JACINTO
 
 
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Authorities said gunmen are still holding an abducted Dutch and a Swiss wildlife photographers in Tawi-Tawi.
 
Authorities said Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, of Switzerland, are still being held in captivity in one of dozens of islands in the Muslim province.
 
Five gunmen seized the two photographers along with a Filipino guide, Ivan Sadinas, 35, who managed to escape from the gang in the town of Panglima Sugala. Police said the foreigners, who arrived in the province late last month, were taking photographs of wild birds when gunmen seized them.
 
There were unconfirmed reports that the duo was brought to Sulu province and that another report claimed one of the hostages was rescued or freed. Police and military denied the reports.
 
The military’s Western Min-danao Command branded the report as ‘disinformation.’ There was no truth to that report that one of the victims was rescued or freed. It was a disinformation,” said Army Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a regional military spokesman.
 
Police in Tawi-Tawi also denied the report.
 
“They are still here in Tawi-Tawi and the operation is continuing and wanted this problem resolve as soon as possible,” said Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson, the provincial police chief.
 
He said a local gang is holding Horn and Vinciguerre. “They were abducted by locals and not the Abu Sayyaf,” he said when asked by reporters if the al-Qaeda-linked terror group was behind the abduction.
 
Jocson, accompanied by police commandos, launched a rescue operation on Tuesday, but returned empty handed later in the night. “We just came down from the mountain and there were no traces of the hostages,” he said.
 
==Abducted Dutch, Swiss photographers still in Tawi-Tawi province==
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120208050824
*Wednesday, February 08, 2012 06:08:24 PM
:by  Ely Dumaboc
 
 
Police released to the Mindanao Examiner photos of abducted Dutch and a Swiss wildlife photogaphers Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland, and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, of Switzerland. The duo was taken by gunmen on February 1, 2012 in the town of Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi province in the southern Philippines. (Ely Dumaboc)
 
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 8, 2012) – Philippine authorities said gunmen are still holding an abducted Dutch and a Swiss wildlife photographers in the remote southern province of Tawi-Tawi.
 
Authorities said Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, of Switzerland, are still being held in captivity in one of dozens of islands in the Muslim province.
 
Five gunmen seized the two photographers along with a Filipino guide, Ivan Sadinas, 35, who managed to escape from the gang in the town of Panglima Sugala. Police said the foreigners, who arrived in the province late last month, were taking photographs of wild birds when gunmen seized them.
 
There were unconfirmed reports that the duo was brought to Sulu province and that another report claimed one of the hostages was rescued or freed. Police and military denied the reports.
 
The military’s Western Mindanao Command branded the report as ‘disinformation.’ There was no truth to that report that one of the victims was rescued or freed. It was a disinformation,” Army Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a regional military spokesman, told the Mindanao Examiner.
 
Police in Tawi-Tawi also denied the report.
 
“They are still here in Tawi-Tawi and the operation is continuing and wanted this problem resolve as soon as possible,” Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson, the provincial police chief, said in a separate interview.
 
He said a local gang is holding Horn and Vinciguerre. “They were abducted by locals and not the Abu Sayyaf,” he said when asked by reporters if the al-Qaeda-linked terror group was behind the abduction.
 
Jocson, accompanied by police commandos, launched a rescue operation on Tuesday, but returned empty handed later in the night. “We just came down from the mountain and there were no traces of the hostages,” he said.
 
Manila condemned the abduction of the foreigners and ordered authorities to resolve the crisis immediately.
 
The Aquino government also urged foreign tourists to coordinate with their own embassies regarding advisories on conditions that may affect their travel and other arrangements while visiting the Philippines.
 
“We condemn the abduction; and the national and local governments, as well as all agencies concerned, are working to ensure the resolution of the situation, the recovery and release of the men who remain in the hands of their captors, and the bringing to justice of the lawless elements involved,” said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte.
 
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the abduction, but Abu Sayyaf militants are known to operate in the province where they kidnapped a Malaysian fish trader Pang Choon Pong in October last year and is still being held in captivity.
 
Abu Sayyaf militants also kidnapped two Malaysian seaweed farm workers Vui Chung, 42, and his cousin Lai Wing Chau, 33, in Tawi-Tawi in February 2010 and were freed later in the same year after their families paid some 2 million ringgits.
 
The group tied to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya had also kidnapped 21 mostly Western holidaymakers in Sabah’s resort island of Sipadan in 2001 and brought them by boat to the southern Philippines. The hostages were then ransomed off to Malaysia and Libya - which negotiated for their release - for millions of dollars.
 
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding two Malaysians, a Japanese man, an Indian national married to a Filipina, an Australian citizen and three Filipinos in the restive southern region.
 
==European tourists' abductors remain unknown==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/02/07/european-tourists-abductors-remain-unknown-204746
*Tuesday, February 7, 2012
:by  Bong Garcia
 
 
 
THE government authorities are still clueless who were behind the abduction of two European tourists in Tawi-Tawi, as the search to locate the hostages' whereabouts entered on its fifth day Monday.
 
The hostages, Ewold Horn, 52, of Holland and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, of Switzerland were seized by five gunmen together with Filipino guide Ivan Sarenas, 35, last February 1.
 
The tourists were taking photographs of rare bird species off shore Parangan village, Panglima Sugala town, Tawi-Tawi when the gunmen aboard a twin-engine motorized banca arrived and seized them at gunpoint.
 
Sarenas managed to escape hours later as he jumped from the banca while the gunmen were transporting them.
 
Tawi-Tawi police director Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson said no one has called nor made demands in exchange for the release of the European tourists.
 
Meanwhile, Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said they tapped the assistance of all sectors to help them locate the victims.
 
Sahali said he also tapped the assistance of Moro National Liberation Front members in the province.
 
Jocson said the Naval Forces Western Mindanao command has deployed three gunboats around the area where the search is focused.
 
Jocson added that the twin-engine motorized banca used by the suspects were recovered in the shore of Languyan town.
 
==DOT weighs in on abducted European tourists, says "The Tawi-Tawi incident could have been avoided had the visitors taken necessary precautions"==
*Source: http://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/50407/dot-weighs-in-on-abducted-european-tourists-says-the-tawi-tawi-incident-is-considered-unfortunate-and-could-have-been-avoided-had-the-visitors-taken-necessary-precautions
*Feb 6, 2012 - 5:00am
:by spot.ph
 
 
 
Interaksyon.com reports that in a press statement issued late Friday (February 3), the Department of Tourism (DOT) stressed: "The issuance of travel advisories is part of the regular functions of embassies in line with ensuring the safety and security of their citizens in a foreign country. For the Philippines, advice against travel to some parts of Mindanao has been constant and common."
According to the report, the DOT also added: "The Tawi-Tawi incident is considered unfortunate and could have been avoided had the visitors taken necessary precautions many European tourists usually take in heed of these advisories."
The "Tawi-Tawi incident" cited in the DOT statement refers to the case of kidnap victims as Elwold Horn, 52, of Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 47, of Switzerland.They were abducted by "unidentified elements" on February 1, "while riding a boat back to the capital of Bongao, after a bird-watching trip."
According to the report, "the DOT expressed confidence that tourists would continue to flock to the country despite a new travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom."
 
==Philippines: No ransom demand yet for 2 Europeans==
*Source: http://asiancorrespondent.com/75297/philippines-no-ransom-demand-yet-for-2-europeans/
*Feb 05, 2012 3:08AM UTC
:by AP News
 
 
 
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Police said Friday that local thugs, not al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants, were likely to have abducted two European tourists this week in the southern Philippines.
 
Police Director Felicisimo Khu said the kidnappers had not contacted authorities or made any ransom demand.
 
Ewold Horn of the Netherlands, Lorenzo Vinciguerra of Switzerland and their Filipino guide, Ivan Sarenas, were abducted Wednesday during a bird-watching trip to Tawi-Tawi, the Philippines’ southernmost province. They were the latest kidnap victims in an impoverished region infested with al-Qaida-linked militants and criminal gangs that often seek ransom for their foreign hostages.
 
Sarenas escaped hours later by jumping off their captors’ boat after he saw some fishermen, who rescued him.
 
Khu said he doubts the gunmen were Abu Sayyaf members because there is no known Abu Sayyaf presence in the province. But Tawi-Tawi is home to rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace pact with the government in 1996.
 
“There are no indications that they are Abu Sayyaf,” Khu said in a telephone interview, adding that the abductors were likely local thugs.
 
He said the kidnappers freed unharmed an unarmed policeman, a town councilor and a boat skipper who were accompanying the bird watchers, and did not shoot Sarenas when he jumped out of the boat to make his escape — uncharacteristic of the brutal Abu Sayyaf militants, who are notorious for kidnappings and beheadings.
 
The abductors also appeared to be have bungled in failing to take Vinciguerra’s bag, which contained more than $1,000 worth of foreign currencies, and Sarenas’ bag, which had expensive cameras.
 
Police recovered the belongings from the motorized outrigger from which the victims were seized.
 
Sarenas said the victims were transferred to another boat, then a third boat. He said he escaped when he realized the boat was speeding toward Jolo island, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
 
But Khu said that the boat was small and that there was no extra fuel on board for the 12-hour trip to Jolo.
 
Police said the kidnappers landed in Tawi-Tawi’s Languyan township and burned their boat in a bid to hide its owner.
 
Sarenas said he, Horn and Vinciguerra arrived in Tawi-Tawi on Sunday in search of the Sulu hornbill, said to be the most endangered hornbill in the world.
 
Tawi-Tawi is famed for virgin beaches surrounded by crystal blue waters. But like most areas in the restive southern Philippines, it is undeveloped because of years of violence, including ransom kidnappings, bomb attacks and fighting between troops and Muslim rebels.
 
After spending three days in a mountain forest, the three were heading back to the provincial capital of Bongao by boat Wednesday when five rifle-toting gunmen on another boat fired warning shots and intercepted them, Sarenas said.
 
Muslim insurgents have been fighting for minority self-rule in the predominantly Christian nation’s south, and the Abu Sayyaf is the most violent group. The militants have been holding an Australian man abducted in December, as well as a Japanese and a Malaysian.
 
==Abductions in Mindanao seen to derail Philippine tourism campaign==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=774357&publicationSubCategoryId=200
*February 04, 2012 03:02 PM
:by philstar.com
: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.


MANILA, (Xinhua) -- The recent abduction of two Europeans in the island-province of Tawi-Tawi in the southernmost tip of the Philippines and the continued terrorist threat in Mindanao could derail the government's ambitious plan to make the Philippines a top tourist destination in Asia.


After a spike in tourist arrivals last year, the Philippine government is now crafting a long-range program that would make tourism a major engine in the country's economic growth. 


For the first nine months of 2011, visitor arrivals increased by 12 percent to 3.7 million, with South Korea being the country's largest tourism market, followed by the United States, Japan, China and Australia.


Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is now finalizing the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) that aims to attract 10 million foreign visitors to the country by 2016. The DOT hopes to increase tourist arrivals this year to 4.2 million.


Last year, Malaysia had 32 million tourists while Thailand had 14 million visitors.


The abduction on Feb. 1 of Elwold Horn, a 52- year old Dutch, and Lorenzo Vinciguerra, a 47-year old Swiss, in Parangan, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi province by armed men, however, could throw a monkey wrench in the government's grandiose tourism plans.


The two foreigners, reportedly wildlife photographers, were seized while on board a pump boat along with a certain Ivan Sarenas, a local guide, who was able to escape.


The kidnapping, which has remained unresolved four days after it happened, has prompted the British embassy in Manila to reissue a travel advisory for its citizens.


"We advise against all travel to southwest Mindanao covering the following areas: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which includes Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) plus the provinces of Sarangani, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay," the embassy travel advisory says.


The embassy also advised against "all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao because of ongoing terrorist activity." It said there have been a number of attacks against civilian targets in several areas in Mindanao since November 2011 that included at least 10 bombing incidents in North Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sulu, Sultan Kudarat, and Zamboanga killing a total of eight people and wounding of 66 others.
==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


In 2011, some 130,000 British tourists visited the Philippines.


Aside from the Feb. 1 kidnapping of the two Europeans in Tawi- Tawi, an Australian citizen was also kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibubay on Dec. 5, 2011. On July 12, 2011 two American citizens and a Filipino were also kidnapped from a resort on the island of Tictabon near Zamboanga City.
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 embassies of the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada have also issued similar advisories to their citizens.
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.


Earlier, the Philippines strongly urged members of the United Nations Security Council to take a "balanced" approach in the international campaign against terrorism and called on governments to "exercise due care and diligence" in issuing travel advisories.
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.


The call, issued during the Security Council meeting in November, said a balance must also be achieved in the issuance of travel advisories, particularly those that relate to "possible terrorist attacks."
Meanwhile, collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and derivatives are violations of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Act.


"While the Philippines recognized the responsibility of states to protect their citizens, Manila believed that governments must exercise due care and diligence in issuing travel advisories," the government said.
==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


Meanwhile, Malacanang, the seat of the Philippine government, has tried to reassure foreign embassies on the latest kidnapping incident. 


"We condemn the abduction, and the national and local governments, as well as all agencies concerned, are working to ensure the resolution of the situation, the recovery and release of the men who remain in the hands of their captors, and the bringing to justice of the lawless elements involved," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
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.


Valte urged foreign tourists to check with the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as their own embassies, regarding advisories on conditions that may affect their travel and other arrangements while visiting the Philippines.
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 military has suspected rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to be behind the abduction of the two European tourists.
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.”


"There was information that rogue elements of the MNLF were involved. But we are verifying the reports," said Armed Forces chief of staff Jessie Dellosa.
“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.  


Dellosa said government troops and the police have intensified the pursuit operation to locate the victims and their abductors in an area of Tawi-Tawi.
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.


But Dellosa also cited the possibility that the kidnappers might have escaped to nearby Sulu province where military forces have launched intensified operations following the air strike that reportedly killed 15 top-ranking Islamic terrorists with links to Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).
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.


According to the military, among those killed in the air strike in Parang, Sulu last Thursday were three of the most wanted terrorist leaders: Malaysian Zulfikli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, a top JI leader; Abu Sayyaf leader Umbra Jumdail alias Doc Abu; and Singaporean JI leader Abdullah Ali alias Mauwiya.
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==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/thespians-in-tawi-tawi/
*Tuesday, May 8, 2012
: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.


==British nationals warned: Don’t go to Mindanao==
“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.”
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/national/23162-british-nationals-warned-dont-go-to-mindanao
*Friday, February 03, 2012
:by Jun Pisco


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.


THE British Embassy in Manila yesterday issued a travel advisory warning its nationals about the threat of kidnapping in southern Philippines.
“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.


This, following the abduction of two European tourists along with their Filipino guide in Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday.
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.]”


The embassy cited in its travel advice the February 1 kidnapping of the two foreign nationals from Parangan in the township of Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi island province and the abduction of an Australian citizen in Zamboanga Sibugay on December 5.
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].”


“There is also a threat from kidnapping in the Philippines particularly in the southern Philippines. Kidnapping could occur anywhere, including on coastal and island resorts and on dive boats and sites in the Sulu Sea. Foreigners have been targeted in rural, urban and coastal areas in the past,” according to the travel advice.
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.


Abducted were Dutch Ewold Horn and Swiss Lorenzo Vinziguerre, who were snatched with their guide by an armed group in the country’s southernmost Tawi-Tawi island province.
“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.


The Dutch Embassy in Manila confirmed the kidnapping and said it was working on the case.
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.”


The military said there were reports that the Swiss and Dutch tourists were wildlife photographers.
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.


British nationals, thus, are advised against all travel to south-west Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of on-going terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.
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.


There have been a number of attacks against civilian targets. Since November 2011, there have been at least 10 bombing incidents in North Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sulu, Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga, killing a total of eight people and leaving 66 others wounded.
==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




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.


==2 wildlife photographers kidnapped in Tawi-Tawi==
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.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/01/12/2-wildlife-photographers-kidnapped-tawi-tawi
*02/01/2012 8:14 PM | Updated as of 02/01/2012 8:53 PM
:by  ABS-CBNnews.com


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


MANILA, Philippines – Two foreigners and their Filipino guide were kidnapped in Panglima Sugala town in Tawi-Tawi Tuesday afternoon, a military official said.
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.


Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Philippine National Police (ARMM-PNP) regional director Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag identified the kidnapped victims as Elwold Horn from Holland, Lorenzo Vinciguerra from Switzerland and Ivan Sarenas from Davao City.
“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.


Latag said 5 suspects armed with M-203, two M-16 rifles and two .45 caliber pistols aboard a pump boat abducted the victims at Sitio Luuk, Barangay Parangan, Panglima Sugala town.
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.


Tawi-Tawi Vice Governor Ruby Sahali said the municipal councilor of Panglima Sugala, Nestor Cabaluas, was also kidnapped but was able to escape.
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.


Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City, said soldiers have already been dispatched to rescue the kidnapped victims.
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.”


“Accordingly, the foreign nationals, together with Nestor Cabaluas, went at said place when the group, armed with M-16 rifles and caliber .45 pistols, grabbed the victims and dragged them to the shorelines where the watercraft was waiting while Cabaluas escaped,” said Cabangbang.
“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.,


“After said abduction, the abductors fled towards Barangay Lambog, Panglima Sugala, same province. So far, this is the only information we received,” added Cabangbang.
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.


Sahali said the foreigners are wildlife photographers and have been in the island province for about two weeks.
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.


"They are here for bird watching." Sahali said. "They are amazed by the vast bird species that we have in the island."
TDC said the areas that are devastated by dynamite and cyanide fishing are the targets of coral reef restoration.


Sahali said the visitors spent their time in the province searching for birds in the jungles and were set to return to Poblacion Bato-Bato in the afternoon.
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.


Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the possible affiliation of the armed men with the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.
==Introducing Tawi-Tawi, Sulu folk to healthcare==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/introducing-tawi-tawi-sulu-folk-to-healthcare/
*Sunday, May 6, 2012
:by  Edwin O. Fernandez


A rescue operation is ongoing.


“We have a Marine battalion there, the 4th Marine Battalion Landing Team. We have dispatched troops from the battalion to rescue the kidnapped foreigners,” said Cabangbang. -- With a report from Queenie Casimiro, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga
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.


==Govt on track in zero-rice import goal==
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.
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/22627-govt-on-track-in-zero-rice-import-goal
*MONDAY, 30 JANUARY 2012 23:00
:by  Cai U. Ordinario


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.


THE government remains on track on its  “zero rice importation” goal by 2013, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said on Monday.
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.


In a radio interview, he said achieving rice self-sufficiency remained a top priority of the Aquino administration. To achieve this, he said his department was exerting efforts to not only increase palay production but also become self-sufficient in food staples.
The campaign also brought essential information on health, maternal and child care, nutrition, reproduction and birth spacing.


These new staples include white corn and root crops such as cassava and kamote, which can be consumed together with rice. It is widely known that in the Visayas, locals consume rice with corn grits; in Mindanao, many consume rice with cassava.
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.


“In order that we will no longer import rice from other countries in 2013, we have intensified our efforts to shift our focus on food staple sufficiency. This includes the promotion and use of the right volume of rice or palay together with other staples like root crops,” Alcala said in the vernacular.
The blind can see


Alcala noted that there are already 14 million Filipinos eating corn grits with their rice while residents of Zamboanga Peninsula, Jolo, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are used to consuming rice with cassava. In Batanes, the known regional food staple is kamote, he said.
“Ignorance in health is not bliss, it kills,” said Kadil Sinolinding Jr., health secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).


Alcala said that to encourage the consumption of these staples, the agency is pushing for the increase in the production of good varieties to be distributed to other places in the country where there is low production and encourage consumption of these staples and reduction of the demand for rice.
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.


“We hope that after 2013 our rice importation will hit zero. We want to spend taxpayer’s money which used to buy farmer’s products from other countries for products produced by Filipino farmers,” Alcala said.
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.


Efforts to attain the government’s rice self-sufficiency goal by 2013 include the restoration, rehabilitation and maintenance of irrigation systems; increasing farmers’ access to inbred and hybrid seeds; and reduction of postharvest losses through mechanization.
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.


Alcala said the government is also looking at reducing rice wastage that was estimated three tablespoons or 14 grams in raw form per person. This would add up to at least 480,000 metric tons (MT) annually, the DA noted.
Bilateral tubal ligation and other minor surgeries were also provided as part of the project.


Assistant Agriculture Secretary and Bureau of Agriculture Statistics (BAS) Director Romeo Recide said the farm sector benefited from the good weather, particularly the first half of 2011. This was able to boost palay production to around 16.68MMT in 2011. --Cai U. Ordinario
Risky mission


==Tawi-Tawi Turtles Yield 1.4-M Eggs==
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.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349562/tawitawi-turtles-yield-14m-eggs
*January 28, 2012, 7:07pm
:by  ALI G. MACABALANG


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


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines – Green turtles abounding in this southernmost province have laid more than 1.4-million eggs on Baguan Island last year, posting an all-time high national record of nesting since 1984, according to the Conservation International Philippines (CIP).
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 CIP said it has recorded a total of 14,220 green turtle nests on Baguan in 2011 with a total number of eggs surpassing 1,440,000.
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.


The volume of “1.44-million Green turtle eggs in one year is an astounding number for a nesting beach that’s only a little over one kilometer in length. This definitely presents great hope for boosting green turtle populations,” said CIP Country Executive Director Romeo Trono.
DOH launched its Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan simultaneously with the medical mission in Sapa-Sapa.


Reports from the DENR show that since the previous high of 12,311 turtle nests recorded in 1995, nesting records in Baguan have been declining and dropped to as low as just over 4,000 nests in 2003.
“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.


Authorities attributed the decline to poaching by foreign fishermen, egg harvesting by local communities for food and trade, destruction or disturbance of habitats through illegal fishing methods, and law enforcement ineffectiveness.
“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.


“The increasing nest numbers show that when turtles are protected on their nesting beaches and in the water for long enough, they will recover,” said Dr. Bryan Wallace, director of science for Marine Flagship Species Program at CIP.
Sinolinding thanked the people who shared their time and effort for the medical mission.


Meanwhile, the Philippine Turtle Islands’ enforcement team strengthened its marine management by giving training to park wardens, law enforcers, and community volunteers, and deploying officers and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Marines to the area.
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’==
*Source: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/39029/screen-queens-gear-up-for-their-vanishing-acts
*Saturday, May 5, 2012
: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!


==Sea turtles lay over 1.4M eggs in Tawi-tawi==
==Tawi-Tawi enchants Nora Aunor yet again==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=771806
*Source: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/38871/tawi-tawi-enchants-nora-aunor-yet-again
*January 27, 2012 01:19 PM
*Friday, May 4, 2012
:by Jlyne Ubiña
:by Bayani San Diego Jr.




MANILA, Philippines – More than one million green turtle eggs were laid last year on Baguan Island in Tawi-Tawi, achieving an all-time high record of nesting since 1984, the Conservation International Philippines announced today.
A total of 14,220 green turtle nests were recorded in Baguan in 2011 with a total number of eggs surpassing 1,440,000.
“1.44 million green turtle eggs in one year is an astounding number for a nesting beach that’s only a little over one kilometer in length. This definitely presents great hope for boosting green turtle populations,” said CI Philippines Country Executive Director Romeo Trono.
Figures from the DENR show that since the previous high of 12,311 turtle nests recorded in 1995, Baguan’s nesting records have been declining and dropped to as low as just over 4,000 nests in 2003.
Poaching by foreign fishermen, egg harvesting by local communities for food and trade, destruction and disturbance of habitats through illegal fishing methods and weak law enforcement were identified as the causes of the decline.
“The increasing nest numbers show that when turtles are protected on their nesting beaches and in the water for long enough, they will recover,” said Dr. Bryan Wallace, director of Science for the Marine Flagship Species Program at CI.
Meanwhile, The Philippine Turtle Islands’ enforcement team strengthened its marine management by providing trainings to park wardens, law enforcers and community volunteers. It also includes deployment of officers and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Marines to the area.
Bold protection measures such as the establishment of Baguan no-take zone and the complete protection status of the Turtle Islands Park in Sabah had been instrumental in ensuring a safe haven for turtles.
Conservation initiatives in Baguan are partially supported by the Global Marine Division of Conservation International and the Coral Triangle Support Partnership funded by the United States Agency for International Development.
“The hatchlings that emerge from the Turtle Islands still face great risks throughout their lives as they journey through the ocean, but at least here in the Turtle Islands, we are determined to provide them with a good start,” added Trono.


==ARMM Gov appoints new agriculture chief from Tawi-Tawi==
It wasn’t Nora Aunor’s first time in Tawi-Tawi. Still she felt seduced by the island’s pristine beauty.
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/inside-stories/8295-armm-gov-appoints-new-agriculture-chief-from-tawi-tawi.html
The singer-actress, known as the country’s Superstar, recalled that she briefly visited the island on the country’s southernmost tip years ago.
*Thursday, 26 January 2012 10:13
“Para sa kampanya ni Erap (former President Joseph Estrada),” she recounted. “Pero sandali lang. Hindi ako nagtagal.”
:by  BPI-ARMM/RVC-PIA9 ZBST
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.”


ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv  S. Hataman appointed on January 17 former Provincial Agricultural Officer of Tawi-Tawi, Professor Sangkula A. Tindick, as Regional Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
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.


The Bureau of Public Information reveals that the newly appointed secretary immediately held a meeting after taking his oath of office, with OIC Secretary Keise Tan Usman and other senior DAF officials where he was apprised of the status of the office including the preparations for the programs, projects and activities for the first 100 days of the Governor Hataman in office.
==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


The formal turnover was done the next day at the covered court to allow for the attendance of the whole DAF regional manpower as well as those from DAF Maguindanao. 


Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Usman bared the steps undertaken during his nearly one month caretaker stint such as facilitating measures for the release of program funds for rice, corn, livestock and high value crops which were not released by the Department of Agriculture Central Office to DAF ARMM since 2011.


The release of said funds would jumpstart projects to enhance agricultural productivity such as those identified for the first 100 days of the present regional leadership. Director Usman assured the full support of the fisheries bureau whose performance as top fisheries producer of the country was acknowledged by Secretary Tindick in his fatherly and jovial talk with the DAF family.
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.


Secretary Tindick bared his marching order from Governor Hataman to institute an array of necessary reforms to make the agriculture and fishery agency more responsive to the developmental needs of the people of ARMM.
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).


An accounting management Professor before becoming part of DAF, he intends to institute a system that would enhance the efficiency of the office in delivering its mandate “to make agriculture and agri-based enterprises profitable and help spread the benefits of development to the poor, particularly in the rural areas”.
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.”


The Regional Secretary emphasized the need for unity or teamwork by actually experiencing thru an exercise called “rocking the boat.” In the exercise, done after his acceptance remark, the Secretary proved that without teamwork, the whole agency capacity to deliver its mandate may be jeopardized.  The “rocking the boat” showed the chaos, contradictions and danger that awaits an institution when there is poor communication, disunity and command breakdown.
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.


==ARMM OIC appoints new agriculture chief==
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.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=73843
*Wednesday, January 25, 2012
:by  PIA Press Release


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.


ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan 25 (PIA) -– ARMM Acting Governor Mujiv S. Hataman appointed on January 17 former Provincial Agricultural Officer of Tawi-Tawi, Professor Sangkula A. Tindick as Regional Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
“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.
The Bureau of Public Information reveals that the newly appointed secretary immediately held a meeting after taking his oath of office, with OIC Secretary Keise Tan Usman and other senior DAF officials where he was apprised of the status of the office including the preparations for the programs, projects and activities for the first 100 days of the Governor Hataman in office.
The formal turnover was done the next day at the covered court to allow for the attendance of the whole DAF regional manpower as well as those from DAF Maguindanao.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Usman bared the steps undertaken during his nearly one month caretaker stint such as facilitating measures for the release of program funds for rice, corn, livestock and high value crops which were not released by the Department of Agriculture Central Office to DAF ARMM since 2011.
The release of said funds would jumpstart projects to enhance agricultural productivity such as those identified for the first 100 days of the present regional leadership. Director Usman assured the full support of the fisheries bureau whose performance as top fisheries producer of the country was acknowledged by Tindick in his fatherly and jovial talk with the DAF family.
Tindick bared his marching order from Governor Hataman to institute an array of necessary reforms to make the agriculture and fishery agency more responsive to the developmental needs of the people of ARMM.
An accounting management Professor before becoming part of DAF, he intends to institute a system that would enhance the efficiency of the office in delivering its mandate “to make agriculture and agri-based enterprises profitable and help spread the benefits of development to the poor, particularly in the rural areas”.
The Regional Secretary emphasized the need for unity or teamwork by actually experiencing thru an exercise called “rocking the boat.” In the exercise, done after his acceptance remark, the Secretary proved that without teamwork, the whole agency capacity to deliver its mandate may be jeopardized. The “rocking the boat” showed the chaos, contradictions and danger that awaits an institution when there is poor communication, disunity and command breakdown. (JPA/BPI-ARMM/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)


==More fun in these Southeast Asian hidden beaches==
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.
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/42195-More-fun-in-these-Southeast-Asian-hidden-beaches.html
*Sunday, January 22. 2012
:by  HONOR BLANCO CABIE


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.”


MANILA — Often described as the Land of the Morning, from the Philippines' English version of its national anthem, this Southeast Asian archipelago takes pride in its paradise of beaches.
“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.,  
Given its 7,107 islands from Batanes up north to Tawi Tawi in the far south, approximately the length of China's Great Wall, any tourist, foreign or local, can make a memory in any of its available beaches.
And, with Philippine summer 2012 breathing down any tourist's need, the tourism department's "it's more fun in the Philippines" slogan is literally picking up.
One can literally have Eden in the country's beaches during summer, when the scorching sun exhales 32 degrees Celsius.
Good thing about these available beaches is the convenient proximity of beach resorts and cottages where tourists may stay for a couple of nights or more.
Up north, in the northwestern zone of the country's main island of luzon whipped by winds from the Luzon Bay are the beaches of Pagudpud and Currimao towns in Ilocos Norte where the cable link between Luzon and Hawaii begins.
In Pagudpud, 10 hours by bus from Manila, one can also have a glimpse of the power generating windmills in the nearby coastal town of Bangui, which also has its own class of resorts in the shadow of the Ilocos Mountain range.
Farther south is the Pug-os Beach Resort in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, where one can go surfing in early morning before the tropic sun could breach the crowns of the Ilocos mountain range.
There are several cottages on the beach side, with amenities of three-star hotels including convention halls.
Only three towns away due north of Cabugao is Pinili, where warriors walked at the turn of the 20th century and during the Japanese occupation of the country in the 1940s.
In the 1900s, better armed American troops met machete-wielding guerrillas of Catholic priest Gregorio Aglipat in hand-to-hand combat, spilling blood and chopping bodies along the 3-mile gravel road leading to the forested hill town.
One of the best places for snorkeling and kayaking from sunup top sundown is Quezon Island in the locally popular Hundred Islands of Pangasinan.
The place is near the Lingayen Gulf where US Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his Allied Liberation Troops landed on Jan. 9, 1945 against Japan's Imperial Forces then occupying the Philippines.
While the group has been historically dubbed the Hundred islands, it has in fact 124 at low tide and 123 at high tide.
Superstition suggests that first-timers on a boat ride to the islands will be safe if they kiss the stone statue of Princess Urduja, the legendary princess of Pangasinan at the Hundred islands National Park.
Farther southwest of the Hundred islands is Nagsasa Cove, home to the Aeta -- sometimes spelled out Ayta -- aborigines of this country discovered for Europe by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
The Aetas have been relocated there after the bloody eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 after more than 600 years of slumber.
From the cove, where one may share a meal with the hospitable Aeta community, one can have a side trip to the Camnara island, a white sandbar only seven minutes off Pundaquit shores.
The area is not far from what used to be called Subic Naval Base, the erstwhile drydock facility of the giant US Seventh Fleet.
There are also the Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte in the palm-dotted Bicol Region northeast of the national capital of Manila.
The group's main island is called Tinaga, which has the longest white sand beach called the Halabang Baybay -- literally long sand zone or long beach.
Tourists who have been there, accessible by bus from Manila to the provincial capital of Daet and then a jeep to Calaguas, say there is a platform of orange clay colored rocks which makes the water cascade on their surfaces.
In the central Philippine province of Cebu, tourists can have Bantayan island for paradise in Southeast Asia.
At D'Jungle for dinner, one can have a taste, at very affordable prices, more than 50 dishes in their buffet spread.
The buffet includes a sumptuous variety of seafoods, meat slices and greens cooked in different mouth-watering styles.
For culture vultures, the town has old structures that have remained standing in the sun and moon despite a major fire in the 1970s.
And the Bantayan Catholic Church has bas reliefs on the exterior and interior described by architects as rather intricate.
It was in Cebu province where Magellan was slain by the first native, Lapu Lapu, to defy foreign domination of the islands in 1521.
Now, if a tourist's pick is pink sand, he can proceed to Sta. Cruz island in Zamboanga City in Mindanao.
The island's distinct pink color comes from the small pink coral fragments mixed with the white sand.
There are two islands in the Santa Cruz island: the Little and the Great Island Protected Landscapes and Seascapes, with only 40 families, from the minority Samnal tribe, allowed by the government to stay in the protected area.
The tourtist can also have a side trip to Camiguin off northeastern Mindanao.
The uninhabited White island is dubbed the "Island Born of Fire" because of its eight volcanoes -- reason for a wealth of hot and cold springs.
Any visitor can have a view of the sunken graveyard as well as the volcanoes Hibok Hibok and Vulcan Daan.
The area can be reached by a flight to Cagayan de oro, devastated recently by a killer typhoon, then a van to Agora market, a bus ride to Balingoan port, a boat to Mambajao, the provincial capital and then a pump boat to White island.
Truly, as tourist-returnees exclaim, it's more fun in the Philippines. (PNA)
rsv/hbc/rsm


==Human trafficking victims rescued==
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.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/01/20/human-trafficking-victims-rescued-201642
*Friday, January 20, 2012
:by  Bong Garcia


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


OPERATIVES of the Maritime Police Command have rescued 36 victims of human trafficking aboard a commercial ferry in the province of Tawi-Tawi, an official said.
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.


Inspector Wilfredo Abellon, operations chief of the Maritime regional office, said the victims were rescued Wednesday in the town of Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi province.
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)


Abellon said the victims were rescued aboard a commercial ferry that came from Zamboanga City and was on its way to Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia.
==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


The vessel was on a stopover when they rescued the victims, Abellon added.


He said the victims were composed of 27 males, nine females and a minor, who come from Maguindanao, Cotabato, Bicol, and other parts of Luzon and the Visayas.


He said the rescued victims were immediately taken to Zamboanga City and are now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
CEBU CITY – Oslob’s whale sharks will become even more famous.


Investigation, aimed unmask the recruiter of the group who was not in the vessel when the victims were rescued, is ongoing, Abellon said.
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.


==Bureau of Immigration to deport 2 foreigners==
The film is about a couple from Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao who have been trying to conceive, but were not blessed with a child.
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=65&articleId=768147
*January 16, 2012 12:00 AM
:by Helen Flores, Rudy Santos


It stars Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco.


MANILA, Philippines - Two foreigners are set to be deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for allegedly entering the country through the “back door,” an official said yesterday.
One of the few scenes that will be shot in Cebu will feature Oslob town and the sharks that have gained popularity worldwide.
BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said agents separately arrested Steven Nicol Herbert, an Australian, and Gul Hussain, at their residences in Zamboanga City last Dec. 20. The two men are being held at the immigration jail in Bicutan, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.
Herbert arrived at the port of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi from Sampona, Malaysia last Oct. 1. He was able to return to the Philippines despite being blacklisted by the BI in March last year for failing to pay his visa extension fees due to financial distress.
Hussain refused to divulge how he entered the country and was not able to produce any travel papers.


==Caravan of good governance reaches Eastern Samar, Tawi Tawi==
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.”
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348124/caravan-good-governance-reaches-eastern-samar-tawi-tawi
*January 15, 2012, 2:04am
:by  WENDELL C BALDERAS, Contributor


“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.


MANILA, Philippines — Continuing its efforts to promote good governance and ethical leadership among the youth in our country, Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership co-founder Grace Padaca and its champions, former Southern Leyte Governor Rosette Yñiguez Lerias and former Tamparan, Lanao del Sur Mayor Jan Disomimba, visited Eastern Samar and Tawi recently and spoke before 10,000 students from Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) — Salcedo, Maydolong & Borongan Campuses, MSU-Tawi-Tawi, Mahardika Institute of Technology (MIT), and Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College (TRAC).
He said that 95 percent of the film was shot in Tawi-Tawi, and they plan to start filming in Oslob soon.


In her talk, Lerias made a distinction between political families and political dynasties. Lerias herself comes from a political family which is known to have brought honor and have done a lot of good for their province. Being a disaster risk reduction management expert herself, Lerias was able to rebuild their town of St. Bernard after the landslide in 2006 that killed over 1,100 people, with the help of private partners. Lerias has received awards and recognition for effective local governance and participatory governance. In her talk, she encouraged all the students in the three ESSU campuses to take an active role in nation building by educating themselves well so they will be equipped to understand what is happening in our country.
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.


Struggle of a Woman Moslem Leader
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.


Bae Janaree Disomimba, former mayor of Tamparan in Lanao del Sur, also shared her leadership journey as a woman Moslem leader of Tamparan, a male-dominated society.
“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.


With deeply rooted values and principles and great influence from her father, Mayor Jan veered away from the traditional politics in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and chose to do what was right no matter how difficult it was. Her leadership style has proven that not all leaders in ARMM are abusive and corrupt. In all the three schools in Tawi-Tawi, Mayor Jan might have awakened every Moslem in the audience by reminding everyone that to be corrupt and selfish is un-Islamic and that what the Quran really says is that to be Islamic is to be honest and truthful.
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.


Her hometown of Tamparan has not seen a municipal hall for the many decades it has existed. But Mayor Jan believed that the municipal hall is an important symbol of governance and a sign that her administration meant business and wanted to truly serve the people. She involved all community stakeholders in the construction of Tamparan’s first municipal hall. By having the political will and the right principles, Mayor Jan was able to transform Tamparan to what it is today and brought back dignity to her people.
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Visayas has initiated efforts to promote environment conservation education to host communities of eco-tourism projects.


In the caravans, KN co-founder Grace Padaca spoke strongly on issues of mining and human trafficking.
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.


Padaca likened the issue of mining to a home that has been robbed. She emphasized to the students that they should not just allow people to rob them of their natural resources and leave them with nothing afterwards.
She told Sun.Star Cebu these areas are part of the route of the whale shark.


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


Before the forums started in the schools in Tawi-Tawi, all students were asked to write what their dreams and wishes were and what they would do if they were mayors or governors of their areas.
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.


The students’ dreams ranged from having a complete family this Christmas to having their own laptops.
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.


Padaca inspired everyone to dream big and work hard to fulfill their dreams. She said that she never imagined going out of Isabela as a physically handicapped girl. Now, she has been to Tawi-Tawi and has gone to many other places in Europe and the United States.
The participants who will be required to attend trainings are the boatmen and other members of the affected community.


The students gave impressive answers as to what they would do if they were mayors or governors. One student said that he’d strengthen the fishing industry in Tawi-Tawi to provide livelihood for the people. Another said that he will have a government that is not corrupt and give the people what is due to them.
Montecillo said that with this effort on environmental management education, the School of the SEA (Sea and Earth Advocates) resources can be tapped.


“Akala ko lahat ng mga politicians dito sa Pilipinas ay corrupt at sarili lang ang iniisip, but upon having a chance to know Gov. Grace, binago nya ang perspektibo ko sa pulitika. Sana lahat ng namamahala sa gobyerno at pamahalaan ay gaya ni Gov Grace at iba pang Kaya Natin champions na nasa puso ang pagiging public servant na transparent at accountable sa pagiging leader,” remarked Abdulkadil Misra, one of the participants of the forum.
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 Caravan of Good Governance in Eastern Samar is in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, PLAN International and the ESSU Federated Student Council Organization, Inc. and the Caravan of Good Governance in Tawi-Tawi is in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation and the Office of Governor Sahali through Mr. Nurjay Sahali.
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.


==ARMM gets P49.6-M aid for tree planting program==
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)
*Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=ARMM-gets-P49.6-M-aid-for-tree-planting-program&id=44695
*January 09, 2012 02:51:56 PM
:by Louella D. Desiderio


==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 ENVIRONMENT department is providing P49.6 million worth of financial assistance to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to implement a tree planting program in the area under the National Greening Program.
In a statement on Monday, the department said Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje had committed P49.6 million to allow the ARMM government to carry out the program in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.


The department said an agreement was signed by Mr. Paje with ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman to reforest 2,500 hectares of denuded forest land in the area under the program.
MANILA, Philippines – Veteran actress Nora Aunor is back in Manila after shooting several scenes in Tawi-Tawi for her comeback movie.


Mr. Paje said the partnership is in line with the instruction of President Benigno S.C. Aquino III to assist in the management of the region's natural resources.
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 collaboration sets a critical milestone in ecological governance for the region and bodes well for addressing the social and economic challenges which the region undoubtedly faces," he said.
In “Thy Womb,” Aunor plays a Badjao midwife working in the province.


In February last year, Executive Order No. 26 was issued which created the National Greening Program.
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.


The program which seeks to harmonize all the greening efforts in the country aims to plant 1.5 billion tree seedlings in 1.5 million hectares nationwide from last year until 2016.
Aunor said she was also overwhelmed with the beauty of Tawi-Tawi.


Last year, some 69.37 million tree seedlings were planted on 117,688 hectares of open and denuded forest land, higher than the 100,000-hectare target.
She even encouraged tourists to visit the province because contrary to what’s always written, Tawi-Tawi is not a dangerous place.


For this year, the program aims to plant tree seedlings on 200,000 hectares of land.
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.


==USAID Provides Holistic Assistance to Remote Tawi-Tawi Islands to Sustain Long-Term Health Interventions==
“Thy Womb” is under the direction of Cannes-winning director Brillante Mendoza.
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/14300-p24m-for-marine-project-to-develop-basilan-areas
*Thu, January 05, 2012
:By manilatimes.net


==Charges filed against 12 Vietnamese poachers==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/21976-charges-filed-against-12-vietnamese-poachers
*Monday, April 30, 2012
:by AL JACINTO


Apart from being remote and difficult to reach, Turtle Islands and Mapun are the second and third poorest municipalities in Tawi-Tawi, with poverty incidences of 49.7 percent and 48.9 percent, respectively (2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates, National Statistical Coordination Board). Realizing the impact of poverty on sustaining health interventions in the long term, USAID partnered with multi-sectoral agencies to provide holistic and integrated assistance to 8,267 people in three most populated villages. Close to a thousand people were provided with preventive and promotive health services by USAID-trained health providers. Of the 120 men and women who participated in Tumpukan Na! group action sessions, 50 were given family planning services while the rest were referred for more counseling. USAID worked with the provincial government to counsel pregnant and lactating mothers, and provide kits containing assorted practical items. With health outcomes directly affected by the islands’ environmental situation and livelihood opportunities, mangrove reforestation in critical areas was held simultaneously with the medical missions to rehabilitate the aquatic habitat and provide healthier food and regular sources of income to the people. School children were fed, counseled on hygiene and family health, and given books and school paraphernalia while repairs were done on their classrooms. With the success of these comprehensive interventions, USAID is set to replicate similar health-environment-education-livelihood packages in distant islands in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to reinforce and coordinate sectoral efforts for greater impact.


==P2.4M for marine project to develop Basilan areas==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/14300-p24m-for-marine-project-to-develop-basilan-areas
*Tuesday, January 03, 2012
:By James Konstantin Galvez


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.
THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched the Siasi Mariculture Park and Aqua-Tourism project in Tara Island as part of a comprehensive strategic plan to transform the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) into a progressive area.


Atty. Asis Perez, BFAR director, said the 30-hectare mariculture park is securely located close to the middle of the crescent-shaped cove margined with pinkish white sand and pristine waters teeming with marine life.
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.  


“Tara Island is one of the eight island-municipalities in the second district of Sulu Province. The beach alone could easily rival the country’s fine beaches including the world’s favourite Boracay,” Perez said. The project showcases 40 units of fish cages, 32 of which were constructed from the P2.4 million fund provided by the BFAR and with the municipal government providing all other amenities such as the mooring system, the floating multi-purpose hall, fingerlings and service boats.
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.


It would benefit a quarter of the 400 family-residents in the island alone, the BFAR chief said.
==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


“The partnership forged between the BFAR and Siasi LGU is the first of its kind worth emulating. What is more significant is that it involves our Muslim brothers who had long been deprived of benefiting most from the richness that abounds their coastal waters,” he said.


With additional counterpart funds coming from the LGU, Perez told the local officials that BFAR will initially provide 100 sets of ropes and floaters to jumpstart the farming of seaweeds in Tara Island, while local government will provide for the seaweed propagules.


In order to strengthen their coastal protection program, Perez said that BFAR will also provide motor engines for the same number of banca that will be provided by the LGU.
MANILA, Philippines – “It's a wrap.”


“One unit will be given to each of the coastal Bantay Dagat volunteer group in the 28 coastal barangay of Siasi,” he said.
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 BFAR chief noted that ARMM and Mimaropa had consistently been the top 2 fish producing regions in the country. However, the two regions received the least of budgetary support for the past many years.
“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.”


Perez lamented the fact that many of the expensive fish caught in these areas end up being dried which reduces not only its volume but the prices of the fish as well.
The superstar herself is equally grateful for the hospitality the province has shown to her and the film's crew.


“A kilo of lapu-lapu in Manila is pegged at no less than P250. Here in Siasi, a kilo of dried lapu-lapu sells at only P160/kilo or even less,” he added.
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.


He said that in the meantime that the viability of a cold storage plant is yet to be studied by the agency; a mini-ice maker will be provided by the BFAR to assist local fishermen in keeping the quality of their fresh catch.
“Thy Womb” is a collaboration between Aunor and Brillante Mendoza, Cannes award-winning director, and is seen as a landmark in modern Filipino filmmaking.


Perez also indicated that the present administration is very serious in coming up with a comprehensive strategic plan to transform the BASULTA, which make up the Sulu Archipelago into a progressive area where the locals themselves would directly benefit from its rich resources.
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?”


==32 persons rescued off Tawi-Tawi==
Aside from Aunor, other stars who were in Tawi-Tawi for the location shoot included Lovi Poe, Mercedes Cabral and Bembol Roco.
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/01/02/32-persons-rescued-tawi-tawi-198412
*Monday, January 2, 2012
:By  Bong Garcia


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.
THE Philippine Navy rescued 32 people, including eight Marine soldiers, aboard a fishing boat off Tawi-Tawi, a top Navy official said Monday.


Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander Rear Admiral Armando Guzman said the fishing boat, F/B Kent-Ford 2, was rescued around 8 p.m. on New Year's Day.
Security


The boat departed last Wednesday from the port of Mapun, Tawi-Tawi, en route to Zamboanga City. Its engine, however, conked out the next day, causing it to drift at sea.
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.


Guzman said his command has dispatched two vessels backed by an aircraft upon receipt of distress call from the fishing boat to conduct search and rescue operation.
“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.


A vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), manned by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, also joined the search and rescue operation, Guzman said.
Two foreign birdwatchers abducted two months ago in the remote town of Panglima Sugala remain in captivity up to this time.


He said it took them four days to locate F/B Kent-Ford 2 since the fishing boat's Global Positioning System (GPS) also malfunctioned and “the only means of contact is through radio transceiver.”
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.


Twenty of the 32 people aboard the boat arrived at the NFWM's Majini Pier Monday afternoon aboard a Navy vessel while the fishing boat is being towed by another Navy boat.
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.”


F/B Kent-Ford 2, with its seven-man crew and remaining five passengers, who opted to stay aboard the fishing boat, arrived Monday night at the port of Jolo, Sulu.
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 passengers were all exhausted but in high spirits when they were rescued,” Guzman said.
“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.


“The personnel aboard the rescuing vessels gave them basic provisions such as food and water. They also tendered medical attention to some passengers who have been ailing,” Guzman 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.


==Tawi-Tawi hosts 4-day cinematography workshop==
“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.”
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/tawi-tawi-hosts-4-day-cinematography-workshop/
*DECEMBER 23, 2011
:By  PIA Press Release


“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==
BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines (PIA) – Students of several schools here have undergone a four-day cinematography convention conducted by a Film Development Council of a Philippines (FDCP) during a review here recently.
*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


Tawi-Tawi provincial information officer Abdel Nasser Tahang disclosed that a Introduction/Refresher to Basic Cinematography training module is directed during inculcating simple believe on a components of cinematography or film-making to a participants.


The convention was attended by about 80 participants entrance from a several colleges and delegate schools in this collateral town, like a Mahardika Institute of Technology (MIT), Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College (TRAC), Mindanao State University (MSU), Abubakar Computer Learning Center Foundation, Incorporated (ACLCFI), Notre Dame of Bongao (NDB), Tawi-Tawi School of Arts and Trade (TTSAT), Tawi-Tawi School of Fisheries (TTSF), and some proffer employees of a provincial supervision of Tawi-Tawi and other internal supervision units (LGUs).
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.


It was schooled that a preference to reason a convention in a range of Tawi-Tawi highlights a oath of a FDCP to teach simple believe and bargain on how a people will commence and grasp cinematography in this southern island range of a archipelago.
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.


Tahang pronounced a convention was a second FDCP activity in a range following a film festival by a Sineng Pambansa final September, wherein about 10 films were shown to a people of Tawi-Tawi, that underscored a joining of a FDCP “to move Filipino films to Filipinos, wherever they might be in a sparse islands of a archipelago, or in their abroad communities,” FDCP pronounced in a statement.
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 events were also a initial ever FDCP activities of a kind to be staged in a province, that in a past were not deliberate probable for a far-flung range like Tawi-Tawi.
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.


It was also schooled that a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for these activities was sealed on Jul 19 by Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali and FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos and Executive Director Jose Miguel de la Rosa during a FDCP bureau in Makati City, that includes a control of a cinematography convention for free.
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.


According to Shermalyn Murajil, a stenographer who attended a workshop, a group of trainers include: Napoleon C. Jamir II, director/workshop facilitator, Luis Liwanag, assistant; Roy J. Arabejo, assistant; Maricris de Leon Aquino, coordinator; and Roy R. Llanes, partner coordinator, all from a FDCP.
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.


==Tawi-Tawi hosts Cinematography workshop==
"Filipinos, particularly Muslims in Mindanao, all have been yearning for peace. Whatever is good for the Bangsamoro is welcomed," said Mangudadatu.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=69055
*Wednesday, December 21, 2011
:By PIA Press Release


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.


ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 21 (PIA) -– Students of different schools in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi have undergone a four -day cinematography workshop conducted by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) at the Beachside Inn and Restaurant, which culminated last Dec 12. Tawi-Tawi provincial information officer Abdel Nasser Tahang reported that the Introduction/Refresher to Basic Cinematography training program is aimed to inculcate basic knowledge on the components of cinematography or film making to its participants. The workshop was attended by about 80 participants from the different colleges and secondary schools in the premier town, namely, Mahardika Institute of Technology (MIT), Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College (TRAC), Mindanao State University (MSU), Abubakar Computer Learning Center Foundation Incorporated (ACLCFI), Notre Dame of Bongao (NDB), Tawi-Tawi School of Arts and Trade (TTSAT), Tawi-Tawi School of Fisheries (TTSF), and some volunteer employees of the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi and other LGUs. It was learned that the decision to hold a seminar in Tawi-Tawi highlights the pledge of the FDCP to instill basic knowledge and understanding on how the people will undertake and achieve cinematography in this Southern island province of the archipelago. Tahang said the workshop was the second FDCP activity in the province following its film festival by the Sineng Pambansa last September wherein about 10 films were shown to the people of Tawi-Tawi, which underscored 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. The events were also the first ever FDCP activities of its kind to be staged in the province, which in the past were not considered possible for a far-flung province like Tawi-Tawi. It was learned also that the Memorandum of Agreement for these activities 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, which includes the conduct of a cinematography seminar for free. According to Ms. Shermalyn Murajil, PGO stenographer, who attended the workshop, the team of trainers include: Napoleon C. Jamir II, director/workshop facilitator, Luis Liwanag, assistant, Roy J. Arabejo, assistant, Maricris de Leon Aquino, coordinator, and Roy R. Llanes, assistant Coordinator, all from FDCP. (JPA/ANT/DM-PIA9 ZBST)
"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.


==Tawi-Tawi gets P48-M housing allocation==
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.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/345491/tawitawi-gets-p48m-housing-allocation
*December 20, 2011, 3:43pm
:By  NONOY E. LACSON


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.
BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines – The National Housing Authority (NHA) has allotted about P48 million to develop a 13-hectare lot in the municipality of Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, where some 600 low-cost housing units will be constructed early next year.


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said the NHA Central Office in Manila has allotted the amount that will be used for site development, including fencing and road networks of the 13-hectare lot located in Barangay Batu-Bato, for the implementation of at least 600 low-cost housing units.
==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


“The amount will be used for site development of the lot in Batu-Bato Problacion where the provincial government will undertake the construction of some 600 housing units for our people here,” Sahali said.


He said the housing units will be undertaken by administration in order for the provincial government to maximize the full amount of the fund intended for the housing project here.
MANILA, Philippines – Charges have been filed against 11 Vietnamese poachers who were arrested off Tawi-Tawi last Wednesday.


Sahali said poor residents living along the shoreline of the municipality, and those who have been deported by the Malaysian government as illegal migrants or entrants will be given priority of having a low-cost housing unit from the NHA.
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.


“Those people from other cities or provinces in the country who were deported by the Malaysian government as illegal migrants or entrants, and they are here today, will also be accommodated, if they signify their intentions to stay in this province,” Sahali said.
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 provincial governor said his government is expecting the completion of the 600 units of houses during the second quarter of next year.
Perez said a legal team from the BFAR has been sent to Tawi-Tawi to monitor the case.


“We hope that the construction of the 600 low-cost housing units will be completed before the end of the second quarter next year,” Sahali stressed.
Foreigners are not allowed to fish in Philippine territory, based on the Philippine Fisheries Code.


He said the housing units given by NHA “would be of great help to our people here particularly to those who do not have their own home and are just staying along the coast of the municipality.”


He said providing them with their own homes is one way of assisting the poor people here improve their lives in this province.


Panglima Sugala is a 3rd class municipality in the province, and has a population of about 33,315 people in 5,406 households.


The town also hosts 17 barangays (villages) – Balimbing Proper, Batu-Bato (Poblacion), Buan, Dungon, Luuk, Buntal, Parangan, Tabunan, Tungbangkaw, Bauno Garing, Belatan Halu, Karaha, Kulape, Liyaburan, Magsaggaw, Malacca, Sumangday, and Tundon.


==24 Armm towns to receive incentives==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2011/12/18/24-armm-towns-receive-incentives-196435
*Sunday, December 18, 2011
:By  Bong Garcia




THE top seven cities and one town in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) will receive an additional P1.5 million funding support from the Armm Social Fund Project (ASFP) following a careful and stringent selection process, officials said Sunday.


The top local government units include Upi and Datu Paglas in Maguindanao, Jolo and Indanan in Sulu, Bongao and Sitangkai in Tawi-Tawi, Wao in Lanao del Sur, and the City of Lamitan in Basilan province.


ASFP Institutional Strengthening and Governance (ISG) component head Irene Fernandez said the top towns and cities were selected based on their performance on local governance, implementations of ASFP-supported projects and fiscal handling.


Fernandez said the local governments of the recipients are required to provide a specified counterpart, bringing the total amount of the project that will be implemented to around P2 million.
==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


Fernandez said a total of 24 towns, including the eight, in Armm will be granted by the ASFP with a P1.5-million grant through its newly established municipal block grant (MBG) scheme.


ASFP project manager Nasser Sinarimbo said the MBG is ASFP's way of "recognizing the support and performance of local government units (LGUs) especially in the implementation of ASFP-supported projects in their area."
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.”


Sinarimbo said the funding support is an incentive for local governments to undertake participatory and community-driven development projects.
Timetables


The MBG also scales up the impact of ASFP projects to the municipal level from individual communities, he said.
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)


A total of P36 million has been earmarked by ASFP for the MBG out of the rolled-out P1.4 billion additional financing it secured from the World Bank.
==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


Sinarimbo said the top eight will be the first batch to receive the grant while funds for the remaining 16 municipalities are scheduled for release next year.


ASFP handles the largest and only foreign loan assisted project that is being directly supervised by the Armm government.
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.


It has been cited by the World Bank for its satisfactory performance, giving way to the approval of an additional financing.
The seized items, which are classified as endangered species under maritime laws, were intended to be smuggled to other countries.


The additional loan would allow ASFP to cater to 596 more communities across Armm that were not previously covered by the project.
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.”


Close to a thousand communities in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi have already benefitted from life-enhancing projects introduced by ASFP in its seven-year run.
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.


==Tawi-Tawi receives stimulus fund==
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.
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2011/12/16/tawi-tawi-receives-stimulus-fund-196160
*Friday, December 16, 2011
:By  Bong Garcia


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==
TAWI-TAWI Governor Sadikul Sahali announced they are implementing socio-economic projects aimed to uplift the living conditions of the residents in the province.
*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


Sahali said the funding for the projects will come from the P8.5 billion stimulus fund programmed by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to hasten development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm).


Sahali said Tawi-Tawi, which is one of the provinces in Armm, is receiving P1-billion share from the total stimulus fund given to the region.
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.


Aside from Tawi-Tawi, the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Marawi City, are included.
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.


Sahali said among the projects they would implement include construction of additional day care centers and core shelters, supplemental feedings, cash-for-work programs and other infrastructure projects like farm-to-market roads and irrigation systems.
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.


The implementation of development programs would also enable the Provincial Government to provide additional employment opportunities, Sahali added.
According to Bayabos, the inbound flight of Cebu Pacific from Manila to Zamboanga was also diverted to Davao City Airport because of the
obstruction.


==Tawi-Tawi gets P1B of P8.5B ARMM stimulus fund==
“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
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=68239
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.
*Thursday, December 15, 2011
:By  PIA Press Release


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.  
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 15 (PIA) -- Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali hailed the Aquino administration for allotting P1 billion to the province, out of the P8.5-billion stimulus fund it programmed to hasten development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“We are very grateful to President Aquino’s administration for providing our province a share of P1-billion from the P8.5-billion stimulus fund for ARMM. The amount will propel our efforts in bringing our province to greater heights,” Sahali said, after learning from officials of the Aquino government about his province’s share.
Sahali added that the P8.5 billion stimulus fund allotted for the autonomous region under the “ARMM Transition and Investment Support Plan” is derived from the P72 billion saved by the current national leadership from cancelling project contracts under the past regime.
The saving is now termed as a national stimulus package of the Aquino administration, he said.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for your concern and kindness to us. The provincial government and the people of Tawi-Tawi is so grateful for the P1 billion allotted to improve our province’s socio-economic condition,” Sahali said.
He said that all the projects lined up under the P1 billion stimulus package are geared towards poverty alleviation and improvement of the socio- economic condition of the province, which is known to be the country’s poorest zone.
According to him, the provincial offices of DPWH in Tawi-Tawi got P240 million; Department of Health, P140-M; Department of Agriculture, P91-M; Department of Science and Technology, P3.6-M; Department of Interior and Local Government, P80-M; Department of Transportation and Communications, P30-M; Department of Energy, P200-M and their Electric Cooperative, P200-M.
Sahali said the projects funded out of P1 billion will greatly help his province and its people, adding that implementation of the development programs will also provide additional employment to his constituents.
He said his province’s share from the stimulus fund also includes welfare projects like cash-for-work programs, construction of additional day-care centers and core shelters, supplemental feedings, and various infrastructure projects like irrigations and farm-to-market roads. (JPA/BPI-ARMM/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)


==7 rescued from forced labor in Tawi-Tawi province==
There is no clear report yet as to what was the cause of the incident.
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20111214073147
*Wednesday, December 14, 2011 08:31:47 PM
:By  mindanaoexaminer.com


==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


ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 14, 2011) – Philippine soldiers rescued 7 people who were allegedly recruited and forced into hard labor in the southern province of Tawi-Tawi, officials said Wednesday.


Officials said the victims were rescued in the village of Tinggusung in Sitangkai town, but details of the operations that led to the recovery of the 7 men were not made public neither their recruiter.
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.


“Accordingly, the victims were subjected to forced labor,” Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, told the Mindanao Examiner.


He identified the victims as Raymon Dequin, Renan Manluluyo, Ariel Fernando, Jerubin Daquel, Romnick Bederol and Randy Sumilang.


It was unknown where the victims were recruited or if they paid money in exchange for a job in Tawi-Tawi. “The victims were brought to the Department of Justice for processing, helping them pursue a case against their recruiter,” Cabangbang said.


Tawi-Tawi is a notorious haven for human traffickers who use the province as a jumping board to nearby Sabah, an oil-rich Malaysian state off the southern Filipino border. (Mindanao Examiner)


==Group backs clever internal governance==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/group-backs-strong-local-governance/
*DECEMBER 9, 2011
:By  tawitawi.net




COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Former Isabela Governor and stream “Kaya Natin Movement” convenor Grace Padaca visited a range of Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday to generate her group’s advocacy for clever internal governance and reliable leadership.


Padaca pronounced Filipinos ought not to remove wish as there are still lots of good and honest open servants in a nation notwithstanding a viewed prevalent crime embedded in a system, Tawi-Tawi information officer Babylyn Canu-Omar said.


These unsung heroes are not beheld by a multitude though are still determined in their advocacy, a former Isabela arch executive told Omar in another interview.


Padaca associated a perfected expansion of a “Kaya Natin Movement” starting with customarily 3 members.


But diligence eventually pushed a mutation to a larger tallness with bigger membership now covering all over a nation and responding invitations from several polite multitude and people’s organizations espousing identical supervision ideals, Padaca said.
==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


During her tarry in Tawi-Tawi, Omar said, Padaca rendered talks during a several delegate schools and colleges about their group’s advocacy on reliable leadership, propelling her audiences to convene a stream government’s bureau of “Tuwid na Daan.”


Padaca was a internal broadcaster before she won a gubernatorial choosing final 2007, and degraded her competition who had a 30-year hold on domestic power.
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.


She ran again for a same post on 2010 though lost.
“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.


In another development, supervision information officers and communicators have been urged to implement a expedience of new media in their work as agents of change approaching to assistance build a improved design of Mindanao gainful to some-more energetic socio-economic development.
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.


Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino done a call in a debate during a new three-day 9th Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Congress hold in General Santos City.
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.


Antonino forked out that with a new media – apparently referring to amicable media – changing a personification margin in communication, use of new collection and media record will give communicators a new precedence in governance communication.
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.


“Your particular roles extend over small beacons of information. New media enables we to turn harbingers of amicable change, development, and open welfare,” Antonino told a 127 purebred participants in a congress, mostly from internal supervision units (LGUs), and several agencies opposite Mindanao.
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.


Antonino’s call stems from a plea of communicating a genuine story of Mindanao in a light of standard news stories on dispute and struggle as reported by inhabitant and general media outfits, portraying Mindanao as perennially tormented by fight and violence.
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.”


She urged a association representatives to clean divided this myth and broach stories that bear a good news about Mindanao, by seizing a opportunities afforded to them by new media, such as a Internet, amicable networks like Facebook and Twitter, content messaging, blogs, and others.
The projects involve the rehabilitation and upgrading of 33 kilometers of road and 75 linear meters of bridges.


“The resources of information presented in this association affords everybody a improved bargain of a energy of new media and how all of we can gain on this height to trigger change and transformation,” pronounced Antonino.
“In Lanao we are also looking at upgrading the Agos River to improve and add 60 megawatts of power in Mindanao,” the DPWH revealed.


Meanwhile, another speaker, Jay Jaboneta, owner of Philippine Fund for Little Kids and former conduct of a new media group during a Office of a President, also spoke of how new media has altered a approach information is widespread and a interactive forms.
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.


His topic, “Social Media for Social Change,” associated how a singular post on his Facebook page led to a origination of a substructure that helps immature children in Zamboanga City.
==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


This highlighted a new media as a diversion changer permitting Mindanao communicators to paint a some-more certain design of a island formed on stories of good news that normal media customarily do not use.


The three-day association finished with a choosing of a new set of a 15-member Board of Directors, who were sworn to bureau by Antonino.
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


The MindaComNet was orderly in 2001 predominantly by officials of a Philippine Information Agency (PIA) from 5 regions in Mindanao, who have been advocating for “One Mindanao, One Concern.”
==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


During open forums of a congress, meanwhile, Raymundo Pelaez, information officer III of a Bureau of Public Information (BPI) of a Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), assailed a miss of perceptible illustration of his segment to a sign and other signs of MindaComNet.


The outspoken Pelaez quite lamented a disaster of a inhabitant supervision to emanate a PIA informal bureau in a ARMM, a opening aggravating other viewed mistrust of a “Imperial Manila” to a unconstrained region.


==Health package==
MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off Tawi-Tawi on Thursday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/344127/health-package
*December 8, 2011, 8:18pm
:By  Nonoy Lacson


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


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines – The office of the Department of Health (DoH) here launched on Tuesday its health program rebranded as Complete Treatment Pack Program (ComPack) aimed at providing affordable medicines to the Filipino people.
The earthquake was tectonic in origin. It had a depth of 491 kilometers.


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said the program is part of the DoH’s commitment to provide basic services like health and cheaper medicines, and to assure its sustainable access by the marginalized sectors of the society. Sahali said the poor people of the province will directly benefit from the ComPack like the beneficiaries of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who will be given free medicines for their illnesses.
No tremor was felt in any part of the province. Likewise, no damage was reported.


==Tawi-Tawi gets P1-B dev't fund==
Phivolcs said aftershocks are not expected from the earthquake.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/343971/tawitawi-gets-p1b-devt-fund
*December 7, 2011, 3:44pm
:By  ALI G. MACABALANG


==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


COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali has hailed the Aquino administration for allotting to his province P1 billion out of the P8.5 billion stimulus fund it programmed to hasten development in the 22-year-old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).


“We are very grateful to President Aquino’s administration for providing our province a share of P1 billion from the P8.5 billion stimulus fund for ARMM. The amount will propel our efforts in bringing our province to greater heights,” Sahali said after learning from officials of the Aquino government about his province’s share.


Sahali said the P8.5 billion stimulus fund allotted for the autonomous region under the “ARMM Transition and Investment Support Plan” is derived from the P72 billion saved by the current national leadership from cancelling project contracts under the past regime.
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.


The saving is now termed as a national stimulus package of the Aquino administration, he said.
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.”


“Thank you, Mr. President, for your concern and kindness to us. The provincial government and the people of Tawi-Tawi is so grateful for the P1 billion allotted to improve our province’s socio-economic condition,” Sahali said.
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.


He said that all the projects lined-up under the P1 billion stimulus package are geared towards poverty alleviation and improvement of the socio-economic condition of the province, which is known to be the country’s poorest zone.
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.


According to Sahali, the provincial offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Tawi-Tawi got P240 million, Department of Health – P140 million, Department of Agriculture with P91 million, Department of Science and Technology – P3.6 million, Department of the Interior and Local Government – P80 million, Department of Transportation and Communications – P30 million, Department of Energy – P200 million, and their Electric Cooperative got P200 million.
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.


Sahali said the projects funded out of the P1 billion will greatly help his province and its people, adding that implementation of the development programs will also provide additional employment to his constituents.
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.


He said his province’s share from the stimulus fund also includes welfare projects like cash-for-work programs, construction of additional day-care centers and core shelters, supplemental feedings, and various infrastructure projects like irrigations and farm-to-market roads.
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?


In another development, the Regional Police Office of Central Mindanao has welcomed to its fold of law enforcement the 276 new enlisted cops, urging them to “wear badge with honor” in carrying out their mandate to protect civilians and their properties in pursuit of building law and order.
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.


Chief Superintendent Lester Camba, deputy Region 12 police director, led a formal ceremony recently, and honored the awarding of badges to the 276 fresh police personnel recruited lately to beef up police operations in Central Mindanao.
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.


“You are now police officers…wear your badge with honor,” Camba fervently told the fresh cops lined up during the ceremony attended by jubilant parents of the recruits.
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.


Camba also urged the police old timers to help their new comrades carry out their mandate in the full spirit and meaning of their oath to “maintain, uphold and hold dear to (our hearts) the badge of honor of PNP (Philippine National Police).”
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.


Noting lingering negative perception about some street police operatives allegedly involved in misdemeanors, the Central Mindanao police leadership pointed out that the “PNP badge is not a simple paraphernalia we usually wear (as) it carries a lot of significance and responsibilities.”
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!


“Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle, the National Bird, featured in the badge symbolizes swiftness, ferocity, power, courage and immortality, while the Shield means the protection of all citizens,” the police command said.
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.


The badge’s three stars stand for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao comprising one Republic with territorial integrity for which the PNP “must enforce the law and maintain peace and order with professionalism, zeal and dedication in keeping the highest ideals and traditions of service to God, country and people,” the field police office said.
“It is not a secret; to ensure quality tasting food, we make sure that we have fresh quality ingredients daily,” emphasizes Chef Ben.


The image of Lapu-Lapu in the badge “symbolizes the bravery of the Philippine National Police,” it added.
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.


==Tawi-Tawi lauds CSC training program==
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.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/343843/tawitawi-lauds-csc-training-program
*December 6, 2011, 3:46pm
:By  NONOY E. LACSON


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.


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines – The provincial government of Tawi-Tawi has lauded the Civil Service Institute (CSI) for holding a five-day seminar and training for about 90 government employees in the province.
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.


Governor Sadikul Sahali Tuesday said the CSI, the training institute of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), started the seminar/workshop in this capital town on Monday and will culminate on Friday, December 9.
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.


Sahali said that training program involving “values and accountabilities” of government workers would help enhance the performance and efficiency of the provincial government employees of Tawi-Tawi.
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 governor also stressed that the provincial government is grateful with the objectives of the CSI to update the provincial government employees, and prepare them to provide better service to the constituents.
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?


In illustrating his support to the seminar, Sahali has directed the personnel and administrative offices of the provincial government to participate and assist in the training program in order to attain a higher level of target output of the employees in achieving the objectives of the workshop.
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.


He admitted that “the training is very vital in the transformation of the attitude of employees to achieve a better accomplishment that are inherent in their positions and as expected from them.”
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.


“I commend the CSC and its training institute – the CSI, which is in charge of training for the civil servants aimed at giving and maintaining laudable degree of performance that will fully serve and impress the people,” Sahali stressed.
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.


For its part, the CSC said the training program under the CSI is intended to enrich the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of state workers in line with the agency’s mandate in transforming every civil servant into a “Lingkod-Bayani” or servant hero.
“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.


Sahali said the CSI will explain to the provincial government employees here the CSC’s flagship programs on values and governance, like Public Service Ethics and Accountability, Values Orientation Workshop, Basic Customer Service Skills, and Service Excellence Delivery Program.
==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


Meanwhile, CSC Tawi-Tawi Field Office chief Shastri Buddin affirms that the CSC flagship program, now being conducted in the province, is an acceleration effort to improve the worthiness of the employees in terms of their efficiency and dealings with their clientele.


Buddin stressed that the CSC’s human resource intervention is to enhance the delivery of public services by the public servants, and ensure that they (employees) are competent in performing and delivering their mandates inherent to their positions.
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.


For his part, Provincial Administrator Kadirie Sahali led about 100 provincial government employees here in the training.
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.


==Some Tawi-Tawi islands sinking, lawmaker says==
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.
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/some-tawi-tawi-islands-sinking-lawmaker-says/
*NOVEMBER 29, 2011
:By  tawitawi.net


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.


MANILA, Philippines – Tawi-Tawi Rep. Nur Jaafar on Monday called open courtesy to falling islands in his home district since of meridian change.
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.


In a payoff speech, Jaafar talked about a sum of an comment his bureau instituted to countenance reports that a islands of Tawi-Tawi are sinking.
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.


The assement showed that a island-province has been falling for years, with several circuitously islands that were on 2008 maps now missing.
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.


According to Jaafar, Bancuruan Island, that used to be 5 hectares is now down to 3 hectares, while some-more than 50 families on Turtle Island have been relocated to aloft belligerent due to critical erosion and rising sea level.
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.


The comment also finished a following discoveries:


- Manuc-Manucan Island is now totally submerged


- Mapun Central School is flooded


- Only 5 hectares of Sitangkai are left from a strange area of some-more than 8 hectares. Its graveyards have been mislaid to a sea.


- Flooring of stilt houses in coastal communities are now next sea level


- Storm surges broken seashore communities in South Ubian, Tandubas, and Bongao


- Coral and seaweed splotch in waters off Tawi-Tawi


Jaafar pronounced a commentary endorse a inclusion of a Philippines in a World Risk Index as third among tip 10 countries many exposed to disaster risk and healthy hazards.


He claimed that range is during a core of a world’s biggest coral triangle and is also many exposed to meridian change.


Jaafar pronounced a other effects of meridian change presumably embody a detriment of a land area where immature sea turtles lay and induce their eggs, a genocide of corals, and a detriment of people’s homes since of sea turn rise.
==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


The investigate on Tawi-Tawi was finished by a Climate Change Commission, a University of a Philippines Philippine Marine Institute, a Initiative for Tawi-Tawi Area Development Foundation, Conservation International, and a agriculture, environment, and scholarship and record departments.


==Marines rescue 13 probable victims of tellurian trafficking in Tawi-Tawi==
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.
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/marines-rescue-13-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking-in-tawi-tawi/
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.
* NOVEMBER 27, 2011
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.
:By  tawitawi.net
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.




ZAMBOANGA CITY — Troops from a Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 (MBLT-12) have discovered 13 “possible victims” of tellurian trafficking and apprehended a suspected monitor in a range of Tawi-Tawi, a Marine orator said.




Naval Public Affairs executive Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay pronounced a victims were intercepted and discovered around 5 p.m. Tuesday north of Mangsee Island in a range of Tawi-Tawi.


Tonsay pronounced authorities perceived information that a organisation of women were in North Mangsee and “awaiting to be ecstatic to Malaysia by a country’s southern backdoor.”


Rescued were Ruby Ann Dela Cruz, 25, of Tibag, Tarlac City; Angeline Villanueva, 20, of Mexico, Pampanga; Sarah Tarayo, 27, of Kalayaan, Pasig City; Marilyn Dela Cruz, 21, from Cabanatuan City; Julie Mateo, 24, from San Antonio, Nueva Ecija; Jennifer Paernia, 26, from South Comembo, Makati City; Princess Doce, 20, from Sucat, Muntinlupa City; Nerissa Castro, 25, from Angeles City; Dernalisa Castro, 26, from Fairview, Quezon City; Liza Balceda, 24, from Angeles City; Mary Jane Cortez, 31, from Arayat, Pampanga; Lady Lee Buan, 20, from Cutcut, Angeles City; and Beverly Miclat, 24, of Angeles City.


Authorities also arrested a suspected monitor and a group’s guide, Mattarasak Gani, from Brooke’s Point, Palawan.


Tonsay pronounced those discovered were taken to a Camp Navarro General Hospital for medical hearing and debriefing and were after incited over to a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (PNA)


RMA/LAM/TPGarcia/rsm


==Marines rescue ‘possible’ human trafficking victims==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2011/11/26/marines-rescue-possible-human-trafficking-victims-192631
*Saturday, November 26, 2011
:By  Bong Garcia


==Rescued==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/rescued/
*APRIL 16, 2012
:by www.tawitawi.net


TROOPS from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-Soccksargen (MBLT-12) foiled a human trafficking and rescued 13 “possible victims” in the province of Tawi-Tawi.


Naval Public Affairs director Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay said the victims were intercepted and rescued around 5 p.m. Tuesday north of Mangsee Island in the province of Tawi-Tawi.


The troops also arrested Mattarasak Gani of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, who was the alleged facilitator and the group's guide.
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.


Tonsay said the rescue came after they were alerted that a group of women was in North Mangsee and “awaiting to be transported to Malaysia through the country's southern backdoor.”
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.


Rescued were Ruby Ann Dela Cruz, 25, Tibag, Tarlac City; Angeline Villanueva, 20, Mexico, Pampanga; Sarah Tarayo, 27, Kalayaan, Pasig City; Marilyn Dela Cruz, 21, Cabanatuan City; Julie Mateo, 24, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija; Jennifer Paernia, 26, South Comembo, Makati City; Princess Doce, 20, Sucat, Muntinlupa City; Nerissa Castro, 25, Angeles City; Dernalisa Castro, 26, Fairview, Quezon City; Liza Balceda, 24, Angeles City; Mary Jane Cortez, 31, Arayat, Pampanga; Lady Lee Buan, 20, Cut-Cut, Angeles City; and Beverly Miclat, 24, Angeles City.
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 rescued victims were taken to the Camp Navarro General Hospital for medical examination and debriefing and were later turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Tonsay said.


==Tawi-Tawi gets P1-B assist fund==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/tawi-tawi-gets-p1-b-aid-fund/
*NOVEMBER 25, 2011
:By  tawitawi.net




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.


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.
==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 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.
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.


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.
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.


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.
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.


==Tawi-Tawi gets P1-B aid fund==
“If you are in central and western Mindanao, you should leave immediately,” states a recent travel advisory from the Australian government to its citizens.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342463/tawitawi-gets-p1b-aid-fund
*November 24, 2011, 5:19pm
:By  NONOY E. LACSON


“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.”


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


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.
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.


Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said the allotted amount was granted through the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
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 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.
A nearby island, Basilan, is a stronghold for the top terrorist organization in the Philippines, Abu Sayyaf.


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.
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.


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.
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 governor here said the amount extended them under the stimulus fund would be of great help for the province and to the people here.
“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.”


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.
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.


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.
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 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.
==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 stimulus fund will also finance the implementation of various infrastructure projects like irrigation and farm-to-market roads.


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.


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.
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.


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.
==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)


==P36-M allotted for Tawi-Tawi projects==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/p36-m-allotted-for-tawi-tawi-projects/
*NOVEMBER 23, 2011
:By tawitawi.net




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.
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.


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.


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.
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.


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.
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.


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.
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.


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.
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.


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.
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.


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).”
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.


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.
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.


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.
“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.


==Sabah-bound boat intercepted off Tawi-Tawi==
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.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342073/sabahbound-boat-intercepted-tawitawi
*November 21, 2011, 4:54pm
:By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN


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.


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


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 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.


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, 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.


Ricafrente said that the motor launch, which has an authorized capacity of 58 passengers, was sailing towards the direction of Sabah, Malaysia.
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.


The Wendelene was then escorted by the patrol vessels to Zamboanga City.
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.


It was learned that the motor launch was skippered by Captain Rogello Anas and operated by Bernalda Julwadi of Canelar in Zamboanga City.
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 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.
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.


==Over 200 suspected trafficked victims rescued in Tawi-Tawi==
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.
*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


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.


ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Authorities in Western Mindanao intercepted a vessel loaded with over 200 suspected victims of human trafficking.
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.  


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.
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 vessel was proceeding towards the direction of Sabah, Malaysia.
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.


Upon inspection, authorities discovered that the ferry was carrying over 200 passengers, way above its capacity of 58 passengers.
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 vessel is said to be owned by a certain Bernaida Julwadi of Canelar, Zamboanga City, while the ferry captain was identified as Rogelio Anas.
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.


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.
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.


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.
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.


==Tawi-Tawi agenda==
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.
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/peace-week/
*NOVEMBER 17, 2011
:By  tawitawi.net


==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


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.


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.
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.


==Suspect in slay of Tawi-Tawi deputy police chief killed in shootout==
“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://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


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.


MANILA, Philippines—Authorities shot dead a suspect who killed a deputy police chief in Tawi-Tawi province Monday night.
Tambut has contested and impugned the results of six of the total 20 clustered precincts for the mayoralty position.
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.
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.
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==
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.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/341129/peace-week
*November 13, 2011, 4:02pm
:By  mb.com.ph


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.


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.
“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.


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.
“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.  


==9th PNP Maritime to build gunboat unit in Tawi-Tawi==
*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




The 9th Maritime Mobile  Unit will soon construct a  special gunboat unit in  Bongao  and Mapun Tawi-Tawi.


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.


The special gunboat unit  includes a wharf and  a building that will house a gunboat.


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.


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.


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.


At present, the gunboat donated by the US Department of Justice is now detailed in Balabak Palawan.


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..
==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


Before assuming command last November 3, Molina was assigned in Palawan.    He graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy in 1985.


Former 9th MMU chief Sr. Supt. Eduardo Serapio Garado is now the new assigned in Cebu City (Region 7).
A REGIONAL trial court has unseated Nazif Ahmad B. Abdurahman as the mayor of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi province.


==Tawi-Tawi to propel environment program in Mapun, Turtle Island==
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.
*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


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


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


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.
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.


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


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.  
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.


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.
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.
She said that after Mapun and Turtle Island, she has eyed for Sapa-Sapa municipality as the next recipient.


“We are doing this public service for the benefits of the people and we have set aside politics here,” she said.
The court in its April 2, 2012 decision has cited public interest in granting the motion for execution filed by Tambut and Esguerra.


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
“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.


==Basic services==
Simunul, which comprises of 15 villages, is a 4th class and one of the 11 municipalities of Tawi-Tawi.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/340781/govt-citation
*November 10, 2011, 3:30pm
:By  Nonoy Lacson


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==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1521334025588
*Tuesday 10th of April 2012
:by  (EOR/APB-PIA 10)


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.
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).  


==Cops still seeking info on blank fish breeder and his Filipino abductor==
“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.
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/cops-still-seeking-info-on-missing-fish-breeder-and-his-filipino-abductor/
*NOVEMBER 9, 2011
:By  THE TAWI-TAWI JOURNAL


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.


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.
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.  


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.
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.


“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.
==ARMMAA 2012 reels off==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/armmaa-2012-reels-off/
*APRIL 8, 2012
:by  Bong Garcia


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.


“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.
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.”


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.
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.
 
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.
 
Supt Jocson pronounced formed on declare statements, military trust there was a disagreement between a two.
 
Maraji had no famous links to kidnap syndicates or belligerent groups, he said.
 
He combined that Pang had entered Sitangkai in an unregistered speedboat.
 
Sitangkai is about a 30-minute vessel float from Sabah’s Semporna.
 
Pang’s family members pronounced Sunday they had not listened anything given a kidnapping.
 
==‘Surgical strike’ backed==
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/top-stories/16037-surgical-strike-backed
* Tuesday, October 25, 2011
:By  Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
 
 
 
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.
 
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.”
 
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.
 
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  GPH  and the MILF should discuss how to deal with these perpetrators,” he said.  “Such provisions should be in the ceasefire agreement.”
 
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.”
 
“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.
 
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.
 
==Mindanao lawmakers call for review of ceasefire agreement==
*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
 
 
 
(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.
 
“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.


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"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.
The largest athletic contingent is from the province of Tawi-Tawi.
 
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.
 
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”.
 
“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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
"Once (the) President declares war, it is not only Mindanao but the whole Philippines (that) will be affected," Sema noted.
 
Like President Aquino, they said an investigation should first be conducted if there were lapses on the side of the government troops.
 
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.
 
"We must support pursuit operations against lawless elements, but not
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.
 
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.
 
"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.
 
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."
 
“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.
 
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.
 
"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.
 
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."
 
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.
 
The senator added the MILF should be made accountable for the attacks because of command responsibility. She said if the MILF cannot
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.”
 
"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.
 
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.”
 
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."
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
"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.
 
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.
 
"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.
 
==Bangun Ra'ayat expands to other Tawi-tawi towns==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/38786-Bangun-Raayat-expands-to-other-Tawi-tawi-towns.html
*Sunday, October 23. 2011
:By  Bernie Concepcion
 
 
 
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.
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==
*Source: http://realestatemindanaophilippines.com/703/upgraded-tawi-tawi-airport-draws-commercial-airlines-and-interest-from-investors/
*October 21, 2011
:By  BusinessWorld Online
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
“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 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, home to the Sulu Archipelago’s only multi-species hatchery.
 
The chamber and the provincial government worked with the airlines and the CAAP to expedite the establishment of the new flights
 
Previously, travelers going from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi had to endure a 17-hour ferry ride.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
==Tawi-Tawi turns into busy hub after airport upgrade==
*Source: http://www.tribuneonline.org/business/20111020bus6.html
*10/20/2011
:By  The Daily Tribune
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
“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.
 
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.
 
==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
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
“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 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, Hongkong 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 Secretary Antonino.
 
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.
 
==No word on blank S’wakian: Anifah==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/no-word-on-missing-swakian-anifah/
*OCTOBER 18, 2011
:By  Tawi-Tawi Journal
 
 
 
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.
 
“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.
 
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.
 
Anifah also voiced his thankfulness to a Indonesian Government for providing some-more than 300 policemen to sunder a bootleg demonstrations outward a embassy.
 
“These insane people are only ludicrous and formulating something that we call ‘cheap politics’ in a region. We have zero to worry about.
 
“It is fine to revisit IndonesiaÉin fact, we will be going to Indonesia really soon.
 
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.
 
==No word on blank S’wakian: Anifah==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/no-word-on-missing-swakian-anifah/
*OCTOBER 18, 2011
:By  Tawi-Tawi Journal
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
“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.
 
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.
 
Anifah also voiced his thankfulness to a Indonesian Government for providing some-more than 300 policemen to sunder a bootleg demonstrations outward a embassy.
 
“These insane people are only ludicrous and formulating something that we call ‘cheap politics’ in a region. We have zero to worry about.
 
“It is fine to revisit IndonesiaÉin fact, we will be going to Indonesia really soon.
 
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.
 
==Economic boost==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/337934/kids-program
*October 16, 2011, 4:37pm
:By  Nonoy Lacson
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
“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)
 
==products in Tawi-Tawi==
*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
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
Guzman said the confiscated shipment consisted of 10,000 board feet of undocumented assorted good lumber and 69 round logs.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Last month, an estimated of 28,000 board feet of illegally cut forest products from Tawi-Tawi were apprehended at Sulu Sea.
 
“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.
 
==Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi get possess military office==
*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
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.”
 
“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.
 
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.
 
==Chinese fish trader snatched==
*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
 
 
 
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.
 
“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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
The suspect is a resident of Liloy municipality, Zamboanga del Norte, Jocson said.
 
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.
 
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.
 
==Tawi-Tawi hosts local film festival==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=732149
*September 29, 2011 10:57 AM
:By PhilStar.com
 
 
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.
 
The Sineng Pambansa is a program of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
 
“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.
 
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.
 
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 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.
 
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).
 
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).
 
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
 
 
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.
 
 
Greece envoy lauds peace situation in Tawi-Tawi
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.
 
 
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.”
 
“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.
 
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.”
 
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 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.
 
“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 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.
 
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.
 
Sahali noted that the event also renewed the people’s reflection to their culture.
 
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.
 
==‘Agar-Agar’ draws thousands of visitors==
*Source: http://www.tawitawi.net/agar-agar-draws-thousands-of-visitors/
*SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
:By BLOGTOPIA
 
 
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.
 
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.”
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Also, Simunul city was adjudged as a many colorful delegation, while Sitangkai was named as a many behaved and trained delegation.
 
Simunul and Sitangkai was awarded P50,000 any by a administrator while a remaining 8 other towns were given P10,000 each.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
“We have so many pleasing and gifted immature ladies in a province, and this is what we are exploring now,” Hja. Sahali said.
 
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.
 
==Seaweed festivities in Tawi-tawi start==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=730868
*  September 25, 2011 07:16 PM
:By  Becky De Asis
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
“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 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.
 
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.
 
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
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
A sum of 143 internal residents from 13 barangays of Panglima Sugala benefitted in this Navy’s program.
 
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.
 
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.
 
==Tawi-Tawi gears for 'Seaweeds Festival==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/334878/tawitawi-gears-seaweeds-festival
*September 19, 2011, 3:45pm
:By Nonoy Lacson
 
 
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.
 
Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali Monday said the provincial government has undertaken an extensive preparation for this year’s festival.
 
The Seaweeds Festival has been integrated the 38th founding anniversary of the province that is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, September 24.
 
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.”
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
The new method, Sahali said, will provide farmers a projected average income of between P40,000 to P60,000 per hectare per year.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
==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
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
Various kinds of exotic fruits and colorful hand-woven materials are expected to flood Bongao's busy commercial district.


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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