Difference between revisions of "Zamboanga Sibugay News"

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==Military, peace monitors review ceasefire mechanisms==
==DOST-IX accepts Project Proposals for SETUP==
*Source: http://www.themindanaojournal.com/military-peace-monitors-review-ceasefire-mechanisms/
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/9957-dost-ix-accepts-project-proposals-for-setup.html
*February 7, 2012  
*Saturday, May 12, 2012
:By Joey Sem G. Dalumpines
:By JCC/DOST-IX Press Release




DAVAO CITY, Feb. 6 — The military and ceasefire monitors led by the Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC) is continuously reviewing the ceasefire mechanisms between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to maintain ceasefire as both parties contemplate on coming up with a peace agreement this year.
The Department of Science and Technology-IX (DOST-IX) is now accepting proposals from proprietors of micro, small and medium enterprises in the region who wish to avail of the technical and financial assistance under the Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
Speaking during the evaluation of the 10-year peace talks with MILF from 2002 to 2012 at the Lispher Inn here Monday, Brig. General Ariel Bernardo, chair of the government’s coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities, said a review of the ceasefire mechanisms is important to prevent the recurrence of the Al-Barka, Basilan incident where 19 soldiers were killed following a clash between the government troops and members of the MILF.
SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations to boost their productivity and competitiveness.
“It is a continuing effort to improve and enhance the ceasefire mechanism by drawing lessons from the past by involving former ceasefire committee chairs and other officers involved,” he said.
He said the Al-Barka, Basilan and Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay incidents presented gray areas despite the ceasefire mechanism that had been working since 1997.
Bernardo said the gray areas include the definition of so-called MILF communities, defensive action by the MILF and the identification of MILF leaders, or persons with authority to talk to on the other side.
He said other irritants on the ceasefire include the “rido” (clan war), in-fighting of MILF leaders, and criminality like extortion and bombings which may not be attributed to the MILF.
Bernardo disclosed that there were a total of eight encounters between soldiers and MILF members since August last year.
“This year, we are targeting zero engagement in order to pave the way for signing of a peace agreement,” he said.
Bernardo assessed that soldiers are observing the primary of the peace process while the MILF are showing effort on firm command and control over their forces.
He revealed that the government and the MILF are going towards substantive talks already, where tentative consensus points are identified.
“The commitment of both sides is to sign a peace agreement this year is clear, fast-tracking the desire of President Aquino and MILF chair Murad by coming up with a roadmap,” Bernardo said.
Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, convenor of MPC, said the ongoing ceasefire assessment is the last leg of the seven sessions conducted for both the government and the MILF.
She said a separate evaluation was also conducted by the MPC with the MILF in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao in December last year. (PNA)
DCT/LAM/JSGD/ldp


Specifically, the program enables firms to address their current technical problems; get free technical advice from the consultants; avail of technical training courses for workers/employees; acquire new equipment to mechanize and/or improve production line; avail assistance on product packaging and labeling; and standardize and improve the quality of products.


The program is open to any company or individual firm that is based in the Philippines and wholly owned by Filipino citizen.  The firm/s must be classified under the following identified priority sectors: 1) Food Processing; 2) Furniture; 3) Gifts and Holiday Decors (GHD); 4) Aquatic and Marine-based Resources; 5) Metals and Metalworking; 6) Horticulture; 7) Information and Communications Technology; and 8) Health Products and Services.


Now on its eleventh year of implementation, the program had provided funding and technical assistance to eighty two (82) firms from all over the region, which translated to improved productivity and product quality of business establishments.


For more information, interested parties may visit or call DOST-Regional Office IX, Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024. The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial S&T Center (ZdN-PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, with telephone numbers (065) 212-2244, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial S&T Center (ZdS-PSTC) in Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone numbers (062) 925-1152, and the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial S&T Center (ZS-PSTC) at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with phone numbers 09154596401.




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==DAR exec visits rubber coops in Sibugay Province==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R09&article=1351328493144
*Monday 6th of February 2012
:by  Adolfo Lopez, Jr.




IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Feb 6 (PIA) -- With the theme “PADAYON…GOMA PALAMBU-ON”, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio R. de los Reyes recently led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon and tapping of rubber trees in celebration of Rubber Harvest Festival at Goodyear Agrarian Reform Multi-PurposeCooperative (GARBEMCO), Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.




The idea of urging the top ranking official of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to visit Zamboanga Sibugay was initiated by the Regional and Provincial Offices of DAR spearheaded by Regional Director Julita Ragandang  and OIC-PARO II Rizzel Villanueva, CESE which was finally carried out by joining forces with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) .The joint endeavor of the LBP and DAR was primarily aimed to spur rural development among rubber-based cooperatives of the agrarian reform beneficiaries of the province.
The highlight of the secretary’s visit was the granting of financial assistance to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (ARBEMCO) in the amount of Php22, 900, 000.00, thru Credit Assistance Program-Program Beneficiaries Development (CAP-PBD) Window II.
During the event, chairmen from different rubber-based cooperatives, which included Isabela City as part of DAR Sibugay, gave their testimonials of their experiences during the rough time when they went through the ordeal and sacrifices as newly-organized cooperatives. The said chairmen also paid tribute to the Department of Agrarian Reform for their help in regaining back their economic stability thru the assistance extended by the DAR adjunct by its financial arm, the LBP and the inseparable support of other line agencies.
De los Reyes emphasized that CARP is distinctively different under the present administration as it mainly considers the importance of strengthening the organizations of the agrarian reform beneficiaries. He said that, “Ang isang malaking bagay na panibago sa pamumuno ni President Noynoy ay yung pagkapatatag ng mga organisasyon ng ating agrarian reform beneficiary.”


He reiterated that strengthening ARB organization enhances its bargaining power to access inputs and financial assistance not only in CAP-PBD. The secretary also stressed the importance of Agrarian Reform Community and Economic Support Services (ARCESS) being an innovative program of the government to strengthen ARB organizations/cooperatives by providing professional services in terms of management and farm equipments.
De los Reyes also said, “The second important mandate is to strengthen collaboration among the three government agencies of the DAR, DA and DENR with the LGUs in the delivery of basic services to our ARBs and the ARCESS program.”
“Collaboration among concerned government entities is essential to implement the program as its primordial mandate,” he added.
The agrarian reform secretary likewise foresaw the necessity to discuss with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) regarding the treatment of collective CLOA of the coops as he recognized that most ARBs of the coops are already in their advanced age.
“Kailangan po nating sagutin at harapin ang mga isyu tungkol sa paglilipat ng coop shares o yung lupa o yung mga karapatan n’yo sa kooperatiba,’’ the secretary said in his conversation with DAR officials and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries.
Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Governor Hon. Rommel Apolinario Jalosjos also graced the occasion and expressed his commitment to support development in the province especially in rubber industry in its ultimate aim of alleviating economic standard of its constituents.
Local government officials in the province were also present in the occasion to show their support to the program of the government in strengthening rubber-based cooperatives.
DAR-Sibugay also thanked Congressman Romeo “Janjan” Jalosjos for his valuable support in all the activities and projects involving rubber-based cooperatives in the 2nd district of Zamboanga Sibugay province.
Also in attendance during the event were dignitaries from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Dir. Crispin T. Aguelo and Dir. Tomas T. De Leon, Jr. and directors from other line agencies.
After a festive lunch, Secretary de los Reyes made an effort to visit the Land Bank ACCESS Project supporting the ARB rubber plantation cooperatives at Philippine Pioneer Rubber Product Corporation (PPRPC), a rubber processing plant located in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Accompanied by OIC-PARO Villanueva and officials from the DAR Regional and Provincial Offices, Secretary de los Reyes personally witnessed the processing of raw rubber to his delight and satisfaction.
Before going to Zamboanga City to catch his flight for Manila, Secretary de los Reyes expressed his gratitude for the warm accommodation he received during his visit and parted ways with the local officials with great hope and expectations for future projects and developments involving the rubber industry in the province. (JPA/CAL/AL/DAR/PIA Zamboanga del Sur)


==Three policemen killed, woman hurt in separate shooting incidents==
==Domicile for election purposers; proof of - G.R. No. 191970==
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/8372--three-policemen-killed-woman-hurt-in-separate-shooting-incidents.html
*Source: http://attylaserna.blogspot.com/2012/05/domicile-for-election-purposers-proof.html
*Tuesday, 31 January 2012 10:45
*Thursday, May 10, 2012
:by  Eugene A. Lasprilla
:By attylaserna.blogspot.com




Three policemen were shot to death while a woman was wounded in separate shooting incidents at Poblacion, Tungawan Municipality, Zamboanga Sibugay Province (ZSP) and at Sitio Pilar, Barangay Binuangan, Isabela City, Basilan Province, over the weekend. 
The Issue Presented


ZSP Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Ruben Cariaga said two policemen assigned with the Community Police Assistance Center (COMPAC) under Tungawan Municipal Police Station (MPS) were shot by four unidentified suspects believed to be belonging to the Agaw Armas group.
The sole issue presented in this case is whether or not the COMELEC acted with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in ruling that Jalosjos failed to present ample proof of a bona fide intention to establish his domicile in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.


Cariga told Zamboanga Today that the victims, identified as Police Officers 1 Rey Romano and Radin Hasi, were having a coffee break at the vicinity of Tungawan Bus Terminal about 10:00 p.m. of Sunday when they were shot.
The Court’s Ruling


Two of the 4 suspects were identified by the witnesses as Monib and Jomar, both family names Aukasa, well-known members of the Agaw Armas group.
The Local Government Code requires a candidate seeking the position of provincial governor to be a resident of the province for at least one year before the election.[9]  For purposes of the election laws, the requirement of residence is synonymous with domicile,[10] meaning that a person must not only intend to reside in a particular place but must also have personal presence in such place coupled with conduct indicative of such intention.[11]
Cariaga added that the group of Aukasa took the issued M16 rifle of PO1 Hasi then hurriedly fled towards unknown direction.  


A hot pursuit operation is being conducted for the possible arrest of the suspects while appropriate charges were readied against them in court.
There is no hard and fast rule to determine a candidate’s compliance with residency requirement since the question of residence is a question of intention.[12]  Still, jurisprudence has laid down the following guidelines: (a) every person has a domicile or residence somewhere; (b) where once established, that domicile remains until he acquires a new one; and (c) a person can have but one domicile at a time.[13]


Meanwhile, Senior Police Officer 4 Renee Locson y Damas, assigned with the Police Community Relation (PCR) in Basilan Police Provincial Office (BPPO), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was killed while his girlfriend, Mildred Agosto y Pioquinto, 19, single, of Purok 4, Menzi, Isabela City, suffered gunshot wound on her left shoulder.  
It is inevitable under these guidelines and the precedents applying them that Jalosjos has met the residency requirement for provincial governor of Zamboanga Sibugay.


Reports coming from the police provincial office disclosed that the victims were on board an XRM motorcycle heading towards Barangay Begang when fired upon by the unidentified motorcycle riding-in-tandem gunmen.
One.  The COMELEC appears hasty in concluding that Jalosjos failed to prove that he successfully changed his domicile to Zamboanga Sibugay.  The COMELEC points out that, since he was unable to discharge the burden of proving Zamboanga Sibugay to be his rightful domicile, it must be assumed that his domicile is either Quezon City or Australia.


Locson suffered 3 gunshot wounds in the different parts of his body and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
But it is clear from the facts that Quezon City was Jalosjos’ domicile of origin, the place of his birth.  It may be taken for granted that he effectively changed his domicile from Quezon City to Australia when he migrated there at the age of eight, acquired Australian citizenship, and lived in that country for 26 years.  Australia became his domicile by operation of law and by choice.[14] 


Local police in Isabela City believe that the motive of the incident is vengeance. Allegedly, the policeman responded to a shooting incident at Isabela Public Market where the suspect was shot to death by the former.  
On the other hand, when he came to the Philippines in November 2008 to live with his brother in Zamboanga Sibugay, it is evident that Jalosjos did so with intent to change his domicile for good.  He left Australia, gave up his Australian citizenship, and renounced his allegiance to that country.  In addition, he reacquired his old citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, resulting in his being issued a Certificate of Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship by the Bureau of Immigration.  By his acts, Jalosjos forfeited his legal right to live in Australia, clearly proving that he gave up his domicile there.  And he has since lived nowhere else except in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.


Further reports disclosed that the policeman was receiving death threats allegedly from the relative of the killed suspect.  
To hold that Jalosjos has not establish a new domicile in Zamboanga Sibugay despite the loss of his domicile of origin (Quezon City) and his domicile of choice and by operation of law (Australia) would violate the settled maxim that a man must have a domicile or residence somewhere.
 
Two.  The COMELEC concluded that Jalosjos has not come to settle his domicile in Ipil since he has merely been staying at his brother’s house.  But this circumstance alone cannot support such conclusion.  Indeed, the Court has repeatedly held that a candidate is not required to have a house in a community to establish his residence or domicile in a particular place.  It is sufficient that he should live there even if it be in a rented house or in the house of a friend or relative.[15]  To insist that the candidate own the house where he lives would make property a qualification for public office.  What matters is that Jalosjos has proved two things: actual physical presence in Ipil and an intention of making it his domicile.


Recovered from the scene of the crime were three spent shells, 2 live ammunitions and a slug of Caliber .45 Pistol.  
Jalosjos presented the affidavits of next-door neighbors, attesting to his physical presence at his residence in Ipil.  These adjoining neighbors are no doubt more credible since they have a better chance of noting his presence or absence than his other neighbors, whose affidavits Erasmo presented, who just sporadically passed by the subject residence. Further, it is not disputed that Jalosjos bought a residential lot in the same village where he lived and a fish pond in San Isidro, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.  He showed correspondences with political leaders, including local and national party-mates, from where he lived.  Moreover, Jalosjos is a registered voter of Ipil by final judgment of the Regional Trial Court of Zamboanga Sibugay.  


The case is still under investigation.
Three.  While the Court ordinarily respects the factual findings of administrative bodies like the COMELEC, this does not prevent it from exercising its review powers to correct palpable misappreciation of evidence or wrong or irrelevant considerations.[16] The evidence Jalosjos presented is sufficient to establish Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, as his domicile. The COMELEC gravely abused its discretion in holding otherwise.
 
==Ban on deployment of maids to Jordan stays–Baldoz==
*Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/24533/ban-on-deployment-of-maids-to-jordan-stays-baldoz
*6:19 pm | Monday, January 30th, 2012
:by Philip C. Tubeza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
 
 
This was what Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said after meeting with a 23-year-old undocumented Filipina maid, who had allegedly been beaten for a year then finally fled her employer’s home after her face was repeatedly cut with a razor blade.
Baldoz said the ban on the deployment of household service workers (HSWs) to Jordan would not be lifted if cases of abuse involving Filipinos were not addressed and the list of recruitment agencies in Jordan accredited to process Filipino maids was not purged of undesirables.
“It is inhuman. We cannot lift the ban if all these cases are not attended to,” Baldoz said after meeting with the maid, whose name was withheld, and 55 other Filipinas who ran away from their employers, mostly due to unpaid wages.
There were also two maids from Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan who were victimized by a human trafficking syndicate that smuggled them out of the Philippines through the country’s southern back door.
Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz said that even if the ban imposed in 2008 were lifted, it could still be re-imposed if the cases of abuse did not abate. He added that recruitment agencies who deployed maids during the ban should also be blacklisted.
Baldoz led a delegation here—including Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief Hans Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Carmelita Dimzon—to sign the protocols on the deployment of HSWs which was expected to pave the way for the lifting of the ban.
However, the Philippine officials expressed serious reservations, particularly about cases of abuse involving Filipino maids. The case of the undocumented 23-year-old maid from Surigao was discovered just two days before the signing of the protocols on Sunday.
The woman, who had been in Jordan since September 2008, said the couple who employed her had been beating her up for a year when they were not satisfied with her work.
“If I make mistakes in my work or I wake up late, they would get angry and hurt me. They would slap and kick me and even bang my face on the wall,” the maid said.
“I’ve finished my contract with them but they do not want me to leave,” she said, adding that she came to Jordan not knowing that there was a deployment ban for HSWs.
Then on Friday, her female employer told her to finish her work cleaning the house on time but when she failed to do it, the employer began hurting her.
“She was beaten up. Her face was cut with a blade and she kicked her repeatedly even when she was already down on the floor,” said Attaché Alexander Maestrado of the Assistance to Nationals Section of the Philippine Embassy in Amman.
“We have the medical report from the hospital proving that she was really badly beaten and that this is not made up,” he added.
Besides the abrasions on her face, the maid also had contusions on her legs, arms, lower back, and on her head.
“My lower back is still hurting because she kicked me there,” the maid said.
Maestrado said the Jordanian police was already hunting down the female employer, whom the maid said was an airline cabin crew member. Maestrado said the husband was a telecoms company executive.
“The police called up the household but were told that she was out of the country. But then, they checked with immigration and were told them that she’s still here,” Maestrado said.
He said the embassy on average gets two cases of physical abuse cases involving Filipino maids, adding that there was also a recent rape case.
Khaled Al-Husainat, the head of Jordan’s Recruiting Agents Association, said they would clean up their ranks of those who will not follow the protocols aimed at protecting Filipino maids.
“We do not tolerate cases like these. I am very sad that this happened and we will do our best to help get justice,” he said.
Alfredo Palmiery, head of the Federated Associations of Manpower Exporters (Fame) Inc. said the Jordanian authorities should go after the couple who beat up the maid.
He added that the protocols would help prevent the deployment of illegally-recruited maids to Jordan while ensuring that legal ones were protected and properly trained to face a different culture.
 
==FORMER FARMHAND==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349410/from-farm-boy-top-mechanic
*January 27, 2012, 3:50am
:by  TESDA Beat
 
 
Today, the former farm boy and trike driver is now earning over R45, 000 a month including his percentage share in the total income of all service shops in Mindanao.
 
His one-hectare rice field in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay adds R162,000 a year to the family income. The family owns three service motorcycles and a modest home in Bulatok.
 
As service supervisor at DES Mindanao, he provides hundreds of training places for on-the-job (OJT) trainees from TESDA-recognized training programs in schools and training institutions. He recommends top performing trainees for employment as regular workers of the company.
 
To this day, Balite has never gotten a college degree. But it does not matter so much now.
 
“Higher education is important but it gives no guarantee of a successful and rewarding life. Perseverance, hard work, optimism, ambition, and an enduring faith in God do,” he says.
 
For more information on TESDA programs and services, call 887-7777, send SMS message 09174794370 (Globe) 09182738232 (Smart) or follow us in Facebook (TESDA, Sec Joel Villanueva TESDA) and Twitter (SecJOELngTESDA).
 


Four.  Jalosjos won and was proclaimed winner in the 2010 gubernatorial race for Zamboanga Sibugay.  The Court will respect the decision of the people of that province and resolve all doubts regarding his qualification in his favor to breathe life to their manifest will.


==Philippine authorities say kidnapped Australian is alive, but weak and frail==
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/9903-philippine-authorities-say-kidnapped-australian-is-alive-but-weak-and-frail.html
*Wednesday, May 9, 2012
:By Mindanao Examiner




Philippine authorities said a kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell is alive, but frail and weak, and that security forces are still searching for the former Sydney man.


Rodwell, 52, was seized on December last year by 6 gunmen, disguised as policemen, from his house in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province where he married a Filipina woman Miraflor Gutang, 27.


Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, the regional police commander for Western Mindanao, said Rodwell is believed being held captive in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.


“Police intelligence reports indicate that Rodwell is in Basilan province and is being transferred from one place to another (to evade detection by authorities),” he said during a peace and order meeting last week in Zamboanga City.


He said Rodwell, a former soldier in the Australian army, was said to be in the towns of Lantawan and Sumisip.
“We are doing our best to locate and rescue Rodwell. My office is coordinating with the (police forces) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao because Rodwell has been brought by his captors outside my jurisdiction. Our troopers are working 24 hours on the ground for the rescue of Rodwell,” Estilles said.


A local newspaper reported that Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos said the kidnappers are now demanding P20 million for the safe release of Rodwell. Jalosjos did not say if he is in contact with the kidnappers or negotiating for Rodwell’s freedom.


Police and military have tagged the Abu Sayyaf which has links with both al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, as behind the kidnapping of Rodwell. The group originally demanded $2 million in exchange for the release of Rodwell.


==Australian kidnap victim still alive, police say==
The Philippine army earlier reported that Rodwell was spirited out of Basilan to Zamboanga Peninsula because of intense military operation against the Abu Sayyaf.
*Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/24015/australian-kidnap-victim-still-alive-police-say
*2:49 pm | Thursday, January 26th, 2012
:by Jeoffrey Maitem, Julie Alipala
Inquirer Mindanao


“We have been receiving a lot of intelligence about Rodwell and his captors and many of these reports are also misinformation. There are reports that Rodwell is in Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula and our operations are continuing in those areas,” Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, told the Mindanao Examiner.


KORONADAL CITY, Philippines—A former Australian soldier kidnapped last month is alive and being held in Basilan by a group of Abbu Sayyaf gunmen that is bigger than the band that abducted him from his home in Zamboanga Sibugay, the authorities said Thursday. The police said that the kidnappers of Richard Warren Rodwell were also insisting on their demand for $2 million in ransom, which the Australian government had already rejected. Rodwell, a former soldier in the Australian army who married a Filipina, was abducted by armed men from his home in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, last December 5. A few weeks later, the kidnappers sent officials a video in which Rodwell pleaded for his life and payment of the ransom, which was relayed to the authorities for the first time through the video. “Mr. Rodwell is still alive. There’s no substantial development as to Mr. Rodwell’s case. He is still in Basilan and the negotiation is still on going,” said Chief Superintendent Felicisimo Khu, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao. Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, chief of the police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said that according to the latest information they have received, Rodwell was being kept in the Sumisip area by a larger group of Abu Sayyaf gunmen under Radzmeer Ali. He said the Abu Sayyaf planned to transfer Rodwell to Talipao, Sulu, and might be handed over to the group of Radulan Sahiron, one of the most notorious Abu Sayyaf leaders in Sulu and is based in Patikul. But he did not know if the plan has been carried out Latag said the most likely reason for the transfer is that the Abu Sayyaf wants to negotiate for a higher ransom or the kidnappers simply want to evade the authorities. Unlike Sulu, Basilan is saturated with government forces, he said.
He said he also saw a police photo of Rodwell holding a Philippine newspaper believed to have been taken last month from an unknown location.
“There is a photo of Rodwell holding a newspaper. It’s another proof of life, but we don’t know his condition now,” he said.


==DAR holds national assessment and planning conference==
==Kidnapped Australian alive but frail, weak==
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/inside-stories/8249-dar-holds-national-assessment-and-planning-conference.html
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/22388-kidnapped-australian-alive-but-frail-weak
*Tuesday, 24 January 2012 11:32
*Monday, May 7, 2012
:by  zamboangatoday.ph
:By AL JACINTO CORRESPONDENT




The Department of Agrarian Reform Central Office will conduct National Assessment and Planning Conference on January 24-27, 2012 at Stotsenberg Hotel, Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga. This activity will be participated in by the Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors and the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers. Before the conduct of the Planning Conference, an assessment of the CY 2011 Accomplishments by regions will be undertaken to set the directions for CARP in CY 2012. Also, during this activity, the performance of DAR IX officials including the provincial officials will be rated based on the performance contracts agreed with the DAR Secretary at the beginning of the year.
Police officials over the weekend reported that a kidnapped Australian is alive, but frail and weak, and that security forces are still searching for the former Sydney resident.


Each region will be assessed according to its accomplishments on Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD), Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) and Agrarian Justice Delivery (AJD). From 1972 up to the present, DAR Region IX has distributed a total of 217,502 hectares or 86.7% of its 247,174 hectares total CARP scope. The distributed lands are benefiting a total of 116,098 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). For the current year, a total of 8,634 hectares of land will be distributed to the identified ARBs. The region will still have a balance of 29,672 hectares to be distributed until 2014. For the PBD component, DAR IX has a total of 150 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) launched and assisted which have 436 People’s Organizations (POs)/cooperatives with 78,767 ARBs. The region provided physical infrastructure projects like farm-to-market roads, irrigation facilities, bridges, post harvest facilities and multi-purpose centers amounting to Php 259,619 million. These projects were funded both by the local and foreign funding agencies. In the delivery of agrarian justice, the region was able to resolve a total of 1,888 cases and mediated 1,995 cases on agrarian disputes.
Adventurer Warren Rodwell, 52, was seized on December last year by six gunmen, disguised as policemen, from his house in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province where he married a Filipina woman Miraflor Gutang, 27.


During the planning phase of this conference, the different regions and provinces will be grouped according to the magnitude of LAD balance. Group I is categorized as the top 38 provinces nationwide with high Land Tenure Improvement (LTI) balances. Group II category comprises the 48 provinces with medium to low LTI balance. In Region IX, Zamboanga Sibugay is one of the provinces identified as part of the top 38 provinces. To date, the province has a total balance of 7,484 hectares for distribution.
Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles, the regional police commander for Western Mindanao, said Rodwell is believed to be held captive in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.


The conference will provide an avenue for DAR to discuss with other CARP implementing agencies: Land Registration Authority (LRA), Registry of Deeds (ROD), Land Management Services-Department of Environment and Natural Resources (LMS-DENR) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for the smooth implementation of the land tenure improvement component of CARP. The support services group will discuss with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Sugar Regulatory Authority (SRA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education Skills Authority (TESDA) and LBP.
“Police intelligence reports indicate that Rodwell is in Basilan province and is being transferred from one place to another [to evade detection by authorities],” he said during a recent peace and order meeting in Zamboanga City.


The Regional Strategic Plan for CY 2012 will likewise be discussed. In addition, important matters affecting CARP implementation such as Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) proposals and foreign-assisted projects (FAPs) data will also be tackled.
He said Rodwell, a former soldier in the Australian army, was said to be in the towns of Lantawan and Sumisip.


There will also be a discussion on the administrative concerns, a presentation of the Operational Directives of LTI and PBD and the Secretary’s Marching Orders for 2012.
“We are doing our best to locate and rescue Rodwell. My office is coordinating with the [police] in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao because Rodwell has been brought by his captors outside my jurisdiction. Our troopers are working 24 hours on the ground for the rescue of Rodwell,” Estilles said.


==Local coal output rose to 7.61M MT in 2011==
A local newspaper quoted Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos as saying during the same meeting that the kidnappers are now demanding P20 million for the safe release of Rodwell.  
*Source: http://business.inquirer.net/40979/local-coal-output-rose-to-7-61m-mt-in-2011
*3:02 am | Monday, January 23rd, 2012
:by  Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer


Jalosjos did not say if he is in contact with the kidnappers or negotiating for Rodwell’s freedom.


Despite being tagged as a “dirty fuel,” the country’s coal production continued to rise to 7.61 million metric tons last year from an estimated production of 6.29 million MT in 2010, due largely to a growing demand for the commodity as fuel to generate electricity.
Police and military have tagged the Abu Sayyaf, which has links with international terrorist organizations al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, as behind the kidnapping of Rodwell. The group originally demanded $2 million in exchange for the release of Rodwell.
Documents from the Department of Energy (DoE) showed that of the 7.61 million MT, 7.19 million MT came from Semirara Island in Antique, followed by Zamboanga Sibugay, which produced 168,951 MT. The rest of last year’s coal production came from Cebu, Batan Island, Surigao, Negros and Albay.
Coal imports last year were much higher than local production at 10.96 million MT, of which 99 percent or 10.89 million MT, came from Indonesia, while the remaining 68,169 MT came from Vietnam.
These volumes helped serve the growing coal requirements in the Philippines by the power-generation sector, which consumed 10.58 million MT, while the cement industry used up 3.1 million MT. Industrial users required 550, 838 MT of coal last year.
Meanwhile, publicly listed Semirara Mining Corp., the country’s biggest coal producer, was able to export 2.74 million MT last year, of which 98 percent, or 2.68 million MT, went to customers in China while the remaining 54,754 MT were sold to buyers from Thailand, DoE documents showed.
It is expected that over the next 20 years, coal will remain the major fuel for power generation, prompting the government to encourage the private sector to explore and develop the country’s prospective coal blocks to find additional reserves that can be used to address growing local demand for coal.
And by harnessing its own resources, the Philippine government also believes that it will be able to push for energy independence that will allow it to reduce its fuel imports as well as lessen its vulnerability to global price fluctuations.
In December 2011, the DoE launched the fourth Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR) for coal, in which it offered to investors 30 prospective coal blocks. These are located in Quezon, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Bohol, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay.


==Coballes assumes Westmincom post==
The Philippine army earlier reported that Rodwell was smuggled out of Basilan to the Zamboanga Peninsula because of intense military operations against the Abu Sayyaf.
*Source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/991-coballes-assumes-westmincom-post
*01/21/2012 3:13 PM  | Updated 01/21/2012 3:53 PM
:by  Rappler.com


“We have been receiving a lot of intelligence about Rodwell and his captors and many of these reports are also misinformation. There are reports that Rodwell is in Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula and our operations are continuing in those areas,” Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, told The Manila Times.


MANILA, Philippines – Maj Gen Noel Coballes has vowed to pursue the killers of the 19 soldiers in Basilan, as well as the lawless groups that attacked police and military units in Zamboanga Sibugay in 2011.
He said he also saw a police photo of Rodwell holding a Philippine newspaper believed to have been taken last month from an unknown location.


Coballes, who formally assumed on Saturday, January 21, the post as commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), was the commander of the Philippine Army's First Infantry Division (1st ID), when at least 19 soldiers belonging to the elite unit of the Special Forces Battalion were killed. They perished in an encounter with heavily-armed rebels in Al-Barka, Basilan in October 2011.
“There is a photo of Rodwell holding a newspaper. It’s another proof of life, but we don’t know his condition now,” he said.


Coballes took over from Lt Gen Raymundo Ferrer, who is retiring from military service on January 23.
==Abducted Australian pleads for life==
*Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/abducted-australian-pleads-for-life-20120505-1y5qw.html
*Sunday, May 6, 2012
:By Lindsay Murdoch and Al Jacinto


Being an Army unit, the 1st ID had operational and administrative control of the Special Forces Battalion, along with the Special Operations Command (Socom).


As Westmincom chief, Coballes will command all AFP units in the Zamboanga Pensinsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
A NEW proof-of-life video shows Sydney adventurer Warren Rodwell looking gaunt and making a desperate plea for a ransom to save his life after more than four months in captivity in the Philippines.
Ron Masling, an Australian acquaintance of Mr Rodwell who obtained the video, says the kidnappers have set a four-week deadline to be paid or they will behead him.
"They [the kidnappers] have given one month more before he is finished," Mr Masling told The Sunday Age by telephone from the Philippines, where he has been living for several years.


Among those present in the turnover ceremonies were ranking regional government, military and police officials, representatives of government agencies, and members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Western Mindanao.
However, Australian officials are angry that a Filipino man linked to Mr Masling contacted the kidnappers and obtained the four-minute video during which Mr Rodwell is seen holding a copy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper dated March 26.
The Department of Foreign Affairs declined to comment.
Mr Masling, 57, of Canberra, is attempting to sell the video to the Australian media for thousands of dollars, saying his efforts to help Mr Rodwell have used up all his pension money.
Grave fears are held for Mr Rodwell, who was abducted on December 5 from his fortified home in the seaside town of Ipil on troubled Mindanao Island by four gunmen posing as police. Philippine authorities say that since the video was made Mr Rodwell has become frail and weak as he has been constantly moved between remote hideouts of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group, which has now dropped its original ransom demand from $2 million to $460,000.
Both the Australian and Philippine governments have policies not to pay ransoms.
In the video, the second sent by the kidnappers, Mr Rodwell pleads for his family, the Australian Prime Minister and Australians to raise the money.
Philippine security forces have moved a massive hunt for the kidnappers to the island of Basilan, an Abu Sayyaf stronghold, after intelligence reports indicated he was taken back there in recent days after being held for weeks in hideouts on the nearby Zamboanga Peninsula.
Philippine troops have had several firefights with Abu Sayyaf terrorists this year despite efforts to negotiate Mr Rodwell's release.
Zamboanga Sibugay governor Rommel Jalosjos said the kidnappers were now demanding 20 million pesos ($A460,000) for the release of Mr Rodwell, whose 27-year-old Filipina wife Miraflor Gutang says she does not have the money to pay.
Mr Jalosjos declined to say if he was in contact with the kidnappers.
Mr Masling, who has been unable to sell the video to the media, claimed Australian authorities had done little to help Mr Rodwell.
However, it is known Australian officials have been supporting efforts to secure Mr Rodwell's release.
Mr Masling claimed that Australian officials in Manila had told him his life was in danger and that he should leave the Philippines immediately. But he said he was not leaving. "Where I grew up you don't leave your mates behind."


==Zambo Peninsula 2011 fisheries production down by 18.18%==
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/9853-zambo-peninsula-2011-fisheries-production-down-by-1818.html
*Saturday, May 5, 2012
:By PNA/PIA9-ZBST


“We will continue to neutralize the enemies, but with less casualties,” Coballes said during an interview after the program. “But we will also be supportive of the peace process with the MILF.”


Neutralize them
The fisheries production of Zamboanga Peninsula or Region-9 for the year 2011 has registered an 18.18 percent decrease compared to that in 2010, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported Thursday.


AFP Chief Gen Jessie Dellosa, who was the ceremony's guest of honor, ordered the new Westmincom chief to continue nuetralizing the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf and other lawless groups operating in the region, particularly those responsible for the killing of the 19 soldiers.
NSCB Regional Director Mewchun Pamaran, citing data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), said this came about as the commercial, municipal and aquaculture fishery sectors have registered a downward trend in production last year compared to that in the previous year.
Pamaran said the fish production by commercial fishermen last year was lower by 125,314.52 MT from 339,750.97 metric tons (MT) in 2010 to 214,436.45 MT in 2011.  


Pamaran said three areas namely the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City have registered production shortfall in commercial fisheries, which constitute about 34.6 percent to the total fishery production in the region.


The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was dragged into the blame game over the death of the troops in Basilan after the rebels admitted there was stiff resistance to soldiers sent to arrest Dan Asnawi. The latter was blamed for the beheading of 10 Marine soldiers in 2007 in the same town.
The commercial fishery data of the three areas are as follows: Zamboanga del Norte went down by 1,036.54 MT from 20,999.20 in 2010 to 19,962.66 in 2011; Zamboanga del Sur decreased by 2,516.39 MT to 31,622.48 MT in 2011 from 34,138.87 in 2010; and, Zamboanga City was lesser by 117,213.84 MT to 158,473.97 MT in 2011 from 275,687.81 MT in 2010.  


“We will continue to strengthen our ties with the community and other law enforcement agencies to carry out the all-out justice order of our Commander-In-Chief,” said Dellosa.
Pamaran said the decrease in the commercial fishery production was largely attributed to lesser number of fishing activities and number of unloading due to weather disturbances that occurred during the period.  


Peace-building
The total production for municipal fishery, which accounts for 20.8 percent of the region's total fisheries production, was pegged at 129,037.87 MT in 2011 or lower by 7,028.94 MT compared to that in 2010 production of 136,066.81 MT, Pamaran said.
All of the areas in the region--Zamboanga City, and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay--have marked a downward trend in municipal fishery production in 2011 compared to that in the previous year.


Coballes also said he will continue to implement the peace-building initiatives of his predecessor, proceed with the education of soldiers on human rights, and enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Bayanihan program to respond to calamities and emergency situations. Recent disasters include Typhoon Sendong that hit Northern Mindanao in December 2011 and left about a thousand dead.
Of the four areas, Zamboanga del Norte registered the highest municipal fishery production shortfall of 3,289.45 MT to 37,061.47 MT in 2011 from 40,350.92 MT in 2010.  


Ferrer, the former Westmincom chief, is a known staunch peace advocate in the AFP. His term was marred with controversies such as military operations resulting in a high number of casualties among the troops. This was accompanied by allegations of torture of suspected Abu Sayyaf members arrested in Basilan.
The municipal fishery production of the other areas in the region are: Zamboanga del Sur down by 2,634.64 MT from 25,677.22 MT in 2010 to 23,042.58 MT in 2011; Zamboanga City marked a decrease of 698.69 MT from 42,225.15 MT in 2010 to 41,526.46 MT in 2011; and, Zamboanga Sibugay lesser by 406.16 MT to 27,407.36 MT in 2011 from 27,813.52 in 2011.  


Ferrer said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family after vowing out of the military service. Being a an alumnus of the Bridging Leadership Fellows Program of the Asian Institute Management, Ferrer said he will continue to support his peace advocacy with non-government organizations.
Pamaran said that the region's aquaculture production also exhibited a downward trend though three areas in the region namely Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte provinces and Zamboanga City registered an increase in production.  


==Kidnapped Aussie back in Basilan - reports==
In totality, Pamaran said the region's aquaculture production is lesser by 5,315.76 MT from 281,398.42 MT in 2010 to 276,082.66 MT last year since the increase in the production of the three areas were not sufficient to offset the shortfall of Zamboanga del Sur that reached 10,838.52 MT.  
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=769331
Last year's aquaculture production of Zamboanga del Sur went down to 44,297.36 MT from 55,135.88 MT in 2010.
* January 20, 2012 12:00 AM
:by  Roel Pareño


The aquaculture production of the three areas that marked an increase are as follows: Zamboanga Sibugay marked an increase of 3,068.64 MT from 132,581.82 in 2010 to 135,650.46 MT in 2011; Zamboanga City went up by 2,058.41 MT to 62,064.87 MT in 2011 from 60,006.46 MT in 2010; and Zamboanga del Norte increased by 395.73 MT to 34,069.98 MT in 2011 from 33,674.25 MT in 2010.
Aquaculture accounted for about 44.6 percent of the total fisheries production of the region.


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Australian man kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits has been brought back to Basilan by his captors, according to police intelligence reports.
Meanwhile, Pamaran said the seaweed farmers have produced 254,521.10 metric tons last year which is lower by 3,610.2 MT compared to the previous year's production of 258,131.30 MT.


“We are verifying such intelligence reports,” Senior Superintendent Alex Linesis, Basilan police provincial director said yesterday.
==Supreme Court upholds 2010 win of Zamboanga Sibugay governor==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=803313
*Friday, May 4, 2012
:By  Edu Punay


Linesis said police and military forces have been combing the jungles and the suspected lairs of the Abu Sayyaf to look for the kidnap victim.


Police and military authorities earlier said the Abu Sayyaf group led by Razmier Alih brought Warren Richard Rodwell from Basilan to Patikul town, Sulu last Jan. 7. Alih’s group reportedly wanted to turn over Rodwell to the Abu Sayyaf faction led by Radullan Sahiron.
MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the election in 2010 of Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Romel Apolinario Jalosjos.


However, Sahiron’s group reportedly turned down the offer amid military offensives in the area.
In a seven-page ruling released last Wednesday, the SC nullified the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualifying Jalosjos in the gubernatorial race over residency and citizenship issues based on a complaint filed by barangay chairman Dan Erasmo from Ipil town.


Rodwell, 56, a former Australian soldier who is married to a Filipino, Miraflor Gutang, was seized at his house in Green Meadows Subdivision in Upper Pangi, Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province last Dec. 5. He was initially brought to Basilan.
The SC ruled that the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion in disqualifying the governor.


A video footage sent by the kidnappers to Rodwell’s wife last Dec. 22 showed the victim pleading for his life and appealing to his family to produce the $2-million ransom demanded by his captors.
“Jalosjos won and was proclaimed winner in the 2010 gubernatorial race for Zamboanga Sibugay. The court will respect the decision of the people of that province and resolve all doubts regarding his qualification in his favor to breathe life to their manifest will,” stated the ruling penned by Associate Justice Roberto Abad.


Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo is scheduled to visit Basilan next week to assess government efforts to secure Rodwell’s release.
Records show that Jalosjos was born in Quezon City in 1973. In 1981, he acquired Australian citizenship. 


But in 2008, at age 35, he returned to the country, took his allegiance to the Philippine government, and renounced his Australian citizenship.


==DSWD signs agreement for poverty programs in Zamboanga==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1351336007297
*Thursday, May 3, 2012
:By  (JPA/SMU-dis/DSWD9/CAL-PIA9)




PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the local government of Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay for the implementation of a poverty program in the municipality.


The MOA for the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) was signed by DSWD assistant regional director Zenaida Arevalo and Mayor Alfredo Atilano.


The revolutionary community-driven development project of the DSWD was formally launched in nine municipalities in Region 9.


For this year, 12 municipalities have been selected to implement the KALAHI-CIDSS project, based on the high poverty incidence in these areas.


The municipalities that have officially begun the implementation are Naga, Ipil and Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay; Tukuran, Tigbao, Dumalinao and Tabina in Zamboanga del Sur; and Salug and Manuel Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte. Those that are yet to begin are Sibuco, Sirawai and Baliguian also in Zamboanga del Norte.


==Zamboanga Peninsula forest boundaries marked==
The KALAHI-CIDSS project is a bottom-top approach to development planning, which puts decision-making with regards to the implementation of community sub-projects like water systems, roads, schools, and more, to the organized groups of volunteers. These volunteers are the front line implementers of the project in the communities, after being given trainings on project identification, implementation, and operation and maintenance. The project capacitates the people to handle huge sums of money for the implementation of the projects, in most cases, millions of pesos.
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/15222-zamboanga-peninsula-forest-boundaries-marked
*Tuesday, January 17, 2012
:by  JAMES KONSTANTIN GALVEZ


During the municipal orientations conducted, the mayors have openly expressed their optimism that by enlisting the partnership of the basic sectors, they will be able to come up with a more thorough action plan for development every year.


AFTER more than a decade of intense work, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday said it has finally completed the delineation of forest boundaries in the Zamboanga Peninsula.  
“This is a unique approach, but we know that it works,” shares Salug Mayor Jeffrey Lim.  


Arleigh Adorable, executive director of DENR-Region 9, said that the Regional Assessment and Delineation Teams of the Land Evaluation Party (LEP) has accomplished to delineate of some 5, 590.18 kilometers of forestland boundary in five provinces.
“By bringing the decision-making process down to the people themselves, we are assured of a more holistic approach in addressing our town’s multi-faceted problems,” said Mayor Danilo Dalid of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.  


This includes Zamboanga del Norte (1,662.37 kms); Zamboanga del Sur (1,493.28 kms); Zamboanga City (679.78 kms); Zamboanga Sibugay (1,471.32 kms); and Isabela City, Basilan (83.43 kms).
Meanwhile, provincial governors have expressed their support to the poverty-reduction efforts of the DSWD. Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles said that in spite of the efforts of government to thwart its many problems, poverty is still persistent, hence the need for a more thorough approach.  


Adorable said that the team’s total output include new lines covering areas that are either proposed for conversion to alienable and disposable lands, proposed for reversion to timberlands and “hotspot areas”.
On the other hand, Zamboanga del Norte governor Rolando Yebes committed to not only provide supervision to the implementation of the project, but to be hands-on in its implementation


Hotspot areas refer to those areas located in the hinterlands and coastal areas which are considered impenetrable due to adverse peace and order situation.
==12 municipalities in ZamPen to implement kalahi-CIDSS project==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1401335937594
*Wednesday, May 2, 2012
:By  (JPA/DIS-PIA9, ZBST)/ Dominic I. Sanchez-DSWD 9)


In 2000, the government has started with country’s forestland boundary delineation in line with Sec. 4, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the Congress “to determine by law the specific limits of the public domain.”


In 2008, the DENR through an administrative order included in its delineation program the boundaries of coastal and mangrove areas of the country to enable the RADTs to propose new blocks or parcels within forest zone areas to non-conforming land uses/agricultural areas or vice versa based on secondary and primary data as well as the actual field survey.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 2 (PIA) - - For this year, 12 municipalities have been selected to implement the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, ( Kalahi-CIDSS) project.This is a community-driven development project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).  


==DOLE allocates P19M for SPES in Zamboanga Peninsula==
The municipalities that have officially begun the implementation are Naga, Ipil and Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay; Tukuran, Tigbao, Dumalinao and Tabina in Zamboanga del Sur; and Salug and Manuel Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte. Those that are yet to begin are Sibuco, Sirawai and Baliguian also in Zamboanga del Norte. These areas are noted to have high poverty incidence.  
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/41734-DOLE-allocates-P19M-for-SPES-in-Zamboanga-Peninsula.html
*Monday, January 16. 2012
:by  zambotimes.com


The Kalahi-CIDSS project is a bottom-top approach to development planning, which puts decision-making with regards to the implementation of community sub-projects like water systems, roads, schools, and more, to the organized groups of volunteers. These volunteers are the front line implementers of the project in the communities, after being given trainings on project identification, implementation, and operation, and maintenance. The project capacitates people to handle huge sums of money for the implementation of the projects, in most cases, millions of pesos.  
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The national government, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has allocated a P19-million fund for this year's Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) in Zamboanga Peninsula.
DOLE Zamboanga Peninsula Director Ponciano Ligutom said the fund will be distributed to the DOLE field offices to pay 40 percent of the SPES' salaries in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
Ligutom said the allocation will be distributed as follows: Zamboanga del Norte, P5.3 million; Zamboanga del Sur, 5.3 million; Zamboanga Sibugay, P4.6 million; Zamboanga City, P3.2 million; and Isabela City, P572,640.
The SPES is aimed to help deserving students from poor families to raise money by employing them during summer vacation.
SPES is implemented in partnership between DOLE and the local government units (LGUs) wherein DOLE pays the 40 percent of the students' salaries and the remaining 60 percent is shouldered by the LGUs.
Each student is entitled to work for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 52 days.
In Zamboanga City, some of the students are detailed in government offices for clerical jobs while the others are detailed in the barangays under the clean and green program of the local government. (PNA)
scs/TPG/rsm


==Philippines steps up efforts to locate kidnapped Aussie man==
During the municipal orientations conducted, the mayors openly expressed their optimism that by enlisting the partnership of the basic sectors, they will be able to come up with a more thorough action plan for development every year.  
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120113013429
*Friday, January 13, 2012 02:34:29 PM
:by   Mindanao Examiner
 
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 13, 2012) – Philippine authorities have stepped up efforts to locate a former Australian soldier kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants with links to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya in the restive southern region of Mindanao.


Warren Rodwell, 53, was kidnapped on December 5 by gunmen disguised as policemen from his home in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay where he married a Filipino woman, Miraflor Gutang, 27, in June last year.
“This is a unique approach, but we know that it works,” shares Salug mayor Jeffrey Lim.  


The kidnappers demanded $2 million ransom from his wife in exchange for his freedom, but the woman said they cannot afford to pay. Both the Philippines and Australia flatly rejected the ransom demand.
“By bringing the decision-making process down to the people themselves, we are assured of a more holistic approach in addressing our town’s multi-faceted problems,” said mayor Danilo Dalid of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.  


The governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel Jalosjos, who is negotiating with the kidnappers for Rodwell’s freedom, has imposed a news blackout and blamed the police for the leak of a video of the Australian adventurer sent by the Abu Sayyaf to his family in the province.
Meanwhile, provincial governors have expressed their support to the poverty-reduction efforts of the DSWD. Zamboanga del Sur governor Antonio Cerilles said that in spite of the efforts of government, poverty still persist, hence the need for a more thorough approach.  


Military authorities said Rodwell was brought by his captors by boat to Basilan province and is being held by a notorious terrorist commander Puruji Indama, also blamed for the July 2011 kidnappings of a US woman and her son, including a Filipino nephew in Zamboanga City.
On the other hand, Zamboanga del Norte governor Rolando Yebes committed not only to supervise the implementation of the project, but to be hands-on in its implementation.


But Senior Superintendent Alex Lineses, commander of police forces in Basilan province, citing a report by Jalosjos, said Rodwell was spirited out to Sulu province by the kidnappers and is being held by another Abu Sayyaf faction.
==Suspect in Aussie’s kidnap slain in Zamboanga Sibugay==
*Source: http://new.philstar.com/nation/mindanao/800702/suspect-in-aussies-kidnap-slain-in-zamboanga-sibugay
*Tuesday, May 1, 2012
:By  Roel Pareño


“That’s the report we got and we are trying to verify this information that Rodwell was taken to Sulu province,” Lineses told the Mindanao Examiner.


But Sulu police commander, Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, said there was no indication that Rodwell is in the province. “Right now, we have no reports from our operatives on the ground about the presence of Warren Rodwell in Sulu, but we are exerting efforts to also verify that information,” he said in a separate interview.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A member of a rebel group tagged in the kidnapping of an Australian national was killed while another was arrested in an encounter with government operatives in Sitio Gang in Barangay Mamagon in Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay province, officials said yesterday.


Abu Sayyaf militants are still holding a kidnapped Japanese man, an Indian national and two Malaysians and several Filipinos in the Sulu Archipelago.
Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, Police Regional Office 9 director, said the clash occurred when members of the 44th Infantry Battalion and policemen launched a pursuit operation against the kidnap gang allegedly led by Waning Abdusalam at around 2 a.m last Saturday.  


Philippine authorities have admitted the presence of Jemaah Islamiya terrorists in Sulu province. Western Mindanao military chief, Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer said they have identified 5 Jemaah Islamiya members who are being protected by the Abu Sayyaf. The group was involved in the deadly Bali bombings in 2002 that killed more than 200 people, mostly Australian holidaymakers.  
Estilles identified the slain suspect as Batoto Abdusalam, alias Halifa Omar.Hader Magatos, who was wounded during the encounter, was captured.


He said the terrorists – Qayim, Mauiya, Marwan, Saad and Amin Baco – are being hunted down by security forces. Mauiya was one of those who held three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross – Italian national Eugenio Vagni, Swiss Andreas Notter and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba who were kidnapped in 2009. The trio was freed after private negotiators allegedly paid a huge ransom to the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya.
Abdusalam’s group is wanted for a series of kidnappings targeting both residents and foreigners in the Zamboanga peninsula. The group, which has links with the Abu Sayyaf group based in Basilan, was tagged in the kidnapping of Australian Warren Richard Rodwell, 56, a native of Sydney.


Australia warned its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines and banned all travel to Central and Western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago.
Rodwell, a former soldier  married to Filipina Mariflor Gutang, was kidnapped last Dec. 5 at his home in Barangay Upper Pangi in Ipil town.


The military maintained that Rodwell is still being held by Indama’s group in Basilan province. “As far as we are concerned, our operation to locate Rodwell is still concentrated in Basilan. We have no reports that Rodwell has been moved by the Abu Sayyaf to Sulu province,” said Army Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
Police and military officials  are also looking into the possibility that the group was behind the kidnapping of Salug, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Jeffrey Lim last April 2.


Cabangbang said there were many unconfirmed reports from various sources about Rodwell. “There are so many reports about the kidnapped Australian and all these could be part of a diversionary plan to muddle the operation to recover Rodwell,” he said.
==Vital Tungawan Infra Projects Up==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/358421/vital-tungawan-infra-projects-up
*Monday, April 30, 2012
:By  mb.com.ph


The MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, has offered Manila to help rescue Rodwell. The Filipino government and the MILF forged an agreement in 2004 that paved the way for rebel forces through the ad-hoc joint action group to help authorities hunt down terrorists and criminal elements in areas where the rebel group is actively operating.


Lawyer Abdul Dataya, head of the MILF ad-hoc joint action group, said latest information suggests that Rodwell is still in the Zamboanga Peninsula, which comprises the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga City.
TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – The municipal government here has embarked on a massive improvement of its infrastructure support programs and development aimed at providing a much improved living condition of the residents of this municipality.


“We have reports from our MILF forces that Rodwell is in Zamboanga Peninsula. We cannot give anymore details about it, but we have forces tracking down the kidnappers and Rodwell,” Dataya said without further elaborating.
Town Mayor Randy Climaco said his government has completed two facilities worth P8.5 million inside the municipal market complex here.


The MILF previously warned government troops searching for Rodwell to stay away from their camps to avoid clashes. As many as 2,000 soldiers in Basilan are searching for the former Sydney man.
The facilities, he said, will serve the farmers regarding their needs while inside the municipal market.


The MILF has in the past repeatedly ordered its 12,000-strong mujahidin to fight kidnapping-for-ransom activities in Mindanao. It previously helped in rescuing many Filipino and foreign kidnapped victims in the restive region and provided the Philippine government with a list of names of suspected Jemaah Islamiya militants hiding in Mindanao.
He also disclosed that the main  public market where the wet and dry section is located is presently under renovation.


But police and military have linked some of its rogue commanders and members to the spate of kidnappings in the South. And authorities also implicated a senior rebel leader Barahama Ali in the kidnapping of Rodwell, an accusation strongly denied by the MILF.
The mayor said Representative Romeo Jalosjos Jr. (2nd District, Zamboanga Sibugay) funded the project through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).


Rodwell, a prolific world traveler and English teacher in China, has appealed for his safe release. “To my family please do whatever to raise the two million US dollars they are asking for my release as soon as possible. To the government, to the Filipino government especially the government of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel, I’m appealing to you please help me to coordinate with my family to raise to whatever money is being asked.”
He also cited the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) for providing P2 million for the improvement of the irrigation canals of the municipality.


“To the Australian embassy here in the Philippines, this is your constituent appealing for his life and safety. Please help facilitate to give the group the demand. Yes, I was former army of my country but it is differently particularly the terrain. The only solution to ensure my safety is to go with whatever they need. If I’m given my last wish, my last wish is to please help me out of here alive please Madame Ambassador,” the distressed Rodwell said in the video sent by the kidnappers.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) also extended additional funding for the construction of a new police station in the municipality, he added.


According to Climaco, the massive implementation of various infrastructure projects here is also expected to improve the economic living condi¬tion of the local residents, particularly the farmers.


As this developed, Climaco disclosed that education, and health care facilities are likewise included in his priorities for the improvement of the lives of the people here.


In another development, the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte has implemented some P25 million worth of various programs and infrastructure projects during the first quarter of 2012.


Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando E. Yebes said the various projects were implemented in the 25 municipalities of the province, and in the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan.


He enumerated the projects as the Sicayab-Bucana-San Vicente Road in Bucana, Sicayab, Dipolog City, the roadway and parking area in San Vicente, Dapitan City, the improve¬ment of the water supply system, and construction of multi-purpose hall in the various villages, and the construc¬tion of several school buildings, con-creting and rehabilitation of various provincial roads, among thers.


Yebes said that since he became the governor of Zamboanga del Norte in 2004, he has already implemented and completed some 5,613 projects through the Provincial Engineering Office.


==Soldiers nab 3 members of gang in Rodwell kidnap==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/21895-soldiers-nab-3-members-of-gang-in-rodwell-kidnap
*Sunday, April 29, 2012
:By  AL JACINTO




==Sayyaf slips through military dragnet==
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Government troops captured three gunmen in a clash Saturday with a notorious gang tied to the kidnapping of an Australian adventurer in Zamboanga Sibugay province, officials said.
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/14889-sayyaf-slips-through-military-dragnet
*Thursday, January 12, 2012
:by  AL JACINTO CORRESPONDENT


Officials said the troops raided the hideout of Waning Abdulsalam in Naga town, but the gang leader who was previously implicated in the kidnapping of Warren Rodwell, 52, escaped.
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Authorities said kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell was taken to Sulu after escaping a massive military rescue operation in Basilan province.


Rodwell, 53, kidnapped on December 5 from his seaside home in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay, is being held by the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.
“We were not able to get Waning, but we captured three of his followers in a clash that lasted over 30 minutes. There is no report about Rodwell,” Army Colonel Gerry Barrientos, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, told The Manila Times.


The kidnappers demanded $2 million from his Filipino family in exchange for his freedom. Rodwell married a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, 27, in June last year in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Ipil town after she met her through the Internet.
He said troops recovered weapons from Abdusalsalam’s hideout in the village of Mamagon.


“We have received intelligence reports that kidnapped victim Warren Rodwell was taken by his captors in Sulu province where he is being held by another Abu Sayyaf group,” Basilan police chief Senior Superintendent Alexis Lineses said.
Abdulsalam was a former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently negotiating peace with Manila. Aside from Abdusalsalam, authorities also linked another MILF leader Barahama Ali to Rodwell’s kidnapping.


Filipino authorities earlier reported that Rodwell was being held by notorious terrorist commander Puruji Indama in Basilan after five gunmen disguised as policemen snatched him in Ipil.
Rodwell was kidnapped in December last year by six gunmen disguised as policemen at his house in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. He was reported by the police and military to have been brought to Basilan province, just several nautical miles from here, and also in Zamboanga Peninsula.


The Abu Sayyaf has sent four photographs and a video of Rodwell appealing to Australian and Filipino government to work for his safe release.
Authorities have not reported much on the progress of the operation to rescue Rodwell except that the kidnappers have been moving the former Sydney man from one hideout to another to avoid detection by the military.


“To my family please do whatever to raise the two million US dollars they are asking for my release as soon as possible. To the government, to the Filipino government especially the government of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel, I’m appealing to you please help me to coordinate with my family to raise to whatever money is being asked.”
The kidnappers have demanded $2 million ransom for the release of Rodwell who married a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, 27, last year in Ipil town. Both the Philippine and Australian governments rejected any ransom payment to the Abu Sayyaf.


“To the Australian embassy here in the Philippines, this is your constituent appealing for his life and safety. Please help facilitate to give the group the demand. Yes, I was former army of my country but it is differently particularly the terrain. The only solution to ensure my safety is to go with whatever they need. If I’m given my last wish, my last wish is to please help me out of here alive please Madame Ambassador,” the distressed Rodwell said in the video.  
Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos has imposed a news blackout on the Rodwell kidnapping, although the kidnappers had contacted him several times to negotiate for the safe release of the foreigner.


Lineses said military intelligence reports also suggested that Rodwell was spirited out from Basilan’s Sumisip town by boat to Sulu over the weekend.
The kidnappers sent photos and a video clip to Rodwell’s wife in December as proof of life, but the woman said they had no money to pay ransom.  


One police report said the kidnappers, headed by Radzmier Alih, landed on the coastal village of Lumapid in Talipao town is now being held by Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron.
In Basilan, Army Colonel Ricardo Visaya, the provincial military commander, said that Rodwell may have been smuggled out by the kidnappers to Zamboanga Peninsula due to their continued operations against the militant group Abu Sayyaf.


Lineses said they are still verifying the reports. “We have to check the veracity of these reports carefully,” he said.  
“We have no information or reports about Rodwell. There last information we have on him was that he was spirited out of Basilan to Zamboanga Peninsula due to the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.


Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos has imposed a news blackout on the kidnapping. Rodwell’s captors have at least phoned Jalosjos twice to start negotiation for the release of the former Australian soldier. But the Australian embassy in Manila wanted a professional negotiator to hold talks with the kidnappers for Rodwell’s freedom.
Visaya overran the jungle base of Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama in Sumisip town during a recent offensive.


Manila and Canberra rejected the payment of ransom to the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings of foreigners in the troubled South.
==Philippine troops capture 3 members of gang linked to kidnapping of Aussie man==
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120428105921
*Saturday, April 28, 2012
:By  (Mindanao Examiner)


==Police refuse Aussie kidnappers' demand==
*Source: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2012/01/09/Police-refuse-Aussie-kidnappers-demand/UPI-35411326108600/
*Jan. 9, 2012 at 6:30 AM
:by  Al Jacinto


MANILA, Philippines, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Philippines authorities said no ransom will be handed to the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group for the safe return of a kidnapped Australian.
PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 28, 2012) – Government troops captured three gunmen in a clash Saturday with a notorious gang tied to the kidnapping of an Australian national in Zamboanga Sibugay province in the southern Philippines, officials said.


The statement comes after the kidnappers released a video in which the victim, Warren Rodwell, appealed to give the rebel group whatever they ask for to ensure his freedom.
Officials said the troops raided the hideout of Waning Abdulsalam in the town of Naga, but the gang leader who was previously implicated in the kidnapping of Warren Rodwell, 52, escaped.


Rodwell, 53, is an English teacher from Sydney and married a 27-year-old Filipino woman in June. He was taken Dec. 5 from his home in the seaside town of Ipil, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay province, a report in The Manila Times newspaper said.
“We were not able to get Waning, but we captured three of his followers in a clash that lasted over 30 minutes. There is no report about Rodwell,” Army Colonel Gerry Barrientos, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, told SMH.


The kidnappers took Rodwell at gunpoint and are demanding $2 million to set him free.
He said troops recovered weapons from Abdusalsalam’s hideout in the village of Mamagon.


"The Philippine government has a strict no-ransom policy and will not negotiate with terrorists," spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, army Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, said.
Abdulsalam was a former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently negotiating peace with Manila. Aside from Abdusalsalam, authorities also linked another MILF leader Barahama Ali to Rodwell’s kidnapping.


Around 2,000 soldiers are helping search for Rodwell, Cabangbang said.
Rodwell was kidnapped in December last year by 6 gunmen disguised as policemen from his house in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. He was reported by the police and military to have been brought to Basilan province, just several nautical miles from here, and also in Zamboanga Peninsula.


"Our operation is continuing and we will not stop until the hostage is recovered safely," he said.
Authorities have not reported much on the progress of the operation to rescue Rodwell except that the kidnappers have been moving the former Sydney man from one hideout to another to avoid detection by the military.


The video shows Rodwell pleading for his life.
The kidnappers have demanded $2 million ransom for the safe release of Rodwell, who married a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, 27, last year in Ipil town. Both the Philippine and Australian governments rejected any payment of ransoms to the Abu Sayyaf.


"To the government, to the Filipino government especially the government of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel, I'm appealing to you please help me to coordinate with my family to raise to whatever money is being asked," he says in the video.
Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos has imposed a news blackout on the Rodwell kidnapping, although the kidnappers had contacted him several times to negotiate for the safe release of the foreigner.


"To the Australian Embassy here in the Philippines, this is your constituent appealing for his life and safety. Please help facilitate to give the group the demand."
The kidnappers sent photos and a video clip to Rodwell’s wife in December as proof of life, but the woman said they had no money to pay ransom.  


The Australian government has said it will help Philippines authorities search for Rodwell.
In Basilan, Army Colonel Ricardo Visaya, the provincial military commander, said that Rodwell may have been smuggled out by the kidnappers to Zamboanga Peninsula due to their continued operations against the militant group Abu Sayyaf.


Last week the U.S. State Department issued an updated travel warning to U.S. citizens visiting the Philippines. There is a heightened risk of terrorist activity in the country, the warning said.
“We have no information or reports about Rodwell. There last information we have on him was that he was spirited out of Basilan to Zamboanga Peninsula due to the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.


The State Department replaced a June warning about insurgent activity in the Philippines with a warning that said terrorist attacks in parts of the country, including Manila, could be indiscriminate.
Visaya overran the jungle base of Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama in Sumisip town during a recent offensive.


Rodwell's kidnappers are believed to be the same as those who took U.S. citizen Gerfa Lunsmann, her son Kevin Eric and a Filipino nephew in Zamboanga City in July, regional army chief, Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes said.
==Negros Oriental State University gets 83% in electronics engineering exam==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/dumaguete/local-news/2012/04/27/negros-oriental-state-university-gets-83-electronics-engineering-exa
*Friday, April 27, 2012
:By  Victor L. Camion


The kidnappers freed those hostages after the family paid a large ransom.


Zamboanga Sibugay province is on the southeastern shore of Mindanao Island, the country's area with the largest Muslim population. The federal government has been fighting disruptive Mindanao region separatist rebel groups for around 30 years.
THE state run university in Negros Oriental got 83 percent passing rate in the recent engineering licensure examination.


Between 120,000-150,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the struggle.
Five out of six electronics engineering graduates of Negros Oriental State University (Norsu) in Dumaguete City passed the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination.


One of the largest rebel groups, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is involved in peace talks with the government. It said it isn't responsible for Rodwell's kidnapping and would do what it could to help authorities locate him.
Norsu president Dr. Henry Sojor said the passing rate was 83.33 percent of which was above from the national passing rate of 53.55 percent.


The most notorious of the rebel groups is Abu Sayyaf, regarded as a terrorist organization by the United States and the Philippines. It has been accused of masterminding some of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the country, including one of the worst assaults.
Of the 2,687 examinees nationwide, only 1,439 have passed the licensure exam, Information and communication director Joy Perez said.


In February 2010, an Abu Sayyaf group killed at least 11 people, including a 1-year-old child, in an attack on a small village on Basilan Island, just off Mindanao. Up to 17 people were wounded, including four children aged 1 to 11.
Norsu’s successful examinees are Melvin Ascabano Belnas of Sipalay City; Mark Jaed Blaza Bendijo of Dumaguete City; Roderick Militante
Indab of Guihulngan City; May Joy Ravina Leonora of Bocana, Negros Occidental; and Karole Joseph Manvales Torres of Zamboanga, Sibugay.


The government has had some successes in tracking down Abu Sayyaf rebels. In September, government troops killed one of the group's leaders, Imram Asgari, in a clash in a village about 20 miles outside Zamboanga City.
==Lawmaker advises 4Ps beneficiaries to be aware of responsibilities==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1401335411817
*Thursday, April 26, 2012
:By  Jocelyn P. Alvarez


In late December, the 52-year-old deputy mayor of a town near Ipil was killed and his wife wounded when they went to withdraw money from an ATM in a street in Ipil.


The attacker escaped on a motorcycle driven by another person, police said. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- A lawmaker has advised the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to be aware of the responsibilities that come with the benefits they receive.  


==No ransom for captive, no negotiation with Sayyaf==
“Be updated and know your responsibilities,” said Zamboanga Sibugay’s 1st District Congressman Jonathan Cabilao Yambao to the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who were present during the Convergence Caravan held in Alicia, Sibugay recently.  
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/14574-no-ransom-for-captive-no-negotiation-with-sayyaf
*Saturday, January 07, 2012
:by  Al Jacinto


Member of committees on appropriations and poverty reduction, Yambao explained to his constituents where the money for the program came from and how some Pantawid supporters and Department of Social Welfare and Development officials defended the budget which materialized with the inclusion of 20,658 poor households in Sibugay District I for the said program.  
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY: Authorities said they will not negotiate for ransom for the release of kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell being held by the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group in the province of Basilan.
The kidnappers have demanded $2 million for the safe release of the 53-year old former Sydney man who was snatched from his home in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province on December 5.


“The Philippine government has a strict no-ransom policy and will not negotiate with terrorists,” said Army Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command which is helping in the rescue of Rodwell.
He also encouraged the beneficiaries to know more about the program considering the new policies instituted by the implementing agency and take the initiative to help uplift themselves from poverty. Violation of policies such as pawning their cards to credit facilities, accordingly, is one of the many issues discussed in the congress during program reviews.  


Cabangbang said the rescue operation is continuing in Basilan where as many as 2,000 troops were sent to locate Rodwell.
“Kinahanglan mag-double time ta, apan ang program 5-ka tuig lang, ug daghan pa ta buluhatun para mu-uswag atong kinabuhi ” (We have to double our efforts for the program is good for 5 years only and we still have so much to do to improve our lives), said the young congressman, challenging the beneficiaries from the nine municipalities of Alicia, Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, Mabuhay, Malangas, Olutanga, Payao and Talusan.  


“Our operation is continuing and we will not stop until the hostage is recovered safely,” he said.
Report from the Social Welfare and Development Team (SWADT) in Ipil said that a total amount of P228,949,560 had already been disbursed by Landbank to the beneficiaries in District I of Sibugay from 2009 to 2011.  


Regional army chief, Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes said Rodwell is being held by the group of notorious terrorist commander Puruji Indama, who was also blamed for the July 2011 kidnapping of US woman Gerfa Lunsmann and her son Kevin Eric, and a Filipino nephew Romnick Jakaria in Zamboanga City.
With Pantawid, other programs were also implemented in the said District, such as the Kalahi-CIDSS program, which employs a community-driven development scheme where local government units and the barangay people come together in identifying the needs of the community.  


The trio was brought to Basilan and eventually freed later last year after the family paid a huge ransom.
With pooled finances from the municipal and barangay units, DSWD, through the support of World Bank, complements the project with needed funding and technical assistance. However, the members of the barangay adopt a sense of responsibility over the project and look after its maintenance as part of their contribution and embodied upon the memorandum of agreement entered with DSWD. To date, KALAHI had disbursed a total of P18.5 million for sub-projects in Mabuhay and Payao municipalities.  


Rodwell, who married a Filipina Miraflor Gutang, 27, in June last year in Ipil, has appealed to the Philippine and Australian governments for his freedom in a video sent by his captors to the woman’s family.
SEA-K or Self-Employment Assistance for Kaunlaran, the livelihood program of DSWD had also shelled out P2 million for capital assistance to 120 beneficiaries to finance micro-enterprises. The program enables the poor to have access to credit, promote entrepreneurship with the main goal of increasing their income. Since majority of the beneficiaries are from coastal areas, most of them are engaged in dried fish vending, agar-agar farming, and buy and sell of marine products.  


The video, passed on to the media by security sources, was aired on a cable television network in Manila on Wednesday night.
Other agencies such as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment provided services during the activity. The Armed Forces of the Philippines represented by Capt. Abdjuraji of the 18th Infantry Battalion also offered services like shoe repair, manicure, and therapeutic massage. However, majority of the Pantawid beneficiaries availed of the free medical and dental consultations by doctors from the different health office units who also distributed medicines.  


“To my family please do whatever to raise the two million US dollars they are asking for my release as soon as possible. To the government, to the Filipino government especially the government of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel, I’m appealing to you please help me to coordinate with my family to raise to whatever money is being asked.”
Yambao, obviously satisfied with the activity, expressed, “I hope this caravan will not be the last but a first to a series of activities bringing government services closer to the people. (JPA/NZB/CIO-PIA 9, ZBST)


“To the Australian embassy here in the Philippines, this is your constituent appealing for his life and safety. Please help facilitate to give the group the demand. Yes, I was former army of my country but it is differently particularly the terrain. The only solution to ensure my safety is to go with whatever they need. If I’m given my last wish, my last wish is to please help me out of here alive please Madame Ambassador,” the distressed Rodwell said in the video.  
To ensure that the financial subsidy is rationally utilized and be recommended for its continued release, the recipient schools are directed to conduct a yearly mentoring program to other schools within the division/region which intend to implement the same sports program.


The kidnappers also sent four photographs of Rodwell to his wife before Christmas and were also passed on by security officials to the press.  
==DepEd earmarks P8.5M for special sports program==
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/national/28620-deped-earmarks-p85m-for-special-sports-program
*Wednesday, April 25, 2012
:By  Alvin Murcia


One photo showed Rodwell, clad in a faded sweat shirt over a black t-shirt and pair of black short pants, standing in a makeshift vinyl tent and a cuff on his left wrist. His right hand is wounded.


Another picture showed a middle shot of the Australian man—both his hands raised up to his chest. Two other pictures showed him wearing a sling to support his tattooed right arm. Rodwell, who is unshaven bearded and appeared frail, was apparently forced to smile by his captors.
SOME P8.5 million was allocated by the Department of Education as subsidy to 17 regional schools that offer a special program in sports.  


Education Secretary Armin Luistro said each school is to receive P500,000 as training subsidy.


The subsidy will enable the schools to effectively deliver services to student athletes who will stand out in national and international competitions.


“There is cost in developing world-class athletes and the schools are the natural breeding ground of grassroots talents,” added Luistro.


As specified in DepEd Order 28 s. 2012, the additional subsidy which augments the schools’ maintenance and operating expense will go to the training of teachers and administrators on relevant topics in sports.


It is also intended to procure  instructional materials, sports supplies and  athletic uniforms as well as for  student development activities such as training, workshops, participation in DepEd-approved competitions  including travel allowance of students  during trainings and competitions.


It will also finance the participation of teachers in DepEd-sponsored scholarships and professional upgrading including enrolment in master’s degree program in sports.


The 17 schools are Ilocos Norte National High School in Region I, Cagayan National High School in Region 2, Victoria NHS in Region 3, Lopez National Comprehensive HS in Region 4-A, Palawan National School in Region 4-B, Camarines Sur NHS in Region 5, Iloilo NHS in Region 6, Negros Oriental NHS in Region 7, Palo NHS in Region 8, Zamboanga Sibugay NHS in Region 9, Bukidnon NHS in Region 10, Sto. Tomas NHS in Region 11, General Santos City NHS in Region 12, Bayugan National  Comprehensive HS in CARAGA, Datu Paglas NHS in Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao, Tabuk NHS in Cordillera Administrative Region, and Muntinlupa Science HS in the National Capital Region.


To ensure that the financial subsidy is rationally utilized and be recommended for its continued release, the recipient schools are directed to conduct a yearly mentoring program to other schools within the division/region which intend to implement the same sports program.


==Police mum on alleged P1M ransom for Aussie captive==
==Lobregat dares Zambo Sibugay Red Cross to become independent chapter==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/06/12/police-mum-alleged-p1m-ransom-aussie-captive
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/46729-Lobregat-dares-Zambo-Sibugay-Red-Cross-to-become-independent-chapter.html
*01/06/2012 7:02 PM | Updated as of 01/06/2012 7:03 PM
*Tuesday, April 24. 2012
:by  Queenie Casimiro, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga
:By (PNA)
RMA/TPG/ssc


ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Police officials in region 9 have denied any knowledge of any ransom demand for the release of Australian captive Warren Rodwell.


Chief Superintendent Mario Yanga, officer-in-charge of the Police Regional Office-9, said they have no idea where information on the $23,000 demand came from.
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Philippine Red Cross Governor and Mayor Celso Lobregat on Monday has challenged the Zamboanga Sibugay Red Cross sub-chapter to be an independent and separate chapter or unit that is able to meet the needs and challenges of the future.
The Zamboanga Sibugay Red Cross, an attached unit of the Zamboanga del Sur Red Cross Chapter, has persevered through disasters, health challenges and provided lifesaving blood and taught lifesaving skills to people in the area, according to Lobregat.
“However, as the days progress, the challenges and adversities become more daunting and more demanding. The weight of expectations is heavier calling for more efforts to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Red Cross governance for the benefit of the people in the area. This will mean facing the challenges with a sense of collective responsibility and with a sense of urgency,” Lobregat said in his keynote message during the 2nd Biennial Assembly of the Zamboanga Sibugay Red Cross Sub-Chapter under administrator Hilario Miranda Jr., at the Sibugay Hotel in Ipil municipality.
Necessary in attaining an independent status, Lobregat said, was the compliance of numerous requirements that include consistent and aggressive advocacy campaigns for blood donations through bloodletting and fund raising initiatives to support its ongoing and vital mission.
Very imperative also is the collective responsibility and support of the stakeholders--the populace, the local government unit and all the sectors in the area “so that your aspiration to be a self-sufficient, self-supporting chapter will be achieved,” he said.
He also thanked and extolled the Board of Directors, delegates and volunteers of Zamboanga Sibugay province for their aggressive spirit of volunteerism in the service of humanity through the Red Cross movement.
He hoped that the Zamboanga Sibugay Red Cross sub-chapter can realize its goal of being an independent and separate chapter from Zamboanga del Sur when it convenes again for its 3rd Biennial Assembly.
Also present during the assembly were Ipil Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan, Zamboanga Sibugay PRC Board of Directors chair Meliton Pihid, Zamboanga City Red Cross administrator Victor Liozo Jr. and representatives of Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos and Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Congressman Romeo Jalosjos and many others.


Earlier, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Director, Senior Superintendent Ruben Cariaga confirmed that the abductors are asking for P1 million in exchange for Rodwell's freedom.
==PNOC EC plans to invest P20B in new prospects==
*Source: http://business.inquirer.net/55241/pnoc-ec-plans-to-invest-p20b-in-new-prospects
*2:41 am | Monday, April 23rd, 2012
:By  Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer


Aside from 4 pictures of Rodwell in captivity, the kidnappers also sent a memory card containing a video clip of the victim, where he delivered his short message.


In the video, Rodwell asked the Philippine government, especially the local government of Zamboanga Sibugay, to help him.
PNOC Exploration Corp. the oil exploration and coal arm of state run Philippine National Oil Co. is investing a hefty P20 billion between now and 2016 for the “further exploration, exploitation, development and marketing of oil, gas and coal deposits in the Philippines.”
The company’s board of directors had approved this “long range” plan, which also includes the construction of power plants to further boost the country’s electricity supply, said PNOC EC chairman and CEO Gemiliano C. Lopez Jr.
PNOC EC earlier said it had begun looking for potential joint venture partners for the construction of two coal-fired power plants, which will be put up in Isabela and Zamboanga Sibugay, where its coal mines are located.
PNOC EC is also developing three new prospective, high-grade coal mines within Zamboanga Sibugay under Coal Operating Contract No.41. These mines could increase the company’s coal production by some 800,000 metric tons annually. At present, production within COC 41 is around 150,000 MT a year.
The company also submitted several bids to acquire contracts to explore and develop some of the prospective coal mines in the country, under the Philippine Energy Contracting Round 4 for coal.
For its upstream oil business, PNOC EC is looking to drill an exploration well within Service Contract 63 off Palawan, where two big prospects had been identified: the Aboabo discovery and the Kalapato site, which were estimated to hold 222 million barrels and 239 million barrels of oil, respectively.
PNOC EC also recently took over the compressed natural gas (CNG) refilling facility of Shell, as the government moves to boost the use of this alternative fuel for transport via the Natural Gas for Vehicle Program for Public Transport (NGVPPT) of the Department of Energy.
PNOC EC has appropriated P400 million for the project designed to provide compressed natural gas fuel to 1,000 passenger buses to bring down the cost of transportation.
Last year, PNOC EC posted a 22-percent growth in its net income to P3.01 billion from P2.48 billion the previous year. Consequently, the earnings per share rose to P1.51 from P1.23 in 2010.
It also reported a 14-percent hike in gross revenues to P10.4 billion in 2011, from P8.82 billion the year before.


He also called on the Australian embassy to work for his freedom the soonest possible time.


Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO-Wesmin) Director, Chief Superintendent Felicisimo Khu, Jr. said that further investigation showed that the memory card was sent to the captive's wife through a cargo forwarder based in Tagum City.


Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos, meanwhile, said he has learned from the Presidential Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER) that Rodwell's Filipina wife received two calls from the supposed kidnappers. One call was traced to have been made in Basilan and the other in Lanao.


The military in Basilan also confirmed reports that Rodwell has been brought to Basilan and is being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf Group led by Furuji Indama.


==Aussie kidnapped in Zambo Sibugay seeks $2M ransom==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2012/01/05/aussie-kidnapped-zambo-sibugay-seeks-2m-ransom-198930
*Thursday, January 5, 2012
:by  sunstar.com.ph


MANILA (Updated 10:19 a.m.) -- The captors of an Australian man kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay have released a video in which the victim urges Manila and Canberra (Australia) to help raise a $2-million ransom for his release.


The video of 53-year-old Warren Richard Rodwell had been sent to his Filipino wife in late December.


The Sydney Morning Herald posted the video online Thursday.


Military and police authorities said last month that the Australian national is already in the province of Basilan.


The whereabouts of Rodwell was established through “intelligence fusion” of the military and police in the region, 104th Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Ricardo Visaya earlier said.


Rodwell, a former university teacher in Shanghai, was taken at gunpoint by about six men on December 5 from his house in Greenmeadow Subdivision, Lower Pangi village, Ipil town.
==IP support group on tension at Balabag mines: “cease provocations and de-escalate the situation”==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/04/22/ip-support-group-on-tension-at-balabag-mines-%E2%80%9Ccease-provocations-and-de-escalate-the-situation%E2%80%9D/
*Sunday| April 22, 2012
:By Carolyn O. Arguillas


It was the latest abduction of a foreigner in the country's volatile south where several kidnappings for ransom have been blamed on the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.


Rodwell married last June 2011 a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, who is a native of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. His family settled last October in Ipil after they bought a house and lot at Greenmeadow Subdivision. (AP/Sunnex)
BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur (MindaNews/21 April) –  A support group for indigenous peoples (IPs) is calling for support to “multi-stakeholder action and calls to cease provocations and de-escalate the situation” at the gold-rich Balabag Hill in Barangay Depore, following a spate of incidents that included removal of barricades and firing at truck tires on April 14 and the killing of the barangay captain and secretary on April 16. (see separate story)
The Partnership Forum for Indigenous Peoples Peacebuilding in Mindanao, which describes itself as a “non-partisan affiliation to promote positive and culturally appropriate efforts at conflict transformation related to resource-based conflicts in tribal communities,” aired its call in a statement Wednesday amid the ongoing standoff between a large-scale mining firm, TVI Resources Development (Phils)., Inc., an affiliate of the publicly listed Canadian mining firm, TVI Pacific which has a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) over 4,779 hectares and the Monte de Oro Small-Scale Mining Association (Mossma), over mining rights over an area ranging from 20 to 80 hectares within the TVI’s MPSA but which Mossma claims it has prior rights to.
The Forum, whose member-organizations include the Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (EcoWEB),  Mindanawon Initiatives for Cultural Dialogue – Ateneo de Davao University  and Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao,  said it is particularly concerned about the “impact of this sustained and ongoing violence on the lives of those struggling to make a living, especially the Subanen Indigenous Peoples of the area who also have a pending Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title application for the area.”
It called on partners to join them in engaging the situation in three ways: “de-escalation, documentation and dialogue.”
Under De-escalation, the Forum is calling on support for “multi-stakeholder action and calls to cease provocations and de-escalate the situation” and that the needs and leadership of local indigenous peoples leaders must be heard and respected.
It urged an  interdepartmental-civil society organization  trauma response team to  provide an “ongoing presence to ease tensions, conduct trauma impact and resiliency assessment and support IP-initiated healing and reconciliation efforts” and to immediately demobilize  “617 private/irregular security forces in Bayog.”
The statement said the presence of these “armed agents” was reported by local partners in March 2012.  It added that the number does not include the 129 military and police personnel assigned to the area.
Under Documentation, the group urged the Commission on Human Rights “at the national level” to “immediately investigate and respond to the situation and send personnel to the area” and for this to be “coordinated with a high-level, multi-sectoral, international fact finding mission.”
It also urged the documentation and promotion of “indigenous conflict transformation practices in order to achieve in-depth understanding of the IP community and enhance IP leadership for community restoration.”
Under Dialogue, the group supports the formation of  a local inter-group community crisis response team representing Tribal Councils, NGOs, Church and religious groups, civic organizations, government agencies such as social welfare, IPs, environment and peace and order, and other organizations and to form a wider “coordinating group to support the local inter-group crisis response team and coordinate with national and international parties to create a space for dialogue.”
In a statement e-mailed to MindaNews on Friday, Ron Jabal, Public Affairs Director of TVI said that while they assert their rights as holder of an MPSA, TVI “has always used peaceful means to negotiate with illegal small scale miners in Balabag, Bayog Zamboanga del Sur, hence we support the planned de-escalation, documentation and dialogue.”
“We will never resort to violence and always respect human rights of everybody. We call on the illegal small-scale miners to do the same,” Jabal said.
Edgar Baling, Mossma technical consultant and spokesperson in an e-mail on Friday, said they will abide by the call of civil society “but they should put more emphasis to TVI who started the unscrupulous, irresponsible and irrational aggression done to Mossma people and the irreparable damages they have done to the people who are just peacefully doing gainful pursuit to make both ends meet in these difficult times.”
On Friday, April 13, Mossma members attempted to remove the barricade at the Inter-Agency checkpoint at the junction in Sitio Balabag, Barangay Depore, to allow trucks bearing diesel fuel into the minesite.
TVIRD banned the entry of diesel fuel that Mossma members use to run their rod fuels and cyanidation plants since April 5. Dennis Baguio of  TVI’s Public Affairs said this was implemented since last week of March.
On Saturday, Mossma members succeeded in their attempt and managed to allow three trucks bearing diesel fuel into the minesite, prompting TVI’s security forces to fire at the trucks’ tires.


==Suspected Islamist militants in Mindanao send photos of kidnapped Australian==
The Municipal Peace and Order Council in a meeting Friday passed a resolution urging the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board to immediately resolve the conflict over the contested area currently being mined by Mossma members that is within the MPSA of TVI.
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/243503/news/regions/suspected-islamist-militants-in-mindanao-send-photos-of-kidnapped-australian?ref=latest
In its last meeting on February 17, the PMRB gave the contending parties and itself 90 days or until May 17, within which to present their position papers for the board to study.
*January 4, 2012 7:35pm
Following Saturday’s tire-shooting incident, Mayor Leonardo Babasa convened the town’s Crisis Management Committee on Sunday. He said the committee passed a resolution urging TVI to maintain the status quo – apparently referring to the period when diesel fuel was still allowed to enter the minesite – and for Mossma members to exercise sobriety.
:by   gmanetwork.com
On Monday, April 16, the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau  (MGB) released a cease  and desist order it issued on April 13 against all forms of illegal mining in Western Mindanao, including the operations in Balabag.
Late Monday afternoon, the barangay captain of Depore, Francisco Arado, barangay kagawad (councilor) Ernesto Mancao and barangay secretary Edith Navarro were with five other residents sitting on the benches in front of a store in the village when two men on board a motorcycle slowed down and fired at them. Arado and Navarro were killed while Mancao was wounded.
On Friday, April 20,  some 150 persons waited outside the TVI office in downtown Bayog, apparently gathered by the company from upland villages to counter a planned rally of the Patriotiko Mindanao (Patriotic Coalition Against US Intervention).
Patriotiko Mindanao in a statement on the People’s Caravan and Lakbayan against US Militarism and Plunder distributed in Pagadian on April 17 listed a “picket rally” at TVI in Bayog on April 20 as one of its activities on its return from Zamboanga City.
Bayog is an interior town 18 kilometers from the national highway in Buug, Zamboanga del Sur.
Streamers made of sack were posted on the concrete fence of TVI’s Bayog office: “Sa TVI dunay paglaum” (in TVI there is hope), “TVI 4ever,” “Sa TVI kami” (we’re for TVI)  and “TVI pro-envi.”
Sack streamers were also seen carried by some participants to be unfurled apparently when the Patriotiko Mindanao participants arrive. A number said “gipa-anhi lang man mi diri” (we were told to come here” and “igo lang gipababa dinhi” (we were brought down here).
Romy Albarico of  Barangay Datagan said they were there brought down “para maminaw sa rally” (to listen to the rally).  TVI personnel distributed lunch in plastic bags.
Retired Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Cayton,  TVI chief of security said the “peaceful rally” outside their gates had been scheduled ahead of the Patriotiko rally.
Patriotiko Mindanao did not arrive in Bayog. The group reportedly picketed the TVI office in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
TVI first operated a gold and silver mining project in Sitio Canatuan, Barangay Tabayo, Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte,  an operation that triggered mass protests and complaints of alleged human rights violations, including alleged encroachment on the IP’s ancestral domain.
According to its website, TVI started decommissioning its gold and silver project in April 2008 and began construction activities for its copper and zinc production and support facilities, including a warehouse in Sta. Port, Siocon in June 2008.
Beyond Canatuan, the company prepared for the “second development-stage property and planned production center at the Balabag Gold and Silver Project in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.”   (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)


Gunmen from a suspected Islamist militant group holding an Australian hostage Mindanao have sent photographs of the man to his family and demanded an unspecified ransom, the Philippine military said on Wednesday.
Warren Richard Rodwell, a retired Australian soldier, has been missing since he was taken at gunpoint from his house in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Ipil town a month ago.
The photographs were the first proof that he was still alive, Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes said. Police found bloodstains at the scene when he was taken, pointing to a struggle.
Coballes, commander of the Zamboanga region, said it was believed Abu Sayyaf, an al Qaeda-linked Islamist militant group, was holding Rodwell.
"Recently, the kidnappers sent pictures, proof of life, for the Australian," Coballes told reporters in Manila. He said the pictures had been sent to Rodwell's Filipina wife through a courier service three days before Christmas.
The pictures, on a computer memory card, showed Rodwell with a wound on his right hand, Coballes said. Security officials refused to release copies of the pictures.
"Our information was correct that he was wounded in the hand when he tried to resist his captors," Coballes said.
Officials also did not say how much the group had demanded for Rodwell's release. "I cannot recall the amount, but it was in millions of pesos," he said.
Coballes said Australian authorities were also working to secure his release.
Kidnapping for ransom is common in the southern islands, where Islamist militants, rebels and bandits operate. The United States, Australia and other Western nations have issued travel bans for such areas. — Reuters




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==Animal lovers call for issuance of travel docs to Kabang’s owners==
*Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/34191/animal-lovers-call-for-issuance-of-travel-docs-to-kabang%E2%80%99s-owners
*3:25 pm | Saturday, April 21st, 2012
:By  Julie S. Alipala
Inquirer Mindanao


==MILF rebels offer help to rescue kidnapped Aussie man in Philippines==
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120102210838
*Tuesday, January 03, 2012 10:08:38 AM
:by  mindanaoexaminer
COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 3, 2012) – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front has offered to help in rescuing kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell who is being held by the Abu Sayyaf, a small, but the most notorious terror group in the country.
Rodwell, 53, was kidnapped by a local gang in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay and handed over to the Abu Sayyaf in the Muslim province of Basilan, just several nautical miles south of here.
“We have directed the MILF ad hoc joint action group to coordinate with the government counterpart so we can help in the safe recovery of Rodwell,” Mohagher Iqbal, the Front’s deputy chairman and head of the panel negotiating peace with Manila, told the Mindanao Examiner.
Manila and the MILF forged an agreement in 2004 that paved the way for rebel forces through the ad-hoc joint action group to help government hunt down terrorists and criminal elements in areas where the rebel group is actively operating.
Authorities said the former Australian soldier is being held by Puruji Indama, a notorious terrorist commander blamed for a spate of bombings, kidnappings and beheadings. Some of his victims were killed after their families failed to pay ransoms.
Rodwell, a prolific world traveler and English teacher in China, married Filipina Miraflor Gutang, 27, in June this year in Ipil town after they met through the internet.
Police said the kidnappers have demanded an initial P1 million (about $22,600) ransom. It said the kidnappers sent four pictures of Rodwell to his wife as "proof of life."
Gutang appealed to the kidnappers to free Rodwell, saying he is not rich and ill, but she did not elaborate on his condition.
The MILF has in the past repeatedly ordered its 12,000-strong mujahidin to fight kidnapping-for-ransom activities in Mindanao. It previously helped in rescuing many Filipino and foreign kidnapped victims in the restive region and provided the Philippine government with a list of names of suspected Jemaah Islamiya militants hiding in Mindanao.
Iqbal said the MILF is ready and willing to help in the rescue efforts in Basilan, a known rebel stronghold in Mindanao, but Manila and Canberra have not contacted the rebel group or sought assistance to recover Rodwell from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.
“There is a mechanism to all these through the ad-hoc joint action group, but the Philippine government and even the Australian embassy have made no efforts to contact us and work together with Philippine authorities to get back Warren Rodwell,” he said.
But police and military have linked some of its rogue commanders and members to the spate of kidnappings in the South. And authorities also implicated a senior rebel leader Barahama Ali in the kidnapping of Rodwell, an accusation strongly denied by the MILF.
Police and military have blamed Indama for kidnapping US woman Gerfa Lunsmann, her son Kevin and a Filipino relative in July in Zamboanga City. The three were released separately after the woman's husband, Heiko Lunsmann, paid a huge ransom to Abu Sayyaf, which has links with the al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya terrorist organizations.
Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos, who worked for years as chef in Australia, has imposed a news blackout on the kidnapping at the request of the Australian embassy which earlier formed a consular task force to deal with the Rodwell case.
The Abu Sayyaf has contacted Jalosjos twice and asked him to negotiate Rodwell’s safe release, but the Australian embassy wanted a professional police negotiator to handle talks for his freedom. The Australian Federal Police is also closely monitoring the progress of Rodwell’s negotiations.
A massive search was launched by Philippine authorities in Basilan to rescue Rodwell.
The group is still holding an Indian, two Malaysians and a Japanese man in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
==PNOC-Exploration plans power plants==
*Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2012/january/2/business7.isx&d=2012/january/2
*Monday,  January 2, 2012
:by  Alena Mae S. Flores
State-owned PNOC-Exploration Corp. will pursue the construction of two 100-megawatt coal-fired power plants this year costing an estimated $400 million, a company official said over the weekend.
Joseph Omar Castillo, PNOC Exploration vice president, told reporters the company would select a joint venture partner for the mine-mouth power plants in Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabela provinces next year.
Castillo said the company would conduct a competitive bidding process and select the partner under the 2008 guidelines of the National Economic and Development Authority.
“The power plants are at 100 MW each. It will be coal-fired from PNOC Exploration’s coal mines, the first in the country. It will reduce logistics cost of transporting coal. Isabela and Zamboanga Sibugay are underserved provinces and the plants will hopefully boost business climate and generate needed employment,” the official said.
PNOC Exploration chairman Gemiliano Lopez earlier said the company was pursuing coal and oil and gas projects and “play a decisive role in our country’s quest for energy independence and sustainability.”
“PNOC Exploration is keen to provide material support for the power plants in the province of Isabela and Zamboanga Sibugay. These power plants will improve the electricity generation in these underserved provinces,” Lopez said.
Castillo, meanwhile, PNOC Exploration would also focus next year on drilling service contract 63 (East Sabina) in partnership with Nido Petroluem Ltd. of Australia. The drilling is estimated to cost around P900 million.
“On SC 63, in partnership with Nido, we are choosing a drill prospect in the area, target time for drill is third quarter,” he said.
Castillo said the company expects first coal production from the Lumbog coal mine this year. The Lumbog area in Zamboanga Sibugay has an estimated mineable coal reserve of at least 1.4 million metric tons.
Engineering and development plans for the Lumbog area were completed in 2010 and development started last March.
Castillo said PNOC Exploration would also start the construction of compressed natural gas stations next year.
PNOC Exploration will initially construct a CNG station at the Philippine Port Authority in Batangas and refurbish the existing Shell daughter station in Mamplasan, Laguna at a cost of P100 million.
The CNG stations project aims to support deployment of 200 CNG-fed buses in Metro Manila as part of the government’s alternative fuels program.
==Earthquake jolts Zamboanga==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2011/12/30/earthquake-jolts-zamboanga-198141
*Friday, December 30, 2011
:by  Bong Garcia
AN EARTHQUAKE of tectonic origin jolted several parts of Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Regional Monitoring chief Allan Labayog said Friday.
Labayog said the earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.6 at the Richter scale with epicenter at 08.03 degrees north, 122.68 degrees east with a depth of two kilometers north and 57 degrees east of Tampilisan municipality, Zamboanga del Norte.
Plan your Sinulog week ahead and find out what's in store for Sinulog 2012.
Labayog said Intensity 3 (“weak”) was registered in Ipil, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay province, and Intensity 2 (“slightly felt”) in Dipolog, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte, and in Zamboanga City.
Intensity 1 (“scarcely perceptible”) was recorded in the towns of Labason, Manukan, Polangco, and Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte province, Labayog said.
No property damage was reported as well as there are no expected aftershocks, he said. (Bong Garcia)
==Jail protest turns bloody in Dipolog City==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=763119
* December 29, 2011 11:17 AM
:by  Mindanao Examiner
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines – One inmate was killed and two others were taken hostage by a group of prisoners on Wednesday at a jail facility in Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte, police said.
Police and jail officials did not say what the prisoners were protesting about, but other reports said they were complaining about the poor conditions in the crowded jail.
It was not immediately known why they killed the prisoner who was identified as Danilo Adanza or whether he was a member of a gang at war with the protesters.
The prisoners also took two others hostage. Police said the prisoners were also demanding to speak to media and provincial governor Rolando Yebes.
==Prime Movers’ Forum held in Zambo Norte, Sibugay==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=69947
*Wednesday, December 28, 2011
:by  PIA Press Release
PAGADIAN CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- Two Information Officers’ Fora were recently conducted by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (DA-RAFID) in the provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula, first in Zamboanga del Norte and second in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Dubbed as the “Prime Movers’ Forum: Advocating and Mobilizing Information Officers Towards Food Sufficiency, the activity aimed to update participants with the Agri-Pinoy Programs on Rice, Corn, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Livestock and Special Projects; discuss the roles of information officers; Discuss various communication approaches, challenges, and harmonization of efforts in promoting agricultural plans, programs and projects; Enhance advocates’ knowledge on social mobilization process which starts with advocacy along with IEC; Refresh advocates’ knowledge in formulating operational plans; and Organize a network of agricultural information officers who are passionate in the pursuit of food sufficiency.
To speed-up the dissemination of DA’s programs, a networking of provincial and municipal information officers is needed to ensure that agricultural plans, programs and projects of the national government harmonize with their efforts in agricultural information.
Capability building followed after establishing a network with the LGUs. Topics discussed were: Updates on Advocacy and IEC Process and Strategies; The Role of Information Officers, Issues & Concerns and Networking; Social Mobilization and Communication Convergence; Production and Design of Advocacy and IEC Materials and Planning and Designing of Advocacy and IEC Campaigns.
These were shared by Noel T. Provido, a multi-awarded writer and chief of the Information, Advocacy, Communications and Education (InfoACE) Unit under the Program Support Office (PSO) of the DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program,(DA-MRDP), Sherwin B. Manual, Information and Advocacy Specialist, also from DA-MRDP and Maria Melba B. Wee, Chief of DA-RAFID.
DA region 9 Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy said “We assure our support to the local government units and I am encouraging a harmonious teamwork between the DA regional office and the LGUs.”
Dr. Aida P. Carino, Regional Technical Director for Planning, Policy and Research is hopeful that the pool of Information Officers regionwide would motivate the farmers and fisherfolks to be proud of their career as the nation’s provider of food. She said, “We should look at agriculture as an enterprise and that there is money in agriculture, thus the farmers/fisherfolk can stand tall and proudly say, I am a farmer.”
She added “first, we have to develop and sustain agriculture before we shift to industrialization. Our strength is in agriculture. The farmers/fisherfolk can be profitable businessmen and you are the best group to disseminate this message.”
Meanwhile,the Prime Movers’ Forum for Zambonga del Sur participants is scheduled on the last week of January next year at Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City. (ytavellaneda/DA9/PIA9/alt)
==DSWD conducts Rapid Assessment in armed conflict areas in Payao==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=69547
*Sunday, December 25, 2011
:by  PIA Press Release
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 25 (PIA) -- After a recent encounter between the government and opposing forces in the municipality of Payao in Zamboanga Sibugay, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) went to conduct a Rapid Assessment on affected barangays.
These barangays are Labatan, San Roque, Dalama, Minundas and Mayabo.
The assessment aims to provide the victims of the armed conflict short term support through the distribution of relief goods and long term intervention through the livelihood projects of the department.
Team head, DSWD Regional Dir. Teodulo Romo, led the team in coming up with a work plan to conduct the assessment. Interventions on agricultural/fisheries, psychological and economic aspects were some of the essential matters discussed during the planning stage.
On the day of the rapid assessment, a dialogue between the victims and the assessment team took place. Issues on security and long term assistance were raised by the affected residents of the area. Concerns on health conditions were also brought up as children were already getting sick because of evacuation to far areas. In turn, the health officers committed to conduct a medical mission to address this.
The residents also expressed their fear that the incident might happen again in the future, and in response, the PNP committed to provide a police outpost on some of the critical areas in Payao. Evacuees were also brought back to their homes.
The Rapid Assessment was also done in partnership with the Local Government Unit, the Department of Health and the Office of Civil Defense. (JPA/DIS/DSWD9/PIA-ZBST)
==Rebels torch construction trucks in Zamboanga==
*Source: http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20111223093718
*Friday, December 23, 2011 10:37:18 PM
:by  philstar.com
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 23, 2011) – Suspected communist rebels torched construction trucks owned by a private company working on an infrastructure site in Zamboanga del Sur province in the southern Philippines, police and military said Friday.
Authorities blamed the attack on the New People’s Army which is fighting for a separate Maoist state in the country. It said the attack occurred late Thursday in Josefina town.
There were no reports of casualties and police said extortion could be the motive for the attack.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the raid, but the NPA is actively operating in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
==Vice mayor of Zamboanga Sibugay town shot dead==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=760733
*December 21, 2011 11:24 AM
:by  philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines – Unidentified gunman shot to death a vice mayor of a Zamboanga Sibugay town this morning, a radio report said.
The victim was identified as Carlito Bayawa, vice mayor of Siay town, sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.
He was attack while he was on his way to an ATM machine in the province's capital town of Ipil.
The victim's wife, Susan, was also hurt during the incident and is currently recuperating in the local hospital in Ipil town.
Police operatives are still conducting hot pursuit operation against the suspect who flee on board a motorcycle.
==Seized Australian lands in Abu Sayyaf hands==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/13568-seized-australian-lands-in-abu-sayyaf-hands
*Tuesday, December 20, 2011
:by  AL JACINTO CORRESPONDENT
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Authorities said a kidnapped Australian is now being held by a notorious Abu Sayyaf group blamed for terrorism in Mindanao.
Warren Rodwell, 53, was kidnapped from his home on December 5 in the town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province, about 120 kms east of here.
“We have confirmation that Warren Rodwell is being held by the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama in Basilan province. We have stepped up efforts to locate Rodwell and his captors,” Army Colonel Ricardo Visaya, commander of the 104th Infantry Brigade, said.
The military said that Rodwell was kidnapped by a local gang with links to the Abu Sayyaf in the Muslim province of Basilan. Police also linked Barahama Ali, a commander of the larger rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently negotiating peace with Manila, to the kidnapping.
Visaya said they still do not know whether the two rebel groups had merged or if Rodwell was “sold” or handed over to the Abu Sayyaf. “We still don’t know whether the groups of Ali and Indama have merged or not, but Rodwell is now in the hands of Indama,” he said.
Rodwell - a former soldier in the Australian army and a prolific world traveler – married a Filipina Miraflor Gutang, 27, in June in Ipil town weeks after the two met through the Internet.
Gutang has appealed to the kidnappers to free her husband, saying he is not rich and ill, but she did not elaborate on his condition.
Authorities have tagged Indama as behind the kidnapping of a US woman Gerfa Lunsmann and her son Kevin Eric, and a Filipino relative in July in Zamboanga City. The trio was released separately after the woman’s husband Heiko Lunsmann paid a huge ransom to the Abu Sayyaf.
Indama was also blamed to numerous kidnappings in Basilan and Zamboanga City in recent years. Some of his victims were killed after their families failed to pay ransoms.
His group was also tagged as behind the beheadings of civilians and government soldiers in clashes in Basilan, just several nautical miles south of Zamboanga City.
The Abu Sayyaf, tied by the police and military to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, has kidnapped over a dozen people in the past years in the southern Philippines and is still holding an Indian, two Malaysians and a Japanese man.
==Australian’s kidnappers posed as policemen – witnesses==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/13424-australians-kidnappers-posed-as-policemen--witnesses
*Sunday, December 18, 2011
:by  AL JACINTO
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY: A Filipino farming couple said they have witnessed how gunmen dragged an Australian man they kidnapped in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay.
Joel Bulay, 44, and his wife, Rosanna, 41, said they witnessed how Warren Rodwell, 56, was being dragged away by gunmen who introduced themselves as policemen.
“We saw the man they call Warren Rodwell as he was being dragged away at gunpoint by four men. One of the men who was armed with an M16 rifle told us not to be afraid because they are policemen as they hurriedly dragged the white man and they disappeared in the dark over there in the bushes that lead to the river and the open sea,” said Joel as he points to the horizon outside the family’s grass hut in the village of Pangi where the kidnappers had escaped.
“I was really scared, so scared that I was trembling in fear and could do nothing because we fear for our safety. One of my girls, who is five years old, suspected it was kidnapping and I told her to keep quiet because we are scared the gunmen will take us and use our family as shield in their escape,” he said.
The farmer said he saw Rodwell in handcuffs as two of the gunmen were holding the foreigner tightly in both his arms and another man, armed with pistol, pushed him to walk faster as the fourth kidnapper pulled him by his cuffs.
Rosanna said they heard one gunshot in Rodwell’s house and then saw the gunmen dragging the foreigner to the bushes. “He could hardly walk as if he was in pain, but we did not hear anything from Rodwell as they passed by our house. He did not say anything and we are not sure if Rodwell saw us,” she said, adding the kidnapping coincided with a mysterious blackout in the subdivision.
“It was really mysterious. The kidnappers struck just as the lights went off and only in our subdivision and electricity came back an hour later,” the woman said.
Security officials said Rodwell might have been shot and wounded by the kidnappers during a struggle.
Government troops continue their search for Rodwell on Thursday, but there have been no reports about the former Australian army soldier. Rodwell married a 27-year old Filipina woman - Mariflor Gutang – in June this year after a short “Internet” love affair and moved to Ipil town where he bought a house which is heavily barbed and corralled.


Rodwell’s neighbors described him as a strict man, others said he is arrogant and would often drive away people staring or passing near his house. “He is really strict and perceived as arrogant. He would drive people away and he does not want neighbors near his house. He does not speak to us or mingles with his neighbors,” Joel said.


But Merly Suan, 18, described Rodwell as a silent man who goes by his everyday life alone. “He sometimes smiles at me if I see him in his motorbike. I think he is a good man and we pity him. We pray for his safety,” she said.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Animal welfare groups and individuals touched by the dog Kabang’s act of saving two girl’s from harm in December are moving heaven and earth to help at least one of her masters accompany the pet to the United States for reconstructive surgery to restore the dog’s lost upper jaw.
The problem is that neither Rudy Bunggal nor his wife, Christina, has documents needed to obtain a passport or other travel documents.
Dr. Anton Lim of the Tzu Chi Foundation here said they were trying their best to help the couple.
The main problem so far, Lim said, is that none of the Bunggals has a birth certificate.
Lim said it was important for Kabang to have either Rudy or his wife during the surgery in California as it would hasten the dog’s recovery.
Kabang is so attached to her masters that one of them, at the least, should be with her, he said.
But it seems bureaucratic red tape was getting in the way.
Lim said Rudy had gone to the National Statistics Office here for a copy of his birth certificate but there was none, so he was  advised to “go back to the place where he was officially registered by his parents.”
Lim said the NSO also asked Rudy to produce the marriage certificate of his parents or birth certificate of any of them. But his parents never married,  and he was unsure where his parents were born, he said.
The Bunggals originally came from Bogo in Cebu but migrated to Payao in Zamboanga Sibugay when Rudy was 9 years old.
Rudy told the Inquirer that his father had died and he heard that his mother was  in a home for the elderly.
“My mother is also a ‘kolorum’ (no birth documents),” he said.
Ramona Consunji of the Animal Welfare Coalition said they were appealing to the NSO to give special  consideration to Rudy’s case.
“It’s very important for Nong Rudy to be with Kabang before, during and after surgery, I can see their connection. Kabang strongly responds to him,” Lim said.
Consunji said they were hoping that the assistance offered by Vice President Jejomar Binay could fast-track the issuance of a birth certificate to either Rudy or Christina.


Rodwell’s wife left him after a fight last month and now lives with her parents in their ancestral home in the town of Naga also in Zamboanga Sibugay province. She has appealed to the kidnappers to free Rodwell, saying he is not rich and is ill.
==Zamboanga Sibugay chairman slain in Pasig==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=65&articleId=798750
* April 20, 2012 12:00 AM
:By  Non Alquitran




MANILA, Philippines - A barangay chairman from Zamboanga Sibugay, attending a disaster seminar in Metro Manila, was gunned down in Pasig City yesterday.


Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel said the killing of Adjed Yusof, chairman of Barangay Mamagin, could have something to do with his job.


“He was assassinated. The gunman could have followed him here and carried out his plan,” said Laurel as he ordered Superintendent Alfredo Calama-an, officer-in-charge of the Pasig City police, to coordinate with airport authorities for the possible identification of Yusof’s killer.


Yusof sustained a lone gunshot wound in the head, the bullet exiting at the back. Nobody witnessed the shooting, prompting Laurel to theorize that a “sniper” shot him.


Yusof and his fellow members of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Zamboanga Sibugay arrived in Metro Manila recently to attend the disaster seminar sponsored by Barangay San Antonio.


He was about to step into a bus waiting for them along Escriva at about 4:20 p.m. when he suddenly fell to the ground, bleeding. He died on the spot.


Barangay official Dr. Melvin Villaruz said their seminar started at 2 p.m. yesterday and ended two hours later.


==Aussie's captors contacted gov, says security official==
Yusof and his companions were on their way to a hotel to Manila, where they were billeted for several days.
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=758802
*December 16, 2011 12:00 AM
:by Roel Pareño


Chairman Reynaldo Dones, of Barangay Sta. Clara in Naga, Camarines Sur said he and Yusof were about to board a rented bus with license plate PXY-237 when the sound of gunfire rang out. Dones said he was checking himself for gunshot wounds when Yusof fell down.


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The kidnappers of an Australian national have reportedly contacted Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Rommel Jalosjos to open possible negotiations for the victim’s release, a security official said yesterday.
Dones said he did not notice any gunman.
The source, who asked not to be named due to a “news blackout” on the kidnapping, said the captors of Warren Richard Rodwell did not demand anything yet, except saying that they wanted to negotiate directly with Jalosjos.
The source could not immediately say when the kidnappers contacted the governor, adding though that they “apparently contacted twice.”
Authorities could not confirm the reported contact, but expressed surprise how the kidnappers managed to get the cell phone number of the governor.
Jalosjos, who imposed the news blackout, refused to answer calls or queries on the supposed contact by the kidnappers.
Chief Superintendent Elpedio de Asis, Region 9 police director, declined to confirm or deny the information, saying only the local crisis management committee is authorized to make any statement on the case.
Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation in Western Mindanao, and Ipil Mayor Aldwin Alibutdan, head of the crisis management committee, also declined to answer calls.
But a security source said the cell phone number used by the kidnappers in calling Jalosjos is now being tracked down.
Authorities suspect the kidnappers may have brought 56-year-old Rodwell to Basilan, a known turf of Abu Sayyaf militants who have been involved in several ransom kidnappings.
Rodwell was seized from his home in Barangay Upper Pangi, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay last Dec. 5.


==NPAs assault military post, 2 wounded==
==CMK’s Fashion Pandemonium 2012==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/13219-npas-assault-military-post-2-wounded
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/entertainment/mila-at-large/9591-cmks-fashion-pandemonium-2012.html
*Thursday, December 15, 2011
*Thursday, 19 April 2012 12:59
:by Al Jacinto, Correspondent
:By zamboangatoday.ph




CMK’s Fashion Pandemonium in line with CMK’s Creations 2nd Year Anniversary became a big success where the show tested the creativity and craftsmanship of the designers coming from the region last April 13 at Astoria Regency.


ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY: Communist rebels attacked a Davao City military detachment wounding two village women, officials said Wednesday.
During the show, glamorous designs came out from the designers where they competed in different themes such as Enchanted Forest Gown, Pink Planet Cocktails, Country Corsets, Rock Chic Lingerie, and Modern Filipiniana.
Officials said the attack occurred at around 6.40 p.m. in the village of Malabog in Paquibato district.  


The woman, wife of a government militia, was in the house about 100 meters from the detachment when New People’s Army rebels sprayed the post with automatic gunfire.
The event will also be for the benefit the Department of Social Welfare to include the Orphanage and the Home for the Elderly.


Another woman, who belongs to the Ata Manobo tribe, was also wounded in the attack.  
The event will be participated by designers coming from Zamboanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte which is composed of Dapitan and Dipolog.


“The woman was injured when rebels harassed the Golden Shower detachment in the village. Estila Resaba, a mother of eight (children), the wife of government militia Jerry Resaba, was inside their house, about 100 meters from the outpost, when rebels opened fire,” said Army Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Paniza, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division.  
For Zamboanga City, two amateur designers will join the competition and known Zamboangueño designers Altum Tiabot and Joy Verar.


He said more troops would be sent to Paquibato to protect the civilians from rebel attacks. “With what happened, there is an urgent need for our troops in the areas of Paquibato. We will also intensify our forces to secure the safety of civilians in every community,” he said.
The five judges for the show are Antonio L. Chua, Edwin F. Uy, David A. Ocampo, and Chery S. Veric all are celebrity fashion designers and Jeffrey B. Somera Jr., Celebrity Fashion Stylist.


==Kidnappers slip through military dragnet==
The criteria for judging are creativity 30%, personal display 5%, trendy 10%, use of color 5%, wearability 15%, workmanship 25%, and impact 10%.
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/13160-kidnappers-slip-through-military-dragnet
*Wednesday, December 14, 2011
:by  Al Jacinto, Correspondent


The winners were Reynante G. Tan - Best in Evening Gown (Enchanted Forest Inspired), Paul Anthony Espinosa - Best in Cocktail Design (Pink Planet), Paul Anthony Espinosa - Best in Lingerie Design (Rock Chic Inspired) and Best in Modern Filipiniana Creation and Best in Corset Creations (Country/Western Inspired) Reynante G. Tan. The winners received P10,000 cash and a trophy.         


Zamboangueño talents also gave superb performance led by Philippine Idol Top 8 Armarie Cruz, Armando Cruz Jr., Khaezel Galvez, Victoria Anne Guingona and Cheska Mas of KM6 band. The performers sang together with the KM6 band. The Jambangan Dancers together with the CMK dancers also danced during the show.


ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY: Gunmen who kidnapped an Australian soldier-turned-teacher may have escaped a massive military and police dragnet in the small seaside town of Ipil here.  
The show was organized by CMK Creations together with the following sponsors Grand Astoria Hotel, Yes Hair cutter, Panasonic, Picar Development Inc., Yanna’s Kikay Corner, Universal Canning Inc., Alavar, Unilever, Vista de Lente, Treborz audio visual, and many more.
Authorities have deployed hundreds of soldiers and policemen to search for the 53-year old Warren Rodwell of Sydney, following a daring kidnapping that had embarrassed security officials and triggered a new wave of travel warnings from Australia and the United Kingdom. Both countries are staunch allies of the Philippines in its fight against homegrown terrorism.


The Western Mindanao Command, which has control over half of the military forces in the volatile south, said Rodwell was kidnapped by a local gang with links to the small, but the most notorious terror group called the Abu Sayyaf – blamed for the spate of bombings and kidnappings of foreigners and wealthy Filipino traders in the past two decades.
==Zamboanga Peninsula population up by half-million==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/04/18/zamboanga-peninsula-population-half-million-216942
*Wednesday, April 18, 2012
:By  (Bong Garcia)


“There is a possibility that the kidnappers are no longer in Ipil. It’s been a week now since the kidnapping and we don’t know where they are right now, but the operation is still going on to track down the kidnappers and their captive Warren Rodwell,” Mayor Edwin Alibutdan said in an interview.


Alibutdan, who heads the local crisis management committee handling the kidnapping case, said no individual or group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. “There is no specific group that claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. There is no contact with the kidnappers and Rodwell’s family has not received any demand for ransom,” he said.
THE National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) announced that the population of Zamboanga Peninsula has reached 3,407,353 as of May 1, 2010, marking an increase of 575,941 within a period of 10 years.


He said he would convene a joint police and military peace and order council to tackle the progress of the government’s rescue efforts and to determine whether the kidnappers and their hostage are still within the town’s hinterlands or had escaped the massive operation.
This developed as the NSCB data showed that the region has registered a population increase at an average rate of 1.87 annually from the year 2000 to 2010.


“We just want to be sure whether the kidnappers and their captive are still here or no longer here and to take the necessary steps to protect foreigners coming in and out of Ipil,” he said.
Zamboanga Peninsula's population as of May 1, 2000 was 2,831,412, according to the NSCB.


Alibutdan has ordered additional security patrol and told police and military to put up more detachments in coastal areas to prevent lawless elements from sneaking into the town which was pillaged by the Abu Sayyaf in 1995 that left 53 people dead.  
"This figure translated to about two persons added every year for every 100 persons in the population," the NSCB said.


“The fear of terrorism is deeply rooted among locals because of what happened in 1995. Even now we get news of impending attacks in Ipil and these cause great fear to my people and I assure them
Zamboanga del Sur had the largest population with 959,685 among the three provinces in the region, followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 957,997 and Zamboanga Sibugay with 584,685 population.
that I will not allow terror to again reign in their hearts and minds,” he said.


Locals said they always see Alibutdan leading village patrol during nighttime. “I have no fear. If I show fear, then all my people will be afraid, scared of everything. I don’t even bring bodyguards around with me. The people are vigilant here,” the Mayor said.
Zamboanga City has the largest population with 807,129 among the five cities in the region, followed by Pagadian City with 186,852 and Dipolog City with 120,460 population.


Rodwell, who now teaches English language in universities in China, is married to a Filipino woman Miraflor Gutang, 27. Rodwell met the woman in May this year on the Internet and married her the next month after dating her in Zamboanga City.
Dapitan City has the smallest population with 77,441, while Isabela City with 97,857 has the second smallest population among the five cities in the region.


Alibutdan officiated the civil wedding in Ipil, but months into their rocky marriage, the woman filed two complaints with the police against Rodwell, accusing him of maltreatment, and left him last month after an argument, and stayed with her family in the neighboring town of Naga.
Among the 67 municipalities in the region, the municipality of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte has the largest population with 94,146, while the municipality of La Libertad of the same province has the smallest population with 7,771.


Police said Rodwell’s Filipino neighbors also complained about the foreigner’s arrogance and attitude and often chased away people who would go near his bungalow-type house surrounded by barbed fence and hanged a huge sign that reads “No Trespassing. Pribado.”


==News blackout could endanger hostage - expert==
*Source: http://www.smh.com.au/world/news-blackout-could-endanger-hostage--expert-20111211-1oplt.html
*December 12, 2011
:by  Lindsay Murdoch, Al Jacinto In Zamboanga City






AN EXPERT on insurgencies in the southern Philippines says the Australian government's news blackout on the abduction of Sydney adventurer Warren Rodwell could further imperil his life.
Bob East from the University of Southern Queensland, who has written a PhD and other research papers on the insurgencies, says the media should be free to report all aspects of the kidnapping.
''If the kidnappers believe their hostage is unimportant then his chances of survival are indeed minimal,'' Dr East told the Herald.


''After all, if the prime reason for the kidnapping is profit, and there is no profit to be made, then there is no point in keeping their quarry,'' he said.
The governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel Jalosjos, imposed a news blackout on the kidnapping last week at the request of Australian officials who travelled to the restive Mindanao province to help efforts to free Mr Rodwell, 53, who was abducted by four men posing as policemen last Monday.
The decision to impose a news blackout contradicts the recommendations of a Senate inquiry last month that Australian authorities handling the kidnappings of Australians overseas should co-operate with the media, not ignore it.
Dr East, who has researched the insurgencies over years, said Mr Rodwell may have been kidnapped by criminals who like to be seen as members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organisation which is portrayed as having ambitions for creating a pure Islamic state in the southern Philippines.
He said these criminals ''take advantage of inadequate law enforcement in that part of the Philippines to pursue their agenda - terrorism for profit''.
Dr East wrote in a research paper the organisation which used to be well disciplined ''is now only comprised of bandits and criminals whose only agenda is greed and violence and any claim to be doing so in the name of a higher authority is pure fantasy and heresy''.
The Philippine military says it suspects a gang linked to the Abu Sayyaf is behind Mr Rodwell's kidnapping. It has also not ruled out gangs with links to other claimed separatist groups or local criminal gangs.
The release at the weekend of an American teenage hostage in the same area Mr Rodwell was abducted has raised hopes negotiators will be able to secure his release, if the same group is responsible.
Fourteen-year-old Kevin Lunsmann, his mother, Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann, 42 and a Filipino relative Romnick Jakaria, 19, were kidnapped in Zamboanga City in July. Mrs Lunsman and Mr Jakaria were freed earlier.
It is not known if ransoms were paid.
The kidnappers were demanding a ransom of 50 million Philippines pesos ($1.3 million) for the teenager.
Kidnappers are also still believed to be holding an Indian, two Malaysians and a Japanese man on Basilan island, a stronghold for rebels.
Mr Rodwell, who married a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, 27, in June after an internet romance, was kidnapped from a house he bought in a village near the seaside town of Ipil, 130 kilometres from Zamboanga City. He was shot in the foot as he struggled with kidnappers before he was dragged away.
Security forces have launched a big hunt for Mr Rodwell, a prolific world traveller who taught English in China for more than eight years after leaving Sydney a decade ago.
Ms Gutang has appealed for the release of her husband, saying he is unwell and she has no money to pay a ransom.


==News blackout slammed on Australian kidnapping==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/12939-news-blackout-slammed-on-australian-kidnapping
*Saturday, December 10, 2011
:by  AL JACINTO






ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY: A Filipino governor, whose province is where a former Australian army soldier was recently kidnapped, has imposed a news blackout about the progress of the government operation to the foreigner.


Warren Rodwell, 53, was seized by gunmen from his home in Greenmeadows Subdivision on December 5. He was also shot in the foot while trying to fight off the kidnappers, a security spokesman said.
==PARCCOM elects new members, endorses chair==
*Source: http://piazampen.blogspot.com/2012/04/parccom-elects-new-members-endorses.html
*Monday, April 16, 2012
:By  Atty. Adolfo Lopez, Jr.


Governor Rommel Jalosjos said the news blackout will run until the situation improves in the province. He said he would also pass a resolution for all foreign residents in the province to coordinate with the provincial government for their own safety.


“We are a democracy and as such, they (foreigners) don’t have to make ‘paalam,’ (to tell us they are staying here) but because of this incident, I will be passing a resolution for all foreign visitors to coordinate with the provincial government so we can easily monitor them,” he told reporters.
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, April 16 (PIA) – The Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) of Zamboanga Sibugay conducted an election on April 12, 2012 at Roderic’s Resort and Restaurant, Taway, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. It was a successful event, as there were a number of candidates who participated representing the different sector-organizations in the province and elected new set of members who will man the CARP coordinative and deliberative collegial body.


It was not immediately known how many foreigners are present in Zamboanga Sibugay, but Luisa Morrison, the Filipino wife of a Scottish national was also kidnapped in September by rebels and taken to Basilan province where she was rescued by army soldiers following a firefight a week later.
Elected members were Efren Napigquit, Wilfredo Miel, Harriete Bayawa, Imelda Lumasag, Lydia Paid, Erlinda Lozano, Miguel Almase, and Federico Manlang, representing the different sector-organizations. Also screened and endorsed for PARCCOM chairmanship by the PARCCOM evaluating committee was Vicente Matugas who will serve the said position upon his appointment by the president of the Philippines.


Jalosjos said he had a meeting with Australian government officials and the Federal police in Zamboanga about Rodwell, but he did not what was discussed. “They just wanted to touch base with me and I offered them whatever assistance we can give including logistical support,” he said.
Sections 44 of RA 6657, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, created the PARCCOM to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in the provincial level. It further mandates the PARCCOM to provide information about Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) guidelines on CARP and the progress of its implementation.


He said the kidnappers have not contacted Rodwell’s Filipino family or made a ransom demand. The Sydney man married Miraflor Gutang, 27, in June after they met on the internet.
Spearheading the said event were the Department of Agrarian Reform officers headed by PARO II Rizzel Villanueva, Legal Division Chief Atty. Alan Tolorio, Wilfredo Ampong, Beneficiaries Development and Coordination Division (BDCD) chief, Perlidita Engalla, Operations Division Chief, and Ana Georgina Saysip-Sebastian, Admin and Finance Division chief.


“Whoever had kidnapped my husband, he is not rich. Return him to us and please don’t hurt him. My husband is ill,” Gutang said without elaborating as she appealed to Rodwell’s captors during a brief radio interview.
Prior to the election proper, DAR Zamboanga Sibugay Information Officer Atty. Adolfo Lopez, Jr., DAR Paralegal Officer Euphemio Masanegra and PARCCOM Head Secretariat Romulus Perez conducted lectures to the candidates and aspirants during the orientation about the PARCCOM and the duties and responsibilities of its chairman and members.


Security forces have launched a massive search in the province and nearby areas which included the Muslim province of Basilan, a known stronghold of Abu Sayyaf militants with links to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya.
Also present during the  election were representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and  other government agencies who pledged their full support on the objectives, activities and functions of the PARCCOM. The newly-elected PARCCOM members will be taking their oath on May 10, 2012 and are set to act in full force upon the official appointment of the PARCCOM chairman by the President. (ATL/DAR-ZSP/PIA9/CAL)


The military said a local gang with links to the Abu Sayyaf was behind Rodwell’s kidnapping, but authorities are also looking into the possible involvement of some members of the larger rebel group called Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently negotiating peace with Manila.
==Additional state anti-poverty program beneficiaries eyed==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/04/15/additional-state-anti-poverty-program-beneficiaries-eyed-216438
*Sunday, April 15, 2012
:By  Bong Garcia


MILF rebels had been previously tagged by authorities in numerous kidnappings for ransom of foreigners in the troubled region. Kidnappers are still holding an Indian national, two Malaysians, a US teenager and a Japanese man in


==Zamboanga Sibugay governor accused of blocking probe by ceasefire monitors==
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office has ordered its regional office to conduct community assemblies in five areas that were not yet covered by the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the agency.
*Source: http://newslinktv.blogspot.com/2011/12/zamboanga-sibugay-governor-accused-of.html
*FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011
:by  newslinktv.blogspot.com


The five areas are the municipalities of Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, and Ipil in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay and Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur.


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GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has accused Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos of blocking an investigation by an international panel of a clash between government forces and MILF guerrillas in the municipality of Payao last October.
The holding of the community assemblies is purposely to register potential beneficiaries of 4Ps in the areas, which were not yet covered in the implementation of the program.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, even made the failure of the International Monitoring Team to conduct the investigation due to Jalosjos’ alleged interference part of his opening statement during the recent talks in Kuala Lumpur.
“We are jolted by the failure of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to proceed with the investigation of the fighting in the municipality of Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay,” he said.
“That is correct,” Jalosjos told the Inquirer by phone on Friday. “I didn’t allow them to go to Payao because they did not follow proper protocol.”
He said the IMT was rude because it did not coordinate with him during their previous visits.
When they finally did, it was already too late to prepare, Jalosjos said.
“What angered me most was the November 19-21 investigation schedule they made. They even sent me a last-minute itinerary last November 18 and there was supposedly a courtesy meeting with me but November 21 concluded and no one showed up for that courtesy meeting,” he said.
The IMT investigation, aimed at establishing the cause of the fighting, was agreed upon by the government and the MILF peace panels.
Said Shiek, head of the MILF contingent to the joint ceasefire committee, said the IMT mission to Zamboanga Sibugay did not push through as scheduled last December 5 to 8 because Jalosjos did not allow it.
“To be very frank with you, it is not the failure of the IMT to investigate which is disheartening, which can be temporary, for any day from now they can decide to go… but it is the decision of Governor Rommel Jalosjos of Zamboanga Sibugay to defy the decision of the government through its peace panel to conduct the investigation, in compliance with a standing commitment in the peace negotiation,” Iqbal said.
“If a local government executive can oppose decisions of government in such an important but still a relatively minor case, how much more if the stakes are already high, say a comprehensive compact between the GPH and MILF?” Iqbal added.
He said the MILF could not understand why Jalosjos would block the investigation when it was meant to ferret out the truth.
“Seriously, we cannot understand why Governor Jalosjos chose to stand in the way of the investigation: to hide the truth or to show that he can stand up against the President?” Iqbal asked.
Jalosjos said another reason for turning down the IMT’s visit to Payao was that some of its members were Caucasians.
“They are high-profile targets (for kidnapping). It’s my responsibility when it comes to their safety; they know what happened here,” he said, apparently referring to the Dec. 5 of an Australian national.
The IMT consists of representatives from Malaysia, Japan, the European Union (including British, French and Dutch), and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, among others.
“We find no reasonable ground for the IMT (mission)… not to be allowed… The wrong stance of the governor should be corrected by the government otherwise he becomes more supreme than the peace policy of the Aquino administration,” Shiek said.


==Filipino gang with links to Sayyaf blamed for kidnapping of Aussie man==
DSWD Regional Director Teodulo Romo said the DSWD wll cater 10,479 beneficiaries in Pagadian City and envision to have an additional of 5,979 beneficiaries in the municipality of Ipil, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay province.
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20111207060057
*Wednesday, December 07, 2011 07:00:57 PM
:by  mindanaoexaminer.com


The other areas in Zamboanga Sibugay like Buug, Diplahan, and Imelda will have 3,130, 1,800 and 2,348 beneficiaries, respectively.


Existing municipality-beneficiaries of the Pantawid will have additional slots to register as recipients to the program are: Bayog, 202; Dumalinao, 456; Tambulig, 480; Malangas, 504; Olutanga, 517; and, Payao, 448.


The DSWD and the concerned local government units have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen the implementation of the program in their respective localities.
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 7, 2011) – Philippine authorities tagged a gang with links to the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group as behind the kidnapping of an Australian man in Zamboanga Sibugay province in the restive region of Mindanao.


Warren Rodwell, 53, had been seized on December 5 by several gunmen after he was shot in the foot while trying to fight off the kidnappers who barged in his house in the coastal town of Ipil, said Army Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
==Kidnap victim released after payment of money==
 
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/176685/kidnap-victim-released-after-payment-of-money
“Based on witness account, Rodwell was shot in the foot while trying to fight off the kidnappers, who are members of a local gang, but with links to the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan province,” he said without further elaborating.
*2:27 pm | Saturday, April 14th, 2012
 
:By  Julie S. Alipala
Rodwell, who is married to a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, 27, also known as Grace, was alone in the house when gunmen seized him.
 
Cabangbang said security forces have launched a massive search for Rodwell in the Zamboanga Peninsula which is made up of the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Basilan.
 
He said the kidnappers escaped toward the sea with their captive, but it was unknown whether they managed to flee the town. He said the kidnappers have not contacted the foreigner’s wife or made any demand for his release.
 
Army Colonel Gerry Barientos, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade based in Ipil, said they deployed troops to track down the kidnappers, who could still be in the province. “We have deployed more soldiers in the province to track down the kidnappers and the hostage. They could still be in the province,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.
 
Local reporters who were able to interview Rodwell’s wife said she made an appeal to the kidnappers to free the Australian man, saying they don't have money (to pay ransom).
 
In September this year, kidnappers also seized the Filipino wife of a Scottish national in Ipil town - Luisa Galvez Morrison - and brought her by boat to Basilan province where she was rescued by soldiers a week later following a firefight with the Abu Sayyaf. (Mindanao Examiner)
 
==Australian kidnapped in Zambo Sibugay==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/05/11/australian-kidnapped-zambo-sibugay
*12/05/2011 8:19 PM | Updated as of 12/05/2011 8:51 PM
:by  abs-cbnNEWS.com
 
 
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines - Unidentified armed men kidnapped an Australian in Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province on Monday, the military said.
 
The victim was identified as Warren Richard Rodwell, a resident of Green Meadow Subdivision in Barangay Lower Pangi, Ipil.
 
His kidnappers were last spotted heading south toward the sea, according to Lt. Col. Randy Cabangcabang, spokesman of the military's Western Mindanao Command.
 
Soldiers and police are pursuing the kidnappers as of posting. - report from ABS-CBN Zamboanga
 
==Army major reported missing in Zamboanga Sibugay==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/104801/army-major-reported-missing-in-zamboanga-sibugay
*4:32 pm | Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
:by  Julie S. Alipala
Inquirer Mindanao
Inquirer Mindanao


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Army major was reported missing after the vehicle he and his men were riding was flagged down by several armed men, believed to be New People’s Army rebels, on a highway in Barangay (village) Guinoman in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay, early Saturday morning, the police reported.
Senior Superintendent Ruben Cariaga, Zamboanga Sibugay police chief, identified the Army officer as Major Ramon Torres.
He said Torres, of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, and five other soldiers were on a Mitsubishi pickup owned by TVI Mining from Ipil town and were going to Bayog in Zamboanga del Sur when about 40 armed men flagged them down around 7:25 a.m.
Torres, he said, reportedly escaped and was chased by the armed men.
Cariaga said that after questioning the passengers of the pickup truck, the armed men released the five remaining soldiers.
“Their firearms were also confiscated,” he said.
“Major Torres is still missing and we are on search operation now,” Colonel Pedro Dulos, deputy commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by text message.
A military report said the armed men were members of the New People’s Army operating under Aurora Cayon alias Commander Bambam.
==Zamboanga Sibugay eyes ban on open-pit mining==
*Source:http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20111201004212
*Thursday, December 01, 2011 01:42:12 PM
:by  Tony Pe. Rimandotempo.com.ph
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 1, 2011) – The southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay is likely to declare a ban on open-pit mining following the move of neighboring Zamboanga del Norte.
Governor Rommel Jalosjos said they will not allow any open-pit mining in the province citing its destructive effect on the environment. “No. I am not for open-pit mining. Over my dead body,” he said when asked by reporters during a news conference if he would allow open-pit mining in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Jalosjos, who had worked at a mining firm in Australia, said: “I’ve seen what they have done.”
South Cotabato has first declared a ban on open-pit mining as part of its environment code and also put at risk billions of dollars of investments in the province, but saved the environment from further destructions.
Zamboanga del Norte followed after provincial lawmakers passed a resolution recently banning open-pit mining in the province. But mining firms have challenged the provincial ordinance in courts, citing that the ban is not in accordance with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Manila said the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations is considered in the industry today as one of the most socially and environmentally-sensitive legislations in its class.
It has specific provisions that take into consideration the following - Local government empowerment; Respect and concern for the indigenous cultural communities; Equitable sharing of benefits of natural wealth; Economic demands of present generation while providing the necessary foundation for future generations; Worldwide trend towards globalization; and Protection for and wise management of the environment.
Mining executives said they follow responsible and sustainable mining and provided health care and other benefits to the host community aside from tax it pay the local and national government.
But mining firms – gold, silver, copper among other minerals and deposits - in Mindanao also attracted sustained attacks from communist New People’s Army and Muslim rebels who are opposed to the destructive activities in the volatile, but mineral-rich region.
Ethnic tribesmen and church leaders, including environmentalists, are also destructive mining activities in Mindanao.
“We are opposed to destructive mining, especially in our ancestral domain,” said Timuay Noval Lambo, chieftain of the Gukom sog Pito ko Dolungan, the highest Subanon authority in Western Mindanao.
Lambo said they wanted to develop their community, but gets no support either from the national or provincial government where mining taxes go. He also questioned the provincial ban on open-pit mining in Zamboanga del Norte, saying, they were not consulted about this.
“We should have consulted first about this provincial ordinance because we are the ones affected by these mining activities in our own ancestral domain. We want our community developed, but we get no support from the national and provincial governments,” he said.
It was not immediately known whether Zamboanga del Sur would also pass a resolution banning open-pit mining in the province. Small scale gold mining activities are also rampant in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. (Mindanao Examiner)
==Transport group backs Tampakan project==
*Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/transport-group-backs-tampakan-project/#.TtcAoLK5MVD
*Nov 30th, 2011
:by  Tony Pe. Rimandotempo.com.ph
Manila, Philippines – A transport group with members from the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos city is preparing for what its members are anticipating as a “tremendous growth” in terms of public transportation needs.
“The Tampakan project will mean a bigger demand for public transportation and this will be good for the transport industry,” said Orlando Sabelita, president of the Socsksargen Transport Federation, an affiliate of the Public Transport Alliance of the Philippines (PTAP).
“We know there will be more people, goods and services that will need public transportation and we need to prepare for that,” he said.
Sabelita said it is high time for a comprehensive transportation plan to be developed for South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos, with the Tampakan project in mind.
“We need a new public transportation route going to Tampakan, and we need that properly planned with other agencies and local government units”, Sabelita said.
Sabelita said his group is coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) region 12 office for a multi-sectoral planning to come up with a comprehensive transportation plan.
“For instance, we need one public transportation terminal system,“ he said.
Sabelita said the Tampakan project will definitely bring in employment and livelihood opportunities.
“The influx of workers and their families will mean they will need to commute, and they will need goods and services and these will all depend on public transportation,“ he said.
When asked if his group has any apprehension on the environmental impact of the Tampakan project, Sabelita said they trust the regulatory system governing the mining industry.
==Sibugay order==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/343040/kids-welfare
*November 29, 2011, 5:24pm
:by  Tony Pe. Rimando
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Governor Rommel Jalosjos announced that local authorities have lifted starting Monday the curfew they imposed province-wide early this month following several encounters between soldiers of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Jalosjos said the lifting of the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew came after the military noted that the peace and order situation in the trouble-rocked towns of Payao, Titay, Kabasalan, and Ipil has been restored. He noted that the MILF camp of rebel leader Waning Abdusalam in Payao has been dismantled by troopers.
==Ipil residents take to the streets to celebrate Mindanao Week of Peace==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2011/11/25/ipil-residents-take-to-the-streets-to-celebrate-mindanao-week-of-peace/
*November 25, 2011
:by  Paulnazer Lontua/MindaNews




ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The son of a village official in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, who was abducted on March 11, was freed Saturday after his family gave money to the captors, police said.
Senior Superintendent Ruben Cariaga, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said  Mel John Auditor, 21, son of Magdaup village councilor Gabriel Auditor, was handed over by soldiers to his parents after  picking him up in a remote area of Payao town, also in Zamboanga Sibugay, around 5:45 a.m.
“We were informed that the parents of Mel John paid P70,000 as board and lodging fee to the kidnappers,” Cariaga said.
But another source said the Auditors paid P200,000 to the kidnappers.
Cariaga said the Auditor family sought the military’s help in fetching the captive from Bunawan after being informed he would be released Saturday.
“Immediately, troops from 16th Special Forces responded and went to the area. The troops returned to their headquarters with the kidnap victim at around 5:45 a.m.,” Cariaga said.
Colonel Gerry Barrientos, commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the younger Auditor appeared “okay but very pale and thin.”
In his version of Auditor’s recovery, Barrientos never said anything about ransom.
He said soldiers, acting on a tip-off, went to Bulawan in Payao and caught up with a group of armed men, who “hastily fled from their harbor area and abandoned a captive.”
He said that captive was Auditor, who was “trapped inside a fish cage.”
Barrientos said Auditor was turned over to his parents in the presence of Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos.
He said the identity of the group that held Auditor was not clear yet.
“We will soon have the data after Auditor’s debriefing,” Barrientos said.
In previous incidents of kidnapping in Western Mindanao, authorities consistently blamed the Abu Sayyaf. These included the December abduction of Australian Richard Warren Rodwell.


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (MindaNews/24 November) –  Hundreds of residents here took to the streets early Thursday morning to “walk for peace” on the first day of the Mindanao Week of Peace.
==Bartolome assists Makati rob victim while in Zamboanga==
At the town plaza, students from different schools, representatives of various religious groups — Christians and Muslims, workers in the government and the private sector held placards calling for peace.
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/national/27841-bartolome-assists-makati-rob-victim-while-in-zamboanga
The Mindanao Week of Peace is observed annually starting every last Thursday of November. This year’s theme is “Common Word between Us and You: Love of God, Love of Neighbor.”
*Friday, April 13, 2012
The “Walk for Peace” activity was spearheaded by Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan in cooperation with various groups. The town’s population is a mix of settlers, Moro and Lumad (indigenous peoples).
:By  Alfred Dalizon
Ressel Lopecillo, Ipil’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federated Vice-President,  who was among those who participated in the “walk for peace” said real peace should start with the youth.
“I fully support these kinds of activities because through them I can serve as a role model to my fellow youth. This way, I can show to them that we, the youth, should be in the frontline in the journey to achieve lasting peace in our lands. We are the nation’s future and we should act now and not later,” he said.
In his speech, Mayor Alibutdan cited the importance of constantly observing and supporting the week-long annual celebration, explaining that lasting peace is not achieved in a day.
He also said that the Ipileños are instruments of peace and not of war.
“Lasting and sustainable peace is not achieved in a day so it very important that we continue to shout for peace and support the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration. I am thankful that the people in Ipil are peace-loving citizens and we are fortunate that we choose to become instruments of peace and not of war,” he said.
A series of activities has been lined-up for the celebration here like a youth peace camp and a “Bangkete sa Kalinaw” or Peace Banquet.






STAFFERS of a Makati City office which was burglarized thanked PNP chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome yesterday for immediately responding to their call for assistance even though he was in Zamboanga Sibugay investigating an NPA attack last Wednesday.
A staff of the office told the Journal Group that after an almost six hours delay, three apologetic investigators from the Makati City Police Station’s Criminal Investigation Division rushed to them. This was right after one of their female friends contacted the PNP chief and asked for his help.


The friend who called Bartolome was Ivy Mendoza, an editor of Manila Bulletin and friend of People’s Tonight acting managing editor Ma. Teresa Lardizabal.


Mendoza  met Gen. Bartolome during Lardizabal’s  birthday party in 2011.    Lardizabal and Journal Group publisher and editor-in-chief Augusto Villanueva had introduced Mendoza to the country’s top cop.


The Manila Bulletin editor said she was told that the burglary was discovered around 7:50 a.m. Wednesday when the employees reported for work.  After 30 minutes, the employees called up the Makati police to report the incident.


==Multi-sector group conducts fact-finding mission==
One employee was told by an officer that they had to wait for investigators who had been dispatched to other incidents. The long wait took more than five hours until Mendoza was informed of it.
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2011/11/21/multi-sector-group-conducts-fact-finding-mission-191758
*Monday, November 21, 2011
:by  Bong Garcia


Mendoza said she remembered that Gen. Bartolome gave her his business card when they met during Lardizabal’s party and sent him a message asking for his help 2:20 p.m. Wednesday. She said she was surprised when a minute later, Gen. Bartolome called her up and asked for details.


The PNP chief was then in Zamboanga Sibugay assessing the situation after New People’s Army guerrillas raided a local police station and seized a cop.


A MULTI-SECTOR group known as the Coalition for Peace Base on Justice (CPBJ) is conducting an independent fact-finding mission in the nearby provinces of Basilan and Zamboanga Sibugay.
Bartolome ordered the relief of two local police commanders in the aftermath of the daring rebel raid.


The CPBJ, which is composed of loose coalition of human rights, peace advocates and other civil society organizations and was formed last November 9, sent Monday two fact-finding teams to Al-Barka, Basilan and Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.
After 20 minutes, three Makati CIB investigators, Senior Police Officer 1 Noli Jucal and PO3s Gerry Jose and Minly Gutierez, arrived at the scene to investigate.


Former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo said they will talk to the local government officials and the affected residents to look into the effect of the recent clashes, as well as the all-out justice directive of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.
The Makati office’s staff said the Makati police officers made a thorough investigation, taking the statements of all people present and getting the necessary fingerprints.  


“Our point is from the people's side,” Ocampo said, citing the result of their fact-finding mission could serve as inputs to the concerned government agencies addressing the problems.
The policemen later asked the help of the PNP Crime Laboratory in investigating the case which include subjecting some people to a lie-detector test amid the possibility it could be an ‘inside job.’


Bai Ali Indayla of Kawagib, which works for the advancement of Moro Human Rights, said they are concerned on the plight of some 20,000 people displaced because of the recent clashes in Al-Barka, Basilan and Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The office lost P85,000 in cash, a mobile phone and a digital camera to the suspect or suspects. However, the burglar or burglars did not touch other equipment in the office including a computer set and a printer.


Another member of the CPBJ, Jacquiline Ruiz of the Children's Rehabilitation Center, said they will also look into the plight of the women and children who were affected by the recent clashes.
“Medyo nakakainis na talaga ’yung ganun kahabang paghihintay sa imbestigador. Pero mawawala rin ang init ng ulo ng mga tao ’pag maiisip nila na mismong ang PNP Chief ang personal na tumutulong sa mga biktima. Maraming salamat po, Gen. Bartolome,” Mendoza said.


Ruiz said they will determine the exact number of women and children affected by the recent clashes and determine what would be the most appropriate intervention they should undertake.


The CPBJ is expected to announce the results of its fact-finding mission Wednesday. (Bong Garcia)




Line 1,170: Line 780:




==Curfew in Zamboanga Sibugay liftedZambo Sibugay ex-DILG prov'l director faces P1-M malversation rap==
*Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/238886/regions/zambo-sibugay-ex-dilg-provl-director-faces-p1-m-malversation-rap
*11/18/2011 | 01:52 AM
:by  gmanews.tv




The Ombudsman filed a P1 million malversation case against a former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director in Zamboanga Sibugay for stashing government money in his vault for four years.


Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales issued on Nov. 10 a resolution for the indictment of Verner Virgilio P. Jayme for malversation case for having held a P1 million cash advance from April 14, 2004 to May 2, 2008.
==Groups to mount protest caravan against Balikatan==
*Source: http://www.mindanaotimes.net/groups-to-mount-protest-caravan-against-balikatan/
*Wednesday, 11 April 2012
:By  Emilord Castromayor


The case is now before the Sandiganbayan and stems from a Commission on Audit report uncovering a P1 million cash advance drawn by Jayme in September 2004 for a “capability-building seminar" for barangay officials in the province.


But the seminar got cancelled and was deferred twice until Jayme was transferred to the DILG Region IX Office in Zamboanga City.


Admitting that he had brought the money with him upon his transfer, Jayme said he did not turn over the cash advance to his successor because he thought it was his responsibility to liquidate the amount later on.
Around 4,000 people from different sectors are expected to join the Mindanao-wide caravan to protest the Philippine-US war games dubbed as Balikatan exercises which will run for five days from Apr. 16-20.


Jayme failed to return the money despite demand letters sent to him. He claimed he had still been hoping that the planned seminar would push through.
Lawyer Carlos Zarate Jr., convenor of Patriyotiko Mindanao representing the lawyers’ group United People’s Lawyers in Mindanao, said that the main theme of the campaign is to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement and other onerous agreements between the GPH and the US.


The Ombudsman rejected however Jayme’s claim of good faith, considering that it took him four years to settle the disallowance.
He said the country booted out the US military bases in 1992 but in 1999, the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement, “converted the entire Philippines into a US military base.”


The Ombudsman said Jayme’s case would have been treated differently “if respondent [had] ‘safe kept’ the amount for a couple of days, however, to safe keep P1,000,000 for four years clearly does not reflect ‘good faith’, more so, when the amount was returned through salary deduction."
“Despite being unconstitutional, policies which undermine national sovereignty such as the visiting forces agreement and the mutual logistics support agreement persist,” Sheena Duazo, spokesperson of Bayan-Southern Mindanao said in a statement.


But since Jayme fully returned, albeit belatedly, the cash advance, the Ombudsman junked a separate complaint for graft against him “for lack of evidence to support the allegation of undue injury to the government."
She said both treaties allow “American impunity and the continuation of human rights violations in the Philippines” and the “pillage of the country’s natural resources.”


The protest caravan is spearheaded by Bayan, Patriyotiko Mindanao, United People’s Lawyers in Mindanao, Kawagib and other progressive groups.


The groups estimate that around 6,000 US soldiers will arrive in Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga, which will serve as the main operating base.


Bai Ali Indayla, secretary general of Kawagib, said participants of the caravan will converge on Apr. 16 in Davao Region, General Santos City, Butuan City, Cotabato City and Iligan City before heading off to Zamboanga.


For April 18, the participants will gather in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay for solidary activities and initiate a unity walk on April 19.


Bishop Modesto Villasanta, convenor of the Patriyotiko Mindanao, said the presence of US troops in country ,especially in Mindanao, will run in conflict with the interest of the people. “They are here to strengthen their economic political interest and thus it would intervene our economy as well as other sectors,” he said. (with reports from Ma. Cecilia Badian/MSU Intern)


==Curfew in Zamboanga Sibugay lifted==
==All set for CMK’s Fashion Pandemonium==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/17/11/curfew-zamboanga-sibugay-lifted
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/9429-all-set-for-cmks-fashion-pandemonium.html
*11/17/2011 7:21 PM | Updated as of 11/17/2011 7:25 PM
*Tuesday, 10 April 2012 11:47
:by Jewel Reyes, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga
:By R.G. A A. Go




ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos announced that the curfew imposed in his province, following skirmishes in different towns, has been lifted.


Jalosjos said the peace and order situation in the area has been restored, although some displaced families remain in evacuation centers.
All is set for the CMK’s Fashion Pandemonium fashion competition, where the creativity and craftsmanship of the designers coming from the region, will be put to test on April 13 at Astoria Regency in Pasonanca.


The governor admitted that action needs to be undertaken to improve the "tarnished" image of Zamboanga Sibugay following reports that the province is a war zone.
CMK Creations Head, Kelvin Fortin, said that the occasion is in line with CMK’s Creations 2nd Year Anniversary.


He said the local government is reviewing plans of rehabilitation and tourism programs for areas that have great potential, such as Payao municipality, where a lair of notorious lawless leader Waning Abdusalam was captured by authorities 2 weeks ago.
"The fashion competition will test the creativity and craftsmanship of the designers in the region," Fortin said.


Jalosjos said the bounty of P500,000 for the arrest and capture of Abdusalam and his group stays.
The event will be for the benefit the Department of Social Welfare to include the Orphanage and the Home for the Elderly.


He also revealed that he has been receiving threats after incidents of violence in his area.
The event will be participated by designers coming from Zamboanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte, which is composed of cities of Dapitan and Dipolog.


For Zamboanga City, two amateur designers will join the competition and known Zamboangueño designers Altum Tiabot and Joy Verar.


For the competition, the designers will have to create the following garments according to the given themes.


The themes for the competition are as follows: Theme 1 Enchanted Forest Gown, Theme 2 Pink Planet Cocktails, Theme 3 Country Corsets, Theme 4 Rock Chic Lingerie, and Modern Filipiniana.


The five judges for the show are Antonio L. Chua, Edwin F. Uy, David A. Ocampo, and Chery S. Veric all are celebrity fashion designers and Jeffrey B. Somera Jr., Celebrity Fashion Stylist.


The criteria for judging are creativity 30%, personal display 5%, trendy 10%, use of color 5%, wearability 15%, workmanship 25%, and impact 10%.


==Speeding Up Passenger And Cargo Traffic In Zamboanga Sibugay==
There will be one winner for each themes and the winners will each receive P10,000 cash and a trophy.         
*Source: http://news.mindanao.com/2011/11/speeding-up-passenger-and-cargo-traffic-in-zamboanga-sibugay/
During the show, Zamboangueño talents will also perform to include Philippine Idol Top 8 Armarie Cruz, Armando Cruz Jr., Khaezel Galvez, Victoria Anne Guingona and Cheska Mas of KM6 band. The performers will sing live together with the KM6 band.
*NOVEMBER 15,  011
:by    mindanao.com


Aside from the singing, the Jambangan Dancers will also be dancing during the mentioned show.


Residents of Barangay Malinao in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay, benefit from a 54-meter-long, stair-type boat landing and pier head built through a partnership between the Mabuhay municipal government of Mabuhay and the U.S. Agency for International Development, through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program. More than 100 cargo, fishing and passenger boats dock daily at this facility, which allows traders and residents, such as these women, to transport farm and marine products more safely and efficiently. USAID has constructed 89 community infrastructure projects in Zamboanga Sibugay, out of a total of more than 1,300 such projects it has built in Mindanao’s conflict-affected areas. These include water systems, solar dryers, boat landings, trading centers, foot bridges, barangay bridges, and roadway upgrades. USAID’s GEM Program is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority.
The show was organized by CMK Creations together with the following sponsors Grand Astoria Hotel, Yes Hair cutter, Panasonic, Picar Development Inc., Yanna’s Kikay Corner, Universal Canning Inc., and many more.


For those interested please call 991-0820 for more information. Tickets are priced at P1,200 with free dinner, P500 with free mocktail drinks, and P300.


==PNOC EC confirms coal reserves in Lower Butong area in Zambo Sibugay==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/46071-PNOC-EC-confirms-coal-reserves-in-Lower-Butong-area-in-Zambo-Sibugay.html
*Monday, April 9. 2012
:By (PNA)
RMA/ASF/ssc




MANILA — PNOC Exploration Corp., holder of coal operating contract 41 in Zamboanga Sibugay, has completed drilling 12 in-fill holes in the Lower Butong area last month.
In a statement, PNOC EC said the results of the drilling confirmed the presence of coal, which can be produced commercially.
After verification of the coal reserves by an independent third party, PNOC EC said it would start developing this area for production.
When completed, this would be the fourth mine that will be operated by the company under COC 41.
PNOC EC currently operates two highly productive coal mines with another one under development for production late this year.
This is the country’s largest underground coal mine and it was able to achieve two million man-hours worked without lost-time accidents in its operations in March, according to Raymundo B. Savella, vice president for Petroleum and Coal Operations of PNOC EC.
“Safety is an industry benchmark in energy exploration the world over, and we are very proud to have achieved two million-plus man-hours of operation without any accidents,” Mel Lopez, Chairman and chief executive officer of PNOC EC said.
“Considering the hazardous and underground nature of coal mining, this makes this milestone doubly significant,” Lopez added.
With the positive results in the drilling in Lower Butong, coupled with the company’s current direction to optimize production and aggressive exploration efforts in the nearby areas, PNOC EC said the required coal requirement for the proposed 100-MW power plant had been assured.
This should contribute to addressing Mindanao’s current and longer-term power needs, according to Lopez.


==Philippine troops fail to rescue kidnapped town mayor'==
*Source: http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2012/04/philippine-troops-fail-to-rescue.html
*SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2012
:By (Mindanao Examiner)


==Sibugay peace and order back to normal- PNP==
The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front over the weekend traded barbs for "breaking the peace" in parts of Mindanao during the Holy Week.
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r09&id=63907&y=2011&mo=11
While a government peace adviser chided the MILF for two ridos (clan wars), the MILF accused government troops of threatening the peace in Moro villages in Zamboanga Sibugay.
*Monday, November 14, 2011
Both sides engaged in a word war even as their negotiators are to meet again for another round of formal exploratory talks this month in Kuala Lumpur, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.
:by    Paulnazer T. Lontua
On Friday, senior military adviser to the government panel Brig. Gen. Leo Ferrer urged the MILF to stop ridos among its own members and help foster peace in Mindanao, following two clashes on Maundy Thursday.
Ferrer, in a news release posted on the OPAPP website, said the MILF should discipline its troops and put an end to such internal armed conflicts.
"The government wants a peace agreement with the MILF, but we also want to see them prove that they can work with us in keeping the peace," Ferrer said following two ridos in Maguindanao and North Cotabato Thursday morning.
According to the OPAPP news release, the incidents occurred at Damalibi village in Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao and in Balabac village in Pikit town in North Cotabato.
Some 100 families fled their homes and were led to safety by the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Light Armor Division.
Reports from the government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) said the first encounter was between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Commander Rutin and the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) 118th Base Command, led by Commander Otok.
The BIFF is a breakaway group of the MILF led by rogue commander Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato. The BIAF is the official armed wing of the MILF.
According to the OPAPP, the clash allegedly stemmed from a land dispute where Otok's nephew, a farmer, was killed by Rutin's group. Thursday's attack was allegedly Otok's retaliation.
Ferrer said the government CCCH has informed its MILF counterpart about the incident.
He said the government CCCH has requested the MILF-CCCH to direct the 118th BC to cease the fighting and leave the area once the BIFF elements have withdrawn.
Ferrer added Army troops were also requested to establish checkpoints along the highway to deter encroachment of reinforcing troops from both sides.
On the other hand, the second incident broke out two hours after the first encounter, between the group of Mando Mandalait, and a certain Commander Lugom of the MILF-BIAF's 108th BC, with reinforcements from one Ibrahim Tan-ao under Kagui Samir of the MILF National Guard Front Command.
"Reasons of the clashes are personal grudge and politics, which are among the many causes of rido as well," the OPAPP said.
The OPAPP cited an MILF "source" who said the MILF tried to resolve the row but "personal grudge and political connections" got in the way.
The government CCCH is working with the local government unit, the MILF CCCH, the Cotabato Local Monitoring Team and the Army's 6th ID to stop the fighting and restore peace in the affected area.
Meanwhile, Ferrer said the MILF should maintain peace on the ground as a show of sincerity to the peace process.
"We urge the MILF to work with the government in bringing peace in Mindanao. We would like to believe that the MILF is as sincere as the government when it comes to the peace negotiations. We would like to see that sincerity reflected on the ground as well, by knowing that the MILF can control their troops from going into armed clashes again in the future," he said.
Army stormed Moro village
For its part, the MILF on Saturday said composite troops of the Army's 18th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Group (RMG) stormed a Moro community in Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay since Friday afternoon.
The MILF said "almost a company size" of military and police forces were deployed in Tenan, "heightening alarm and fears" among surprised Moro civilians residing the area.
It noted the village is densely populated by MILF members affiliated with its civil–political committees and the 113th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
"Village chieftain and MILF contacts immediately reported the deployment of troops in full battle gear to government and MILF authorities to allay apprehension but clarification were not afforded," the MILF said on its website Saturday afternoon.
The MILF said its CCCH conveyed the situation to its counterpart in the government but said "clarifications are still being sought."
“What is very clear with us is that no coordination was made by the government on this unusual movement and deployment of government forces,” the MILF CCCH said.
The MILF said Tenan is populated by several thousands of Moro civilians and MILF members, who earn a living through fishing and farming.
It said its CCCH said it will file a protest on this case that constitutes violations of the ceasefire accord.
“If only to avoid misunderstanding and provocations, the government should have coordinated these movement and deployment,” it said.
“This act is deplorable and surely diminishes the confidence of the Moro people to the peace talks and ceasefire accord between the government and MILF,” the MILF CCCH added.
According to the MILF, the government troops reached Tenan aboard military vehicles, backed up by at least two armored cars.
The troops allegedly moved around the village, while others stayed near riverbanks and a bridge.
Citing reports reaching it, the MILF said civilians were unable to sleep as they were fearful of what may happen.
It added others recalled their "horrendous" experiences during Martial Law such as arbitrary arrests and displacement from native places.
“Why (storm) a civilian community if the government is really sincere with the negotiation and the ceasefire?” the MILF said.
On Saturday morning, the MILF said government troops swooped into farm lands of the Moros, causing the farmers to stay home.
It said Moro fishermen also skipped their daily routine for fear of being harmed.
"At almost noontime, the government forces beefed up their presence and continue to scour the Moro village," it said.


==Govt, MILF trade barbs over Holy Week peace 'violations'==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/254158/news/nation/govt-milf-trade-barbs-over-holy-week-peace-violations
*April 7, 2012 4:35pm
:By  LBG, GMA News


ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- PSSupt. Ruben D. Cariaga, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Director, categorically said that peace and order in the province has gone back to normal.
It can be remembered that peace and order situation here was disturbed after series of ambushes and clashes between government troops and lawless elements last month.
“Things are back to normal now with peace and order situation in an undisturbed state after we finally took over the lawless group’s camp in Payao. Somehow, the hunt for lawless elements are on- going until we serve justice to our people,” Cariaga stated in an interview.
Cariaga also added that the people need not to fear because the AFP and PNP are doing all in their capability to prevent any incidents similar to what had happened recently.
Cariaga further mentioned that the intelligence community of the authorities is heightened to its maximum level to ensure that all plans of attacks and ambushes from the lawless groups, if there are any, would be prevented. (NBE/ P. Lontua SibEx)




The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front over the weekend traded barbs for "breaking the peace" in parts of Mindanao during the Holy Week.


While a government peace adviser chided the MILF for two ridos (clan wars), the MILF accused government troops of threatening the peace in Moro villages in Zamboanga Sibugay.


Both sides engaged in a word war even as their negotiators are to meet again for another round of formal exploratory talks this month in Kuala Lumpur, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.


On Friday, senior military adviser to the government panel Brig. Gen. Leo Ferrer urged the MILF to stop ridos among its own members and help foster peace in Mindanao, following two clashes on Maundy Thursday.


==Sibugay taps media in promoting nutrition==
Ferrer, in a news release posted on the OPAPP website, said the MILF should discipline its troops and put an end to such internal armed conflicts.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r09&id=63738
*Sunday, November 13, 2011
:by    Paulnazer T. Lontua


"The government wants a peace agreement with the MILF, but we also want to see them prove that they can work with us in keeping the peace," Ferrer said following two ridos in Maguindanao and North Cotabato Thursday morning.


ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NCC) and Zamboanga Sibugay Nutrition Office called on the media to become their partners in promoting nutrition during recent media conference here.
According to the OPAPP news release, the incidents occurred at Damalibi village in Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao and in Balabac village in Pikit town in North Cotabato.
Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO), Marlene Garcia, said the media plays a great role in helping the government disseminate accurate information on the importance of nutrition.
“We always recognize the power of media on how they can help us inform families in far-flung places in the country about the value of nutrition. We believe that good relationship and proper linkage between the nutrition council and media could generate huge impact on the nutrition advocacy of people in these areas,” Garcia explained.
During the media conference, Nimfa Ekong, Assistant Regional Director of the NNC, gave a presentation on the current state of the province’s, as well as the country’s nutrition situation.
Ekong said there is much to do in terms of educating the Filipinos on the observance of proper nutrition in every Filipino home.
Speaking in behalf of the media practitioners, Eddie Sallave, field reporter of DXIR-FM, committed the group to become NNC and PNAO’s partner in promoting and advocating good nutrition through their respective media outfits.
“We will also assure the NNC and the PNAO that we are always with them in their mission to educate and aware the people about the value of nutrition in their lives”, Sallave vowed.
PNAO Garcia also gave a brief summary on the recent accomplishments of the nutrition advocates of Sibugay. He said the malnutrition rate in the province has gone down.
Other members of the Ipil media present during the conference were Don Johnson of DXUZ-Radyo Lipay, Rey Manriquez and Rudyard Lopez of DXIR-FM, Paulnazer Lontua, News Editor of the Sibugay Express. (NBE/P.Lontua/SibEx).


Some 100 families fled their homes and were led to safety by the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Light Armor Division.


Reports from the government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) said the first encounter was between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Commander Rutin and the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) 118th Base Command, led by Commander Otok.


The BIFF is a breakaway group of the MILF led by rogue commander Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato. The BIAF is the official armed wing of the MILF.


According to the OPAPP, the clash allegedly stemmed from a land dispute where Otok's nephew, a farmer, was killed by Rutin's group. Thursday's attack was allegedly Otok's retaliation.


Ferrer said the government CCCH has informed its MILF counterpart about the incident.


==DSWD sends debriefing teams to Zambo Sibugay==
He said the government CCCH has requested the MILF-CCCH to direct the 118th BC to cease the fighting and leave the area once the BIFF elements have withdrawn.
*Source: http://www.sibugay.net/dswd-sends-debriefing-teams-to-zambo-sibugay/
*NOVEMBER 12, 2011
:by    KBK, GMA News


Ferrer added Army troops were also requested to establish checkpoints along the highway to deter encroachment of reinforcing troops from both sides.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has sent 14 teams of social workers to two towns in Zamboanga Sibugay province in Mindanao to conduct stress debriefing for families affected by recent skirmishes there between the military and lawless groups.


Social workers from the DSWD Region 9 office and sub-offices in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur were sent to Alicia and Payao towns to conduct Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) sessions, the DSWD said.
On the other hand, the second incident broke out two hours after the first encounter, between the group of Mando Mandalait, and a certain Commander Lugom of the MILF-BIAF's 108th BC, with reinforcements from one Ibrahim Tan-ao under Kagui Samir of the MILF National Guard Front Command.


Of the 14, four teams were deployed in Payao while the others were assigned in Alicia, the DSWD said in a news release.
"Reasons of the clashes are personal grudge and politics, which are among the many causes of rido as well," the OPAPP said.


According to the DSWD, CISD is not psychotherapy or a substitute for it, but an opportunity for ventilation in a structured and supportive environment.
The OPAPP cited an MILF "source" who said the MILF tried to resolve the row but "personal grudge and political connections" got in the way.


“Its main goal is to relieve the person of the stress brought about by a traumatic incident,” it said.
The government CCCH is working with the local government unit, the MILF CCCH, the Cotabato Local Monitoring Team and the Army's 6th ID to stop the fighting and restore peace in the affected area.


During the sessions, adults are to be subjected to the seven phases of Jeffrey Mitchell’s CISD model where they will have group meetings or discussions. Children would undergo sessions on draw and tell where they were encouraged to draw their experiences and encountered scenes in the hope of mitigating the effects of their trauma.
Meanwhile, Ferrer said the MILF should maintain peace on the ground as a show of sincerity to the peace process.


The teams were also tasked to assess the damages brought about by the conflict as well as look into other needs of the affected families and communities.
"We urge the MILF to work with the government in bringing peace in Mindanao. We would like to believe that the MILF is as sincere as the government when it comes to the peace negotiations. We would like to see that sincerity reflected on the ground as well, by knowing that the MILF can control their troops from going into armed clashes again in the future," he said.


The DSWD said that as of November 5, the number of evacuation centers in Zamboanga Sibugay is down to five from 11.
Army stormed Moro village


Two evacuation centers are located in Payao and three in Olutanga providing temporary shelter only at nighttime to some 166 families or 830 people, and 135 families or 675 people, respectively.
For its part, the MILF on Saturday said composite troops of the Army's 18th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Group (RMG) stormed a Moro community in Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay since Friday afternoon.


During the day, the evacuees return to their respective homes to attend to their livelihood but they continue to be provided with relief assistance.
The MILF said "almost a company size" of military and police forces were deployed in Tenan, "heightening alarm and fears" among surprised Moro civilians residing the area.


On the other hand, some 3,817 affected families with 19,075 people are still staying with friends’ and relatives and are continuously being provided with relief assistance.
It noted the village is densely populated by MILF members affiliated with its civil–political committees and the 113th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).


The DSWD has so far provided some P8.1 million worth of assistance to the affected local government units including P7 million in cash-for-work allocation and P1.1 million in family food packs.
"Village chieftain and MILF contacts immediately reported the deployment of troops in full battle gear to government and MILF authorities to allay apprehension but clarification were not afforded," the MILF said on its website Saturday afternoon.


Meanwhile, in Al-Barka town in Basilan, as of November 5, some 2,224 families opted to stay with their relatives and friends but continue to receive relief assistance.
The MILF said its CCCH conveyed the situation to its counterpart in the government but said "clarifications are still being sought."


Some P3.1 million worth of assistance from DSWD-IX (P2.6 million), DSWD-ARMM (P50,000) and the LGU (P511,075.00) had been extended to them, the DSWD said.
“What is very clear with us is that no coordination was made by the government on this unusual movement and deployment of government forces,” the MILF CCCH said.


The MILF said Tenan is populated by several thousands of Moro civilians and MILF members, who earn a living through fishing and farming.


It said its CCCH said it will file a protest on this case that constitutes violations of the ceasefire accord.


“If only to avoid misunderstanding and provocations, the government should have coordinated these movement and deployment,” it said.


“This act is deplorable and surely diminishes the confidence of the Moro people to the peace talks and ceasefire accord between the government and MILF,” the MILF CCCH added.


According to the MILF, the government troops reached Tenan aboard military vehicles, backed up by at least two armored cars.


==Fighting erupts in Zamboanga town==
The troops allegedly moved around the village, while others stayed near riverbanks and a bridge.
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20111111065510
*Friday, November 11, 2011 07:55:10 PM
:by  Mindanao Examiner


Citing reports reaching it, the MILF said civilians were unable to sleep as they were fearful of what may happen.
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 11, 2011) – Government troops clashed with communist rebels Friday afternoon in the town of Siay in Zamboanga Sibugay province in the southern Philippines, reports said.


It said the fighting was reported in the village of Silo and that civilians have evacuated to safety for fear they would be caught in the cross fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but soldiers were battling New People’s Army rebels.
It added others recalled their "horrendous" experiences during Martial Law such as arbitrary arrests and displacement from native places.


The rebels were also blamed for the killing of a government militia last week in the village of Palintana in Kabasalan town, just several kilometers away from Siay.
“Why (storm) a civilian community if the government is really sincere with the negotiation and the ceasefire?” the MILF said.


The NPA is fighting for the establishment of a separate Maoist state in the country.
On Saturday morning, the MILF said government troops swooped into farm lands of the Moros, causing the farmers to stay home.


It said Moro fishermen also skipped their daily routine for fear of being harmed.


"At almost noontime, the government forces beefed up their presence and continue to scour the Moro village," it said.


==Sayyaf attacks government militias in Basilan province==
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120404232224
*Thursday, April 05, 2012 11:22:24 AM
:By (Mindanao Examiner)






==Muslim community leaders laud Sibugay PNP==
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 5, 2012) – Three government militias were killed and 7 others wounded in Thursday attack by Abu Sayyaf militants in the restive southern Philippine province of Basilan, officials said.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=63332
*Thursday, November 10, 2011
:by  Paulnazer T. Lontua


Officials said one of the attackers was also killed in the fire fight that erupted in Tumahubong village in Sumisip town where the militant group tied by authorities to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya is actively operating.


ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- Muslim community leaders in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay laud the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its good practice in peace and order initiatives.
“Three were killed and seven more are wounded in the Abu Sayyaf attack. There is an operation going on against this terrorist group,” Colonel Ricardo Visaya, commander of military forces in the province, told the Mindanao Examiner.
The PNP here made it a point to recognize the valuable efforts of the Muslim communities in attaining peace and order.
Two known Islamic community leaders in the province namely; Ustadz Sarabi Camsain, leader of the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Teachers in Sibugay, and Alhapid E. Muhammad-Al Hadj, Muslim Tribal Leader of the municipality of Ipil, were recognized and given citation by PNP for their contribution as peace advocates.
On the other hand, Muslim leaders are also cognizant of the PNP’s good practices that established good relationship between the authorities and Muslim residents.
According to Muhammad, the presence of SALA’AM PNP personnel in Zamboanga Sibugay is one good move of the PNP to constantly communicate with Muslim leaders and community members to listen to their woes.
“We are happy with our relationship with our PNP here in the province because we feel like we are also part of the dream to achieve real peace in our areas. The SALA’AM personnel are always there to listen to our voices and hear us out. In return, we also cooperate and support our law enforcers," said Muhammad.
PNP SALA’AM personnel, Police Insp. Karib A. Muharram, SALA’AM Chief, and PO3 Galilie B. Alam, are constantly conducting Muslim community visitations and meeting with tribal leaders of every community to listen to them and lead to establish good relationship with the people.
Also, the construction of the PNP Mosque made the bonds between Muslim communities stronger. According to Muhammad, with the new Mosque, Muslim PNP personnel can now pray daily and congregate every Friday.
The recent celebration of the 10th year anniversary of the PPO was also graced by different religious leaders, who were also given citations and awards for their valuable support
and cooperation with the PNP’s peace initiatives.
PSSupt. Ruben D. Cariaga, PPO provincial director, hopes that PNP’s initiatives and the concerted community efforts of Muslim leaders in tandem would last until real peace is achieved. (NBE / P. Lontua)


Visaya said the militias were deployed in the town to guard the workers of the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Development Cooperative. He said the wounded were rushed to the army base in Basilan where doctors provided them first aid and then airlifted to Zamboanga City for further medication.


Visaya has tagged Puruji Indama as behind the attack. “We still don’t know the motive of the attack,” he said.


Police did not give any statement about the attack and the provincial commander Alexis Lineses ignored queries from journalists.


The Abu Sayyaf has previously attacked workers of the cooperative for its failure to pay extortion money to the militants blamed for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.


Indama's group is believed to be holding a kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell, who was seized in December last year at the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga del Sur province.


==BIR urges professionals to be compliant with tax laws==
==(Update) Manhunt operations vs. Zambo Norte town mayor abductors continue==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=63140
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/45899-Update-Manhunt-operations-vs.-Zambo-Norte-town-mayor-abductors-continue.html
*Wednesday, November 09, 2011
*Wednesday, April 4. 2012
:by  Paulnazer T. Lontua
:By  (PNA)
dct/RSV/FMS/utb




ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Revenue District Officer (RDO) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Zamboanga Sibugay Monib Dimakuta urged professionals to comply with tax laws and file their income tax correctly and on time.
According to Dimakuta, he is putting on his priority list the monitoring and checking of all the tax obligations of professionals in his areas of responsibility.
“I would like to post this invitation to all the professionals out there who have tax obligations to comply and make sure they file their income tax correctly and on time because I am putting this monitoring on all professionals,” Dimakuta emphasized.
In Zamboanga Sibugay, Dimakuta urged doctors, lawyers, engineers and all professionals to abide by the tax law to prevent any trouble with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the future as it will not hesitate to implement the Oplan Kandado to delinquent tax payers.
The BIR raised its revenue collections last year and expected to do the same this year. The bulk of the increase would come from the professional segment comprise of doctors, lawyers, accountants and other high-earning self-employed individuals.
The country has about 700,000 professionals, but they contributed only P7 billion to government coffers in 2009. Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima earlier said this amount would translate to an average contribution of P5,000 from each of the 700,000 professionals for that year.
According to the Professional Regulatory Commission, the Philippines have three million professionals, including nurses, doctors, engineers and seamen who are either self-employed or employed. Lawyers and doctors, who are presumed to earn the most among professionals, numbered 190,000. (NBE RIX / P. Lontua)


ZAMBOANGA CITY — Search and rescue operations have been going on for Salug town mayor Jeffrey Tan Lim, 37, who was abducted Monday night by 10 unidentified armed men at the bus terminal of Salug municipality, Zamboanga del Norte.
Lim and his wife were taking supper in an eatery at the bus terminal compound at around 7 p.m. Monday when a yellow van suddenly arrived.
A passenger wearing camouflage green pants and T-shirt with “PULIS” marking alighted from the vehicle and said he was looking for the mayor to purportedly serve a warrant of arrest.
Then, another four also disembarked from the van and forcibly took the mayor into the vehicle and drove away from the marketplace.
Witnesses said the getaway vehicle headed toward Barangay Caracol, a coastal village going north.
Police Senior Superintendent Jose Malayo said policemen pursuing the abductors found the getaway vehicle already burned and abandoned at Barangay Caracol where the perpetrators escaped aboard two white pump boats.
No one has yet claimed ownership of the yellow van.
Malayo who is spokesman for Task Force Zambas said police and military personnel belonging to the Municipal Police Station, Regional Police Safety Battalion (RPSB)-1st Mobile Group, Police Public Safety Company (PPSC) and 10th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) are presently conducting manhunt operations.
This task force is mandated to coordinate anti crime activities in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Basilan provinces.
Mayor Lim was the second victim of kidnapping in the province five months after the abduction of businessman Franc Oliver Lim at his poultry farm in Gulayon, Dipolog City on October 27, 2011. The poultry magnate was released last February 22 in Pagadian City.
The town chief’s abduction happened a few hours after the turnover of command of the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) from P/SSupt. Ulpiano Collado Lopez, who just retired from the service, to P/SSupt. Ramon Martinez Ochotorena.
The authorities are hesitant in naming the group responsible for the abduction.
At the same time, Malayo said that investigators are checking on the bodyguards of the abducted mayor but declined to give additional details on this probe.
Investigators are still checking on the possible motive for the abduction.
In a related development, Supt Malayo said the three foreigners kidnapped in the region are still alive although their exact whereabouts are still unknown.
The kidnapped foreigners are Warren Rodwell, an Australian kidnapped in Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province on December 5 and Eword Horn and Lorenzo Vincegueere, European birdwatchers kidnapped in Tawi Tawi last February 1.
Horn, 52, a Dutch national, and Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 47, of Switzerland, were documenting bird species in Panglima Sugala municipality in Tawi Tawi when armed men took them by force.
Aside from saying that the reports they received indicate that the three foreign kidnap victims are still alive, Malayo declined to comment on details because of operations being conducted for their rescue.


==Corn farmers, women’s group join “exposure trip” to strengthen corn production==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1401333433507
*Tuesday 3rd of April 2012
:By Jocelyn P. Alvarez








==Government prepares for return of displaced families in Zamboanga Sibugay==
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Apr. 3, (PIA) -- At least 40 corn farmers who are members of a multi-purpose cooperative and women members of women’s association participated in the “exposure trip” held recently at the corn farm of Mr. Leonardo Talania in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte where the latter shared and explained best practices in corn production .
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2011/11/07/government-prepares-return-displaced-families-zamboanga-sibugay-189167
*Monday, November 7, 2011
:by  Jill Beltran/Sunnex


Department of Agriculture (DA) in a press statement said the “exposure trip was aimed at encouraging the participants to strengthen their corn production.


MANILA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started is preparation for the return of several families displaced by military offensives in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The participants were from Makilas, Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay, an area where DA established 3.6 million village-type corn postharvest processing center.  


"The DSWD is now beginning to make preparations for the return of the displaced families," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
DA in the press statement said, the exposure trip beneficiaries were corn-farmer- members of the Makilas Cooperative and Caparan Women’s association, who are also beneficiaries of the DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) under its Community Fund for Agricultural Project (CFAD), where each group received a grant of P 225,000 for their corn project


As part of the preparation, Valte said the DSWD is conducting counseling and stress debriefing sessions among those affected residents.
“The exposure trip was initiated through the DA’s Corn banner program and its research division in partnership with PLGU- Sibugay province and MLGU Ipil,” the press statement reads.  


She added that livelihood assistance in the form of grants coming from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program have also been provided.
The press statement said lectures were conducted during the trip. “On the issue of financing scheme, the group was also informed that the First Valley Bank is giving individual loans to farmers,” this to help them finance corn production.  


Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman visited evacuation centers in Zamboanga Sibugay to oversee the preparations.
“DA Regional Executive Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy encouraged the farmers to plant more corn and utilize the newly established post harvest facility in their place which ready market for their produce,” the press statement shared.  


The military has launched an operation against lawless elements in various parts in Mindanao following successive skirmishes that resulted in the death of more than 30 soldiers and civilians.
The Makilas Coop members were grateful for the experience and committed to maximize their resources in corn faming.  


Ipil Municipal Agriculturist Edgar Apao for his part address the participants by saying “we will support you with the fertilizer discount; we will increase the four sacks per farmer to six sacks/farmer and we will also allocate budget for trainings like Farmers’ Field Schools (FFS).”


Representative from the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rene Rosales who was also present during the exposure trip said “ we will give you our 101% service.”


For his part, Felizardo Salomes, Corn program coordinator promised the participants of an all-out support of the department. “We put things in place that we may start right and end up successful,” he assured. (JPA/ytavellaneda/DA9/PIA-9 ZBST)


==Zambo City police chief sacked over killings==
*Source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/3326-zambo-city-police-chief-sacked-over-killings
*04/02/2012 7:00 PM  | Updated 04/02/2012 7:53 PM
:By DAVID Y. SANTOS






==CHR enters camp of wanted MILF leader in Zamboanga Sibugay==
MANILA, Philippines – Amid a clamor for his resignation over the unabated shooting incidents in Zamboanga City for the past months and the killing of a university president last weekend, local police acting chief Sr Supt Edwin de Ocampo was relieved from his post on Monday, April 2.
*Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/6923-chr-enters-camp-of-wanted-milf-leader-in-zamboanga-sibugay.html
*Sunday, 06 November 2011 17:27
:by  Hader Glang


De Ocampo was named officer-in-charge of the ZCPO in January 2009. He has been heavily criticized for failing to stop the series of shooting incidents in the city, particularly since December last year.


A probe team of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) entered the former camp of Waning Abdulsalam in Sitio Talaib, Barangay Labatan, Payao town in Zamboanga Sibugay province on Friday.
Replacing De Ocampo is Chief Supt Mario Yanga, Police Regional Office-9  assistant director. It will be his 5th time to be designated in the post.


The team, according to reports, saw the large crater caused by the bombing of the military.
“It will be a huge personal sacrifice to accept this assignment, considering I am holding a number of other posts in the regional office,” Yanga told reporters.


CHR Commissioner Jose Manuel Mamauag assured that no civilians were affected or the detachment of the MNLF in adjacent areas.
Yanga will also lead Task Force Eustaquio, a special body composed of various police units created to resolve the killing of Arturo Estaquio III, president and chief executive officer of Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), the biggest private university in Western Mindanao.


Mamauag said no houses there, but some structures, resting huts of the lawless groups. "But notably the prevailing fear among residents."
The local government has been placed under intense public pressure to replace De Ocampo.


He said only in July, this year, that the armed group was sighted in the area.
But despite calls for the official's ouster, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat preferred to wait for a formal order from Camp Crame to replace De Ocampo.


It was learned from the CHR official that the local government had already reported the matter to the Government Peace Panel and even to the military, but to no avail.
Reward money


On October, when the police together with some soldiers tried to serve arrest warrant for Abdusalam, which resulted to more than one week of clashes.
The order came on March 29 and gave Lobregat 10 days to choose from a list of 5 officials recommended by the Philippine National Police leadership. But even before a decision could be made on his replacement, De Ocampo was relieved following Eustaquio's killing.


"How did they became like that, the group? They Should have been prevented," asked Mamauag.
According to CHR Commissioner, Abdusalam should be answerable for the kidnapping, robbery in band, extortion and murder cases.
Authorities blamed Abdulsalam for kidnappings and killings on Mindanao.
"This is high time for the government to apply the fullest force of the law. Lawlessness Should not stay a minute longer, "the whim of Mamauag.
The CHR probe team also went to Basilan to check on the affected civilians in the clashes between the military and the MILF.
==NPA kills CAFGU in Zambo Sibugay==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/05/11/npa-kills-cafgu-zambo-sibugay
*11/05/2011 2:50 PM | Updated as of 11/05/2011 2:50 PM
:by  abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – About 30 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Zamboanga Sibugay Saturday morning.
Zamboanga Sibugay Police Director, Senior Superintendent Ruben Cariaga said the rebels raided the house of a certain Ricky Modal along Barangay Palinta in Kabasalan around 6 a.m.
   
   
The rebels then took with them another CAFGU member identified as Felix “Caloy” Obordo.
Radio dzMM reported that the rebels brought Obordo to a camote plantation where he was tied and stabbed to death.
The army’s 8th Infantry Battalion had been dispatched to pursue the rebels.  Dennis Datu, radio dzMM


During the change of command ceremonies at the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), Lobregat however insisted that De Ocampo was not being sacked, saying he had merely reached the end of his term.


Lobregat announced that a P100,000 reward money has been set aside for any information that could lead to the arrest of Eustaquio's killers.


At least 2 gunmen attacked Eustaquio a few meters outside his home in Barangay Sta. Maria on Sunday afternoon. Until his death, Eustaquio preferred to stay as a low-profile businessman. He was driving his motorcycle when he was gunned down.


Aside from a private hospital, Eustaquio's family also owns UZ which has at least 8,000 students as of March 2012. The university's main campus is in Zamboanga City and has branched out to other parts of the region such as in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and soon in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.


Yanga said police operatives have been dispatched throughout the region to hunt for the killers, who were initially described by eyewitnesses. The city government is also reportedly allocating an undetermined amount to support the police manhunt.


Elbert Atilano, UZ professor and sports director, told Rappler that Eustaquio was aware of the threats to his life but “often downplayed them."


Authorities earlier warned him about supposed threats by lawless groups to kidnap him. Eustaquio also reportedly received threats thorough text messages.


==PNP assures public safety in Sibugay==
“He received a text message last March 21 while in Cagayan de Oro City which stated the threat to liquidate him,” Atilano said. “Knowing his personality, he simply dismissed the threat and did not report this to the police.”
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=62310http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r09&id=62447
*Friday, November 04, 2011
:by  Paul Lontua


Reports said investigators are looking into a number of possible motives behind Eustaquio's murder, including the businessman's transactions for the expansion of his university.


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay November 4 (PIA) -- Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Director, PSSupt. Ruben D. Cariaga, Sr., announced through a phone interview that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is under control of the situation and assured Sibugay’s public safety.
Atilano said it was “business as usual” in UZ a day after the killing of their president but employees and students were in deep mourning.
“We have things under our control and the PNP is assuring that we can keep Sibugay safe”, stated Cariaga.
Added to his statement, Cariaga revealed that there are text messages spreading all throughout the province containing reports that lawless groups will attack some municipalities in the province particularly in the municipality of Ipil creating panic and fear.
Cariaga said that the said text messages come from unreliable sources and the PNP had nothing to do with such actions.
“We received information that few text messages are circulating around the province and all contained reports that lawless groups will launch attacks in certain municipalities like Ipil. All of these reports remain unconfirmed and all never came from our office”, added Cariaga.
According to Cariaga, people should not immediately believe in text messages and should get first-hand information from reliable sources like the PNP.
“I’m appealing to the people to remain calm and not panic because of such reports from text messages. They should not immediately believe and instead ask reliable sources like the PNP because we have things under our watch”, Cariaga explained.
Within one week, elements of the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were ambushed by lawless armed groups in the municipalities of Alicia, Kabasalan and Ipil which made the province headlines in local and national newspapers, radio and relevision.
Accompanied with reported bomb threats which later on turned out to be false alarms, the province of Zamboanga Sibugay is now considered by some people as a place of war and conflict.
With this, Cariaga call on people to remain calm but vigilant and watchful to things that are happening in their surroundings.
Cariaga also said that the PNP welcomes reports and is asking the public to immediately coordinate with authorities as to suspicious things, people or activities in their surroundings. The support and cooperation of the civilian communities, according to Cariaga, is the only key to prevent and solve crimes and other conflicts in Sibugay.
As of PRESS time, the AFP and PNP has established a build-up of personnel in Sibugay areas particularly in Ipil as one of their safety measures to prevent any untoward incidents like bombings, attacks, etc. The whole province is also under high alert because of what happened recently.
(NBE/P. Lontua, Ipil, ZSP)


The Estaquio family opened the university's amphitheater for a few hours on Monday to hold a public viewing of the businessman's remains. He was buried before lunch following Islamic tradition. - Rappler.com


==DILG holds general orientation in Zamboanga Peninsula==
*Source: http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/04/dilg-holds-general-orientation-in-zamboanga-peninsula/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dilg-holds-general-orientation-in-zamboanga-peninsula
* Apr 1, 2012
:By  (PNA)
RMA/FMS/mec




ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 1 PNA) -– The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX has conducted a 12-day Pre-Center Component I, General Orientation for Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) II and III in the Zamboanga Peninsula at the DILG Regional Office in Pagadian city.
Regional director Paisal Abutazil said orientation was a pre-requisite to the Component II Enhancement Training of the 47th Batch of LGOOs to be held in Polomolok, South Cotabato on April 10 to June 5, 2012.
Abutazil said the training aimed to provide the LGOOs with the skills, capacities and technical know how on the ins and outs of being a DILG field officer, as well as their duties and responsibilities.
The orientation/training was participated in by six technical personnel from the regional and field offices composed of LGOO IIs Junil Cabahug, from Zamboanga Sibugay; Sherwin Caseñas, of Zamboanga del Norte; Philip Cuevas and Dihsie Ramos-Lauron from the Regional Office; and Marites Anota and Chandiramani Obut from Dipolog City.
Resource Speakers and Focal Persons took turns in orienting and familiarizing the trainees on various topics such as the History, Evolution and DILG Strategic Doctrines, Decentralization Policies and Principles, Local Government Unit Powers, Local Legislation, Finance, Code of Conducts and Ethical Standards and DILG Flagship Programs Projects and Activities.
In between the lectures an examination was administered by the lecturers in order to gauged the level of comprehension of the trainees on the lectures and subject presented.
Abutazil said that the trainees should take the general orientation phase seriously because this would equip them for the actual center training where they would be joined by trainees from other regions in Mindanao.
“We want to prepare the trainees not only mentally, but also condition them physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. In doing so, they will be able to face the challenges in the training center and more so in the actual job on the ground, confidently and head on,” Abutazil said.
For the Component II, Region IX trainees will be joined by other trainees from Regions 11 and 12. After the center training, trainees will be exposed to the job of a DILG Field officer through Field Emersion Phase for three months.


 
==[[Zamboanga_Sibugay_Archived_News]]==
 
The older news reports are kept [[Zamboanga_Sibugay_Archived_News|here]]
==LGU-Sibugay to implement GRAJTREE program==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=62310
*Thursday, November 03, 2011
:by  Claro A. Lanipa
 
 
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay Nov 3, (PIA) –- The Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Municipal and Barangay Local Government Units and other National Government Agencies (NGAs) will implement the Governor Rommel Apolinario Jalosjos Tripartite Rubber Expansion and Enhancement Program (GRAJTREE).
The program will focus solely on rubber expansion and enhancement in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. It is a centerpiece program of the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Jalosjos.
Provincial Agriculturist Rey Manginsay said the project will be implemented in an estimated land area of 50,000 to 100,000 hectares of land located in the different municipalities of the province which are covered by the Socialized Integrated Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA) of the DENR and other areas which may be determined and cleared for inclusion in the program by the DENR.
Manginsay further said that budding of rubber seedlings will begin in February 2012 and planting will eventually starts by April of the same year. On its first year of implementation, 14-thousand hectares of land will be covered to be planted with more or less 7.5 million rubber trees.
Accordingly, a group of seven workers can maintain three hectares of rubber plantation to include weeding, tapping, latex collection, fertilization, pruning and others.
GRAJTREE program aims to expand the rubber production area of Zamboanga Sibugay and enhance its potentials in order to bring about progress and various livelihood opportunities to its people.
While waiting for the productive stage of the project, crops for inter-cropping and other livelihood projects shall be introduced. Under the institutional, human resource and marketing components of the program, cooperatives shall play a significant role in this program. While the processing and manufacturing component shall be the primary responsibility of the private sector which is composed of local, national and international investors.
This project is a tripartite engagement of the provincial government, the private sector and the different cooperatives in the province. (JPA/OPAD/CAL/PIA9/ZamboSur)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Zamboanga Sibugay evacuees expected to start going home==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/86727/zamboanga-sibugay-evacuees-expected-to-start-going-home
*2:28 am | Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
:by  TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
 
 
As government troops moved deeper in Zamboanga Sibugay province in pursuit of so-called lawless elements, some of the more than 20,000 evacuees could start to go back home beginning this week, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman said Tuesday.
By Sunday, the number of evacuees in Payao, Alicia, Talusan, Mabuhay and Olutanga towns had risen to 4,533 families or 21,090 individuals as more people fled their homes after rogue elements entered their villages, Soliman said.
“Based on the assessment of the military and the governor, many of them can start going back to their places in certain areas this week because the military’s hot pursuit operation against the lawless elements has moved farther away,” she said in a phone interview.
“Even if the military or police say it’s safe to go back, they will have to check the situation. The lawless elements are harassing soft targets to distract the Army. The process will take about two weeks before they can settle down,” she said.
Evacuees still in Al-Barka
In Al-Barka, Basilan, 1,891 families or 9,481 individuals remained in evacuation centers or in the homes of relatives following the October 18 ambush that killed 19 soldiers.
“There is a hot pursuit operation, and the people are not being asked to go back as of now,” she said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allotted P7 million and P2 million for its cash-for-work programs for the evacuees in Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan, respectively, to help them recover, Soliman said.
Evacuees who will repair homes, school buildings, barangay centers or any government facility that had either been destroyed or damaged during the clashes would get paid.
“They’ll start the work this week,” said Soliman, who visited Sibugay on Friday together with Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and Secretary Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process.
The DSWD will also release the cash grants to evacuees who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program before they go back home.
“Social workers managing the evacuation centers continue to provide the evacuees counseling sessions and play therapy to children to reduce the trauma that they are undergoing,” Soliman said.

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

DOST-IX accepts Project Proposals for SETUP

By JCC/DOST-IX Press Release


The Department of Science and Technology-IX (DOST-IX) is now accepting proposals from proprietors of micro, small and medium enterprises in the region who wish to avail of the technical and financial assistance under the Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations to boost their productivity and competitiveness.

Specifically, the program enables firms to address their current technical problems; get free technical advice from the consultants; avail of technical training courses for workers/employees; acquire new equipment to mechanize and/or improve production line; avail assistance on product packaging and labeling; and standardize and improve the quality of products.

The program is open to any company or individual firm that is based in the Philippines and wholly owned by Filipino citizen. The firm/s must be classified under the following identified priority sectors: 1) Food Processing; 2) Furniture; 3) Gifts and Holiday Decors (GHD); 4) Aquatic and Marine-based Resources; 5) Metals and Metalworking; 6) Horticulture; 7) Information and Communications Technology; and 8) Health Products and Services.

Now on its eleventh year of implementation, the program had provided funding and technical assistance to eighty two (82) firms from all over the region, which translated to improved productivity and product quality of business establishments.

For more information, interested parties may visit or call DOST-Regional Office IX, Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024. The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial S&T Center (ZdN-PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, with telephone numbers (065) 212-2244, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial S&T Center (ZdS-PSTC) in Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone numbers (062) 925-1152, and the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial S&T Center (ZS-PSTC) at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with phone numbers 09154596401.






Domicile for election purposers; proof of - G.R. No. 191970

By attylaserna.blogspot.com


The Issue Presented

The sole issue presented in this case is whether or not the COMELEC acted with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in ruling that Jalosjos failed to present ample proof of a bona fide intention to establish his domicile in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Court’s Ruling

The Local Government Code requires a candidate seeking the position of provincial governor to be a resident of the province for at least one year before the election.[9] For purposes of the election laws, the requirement of residence is synonymous with domicile,[10] meaning that a person must not only intend to reside in a particular place but must also have personal presence in such place coupled with conduct indicative of such intention.[11]

There is no hard and fast rule to determine a candidate’s compliance with residency requirement since the question of residence is a question of intention.[12] Still, jurisprudence has laid down the following guidelines: (a) every person has a domicile or residence somewhere; (b) where once established, that domicile remains until he acquires a new one; and (c) a person can have but one domicile at a time.[13]

It is inevitable under these guidelines and the precedents applying them that Jalosjos has met the residency requirement for provincial governor of Zamboanga Sibugay.

One. The COMELEC appears hasty in concluding that Jalosjos failed to prove that he successfully changed his domicile to Zamboanga Sibugay. The COMELEC points out that, since he was unable to discharge the burden of proving Zamboanga Sibugay to be his rightful domicile, it must be assumed that his domicile is either Quezon City or Australia.

But it is clear from the facts that Quezon City was Jalosjos’ domicile of origin, the place of his birth. It may be taken for granted that he effectively changed his domicile from Quezon City to Australia when he migrated there at the age of eight, acquired Australian citizenship, and lived in that country for 26 years. Australia became his domicile by operation of law and by choice.[14]

On the other hand, when he came to the Philippines in November 2008 to live with his brother in Zamboanga Sibugay, it is evident that Jalosjos did so with intent to change his domicile for good. He left Australia, gave up his Australian citizenship, and renounced his allegiance to that country. In addition, he reacquired his old citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, resulting in his being issued a Certificate of Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship by the Bureau of Immigration. By his acts, Jalosjos forfeited his legal right to live in Australia, clearly proving that he gave up his domicile there. And he has since lived nowhere else except in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

To hold that Jalosjos has not establish a new domicile in Zamboanga Sibugay despite the loss of his domicile of origin (Quezon City) and his domicile of choice and by operation of law (Australia) would violate the settled maxim that a man must have a domicile or residence somewhere.

Two. The COMELEC concluded that Jalosjos has not come to settle his domicile in Ipil since he has merely been staying at his brother’s house. But this circumstance alone cannot support such conclusion. Indeed, the Court has repeatedly held that a candidate is not required to have a house in a community to establish his residence or domicile in a particular place. It is sufficient that he should live there even if it be in a rented house or in the house of a friend or relative.[15] To insist that the candidate own the house where he lives would make property a qualification for public office. What matters is that Jalosjos has proved two things: actual physical presence in Ipil and an intention of making it his domicile.

Jalosjos presented the affidavits of next-door neighbors, attesting to his physical presence at his residence in Ipil. These adjoining neighbors are no doubt more credible since they have a better chance of noting his presence or absence than his other neighbors, whose affidavits Erasmo presented, who just sporadically passed by the subject residence. Further, it is not disputed that Jalosjos bought a residential lot in the same village where he lived and a fish pond in San Isidro, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. He showed correspondences with political leaders, including local and national party-mates, from where he lived. Moreover, Jalosjos is a registered voter of Ipil by final judgment of the Regional Trial Court of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Three. While the Court ordinarily respects the factual findings of administrative bodies like the COMELEC, this does not prevent it from exercising its review powers to correct palpable misappreciation of evidence or wrong or irrelevant considerations.[16] The evidence Jalosjos presented is sufficient to establish Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, as his domicile. The COMELEC gravely abused its discretion in holding otherwise.

Four. Jalosjos won and was proclaimed winner in the 2010 gubernatorial race for Zamboanga Sibugay. The Court will respect the decision of the people of that province and resolve all doubts regarding his qualification in his favor to breathe life to their manifest will.

Philippine authorities say kidnapped Australian is alive, but weak and frail

By Mindanao Examiner


Philippine authorities said a kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell is alive, but frail and weak, and that security forces are still searching for the former Sydney man.

Rodwell, 52, was seized on December last year by 6 gunmen, disguised as policemen, from his house in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province where he married a Filipina woman Miraflor Gutang, 27.

Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, the regional police commander for Western Mindanao, said Rodwell is believed being held captive in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

“Police intelligence reports indicate that Rodwell is in Basilan province and is being transferred from one place to another (to evade detection by authorities),” he said during a peace and order meeting last week in Zamboanga City.

He said Rodwell, a former soldier in the Australian army, was said to be in the towns of Lantawan and Sumisip. “We are doing our best to locate and rescue Rodwell. My office is coordinating with the (police forces) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao because Rodwell has been brought by his captors outside my jurisdiction. Our troopers are working 24 hours on the ground for the rescue of Rodwell,” Estilles said.

A local newspaper reported that Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos said the kidnappers are now demanding P20 million for the safe release of Rodwell. Jalosjos did not say if he is in contact with the kidnappers or negotiating for Rodwell’s freedom.

Police and military have tagged the Abu Sayyaf which has links with both al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, as behind the kidnapping of Rodwell. The group originally demanded $2 million in exchange for the release of Rodwell.

The Philippine army earlier reported that Rodwell was spirited out of Basilan to Zamboanga Peninsula because of intense military operation against the Abu Sayyaf.

“We have been receiving a lot of intelligence about Rodwell and his captors and many of these reports are also misinformation. There are reports that Rodwell is in Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula and our operations are continuing in those areas,” Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, told the Mindanao Examiner.

He said he also saw a police photo of Rodwell holding a Philippine newspaper believed to have been taken last month from an unknown location. “There is a photo of Rodwell holding a newspaper. It’s another proof of life, but we don’t know his condition now,” he said.

Kidnapped Australian alive but frail, weak

By AL JACINTO CORRESPONDENT


Police officials over the weekend reported that a kidnapped Australian is alive, but frail and weak, and that security forces are still searching for the former Sydney resident.

Adventurer Warren Rodwell, 52, was seized on December last year by six gunmen, disguised as policemen, from his house in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province where he married a Filipina woman Miraflor Gutang, 27.

Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles, the regional police commander for Western Mindanao, said Rodwell is believed to be held captive in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

“Police intelligence reports indicate that Rodwell is in Basilan province and is being transferred from one place to another [to evade detection by authorities],” he said during a recent peace and order meeting in Zamboanga City.

He said Rodwell, a former soldier in the Australian army, was said to be in the towns of Lantawan and Sumisip.

“We are doing our best to locate and rescue Rodwell. My office is coordinating with the [police] in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao because Rodwell has been brought by his captors outside my jurisdiction. Our troopers are working 24 hours on the ground for the rescue of Rodwell,” Estilles said.

A local newspaper quoted Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos as saying during the same meeting that the kidnappers are now demanding P20 million for the safe release of Rodwell.

Jalosjos did not say if he is in contact with the kidnappers or negotiating for Rodwell’s freedom.

Police and military have tagged the Abu Sayyaf, which has links with international terrorist organizations al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, as behind the kidnapping of Rodwell. The group originally demanded $2 million in exchange for the release of Rodwell.

The Philippine army earlier reported that Rodwell was smuggled out of Basilan to the Zamboanga Peninsula because of intense military operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

“We have been receiving a lot of intelligence about Rodwell and his captors and many of these reports are also misinformation. There are reports that Rodwell is in Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula and our operations are continuing in those areas,” Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, told The Manila Times.

He said he also saw a police photo of Rodwell holding a Philippine newspaper believed to have been taken last month from an unknown location.

“There is a photo of Rodwell holding a newspaper. It’s another proof of life, but we don’t know his condition now,” he said.

Abducted Australian pleads for life

By Lindsay Murdoch and Al Jacinto


A NEW proof-of-life video shows Sydney adventurer Warren Rodwell looking gaunt and making a desperate plea for a ransom to save his life after more than four months in captivity in the Philippines. Ron Masling, an Australian acquaintance of Mr Rodwell who obtained the video, says the kidnappers have set a four-week deadline to be paid or they will behead him. "They [the kidnappers] have given one month more before he is finished," Mr Masling told The Sunday Age by telephone from the Philippines, where he has been living for several years.

However, Australian officials are angry that a Filipino man linked to Mr Masling contacted the kidnappers and obtained the four-minute video during which Mr Rodwell is seen holding a copy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper dated March 26. The Department of Foreign Affairs declined to comment. Mr Masling, 57, of Canberra, is attempting to sell the video to the Australian media for thousands of dollars, saying his efforts to help Mr Rodwell have used up all his pension money. Grave fears are held for Mr Rodwell, who was abducted on December 5 from his fortified home in the seaside town of Ipil on troubled Mindanao Island by four gunmen posing as police. Philippine authorities say that since the video was made Mr Rodwell has become frail and weak as he has been constantly moved between remote hideouts of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group, which has now dropped its original ransom demand from $2 million to $460,000. Both the Australian and Philippine governments have policies not to pay ransoms. In the video, the second sent by the kidnappers, Mr Rodwell pleads for his family, the Australian Prime Minister and Australians to raise the money. Philippine security forces have moved a massive hunt for the kidnappers to the island of Basilan, an Abu Sayyaf stronghold, after intelligence reports indicated he was taken back there in recent days after being held for weeks in hideouts on the nearby Zamboanga Peninsula. Philippine troops have had several firefights with Abu Sayyaf terrorists this year despite efforts to negotiate Mr Rodwell's release. Zamboanga Sibugay governor Rommel Jalosjos said the kidnappers were now demanding 20 million pesos ($A460,000) for the release of Mr Rodwell, whose 27-year-old Filipina wife Miraflor Gutang says she does not have the money to pay. Mr Jalosjos declined to say if he was in contact with the kidnappers. Mr Masling, who has been unable to sell the video to the media, claimed Australian authorities had done little to help Mr Rodwell. However, it is known Australian officials have been supporting efforts to secure Mr Rodwell's release. Mr Masling claimed that Australian officials in Manila had told him his life was in danger and that he should leave the Philippines immediately. But he said he was not leaving. "Where I grew up you don't leave your mates behind."

Zambo Peninsula 2011 fisheries production down by 18.18%

By PNA/PIA9-ZBST


The fisheries production of Zamboanga Peninsula or Region-9 for the year 2011 has registered an 18.18 percent decrease compared to that in 2010, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported Thursday.

NSCB Regional Director Mewchun Pamaran, citing data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), said this came about as the commercial, municipal and aquaculture fishery sectors have registered a downward trend in production last year compared to that in the previous year. Pamaran said the fish production by commercial fishermen last year was lower by 125,314.52 MT from 339,750.97 metric tons (MT) in 2010 to 214,436.45 MT in 2011.

Pamaran said three areas namely the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City have registered production shortfall in commercial fisheries, which constitute about 34.6 percent to the total fishery production in the region.

The commercial fishery data of the three areas are as follows: Zamboanga del Norte went down by 1,036.54 MT from 20,999.20 in 2010 to 19,962.66 in 2011; Zamboanga del Sur decreased by 2,516.39 MT to 31,622.48 MT in 2011 from 34,138.87 in 2010; and, Zamboanga City was lesser by 117,213.84 MT to 158,473.97 MT in 2011 from 275,687.81 MT in 2010.

Pamaran said the decrease in the commercial fishery production was largely attributed to lesser number of fishing activities and number of unloading due to weather disturbances that occurred during the period.

The total production for municipal fishery, which accounts for 20.8 percent of the region's total fisheries production, was pegged at 129,037.87 MT in 2011 or lower by 7,028.94 MT compared to that in 2010 production of 136,066.81 MT, Pamaran said. All of the areas in the region--Zamboanga City, and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay--have marked a downward trend in municipal fishery production in 2011 compared to that in the previous year.

Of the four areas, Zamboanga del Norte registered the highest municipal fishery production shortfall of 3,289.45 MT to 37,061.47 MT in 2011 from 40,350.92 MT in 2010.

The municipal fishery production of the other areas in the region are: Zamboanga del Sur down by 2,634.64 MT from 25,677.22 MT in 2010 to 23,042.58 MT in 2011; Zamboanga City marked a decrease of 698.69 MT from 42,225.15 MT in 2010 to 41,526.46 MT in 2011; and, Zamboanga Sibugay lesser by 406.16 MT to 27,407.36 MT in 2011 from 27,813.52 in 2011.

Pamaran said that the region's aquaculture production also exhibited a downward trend though three areas in the region namely Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte provinces and Zamboanga City registered an increase in production.

In totality, Pamaran said the region's aquaculture production is lesser by 5,315.76 MT from 281,398.42 MT in 2010 to 276,082.66 MT last year since the increase in the production of the three areas were not sufficient to offset the shortfall of Zamboanga del Sur that reached 10,838.52 MT. Last year's aquaculture production of Zamboanga del Sur went down to 44,297.36 MT from 55,135.88 MT in 2010.

The aquaculture production of the three areas that marked an increase are as follows: Zamboanga Sibugay marked an increase of 3,068.64 MT from 132,581.82 in 2010 to 135,650.46 MT in 2011; Zamboanga City went up by 2,058.41 MT to 62,064.87 MT in 2011 from 60,006.46 MT in 2010; and Zamboanga del Norte increased by 395.73 MT to 34,069.98 MT in 2011 from 33,674.25 MT in 2010. Aquaculture accounted for about 44.6 percent of the total fisheries production of the region.

Meanwhile, Pamaran said the seaweed farmers have produced 254,521.10 metric tons last year which is lower by 3,610.2 MT compared to the previous year's production of 258,131.30 MT.

Supreme Court upholds 2010 win of Zamboanga Sibugay governor

By Edu Punay


MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the election in 2010 of Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Romel Apolinario Jalosjos.

In a seven-page ruling released last Wednesday, the SC nullified the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualifying Jalosjos in the gubernatorial race over residency and citizenship issues based on a complaint filed by barangay chairman Dan Erasmo from Ipil town.

The SC ruled that the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion in disqualifying the governor.

“Jalosjos won and was proclaimed winner in the 2010 gubernatorial race for Zamboanga Sibugay. The court will respect the decision of the people of that province and resolve all doubts regarding his qualification in his favor to breathe life to their manifest will,” stated the ruling penned by Associate Justice Roberto Abad.

Records show that Jalosjos was born in Quezon City in 1973. In 1981, he acquired Australian citizenship.

But in 2008, at age 35, he returned to the country, took his allegiance to the Philippine government, and renounced his Australian citizenship.

DSWD signs agreement for poverty programs in Zamboanga

By (JPA/SMU-dis/DSWD9/CAL-PIA9)


PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the local government of Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay for the implementation of a poverty program in the municipality.

The MOA for the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) was signed by DSWD assistant regional director Zenaida Arevalo and Mayor Alfredo Atilano.

The revolutionary community-driven development project of the DSWD was formally launched in nine municipalities in Region 9.

For this year, 12 municipalities have been selected to implement the KALAHI-CIDSS project, based on the high poverty incidence in these areas.

The municipalities that have officially begun the implementation are Naga, Ipil and Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay; Tukuran, Tigbao, Dumalinao and Tabina in Zamboanga del Sur; and Salug and Manuel Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte. Those that are yet to begin are Sibuco, Sirawai and Baliguian also in Zamboanga del Norte.

The KALAHI-CIDSS project is a bottom-top approach to development planning, which puts decision-making with regards to the implementation of community sub-projects like water systems, roads, schools, and more, to the organized groups of volunteers. These volunteers are the front line implementers of the project in the communities, after being given trainings on project identification, implementation, and operation and maintenance. The project capacitates the people to handle huge sums of money for the implementation of the projects, in most cases, millions of pesos.

During the municipal orientations conducted, the mayors have openly expressed their optimism that by enlisting the partnership of the basic sectors, they will be able to come up with a more thorough action plan for development every year.

“This is a unique approach, but we know that it works,” shares Salug Mayor Jeffrey Lim.

“By bringing the decision-making process down to the people themselves, we are assured of a more holistic approach in addressing our town’s multi-faceted problems,” said Mayor Danilo Dalid of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Meanwhile, provincial governors have expressed their support to the poverty-reduction efforts of the DSWD. Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles said that in spite of the efforts of government to thwart its many problems, poverty is still persistent, hence the need for a more thorough approach.

On the other hand, Zamboanga del Norte governor Rolando Yebes committed to not only provide supervision to the implementation of the project, but to be hands-on in its implementation

12 municipalities in ZamPen to implement kalahi-CIDSS project

By (JPA/DIS-PIA9, ZBST)/ Dominic I. Sanchez-DSWD 9)


ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 2 (PIA) - - For this year, 12 municipalities have been selected to implement the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, ( Kalahi-CIDSS) project.This is a community-driven development project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The municipalities that have officially begun the implementation are Naga, Ipil and Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay; Tukuran, Tigbao, Dumalinao and Tabina in Zamboanga del Sur; and Salug and Manuel Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte. Those that are yet to begin are Sibuco, Sirawai and Baliguian also in Zamboanga del Norte. These areas are noted to have high poverty incidence.

The Kalahi-CIDSS project is a bottom-top approach to development planning, which puts decision-making with regards to the implementation of community sub-projects like water systems, roads, schools, and more, to the organized groups of volunteers. These volunteers are the front line implementers of the project in the communities, after being given trainings on project identification, implementation, and operation, and maintenance. The project capacitates people to handle huge sums of money for the implementation of the projects, in most cases, millions of pesos.

During the municipal orientations conducted, the mayors openly expressed their optimism that by enlisting the partnership of the basic sectors, they will be able to come up with a more thorough action plan for development every year.

“This is a unique approach, but we know that it works,” shares Salug mayor Jeffrey Lim.

“By bringing the decision-making process down to the people themselves, we are assured of a more holistic approach in addressing our town’s multi-faceted problems,” said mayor Danilo Dalid of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Meanwhile, provincial governors have expressed their support to the poverty-reduction efforts of the DSWD. Zamboanga del Sur governor Antonio Cerilles said that in spite of the efforts of government, poverty still persist, hence the need for a more thorough approach.

On the other hand, Zamboanga del Norte governor Rolando Yebes committed not only to supervise the implementation of the project, but to be hands-on in its implementation.

Suspect in Aussie’s kidnap slain in Zamboanga Sibugay

By Roel Pareño


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A member of a rebel group tagged in the kidnapping of an Australian national was killed while another was arrested in an encounter with government operatives in Sitio Gang in Barangay Mamagon in Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay province, officials said yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, Police Regional Office 9 director, said the clash occurred when members of the 44th Infantry Battalion and policemen launched a pursuit operation against the kidnap gang allegedly led by Waning Abdusalam at around 2 a.m last Saturday.

Estilles identified the slain suspect as Batoto Abdusalam, alias Halifa Omar.Hader Magatos, who was wounded during the encounter, was captured.

Abdusalam’s group is wanted for a series of kidnappings targeting both residents and foreigners in the Zamboanga peninsula. The group, which has links with the Abu Sayyaf group based in Basilan, was tagged in the kidnapping of Australian Warren Richard Rodwell, 56, a native of Sydney.

Rodwell, a former soldier married to Filipina Mariflor Gutang, was kidnapped last Dec. 5 at his home in Barangay Upper Pangi in Ipil town.

Police and military officials are also looking into the possibility that the group was behind the kidnapping of Salug, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Jeffrey Lim last April 2.

Vital Tungawan Infra Projects Up

By mb.com.ph


TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – The municipal government here has embarked on a massive improvement of its infrastructure support programs and development aimed at providing a much improved living condition of the residents of this municipality.

Town Mayor Randy Climaco said his government has completed two facilities worth P8.5 million inside the municipal market complex here.

The facilities, he said, will serve the farmers regarding their needs while inside the municipal market.

He also disclosed that the main public market where the wet and dry section is located is presently under renovation.

The mayor said Representative Romeo Jalosjos Jr. (2nd District, Zamboanga Sibugay) funded the project through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

He also cited the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) for providing P2 million for the improvement of the irrigation canals of the municipality.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also extended additional funding for the construction of a new police station in the municipality, he added.

According to Climaco, the massive implementation of various infrastructure projects here is also expected to improve the economic living condi¬tion of the local residents, particularly the farmers.

As this developed, Climaco disclosed that education, and health care facilities are likewise included in his priorities for the improvement of the lives of the people here.

In another development, the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte has implemented some P25 million worth of various programs and infrastructure projects during the first quarter of 2012.

Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando E. Yebes said the various projects were implemented in the 25 municipalities of the province, and in the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan.

He enumerated the projects as the Sicayab-Bucana-San Vicente Road in Bucana, Sicayab, Dipolog City, the roadway and parking area in San Vicente, Dapitan City, the improve¬ment of the water supply system, and construction of multi-purpose hall in the various villages, and the construc¬tion of several school buildings, con-creting and rehabilitation of various provincial roads, among thers.

Yebes said that since he became the governor of Zamboanga del Norte in 2004, he has already implemented and completed some 5,613 projects through the Provincial Engineering Office.

Soldiers nab 3 members of gang in Rodwell kidnap

By AL JACINTO


ZAMBOANGA CITY: Government troops captured three gunmen in a clash Saturday with a notorious gang tied to the kidnapping of an Australian adventurer in Zamboanga Sibugay province, officials said.

Officials said the troops raided the hideout of Waning Abdulsalam in Naga town, but the gang leader who was previously implicated in the kidnapping of Warren Rodwell, 52, escaped.

“We were not able to get Waning, but we captured three of his followers in a clash that lasted over 30 minutes. There is no report about Rodwell,” Army Colonel Gerry Barrientos, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, told The Manila Times.

He said troops recovered weapons from Abdusalsalam’s hideout in the village of Mamagon.

Abdulsalam was a former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently negotiating peace with Manila. Aside from Abdusalsalam, authorities also linked another MILF leader Barahama Ali to Rodwell’s kidnapping.

Rodwell was kidnapped in December last year by six gunmen disguised as policemen at his house in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. He was reported by the police and military to have been brought to Basilan province, just several nautical miles from here, and also in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Authorities have not reported much on the progress of the operation to rescue Rodwell except that the kidnappers have been moving the former Sydney man from one hideout to another to avoid detection by the military.

The kidnappers have demanded $2 million ransom for the release of Rodwell who married a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, 27, last year in Ipil town. Both the Philippine and Australian governments rejected any ransom payment to the Abu Sayyaf.

Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos has imposed a news blackout on the Rodwell kidnapping, although the kidnappers had contacted him several times to negotiate for the safe release of the foreigner.

The kidnappers sent photos and a video clip to Rodwell’s wife in December as proof of life, but the woman said they had no money to pay ransom.

In Basilan, Army Colonel Ricardo Visaya, the provincial military commander, said that Rodwell may have been smuggled out by the kidnappers to Zamboanga Peninsula due to their continued operations against the militant group Abu Sayyaf.

“We have no information or reports about Rodwell. There last information we have on him was that he was spirited out of Basilan to Zamboanga Peninsula due to the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

Visaya overran the jungle base of Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama in Sumisip town during a recent offensive.

Philippine troops capture 3 members of gang linked to kidnapping of Aussie man

By (Mindanao Examiner)


PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 28, 2012) – Government troops captured three gunmen in a clash Saturday with a notorious gang tied to the kidnapping of an Australian national in Zamboanga Sibugay province in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the troops raided the hideout of Waning Abdulsalam in the town of Naga, but the gang leader who was previously implicated in the kidnapping of Warren Rodwell, 52, escaped.

“We were not able to get Waning, but we captured three of his followers in a clash that lasted over 30 minutes. There is no report about Rodwell,” Army Colonel Gerry Barrientos, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, told SMH.

He said troops recovered weapons from Abdusalsalam’s hideout in the village of Mamagon.

Abdulsalam was a former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently negotiating peace with Manila. Aside from Abdusalsalam, authorities also linked another MILF leader Barahama Ali to Rodwell’s kidnapping.

Rodwell was kidnapped in December last year by 6 gunmen disguised as policemen from his house in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. He was reported by the police and military to have been brought to Basilan province, just several nautical miles from here, and also in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Authorities have not reported much on the progress of the operation to rescue Rodwell except that the kidnappers have been moving the former Sydney man from one hideout to another to avoid detection by the military.

The kidnappers have demanded $2 million ransom for the safe release of Rodwell, who married a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, 27, last year in Ipil town. Both the Philippine and Australian governments rejected any payment of ransoms to the Abu Sayyaf.

Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos has imposed a news blackout on the Rodwell kidnapping, although the kidnappers had contacted him several times to negotiate for the safe release of the foreigner.

The kidnappers sent photos and a video clip to Rodwell’s wife in December as proof of life, but the woman said they had no money to pay ransom.

In Basilan, Army Colonel Ricardo Visaya, the provincial military commander, said that Rodwell may have been smuggled out by the kidnappers to Zamboanga Peninsula due to their continued operations against the militant group Abu Sayyaf.

“We have no information or reports about Rodwell. There last information we have on him was that he was spirited out of Basilan to Zamboanga Peninsula due to the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.

Visaya overran the jungle base of Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama in Sumisip town during a recent offensive.

Negros Oriental State University gets 83% in electronics engineering exam

By Victor L. Camion


THE state run university in Negros Oriental got 83 percent passing rate in the recent engineering licensure examination.

Five out of six electronics engineering graduates of Negros Oriental State University (Norsu) in Dumaguete City passed the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination.

Norsu president Dr. Henry Sojor said the passing rate was 83.33 percent of which was above from the national passing rate of 53.55 percent.

Of the 2,687 examinees nationwide, only 1,439 have passed the licensure exam, Information and communication director Joy Perez said.

Norsu’s successful examinees are Melvin Ascabano Belnas of Sipalay City; Mark Jaed Blaza Bendijo of Dumaguete City; Roderick Militante Indab of Guihulngan City; May Joy Ravina Leonora of Bocana, Negros Occidental; and Karole Joseph Manvales Torres of Zamboanga, Sibugay.

Lawmaker advises 4Ps beneficiaries to be aware of responsibilities

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez


ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- A lawmaker has advised the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to be aware of the responsibilities that come with the benefits they receive.

“Be updated and know your responsibilities,” said Zamboanga Sibugay’s 1st District Congressman Jonathan Cabilao Yambao to the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who were present during the Convergence Caravan held in Alicia, Sibugay recently.

Member of committees on appropriations and poverty reduction, Yambao explained to his constituents where the money for the program came from and how some Pantawid supporters and Department of Social Welfare and Development officials defended the budget which materialized with the inclusion of 20,658 poor households in Sibugay District I for the said program.

He also encouraged the beneficiaries to know more about the program considering the new policies instituted by the implementing agency and take the initiative to help uplift themselves from poverty. Violation of policies such as pawning their cards to credit facilities, accordingly, is one of the many issues discussed in the congress during program reviews.

“Kinahanglan mag-double time ta, apan ang program 5-ka tuig lang, ug daghan pa ta buluhatun para mu-uswag atong kinabuhi ” (We have to double our efforts for the program is good for 5 years only and we still have so much to do to improve our lives), said the young congressman, challenging the beneficiaries from the nine municipalities of Alicia, Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, Mabuhay, Malangas, Olutanga, Payao and Talusan.

Report from the Social Welfare and Development Team (SWADT) in Ipil said that a total amount of P228,949,560 had already been disbursed by Landbank to the beneficiaries in District I of Sibugay from 2009 to 2011.

With Pantawid, other programs were also implemented in the said District, such as the Kalahi-CIDSS program, which employs a community-driven development scheme where local government units and the barangay people come together in identifying the needs of the community.

With pooled finances from the municipal and barangay units, DSWD, through the support of World Bank, complements the project with needed funding and technical assistance. However, the members of the barangay adopt a sense of responsibility over the project and look after its maintenance as part of their contribution and embodied upon the memorandum of agreement entered with DSWD. To date, KALAHI had disbursed a total of P18.5 million for sub-projects in Mabuhay and Payao municipalities.

SEA-K or Self-Employment Assistance for Kaunlaran, the livelihood program of DSWD had also shelled out P2 million for capital assistance to 120 beneficiaries to finance micro-enterprises. The program enables the poor to have access to credit, promote entrepreneurship with the main goal of increasing their income. Since majority of the beneficiaries are from coastal areas, most of them are engaged in dried fish vending, agar-agar farming, and buy and sell of marine products.

Other agencies such as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment provided services during the activity. The Armed Forces of the Philippines represented by Capt. Abdjuraji of the 18th Infantry Battalion also offered services like shoe repair, manicure, and therapeutic massage. However, majority of the Pantawid beneficiaries availed of the free medical and dental consultations by doctors from the different health office units who also distributed medicines.

Yambao, obviously satisfied with the activity, expressed, “I hope this caravan will not be the last but a first to a series of activities bringing government services closer to the people. (JPA/NZB/CIO-PIA 9, ZBST)

To ensure that the financial subsidy is rationally utilized and be recommended for its continued release, the recipient schools are directed to conduct a yearly mentoring program to other schools within the division/region which intend to implement the same sports program.

DepEd earmarks P8.5M for special sports program

By Alvin Murcia


SOME P8.5 million was allocated by the Department of Education as subsidy to 17 regional schools that offer a special program in sports.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said each school is to receive P500,000 as training subsidy.

The subsidy will enable the schools to effectively deliver services to student athletes who will stand out in national and international competitions.

“There is cost in developing world-class athletes and the schools are the natural breeding ground of grassroots talents,” added Luistro.

As specified in DepEd Order 28 s. 2012, the additional subsidy which augments the schools’ maintenance and operating expense will go to the training of teachers and administrators on relevant topics in sports.

It is also intended to procure instructional materials, sports supplies and athletic uniforms as well as for student development activities such as training, workshops, participation in DepEd-approved competitions including travel allowance of students during trainings and competitions.

It will also finance the participation of teachers in DepEd-sponsored scholarships and professional upgrading including enrolment in master’s degree program in sports.

The 17 schools are Ilocos Norte National High School in Region I, Cagayan National High School in Region 2, Victoria NHS in Region 3, Lopez National Comprehensive HS in Region 4-A, Palawan National School in Region 4-B, Camarines Sur NHS in Region 5, Iloilo NHS in Region 6, Negros Oriental NHS in Region 7, Palo NHS in Region 8, Zamboanga Sibugay NHS in Region 9, Bukidnon NHS in Region 10, Sto. Tomas NHS in Region 11, General Santos City NHS in Region 12, Bayugan National Comprehensive HS in CARAGA, Datu Paglas NHS in Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao, Tabuk NHS in Cordillera Administrative Region, and Muntinlupa Science HS in the National Capital Region.

To ensure that the financial subsidy is rationally utilized and be recommended for its continued release, the recipient schools are directed to conduct a yearly mentoring program to other schools within the division/region which intend to implement the same sports program.

Lobregat dares Zambo Sibugay Red Cross to become independent chapter

By (PNA)

RMA/TPG/ssc


ZAMBOANGA CITY — Philippine Red Cross Governor and Mayor Celso Lobregat on Monday has challenged the Zamboanga Sibugay Red Cross sub-chapter to be an independent and separate chapter or unit that is able to meet the needs and challenges of the future. The Zamboanga Sibugay Red Cross, an attached unit of the Zamboanga del Sur Red Cross Chapter, has persevered through disasters, health challenges and provided lifesaving blood and taught lifesaving skills to people in the area, according to Lobregat. “However, as the days progress, the challenges and adversities become more daunting and more demanding. The weight of expectations is heavier calling for more efforts to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Red Cross governance for the benefit of the people in the area. This will mean facing the challenges with a sense of collective responsibility and with a sense of urgency,” Lobregat said in his keynote message during the 2nd Biennial Assembly of the Zamboanga Sibugay Red Cross Sub-Chapter under administrator Hilario Miranda Jr., at the Sibugay Hotel in Ipil municipality. Necessary in attaining an independent status, Lobregat said, was the compliance of numerous requirements that include consistent and aggressive advocacy campaigns for blood donations through bloodletting and fund raising initiatives to support its ongoing and vital mission. Very imperative also is the collective responsibility and support of the stakeholders--the populace, the local government unit and all the sectors in the area “so that your aspiration to be a self-sufficient, self-supporting chapter will be achieved,” he said. He also thanked and extolled the Board of Directors, delegates and volunteers of Zamboanga Sibugay province for their aggressive spirit of volunteerism in the service of humanity through the Red Cross movement. He hoped that the Zamboanga Sibugay Red Cross sub-chapter can realize its goal of being an independent and separate chapter from Zamboanga del Sur when it convenes again for its 3rd Biennial Assembly. Also present during the assembly were Ipil Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan, Zamboanga Sibugay PRC Board of Directors chair Meliton Pihid, Zamboanga City Red Cross administrator Victor Liozo Jr. and representatives of Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos and Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Congressman Romeo Jalosjos and many others.

PNOC EC plans to invest P20B in new prospects

By Amy R. Remo

Philippine Daily Inquirer


PNOC Exploration Corp. the oil exploration and coal arm of state run Philippine National Oil Co. is investing a hefty P20 billion between now and 2016 for the “further exploration, exploitation, development and marketing of oil, gas and coal deposits in the Philippines.” The company’s board of directors had approved this “long range” plan, which also includes the construction of power plants to further boost the country’s electricity supply, said PNOC EC chairman and CEO Gemiliano C. Lopez Jr. PNOC EC earlier said it had begun looking for potential joint venture partners for the construction of two coal-fired power plants, which will be put up in Isabela and Zamboanga Sibugay, where its coal mines are located. PNOC EC is also developing three new prospective, high-grade coal mines within Zamboanga Sibugay under Coal Operating Contract No.41. These mines could increase the company’s coal production by some 800,000 metric tons annually. At present, production within COC 41 is around 150,000 MT a year. The company also submitted several bids to acquire contracts to explore and develop some of the prospective coal mines in the country, under the Philippine Energy Contracting Round 4 for coal. For its upstream oil business, PNOC EC is looking to drill an exploration well within Service Contract 63 off Palawan, where two big prospects had been identified: the Aboabo discovery and the Kalapato site, which were estimated to hold 222 million barrels and 239 million barrels of oil, respectively. PNOC EC also recently took over the compressed natural gas (CNG) refilling facility of Shell, as the government moves to boost the use of this alternative fuel for transport via the Natural Gas for Vehicle Program for Public Transport (NGVPPT) of the Department of Energy. PNOC EC has appropriated P400 million for the project designed to provide compressed natural gas fuel to 1,000 passenger buses to bring down the cost of transportation. Last year, PNOC EC posted a 22-percent growth in its net income to P3.01 billion from P2.48 billion the previous year. Consequently, the earnings per share rose to P1.51 from P1.23 in 2010. It also reported a 14-percent hike in gross revenues to P10.4 billion in 2011, from P8.82 billion the year before.






IP support group on tension at Balabag mines: “cease provocations and de-escalate the situation”

By Carolyn O. Arguillas


BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur (MindaNews/21 April) – A support group for indigenous peoples (IPs) is calling for support to “multi-stakeholder action and calls to cease provocations and de-escalate the situation” at the gold-rich Balabag Hill in Barangay Depore, following a spate of incidents that included removal of barricades and firing at truck tires on April 14 and the killing of the barangay captain and secretary on April 16. (see separate story) The Partnership Forum for Indigenous Peoples Peacebuilding in Mindanao, which describes itself as a “non-partisan affiliation to promote positive and culturally appropriate efforts at conflict transformation related to resource-based conflicts in tribal communities,” aired its call in a statement Wednesday amid the ongoing standoff between a large-scale mining firm, TVI Resources Development (Phils)., Inc., an affiliate of the publicly listed Canadian mining firm, TVI Pacific which has a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) over 4,779 hectares and the Monte de Oro Small-Scale Mining Association (Mossma), over mining rights over an area ranging from 20 to 80 hectares within the TVI’s MPSA but which Mossma claims it has prior rights to. The Forum, whose member-organizations include the Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (EcoWEB), Mindanawon Initiatives for Cultural Dialogue – Ateneo de Davao University and Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao, said it is particularly concerned about the “impact of this sustained and ongoing violence on the lives of those struggling to make a living, especially the Subanen Indigenous Peoples of the area who also have a pending Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title application for the area.” It called on partners to join them in engaging the situation in three ways: “de-escalation, documentation and dialogue.” Under De-escalation, the Forum is calling on support for “multi-stakeholder action and calls to cease provocations and de-escalate the situation” and that the needs and leadership of local indigenous peoples leaders must be heard and respected. It urged an interdepartmental-civil society organization trauma response team to provide an “ongoing presence to ease tensions, conduct trauma impact and resiliency assessment and support IP-initiated healing and reconciliation efforts” and to immediately demobilize “617 private/irregular security forces in Bayog.” The statement said the presence of these “armed agents” was reported by local partners in March 2012. It added that the number does not include the 129 military and police personnel assigned to the area. Under Documentation, the group urged the Commission on Human Rights “at the national level” to “immediately investigate and respond to the situation and send personnel to the area” and for this to be “coordinated with a high-level, multi-sectoral, international fact finding mission.” It also urged the documentation and promotion of “indigenous conflict transformation practices in order to achieve in-depth understanding of the IP community and enhance IP leadership for community restoration.” Under Dialogue, the group supports the formation of a local inter-group community crisis response team representing Tribal Councils, NGOs, Church and religious groups, civic organizations, government agencies such as social welfare, IPs, environment and peace and order, and other organizations and to form a wider “coordinating group to support the local inter-group crisis response team and coordinate with national and international parties to create a space for dialogue.” In a statement e-mailed to MindaNews on Friday, Ron Jabal, Public Affairs Director of TVI said that while they assert their rights as holder of an MPSA, TVI “has always used peaceful means to negotiate with illegal small scale miners in Balabag, Bayog Zamboanga del Sur, hence we support the planned de-escalation, documentation and dialogue.” “We will never resort to violence and always respect human rights of everybody. We call on the illegal small-scale miners to do the same,” Jabal said. Edgar Baling, Mossma technical consultant and spokesperson in an e-mail on Friday, said they will abide by the call of civil society “but they should put more emphasis to TVI who started the unscrupulous, irresponsible and irrational aggression done to Mossma people and the irreparable damages they have done to the people who are just peacefully doing gainful pursuit to make both ends meet in these difficult times.” On Friday, April 13, Mossma members attempted to remove the barricade at the Inter-Agency checkpoint at the junction in Sitio Balabag, Barangay Depore, to allow trucks bearing diesel fuel into the minesite. TVIRD banned the entry of diesel fuel that Mossma members use to run their rod fuels and cyanidation plants since April 5. Dennis Baguio of TVI’s Public Affairs said this was implemented since last week of March. On Saturday, Mossma members succeeded in their attempt and managed to allow three trucks bearing diesel fuel into the minesite, prompting TVI’s security forces to fire at the trucks’ tires.

The Municipal Peace and Order Council in a meeting Friday passed a resolution urging the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board to immediately resolve the conflict over the contested area currently being mined by Mossma members that is within the MPSA of TVI. In its last meeting on February 17, the PMRB gave the contending parties and itself 90 days or until May 17, within which to present their position papers for the board to study. Following Saturday’s tire-shooting incident, Mayor Leonardo Babasa convened the town’s Crisis Management Committee on Sunday. He said the committee passed a resolution urging TVI to maintain the status quo – apparently referring to the period when diesel fuel was still allowed to enter the minesite – and for Mossma members to exercise sobriety. On Monday, April 16, the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) released a cease and desist order it issued on April 13 against all forms of illegal mining in Western Mindanao, including the operations in Balabag. Late Monday afternoon, the barangay captain of Depore, Francisco Arado, barangay kagawad (councilor) Ernesto Mancao and barangay secretary Edith Navarro were with five other residents sitting on the benches in front of a store in the village when two men on board a motorcycle slowed down and fired at them. Arado and Navarro were killed while Mancao was wounded. On Friday, April 20, some 150 persons waited outside the TVI office in downtown Bayog, apparently gathered by the company from upland villages to counter a planned rally of the Patriotiko Mindanao (Patriotic Coalition Against US Intervention). Patriotiko Mindanao in a statement on the People’s Caravan and Lakbayan against US Militarism and Plunder distributed in Pagadian on April 17 listed a “picket rally” at TVI in Bayog on April 20 as one of its activities on its return from Zamboanga City. Bayog is an interior town 18 kilometers from the national highway in Buug, Zamboanga del Sur. Streamers made of sack were posted on the concrete fence of TVI’s Bayog office: “Sa TVI dunay paglaum” (in TVI there is hope), “TVI 4ever,” “Sa TVI kami” (we’re for TVI) and “TVI pro-envi.” Sack streamers were also seen carried by some participants to be unfurled apparently when the Patriotiko Mindanao participants arrive. A number said “gipa-anhi lang man mi diri” (we were told to come here” and “igo lang gipababa dinhi” (we were brought down here). Romy Albarico of Barangay Datagan said they were there brought down “para maminaw sa rally” (to listen to the rally). TVI personnel distributed lunch in plastic bags. Retired Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Cayton, TVI chief of security said the “peaceful rally” outside their gates had been scheduled ahead of the Patriotiko rally. Patriotiko Mindanao did not arrive in Bayog. The group reportedly picketed the TVI office in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. TVI first operated a gold and silver mining project in Sitio Canatuan, Barangay Tabayo, Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte, an operation that triggered mass protests and complaints of alleged human rights violations, including alleged encroachment on the IP’s ancestral domain. According to its website, TVI started decommissioning its gold and silver project in April 2008 and began construction activities for its copper and zinc production and support facilities, including a warehouse in Sta. Port, Siocon in June 2008. Beyond Canatuan, the company prepared for the “second development-stage property and planned production center at the Balabag Gold and Silver Project in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)





Animal lovers call for issuance of travel docs to Kabang’s owners

By Julie S. Alipala

Inquirer Mindanao


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Animal welfare groups and individuals touched by the dog Kabang’s act of saving two girl’s from harm in December are moving heaven and earth to help at least one of her masters accompany the pet to the United States for reconstructive surgery to restore the dog’s lost upper jaw. The problem is that neither Rudy Bunggal nor his wife, Christina, has documents needed to obtain a passport or other travel documents. Dr. Anton Lim of the Tzu Chi Foundation here said they were trying their best to help the couple. The main problem so far, Lim said, is that none of the Bunggals has a birth certificate. Lim said it was important for Kabang to have either Rudy or his wife during the surgery in California as it would hasten the dog’s recovery. Kabang is so attached to her masters that one of them, at the least, should be with her, he said. But it seems bureaucratic red tape was getting in the way. Lim said Rudy had gone to the National Statistics Office here for a copy of his birth certificate but there was none, so he was advised to “go back to the place where he was officially registered by his parents.” Lim said the NSO also asked Rudy to produce the marriage certificate of his parents or birth certificate of any of them. But his parents never married, and he was unsure where his parents were born, he said. The Bunggals originally came from Bogo in Cebu but migrated to Payao in Zamboanga Sibugay when Rudy was 9 years old. Rudy told the Inquirer that his father had died and he heard that his mother was in a home for the elderly. “My mother is also a ‘kolorum’ (no birth documents),” he said. Ramona Consunji of the Animal Welfare Coalition said they were appealing to the NSO to give special consideration to Rudy’s case. “It’s very important for Nong Rudy to be with Kabang before, during and after surgery, I can see their connection. Kabang strongly responds to him,” Lim said. Consunji said they were hoping that the assistance offered by Vice President Jejomar Binay could fast-track the issuance of a birth certificate to either Rudy or Christina.

Zamboanga Sibugay chairman slain in Pasig

By Non Alquitran


MANILA, Philippines - A barangay chairman from Zamboanga Sibugay, attending a disaster seminar in Metro Manila, was gunned down in Pasig City yesterday.

Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel said the killing of Adjed Yusof, chairman of Barangay Mamagin, could have something to do with his job.

“He was assassinated. The gunman could have followed him here and carried out his plan,” said Laurel as he ordered Superintendent Alfredo Calama-an, officer-in-charge of the Pasig City police, to coordinate with airport authorities for the possible identification of Yusof’s killer.

Yusof sustained a lone gunshot wound in the head, the bullet exiting at the back. Nobody witnessed the shooting, prompting Laurel to theorize that a “sniper” shot him.

Yusof and his fellow members of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Zamboanga Sibugay arrived in Metro Manila recently to attend the disaster seminar sponsored by Barangay San Antonio.

He was about to step into a bus waiting for them along Escriva at about 4:20 p.m. when he suddenly fell to the ground, bleeding. He died on the spot.

Barangay official Dr. Melvin Villaruz said their seminar started at 2 p.m. yesterday and ended two hours later.

Yusof and his companions were on their way to a hotel to Manila, where they were billeted for several days.

Chairman Reynaldo Dones, of Barangay Sta. Clara in Naga, Camarines Sur said he and Yusof were about to board a rented bus with license plate PXY-237 when the sound of gunfire rang out. Dones said he was checking himself for gunshot wounds when Yusof fell down.

Dones said he did not notice any gunman.

CMK’s Fashion Pandemonium 2012

By zamboangatoday.ph


CMK’s Fashion Pandemonium in line with CMK’s Creations 2nd Year Anniversary became a big success where the show tested the creativity and craftsmanship of the designers coming from the region last April 13 at Astoria Regency.

During the show, glamorous designs came out from the designers where they competed in different themes such as Enchanted Forest Gown, Pink Planet Cocktails, Country Corsets, Rock Chic Lingerie, and Modern Filipiniana.

The event will also be for the benefit the Department of Social Welfare to include the Orphanage and the Home for the Elderly.

The event will be participated by designers coming from Zamboanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte which is composed of Dapitan and Dipolog.

For Zamboanga City, two amateur designers will join the competition and known Zamboangueño designers Altum Tiabot and Joy Verar.

The five judges for the show are Antonio L. Chua, Edwin F. Uy, David A. Ocampo, and Chery S. Veric all are celebrity fashion designers and Jeffrey B. Somera Jr., Celebrity Fashion Stylist.

The criteria for judging are creativity 30%, personal display 5%, trendy 10%, use of color 5%, wearability 15%, workmanship 25%, and impact 10%.

The winners were Reynante G. Tan - Best in Evening Gown (Enchanted Forest Inspired), Paul Anthony Espinosa - Best in Cocktail Design (Pink Planet), Paul Anthony Espinosa - Best in Lingerie Design (Rock Chic Inspired) and Best in Modern Filipiniana Creation and Best in Corset Creations (Country/Western Inspired) Reynante G. Tan. The winners received P10,000 cash and a trophy.

Zamboangueño talents also gave superb performance led by Philippine Idol Top 8 Armarie Cruz, Armando Cruz Jr., Khaezel Galvez, Victoria Anne Guingona and Cheska Mas of KM6 band. The performers sang together with the KM6 band. The Jambangan Dancers together with the CMK dancers also danced during the show.

The show was organized by CMK Creations together with the following sponsors Grand Astoria Hotel, Yes Hair cutter, Panasonic, Picar Development Inc., Yanna’s Kikay Corner, Universal Canning Inc., Alavar, Unilever, Vista de Lente, Treborz audio visual, and many more.

Zamboanga Peninsula population up by half-million

By (Bong Garcia)


THE National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) announced that the population of Zamboanga Peninsula has reached 3,407,353 as of May 1, 2010, marking an increase of 575,941 within a period of 10 years.

This developed as the NSCB data showed that the region has registered a population increase at an average rate of 1.87 annually from the year 2000 to 2010.

Zamboanga Peninsula's population as of May 1, 2000 was 2,831,412, according to the NSCB.

"This figure translated to about two persons added every year for every 100 persons in the population," the NSCB said.

Zamboanga del Sur had the largest population with 959,685 among the three provinces in the region, followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 957,997 and Zamboanga Sibugay with 584,685 population.

Zamboanga City has the largest population with 807,129 among the five cities in the region, followed by Pagadian City with 186,852 and Dipolog City with 120,460 population.

Dapitan City has the smallest population with 77,441, while Isabela City with 97,857 has the second smallest population among the five cities in the region.

Among the 67 municipalities in the region, the municipality of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte has the largest population with 94,146, while the municipality of La Libertad of the same province has the smallest population with 7,771.






PARCCOM elects new members, endorses chair

By Atty. Adolfo Lopez, Jr.


Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, April 16 (PIA) – The Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) of Zamboanga Sibugay conducted an election on April 12, 2012 at Roderic’s Resort and Restaurant, Taway, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. It was a successful event, as there were a number of candidates who participated representing the different sector-organizations in the province and elected new set of members who will man the CARP coordinative and deliberative collegial body.

Elected members were Efren Napigquit, Wilfredo Miel, Harriete Bayawa, Imelda Lumasag, Lydia Paid, Erlinda Lozano, Miguel Almase, and Federico Manlang, representing the different sector-organizations. Also screened and endorsed for PARCCOM chairmanship by the PARCCOM evaluating committee was Vicente Matugas who will serve the said position upon his appointment by the president of the Philippines.

Sections 44 of RA 6657, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, created the PARCCOM to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in the provincial level. It further mandates the PARCCOM to provide information about Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) guidelines on CARP and the progress of its implementation.

Spearheading the said event were the Department of Agrarian Reform officers headed by PARO II Rizzel Villanueva, Legal Division Chief Atty. Alan Tolorio, Wilfredo Ampong, Beneficiaries Development and Coordination Division (BDCD) chief, Perlidita Engalla, Operations Division Chief, and Ana Georgina Saysip-Sebastian, Admin and Finance Division chief.

Prior to the election proper, DAR Zamboanga Sibugay Information Officer Atty. Adolfo Lopez, Jr., DAR Paralegal Officer Euphemio Masanegra and PARCCOM Head Secretariat Romulus Perez conducted lectures to the candidates and aspirants during the orientation about the PARCCOM and the duties and responsibilities of its chairman and members.

Also present during the election were representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other government agencies who pledged their full support on the objectives, activities and functions of the PARCCOM. The newly-elected PARCCOM members will be taking their oath on May 10, 2012 and are set to act in full force upon the official appointment of the PARCCOM chairman by the President. (ATL/DAR-ZSP/PIA9/CAL)

Additional state anti-poverty program beneficiaries eyed

By Bong Garcia


THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office has ordered its regional office to conduct community assemblies in five areas that were not yet covered by the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the agency.

The five areas are the municipalities of Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, and Ipil in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay and Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur.

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The holding of the community assemblies is purposely to register potential beneficiaries of 4Ps in the areas, which were not yet covered in the implementation of the program.

DSWD Regional Director Teodulo Romo said the DSWD wll cater 10,479 beneficiaries in Pagadian City and envision to have an additional of 5,979 beneficiaries in the municipality of Ipil, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay province.

The other areas in Zamboanga Sibugay like Buug, Diplahan, and Imelda will have 3,130, 1,800 and 2,348 beneficiaries, respectively.

Existing municipality-beneficiaries of the Pantawid will have additional slots to register as recipients to the program are: Bayog, 202; Dumalinao, 456; Tambulig, 480; Malangas, 504; Olutanga, 517; and, Payao, 448.

The DSWD and the concerned local government units have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen the implementation of the program in their respective localities.

Kidnap victim released after payment of money

By Julie S. Alipala

Inquirer Mindanao


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The son of a village official in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, who was abducted on March 11, was freed Saturday after his family gave money to the captors, police said. Senior Superintendent Ruben Cariaga, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said Mel John Auditor, 21, son of Magdaup village councilor Gabriel Auditor, was handed over by soldiers to his parents after picking him up in a remote area of Payao town, also in Zamboanga Sibugay, around 5:45 a.m. “We were informed that the parents of Mel John paid P70,000 as board and lodging fee to the kidnappers,” Cariaga said. But another source said the Auditors paid P200,000 to the kidnappers. Cariaga said the Auditor family sought the military’s help in fetching the captive from Bunawan after being informed he would be released Saturday. “Immediately, troops from 16th Special Forces responded and went to the area. The troops returned to their headquarters with the kidnap victim at around 5:45 a.m.,” Cariaga said. Colonel Gerry Barrientos, commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the younger Auditor appeared “okay but very pale and thin.” In his version of Auditor’s recovery, Barrientos never said anything about ransom. He said soldiers, acting on a tip-off, went to Bulawan in Payao and caught up with a group of armed men, who “hastily fled from their harbor area and abandoned a captive.” He said that captive was Auditor, who was “trapped inside a fish cage.” Barrientos said Auditor was turned over to his parents in the presence of Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos. He said the identity of the group that held Auditor was not clear yet. “We will soon have the data after Auditor’s debriefing,” Barrientos said. In previous incidents of kidnapping in Western Mindanao, authorities consistently blamed the Abu Sayyaf. These included the December abduction of Australian Richard Warren Rodwell.

Bartolome assists Makati rob victim while in Zamboanga

By Alfred Dalizon


STAFFERS of a Makati City office which was burglarized thanked PNP chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome yesterday for immediately responding to their call for assistance even though he was in Zamboanga Sibugay investigating an NPA attack last Wednesday. A staff of the office told the Journal Group that after an almost six hours delay, three apologetic investigators from the Makati City Police Station’s Criminal Investigation Division rushed to them. This was right after one of their female friends contacted the PNP chief and asked for his help.

The friend who called Bartolome was Ivy Mendoza, an editor of Manila Bulletin and friend of People’s Tonight acting managing editor Ma. Teresa Lardizabal.

Mendoza met Gen. Bartolome during Lardizabal’s birthday party in 2011. Lardizabal and Journal Group publisher and editor-in-chief Augusto Villanueva had introduced Mendoza to the country’s top cop.

The Manila Bulletin editor said she was told that the burglary was discovered around 7:50 a.m. Wednesday when the employees reported for work. After 30 minutes, the employees called up the Makati police to report the incident.

One employee was told by an officer that they had to wait for investigators who had been dispatched to other incidents. The long wait took more than five hours until Mendoza was informed of it.

Mendoza said she remembered that Gen. Bartolome gave her his business card when they met during Lardizabal’s party and sent him a message asking for his help 2:20 p.m. Wednesday. She said she was surprised when a minute later, Gen. Bartolome called her up and asked for details.

The PNP chief was then in Zamboanga Sibugay assessing the situation after New People’s Army guerrillas raided a local police station and seized a cop.

Bartolome ordered the relief of two local police commanders in the aftermath of the daring rebel raid.

After 20 minutes, three Makati CIB investigators, Senior Police Officer 1 Noli Jucal and PO3s Gerry Jose and Minly Gutierez, arrived at the scene to investigate.

The Makati office’s staff said the Makati police officers made a thorough investigation, taking the statements of all people present and getting the necessary fingerprints.

The policemen later asked the help of the PNP Crime Laboratory in investigating the case which include subjecting some people to a lie-detector test amid the possibility it could be an ‘inside job.’

The office lost P85,000 in cash, a mobile phone and a digital camera to the suspect or suspects. However, the burglar or burglars did not touch other equipment in the office including a computer set and a printer.

“Medyo nakakainis na talaga ’yung ganun kahabang paghihintay sa imbestigador. Pero mawawala rin ang init ng ulo ng mga tao ’pag maiisip nila na mismong ang PNP Chief ang personal na tumutulong sa mga biktima. Maraming salamat po, Gen. Bartolome,” Mendoza said.






Groups to mount protest caravan against Balikatan

By Emilord Castromayor


Around 4,000 people from different sectors are expected to join the Mindanao-wide caravan to protest the Philippine-US war games dubbed as Balikatan exercises which will run for five days from Apr. 16-20.

Lawyer Carlos Zarate Jr., convenor of Patriyotiko Mindanao representing the lawyers’ group United People’s Lawyers in Mindanao, said that the main theme of the campaign is to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement and other onerous agreements between the GPH and the US.

He said the country booted out the US military bases in 1992 but in 1999, the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement, “converted the entire Philippines into a US military base.”

“Despite being unconstitutional, policies which undermine national sovereignty such as the visiting forces agreement and the mutual logistics support agreement persist,” Sheena Duazo, spokesperson of Bayan-Southern Mindanao said in a statement.

She said both treaties allow “American impunity and the continuation of human rights violations in the Philippines” and the “pillage of the country’s natural resources.”

The protest caravan is spearheaded by Bayan, Patriyotiko Mindanao, United People’s Lawyers in Mindanao, Kawagib and other progressive groups.

The groups estimate that around 6,000 US soldiers will arrive in Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga, which will serve as the main operating base.

Bai Ali Indayla, secretary general of Kawagib, said participants of the caravan will converge on Apr. 16 in Davao Region, General Santos City, Butuan City, Cotabato City and Iligan City before heading off to Zamboanga.

For April 18, the participants will gather in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay for solidary activities and initiate a unity walk on April 19.

Bishop Modesto Villasanta, convenor of the Patriyotiko Mindanao, said the presence of US troops in country ,especially in Mindanao, will run in conflict with the interest of the people. “They are here to strengthen their economic political interest and thus it would intervene our economy as well as other sectors,” he said. (with reports from Ma. Cecilia Badian/MSU Intern)

All set for CMK’s Fashion Pandemonium

By R.G. A A. Go


All is set for the CMK’s Fashion Pandemonium fashion competition, where the creativity and craftsmanship of the designers coming from the region, will be put to test on April 13 at Astoria Regency in Pasonanca.

CMK Creations Head, Kelvin Fortin, said that the occasion is in line with CMK’s Creations 2nd Year Anniversary.

"The fashion competition will test the creativity and craftsmanship of the designers in the region," Fortin said.

The event will be for the benefit the Department of Social Welfare to include the Orphanage and the Home for the Elderly.

The event will be participated by designers coming from Zamboanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte, which is composed of cities of Dapitan and Dipolog.

For Zamboanga City, two amateur designers will join the competition and known Zamboangueño designers Altum Tiabot and Joy Verar.

For the competition, the designers will have to create the following garments according to the given themes.

The themes for the competition are as follows: Theme 1 Enchanted Forest Gown, Theme 2 Pink Planet Cocktails, Theme 3 Country Corsets, Theme 4 Rock Chic Lingerie, and Modern Filipiniana.

The five judges for the show are Antonio L. Chua, Edwin F. Uy, David A. Ocampo, and Chery S. Veric all are celebrity fashion designers and Jeffrey B. Somera Jr., Celebrity Fashion Stylist.

The criteria for judging are creativity 30%, personal display 5%, trendy 10%, use of color 5%, wearability 15%, workmanship 25%, and impact 10%.

There will be one winner for each themes and the winners will each receive P10,000 cash and a trophy. During the show, Zamboangueño talents will also perform to include Philippine Idol Top 8 Armarie Cruz, Armando Cruz Jr., Khaezel Galvez, Victoria Anne Guingona and Cheska Mas of KM6 band. The performers will sing live together with the KM6 band.

Aside from the singing, the Jambangan Dancers will also be dancing during the mentioned show.

The show was organized by CMK Creations together with the following sponsors Grand Astoria Hotel, Yes Hair cutter, Panasonic, Picar Development Inc., Yanna’s Kikay Corner, Universal Canning Inc., and many more.

For those interested please call 991-0820 for more information. Tickets are priced at P1,200 with free dinner, P500 with free mocktail drinks, and P300.

PNOC EC confirms coal reserves in Lower Butong area in Zambo Sibugay

By (PNA)

RMA/ASF/ssc


MANILA — PNOC Exploration Corp., holder of coal operating contract 41 in Zamboanga Sibugay, has completed drilling 12 in-fill holes in the Lower Butong area last month. In a statement, PNOC EC said the results of the drilling confirmed the presence of coal, which can be produced commercially. After verification of the coal reserves by an independent third party, PNOC EC said it would start developing this area for production. When completed, this would be the fourth mine that will be operated by the company under COC 41. PNOC EC currently operates two highly productive coal mines with another one under development for production late this year. This is the country’s largest underground coal mine and it was able to achieve two million man-hours worked without lost-time accidents in its operations in March, according to Raymundo B. Savella, vice president for Petroleum and Coal Operations of PNOC EC. “Safety is an industry benchmark in energy exploration the world over, and we are very proud to have achieved two million-plus man-hours of operation without any accidents,” Mel Lopez, Chairman and chief executive officer of PNOC EC said. “Considering the hazardous and underground nature of coal mining, this makes this milestone doubly significant,” Lopez added. With the positive results in the drilling in Lower Butong, coupled with the company’s current direction to optimize production and aggressive exploration efforts in the nearby areas, PNOC EC said the required coal requirement for the proposed 100-MW power plant had been assured. This should contribute to addressing Mindanao’s current and longer-term power needs, according to Lopez.

Philippine troops fail to rescue kidnapped town mayor'

By (Mindanao Examiner)

The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front over the weekend traded barbs for "breaking the peace" in parts of Mindanao during the Holy Week. While a government peace adviser chided the MILF for two ridos (clan wars), the MILF accused government troops of threatening the peace in Moro villages in Zamboanga Sibugay. Both sides engaged in a word war even as their negotiators are to meet again for another round of formal exploratory talks this month in Kuala Lumpur, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said. On Friday, senior military adviser to the government panel Brig. Gen. Leo Ferrer urged the MILF to stop ridos among its own members and help foster peace in Mindanao, following two clashes on Maundy Thursday. Ferrer, in a news release posted on the OPAPP website, said the MILF should discipline its troops and put an end to such internal armed conflicts. "The government wants a peace agreement with the MILF, but we also want to see them prove that they can work with us in keeping the peace," Ferrer said following two ridos in Maguindanao and North Cotabato Thursday morning. According to the OPAPP news release, the incidents occurred at Damalibi village in Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao and in Balabac village in Pikit town in North Cotabato. Some 100 families fled their homes and were led to safety by the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Light Armor Division. Reports from the government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) said the first encounter was between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Commander Rutin and the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) 118th Base Command, led by Commander Otok. The BIFF is a breakaway group of the MILF led by rogue commander Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato. The BIAF is the official armed wing of the MILF. According to the OPAPP, the clash allegedly stemmed from a land dispute where Otok's nephew, a farmer, was killed by Rutin's group. Thursday's attack was allegedly Otok's retaliation. Ferrer said the government CCCH has informed its MILF counterpart about the incident. He said the government CCCH has requested the MILF-CCCH to direct the 118th BC to cease the fighting and leave the area once the BIFF elements have withdrawn. Ferrer added Army troops were also requested to establish checkpoints along the highway to deter encroachment of reinforcing troops from both sides. On the other hand, the second incident broke out two hours after the first encounter, between the group of Mando Mandalait, and a certain Commander Lugom of the MILF-BIAF's 108th BC, with reinforcements from one Ibrahim Tan-ao under Kagui Samir of the MILF National Guard Front Command. "Reasons of the clashes are personal grudge and politics, which are among the many causes of rido as well," the OPAPP said. The OPAPP cited an MILF "source" who said the MILF tried to resolve the row but "personal grudge and political connections" got in the way. The government CCCH is working with the local government unit, the MILF CCCH, the Cotabato Local Monitoring Team and the Army's 6th ID to stop the fighting and restore peace in the affected area. Meanwhile, Ferrer said the MILF should maintain peace on the ground as a show of sincerity to the peace process. "We urge the MILF to work with the government in bringing peace in Mindanao. We would like to believe that the MILF is as sincere as the government when it comes to the peace negotiations. We would like to see that sincerity reflected on the ground as well, by knowing that the MILF can control their troops from going into armed clashes again in the future," he said. Army stormed Moro village For its part, the MILF on Saturday said composite troops of the Army's 18th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Group (RMG) stormed a Moro community in Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay since Friday afternoon. The MILF said "almost a company size" of military and police forces were deployed in Tenan, "heightening alarm and fears" among surprised Moro civilians residing the area. It noted the village is densely populated by MILF members affiliated with its civil–political committees and the 113th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). "Village chieftain and MILF contacts immediately reported the deployment of troops in full battle gear to government and MILF authorities to allay apprehension but clarification were not afforded," the MILF said on its website Saturday afternoon. The MILF said its CCCH conveyed the situation to its counterpart in the government but said "clarifications are still being sought." “What is very clear with us is that no coordination was made by the government on this unusual movement and deployment of government forces,” the MILF CCCH said. The MILF said Tenan is populated by several thousands of Moro civilians and MILF members, who earn a living through fishing and farming. It said its CCCH said it will file a protest on this case that constitutes violations of the ceasefire accord. “If only to avoid misunderstanding and provocations, the government should have coordinated these movement and deployment,” it said. “This act is deplorable and surely diminishes the confidence of the Moro people to the peace talks and ceasefire accord between the government and MILF,” the MILF CCCH added. According to the MILF, the government troops reached Tenan aboard military vehicles, backed up by at least two armored cars. The troops allegedly moved around the village, while others stayed near riverbanks and a bridge. Citing reports reaching it, the MILF said civilians were unable to sleep as they were fearful of what may happen. It added others recalled their "horrendous" experiences during Martial Law such as arbitrary arrests and displacement from native places. “Why (storm) a civilian community if the government is really sincere with the negotiation and the ceasefire?” the MILF said. On Saturday morning, the MILF said government troops swooped into farm lands of the Moros, causing the farmers to stay home. It said Moro fishermen also skipped their daily routine for fear of being harmed. "At almost noontime, the government forces beefed up their presence and continue to scour the Moro village," it said.

Govt, MILF trade barbs over Holy Week peace 'violations'

By LBG, GMA News


The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front over the weekend traded barbs for "breaking the peace" in parts of Mindanao during the Holy Week.

While a government peace adviser chided the MILF for two ridos (clan wars), the MILF accused government troops of threatening the peace in Moro villages in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Both sides engaged in a word war even as their negotiators are to meet again for another round of formal exploratory talks this month in Kuala Lumpur, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.

On Friday, senior military adviser to the government panel Brig. Gen. Leo Ferrer urged the MILF to stop ridos among its own members and help foster peace in Mindanao, following two clashes on Maundy Thursday.

Ferrer, in a news release posted on the OPAPP website, said the MILF should discipline its troops and put an end to such internal armed conflicts.

"The government wants a peace agreement with the MILF, but we also want to see them prove that they can work with us in keeping the peace," Ferrer said following two ridos in Maguindanao and North Cotabato Thursday morning.

According to the OPAPP news release, the incidents occurred at Damalibi village in Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao and in Balabac village in Pikit town in North Cotabato.

Some 100 families fled their homes and were led to safety by the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Light Armor Division.

Reports from the government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) said the first encounter was between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Commander Rutin and the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) 118th Base Command, led by Commander Otok.

The BIFF is a breakaway group of the MILF led by rogue commander Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato. The BIAF is the official armed wing of the MILF.

According to the OPAPP, the clash allegedly stemmed from a land dispute where Otok's nephew, a farmer, was killed by Rutin's group. Thursday's attack was allegedly Otok's retaliation.

Ferrer said the government CCCH has informed its MILF counterpart about the incident.

He said the government CCCH has requested the MILF-CCCH to direct the 118th BC to cease the fighting and leave the area once the BIFF elements have withdrawn.

Ferrer added Army troops were also requested to establish checkpoints along the highway to deter encroachment of reinforcing troops from both sides.

On the other hand, the second incident broke out two hours after the first encounter, between the group of Mando Mandalait, and a certain Commander Lugom of the MILF-BIAF's 108th BC, with reinforcements from one Ibrahim Tan-ao under Kagui Samir of the MILF National Guard Front Command.

"Reasons of the clashes are personal grudge and politics, which are among the many causes of rido as well," the OPAPP said.

The OPAPP cited an MILF "source" who said the MILF tried to resolve the row but "personal grudge and political connections" got in the way.

The government CCCH is working with the local government unit, the MILF CCCH, the Cotabato Local Monitoring Team and the Army's 6th ID to stop the fighting and restore peace in the affected area.

Meanwhile, Ferrer said the MILF should maintain peace on the ground as a show of sincerity to the peace process.

"We urge the MILF to work with the government in bringing peace in Mindanao. We would like to believe that the MILF is as sincere as the government when it comes to the peace negotiations. We would like to see that sincerity reflected on the ground as well, by knowing that the MILF can control their troops from going into armed clashes again in the future," he said.

Army stormed Moro village

For its part, the MILF on Saturday said composite troops of the Army's 18th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Group (RMG) stormed a Moro community in Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay since Friday afternoon.

The MILF said "almost a company size" of military and police forces were deployed in Tenan, "heightening alarm and fears" among surprised Moro civilians residing the area.

It noted the village is densely populated by MILF members affiliated with its civil–political committees and the 113th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

"Village chieftain and MILF contacts immediately reported the deployment of troops in full battle gear to government and MILF authorities to allay apprehension but clarification were not afforded," the MILF said on its website Saturday afternoon.

The MILF said its CCCH conveyed the situation to its counterpart in the government but said "clarifications are still being sought."

“What is very clear with us is that no coordination was made by the government on this unusual movement and deployment of government forces,” the MILF CCCH said.

The MILF said Tenan is populated by several thousands of Moro civilians and MILF members, who earn a living through fishing and farming.

It said its CCCH said it will file a protest on this case that constitutes violations of the ceasefire accord.

“If only to avoid misunderstanding and provocations, the government should have coordinated these movement and deployment,” it said.

“This act is deplorable and surely diminishes the confidence of the Moro people to the peace talks and ceasefire accord between the government and MILF,” the MILF CCCH added.

According to the MILF, the government troops reached Tenan aboard military vehicles, backed up by at least two armored cars.

The troops allegedly moved around the village, while others stayed near riverbanks and a bridge.

Citing reports reaching it, the MILF said civilians were unable to sleep as they were fearful of what may happen.

It added others recalled their "horrendous" experiences during Martial Law such as arbitrary arrests and displacement from native places.

“Why (storm) a civilian community if the government is really sincere with the negotiation and the ceasefire?” the MILF said.

On Saturday morning, the MILF said government troops swooped into farm lands of the Moros, causing the farmers to stay home.

It said Moro fishermen also skipped their daily routine for fear of being harmed.

"At almost noontime, the government forces beefed up their presence and continue to scour the Moro village," it said.

Sayyaf attacks government militias in Basilan province

By (Mindanao Examiner)


ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 5, 2012) – Three government militias were killed and 7 others wounded in Thursday attack by Abu Sayyaf militants in the restive southern Philippine province of Basilan, officials said.

Officials said one of the attackers was also killed in the fire fight that erupted in Tumahubong village in Sumisip town where the militant group tied by authorities to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya is actively operating.

“Three were killed and seven more are wounded in the Abu Sayyaf attack. There is an operation going on against this terrorist group,” Colonel Ricardo Visaya, commander of military forces in the province, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Visaya said the militias were deployed in the town to guard the workers of the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Development Cooperative. He said the wounded were rushed to the army base in Basilan where doctors provided them first aid and then airlifted to Zamboanga City for further medication.

Visaya has tagged Puruji Indama as behind the attack. “We still don’t know the motive of the attack,” he said.

Police did not give any statement about the attack and the provincial commander Alexis Lineses ignored queries from journalists.

The Abu Sayyaf has previously attacked workers of the cooperative for its failure to pay extortion money to the militants blamed for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Indama's group is believed to be holding a kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell, who was seized in December last year at the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga del Sur province.

(Update) Manhunt operations vs. Zambo Norte town mayor abductors continue

By (PNA)

dct/RSV/FMS/utb


ZAMBOANGA CITY — Search and rescue operations have been going on for Salug town mayor Jeffrey Tan Lim, 37, who was abducted Monday night by 10 unidentified armed men at the bus terminal of Salug municipality, Zamboanga del Norte. Lim and his wife were taking supper in an eatery at the bus terminal compound at around 7 p.m. Monday when a yellow van suddenly arrived. A passenger wearing camouflage green pants and T-shirt with “PULIS” marking alighted from the vehicle and said he was looking for the mayor to purportedly serve a warrant of arrest. Then, another four also disembarked from the van and forcibly took the mayor into the vehicle and drove away from the marketplace. Witnesses said the getaway vehicle headed toward Barangay Caracol, a coastal village going north. Police Senior Superintendent Jose Malayo said policemen pursuing the abductors found the getaway vehicle already burned and abandoned at Barangay Caracol where the perpetrators escaped aboard two white pump boats. No one has yet claimed ownership of the yellow van. Malayo who is spokesman for Task Force Zambas said police and military personnel belonging to the Municipal Police Station, Regional Police Safety Battalion (RPSB)-1st Mobile Group, Police Public Safety Company (PPSC) and 10th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) are presently conducting manhunt operations. This task force is mandated to coordinate anti crime activities in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Basilan provinces. Mayor Lim was the second victim of kidnapping in the province five months after the abduction of businessman Franc Oliver Lim at his poultry farm in Gulayon, Dipolog City on October 27, 2011. The poultry magnate was released last February 22 in Pagadian City. The town chief’s abduction happened a few hours after the turnover of command of the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) from P/SSupt. Ulpiano Collado Lopez, who just retired from the service, to P/SSupt. Ramon Martinez Ochotorena. The authorities are hesitant in naming the group responsible for the abduction. At the same time, Malayo said that investigators are checking on the bodyguards of the abducted mayor but declined to give additional details on this probe. Investigators are still checking on the possible motive for the abduction. In a related development, Supt Malayo said the three foreigners kidnapped in the region are still alive although their exact whereabouts are still unknown. The kidnapped foreigners are Warren Rodwell, an Australian kidnapped in Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province on December 5 and Eword Horn and Lorenzo Vincegueere, European birdwatchers kidnapped in Tawi Tawi last February 1. Horn, 52, a Dutch national, and Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 47, of Switzerland, were documenting bird species in Panglima Sugala municipality in Tawi Tawi when armed men took them by force. Aside from saying that the reports they received indicate that the three foreign kidnap victims are still alive, Malayo declined to comment on details because of operations being conducted for their rescue.

Corn farmers, women’s group join “exposure trip” to strengthen corn production

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez



ZAMBOANGA CITY, Apr. 3, (PIA) -- At least 40 corn farmers who are members of a multi-purpose cooperative and women members of women’s association participated in the “exposure trip” held recently at the corn farm of Mr. Leonardo Talania in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte where the latter shared and explained best practices in corn production .

Department of Agriculture (DA) in a press statement said the “exposure trip was aimed at encouraging the participants to strengthen their corn production.

The participants were from Makilas, Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay, an area where DA established 3.6 million village-type corn postharvest processing center.

DA in the press statement said, the exposure trip beneficiaries were corn-farmer- members of the Makilas Cooperative and Caparan Women’s association, who are also beneficiaries of the DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) under its Community Fund for Agricultural Project (CFAD), where each group received a grant of P 225,000 for their corn project

“The exposure trip was initiated through the DA’s Corn banner program and its research division in partnership with PLGU- Sibugay province and MLGU Ipil,” the press statement reads.

The press statement said lectures were conducted during the trip. “On the issue of financing scheme, the group was also informed that the First Valley Bank is giving individual loans to farmers,” this to help them finance corn production.

“DA Regional Executive Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy encouraged the farmers to plant more corn and utilize the newly established post harvest facility in their place which ready market for their produce,” the press statement shared.

The Makilas Coop members were grateful for the experience and committed to maximize their resources in corn faming.

Ipil Municipal Agriculturist Edgar Apao for his part address the participants by saying “we will support you with the fertilizer discount; we will increase the four sacks per farmer to six sacks/farmer and we will also allocate budget for trainings like Farmers’ Field Schools (FFS).”

Representative from the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rene Rosales who was also present during the exposure trip said “ we will give you our 101% service.”

For his part, Felizardo Salomes, Corn program coordinator promised the participants of an all-out support of the department. “We put things in place that we may start right and end up successful,” he assured. (JPA/ytavellaneda/DA9/PIA-9 ZBST)

Zambo City police chief sacked over killings

By DAVID Y. SANTOS


MANILA, Philippines – Amid a clamor for his resignation over the unabated shooting incidents in Zamboanga City for the past months and the killing of a university president last weekend, local police acting chief Sr Supt Edwin de Ocampo was relieved from his post on Monday, April 2.

De Ocampo was named officer-in-charge of the ZCPO in January 2009. He has been heavily criticized for failing to stop the series of shooting incidents in the city, particularly since December last year.

Replacing De Ocampo is Chief Supt Mario Yanga, Police Regional Office-9 assistant director. It will be his 5th time to be designated in the post.

“It will be a huge personal sacrifice to accept this assignment, considering I am holding a number of other posts in the regional office,” Yanga told reporters.

Yanga will also lead Task Force Eustaquio, a special body composed of various police units created to resolve the killing of Arturo Estaquio III, president and chief executive officer of Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), the biggest private university in Western Mindanao.

The local government has been placed under intense public pressure to replace De Ocampo.

But despite calls for the official's ouster, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat preferred to wait for a formal order from Camp Crame to replace De Ocampo.

Reward money

The order came on March 29 and gave Lobregat 10 days to choose from a list of 5 officials recommended by the Philippine National Police leadership. But even before a decision could be made on his replacement, De Ocampo was relieved following Eustaquio's killing.


During the change of command ceremonies at the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), Lobregat however insisted that De Ocampo was not being sacked, saying he had merely reached the end of his term.

Lobregat announced that a P100,000 reward money has been set aside for any information that could lead to the arrest of Eustaquio's killers.

At least 2 gunmen attacked Eustaquio a few meters outside his home in Barangay Sta. Maria on Sunday afternoon. Until his death, Eustaquio preferred to stay as a low-profile businessman. He was driving his motorcycle when he was gunned down.

Aside from a private hospital, Eustaquio's family also owns UZ which has at least 8,000 students as of March 2012. The university's main campus is in Zamboanga City and has branched out to other parts of the region such as in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and soon in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Yanga said police operatives have been dispatched throughout the region to hunt for the killers, who were initially described by eyewitnesses. The city government is also reportedly allocating an undetermined amount to support the police manhunt.

Elbert Atilano, UZ professor and sports director, told Rappler that Eustaquio was aware of the threats to his life but “often downplayed them."

Authorities earlier warned him about supposed threats by lawless groups to kidnap him. Eustaquio also reportedly received threats thorough text messages.

“He received a text message last March 21 while in Cagayan de Oro City which stated the threat to liquidate him,” Atilano said. “Knowing his personality, he simply dismissed the threat and did not report this to the police.”

Reports said investigators are looking into a number of possible motives behind Eustaquio's murder, including the businessman's transactions for the expansion of his university.

Atilano said it was “business as usual” in UZ a day after the killing of their president but employees and students were in deep mourning.

The Estaquio family opened the university's amphitheater for a few hours on Monday to hold a public viewing of the businessman's remains. He was buried before lunch following Islamic tradition. - Rappler.com

DILG holds general orientation in Zamboanga Peninsula

By (PNA)

RMA/FMS/mec


ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 1 PNA) -– The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX has conducted a 12-day Pre-Center Component I, General Orientation for Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) II and III in the Zamboanga Peninsula at the DILG Regional Office in Pagadian city. Regional director Paisal Abutazil said orientation was a pre-requisite to the Component II Enhancement Training of the 47th Batch of LGOOs to be held in Polomolok, South Cotabato on April 10 to June 5, 2012. Abutazil said the training aimed to provide the LGOOs with the skills, capacities and technical know how on the ins and outs of being a DILG field officer, as well as their duties and responsibilities. The orientation/training was participated in by six technical personnel from the regional and field offices composed of LGOO IIs Junil Cabahug, from Zamboanga Sibugay; Sherwin Caseñas, of Zamboanga del Norte; Philip Cuevas and Dihsie Ramos-Lauron from the Regional Office; and Marites Anota and Chandiramani Obut from Dipolog City. Resource Speakers and Focal Persons took turns in orienting and familiarizing the trainees on various topics such as the History, Evolution and DILG Strategic Doctrines, Decentralization Policies and Principles, Local Government Unit Powers, Local Legislation, Finance, Code of Conducts and Ethical Standards and DILG Flagship Programs Projects and Activities. In between the lectures an examination was administered by the lecturers in order to gauged the level of comprehension of the trainees on the lectures and subject presented. Abutazil said that the trainees should take the general orientation phase seriously because this would equip them for the actual center training where they would be joined by trainees from other regions in Mindanao. “We want to prepare the trainees not only mentally, but also condition them physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. In doing so, they will be able to face the challenges in the training center and more so in the actual job on the ground, confidently and head on,” Abutazil said. For the Component II, Region IX trainees will be joined by other trainees from Regions 11 and 12. After the center training, trainees will be exposed to the job of a DILG Field officer through Field Emersion Phase for three months.

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