Engr. Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul New Years message...

New Year is not about changing the Dates but Direction; It's not about changing Calendar but Commitment;
It's not about changing Actions but Attitude; It's not about Changing the Fruit but Faith, Force and Focus!.. May you commit and create the Best New Year ever!...

My Family and I, the whole staff and employees of Sulu Ist Engineering District wishing you all the most amazing, blessed, peaceful and prosperous New Years to come!..

Happy New Year Everyone!...

Engr. Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul
District Engineer
Sulu Ist Engineering District
Jolo, Sulu

Abdusali "Elay" K. Asmadon New Year's greetings.

Happy New year (2019) to the people of Lugus, Sulu, May this New Year wish, fill  everyone  hearts with hopes of a brighter tomorrow, unfold  our new dreams to realize Allah has a great faith in you.

May this year filled with peace, good health, lots of love and loads of wealth 2019.

Happy New year to everyone!...

Abdusali "Elay" K. Asmadon
Former Mayor
Lugus, Sulu, Philippines

MAKE NOISE USING HORNPIPES

A vendor tests a hornpipe to attract customers in Divisoria, Manila on Thursday (December 27, 2018). Hornpipes are a safer alternative to firecrackers in welcoming the New Year. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

PNP identifies at least 18 areas as election hotspots

MANILA —The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified at least 18 areas as election hotspots.

PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde revealed this after signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the holding of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) Plebiscite in January and February 2019 and the May 13 midterm polls at the Comelec main office in Manila on Friday.

We have one in Region 1. Also, in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao, Basilan, may tatlo dun...” he said.

Albayalde, however, declined to name the identified hotspots.

With this, the PNP head noted that it has yet recommended areas to put under Comelec control.

“As of this time, wala pa kaming other recommendations although on the part of the PNP we have at least 18 that are categorized as hotspots,” Albayalde said.

“We categorized them as hotspots because there were previous incidents of election-related violence and there is a presence of rebel troops in the area and other threat groups,” he added.

But, the PNP chief was quick to say that the 18 areas are not necessarily to be placed under Comelec Control.

“We have 18 cities and municipalities in our list but not necessarily to be under Comelec Control,” he said.

“It will depend on the outcome of the weekly conferences, updates that will be tackled by the technical working group, kung sa tingin naman ng Comelec na of the 18, meron pwedeng ihandle ng Comelec Control, then it’s up to the Comelec to decide,” Albayalde added.

The MOA was signed by Comelec Commissioner Al Parreno, who is the Commissioner in charge of BOL Plebiscite, AFP Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal and Albayalde.

Meanwhile, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that the Comelec has not identified yet areas to be placed under its control.

“Wala po. At this point wala pa which doesn’t mean na hindi na magkakaroon. Maaring magkaroon its just wala pa siya ngayon,” he said in an interview on Thursday.

The poll body earlier said that it is considering placing under its control the municipality of Daraga, Albay, following the ambush of Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe on Saturday. (PNA/By Ferdinand Patinio)

Senate may hold parallel 'parking pork' probe

By Mar Serrano  

LEGAZPI CITY – Senator Cynthia Villar said on Monday the Senate could also hold a parallel probe on the “parking pork” scam issue, which involved billions of alleged funds insertion in the proposed 2019 budget.

Villar stressed, however, that the Senate would not want to preempt the outcome of the investigation being initiated by the Lower House. “We still don’t know and we are not part in the investigation so the Senate will have to wait for the House probe result,” she said.

The Senate probe could come later, Villar noted. “Let the House investigate on this, on how huge amount of funds were inserted allegedly by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).”

She said on the cue of Senator Panfilo Lacson, the Senate could conduct a similar investigation as soon as it receives the result of the investigation by the Lower House.

A probe by the upper chamber may be possibly set in January, Villar added.

The senator was guest during the Awarding Ceremony for the Outstanding Communal Vegetable Garden and Cleanest and Greenest Municipality at the Albay Astrodome here.

She said in an ambush interview, “We don’t want to comment about this issue, we leave this to the House of Congress for them to dig out how this practice happened and who is involved.”

Lacson recently exposed the “parking pork” to media, a new kickback scheme by lawmakers, where big amounts of funds are "parked" in a legislative district by well-connected congressmen.

He said the Senate, once it holds a probe, would scrutinize the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and ask officials to explain the alleged questionable budget insertions. (PNA)

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Preps for Baguio Flower Festival 2019 begin

PANAGBENGA 2019. Photo (from left) shows Baguio Flower Festival Executive Committee co-chairman Anthony de Leon, BFF Foundation Trustee and former mayor Engr. Bernardo Vergara, Mayor Mauricio Domogan, and organizing committee member Freddie Alquiroz tell the media about the changes in the Baguio Flower Festival (Panagbenga) during the launch of the February event on Monday (Dec. 17, 2018). (Photo by Pamela Mariz Geminiano)

BAGUIO CITY -- Preparations for the famous Flower Festival, also known as Panagbenga, have officially started in this mountain resort city.

The city government launched the February festival by earmarking PHP20 million for the grand event, which has for years been proven to be a tourist draw for the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

“Panagbenga shall always be Baguio’s grand celebration of life, proud fiesta of the best in our city’s floral wealth, joyfully shared with our visitors and guests for their fullest enjoyment of the best there is in Baguio,” said Pangabenga executive committee co-chairman, Councilor Elmer Datuin, at the sidelines of the launching program on Monday.

“Panagbenga”, a Kankanaey word meaning “blooming”, was conceptualized in 1995 as a recovery measure after the 1990 earthquake in North Luzon and was first staged in 1996.

Datuin said traditional activities will remain to be the highlight of the Flower Festival, although universities in the city will present cultural shows to present the culture of the Cordillera.

Datuin also said the grand float parade, street dance competition, "Session Road Bloom," and fireworks display are still included in next February's festivities, which both locals and tourists eagerly look forward to every year.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan, lifetime chairman of the Board of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI), said that with the influx of tourists on the last days of February, the city government and the BFFI have decided to adjust the schedule of the grand street dancing and float parades, as well as the closing program of the festival.

The grand street dancing parade and grand float parade, held every last weekend of February, will be moved to March 2 and 3, while the weekend after will be the closing program.

The flower festival formally opens on Feb. 1 of each year.

The mayor also underscored the importance of sustaining public-private partnership in handling the activities lined up for the 2019 Baguio Flower Festival.

“A full-pledged public-private partnership event for 24 years, the Panagbenga is a proof of the synergy between the government and the private sector, including the city residents who always take part in the highly publicized, biggest crowd drawing event in northern Luzon that attracts tourists from many countries around the world,” the mayor said. (PNA/By Pamela Mariz Geminiano )

P6.8M of Shabu Seized in Zamboanga City Drugs Operation

Zamboanga City – A drug suspect was arrested by combined operatives of Zamboanga City Police Station 11, of Philippine Air Force and PDEA9 during buy-bust operation against Illegal Drugs at Purok 11, Acasia Drive, Brgy Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City at about 2:00 PM of December 16, 2018.

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director identified the arrested suspect as Marrisa Wee Y Musa, aka " Indah" 32 yrs old while her companion identified as Mayong Ilang Kamlon on board his driven faded color beige Isuzu trooper without plate number fled heading towards west coast area. 

Suspect sold the suspected shabu to the poseur buyer worth One Million Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1, 200,000.00).

Accordingly, the driver of said SUV coming from west coast arrived at the transaction site when he sense Marissa Wee was surrounded with police operatives; he quickly made a U-turn and sped west coast. One of the police officer on board his MC and the vehicle of the operatives of Phil Air force who served as blocking force was bumped by the said SUV.

Resulted the police officer sustained injury on his left leg and different parts of his body during  blocking the vehicle of the suspect. 

Recovered from the possession of Marissa Wee were One (1) Blue Caltex Delo Gallon containing One (1) cling wrapped large transparent self-sealing bag containing suspected shabu weighing more or less One (1) Kilo and .007 grams with an estimated market value of Six Million Eight Hundred Thousand Pesos (6, 800,000.00), One (1) paper bag (bench) containing Twelve (12) bundles of boodle money with One (1) genuine One Thousand Peso bill with serial numbers EE047215, One (1) BIR Identification Card of the arrested subject, One (1) Samsung Cellular phone and One (1) Fragmentation Grenade.

Confiscated items were brought to Crime Lab Office for examination while One (1) Fragmentation Grenade was turned over to EODT/K9 for proper disposition.(Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Palace: Catriona Gray’s Miss U win 'sets the bar high'

MISS UNIVERSE 2018. Catriona Gray, 24, waves to the crowd after she is crowned Miss Universe 2018 during the coronation in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday (Dec. 17, 2018). (Photo from Miss Universe Twitter page)

MANILA -- Malacañang on Monday congratulated Philippine bet Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray on winning the fourth Miss Universe crown for the country during the pageant coronation night held in Bangkok, Thailand.

“The Palace wishes to congratulate newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said Gray, who bested 93 other candidates, made the Philippines proud when she showcased “the qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges.”

“In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work,” Panelo said.

Panelo said that Gray’s victory “sets the bar high in empowering more Filipino women to believe in themselves and to fight for their own place in the universe.”

“We salute and admire her victory,” Panelo said.

He cited Gray for showcasing the country’s “beauty and elegance” in terms of being a tourist destination.

“Catriona’s crowning glory is placing the Philippines in the world map again for its beauty and elegance that matches the world-renowned attraction of the many scenic and mesmerizing islands in our country,” he added.

In the final question-and-answer portion for the top three finalists, host Steve Harvey asked them to name the important lesson they have learned in their lives and the ways to apply it should either of them becomes Miss Universe.

Gray cited the optimism and gratitude of Filipinos, especially children, in even in the worst situations as a lesson she would like to impart to others. "I worked a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila; and the life there is very... it's poor, and it's very sad. And I always taught myself to look for the beauty in it -- to look for the beauty of the faces of the children; and to be grateful,” Gray said.

“And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with the silver lining. And to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this I think if I could teach also people to be grateful we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces,” she added.

In the question-and-answer portion prior to that, Gray was asked about her stand on marijuana legalization, and she said that she supports its legalization solely for medicinal purposes.

Gray succeeds Demi-Leigh Nel Peters from South Africa. First and second-runners up are South Africa’s Tamaryn Green and Venezuela’s Sthefany Gutierrez, respectively.

She won the country’s fourth Miss Universe crown taking after Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran, (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969). (PNA/By Azer Parrocha)

Solon describes Gray as ‘regal’ as ‘majestic’ Mayon

By Filane Mikee Cervantes  

MANILA -- Lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Monday hailed Catriona Gray for winning the country's fourth Miss Universe crown during the coronation night in Bangkok, Thailand.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said Gray's beauty is the embodiment of "Daragang Magayon", the beautiful maiden in the legend of Mt. Mayon.

Salceda described Gray, who wore a fiery red dress, as "regal" as the "majestic" Mayon.

"Truly an Albayana, she was the most prepared candidate ever -- if you prepare to fight calamities, the more you are prepared for victory," Salceda said.

"The entire Albay is happy and proud of her achievement as proud she is of her roots. I worked with Catriona in her previous quests and she was excited about her role as tourism champion for Albay," he added.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers said Gray's victory is an inspiration to all Filipinos amid the challenging times.

"Her sacrifices and triumph inspire Filipinos to continue fighting on amidst the challenges and difficulties. Her victory is our victory. This is such an amazing Christmas gift to the country,” Barbers said.

“Gray embodies the Filipino spirit of resiliency and determination and is indeed an inspiration to the youth and the millions of Filipinos,” he added.

Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman said the new Miss Universe would make a great ambassador for “peace, love, and compassion” in the international community.

“Congratulations to Ms. Philippines, now new Miss Universe Catriona Gray who has brought immense pride and honor to the Filipinos all over the world not only with her beauty but also with her intelligence, integrity, and her heart for the poor,” Roman said.

Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, chair of the House committee on women and gender equality, lauded Gray for advocating the rights and welfare of children.

“Nadagdagan tayo ng matibay, maganda, at maimpluwensiyang kapanalig sa mga karapatan at kapakanan ng mga kabataan ng bagong henerasyon (We have another strong, beautiful and influential ally [to advocate] for children’s rights and welfare in the new generation),” Herrera-Dy said.

1-Ang Edukasyon party-list Rep. Salvador Belaro said Gray represented each Filipino with “great honor, grace, brains, and beauty”, noting that the new Miss Universe showed how the Filipino is the “best asset” of the Philippines. (PNA)

NAPC exec sees 14% poverty rate falloff in 2022

President Duterte’s says that the anti-poverty campaign of the government has confidently implemented in the country whittled down to 14% in 2022, “ due to occurring government services through the help of 14 government sectors continously.”

The country’s poverty incidence currently stands at 21.6% as of today.

National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary and led Convenor Noel K. Felongco said,  NAPC has figured out a formula---that combines social reform agenda and poverty reduction activities-- to sustain government services through some line agencies and other government sectors.

Felongcon said, NAPC programs and activities were supported by the President Rodrigo Duterte and former Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go, "like the Malasakit Centers, a one-stop medical center established in 10 cities established by the  President Rodrigo  Duterte with Bong Go in a crucial role to help the poor among the poorest people in the country he added.

Felongco said the projects has been unveiled in Manila on December 7 with at least 10 government agencies participating to include agencies under the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Justice and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

TESDA unveiled a jobs fair, the DOH provided free medicine and consultation, the public attorney’s office gave consultation and notary services, the DA giving free seeds for urban gardening, the BFAR taught fish culture and  while the participating local government unit hosted the event, provided the venue and food and  among other.

During the activity, both parties and other participating agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the NAPc's programs and activities.

The approached will be replicated in the regions where “the country’s 40 top most poverty's poverty stricken provinces are located which includes regions has most 10 poorest municipalities and  10  poorest barangay's nationwide.

The NAPC has an  ultimate goal and  programs to determined and engage the 14 basic sectors like: urban poor, farmers, fisherfolk, labor and informal labor, workers and informal workers, women, persons with disabilities, victims of disasters and calamities, children, senior citizens, non-government organizations, cooperatives and the top 40 poverty-stricken provinces, said Felongco.

President Rodrigo  Duterte instructed the NAPC Executive Atty. Keith Felongco to gave priority and good approach to the affected provinces, addressing the basic needs in order to reduce the poverty problem in the country.

Felongco also said, his office will do the best thing for the immediate falloff of poverty problem in the country while the President continue to his campaign against illegal drugs and other criminalities to give way of his total reform of the country. (with report by Mark Navales)

Election fever starts now in Sulu - More traditional politicians files their COC's

By: Becky D. de Asis

Jolo, Sulu - The Commission on election (COMELEC)  of Sulu provincial office under Atty. Vidzfar A. Julie, Comelec Superivisor  said, election fever now in Sulu started due to continues  political rivalry between the traditional politicians and the new comer in politics.

“kapatid laban sa kapatid, Uncle laban sa Pamangkin or dating politician laban sa bagong nakaupo na politician, nagsimula nang lumalagablab na ang politika dito sa Sulu ngayon”, said Julie during the media interview.

“I am ensure the safety of our politicians and supporters while they were filing their certificate of candidacy and their supporters. ".Ensuring the people that they were no untoward incidents happened during filing of the COC’s until the election period on may 13, 2019”, the Comelec official added.

The fever arises when the two (2) defeated and the undefeated mayoralty candidate from Lugus municipality rendered their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on the first day of filing (Oct.11, 2018) when both supporters of both parties starts to arguing  to showing  their supports for their candidates.

Throwback:

These two (2) politicians in Lugus, Mayor Hadar Hadjiri and Former Mayor Abdulsali Asmadun  has a previous political conflict just 5 years ago, when some of media personalities triggered to file a case against the former mayor Abdulsali Asmadun due to media harassment during campaign period accusing  them as supporters of Hadar  Hadjiri, as newly mayor aspirant that time against Al-Zhudurie Lim Asmadun his son.

Asmadon denied the harassment because he is only pacifying  and he never harassing the media and thus things happened is merely political harassment, he said.

Recently, the Comelec included Lugus as one of election hot spot this coming 2019 election. (By: Becky D.de Asis-The |Redline News)

Trend shows most American millennials prefer to stay single

WASHINGTON -- Most American millennials ages 18-25 are making the choice to live life solo intentionally, according to a USA Today report on Monday, citing a new survey by the dating app Tinder.

survey found 72 percent of more than 1,000 single American youths Tinder questioned "have made a conscious decision" to stay single for a period of time.

Moreover, as high as 81 percent of them see being single as beneficial in ways beyond just their love lives, the survey found.

More than half said other young single people were more open to new experiences and that they view themselves as more fun due to their single status, according to the survey.

Historically, people blindly set out to cross off items on their young-adult-to-do list: Go to school. Work hard. Find a partner. Get married. Have children. Encourage your children to do the same. Rinse and repeat," said Darcy Sterling, a licensed clinical social worker and Tinder's "relationship expert.

This trend for millennials is a 'paradigm shift'," she told the USA Today, noting that millennials invest more time in careers, social lives and personal time when single. (Xinhuanet)

DILG, ConCom optimistic of shift to federalism within PRRD's term

MANILA -- The Consultative Committee (ConCom) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are optimistic that the shift into a federal form of government will materialize within the term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

"Given the fact that the elections are fast approaching, we still hope that this will be implemented before elections. However, if not, then the timetable under our draft is that this will be fully implemented within the term of the President," ConCom member, lawyer Randolph Parcasio, said Friday.

Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya, DILG spokesperson, said the House of Representatives is currently taking the Constituent Assembly track, which is why it proceeded to the process of passing a committee report.

Malaya acknowledged the possibility that there may not be enough time for discussions within this Congress since elections are already set in 2019.

"If this doesn’t push through within this time frame, the next battle will be the next Congress. So, in the next Congress, it’s now a question of: Do we proceed again with the Constituent Assembly track or should we open up the doors to a Constitutional Convention?” he said.

Either way, Malaya said he is confident that Congress will make the right decision and "that the people should be given the opportunity to approve or disapprove a draft federal Constitution before the term of the President ends in 2022." (PNA/By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

PNP starts reshuffle of officials for 2019 polls

MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, said Friday reshuffle has already started for police officials affiliated with candidates as part of security preparation for next year's midterm elections.

“Magkakaroon pa po ng mga reshuffle as the days go by. Para sinasabi natin ma-level natin yung playing field at para ma-ensure na walang kikilingan yung mga kapulisan, lalo na yung may mga kamag-anak doon sa kanilang jurisdiction (We still have reshuffles as the days go by. It’s like we are saying that we are leveling the playing field and to ensure that no police officer is affiliated with family or relatives in his area of jurisdiction),” he told reporters after the Police Regional Office in Cordillera celebrated its 117th Police Service Anniversary in Baguio City.

“So temporary relief lang po yan (It is just a temporary relief). That's an administrative relief. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na kapag ikaw ay na-relieve doon sa lugar, ay meron kang ginawang kasalanan (It does not mean that if you were relieved in the area, you did something wrong),” Albayalde added.

The PNP earlier formed Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) to oversee the implementation of security preparations for the 2019 midterm elections.

Albayalde said the SOTG is tasked to address issues on election-related violence, a problem which has long hounded Philippine polls.

“We will be appointing directors from (the) Directorate Integrated Police Operations to supervise the regions, particularly the provinces. Under their jurisdiction na i-supervise nilang mabuti pagdating naman sa (that they will supervise closely in terms of) election-related concerns,” he added.

As of May, Albayalde identified 7,926 barangays in 896 municipalities as areas of concern or election hotspots.

Most of these, he said, are in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, followed by Regions 8 (Eastern Visayas) and 7 (Central Visayas).

“I have directed anew all Police Regional Offices and national support units to go 'hammer and tongs' in aggressive interdiction operations against private armed groups, gun-for-hire syndicates and its criminal support system, that historically mar the peaceful holding of credible and fair elections,” Albayalde said.

PNP preparations are aimed at securing the five-month election period from January 13 to June 12, 2019.

“I am optimistic that with all security measures in place, we can look forward to peaceful and fair elections in 2019,” he added. (PNA/By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Filing of Certificate of Candidacy 2019 in Sulu amidst tension

Jolo, Sulu – The Provincial Comelec Supervisor Atty. Vidzfar  A. Julie declared the Sulu as hotspot province during election time due to political rivalry between families against families runs in the same positions this coming 2019 election.

On the 1st day of filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC’s) in Sulu  provincial Comelec Office  amidst tensions  after some candidates coming from the Nine (9) declared election hot spot  municipalities  files their COC’s in same time on the 1st day of filing.

There are  Nine (9) municipalities in Sulu was declared by Atty, Vidzfar A. Julie, the most  election  hot spot this coming  2019 were follows:  Lugus, Maimbung, Panglima Estino, Tapul, Omar, Patikul, Panamao, Talipao and Kalinga Kaluang.

Membur Abdurajak

The Comelec immediately coordinated the  Philippine Army and Philippine National Police to secure the  candidates and supporters  would like to  file their COC’s anytime.

The  First candidates who filed his COC at exact 8:00 O.clock in the morning on October 11, 2018 in Comelec Provincial Office is Membur Abdurarajak who run as Mayor of Panamao against his relative/family member Alprazer Abdurajak.(By: Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Army in good hands with Alberto as new chief: spox

MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) is in good hands with the appointment of Major Gen. Macairog Sabeniano Alberto as its 60th commanding general, its spokesperson said Friday.

"Major Gen. Alberto is a well-rounded officer and highly respected leader and commander having distinguished himself in the field of combat, intelligence, and civil military operations," Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said in a message to reporters.

Under Alberto's command, Villanueva said the 98,000-strong PA will further soar in accomplishing its mandate and attaining its vision of becoming world-class.

He said the incoming PA chief is known for being a "silent worker" yet a "passionate performer."

"He always puts his heart in every mission that needs to be accomplished. He is kind-hearted, cool and always gives premium on the welfare of his men," the Army spokesperson added.

Alberto, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1986, is set to replace Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, a member of PMA Class of 1985, who will be retiring on Monday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Bautista was earlier named by President Rodrigo Duterte to head the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Villanueva said the incoming Army chief is a graduate of various courses, both in the country and abroad.

"Significant is the Scout Ranger Course, Strategic Intel Course, Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program and Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) from (the) National Defense University, USA. He also holds a master’s (degree) in Public Management major in Development and Security from (the) Development Academy of the Philippines," he added.

Alberto also served as commanding officer of the 2nd and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, Task Force Davao head prior to his designation as 1001st Infantry Brigade head, a unit of the 10th Infantry Division in Mindanao before his appointment as chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP.

"He is also a recipient of various awards and decors, to name a few, the Military Commendation Medal, Military Merit Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, UN Service Medal/Ribbon, Silver Wing Medal, Gold Cross Medal and Distinguished Service Medal," Villanueva added. (PNA/By Priam Nepomuceno)

Isulan bomb suspect killed in military operation

HOMEMADE BOMBS. Improvised bomb materials recovered by military troopers on a safehouse by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters during a law enforcement operation Friday (Oct. 6, 2018) in Sitio Lab, Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. A suspected bomber linked to the recent Isulan, Sultan Kudarat bombings was neutralized during the operation. (Photo by 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Government troops shot dead a suspect linked to the recent twin bombings in Isulan, Kudarat during a pre-dawn law enforcement operation in Maguindanao on Friday.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, identified the slain suspect as Norodin Taib, an alleged member of the Islamic State - Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) faction that carried out the Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 bomb attacks in Isulan town.

He said soldier elonging to the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade swooped down the safehouse of Taib in Sitio Lab, Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak at around 2 a.m. Friday.

The suspect, however, resisted arrest by lobbing a grenade at the approaching soldiers.

“The grenade-throwing incident prompted the soldiers to neutralize him (Taib),” Sobejana said on Saturday.

Three other cohorts of Taib, who were with him at the time of the raid, managed to elude arrest.

Troops recovered one improvised explosive device, two improvised hand grenades, three cellphones and subversive documents from the radicals’ safehouse.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing against the remaining BIFF members in the interiors of Shariff Aguak town. (PNA/By Noel Punzalan/ Re-posted by; Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News )

Hundreds of participants join Regatta de Zamboanga today

By: Becky D. de Asis

Almost 300 colorful vinta participated in Regatta de Zamboanga today. 

The Regatta de Zamboanga is the most awaited events every October in connection the annual celebration of Fiesta Pilar.

Some tourists and visitors  continue to fascinate this Regatta due to its colorful vinta sails.(By: Becky D. de Asis - The Redline News)

Remembering our fallen troops

Families of soldiers and police personnel slain in the Marawi City siege pose with Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista (9th from right), Commanding General of the Philippine Army, during the soft inauguration of the Marawi Heroes Memorial Murals at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila on Friday (Oct. 5, 2018). The mural highlights the heroism of troops in the five-month battle to take back Marawi City from members of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan) 

AFP chief visits MILF's Camp Darapanan

MANILA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., visited Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Saturday,.

The visit aims to highlight the trust and confidence between the MILF and government in an effort to bring lasting peace in the Bangsamoro homeland.

“Today, I came back to one the most revered place, a place I can call home because here lives those galant men I considered my brethren, those whom I had been working with for a peaceful Mindanao,” Galvez said in a statement Sunday.

Galvez also met with MILF Chairman Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim and was joined by top military commanders from the AFP and the Western Mindanao Command.

“I am pleased to receive the delegation of the Chief of Staff here in Camp Darapanan,” said Ebrahim, who was also joined by the Vice Chairman of the MILF Alim Solaiman, Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) chief-of-staff Almansour "Sammy" Gambar and the different front and base commanders in welcoming the visitors.

“Gen. Galvez is well known among our commanders, the friendship between the MILF and him is already strongly established due to the numerous incidents and challenges in the past that we have jointly faced and solved,” the MILF chair added.

Galvez expressed the sincerity of the AFP in helping propel the peace process following the guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The President is always very supportive and serious in his guidance to the AFP in sealing the peace process here in Muslim Mindanao," he added.

“Today I can now declare that the war between the Armed Forces and the MILF is finally over. To my commanders, let us embrace our brothers and sisters and give them respect and lasting peace that the Moro people deserve," Galvez added.

During the ceremony, the MILF leadership also awarded Gen Galvez with the "Soldier of Peace Award", the first to be given by the MILF organization to any military officer.

It was also the first time that about 6,000 MILF members coming from the different islands in Mindanao, going as far as Sulu and Basilan, lined up on both sides of the 5-kilometer road from Cotabato City to Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao where the MILF seat of government is located to welcome a visiting military commander.

“We have deployed BIAF (Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces) members as early as 7 o'clock in the morning to make sure that nothing could go wrong,” Eduardo Guerra, one of the members of the MILF Central Committee, said.

“It is also to show how we treasure the visit of the AFP Chief-of-Staff in our home.”

Galvez and his party left Darapan at 2 p.m. with the cordon honors still in place.

"This is really an amazing gesture of love which I will always treasure and cherish for my lifetime," Galvez said of the gesture.

“I would like to thank you for the warm welcome accorded to me and my staffs. As we were coming here, I was overwhelmed by the kind gesture na nakatayo lahat ng mga MILF brothers and sisters (where all MILF brothers and sisters were standing), young and old on the winding road waiting our long convoy to pass by. I will not forget that I was given so much importance, that was the longest honor given to me and probably in the history of giving honors to visiting guests,” he added.

When asked what the difference between the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the MILF peace process is, he said, “the CPP is deceptive, manipulative and insincere. They burned road project equipment, they executed thousands even their own comrades. They extort and always wanted to take advantage."

"They do not have the sense of honor or ‘Maratabat’ of the MILF."

After the visit, Galvez condoled with the family of the agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency who were killed in Lanao Del Sur on Friday.

He instructed the 6th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Cirilito Sobejana to make sure that all assistance be accorded to the family of the PDEA agents.

“In time of grief, the AFP will always be with PDEA in its fight against illegal drugs. We will do our best to help seek justice for the death of these dedicated gallant agents who died serving the country. With our PNP partner, we will seek justice no matter how long and how hard it will take," Galvez said. (PNA/By Priam Nepomuceno)

Zambo ‘political giants’ set to clash in 2019 polls

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The offsprings of so-called local "political giants" are set to clash come 2019 mid-term elections.

This, as first district Rep. Celso Lobregat on Friday declared his intention to seek the mayoralty post in the May 2019 polls.

Lobregat, who is on his second term of office, will try to unseat Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar who is on her second term.

Lobregat is the son of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, while Salazar is the niece of legendary Mayor Cesar Climaco who defeated the elder Lobregat for the lone seat in the then 1984 Batasan Pambansa.

Salazar’s father, Jose, the younger brother of Cesar and ally of the elder Lobregat, also served as vice mayor of this city.

Celso said he made the decision based on the call of the people urging him to run for mayor following consultations with the different sectors in this city.

“I will accept the call and the people’s clamor. I am running for mayor of Zamboanga City in the 2019 elections,” he said.

He admitted that “it is going to be a tough fight,” claiming his incumbent opponent is backed by government resources.

The camp of Salazar, who will seek reelection, have kept mum over Lobregat’s pronouncement.

Celso said he has picked his elder brother, Jomar, as the candidate for the congressional seat that he is vacating. His candidate for second district representative is former Rep. Lilia Macrohon-Nuño.

Celso's City Council slate consists of incumbent Councilors Rodolfo Lim, Marxander Jaime Cabato and Joselito Macrohon; former City Councilors Luis Biel III and Rogelio Valesco; and Sinunuc Barangay Chairperson Pilarica Ledesma.

The second district council line-up is composed of incumbent City Councilors Benjamin Guingona IV and Lilibeth Macrohon-Nuño; former City Councilor Vincent Paul Elago; Lumayang Barangay Councilor Frederick Atilano, Culianan Barangay Councilor Mark Saavedra, Businessman Richard Mariano and mediaman Marlon Simbajon.

For vice mayor, Celso said he will choose among incumbent and second term Councilor Miguel Alavar III, former city councilor and lawyer Melchor Sadain, and Liga ng mga Barangay president and ex-officio, Councilor Jerry Perez.

Celso said his party is an alliance of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bansa (PDP-Laban), Nacionalista Party, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino and the local Adelante Zamboanga Party.

Filing of Certificate of Candidacy is from October 11 to 17. (PNA/By R. G. Antonet Go/Re-posted by Becky D.de Asis-The Redline News)

3K teachers in NegOcc go on mass leave

PROTEST MARCH. Some of the 3,000 teachers in Bacolod City who held a protest march as part of their mass leave activity during the World Teachers’ Day on Friday (October 5, 2018). (Photo by Erwin P. Nicavera)

BACOLOD CITY -- Some 3,000 teachers in Negros Occidental who are members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) - Negros went on mass leave on Friday on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day.

The teachers, mostly from Bacolod, were joined by their colleagues from the neighboring cities of Talisay, Silay, Bago and town of Murcia, during a program and a boodle fight at the Rizal Elementary School here. They also held a protest march and a noise barrage,

The group, headed by ACT-Negros president Gualberto Dajao, said in a press statement that they vehemently protest and grieve the plight of Filipino teachers suffering from overwork, underpay and over tax.

“To show our indignation, we are launching a protest action in the form of mass leave (on) the day teachers are supposed to be honored,” they said.

They also called Oct. 5 a “lesson plan-free day,” adding that the black shirts they were wearing speak for “sadness” over the challenges faced by teachers.

“There is no reason to be happy. Instead, there is reason to protest and demand for just and legitimate demands, like higher salary,” Dajao said.

He added the teachers’ gathering is not just a simple rally as they decided to file a mass leave.

“This is our day, but this is not declared a non-working holiday,” he said.

Dajao said students in public schools in Bacolod did not go to school on Friday as they were already informed of the mass leave the day before. (PNA/By Erwin Nicavera )

An old man street artist give life to Zamboanga kids and bystander

By: Becky D. de Asis

Bador  Bandoy - an street artist

Why does people paint? Maybe he/she would like express their emotion through painting or draw an sketch…

Sometimes, the world is selfish, it won’t understand and never heard your agony and pains. But there are people are weak and they don’t understand the journey of their life. Emotions are experience with various levels of intensity and you did not control.

So, there are some people through art works or paintings  arouse painful experiences of their  life.

A 58 years old Bador Bandoy from Pagadian City come to Zamboanga City alone. 

He finding home and sleep besides dirty sidewalk near city hall and render his art works to catch attentions with some kids and bystander to buy his pieces to buy his food.

Bandoy is just like a  "man without an ambition"….is like a dead man.  Considering the man is a leading power of the society… he should be strong all the time and should never give a laziness a chance.

But this man is contented and happy his situation... an street artist of this city of flower. (By: Becky D.de Asis-the Redline News)

Zamboanga City hosts Mindanao Chess Championship Tournament in KCC Mall

By: Becky D. de Asis

Zamboanga City - The Zamboanga government under Mayor Beng Climaco hosted the Mindanao Chess Championship Tournament today in connection the long week celebration of "Fiesta Pilar' and Hermosa Festival.

There are chess gamer's coming from different provinces and cities in Mindanao who joined the said chess tournament today  at KCC mall. (By: Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Indonesian earthquake death toll rises to 1,424

JAKARTA -- The death toll from the recent earthquake that hit Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island has risen to 1,424, while 113 people are still missing, Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management Spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said at a briefing on Thursday.

He said more than 2,500 people suffered injuries, while over 70,000 had to leave their homes.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Central Sulawesi province on September 28. About 360 aftershocks were recorded. The earthquake also triggered 3.5-meter-high tsunami waves. (TASS)