DENR,villagers in Kiamba join hands in protecting endangered sea turtles-JC Guilao/MCalungsod-Locsin /DENRXII

Efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and  the local government  on biodiversity conservation are slowly paying off. Nowadays, local residents readily volunteer their services in safeguarding endangered species like sea turtles which have nesting sites in the  coastal areas of the Municipality of Kiamba, some 95 kilometers southwest of General Santos City.               One morning in early March this year, tricycle driver Noel Peñafiel, a resident of Barangay Suli,  brought to the local DENR office in Kiamba a marine turtle which he found at about 7:45 a.m. on that day to have been wandering along a river in the barangay. The marine animal measuring 53 cm x 50 cm was a Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) which bore a tag with  Serial No. PH 6718 clipped on its right hind flipper. Based on the said tag, it was learned from the records of  CENRO Kiamba  that the animal was once  captured, and tagged in 2009 by the said office.   Meanwhile, CENRO Wahid S. Amella lauded the efforts of Mr. Peñafiel for taking pains in bringing the marine turtle from Barangay Suli to the DENR in Kiamba proper which is more or less two kilometers in distance. "Apparently, Mr. Peñafiel  is aware of the initiatives of the government in  biodiversity conservation  coupled with volunteerism which is very much alive in him," CENRO Amella gladly said.               After a thorough examination, the marine turtle was declared in good condition, hence  CENRO  Amella directed Forester II Jessica C. Guilao, Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Section Chief, to immediately release the said wildlife back to the coastal waters of Barangay Suli,  which she did. The release of the marine animal was witnessed by Mr. Jay Ar Kenneth Casawa, representative of the Municipal Government of Kiamba, and the residents of Barangay Suli. Moreover, a total of  38 marine turtle  hatchlings were also released in the coastal waters of Barangay Suli on the same day. The species of the  hatchlings were identified as Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)  through  the color of their plastron (under part of shell) which is light brown. The baby turtles hatched from eggs laid in a nest in the barangay which is a known nesting site. Local residents usually volunteer to  keep watch over turtle eggs from predators until these hatch.               The Sea Turtle Foundation (www.seaturtlefoundation.org) reports that Green turtles are named not for their body coloration but due to their green fat and muscles, a result of their sea grass diet. Globally, the hunting of marine turtles and collection of their eggs for food continues resulting in the decline of population of the same, hence the need for protection. Marine turtles are protected internationally through treaties and locally through legislation, particularly Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Philippine Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. (JC Guilao/MCalungsod-Locsin/DENR XII).

DENR revives 2 marine sanctuaries in Glan,Sarangani,LGUs take over Mgt. fr.POs-MCalungsod-LocsinDENR

In an effort to promote sustainability, the  Department of Environment and Natural  Resources (DENR) has recently  revived the marine sanctuaries located in two barangays of the Municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province. In line with this, the management of the marine sanctuary  in Sitio Cabug in Barangay Kapatan and in Barangay Glan Padidu was assumed by their respective barangay governments. The decision was reached after the DENR held consultation meetings with the two People's Organizations (POs) which managed the fish sanctuaries, and the concerned Barangay Councils. Originally, the management of the two protected areas were delegated to the two people's organizations (POs), namely the Cabug Fisherfolks Farmers Cooperative in Sitio Cabug, Barangay Kapatan and the Muslim-Christian Marginalized Fisherfolks Organization in Barangay Glan Padidu, both of Glan, Sarangani.  Both POs were partners of  the DENR - Southern Mindanao Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project in 2002,  wherein they were able to rehabilitate four hectares and 10.23 has. of  mangrove forest, respectively.    Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rhawel M. Pamplona recently bared the primary reason on the change in management. "The assumption of the barangay in the management of the protected areas was prompted by the threats on the sustainability of the sanctuaries as reported by the Chairman of one of the POs," CENRO Pamplona said. The PO had expressed their doubts on the sustainability of the project due to the intrusion of spear fishers who were using compressed air and are armed with high powered firearms," Pamplona added. To resolve the problem, the Barangay Council committed to provide guards (Bantay Dagat)  for  the marine sanctuaries. For its part, the DENR  provided billboards for information and guidance of the community and residents of nearby areas  to keep them away from the marine sanctuary. Through DENR's strong partnership with the PNP Maritime Group, the Philippine Coast Guard, the LGU, and the community, the installation of billboards was made possible. An actual demarcation of the area and installation of buoys  were also done to set the limits of the sanctuary. The two marine sanctuaries were designated by the Glan Municipal Council through a  municipal ordinance (No. 2000-04 dated December 5, 2000) together with two other areas in Barangays Pangyan and Batulaki.  Fishing within the area is strictly prohibited to allow marine life to grow and multiply undisturbed. Traditional methods of fishing  such as hook and line, bamboo traps and gill nets, are allowed outside the sanctuary. (GApura-Lomuntad/FDRoblesJr./MCalungsod-Locsin/DENR XII)

CSOs laud Senate plan on poll deferment bill-ManilaTimes.net

Stay Connected / Wednesday, March 30, 2011 BY JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL CORRESPONDENT and ROMMEL C. LONTAYAO REPORTER COTABATO CITY: The Mindanao advocates of peace and good governance composed of 131 civil society organizations (CSOs) on Tuesday hailed a proposal by the Senate Committee on Local Governments to conduct separate field hearings on the bill deferring polls in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and allow President Benigno Aquino 3rd to install officers in charge as caretakers. Sultan Monsing Macabando of the Sultanate League of Marawi City vehemently disowned the listing of their Sultanate league as one of the 61 organizations that paid a one-page advertisement in a national daily on March 18 expressing support to the intent of the just-passed House Bill 4146. "We still stick to what we've said loudly at the March 10 hearing in Marawi City on the bill that the regional polls should be held as scheduled and that our people must not be deprived of the rights of suffrage to choose leaders and shape their governance. This means we were not part of that paid publication entitled 'Good Governance, and Genuine Peace and Development in the ARMM Now,'" Macabando said. Father Eliseo Mercado Jr., executive director of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance, one of 131 organizations that rebuffed the pro-postponement camps in a subsequent published manifesto, said that they found relief in the expressed proposal of Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to hold separate hearings on a Senate version of the bill in the autonomous region's areas. Essence of autonomy "That's good," Mercado said of the proposed Senate hearings. "You know, I have always been for elections because that is the essence of autonomy. It's better for our people deciding on their governance than Malacañang determining things for us." Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local government, said last week that he would conduct hearings on the bill and warned that this would take time because part of the consultations will be held in the the autonomous region's provinces. Marcos was not too optimistic about the bill moving as fast as the Palace wants it as certified urgent by President Aquino and given the fact that the filing of certificates of candidacy is fast approaching. Isabela Bishop Martin Jumoad also opposed the bill on ARMM poll postponement. In an interview over Catholic-run Radyo Veritas, Jumaod said that in order to solve the current problems in Basilan, the elections should push through as scheduled. The bishop, however, said that he would respect the decision of the government regarding the ARMM elections and will hope that such decision will be for the best interest of autonomous region's residents. "I am a law abiding citizen and I respect the decision of the government. They have the power of authority so let's hope for best because that's what the President has promised that he will clean the government," he said. Senate Minority Leader Allan Peter Cayetano also last week urged the Commission on Elections to commence preparations for the ARMM elections instead of waiting for an action of the Senate on the bill postponing the exercise. Cayetano said that it would be better for the Comelec to put its time and energy into preparations for the ARMM polls this August 8 because it had no control over how the Senate would decide on the proposed law. Cayetano and Marcos were among seven senators who have earlier expressed objection to postponing the ARMM elections and appointing officers in charge for 20 months in lieu of sitting officials. President Aquino, meanwhile, lauded the approval of the bill and expressed hope that the Senate would also approve the bill.

ARM comelec continues voters registration -By Bernie Concepcion

By; Bernie Concepcion Amid the call for the  postponement of the regional election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao the Commission on Elections will continue accepting registration of new qualified voters with the regionwide10-day Special list-ups scheduled ahead of the scheduled August 2011 balloting. Since early last year, the poll body had started its preparations amid call for the deferment of the regional election, According to ARMM–Comelec Regional Director Ray Sumalipao he has advised provincial and city election officers in the 5 provinces and 2 cities of the ARMM to proceed with the holding of the special listing of voters which began from March 21 to 31. Postponement of ARMM polls was approved Tuesday (March 22) night by Congress after the voting in the plenary.  Regional Directorr Sumalipao said as mandated. the comelec will always be ready and 'we are always doing our task in preparation for the political exercise following normally, our calendar of activities set for the scheduled ARMM polls. Earlier, Comelec spokesperson Atty James Jimenez said, "Preparations are under way, even if the elections were deferred, the registration will not be an exercise in futility because the registered voters could still cast their ballots in other elections. Sumalipao stresses that new qualified voters who are aged 18 above can go to the different registration points in the provinces in order to be able to vote in the upcoming ARMM elections. He said the comelec is now using the Voters' Registration System (FAS) the machine which has a device called Automated Fingerprint Identification System, (AFIS) that can detect double or multiple registration entries of unscrupulous voters. The comelec reminded the new registrants that they cannot anymore "cheat" in this special registration considering all the safety nets have been in place using directly the individual finger prints as basis for determining data if a voter has registered more than once. A maximum of less than 10 percent increase is expected depending on the number of population of qualified registrants' in every town which has an AFIS machine installed under the care of the Municipal Election Office. All double or multiple registrants shall be processed and endorsed to Comelec central in Manila for appropriate action. Congress approved on 3rd and final reading at about 9:53 on Monday  night House Bill 4146 with 191 voting in favor and 47 against for the ARMM election postponement. Except only for Rep. Nur Jaafar of Tawi-Tawi and Rep. Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte, who opted to abstain from out of the 249 house members present.  Congress has acted on the proposed measure and approved by majority votes the bill after getting the majority votes of the house members, 3 days before it goes into a month-long vacation on March 25. The bill's approval came Monday March 22 when special registration was almost entering its third day. HB 4146, certified as urgent in by President Benigno Aquino, III and approved in the LEDAC, calls for the postponement of the August ARMM polls and hold it simultaneously and in synchrony with the mid-term national and local elections on 2013. The bill likewise gives the authority for the President to appoint Officers in Charge (OIC) to manage the affairs of governance in the ARMM for more than two years until after the 2013 elections when a new set of autonomous officials shall have been elected and assumed.  The Comelec, in an earlier resolution, calls for the registration of voters who are Filipinos of voting age and living in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the provinces composing the ARMM. The resolution said applications for registration, transfer of registration records, change/correction of entries in the registration records, reactivation of registration records and inclusion of registration records/reinstatement of name in the list of voters, shall be personally filed beginning March 21, 2011," the resolution said. The applicants may come personally to the office of the municipal election officers in communities they reside and register from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Registration will continue even on holidays during the 10-day list up period but would not entertain holding extension days for the voters' list up, reminded the comelec. Registrants are required to bring any of the following identification documents: Current employee's identification card (ID), with the signature of employers or authorized representative; postal ID; student's ID or Library Card, signed by the school authority; senior citizen's ID; driver's license; NBI/PNP Clearance; passport; SSS/GSIS ID; IBP ID; PRC ID or any other valid ID. Except for cedula or community tax certificates issued by the barangay will not be honored  among the identification documents.(Faber_concepcion2004@yahoo.com)     Comelc continues

joint DENR,LGU,PNP,PA task group sieze hot lumber worth P.5M in Saragani Province - MCalungsod-Locsin

A total of  17,832 board feet of lumber  believed to be sourced illegally were seized Monday this week (March 21, 2011) in a remote village in Sarangani Province by operatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),  Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), and the local government.           The contraband consists of  487 pieces of flitches (tablon)  mostly of loctob (Ficus lauri folia Blanco) and lauan (Shorea sp.) species with an estimated market value of more than P500,000, computed at P30 per bd. ft. The operatives found the said hot lumber  abandoned in a mountainous area of Purok Matablao in Barangay Lomuyon in Kiamba town, some 95 kilometers southwest of General Santos City. No arrests have been made yet, however, the DENR is following strong leads provided by local informants wherein the perpetrators are reportedly identified with a local official.           In line with this, DENR Region XII Executive Director (RED) Alfredo S. Pascual directed  Regional Technical Director Ernesto L. Lezada of the Forest Management Services to hasten the pace of the ongoing investigation. "Usec Adobo (referring to DENR Undersecretary Ernesto D. Adobo of Field Operations) has directed this leadership to bring  to court those responsible  for violating Presidential Decree No. 705", stressed RED Pascual. P.D. 705,  otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines was amended by P.D. 1559, P.D. 1775, E.O. 277 and R.A. 7161. Under the said  act, cutting, gathering, and/or transporting timber or other products without license, or other forest products without legal documents required under existing forest laws and regulations carries the same penalties prescribed under Articles 309 and 310 of the Revised Penal Code, specifically for qualified theft.           The environmental violation came in the heels of the ongoing log ban with the enforcement of Executive Order No. 23 entitled "Declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force"  issued on February 1, 2011 by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.           Meantime, the confiscated lumber are deposited in the Municipal Motor Pool and in an area beside the Barangay Hall, both in  Kiamba  pending the conduct of administrative proceedings. Lumber, timber and other forest products which shall be found to be sourced and possessed illegally after due process  will be forfeited in favor of the government and will be donated for use in projects of government with the Department of Education as priority.           Upon assumption to office of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje last year, he ordered his subordinate officials to put a stop to illegal logging within 30 days as one of his priorities. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) thus reducing the intensity of global warming. Massive cutting of trees lessens our ability to cope with climate change not to mention the loss of home for our wild plants, animals and other organisms. (MCalungsod-Locsin/DENR XII)

Mangudadatu brother faces probe over slay try-gmanews.tv

Home > Regions > Mindanao 03/22/2011 | 03:38 P M Share7 Ibrahim "Diong" Mangudadatu, mayor of Buluan town in Maguindanao province, is facing a Department of Justice inquiry for his alleged involvement in the ambush on Maguindanao provincial prosecutor Akilali Balt. On Monday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima issued Department Order No. 200 ordering Assistant State Prosecutors Vimar Barcellano and prosecution attorneys Gerard Gaerlan and Mark Roland Estepa to conduct the preliminary investigation against Mangudadatu. "The aforementioned prosecutors are likewise directed to conduct the preliminary investigation of the said case, insofar as Mayor Ibrahim "Diong" Mangudadatu is concerned, and to file the appropriate informations in the proper court and handle its active prosecution, if evidence so warrants," said De Lima. Ibrahim Mangudadatu is the brother of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu, who lost his wife, relatives, and supporters in the gruesome Nov. 23, 2009 massacre allegedly ordered by the rival Ampatuan clan. GMA News Online made several calls to the Maguindanao governor to get his family's reaction on the alleged involvement of Ibrahim in the foiled plan to kill the prosecutor. However, Esmael could not be reached as of posting time. Balt was on his way home last week when two motorcycle-riding men fired at him and his driver Dandan Balt Datu Dakula. The driver incurred slight injuries while Balt sustained injuries in his lower right ear, lower right neck, and right forearm. They were immediately brought to a local hospital, where the prosecutor remains in critical condition. At a news briefing on Tuesday, De Lima said Balt is still in comatose and is fighting for his life. She added that Ibrahim Mangudadatu could be the brains behind the attack on Balt because Akmad Makakena Maliga, the gunman arrested by local authorities, had confessed that the Buluan town mayor ordered him to kill Balt. She added that Maliga will be placed under the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) custody in Manila because his life may be in danger in Maguindanao. "For as long as he is there, his life is in danger," said the Justice chief. — Sophia Dedace/RSJ/KBK, GMA New

Suspected POW mass grave found in Philippines

Philippine workers at a swimming pool site stumbled on a mass grave containing 14 skeletons believed to be prisoners of war from the Japanese occupation in World War II, police said Sunday.

Suspected POW mass grave found in Philippines

Police cordoned off the area in Nasugbu town, about a three-hour drive south of the capital Manila, shortly after the workers discovered the remains Friday.
"Further investigation disclosed that the said site was a former Japanese garrison during World War II and the residents there believed that the recovered skeletal remains were victims of war," police said in a statement.
A forensic investigation was being carried out to determine the nationalities of the victims, although they are believed to be Filipinos, police said.
The Philippines, a former US colony, fell to Japanese control in 1942 during World War II, and the three-year occupation is considered to be one of the darkest periods of the country's history.
Thousands of Filipino and American soldiers died during the occupation, many of them starved to death in Japanese garrisons around the country, historians said.
US General Douglas MacArthur, supreme commander of allied forces in the Southwest Pacific, eventually returned to retake control of large parts of the Philippines until Japan formally surrendered in 1945.

Kidnappers demanded P10-million ransom Fishingboat skipper,two fishing crew remain in captivity- Bernie Concepcion

     The military and police forces are scouring the area in Patikul, Sulu in order to  ocate the 3 recently seized fishing boat crew members after intelligence reports revealed  that the suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped them in the southern Philippines Saturday.
  
     Reports from reliable source in Sulu today Wednesday, the kidnappers are demanding P10-Million ransom money in exchange for the liberty of the hostages.
 
     However, the police and military officials would not confirm or deny the report while intelligence elements are trying to validate the rumor that the three are already held somewhere in the Patikul area.
 
      Sea pirates abducted Renato Panisares boat skipper and two boat crews identified as Wennie Ferrer, Assistance Engineer and Jonald Ocsiomar, Quarter Master off Sulu Archipelago waters in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao after they refused to pay extortion money, according to the police Monday.
 
    Sulu Police said the pirates snatched the fishermen near Menes island of PanglimaTahil (Bangas Island) and joint police and military elements are still trying to locate the victims.
 
     Intelligence reports show that the kidnappers and their captors were moving about in Sulu's coastal town of Patikul, where the Abu Sayyaf has mountain strongholds, he said.
 
     A source close to the military disclosed that the 3 could have been turned over to the hardcore leaders of the bandits in the forested mountain of Sulu.
 
      Provincial officials of Sulu led by Gov. Sakur Tan along with the Patikul town officials were trying to establish contact with the kidnappers to negotiate because a rescue attempt might danger the hostages, according to 3rd Marine Brigade Commander, Col. Remegio Valdez.
 
     "Jointly with the PNP elements, our soldiers are trying to determine the location of the hostages, but we cannot yet give the exact place." Valdez said. "We are zeroing in our efforts in the town of Patikul where our intelligence is being beefed up," added Valdez, in a long distance
 interview.
 
      The boat's captain and two other crew members were fishing off southern Sulu province Saturday when the gunmen believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf aboard a motor boat
 approached and forcibly held them.
 
      It was reported that the kidnappers called the captives' fishing company in nearby Zamboanga city on Sunday, apparently to demand ransom, police Director Felicisimo Khu Jr., Chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Office, said.

      Valdez said negotiations could be in progress as the Zamboanga-based Mega Fishing Company's owner had been in contact with the kidnappers.
 
     The new kidnappings and a recent deadly bombing in Sulu indicate the danger posed by the militants despite their many battle setbacks and underscore the difficulty of fighting terrorism, Khu said.
 
     "The armed men were collecting money from the fishermen and seized them when they refused to pay up," said Chief Inspector deputy provincial police chief Amil Baanan, who is also  operations chief of the police force in Sulu.
 
     The incident which happened Saturday and that police theorized that those behind in the incident are the same rebels blamed for the string of kidnapping and atrocities in the southern Philippines.
 
      Initially, the police reported that ordinary small time sea pirates who are out to victimized travelers aboard sea crafts passing the Sulu seas. "We still don't know, but  initial reports said the attackers were small time pirates or extortionists who are victimizing hapless fishermen," Baanan said.
 
     The Sulu Archipelago is a chain of islands between Zamboanga City and Sabah Malaysia in the southwestern part of the country.
 
     It was reported that the kidnappers called the captives  fishing company in nearby Zamboanga city on Sunday  apparently to demand ransom, police Director Felicisimo Khu Jr. said..
 
    The new kidnappings and a recent deadly bombing in Sulu indicate the danger posed by the militants despite their many battle setbacks and underscore the difficulty of
 fighting terrorism, Khu said.
 
   At lease 21 people were seized, mostly European tourists, from the Malaysian resort of Sipadan in 2000, and abducted three Americans and 17 Filipinos from the Philippines' Dos Palmas resort the following year.
 
    All the Sipadan hostages were freed, reportedly in exchange for huge ransoms. One of the three American hostages from Dos Palmas was beheaded, while a second was killed during an
 army rescue attempt. The third American was wounded but freed in the army rescue operation. .(faber_concepcion2004@yahoo.com)

Iligan celebrates Week of Peace -by RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES

    Iligan City – The Civil Society Groups in Iligan City and Lanao areas celebrate Iligan Week of Peace spearheaded by the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace, Inc. (CSO-FP) in cooperation and partnership with Local Government Unit of this city and VSO Bahaginan as major stakeholders.

    "This year's celebrated will be on  March 25-31, 2011, bringing the theme, "Maghiusa sa Pagpanday sa Kalinaw diha sa matag Panimalay,Kumunidad ug Nasud", this means aims to unite the people and promote peace in every home, community and country", said Juanito Enriquez, Managing director of CSO-FP  in a press conference.

     He said this will also promote the balance of opportunities among the men and women and avoid social exclusion especially in the context of women empowerment for peace and development. He added that they will encourage to work together with active participation from the people in the community or at barangay level.

This event is celebrated annually by virtue of a Resolution No: 04-58 of the LGU of this city which was approved in March 2004 .This is to campaign for peace to elevate the awareness of the people in Iligan and the nearby places.      

In a statement distributed to media, during the press conference  CSO-FP disclosed that prior to the approval of the resolution, mostly of the conflict happened in the past were in the first and second quarter of the year. The all-out-war declared by Former President Joseph Estrada happened in January, 2000. The all-out-war policy of former President Gloria Arroyo happened in April, 2003 and this include the renewal of conflict in August 2008 due to the MOA-AD controversy. All these wars cause the damaged of lives and properties, especially the lives of innocent civilians.

The statement added that it was expected that strong biases among the people of diverse cultures in conflict areas heightened after every year.  In order to neutralize the mental anguish of war and defuse polarization among the people, the peace celebration will open up and elevate the awareness of the people to re-establish the good relations and to work in unity for peace and development. As time goes on,  IWoP celebration considered  other issues o focus  such as environment, good governance, gender , power an d energy, poverty and other social issues that are considered to be the potential  causes of conflict.

The press conference were attended by the stakeholders by Juanito Enriquez, Jr, Managing director of CSO-FO, Abel Moya, Program Manager of Pakigdait, Inc, City Councilor Atty. Marlene Young,  chairman on Civil Political Human Rights and Responsibilities, Arlieto Berlan of NGO and Anita Sescon ,Director Iligan Area Core Group of Mindanao Commission on Women.

Candao as ARMM OIC Governor ?- Bernie Concepcion

Zamboanga City--Former ARMM Regional Governor Zacarias Candao has openly expressed his willingness to help the administration of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to institute the needed reforms in the ARMM governance.

Although, Candao did not personally signify his interest  to return to the ARMM, he articulated that he is ready to help.

Candao was in the city during the public forum held in one of the local hotels here called for by the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi  (BASULTA)  constituents composed of multi-sectoral groups including  the tri-people in the southern islands of the autonomous region.

Candao joins the call for the proposed postponement of the autonomous regional elections scheduled in August this year, saying that it is high time to reform the ARMM by giving the president the opportunity to focus on fulfilling the realization of the on-going peace initiative with the rebels groups in order to attain peace in Mindanao.

Candao said by postponing the holding of elections in the ARMM, it will give enough time and space for both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and GRPh peace panels to strike a deal in the on-going peace negotiation and possibly conclude a lasting peace accord.

The former regional governor noted the full support of the government of the United States of America in the peace negotiation between the GRPh and the separatist rebel group, which he said could enhance and hasten a final peace deal.

The roundtable peace talks by the two panels brokered by Malaysia and other  Organization of Islamic Conference   (OIC)  member countries will resume in April this year.

He urged GRPh and MNLF to take advantage of the support of the U.S. in finding a genuine, peaceful and lasting solution to the Mindanao conflict.

"I laud the interesting concern of the United States government in trying to assist in the resolution of the conflict here in Mindanao. With the poll postponement, Pres. Pnoy would be able to concentrate giving utmost priority on the peace efforts of his administration," Candao emphasized.

Candao, who spearheaded the launching of the Islamic Party of the Philippines (IPP) during the consultation held Sunday afternoon, stressed the need for the ARMM constituents to stay united in rallying behind Pnoy in his sincerest desire to establish peace and development in the southern island.

 

When asked in a separate interview over DXMR-Radyo ng Bayan, if he is willing to accept in case the President would appoint or choose him as Officer in Charge  (OIC) of the ARMM government, the lawyer  and former governor said, " it is up for the president to decide, we will give him all the opportunity to make his choice. And if he chooses me, how can I refuse the President?" Candao indicated.

"There are so many ways to help the administration of Pnoy, and to be chosen to help in that capacity as OIC would be a great opportunity and a challenge," according to Candao.

 

The proposed House Bill number 4146, which calls for the deferment of the polls authored in the House of Representatives, was approved by the House committees on suffrage and electoral reforms and Muslim affairs on Feb. 22, amid opposition from several lawmakers from Mindanao.

Under the bill, incumbent ARMM officials shall hold office on until September this year with President Aquino having the authority to appoint OICs until new officials shall have been elected following the synchronized local and national elections in 2013. 

He said his vast experience as the first  elected ARMM regional governor, former Maguindanao governor,  civil leader, freedom fighter and a participant in the 1986 "people power" revolution that catapulted Pres. Pnoy's mother, the Philippine icon of democracy,  the late Pres. Corazon Aquino to power, he is ready to accept the offer.

Many believed that if Candao was able to continue what he had started as first ARMM  regional governor and was given the chance to serve the autonomous government for another term, things could have been different and probably what we have now is a vibrant and a better ARMM.

Devolutions of various major departments begun during Candao's stint, while trying to nurture ARMM in its infancy, he was pre-occupied confronting an electoral protest lodged by his opponents in the COMELEC.

However,  despite the time limitations, political observers said Candao had led the ARMM in a "very professional and statesman manner" that he gained the special trust and recognition of the late Pres. Corazon Aquino as well as  the appreciation and respect of his constituents, particularly, those in the BASULTA area.

Another party consultation forum is scheduled in Marawi City on March 27, where the former ARMM highest regional official would be meeting with other ARMM constituencies and stakeholders. (faber_concepcion2004@yahoo.com)  

Pananambang s piskal sa Maguindanao,kinondena ni De Lima-GMANews.tv

03/16/2011 | 05:32 PM

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MANILA – Mariing kinondena ni Justice Secretary Leila de Lima nitong Miyerkules ang ginawang pananambang kay Maguindanao provincial prosecutor Akilali Balt, na naganap sa Cotabato City nitong Martes ng hapon.

Hinihinala ni De Lima na may kaugnayan sa trabaho ang nangyaring pagtatangka sa buhay ng piskal, at sa kanyang drayber na si Dandan Balt Datu Dakula.

Inatasan na rin ng kalihim ang National Bureau of Investigation na imbestigahan ang kaso at alamin ang motibo sa naturang krimen.

"We will definitely explore the possibility that this was politically or professionally motivated as he is, in fact, handling sensitive cases involving high-ranking officials in Mindanao," pahayag ni De Lima.

Lumitaw sa imbestigasyon na pauwi na si Balt nang pagbabarilin sila ng kanyang drayber ng dalawang lalaki na sakay ng isang motorsiklo.

Bahagyang nasugatan si Dakula, habang ang piskal ay malubhang tinamaan ng bala sa taenga, ibabang bahagi ng leeg, at braso. Kapwa isinugod sa ospital ang dalawang biktima.

Hindi muna tinukoy ni De Lima ang pangalan ng isang mataas na opisyal na hinahawakan ni Balt ang kaso. - GMA News

Tsunami alert triggers low voter turnout in Indanan specialpolls- RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES

Lampaki, Indanan, Sulu- The tsunami alert in the coastal towns of Sulu province has been blamed for the low turnout of voters in Barangay Bunut special elections here, last Saturday, as a result of Japan worst calamity.

Although, Lawyer Vidzfar Julie, ARMM election Assistant Regional director, provincial Election Officer, said low voter turnout is normal in special polls but the one last Saturday was aggravated by the tsunami scare.

However, a military official said the number of voters who were able to cast their votes last Saturday could probably be the "actual and real" number of qualified voting population of the village. He refused to elaborate.

The Special Election was done manually, Julie said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the tsunami alert level in coastal towns around the country last Friday following the devastating earthquake that hit Japan on the same day.

Thousands are feared dead in Japan as a result of the tsunami there that was triggered by the quake. Many others are yet still being accounted for as of press time.

Aside from the tsunami scare, Julie said many students and workers in Barangay Bunut were the special elections were being held were not able to vote because they were studying and working in towns not covered by the polls.

Travel by sea was ordered suspended on the eve of elections (March 11), throughout the country by the Philippine Coast Guard after Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) issued travel advisory warning against commercial vessels and other sea crafts from leaving their ports.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded and were not able to leave Friday night to their respective destinations due to the advisory.

Out of 956 registered voters in three clustered precincts only 372 voted. After the canvassed, Vice mayor bet Vladimir Nahudan , was proclaimed winner with a total of 378 votes against his closest rival Julhatab Talib who garnered only 209 votes.

During the May 11, 2010 synchronized national and local elections in this town, Nahudan already had a lead of 219 votes prior to the poll body's declaration of a "failure of elections" in those precincts.

The Special Election in these contested precincts in this town was ordered by the Commission on Elections 9 months after deputizing members of the PNP to serve as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI).

Julie said that the special election was held last Saturday at Lampaki Elementary School where five precincts which were clustered into three failed to function due to election violence occurred during the last May 11, 2010 national and local elections.

" Nagkaroon ng suntukan at nabuhusan ng tubig and PCOS Machine kaya nag failure of elections,"an Election Officer said.

He added that that the Commission on Election (Comelec) had declared failures of elections only in this area where over 900 registered voters were disenfranchised.

Julie noted that the special elections was conducted affecting only the vice mayor and the slot for the number eight municipal councilor of this town. He said security plans was already set since February 4, 2011.

Municipal election Officer,Malik Asgali, who served as themunicipal board of canvassers proclaimed Vladimir Nahudan officially winner vice mayor with a total votes of 9,918 against Julhatab Talib who got only 9,779 votes.

The special poll was conducted peaceful and orderly as the police and military were in full force maximizing 2,000 personnel and resources to include armored personnel carriers and trucks were deployed to secure venue. Earlier, there were reports received by the intelligence community here that some elements planning to sabotage and would mar the polls with fraud and violence.

Barangay Bunot,Indanan,Sulu is about more than 18 kilometrs away from the capital town of Jolo. This is one of the 19 towns of the island province of Sulu.

Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, Sulu police provincial director , said the elections were "very peaceful" as no election-related violence was reported. He said security plans was already set since February 4, 2011.

In a separate interview, Police Senior Superintendent Willy Dagane ,Chief for Intelligence in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, who was in Sulu to represent ARMM Regional Police Office Chief, Police Chief Supt. Katag. said that security were deployed in the area as early as 5:00 in the morning.

He assured the voters of their security through the establishment of joint road security stationed in the whole stretch of the Jolo- Indanan high way and at the precincts during the voting.

Election watchdogs like the CARe and members of the media were sent to monitor the fair conduct of the elections, which had served as deterrent force in preempting plans by certain sectors out to terrorize the voters and deny their rights of suffrage.

Meanwhile, Col Remegio C. Valdez, Commander of 3^rd Marine Brigade said that their participation is only for security of the voters, Comelec personnel.