Cotabato City News December 2011

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Share your Photos

Cotabato City Realty

Philippine News

DOH XII urges public to safeguard health during yuletide season

by PIA Press Release


COTABATO CITY, December 31 (PIA) -- Aside for its Aksiyon: Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR) campaign, the Department of Health, region XII is reminding the populace to watch out for their health during the Christmas and New Year festivities. DOH XII director Abdullah Dumama sounding of Health Secretary Enrique Ona's call for a safe and healthy holiday season said the people should be able to control developing non-communicable diseases or lifestyle-related diseases. Unhealthy lifestyle in this season may exacerbate or lead to developing NCDs as cardio-vascular diseases, chronic, obstructive pulmonary diseases and diabetes mellitus, the four (4) major non-communicable diseases, Director Dumama pointed out. These diseases, he said, are related to an unhealthy lifestyle like tobacco use,unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and alcohol use. Dr. Leonora Lozana, DOH XII non-communicable diseases cluster head said DOH has a list of healthy tips that they encourage the people to adopt not only during the yuletide season but throughout their lifetime. Lozana advised the public to prepare healthy food, including vegetables and fruits for the midnight food preparation for the Christmas and the New Year. She said that foods to be served should be unspoiled and fresh to avoid poisoning. She further said that the people may attend every festivity provided that they eat moderately and avoid fatty and salty food for a healthy heart. People can have fun and enjoy the holidays but stay sober and drink moderately, Dr.Lozana counselled. In the midst of these festivities, take time to engage in regular exercises such as walking, jogging or dancing to keep fit, she added. (OTSudaria/PIA 12)

Hataman asks employees' support in reforming ARMM

by zambotimes.com


COTABATO CITY — OIC Gov. Mujib Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Thursday promised reforms and a new brand of leadership in the autonomous regional government. Speaking before ARMM employees at ARMM’s regional seat in Cotabato City, Hataman has highlighted his plan to launch a crackdown on corruption and introduce real transparency in the region as he set down the tone of leadership he vowed to introduce. Hataman, former Anak Mindanao partylist representative, was named by President Benigno Aquino as the officer-in-charge (OIC) governor of the ARMM with Bainon Karon as OIC vice-governor. The two were installed by Interior and Local Government's Secretary Jesse Robredo and officially assumed office on December 22. Hataman said he will lead as a public servant with the region’s constituents as his boss, a follow-on to President Aquino’s catch phrase. The OIC governor has assured that there will be changes on how official transactions are handled in the regional government to ensure transparency and accountability. “Walang palakasan, walang pakiusapan, walang special treatment (No influence peddling, no special treatment)," Hataman said. Following President Aquino's anti-corruption campaign, Hataman said erring public officials will be punished regardless of their political affiliation. He directed ordinary employees not to aid or allow officials, especially their superiors, to do anomalous actions. “Huwag kayo pagamit (Don’t allow yourself to be instrument of corruption)," he told the employees, assuring them of his backing. To show how serious Hataman in his campaign, the OIC governor gave out his cellular phone number so that every employee will have a direct line to him. He urged them to report all forms of wrongdoings as well as suggest means to enhance governance in the ARMM. For the reforms to be successful, he appealed to the region’s employees and bureaucrats to support the reform his administration is implementing. “Hindi magtatagumpay ang reporma kung wala kayo,” (The reform that we want will not materialize without your involvement)," he said. Hataman has the same powers and functions as to that of an elected governor, according to Secretary Robredo. (PNA) LDV/NYP/EOF

Soldiers and WFP extend relief assistance to Sendong victims

by PIA Press Release


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- Doing their share to alleviate the plight of the recent flood victims in Northern Mindanao, the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (6th ID), Philippine Army based at Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and the UN-World Food Programme (UNWFP) have prepared relief packs for distribution. According to 6th ID’s Public Affairs Unit (DPAU) chief Lt. Col. Prudencio Asto, several metric tons of food items and water were included in the relief packs, together with the kilos of rice donated by the UN-WFP. Asto said, the UN-WFP has donated 100 bags of rice for thousands of flood victims in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Region X caused by tropical storm Sendong. “Nag-donate ng 100 sacks ng bigas ang WFP at nagkasundo na pagsasamahin na lang iyung pag pack ng mga relief goods bilang tulong natin sa marami nating kababayang biktima ng malawakang pagbaha sa Cagayan de Oro at Iligan (WFP donated 100 sacks of rice and it was agreed that the relief packs will be combined together. The goods are our help for our fellow countrymen, who were victims of the floods in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan),” Asto said. The initial 10 metric ton relief packs were transported to Cagayan de Oro last Dec. 26 for distribution to the flood victims in the area, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Asto said. In a related development, the Cotabato City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) has mobilized barangay officials and purok leaders of possible of flashfloods following the reported collapse of a NIA dam in Bukidnon. CCDRRMC focal person Sam Mundas said that while precautionary measures and necessary interventions are in place, city officials have issued alert warning to village officials and leaders particularly low-lying areas. “Alam natin na maraming lugar dito sa atin ang labis na naapektuhan ng matinding pagbaha nitong nakalipas na ilang taon at marami tayong natutunang leksiyon at karanasan upang lalong palakasin ang nakalatag na disaster management plan ng lungsod (We know that many areas here are greatly affected by the flooding this year and we learned a lot of lessons to strengthen our city disaster management plan),” Mundas said. Mundas said, they are also closely monitoring the water level and inflow of water hyacinth at the Rio Grande de Mindanao, which he said at present remains normal. He added that the communication line between the CCDRRMC and barangay officials remains open 24/7 to ensure efficient and smooth disaster response and management. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)

Village council member shot dead in Cotabato

by Charlie C. Señase

Inquirer Mindanao


COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The member of the council of Barangay (village) Rosary Heights 9 here was shot dead by a suspected gun-for-hire on Tuesday, the police said. Rafael Japal Kasim became the second barangay or neighborhood official here killed by suspected hired assassins this December, according to Cotabato City police director Senior Superintendent Danny Reyes. Reyes said Kasim was in a vulcanizing shop when he was shot by an unidentified gunman at around 11 a.m. The gunman fled on a motorcycle driven by another man. Reyes said Kasim suffered four gunshot wounds. On December 14, a Poblacion Dos councilor was also shot dead by a lone gunman. Reyes said in both incidents, the police suspected that guns-for-hire were involved. “We are still investigating what prompted the killings. But, for sure, these were personal and could also be political,” he said.Bold text

Hataman sacks environment official over illegal logging

by John Unson


Hataman sacks environment official over illegal logging By John Unson The Philippine Star Updated December 27, 2011 12:00 AM 2 comments to this post COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Newly appointed officer-in-charge of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Mujiv Hataman has relieved Lanao del Sur’s chief natural resources officer, even as he ordered Task Force Ranao to help address the problem of illegal logging.

Hataman said he ordered the dismissal of Malik Pangandaman, disappointed that the latter was unaware of the extent of logging operations in the province.

He said officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-ARMM could not also explain the presence of hardwood flitches, commonly known as tablon, along portions of the Secretary Narciso Ramos Highway in Lanao del Sur which he saw on his way to Marawi City.

“They could not give me even a simple chronological history of logging operations in the province in particular and in the ARMM in general,” Hataman said.

Hataman has yet to appoint a new ARMM natural resour­ces secretary.

Local officials in Lanao del Sur have confirmed that despite the logging ban declared by the previous ARMM governor, logging operations in Lanao del Sur persisted, with alleged backing from regional officials.

There have also been reports of shipments of forest products to Metro Manila and Visayas from provinces near the forestlands of the autonomous region that were covered by documents issued by DENR-ARMM insiders.

“The forest products were made to appear as if they have originated from the autonomous region,” a Maranaw local executive told The STAR.

Hataman said he has ordered his executive secretary, lawyer Anwar Malang, to immediately coordinate with the DENR offices in administrative regions to seize and scrutinize all forest products that come from the autonomous region.

Peace advocacy outfits and environmentalists appealed to Hataman to enlist the support of the military in enforcing an anti-logging campaign in the region.

He said he will discuss the issue with Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Presidential Adviser on Natural Resources and Environmental Concerns Neric Acosta.

Hataman met Saturday with the Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., 103rd Army Brigade commander Col. Daniel Lucero, and officials of the DENR and the civil society organizations to discuss the problem of illegal logging in the province.

Upon his assumption last week, Hataman had imposed a total log ban in his region after assessment showed that illegal logging have contributed to the deadly flash floods that hit Ili­gan City when typhoon “Sendong” struck the country.

He also vowed to uncover the discrepancies in the issuance of permits to loggers and poachers citing cut logs that he saw along the highway while on his way to Marawi City.

“Some of the permits were issued by the national office of the DENR while some were locally secured,” he said.

But Hataman said it is too early to point an accusing finger at anyone pending the result of the investigation. – With Roel Pareño

OIC takeover legitimate -- DILG chief

by ALI G. MACABALANG


COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has downplayed insinuation of impropriety in the recent takeover of the top post in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by officer-in-charge Gov. Mujiv Hataman, saying the OIC enjoys authority, notably from President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Robredo asserted the legitimacy of the regional change of guard at a press conference here shortly after he installed to office Hataman and OIC-Vice Gov. Bainon Karon.

Outgoing ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo represented replaced Acting Regional Governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong, who alongside Acting Regional Vice Governor Regie Sahali-Tan was absent at the turnover ceremonies Thursday morning.

The turnover process was far short of the “smooth transition” earlier vowed by the past administration, even as some supporters of Adiong argued that their pledge was premised on presumption that the OICs would assume office when the Supreme Court shall have decided with finality on the constitutionality of R.A. 10153, the law that deferred the 2011 ARMM polls and authorized the appointment of caretakers.

According to Robredo, the Office of the President has reacquired the authority to name and install to office the OICs after the temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court lapsed.

However, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal contested such argument by filing a day earlier an urgent motion asking the High Tribunal to invalidate the appointment and assumption of the OICs because this allegedly preempted the final verdict of the SC on pending motions for reconsideration (MRs).

Hataman assumes as ARMM OIC-Regional Governor

by PIA Press Release


COTABATO CITY, Dec 25 (PIA) -- Former Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party Representative Mujiv Hataman has assumed the OIC-regional governorship of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in a simple turnover ceremony held Dec 22 at the Office of the Regional Governor. President Benigno S. Aquino III named Hataman as OIC-Governor and Hadja Bainon Karon as OIC Vice-Regional Governor in the ARMM pursuant to RA 10153 which synchronizes the ARMM elections to the 2013 midterm polls. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo together with OPAPP Secretary Teresita Deles and Presidential Political Adviser Secretary Ronald Liamas graced the affair to ensure smooth and orderly turnover of ARMM leadership by the out going leadership to the newly appointed OIC-regional governor. In his acceptance message, OIC-regional governor Hataman admits the challenges and high expectation in instituting the much needed reforms in the autonomous government. Hataman said, President Aquino’s directive is to ensure proper implementation of reforms laying the grounds on good governance, peace and security and socio-economic development. “Malinaw ang mandato ng Pangulo. Ilatag ang pundasyon para sa matinong pamamahala, pagtutok sa pagsusulong ng peace and security at socio-economic development upang ibalik ang tiwala ng mga mamayan,” Hataman said. Acknowledging the challenges in raising the standards of public service, Hataman called for support and cooperation to achieve results that would redound to the benefit of the people and the autonomous region. “Tapos na ang araw ng mga maling gawain, ang mga mandarambong ay may kalalagyan at bawal ang palakasan kaya hinihikayat natin ang lahat magtulungan para sa kapakanan ng nakararami,” he said. Hataman disclosed that he is initiating reorganization and meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) by January next year. (PBChangco/PIA Cotabato City)

Bomb found inside vehicle in Cotabato City

by PIA Press Release


MANILA, Philippines – Authorities recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) concealed inside a vehicle's radiator in Cotabato City Friday night.

The army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team said the IED was found inside a red Toyota Tamaraw FX parked along Governor Gutierrez Avenue, Cotabato City at around 9 p.m.

They said the device was made out of 2 pieces of 81mm mortar. Cellphones are typically used to trigger such device.

This is the 7th IED recovered in Cotabato City bearing the same components, according to the bomb squad.

Police have yet to identify the suspects who planted the bomb.

However, they suspect that the incident is connected with the appointment of the officer-in-charge in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

Meanwhile, at least 4 were injured when an explosion hit the town of Kabacan in North Cotabato at around 6:45 p.m. on Friday.

The victims sustained minor injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Authorities are investigating the incident. -- Reports from Jasper Acosta and Lerio Bompat, ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao

DOST-12 trains women on managing business

by PIA Press Release


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- Some 46 women in North Cotabato recently underwent a seminar on good manufacturing practices, food safety management system, packaging and labeling, courtesy of the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-12). The seminar is in line with DOST-12’s advocacy to boost the capacity of women entrepreneurs in the province. Participants were from the seven municipalities of the PALMA-PB Alliance, including the towns of Pikit, Aleosan, Libungan, Midsayap, Alamada, Pigkawayan and Banisilan. Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, DOST-12 director, said the seminar was in partnership with the PALMA-PB Alliance in line with the Gender Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) project. “In coordination with the various stakeholders, the activity was the first in the series of projects that our office will implement for the benefit of the women sector in the region,” she said. Laidan also vowed to integrate the Gender and Development (GAD) concepts in the agency’s regional activities to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of women in the area. GREAT Women is a governance and capacity development project which aims to promote and support a gender-responsive enabling environment for women's economic empowerment, particularly, those in micro-enterprises. The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has partnered with 12 national government agencies, 8 pilot provincial governments and 35 municipalities, to implement the five-year project with technical and financial support from the Canadian International Development Agency. DOST is among the national partner agencies tapped to implement the project in North Cotabato, one of the eight identified priority provinces of the PCW for piloting of the GREAT Women project. With women economic empowerment as ultimate goal, the project hopes to raise the level of participation that will enable women to make decisions based on their own views and perspectives. The expected outcomes of the process of partnering together for women’s empowerment include the following situations: women obtain increased access to economic and/or enterprise-related programs and services, better support services for women’s economic and enterprise endeavors, less constraints on women as a result of gender responsive roles and expectations, and better incomes, expanded capabilities and life opportunities. GAD and women’s economic empowerment become value-adding perspectives to the way national government agencies and local government units develop and implement policies and plans relative to the MSME development, and deliver programs and services to women in livelihoods and microenterprises. DOST, as mandated, integrates GAD and women’s economic empowerment perspectives in the provision of technical assistance for the skills and capacity building trainings in the identified priority provinces, including the PALMA-PB in North Cotabato province. (BKTagitican/NPPahm/DOST12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)





blast rocks school; cops link case to OICs

by Charlie Señase, Edwin Fernandez

Inquirer Mindanao


COTABATO CITY—A bomb exploded on Monday and another was found on the venue of a fashion show inside the compound of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao here, according to police. No one was hurt in the explosion. The discovery of the second bomb created a commotion at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, where a fashion show featuring Moro creations was being held. Supt. Danny Reyes, city police chief, said the bomb exploded at Sero Elementary School on Sinsuat Avenue past 8 p.m., about the same time when the second bomb was found at the cultural center about a kilometer from where the first bomb went off. Bomb experts defused the second bomb, which was found under an airconditioning unit of the cultural center. Col. Dorotheo Jose Jalandoni, commander of the 7th Marine Battalion Landing Team, said the second bomb was made of an 81-mm mortar shell with a mobile phone as a trigger mechanism. Jalandoni said the suspects who planted the bomb apparently failed to detonate it on time. Reyes said police suspect the explosion and bomb find could be related to celebrations in connection with the appointment of officers in charge in the ARMM. President Aquino on Monday swore into office former party-list Rep. Mujiv Hataman as OIC governor of ARMM and several other OIC officials of the impoverished but resource-rich region. “We are looking at all the angles,” said Reyes. Hataman has been appointed amid a pending case in the Supreme Court, which recently issued a temporary restraining order that would have stopped the postponement of the elections if the decision had come on time. The TRO also prevented Malacañang from appointing OICs. Malacañang has filed a motion for reconsideration of the Supreme Court ruling, which is still pending. Hataman was picked from a list prepared by a Palace screening committee that included other powerful ARMM politicians.

Twin blasts rock Cotabato City, another bomb found

by (PNA)

LDV/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 20 (PNA) – Two explosions rocked this city Monday and another improvised bomb was defused by bomb experts, police and military authorities said.

At about 10:30 a.m., three persons were slightly hurt when two men riding in tandem on a motorbike lobbed a hand grenade at a roadside store along national highway in Barangay Poblacion 1, Cotabato City.

"The attack was triggered by personal grudge," Sr. Supt. Danny Reyes, city police director, told reporters.

The attack came while the city was commemorating the arrival of Islamic preacher Shariff Kabunsuan in mainland Mindanao hundreds of years ago.

At about 8:30 p.m., a powerful explosion occurred along the national highway, particularly at a roadside flower boxes of Sinsuat Avenue in Barangay Rosary Heights 10.

No one was injured in the blast and no one has claimed responsibility for setting off the explosive.

About 30 minutes later, a powerful improvised explosive device fashioned from two 81 mm mortars with mobile phone as trigger mechanism were found at the sides of Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the compound of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The discovery of the IED came while a fashion show was about to begin inside the cultural center.

Right after the discovery, police and military officials ordered the people inside the cultural center to vacate.

Nobody claimed responsibility for the planting of IED.

Marine Colonel Dorotheo Jose Jalandoni, commander of the 7th Marine Battalion Landing Team, said the IED left near an air-conditioning compressor outside the cultural center was discovered by civilians who alerted the authorities.

"We do not know the real motive as of now because it was planted in non-populated areas, probably the motive was to scare people," Jalandoni said.

However, police investigators are looking at the "sabotage angle" since the new acting governor of the ARMM is expected to assume office Thursday or Friday.

Probes could not say whether the two incidents were related.

Former partylist Rep. Mujib Hataman, appointed by President Aquino as OIC-governor, will assume office on Thursday.

In August, two IEDs went off along a road leading to the ARMM complex where a public forum for aspirants of the OIC post was being held.

Following the explosions, police and Marines have intensified its police and military visibility in the city.

Blast hurts 3 in Cotabato City

by (PNA)

DCT/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 19 (PNA) -– Police and Philippine Marines have launched a city wide manhunt against two men riding in tandem on a motorbike who lobbed a hand grenade at a roadside store here Monday morning.

The blast injured three persons, identified as fish vendor Allan Macalimbat, Aying Gomez and her daughter Geraldine.

Cotabato City police director Senior Superintendent Danny Reyes said one of the two suspects threw the grenade at a roadside store along a busy national highway at about 10:30 Monday morning.

The blast scene was near the house of Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. and about 30 meters away from a police-Marines detachment in Barangay Poblacion 1.

Responding police and Marines failed to catch up with the suspect who fled toward the thickly populated Supermarket area.

Police are still investigating the motive of the grenade attack.

Reyes said the motive of the attack could be a personal grudge involving an unidentified passenger jeep driver and personnel of Traffic Management Unit who collect toll fee to outgoing transport vehicles.

He said the target of the attackers were TMU personnel's booth situated near Matampay bridge and those injured were passengers waiting for a ride.

Cotabato City has the tastiest mud crabs

by (PNA)

LDV/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 18 (PNA) - A tasty cooked mud crab marinated with tuba (coconut wine) bagged the first ever crab cooking contest in the city in celebration of the 14th Shariff Kabunsuan Festival.

Dubbed as "Kulinarya" crab cooking contest, it was part of the major events in commemorating the arrival of Islamic religious missionary named Shariff Kabunsuan in mainland Mindanao to spread Islam.

The activities started on Wednesday and will culminate Monday, December 19, with a fluvial parade commemorating the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan via the Rio Grande de Mindanao.

The crab cooking competition was participated by nine cooking enthusiasts in the city.

Each has his/her own creative crab recipe. Contestants were given an hour to prepare and cook their delicious crab recipes for the judges.

After the competition, the judges had a hard time deciding which recipe merited the best as all were cooked very well and were prepared sumptuously, according to Halima Satol, city information chief.

Finally, the judges picked the best recipe of Ismael Sali and Rogelio "Nonoy" Doruelo of Radio Station DXMS.

"It was the most simple and very original recipe," Doruelo said of his "crab marinated with coconut wine."

Running second was Jay-ar Macalisang from GIG Sizzling Haus and restaurant who cooked the "chili creamy crab."

Jennelyn Masalta and Jayrel Garcia of STI Cotabato who prepared "crab and chicken overload," was judged third placer.

Cotabato City administrator Cynthia Guiani Sayadi said the crab cooking contest will become an annual event to show Cotabato City has the "tastiest mud crabs" in the country.

3-Year Crab Industry Development Plan launched

by PIA Press Release


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 16 (PIA) -- A 3-year crab development plan for Cotabato City was formally launched Thursday as component event of the 1st Cotabato City crab festival in celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival. Aniceto V. Razalan, secretary to the city mayor who discussed the Cotabato’s crab development plan during the Crab Forum 2011 said, a memorandum of agreement can be entered into by Cotabato City in nearby coastal town of Parang, Maguindanao for the establishment of alternate crab hatchery and consultation with the said local government unit (LGU) for crab investment . Razalan said that the present volume of production is very minimal just enough to meet the local market demand. The plan aims to achieve an increase of crab production from 200% to 300% after the 3-year plan for crab production is implemented. One strategy to develop and increase crab production, Razalan said, is for the city government to source out financial assistance for crab producers by coordinating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and possible extension of capital assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). To address poor crab hatchery facilities, there is a need to identify location for crab hatchery operation and purchase of necessary equipment. Due to the depletion of mangroves in a coastal barangay of the city which is a good habitat of crabs, the plan recommended the rehabilitation of the mangroves in said area and planting of mangrove trees. Establishment of a model crab farm is also envisioned so that it can serve as model to other crab producers and to provide them incentive so they can sustain their crab production. The plan is to establish at least one model crab farm in each barangay. Providing infrastructure support like roads and bridges, reduction of cost production and easy market access should be undertaken. It is also recommended that to address the inadequate information on the business opportunities in the crab industry the plan include invitation of new investors, conduct business matching and crab exhibits. The city government will formulate ordinance on tax incentives for crab producers and introduce new technology on crab production by seeking the assistance of SEAFDEC through BFAR.(Moner C. Dayaan-PIA Cotabato City)

New York Times cites Pinoy nurse

by John Unson


COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A Filipino nurse of mixed Tausog and Maguindanaon ancestry has been awarded the “Tribute to Nurses Award for Innovation and Leadership” by the New York Times.

The Catholic radio station dxND, one of several broadcast outfits of the Oblate of Mary Immaculate congregation, reported that registered nurse Michael Tagadaya received the award at the operations center of the New York Times in Manhattan.

Tagadaya finished a nursing degree at the Notre Dame University here, which is also owned by the Oblates.

Tagadaya presently works at the New York University Hospital.

Tagadaya passed the nursing board in 1991 and subsequently applied for work in the United States.

Tagadaya is son of the late Julhussien Tagadaya, a bemedalled police officer who also served as chief of the Cotabato City police in the late-1980s.

Cotabato City LGU signs MOA with gov't hospital aid to poor patients

by (PNA)

LDV/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 14 (PNA) -- City Mayor Japal Guiani has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) for the implementation of the "intervention and assistance" of the local government to the indigent residents of the city undergoing laboratory and diagnostic examination with CRMC.

Aniceto Rasalan, assistant to the mayor, said the main objective of this cooperation is to ensure and strengthen the collaborative linkages between the city government and the CRMC in giving support especially to the poverty-stricken residents of the city by allocating essential resources for their sustainable hospital services.

The city government has appropriated P1 million for purposes of extending financial assistance to qualified indigent patients confined at the CRMC and referred by the Office on Social Welfare and Development Services (OSWDS) to defray the cost of diagnostic and laboratory tests.

"The tests shall also be limited and not include EKG testing, pre-employment drug screenings, blood banking, blood sugar testing, and urinalysis," Rasalan said, adding that members of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) program shall be automatically catered by the agreement.

"The OSWDS has its inventory of the indigent residents of Cotabato City and once they have been identified by the office, they will be automatically be assisted by the local government. But to be clear, out patients are not included in the agreement,” Rasalan stressed.

Guiani said this program will be a big help to the indigent residents of Cotabato City because most of them cannot afford the hospitalization bills and laboratory examinations fees.

“This will be immediately implemented. If in case the one million will not be totally exhausted for this year, it shall be added to the budget for next year,” Guiani told reporters.

National government virtually takes over ARMM fund use

by Nash B. Maulana

Inquirer Mindanao


COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The national government has virtually taken control over the financial resources of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). This as Malacañang has not named officers-in-charge for the region, after the Supreme Court ordered ARMM incumbents to stay in their posts in a hold-over capacity pending final resolution on the constitutionality of a law that postponed the ARMM elections to 2013. The fate of the ARMM now hinges on a final ruling by the high tribunal, but Interior and Local Government Secretary Jessie Robredo said governmental operations should not be stalled for long, even with a pending motion for reconsideration, filed by petitioners opposed to the law, which also reset the region’s election to May 2013 from last September. But constituents say the absenteeism by many heads of offices have led to a virtual Malacañang takeover. Only a handful of high officials, including the executive secretary, are seen reporting to office. As early as October, the national government has been giving instructions directly to local government units (LGUs) concerning the funds, through the national line agencies, according to local officials. Explaining the frequent absences of agency heads, ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo said regional secretaries have been busy coordinating with national agencies on their programs of expenditures for an P8.5-billion stimulus fund, intended mostly for infrastructure programs, including national roads, school buildings and health centers. Both Sinarimbo and Ali Macabalang, the region’s information director, confirmed that partial releases of the stimulus funds by the Department of Budget and Management was being decided on collectively by a Cabinet Cluster, headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Macabalang said a national decision to release ARMM funds, either directly to provincial LGUs, or through the regional agencies, enjoying the confidence of their Manila counterparts, effectively reinstated a national government control of ARMM’s new financial resources. Among other functions, the regional subsidiary offices here are supposed to serve as receivers and sub-allocators of national funds for payable obligations, including workers’ salaries and benefits, and mainly government programs implemented by ARMM regional agencies and LGUs. Macabalang said absenteeism by most ARMM cabinet members even fanned speculations that some of them would not be making a proper accounting of government resources in their care. But Sinarimbo promptly assured the ARMM residents of a “complete accountability turnover report to the last centavo by the Adiong administration,” referring to the 606 days of tenure of Ansarudding Adiong as acting governor of ARMM, from being vice-governor. Sinarimbo explained that an apparent rush by the national government to release the huge fund was crucial in its commitment to and compliance with World Bank’s conditionality on the country’s stimulus loan package, intended to improve rural infrastructure facilities and strengthen poverty reduction programs to instill economic investments. But of nine regional secretaries whose agencies are involved in the implementation of the multi-billion-peso program, only ARMM Health Secretary Kadil Sinolinding Jr. has publicly declared receiving P800 million of P1.3 billion earmarked by the national Department of Health to acquire additional medical equipment and health facilities for the region’s five integrated provincial health offices, and rural health centers. Sinolinding said his office has been expecting the remaining balance of P500 million, from the office of Health Secretary Enrique Ona, upon the completion by the region’s health department of programs and projects corresponding to the first release, in 2012. A bulk of the funds will be released directly to LGUs or local government units, depending on the recommendation of the DILG for urgency of local infrastructure programs. Aside from the Department of Health, Governors Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao and Sadicul Sahali of Tawi-Tawi, said the national government had also committed to their provinces their shares of releases of the stimulus funds for roads and schools. Mangudadatu said the Maguindanao LGU has programmed the use of P1.2 billion for roads and classrooms. He said the provincial government has started retraining teachers for the yearly board examinations, so that only eligible mentors could run 1,000 more classrooms planned by the LGU to be funded with Maguindanao’s share of the stimulus package.

Cotabato wants smoke free city

by mb.com.ph


COTABATO CITY (PNA) – Hundreds of officials, employees, and visitors attended the formal launching of the "No Smoking Campaign of Cotabato City" held at the People's Palace here.

The event was a result of months of preparation by the Office on Health Services after the Sangguniang Pan-glunsod passed an ordinance regulating smoking in the city.

Estella Ilagan, Department of Health 12 anti-smoking program nurse coordinator, has commended the city government for the efforts being exerted for the implementation of the program.

She has also acknowledged all other cities and municipalities in Region 12 who are actively supporting this campaign.

Ilagan said the drive against smoking must be intensified given the fact that Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the region and smoke-related diseases are on top of the leading causes of death in the country.

Cotabato City Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr. said that despite the continuous warnings of the Department of Health, millions of people were still into this vice.

In Cotabato City, the problem is the regulation of smoking. With the launching of the No Smoking Cam-paign, the Mayor hopes that smoking would be controlled.

Cotabato City plaza undergoes renovation

by (PNA)

RMA/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 11 (PNA) - In an effort to preserve this city's culture, the local government of Cotabato has started renovations for one of the city's remaining historic architectures - the Rizal Park, or known as the Cotabato City plaza.

Situated in the heart of the city, the park has been closed for public since Friday after the renovations have commenced.

Lawyer Cynthia Guiani Sayadi, city administrator, led the groundbreaking activity in front of the plaza stage, Friday that signaled the renovation works.

Sayadi said the Phase-1 includes the demolition of the old city plaza to make way for the construction of the new building.

Sayadi said the project costs about P3.2 million and is expected to be completed by February.

"We are going to make the city plaza a more enticing place for the people of Cotabato City and its visitors. We target to get it done before the celebration of the Chinese New Year next year," she said.

"The public will be amazed by the beauty we have envisioned for the plaza where all of us could claim ours," Sayadi said.

Phase-2 will start next year and will include the renovation and beautification of the other parts of the city plaza.

The public place has been the site of many historic events, both local and national.

Among the activity that the people would never forget was the visit of then presidential candidate Cory Aquino in 1986 and the performance of a little girl now known as the country's showbiz quee - Ms. Kris Aquino.

4Ps distribution

by Ali G. Macabalang


COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman is keen on the use of biometrics to ensure that target beneficiaries of the state’s Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) really get the grant, a report from the Philippine Information Agency said.

According to the PIA report, Sec. Soliman admitted at a recent meeting in Davao City with local executives across the country that implementing the 4Ps in ARMM remains most challenging. “Doing it in ARMM makes it the most difficult. There are towns in Maguindanao which are controlled by barangay captains, local chief executives and their representatives.

Kato camp allegedly off-limits to visitors

by Nash B. Maulana

Inquirer Mindanao


COTABATO CITY, Philippines—The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the new group that Ameril Umra Kato had founded after breaking away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has allegedly shut down its camp in Maguindanao to visitors. The Inquirer found this out when it tried to visit the camp to see the BIFF leader amid the group’s continued denial of persistent reports he had died weeks ago. The visit was aimed at establishing the truth about Kato’s state of health. A messenger, who met the Inquirer at a village preceding Kato’s camp, had relayed a message that nobody–not even reporters–would be allowed in until further notice as the camp, renamed Camp Alfaro, had been declared by BIFF officials off-limits to visitors. When the Inquirer offered a camera so that a photograph of Kato could be taken by anyone he could trust, the messenger said in Maguindanaon: “Believe me, he is alive but he may not be around here these days. The camp is close even to some members of (the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement and BIFF).” The messenger could not say why Kato’s group made the decision. The MILF had said it was certain that Kato had died because the information came from the BIFM leader’s first wife, who took care of him in Toril in Davao City. Also, BIFM forces and Kato’s family held a kanduli (food offering and prayers) for his death last week, the MILF said. Sheikh Muheideen Anembang, BIFM vice chair, said reports on Kato’s death were false and that the MILF should stop spreading it. “Just wait and he will one day resurface to speak to the public about his true condition,” he earlier told the Inquirer by text. Anembang said the kanduli that the MILF was referring to was a form of thanksgiving for the Islamic New Year. The Hijrah calendar starts with Muharram, one of the four months that Muslims consider to be holy. For some Muslims, the first day of Muharram calls for fasting but for the majority, it is a day for celebration.

3 soldiers in mauling of polio victim face sanctions=

by JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL


COTABATO CITY: A Marine captain and two of his men are facing sanctions arising from alleged mauling of a paraplegic resident and his uncle, and indiscriminate firing while under the influence of liquor. Amid the furor against the incident by journalists and local human rights groups that drew the attention of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) hierarchy, Lt. Col. Dorotheo Jose Jalandoni, head of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT)-7, backtracked his earlier denial of his three subordinates’ alleged abuse and announced a thorough probe on the incident. Jalandoni said Marine Capt. Rey Torres and two unnamed enlisted men were initially ordered ”restricted to the barracks” from moving out of the MBLT-7 headquarters and that the captain was barred from performing his function as head of the battalion’s intelligence command pending investigation of the complaints against them. “The public can rest assured we will impartially investigate the incident and will not condone any wrongdoing of our men,” Col. Jalandoni said. Complainant Christopher Bal–lares, 32, a polio victim, sought the assistance of journalists for fear of a whitewash of the incident by the local police, which relies on the MBLT-7 support in security and peacekeeping missions in this crime-prone city. Ballares complained to journalists that three Marine soldiers including one Capt. Torres, wearing short pants and obviously drunk, accosted him and his uncle, Hector Cresencio, and forced them to identify a gunman involved in shooting a 15-year old girl at their Barangay in Bagua 3 minutes earlier here in this city. According to witnesses, the three Marine soldiers took turns in mauling and strangling Ballares and Cresencio when they couldn’t give the identity of the suspect.

MinDA to Mindanao communicators: tap new media for social change

by (PNA)

LDV/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 6 (PNA) - Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino has called on some 200 government information officers and communicators to capitalize on the expedience of new media in their work as agents of change.

Antonino made her call during the 9th Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Congress held over the weekend in General Santos City.

She stressed that with the new media changing the playing field in communication, use of new tools and media technology will give communicators a new leverage in governance communication.

“Your individual roles extend beyond mere beacons of information. New media enables you to become harbingers of social change, development, and public welfare,” Antonino told the participants, mostly from local government units and various agencies across Mindanao.

The MinDA chair's call stems from the challenge of communicating the real story of Mindanao in the light of typical news stories on conflict and strife as reported by national and international media outfits, portraying Mindanao as perennially plagued by war and violence.

Antonino also urged the congress delegates to wipe away this misconception and deliver stories that bear the good news about Mindanao, by seizing the opportunities afforded to them by new media, such as the Internet, social networks like Facebook and Twitter, text messaging, blogs and others.

“The wealth of information presented in this congress has afforded everyone a better understanding of the power of new media and how all of you can capitalize on this platform to trigger change and transformation,” said Antonino.

Meanwhile, another speaker Jay Jaboneta, founder of Philippine Fund for Little Kids and former head of the new media team at the Office of the President, also spoke of how new media has changed the way information is spread and its interactive forms.

His topic, “Social Media for Social Change” related how a single post on his Facebook page led to the creation of a foundation that helps young children in Zamboanga City.

This highlighted the new media as a game changer that allows Mindanao communicators to paint a more positive picture of the island based on stories of good news that normally do not see print in traditional media.

New media also enables anyone to create and modify content and share it with others using tools that are either inexpensive or free, and this interactive form takes away the exclusive power of traditional media over what comes out in the news.

With the theme “Strengthening Governance Communication through the New Media”, the 3-day congress was organized by MindaComNet, in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency and MinDA.

Public lauds joint Philippine Marines, police security forces

by PIA Press Release


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Cotabato City Mayor Jojo Guiani, Jr. and various sectors in the community have commended the contingent of the Philippine Marines and city police, expressing satisfaction on the performance of both law enforcement authorities. The chief executive issued the commendation following the arrest lately of one of suspected notorious hired killers long wanted for series of shooting incidents in Cotabato City dating back several years ago. “We give credit where it is due and this time I commend the Philippine Marines and the city police for a job well done leading to the arrest of one of the notorious guns-for hire na si Guiapal Diocolano,” Mayor Guiani said. The joint forces of Philippine Marines under Lt. Col. Doroteo Jose Jalandoni and city police director PSSupt. Danny Reyes have arrested the suspected gun-for-hire Diocolano. Reyes said, Diocolano who uses several aliases is believed to be responsible in the killing of several individuals including a policeman about five years back and the rugby boy few weeks ago here in the city. Now detained at the city jail, Diocolano faces several charges and other criminal case including illegal possession of firearms, Reyes said, citing the importance of unity and cooperation between the authorities and people in the community towards peace and stability. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)

MILF names first woman peace panelist

by (PNA)

DCT/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 4 (PNA) -– The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Sunday announced its peace panel will have a woman as one of the panelists when exploratory talks with the Aquino government resumes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Jun Mantawil, speaking for the MILF, said it would be the first time since the MILF started talking with the Philippine government in 1997 that a woman is named as peace panel member. He named Atty. Raissa Jajurie or Bai Cabaybay Abubakar, both members of the MILF panel of consultants, as the MILF's "first ever woman member" in the panel talking peace with the government. "We see the importance of the views of a professional Muslim woman in our quest for peace, thus the decision to name one," he said in a statement. No specific date as of yet has been announced by the Malaysian facilitator. Topping the agenda in the upcoming talks are the Al-Barka, Basilan incident and the case of former MILF leader Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato who denounced his membership with the MILF and formed his own group complete with political and military components. The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement formed by Kato early this year has its military wing - the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. Kato has been reported by the MILF to have died due to mild stroke but Kato's followers denied of their leader's passing away

IED went off inside banana plantation in North Cotabato

by (PNA)

DCT/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 3 (PNA) -- Unidentified men planted and set off on Friday morning a powerful improvised explosive device in a banana plantation in North Cotabato where former rebels have been working after abandoning their armed struggle, the military said.

Colonel Leopoldo Galon, speaking for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said at about 8:30 a.m. the IED fashioned from 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as detonating device was set off by the suspects inside the RNF Industry banana plantation in Barangay Tambak, Tulunan, North Cotabato.

No casualty was reported, Galon said.

The IED attack came days after some 60 Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerillas, led by Commander Sukarno, decided to abandon armed struggle and shifted to employment at the banana farm.

They were employed as security forces of the banana plantation, a joint project of the local government of Tulunan and private business firms.

On Monday, after undergoing training, assessment and evaluation at the 68th Infantry Battalion under Col. Cris Teofilo, they were turned to the local government for integration to the mainstream.

Tulunan Mayor Lani Candolada and 602nd Brigade Commander Col. Cesar Sedillo welcomed the returnees and lauded them for choosing the right path.

As farm workers, they are now earning "clean" money to feed their respective families, Sedillo said.

Out of jealousy, a band of MILF under Commander Jun Panganggulo attack the "returnees" on Nov. 26 that resulted to the death of four attackers.

"This clan war rooted on land dispute is expected to continue hence the LGU of Tulunan and the Army units in the area are exploring peaceful means to stop violence," Galon said.

Marine captain restricted to camp for mauling polio victim

by (PNA)

LAP/LAM/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 2 (PNA) - A Marine captain was placed under restrictions in the barracks and undergoing investigation for allegedly beating a civilian polio victim while under the influence of liquor and ordering his men to open fire at a lamp post early this week here.

Colonel Dorotheo Jose Jalandoni, commander of the 7th Marine Battalion Landing Team, said Capt. Rey Torres would be penalized for his infractions should an inquiry found him guilty of violating the Marine code of conduct.

A 33-year-old paraplegic, Christopher Ballares, a resident of Barangay Bagua 3 who works as a painter in a local auto shop, said he was manhandled by Torres on November 28.

The Marines were responding to an incident where a woman was shot allegedly by an unidentified man. The suspect allegedly ran toward the auto shop of Hector Crecencio who, together with Ballares, denied the suspect hid in the shop.

Torres allegedly also ordered his men to shoot a lamp post which his men did. He then started punching the paraplegic painter at about 10:30 p.m.

Jalandoni said he is not condoning the misbehavior of any of his men.

Calls for justice, equality reverberate as Mindanao observes Mindanao Week of Peace

by (PNA)

LAP/LAM/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Dec. 1 (PNA) - North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza said every resident of the province should talk about equality among peoples of Mindanao and work to achieve it.

Essex Guiguinto, chair of the Notre Dame University's Peace Center stressed the need to instill in the minds of young people that peace is everybody's business.

Guiguinto said peace must start at home then to the community and the country.

He said the Church-run university has integrated peace education in its curriculum as the school's contribution to every Mindanaoan's desire to live peacefully with anyone and everyone.

Speaking during the closing ceremonies of the Mindanao Week of Peace, Governor Mendoza also urged the youth of North Cotabato to dream big.

Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo who led a bike from peace from Cotabato City to Tacurong City, said various activities were launched during the week-long celebration aimed at raising awareness on everybody's role in the peoples desire to live peacefully.

"We have roles to play, we have things to do because the campaign for peace is not the sole responsibility of peace advocates, all of us regardless of our faith, culture and tradition," Bagaforo said in a radio interview.

On the other hand, Mendoza said the campaign for peace in Mindanao is not an easy task.

“Peace has a price. Naniniwala akong walang rebelde dahil pobre o mahirap. May nagrerebelde dahil may injustice.” (I believe that people rebel not because they are poor but because there is injustice).

Bishop Bagaforo, Gov. Mendoza and Guiguinto all agree that there can never be peace without justice.

For her part, Mendoza stressed that government programs and projects must be accessible to everyone.

"Everybody should be treated equally, regardless of tribal affiliation, belief and advocacy in life," she said.

"There should be no prejudice either when it comes to education. Students who are given honors should be those who are worthy of the award and not because they are “malakas” (close to decision makers),” she said.

Mendoza also reminded the students to be responsible, to do their best and to study hard. She stressed that education coupled with discipline is a tool that will help them prepare for their future.

She added that from the youth of today shall emerge the future leaders of the country.

“Dream big. You may be the next governor,” Mendoza said.

Bagaforo also rallied the people to always work for justice and work with dignity recognizing others' rights.

The Mindanao Week of Peace is an initiative of the Bishops Ulama Forum and is observed all over Mindanao every last week of November to December 1.

This year's theme is “Common word between you and us: Love of God and Love of Neighbor.”

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Cotabato_City_News_December_2011&oldid=288622"