Radio commentator killed in Iligan shooting incident

 August 30, 2013 10:11am

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Tags: Iligan City

A radio commentator was killed in a shooting incident in Iligan City Thursday night, a police report said.

City police S.Supt. Cristito Rey Gonzalo told GMA News Online that Love Radio commentator Fernando Solijon a.k.a. "Nanding Solijon," 48, succumb to 13 gunshot wounds to different parts of the body.

Citing initial information from police investigators, Gonzalo said the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday in the city's of Barangay Butu-un, Purok 1, while the victim was in a drinking spree with friends.

Citing witnesses, Gonzalo also said two men on a motorcycle shot the victim several times and fled.

Police operatives recovered 13 empty shells at the crime scene, from still undetermined type of hand gun.

In a text message to reporters, Congressman Vicente  Belmonte condemned the attack as "barbaric and cowardly act."

 "We lost a fearless but fair radioman of Iligan City. We condemn the killing and ask government to bring justice the killers and mastermind. I believe  politics is behind the killing of Solijon,” he said.

For his part, Atty. Alex Cabornay, Iligan-NBI chief, vowed he would personally supervise the investigation of the case. — Mariz Revales /LBG, GMA News

Tags: Iligan City

Group calls for safer disposal of mercury in hospitals

      By:Ric Clet

Ban Toxics renewed its calls for better storage and disposal of mercury-containing devices in hospitals and other health care facilities, following the recent mercury-spill incident at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and especially that it happened in a maternity and newborn maternity hospital as big as Fabella,” said Atty. Richard Gutierrez, executive director of Ban Toxics.

“It’s not enough that we phase out mercury in hospitals, we should device a plan and create a mercury storage facility that is safe and away from the people.”

While the Department of Health (DOH) has been working to phase out mercury-containing medical devices since 2008, a systematic mercury disposal and storage system is yet to be implemented.

Fabella was one of the hospitals that implemented the ban, but the mercury-containing devices were kept in the supply room while awaiting collection and disposal by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

At present, the country is yet to have a national collection and storage plan for discarded mercury and mercury-containing devices.

News reports said the spill happened last Thursday after 18 vials of mercury amalgam broke in the supply room of the hospital. Although the DOH said the supply room is separate from the hospital, Fabella moved 40 patients from the pediatric ward, which lies adjacent to the supply room.

The DOH is now closely monitoring 30 individuals who came in close contact with the spill, including the personnel who first discovered the incident.

“We call on the government to act in a concerted manner with regard to its approach on mercury,” Gutierrez added.

For their part, Ban Toxics is now working on a national collection and storage of mercury, which aims to have a centralized, knowledge-based and sustainable approach in collecting, storing and eventual disposal of mercury.

“We have to act quickly. Mercury is a very poisonous and lethal when it comes in contact with people, especially infants and children,” said Gutierrez.

“The government should act immediately to stop importation of the toxic metal, pursue strong customs checks, phase mercury out of dental clinics, and provide capacity building to LGUs so they can handle the mercury issues in their jurisdictions,” he added.

Mercury is a heavy metal occurring in several forms, all of which can cause toxic effects to humans, plants and animals.

Poisoning can result from vapor inhalation, ingestion, injection, or absorption of mercury through the skin.

Symptoms include sensory impairment, disturbed sensation and lack of coordination. It can cause permanent neurological, gastrointestinal, and renal damage, as well as cancer and several other diseases, including acrodynia, Hunter-Russell syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and Minamata disease.

Founded in 2006, Ban Toxics! (BT) is an independent, non-profit organization that is devoted to preventing toxic-trade and upholding the rights of developing countries to environmental environmental and social justice. Working closely with government agencies, partner communities and other NGOs in both the local and international levels, BAN Toxics endeavors to reduce and eliminate the use of harmful toxins through education campaigns, training and awareness-raising, and policy-building and advocacy programs.

Iwahig inmates use earnings from souvenirs for SSS savings

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY --- Nearly a hundred inmates from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF), a low security prison, are set to join the microsavings program of the Social Security System (SSS) called "AlkanSSSya," using their earnings from handmade souvenirs sold to tourists to pay their monthly contributions.

SSS Vice President for Management Services and Planning Division May Catherine C. Ciriaco and IPPF Superintendent Richard W. Schwarzkoph Jr. will lead the inauguration of the AlkanSSSya unit during ceremonies at the IPPF compound at Brgy. Iwahig, Puerto Princesa City on Thursday, August 15.

The IPPF is home to some 700 male inmates, with about a hundred of them earning from making handicrafts such as miniature galleons, photo frames, key chains, accessories, jewelry boxes and unique bamboo souvenirs called "rainmakers" that mimic the sound of rain when tilted. The items are sold in shops inside the prison compound and in various areas around Palawan.

"The AlkanSSSya program helps inmates become active SSS members even while serving their jail terms. Inmates who are existing SSS members but have ceased paying contributions may now also reactivate their SSS membership with as little as about P10 per day, or at least P312 per month, under this program," SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr. said.

De Quiros said 92 out of the 100 personal coin slots in IPPF’s AlkanSSSya unit are already taken, and SSS Palawan has assigned an account officer to count and collect the inmates’ SSS savings before the 10^th day of every month. Participating inmates will put in their first AlkanSSSya savings in the presence of IPPF and SSS officials during the ceremonial dropping of coins as part of the program’s launch.

The IPPF is the second organization in Palawan to participate in the AlkanSSSya program, after more than 100 members of the Honda Bay Boat Owners Association, Inc. (HOBBAI), an organization of pumpboat operators that ferry tourists during island-hopping tours, joined on July 12, 2013. HOBBAI is also the first boat owners association in the country to participate in the AlkanSSSya program.

"Among the driving forces behind the success of Palawan tourism is the diligence of workers such as pumpboat operators and even the IPPF inmates, whose handicrafts have made their prison an unlikely, yet popular, shopping place for souvenirs in Puerto Princesa City," de Quiros noted. "With the AlkanSSSya program, they will reap the fruits of their hard work through SSS benefits as well as salary, housing and educational loans for themselves and their loved ones."

The AlkanSSSya program was designed to make payment of SSS contributions convenient and affordable through the use of secure cabinet-like "piggy banks" with personal coin slots. Over 21,500 informal sector workers from a total of 284 workers’ associations nationwide have already joined the AlkanSSSya program at present.

CAR BOMBS ANYONE?

By Jess G. Dureza

I was on the phone with Col. Dickson Hermoso of the 6th Infantry Division stationed in Cotabato City right after the bomb went off.  He said he just passed the blast site when he heard a loud explosion. When he looked back, he saw a huge black smoke rising. What first came to his mind was: No, it was not the trade-mark IED (improvised explosive device) usually used by "bombards”, a local name for those bomb experts of rebels or terrorists whose main technology uses mortar or howitzer cartridges for bomb making. The recent Cotabato bomb, which also triggered a fire in the buildings, could be made of dynamites or from ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil. It was a big bomb, no doubt.  Not to mention that the bomb was latched to a multi-cab left in the scene, a more expensive operation than leaving an old worn out, expendable "back pack" to explode.

     

 LEVEL UP  --Are we entering the next-level phase of terrorism using “car bombs”? We know that terrorists in the troubled areas in other parts of the world are good at this.   And finding the real culprits are hard, unless some lucky breaks in the investigation take place -- which is not usual as we know.
       

Interestingly, a series of explosions in various areas in the Cotabato  area followed. Looks like the "bombard" group is now in business!

       

BREAK DOWN  -- But hold it folks! This could not have come from one single group as many may immediately conclude. Yes, the Muslim renegade groups "owned up" their bomb operations. But not all can be attributed to them. The fact is during times when law and order and normalcy break down and "hired hands" are available to do dirty jobs,  many "free riders" will ride on the occasion. Meaning, those who have personal grudges can bomb away their own enemies to settle a score. Or politicians or businessmen or plain vengeance seekers   who wish their opponents are gone to oblivion,   can conveniently eliminate them and    "charge it to the terrorists".

       

ANGRY HOUSEWIVES -- I remember at the height of the summary killings and "salvaging" in Davao in the early 1980's by NPA "Sparrows" there was a proliferation of threat letters ostensibly signed by NPA hitmen.  I know several philandering husbands got threatening notes warning:   "leave your mistress o "isang bala ka lang". Signed "Commander X". Of course, no doubt these were  coming from angry housewives! Or a collection letter from hopeless creditors, sending demand letters signed by "Commander So and So.". Don't be surprised but the tactic worked in many instances. Better than demand letters from lawyers!

         

MINDANAO SEIGE  --    I  was not a bit surprised   to hear some of my media colleagues in Manila who attended the Round-table Media Forum at Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City a few days ago   already having their own  advance conclusions on who were behind the recent bombings. The series of incidents are hard to ignore. In the face, one newspaper headlined "MINDANAO UNDER SEIGE". Although we in Mindanao are worried about this, it is not accurate to paint the whole island region as in trouble.
       

How the authorities will solve this is something we need to know fast.  Chances are, until the next bomb explodes somewhere, we may  not be able to  get the bastards! With the many bombs already exploding within the last few days something must give!

         

The question is: why is  the PNP, the AFP and the rest of those in government INCLUDING THE CITIZENRY appear helpless in the fact of all this? What should we, plain citizens do to navigate this temporary atmosphere of fear and terror?

FOR COTABATO CITY --    I have a few suggestions, if I may, guided by  my past work facing similar past situations:


a.      a dialogue or meeting be called to be attended by  multi-sectoral groups in Cotabato City or its environs where  citizens are given a chance to raise their anger, angst or disgust at the situation. Something concrete may evolve from there. Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI can be the focal person here. Business groups, NGOs etc must all converge.


b.     a quiet dialogue be called among groups or personalities who are  key players or actors who can help ease up the situation. (like the Guianis and  Semas and the other political and influential  families in the area.)

c.      a meeting of the ceasefire committees or the Ad hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG)  of the government and the MILF  be convened to tackle the situation;

d.      the President, no less, should fly to  and  hold a Command Conference in Cotabato City to deal with the situation and receive and act on the inputs, if any from the multi sectoral group.
     

I am sure, there are already initiatives done along the lines of what I have outlined above. But I have not seen any these being relayed to the public. The citizens' apprehensions must be allayed and eased.

But the undeniable fact must  remain: WE CANNOT ALLOW THE BAD GUYS TO WIN. WE CANNOT ALLOW THE TERRORISTS TO DOMINATE OUR LIVES! Government cannot do it alone. Everyone must help!

                                                -30-

ADVOCACY MINDANoW FOUNDATION, INC. (AMFI)

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SSS six-month collections reach P5.32-B in Southern Luzon

SSS six-month collections reach P5.32-B in Southern Luzon

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY --- Contribution collections from Social Security System (SSS) members here in the province of Palawan and from the rest of Southern Luzon totaled P5.32 billion from January to June 2013, up by eight percent from the P4.91 billion collected in the area for the same period in 2012.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said contributions from large accounts, or companies with at least 100 employees, amounted to P3.42 billion or 65 percent of the total. This was five percent more than the P3.26-billion large accounts collection in Southern Luzon for the first half of 2012.

“Contributions from employers with less than a hundred employees as well as those from self-employed and voluntary SSS members rose by 15 percent for a total of P1.89 billion. This shows an increase of nearly P250 million from the P1.65-billion branch accounts collection for January to June 2012,” he said. “The growth in collections reflects our successful efforts to promote the importance of active SSS membership among workers here in Southern Luzon.”

Meanwhile, P3.84 million in benefit payments were released in Southern Luzon for the first six months of 2013, a two-percent increase from the P3.75 billion disbursed by SSS for the same period in 2012. Nearly 79 percent of the disbursements, or about P3.01 billion, were paid for regular pensions of over 153,000 SSS pensioners based in the region.

De Quiros and top SSS officials are in this city for a “Stakeholders' Forum” on August 14 with employers and members from Southern Luzon to update them on SSS developments and gather direct feedback on SSS programs and policies. Also part of the three-day itinerary is the “Kapihan sa SSS” with the local media and various consultation meetings with SSS officials and branch employees.

“Among of the major highlights of the SSS Regional Visit to Southern Luzon is the launch of the AlkanSSSya program for the Ihawig Prison and Penal Farm on August 15. This microsavings program will help inmates maximize their productive years in prison thru a mechanism that allows them to regularly save a portion of their earnings from livelihood projects for SSS contributions, so that they may avail themselves of SSS benefits and loans during times of great need,” he said.

The SSS has 2.1 million members in Southern Luzon, who are served by 17 SSS branches that are located in Palawan, San Pablo, Batangas, Binan, Boac, Calamba, Calapan, Infanta, Lipa, Lucena, Romblon, San Jose, Sta. Cruz, Bacoor, Carmona, Rosario and Tagaytay. About 1.49 million members in Southern Luzon are registered employees, including 3,787 domestic workers, while almost 564,000 are self-employed and voluntary members.

Saudi Arabia recognizes Mayor Zahara Ampatuan of Maguindanao for peace Accord

                                         RIC CLET and RT staff          

      Shariek Aguak, Maguindanao- Mayor Zahara Upam Ampatuan  of this town is the recipient of an award from Riyadh, Kingdom  of Saudi Arabia recognizing her effort in supporting the peace accord after both panels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government Republic of the Philippines (GRP) signed the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA) and for holding a Grand Kanduli last October 2012 for the purpose.

    The event has something to be proud of after her effort reached to other nation  

    As chief Executive of the town, she and her constituents are very supportive to the peace negotiations and believes that this effort calls for the town’s development.

    Peace in Mindanao is elusive yet, Mayor Ampatuan believes that peace must be given a chance somehow for Mindanaons to be able to achieve their dreams and aspirations. “This is not for politics but for public service which I know it could be done by every leader if they will just do their part and not be blinded of what are happening”,Ampatuan disclosed.   The Mayor manifested to strive for more and be able to achieve her plans amidst obstacle along the way for prosperity of the Bangsamoro.

   The Holy month of Ramadan through fasting, the mayor said provided her better determination and discernment in her aspirations for the betterment of her town and her constituents.

   Ampatuan expressed her gratitude to those who support and cooperate in her administration. The mayor is determined to pursue what are things put in her shoulder despite her heavy loads.   

Surigao Norte Barangays prone to calamities

                                                
Mariz Revales                                

   Some of the barangays in the town of Socorro Island in the province of Surigao del Norte are in danger to calamities, according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

   Based on the historical account and scientific studies some of the barangays of Navarro, Rizal, Sta Cruz, Pamusaingan, Sering,  Helen,Taruc, Del Pilar, Songkoy and Conrado are prone to tsunami , storm surge, landslides and wildfire.

   Residents of these barangay were accounted more or less to be 2,275 families and 14,882 individual.

   Studies, recently was conducted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of this town  on what measures to be taken to reduce the effect  whenever calamities occurred in the area.

Mayor,16 others face plunder raps

  by Sonny Sudaria
Mindanao Daily News

   Iligan City - A law firm here has sued former Iligan City Mayor  Lawrence Ll Cruz along with 16 others with four  counts of plunder with the office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao.
    Lawyers Voltaire I. Rovira and Dexter Rey T. Sumaoy of the Rovira Law Office in Iligan City filed the plunder cases against 16 former and incumbent officials in Iligan City.
    16 former and incumbent officials in Iligan City and a senior official of a private corporation in connection with the alleged irregular,illegal, and unlawful sale of two power plants.
     The two power plants have combined generation capacity of 98 megawatts.
     Based on their complaints, Rovira and Sumaoy claimed that the former officials (some  were reelected in this year's May elections ) sold the power plant only for  P 386,911,780.44 to Conal Holdings Corporation whose original price is pegged  roughly at 2.4 billion.
       Facing charges for violation of Republic Acts 3019 and 7080 are Mr.Tirso Santillan Jr., executive officer of Conal Holdings Corporation, former Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll Cruz, former Vice Mayor  Henry C. Dy, and former councilor and now  Vice Mayor Ruderic C.Marzo.
        Also facing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman -Mindanao was incumbent councilors  Provedencio A. Abragan Jr.,, Frederic W. Siao, Marlene Young L.Young, Simplicio N, Larrazabal III, Ariel P. Anghay, Michelle F. Sweet, Bayani C. Areole, and Roy L.Openiano.
        Included in the list of respondents was  former councilors Chonilo O.Ruiz, Moises G.Dalisay, Jose L. Zalsos, Bernanrd Y. Pacana and Sanggguniang Kabataan  representative to the City Councilor Riza P. Magaro.
    For his part,Cruz belittlled  the plunder case filed against them saying it has no strong evidence that can pin them down.
    The former mayor also said the plunder case was merely manipulated to harass him and his fellow officials in Iligan City, the industrial city of the south. 

CSO Statement: Why were these Abu Sayyaf bombers released from jail?

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Media Statement
August 12, 2013

CONDUCT AN IMMEDIATE AND IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATION OVER THE RELEASE FROM DETENTION OF HIGH-VALUED ABU SAYAF BOMBERS AND KIDNAPPERS

On behalf of the bereaved families and victims of bombings and kidnappings in Mindanao and in the  interest truth and justice, the undersigned civil society organizations, human rights defenders and peace advocates strongly call for an immediate and impartial investigation over the suspicious release from detention of high-valued Abu Sayyaf inmates from the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA) of Bicutan Jail sometime in February 2013 through the alleged “facilitation” of a very powerful politician from Sulu.

While Mindanaoans are terrorized with the spate of bombings now rocking the fledgling peace in Mindanao, it is highly repulsive and mind-boggling why national agencies of government like the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), which is under the Office of the President, and the Task Force on Anti-Terrorism of the Department of Justice allowed the release of highly dangerous terrorists who made no qualms that they are involved in bombings and kidnappings.

On February 7, 2013, national print and online media outfits reported the order of the Department of Justice to release 18 suspected Abu Sayyaf men allegedly wrongfully accused of kidnapping as “There appears to be no proof of their participation in the kidnapping much less evidence of their purported membership in the Abu Sayyaf Group.”  The 18 were charged for the kidnapping and beheading of Jehovah’s Witness/Almeda Group members in 2002.  Because of the dropping of their criminal charges by the DOJ, these 18 walked to freedom on February 15, 2013.

What is shocking is that barely a month from their release from prison, four of these 18 suspects, namely Muhammad Sali Said, Robin Sahiyal, Julhamad Ahad and Mujibar Amon were presented before the Regional Trial Court of Manila-Branch 19 as witnesses of Governor Abdusakur Tan in criminal cases which he has filed against a known human rights defender from Sulu.

In open court, these men have admitted that they are bombers, kidnappers and proud active members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.  Sali Said, the star witness produced by the Governor, admitted that he was released from prison through the help of the lawyer of the governor who offered to help him “process (his) papers for release” on the condition that his group will agree to stand as false witnesses for the governor.

Why these Abu Sayyaf inmates released from prison is the biggest question that up to now the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Department of Justice refuse to answer.   Who repackaged these highly dangerous terrorists to fall under the legal assistance program of the NCMF and made them appear as innocent Muslims wrongly arrested due to mistaken identity?  While we are of course supportive of this type of programs as there are indeed hundreds of innocent detainees now languishing in jail, we strongly condemn the act of “inserting” into the list of innocent Muslims wrongly arrested due to mistaken identity—the names of at least four Abu Sayyaf bombers and kidnappers, namely Robin Sahiyal, Muhammad Sali Said and Julhamad Ahadi who walked to freedom last February 15, 2013.

While our young soldiers are risking their lives and limbs running after the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, it is simply sickening to the senses and a complete mockery of justice to find our own national agencies like the NCMF and DOJ providing free legal assistance to high-valued terrorists, bombers and kidnappers?  How can we ever reconcile the use of taxpayers’ money to set free the Abu Sayyaf Group?  How can NCMF and DOJ ever miss the sea of difference between an innocent Muslim wrongly arrested due to mistaken identity and the solid intelligence dossier of these hard core terrorists?

Who placed the names of these terrorists into the list of innocent Muslims wrongly arrested due to mistaken identity?  Who made the deal so that the four ASG witnesses of the Governor will be categorized as innocent Muslims? Who closed his eyes on the glaring fact that these four are Abu Sayyaf members? Who repackaged the four terrorists to become innocent, wrongly arrested Muslims so they can qualify into the NCMF legal assistance program?

These questions demand answers from NCMF, DOJ and the Provincial Government of Sulu whose appalling modus operandi has ostensibly exposed the civilian population into such extreme level of risks from these terrorists who are now freely roaming around public places and could now be plotting the next bomb to detonate and kill our own people.

We appeal to the Philippine Senate to immediately call for an inquiry so that the NCMF, DOJ and the Vice Governor of Sulu will be able to answer for all these issues.

In the name of the victims of  bombings and other terroristic acts in Mindanao, we urge President Aquino to demonstrate the full force of the law by holding his very own agencies of government and political allies accountable to the “matuwid na daan” policy.

SIGNED:

PAT SARENAS
Chairperson
Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE)
REV. L. DANIEL PANTOJA
President
Peacebuilders Community, Inc.
SISTER MARIA ARNOLD NOEL, SPPS
Convenor
Mindanao Solidarity Network
PASTOR REU MONTECILLO
Presiding Chair
Mindanao Peoples Caucus
MAX DE MESA
Chair
Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates
GUIAMEL ALIM
Lead Convenor
Mindanao Peaceweavers
ISMAEL MAULANA
Secretary General
Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society
SALIC IBRAHIMChairperson
Reform the ARMM Now (RAN)
Advocacy on Tribal Organization Network, Inc. (ATONI)
Agong Network
AKBAYAN
Al-Ihsan Foundation
Alliance of Progressive Labor
Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao
Alternative Center for Health and Development, Inc. (ACHDI)
Alyansa ng mga Nagkakaisang Kabataang Manggagawa (AKMA)
Apo Agbibilin, Inc.
Archdiocese Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue
Balay Integrated Rehabilitation for Total Development, Inc.  (BIRTHDEV)
Balay Rehabilitation Center
Balo-i Muslim-Christian Movement for Peace
Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace
Bangsamoro Initiatives for Services and Consultancy, Inc.
Bangsamoro Women Initiatives for Development, Inc.
Bangsamoro Youth Leaders Forum
Bantay Ceasefire
Bawgbug, Inc.
Bayug Island Fishermen Association
Bonbonon Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Bong D. Fabe, Freelance Journalist; ACCESS-ACDO
Building Alternative Rural Resource Institutions and Organizing Services (BARRIOS)
Center for Peoples Self-Determination
Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP)
Civil Society Organizations of Lanao del Norte for Peace, Progress and Development
Claimants 1081
Concerned Citizens of Sulu
Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Inc. (CBCS) - Sharief Alawi
Cotabato Council of Elders
ECOWEB, Inc.
Eden Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Fatima Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (FATODA)
Federation of Matigsalug Tribal Councils
Foundation for Integral and Holistic Community Development
Freedom from Debt Coalition
Higaonon Migsabuwa Ta Lanao, Inc. (Migsabuwa)
Hugpong Alang sa Yanong Mamumuo sa Gensan (HAYAG)
Iligan Abaca Producers Cooperative
International Solidarity Conference on Mindanao
Ittihaddun Nisa Foundation (INFO), Inc.
Kaabag Ranao, Inc. (KRI)
Kagsabuwa hu Kalinaw daw Kalamboan, Inc. (Kagsabuwa)
Kahugpungan sa Lumadnon nga Kababayen-an sa Iligan City ug Lanao del Norte (KLKICLDN)
Kahugpungan sa Mindanao
Kapamagogopa, Inc.
Kapisanan ng Maralitang Obrero (KAMAO)
Kaumpiya sa Mindanao, Inc.
Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya
Lanao Alliance for Human Rights Advocates, Inc. (LAHRA)
Lanao Educational of the Arts and Development, Inc. (LEAD)
Landcare Foundation of the Philippines
Local Initiatives for Peace and Development in Mindanao (LIPAD MINDANAO), Inc.
Lower Mandulog Farmers Cooperative
LUNA, Inc.
Mahad Multipurpose Cooperative
Maligaya Community Workers Association (MACOWA)
Malna Kapai Kapamagogopa Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Manobo Lumadnong Panaghiusa
Maranao People Development Center, Inc. (MARADECA)
Medical Action Group
Mindanao Alliance for Peace
Mindanao Alliance for Peace and Development (MAPAD)
Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW) – Area Core group
Mindanao Congress of Development NGOs and NGIs (MINCON)
Mindanao Farmers Development Center
Mindanao Legal Assistance Center, Inc.
Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions
Mindanao Peace Partners
MNLF Arakan Cooperative
Moro Women Development and Cultural Center (MWDECC), Inc.
Moro-Indigenous Peoples (IP) Kinship Council
MY PEACE
National Anti-Poverty Commission-Victims of Disasters and Calamities (NAPC-VDC) National Confederation of Transport Workers Union (NCTU)
National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP) - Maguindanao Provincial Chapter
Neo Iranun Multi Sectoral Association (NIMSA), Inc.
NOORUS SALAM, Central Mindanao
One People Mindanao
Organization of Teduray and Lambangian Conference (OTLAC)
Pagungayan Ami so mga Kagnudaan Antapan ko Kamapiyaan ago Kadtatabanga (PAKAT), Inc.
Pailig Development Foundation, Inc.
Pakigdait, Inc. (Interfaith)
Panaghugpong sa mga Samohante ug Kabus sa Kabanikanhan alang sa Kausaban (PASAKA)
Panagtagbo-Mindanao
PATHJ-Mindanao
Peksalabukan Bangsa Subanen
Peoples Center for Community Development
Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches
Philippine Human Rights Information Center (PHILRIGHTS)
Plebacdad Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Radyo Natin Club – Lanao del Norte
Ranao Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Action Center, Inc. (RDRRAC)
Ranao Women and Children Rehabilitation Center (RWCRC)
Rising Star Multi-Purpose Cooperative
San Jose Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Association (SJISFFA)
San Juan Workers and Community Association (SANJUWOCA)
San Miguel Woodcraft Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Sanlakas Mindanao
SELDA Greater Davao
SIMMCARRD
Social Workers Coordinating Council (SWCC)
SOCSKSARGEN Workers Network for Grassroots Advocacy (SWN)
Suara Kalilintad
Sulu Ulama Council for Peace and Development
Sustainable Cooperation for Equitable Enterprise Development, Inc. (SUCCEED, Inc.)
Tabang Ako Siyap Ko Bangsa Iranun Saya Ko Kalilintad Ago
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines
Task Force Kalilintad
Task Force Ugalingan Limbalod
Technical Assistance Center for Development of Rural and Urban Poor
Tripeople Concern for Peace and Development
Tripeople for Peace and Development
Tri-people Youth Cooperation Circle
Tulung Lupah Sug
United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD)
United Youth Philippines
Women's Initiative for Social Empowerment (WISE)
Yumang-LlidoMisa Mini Tricycle operators and Drivers Association (YULLIMMTODA)
FOR INQUIRIES, please contact:
Rose Trajano: 0906-553-1792 and (02)436-26-33
Jun Aparece: 09177015058

Court orders arrest of solon, 5 others

No bail for Lanao del Norte lawmaker

 Inquirer.net

     The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered the arrest of Lanao del Norte Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo and five other persons for malversation of P5 million in public funds, in one of the hundreds of dubious transactions made in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam in 2004 allegedly orchestrated by then Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-joc” Bolante.

      Dimaporo is the fifth lawmaker to be implicated in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam after Representatives Oscar Gozos of Batangas province, Federico Sandoval of Navotas City, Nanette Castelo-Daza of Quezon City, and Carmencita Reyes of Marinduque province.

      Bolante is on trial in the Sandiganbayan on charges of plunder in connection with the fertilizer fund scam.

He is accused of diverting taxpayers’ money to the 2004 campaign of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Beyond P5M

     Requests for funding from the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund beyond P5 million have to be approved by the Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization.

    On the recommendation of the Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Roland B. Jurado has denied bail to Dimaporo in the malversation charge.

     But Jurado approved a P30,000 bail for Dimaporo in the charge of causing undue injury to the government.

     A source said the 63-year-old lawmaker has requested that he be detained at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, as he has a heart condition.

     The first hearing is set next Monday.

      The Sandiganbayan issued the arrest warrant on July 31, after finding no reason to overturn the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause to indict Dimaporo and his five codefendants for malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.

      Dimaporo and his codefendants, former provincial agriculturist Isabelo Luna and private citizens Felizardo Dragon, Evangeline Ontiveros, Rosalinda Bisenio and Elmer Sayre, were accused of graft for conspiring to obtain the release of taxpayers’ money for the fictitious purchase of 10,000 bags of Saka organic fertilizer under the farm inputs and farm implements program of the Department of Agriculture.

     The four private individuals were officers of Lanao Foundation Inc. (LFI), an NGO Dimaporo formed about two decades ago and which was used as conduit for the fertilizer fund.

     Dimaporo and the other defendants allegedly used fake, undated inspection reports, undated acceptance reports, physical and financial status reports, and a list of farmer-beneficiaries to simulate the delivery of organic fertilizer to Dimaporo’s office and its distribution to farmers in the second district of Lanao del Norte through Lanao Foundation.

No delivery

     In her decision in October 2012, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said no fertilizer was delivered and distributed “thereby giving unwarranted benefit, advantage, or preference to LFI and causing undue injury to the government.”

     Dimaporo and his wife, Imelda, are also facing graft charges for the misappropriation of P50 million in state funds intended for the purchase high-breed cattle.

     The cattle were supposed to be distributed to farmers, but were allegedly diverted to Dimaporo’s farm in Mamagum, Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

     But Jurado approved a P30,000 bail for Dimaporo in the charge of causing undue injury to the government.

     A source said the 63-year-old lawmaker has requested that he be detained at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, as he has a heart condition.

    The first hearing is set next Monday.

     The Sandiganbayan issued the arrest warrant on July 31, after finding no reason to overturn the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause to indict Dimaporo and his five codefendants for malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.

     Dimaporo and his codefendants, former provincial agriculturist Isabelo Luna and private citizens Felizardo Dragon, Evangeline Ontiveros, Rosalinda Bisenio and Elmer Sayre, were accused of graft for conspiring to obtain the release of taxpayers’ money for the fictitious purchase of 10,000 bags of Saka organic fertilizer under the farm inputs and farm implements program of the Department of Agriculture.

    The four private individuals were officers of Lanao Foundation Inc. (LFI), an NGO Dimaporo formed about two decades ago and which was used as conduit for the fertilizer fund.

     Dimaporo and the other defendants allegedly used fake, undated inspection reports, undated acceptance reports, physical and financial status reports, and a list of farmer-beneficiaries to simulate the delivery of organic fertilizer to Dimaporo’s office and its distribution to farmers in the second district of Lanao del Norte through Lanao Foundation.

No delivery

      In her decision in October 2012, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said no fertilizer was delivered and distributed “thereby giving unwarranted benefit, advantage, or preference to LFI and causing undue injury to the government.”

     Dimaporo and his wife, Imelda, are also facing graft charges for the misappropriation of P50 million in state funds intended for the purchase high-breed cattle.

     The cattle were supposed to be distributed to farmers, but were allegedly diverted to Dimaporo’s farm in Mamagum, Sultan Naga Dimaporo.