Difference between revisions of "Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News April 2015"

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==Hataman reiterates ARMM gov’t support to Mindanao peace process==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=754470
*Monday, April 20, 2015
:By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF]
COTABATO CITY, April 20 (PNA) -- Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim MIndnao (ARMM) today reiterated his commitment and support to Malacanang's peace overtures in Southern Philippines, saying it is the best solution to the so called Moro Question.
The completion of the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) one year ago today, April 20, signaled the dawning of hope for a people long embattled by decades-old war and injustice in the Philippines, the Moro people of Mindanao.
Amid high hopes were 'thorns' along the road to peace that both the government, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the peace advocates must hurdle without let up, Hataman said.
One year has passed and the euphoria has mellowed down but the desire of the people of the Bangsamoro remains burning despite the glitches and challenges.
"Once again, we laud the BTC, the Aquino administration, and those who supported the peace process, for showing unbendable resoluteness and commitment to the building of peace in Mindanao as they courageously pursued the road away from war, surmounting the challenges one by one, and proving wrong all those who doubted that peace in Mindanao is impossible," Hataman told reporters.
"A resounding applause we give to them today for still being there, holding on to the promise of peace, believing in the legitimacy of the aspirations of the Moro people, and rising above the chorus of war when the BBL was stuck in limbo following the Mamasapano incident on January 25," he added.
Hataman said the national leadership should be supported because of its determination to solve the problem by passing the draft BBL.
"We express our gratitude to the Aquino administration for supporting the passage of the law which will ultimately give life to the creation of the Bangsamoro territory in Mindanao," Hataman said, adding his earlier decision to step down once the new political entity comes in will remain.
"Today, the regional government reiterates its support to the passage of the BBL," he said even as he called on the lawmakers to set aside biases and decide on the draft law objectively.
"If passed, BBL will lay down a solid ground of political stability – so solid it will attract and draw investors not only in the region but also across Mindanao," he said.
"If passed, BBL and the new Bangsamoro government will allow spending of government resources on development of areas long forgotten or ravaged by the war, on the education of children, on creation of jobs, on human development, among others," Hataman stressed adding that he was confident the law makers will eventually pass the measure in the name of peace in Mindanao and the country as well.
"We are confident -- as we trust -- that the new Bangsamoro government will sustain the gains we have laid down during the last stretch of the ARMM," he said.
==P874 M earmarked for infra projects in Maguindanao==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/04/19/1445483/p874-m-earmarked-infra-projects-maguindanao
*Sunday, April 19, 2015 12:00 am
:By John Unson With Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star)
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Officials have earmarked  P874.4 million worth of infrastructure projects for next year to develop the 11 camps that were once used by the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano and five other towns in Maguindanao.
Hadji Emil Sadain, public works secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said the money for the projects – concreting of roads, construction of new water systems and flood control structures – would be sourced from regional government’s 2016 infrastructure budget.
The projects are aimed at luring the BIFF rebels to join the mainstream, officials stressed.
Sadain, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and James Mlok of the province’s second district engineering office launched two weeks ago P67.3 million worth of footbridge, farm road, mosque and school building projects in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano.
Sadain said Hataman, who exercises ministerial control over the Department of Public Works and Highways in the autonomous region, has ordered the distribution of copies of the summary of the projects and exact locations in Central Mindanao and ARMM to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of fund allocations.
“The governor also wants these projects made open, very open to the scrutiny anytime of various civil society groups and non-government organizations involved in peace-building programs,” Sadain said.
Sadain announced the 2016 projects for Mamasapano and Maguindanao’s nearby Datu Piang, Salibo, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi and Sharif Aguak towns last Thursday during the visit of former senator Francis Pangilinan, presidential adviser for food security, in Barangay Tukanalipao.
Accompanied by Hataman and Sadain, Pangilinan, along with officials of the National Irrigation Administration, assured Mamasapano residents and local officials from the five other towns of the viability of constructing irrigation networks needed to boost the productivity of local peasant communities.
Mamasapano is among the seven Maguindanao towns affected by the military offensive against the BIFF.
The rebels and government forces figured in 27 encounters starting in February, causing the dislocation of more than 100,000 villagers relying mainly on rice and corn farming for subsistence.
Hataman and Pangilinan appealed to the BIFF to participate in the peace process, meant to put peaceful closure to the decades-old Moro uprising in the country’s south.
If the projects are implemented completely, the road projects in Mamasapano and nearby towns would link farming districts to municipal centers and hasten the mobility of local farmers.
Hataman said he is certain of honest implementation by the DPWH-ARMM of the P874.4 million worth of projects for Mamasapano and nearby towns.
Hataman said his conviction is premised on the DPWH-ARMM’s having been voted as the regional government’s top performing agency for 2014 based on a survey by a special group of NGOs, state auditors and officials of different civil society organizations.
During the tenure of past regional governors, the DPWH-ARMM was touted as the second most corrupt entity in the region, next to the Department of Education.
:Give BBL a chance
The passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) must be given another chance to give communities in Mindanao the opportunity for development, especially in the agriculture sector, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said over the weekend.
“The President should be supported in his efforts to achieve peace and development for all peoples of Mindanao – be it Muslims, Lumads and Christians – through a comprehensive framework provided by the BBL,” he said.
“And within this framework, agricultural development plays a huge part. There could be no genuine, lasting peace without the improvement in the economic condition of the people of Mindanao,” he added.
Alcala recently embarked on a two-day caravan to distribute assistance in farming and fishing communities in North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City.
During the Ulat ng Bayan Peace Caravan, some P411.5 million in livelihood and infrastructure projects were turned over to the provinces.
During the visit, a halal-certified abattoir — the first in the country — was turned over to Barangay Tamontaka Mother.
The P20-million AA-rated halal-certified slaughterhouse can process 15 heads of cattle and 40 heads of goats daily. This is expected to become a reliable source of halal-accepted products for consumers in Cotabato and other parts of South Central Mindanao.
In support of its development and expansion, the DA committed to carry out an animal genetic improvement project in the province. Farmers would also be taught how to grow their own source of animal feed.
“This shows the goal of the President for peace in Mindanao,” Alcala said.
The passage of the proposed BBL was stalled following the firefight between policemen and Muslim rebels in Mamasapano last Jan. 25.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, both the Senate and the House of Representatives postponed deliberations on the measure.
The House, however, had set a new deadline for the passage of the measure by the end of June.
Under the proposed BBL, the new Bangsamoro entity will enjoy enhanced autonomy with greater political and economic powers. The measure has to be approved by voters in the areas included in the proposed entity through a plebiscite before it can take affect.
==ARMM Gov replaces bike boy lost to SAF commando==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/04/18/armm-gov-replaces-bike-boy-lost-to-saf-commando/
*Saturday, April 18, 2015 9:32 pm
:By Ferdinandh B. Cabrera (MindaNews)
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews/18 April) – Nine-year old Marop Mokadas has not been reported to be a victim of the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano Tragedy until Thursday when ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman replaced his bicycle that was taken by the lone survivor from the 55th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).
Marop, who used the bike in his daily activities in Barangay Tukanalipao, in going to school and in running errands, has been living with his grandmother and three other siblings in Barangay Tukanalipao since his parents searated.
Grandma’s house is located around a hundred meters from the now iconic wooden bridge that links the cornfields of Sitio Amilil with the residential area. They left the bike when they fled for safer grounds early morning of Sunday, January 25.
Thirty five of the 36 SAF commandoes from the 55th SAC were killed in the cornfields in Sitio Amilil.
A total of 66 persons were killed in Tukanalipao on January 25: 44 from the SAF, 17 from the MILF and five civilians.
A month after the tragedy, the Armed Forces Chief of Staff declared an “all-out offensive” against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), triggering a mass evacuation that at its height reached 125,000 from nearly half of Maguindanao’s 36 towns, including Mamasapano.
When actor Robin Padilla and wife Mariel visited Tukanalipao on February 14, he saw Governor Mujiv Hataman. Marop wanted to tell the governor that he lost a very important thing the day after the cornfield clash.
But he wasn’t able to muster the courage to approach the governor, not until he met a team from the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART).
Disaster Risk officer Ramil Masukat listened to the boy and his wish to get back his bike. Marop was assured his message would reach the governor.
Thursday’s visit of Governor Hataman with food security czar former Senator Francis “ Kiko”Pangilinan in Mamasapano turned out to be the chance Marop was waiting for.
But he nearly missed the chance as there were so many people.
Jo Henry, ARMM-HEART’s information coordinator said,” even the governor was looking for Marop upon learning about his story, but he couldn’t find the boy,” she told MindaNews.
In the afternoon, when the visitors were about to leave, Marop was seen at the roadside
Because the convoy was leaving, ARMM-HEART personnel asked him to join them to Cotabato City’s Bangsamoro Peoples complex, the regional seat of ARMM.
Marop was surprised to be treated as a “special guest” when he arrived at the governor’s office.
“He said he wanted to go back school but his service vehicle was stolen by a SAF personnel then I asked him, I will replace your bike, if you promise to go to school and finish your study,” Hataman said.
The boy said he would.
Hataman first offered to replace the missing bike with his personal bicycle  but  realized it was too big for  Marop.
Soon, a new BMX bike arrived.
Henry said Marop’s face was “full of gladness,” making the audience, including Henry, teary-eyed.
The boy and the governor exchanged high fives. Marop then tested his brand new bike inside the governor’s office.
“Thank you, Shukran,” was all he could say.
Aside from the bicycle, Marop also received  a bag and school supplies and an undisclosed amount.
Late afternoon, he was brought back to Mamasapano, accompanied by HEART officials.
In his excitement, he immediately biked to his grandmother’s house, praying there would be no more armed clashes that would take his bike away from him, again.
==Armm exceeds target investments by 123%==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/04/17/armm-exceeds-target-investments-123-402996
*Friday, April 17, 2015
:By Reuel John F. Lumawag
THE Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) already exceeded its target value of new investments by 123 percent during the first quarter of 2015.
RBOI-Armm chair and managing head lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, in an interview with reporters at the Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) office on Friday, said that from January to March alone, registered investments reached P863.05 million, exceeding their target of P700 million by P163.05 million during the period.
The P863.05 million worth of investments were generated by only two firms who are investing in the island province of Tawi-Tawi.
The largest investment is coming from Chan C Mining Incorporated at P781.80 million. The company will be mining and quarrying nickel ore in Panglima, Sugala and will be exported to China. The company's mining capacity is one million wet metric tons a year.
Tawi-Tawi Petroleum Trading Corporation invested P121.25 million for the importation and distribution of petroleum products. Their oil depot is located at Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi and will have three oil tank depot with a total capacity of 7.6 million liters per year.
Mastura said the accomplishment can be attributed to the increased confidence of investors in the region despite the recent Mamasapano Incident.
He said for the second quarter, they are expecting some P600 million worth of investments to come in.
In the agency's 1st Quarter Accomplishment Report for 2015, RBOI-Armm has provided assistance to six new and existing investors who have shown interest to do business in the region.
These include Unifrutti who is planning to have a banana plantation project in Maguindanao; a company who is planning to set up a manufacturing business on electronic motors to be located at Polloc Port, Parang, Maguindanao; Lamsan Power Corporation's plans to put up a second power plant with a capacity of 5.5 megawatts in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat and a project cost of about P687 million; DS3 Management's building and construction of a P400 million oil depot in Parang, Maguindanao to be used by Iron Blaze Inc. for petroleum trade; provided technical support to Gintong-Agri for registration requirements and processes with regards to their oil palm plantation Project in Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality, Maguindanao; and assisted Al-Sahar Agri-Ventures Inc., who is into banana cavendish plantation, by providing them consultation services with regards to their application for RBOI registration.
==OWWA-ARMM spearheads peace building symposium==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2411429157335/owwa-armm-spearheads-peace-building-symposium
*Thursday,  April 16, 2015
:(ORRivera-PIA 12 with report from OWWA-ARMM)
COTABATO CITY, Apr 16 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration recently held a peace building symposium for some 56 officers and members of OFW family circles in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
OWWA-ARMM Director Habib Malik said the symposium was meant to promote a culture of peace and development among their clientele.
It is also aimed not only at tackling safety and security concerns, but also at increasing awareness on the need for stakeholders to participate in peace and development efforts.
Among the topics discussed is the Bangsamoro’s quest for genuine peace, presented byExecutive Director Aboud Syed M. Lingga of the  Institute of  Bangsamoro Studies.
Commissioner Atty. Raisah Jajurie of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission also talked about the roles and rights of labor and women sector in Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Other topics include women empowerment, gender sensitivity and anti-illegal recruitment with  Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women Chairperson Sittie Jehanne U. Mutin, DOLE-ARMM Labor Employment Officer Kadiguia Mamadra and DOLE-ARMM Secretary Muslimin A. Jakilan as speakers.
The activity was carried out under the theme “Kapayapaan! Katahimikan! Kaunlaran! Mithiin nating lahat!.”
==Royal Houses in Mindanao express strong support to BBL==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1781429081338/royal-houses-in-mindanao-express-strong-support-to-bbl-
*Wednesday,  April 15, 2015
:(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF/
DAVAO CITY, April 15 -- The Royal Houses in Mindanao declared their strong support for “the early establishment of the Bangsamoro government, through the enactment into law of the GPH-MILF Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)”.
This declaration was made and manifested by the historic signing of Declaration of Support to the Bangsamoro by the Sultans from the different Sultanates in the entire Mindanao during the first ever Bangsamoro Royal House Solidarity Conference held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City last April 12, 2015.
With the theme: “Bangsamoro is 1 Towards Just and Dignified Peace”, the Royal Houses of Mindanao, which include the Sultanates of Maguindanao, Rajah Buayan, Kabuntalan, Sulu and Borneo, Lanao, Kaagan (Davao), and the Iranun gathered together with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to strengthen unity among their people and make a common stand to strongly support the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
The Royal Houses see that the BBL will bring a brighter and better future for the Bangsamoro people as they believe that “the proposed BBL (that) will be enacted into law and implemented... will address political tyranny, economic torment, exploitation and other social problems.”
The members of Mindanao’s Royal Houses proclaimed their unified stand in the midst of the hostile debate in Congress regarding the proposed BBL, raising fears that the Bangsamoro – seen as a realization of the Moro people’s aspiration for self-determination – may be endangered.
“We are here today because we have responded to the call for unity among the Bangsamoro,” said His Royal Highness Sayyid Abdulaziz Salem Kudarat Mastura V, Prime Sultan of Maguindao Mandanaue Darussalam.
Recalling that “the historic sovereignty of the Bangsamoro was upheld and defended by the Moro Sultanates, especially the Sultanates of Maguindanao and Sulu and the Rajah Buayan,” Sultan Mastura emphasized their pivotal role to the Bangsamoro peace process.
During the conference, MILF Vice-Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar clarified the misconceptions going around that the BBL or the Bangsamoro peace process disrespects or disregards the Moro Sultanates for in fact, “it were the Sultans, the Datus, and the Rajahs who have fought and never surrendered against the Colonizers of this country,” he said.
When asked how the Sultanates could help in ensuring the passage of the BBL, Jaafar said, “First, I hope it would help. But whether or not it would help facilitate the passage of the BBL and whether the BBL would be passed or not, what’s important is, the Sultans have made their voices heard, that they have made a stand. And that this is for the unity and solidarity of the Bangsamoro people.”
The Solidarity Conference was thus seen as a breakthrough in focusing the common efforts of Moro Royal leaders for the brighter future of the Bangsamoro people.
:Give peace a chance
“We oppose those who change the BBL so that instead of adding to or improving our current autonomy under the ARMM, it is instead being reduced,” said Sultan Mastura. 
He said “the Bangsamoro Peace Agreement already adequately addresses the core demands of the Moro people for self-determination within a framework of full and meaningful autonomy.”
“It is therefore incumbent upon every Filipino to give this legislation a chance to build the bridge for peace,” said Bai-a-Labi sa Kabuntalan, Bai Umaima M. Lauban-Silongan.
According to her, “antagonizing the BBL is burning the bridge for peace.”
She also called on all detractors of the BBL to “think a thousand times before embarking on defeating this chance for peace by riding on the imperfections of the CAB and the BBL to fan war.”
The royalties from Lanao, the coastal areas, and even from the Kaagans in Davao have also joined to manifest their support to the passage of the BBL as they believe it embodies the “legitimacy of the Bangsamoro aspiration for self-rule.”
Sultan Dr. Ibrahim Bahjin, the Paramount Sultan of the Sultanate of Sulu and Borneo said that “actually, we are not yet tired of war but after having fought several wars already, did it solve the conflict? No.”
“This is perhaps the last chance for us to deliberate this matter in peaceful means. Let us support the BBL,” he said.
==Agri chief brings 'goodies' to ARMM, R-12, calls for agri sectors' support to BBL==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=11&rid=752976
*Tuesday, April 14, 2015
: (PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF/
KORONADAL CITY, April 14 (PNA) -- The national government through the Department of Agriculture initiated a two-day peace caravan which was highlighted by the distribution of almost Php400-M worth of projects and assistance to farmer groups and local government units of SOCCSKSARGEN Region and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), officials said Tuesday.
The visit of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala was a clear indication the government agency's concern for the agriculture sector as part of the national government's food sufficiency program.
Alcala led the event, dubbed as DA's "Ulat sa Bayan – Peace Caravan" which were conducted in four different areas in North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat provinces and Cotabato City.
“President Benigno Aquino III should be supported in his efforts to achieve peace and development for all people of Mindanao – be it Muslims, Lumads and Christians – through a comprehensive framework stated in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),” Alcala said before 1,500 farmers and fisherfolk at Pikit Central Elementary School, Pikit, North Cotabato as a jump-start activity.
“And within this framework, agricultural development plays a huge part. There could be no genuine, lasting peace without the upliftment of the economic conditions of the people of Mindanao,” he added.
:Php398-M production support, infra projects
The two-day activity over the weekend was highlighted by the turnover of almost Php.4-billion worth of production support and infrastructure projects which form part of Aquino Administration’s commitment to help hasten the recovery of communities affected by previous aggressions.
Under the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program, distributed were Php127-million worth of farm inputs like certified palay seeds, Urea fertilizers to include farm machines such as hand tractors and rice combine harvesters.
Under other programs, special projects as well as DA’s attached agencies also turned over the following: Agri-Pinoy Corn Program – Php6.6 million plus Php2.5-million (farm tractor for Maguindanao Rep. Bai Sandra Sema); Agri-Pinoy High Value Crops Development Program – Php22.6 million; Agri-Pinoy Livestock Program – Php3.3-million; and Organic Agriculture Program – Php6.08 million.
For DA’s special projects under Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) program and PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA), turned over were checks amounting to Php22.7-M to the municipal governments of Makilala, Arakan, Magpet, Pigcawayan, Libungan, Kabacan, Kiamba, Surallah and President Quirino.
Checks for the implementation of farm-to-market roads amounting to Php7.2-M were also downloaded to the local governments of Tulunan, Lambayong, and Polomolok.
DA RFO-12 also transferred to DAF-ARMM Php150-M worth of checks while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC 12) handed-over Php551,062 worth of crop insurance checks and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 12) distributed Php653,350 worth of fishing gears and facilities such as non-motorized boats and fish traps.
Through these projects, Alcala re-affirmed the national government's help and support for communities affected by previous hostilities between government troops and Muslim rebels.
“Ang dala naming mga ayuda ay para sa pagbabago ng buhay ninyo na naapektuhan ng mga sigalot (We bring assistance to help those affected by drought and armed conflict),” Alcala said.
:10,000 farmers in two days
Director Datukan was ecstatic for the active support of the farmers, fisherfolk, congressional representatives, local chief executives, barangay and local officials, and other agriculture industry stakeholders in the four-leg Peace Caravan which was divided in 4 clusters.
The two-day activity was first conducted in host-town Pikit gathering 1,500 farmers from the nearby towns of Carmen, Kabacan and Matalam including the municipality of Pagalungan, Maguindanao.
In Aleosan as host-town for the second cluster, around 1,700 farmers from the municipalities of Pigcawayan, Midsayap, Libungan flocked at the municipal covered court to witness the event.
The third cluster was comprised of Cotabato City and the 12 municipalities of Maguindanao province joined the Peace Caravan at Tamontaka Elementary School which convened more than 2,500 participants.
Final leg of the Peace Caravan was held at the plaza of Barangay Salabaca, Esperanza which was joined by 2,500 people from the towns of Isulan and Bagumbayan of Sultan Kudarat province.
Aside from these areas, Secretary Alcala also keynoted the Annual Farmers’ Field Day of PhilRice 12 which mustered 600 rice farmers of SOCCSKSARGEN which was also graced by Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna, currently the officer-in-charge of PhilRice.
Secretary’s engagement also visited the "Double A" slaughterhouse worth Ph20 million in Cotabato City with more than a hundred participants led by Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr.
:‘Magandang Buhay, Magandang Ani”
Farmers who took their share at the said events were delighted of the presence of Secretary Alcala and hoped that his visit will give be an additional opportunity for them to improve their lives.
Farmer Mokammad Dimasidsing of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao said: “Naniniwala ako na sa pagbisita ni Secretary Alcala ay giginhawa at uunlad na ang aming mga buhay (I am convinced Sec. Alcala's visit will help improve our lives).”
Another farmer Tayan Talib-Adaw of Parang, Maguindanao also verbalized her happiness with the presence of the Secretary saying: “Masayang-masaya kaming mga babaeng magsasaka dahil andito si Secretary at andami niyang dalang tulong para sa amin (We women farmers were glad Sec. Alcala came over and brought help for us).”
Meanwhile, the local chief executives of various municipalities of the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao also showed-off their support and vowed to help the DA to ensure efficient project implementation.
Aleosan Mayor Vicente Sorupia, Jr. lauded the DA chief for his genuine concern and support to local fishers and farmers adding that “Sec. Alcala was the first-ever Cabinet official to ever set foot in his town.”
Meanwhile, Datukan said the visit of the Secretary was delved on upholding the continuous efforts of the current administration in pushing for inclusive growth to benefit the far-flung areas particularly the underprivileged or less fortunate farmers in conflict-affected areas.
“It is the administration’s aspiration to help alleviate poverty through government projects that may directly impact peace and development in the area,” she further noted.
“Secretary Alcala was here to personally hand-over millions’ worth of projects to our farmers and LGUs to support the nation’s quest of true peace through agri-fishery livelihood projects which could help them improve their living conditions,” she said.
Director Datukan added that this is already the Secretary’s second visit which will surely strengthen government’s ceaseless determination in helping and delivering assistance and services among hard-to-reach areas seen to be key and potential agricultural areas.
As part of his two-day itinerary, the Secretary also met with ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and DAF-ARMM Secretary Macmod Mending and discussed the current status of the agri-fishery sector in the region and determined other additional interventions that the region needs the most.
Queries and questions raised by mediamen were addressed by the Secretary in a series of press conferences in Pikit and Cotabato City.
Last March 3, Secretary Alcala together with Senator Cynthia Villar handed out nearly P1-billion worth of agriculture-based projects and assistance to hundreds of farmer groups and local governments of SOCCSKSARGEN Region at Tupi Research and Experiment Station, Tupi, South Cotabato which was attended by more than 3,300 participants.
==PNP-ARMM and Region 12 bless, distribute police motorbikes to improve mobility==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=752483
*Monday, April 13, 2015
:By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF]
CAMP SK PENDATU, Maguindanao, April 13 (PNA) -- Police offices in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are expected to respond to crime incidents the fastest time possible with the distribution of new motorbikes for police officers.
On Monday, Chief Supt. Ronald R. Estilles, regional director of the police in the ARMM, led the blessing ceremonies of 18 motorcycles for policemen in the region.
Estilles said the motorbikes will be distributed to the police offices in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
He said the police efficiency in responding to crimes incidents is expected to increase one notch higher with police officers more mobile.
Beside, he said, the motorbike will be used by police in conducting patrol in its areas of operation to deter crime and prevent violent incidents.
"Police visibility is vital in preventing criminals from committing crimes," he said.
Accompanying Estilles were Chief Inspector Gilbert C. Ilagan, PNP-ARMM chaplain and the directorial staff of PNP-ARMM.
The blessing of motorcycles was done after the traditional flag raising ceremonies inside Camp Gen. SK Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao.
In Gen. Santos City where the headquarters of PNP-12 was located, Chief Supt. Lester Camba, PRO-12 regional director, also lead the blessing ceremonies of 34 motorbikes to be used by cops in fighting crimes.
Camba said the police offices in the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos are expected to perform better with the new patrol vehicles.
"This is improve police efficiency in fighting criminality," he said in a statement.
He said the police motorbikes will be used exclusively by police officers in responding to police emergency calls.
North Cotabato police provincial office received the highest number of motorbikes with 17 while North Cotabato police had seven units.
Saranggani province police office had four new motorcycles while three in Sultan Kudarat and two in Cotabato City police office.
These motorbikes are complete with police emergency accessories that the police officer need in responding to crime incidents.
==Cotabato cops arrest suspect in murder of ARMM reconciliation, reunification chair==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=752343
*Sunday, April 12, 2015
:By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF]
COTABATO CITY, April 12 (PNA) -- Police arrested here over the weekend the man believed to have shot dead the executive director of the Regional Reconciliation and Reunification Commission of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Senior Supt. Rolen Balquin, Cotabato City police director, said the suspect, identified as Nasser Bagundang Wahab, also known as Romnick Wahab, 30, was arrested by elements of the Cotabato City PNP and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in his house in Buliao 2, Cotabato City on April 7 based on the arrest warrant issued by the local court on charges of robbery with homicide without bail.
Balquin said that based on witnesses accounts, Wahab was one of the two suspects in the murder of RRUC Director Norodin Manalao three weeks ago.
Manalao was inside his vehicle waiting for his wife who went into marketing at the Cotabato City mega market when the gunman approached and opened fire on him.
Balquin said witnesses pointed at Wahab as the gunman while his companion served as lookout on a motorbike both used as getaway vehicle.
He said police investigators are still waiting for statement from the family of Manalao. The family is still mourning.
But Wahab vehemently denied he was the triggerman in the Manalao murder.
The death of the RRUC director whose main job was to settle diplomatically clan wars and family feuds involving Muslim families in the ARMM.
ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman as well as peace advocates in the region have condemned the murder of Manalao and urged the police to identify, arrest and prosecute the suspects and the brains behind the murder.
Earlier, Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiai Jr and members of the Cotabato City council have urged the local police to speed up the prosecution of shooting incidents in the city.
Aside from Manalao, the police is focusing its investigation on the murder of a private school principal last month.
==Agri chief, visits Mindanao, vows interventions to cushion impact of drought in Mindanao==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=752207
*Saturday, April 11, 2015
:By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), RMA/NYP/EOF]
COTABATO CITY, April 11 (PNA) -- Now is the time the farmers affected by drought and armed conflict in Mindanao need the help of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
And the DA central office is in town to provide the needed assistance.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala visited Central Mindanao over the weekend and announced that the national government has interventions needed to ease the impact of the dry spell that hit Mindanao island.
The two regions - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the SOCCSKSARGEN region - are beneficiaries of drought mitigating projects to cushion the impact of dry spell and armed conflict.
Alcala's appeal to residents in Central Mindanao and Maguindanao, a component province of ARMM, was to conserve water.
Alcala and DA-12 Regional Director Amalia Jayag Datukan, along with other ARMM and Region-12 agriculture officials, toured North Cotabato on Friday and met with farmers as he launched a Php 4 billion worth of projects needed to boost the productivity of farmers in Central Mindanao in the face of the dry spell.
After visiting North Cotabato, Alcala met with officials of the ARMM, led by Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman, to map out plans for agricultural projects to farmers displaced by armed conflict in Maguindanao.
Sec. Makmod Mending Jr, agriculture regional secretary for ARMM and Maguindanao provincial agricultural officer Salik Panalunsong told Alcala on Friday that vast tracts of farmlands in 34 of Maguindanao’s 36 towns have been damaged by the drought.
The farmers have experienced 'double whammy' as they have to flee homes due to armed conflict and for more than a month failed to attend to their farmlands devastated by the drought.
More than 6,000 hectares of farmlands in Region 12 have dried up due to the drought and destroyed more than P300 million worth of crops such as rice, corn, banana and other high value crops.
SOCCSKSARGEN is composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos.
North Cotabato, the region's rice and corn producing province, have lost about Php 230 million worth of crops to the dry spell that was aggravated by frequent grass and forest fires that destroy plantations.
Dr. Eliseo Mangliwan, North Cotabato provincial agriculturist said only rain could solve the problem and to have rain is to conduct the expensive cloud seeding operations to force downpour.
DA 12 has approved the conduct of cloud seeding and it will take place next week.
==EU extends P13.9-million help to Maguindanao war evacuees==
==EU extends P13.9-million help to Maguindanao war evacuees==
*Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/eu-extends-p13-9-million-help-to-maguindanao-war-evacuees/
*Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/eu-extends-p13-9-million-help-to-maguindanao-war-evacuees/

Revision as of 01:08, 4 May 2015

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Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao Archived News
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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.

Hataman reiterates ARMM gov’t support to Mindanao peace process

By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF]

COTABATO CITY, April 20 (PNA) -- Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim MIndnao (ARMM) today reiterated his commitment and support to Malacanang's peace overtures in Southern Philippines, saying it is the best solution to the so called Moro Question.

The completion of the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) one year ago today, April 20, signaled the dawning of hope for a people long embattled by decades-old war and injustice in the Philippines, the Moro people of Mindanao.

Amid high hopes were 'thorns' along the road to peace that both the government, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the peace advocates must hurdle without let up, Hataman said.

One year has passed and the euphoria has mellowed down but the desire of the people of the Bangsamoro remains burning despite the glitches and challenges.

"Once again, we laud the BTC, the Aquino administration, and those who supported the peace process, for showing unbendable resoluteness and commitment to the building of peace in Mindanao as they courageously pursued the road away from war, surmounting the challenges one by one, and proving wrong all those who doubted that peace in Mindanao is impossible," Hataman told reporters.

"A resounding applause we give to them today for still being there, holding on to the promise of peace, believing in the legitimacy of the aspirations of the Moro people, and rising above the chorus of war when the BBL was stuck in limbo following the Mamasapano incident on January 25," he added.

Hataman said the national leadership should be supported because of its determination to solve the problem by passing the draft BBL.

"We express our gratitude to the Aquino administration for supporting the passage of the law which will ultimately give life to the creation of the Bangsamoro territory in Mindanao," Hataman said, adding his earlier decision to step down once the new political entity comes in will remain.

"Today, the regional government reiterates its support to the passage of the BBL," he said even as he called on the lawmakers to set aside biases and decide on the draft law objectively.

"If passed, BBL will lay down a solid ground of political stability – so solid it will attract and draw investors not only in the region but also across Mindanao," he said.

"If passed, BBL and the new Bangsamoro government will allow spending of government resources on development of areas long forgotten or ravaged by the war, on the education of children, on creation of jobs, on human development, among others," Hataman stressed adding that he was confident the law makers will eventually pass the measure in the name of peace in Mindanao and the country as well.

"We are confident -- as we trust -- that the new Bangsamoro government will sustain the gains we have laid down during the last stretch of the ARMM," he said.

P874 M earmarked for infra projects in Maguindanao

By John Unson With Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Officials have earmarked P874.4 million worth of infrastructure projects for next year to develop the 11 camps that were once used by the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano and five other towns in Maguindanao.

Hadji Emil Sadain, public works secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said the money for the projects – concreting of roads, construction of new water systems and flood control structures – would be sourced from regional government’s 2016 infrastructure budget.

The projects are aimed at luring the BIFF rebels to join the mainstream, officials stressed.

Sadain, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and James Mlok of the province’s second district engineering office launched two weeks ago P67.3 million worth of footbridge, farm road, mosque and school building projects in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano.

Sadain said Hataman, who exercises ministerial control over the Department of Public Works and Highways in the autonomous region, has ordered the distribution of copies of the summary of the projects and exact locations in Central Mindanao and ARMM to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of fund allocations.

“The governor also wants these projects made open, very open to the scrutiny anytime of various civil society groups and non-government organizations involved in peace-building programs,” Sadain said.

Sadain announced the 2016 projects for Mamasapano and Maguindanao’s nearby Datu Piang, Salibo, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi and Sharif Aguak towns last Thursday during the visit of former senator Francis Pangilinan, presidential adviser for food security, in Barangay Tukanalipao.

Accompanied by Hataman and Sadain, Pangilinan, along with officials of the National Irrigation Administration, assured Mamasapano residents and local officials from the five other towns of the viability of constructing irrigation networks needed to boost the productivity of local peasant communities.

Mamasapano is among the seven Maguindanao towns affected by the military offensive against the BIFF.

The rebels and government forces figured in 27 encounters starting in February, causing the dislocation of more than 100,000 villagers relying mainly on rice and corn farming for subsistence.

Hataman and Pangilinan appealed to the BIFF to participate in the peace process, meant to put peaceful closure to the decades-old Moro uprising in the country’s south.

If the projects are implemented completely, the road projects in Mamasapano and nearby towns would link farming districts to municipal centers and hasten the mobility of local farmers.

Hataman said he is certain of honest implementation by the DPWH-ARMM of the P874.4 million worth of projects for Mamasapano and nearby towns.

Hataman said his conviction is premised on the DPWH-ARMM’s having been voted as the regional government’s top performing agency for 2014 based on a survey by a special group of NGOs, state auditors and officials of different civil society organizations.

During the tenure of past regional governors, the DPWH-ARMM was touted as the second most corrupt entity in the region, next to the Department of Education.

Give BBL a chance

The passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) must be given another chance to give communities in Mindanao the opportunity for development, especially in the agriculture sector, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said over the weekend.

“The President should be supported in his efforts to achieve peace and development for all peoples of Mindanao – be it Muslims, Lumads and Christians – through a comprehensive framework provided by the BBL,” he said.

“And within this framework, agricultural development plays a huge part. There could be no genuine, lasting peace without the improvement in the economic condition of the people of Mindanao,” he added.

Alcala recently embarked on a two-day caravan to distribute assistance in farming and fishing communities in North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City.

During the Ulat ng Bayan Peace Caravan, some P411.5 million in livelihood and infrastructure projects were turned over to the provinces.

During the visit, a halal-certified abattoir — the first in the country — was turned over to Barangay Tamontaka Mother.

The P20-million AA-rated halal-certified slaughterhouse can process 15 heads of cattle and 40 heads of goats daily. This is expected to become a reliable source of halal-accepted products for consumers in Cotabato and other parts of South Central Mindanao.

In support of its development and expansion, the DA committed to carry out an animal genetic improvement project in the province. Farmers would also be taught how to grow their own source of animal feed.

“This shows the goal of the President for peace in Mindanao,” Alcala said.

The passage of the proposed BBL was stalled following the firefight between policemen and Muslim rebels in Mamasapano last Jan. 25.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, both the Senate and the House of Representatives postponed deliberations on the measure.

The House, however, had set a new deadline for the passage of the measure by the end of June.

Under the proposed BBL, the new Bangsamoro entity will enjoy enhanced autonomy with greater political and economic powers. The measure has to be approved by voters in the areas included in the proposed entity through a plebiscite before it can take affect.

ARMM Gov replaces bike boy lost to SAF commando

By Ferdinandh B. Cabrera (MindaNews)

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews/18 April) – Nine-year old Marop Mokadas has not been reported to be a victim of the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano Tragedy until Thursday when ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman replaced his bicycle that was taken by the lone survivor from the 55th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).

Marop, who used the bike in his daily activities in Barangay Tukanalipao, in going to school and in running errands, has been living with his grandmother and three other siblings in Barangay Tukanalipao since his parents searated.

Grandma’s house is located around a hundred meters from the now iconic wooden bridge that links the cornfields of Sitio Amilil with the residential area. They left the bike when they fled for safer grounds early morning of Sunday, January 25.

Thirty five of the 36 SAF commandoes from the 55th SAC were killed in the cornfields in Sitio Amilil. A total of 66 persons were killed in Tukanalipao on January 25: 44 from the SAF, 17 from the MILF and five civilians.

A month after the tragedy, the Armed Forces Chief of Staff declared an “all-out offensive” against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), triggering a mass evacuation that at its height reached 125,000 from nearly half of Maguindanao’s 36 towns, including Mamasapano.

When actor Robin Padilla and wife Mariel visited Tukanalipao on February 14, he saw Governor Mujiv Hataman. Marop wanted to tell the governor that he lost a very important thing the day after the cornfield clash.

But he wasn’t able to muster the courage to approach the governor, not until he met a team from the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART).

Disaster Risk officer Ramil Masukat listened to the boy and his wish to get back his bike. Marop was assured his message would reach the governor.

Thursday’s visit of Governor Hataman with food security czar former Senator Francis “ Kiko”Pangilinan in Mamasapano turned out to be the chance Marop was waiting for.

But he nearly missed the chance as there were so many people.

Jo Henry, ARMM-HEART’s information coordinator said,” even the governor was looking for Marop upon learning about his story, but he couldn’t find the boy,” she told MindaNews.

In the afternoon, when the visitors were about to leave, Marop was seen at the roadside

Because the convoy was leaving, ARMM-HEART personnel asked him to join them to Cotabato City’s Bangsamoro Peoples complex, the regional seat of ARMM.

Marop was surprised to be treated as a “special guest” when he arrived at the governor’s office.

“He said he wanted to go back school but his service vehicle was stolen by a SAF personnel then I asked him, I will replace your bike, if you promise to go to school and finish your study,” Hataman said.

The boy said he would.

Hataman first offered to replace the missing bike with his personal bicycle but realized it was too big for Marop.

Soon, a new BMX bike arrived.

Henry said Marop’s face was “full of gladness,” making the audience, including Henry, teary-eyed.

The boy and the governor exchanged high fives. Marop then tested his brand new bike inside the governor’s office.

“Thank you, Shukran,” was all he could say.

Aside from the bicycle, Marop also received a bag and school supplies and an undisclosed amount.

Late afternoon, he was brought back to Mamasapano, accompanied by HEART officials.

In his excitement, he immediately biked to his grandmother’s house, praying there would be no more armed clashes that would take his bike away from him, again.

Armm exceeds target investments by 123%

By Reuel John F. Lumawag

THE Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) already exceeded its target value of new investments by 123 percent during the first quarter of 2015.

RBOI-Armm chair and managing head lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, in an interview with reporters at the Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) office on Friday, said that from January to March alone, registered investments reached P863.05 million, exceeding their target of P700 million by P163.05 million during the period.

The P863.05 million worth of investments were generated by only two firms who are investing in the island province of Tawi-Tawi.

The largest investment is coming from Chan C Mining Incorporated at P781.80 million. The company will be mining and quarrying nickel ore in Panglima, Sugala and will be exported to China. The company's mining capacity is one million wet metric tons a year.

Tawi-Tawi Petroleum Trading Corporation invested P121.25 million for the importation and distribution of petroleum products. Their oil depot is located at Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi and will have three oil tank depot with a total capacity of 7.6 million liters per year.

Mastura said the accomplishment can be attributed to the increased confidence of investors in the region despite the recent Mamasapano Incident.

He said for the second quarter, they are expecting some P600 million worth of investments to come in.

In the agency's 1st Quarter Accomplishment Report for 2015, RBOI-Armm has provided assistance to six new and existing investors who have shown interest to do business in the region.

These include Unifrutti who is planning to have a banana plantation project in Maguindanao; a company who is planning to set up a manufacturing business on electronic motors to be located at Polloc Port, Parang, Maguindanao; Lamsan Power Corporation's plans to put up a second power plant with a capacity of 5.5 megawatts in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat and a project cost of about P687 million; DS3 Management's building and construction of a P400 million oil depot in Parang, Maguindanao to be used by Iron Blaze Inc. for petroleum trade; provided technical support to Gintong-Agri for registration requirements and processes with regards to their oil palm plantation Project in Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality, Maguindanao; and assisted Al-Sahar Agri-Ventures Inc., who is into banana cavendish plantation, by providing them consultation services with regards to their application for RBOI registration.

OWWA-ARMM spearheads peace building symposium

(ORRivera-PIA 12 with report from OWWA-ARMM)

COTABATO CITY, Apr 16 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration recently held a peace building symposium for some 56 officers and members of OFW family circles in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

OWWA-ARMM Director Habib Malik said the symposium was meant to promote a culture of peace and development among their clientele.

It is also aimed not only at tackling safety and security concerns, but also at increasing awareness on the need for stakeholders to participate in peace and development efforts.

Among the topics discussed is the Bangsamoro’s quest for genuine peace, presented byExecutive Director Aboud Syed M. Lingga of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies.

Commissioner Atty. Raisah Jajurie of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission also talked about the roles and rights of labor and women sector in Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Other topics include women empowerment, gender sensitivity and anti-illegal recruitment with Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women Chairperson Sittie Jehanne U. Mutin, DOLE-ARMM Labor Employment Officer Kadiguia Mamadra and DOLE-ARMM Secretary Muslimin A. Jakilan as speakers.

The activity was carried out under the theme “Kapayapaan! Katahimikan! Kaunlaran! Mithiin nating lahat!.”

Royal Houses in Mindanao express strong support to BBL

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF/

DAVAO CITY, April 15 -- The Royal Houses in Mindanao declared their strong support for “the early establishment of the Bangsamoro government, through the enactment into law of the GPH-MILF Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)”.

This declaration was made and manifested by the historic signing of Declaration of Support to the Bangsamoro by the Sultans from the different Sultanates in the entire Mindanao during the first ever Bangsamoro Royal House Solidarity Conference held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City last April 12, 2015.

With the theme: “Bangsamoro is 1 Towards Just and Dignified Peace”, the Royal Houses of Mindanao, which include the Sultanates of Maguindanao, Rajah Buayan, Kabuntalan, Sulu and Borneo, Lanao, Kaagan (Davao), and the Iranun gathered together with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to strengthen unity among their people and make a common stand to strongly support the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The Royal Houses see that the BBL will bring a brighter and better future for the Bangsamoro people as they believe that “the proposed BBL (that) will be enacted into law and implemented... will address political tyranny, economic torment, exploitation and other social problems.”

The members of Mindanao’s Royal Houses proclaimed their unified stand in the midst of the hostile debate in Congress regarding the proposed BBL, raising fears that the Bangsamoro – seen as a realization of the Moro people’s aspiration for self-determination – may be endangered.

“We are here today because we have responded to the call for unity among the Bangsamoro,” said His Royal Highness Sayyid Abdulaziz Salem Kudarat Mastura V, Prime Sultan of Maguindao Mandanaue Darussalam.

Recalling that “the historic sovereignty of the Bangsamoro was upheld and defended by the Moro Sultanates, especially the Sultanates of Maguindanao and Sulu and the Rajah Buayan,” Sultan Mastura emphasized their pivotal role to the Bangsamoro peace process.

During the conference, MILF Vice-Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar clarified the misconceptions going around that the BBL or the Bangsamoro peace process disrespects or disregards the Moro Sultanates for in fact, “it were the Sultans, the Datus, and the Rajahs who have fought and never surrendered against the Colonizers of this country,” he said.

When asked how the Sultanates could help in ensuring the passage of the BBL, Jaafar said, “First, I hope it would help. But whether or not it would help facilitate the passage of the BBL and whether the BBL would be passed or not, what’s important is, the Sultans have made their voices heard, that they have made a stand. And that this is for the unity and solidarity of the Bangsamoro people.”

The Solidarity Conference was thus seen as a breakthrough in focusing the common efforts of Moro Royal leaders for the brighter future of the Bangsamoro people.

Give peace a chance

“We oppose those who change the BBL so that instead of adding to or improving our current autonomy under the ARMM, it is instead being reduced,” said Sultan Mastura.

He said “the Bangsamoro Peace Agreement already adequately addresses the core demands of the Moro people for self-determination within a framework of full and meaningful autonomy.”

“It is therefore incumbent upon every Filipino to give this legislation a chance to build the bridge for peace,” said Bai-a-Labi sa Kabuntalan, Bai Umaima M. Lauban-Silongan.

According to her, “antagonizing the BBL is burning the bridge for peace.”

She also called on all detractors of the BBL to “think a thousand times before embarking on defeating this chance for peace by riding on the imperfections of the CAB and the BBL to fan war.”

The royalties from Lanao, the coastal areas, and even from the Kaagans in Davao have also joined to manifest their support to the passage of the BBL as they believe it embodies the “legitimacy of the Bangsamoro aspiration for self-rule.”

Sultan Dr. Ibrahim Bahjin, the Paramount Sultan of the Sultanate of Sulu and Borneo said that “actually, we are not yet tired of war but after having fought several wars already, did it solve the conflict? No.”

“This is perhaps the last chance for us to deliberate this matter in peaceful means. Let us support the BBL,” he said.

Agri chief brings 'goodies' to ARMM, R-12, calls for agri sectors' support to BBL

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF/

KORONADAL CITY, April 14 (PNA) -- The national government through the Department of Agriculture initiated a two-day peace caravan which was highlighted by the distribution of almost Php400-M worth of projects and assistance to farmer groups and local government units of SOCCSKSARGEN Region and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), officials said Tuesday.

The visit of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala was a clear indication the government agency's concern for the agriculture sector as part of the national government's food sufficiency program.

Alcala led the event, dubbed as DA's "Ulat sa Bayan – Peace Caravan" which were conducted in four different areas in North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat provinces and Cotabato City.

“President Benigno Aquino III should be supported in his efforts to achieve peace and development for all people of Mindanao – be it Muslims, Lumads and Christians – through a comprehensive framework stated in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),” Alcala said before 1,500 farmers and fisherfolk at Pikit Central Elementary School, Pikit, North Cotabato as a jump-start activity.

“And within this framework, agricultural development plays a huge part. There could be no genuine, lasting peace without the upliftment of the economic conditions of the people of Mindanao,” he added.

Php398-M production support, infra projects

The two-day activity over the weekend was highlighted by the turnover of almost Php.4-billion worth of production support and infrastructure projects which form part of Aquino Administration’s commitment to help hasten the recovery of communities affected by previous aggressions.

Under the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program, distributed were Php127-million worth of farm inputs like certified palay seeds, Urea fertilizers to include farm machines such as hand tractors and rice combine harvesters.

Under other programs, special projects as well as DA’s attached agencies also turned over the following: Agri-Pinoy Corn Program – Php6.6 million plus Php2.5-million (farm tractor for Maguindanao Rep. Bai Sandra Sema); Agri-Pinoy High Value Crops Development Program – Php22.6 million; Agri-Pinoy Livestock Program – Php3.3-million; and Organic Agriculture Program – Php6.08 million.

For DA’s special projects under Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) program and PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA), turned over were checks amounting to Php22.7-M to the municipal governments of Makilala, Arakan, Magpet, Pigcawayan, Libungan, Kabacan, Kiamba, Surallah and President Quirino.

Checks for the implementation of farm-to-market roads amounting to Php7.2-M were also downloaded to the local governments of Tulunan, Lambayong, and Polomolok.

DA RFO-12 also transferred to DAF-ARMM Php150-M worth of checks while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC 12) handed-over Php551,062 worth of crop insurance checks and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 12) distributed Php653,350 worth of fishing gears and facilities such as non-motorized boats and fish traps.

Through these projects, Alcala re-affirmed the national government's help and support for communities affected by previous hostilities between government troops and Muslim rebels.

“Ang dala naming mga ayuda ay para sa pagbabago ng buhay ninyo na naapektuhan ng mga sigalot (We bring assistance to help those affected by drought and armed conflict),” Alcala said.

10,000 farmers in two days

Director Datukan was ecstatic for the active support of the farmers, fisherfolk, congressional representatives, local chief executives, barangay and local officials, and other agriculture industry stakeholders in the four-leg Peace Caravan which was divided in 4 clusters.

The two-day activity was first conducted in host-town Pikit gathering 1,500 farmers from the nearby towns of Carmen, Kabacan and Matalam including the municipality of Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

In Aleosan as host-town for the second cluster, around 1,700 farmers from the municipalities of Pigcawayan, Midsayap, Libungan flocked at the municipal covered court to witness the event.

The third cluster was comprised of Cotabato City and the 12 municipalities of Maguindanao province joined the Peace Caravan at Tamontaka Elementary School which convened more than 2,500 participants.

Final leg of the Peace Caravan was held at the plaza of Barangay Salabaca, Esperanza which was joined by 2,500 people from the towns of Isulan and Bagumbayan of Sultan Kudarat province.

Aside from these areas, Secretary Alcala also keynoted the Annual Farmers’ Field Day of PhilRice 12 which mustered 600 rice farmers of SOCCSKSARGEN which was also graced by Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna, currently the officer-in-charge of PhilRice.

Secretary’s engagement also visited the "Double A" slaughterhouse worth Ph20 million in Cotabato City with more than a hundred participants led by Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr.

‘Magandang Buhay, Magandang Ani”

Farmers who took their share at the said events were delighted of the presence of Secretary Alcala and hoped that his visit will give be an additional opportunity for them to improve their lives.

Farmer Mokammad Dimasidsing of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao said: “Naniniwala ako na sa pagbisita ni Secretary Alcala ay giginhawa at uunlad na ang aming mga buhay (I am convinced Sec. Alcala's visit will help improve our lives).”

Another farmer Tayan Talib-Adaw of Parang, Maguindanao also verbalized her happiness with the presence of the Secretary saying: “Masayang-masaya kaming mga babaeng magsasaka dahil andito si Secretary at andami niyang dalang tulong para sa amin (We women farmers were glad Sec. Alcala came over and brought help for us).”

Meanwhile, the local chief executives of various municipalities of the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao also showed-off their support and vowed to help the DA to ensure efficient project implementation.

Aleosan Mayor Vicente Sorupia, Jr. lauded the DA chief for his genuine concern and support to local fishers and farmers adding that “Sec. Alcala was the first-ever Cabinet official to ever set foot in his town.”

Meanwhile, Datukan said the visit of the Secretary was delved on upholding the continuous efforts of the current administration in pushing for inclusive growth to benefit the far-flung areas particularly the underprivileged or less fortunate farmers in conflict-affected areas.

“It is the administration’s aspiration to help alleviate poverty through government projects that may directly impact peace and development in the area,” she further noted.

“Secretary Alcala was here to personally hand-over millions’ worth of projects to our farmers and LGUs to support the nation’s quest of true peace through agri-fishery livelihood projects which could help them improve their living conditions,” she said.

Director Datukan added that this is already the Secretary’s second visit which will surely strengthen government’s ceaseless determination in helping and delivering assistance and services among hard-to-reach areas seen to be key and potential agricultural areas.

As part of his two-day itinerary, the Secretary also met with ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and DAF-ARMM Secretary Macmod Mending and discussed the current status of the agri-fishery sector in the region and determined other additional interventions that the region needs the most.

Queries and questions raised by mediamen were addressed by the Secretary in a series of press conferences in Pikit and Cotabato City.

Last March 3, Secretary Alcala together with Senator Cynthia Villar handed out nearly P1-billion worth of agriculture-based projects and assistance to hundreds of farmer groups and local governments of SOCCSKSARGEN Region at Tupi Research and Experiment Station, Tupi, South Cotabato which was attended by more than 3,300 participants.

PNP-ARMM and Region 12 bless, distribute police motorbikes to improve mobility

By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF]

CAMP SK PENDATU, Maguindanao, April 13 (PNA) -- Police offices in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are expected to respond to crime incidents the fastest time possible with the distribution of new motorbikes for police officers.

On Monday, Chief Supt. Ronald R. Estilles, regional director of the police in the ARMM, led the blessing ceremonies of 18 motorcycles for policemen in the region.

Estilles said the motorbikes will be distributed to the police offices in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

He said the police efficiency in responding to crimes incidents is expected to increase one notch higher with police officers more mobile.

Beside, he said, the motorbike will be used by police in conducting patrol in its areas of operation to deter crime and prevent violent incidents.

"Police visibility is vital in preventing criminals from committing crimes," he said.

Accompanying Estilles were Chief Inspector Gilbert C. Ilagan, PNP-ARMM chaplain and the directorial staff of PNP-ARMM.

The blessing of motorcycles was done after the traditional flag raising ceremonies inside Camp Gen. SK Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao.

In Gen. Santos City where the headquarters of PNP-12 was located, Chief Supt. Lester Camba, PRO-12 regional director, also lead the blessing ceremonies of 34 motorbikes to be used by cops in fighting crimes.

Camba said the police offices in the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos are expected to perform better with the new patrol vehicles.

"This is improve police efficiency in fighting criminality," he said in a statement.

He said the police motorbikes will be used exclusively by police officers in responding to police emergency calls.

North Cotabato police provincial office received the highest number of motorbikes with 17 while North Cotabato police had seven units.

Saranggani province police office had four new motorcycles while three in Sultan Kudarat and two in Cotabato City police office.

These motorbikes are complete with police emergency accessories that the police officer need in responding to crime incidents.

Cotabato cops arrest suspect in murder of ARMM reconciliation, reunification chair

By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF]

COTABATO CITY, April 12 (PNA) -- Police arrested here over the weekend the man believed to have shot dead the executive director of the Regional Reconciliation and Reunification Commission of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Senior Supt. Rolen Balquin, Cotabato City police director, said the suspect, identified as Nasser Bagundang Wahab, also known as Romnick Wahab, 30, was arrested by elements of the Cotabato City PNP and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in his house in Buliao 2, Cotabato City on April 7 based on the arrest warrant issued by the local court on charges of robbery with homicide without bail.

Balquin said that based on witnesses accounts, Wahab was one of the two suspects in the murder of RRUC Director Norodin Manalao three weeks ago.

Manalao was inside his vehicle waiting for his wife who went into marketing at the Cotabato City mega market when the gunman approached and opened fire on him.

Balquin said witnesses pointed at Wahab as the gunman while his companion served as lookout on a motorbike both used as getaway vehicle.

He said police investigators are still waiting for statement from the family of Manalao. The family is still mourning.

But Wahab vehemently denied he was the triggerman in the Manalao murder.

The death of the RRUC director whose main job was to settle diplomatically clan wars and family feuds involving Muslim families in the ARMM.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman as well as peace advocates in the region have condemned the murder of Manalao and urged the police to identify, arrest and prosecute the suspects and the brains behind the murder.

Earlier, Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiai Jr and members of the Cotabato City council have urged the local police to speed up the prosecution of shooting incidents in the city.

Aside from Manalao, the police is focusing its investigation on the murder of a private school principal last month.

Agri chief, visits Mindanao, vows interventions to cushion impact of drought in Mindanao

By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), RMA/NYP/EOF]

COTABATO CITY, April 11 (PNA) -- Now is the time the farmers affected by drought and armed conflict in Mindanao need the help of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

And the DA central office is in town to provide the needed assistance.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala visited Central Mindanao over the weekend and announced that the national government has interventions needed to ease the impact of the dry spell that hit Mindanao island.

The two regions - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the SOCCSKSARGEN region - are beneficiaries of drought mitigating projects to cushion the impact of dry spell and armed conflict.

Alcala's appeal to residents in Central Mindanao and Maguindanao, a component province of ARMM, was to conserve water.

Alcala and DA-12 Regional Director Amalia Jayag Datukan, along with other ARMM and Region-12 agriculture officials, toured North Cotabato on Friday and met with farmers as he launched a Php 4 billion worth of projects needed to boost the productivity of farmers in Central Mindanao in the face of the dry spell.

After visiting North Cotabato, Alcala met with officials of the ARMM, led by Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman, to map out plans for agricultural projects to farmers displaced by armed conflict in Maguindanao.

Sec. Makmod Mending Jr, agriculture regional secretary for ARMM and Maguindanao provincial agricultural officer Salik Panalunsong told Alcala on Friday that vast tracts of farmlands in 34 of Maguindanao’s 36 towns have been damaged by the drought.

The farmers have experienced 'double whammy' as they have to flee homes due to armed conflict and for more than a month failed to attend to their farmlands devastated by the drought.

More than 6,000 hectares of farmlands in Region 12 have dried up due to the drought and destroyed more than P300 million worth of crops such as rice, corn, banana and other high value crops.

SOCCSKSARGEN is composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos.

North Cotabato, the region's rice and corn producing province, have lost about Php 230 million worth of crops to the dry spell that was aggravated by frequent grass and forest fires that destroy plantations.

Dr. Eliseo Mangliwan, North Cotabato provincial agriculturist said only rain could solve the problem and to have rain is to conduct the expensive cloud seeding operations to force downpour.

DA 12 has approved the conduct of cloud seeding and it will take place next week.


EU extends P13.9-million help to Maguindanao war evacuees

By Recto Mercene

The European Union (EU) has provided P13.9 million to fund emergency humanitarian assistance to Maguindanao residents who were displaced from their homes following a recent escalation of violence there.

The money will enable the provision of lifesaving relief items to the most vulnerable and support the management and provision of services at evacuation and displacement sites.

The two-month emergency project will specifically focus on the most vulnerable families. It will help ensure that they have access to safe and dignified shelters, water and sanitation facilities, as well as lifesaving nonfood items, such as blankets, sleeping mats and hygiene kits.

Psychosocial support will also be provided, allowing the displaced persons to exchange with others about their traumatic experience and receive information on potential further specialized support.

Moreover, the EU is continuing its assistance to the families displaced by the fighting that took place in Zamboanga in 2013, by providing a separate P13.7-million fund on top of the assistance provided in 2013.

A year-and-a-half after the displacement took place, some 20,000 residents remain in evacuation and transitional sites, living under very difficult conditions. The EU-funded aid will also focus on the most vulnerable individuals, providing them with food, protection, livelihood support and health services until the authorities can provide a more permanent solution for the displaced.

In both cases, the assistance is being made available through the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (Echo) through its Small-Scale Response Mechanism.

The first project in Maguindanao will be implemented by a consortium composed of the International Organization for Migration and Plan International—two humanitarian actors which have a long-established presence in the Philippines.

The operation in Zamboanga will be implemented by another consortium comprising non-governmental organization Action Contre la Faim and Plan International—both already operational in the area from previous Echo funding.

The armed conflict in Central Mindanao, southern Philippines, intensified in February 2015, when fighting erupted between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the towns of Pagalungan and Pikit. The clashes further escalated when the Armed Forces of the Philippines launched an “all-out offensive” against the BIFF troops. The fighting resulted in the displacement of over 120,000 people in the provinces of Maguindanao.

In September 2013 a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front seized hostages in Zamboanga, leading to an intervention by the military. The ensuing clashes lasted for more than two weeks and left some 45 dead and over 100, 000 people displaced in Zamboanga City.

Echo’s Small-Scale Response fund is a global mechanism that allows for rapid funding of up to P13.9 million for humanitarian aid in countries affected by natural and manmade disasters.

Php70-M worth of crops damage by drought in Maguindanao

By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF]

COTABATO CITY, April 9 (PNA) -- The drought that started in January this year has affected more than P70 million worth of agricultural crops in the province of Maguindanao, agriculture officials today said.

Based on the initial report of office of the Maguindanao provincial agriculturist, more than 8,000 farmers have been affected by the dry spell which started three months back. It also dried up more than 100 hectares of rice and corn fields in Maguindanao's 36 municipalities.

In its April 6 report, Maguindanao provincial agricultural officer Salik Panalunsong, said the most affected crops were corn which account to P46,354,700 pesos followed by palay with an estimated P8, 923,430 damages.

Damages to livestock were placed at more than a million pesos.

Panalunsong said the drought has affected more than 700 farmers.

He said the consolidated report of his office had been forwarded to the office of Maguidanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu

Panalunsong said the decision to put the province under state of calamity for the provincial government to use its calamity fund to cushion the impact of long dry spell hinges on the decision of provincial officials.

He also said that the total cost of damages could even go higher once all the reports have been submitted by the municipal agriculture officers.

Meanwhile, Panalunsong said the DA-Maguindanao will start planting vegetables that are head resistant in Maguindanao's plain areas, including Open Pollinated Variety of corn.

Like other provincial agriculture officials, Panalunsong also recommended the conduct of cloud seeding operations in the province to induce rains that will help water the plants and other high value crops.

ARMM govt agencies, Army continue extending aid to displaced families in Maguindanao

By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF]

TALAYAN, Maguindanao, April 8 (PNA) -- Humanitarian aid for internally displaced persons continues to be provided by the government concerned agencies as well as the military.

On Tuesday, volunteers from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), soldiers and civic groups jointly conducted relief operations in the Market Area of Talayan town in Maguindanao which served as temporary homes of thousands of IDPs displaced by armed conflict in Maguindanao's 13 towns.

The Army launched law enforcement operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which already claimed the lives of 151 Moro armed men and 10 government forces.

Fighting has waned since March 31 when the military terminated the massive operations but vowed to continue small scale offensive to fully neutralize the BIFF.

Displaced folks are reluctant to return to their homes, worried that BIFF bandits could return and rebuild camps in their villages again.

But Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the regional Army unit, said the military has established positions in all former BIFF stronghold in Maguindanao's four adjoining tows of Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Datu Shariff Saydona and Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

Maguindanao's 13 municipalities have been placed under state of calamity to maximize the government's relief and rehabilitation efforts in conflict-wracked areas.

The latest relief operations were jointly initiated by the Anak Mindanao (Amin) Partylist, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the ARMM's Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Response Team (HEART)..

ARMM-HEART has been spending P2 million a month for relief food supplies of about 120,000 displaced persons.

But about 25,000 evacuees have already returned home after the Army gave the go signal that it was safe for them to go back home.

Tuesday's relief operation was also assisted by the' Kaya Natin' Movement for Good Governance, a non government organization actively supporting the national government's peace process in southern Philippines.

Amin Partylist Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman lauded the military for providing relief assistance and sending in manpower to make the relief distribution easy and manageable.

Petinglay said the Army is now focused on helping IDPs as well as helping their shattered communities due to atrocities committed by the BIFF.

Military doctors also helped the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao attend to the daily health needs of IDPs.

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr, DOH-ARMM regional secretary said at least 90,000 persons remain in evacuation sites in Maguindanao, about 9,000 of whom were pregnant women.

The only child has died in evacuation center and two civilians wounded in the armed conflict.

Health Sec. Janette Garin who visited Maguindanao for three days lauded the health providers, the front liners in humanitarian dislocation in Maguindanao, for a job well done.

Evacuees in Maguindanao benefit from relief mission

By John Unson (philstar.com)

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Soldiers and volunteers from various groups on Tuesday initiated another humanitarian mission for evacuees in Talayan town as part of a continuing effort to serve thousands affected by the four-week hostilities in Maguindanao province.

Tension has waned in seven Maguindanao municipalities where the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have had 26 encounters from February 28 to March 29, but displaced folks are reluctant to return to their homes, worried that BIFF bandits could return and rebuild camps in their villages again.

The military-BIFF encounters had prompted Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and the provincial board, chaired by Vice Gov. Lester Sinsuat, to declare 11 of the 36 towns in the province under state of calamity to maximize the government's relief and rehabilitation efforts in conflict-wracked areas.

Tuesday’s relief intervention for evacuees was a joint initiative of the Anak Mindanao (Amin) Partylist, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Response Team (HEART) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The HEART, operating under the supervision of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and his regional executive secretary, lawyer Laisa Alamia, has been dispersing since February 28 more than P1 million worth of food rations weekly to 125,312 villagers, mostly children and women, that got dislocated by the military-BIFF face-off.

The latest relief mission for evacuees from conflict-stricken barangays in Talayan was also assisted by the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance, a non-government organization helping push the Mindanao peace process forward.

Amin Partylist Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman said she is thankful to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the ARMM-HEART for providing volunteers to assist in the mission.

Tuesday’s involvement of the Amin Partylist and the Kaya Natin NGO in relief operations for Maguindanao's displaced folks was the second in just two weeks.

Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the 6th ID, said soldiers are now focused on relief missions for internally-displaced folks following last week’s suspension of the military’s massive law enforcement operation against the BIFF.

Medics and dentists from the 6th ID helped the Amin Partylist and the ARMM-HEART attend to the medical and dental needs of the evacuees confined in relief sites in Talayan.

The HEART, whose operation is backed by the ARMM’s health and social welfare departments, dispersed more than a hundred tons of food, drinking water and non-relief supplies to evacuees in continuing relief and rehabilitation activities that started last week of February.

Physician Kadil Sinolinding Jr., ARMM's regional health secretary, brought with him dozens of relief and rehabilitation experts that provided needed interventions to ease the plight of evacuees in Talayan during Tuesday's relief operations in the area.

DAF-ARMM distributes garden tools

(IEroy/PBChangco/PIA Cotabato City with report from RAFID ARMM)

COTABATO CITY, Apr. 6 (PIA) – The provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi all under in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) received garden tools, assorted lowland vegetables and onion bulbs packets through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of the region’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).

The recipient provinces are the beneficiaries of the Gulayan sa Paaralan in ARMM.

According to DAF-HVCDP CoordinatorJalika Mangacop, this will give a great impact to the farmers/growers and to the school beneficiaries.

The assistance from the department will help the farmers to increase their productivity, income, promote a healthy lifestyle by eating vegetable and engaging in planting activities, Mangacop said.

DAF-ARMM’s Gulayan sa Paaralan Program aims to alleviate the incidence of hunger and malnutrition where most cases are found in the autonomous region.

This is in support to the regional government vision and mission through the leadership of Gov. Mujiv Hataman – that is to produce healthy minds and body, productive lands, additional income and promote organic farming.

Spearheaded by DAF-ARMM Sec. Atty. Makmod Mending Jr. and its partner agency, the Department of Education-ARMM.

The respective program coordinators of each provinces received the 100 units of hoes, 100 units of shovels, 100 units of sprinklers, 5 rolls of HDEP pipe water hose, 100 pieces of rakes , 250 packs of lowland vegetables and 150 packs onion bulbs.

Teachers file complaint vs DepEd ARMM execs for withholding pay

By Allan Nawal (Inquirer Mindanao)

DAVAO CITY – At least 19 teachers assigned in Marawi City hauled to court several officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) over the alleged non-release of their salaries since January.

Sittie Jalilala Tomawis Abdul-Jalil, one of the complaining teachers, said ARMM education officials, led by Secretary Jamar Kulayan, had refused to release their salaries without valid justification.

In her affidavit-complaint dated March 4, Abdul-Jalil, a master teacher I at the Sultan Cosain Naga Central Elementary School (SCNCES), also named DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary John Magno, DepEd regional cashier Rosalinda Hassan, and regional payroll in-charge for Marawi City Badjuri Tuansi, as respondents.

In her sworn statement, Abdul-Jalil said the respondents “conspired in defrauding her of salaries” amounting to P27,844 per month.

Several other teachers submitted a similar affidavit complaint.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman told the Inquirer by phone on Saturday that he was aware of the complaints the teachers had raised against regional and Marawi City DepEd officials.

But Hataman said he was siding with the DepEd officials because there was apparent failure on the part of the complaining teachers to comply with the requirements set for the release of salaries and other benefits. Among these, he said, was the submission of daily time records (DTRs).

Hataman said the fact was that there were over 100 teachers whose salaries had initially been held for because they would not submit their daily time records.

“Majority of those teachers had complied with the submission of DTRs and received their salaries already. There are only 19 who continue to refuse to comply with the requirement,” he said.

Hataman also forwarded a text message from Kulayan, which said the salaries of the remaining 19 teachers had already been downloaded to the Marawi City division and were ready to be released once they submitted their DTRs.

Kulayan also downplayed the reported complaint saying those who made it were relatives of Marawi City schools division superintendent Mona Macatanong, who was replaced in 2014.

Macatanong continues to protest her replacement.

Maguindanao gov't vows to implement infra projects in Mamasapano

By John Unson (philstar.com)

Hadji Emil Sadain, public works secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao briefs Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch’ Abad (center), ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman (left) and Mayor Benzar Ampatuan on the ARMM government's infrastructure projects in Mamasapano town. John Unson

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - The Maguindanao provincial government on Thursday assured to help implement the infrastructure projects launched last week in Mamasapano town where presence of Moro bandits had caused socio-economic retrogression in the local communities.

In separate statements, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and the league of mayors in the province also both thanked the executive department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for embarking on the school building, mosque and footbridge projects in the surroundings of Mamasapano.

The P60 million worth of projects, to include water systems in eight selected schools and new school buildings, will be jointly funded by the ARMM government and the Department of Education.

“We shall do our best to help ensure the completion of these projects according to specific programs of work. We will also help ensure the safety of the workers tasked to implement these projects,” Mangudadatu said in his emailed statement.

The president of the Maguindanao mayor’s league, Mayor Freddie Mangudadatu of Mangudadatu town in south of the province, said the new projects in conflict-stricken barangays in Mamasapano will improve the productivity of poor Moro peasants and, at the same time, help address illiteracy constraints plaguing the local folks.

The impoverished Mamasapano town became popular after the January 25 deadly clash in the area between police Special Action Force commandos and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

At least 44 SAF operatives, 17 MILF rebels, and five innocent civilians were killed in the encounters in Mamasapano's adjoining Barangays Pidsandawan, Tukanalipao and Inog-og, known hotbeds of Islamic militancy.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and his regional public works secretary, Hadji Emil Sadain, Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad and Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang launched last week the “peace projects” in Mamasapano.

The event was capped off with the symbolic start of the construction of a P10 million worth footbridge over a river near the scene of the violent January 25 SAF-MILF firefights that lasted for 10 hours.

The incident shook the nation to its core and challenged the Mindanao peace process.

Gov. Mangudadatu, chair of the provincial peace and order council, said he was elated with the presence in the launching of the projects of two representatives of the MILF’s central committee, Von Al-Haq and Toks Ebrahim.

“That was enough proof that the government-MILF peace process is still strong and that the `Mamasapano incident' will not destroy the cooperation of both sides in propagating peace in Moro areas,” he said.

Sadain said the projects will be implemented in utmost transparency.

Sadain said the money to be spent for the projects will be open to scrutiny by interested media outfits and any organization observing their implementation.

Sadain and Hataman both said the ARMM government will coordinate the implementation of the projects with Rashid Ladiasan and Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. of the MILF and the government’s ceasefire committees, respectively.

Galvez was also present in last week’s launching of the projects in Mamasapano.

Galvez said he is certain the projects will improve the cordiality between the local Moro communities and the government.

ARMM and Bangsamoro underfunded, says Ferrer

(OPAPP)

MANILA – The government is not ‘over-financing’ the proposed Bangsamoro regional government or even the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), especially if we compare the projected Bangsamoro budget with the funds received by other regions from the national government.

Government peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, in a press conference in Malacanang, said that the P35 billion that the government proposes to give the Bangsamoro in its first year is only half of what is being spent by the government in the National Capital Region.

“Today, the ARMM gets about P15,000 per capita subsidy from the national government. Compare that to the P34,000 per capita that Metro Manilans get from the national budget,” Ferrer pointed out. “It's 'imperial Manila' that gets the biggest share, if you want to put it that way." The per capita subsidy is the average amount that goes to each resident in the region. It is computed by adding all the national funds that go to the region and dividing the sum by the population.

Other regions which receive higher per capita income than the ARMM are the Cordillera, CARAGA and Regions 4-B and 8, according to estimates of the Department of Budget. Per capita in the Cordillera Administrative Region is at P20,500 while the three other regions' per capita subsidy ranges from P16,000 to P17,000.

Even with the P8-11 billion new money that will go to the Bangsamoro if it is established in 2016, per capita in the Bangsamoro would increase to only about P18,000, said Coronel-Ferrer.

The other regions are expected to similarly enjoy increases as well, if a new appropriations law is passed this year.

Referring to the estimated P35 to P36 billion budget that the Bangsamoro will get in its first year of operation, it's not really big," according to Senen Bacani, former agriculture secretary and panel member. "National funds allocated to the ARMM regional government today is already P25 billion."

Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, who was also present at the press briefing, affirmed that the Bangsamoro will only receive P36.8 billion, contrary to previous allegations that it will receive P75 billion on its first year.

The DBM's estimated P36.8 billion that would be received by the Bangsamoro in 2016 include the estimated P2 billion share of the Bangsamoro region from national taxes collected from the region which will be retained in the region.

“Ito ang nasa batas, eh (This is what the law says),” Abad stressed. “So kailangan lang nila pag-aralan yung batas at ito yung nakasaad doon sa batas, itong P36.8 billion (They just have to study the proposed law, and the law says it’s only P36.8 billion).”

The proposed budget includes P1 billion for the transition of the ARMM regional government to the Bangsamoro government; P7 billion special development fund for the first year, with P2 billion every year in the next five years earmarked for infrastructure development and social services; and P26.8 billion estimated annual block grant in 2016 which will be used for the salaries of teachers and health workers, all educational and health services, and economic development.

During the press briefing, Ferrer also clarified that the powers and authorities of constitutional bodies like the Commission on Audit (COA), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and Civil Service Commission (CSC) will not be diminished.

These agencies will operate like regional offices or as supplementary offices in the Bangsamoro that would help strengthen the system of checks and balances in the region.

Ferrer also reiterated that the proposed BBL does not provide for automatic integration of armed fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, but they could apply and need to go through the rigorous standard hiring processes applied by the AFP and the PNP.

“Our biggest problem has been the misrepresentation of the actual provisions that you would find in the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law),” Ferrer admitted. “[But] we have been consistent with what we’ve been saying as to what exactly are written in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

Tukanalipao HS grads get P5000 each from regional gov’t

By Ferdinandh B. Cabrera (MindaNews)

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao (MindaNews/31 March) – Graduates of a public high school in this town received an unexpected cash bonus of P5,000 each from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on their commencement program Monday.

The 49 graduates of Hadhi Salik Kalaing National High School in Barangay Tukanalipao, site of the bloody encounter on Jan. 25 between government forces and various Moro armed groups, received the amount from ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, their guest speaker.

“This amount is for your enrolment in college because I believe your education must continue through college,” Hataman said in his speech.

All the graduates and their families were among the roughly 120,000 individuals who were displaced when government forces launched an “all-out offensive” against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The offensive terminated Monday as announced by Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang.

Aside from the P5,000 cash, the top 10 honor students became scholars of the ARMM regional government.

In her valedictory address, Norambai Utto became emotional and cried for peace.

“We want peace, give us peace, we want peace in our land not only for us but the generations to come,” she said in between sobs.

“Do not lose hope. Peace will finally prevail in your communities. Help in your own little way, so peace will reign in our land,” Hataman said in Filipino.

“We ought to thank the Philippine military for taking care of the civilians, ensuring they are safe before offensives were launched against lawless elements,” he said.

The governor said the people of Maguindanao should be happy they have an Army division commander, Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who did not order indiscriminate offensives that could have killed innocent civilians.

“We should thank him because he is for peace.Tthe military supports the Mindanao peace process, thus in the recent operations against lawless elements, no civilians were hurt or killed as a result of Army offensives,” Hataman said.

He also urged the parents and the graduates as well as the people of Mamasapano not to be carried by their emotions but consider the recent events as a challenge for the future of Maguindanao.

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