Zambo Sibugay Prov’l Meet a resounding success

BUUG, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, December 20 -  The Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Athletic Association Meet, held at the Buug Pilot Central School, here, ended today with a resounding success.      With the theme: "Strengthening Peace, Progress and Unity Through Sports",  the 3-day Provincial Athletic Meet was attended by thousands of national, provincial, municipal and barangay officials, education officials, students and representatives of various sectoral groups in the province.      The attending national officials were headed by Congressman Jonathan C. Yambao of the Ist  District and Congressman Romeo A. Jalosjos, Jr. of the 2nd District ,  Zamboanga Sibugay, while the provincial officials were headed by Provincial Governor Rommel A. Jalosjos, Provincial Vice Governor Rey Andre Olegario,   The municipal officials were headed by Municipal Mayor Jonam R. Lagas and Municipal Vice Mayor Arnold Lim.  The barangay officials were headed by ABC President Gerry R. Lagas, punong barangay of Barangay Poblacion, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay.  The education officials were headed by Assistant Superintendent Amelia P. Torralba, officer-in- charge of the Zamboanga Sibugay Schools Division.      Nineteen sports events were played during the athletic competition which include arnis, archery, athletics, badminton, baseball junior, baseball little league, boxing, chess, gymnastics, foot ball soccer, swimming, softball, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, sipak takraw, basketball (elementary and secondary) and sipa.     Most of the games were played at the BPCS playground, while the few others were played at the St. Paul School , MSU Buug National High School, and at the Sitio Silupa, Bawang beach.       The games were played by congressional districts instead of by clusters as customarily done in the past.       The Congressional District 2 delegation emerged as the general champion with Congressional District 1 delegation as runner up.  District 2 also received the Most Disciplined Delegation Award, while District 1 got the Cleanest Delegation Award.Hundreds of trophies, gold, silver, and bronze medals were given to the winners  of the various sports categories.  Plaques of Appreciation were also awarded to deserving government and school officials who contributed in no small measure in making the 2010 Provincial Athletic Meet a resounding success.    The Municipality of Buug succeeded in hosting the 2010 Provincial Athletic Meet after the lapse of eighteen (18) years.  Buug was the host of the 1992 Provincial Meet when it was still a part of Zamboanga del Sur.   In the fellowship night, Mayor Lagas expressed gratitude to God for giving the municipality the opportunity to host the big sports event and allowed the people of Zamboanga Sibugay to gather and unite in conducting the provincial meet.  He said the sports event wlhich is basically a competition as well as fun, gives the athletes the opportunity to exercise.  He said sports, which is derived from the French word 'desport' means leisure or in local parlance 'lulinghayaw'. Mayor Lagas stressed that our country headed by President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III has called on all Filipinos and encouraged them to achieve a genuine peace, development and unity among our people to achieve what he called the "New Philippines"  As local chief executive and father of the municipality, Mayor Lagas believes that there is one instrument or simple way, which is not costly but nonetheless, effective in attaining true peace, development and unity of Filipinos  He said this instrument is sports.  He said,  Through sports, we will achieve understanding, love and unity"..   Mayor Lagas admitted however that it is not easy to host a big affair like this.  He said all the officials and employees of the municipality of Buug  are helping each other along with the residents of the coastal community. Mayor Lagas  said , "Despite our efforts to fully prepare for the Provincial Athletic Meet, we fell short of what we wanted due to the uncooperative weather.  The continuous rains have hindered us from achieving our goal of an improved school playground."  He then asked the people for their understanding as he apologized for the shortfall. He said, "Despite this inadequacy, we are grateful to God and to all delegates that we are able to host this big sports event in our midst." In closing, Mayor Lagas reiterated his thanks and gratitude to the people who in one way or another helped in holding the sports event in Buug.  He also thanked Gov. Jalosjos , and  Cong. Yambao as well as the provincial board members, the municipal mayors of Zamboanga Sibugay for their financial support making possible the improvement of the school ground. He also wished all of them a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Marawi Mayor rescued three groups of kidnap victims

Marawi City- First time in the history of kidnapping incident, a government official successfully rescued three groups of kidnap victims in one day. Marawi City Mayor Sultan Fahad  "Pre" Salic rescued three groups of kidnap victims in Lanao del Sur last night after a long days of negotiations. Lanao del Sur Police provincial director Pssupt Pedrito de los Reyes identified kidnap victims as Shiela Mae Vidal, 18 years old, a second year student of College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, and a resident of Butuan City; and Alcher Balicuatro, 19 years old, 1st year student of College of Agriculture, and a resident of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte who were abducted by four unidentified armed men around 8 a.m. of December 7. Edgar Cuajao who was also abducted in Cagayan de Oro early this week and a certain Eufemia Trocio  who was also abducted last November 3. Yesterday, Salic, after turning over Cuajao to City mayor Vicente Emano of Cagayan de Oro who looked exhausted told reporters that he was grateful to local officials of Lanao del Sur for helping him identified abductors .Cuajao was brought to Lumba Bayabao after he was abducted in Cagayan de Oro City . He also disclosed that Mindanao State University (MSU) officials should seriously considers the safety of its students now to avoid the same incident in the future.     The mayor also said that the victims were not brought to Marawi City as earlier reported but instead to Lanao del Sur and said "It was indeed an opportunity and grateful for giving me the trust and confident to work  and to facilitate the released of the kidnap victims".   Mayor Emano in his part said that the residents of Cagayan de Oro City were also grateful to Mayor Salic for his never ending assistance to them. Brigadier Gen. Rey Ardo, commander of the Army's 103rd Brigade, Vidal and Baricuatro were released around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, saying the two were held in the hinterlands of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur province. " The safe release of the students was a result of a series of military and police search and rescue operations as well as constant negotiations initiated by Marawi City Mayor Fahad Salic, chairman of the Crisis Management Committee (CMC)",Ardo said. Vidal and Baricuatro were on their way to their boarding house along 5th Street, Mindanao State University (MSU) campus in Marawi City when they were abducted.

2 MSU students abducted in Marawi City — Army

Two students of Mindanao State University in Marawi City were abducted by suspected members of a kidnap for ransom (KFR) group early this week, a military official said Friday.

1st Lt. Orlando Marquez, civil military operations officer of the Army's 65th Infantry Battalion said the victims were seized around 8 a.m. Tuesday while the two were on their way back to their dormitory inside the sprawling campus.

( As per editorial policy, GMANews.TV is withholding the identities of the victims.)

Marquez told GMANews.TV that the abductors were asking school officials P200,000 in exchange for the freedom of the two students. He added that the abductors would not "negotiate" with anybody, except with MSU officials.

He said security has been tightened inside the campus, which is home to over 10,000 students, even as soldiers had been deployed to patrol the grounds 24/7.

Asked by GMANews.TV about the incident, a provincial police official said they have not received any report on any untoward incident inside the campus. The official declined to be identified.

Local officials could not be reached as of posting time.

Marquez said the perpetrators could possibly come from a new KFR group.

" Kasi kung dati na yan, maa-identify kagad namin iyan in one week at mapapalaya na kaagad ang biktima. Pero ngayon, wala pa kaming alam at hindi namin alam kung nasaan ang mga biktima," he said.

Marquez said it was not the first time that abductions occurred inside the campus, only this time, students were the ones victimized. The previous victims were school authorities. — with Mark Merueñas/RSJ, GMANews.TV

Gov.Jalosjos plays Santa to kids in Zambo Sibugay

BY: RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES   Buug, Zambo.Sibugay- Provincial Governor Rommel Jalosjos of Zamboanga Sibugay  played  Santa Claus to kids and  school children of Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay by giving them Christmas packages of assorted food stuffs and T-shirts   as he wanted them to be happy during the Christmas season. Gov. Jalosjos who was not able be come to Buug for the distribution of the Christmas gifts due to more urgent matters in the provincial capitol,  was represented by his staff along with local officials led by Buug Municipal Mayor Jonam R, Lagas, Municipal Administrator Alberto Duhaylungsod, Jr., and Sangguniang Bayan Members Roselo Curiba, Randy Pisco and Marvin Gaco. The young and first termer provincial governor  wanted to spread early  Christmas  cheers among school kids and did so on the feast day of Santa Claus. In his message before the attending barangay captains, residents and school children at the covered court of the St. Paul School Compound , Mayor Lagas called  on the residents to remember that Christmas is a time for unity, love and sharing. Over 1,000 school children from 27 barangays of Buug at 40 children per barangay  became recipients of the early Christmas gifts coming in the form of  food packages and T-shirts under the Handog Pamasko ni Governor Jalosjos Para Sa Sibugay.  The Handog Pamasko  Program was  launched last November 26 and will last up to December 23, 2010. The  Program is designed to spread the joyous spirit of Christmas among school children in the different towns of Zamboanga Sibugay. The children beneficiaries cheered as they received their respective packages of food stuffs from Mayor Lagas who distributed  the Christmas gifts together with local officials present.   The Handog Pamasko Program also featured singing contest among students  from the 27 barangays where the prizes at stake were: P1,700.00, first prize; P1,300.00, second prize; and P800.00, third prize and a consolation prizes of P200.00 for all non-winning contestants.   It was interspersed with modern dance exhibitions and parlor games, participated in by school children. Nonoy  Asombrado and Merlita Revelo ably served as masters of ceremonies. Buug town is second to the city of Tangub in Misamis Occidental to be known as the Christmas symbols of Mindanao as the town officials in the presence of Gov. Jalosjos lighted the giant Christmas tree and other Christmas symbols recently during the mass oath taking of Buug barangay and SK officials officiated by Governor Jalosjos.   "The governor's penchant for children is his way to cheer the children of the  underprivileged parents", in a message delivered by the governor's staff. He (the governor) has been a simple man all his life. He loves the children and helps them and so with the other needy..with report from PHIL PA ALAN

Opisyal sa ANREM namumpa sa katungdanan

NI: MARIZ REVALES ILIGAN CITY -  Namumpa ang mga opisyales sa Association of Napocor Retirees MRO-Iligan  (ANReM) bag ohay pa lamang kang OIC Vice Mayor City Councilor Moises Dalisay,   sa us ka kan- anan diri. Ang ANReM nga nanumpa moserbisyo sulod sa  3-tuig .Ang napiling presidente mao si Primitivo "Emmie" de los Santos, nga may tema.  "United We Stand And Rejoice". Ang maong programa gitambungan sa 50 ka mga bisita ug mga opisyal. Ang mga imbitado mao sila si Chief of Staff, Chito Cruz who represented Congressman Vicente "Varf" F. Belmonte, Jr.;  City Councilor Marlene Young, chair of the City's Committee on Human Rights; and Engr. Rudy P. Brioso, OIV VP MinGen, NPC. Sa iyang mensahe si Councilor  Dalisay miawhag siya sa mga bag ong opisyal sa kapunugan nga ipadayon ang pagpauswag sa katungod sa mga retirees. Siya mipasabot sa kontrobersiya sa patubig nga prohekto sa Iligan City government nga walay over pricing nga nahitabo sumala sa gikataho sa mga kontra sa Cruz administrasyon. Sumala pa ni Dalisay nga ang computation sa  water project  naka base sa World Bank guidelines isip usa ka internationally funded ug dili gikan sa usa ka ahensya nga mo estimate base sa RA 9184 para sa local nga pundo diha sa ilang mga prohekto. Si Chito Cruz nalipy pod sa mga bag ong napili nga mga opisyal sa ANRem ug mipasalig nga ang buhatan ni Congressman muduyog sa ilang panginahanglanon labi na sa ilang pakigbisog aron mahatag ang ilang pundo sa cost of living allowance (cola). Siya misugyot nga manikamot  alng sa ilang mga benepisyo. Iya usab gipahibalo ang mga bisita  ug partisipante  sa induction nga ng Agus hydroelectric power plants sa Lanao dili na ibaligya sa pribadong kompanya. Miingon siya nga si Belmonte ug Congressman Nograles mibababag batok sa pagbaligya sa mga power plants sa pagbaligya sa mga prbadong kompanya pinaagi sa prosesso sa kongreso. "Ang Agus  Complex dili na ibaligya   ug ang mga two sa  Mindanao  maka angkon na sa baratong bayad sa kuryente kompara sa Luzon",Sumala pa ni Cruz. Sa iyang speech si Presidente de los Santos miingon nga adunay 15 ka mga importanteng lakang aron makabot ang kaayuhan sa mga retirees, sama sa  "drafting of the organization's Constitution and By Laws,  nga gi aprobahan sa mga retirees ,ug sulat ngadto kang Presidente Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III, nihangyo sa pagtakad sa ilang sa ilang mga benepisyo, suporta sa mga nangamatay nga kaubanan ug mga meeting,uban pa. Miingon si de los santos nga ang ilang sulat gitubag na ni Presidente Aquino ug iyang gisugo ang nahitungdang ahensiya sa goberno nga ilang lantawon ang ilang panginahanglanaon ug hatagan ang ANRem  og kopya sa action nga gihimo sa maong ahensiya.Iya usab gipahibalo ang grupo nga ang Supreme Court mihatag sa mga retirees sa P 8.6 M  kantidad sa ilang cola nga gipangayo sa NPC.  Iyang gi awhag ang mga opisyales ug membro sa ANReM  sa ilang sento porsento nga suporta ug kooperasyon aron makab abot ang ilang mga tumong sa pagmugna sa maong kapunongan. Sa iyang parte, si Councilor Young mipasalig sa iyang suporta sa ilang mga tumong . "Ang plano  sa pagmugna sa Human Rights Response Action Center hapit na, para matagad ang mga isyu sa human rights ug mahatagan sa madaling panahon ug eksaktong action sa human rights violations", sumala pa ni Young .  Sa ilang audience participation portion, Si Atty, Demosthenes Plando, legal consultant sa ANReM ug nagtrabaho niadto sa  National Steel Labor Union sulod sa duwa ka dekada mihatag sa iyang pakatawa mahitungod sa mga retirees u gang uabn pang mga membro misalmot pod sa ilang paghandum sa  mga pait ug mata is nga kaagi sa NPC sa ilang pagtrabaho kaniadto. Ang mga opisyales nga anumpa mao sila :  Engr. July F. Gerodias, VP for Internal Affairs;  Engr. Romuldo A. Zalsos, VP for External Affairs; MS. Belen B. Rosco, secretary;  Mr. Rogelio B. Lasmarias, treasurer; Engr. Carolino C. Taraya, auditor, Mr. Placido O. Abalde ug Mr. Edwin V. Sabayle, Sgt. At arms; Mr. Pedro Baobao, public information officer; Mr. Rogelio I. Lacar ug Mr. Manuel I. Jurado, Jr.; business managers; samtang ang mga board member sila si Engr. Jaime B. Oblenda, Jr,, Engr. Rodrigo P. Panes, Mr. Ruben King, Mr. Reynaldo Rodriguez, Mr. Alexander Macaling, Engr. Frank Salvaleon, Ms. Carmelina Neri ug Ma. Jureka Inocente.  The legal consultants include Atty. Plando ug Atty. Monica Bliss, samtang ang mga advisers sila sila Director Gloria Villaraza ug Ms. Gene dela Cruz.

Lights on and Mass oath taking of the winning Brgy Captains

BY: RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES   BUUG, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – About 8 thousand government officials and residents of BuugaAnd Zamboanga Sibugay led by Municipal Mayor Jonam R. Lagas and Provincial Governor Rommel A. Jalosjos flocked on December 1, 2010 at the Buug Land Transportation Terminal here to witness the twin events of Lights On of Christmas Lights and Mass Oath-Taking of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials. The Lights On Ceremony was led by Governor Jalosjos,  Mayor Lagas,  Provincial and Municipal Officials present , while the Mass Oath-Taking Ceremony was officiated by Governor Jalosjos.  The Switching On of the lights was done at exactly 7:00 o'clock in the evening after a count downfFrom 10 To `1,  The list of barangay winning candidates,wWhich include  6 females and 21 males, include: Jerry Lagas, Barangay Poblacion; Joel Sedoon, Barangay Agutayan; Elizabeth Mina, Barangay Bag-Ong Borbon; Warlito Bation, Barangay Basalem; Roque Samonte, Barangay Bawang; Godofredo Onde, Barangay Buss; Melchor Gumadlas, Barangay Bulaan; Samuel Maribojoc, Barangay Campostela; Ruben Pepania, Barangay Danlugan; Dominador Sumpo, Barangay Datu Panas; Shirley Marayag, Barangay Del Monte; Ricky Bornales, Barangay Guintoloan; Ignacio Sofia, Barangay Guitom; Renato Banagan, Barangay Guminta; Eduardo Emorecha, Barangay Labrador; Felix Pinote, Sr., Barangay Lantawan; Pablito Benaro, Barangay Mabuhay; Concepcion Bangquiao, Barangay Manlin; Rogelio Lapuhapo, Barangay Maganay; Gloria Abaquita, Barangay Muyo; Abdul Dimasagka, Barangay Pamintayan; Eugeldo Libara, Barangay Pling; Loreno Sanlad, Barangay Pulog; Teofista Ardines, Barangay San Jose; Rogelio Gonzales, Barangay Talairan; Nenita Andujar, Barangay Talamimi; and Romeo Cerbo, Barangay Villacastor. The twin occasion was highlighted by presentations of songs and dances by Local Government Units, National High Schools, Mushroom Band With Dancers, Babyshake Dancers, and display of fireworks. In his opening remarks, Municipal Vice Mayor Arnold Lim urged the people to receive the spirit of Christmas with continuous happiness as he congratulated the inducted barangay and SK officials.  He also wished the people a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. In his message Municipal Mayor Jonam R. Lagas stressed that the burning of the Municipal Hall should not dampen our spirit as all buildings of  the Municipality had been Insured.  He said we can initiate rehabilitation efforts and build a New Municipal Building from the proceeds of the property insurance and from the financial assistance of Governor Jalosjos.  He said more socio-economicdDevelopment will come to Buug through genuine public service.  He congratulated the newly sworn In barangay and SK officials and urged them to perform their duties and responsibilities as mandated by law. In his inspirational talk, Gov. Jalosjos  assured the people that the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay is willing to extend financial assistance to the barangays as he promised to  return soon to confer with the local government officials of Buug to prioritize the needed development projects and determine the financial assistance required.  Gov. Jalosjos who  came to Buug all the way from Manila to induct into office the newly elected barangay and SK officials, congratulated and enjoined them to deliver true public service to thepPeople.  He also urged local officials to support  the SK officials as they are the future leaders of our community.  He said it is  possible that one of them could become provincial governor of Zamboanga Sibugay in the future.  He also wished the people a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. A representative from the religious sector stressed that the people should always think of peace at all times and prevent trouble and promote unity among the people as he congratulated the newly sworn in barangay and SK officials as well as extended his greetings of peace and merry Christmas  and a happy New Year to the people. Barangay Captain Jerry R. Lagas of Barangay Poblacion and President of the Liga Ng Mga Barangay of Buug, promised to deliver responsive and  effective  public service to the people.  He said his priority programs and projects such as the provision of sounds and lights, transport  vehicle, tables and chairs, street lights, and a Training Center, will be implemented with the support of the municipal and provincial governments. Municipal Administrator Alberto C. Duhaylungsod, Jr., who served as general coordinator of the twin events of Lights On and Oath-Taking Ceremonies thanked the Local Government Officials and the people for their full support and cooperation in the realization of the significant events.  He congratulated them and asked them to perform their mandate for the benefit of the entire inhabitants of Buug. Earlier, in an Interview with media, Duhaylungsod said that the Municipal Hall was burned last Friday and initial findings of the investigation indicated that the cause of the fire was the fluctuating power supply which produce sparks and caused the fire.  He said the wirings of the building had not been replaced since its construction many years ago. He said the estimated damage to property as a result of the burning was placed at P30 Million .  He said luckily no one was  injured.  He also said that all the property of the municipality had been properly insured.  He also said that Christmas Lights  competitions are also on with big prizes at stake.              Fireworks worth P110,000.00 highlighted the twin affair and lasted for approximately 10 minutes to the full satisfaction and enjoyment of the viewing people.  Dance and musical numbers  were presented by the Babyshake Dancers and Mushroom Band With Dancers  up to 2:00 o'clock in the morning the following day.

peace ,security,human rights tackled at peace forum

BY:  RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES   ILIGAN CITY – Over 50 members of multi-sectoral groups in Lanao area participated in the forum on peace, security and human rights held December 7, 2010 at the Boys Scout Hall, UNITOP Building, Quezon Avenue, Iligan City.   With the theme: " Uniting for Peace, Security and Human Rights", the Forum on Peace, Security and Human Rights was sponsored by the Gender Equality Network for Peace (GEN4PEACE) in partnership with the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP), the Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW), the Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA), and the Nonviolent Peaceforce.   "The forum is part of the  extended celebration of the 2010 MINDANAO WEEK OF PEACE,(November25- December 1) which had for its theme: Responsive and Responsible Governance: Keay to Peace, Developm ent and Sustainability" and led into the Human Rights Day celebrations on December 10,2010. It has been organized in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution No.1889, adopted on October 5,2009. It  focused on the involvement of women during the post conflict and reconstruction period and stressed the increasing importance  of women among peace –building and peacekeeping personnel",  said Janina G. Bernardo, president of CSO-FP,Inc.   Inputs a Peace Situationer in Mindanao was discussed by CSO-FP Managing Director Jun Enriquez, who is fresh from a study tour in Canada. He  briefed  the participants on CSO-FP, peace talks and history of the Mindanao conflict.   LAHRA's Janel Pesons gave updates on the Ampatuan Massacre.  She said that President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III declared November 23, 2010 as a National Day of Remembrance.  She added that a monument was erected in the grave site where the names of the 57 fallen victims including 32 journalists were written. She said that the State of Emergency in Maguindanao will be lifted by December,  2010, that live media coverage of the Massacre case will not be allowed, that cash assistance of P50,000.00 each drawn from the Trust Fund set up by the Department of Justice and the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. Were given to the families of the victims, that families of the victims continue to morn their fallen family member, that different groups including Amnesty International (AI), Mindanao People's Movement, CHR, calls on government to ensure timely justice for the Ampatuan massacre victims and abolish the private armies, and that news articles and photo coverages on the Ampatuan Massacre can be viewed in the internet.   A participatory workshop using the Open Space Technology  enabled  participants  a wide-ranging discussion on how we may build unity for Peace, Security  and Human Rights and also what concrete actions we may be able to take as individuals, institutions and as  partners.   Several  issues were discussed in the forum which include Right to Self Determination, Federalizing the Philippines as the Answer to Self Determination and Lasting Peace, Women's Role for Peace in Mindanao, Conflict on Philippine Legal Peace Structure and Culturally Accepted Peace Structure, , Humans Rights and  Environment; Peace Group, Cause of Conflict in Mindanao, and Role of Media in Promoting Peace and Development.   City Councilor Marlene Young, chair of the Committee on Civil, Political, Human Rights and Responsibility, gave a message encouraging the participation of women in the promotion of peace and development in Mindanao communities.  CSO-FP President Jane Bernardo gave the welcome address and rationale of the forum. Mariam Barandia of GEN4PEACE and Kapamagogopa, Inc. and Alma Maranda of BERTHDEV served as facilitators of the workshop.   The participants which included representatives from the military, police, civil society and civic oriented  organizations contributed their insights and ideas on how we can unify for peace, security and human rights. Also present during the affair were City Councilor  Ariel Anghay, scout executive, Boys Scout Council, Iligan City, City Councilor Michelle Sweet and Commissioner Anita Sescon of the Mindanao Commission on Women.   The organizer can be contacted through Tel. No: (063) 221-3768 and its email address: kalinawsalanao@yahoo.com.ph    The schedule of the program are as follows: 8.30am - 9.00am:        Registration   9.00am - 9.30am:        Interfaith Invocation Pambansang Awit Welcome/Rationale: Ms. Janina Bernardo, (GEN4PEACE, CSO-FP) Message: Hon. Atty. Marlene Young, City Councilor, Iligan City (SP Chair on Civil, Political, Human Rights and Responsibility)   Inputs on Peace and Human Rights 9.30am - 9.50am:        Input 1: Mindanao Peace Situationer Mr. Juanito C. Enriquez, Jr. (CSO-FP, Inc.)   9.50am - 10.10am:      Input 2: Ampatuan Massacre & Amnesty International Video Ms. Janel Pesons (LAHRA, Inc.)   Open Space on Uniting for Peace, Security and Human Rights Facilitator:                   Mariam Barandia (GEN4PEACE, Kapamagogopa, Inc.) Co-Facilitator:             Alma Maranda (BIRTH-DEV,MSU-IIT)   10.10am - 10.30am: ` Introduction & Opening the Circle    Open Space Theme: "Uniting for Peace, Security & Human Rights"   Open Space 1 Question: How can we unite to work for Peace and be able to build and strengthen structures for upholding human rights?"   10.30am -10.45am:     Open Space 1- Agenda Setting 10.45am -11.30am:     Open Space 1 - Session of Breakout Groups 11.30am - 12.15pm:    Open Space 1 - Sharing from Groups   Open Space 2 Question: What are the concrete actions we can take as individuals, as institutions and as partners (including steps, timeline and scope)?   12.15pm -12.30pm:     Open Space 2 - Agenda Setting 12.30pm - 1.15pm:      Open Space 2 - Session of Breakout Groups 1.15pm - 2.00pm:        Open Space 2 - Sharing from Groups   2.00pm - 2.15pm:        Closing the Circle 2.15pm – 2.30pm:       Concluding remarks & Close   * Program Host on behalf of GEN4PEACE: Ms. Anita T. Sescon, Commissioner, MCW

Lanao mayor's life immortalized in locally produced documentary -by:Ali Macabalang/Manila Bulletin

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – A documentary movie depicting the life of a former Moro rebel leader-turned-municipal mayor in a former strife-torn town in Lanao del Norte was shown here on November 25 in observance of the Mindanao Week of Peace that started that day and ends December 2. Over 500 people from various sectors viewed the documentary film at the College of Nursing of the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) here, a venue chosen aptly for the occasion by organizers belonging to the Ecoweb in collaboration with the United Nations' ACT for Peace Programme. At the end of the 21-minute presentation, most of the viewers lauded it as "very informative," and expressed hope this would be replicated in other parts of the country, especially for those having no knowledge about the history of the lingering Mindanao conflict, according to Ecoweb executive director Regina Antequisa and Precious Derro of the Cinema for Peace. The documentary film titled "Engaging Dante's World" portrays specifically the life and exploits of Abdulaziz Batingolo, a former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) freedom fighter, who rose to the mayoralty post of Tangkal, Lanao del Norte, film director Ted Juanite said. It generally depicts the evolution of the Moro rebellion reckoning from the American troops' massacre of villagers in Sulu in 1900s and the execution by military agents of Muslim recruits undergoing clandestine training in the island of Corregidor in 1968, Juanite said. The repressive American occupation of Sulu, for which the 1911 model of the caliber .45 pistol was manufactured, rekindled the Moro rebellion during the Spanish invasion, while the infamous Jabeddah massacre in Corregidor triggered the formation of the mainstream MNLF. Former University of the Philippines (UP) Professor Nur Misuari, inspired by Muslim leaders pushing the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM), formed the MNLF with the first batch of 90 combatants trained in Malaysia followed by the second batch of 300 members to resist the Marcos dictatorship and struggle for Moro secession. Batingolo, known in the MNLF as "Commander Dante Mutia," is a member of second 300-man batch, to which Chairman Hadji Ebrahim Murad of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) belongs. How Mayor Batingolo gradually transformed Tangkal town from the ravage of war to greater heights – being the first MNLF camp in Lanao del Norte – has inspired the Pakigdait, Inc., a Mindanao-based non-government organization, in collaboration with the UN Act for Peace to make the documentary film in his tribute, Juanite said.

Former 104th Commander celebrates thanksgiving with Pantao Ragat mayor By. MARIZ REVALES

Former 104th Commander celebrates thanksgiving with Pantao Ragat mayor By. MARIZ REVALES Mayor Eleanor Dimaporo Lantud heads a group from Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte during the Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by Brigadier General Benito de Leon and his wife Annabelle on the occasion of their 26th Wedding Anniversary, and in celebration of the military officer's recent promotion to the star rank.   General de Leon was the former Brigade Commander of 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade under the 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army which was then assigned the area of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.   De Leon and his wife have gained a number of friends in the area including Mayor Lantud who joined many others coming from different provinces to join the couple's celebration at the Philippine Army Officer's Clubhouse, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Metro Manila.  A framed Maranao kris was presented by the mayor to the general, an honorary sultan.  ( with report from General Benny De Leon)   THANKSGIVING PARTY – Standing ( Brigadier General Benito Antonio T. de Leon and Annabelle de Leon) Seated from left Pantao Ragat  Municipal Mayor  Neshreen Leonor Dimaporo Lantud,Mairah Lantud, (sister mayor Lantud) Qaribah and her husband Minso.

Nov 23 Maguindanao massacre commemoration set - RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES

Iligan City – Media personalities from different outlets in Mindanao will be supporting in full sympathy the program set the in the first year commemoration of the brutal  Maguindanao massacre which killed 57 people including journalists on November 23,2009.

Media groups from other areas of Ozamiz, Pagadian, Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Marawi cities will be joining other colleagues for a prayer and candle-lighting programs at the main street going towards the massacre site at Sitio Malating,Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Expectedly other sectors will be joining the group along with the relatives of the victims.

The three day journey, the group will be travelling by land passing  Lanao del Norte and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao area of Lanao del Sur will start on November 21 to November 23.

In line with the National Union of Journalist (NUJP) and Governor Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao Province had intend to make the program solemn and worthy of the commemoration.

Mangudadatu in an earlier press conference at Datu Paglas disclosed that November 23 is special holiday in Maguindanao.

The Maguindanao massacre, also known as the Ampatuan massacre, last year of  November 23, 2009 in in Maguindanao province.

At the time, the massacre victims were on their way to file Esmael Mangudadatu's certificate of candidacy for Maguindanao governor. Mangudadatu, then Buluan vice mayor, won the gubernatorial post during the May 10 polls.

The 57 people who were brutally killed and buried in a mass grave in Ampatuan town included Mangudadatu's wife, his two sisters, journalists, lawyers, aides, and motorists who were witnesses or were mistakenly identified as part of the convoy.

Iliganon assumes commander of Army’s 65th IB - BY: RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES

Marawi City- The 65^th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion, 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army will have a new commanding officer by the person of Lt Col Siegred J Espina INF (GSC) PA is an Iliganon. Espina will assume office today November 19, 2010 at the 65^th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion,9^th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army at  Agus 1 Compound, Barangay Datu Saber, here.

The turn-over ceremony will be attended by Major General Ruperto R Pabustan AFP, the commander of the 9^th Division as the presiding officer and keynote speaker. Other expected guests and visitors are local public officials from the different towns, city of Marawi and the province of Lanao del Sur. Philippine national Police officers and Army officials. 

The program will start at about 1:00 in the afternoon with the singing of the national anthem to be led by the 65thIB band. Captain Arturo M Dumalagan will lead the invocation and followed by the presentation of awards by General Pabustan to be assisted by AC of S for Pers,G1.

The reading of awards/relief and designation will be done by G1 followed by the remarks/relinquished of command by LTC Jed G Motus INF (GSC)PA, the outgoing officer of 42IB, and to be followed by the assumption of command by LTC Siegred J Espina, the incoming commanding officer of 65thIB.

The turn- over of unit color/symbol will be led by General Pabustan and to be assisted by AC of S for pers,G1.This will be followed by the remarks of the new commanding officer, LTC Espina and  introduction of the keynote speaker  and a message  by General Pabustan and after which, will be a singing of the 9^th spear Division hymn lead by the 65IB personnel.

104th BDE thankful for people cooperation on the massacre commemoration affair - RIC CLET

Ampatun town,Maguindanao –104^th Brigade conveys gratitude for the people’s cooperation in the peaceful and successful commemoration of the Maguindanao Massacre

Ampatuan Town, Maguindanao _ Col. Mario Mendoza, commanding officer of the 104^th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade based at Tacurong City conveyed to the organizers and the participants his thanks and gratitude for the peaceful and successful commemoration of the Maguindanao Massacre held on November 23, 2010. 

Col. Mendoza earlier stressed that tight security measures were planned and implemented in tandem with local police authorities around Ampatuan town weeks before the commemoration affair to ensure the safety of the government officials and civilians attending the one year anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre on November 23, 2010. He said security measures were made for ranking government officials and civilians to prevent any disruption and any untoward incidents on the occasion of  the commemoration affair.

Meantime, 104^th Infantry Brigade Civil-Military Operations Officer, Major Alonto Maamo said that the security measures were made for both the ranking officials of government and for the civilians attending the affair

The infamous Maguindanao Massacre killed 57 persons including 32 journalists in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The massacre site is roughly 6 to 7 kilometers from the Ampatuan Highway.

The successful commemoration affair of the Maguindanao Massacre held at the very site where the victims were killed and buried and later unearthed by government authorities, was attended by tens of thousand government officials, friends and relatives of the victims, peace advocates, and journalists.

The commemorative events at the massacre site include expressions of sentiments  of  government officials, relatives of victims, peace advocates and civilians calling  for justice to prevail; interfaith prayer at the marker where the names of the victims were listed, releasing of balloons, and planting of trees at the very site where the victims were buried with the use of a government owned back hoe.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima read the message of President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III  sympathized with the bereaved families as he declared November 23 as the Day of Remembrance. Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process also called for justice for the promotion of peace in Mindanao. Maguindanao Governor Esmail “Toto” Mangudadatu also urged that justice be served and the restoration, not only of peace in Mindanao but also of the ill-gotten wealth of the Ampatuans for the good of the people. Representatives of church, media  and civic oriented organizations also called for peace to prevail.

Similar commemoration events were also held by media and civic organizations  in various parts of the country enjoining authorities to serve justice in the interest of peace.

Qurbani project for Ed’l Adha a resounding success in Marawi

RIC CLET

MARAWI CITY – A Qurbani Project was launched at the Basman Auditorium here from November 16 to 18 this year in celebration of Ed’l Adha, an important Muslim holiday.

The celebration of Ed’l Adha was spearheaded by the Islamic Community of Milli Gurus ( IGMG ) Hiffs-und Socialveren, CARE Association, Turkish-Filipino Friendship Solidarity Association (TUFIFSA) in cooperation with the Mindanao Muslim Teachers College (PMTC), the Mindanao Institute of Healthcare Professionals (MIHP)and the Commission on Higher Education-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CHED-ARMM).

Ed’l Adha celebration activities include distribution of cow meat, cooking competition, parlor games, quiz show, musical presentation of live band, martial arts exhibition among students, and sharing of  school supplies with school children.  Some five thousand (5,000) local community members graced the Ed’l Adha affair.

In an interview with mediamen, IGMG spokesman Mesut Erbash from Australia said that Qurban means “Closer to Allah”.  He said the project had been launched 25 years ago worldwide and it is the 4^th year that the project had been launched in the Philippines.  He said some 200 heads of cows were slaughtered for distribution to poor families in the city. He said similar meat distribution had been made in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, Madalum and Tamparan in Lanao del Sur and Davao City and Manila.  He added that the Qurdani Project will be a yearly undertaking of the IGMG and expressed optimism that a bigger blessings can be share by the group next year.

Spokesman Erbash was with Hasan Sula of Australia, Fatih Kara of Germany, and Enes Poyraz of the United Kingdom during the media interview.

Riza Dalkilic , president of Rizali who hails from Turkey express his gratitude for the support and cooperation of the officials and community members in the successful celebration of the Ed’l Adha.  He said, “It is time to recognize and remember the importance of being closer to Allah.  He said the more important consideration is the life or the world hereafter.  He said while  we are in this world we have to share our blessings with the less fortunate brothers and sisters in Islam.

On the other hand Dr. Norma Sharief, chairperson of the CHED-ARMM  said the she is elated by the overwhelming support and cooperation showed by the community members in contributing to the resounding success of the Ed’l Adha celebration in the city. Sharief is also the over-all coordinator of the Qurbani project  Philippines 2010.

Aga Khan “Binladen” Sharief, organizer and chairman of the Ed’l Adha Fiesta Celebration under the Qurbani Project thanked the multi-sectoral groups in making the ed’l Adha Celebration a resounding success with more than 5,000 people attended the said program.

 Sharief also noted that over 300 civilians who participated in the cooking competition were given certificates of participation by the Philippine Muslim Teachers College (PMTC), one of the project cooperating organizations. The first prize was awarded to the group of Habibati Frequency  radio forum.

Successful special election at Barangay Bangon,Poblacion Prec 5A and 6A ,Pagayawan,lanao del Sur last November 13, 2010

Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur -Police Files Tonite reporter, Mariz Revales interviewed mayoralty candidate Sailaney Benito during the special election on November 13,2010. (Delman Macapil)