Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News November 2017

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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.

China gives $3-M equip’t for rebuilding Marawi

By Cristina Lee-Pisco

CHINA has donated US $3 million in heavy equipment for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi.

During the turnover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zhao Jianhua said he was glad that China is the first country to donate and deliver rehabilitation equipment to the Philippines.

“There is a Chinese saying, that is, when you want to do something good, then do it timely,”he said.

Zhao congratulated the Philippine government on the victory of the anti-terror campaign in Marawi, and recalled that China has been standing together with the Philippines from the very beginning of the campaign, and has donated two batches of rifles and ammunition to the AFP as well as humanitarian assistance so far.

DPWH-ARMM implements P331.8-M projects in Tuburan

By Nonoy E. Lacson

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan Province – The Department of Public Works and Highways, in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) is fast-tracking the completion of P331.8 million worth of major infrastructure projects in Tuburan, Basilan province which aims to uplift the living condition of the people of the municipality.

DPWH-ARMM Basilan District Engineer Soler I Undug said his office is now fast tracking the completion of various infrastructure projects in Tuburan such as concreting of roads, water system projects, low cost housing projects and the repair of school buildings which are being funded under the regular infrastructure program of the department .

Undug said a total of 10 road concreting projects worth P280 million are now being implemented in 11 barangays in Tuburan with a total estimated distance of 20 kilometers.He said the road concreting projects is now 90 percent completed and are expected to be completed by January or February next year.

“very soon people from these 11 villages will have a good and an all weather road which is a major contribution to boost the economy of the town,” Undug said.

Undug said Project Engineer Kasim Hasanin has been tasked by his office to closely supervise the concreting of roads, the P40-Million water system project, the P3-Million repair of 6-classroom building of Sibago Elementary School in Sibago Island and the P8.8 Million low cost housing projects in barangay Tablas.

For his part, Hasanin said the projects are now 90 percent completed and are being implemented under his strict guidance and supervision particularly the potable water system of the town and the road concreting projects.

He said the potable water system of the town with source coming from the spring water from barangay Martha, when completed could served about 500 household in the municipality.

He said the low cost housing projects in Barangay Tablas will soon be ready for occupancy.While the school building in Sibago island could accommodate about 300 pupils, mostly children of fishermen and seaweeds farmers.

Cotabato aspires to be'most child friendly city'

(PNA)

COTABATO CITY – Through inclusive education, health and anti-drug programs, this city aims to be capture the distinction as one of the country's most child-friendly city .

“I am determined to pursue the dream...of having a child-friendly society here,” City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said in her State of the Children Report on Friday, even as she vowed to increase the budget aimed for child welfare by 2018.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi delivered the report in consonance with the celebration of the National Children’s Month, in which she vowed the local government will institute programs to protect the well-being of children.

This year, the local government has allotted P54.6-million for the establishment of a women and children’s desk at the local police, construction of barangay health and day care centers in the city's 37 barangays.

Guiani-Sayadi said these programs reflect the desire of the local government to give children unrestricted access to health and education. '

She noted that for this year alone, the city has nearly 9,000 preschoolers enrolled in both public and private schools.

Guiani-Sayadi also underscored the city's anti-drug program, which said was vital to keep the children away from the drug menace. For the past several months, the mayor said the local police have arrested a huge number of arrest of drug peddlers.

The mayor is known to lead regular night patrols around town to monitor suspicious acitivities.

When President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law for Mindanao following the Marawi siege in May this year, the local government has enforced a 10:30 p.m.-3:30 a.m. curfew for all residents on efforts to further secure the city from lawless elements.

Guiani-Sayadi also announced that City Ordinance 4529 otherwise known as “Discipline Hour” is now in effect for minors from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily.

“For the protection of my constituents and the children, I will stop at nothing,” the mayor said, even as she called on various local sectors to help the city to become one of most-child friendly cities in the Philippines.

Marawi resident donates land for victims in war-torn city

(Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – A village leader is donating a piece of land she owns for victims of the recent crisis.

During the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) dialogue and consultation held on November 22, Barangay Chairperson Cairon Dimatingcal of Lumbac Madaya said the donation covered her 1.5-hectare land located at this city’s Barangay Malimono.

“Willing po ako ibigay ang lupa ko sa Barangay Malimono para sa mga mas nangangailangan na kababayan ko,” Dimatingcal said. “Sa panahon ngayon, hindi ko na po iisipin yung ari-arian ko, mas iniisip ko po ngayon yung mga kababayan kong mas nangangailangan,” she added.

Lumbac Madaya is a recipient of regional governor Mujiv Hataman’s flagship program dubbed Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS). The program was created for a more coordinated and focused intervention at the local level to achieve maximum impact of services.

“Noong May 25 po sana ang turnover ceremony sa aming barangay ng HELPS projects, kaso dahil nga sa Marawi siege, hindi na natuloy,” Dimantingcal said. Notwithstanding the failed turnover, she still thanked Hataman and the regional government.

Lumbac Madaya is one of the barangays most affected by the five-month-long clash between government troops and members of the local terrorist group Maute. Among the ARMM-HELPS projects that were supposed to be turned over to the community are barangay hall, women's center, and learning center.

Eduardo del Rosario, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chairperson and head of TFBM, updated local and regional leaders on rehabilitation and recovery plans during the dialogue.

He said the task force has initially deployed teams to 24 barangays that were severely affected by the crisis to assess the extent of damage in those areas. It will also deploy another team to conduct a damage assessment in 47 remaining barangays on November 27.

After the consultation, government officials and multi-sectoral representatives signed a pledge of commitment and support for unity and progress. The leaders will uphold sincerity and dedication in helping rebuild the homes, lives, and dreams of the people of Marawi and neighboring communities affected by the armed conflict.

The ARMM officials also visited on November 22 the city’s ‘ground zero’ to assess the extent of damage caused by the war. It was the first time for regional officials to enter the main battle area after the city has been declared “liberated from terrorists’ influence.”

Hataman said he will immediately convene a meeting of regional officials to further discuss rehabilitation efforts in Marawi.

Cops’ heroism in Marawi lauded

By Alfred Dalizon

OFFICERS and men of the Philippine National Police who played a key role in the 5-month combat operations in Marawi City will be gradually pulled out from the war-ravaged city as officials lauded the honesty and bravery they displayed in fighting the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

PNP chief Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ M. de la Rosa said seven of his men were killed while fighting the terrorists while 61 were wounded in action. The PNP Special Action Force and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Police Office were part of the government troops which battled the terrorists for five straight months.

“They are the silent operators. The military there know how significant the contributions of the PNP are,” he said.

Gen. de la Rosa admitted that the morale of his men was dampened because of the Marawi incident. “Masakit sa amin dahil naagaw sa amin ng mga kalaban ‘yung kampo namin doon. Their morale was dampened and now we are boosting their morale by helping them rebuild their home,” he said.

The Journal Group learned that police lost four men in actual combat in the city which was attacked by the terrorists last May 23 or exactly five months yesterday. Over 150 commandos from the elite PNP-SAF were scheduled to board a commercial ship which will take them back to Manila last night.

A total of 62 government troops died during the fighting which was officially declared as over by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday. PNP chief De la Rosa said the heroism of the police won’t be forgotten in the city which was seized by the ISIS-inspired terror group and later ending up with the killing of extremist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

One of those commended was Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Police Regional Office Deputy Regional Director for Administration, Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan, the ground commander of the ARMM police force that helped liberate the city.

Anduyan, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1990 is set to earn his star-rank soon with his new position with Gen. de la Rosa citing him for standing his ground and proving his worth in Marawi City.

The PNP chief said those who are criticizing the designation of Anduyan should have volunteered their services in Marawi City right after the terrorists attacked Marawi City.

WON’T RECOMMEND MARTIAL LAW EXTENSION IN MINDANAO

Gen. dela Rosa said he is not keen on recommending martial law extension in Mindanao following the end of combat operations in Marawi saying that the December 31 extension given by Congress is enough for the rebuilding of the battle-torn city to start.

“Hindi ba ang na-grant ng Congress ay hanggang December 31 of this year? Siguro tama na ‘yun kung hanggang December 31, makapagsimula na ‘yung rebuilding efforts para maging normal ‘yung buhay ng mga tao doon,” he said.

Last July 22, Congress approved President Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year.

DepED-ARMM to repair damaged schools in Marawi

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY—The education department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is eyeing the immediate repair of seven damaged public schools in Marawi City.

The repair, along with the rehabilitation of 54 other schools across the province of Lanao del Sur, is estimated to cost over P34-million, said Alfhadar Pajiji, Department of Education–ARMM assistant secretary.

Post-conflict assessment conducted by DepED-ARMM identified the seven schools in Marawi as the Matampay Elementary School; Tampilong Elementary School; Datu Saber Elementary School;

Basak Elementary School; Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School; Pandi Elementary School; and the Marawi City National High School.

Pajiji said the schools have been cleared by military authorities and are ready for classes once repaired.

On Wednesday, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman visited Marawi and led the distribution of relief goods at the Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School.

Hataman said the regional government would closely work with DepED-ARMM to speed up the repair and rehabilitation of the schools.

The May 23-Oct. 23 clashes between government troops and members of the joint Abu Sayyaf-Maute terror group has displaced over 200,000 residents in Marawi, some 60,000 of whom are students enrolled at various levels in public and private schools, as well as those in private colleges and the Mindanao State University.

This developed as Barangay Chairperson Cairon Dimatingcal of Lumbac Madaya has expressed willingness to donate her 1.5-hectare land for the establishment of a new barangay, hall, health center and a day care center in the adjacent village of Malimono.

“I am willing to give my piece of land in Malimono for the use of the villagers there,” she said in vernacular during Wednesday’s dialogue and consultation forum facilitated by Task Force Bangon Marawi in that city.

Lumbac Madaya is a recipient of the ARMM-Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS) flagship program that targets a more coordinated and focused intervention at the local level to achieve maximum impact of government services.

ARMM-HELPS was supposed to turnover community projects such as a barangay hall, women's center, and learning center to Lumbac Madaya but was stalled by Marawi conflict.

Dimatingcal said her land donation would help much the villagers of Malimono to restart their new lives.

The ARMM government has allotted P450-million this year for the rehabilitation of Marawi, with an additional P930-M for 2018.

DSWD completes aid to 1st batch of Marawi returnees

(DSWD)

MANILA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Wednesday that it has completed the distribution of assistance to 5,783 families who have returned to Marawi after the armed conflict in the city ended last month.

“Mayroon tayong nine barangays na bahagi ng first batch na natapos na nating na-serve. May 5,783 pamilya na ang kumpleto nang nabigyan ng tulong (We have nine barangays that were part of the first batch to be served. Some 5,783 families have already been given aid)," director of the DSWD office in the Soccsksargen region, Bai Zorahayda Taha, said in a news release issued Wednesday.

Taha said returnee-families in barangays Basak Malutlut, Marawi Poblacion, East Basak, Luksa Datu, Tampilong, Matampay, Datu Saber, Bo. Green and Panggao Saduc had received PHP59.24 million worth of family food packs, hygiene and kitchen kits, as well as financial assistance.

She reported that the food packs, called “Kambalingan Package”, could last up to two months. The initial package, which contained a sack of rice, 24 canned goods, 40 sachets of 3-in-1 coffee, and 2 kg. of pancit bihon, would be good for 17 days, she added.

Meanwhile, the hygiene kits, which cost PHP1,825 each, consisted of a bucket, toothbrushes (three for adults and two for children), toothpaste, a bottle of shampoo, bath and laundry soaps, sanitary napkins, two combs, a shaving razor, and a nail cutter.

On the other hand, the kitchen kits, each costing PHP796, contained five sets of spoon and fork, plate and glass; a frying pan; a cooking pan; and a ladle each.

Taja said 10 more barangays are scheduled to receive aid soon -- Bacold Chico, Lumbac Toros, Tuca, Toros, Pindolonan, Dayawan, Amito Marantao, Poona Marantao, Fort, and Bangun.

According to the DSWD, a total of 77,170 families or 353,636 individuals evacuated from Marawi when fighting broke out between government forces and terrorists linked to the Maute Group in late May.

Some 38,949 families fled to Northern Mindanao, 33,221 to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), 2,386 to Soccsksargen, and others to Davao, Caraga and Central Visayas.

The department said that as of Nov. 16, 4,668 families or 20,639 individuals are still in evacuation centers, while an estimated 75,502 families are living with relatives.

Task Force Bangon Marawi has directed the DSWD to provide the displaced families relief assistance to help them recover from the crisis.

ARMM doubles 2018 budget for Marawi rehab

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY—The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will amplify its rehabilitation assistance to Marawi City from the existing P450-million to P930 million in 2018 from its regional budget.

This came about as ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman remains hopeful that Marawi City would steadily rise from its current state as rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the city begin.

“After a crisis such as this, we expect that new opportunities arise,” Hataman said.

The Marawi crisis, he said, is seen to hasten the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, noting more legislators now realize the importance of such the measure, which remains pending before Congress.

Over 220,000 Marawi residents have been displaced during the May 23 – Oct. 23 Marawi hostilities carried out by Abu Sayyaf and Maute terror groups.

Despite the five-month Marawi ordeal, the ARMM government has remained aggressive in pursuing socio-economic gains for the region.

The Regional Board of Investments reported that amid reports of security threats in some parts of the region, partner business corporations posted a total of Php 17.783 billion worth of investments between 2012 to 2017.

Also, government infrastructure funding for the same period, comprising 1,900 projects, have reached Php 26-billion. Hataman, among others, has lauded the role of local government units in the upbeat business climate in the region through good governmance over the past several years.

Only this year, the Department of Interior and Local Government has awarded 22 LGUs in the ARMM the coveted Seal of Good Local Governance.

Marawi rehab opens doors for investments

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- An official of the Regional Board of Investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) expressed confidence Tuesday that the rehabilitation of Marawi City has opened the doors for investments.

"Now is the time to start the rehabilitation process. Though we are deeply saddened by what happened to Marawi City which is currently in serious ruins, we have to move forward and turn this crisis into opportunities,” lawyer IshakMastura, RBOI-ARMM chair said in a statement.

RBOI-ARMM has been roaming around Mindanao, including Luzon and Visayas, holding roadshows on investment opportunities in a post-Marawi siege business environment.

Mastura said this event is one of the ARMM regional government’s (ARG) preliminary strategies in rebuilding the city by encouraging businessmen to invest in the province of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

“One of the priority investment areas identified for the immediate restoration of the city is infrastructure,” Mastura said.

With major infrastructure facilities such as school buildings, hospitals, establishments, roads and bridges damaged beyond repair during the five-month hostilities, Mastura said there is an urgent need for investors to come and help rebuild the city to facilitate the flow and delivery of services and goods to the people of Marawi.

Mastura also said that agriculture, inclusive business, BIMP-EAGA trading, banking and financing are some of the investment opportunities that can be explored by investors. He added that these investment projects are critical to support the urgent need for Marawi to get back on track.

RBOI is facilitating the registration of qualified investors for them to avail of incentives being provided by the government.

Around 200,000 individuals were displaced, brought about by the urban war between the terrorists Maute Group and government troops from May 23 to Oct. 23 this year. It shut down the city’s economy. (PNA)

ARMM bullish on investments to rebuild Marawi

By Nonoy E. Lacson

Zamboanga City – The Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) of the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has conducted an Investments Priorities Plan (IPP) Roadshow in Cagayan de Oro City and called on the traders to turn the “Marawi crisis into a trade opportunities.”

“Now is the time to start the rehabilitation process. Though, we are deeply saddened by what happened to Marawi City which is currently in serious ruins however, we have to move forward and turn this crisis into opportunities,” RBOI-ARMM chair Ishak V. Mastura.

Mastura said the IPP roadshow focused on investment opportunities in a post-Marawi siege business environment.

The event, he said, was one of the ARMM regional government’s (ARG) preliminary strategies in rebuilding the city by encouraging businessmen to invest in the province of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

One of the priority investment areas identified for the immediate restoration of the city was infrastructure, he said.

Major infrastructure facilities were destroyed during the Marawi City siege, such as school buildings, hospitals, establishments, roads and bridges, among others.

According to Mastura there was an urgent need for bold investors to come and construct these infrastructures to facilitate the flow and delivery of services and goods to the people of Marawi City in the coming days.

He cited agriculture, inclusive business, BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth AREA) trading, banking and financing are some of the investment opportunities that can be explored by investors.

He emphasized that these investment projects were critical to support the urgent need for Marawi to get back on track.

RBOI is now facilitating the registration of qualified investors so that they can avail of incentives being provided by the government, he added..

Around 200,000 individuals were displaced brought about by the urban war between the terrorists Maute Group and government troops that erupted on May 23 and ended on 23 October.

The crisis shut down the economy of Marawi City which is the capital of the Province of Lanao del Sur.

Tags: ARMM bullish on investments to rebuild Marawi, Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao, infrastructure facilities, investment opportunities, Marawi city, Marawi crisis, Regional Board of Investments

ARMM marks 28th anniversary

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- All is set for the celebration of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s 28th founding anniversary on Nov. 20 that would be highlighted by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman’s second State of the Region Address (SORA).

Hataman, in an interview by newsmen, said his Monday’s SORA could be his last as the region moves with optimism to the proposed establishment of the Bangsamoro entity aimed to replace and expand the old ARMM political setup.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which sought to establish the new autonomous political entity known as Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to replace the ARMM, is still pending approval by Congress.

The BBL provides the basic structure of government for the Bangsamoro entity, enacting agreements in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014 between the national government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“I believe that will take place soon,” Hataman said referring to the impending passage of the BBL into law.

The governor said Monday’s celebration would be simple in respect to the sufferings experienced by residents of Marawi City following the five-month atrocities caused by Abu Sayyaf and Maute terror groups.

Though not part of the ARMM, this city plays host to the region’s seat of government situated at a 32-hectare government land along Gov. Gutierrez Avenue here.

200 new ARMM cops donate blood to PNRC

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The newest batch of 200 personnel from the Philippine National Police–Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PNP-ARMM) are the latest donors to the bloodletting activity of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) local chapter.

Rookie policemen, all with a rank of Police Officer 1, voluntarily trooped on Wednesday to the Maguindanao provincial police headquarters in Shariff Aguak town for the activity in honor of their fallen colleagues in the five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the hands of terrorists.

Six PNP-ARMM personnel died while 61 others were injured in the retaking of Marawi from the hands of Abu Sayyaf and Maute terror groups from May 23 to Oct. 23 this year.

“We are making our new personnel realize that their work is not all about protecting the public but also a career with compassion, dedication and charity works,” Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, said.

PNRC volunteers, led by medical technologist Ansari Lucas, supervised the bloodletting event.

The new police personnel are presently undergoing actual field assignment in Maguindanao’s 36 towns. They will later be deployed to parts of the region.

PIA ASEAN info kiosk now in Lamitan Wharf

By Dominic I. Sanchez (ALT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

LAMITAN, Basilan Nov. 15 -- An information kiosk containing brochures and other printed materials as well as a television playing videos on government programs and services is now set up at the Lamitan Port Passenger Terminal.

According to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Basilan Infocenter Manager Rene Carbayas, the kiosk is a “repository of information on government programs, services and advocacies which can benefit the public, especially passengers at the port.”

Lamitan Mayor Rose Furigay thanked the PIA for this endeavour. “I’m sure that Lamitenos will surely benefit from the information contained in the kiosk. Truly, it will be instrumental in helping them make better and informed decisions for their development,” Mayor Furigay said.

This is the ninth static information kiosk set up in Western Mindanao and Basilan areas, while mobile kiosks have also been set up in key places in the region.

While ASEAN delegates have been in the nation’s capital for the ASEAN Summit and other related meetings, the PIA personnel in the region have been continuously disseminating information on the regional cooperation to raise awareness down to the grassroots.

Japan pledges to donate rice to Marawi

By TRISHA MACAS (BM, GMA News)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday pledged to donate rice to the residents of Marawi City.

Abe made the commitment at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus Three Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center.

"Recently, assistance to the refugees of the island of Mindanao was to be provided and it has been decided that the reserved rice which Japan supplied will be drawn down and to be provided to Iligan City and the surrounding areas," he said.

Abe said that Japan would also supply rice to Laos and Myanmar through the APT emergency rice reserve agreement.

Abe joined the 10 leaders from the ASEAN chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and South Korean President Moon Jae-in complete the APT.

ARMM marks Tuesday Makhdum Day

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL (TMT)

COTABATO CITY: It was a festive day in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Tuesday (November 7) as the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day was celebrated throughout the region.

Makhdum Day, marked annually on November 7, was declared a non-working holiday by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman in honor of the Arab trader and missionary who introduced Islam in Tawi-Tawi 637 years ago.

Amir Mawallil said ARRM initiated various activities along with the local government units in Tawi-Tawi, the “Cradle of Islam” in the country.

Makhdum’s arrival resulted in the Islamization of the province and eventually Mindanao as well as many parts of the country before western colonizers took political control of most islands in the Philippine archipelago, Mawallil said.

He added that government officials, from national to local leaders, graced the event which Filipinos regard as an important occasion since historians and religious leaders in Southeast Asia recognize the significance of Makhdum’s efforts to introduce Islam in this part of the world.

Over the centuries, Makhdum’s accomplishments have been documented not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.

Among these is the construction of the first mosque in the Philippines in 1380 in Tubig Indangan, Simunul. The existing mosque was named in his honor.

New officers of the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque Management Board (Skmmmb) took their oath of office before the governor on Makhdum Day.

The Department of Tourism-ARMM currently heads the Skmmmb through Regional Secretary Ayesha Vanessa Hajar Dilangalen, with Bureau on Cultural Heritage-ARMM Executive Director. Marites Maguindra as vice-chairman.

500 temporary shelters in Marawi to be completed next month

By DIVINA M. SUSON

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – The government is optimistic it can complete the construction of 500 to 600 temporary shelters for Marawi evacuees by December 15 despite constant heavy rain that made the undertaking a challenge.

Assistant Secretary Felix J. Castro, Jr., Field Office Manager of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), said the National Housing Authority has been asssigned to supervice five private contractors working on the pre-fabricated houses in Barangay Sagongsongan, Marawi City.

Also, heavy equipment from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) provincial engineering districts have been redeployed to the area to work overtime for the road network which is set to finish on November 25.

“DPWH has said that there might be delays, especially because of the weather. But it’s not going to take a long time. I think within November, the road network works will be completed,” Castro said in a press briefing on November 9.

Meawhile, a construction worker, who requested not to be named, said they are having hard time to finish their works as fast they could because they lack manpower.

“More and more workers are leaving due to low pay. The arrival of construction materials also take a long time. So how do we work if there are now materials?,” said the worker.

But Castro remains optimistic that the DPWH is on track in finishing the number of houses targeted to be turned over to the beneficiaries next month.

While the temporary shelters are being constructed, the government is also finalizing the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan for Marawi.

Currently, the TFBM is concentrating on the return of families to the nine barangays declared by the military “cleared” from terrorists.

While it is looking into the needs of those who are still staying at the evacuation center, the task force is at the same time making sure that these areas are connected to the grid and water system.

Of the nine barangays, according to Castro, only three are yet connected to the water district.

Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative General Manager Nordjiana Ducol said that as of November 9, power supply of the 63 barangays have been already been fully restored.

“5 out of 14 municipalities in District 1 and 8 out of 15 municipalities in the second district of Lanao del Sur while the five municipalities in Lanao del Norte where power supply is interrupted during the siege has now energized fully,” Ducol said.

9,000 families now back in Marawi

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- A total of 8,895 families or 44,475 individuals have so far returned home to nine villages declared safe and secured by military authorities in Marawi City.

An update from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team (ARMM-HEART) as of Monday indicated the breakdown of returning evacuees per barangay as follows: Basak Malutlut (1,312 families), Matampay (1,252 families), Panggao Saduc (1,581 families), and Datu Saber (1,390 families). In addition, evacuees also returned to the villages of Tampilong (900 families), East Basak (688 families), Marawi Poblacion (815 families), Luksadatu (530 families), and Barrio Green (427 families).

“The Marawi social welfare office is currently assisting the returning evacuees,” Myrna Jocelyn Henry, ARMM-HEART media coordinator, said.

She said it is expected that more Marawi residents are eager to return home now that the five-month battle by government forces to retake the city from the hands of ISIS-inspired terrorists has ended.

The city of Marawi has some 210,000 residents, according to data provided by ARMM-HEART.

19 ARMM towns, city cited for good governance

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- In an exceptional feat, 19 municipalities and a city in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are awardees of the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) this year.

A list posted by the Department of Interior and Local Government – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) in a social media account included the towns of Buldon, Barira, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Paglas, General Salipada K. Pendatun, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Parang, Rajah Buayan, Sultan Mastura, Sultan Kudarat and Upi, all in Maguindanao as several of the SLGL awardees.

In other parts of the region, Lamitan City in Basilan was listed as the lone urban center as recipient of the coveted award.

Other SGLG awardees in Basilan are the towns of Maluso and Sumisip. Also SGLG awardees are the towns of Calanogas, Piagapo, Kapatagan in Lanao Del Sur; and Jolo and Talipao in Sulu.

Last year, the ARMM has only six SGLG awardees.

Lawyer Kirby Abdullah, DILG-ARMM secretary, described the remarkable performance of Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region as “unprecedented” in the past two years, considering that in 2015, the ARMM had zero passers for the prestigious award.

The SGLG is among the tools used by the national Department of the Interior and Local Government in assessing local government units in terms of their integrity and performance, especially in four core areas. These areas of criteria included financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, and peace and order.

The conferment of the seal is guided by the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, the General Appropriations Act of 2017, and Administrative Order No. 267 of 1992.

Meanwhile in Region 12, also accorded the SGLG award are Kidapawan City and the towns Kabacan, M’lang and Pigcawayan in North Cotabato province; Kiamba and Maitum in Sarangani; Surralah and Tupi in South Cotabato; Tacurong City and towns of Bagumbayan and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat; and Cotabato City. All qualified LGUs will be conferred with a 2017 SGLG marker, a national recognition, and cash.

Tawi-Tawi tourism booming; tourist arrival up three folds

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The province of Tawi-Tawi is experiencing a tourism boom with visitor arrivals increasing three folds this year as compared to the previous year.

This, as the province is attracting tourists, both local and foreign, even as Mindanao is under martial law since the second quarter of this year due to the Marawi crisis, according to Tawi-Tawi Provincial Tourism Officer Mobin Gampal.

“In one month, we can expect more than a thousand to about three thousand tourists both from (the country’s other provinces) and from outside the country,” Gampal said Tuesday.

Gampal said one factor that attracts tourists to visit Tawi-Tawi “is the stable peace and order situation in our province.”

“Tourists do not request security personnel when they visit the province because they feel secured,” he added.

He noted that the most visited spots in the province of Tawi-Tawi are the Bongao Peak, better known as Bud Bongao; Panampangan Island; Simunul; Sitangkai; Panguan Island; and, the Turtle Island.

He said the province is ready to become the region’s top tourist destination with the increasing number of development and tourism projects, mostly initiated by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Since 2012, ARMM has placed more than P3 billion worth of projects in the province, including tourism infrastructure.

ARMM has developed Bud Bongao into an Eco-Tourism Park with the construction of a visitor receiving center, waiting sheds, view decks, solar-powered post lights, concrete paved steps and handrails, and a 400-meter access road.

This tourism project was supported by a P56 million budget from the regional government.

The inaugural climb of the Bud Bongao Eco-Toursim Park was held in July this year.

Gampal said the entry into the tourists spots, including parks, in Tawi-Tawi is free of charge.

Gampal also underscored that accommodation, food, and other amenities in Tawi-Tawi are affordable and generally budget-friendly.

“The lifestyle in Tawi-Tawi is unique. Most of our tourists are coming to the province not only because of the place itself, but because of the life Tawi-Tawi has,” Gampal said.

Meanwhile, this week's tourism event in the province of Tawi-Tawi is the celebration of the arrival of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum six centuries ago.

It is observed annually on November 7 in the town of Simunul to showcase how people treasure the advent and practice of Islam in the Philippines.

Armm marks Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day

(Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)

AUTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) Governor Mujiv Hataman has declared November 7, Tuesday, as a non-working holiday, as the region commemorates the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day.

Hataman said Armm, in partnership with the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Government, has lined up various activities to provide greater meaning and color to the celebration.

Tawi-Tawi, known as the “Cradle of Islam” in the country, is where Arab trader and missionary Sheikh Karimul Makhdum introduced Islam in the Philippines 637 years ago.

His arrival resulted in the Islamization of the province and eventually Mindanao as well as many parts of the country before western colonizers took political control of most islands in the Philippine archipelago.

National and local government officials are expected to grace Tuesday’s event, which Filipinos regard as a historic occasion.

It should be noted that Sheikh Makhdum’s efforts to introduce Islam in this part of the world has been recognized by historians and religious leaders in Southeast Asia.

Over the centuries, religious accomplishments of Sheikh Makhdum have been documented not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.

This would include the construction of the first mosque in the Philippines, built in 1380 in the village Tubig Indangan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi.

The mosque, still standing, has been named as Sheikh Makhdum Mosque, in his honor.

Construction of P322-M ‘transcentral road’ starts

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

SUMISIP, Basilan -- The construction of the second phase of the 14-kilometer stretch of the 55-kilometer “transcentral road” kicked-off Saturday in Barangay Tumahubong, this municipality.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman and Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman led the kick-off rites for the construction of the 14-kilometer part of the road artery that would traverse the rugged hinterland terrains at the center of this province.

They were joined during the ceremony by Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM (DPWH-ARMM) Sec. Don Mustapha Loong, Basilan District Engineer Soler Undug and other officials including the military.

The construction of the road was supposed to have started two weeks ago but was postponed due to inclement weather condition.

Hataman said the transcentral road is designed to spur economic development and improve the peace and order condition of this province.

Hataman said the transcentral road will traverse the Punoh Mahajie-Sampinit area that serves as the remaining safe haven of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in this province.

“Its completion will provide easy access to the security forces in the maintenance of peace and order,” he said.

The transcentral road will link this town through Barangay Tumahubong to the barangays of Lower and Upper Mahayahay in Maluso municipality and through Barangay Sta. Clara in Lamitan City.

Hataman said the completion of the project will shorten the travel time and will provide easy access to the transport of farm goods to the trading centers in Maluso, Lamitan City and Isabela City.

Loong said the cost for the construction of the 14-kilometer stretch of the 55-kilometer transcentral is PhP322 million. The entire project is worth PhP1.225 billion.

He said the construction of the transcentral road is a flagship project of ARMM.

ARMM gives food aid to returning IDPs in Marawi

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The humanitarian arm of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday distributed 2,000 food packs to returning internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi City as the region has continued its humanitarian response.

Myrna Jo Henry, speaking for the ARMM’s Humanitarian Emergency Response Team (HEART), said the recipients of another batch of food aid had mixed emotions seeing their homes “beyond recognition” as a result of armed hostilities.

“It was ARMM Peoples Day where regional government agencies brought basic services to the places of origin of IDPs,” Henry said of the event headed by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia and regional cabinet members.

She said each food pack contained 10 kilos of rice, five sardines, five corned beef, “malong” (Muslim tube clothing) and mats for each family-recipient, mostly from Barangays Malutlut and Central Basak.

The ARMM-HEART also conducted Mine Risk Education on Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) to the IDPs in Marawi City.

The former war zone of government forces and ISIS-inspired terrorists had been cleared of war materials but the training was a safety measure to prevent accidents.

Residents were told not to touch any unexploded ordnance like mortars, grenades, bombs, even bullets to ensure safety, Henry said.

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