Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News January 2019

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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.

NHA turns over 'transitory shelters' to 206 Marawi families

By Divina Suson (PNA)

MARAWI CITY--The National Housing Authority (NHA) turned over 550 units of transitory shelters in Barangay Boganga here Thursday.

The first batch of beneficiaries, consisting of 206 families, lost their homes during the five-month war between government forces and the Maute-ISIS terrorist group that began on May 23, 2017.

They moved in to their assigned units immediately after the turnover ceremony while the remaining shelters will eventually be occupied by the beneficiaries identified by the local government unit of Marawi while the NHA continues to build more.

Called the Lake View Shelter, the transitory relocation site in Boganga is the second temporary relocation site for the displaced families, particularly those from the 250-hectare most affected area (MAA), who have stayed in the different evacuation centers in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur since the start of the Marawi siege.

The first one is the Bahay ng Pagbabago in Barangay Sagonsongan where the government built 1,052 temporary shelters that are already being occupied by the beneficiaries.

Located inside the Sagonsongan is the Angat Buhay Village, initiated by Vice President Leni Robredo's Angat Buhay Foundation, consisting of 60 housing units.

The NHA said 1,500 transitory shelter units will be built in Boganga and Sagonsongan before March this year, and about 300 additional units will be turned over to the next batch of beneficiaries.

"Tuloy-tuloy po ang pagbibigay namin ng (transitory shelter) units hanggang sa ma-occupy ang 550 units, at sa darating na Marso ay muli kaming magbubukas at magtu-turn over ng 250 to 300 units pa po para sa mga kapatid nating nasa mga evacuation centers pa (We will continue to turn over transitory shelters until all 550 units are occupied, and by March we plan to open another 250 to 300 units for families still living in evacuation shelters)," said NHA Director Roderick Ibañez.

Started in August last year, the housing agency finished the first 550 units in less than five months.

Salima Ampaso, a former resident of Barangay Datu Naga inside the MAA, said she was relieved when she was included in the first batch to receive transitory housing in Boganga.

"Mainit sa evacuation center, wala kang privacy. Di ka makagalaw para maghanapbuhay dahil walang magbabantay sa tent mo, sa anak mo dahil nag-alala ka sa safety niya (It is hot in evacuation shelters, there's no privacy. You can't move to find a living because no one will watch over the tent, and you worry about your child's safety)," she said.

Although it took almost two years before she and her fellow evacuees to be relocated, Ampaso said it was worth the wait.

Task Force Bangon Marawi explained that it prioritized those who are still living in the evacuation centers outside Marawi City to be transferred to transitory shelters.

Ibañez said about 800 families are still living in the evacuation centers, some of them in the Sarimanok tents in Barangay Poblacion.

Jan. 21 special non-working day in ARMM, 2 other cities

By Azer Parrocha (PNA)

MANILA -- Malacañang has declared Jan. 21, 2019 (Monday), a special non-working day in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Isabela City, and Cotabato City for the plebiscite of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by authority of the President, signed Proclamation No. 646 on Jan. 10, 2019 but it was released to media on Jan. 17 (Thursday).

Medialdea signed the proclamation to allow the residents an opportunity to participate in the plebiscite and exercise their right to vote.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo confirmed anew that President Rodrigo R. Duterte will be attending a big rally on Jan. 18 in Cotabato City to appeal to the people to vote for the ratification of the BOL.

“It will push through as scheduled. The President will go there tomorrow and make a pitch for the ratification,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“You must remember that the President (is) in favor of the BOL so it’s just logical for someone who is in favor of a particular idea to make a pitch for it,” he added.

Earlier, Panelo described the President’s voice as a “powerful influence” for the ratification of the measure which seeks to establish a new Bangsamoro political entity to replace ARMM.

However, he said that ultimately, it is the people’s call to decide whether they will vote for the ratification of the BOL or not.

Duterte signed the BOL, or Republic Act 11054, on July 26, 2018 seeking to grant wider self-rule to predominantly Muslim provinces and cities in southern Philippines.

ARMM inaugurates P20-M projects in Basilan

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday inaugurated some PHP20 million worth of projects in this city.

The projects, consisting of two buildings worth PHP10 million each, were constructed at the 10-hectare Basilan government center in Barangay Sta. Clara, this city.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, who led the inauguration, said the two projects are aimed at improving the delivery of services of the Basilan Schools Division and Lamitan City Schools Division.

Norhaya Abdurahim, Basilan Schools Division superintendent, said they will occupy the two newly-constructed buildings before the end of January.

Abdurahim, on behalf of the two school divisions, expressed gratitude to the regional government and all concerned stakeholders “for the efforts extended in the realization of the two projects.”

The buildings were constructed by the District Engineer’s Office of ARMM’s Department of Public Works and Highways headed by Engr. Soler Undug.

The inauguration was witnessed by Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman, Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay and other government officials. (PNA)

Disaster risk reduction training held in Maguindanao

By Francis Wakefield

The Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (40th IB), in partnership with the government of Radjah Buayan led by its mayor Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, conducted an Inter-agency Disaster Risk Reduction Office (DRRO) Training Exercise at its headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao, over the weekend.

The participants were 69 members of the Magiting Inter Agency Task Force coming from the four municipalities of Radjah Buayan, Sultan Sa Barongis, Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona Mustapha all of Maguindanao.

Part of the program was the competition to ensure that they learn from the lectures on different kinds of bandaging of wounds/fractures; reviving a victim using Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); high angle and low angle rescue; and, the different ways of carrying a patient.

Prizes worth P10, 000 for the first prize; P8, 000 for the second prize, P5, 000 for the third prize and P2, 000 for the fourth prize, were given to the winners.

The said training aimed to address the impact of disasters and climate change at various levels that has made significant strides in the implementation of disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning and activities.

Lt. Col. Edfgar Catu, Commanding Officer of the 40th IB, mentioned during the opening ceremony that the knowledge and skills that they will acquire would be very important so that they will be able to respond to disasters or calamities and save lives.

Army 6th Infantry Divisiom Commander Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, Commander, on the other hand, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been a primary responder during disasters and has been deployed frequently to several disaster relief operations in Central Mindanao.

“However, it is overwhelming if other agencies will help hand-in-hand in terms of natural and man-made disaster,” Sobejana said.

DA in Lanao del Sur tops agri achievers in ARMM

(DA Lanao del Sur/PIA10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) gathered its officials and employees from all over the region on Jan. 6 to celebrate its milestone in 2018.

The event dubbed "Pakaradjaan sa DAF-ARMM" was aimed to honor employees who have made great contributions in the attainment of the agency’s goals and objectives.

One of the highlights of the event was the awarding of the 2018 Agricultural Achievers where DA Lanao del Sur bagged numerous awards.

DA Lanao del Sur Chief Pangalian Balindong, Jr. received the Top Performing Provincial Agricultural Officer (PAO) of ARMM.

Other achievers include Marilou G. Sopocado, Top Performing High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Coordinator; Raina B. Sembrano, Top Performing Corn Coordinator; Engr. Papala F. Lawanza, Top Performing Organic Agriculture Coordinator; Mariam Naik, Top Performing Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO); Raisoli A. Muzor and Camalia Disalongan, Top Performing Agriculture Extension Workers; and Dr. Alfreda E. Te, Achiever Awardee in the field of information.

Certificates were also awarded to MAO Toribio L. Pingol, MAO Casad C. Ayo-on, Agriculture Technologist Salman M. Faisal, Planning Officer Shalini B. Plawan, Daud Diapar (Livestock Coordinator), Naga M. Tucalo (Rice Coordinator) and PAFC Coordinator Monatampar Bandera.

During the event, DAF-ARMM Sec. Alexander G. Alonto thanked all the employees for their hard work which contributed to the betterment of the department.

He also encouraged everyone to serve even better in the upcoming Bangsamoro government.

Other highlights of the Pakaradjaan included the launching of the DAF-ARMM Agricultural Profile and a cultural show from the different participants.

P20B earned in 6 years: MILF hopes to sustain ARMM investment gains

By Bong S. Sarmiento (MindaNews)

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 10 Jan) – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) hopes to sustain the investment generated by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the last six years pegged at P20 billion.

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said that sustaining investors’ confidence in the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) can be achieved by employing the concept of “inclusive business model.”

Such business model, while for profit, will benefit the poor or low income communities not through charitable acts but through their inclusion in business operations, he said.

“[These business operations] will provide them livelihood essential to build a dignified society,” Murad said in a message to a recent business forum in Cotabato City.

The MILF chief vowed to adopt the Business Sustainability Framework in the Bangsamoro (BSFB), which was initiated by the ARMM Regional Board of Investment (ARMM-RBOI) and anchored on the inclusive business model, in attracting new investments to the BARMM.

The Australian government-funded Brokering Business Investments in the Bangsamoro to Achieve Inclusive Development and Growth or BRIDGe project enabled the crafting of the BSFP.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman expressed confidence the new Bangsamoro region can build on the gains of the existing 28-year-old autonomous Muslim region.

Citing data from the ARMM-RBOI from 2012 to 2018, Hataman, ARMM’s seventh governor, said the region accumulated investments worth P20 billion that generated 15,000 jobs.

ARMM straddles the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

Maguindanao is the region’s top investment destination, bagging P14.8 billion or 74 percent of the approved ventures in the region from 2012 to 2018, regional government data showed.

Some companies in Maguindanao are producing and exporting Cavendish banana to China, Japan and the Middle East.

Hataman believed the future “will remain bright” for the Bangsamoro people under the new political entity, as he called on voters to participate in the plebiscite to ratify the Bangsamoro organic law set on January 21 and February 6.

The organic law is the key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace deal signed in 2014 by the government and the MILF.

Once ratified, the BARMM will replace the ARMM.

Once the BARMM is in place, the MILF will lead the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority. The MILF central committee had endorsed Murad to lead the transition government until the regular elections in 2022.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, ARMM-RBOI chairperson, said that the years of cumulative growth in investments of at least P1 billion annually in the region was largely due to the success of the government-MILF peace process.

“The window of investment growth in the ARMM will require more nurturing and active stewardship by the leaders (of the future BARMM) in order to sustain the gains of the region,” Mastura said.

ARMM holds the distinction as the country’s poorest region with a poverty incidence of 48 percent, ARMM-RBOI data showed.

20 Cotabato barangays included in BOL plebiscite

By Ferdinand Patinio (PNA)

MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday announced that 20 barangays in the province of Cotabato will be part of the forthcoming plebiscite for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“The first batch of Comelec en banc decisions on BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law) petitions has been released, and 20 petitions have been granted,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.

The following will be included in the scheduled plebiscite: barangays Libungan Torreta, Upper Pangankalan, Datu Mantil, and Simsiman in Pigcawayan town; Barangay Pagangan in Aleosan town; and barangays Langogan, Pebpoloan, Kibayao, Kotulaan, and Tupig in Carmen town; Barangays Rajahmuda, Barungis, Gli-gli, Nalapaan, Palicupan, Nunguan, Manaulanan, Bulol, Bualan, and Nabundas, all in Pikit town.

Jimenez said the Commission en banc has approved the petitions of the said barangays for voluntary inclusion in the referendum for ratification of the BOL.

Meanwhile, 24 petitions have been denied for failing to comply with the rules regarding voluntary inclusion in the plebiscite.

A total of 103 petitions for voluntary inclusion have been filed before the poll body.

The Comelec had said that the areas contiguous to any of the Bangsamoro core areas may apply for voluntary inclusion in the plebiscite, by either the local government of such an area filing a resolution; or at least 10 percent of the registered voters in a local government unit filing a petition and ask for inclusion in the plebiscite.

If approved, the Bangsamoro plebiscite in such areas that sought voluntary inclusion will be held on February 6.

The first scheduled plebiscite is set on January 21, in geographical areas comprising Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) including Isabela City in Basilan and Cotabato City.

Gov’t, Cotabato leaders vow peaceful plebiscite, mid-term polls

By Francis Wakefield

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. and top military and police commanders met with local leaders in Camp Siongco, Maguindanao on Thursday, to defuse tension stoked by the recent bombing incident in Cotabato City, and to assure the city of a peaceful conduct of the upcoming Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite and midterm polls.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Office of the Secretary of National Defense / MANILA BULLETIN) (Photo: Joseph Vidal/PRIB/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Lorenzana said they came to the province to prevent speculation and “finger-pointing” on the bombing, which claimed two lives and injured scores of others.

“We are here to defuse the tensions and we don’t want to escalate the conflict,” Lorenzana said.

Among those who attended the dialogue were Cotabato Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, Maguindanao First District and Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, and Bangsamoro Islamic Forces Chief of Staff Sammy Gambar Al-Mansoor.

Lorenzana said a presentation made during the security briefing led by Army Sixth Infantry Division (6th ID) commander Maj. General Cirilito Sobejana suggested that the bombing had the signature of a local terror group.

“Until we get to the bottom of this, we consider this incident a terror attack,” he said, adding the initial investigation “points to Daulah Islamiyah terror group.”

The Defense Chief said their intention in coming to Maguindanao was to ensure the people “to have a free and peaceful elections and plebiscites.”

“Rest assured that your military and police are doing their best to ensure that you can vote freely according to your choice,” he said.

Lorenzana also called on the people to weigh the benefits of the BOL.

“Itong BOL na ito, matagal na natin hinihintay. There will be a lot of benefits. Let’s weigh it over para magkaroon naman tayong ng katahimikan [We’ve been waiting for the BOL for a long time. There will be a lot of benefits. Let’s weigh it over so we can have peace],” he said.

Meanwhile, Galvez and Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega asked the leaders to stay calm following the attack.

“We can’t win peace by force, but by persuasive diplomacy and understanding,” Galvez said.

Galvez said the local leaders and the security forces are committed to making sure the upcoming plebiscite and elections “will be peaceful and it will reflect the honest will of the people.”

He noted that the presence of the Defense Chief was critical since Lorenzana knew the political landscape and security situation of the area very well, being a native of Parang in Maguindanao and an alumnus of Notre Dame University.

The plebiscite is scheduled on January 21, 2019 in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cotabato City, and Isabela City for the ratification of the BOL.

For Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, including the barangays that filed their petitions to join the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) granted by the Commission on Elections, the plebiscite will be on February 6, 2019.

Workshop explores convergence to address food insecurity

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran (APB/PIA10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)-- A four-day workshop brought together 39 stakeholders from government line agencies and local government units in Lanao del Sur to explore convergence efforts to ensure food security in the province.

The workshop, held Nov. 19 to 22, was organized by the provincial government to formulate a plan to address food insecurity as well as increase food sufficiency in the province.

During the workshop, the participants took a hard look at the factors that impact food security such as poverty, income, unemployment, productivity, and shocks including those that affect stability like disasters and conflicts.

Environment concerns and measures to preserve Lake Lanao were also tackled.

Assad Baunto of the Regional Planning and Development Office of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RPDO-ARMM), on the other hand, shared the various programs of the ARMM government to strengthen the region’s food system.

He also discussed the cyclical relationship between poverty, conflict, and food insecurity.

He said poverty measures deprivation has many dimensions.

Addressing food insecurity does not only involve ensuring the availability of food but also making sure that people have access to it at all times.

He also emphasized that while food insecurity can be a source of conflict, the conflict itself has a significant effect on food insecurity.

At the end of the workshop, the participants identified various programs, projects, activities, and budgetary requirements to ensure food security and stability.

They also crafted strategies on how to make convergence work for each of the identified programs.

Proposed policies and communication activities to support the convergence were also laid out.

The outputs of the workshop will be reviewed and finalized by the provincial government for inclusion in its annual investment plan.

ARMM studes clinch medals in nat'l, int'l contests

(Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) –- Student representatives from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) brought pride to the Bangsamoro after bagging medals in different national and international competitions.

Ricco Teraytay from Camp Siongco National High School competed in the 2018 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships from November 15 to 18 in Taipei, Taiwan, while Yahser Malang from ARMM Regional Science High School was the top two grand finalist during the Southeast Asia Video Festival held Nov. 24 in Manila.

Five students from Parang National High School also emerged the grand champion in the Science Investigatory Project on Nov. 16 in Olongapo City.

Students from ARMM Regional Science High School bagged the championship in a video competition under the theme "Everyday’s Hero" children category for their video entitled 'Super Guro'.

Sinebata 2018 is a competition of creators of videos for and by children from the Philippines convened by Anak TV, an advocacy organization that promotes television literacy and child-sensitive, family-friendly television in the Philippines.

Apart from receiving trophies and other prizes, the team placed second in the Second Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children, also known as Southeast Asia Prix Jeunesse.

The competition’s participants were from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

For the grand champion in the Science Investigatory Project, students from Parang National High School said it is an honor to represent the region in a science competition.

The team’s grand champion project is an anti-theft door alarm.

Lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr., ARMM’s Education Department Secretary, noted that the ARMM government has consistently been supportive of these outstanding students.

He emphasized that the regional government is confident that the students in ARMM would also participate successfully in future national and international activities.

All the awardees said bringing the banner and pride of the Bangsamoro is a strong statement that people in the ARMM have many to offer.

Youth summit gathers young leaders in Piagapo

(Piagapo LGU/ PIA10)

PIAGAPO, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- More than 100 young leaders here gathered at the municipal complex on Dec. 17-19, 2018 for a youth summit organized by the municipal government in partnership with the 12th Civil-Military Operations Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The summit was anchored on the theme "Arise. Lead. Inspire" to transform and empower the youth in fulfilling their roles in building a morally and spiritually upright society.

During the summit, the young leaders underwent a series of interactive lectures and workshops and experienced practical exercises.

They were also exposed to several team building activities designed to prepare them to work better together.

Resource speakers were led by Ltc Wilfredo P. Amoma, Commanding Officer of the 12th CMO Battalion, who discussed preventing and countering violent extremism.

Other topics were: Environment and the Youth by Forester Asmarie M. Labao; the role of the youth in nation-building by Jamilnur D. Sarip, Prime Minister of MSU-Supreme Student Government; criminality and drug addiction and prevention by PSInsp. Vanessa Gabot; ill-effects of drug abuse/addiction by Dr. Rasmia M. Lawi; leadership development and interpersonal communications by Prof. Sorhaila L. Yusoph; the rule of law and children's rights by Atty. Ishaq L. Mangondato; and the role of the youth in the Bangsamoro by Rubina M. Macabunar.

Meanwhile, Piagapo Mayor Engr. Ali L. Sumandar commended the active participation and support of the Liga ng mga Barangay-Piagapo Chapter and the local Sangguninag Kabataan.

He also expressed appreciation to the 12thCMO Battalion for providing the facilitators during the summit.

The mayor hopes that the summit will foster unity and bravery among the youth for them to lead and inspire people to build stronger communities and a peaceful nation.

ARMM posts highest employment rate in Mindanao

By Antonio Colina IV

DAVAO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had the highest employment rate in 2018 among the six regions in Mindanao, the preliminary results of the Annual Labor and Employment Estimates for 2018 showed.

The employment rate in ARMM, which is comprised of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and Cities of Lamitan and Tawi Tawi, was recorded at 96.3 percent in 2018, slightly lower compared to 96.6 percent recorded in 2017.

Region 12, or more collectively known as SOCCSKARGEN, pertaining to South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City, registered an employment rate of 96.1 percent; Caraga with 96 percent, Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao with 95.9 percent, and 95.7 percent, and Davao Region with 95.7 percent.

The annual employment rate in the Philippines was estimated at 94.7 percent, with Cagayan Valley being the highest at 97percent and Ilocos Region, the lowest at 93.2percent, according to PSA.

The unemployment rate in the country last year was estimated at 5.3percent while the underemployment was 16.4 percent.

The PSA estimated the annual labor force participation rate was at 60.9percent out of 71.3 million population aged 15 years old and above. This was equivalent to 43.5 million economically active population comprising either employed or unemployed persons.

A total of 41.2 million were employed in 2018 in various industries such as agriculture, industry, and services sector, the PSA reported.

It said workers employed in the services sector comprised the largest proportion of the total employed workers at 56.6percent in 2018, which increased slightly from 56.3percent recorded in 2017.

Major of the workers in the services sector were engaged in the wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles accounted the largest.

The agriculture sector came in the second highest which accounted for 24.3percent of the total employed workers in 2018 while workers in the industry sector made up the smallest which only registered 19.1percent.

A brief history: The Islamic City of Marawi

By Ayesha Merdeka Alonto

As Marawi city moves toward rehabilitation, there is hope for a new dawn and a brave return to the nobility of the past.

Straddling between the serene shores of Lake Lanao and the mouth of Agus River, and amidst hills, valleys and mountains, nestles the city of Marawi. For millennia and even beyond, Marawi has served as the melting pot of the Meranaws from all municipalities. It is the heart of Lanao.

But today, the once bustling city center lies eerily empty and abandoned. Its entire landscape of colorful buildings has now become rubble and ruin. This is the Marawi we now see after the Maute Group—a locally-led terrorist cell affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL)—went on a terrorist rampage in the city on May 23, 2017. As their international cohorts continue to do in other cities in the Islamic world, they brought mayhem and destruction in their wake.

Marawi was once called Dansalan which uses the root Meranaw word, dansal, meaning “where the waves come to shore.” Dansalan is understood as the destination point where boats berth. In 1907, Dansalan was officially created as a municipality under the Moro Province Legislative Council, and declared the capital of Lanao Province under the American Colonial Government. Under the Philippine Commonwealth Government, Dansalan was the last city chartered by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 592 when President Manuel L. Quezon approved its conversion from a town to a city in 1940. Under the Republic of the Philippines, President Ramon Magsaysay signed Republic Act No. 1552, sponsored by Senator Domocao Alonto, into law; it was and renamed Marawi City in honor of the city’s martyred brave in Kuta Maraghui (Fort Marawi) in 1895. In 1959, President Carlos P. Garcia approved Republic Act No. 2228 which was sponsored once again by Senator Domocao Alonto. This act divided the Province of Lanao into Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. Marawi City was then declared the capital of Lanao del Sur.

By virtue of a City Council Resolution in April 1980, which cited the fact that Marawi City was the only chartered city in the Philippines with a predominantly Muslim population, Marawi City was declared the “Islamic City of Marawi.”

The history of Marawi is inextricable from the history of the Meranaws. In their tarsilas (oral genealogies), it is recorded that the clan existed as far back as 6,000 years ago. Dansalan began as a port area, and was just as much the thriving hub of trade and commerce as it is today.

ARMM crime volume drops 20% in 2018

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY--Crime volume in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has dropped by as much as 20 percent this year, a top police official said.

In a statement released Friday, Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, ARMM police director, said that of a total of 2,378 crimes recorded from January to November 2018, 900 are index crimes and 1,478 were non-index crimes.

“The current crime figure is lower by 592 crime incidents or some 20 percent down compared to last year’s 2,970 total number of crimes committed during the same period,” Mijares said.

He said the drop could be attributed to the effective crime solution strategy employed by the ARMM police force.

In particular, Mijares said the volume of index and non-index crimes decreased by 24.30 percent and 17.02 percent, respectively. Among the index crimes recorded were murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft and carnapping incidents.

In particular, he said murder cases went down by 18.90 percent, homicide (19.51 percent), physical injury (8.46 percent), rape (2.27 percent), robbery (32.29 percent), theft (51.06 percent), car theft (50 percent), and motorcycle theft (46.42 percent).

Mijares noted that non-index crimes committed are more on “violations of ordinances and special laws.” Mijares lauded the increasing public trust in law enforcers in the region, such as people reporting situations even before crimes are committed in their communities.

“The public’s vigilance was a vital key to reduced crime incidents across the region,” he emphasized.

Moreover, he also lauded the men and women under his command, who performed their assigned tasks in all levels of security, crime prevention, public relations, and anti-drug programs.

Mijares vowed that the police will continue with its fight against all forms of criminality for a more peaceful and progressive ARMM.

PRO-ARMM hauls P28.3-M illegal drugs in 2018

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- Police operatives from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have confiscated PHP28.3-million worth of illegal drugs from January to November this year.

In a statement released Thursday, Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, director of Police Regional Office (PRO) - ARMM, said the total drug haul was the result of 400 police anti-drug operations that also led to the arrest of 526 drug suspects.

“Of the total number of drug suspects arrested, 32 died after resisting arrest. A total of 834 drug-related cases were also filed by the ARMM police in court,” he said.

Mijares said the total confiscated drugs comprised 4,135 grams of shabu and 494 grams of marijuana.

He further said that the campaign against illegal gambling led to the apprehension of 243 personalities from 107 police operations.

The series of operations also resulted in the confiscation of PHP94,165 worth of gambling bet money, 30 fighting cocks, and 20 slot machines, among others.

Amid such achievements, Mijares sought the help of the public in their continuing campaign against prohibited drugs and gambling.

“Illegal drugs and gambling are both menaces to society. We need public support to neutralize these two as to other forms of criminality,” he said.

The PRO-ARMM covers the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan.

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