one mindanao - february 16, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

VICTORIANO B. VILLACRUZ, JR., PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

DENR inks MOA with DPWH, BALAOD Mindanaw, Dinagat Islands LGUs for typhoon Yolanda victims

Hundreds join Basilan walk for justice, peace in tribute to Fallen44

14

29

3435

21

Talakudong dances its way to the hearts of Dinagyang followersBy: Allan Freno

DPWH to build P1.2 billion underpass in Makati City

Mindanao chief lauds ADB support to regional development efforts

DSWD targets high-quality database of poor families

Ozamiz police enlists public help for terrorist watch

City gov’t extends assistance to fisherfolk affected by removal of filter nets in Panguil Bay

By: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

12

By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

19

41LGU Libungan, PAG-IBIG Fund hold mass wedding

By: Maria Cecilia N. Sosas

By: Rene V. Carbayas

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

38 AFP-PNP coordination cited in thwarted NPA attackBy: Rudolph Ian G. Alama

10

14

174027

32

36

4 FEBRUARY 16, 2015One Mindanao4 FEBRUARY 16, 2015One Mindanao4

Talakudong dances its way to the hearts of Dinagyang followers

It was January 25—the highlight of the Dinagyang Festival. It was past one o’clock in the afternoon and the sky was

threatening a heavy downpour. She was worried that after nearly four hours of brisk dancing

By: Allan Freno

Inside the jam-packed grandstand, Elma Arboleras was eagerly waiting for Tribu Talakudong to arrive for its field demonstration at the fifth and last performance area in

downtown Iloilo City.

5FEBRUARY 16, 2015 One Mindanao

in four other areas around the city, the kids would be exhausted coming in to the last station. Elma was wrong. As soon as the beat of the drums, gongs and kulintangs reverberated in the air, the kids of Tribu Talakudong energetically swayed in unison, their chants at their loudest and seamlessly doing magic with their hats, the trademark of Talakudong. The drops of rain bouncing off their kudong and fuschia-and-gold attires only added drama to their strong performance. In between and right after the kids’ eight-minute field demonstration, cheers and applause echoed everywhere.

The moment the drumbeats stopped signaling the end of the kids’ presentation, Elma jumped out of her seat and darted towards the performers. She congratulated everyone and even gave tight hugs to some of the tribe m e m b e r s including his friend Councilor R o d r i g o Jamorabon.

“That was a world-class performance by Talakudong dancers. They were simply amazing,” she exclaimed.

Elma, a Tacurongnon who gained international prominence in the field of science and technology because of her iBus invention, was in Panay for a special project. She decided never to let go of the chance to witness her kababayans’ outstanding performance. She reiterated her amazement to the kids’ performance on Facebook saying

“I was just blown away. Mighty proud of the world-class performance of the City of Tacurong during the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City today.”

6 FEBRUARY 16, 2015One Mindanao

Many others who were in Iloilo to witness the Dinagyang shared their admiration to Talakudong’s act. Senate President Franklin Drilon, who was at the Freedom Grandstand, gave Mayor Lina Montilla double thumbs up. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and many others also congratulated the mayor. Montilla was also at the grandstand with Vice Mayor Joseph Lechonsito and other Tacurong City officials.

Mabilog later told Montilla that even the United States

Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg had gotten interest in Tacurong and has been asking questions on how to get there.

Opening Salvo Performance

Tribu Talakudong, invited by the Iloilo City government to perform during the highlight of the Dinagyang Festival on January 25, provided the opening salvo performance before the start of the much-anticipated Ati Competition.

Koronadal City’s Pyesta Kolon D’tal, performed second to Talakudong. Tacurong and Koronadal delegations were in Iloilo City to take part in the world-class Dinagyang Festival, which gathers millions of tourists all over the country every year.

Ambassadors and other foreign nationals were among the sea of people who flocked to Iloilo City during the event this year. As a guest performer, Tribu Talakudong never failed the expectations of those who had been anticipating for its act.

Clad in multi-colored costumes and dancing in brisk motion, Talakudong performers


captured the hearts of the delightful and applauding crowd during their performance in all of the five performance areas. Photographers were busy clicking trying to get better shots of the dancers. On the kids’ way to the next performance area, the mammoth crowd flanking both sides of the streets took time to have their pictures taken with the dancers.

Jorvelyn Jaruda Espinosa, an Iloilo resident and Executive Director of Maya Learning Center, also posted her praises to Talakudong on her Facebook wall.

“This year’s celebration of

Dinagyang was highlighted by two performances of our guests from Tacurong and Koronadal cities,” she said.

“Their performances left me in awe at the purity of the celebration in honor of Señor Santo Niño… purity in the sense that they all performed as a group in sync and they took the front stage; not the props and the costumes. The colorful costumes and props merely enhanced their dance and movements,” Espinosa added.

“I was struck by the feeling that it was as if I was with them in Tacurong and Koronadal. They brought me home with them with their performance. How apt that


they are now our sister cities.”

Strengthening of sisterhood In his speech in front of thousands of audience during the opening program of the Ati Competition at the Freedom Grandstand, Mayor Mabilog recognized the presence of Mayor Lina Montilla of Tacurong and Mayor Peter Miguel of Koronadal.

He explained to the Iloilo people that the sisterhood agreement forged with the two Hiligaynon-speaking cities in Mindanao is part of the Balik-Iloilo program of the city government; that is to invite Mindanaoans with Ilonggo roots to visit Iloilo especially during Dinagyang Festival.

According to Mabilog, the sisterhood will also pave the way for exchanges that will benefit the sister cities such as in the areas of commerce, culture and tourism; hence the presence in Iloilo of the key officials from Tacurong City.

Before the performance of Tribu Talakudong, Mabilog conferred to Montilla the title Dinagyang “Pangulong Hangaway” or head warrior in honor of the sisterhood agreement. Montilla was given the headdress, garb and other tokens.


The same gesture was afforded to Mayor Miguel. Mayor Montilla was extremely overwhelmed by the hospitality and how the Tacurong delegation was very well received by the Iloilo people.

“Our travel to Iloilo City is a milestone. The whole country and the world have come to know our city and our Talakudong Festival. The invitation of the city government of Iloilo for our dancers to perform on the world-class Dinagyang stage manifested Mayor Mabilog’s commitment of keeping true to the spirit of sisterhood”, Mayor Montilla enthused.

Tacurong City, with its group of performers from Tacurong Pilot Elementary School, went to Iloilo to with the aim of showcasing Tacurong’s beauty and culture to the national stage. With the praises the performers had gotten from the Iloilo crowd, they sure won the hearts not only of the Ilonggos of Panay but also of the thousands of local and international tourists who came to witness world-class performances at the Ati competition. Talakudong’s presentation of its unique culture added flavor to the Dinagyang and provided a breath of fresh air to those who long for something new. Indeed, it was a mighty performance from the little kids of Tacurong City.


MANILA - The Palace said it is elated by the Forbes magazine report that makes the Philippines one of the top retirement havens in the world.

Forbes magazine reports Philippines as among top retirement destination

“Ikinakagalak po natin ang pahayag na ito ng isang reputable na pahayagan, ang Forbes, at ito ay dapat na maging basehan upang tayo ay higit pang magpunyagi sa pagpapaganda ng investment climate sa ating bansa,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a radio

interview on Sunday.

Coloma said Forbes’ ranking is based on different factors such as cost of living, taxes, medical care, climate, security and crime situation, cultural attractions and hospitality.

Forbes magazine puts the


Philippines at 16th place of the Top 20 countries. According to Forbes list of popular locations include Tagaytay, a suburb of Manila, that is elevated and therefore cooler, and Subic Bay, with an infrastructure from the old U.S. Navy base. Non-stop flights between Manila and the US average 15 hours.

Forbes’ recognition is being manifested in the uptick in tourist arrivals in the Philippines as noted by the Department of

Tourism, he said. Coloma said quoting the DOT, there were 4.83 million tourists who visited the country in 2014, an increase of 3.25 percent compared to 2013 tourist arrivals figure. “At dahil din dito sa pagdami ng mga dumarating na turista, umabot ang ating tourism revenues sa halagang P214.8 bilyon sa kabuuan ng 2014,” he noted.

“At dahil dito, ibayong pagsisikap pa rin sa bahagi ng pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Department of Tourism sa paggawa ng lahat ng nararapat para mapanatili ang pagiging attractive destination ng ating bansa.” (PCOO/PND (as)


DPWH to build P1.2 billion underpass in Makati City

MANILA - The Department of Public Works and Highways announced the construction of the P1.2 billion Senator Gil Puyat Avenue-Makati Avenue-Paseo de Roxas Underpass Project in Makati City aimed at easing traffic congestion in the metropolis.


“Ang proyekto na nagkakahalaga ng humigit-kumulang sa 1.27-bilyong piso ay bahagi ng pangkalahatang programa upang maibsan ang paninikip ng daloy ng trapiko sa kalakhang Maynila. Inaasahang matatapos ang proyekto sa taong 2017,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a radio interview on Sunday.

Coloma told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan that the Makati underpass project, to commence this April, is one of the infrastructure projects approved by the President during the NEDA Board meeting last October. The project is slated to be carried out by the DPWH this year, he added.

Other approved projects include the construction of three grade separated interchanges in EDSA-North Avenue-West Avenue-Mindanao Avenue, Circumferential Road 5-Green Meadows-Calle Industria-Eastwood, and in EDSA-Roosevelt

Avenue-Congressional Avenue. These projects are located in Quezon City.

The DPWH made the announcement so that commuters could do the necessary preparations because while the underpass is being constructed, they could expect heavy traffic in the area.

The DPWH will also coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to mitigate the impact of heavy flow of traffic to offices and businesses in Makati City, he said. (PCOO/PND (as)


DAVAO CITY - “While we mourn for the unfortunate loss of lives caused by the Mamasapano incident, development and peace-building efforts must be continued and even be intensified in Mindanao,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority in a recent meeting with top executives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Mindanao chief lauds ADB support to regional development efforts


Antonino, who sat down with ADB’s Board of Directors as part of the latter’s familiarization visit to Mindanao, thanked the institution for its continued support to the socioeconomic and development initiatives of the island-region.

“I laud ADB’s unwavering support to Mindanao and its people, and it is most encouraging to learn that in this time of challenges, the institution has decided to continue with its visit to learn more about Mindanao and design development initiatives aimed to further enhance the region’s economic potentials,” she said.

A delegation of 16 ADB board members and advisors arrived in Mindanao to familiarize on the various social sector projects

funded by the development bank, particularly on the Increasing Competitiveness in Tourism project being implemented by the Department of Tourism. Last year, a delegation from ADB also went to Leyte, Ilocos Norte, Albay, and Bohol to visit health, agriculture, and other socioeconomic projects particularly in areas severely hit by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Early this year, ADB extended a US$1.4 million technical assistance for the improvement of national roads in Mindanao, as support to the Philippine Government’s agenda for Mindanao in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.

Part of the plan is to update and consolidate the existing Mindanao network master plan, aligning it with the economic developments for Mindanao’s road network, including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM.)

“This high-level visit of ADB executives to Mindanao is not only a manifestation of their interest to support the region’s socioeconomic initiatives, but also sends a strong message that


Mindanao is safe, and that it will continue to pursue development despite the odds that the region is currently facing,” said Antonino.

She added that healing from the recent incident may take time, but this can be done with sobriety without veering away from the ultimate goal of achieving just, and lasting peace in the island-region, particularly in the conflict-affected areas of the ARMM.

During the meeting, a briefing on Mindanao and its participation in the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippine East ASEAN (BIMP-EAG) Growth Area was conducted, while the Bangsamoro Development Plan was also presented by a representative from the Bangsamoro Development Authority.

“The meeting was an excellent opportunity for us to learn more about Mindanao, especially for my colleagues in the ADB board of directors who are relatively new to the country,” said Guadencio Hernandez Jr., ADB alternate executive director in a correspondence with MinDA.He added that ADB has been

supporting BIMP-EAGA since its inception in 1994 through various technical assistance projects.

“The institution was named as the regional development advisor and has since been providing assistance at strategic, operational, and administrative levels,” said Hernadez.

Along with direct support for BIMP-EAGA, ADB’s country assistance to Indonesia and the Philippines also helps the countries implement their BIMP-EAGA’s agenda. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)


Butuan LGU, PhilHealth ready for this year’s Tree Growing activity

BUTUAN CITY - In a press conference held on Friday, the local government here thru Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. and Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation Caraga regional vice president Johnny Sychua announced that all necessary preparations for the Tree Growing activity on February 28, 2015 in Brgy. Bancasi of this city are all set and ready.

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano


It can be recalled that Sychua and Amante recently led the groundbreaking for the landmark tree growing activity last January 23, 2015 in the city’s eight-hectare parcel, a kilometer south of the Bancasi airport. Sychua announced that the ‘Plant a Million Trees Program’ (Tree Growing activity) of PhilHealth with the Butuan-LGU is aimed to grow and sustain a forest park in the city which will also mirror the agency’s corporate values, pursuing intergenerational responsibility by sustaining Mother Earth’s natural resource for the use, benefit and enjoyment of generations yet to come. “More than 650 individuals will be joining our office and the city government of Butuan during the Tree Growing activity on Feb. 28, 2015 in Brgy. Bancasi. See you all there and let’s ensure the growth and sustainability of the trees that’s why when we plant them, let’s all plant them

properly,” emphasized Sychua. Meanwhile, Amante bared that as the city government implements its Vision 2020, 1,300 Pantawid Pamilya (4Ps) members are targeted to graduate to self-sufficiency every year until 2020.“With our Vision 2020 in Butuan City, we aim that our people will experience economic upliftment thru the city government’s socio-economic bundling,” Amante added. The good mayor also stressed that all city hall employees are required to share what is the Vision 2020 of the city government because it will help uplift the economic condition of the city. “The city government continues to aim to plant variety of trees in the protected zone, production zone and in the riverbanks/shorelines. For the protected zone, we will be planting more indigenous and hard wood while Falcata and timber for the production zone and mangroves for the riverbanks,” shared Amante.


DENR inks MOA with DPWH, BALAOD Mindanaw, Dinagat Islands LGUs for typhoon Yolanda victims By: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has entered into an agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Balay Alternative Legal Advocates for Development in Mindanaw, Inc. (BALAOD Mindanaw) and the local government units (LGUs) of Loreto, Libjo and Tubajon in Dinagat Islands on February 6, 2015 for the implementation of the project “From Patronage to Empowerment” of typhoon Yolanda victims in that province. PENR Officer Agapito Patubo said the DENR, under the agreement, has donated

34.58 cubic meters of logs to the LGU of Tubajon; 34.58 cubic meters of logs to the LGU of


Loreto and 966.37 board feet of lumber to the LGU of Libjo for the construction of houses and other facilities for the typhoon Yolanda victims who are still confined on temporary shelters within the danger zone. Earlier in his remark during the inauguration of the PENRO building, the DENR undersecretary for Administration and Information System Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo Jr. expressed his impression about Dinagat Islands. “This province has a vast potential in ecotourism. We hope it can achieve the status as the second ‘Carbon Balance’ in the country similar to Palawan,” he said. Carbon balance is calculated through deducting the carbon uptake by oceans and land systems from the carbon

emissions from human activities. Forests can act as either carbon sources or carbon sinks. A forest is considered to be a carbon source if it releases more carbon than it absorbs while it can be considered a carbon sink if it absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases. Carbon is absorbed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The process of carbon absorption and deposition is known as carbon sequestration. The net balance of all these carbon exchanges determines whether a forest is a carbon source or sink. It can be recalled that typhoon Yolanda hit the province on November 8, 2013, it displaced about 5,623 families and destroyed about ₱171


DSWD targets high-quality database of poor families By: Maria Cecilia N. Sosas

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga is currently preparing for the upcoming second round family assessment to update the database of poor families in the region through the Listahanan project.

“The purpose of this assessment is to update the database of poor families and also

to provide a high-quality data to help our partners like the national government agencies and other

million worth of properties with 505 houses totally damaged and 3,467 houses partially damaged. The damages brought by the typhoon have mobilized the government and non-government organizations to initiate several programs to alleviate the sufferings of the

typhoon victims. According to OIC-PENRO Patubo, the MOA and Deed of Donation were made to define the contributions and counterparts of the stakeholders to attain their objectives, particularly on resettlement and rehabilitation efforts.


stakeholders as basis for their social protection programs and services,” said DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli.

The family assessment will be conducted to generate the socio-economic data of each family and come up with the list of poor families who should be the beneficiaries of the government’s social protection programs and services. The Listahanan is a national government project implemented by the DSWD. It is an information management system that aims to establish a reliable database of poor families to be prioritized in the delivery of social protection programs and services of the Government.

An amount of P51, 544,500.00 is allotted for this activity. DSWD-Caraga needs 1,577 field staff composed of 41 Area Coordinators, 206 Area Supervisors, 1,030 Enumerators, 150 Encoders, and 150 Verifiers to successfully complete the second cycle. The applicants who will be hired will undergo thorough trainings and orientations. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)


Zambo media, CSOs, gov’t join hands for enhanced public safety, peace and order strategiesBy: Dominic I. SanchezZAMBOANGA CITY – With the goal of promoting peace and order and reducing criminalities in the city, local stakeholders met over the weekend (February 13-14) to come up with a strategic communications and advocacy plan at a local hotel here. The Strategic Communications Planning Workshop for Zamboanga City’s Public Safety Plan, an initiative by the United States Agency for International Development – Enhancing Governance Accountability and Engagement (USAID-ENGAGE) in partnership with the City Public Information Office (CPIO) was


participated in by representatives from the local police office, military, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and the members of the Zamboanga Press Club.

According to Jules Benitez, Municipal and Community Engagement Officer for Engage, the output of the workshop is to “come up with a strategic communications and advocacy plan that aims to promote participation among the different sectors for enhanced public safety and reduced crime incidents.”

“This is actually the first time that we conducted such a workshop, but we are hoping that this group will be sustained to for the improvement of public safety and peace and order in the communities,” Benitez explained.

Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, assistant city administrator, on behalf of Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar said that “issues relative

to peace and order currently confront the city, considering the recent spate of events here.”

On the other hand, Col. Angelito Casimiro, city police director confirmed that threats from different groups are indeed real, however, said groups are being closely monitored to avert any possible eventualities. “Community involvement through force multipliers is really a big hand, since there are just a handful of us policemen,” Casimiro emphasized.

Among the modules in the workshop include a stakeholder analysis, message development, and planning for the convergence of the agencies or groups that the participants represent in crafting the communications and advocacy action plan.

Apolinario expressed optimism that the public safety communication plan will be instrumental in enabling the


The people of Basilan expressed their sympathies to the men and women of the 54th PNP-Special Action Force in Basilan whose comrades perished in the bloody

“misencounter” at Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Led by religious leaders and the City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-

different stakeholders making up the communities and the city to share responsibilities in maintaining the peace. “We hope that the workshop outputs will indeed help us address the security issues facing the city.”

Manwhile, Engage Chief

of Party Barry Reed said in a statement that “it is our hope that this activity will further strengthen the resolve to find viable and long-lasting solutions to the city’s public safety concerns, as well as realize our dream of building back a better, more peaceful and progressive Zamboanga.”

Hundreds join Basilan walk for justice, peace in tribute to Fallen44By: Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY – Carrying candles, streamers, and balloons, hundreds of people walked around Isabela City proper last February 5 and converged at the city plaza for an interfaith prayer rally, calling for justice and peace.


Akbar, the people offered prayers and sympathies in silence.

As the government is under intense scrutiny owing to different public opinions, which are now taking toll on the ongoing peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad has called on the public to exercise calm and sobriety.

“We are here because we are for peace, we love peace, and we want to live in peace and harmony. Our country is experiencing misunderstanding. We are not at peace because of the painful death of the SAF 44 in Mamasapano,” the Bishop said as he prayed for healing of broken hearts.

The bishop reminded the

people: “We belong to one God, although we call Him in different names. We are brothers and sisters. We should not be killing each other.”

Pastor Ronald Paulino of the United Evangelical Church also prayed for unity and for Divine intervention to touch the hearts of the people “which are enveloped in anger and to overcome the pain but never fading in the quest for peace.”

Dr. Abdulkhair Tarazon of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council also prayed for God’s guidance towards the path to peace, justice, and truth.

In her message, Mayor Cherry Akbar said, “We don’t have to


be in Bicutan to feel the pain of the mothers, wives, families and children of the Fallen SAF 44.”

Speaking in Filipino, the mayor recalled how her heart was devastated when she visited the bodies of the SAF, as most of those perished in Mamasapano were formerly assigned in Isabela City, assisting in keeping the city peaceful.

She was distraught to have learned upon visiting the coffins when 16 of the 44 are unrecognizable because of the brutality suffered in the hands of perpetrators at Mamasapano. Almost half are in closed casket.

“Where is human rights here?” she asked, lamenting that whenever soldiers or government security forces suffered brutal killings like beheadings and lacerations, nobody from the human rights came up to condemn. “Is human rights only for the rebels and civilians?” she lamented.

“Sila na ang nagbuwis ng buhay para sa kapayapaan, sila pa ang sinisi sa kanilang kamatayan (They have offered their lives for peace, yet they were blamed for their death),” the mayor said.

She said that it is saddening that certain people have the attitude of blaming others in times of failures, but in times of victory everybody wants to take the credit.

PInsp Bernabe A. Chamo Jr, Platoon Leader, 54th Special Action Company, PNP-SAF thanked the constituents of Isabela City and Basilan, all the sectors present at the event for their sympathies and show of support to the PNP-SAF.

He appealed to the public not to forget the heroic acts of the SAF 44 and pass on the next generation about the ideology and sacrifices of the Fallen 44 who has served the country with dedication and honor for peace.

The prayer rally wound up with the candle lighting at the city plaza.


DTI to open 100 Negosyo Centers in 2015

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to open 100 Negosyo Centers nationwide this year as one of the salient features of the Republic Act 10644 known as “Go Negosyo Act.”

By: Jasper Marie O. Ruct

In an interview during the Philippine Information Agency’s radio program dubbed Lambo Dyes on February 13, 2015, senior trade specialist Jesse M. Abear of DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Office said that through the enactment of the “Go Negosyo Act” on July 15, 2014, DTI has been making strides and pushing to open 100 more in the country this year to provide ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).


In fact, Cagayan de Oro was the first ever in the country to open a Negosyo Center on November 13, 2014 which was graced by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, author of the law, RA 10644. This was followed by IloIlo which opened just last week. She added that region 11 or Davao region also visited the CDO Negosyo Center recently to do benchmark. So far, since its opening here there had been 640 clients who were served in business registration and business coaching. DTI has already scheduled trainings for the whole year. Abear said they have identified their trainings according to “would-be” entrepreneurs and “existing” businesses. She said that for start-ups, they have Entrepreneurship Development Seminar wherein they talk about the characteristics of an Entrepreneur and business options. They also offer bookkeeping and financial analysis, pricing and costing of products, and

business plan writeshop. For those with employees, DTI has also set training for basic benefits, including the different Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) forms, among others. Further they also offer Design Techniques training especially for crafts-based businesses and product trends and forecast. Abear said that they have recently forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the CDO ICT Business Council to partner with them in terms of Information Communications Technology especially that businesses are now web-based. Their partners include Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Xavier University (XU), Cagayan de Oro College (COC), People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) CDO chapter, Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Misamis Oriental Multi Fiber Cluster, Inc. (MOMCI) among others. DTI is also encouraging the Out of School Youth (OSY), and women sector to avail of these trainings to be empowered. Abear said, if you have passion and determination, then the business industry might be for you. These trainings are free of charge but with limited slots. DTI-Misamis Oriental Provincial Office may be reached at (08822) 71-2473 or email at [email protected] for more information or visit them at ground floor, Antolin Building Tiano-Akut Sts., Cagayan de Oro City.


Ozamiz police enlists public help for terrorist watch

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Pag-IBIG Fund is not just a depot of our funds but also a sanctuary of love which facilitates couples to be united.


Dongon, was a student of Marwan in making bombs and one of the suspects in the bombing of Maxandria Hotel and Rosario Arcade, both of Cagayan de Oro City, in Oct. 2012 and July 2013, respectively. “His picture is now posted in commercial establishments, city malls/eateries, piers and other public areas, such as transport terminals and public markets, so his presence in the city can be reported to us immediately, either by calling us at telephone nos. 521-2201/586-0211/166 or through email: [email protected],” police superintendent Micahel Cadiogan Bawayan, Jr., OCPS chief said. A resident of barangay Tinago, in Baroy, Lanao del Norte, Dongon has a sister, Zainab, who is married to Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan. Another sister Aminah, is married to Jainal Antel Sali, a.k.a. Abu Solaiman, while a third sister, Norain, is wife of Ahmad Santos, founder of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) Abu Tariq who was an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member killed when the bomb he was holding went off.

Dongon avoided arrest by authorities in Marawi City, who found among his things a certification of a drug test he took from the Mehakans Drug Testing Center, at the Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal (IBJT) Building, in barangay Maloro, Tangub City. “This only proves that Dongon freely enters the province of Misamis Occidental through Tangub City, which is located just across Panguil Bay, and can be reached easily using a motorized banca, either from Baroy, itself or through the wharf of its adjacent town in Tubod,” Bawayan said. “Or he could easily take the ferry boat service in Barangay Mukas, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, that travels to Ozamiz City, and vice-versa,” the OCPS chief added.


This assurance was given by Atty. Philip T. Tan, city mayor of Tangub, who also thanked them for coming to the consultation meeting with the filter net operators and workers held at the city’s Sinanduloy Cultural Center, Feb. 12. “Your coming here only shows your interest in helping clean Panguil Bay, our food provider, which we have taken for granted by over-fishing and interrupting the growth of the marine resources by catching them while they’re still very small, through the filter nets,” the mayor said.

“God gave us everything in order to eat. He gave us Panguil Bay, home to the crabs, shrimps, fish and other marine resources, that in turn give us millions of eggs. But where are these eggs now? These eggs will not develop because we already catch the fish and crabs, even when they are still very small,” he said. This is basically the

reason why the filter nets (sanggab) are considered destructive because these marine resources are prevented from growing up and lead to their dwindling up and nothing for the future generation. “Atong hinlu-an ang Panguil Bay ug ang mga isda ug alimango atong padak-on aron daghan ang makaka-on (Let’s clean-up Paguil Bay and let the fish and crabs grow, so many will be able to eat),” mayor Tan also said.

City gov’t extends assistance to fisherfolk affected by removal of filter nets in Panguil Bay

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental - The city government, here, assured the fisherfolk of immediate assistance, for those who will be affected by the removal of filter nets (sanggab) in Panguil Bay.



Peace and order restored in Mati City after rebelattack

DAVAO CITY- Authorities assured that the peace and order condition in Mati City, Davao Oriental is back to normal after the police and military repulsed the attack initiated by the communist rebels on the police station Sunday night. Lt. General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command credited the timely intelligence

information and good coordination between the soldiers and the police for foiling the attack. He said that 37 police officers defended the station successfully as the rebels fled leaving behind one fallen comrade, 31 backpacks, one van and one elf. Baladad said three of the soldiers were killed in the explosion as their vehicle run over an improvised explosive device laid by the rebels


on the road between their headquarters between Sitio Magay, Barangay Marundan and the police station. Killed on the spot were Private First Class Daniel Damansila, and Private Ryan Amigo while another namely PFC Wil Christian Resuello died in the hospital. The explosion also wounded Privates First Class Zaldy Canonero, Emerito Castillo, Ian Mark Babiera and Virgel Logronio. All fatalities belonged to the 104th Division Reconnaissance Company. The rebels manning a roadblock in front the Camillus Hospital in sitio Sudlon also gunned down Sgt Adel Lucanan, a member of the 67th IB and detailed to guard Governor Corazon Malanyaon, after the victim failed to recognize the rebels and identified himself as a soldier. The soldier was clad in civilian attire. “We have seen several violations of the Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in this incident like the use of IEDs and the killing of an unarmed soldiers,” Baladad said. P02 Daniel Babao, a member of the Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office was also hit on his right hand after shooting it out with the fleeing rebels. Baladad said pursuit operation is now going on outside Mati City. He revealed that rebels also exploded an IED on the escort vehicle of Chief Superintendent

Wendy Rosario, director of the Police Regional Office 11, Monday morning on his way to Mati City. No one was hurt in the incident. Major General Eduardo Ano, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the rebels plotted the attack to show that they are a force to reckon with. He said most of the attackers come from the area in between Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Ano said the rebels want to grab back Davao Oriental, after the military declared it as development ready and insurgency free in 2013. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


AFP-PNP coordination cited in thwarted NPA attack

DAVAO CITY- The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines cited the coordination between the Army and the police as one of the reasons why the New Peoples Army attack at the Mati Police Station was repelled. Lt. General Aurelio Baladlad, EastMinCom chief said that Army intelligence shared to the police allowed the Philippine National Police to beef up its forces in Mati. According to intelligence sources theNPAs units from the Pulang Bagani Command 3 and 6 operating in Compostela Valley were planning to attack several targets in Davao Oriental, among these targets included Mati City. The PNP were able to send reinforcements from its Regional Public Safety Battalion to the Mati Police Station because of the intelligence reports. Last Sunday (Feb. 15) evening, New People Army rebels disguised as Army soldiers trying to transfer a prisoner, tried to enter the Mati Police Station but alert PNP personnel held off a force of about 50 NPAs who tried to force their way into the station. A rebel was killed in the clash, his body recovered just outside the station,

about 31 backpacks and three vehicles used by the rebels in the attack were also recovered. Baladlad said without the coordination the attack wouldn’t have been repulsed. Army soldiers belonging to the 701st Infantry Brigade tried to reinforce the policemen but their vehicle was hit by two landmines, which killed three government troopers. The Eastmincom chief said that the failed attack is an indication of the good partnership between the police and military. The partnership between the Army and the Police was put on the spotlight during the January 25 operation to capture terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alyas Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Province which resulted in the deaths of 44 PNP Special Action Force commandos, a tragedy blamed on the lack of coordination between the police and the military. (PIA/RG Alama)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 16 -- Some 1,096 informal workers from across SOCCSKSARGEN Region and Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are given fresh chance to improve their living standards.

DOLE 12 gives out P12.89 M worth of livelihoodBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

These individuals, according to a report from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 headed by Regional Director Ofelia Domingo, are scheduled to receive starter kits through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emer-gency Employment (DILEEP).

In January, DOLE released checks to the lo-cal government units of Malapatan, Malungon in Sarangani for starter kits and negokarts of 116 parents of child laborers and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. These proj-ects have a combined value of P980,000.

Another check amounting to P800,000 was handed to LGU-Malapatan to fund a community-based enterprise, a gillnet fishing project that would directly benefit 85 individuals.

Early this month, DOLE 12 also turned over checks amounting to P1.37 million to LGUs of Norala and Tantangan in South Cotabato for starter kits of 252 informal workers in the said area.

Next week, the labor and employment agency will also release checks amounting to P2.31 mil-lion for the municipalities of Bagumbayan and Isulan and city of Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat projects, where starter kits will be distributed to 287 informal workers, self-employed individuals


and parent of child laborers.Meanwhile, in Parang, Maguin-

danao some 145 ambulant work-ers are also slated to receive nego-karts and steel payao project with a combined cost of P5.77 million.

Starter kits are packages of ma-terials needed for an individual to begin a small business. Most com-mon packages distributed to ben-eficiaries, such as informal worker, recently displaced worker, parents of child workers and others are kits for dressmaking, tailoring, manicure and pedicure, beauty parlor, caren-deria, barbeque business, carpentry, and others.

The respondents identified the

small business they wanted to be involved in and sent proposal to DOLE 12 with the help from their local government unit.

In several starter kit distribu-tions, Director reminded ben-eficiaries that the assistance are grants from the national govern-ment, meaning, they are not re-quired to pay the amount back.

“However, they should be re-sponsible in managing their busi-nesses for their sources of living would grow and their lives would prosper,” Director Domingo said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


LIBUNGAN, North Cotabato, Feb 16 -- A total of 180 couples exchanged vows in a mass wedding held at the municipal gymnasium here Thursday.

LGU Libungan, PAG-IBIG Fund hold mass weddingBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

The mass wedding was facilitated by the Local Government Unit of Li-bungan and sponsored by the Home Development Mutual Fund, popularly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund.

As sponsor, PagIBIG Fund spent for food, wedding rings, bouquet of flowers and souvenir giveaways of the couples. LGU-Libungan helped in the identification of couples who have been living together without marriage.

Libungan Mayor Manuel Dela Serna solemnized the ceremony as

the couples exchange their vows.Local officials from the municipal

and barangay levels as well as key personnel from the sponsoring agen-cies were also present during the activity.

The nationwide activity is dubbed as “Kasalan ng Bayan: I do, I do, Araw ng Pag-ibig”, the event is in line with the celebration of Valen-tine’s Day on Feb. 14.

one mindanao - february 16, 2015

Documents

pia region ixthelma

pia region xolivia

pia region ixalma

pia surigao

pia agusan

pia caraga region nora

pia caraga updates

pia region xzener dumaguing