Cotabato City News October 2011

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TESDA offers 500 slots for OSY in Maguindanao

by (PNA)

DCT/FFC/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 31 (PNA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Maguindanao has announced that it is offering 500 slots for technical vocational skills training for out of school youths in the province.

"We are not accepting applicants for 500 slots, out of school youths should avail of this wonderful government program," said Salehk Mangelen, TESDA Maguindanao provincial chief.

Mangelen explained that 500 trainees’ slots are provided under the joint program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), TESDA and United Nations agencies on Population Fund (UNFPA) and Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

"It is part of the alternatives to migration (and) decent jobs for Filipino youth,” he said.

Mangelen said the three-year program was aimed at capacitating the youth for employment and migration in the country’s four poorest provinces including Maguindanao.

Mangelen said Maguindanao is among the four poorest provinces in the country along with Masbate, Antique and Agusan del Sur.

These areas are identified with high incidence of poor out-of-school youth and low enrollment rates

Mangelen also said that the ILO funds the technical vocational skills training under the Youth Employment and Migration (YEM) program.

In the three-year program, the out of school youth are to be trained on automotive servicing, baking, beauty care, carpentry, dressmaking, cottage industry, driving, electrical installation and maintenance, food processing, masonry, plumbing and heavy equipment operator among others, he said.

The TESDA director said applicants must be out of school youth and residents of Maguindanao.

On top of the new program, Mangelen said his office is also conducting entrepreneurial skills training for the second batch of 120 out-of-school youth students.

The on-going program with 120 enrollees were divided into four batches composed of 30 each.

The first batch had already graduated early October.

Police officer slightly injured in Cotabato City blast

by Ferdinandh B. Cabrera


COTABATO CITY (MindaNews/28 October) — A police officer sustained a minor leg wound when an improvised bomb within a cordoned area along Sinsuat Avenue, exploded just as he was approaching it. The city police received reports at about 9 a.m. that an improvised explosive device was planted along the national highway in Sinsuat Avenue. A combined team of police officers and Marines arrived at the area where the bomb was reported found, at around 9:30 a.m. and cordoned it off. Shortly thereafter, a police officer and a Marine walked towards where the bomb was but before reaching it, the bomb exploded, injuring slightly the policeman’s left leg, eyewitness Emmanuel Pingkian, said. According to the city police chief, Sr. Supt. Roberto Badian, they received reports Thursday night that a bomb was planted in front of a restaurant along Sinsuat Avenue. “We learned from Casa Blanca last night that they received a bomb threat. We are now investigating this,” he said. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews

1st Region 12 Coffee Congress set Nov. 17-19

by (PNA)

DCT/LAM/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- Determined to become the "coffee capital of the Philippines," the province of Sultan Kudarat is hosting the First Region 12 coffee congress next month, according to Sultan Kudarat provincial director Nelly Nita Dillera.

The congress is scheduled on Nov. 17-19 at the provincial capitol in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Dillera said the province is currently the holder of the title as the country's biggest producer of all varieties of coffee as reported by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) at 23 percent.

"In terms of Coffee Arabica, Sultan Kudarat remains the number one producer contributing 52 percent to the national total, trailed way behind by Davao del Sur with 7 percent, Iloilo and Sulu with 5 percent each and South Cotabato with 4 percent," Dillera said in a statement.

The province is also the leading producer of "Coffee Robusta" with about 18 percent of the Philippines’ total attributed to the province, she said.

Compostela Valley follows closely with 15 percent contribution to national production while Cavite with 10 percent, Bukidnon 7 percent and Kalinga with 5 percent.

For Coffee Excelsa, top five are Sulu (20%), Davao sur (12%), North Cotabato (8%), Davao City (7%) and Compostela Valley (5%).

"While such is the situation, the yield is not as high as that of Cavite. Average yield in a hectare of coffee plantation in Sultan Kudarat is only 400 kilograms while that in Cavite was registered at an average of one ton per hectare," Dillera said.

"This is one major reason for the conduct of the Congress. There is a need a need to rejuvenate or rehabilitate the existing coffee farms," she said.

The congress shall tackle ways to improve agricultural and cultural practices, coffee quality profile, coffee for climate change, market requirements, coffee processing, and coffee shop business.

Dillera said there will also be "side events" like Agri, Trade & Techno Fair on coffee, Barista Exhibition, Market Matching with Nestle and Manila-based coffee shops, Investment Matching, Coffee Value Chain Tour and Coffee Cupping.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has placed coffee as among the priority high value crops.

Sultan Kudarat DTI provincial office has set a sales target of P2 million for the market matching; P5-M for new investments; and improvement of productivity by 80 percent in the coming three years.

The Philippines is both an exporter and importer of coffee, Dillera noted.

In 2009, the Philippines exported coffee to Canada, Japan, South Korea and the USA. However it is also importing more coffee along with EU, USA, Japan, Canada and Switzerland.

Currently the country supplies only 30,000 metric tons or less than half of the 65,000 MTs domestic demand.

The shortfall approximately costing P3.6 billion is being imported from other coffee producing countries.

A roadmap to address the concerns of the coffee stakeholders have also been drafted by the DA, DTI, DOST, TESDA, LGUs and the coffee players themselves to ensure that we are on the right track.

Provincial and Municipal Coffee Industry Development Councils have also been organized in the coffee growing municipalities to monitor the development of the industry.

Dillera said inquiries or reservation to the 1st Region 12 Coffee Congress can be directed to the Secretariat: DTI – Sultan Kudarat at telephone number (064) 200-3166.

MILF ready to iron out kinks in peace talks

by John Unson


COTABATO CITY, Philippines - – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is ready to iron out kinks in peace negotiations amid the resumption of hostilities in Mindanao, in response to what the group described as President Aquino’s sincerity in pursuing lasting peace.

Ghadzali Jaafar, the MILF’s vice chairman for political affairs, assured the President that they are willing to cooperate with the government’s diplomatic solutions to the security issues now besetting areas covered by the ceasefire.

Jaafar said the MILF central committee is standing pat on their position of having the so-called Moro issue resolved at the negotiating table.

Malaysia has been helping facilitate, in a third party role, the government-MILF talks since 2003.

A Malaysian-led peacekeeping contingent, the International Monitoring Team comprised of police and military officers from Malaysia, Brunei and Libya, and non-uniformed representatives from Japan, Norway and the European Union, have been monitoring the government-MILF ceasefire accord forged in July 1997.

The MILF, Jaafar said, is convinced that a peaceful negotiation is the most ideal, democratic and sensible way to attain lasting peace in Mindanao.

Jaafar issued their renewed commitment to the peace process in the wake of the bloody incidents in Basilan and the Zamboanga peninsula.

“The Central Committee of the MILF under the leadership of chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim commends His Excellency, President Aquino, for standing firm on the need for the continuity and successful conclusion of the government-MILF peace process,” Jaafar said in a statement sent to media in Central Mindanao.

Jaafar also described as “unfortunate” the Oct. 18 encounter between guerrillas and Special Forces operatives in Al-Barka town in Basilan, and the succeeding hostilities in Zamboanga del Sur and Lanao del Norte.

He also appealed for a “ceasefire” on hostile statements by some national and local officials regarding the bloody incidents involving soldiers and MILF fighters.

“These irritating, hostile comments can only fan the flames of animosity and misunderstanding. Let us give the government and MILF peace panels and the joint ceasefire committee enough time and space to work things out,” Jaafar said.

Representatives of different peace advocacy groups in Central Mindanao appealed to President Aquino and the MILF not to abandon the peace talks.

Oblate priest Eliseo Mercado of the foreign-assisted Institute on Autonomy and Governance expressed alarmed over the escalating hostilities between the military and the MILF.

“All of us do not want any escalation of hostilities between the Armed Forces and the MILF for it is the civilians, the innocent non-combatants, that will suffer,” said Mercado, who led a forum at the Notre Dame University here.

Naguib Sinarimbo, executive secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said ARRM leaders also called for sobriety to end conflicts in Mindanao.

“Waging war is very expensive, money that is earmarked for logistics needed in fighting the MILF is best spent for health, social welfare services for poor Muslim communities and education of children in areas covered by the ceasefire,” Sinarimbo said.

Show sincerity

Administration lawmakers challenged the MILF to show sincerity in its peace talks with the government by turning over its leaders reportedly responsible for the atrocities in Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay and Lanao provinces.

Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento and Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya said President Aquino has proven his resolve in pursuing peace in Mindanao despite mounting calls for him to wage an all-out war against the MILF.

“We sympathize with the families of the soldiers who died in the attacks that happened when peace negotiations are ongoing and the President has made the first move in showing his sincerity in the talks, respecting the terms of the talks. So, the ball is now in the hands of the MILF in showing its sincerity too,” Sarmiento said.

The MILF should cooperate with the government in running after these criminals, said Sarmiento, vice chairman of the House committee on national security and defense.

Abaya, on the other hand, said the separatist group could help in the neutralization and arrest of the suspects.

Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez, a former national security adviser, said he was not in favor of an all-out war against the MILF.

“What is needed is an intensive police action, hot pursuit operations directed specifically at the MILF units responsible for the attacks,’’ he said.

Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Treñas urged the military to launch “surgical strikes’’ against the lawless members of the MILF.

Treñas made the call after Aquino vowed “all-out justice’’ for the fallen soldiers.

For its part, the advocacy group Yes For Peace said the soldiers were also the victims in Basilan.

“The soldiers are also victims of a war that all of us do not want. The Filipino people must document their opposition to wars of Filipinos against Filipinos in the name of the Filipino people using the Filipino people’s resources without even consulting the Filipino people,” spokesman Ernie Alcanzare said in an interview over dzXL. – Paolo Romero, Jess Diaz

Bus passenger injured in North Cotabato roadside blast

by John Unson


COTABATO CITY ,Philippines – Still unidentified bombers ignited a roadside bomb in Kabacan, North Cotabato past 7 a.m. yesterday, wounding a bus passenger and sparking widespread panic among local communities.

Kabacan’s municipal police chief Supt. Joseph Semillano identified the injured bus passenger as 19-year-old Sheila Nuñezca, an agriculture student of the University of Southern Mindanao, located in the same municipality.

The victim was on board a Rural Transit Bus bearing body numbers 2950 and license plate AVS 144 bound for Tacurong City.

The bombers, using a mobile phone, set off the roadside bomb, fashioned from a live mortar round rigged with a battery-operated blasting mechanism, just as the bus was passing by.

Nuñezca, who sustained shrapnel wounds, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Investigators said the bomb was planted along an intersection connecting North Cotabato’s adjoining Carmen and Kabacan towns, not far from a detachment of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion.

Semillano said they still have to determine if the bombing was perpetrated by Moro secessionist rebels or members of the Al-Khobar extortion gang.

Eight passengers of a bus owned by the same transportation firm were killed in a bomb attack by suspected extortionists in Matalam, North Cotabato in October last year.

More than a dozen buses and public terminals have been bombed in Central Mindanao by extortionists in the past two years. The attacks killed some 30 people and injured two dozens more.

The latest roadside bombing occurred a day after suspected Muslim rebels ambushed a military convoy in Lanao del Norte province that killed two soldiers and wounded four others.

Last week, 19 soldiers were also killed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters during an encounter in Basilan.

MILF rebels withdraw

In Zamboanga Sibugay, MILF rebels withdrew from occupying a school as military troops were deployed in Olutanga Island.

Truckloads of soldiers from the 53th Infantry Battalion and 15th Division Reconnaissance Company arrived in the area as tension remained, officials said.

The MILF rebels, estimated to be around 200 when they occupied the Samonte Elementary School in Barangay Samonte, Talusan town, regrouped into small factions.

A government militia member, who asked not to be named as he is not authorized to speak on the matter, disclosed that they have remained under alert in Olutanga island, which is adjacent to Sitio Talaib in Barangay Labatan, Payao town where the military launched intensified operations against the forces of Wanning Abdusalam, a known leader of the MILF’s 113th Base Command and tagged as responsible for the spate of kidnappings and attacks against government forces.

Around 5,000 residents of Talaib and Tambon in Barangay Labatan have been evacuated to nearby areas.

Asnawi’s followers

Meanwhile, thirteen of the gunmen that ambushed and killed five rubber farm workers and their security escort on Sunday in Sumisip, Basilan are followers of a Moro commander that led last week’s bloody attack on patrolling Army Special Forces operatives in a nearby town.

Army and police intelligence sources said the government and MILF’s joint ceasefire committee should immediately investigate Sunday’s ambush of the supposedly unarmed workers of a rubber plantation cooperative by alleged new recruits of Commander Laksaw Asnawi, who, together with his men belonging to the 114th Base Command of the MILF, killed 19 soldiers, three of them junior officers, in an attack last week.

Key members of the peace and order councils of towns in the island province of Basilan said the 14 ambushers identified with Asnawi – Bakoy and Umail, both surnamed Wakil; Botong Aliman, Kirung Astalul Tampuri, Ahmad Pahalawan Aliman, Kabut, Mastul, Hamitul and Jakarul, all surnamed Astalul; Sapwan Aliman, Arham Aliman Asnawi, Julham Adjarun and Madih Umangkat – have scattered to different barangays after the incident to evade pursuing policemen and soldiers.

The director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police, Chief Supt. Bienvenido Latag, said he has tasked the Basilan provincial police to investigate the incident and file criminal charges against the ambushers.

Surrender Asnawi

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) demanded yesterday the MILF to surrender Asnawi and also asked the group to turn over to them Abu Sayyaf commander Furuji Indama and the leader of the lawless group in the island province, Long Malat, if the two are in their custody, as well as other members of lawless groups based in Zamboanga Sibugay who have pending warrants of arrest for various cases ranging from kidnapping for ransom, robbery, multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and illegal detention.

MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar, on the other hand, said MILF commanders have always been told to respect the provision of the ceasefire agreement.

“We are telling you now that the leadership of the MILF has been sincere all the way from day one of the negotiations until today” Jaafar said. – With Cecille Suerte-Felipe, Roel Pareno, Jaime Laude

Peace groups oppose all out war vs. MILF, lauds President Aquino's stance

by (PNA)

DCT/FFC/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 24 (PNA) - Various peace advocate groups in Central Mindanao Monday called for sobriety amid isolated Basilan incident which led national officials to call for an all out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"We make our voice heard, we support the peace process rather than war," Sr. Betty Cardinas, chair of the Association of Women Religious of the Archdiocese of Cotabato (AWRAC), said in a statement.

"In war, the protagonists are not the victors, its the ordinary citizens who will suffer most," she said.

Bobby Benito of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), also made similar appeal calling both the government and the MILF to explore all peaceful means in resolving misunderstanding following the Basilan incident that left 19 soldiers and six Moro rebels dead.

"We push for the Mindanao peace process," he said.

Fr. Eliseo Mercado, chair of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), said the Basilan tragedy poses a strong temptation for retaliation.

"A call for suspension of the peace talks with the MILF and to adopt an all out war policy is once again being heard in the media and in some sectors of government," Mercado said, expressing alarm.

"We call on the people of good will to rise from the grief brought about by the Basilan incident, albeit difficult and painful, to continue supporting the peace process," Mercado said, adding that Pres. Aquino was right in his decision not to retaliate.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu also aired similar appeal describing an all out war as useless approach and not a solution but will produce another problem in his province.

"Maguindanao has suffered enough, please give peace a chance," he said in a statement.

Maguindanao officials are one in supporting President Aquino's stance not to declare all out war even as they sympathize with the relatives of the slain soldiers.

C.S.C. accredited

by Ali Macabalang


COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has accredited for the first time an agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) – granting it a self-rule in appointing with finality personnel to non-career service positions.

ARMM’s Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) Executive Director Diamadel Dumagay received the certificate of accreditation from CSC Regional Director Resurreccion Pueyo in simple rites at the latter’s office recently.

“Amid political instability prevailing in the ARMM, the RPDO maintained its integrity in human resource management and development following strictly civil service law and rules,” Pueyo said. (Ali Macabalang)

Bond Strengthening Initiated By Cotabato Vicariate

by Lady May G. Delos Santos


COTABATO CITY NEWS – In the morning of October ten, the group had a lunch break at Lebak Parish which was followed by a friendship game at the Notre Dame of Salaman College. The priests competed against the scholars in basketball and tennis games.

Some 14 priests from the Cotabato Vicariate were in attendance in the coursework of the young clergy gathering last October ten, 2011 at Lebak and Kalamansig in Sultana Kudarat Province.

At 6:00 pm, the clergy had a socialization night.

The next day, the clergy went on some soaking in the water at of the beaches in Kalamansig where the group also had an early lucnh.

The young clergy took the gathering as a chance for them to discuss issues that concern not the archdiocese but the community as well.

This is the second gathering while the first took place at the Alamada Parish on August 8, 2011 where the priests enjoyed water tubing.

The gathering was an initiative of young members of the diocesan clergy, Fr. Anton Tejero, DCC and Fr. Benjamin Laforteza, Jr., DCC

Aside from their regular gathering such as the Presbyterium, the Diocesan Clergy of Cotabato gathering and the clergy-religious gathering, they thought of planning another get-together chiefly for the young priests (those with less than ten years in the priesthood) but not exclusive for them because they have also invited priests who have been in the religious life for over a decade.

“We need to inspire the community. And even when I was a theologian, I thought I already envision having this sort of gathering so that they can create a harmonious and healthy community of priests in the archdiocese,” Tejero said, adding that after every meeting in the archdiocese, they would return to their respective parishes so there was small time for them to even check on their co-priests and have a simple bonding with them.

That is why this gathering was bornfor the diocesan priests to create a commuity not for recreational activities but also for them to have a venue for sharing and inspiring each other.

Another aim of the assembly is to visit other parishes in the archdiocese as well as the priests assigned to them.

Honestly, it feels so fulfilling to know that lots of responded to our invitation and although some were not able to make it because of prior commitments, still they are happy because they have expressed their support to the activity and even promised to join the next assembly,” Tejero further said, adding that they have other designs for the future and they are hoping that these will push through and this will be the beginning of a better diocesan clergy community.

The organizers are so happy that everybody has been positively responding to the gathering. “Everyone is looking forward to the next gathering,” Tejero said, adding that as young priest, they is thankful and happy for the support that the whole community has been giving them. “We feel proud that they can plan something like this for clergy.”

The gathering is more on developing the personal level of every priest so they can become better servants of the church.

Tejero explained that in the event that they can establish the interpersonal relationship among the priests, then it would be a lot simpler to build a powerful community for the clergy. “If they can maintain this, then it will certainly bring us improvement not within the community of priests but also among our parishioners.”

Basilan bishop wants GPH-MILF talks to continue despite bloody encounter

by (PNA)

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COTABATO CITY, Oct. 21 (PNA) -- A Catholic bishop in Mindanao, who has seen armed conflicts regularly happening in his diocese, appealed to the Aquino administration to continue the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) despite last Tuesday’s bloody encounter in Basilan.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), has said the deadly clash between the government troopers and the MILF elements should not disrupt the peace process to end the decades-long armed conflict in southern Philippines.

“Continue the peace talks and don’t get tired so that peace and harmony will be attained,” Jumoad said in CBCP online.

On Tuesday, 19 Army Special Forces officers and men died in an encounter with joint forces of the MILF and the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf Group in the town of Al Barka, Basilan.

Jumoad lamented that the bloody encounter came despite the existence of an agreement on the general cessation of hostilities between the government and the MILF and while both sides were about to restart the peace talks.

In a statement, Bishop Jumoad also condemned the incident which also killed nine MILF rebels, adding that it was another saddening moment for the Church in Basilan.

“It is always painful when fellow Filipinos kill each other,” he said.

Church workers in the Prelature of Basilan have been subjected to attacks by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group in the past but despite the danger in their missions, Jumoad said their work must continue.

SWS: Incumbent ARMM officials get high satisfaction rating

by (PNA)

LAP/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 20 (PNA) – On the verge of stepping down after the Supreme Court ruled that the law resetting the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and allowing President Benigno Aquino III to name officers in charge, incumbent officials received a high satisfaction rating from the SWS.

It shows that majority of the ARMM constituents were satisfied with performance of current leaders, according to Ali Macabalang, ARMM bureau of public information.

"The satisfaction rating from the international donor communities was confirmed with the result of the Social Weather Station," Macabalang said, adding that the recent survey included respondents from outside ARMM.

In its recent survey commissioned by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and two international agencies, the SWS said at least 63 percent of the ARMM’s residents were “satisfied” in the operations of the regional autonomous government under the leadership of acting ARMM Governor Ansaruddin Adiong.

The study conducted in July 21-25 was done with the support of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in observance of the 20th anniversary of the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160).

Macabalang said the results were released last October 10 and Mahar Mangahas of SWS subsequently publicized them in various media outlets.

“Within ARMM, the residents themselves appear contented with the regional government’s performance; 63 percent are satisfied and 18 percent are dissatisfied, for a very good net +45,” Mangahas said.

Mangahas said the survey covered representative samples of 400 household heads each in Balance Luzon (outside Metro Manila), Visayas and Mindanao, plus 300 specifically in ARMM.

According to Macabalang, Mangahas said that the assessed performance areas included education programs, environment protection, sports promotion, garbage collection, street lighting, health services, disaster preparedness, popular consultation, and financial transparency in which the present ARMM administration obtained “very good” or “good” rating.

An expert on Mindanao autonomy, Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr., executive director of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance, said the good performance rating was the “first” in the 20-year history of ARMM and is “definitely something to celebrate.”

Mercado attributed the feat mostly to the “indefatigable Executive Secretary, Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo (whose) energy and youthful enthusiasm are akin to a virus that spreads itself to the whole ARMM structure".

The current officials took over the helm of ARMM government in December 2009 following the tragic Maguindanao massacre a month earlier.

“The mark of good performance in the ARMM governance for the last two years sets a new benchmark that is hard to follow. The present incumbents will soon leave their posts with a sole distinction of good and satisfactory performance in office,” he pointed out.

He said the current leadership has shown to the world and the nation that with a few good men in office who are committed and devoted to real public service, ARMM regional government can pick of the pieces and rise from the shame brought about by long years of bad governance and impunity.

Macabalang said the survey clearly confirmed the consistent “satisfactory” rating given by the World Bank, the European Union’s institutions, the Australian and Japan governments, and United Nations’ agencies to the incumbent ARMM officials.

The survey was conducted shortly before the Supreme Court decided on the constitutionality of RA 10153, the law synchronizing the ARMM polls with the mid-term national elections in May 2013 and allowing President Aquino to appoint officers-in-charge (OICs) to replace incumbent elected officials whose terms of office lapsed last September 30

RBOI attracts more investor in last 3 quarters

by PIA Press Release


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 19 (PIA) –- The ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) attracted more investors to register additional investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the first three quarters of 2011, said RBOI Regional Secretary Atty. Ishak V. Mastura. This quarter, Agumil Philippines, Inc., a palm oil mill located in Buluan, Maguindanao registered the expansion of their palm oil mill from its existing capacity of 30 metric tons to 45 metric tons with an investment cost worth P132.4 million. The approval of their registration is expected to be completed within the next two weeks. During second quarter of this year, RBOI-ARMM registered a P24 million expansion of the Matling Cassava Starch factory located in Malabang, Lanao del Sur through the installation of a bio-mass power plant. In the same period, RBOI also registered P1.5 billion telecommunications project of EA Trilink, Inc. The investments in ARMM bolster the continuing confidence of the business sector in the business climate of the region, Mastura said. Mastura added that for the first time the RBOI has participated in every event sponsored by the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan (PPIP Technical Working Group based in BOI-Manila composed of the 12 different investment promotion agencies in the country. (Moner C. Dayaan-PIA Cotabato City)

Cotabato LGU to crack down on sex workers

by (PNA)

LDV/NYP


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 18 (PNA) – The city government is keen on checking the health condition of sex workers here following their being remiss on their regular Pap smear check up.

For a start, City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said plans are underway for a surprise check on nightspots here employing female entertainers.

“We would go after the so-called female sex ‘strikers’ on the streets later,” he said.

Guiani noted that female entertainers should be clean and safe from sexually transmitted diseases.

However, the problem is that sexual workers here have not been showing up before the City Health Office (CHO) for their regular check up.

“No one (sex workers) have gone for their weekly Pap smear for the past three months,” CHO chief Dr. Marlowe Niñal disclosed.

He stressed that it is important that sex workers undergo regular medical check-up for them to determine if they are safe for the sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

A Pap smear test costs P25 per person.

Olan Emberga, city social welfare officer, noted that the one-time Cotabato City Female Entertainers Association have been dissolved seven years ago due to lack of support from past city government administration.

He said the organization was important for the sex workers considering the restriction imposed on minors from getting involved in the sex trade.

“Easy cash and drug addiction are two main reasons why these people are driven into the sex trade,” Emberga said.





Bold text==Student leaders in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur attend forum on good governance and leadership==

by (PNA)

LAP/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 17 (PNA) - About 100 youth leaders and students from Marawi City and Lanao del Sur participated in a leadership forum aimed at raising awareness of their responsibility in promoting good governance and working for the eradication of prohibited drugs within the campus and in the city over the weekend.

Ali Macabalang, information chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said 60 of the participants were freshman students of Mindanao State University, while 40 were members of the Silpeace Youth.

With the “Transforming Youth Leaders: Building and Developing Community”, the one-day forum gave a brief orientation on the importance of dialogue as a path to peace, according to the mission and vision of Silsilah Dialogue Movement and the role of the movement in drug eradication and youth transformation.

The forum organizers also urged the youth to back anti-drug campaigns and exercise vigilance in their surroundings to weed out those engaging in the business of illegal drugs.

The National Youth Commission enlightened the youth on the significance of their role in solving societal problems through the following talks on Transformative Youth Leadership for Nation Building, The Role of the Youth in the Community and the Framing of the Local Youth Development Plan.

An officer of the Philippine Drug Enhancement Agency (PDEA) provided the participants with inputs on Dangerous Drug Awareness and Prevention highlighting the salient provisions of the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002.

The speaker touched on the vicious effects of dangerous drugs like marijuana, shabu, ecstasy, and the like on the human body and the role of the youth and law enforcement agencies in drug annihilation and prevention.

The Transformative Youth Leadership Forum and Symposium on Dangerous Drugs Prevention was held at the Benansing Macarambon Hall, Mamitua Saber Research and Technology Center, Mindanao State University, Marawi City.

It was organized by Silsilah Forum-Marawi in partnership with the PDEA and the MSU management.

Construction starts for ARMM employees' housing project

by (PNA)

FFC/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 12 (PNA) - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has started construction of housing units for its employees who have no houses of their own.

The construction commenced Monday after the lot owner turned over the certificate of land title to the office of acting Regional Governor Ansaruddin Adiong, according to Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo.

Sinarimbo said lot owner Sally Sinsuat handed over the certificate of title to ARMM officials after receiving the P2.5 million check as full payment of the four-hectare lot area in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The turnover rites were witnessed by Barangay Capiton chairman Datu Erwin Sinsuat, ARMM Cabinet Secretary and concurrent Chief of Staff Ernie Masorong and Regional Treasurer Kanggo Umal, who has been facilitating the realization of the housing project for ORG employees and officials in over a decade.

He said Governor Adiong and the land owner signed the deed of sale last August 16 but the payment has been delayed due to some reported intramurals involving the proprietor and her kin.

According to ARMM officials privy to the housing project, the initial phase of construction may build 50 to 100 units and the subsequent phases would follow to accommodate all qualified ORG workers, which number to around 300 individuals.

Adiong said workers from other department will also have their own housing project once the preparations are completed.

Security in Armm, Central Mindanao tightened

by Malu Cadeliña Manar


COTABATO CITY -- Security has been tightened in this city and other parts of Central Mindanao hours after the twin explosions that rocked Zamboanga City on Sunday, a military official said.

Brigadier General Rey Ardo, chief of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), said military units manning the highway in North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat had been alerted due to bomb threats.

This city, hit by several bombings in the recent months, is just few kilometers away from the headquarters of the 6th ID.

Checkpoints were immediately established as standard operating procedure to secure the region from any terror attack.

The military commander also sought the assistance of the local chief executives in his area-of-responsibility to help monitor presence of lawless groups that sow panic and fear among the residents.

For his part, Philippine National Police-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) Regional Director Bienvenido Latag said he already ordered his men in the field to conduct pre-emptive intelligence monitoring and surveillance to prevent any attack.

Security was immediately intensified in Zamboanga City following the explosions that hit a pension house and a cockpit area.

The bombings, according to reports, marred the celebration of Zamboanga City’s La Hermosa Festival, also known as Fiesta Pilar.

Authorities have yet to identify the suspects and the motive behind the twin bombings that injured 11 people.

HOUSING PROJECT FOR ARMM WORKERS UP FINALLY


COTABATO CITY – The Office of the Regional Governor (ORG) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) yesterday announced that engineering works will start soon for the construction of house units long sought by personnel of offices and bureaus under the ORG, especially those who have no houses on their own.

Acting ARMM Governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong made the announcement through Regional Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo after the owner of a four-hectare land intended for the housing project turned over finally the certificate of land title to the ORG in simple rites here last Friday.

Sally C. Sinsuat, the owner of the land located in Barangay Capiton, handed transfer certificate title (TCT) No. T-37548 to ORG officials and in turn received the P2.5-million check in full payment of the high-lying lot.

ARMM celebration of 22nd Statistics Month underway

by (PNA) scs/NYP/EOF


COTABATO CITY, Oct. 9 (PNA) - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is observing the 22nd Statistics Month with various activities aimed at strengthening statistical system as basis for crafting accurate and effective plans for the region.

The Regional Statistical Coordination Committee (RSCC) co-chaired by National Statistics Office (NSO) Regional Director for ARMM Commando Pilimpinas spearheaded the kick-off activities with a parade at the regional autonomous government compound here.

Ali Macabalang, ARMM bureau of public information chief, said activities have also been closely coordinated by the ARMM’s Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO), which also promotes gathering of accurate statistical data in drawing up development plans of varied ranges.

Speaking during the opening program, Pilimpinas said the nationwide commemoration is held every October in recognition of the importance of statistics in making informed and relevant decisions in both official and private endeavors.

Engr. Mlang Madal, RPDO–ARMM assistant director, said a good economic plan is a product of good statistics.

“Good plans are byproducts of good statistical data base,” he said.

In his written message read during the launching rites at the ARMM executive building, Acting Regional Governor Ansaruddin Adiong said his administration has achieved "trailblazing feats in various dimensions principally because of right strategies guided by accurate statistics.”

Adiong said statistics harnesses the management skills of technocrats in various line agencies as has been exemplified in highly developed nations.

Pilimpinas said that included in this year's celebration is a workshop on statistical development plan for ARMM, a first of its kind in the autonomous region, exhibits, media forums and trainings on civil registry to be held at the NSO regional office here simultaneously with those of field offices in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

ARMM hospitals back in service

by LI G. MACABALANG


COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Two district hospitals in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have been reactivated after years of neglect in a development gladly welcomed by thousands of residents in more than a dozen distant towns long bereft of government medical services, the ARMM’s regional health chief has announced.

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., regional health secretary, cited the “convergent” operational approach of the transitory administration of Acting ARMM Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong for the reactivation last month of the Unayan District Hospital in Binidayan, Lanao del Sur and Sumisip District Hospital in Basilan.

Adiong personally graced the operational resumption of the Unayan District Hospital on Sept. 24 following the completion of renovation works on its building funded with P6.8-million grant by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the enhancement of its medical facilities from the P2-million subsidy given by the Department of Health (DoH) central office, Sinolinding said.

Kei Fukunaga, Japan Embassy’s First Secretary and Senior Adviser on Mindanao Reconstruction and Development, and Integrated Provincial Health Officer Dr. Alinader Minalang, representing DoH Secretary Enrique T. Ona, witnessed the resumption of services of the Unayan District Hospital which services the five distant towns of Binidayan, Bayang, Calanogas, Pualas, and Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.

Dr. Sinolinding described as “more dramatic” the reactivation of the District Hospital in Sumisip island town in Basilan on Sept. 28 because the medical outfit had been unused since 1999, just a year after it was inaugurated.

ARMM KICKS OFF STATISTICS MONTH OBSERVANCE

by Jam L. Benito/BPI-ARMM)


COTABATO CITY -- In line with the national observance of the 22nd National Statistics Month, officials and stakeholders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao kicked off Thursday various commemorative activities aimed at strengthening statistical system as basis for crafting accurate and effective plans to bring ARMM to greater heights.

The Regional Statistical Coordination Committee (RSCC) chaired by National Statistics Office (NSO) Regional Director for ARMM Commando Pilimpinas spearheaded the kick-off activities opened by a parade at the regional autonomous government compound here.

The activities have also been closed coordinated by the ARMM’s Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO), which also promotes gathering of accurate statistical data in drawing up development plants of varied ranges.


Pilimpinas, in his speech, said the nationwide commemoration is held every October in recognition of the importance of statistics in making informed and relevant decisions in both official and private endeavors.

Engr. Mlang U. Madal, RPDO – ARMM assistant director, categorically said that “good plans are byproducts of good statistical data base.”

"Everything ought to be quantified through statistics. It shows that we're doing something," he added.

Acting Regional Governor Ansaruddin A. Adiong, in a written message read for him at the kick-off rites, said his administration has achieved trailblazing feats in various dimensions principally because of “right strategies guided by accurate statistics.”

He said statistics harnesses the management skills of technocrats in various line agencies as has been exemplified in highly developed nations.

Lined up for the month-long observance workshops on statistical development plan for ARMM, a first of its kind in the autonomous region, exhibits, media forums and trainings on civil registry to be held at the NSO regional office here simultaneously with those of field offices in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Pilimpinas said.

ARMM has for long been affected by statistical frauds and bloated data, NSO officials said even as they noted some improvements in such gray areas under the Adiong administration.

Troops rescue midwife from militants in S. Philippines

  • Source: Troops rescue midwife from militants in S. Philippines
  • 2011-10-06 11:33:48
by Chen Zhi


COTABATO CITY, Philippines, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- State security forces rescued Thursday a midwife kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists last July.

According to Felicisimo Khu, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations for Western Mindanao, the midwife Evangeline Taverisma was rescued by police and military in the village of Kappung in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.

Khu said there was a resistance from Abu Sayyaf but later abandoned their captive after sensing they were outnumbered.

The Abu Sayyaf militants were asking some 15 million pesos (354, 861 U.S. dollars) ransom for the release of the 57-year-old hostage.

The victim was on her way home from work when she was snatched at gunpoint in Sulu province.

The Abu Sayyaf group, active in southern Philippines, was founded in the 1990s and has perpetrated a number of high-profile attacks, including kidnapping, bombing and beheading. The Philippine military estimates the group currently has less than 400 members.

ARMM’s BOI registers P24M investment for Q3

by PIA Press Release


COTABATO CITY, Oct 5 (PIA)- - Autonomous Region in Muslim in Mindanao’s (ARMM) Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) has registered an investment of P24 million during the 3rd quarter of the current year on the expansion of Matling Corporation located at Malabang, Lanao Sur. Matling Corporation is the largest-cassava-starch producer in Mindanao and one of the oldest corporations in the region during the American regime. This has been a banner year for the RBOI because it has exceeded its target to register P400 million worth of private sector investments by 381% with the registration of the P1.5 billion telecommunications investment of EA Trilink Corporation in the 2nd quarter this year. ARMM RBOI Chairman, lawyer Ishak Mastura, said the positive trend in the investment profile of the region is an indication of the continuing confidence of the investors in the ARMM in the business climate fostered by the administration of ARMM Acting Regional Governor Ansaruddin A. Adiong, which has proven to be one of the most investor-friendly in recent years. “I have worked in promoting private sector investment in ARMM since 2001 when I was Regional Secretary for the Regional Department of Trade and Industry now in my current post as RBOI chairman and never has there been such continuous focus on popularizing the ARMM as an investment destination to the extent that Governor Adiong has spent ARMM funds to go out of the region in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Brunei to drumbeat for investment and to follow-up investment leads,” Mastura said. Amidst the power crisis in Mindanao, Mastura noted that the RBOI has noticed that the trend in the corporations in ARMM is to expand its operations by building their own bio-mass power plants, which are highly encouraged by the Investment Priorities Plan because they are considered as source of renewable energy. Matling Corporation is the latest ARMM-based Corporation to establish a bio-mass power plant. Last year the Lamsan Corn Starch Factory, one of the largest corn starch producers in the region and top 1000 corporation in the country based in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, operated its bio-mass power plant worth P173 million that was earlier registered in the RBOI in 2007. Last year Philippine Trade Center, Inc., also a corn starch producer based in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao registered its investments in a bio-mass power plant worth P88 million. (Moner C. Dayaan-PIA Cotabato City/RBOI-ARMM)

Supplemental feeding

by Mindanao Newsbits


COTABATO CITY – A total of 2, 227 children from 56 daycare centers in this city will benefit from the feeding program of the Department on Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) set for 120 days starting this month, the city social welfare office said. Children with ages three to four years old will be given free nutritious foods including rice and viand alongside kitchen utensils, City Social Welfare Officer Ofelia Ibrahim said.

The children’s parents will cook the DSWD supplied food and administer the feeding from Monday to Friday for three whole months, she said. (Ali G. Macabalang)

Army ‘holds punches against Kato’

by Edwin Fernandez, Jeoffrey Maitem and Charlie Señase, Inquirer Mindanao


COTABATO City—While renegade Moro rebel leader Ameril Umra Kato is now considered open target, the Army couldn’t bypass his former comrades in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to attack him because he and his forces are holed up in MILF areas, a military official said. Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF political affairs chief, on Thursday reiterated that Kato is no longer part of MILF and, as a result, is not covered by protection from military offensives offered by a truce between the MILF and government. Jaafar, however, said the MILF doesn’t consider Kato an enemy. “Our enemies are the oppressors. And this goes with the government and other groups that exercise tyranny and oppression,” he said. Brigadier General Ariel Bernardo, chairman of the government’s ceasefire committee, said any military action against Kato would have to be coordinated with the MILF because Kato and his forces, now called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), are holed up in MILF areas. According to Jaafar, the deadline for Kato, set on September 26, to return to the MILF fold has lapsed without any word from Kato, prompting the guerrilla group to officially drop him from its roster of members. “We don’t care anymore what his group will do. That’s the implication of this move. We decided that he (Kato) is no longer with us,” Jaafar said. Abu Misra Mama, speaking for Kato’s Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM), said the Saudi-trained cleric has no plans of returning to the MILF fold and that it became clear when Kato formed the BIFM and BIFF last year. “There is no more possibility of our return to the MILF’s fold. The MILF no longer abides by the principles of Islam,” Mama said in a phone interview. He said Kato’s decision to shun an offer to return to the MILF fold meant “we will continue the Islamic struggle for independence.” Armed Forces Chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. had been quoted earlier in Manila as saying the military would attack Kato as soon as he was officially declared not part of MILF. Kato is wanted for allegedly leading attacks on civilian communities in North Cotabato and Maguindanao in 2008 following the failed signing of a memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain expanding Moro autonomous territory but which the Supreme Court has ruled as unconstitutional. At least 60 people were dead and tens of thousands of residents had been displaced by the attacks. The mission to get Kato and his men had been put on hold in deference to the truce between the MILF and the government, according to Brig. Gen. Bernardo. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines has to hold its punches against Kato as the government panel negotiating peace with the MILF considered the issue as an internal problem,” said Bernard

Troops foil terror attack in Cotabato

by philstar.com


COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) -- Security forces on Sunday foiled a terror attack of suspected Muslim militants in the southern Philippines, police said.

Residents discovered a powerful homemade bomb fashioned from an 81-millimeter mortar shell in front of a government office in the southern Philippine city of Cotabato and immediately reported to police, said police commander Senior Superintendent Roberto Badian.

Bomb experts rushed to the scene and defused the bomb, Badian added.

On Saturday, an explosion hit the city but caused no casualties.

No group claimed responsibility for the twin incidents, but authorities blamed Muslim rebels in previous attacks in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao.

Foreign officials laud ARMM leaders

by ALI G. MACABALANG


COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Officials of foreign donor agencies have assured their continued assistance to the people of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regardless of a change of guard in the regional leadership.

But in their assurances, representatives of United Nations’ humanitarian agencies, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Indonesian Embassy renewed their favorable assessment of the traits and performance of incumbent officials led by Acting ARMM Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong.

“I found Filipino technical people better as partners in service than those in other parts of Asia,” Trevor Clark, Mindanao’s chief of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), averred at the Tapatan sa ARMM media forum Thursday.

Clark said such people he admired are in ARMM’s present regime under Adiong, whose elective term of office ended on Friday along with those of 25 other elected regional officials.

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