Army, Police build school building for the students in Sapad

Sapad,  Lanao del Norte, Philippines - The Bravo Company 15 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division under the supervision of LTC. Audie A. Mongao INF (GSC) Philippine Army  Commanding Officer of 15IB, 3ID, initiated to conduct Bayanihan activity for the construction of one school building for Kindergarten at Mapurog Elementary School  Brgy Mapurog Sapad LDN.

The said activity was participated by the Philippine National Police of Sapad under the supervision of Police Inspector  Rando M Salvacion, Acting Chief of Police. Also the personnel of Bravo Company, of the said Battalion under the leadership of 1st Lieutenant Marlouie S. Dicen  (CE) of Philippine Army , Acting Commanding Officer together with the Philippine National Police of Sapad headed by SPO2 Michael D Patalinghog,faculty and staff of Mapurog Elementary School headed by Alexander Doria,Office In-Charge the barangay officials headed by Dave Montero Brgy Chairman,drug surrenderies and local populace in said barangay working hand on hand/ Bayanihan activity to construct (1) school building on October 27, 2016 in said school  at exactly 08:00 O’clock in the morning.

The said activity aim to support the needs of the Department of Education to provide a comfortable and conducive learning process to the pupils in said school.

The cooperation of the Bravo personnel and PNP of Sapad was very much appreciated by the community and created a great impact to sustain the unit mission for the peace and development and it result to the positive relation in the community and can prevent or it help to resolve the conflict.

The activity shows to the general public the unity and teamwork of Bravo Company Philippine Army  and PNP of Sapad are sincere to provide any assistance to catalyst the peace and development in the area even though the said project was not been finished,the Phil.Army and PNP said "we can assured to the community that the Bravo Company and PNP of Sapad will work together for the benefit of the children in said school".(PR/photo credited to Bravo Coy 15IB 3ID/ with report by Mike Navarro/posted by Becky D. de Asis)  

5IB conducts pinning of rank and insignia to the newly promoted enlisted personnel

Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines – Lieutenant Colonel Mars T. Gayat  of Philippine Army , Commanding Officer of the 5^th Infantry (Duty-Bound) Battalion, 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army officially pinned the new rank and insignia to newly promoted enlisted personnel to the next higher grade of this unit a total of one hundred twenty seven (127) Enlisted Personnel of  at different line companies, started at Charlie Company on 12 Oct 2016 with twenty seven (27) EP, Delta Coy 13 Oct 2016 with twenty eight (28) EP, Bravo Coy 15 Oct 2016 with thirty three (33) EP ,  Alpha Company 17 Oct 2016 with twenty five (25) EP and Battalion Headquarters on 24 October 2016 with fourteen (14) enlisted personnel.

In his message, Lieutenant Colonel Gayat Temphasized that promotion stands for higher expectations and profound responsibilities. The well-deserve promotion of said enlisted personnel is based on their individual accomplishments and service reputation which marked their invaluable service and commitment to serve the Philippine Army. (with report by: Maj. Elzhoor D. Jimlah/ posted by Becky D. de Asis - the redline news)

5IB Launches "Handog Pamasko para sa CAFGU; Christmas box projects"

Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines – Several number of Stakeholders and friends of Duty-Bound troopers gladly received the Christmas Boxes handed by Lieutenat Colonel Marces T. Gayat Commanding Officer of the 5^th Infantry (Duty-Bound) Battalion (CADRE), 1ID, PHilippine Army for their voluntary donations of used clothing and old items to be offered for the CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) during the launching of “Handog Pamasko Para sa CAFGU: Christmas Box Project” held at its Headquarters in Brgy Del Pilar, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte on 22 October 2016. 

The Handog Pamasko Para sa CAFGU: Christmas Box Project dubbed with the theme: “Kaligayahan ng CAFGU sa Pasko, Kapayapaan ng Bawat Pilipino.”, was conceptualized with the aim to provide every CAA and Special CAA under the administrative control of 5IB covering the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Sur and portion of Zamboanga Sibugay Province and Zamboanga del Norte with fruitful and bountiful celebration of Christmas holiday season. 

According to Colonel Gayat, this project would surely boost the morale of these CAAs and SCAAs through the special attention, love and gratitude given to them by the unit and different stakeholders. Furthermore, this would also provide a better opportunity for the unit and concern stakeholders to recognize and express one’s gesture of thanks and gratitude to the faithful service and sacrifices of these CAAs and SCAAs in their respective communities and localities. 

During the launching ceremony, the Guest of Honor and Speaker Honorable Cecilia J. Carreon, Mayor of the Municipality of Piñan and former Representative of the 1^st District of Zamboanga del Norte lauded every 5IB Duty-Bound trooper for conceptualizing the Handog Pamasko Para sa CAFGU: Christmas Box Project. In her speech, she mentioned that this project is so brilliant and timely because aside from the regular but low compensation that we Filipinos give to these CAAs, this is a very nice way that we can give our “Handog” or as our “payback” for their utmost sacrifices they rendered and offered for the sake of maintaining peace and security in our country.  

The launching ceremony signals the start of the distribution of Christmas boxes which the unit intends to distribute to different offices of Local Government Units, Local Government Agencies, other concerned stakeholders and friends within its areas of administration.

LTC GAYAT said, “It is our fervent hope for the success of this Handog Pamasko Para sa CAFGU: Christmas Box Project through the help and support of different stakeholders thereby making every CAAs and SCAAs including their families feel that they are blessed and satisfied on this coming Christmas holiday season.” ( with report by MAJ ELZHOOR D JIMLAH (INF) PA, CMO Officer/posted by Becky D. de Asis -the redline news)

                                                                        

Deadliest shootout in NorthCot. Maguindanao Mayor and 9 aides slain in shootout

by: Becky D. de Asis

Cotabato City - A Maguindanao Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom was tag earlier by President Duterte  as one of NarcoPoliticians in Mindanao and his 9 aides were killed in shootout in the Makilala municipality were the anti-narcotics policemen conducted checkpoint early morning yesterday in the said place.

The said mayor Samsudin Ampatuan of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao was one of among 150 politicians, Judges, Police officers were mentioned by President Duterte last August involved in illegal drug trade.

Makilala Police Chief Elias Colonia of Mindanao's  Anti-Drug unit said that Mayor Dimaukom and his 9 aides were aboard of 2 vehicles and when they stopped along the Highway of Barangay old Bulatukan at about 4:30 in the morning yeasterday, the mayor vehicles slowed down, but his bodyguard opened fire at the checkpoint policemen, said Colonia.

After the shootout, Dimaukom and his 9 bodyguards were brought to Makilala Medical Specialists Hospital but the attending physicians were pronounced dead on arrival.(By: Becky D. de Asis)

Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations resulted the arrest of 2 suspects in Zamboanga

Zamboanga City, Philippines - Personnel of Station Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Zamboanga City Police Station 5 (Divisoria) led by Police ChiefInspector Arlan Lim Dalumpines  in close coordination with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Regional Office 9, conducted Anti-Illegal drugs Operation (buy-bust) at vicinity of Callejon, Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City at about 12:10 AM of October 27, 2016.

This resulted in the arrest of one suspected drug pusher identified as Crisel Ruth Guerrero Y Ortuoste a.k.a “Baday”, female, 25 years old, single and her live-in partner identified one Dan Mariano Y Candido, 26 years old, single and both residents of said place. 

Confiscated/seized during the operation were: (1) small heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or “Shabu” (buy-bust item); two (2) small heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or “Shabu” (possession) and 
Two Hundred pesos (Php200.00) registered marked money consisted of one (1) bill of Php100.00 bearing serial numbers EX365173 and two (2) bills of Php50.00 with serial numbers MQ283422 and Q542621. Subject Crisel Guerrero is included in target drug watch list of ZCPS 5.

 Estimated street value of the confiscated shabu is six hundred pesos (Php600.00).

 Confiscated suspected shabu were forwarded to 9th PNP Crime Laboratory Office (CLO9) for qualitative and quantitative examination while the recovered marked money were properly turned-over to the investigator on case. Suspects are presently detained at ZCPS 5 pending the filing of appropriate charges in court. (PR-PIO9/posted by: Becky D. de Asis)

IP advisory council, reconstituted BTC to ensure inclusivity in peace process-Dureza

MANILA CITY – The creation of a reconstituted Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and an advisory council for the indigenous people are underway to guarantee that there is a more inclusive and more transparent peace process under the Duterte administration according to Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza.

“We are talking with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front) and the Bangsamoro across peace tables but the problem [is that] there is a bigger table outside,” Dureza explained in a forum on indigenous people and the peace process held in the city earlier this week.

“These are people, stakeholders. Hindi member ng CPP-NPA-NDF; hindi member ng MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front); hindi member ng MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front); pero kalahok sila (sa negotiations). Mas malaki ang table na yan at kailangan meron silang inputs in our work today (These are people, stakeholders. They are not members of the CPP-NPA-NDF; they are not members of the MNLF; they are not members of the MILF; but they are a part of the negotiations. They have a bigger table and they should have inputs in our work today),” he added.

The government’s peace secretary also pointed out that there is a danger in continuing a track of exclusivity and closed door negotiations. “We therefore have to gauge the public already so we are very transparent in our media, communications work, organizing several tables.”

Dureza also maintained that the active participation of the public is essential to ensure that the peace negotiations will culminate in the ending of armed insurgencies and the achievement of a just, sustainable peace across the country.

“[T]he road to peace is not an easy road. It is not a cemented road. It is not an asphalted road. There are humps and bumps along the way, but if you travel with us along the way perhaps we will be there together and reach the destination we want [which is] peace para sa lahat [for everyone].”

IP advisory council to be formed for peace panels

Ethnic groups and tribal leaders will form part of an advisory council that will provide voices of national minorities in guidance on the peace negotiations with the communist rebels and the creation of a Bangsamoro enabling law, according to Dureza.

He pointed out that the ethnic minorities play an important role in ensuring the success of the peace negotiations and that their recommendations are valuable in the implementation of signed peace agreements. “[T]he IPs compose a very important sector in our work. I have already taken that with the President and he approved.”

“[T]his will be the first that we will be having what we will call the IP advisory council that will advise the panels -- panel that is handling the BTC, panels handling the CPP-NPA-NDF -- so may inputs sila doon sa mangyayari (they have inputs on what would happen).”

“[M]eron silang opportunity na ipahayag yung gusto nilang maisali dun sa mga batas na yan (They have an opportunity to express their intention to join be included in the law) so we will be creating an IP advisory council that will advise the PAPP and provide inputs to all the panels,” he further explained.

“We cannot promise lahat ng sasabihin nila ay mangyayari but at least napapakinggan sila at may mga aksyon na gagawin din (We cannot promise that all of their proposals will be realized but at least they will be heard and that there are actions that can be taken),” Dureza said.

New BTC to work on federalism pilot state in Bangsamoro

The presidential peace process adviser also noted that an executive order on the reconstitution of a more inclusive and more transparent BTC is now awaiting the signature of the president. 

“We are now re-crafting, reconstituting the Bangsamoro commission that will craft a new bill that hopefully Congress will also approve to replace the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law),” he said. “[I]nstead of 15 members in the BTC that will work again on a new, proposed bill in Congress, pumayag sila (MILF) to make it inclusive from 15 to 21.” Meron tayong additional diyan para sa MNLF, kung sino pa man, IPs at iba pa (Instead of 15 members in the BTC that will work again on a new, proposed bill in Congress, the MILF agreed to make it inclusive from 15 to 21. We have additional members from the MNLF, concerned stakeholders, IPs and more).”

Dureza added that the said commission will be tasked to draft a new enabling law for the implementation of all signed Bangsamoro agreements including the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF.

The BTC was first convened in 2014 through Executive Order No. 120 which gives the body the mandate to: to draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law with provisions consistent with the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro; and to recommend to Congress or the people proposed amendments to the 1987 Philippine Constitution whenever necessary.

Speaking on the envisioned new enabling law of the 2014 CAB in a press conference last July, Dureza maintained that its passage remained up to Congress. “[The Bangsamoro] have to work out together the convergence of all their interests, of all these groups, and then if Congress will pass it, then they will pass it.” 

The OPAPP secretary also said that the enabling law can be the pilot for the proposed federalism being espoused by President Duterte. “The enabling law that will be passed coming from the BTC, the Bangsamoro themselves, in convergence, can be also a pilot federal state of the Bangsamoro as we move towards a nationwide federal setup later on.” (PR/posted by Becky D. de Asis)

---

Public participation key to Bangsamoro peace pacts implementation

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

NYC BAGS MOST OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTING OFFICE HALL OF FAME AWARD FOR 2015

Making efficiency as a battlecry has its own merits.

The National Youth Commission adds another feather to its cap as it garnered the coveted Most Outstanding Accounting Office award that made NYC to the Hall of Fame.

In ceremonies held at the Bohol Tropics Hotel on October 19, 2016, the award was given by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno where NYC was cited as ‘dutifully compliant in the submission of timely and accurate financial statements with unqualified auditor’ s opinion’.

The recognition program for accounting offices is spearheaded by the Association of Government Accountants in the Philippines (AGAP) with the objective of promoting efficiency in fiscal transactions in the bureaucracy.

On hand to receive the award were NYC Executive Director Nielex Tupas; NYC Admin and Finance Chief, Arturo Magadan; current NYC Accountant Anna Mae Andam; former NYC Accountant Edgardo Facistol; NYC Accounting personnel Kevin Sanchez and Lyn Robles.

“I congratulate the NYC accounting team for this significant accomplishment as it serves as an inspiration to fellow government workers and also serve as a model that is worthy of emulation. It now poses a challenge to work better and harder to be able to maintain the ultimate standards of efficiency in government accounting work,” NYC Chairperson Aiza Seguerra said. (PR/posted by Becky D. de Asis)

Minorities' march for peace, development

Aurora, Philippines -- a coastal province facing the vast Pacific Ocean roughly 320 kilometers north-east of Manila -- is home to the Alta-Dumagat tribe. It is said that they arrived in this archipelago that would be later known as the Philippines thirty to twenty thousand years ago, making them among the first to populate its islands. Ethnographic studies indicate that the Alta-Dumagat belongs to the more than thirty-three identified Agta groups all over the county and one of the sixteen known in north-eastern Luzon. A gentle yet proud people, the Alta-Dumagat has always lived in harmony both with nature and other people. 

However, their peaceful narrative would be turned into one of marginalization and defiance with the arrival of local companies and corporations that altered forever their settlements, forests, and drainage systems. More than the damages caused to the Agta ecosystem, this unwanted influx also undermined their traditional and local leadership reducing the influence of their elders to small, constrained communities that further accelerated their marginalization.

Similar to all indigenous peoples and other marginalized sectors, the story of Alta-Dumagat would eventually happen upon with those of the organized armed struggle of various rebel groups (the Bangsamoro fronts of Mindanao and the communist insurgency that would take rootsand assume many forms across the country) that are also fighting for self-determination, cultural identity, socio-economic equality, and justice to historical grievances.

While successes have been achieved in the government’s negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – and to some extent with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) – during the incumbency of the last administration, the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) have been found wanting, almost non-existent even.

“Similar to all indigenous peoples and other marginalized sectors, the story of Alta-Dumagat would eventually happen upon with those of the organized armed struggle of various rebel groups that are also fighting for self-determination, cultural identity, socio-economic equality, and justice to historical grievances.”

All of those changed when President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assumed office last June. As part of his confidence-building efforts with the communist insurgents, he immediately called for a unilateral ceasefire which was eventually reciprocated by the NDF. That decision has yielded positive results: two successful rounds of negotiations in Oslo that bring the whole country closer to achieving peace and effecting genuine and meaningful socio-economic reforms.

Kakay Tolentino’s continuing struggle for the Alta-Dumagat

For Kakay Tolentino, a leader of the Alta-Dumagat and member of the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP), the government’s accelerated negotiations with the NDF is a welcome relief.

​

“Sa mga organizations tulad ng mga IPs, makakatulong ang gobyerno ng malaki kung ma-aaddress ang concern namin sa socio-economicreform (To organizations such as the indigenous peoples, the government can provide a great help if they will be able to address our concerns on socio-economic reform).”

Kakay is no stranger to civil movements having for decades campaigned for the preservation of their ancestral lands and against killings of indigenous peoples. The celebration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Month throughout the month of October is what currently brought her here in Manila.

Together with thousands of indigenous peoples from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Tolentino came and joined the “Lakbayan ng Pambasang Minorya” to help voice issues being faced by the national minority.

“We are a peace-loving folk and we prevent conflict as much as possible,” commented Tolentino, adding that they have also been trying to be part of the Oslo talks through other means. “Doon sa mga maraming pinalabas na NDF consultants, nagkaroon kami ng series of consultations para i-review at i-develop yung laman ng Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reform (CASER) at ito yung isinulong ng NDF doon sapeace talks (We’ve had a series of consultations with the freed NDF consultants in order to review and develop the contents of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reform (CASER) and that is among what the NDF is championing in the peace talks).”

“Sa unang resulta ng peace negotiations ay napirmahan naman yung ilang agreements, so maganda nang pangitain sa amin iyon, (Some of the agreements were signed during the first peace negotiations and that is already a good sign for us).

CASER is the substantial agenda of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)-NDF peace talks which houses the most contentious issues such as agrarian reform, national industrialization, and foreign policy. The result of the second round of talks in Oslo, Norway last 6-9 October paved the way for affected communities to enjoy “peace dividends” derived from the unilateral ceasefire agreed by both parties.

Child soldiers children no more

​

Those issues take a different form for Jhandel Libora, a Lumad highschool student of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, and thirteen-year old Alexandra Allawan.

During a cultural integration activity between indigenous and Manila youth, Jhandel shares stories of struggles of the Lumad in the CARAGA Region (Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands). 

“Kaming mga kabataang Lumad matagal nang nananawagan partikular sa serbisyo ng edukasyon. Kaya nakapag initiative ang aming mga magulang na magtayo ng paaralan para sa elementary at high school. Malakas ang aming paninindigan para ipaglaban ang aming lupangninuno at karapatan sa pagpapaunlad ng edukasyon (We, the Lumad youth, have been calling for an improved public service in education. That is why our own parents took initiative in building elementary and secondary schools. We have strong resolve in fighting for our ancestral lands and our right to education),” Libora passionately announced.

Allawan, representing the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) children’s basic sector during a recent nationwide peace and development summit organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), raised her concern on the rampant issue of using children soldiers in Mindanao.

“Mga bata pa po kasi sila tapos tinuturuan sila paano pumatay, paano humawak ng baril; nagttraining sila about doon. Masakit din po para saakin dahil hindi na sila nakakapag aral kasi priority na nila yung training (They are only children yet they are being taught how to kill, how to use guns; they have trainings about those. That is painful for me because they no longer go to school as they prioritize those trainings).” 

Allawan hopes that action will be implemented as soon as final peace agreements are made between the government and rebel groups in order for young Filipino learners to have rightful access to primary education as well as welfare and a secured environment.

​

Indigenous peoples’ advisory council to be formed

Ethnic groups and tribal leaders will form part of an advisory council that will provide voices of national minorities in the peace negotiations with the communist rebels and the creation of a Bangsamoro enabling law, according to OPAPP Secretary Jesus G. Dureza.

The peace secretary, in a recent gathering, pointed out that the ethnic minorities play an important role in ensuring the success of the peace negotiations and that their recommendations are valuable in the implementation of signed peace agreements. “[T]he IPs compose a very important sector in our work. I have already taken that with the President and he approved.”

“[T]his will be the first that we will be having what we will call the IP advisory council that will advise the panels -- panel that is handling the BTC, panels handling the CPP-NPA-NDF -- so may inputs sila doon sa mangyayari (they have inputs on what would happen).”

“[M]eron silang opportunity na ipahayag yung gusto nilang maisali dun sa mga batas na yan (They have an opportunity to express their intention to join be included in the law) so we will be creating an IP advisory council that will advise the PAPP and provide inputs to all the panels,” he further explained.

“We cannot promise lahat ng sasabihin nila ay mangyayari but at least napapakinggan sila at may mga aksyon na gagawin din (We cannot promise that all of their proposals will be realized but at least they will be heard and that there are actions that can be taken),” Dureza said.

Continuing journey for peace and development

​

The signing of a final peace pact between the government and the NDF as well as the passage of a new enabling law to operationalize the Bangsamoro region are all beyond the control of Kakay, Jhandel, and Alexandra.

That, however, does not deter them from continuing to fight for a more just society – one that recognizes their cultural identities and allows them enough democratic space to achieve their full potentials and chart their destinies. For peace and development are more than just concepts to them but tangible norms that should have been a given in the first place. (PR/posted by: Becky D. de Asis-the redline news)

Mayor in Sulu goes Federalism

by: Becky D. de Asis

LUGUS, Sulu, Philippines  - Mayor Hadar Hajiri of Lugus town in this province is supporting the proposed federalism endorsed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Hajiri said he is in favor with federalism since the country is a multi- sectoral society which under this form states can draft their own constitution in conformity with their cultural orientation.

Hajiri hosted a federal forum in this town earlier this month to shade light on federalism to his constituents.

He said federal form of government may solve cultural incompatibility problems among ethnic groups.

Receiving only P4-million monthly allotment from the central government, the mayor added he does everything what is good for his constituents. “I bought one set of multi-million  construction machineries such as pay loader, dump truck, backhoe for his infrastructure project,” said Hajiri.

The mayor also builds his own municipal buildings, police stations and some school buildings in his place.  “I never stop implementing infrastructure project until I saw the town is fully developed,” said the mayor. (by: Becky D. de Asis-the redline news)

Public participation key to Bangsamoro peace pacts implementation

MAKATI CITY – Government Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro Accords Chairperson Irene Santiago stated plans for creating spaces that will allow public participation in the implementation of the signed Bangsamoro peace agreements as a direct response to the directives of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for an inclusive peace process.

Santiago shared her thoughts on how to promote participative, consultative, and integrative forums with relevant stakeholders for Mindanao peace in a panel discussion during the recently held Global Autonomy, Governance, and Federalism Forum 2016 here in the city.

“We need methods that enable people to hear each other because we need to have dialogues more than intersecting monologues,” Santiago stated.

The government panel chair also made mention of organizing different tables per sector, per geographical area, and per group to provide a venue for public conversation on the issues and concerns on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

These conversations are keys to effective implementation of the aforementioned agreements especially that preparations toward the legislation of a new enabling law is already on its way, explained Santiago. “Peace issue in Mindanao is a national enterprise. These processes must be inclusive, integrated, and imaginative.”

“Public demands two thing: to be heard and to be taken seriously… The people want their power to determine the new arrangement of their society,” the panel chair added.

With these proposed open spaces, Santiago envisions to resolve gaps in information, knowledge, and understanding of the public. “Implementation must be anthropologically informed, not just legalistically and democratically informed. I would also like to think that it is peace-informed.”

“The implementation of all peace agreements has not been particularly this been informed,” she recalled.

Santiago also hopes that the dialogues being planned to be undertaken by the government panel, together with their MILF counterpart, will empower people and pave the way for healing and reconciliation.

“In the end, it is the people who decide to empower themselves. We do not empower people; we can only organize spaces where they can do that… More than democratic participation, it must be a process for healing and reconciliation,” Santiago concluded (PR/posted by Becky D. de Asis)

Engr. Abdulmunir Hadjirul optimistic to finish projects before year end

By: Becky D. de Asis

SULU, Philippines – The 1st engineering district of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under Engineer Abdulmunir Hadjirul told reporters their department is in double time implementing several projects to different towns in this province by the year end.

“I am very optimistic, we will reach our time framed in implementing the projects,” said Hajirul in phone call. “We want to give good services for the people of Sulu he added.

Aside from a Multi-Million worth of farm to market road constructions, a 12 senior high school 2-storey building construction is almost complete.

School buildings, barangay hall, water system, rehabilitation on sea shore wall in Patikul, drainage system, road concreting are among the projects implemented in the town of Jolo.

The implementation of the projects is one way complying with the government mandates to give social services to the people especially those in war-torn, far-flung places in the province.

Hajirul knew his efforts will serve his people better.

Few sectors such as the military, religious went to his office asking projects for their wellbeing.

On the other hand, Colonel Renz Salvador of 45th Infantry Battalion told reporters that the engineer is a good government servant. He said Hajirul constructed roads near their battalion camp provided them a road access.(by: Becky D. de Asis -the redline news editor)