Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News December 2013

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Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao Archived News

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Seal of ARMM

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: 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. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Cotabato vital bridge to limit access to light vehicles

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=600862
• Tuesday, December 31, 2013

(PNA), LOR/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Dec. 31 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will strictly enforce starting Jan.1,2014 a limited tonnage of all vehicles passing through dilapidated Quirino Bridge that connects this city to North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon.

Emil Sadain, DPWH regional secretary in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said public works engineers are set to put up barrier to prevent cargo trucks and buses from crossing the bridge.

Despite signage and clearly displayed warnings of limited tonnage, buses and cargo trucks still cross the bridge.

Since November, DPWH have limited the weight of vehicles crossing through the bridge to 2.5 tons.

"We have observed that at night, cargo trucks beyond 2.5 tons were passing through the bridge which is dangerous because the bridge might collapse," Sadain said.

A concrete barrier of four meters will be put up across the bridge's approach to prevent heavy trucks from passing through, Sadain said.

Built by Americans in 1959, Quirino bridge has been weak and can no longer carry heavy load, thus pubic works limits the weight of vehicles using it.

"Its beams and trusses are weak, very weak due to corrosion," Sadain said, adding that DPWH is planning to preserve the bridge and open to traffic a newly constructed delta bridge across Rio Grande de Mindanao.

One span of the bridge had collapsed during the 1976 earthquake in Mindanao.

While the delta bridge had been completed, the access road from the bridge to the national highway had road right of way issues.

"DPWH and the local government unit are still negotiating with the owners of a private property for the construction of access roads," Sadain said.

Mayor Japal Guiani Jr said funds for the rehabilitation of Quirino bridge is expected to come by next year.

In the meantime, cargo trucks are advised to use the Kidapawan-Datu Paglas-Isulan-Cotabato highway while repairs are on going.

Guiani appealed to the public to cooperate so as not to complicate the situation.

He also appealed to traders not to jack-up prices of basic commodities as a result of the closure of Quirino bridge.

Palace urged to extend IRA to ARMM towns

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/30/1273473/palace-urged-extend-ira-armm-towns
• Monday, December 30, 2013 3:36 pm

By John Unson (philstar.com)

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines --- Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the provincial mayors’ league expressed support to the bid of regional lawmakers for presidential approval on the grant of monthly Internal Revenue allotment (IRA) to a dozen towns not receiving the fund from the national government.

The ARMM’s 24-seat Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) passed last week a resolution urging the national government to release monthly IRA to the 12 towns, which were created from between 2006 and 2009 by the regional law-making body.

The proponent of the resolution, Maguindanao 2nd District Assemblyman Khadafeh Mangudadatu, said the RLA is seeking Malacanñng’s immediate action on the issue.

Seven of the 12 towns --- Northern Kabuntalan, Salibo, Datu Hofer, Pandag, Mangudadatu, Datu Blah Sinsuat and Saidona Mustapha --- are located in Maguindanao.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, in an emailed statement, said his office and the league of mayors in the province support the effort of the RLA.

Gov. Mangudadatu said providing IRA to the “IRAless” towns will enable local officials to pursue projects and activities supporting the Mindanao peace process.

Hataman, who has political jurisdiction over Maguindanao, said he is optimistic the national government will respond positively to the clamor for the release of IRA to the 12 towns.

The RLA's resolution, which Assemblyman Mangudadatu proposed, underscored the need for the grant of monthly IRA to the 12 towns for the municipal governments to effectively deliver basic services to local communities without delays.

The 12 towns were created by the RLA, which, under Republic Act 9054, can create barangays and municipalities as long as the process does not alter or marginalize the territories of each of the eight congressional districts in the autonomous region.

The RLA is comprised of three legislators from each of the eight congressional districts in the autonomous region, which covers Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The ARMM has more than 100 towns scattered in its five component-provinces.

ARMM creates model communities ahead of Bangsamoro govt

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=600520
• Sunday, December 29, 2013

(PNA), PDS/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Dec. 29 (PNA) --The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)government has set aside P500 million to come up with model barangays from the region's five provinces in preparation for the upcoming establishment of Bangsamoro government.

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, in a statement, said the model barangays would showcase how a community under the new Bangsamoro government will be after the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Each province will have 10 model barangays or one model community from each town.

Each model community will showcase what a local government should be with all the line agencies of the government present and functioning well.

"This forms part of the ARMM preparation for the coming Bangsamoro government which is slated sometime in 2016," Hataman said.

The government basic services like health, education, livelihood, peace and security, among others will be physically present in the model barangays.

The government and the MILF are closer to signing a peace deal that will give Moro people in Muslim Mindanao the opportunity to government themselves through the Bangsamoro government.

Ahead of the signing of the peace accord, the Aquino government has started bringing the government closer to the people of ARMM which will form major part of the Bangsamoro government.

Aquino's administration brought genuine government services to ARMM communities where basic services such as health and education were absent due to decades of armed conflict.

Once an agreement is signed between the Aquino government and the MILF, full swing government services will engulf the country's poorest region.

Coast Guard halts overloaded ships in Zambo, Basilan

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/12/28/coast-guard-halts-overloaded-ships-zambo-basilan-320722
• Saturday, December 28, 2013

By John Carlo Cahinhinan

MANILA – Three overloaded commercial shipping vessels were held by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Basilan and Zamboanga City during the peak of the holiday season.

Commander Armando Balilo, Coast Guard Public Affairs chief, said that personnel from Coast Guard Sub-Station Basilan discovered while conducting a mandatory pre-departure inspection on Friday that M/V Stephanie Marie has 272 unmanifested passengers.

Less than two hours later, the ship was allowed to depart the port of Basilan and sailed to Zamboanga City after carrying the authorized number of passengers - 861 adults, 28 children and two infants.

The vessel safety enforcement inspection team of the Coast Guard Station Zamboanga also discovered that M/V Ciara Joie Two was overloaded with 118 unmanifested passengers while M/V Trisha Kerstin One was also overloaded with 79 passengers.

Balilo said they will further intensify its campaign against maritime violations such as overloading of passengers, and encourage the riding public to report violations of this nature, and even “colorum” vessels to proper authorities.

The PCG spokesperson also appealed to ship owners, operators and local port authorities and terminal to adapt the airline procedures such as providing cut off time for embarkation of passengers and loading of cargo, devising a system for the safe and orderly conduct of boarding of passengers, and prevent the carriage of excess passengers and vessel overloading.

“The airline [ticketing] model in maritime transportation will not only help in the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, but also prevent unnecessary delays in the departure of vessels,” Balilo said.

ARMM investments hit P1.463 B in 2013

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1611388116703
• Friday, December 27, 2013

By Danilo E. Doguiles (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

COTABATO CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) – Investors have poured in P1.463 billion worth of business venture in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) of ARMM in a report sent to the Philippine Information Agency 12 indicated that this year’s investments is “higher by 157 percent compared to last year’s 569 million worth of investments.”

Shamera Abobakar, information officer of RBOI-ARMM said, “this is the second time that the agency hit the P1 billion mark; the first was in 2011. Both times were during the tenure of lawyer Ishak Mastura as chairman and managing head of RBOI.”

This massive increase was partly attributed, according to the same report, to the positive perception on the region brought about by the signing of the “Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro” between the Philippine Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front on October 15, 2012.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman’s active involvement in the promotion of the region, the report cited, also brought strong impression among foreign and local investors.

“Let us make the business environment conducive and friendly to our investors,” was quoted in several occasions. Let us not make it difficult for businessmen to put their investments in ARMM.”

This year, RBOI has registered four firms, some of which are enjoying fiscal and non-fiscal investment incentives.

The largest of which was Al-Tawitawi Nickel Corporation (ANC) which poured in P707.9 million for an expansion project on mining and quarrying of nickel ore in Brgy. Tumbagaan, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

The second top investor is the Bumbaran Development Corporation, which constructed 1,500 housing units worth P365 million in Brgy. Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao.

La Frutera, Inc. has poured in P300 million for their 300-heactera expansion of Cavendish banana plantation in the Municipality of Pandag, Maguindanao.

The company has been operating in ARMM particularly in Maguindanao since 1997.

Moreover, the Iron Blaze Petroleum, Inc. has committed construction of a P90 million oil depot with a capacity of 9 million liters.

The oil depot project in Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao is considered as a priority of the regional government to lure more investors to the region because of the role that energy and oil consumption plays as catalyst for faster economic growth.

RBOI also reported that in 2013, some 1,743 jobs were generated out of the four firms registered with RBOI, a rise of 72% compared to the 1,016 jobs opened in 2012.

Letron holds basketball try outs in ARMM

• Source:http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/82553-Letran-holds-try-outs-in-ARMM.html
• Thursday, December 26, 2013 15:42

By Prof. Josephine J. Codilla

More than promoting the college, Letran is promoting Moro talents in the coming NCAA Seasons.

Just last December 22, 2013, Coaches Mike Buendia and Ronjay Enrile flew in to Cotabato City and held an open try out at the Notre Dame Social Action Center Gym. Morethan 50 college basketball hopefuls from all over the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) attended the one day event which was organized by 3DS Basketball Academy through the efforts of Coach Kid Rogong.

Eight Moro players were chosen to fly to Manila and train with the NCAA Season 89 Runner-Up and 16-time champions, Letran Knights. Part of the said eight-man selection are Malik Ampatuan, younger brother of former San Sebastian Stags centerJadAmpatuan, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, and 5’10” guard Omar Diolanen who was also scout

Investigators probing cause of fire in Tawi-Tawi town

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/25/1271932/investigators-probing-cause-fire-tawi-tawi-town
• Wednesday, December 25, 2013 2:34 pm

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines --- Fire probers are still investigating the cause of fire that razed 272 houses in a seaside village in Bongao town in Tawi-Tawi just before Christmas.

Inspector James Ra, provincial fire marshal of Tawi-Tawi, said the residents dislocated by the fire that destroyed the houses in neighboring barangays Sheik Makdum and Tandu Banak in Bongao, are now staying in makeshit relief sites and houses of relatives in nearby areas.

The island town of Bongao is the capital of Tawi-Tawi, a component province of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Ra said the office of Tawi-Tawi Gov. Nurbert Sahali and the congressional representative of the province, Ruby Sahali, are helping the displaced villagers.

Investigators initially estimate that properties destroyed by the fire cost P19 million.

Sayyaf linked to American’s kidnapping killed in clash

• Source:http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/64159-sayyaf-linked-to-americans-kidnapping-killed-in-clash
• Tuesday, December 24, 2013 00:00

By Zaida delos Reyes-Palanca

A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in the kidnapping of an American national more than a decade ago was killed in an encounter with government forces before dawn yesterday in Sulu.

The suspect, identified as Alias Harrin Hajan, alias Abu and Fraser, was killed in an encounter with elite police commandos at around 1:10 a.m. in Bgy. Luwas, Parang, Sulu.

Initial investigation showed elements of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force 52nd Special Action Coy and the Sulu Provincial Police Office went to the area to serve a warrant of arrest for kidnapping with ransom charges against the suspect.

However, upon seeing the team, the suspect immediately fired toward the officers who were forced to return fire, killing the bandit.

It was learned that Hajan has a standing arrest warrant for serious illegal detention with ransom (21 counts).

Hajan was reportedly involved in the kidnapping of American Jeffrey Schilling after he was suspected by the ASG as a CIA agent during the early 2000s.

Cops guns sealed, ARMM, Region 12 see gun-free Christmas revelry

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=599216
• Monday, December 23, 2013

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Dec. 23 (PNA) -- Long firearms and hand guns of policemen in Central Mindanao region and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have been sealed since Sunday to ensure that they will not be used during Christmas and New Year, the PNP regional office 12 said in a statement.

Aside from masking tape covering the nozzle of policemen's firearms assigned in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos, police officials also affixed their signatures to determine whether the tape was removed or altered.

Indiscriminate firing is strictly prohibited during the Christmas eve and New Year revelry.

Ealier, policemen in the ARMM, had their guns sealed by their immediate superiors to ensure they will not be used during the Holidays.

"We hope to reduce the number of gun firing during the Holidays if not totally eradicate it," Chief Supt. Noel delos Reyes, ARMM police regional director, said.

He warned policemen that those who found to have used their guns during the revelry will face administrative and criminal charges.

"They will also face removal from service," he added.

ARMM police and those in Region 12 have been implementing mobile and regular checkpoints to ensure public safety.

In North Cotabato, police director Senior Supt. Danny Peralta has appealed to the public to refrain from using their guns and report if they know cops fired their weapons.

P185M earmarked for ARMM fish-port projects

• Source:http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/business/agri-commodities/24755-p185m-earmarked-for-armm-fish-port-projects
• Sunday, December 22, 2013

By Antonio P. Rimando (Correspondent)

COTABATO CITY—The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has allocated at least P185 million for the construction of fish port projects in seven coastal municipalities of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

PFDA General Manager Eduardo Chu said the move is a part of a comprehensive peace and development intervention for the economic recovery and development of Muslim Mindanao, considered a depressed, distressed and underserved island-group.

He added that the project is designed to help uplift the living condition of its inhabitants who belong to the following indigenous tribes: Maranao, Tausug, Maguindanaon, Iranon, Yakan and Samal.

Chu told reporters here that the municipal fish ports (MFP) projects would be established in the following areas: the towns of Sumisip in Basilan; Buluan and Mangudadatu in Maguindanao; Parang in Sulu; Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi; the cities of Lamitan in Basilan; and Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.

The feasibility studies on the seven projects, he said, were completed late last year while the detailed engineering designs were finished early this year even as the public bidding was completed in the second quarter of 2013.

Construction of the MFPs will begin January next year and, barring any unforeseen glitches, would be finished before the end of the same year, Chu said.

He added that once completed, each of the MFP is expected to provide over 500 direct employment and would be capable of handling 25 metric tons of marine products daily.

Part of the project implementation, Chu said, is the training of personnel on port operation and maintenance for the eventual turnover of the management, supervision and administration of the MFPs to the local government units (LGUs) concerned.

The PFDA executive said the MFPs are intended to increase the productivity and income of fisher folk in their respective communities even as “sustaining the growth momentum in these areas would translate into more investments and jobs that would immensely reduce poverty.”

Chu noted that of the seven MFPs, the sea waters of Lamitan City, Sumisip, Parang and Panglima Sugala teem with high-value marine products such as tuna, tanguigue and tamban (sardine fish).

He pointed out that Marawi City and Buluan and Mangudadatu towns are situated along the borders of fish-rich Lake Lanao, considered the second largest lake in the country next to Taal Lake.

Of the seven port landings to be built, Chu said, two of them—Marawi City and Sumisip—would be initially provided with ice plants and cold storage facilities, which would supply the ice requirements of the fishing industry in the two LGUs.

At present, the PFDA chief said, the agency had already put up and turned over 76 MFPs to various LGUs in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. These, he claims, are currently benefitting thousands of fisher folk.

Chu announced that the PFDA has also scheduled the construction of 50 more MFPs and post-harvest facilities in different parts of the country. He identified five of the proposed recipient LGUs as: Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental; Catbalogan in Western Samar; Roxas City in Capiz; Calabanga in Camarines Sur; and Real in Quezon.

Peace benefits Mindanao farmers

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/21/1270710/peace-benefits-mindanao-farmers
• Saturday, December 21, 2013 5:52 pm

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines --- The absence of any encounter this year between the military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has helped farmers in Central Mindanao to invest in projects that could develop the region into a livestock, rubber and oil palm hub.

Except for some isolated atrocities perpetrated by bandits belonging to the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the region was peaceful, with “zero" military-MILF encounter, in the past 11 months.

The BIFF, which is led by extremists, among them the now paralytic Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato, is not covered by the July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF.

The peace has allowed farmers in far-flung areas in North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces benefit from government projects.

The livelihood projects were implemented in support of the socio-economic agenda of the GPH-MILF peace talks.

“I hope the tranquility we now experience in our communities will continue in the years to come so we can focus on activities that could generate income to continue sending our children to school,” Mutalib Tantung, a Moro farmer in S.K. Pendatun town in Maguindanao, said in the local dialect.

Tantung is one of more than 50,000 farmers in Maguindanao who received free rubber tree and oil palm seedlings dispersed in the past 11 months by the provincial government under the “plant now, pay never” project of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.

Thousands had received seedlings and farm animals from the Maguindanao provincial government from 2010 to late 2012. Maguindanao is one of the five provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In North Cotabato, hundreds of farmers in flood-hit and conflict-stricken areas also benefited from the animal and seedling dispersal activities of Gov. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza from January to early December this year.

North Cotabato, which is under Administrative Region 12, has three congressional districts that are home to mixed Moro, Christian and non-Moro indigenous highland communities.

Mendoza’s office also distributed water buffaloes and hybrid goats to Christian and Moro farmers in North Cotabato in recent months.

Some of the beneficiaries of the community agricultural interventions initiated by the Maguindanao and North Cotabato provincial governments are members of the MILF and its rival, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The MNLF signed a peace deal with government on September 2, 1996.

Chief Supt. Noel Delos Reyes, police director of ARMM, said the community projects of the Maguindanao provincial government helped convinced the followers of MNLF founder Nur Misuari to refrain from joining their companions in Zamboanga City in September.

Many of the more than 4,000 scholars of the Maguindanao Program on Educational Assistance and Community Enhancement (MagPEACE), bankrolled by the office of Mangudadatu, are children of MILF and MNLF members, according to Lynette Estandarte, Maguindanao’s chief provincial budget officer.

“Naturally, because we have peace education subjects, these scholars help educate their parents on the importance of resolving security problems through dialogues. This learning process is good for the Mindanao peace,” commented Engineer Sukarno Datukan, administrator of the government-run Upi Agricultural School in North Upi town in Maguindanao.

MNLF members in North Cotabato had also committed to Mendoza, who, like Mangudadatu, is now in her second term as provincial governor, to refrain from disturbing the peace in their enclaves in the province.

Peace activists in Central Mindanao, among them Catholic priests and leaders of various Christian sects, are convinced the government and MILF panels would be able to strike a final peace compact by 2014.

Peace talks between the government and the MILF started January 7, 1997, punctuated by security problems that caused its frequent suspension, and gained headway in 2003 with the help of Malaysia as facilitator.

Besides Malaysia, Japan, the European Union, Norway, Indonesia, and several other international donor organizations, and foreign peace advocacy entities, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a bloc of more than 50 Muslim countries are assisting in the peace talks.

ARMM bares P1B savings for the year

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/20/1270343/armm-bares-p1b-savings-year
• Friday, December 20, 2013 2:48 pm

By John Unson

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Residents of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao saw this year, for the first time since the entity’s inception in 1990, the accumulation of more than P1 billion worth of savings in the ARMM’s coffer.

Various communities were also suprised that the savings were generated by the ARMM’s education, and public works departments, once deemed the region’s most corrupt agencies.

ARMM folks also witnessed this year how the present administration made open to representatives of various civil society organizations and the media the bidding processes for the procurement of equipment and supplies, and service provision contracts amounting more than P1 billion, in keeping with its transparency policy in handling of peace and development funds.

Residents of ARMM, which covers Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, which are both in mainland Mindanao, and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, have been used to corrupt practices in the regional bureaucracy.

President Benigno Aquino III had earlier labelled as “failed experiment” the now 23-year ARMM owing to its failure to foster peace and sustainable development in its territory, despite the huge grants and infrastructure subsidies the national government had poured into the region.

The ARMM, which originally covered only Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, and Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, was created through a plebiscite in 1990 as an answer to the quest of Southern Moro communities for self-governance under the international right to self determination (RSD) doctrine.

The autonomous region was subsequently expanded through another referendum in 2001, which resulted in the amendment of its charter, from Republic Act 6743 to R.A. 9054, and the fusion of Basilan and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi into its territory.

ARMM officials believe that the graft-ridden regional bureaucracy could still be reformed, even if the region faces possible replacement with a new Bangsamoro political entity if the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front strike a final peace compact by 2014.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, who first sat as an appointed caretaker of ARMM in December 2011 and got elected as regional governor during the May polls, said he is keen on turning over fully implemented projects, fund savings, and all assets of the autonomous region to the government and the MILF peace panels before the 2016 elections.

“Hopefully, by then, we can show to the whole nation and the whole world that the ARMM has done something good for its constituents and that the region could have taken off if only managed properly since its onset more than 20 years ago,” Hataman said.

Hataman said he and members of his regional cabinet are ready to vacate their posts if a final GPH-MILF peace accord is required to enable a smooth transition from the present ARMM to the new Bangsamoro political entity, which is also to be established through a plebiscite in its proposed territory.

Part of the funds saved by the Hataman administration the past 11 months had been spent for the procurement of road-building equipment for the region’s eight district engineering offices.

In November, the office of the ARMM’s public works secretary, Hadji Emil Sadain, saved P520,000 more from a public bidding process for P363-million worth of infrastructure projects in Maguindanao and Basilan.

“We are glad with this kind of handling of infrastructure funds by the Hataman administration. There is transparency and accountability,” said Vice-Mayor Roderick Furigay of Lamitan City, the capital of Basilan.

Furigay on Wednesday said Hataman and other regional officials awarded 226 students from Lamitan and surrounding Basilan towns scholarship grants for school year 2014 under the ARMM's “Iskolar Para sa Pagbabago” program, also the region’s first.

“More than 20 of the scholars taken in are from Lamitan City. This is something we have not experienced before,” Furigay said.

The ARMM’s Department of Public Works and Highways, which is being managed jointly by Hataman and Sadain, first generated early this year P136 million savings from unspent project grants and allocations for maintenance and operating expenses.

Residents also lauded the ARMM’s Department of Education saved P900 million worth of unspent operating funds and salaries for its rank-and-file personnel in recent months.

Hataman and his education secretary, Jamar Kulayan, had delisted thousands of ghost teachers from the payrolls of DepEd-ARMM.

The two officials also suspended the release of operation subsidies to dozens of non-existent schools that were used as "conduits" for anomalous grants by past regional officials.

ARMM cops placed on alert ahead of Christmas celebration

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=598334
• Thursday, December 19, 2013

(PNA), PDS/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Dec. 19 (PNA) --Police authorities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) went on heightened alert starting Thursday to ensure peace and order during this year's holiday celebrations.

Policemen and Philippine Marines assigned in Cotabato City were also placed on heightened alert during the Shariff Kabunsuan celebration Thursday with more policemen deployed in and around the city.

Chief Supt. Noel Delos Reyes, ARMM police regional director, said all police provincial directors in the region have already laid down security plans to ensure no untoward incident that may destroy the solemn celebration of Christmas and New Year will occur.

ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Delos Reyes said the lowering of alert status depends on the peace and order situation of each province and depending on the assessment of local police directors.

The traditional "Misa de Gallo" is on its fifth day Friday and police Senior Supt. Rolen Balquin, city police director, reminded residents to ensure their homes are properly locked in attending dawn masses.

Delos Reyes on the other hand reminded residents going to provinces and other areas to ask neighbors to keep watch over their homes to ensure burglars are discouraged.

Robbers and other criminals are traditionally taking advantage of the holidays.

Combined police and Philippine Marines are patrolling the city and securing Churches and other holy places since December 16, the start of Misa de Gallo.

Policemen were also deployed in public markets, malls and other populated areas amid intelligence reports of possible terror attacks by lawless elements and terror groups.

Government authorities are also keeping an eye on suspected kidnap for ransom gangs who may take advantage of the holidays and snatch wealth traders.

Kidnap gangs operating in Maguindanao are still holding an Indian national Krishian Singh Arora, 52, an investor who was trying to revive a plywood firm in Barangay Landasan, Parang, Maguindanao.

Arora was taken by gunmen wearing police shirts while inside the Eversun warehouse at past 9:00 p.m. on November 13.

Two weeks earlier, kidnappers seized Indian trader Mike Khemani, owner of a chain of department store here and in North Cotabato. He was freed a week later.

Delos Reyes said search and rescue operations are still on going.

Meanwhile, as part of security plans, police in the ARMM also started sealing the muzzles of their firearms to ensure they are not fired during the Christmas eve and New Year revelries.

Poor, deserving students get scholarship from ARMM governor

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=598027
• Wednesday, December 18, 2013

(PNA), PDS/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Dec. 18 (PNA) --Believing on the importance of education as requirement for human development, Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) awarded in Basilan on Wednesday certificates of scholarship to 226 students who will study next school year under the "Iskola para sa Pagbabago program" of ARMM governor.

Hataman was accompanied by Anak Mindanao Congresswoman Sitti Djala Hataman, Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay, Vice Mayor Orig Furigay and other local officials.

Hataman said there are now almost 1,000 scholars in the autonomous region coming from five component provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Hataman said the students emerged as the top examinees in a regionwide examination and comprehensive interviews with the applicants.

Since assuming office as the region's top executive, Hataman had been advocating education as requirement for peace and development in the country's poorest yet resource rich region.

Hataman believed that education is a long-term solution to the illiteracy and poverty problem besetting the region.

Rep. Hataman also lauded the scholars saying they deserved the certificates "because they really went through rigid and transparent examinations and top level interviews" with ARMM chief of staff Amihilda Sangcopan and Education Assistant Secretary Jeh Nue Jalani and other representatives of various agencies like Commission on Higher Education and Department of Public Works and Highways.

Police: Misa de Gallo in ARMM peaceful

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/17/1269184/police-misa-de-gallo-armm-peaceful
• Tuesday, December 17, 2013 4:14 pm

By John Unson (philstar.com)

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Catholic worship sites in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where the traditional 'Misa de Gallo' is being held since Monday, have relatively been calm, the ARMM police said.

Chief Supt. Noel Delos Reyes, director of the ARMM regional police, said churches in the five provinces in the autonomous region are being guarded jointly by policemen and members of different Marine and Army units.

“Local officials and Muslim religious leaders have also been helping secure the churches in keeping with the essence of religious solidarity and fraternalism,” Delos Reyes told reporters covering an event at Camp S.K. Pendatun in Parang town in Maguindanao last Monday.

The ARMM covers Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, which are both in mainland Mindanao, the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi, all known hotbeds of religious extremism.

The surroundings of nearby Cotabato City have also been quite since the nine-day dawn Misa de Gallo started on Monday dawn.

Senior Supt. Rolen Balquin, director of the Cotabato City police, said there has not been any incident that affected the religious daily event.

"No untoward incident related to the conduct of the Misa de Gallo has been reported since Monday," Balquin said.

Delos Reyes said dozens of policemen and uniformed Army and Marine combatants are securing the surroundings of Catholic churches in the autonomous region.

4,000 coffee seedlings awarded to 500 graduate farmers

• Source:http://armm.gov.ph/14000-coffee-seedlings-awarded-to-500-graduate-farmers/
• Monday, December 16, 2013

(arrm.gov.ph)

A total of 14,000 coffee seedlings and certificates were awarded to more than 500 farmers who completed the course on Coffee Production and its Utilization during the Mass Graduation of School-on-the-air last December 16 held in the Shariff Kabunsuan Hall, ARMM Complex, Cotabato City.

Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman graced the occasion along with Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Secretary, Atty. Makmod Mending Jr.

In his speech Governor Hataman reiterated the importance of farming, particularly coffee farming, on the economic progress of ARMM. Hataman challenged the farmers to apply the knowledge and technologies that they have acquired in developing the lands that they till. He also stated that he is willing to allocate PhP 700,000 from his Special Purpose Fund (SPF) to provide the farmers capital.

Five farmers received a spot-cash of PhP1000 each from the Regional Governor after they have provided correct answers to the quiz he initiated.

The School-on-the-air on Coffee Production and its Utilization is a program spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM) through the leadership of Atty. Mending Jr.

IPHO-Maguindanao conducts medical mission in 2 Samar towns hardly hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1211387025042
• Sunday, December 15, 2013

By Leonilo Lopido (PIA-8)

MARABUT, Samar, December 15 (PIA) – The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Maguindanao led by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Tahir Sulaik extends its humanitarian operations as they arrived this municipality Thursday along with more than a hundred health and support workers to extend free health services in this typhoon Yolanda-devastated town.

In an interview with Dr. Sulaik, he said that their medical mission will cover the whole of Marabut in terms of public health until Monday together with a number of health professionals from different hospitals in Magundanao plus equipments ferried in 14 big vehicles and a truckload of medicines.

Services offered include vaccines, comprehensive surgical, medical, obstetrics, gynecological, dental pediatrics, among others, Sulaik said.

With the traumatic effect brought by the typhoon, the team also offered psycho-social counselling for both children and adults as well as reproductive health services among pregnant women in disaster situation.

Asked why they chose Marabut, he said that they requested assistance from the Department of Health in identifying least-served areas affected by the typhoon.

“We are very particular in assisting areas which are actually the least served or underserved,” he said.

Apart from the above-mentioned services, the team also does nutrition works to determine the nutritional status of the residents in communities after Yolanda.

He said that aside from medical services, they are also providing food assistance to all clients specially the underserved.

On Friday, they distributed toothbrush, 1,000 hygiene kits for pregnant women and 1,000 copies of mother and child booklet.

IPHO Mindanao sent also medical professionals to Basey (also in Samar) considering also that said municipality has limited manpower resources.

“We want to maximize our long travel para sulit naman at kasama ninyo kami sa pagbangon,” the health officer said.

Moreover, Dr. Sulaik, who is also fluent in Waray, said that he informed the Mayor of Marabut that they will not bring back the equipments and supplies they brought for Marabut.

Dr. Sulaik, who has 4,000 people under him, cancelled their year-end conference and Christmas Party in favor of the Medical Mission in Marabut and Basey.

Marabut is a coastal town of Samar composed of 24 barangays with a population of 15,115 (2010 census) and is reached in less than an hour land travel from Tacloban City passing through its neighbor town, Basey.

Security in Lamitan, Basilan improving

• Source:http://http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/14/1268068/security-lamitan-basilan-improving
• Saturday, December 14, 2013 10:01 am

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Basilan’s capital Lamitan City has started bouncing back from recent hostilities and bombings that rocked the area and unduly caused underdevelopment in far-flung communities.

Lamitan City is home to mixed Muslim and Christian residents now trying their best to address together domestic peace and security issues through interfaith solidarity and continuing dialogues in support of the Mindanao peace process.

Never has security been felt better by the culturally diverse folks in Lamitan City until local officials, as if 'testing the waters,' opened to the public every night since Thursday the city hall grounds, lit with colourful Christmas lights, adorned with decors.

Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay, who led the launching of the night park, said Muslim and Christian folks have peacefully been whiling away time at the city hall compound from dusk to until late at night.

Lamitan City is the capital of the island province of Basilan, a component area of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Furigay said city residents have gradually been reeling off from tension caused by recent bombings, and the September 2013 attempt by rouge Moro rebels to intrude simultaneously into several barangays, while followers of Nur Misuari laid siege in Zamboanga City. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

The zeal of Furigay and her constituent-community leaders to spruce up the surroundings of the city government compound was not dampened by security issues, such as possible sabotage by extremists and other lawless groups trying to sow terror among the local communities.

City residents have been used to armed conflicts, having witnessed in years past deadly encounters between Moro groups and government security forces.

Local folks, particularly members of the business community, have also been gripped by fear of abductions by kidnap-for-ransom gangs in surrounding towns for many years now.

“But we have been succeeding lately in addressing the peace and security issues besetting our city. We ought to thank the barangay leaders and their constituents for helping the city government address all of these problems squarely,” Furigay said.

Furigay said the city government is grateful to the military and the police for continuously providing protection to barangay folks.

Lamitan City now boasts of infrastructures being built by the office of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, through the regional government’s public works department.

“In the meantime, our main concern is how to maintain the momentum of the Muslim-Christian unity in Lamitan,” Furigay said.

Small, medium Muslim weavers boom during ARMM anniversary

• Source:http://business.inquirer.net/156221/small-medium-muslim-weavers-boom-during-armm-anniversary
• Friday, December 13, 2013 10:32 am

By Ayunan Grande Gunting (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines—Unity and culture will take center stage in this year’s celebration of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) 24th founding anniversary.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman says various cultural shows and trade fairs will be conducted during the monthlong celebration of the ARMM’s 24th founding anniversary to depict the unique cultural identities of the region’s Moro and non-Muslim indigenous groups.

Hataman stresses the importance of these cultural shows during their festivities as they will highlight the peculiarities of the region’s local communities, which, despite having different traditions and cultures, are bound by Islam as a common religion.

“The region’s non-Muslim indigenous groups are also related to us. There is no separation, except for religious identities. We are one because we only have one community before the dawn of Islam in this part of the country. One people, one voice, one direction—unity, peace and prosperity,” Hataman says.

The monthlong celebration has already kicked off last November 7 with a parade of traditional attires made from hand-woven fabrics.

Hand-woven producers are happy during this long-month celebration because the demands go high from the distributors. “Very salable sya during ARMM day. Manila and local tourists buy our stuff like Hijabs, Malongs and other consumer Muslim products,” says Hadja Maumina Tamana, a Maranao businesswoman.

“Hand-woven fabrics are essential in our culture to show the richness and diversity of our country and the artistry of the Moro weavers. Hand-woven fabrics are the products of Moro tradition and the inspiration sought from the cultural ethos by the weavers. Innovative weavers, with their skilful blending of myths, faiths, symbols and imagery, provide the fabric an appealing dynamism,” says Amihilda Sangcopan, Chief of Staff and organizer of the event.

Hataman appeals to use hand-woven cloths—a step was taken to help and preserve the Moro weavers.

“If we want to keep this heritage of our country alive, then it is important to improve the socio-economic status of weavers by updating their skills and providing them with essential inputs.

Various schemes and programs are launched by the government that cater to the needs of the handloom sector both at the micro and macro level,” Anak-Mindanao party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia T. Hataman adds.

Maranao float is one of the most highlighted. It showcases the Maranao tradition and culture.

As an example, no less than ARMM Regional Governor Hataman wore traditional ethnic Yakan fabric. He directed all the government employees to wear Moro attire.

The event served as an initial highlight of the celebration of the region’s 24th founding anniversary which will last until Dec. 19, when local residents commemorate the Shariff Kabunsuan Day.

The Kabunsuan Day is a non-working regional holiday observed yearly to honor Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, a Muslim missionary from Johore, now an island state in Malaysia, who arrived in the 14th century in what is now Cotabato City to preach Islam.

The start of the celebration of the ARMM’s 24th founding anniversary, meanwhile, coincided with Thursday’s Sheik Karimul Makdum Day.

The Makdum Day is also a yearly regional holiday being observed throughout the autonomous region in commemoration of the arrival 633 years ago in Simunul, now an island town in Tawi-Tawi, of Arab preacher Makdum from the Middle East.

Biometric registration for students piloted in 2 Maguindanao public schools

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=596280
• Thursday, December 12, 2013

(PNA), JBP/NYP/WILNARD L. BACELONIA/

PARANG, Maguindanao, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- The Department of Education - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) has tested Wednesday the biometrics registration for students in two schools here as pilot area for the nationwide project.

The Lidasan National High School and Regional Science National High School in Barangay Landasan, Parang, Maguindanao, were the first two schools in the country to undergo biometrics registration for its students.

Jamar Kulayan, DepEd-ARMM secretary said, the project is a part of their campaign to rid the region of “ghost students.”

Kulayan explained that without biometric system, there are possibilities that school population are bloated, requiring the government to shell out unnecessary assistance to non-existing students for extra school budgets.

"We are also planning to have a biometrics registration for teachers after the students and we can have surprise visits on different schools in the region," Kulayan added in an effort to also purge the region of “ghost teachers”.

Kulayan said his office is currently eying the application of the new system in Lanao del Sur province that reportedly has the highest number of ghost teachers and students.

Based on a survey conducted by DepEd-ARMM in partnership with World Bank, 163 of more than 2,000 public schools in the region still have questionable personnel.

Kulayan said reforms initiated by the DepEd-ARMM under ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led to the huge decrease of 800,000 enrollees in the region to 690,000 at present.

ARMM observes Global Human Rights Day

• Source:http://manilatimes.net/armm-observes-global-human-rights-day/59793/
• Wednesday, December 11, 2013 6:39 pm

By MOH I. SAADUDDIN

COTABATO CITY: Human rights violation is not just about the killing of innocent people. It is also about depriving people of basic services and socio economic development.

This point was stressed by Engr. Emil Sadain, Public Works Secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the celebration yesterday of the International Human Rights Day at ARMM that was attended by thousands of people.

“Depriving society of due basic services and socio-economic development assistance is tantamount to injustice,” he said, hinting at “government ineptitude and negligence.”

Sadain said he does not want this to happen in ARMM. “That’s why we do everything legal and moral to make up for the lapses of government in providing good roads and bridges in ARMM.”

The ARMM celebrated the 10th founding anniversary of the Commission on Human Rights for ARMM and was led by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman along with his regional cabinet members and other workers.

Lawyer Jamar Kulayan, regional secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), said that his agency reform agenda has brought forth a leap exceeding even an Islamic mandate on human resource management.

Kulayan said Hadith (records of Prophet Mohammad’s deeds and teaching) talks about the Islamic mandate that “workers should receive their wages before their sweats dried up.”

“In our case, we do more than what is mandated. We pay our teachers even before they start sweating,” said Kulayan, referring to the advances and loans privileges of the ARMM teachers, which drawing loud cackles among the audience.

Later, he told The Times that since his administration started, it has resolved the issue of long delays of wages ranging from three-months to one year of 25,000 teachers and administrative workers.

“Since early this year, we release [teachers’] salaries as early as the 15th day of every month,” he said.

In his succeeding speech, Gov. Hataman urged the ARMM’s teachers’ to cooperate and to observe a “high sense of responsibility” to do their mandates as basic source of education.

“You rights are protected and promoted. Please do your responsibility, too,” Hataman said in reference to the regional teaching workforce.

ARMM's 'Little Congress' donates cash, relief supplies for 'Yolanda' victims

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/10/1266424/armms-little-congress-donates-cash-relief-supplies-yolanda-victims
• Tuesday, December 10, 2013 1:13 pm

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Members of the “Little Congress” of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday donated cash and relief supplies to the Red Cross for distribution to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Hainan) in the Visayas.

The cash and relief donations were turned over to Bai Fatima Sinsuat, chairperson of the Red Cross chapter here, by members of the 24-seat Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) representing Speaker Datu Ronnie Sinsuat.

Sinsuat, who has been working for the Red Cross since the early 1970s, said she will have the donations immediately delivered to their counterparts in Leyte.

“We are thankful to the RLA for extending help to the victims of typhoon Yolanda,” Sinsuat told RLA members present in the simple turn over rite held at their session hall inside the 32-hectare ARMM compound here.

The RLA is comprised of 24 lawmakers, three from each of the seven congressional districts in the autonomous region.

Sinsuat said the Red Cross is grateful to many Muslim local officials who had promptly responded to the humanitarian crisis in Leyte, among them the provincial governors of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces, and Gov. Mujiv Hataman of ARMM.

Sinsuat said Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu had provided two truckloads of frozen Tilapia harvested from the Lake Buluan, and several truckloads of food, non-food relief supplies, and medicines to thousands of typhoon victims in Tacloban City and adjoining towns.

She said Mangudadatu’s cousin, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu, also extended help to Leyte residents through the Red Cross.

OFW Family Day celebration in Buluan, Maguindanao to be held this week

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2411386561728
• Monday, December 9, 2013

(ORVRivera-PIA12)

COTABATO CITY, Dec 9 (PIA) – Over 1500 Overseas Filipino Workers and their families are expected to attend the OFW Family Day Celebration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

This year, the OFW Family Day in ARMM will be held at BBGM Buluan, Maguindanao on December 12, 2013.

According to OWWA-ARMM OIC Habib Malik, they have prepared a fun-filled program for the whole day activity.

The participants will be composed of OFW Family Circles from different parts of Maguindanao.

These includes the Mindanao Sustainable Association for Development, Quipolot OFW Association, Midconding OFW Kalilintad Organization, OFW Magungaya Farmers Organization, Tonggol OFW Maguyaga Organization, Lapok OFW Association, and United Bangsamoro OFW Association.

Participants will have the chance to win different prizes like grocery items, kitchen wares and surprise items courtesy of OWWA and other sponsors.

Further, Globe Telecoms will also set-up a one-stop hub to offer Libreng Tawag to OFWs and their relatives.

Among the guests of honor are Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, DOLE-ARMM Sec. Muslimin Jakilan and Buluan Mayor Lorena Mangudadatu are also expected to grace the event.

This year’s OFW Family Day has the theme “Hawak-kamay sa mithiing tagumpay at asenso ng Pamilyang OFW.”

OFW Family Day is an annual celebration of the OWWA aimed at providing avenue for OFWs and their families to spend quality time, strengthen family ties and values and develop camaraderie among OFW communities. It is also OWWA’s way of thanking our modern day heroes for their invaluable contribution in boosting up our economy.

GPH-MILF nego on Power-Sharing: only one issue left to resolve

• Source:http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2013/12/08/gph-milf-nego-on-power-sharing-only-one-issue-left-to-resolve/
• Sunday, December 8, 2013 12:01 pm

By Carolyn O. Arguillas (MindaNews)

KUALA LUMPUR (MindaNews / 08 December) — The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels were supposed to have ended talks here on Saturday but agreed to extend it by another day to try to hammer out an agreement on “Bangsamoro waters,” the last contentious issue that needs to be resolved so they could sign the Annex on Power-Sharing.

Both panels are pressed to finish negotiations on the Annexes on Power-sharing and Normalization, the last two annexes to the October 15, 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) that would complete the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and pave the way for the creation of the “Bangsamoro,” a new autonomous political entity that would replace the 23-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by 30 June 2016, the same day the Aquino administration bows out of office.

Counting from December 8, 2013, the parties have only 30 months or 935 days left to June 30, 2016.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman have been attending the negotiations since Saturday, with Danilo Augsto Francia, Defense Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs.

“Substantial progress has been made on both annexes,” Deles told MindaNews Saturday night.

Deles and Lacierda were present in July when the Annex on Wealth-Sharing was signed but Lacierda left for Manila prior to the signing. He told MindaNews Saturday night that he was staying on for the Sunday session.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman described the mood during the negotiations on Saturday as “light.” He said many were cracking jokes but he could see both panels had the drive to find ways to resolve the issues.

The MILF also brought in three senior members of its Central Committee. Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat identified them as Khalifa Nando, Zainoden Bato and Abo Ubaida Pacasem.

When the talks on the Annex on Wealth-Sharing were coming to an end on July 12 and 13, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim convened the Central Committee in the conference room of the MILF Peace Panel office in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, “so there will be fast and effective consultation process” with its peace panel in Kuala Lumpur.

He assured civil society leaders in a dialogue at the same conference room on July 25 that the Central Committee will help fast-track the peace negotiations.

“We are always ready for whatever is necessary in the peace process because … we are all fully supportive.. we are fully sold out (to) this peace process and everybody is supportive. So we can always do the same and even more than that if necessary, as the situation dictates,” Murad said.

“Most likely”

Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer told MindaNews Sunday morning that the panels will be discussing the power-sharing annex and normalization annexes “the whole day.”

She expressed optimism the Power-Sharing annex would be signed Sunday. “Most likely,” she said, but added she wants to be cautious just like in a Pacquiao boxing fight: “big chance but not 100%.”

“There is much progress today,” MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said of the negotiations on Saturday.

Both Ferrer and Iqbal confirmed that Bangsamoro waters is the remaining issue to resolve in the Power-sharing annex.

“Revisit,” “Refine”

“Yes, only one remains to be resolved, Bangsamoro waters. But government wants to revisit five issues, which we the MILF did not agree to discuss in the plenary session,” Iqbal said.

Ferrer refered to the “five issues” as “refinements” to “clean up the text” of the power-sharing annex.

This round of talks was scheduled for December 4 to 7 but formally opened on December 5 upon the request of the GPH panel. The technical working groups on Normalization, however, met on December 4.

Under the FAB, the parties committed to work on the Annexes on Power-Sharing, Wealth-Sharing, Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, and Normalization, to “complete the comprehensive agreement by the end of the year.”

The signing of the comprehensive peace agreement, already set back by a year, is a major step in the 15-step Roadmap to the Bangsamoro” that both parties had agreed to.

The panels are still on Step 5 with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law but cannot proceed further because the Annexes on Power-Sharing and Normalization, equally important in the crafting of the Basic Law, have yet to be finished.

From 8 to 5 to 3 to 1

Iqbal on November 30 told MindaNews the panels are “on the final stretch on the Annex on Power-sharing as five of the remaining eight issues had been resolved in the executive session held on November 21 in Kuala Lumpur.

He said the five issues settled by the panels were “ancestral domain and natural resources, ancestral land and agrarian structure, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, land management distribution and reclassification, and all other powers not stated in the FAB and other annexes that are relevant to the FAB to be transferred to the Bangsamoro.”

The parties have yet to divulge the final text of the resolved issues.

Iqbal said the three issues that were to be settled in the December talks were: Bangsamoro waters, transportation and communication, and electoral system suitable to ministerial form of governance.

The issue on transportation and communication was settled on December 5.

MindaNews sources said the issue was resolved with both parties “agreeing on principles and letting the Basic Law allocate the appropriate powers for Bangsamoro Government and Central Government.”

The issue on electoral system was resolved by lifting the text from the FAB.

Stuck on waters

The panels are stuck on how to resolve the issue on Bangsamoro waters although sources told MindaNews that government on Friday proposed a “creative” way of moving ahead by signing the Annex on Power-Sharing with a provision that the panels would craft an addendum to both annexes on power-sharing and wealth-sharing, on the Bangsamoro waters.

The MILF as of Saturday night, however, appeared lukewarm to the idea of signing the power-sharing annex without resolving the Bangsamoro waters issue.

The issue involves what the Iqbal refers to as “political contiguity and connectivity.

MindaNews sources said one of the formulations offered is for the Bangsamoro waters to be defined as an area up to 22 kilometers from the shoreline or seven kilometers more than municipal waters.

Another suggestion was to have a zone or area of cooperation deal with the issue of waters on the Moro Gulf and the Sulu Sea. For example, within the Moro Gulf are areas that are not part of the proposed core territory of the future Bangsamoro while the Sulu Sea, although part of the Bangsamoro, is Philippine territory even as Sulu claims ancestral domain over the Sulu Sea.

The issue on shares from oil and gas explorations in the Sulu Sea is also being discussed, with proposals of 60-40 sharing in favor of the Central Government, while another proposal is on royalty payment.

Weather stations put up in ARMM

• Source:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/542307/weather-stations-put-up-in-armm
• Saturday, December 7, 2013 11:42 pm

By Charlie Señase (Inquirer Mindanao, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

COTABATO CITY— The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) now hosts 26 automated weather stations that can help forecast storms so that more lives can be saved during natural disasters, a ranking ARMM official said.

Myra Alih, secretary of the Department of Science and Technology in the ARMM, said 10 more weather stations would be installed in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Sulu in the coming days, as the region had been identified as a pilot area in Mindanao for Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards).

Alih said Project NOAH was officially launched in the five-province region on Monday, with the turnover of the 26 weather stations.

Alih said the weather stations were equipped with advanced devices that could detect wind velocity and direction, and rainfall level.

Alih said the stations would be used to gather data to project storm paths and strengths, and for long-term research studies, particularly on climate change.

ARMM awards 9 infra projects to bidders

• Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/06/1264922/armm-awards-9-infra-projects-bidders
• Friday, December 6, 2013 3:02 pm

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - The bidding process for nine new infrastructure projects worth P363 million has helped the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao saved money.

The contracts for the projects --- reblocking of damaged portions of highways in Maguindanao, concreting of roads in the second district of the province, and construction of roads and seaports and a water system in Basilan --- were awarded to winning bidders last November 29.

Hadji Emil Sadain, regional public works secretary of ARMM, said the bidding process for the nine projects, made open to the media and representatives of different civil society organizations in the autonomous region, resulted in savings worth P520,000.

Sadain said they will seek clearance from the national government to spend the savings either for other projects, or for the procurement of engineering equipment.

Sadain said the program of works and all tranches of funds to contractors implementing the nine projects will be open to media scrutiny.

The ARMM’s Department of Public Works and Highways, whose coffer is being managed jointly by Sadain, Gov. Mujiv Hataman, and auditors from the Commission on Audit, earlier saved P136 million from unspent project funds it received from the national government from early 2012 to middle of 2013. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Hataman's office, the Office of the Regional Governor, exercises ministerial control over more than a dozen line agencies devolved by the national government, and more than 20 other support offices.

The P136 million the DPWH had earlier saved was spent, with permission from COA and the Department of Budget and Management, for the procurement of road building and maintenance equipment for the district engineering offices in the autonomous region.

The autonomous region covers Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, which are both in mainland Mindanao, the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

ARMM strengthens output, program info campaigns

• Source:http://www.zamboangatimes.ph/zamboangatimes/top-news/9218-armm-strengthens-output-program-info-campaigns.html
• Thursday, December 5, 2013 11:35 am

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

Information officers of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) line agencies will intensify the dissemination of the region’s accomplishments complementing the southern peace process, officials said.

Amir Mawallil, executive director of the ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information, said their objective is to educate local folks that good governance — as a vehicle to achieve socio-economic growth and political stability in the region — can only be possible with public support and cooperation.

ARMM officials are keen on turning over, between 2015 to early 2016, to the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front a reformed regional government and its accomplished projects, as a prelude to the region’s replacement with a new, MILF-led Bangsamoro political entity.

“Only by way of making the people understand the relevance of good governance, through effective dissemination of the ARMM’s reform initiatives and accomplishments, to peace-building in Moro communities will they realize that participatory governance is so important in nation-building,” Mawallil said.

He said the autonomous region will, in fact, upgrade its communication strategies to maximize the dissemination to the public of its accomplishments and in keeping with Gov. Mujiv Hataman’s policy of transparency and accountability in managing the affairs of the regional government.

“This means revitalizing the communication strategies since the old, traditional strategies of communicating with the ARMM’s mixed Muslim, Christian and highland communities may no longer be usable, or viable,” Mawallil said.

More than 50 information officers from different support offices and line agencies under the Office of the Regional Governor, touted as “ARMM’s Little Malacanang,” held last week in Davao City an “effective communications” workshop as an initial step to expanding the dissemination of the activities of the regional government.

The workshop delved on issues and concerns besetting the information thrusts of the ARMM and how modernization and the so-called “cyber age” brought in more convenient and readily available mediums that can connect the regional government to its constituents, communication-wise.

Mawallil said Kael de Lara Co, Malacanang’s undersecretary for communications, was among the speakers who provided participants vital insights during the workshop sessions in Davao City, which was bankrolled by the office of Hataman.

Amihilda Sangcopan, Hataman’s chief-of-staff, said they have been trying their best to be as prompt as they can in dispersing information about the activities of the regional government.

Sangcopan said Hataman has a standing directive to all regional secretaries and chiefs of different support offices to keep open all of their fiscal records to the public and the media in keeping with his administration’s policy of transparency and accountability.

Consultations on Bangsamoro Basic Law kick off in Lanao del Norte, Iligan

• Source:http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76178/consultations-on-bangsamoro-basic-law-kick-off-in-lanao-del-norte-iligan
• Wednesday, December 4, 2013 9:57 am

(InterAksyon.com)

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines -- Major public consultations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law kick off Wednesday in Lanao del Norte, parallel to the meeting of the peace panels of government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Kuala Lumpur.

The peace panels meet in a bid to iron out the details on power sharing and normalization that are preventing them from clinching a comprehensive peace accord more than a year after inking a landmark preliminary pact.

The first consultations will take place in two clusters covering at least four of the province’s 22 towns on December 4 with former Iligan City mayor Franklin Quijano serving as one of the facilitators.

All the towns plus Iligan City will hopefully be covered by December 7, said Gimaidee Ann Cadotdot of the Pailig Academy for Grassroots Democracy, secretariat of the Lanao del Norte consultations.

The civil society-led consultations in Lanao del Norte are part of a Mindanao-wide effort to solicit inputs from grassroots communities regarding the charter of the future Bangsamoro self-governance entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

This is covered by a memorandum of agreement between the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, which has been tasked by President Benigno Aquino III to draft the Basic Law, and at least 40 nongovernmental organizations and networks. Primarily, these consultations will take place in every legislative district of the provinces of the ARMM and provinces that have localities that can potentially become part of the Bangsamoro.

Thematic consultations, like those among indigenous people, women and youth, are also planned.

The 22 towns of Lanao del Norte have been grouped into 10 clusters while the 44 barangays of Iligan City constitute another cluster.

Some 100 participants will be convened per cluster.

The results of these consultations will be forwarded to the BTC as well as the government and MILF peace panels, said Cadotdot.

“We have especially targeted grassroots leaders because we believe that the effort to improve the Moro autonomy setup must redound to the greater benefit of the ordinary Bangsamoro,” Cadotdot stressed.

More than 30 local civil society organizations are participating in the consultation, which is supported by the GIZ Civil Peace Service program, Cadotdot added.

“We aim that the conduct of this democratic exercise provides a hopeful contrast amid the historical backdrop of Lanao del Norte being a key trigger for war in the 1970s, 2000 and 2008,” explained Quijano.

The Moro autonomy experiment began in 1977, founded on the 1976 Tripoli Agreement of Peace inked between government and the Moro National Liberation Front.

Consultations on its design were first done in 1987 through the Mindanao Regional Consultative Commission, which drafted the original Organic Act of the ARMM.

But much of these consultations, according to Mindanao historian and MRCC member Rudy Rodil, never went down to the grassroots. The effort to involve grassroots leaders in designing Moro autonomy is therefore the first in its 36-year history.

DPWH sets aside P194 million for Cotabato major bridge rehab

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=593238
• Tuesday, December 3, 2013

(PNA), PDS/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Dec. 3 (PNA) --The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has set aside P194 million for the rehabilitation of Quirino Bridge that connects Cotabato City to North Cotabato and other provinces in Mindanao.

Quirino bridge, constructed by Americans 50 years ago, has been dilapidated and its steel beams are corroded.

Its load capacity had been reduced to only 2.5 tons last week and starting this week, only four-wheeled vehicles will be allowed to pass to avoid accident and tragedy, according to DPWH officials.

National DPWH assistant secretary and concurrent DPWH-ARMM regional secretary Emil Sadain, the P194 million will be used to completely rehabilitate the bridge.

"We need to destroy the old bridge and replace it with new and more modern one," Sadain told reporters.

DPWH-12 engineers who conducted the assessment and study on the strength of the bridge has recommended the closure of Quirino Bridge but due to unavailability of alternate route, it recommended the reduction of load capacity.

Sadain said it will take six to eight months to complete the demolition and construction of the bridge.

By next year, the East-West circumferential road in the city will be completed by mid-year of 2014 and it will serve as alternate route.

The East-West road is part of the Mindanao Road Improvement Project (MIRP) under the administration of President Aquino.

Human Rights Day fun run raises funds for IDPs, typhoon victims

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1521385967767
• Monday, December 2, 2013

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran (APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 2 (PIA) --- The green light is on for the staging of the human rights day fun run in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) slated this coming December 10 here in the city.

The fun run dubbed “Run for Your Rights” aims to help internally-displaced person (IDPs) in Zamboanga and survivors of typhoon Yolanda in Visayas, said Atty. Abdel Jamal R. Disangcopan, head of the Provincial Field Office of Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) in today’s airing of “Ozor ka, Ranao!” radio program.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds from the activity we will donate to the IDPs in Zamboanga and typhoon victims in Visayas,” he said.

Disangcopan said three categories are available in fun run, the 3K, 5K and 10K, plus a walkathon for those not interested to run but would like to participate for the cause.

Registration fee is the same for all categories, P300 for adult and P250 for students. This is inclusive of the singlet and race kits.

Disangcopan said they also give discounts for those registering as groups like a fee of only P800 for a family of four or P1,200 for friends of five.

Those who do not want to have a singlet can register for only P100.

Interested participants may sign up either at the RHRC Provincial Office located at the Provincial Capitol Compound or Mindanao State University (MSU) College of Public Administration, Philippine Muslim Teachers College, Lake Lanao College, and Jamiatu Muslim Mindanao.

Registration is until Saturday, December 7.

The starting point of the run is at KM0.00 in Amai Pakpak at 4:30 in the morning.

Disangcopan said the event which is in line with the International Human Rights Day celebration is also a venue to promote human rights.

Aside from helping the IDPs and typhoon victims, he said participants can also learn more about human rights through lectures and hand-outs that will be given away during the event.

They can also have picture-taking in a human rights booth and sign a commitment for human rights protection, he added.

Meanwhile, RHRC gave assurance on the safety and security of those joining the fun run.

Disangcopan said they have secured the necessary permit and have coordinated with the provincial and city governments as well as the local police for the staging of the fun run.

“Ozor ka, Ranao!” is a one-hour radio program of Philippine Information Agency and Philippine Broadcasting Service that aims to provide people with information and updates on various efforts to bring development and prosperity in the province. It is being aired live over DxSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi, 8am to 9am, every first and third Monday of the month.

ARMM has room for 2,640 more teachers

• Source:http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/features/education/23617-armm-has-room-for-2-640-more-teachers
• Sunday, December 1, 2013

By Antonio P. Rimando (Correspondent)

COTABATO CITY—Acute shortage of public school teachers has long plagued the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), adversely affecting the delivery of quality basic education in the area as evidenced by its consistent low performance in the annual National Achievement Test (NAT) conducted by the Department of Education’s (DepEd) National Educational Testing and Research Center (NETRC).

DepEd records showed that since the NAT was introduced eight school years ago, the ARMM usually ranked the lowest among the agency’s 16 regions.

ARMM Regional Education Secretary Kamar Kulayan said the region’s poor academic achievement is expected to ease soon after Muslim Mindanao was alloted this school year by the DepEd central office with a total of 2,649 new teacher items.

Kulayan said a teacher allocation report his office received in September from the Office of Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro said the new mentor positions are broken down into 120 for kindergarten; 1,374 for elementary; and 1,155 for secondary schools.

He said the teacher items were proportionately distributed to ARMM’s 14 schools division (SD) with Lanao del Sur I receiving the lion’s share with 514 positions followed by the Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao I which were given 475 and 429 positions, respectively.

The other Muslim Mindanao SD and their respective teacher allotments, Kulayan said, are Lanao del Sur II with 389 tutor posts; Lanao del Sur I-A, 273; Maguindanao II, 267; Lanao del Sur l-B, 241; Lanao del Sur II-B, 214; Lanao del Sur II-A, 174; Sulu II, 144; Marawi City, 121; Basilan, 112, and Lamitan City, 24.

Kulayan said Luistro empowered the concerned SD superintendents in the region to recruit and appoint qualified teacher applicants following DepEd’s hiring rules and regulations which stress the merit and ranking system.

The education chief also enjoined appointing field school executives to comply with the DepEd localization law which stipulates that an applicant who is a resident of a certain barangay or municipality which needs an additional mentor should be given priority over another nonlocal applicant.

Kulayan said Luistro also required qualified applicants for high school should possess the necessary major or specialized subject needed by the secondary school concerned.

For instance, Luistro said, if the school requires a new mentor who is a major in physics or chemistry, then the new mentor should be a specialist in physics or chemistry; otherwise, he argued, if someone who is a major in English or Filipino is taken to handle the subject, the nonspecialist tutor would become a square peg in a round hole to the academic prejudice of their students.