Sulu contractors facing sand and gravel crisis - District Engineer Munir I. Hadjirul

Jolo. Sulu – The problem is really mentioned during the media visit in Barangay Bunbun, Patikul  when  District Engineer Munir I. Hadjirul said that the sand and gravel  used by their road and building construction is coming from Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Sand and gravel  are the most expensive construction materials here in Sulu and even in adjacent  provinces because it  costs  P2,000 pesos per cubic or  much higher, said Hadjirul.

Traditionally that sand and gravel has been a local product here in Mindanao, but in the island areas like Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi , the products has been demand and has high value  costs  because  the sand and gravel in the island is not good for road construction and buildings,  said Hadjirul.

“kailangan pa kaming mag request sa Simuay. Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao  or in Cotabato areas  para sa construction dito sa Sulu”, Hadjirul said.

Meanwhile, sand and gravel are the most- extracted  materials in the country because it is a key ingredients for concrete, roads, buildings and among others. (By Becky D. de Asis)

Moon may be off to Singapore for three-way summit to end Korean war

SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in may travel to Singapore next month to hold a three-way summit with his US and North Korean counterparts, Seoul officials noted Thursday, possibly suggesting that Washington and Pyongyang may currently be considering a formal end to the Korean War as an incentive to the North for its denuclearization.

An official from the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said nothing has yet been decided when asked if President Moon planned to visit Singapore for a three-way summit with US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who are expected to hold a bilateral summit there on June 12.

However, the official said the president will make a trip if there is an invitation from the US and North Korea.

"We plan to make preparations (for a trip) when there is an invitation though we still do not know whether there will be one," the official told reporters while speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official denied any ongoing preparations, saying, "We have no plans to prepare for a three-way summit in advance."

Still, another Cheong Wa Dae official has said Moon's trip depends on the outcome of ongoing discussions between the US and North Korea.

The pre-summit talks between Washington and Pyongyang were resumed shortly after Trump called off his meeting with Kim, meaning the talks are aimed at deciding the very fate of the scheduled summit, which, in turn, apparently suggests they may also include discussions on whether Moon's presence will be needed.

Cheong Wa Dae officials have said Moon's trip to Singapore, if made, will be aimed at formally ending the Korean War in a three-way summit with the US and North Korean leaders.

The US and North Korea concluded their working-level discussions Wednesday.

Possibly signaling an amicable outcome of the talks, Kim Yong-chol, a vice chairman of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, arrived in New York on Wednesday for high-level talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, becoming the highest-ranking North Korean official to visit the US since 2000.

On Wednesday, Cheong Wa Dae confirmed one of its officials was currently in Singapore.

It said the Cheong Wa Dae official was only on a mission to prepare for Moon's official visit to the Southeast Asian nation in July, but many believe the trip may be partly aimed at preparing for a three-way summit between the two Koreas and the US

Moon and Kim have held two rounds of inter-Korean summits, on April 27 and May 26.

Following their latest meeting, Moon said the North Korean leader still held uncertainties toward a US promise to guarantee his country's safety following its denuclearization.

The South Korean president also renewed his hope to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War in a three-way summit with Trump and Kim, implying it could partly help ensure the North's safety. (Yonhap)

BBL to help defeat terror threat: AFP chief

MANILA -- Once enacted, the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would be a tool to quell terrorism threats, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff General Carlito Galvez, Jr. said.

"I was informed that the third reading and final reading was already approved by the (House of Representatives and Senate), we're so happy, as I have said that the BBL is one of the antidotes (to) the terrorism (problem)," he said Thursday.

A day after President Rodrigo R. Duterte certified the BBL as urgent, the Senate and the House of Representatives passed on second and third reading the bill which aims to hopefully end decades of conflict in Mindanao.

"I believe they (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) are very happy with the passage, this is a long way negotiation since 1997 and we had a ceasefire and i believe this is a very positive milestone," Galvez said.

Once the BBL is passed into law, it would serve as the enabling law of the 2014 landmark peace deal between the government and the MILF, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro aims to grant greater autonomy to the Bangsamoro region.

The proposed act would establish a new autonomous political entity known as the Autonomous Region of the Bangsamoro that would replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The bicameral conference committee is expected to tackle the conflicting versions during the 6-week recess with the aim of ratifying the final version of the BBL on July 23 -- the first session day of the 3rd Regular Session of the current Congress and the same day when President Rodrigo R. Duterte will deliver his third state-of-the-nation address.

The final version of the bill would be ratified in plenary by both chambers before being sent to the Office of the President for Duterte’s signature. (PNA/By Priam Nepomuceno/posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News Editor )

RPMA Jolo conducted Islamic symposium seminar throughout BASULTA

Jolo, Sulu- RPMA Manager Col Ibnohasim Undug (ret) conducted Islamic symposium seminar every morning in connection of Ramadan celebration.

The symposium attended by RPMA employee and visitors coming from different sectors in Jolo and adjacent municipality of the province.

Undug aired over frequency 437 throughout BaSulTa area in order to give messages, advice on how important this kind of celebration to all Muslim believers throughout the country  and  the main belief of Islam that one must have in order to be considered a true Muslim, he said.(By: Becky D. de Asis)

Thousands of Basilan Residents benefited the Trans-Central road projects of ARMM - Engr. Soler Undug

By: Becky D. de Asis

The ongoing  construction of  30 kilometers of trans-central roads  from Sta. Clara, Lamitan connecting to all municipalities of Basilan  has already a 30%  accomplishment said District Engineer Soler Undug yesterday.

Undug also urging the residents to help them to realized the projects by protecting  the workers and even the constructions facilities in the area  in order to finish the projects  without any problems and other hindrances while they implemented.

Aside the trans-central road project, the district also has  on-going  multi-million projects in Sta.Clara, Lamitan a P500 Million ARMM - Regional Government Center  projects .

This projects intended for the people of BaSulTa areas because they did not need to go to Cotabato City for their transactions and other important matters for their own benefits or problems from their designated offices.

They are accommodated here without spending more time and money for their transactions, said Undug.

These projects,one of the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte  and the Autonomous Region to reduce the poverty problem of the country as well as the criminalities caused of hunger said Undug.

Aside the road constructions,ARMM Regional Center projects, the District  also accomplished more projects like: Lamitan Port, Senior High School, Sea Wall, barangay hall and more projects and was benefited by the people here. (By Becky D. de Asis) 

'Huey' helicopter makes emergency landing in Zamboanga City

Photo courtesy: Radyo Pilipinas

MANILA -- A Philippine Air Force (PAF) UH-IH "Huey" combat utility with tail number 504 made a precautionary landing after encountering an "in-flight emergency" while on training flight in Zamboanga City Tuesday afternoon.

Major Aristides Galang, PAF spokesperson, said the helicopter took off from Edwin Andrews Air Base at 3:30 p.m. and was on training maneuvers when it encountered an "in-flight emergency".

This forced the pilots and the crew to made an emergency landing at Farm Zone 8, of Barangay Ayala.

"The aircraft incurred damages but the pilots and crew members were not injured. 

The PAF sent a team to conduct investigation," Galang stressed.

The PAF operates 30 to 40 units of the "Huey" helicopters for transport, supply and medical evacuation missions. (PNA/By Priam Nepomuceno)

No Filipino hurt in Belgium attack: DFA

MANILA -- No Filipino was among those reported dead and wounded in a suspected terror attack in Belgium on Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In his report to DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Ambassador Eduardo Jose de Vega said two police officers and a bystander were killed in the incident that also left two other police officers wounded.

The attack took place in Liège, about 100 kilometers south of the Belgian capital.

The envoy said a man carrying a knife attacked two female police officers from behind, took their guns and fired at a young man in his car. The suspect then took a woman hostage before he was shot and killed by responding police officers.

At present, there is an estimated 8,000 Filipinos in Belgium, including about 100 in Liege, and none of them were affected by the shooting incident.

Cayetano has expressed his condolences to the Belgian government and the families of the victim. (PNA/By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora- PR)

Church lector in alleged P130-M Ponzi scheme scam falls

NABBED. Church lector Margarita Huang, who allegedly led a Ponzi-scheme modus operandi in Quezon City, is presented to newsmen in Camp Crame on Monday, May 28. (Photo by Benjamin Pulta)

MANILA -- Authorities cautioned the public anew against get-rich-quick investment scams and presented to the media a church lector, whose Quezon City-based group allegedly conned victims of at least PHP130 million in a Ponzi-scheme modus operandi.

"We again want to warn the public against investments that are too good to be true," Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Monday during a press conference in Camp Crame.

Ponzi scheme is a shady investing scam that promises high rates of return. It generates returns for older investors by acquiring new investors and is similar to pyramiding scheme in that both are based on using new investors' funds to pay the earlier backers.

Victims who appeared before the PNP headquarters said primary suspect, Margarita Huang, victimized aged retirees and desperate persons seeking to double funds earmarked for their chemotherapy sessions.

Huang required an initial investment of no less than PHP250,000 from her victims and promised a monthly return of anywhere between 4 to 15 percent per month. The scam operated mostly in Quezon City.

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit arrested Huang at SMDC Grass Residences, Tower 3 in Barangay Sto. Cristo, Quezon City on Thursday, May 24, on the strength of three warrants of arrest for 12 counts of estafa.

Huang, who also goes by the names "Margie", "Marita" or "Irma Pascual" together with her husband, Gary Chen Huang, daughter Nicole, son Conrad and their secretary Marivic Ifurung, allegedly defrauded hundreds of victims, police said.

The suspects zero in on their circle of friends and parishes to entice them to invest in a lending facility they supposedly operating with a large employee cooperative under Comfoods Inc.

Police said the Huangs claimed to be alleged co-partners in the programs of the food firm to assist employees from becoming victims of loan-sharks.

Police said Comfoods, Inc. belied the lending programs presented by the suspects.

In 2015, the suspects started to evade their investors and went into hiding after failing to pay their promised obligations.

All suspects were charged with syndicated estafa but Gary, Conrad, and Ifurung posted cash bail bonds for their temporary liberty in 2017. Nicole went into hiding in New Zealand. (PNABy Benjamin Pulta)

Engineer Munir I. Hadjirul attended meeting with 2 army generals in Sulu-JTF Headquarters

Jolo, Sulu - Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul (2nd from left) met with the military generals and officials in Sulu-JTF Office, 5-days before the release of Mr. Enrico Nee by  his captors earlier.

M/Gen. Arnel Dela Vega (center) with B/Gen. Cerilito Sobejana (2nd from right - a little bit hidden) awaits result of the negotiation of some kidnap victims which include the DPWH employee, While Gen, Carlito Galvez, AFP Chief Staff give a medal  of awards for those wounded military in hospital inside Sulu-JTF headquarters on the same day, May 16, 2018. (By: Becky D. de Asis)

Dureza urges media to engage public in peacebuilding

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza

MANILA -- Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza challenged the media to engage the entire country in the pursuit of peace.

Speaking at the 22nd National Press Forum of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) on May 24 at the Jen Hotel in Pasay City, Dureza — himself a former journalist who headed the PPI from 2013 to 2016 — said the media have a unique role in peacebuilding that no other group can perform.

“The only group that engages the public is media,” he said. “This is why the role of the media is very important, especially in our peace work.”

Secretary Dureza said the public will not appreciate the milestones achieved in the peace process if they are informed only after agreements are signed and not while the process is going on.

“We feel that even if we sign agreements with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army-National Democratic Front), if the public will not know the basic information and will only learn about it after the agreement was signed, they will not give their support,” he said.

Dureza said while government engages the “smaller tables” of the MILF and the CPP-NPA-NDF, it needs to get the support of the “bigger table” of the public.

“The media is vital because you address our bigger table almost on a 24/7 basis,” he said.

Dureza was a veteran journalist before becoming a public servant. Aside from the PPI, he also headed media groups like the regional chapter of the Publisher Association of the Philippines and the Davao Press Club. (OPAPP PR)

3 prosecutors suspended over release of smuggling suspects

MANILA -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) suspended three state prosecutors for allowing the release of three suspects who tried to smuggle some PHP6 million worth of jewelry into the country through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last May 5.

In a two-page formal charge signed by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, Benjamin Lonto, officer-in-charge of the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office; State Prosecutor Florencio dela Cruz, Jr., inquest prosecutor; and Associate Prosecutor Clementine Villanueva were placed under a 60-day preventive suspension pending the results of the investigation on charges of neglect of duty, gross incompetence and inefficiency.

The charges against the state prosecutors stemmed from their decision to release NAIA Customs Operations Officer Lomonto Macabando, and alleged gold smugglers, spouses Abraham and Bang-sa Mimbalawang, who were charged for the seizure of 1.9 kilos of “undeclared” jewelry despite the presence of evidence against the suspects upon inquest proceedings.

The Justice department directed the three prosecutors to answer the charges and submit the respective affidavits of their witness within 10 days.

“Otherwise, failure to submit the same shall be deemed as a waiver of your right to be heard, and this department , through the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) of the National Prosecution Service, shall make a recommendation on this case on the basis of evidence on record,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra also asked the prosecutors to indicate in their answers whether they would prefer a formal hearing of their case.

The case was forwarded to the IAU for investigation and submission of its recommendation.

It can be recalled that on May 5, a CCTV at the NAIA caught an exchange between an unidentified man and Macabando of a bag containing at least PHP6 million worth of assorted gold jewelry.

The couple admitted to the authorities of their ownership of the bag subject of the exchange.

Macabando and the Mimbalawang couple were arrested and subjected to inquest proceedings last May 6 at the Pasay City Prosecutor's Office.

Meanwhile, Guevarra designated Deputy City Prosecutor Dolores Pulgo-Rillera as OIC of the Pasay City Prosecutor's Office. (PNA/By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan )

ARMM Officials give support to the newly installed 6ID commander B/Gen. Cerrilito E. Sobejana

Photo courtesy of Jun Castro (By: Becky D. de Asis)

Cotabato City – The Regional Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the Regional Secretary of DPWH-ARMM under Engineer Mustapha “Don” Loong and District Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul  of Sulu 1st Engineering District attended the turned-over ceremony of the newly division commander of 6th Infantry Division in Camp Siongco, Awang, Maguindanao in order to support the newly installed Division Commander of 6ID.

The ARMM officials expresses their gratitude to  Brig. Gen. Cerilito E. Sobejana for his tireless support the construction projects of the DPWH  and to safeguard the DPWH  workers in his area of responsibility.

Engineer Hadjirul also said, that this man of action “Brig.Gen. Sobejana”  is vigorously protected the DPWH workers and all his projects inside the Sulu-1st Engineering District“I am very thankful to Brig. Gen. Sobejana because he is the man of action, everything is under control and he protected  us in times of calamities like the recent kidnapping  of our worker Mr Enrico Nee, without him, Mr. Nee did not freed by his captors”, he added.

Hadjirul also hoping that the next Sulu-JTF is same to Brig. Gen. Sobejana because without the military intervention maybe their projects are unsuccessful.

Sobejana also said, that even he is not in Sulu,  he still continue to monitor the area if it is needed but he is very complacent to the next Sulu-JTF because  he is not only a vigor but he is also a good man, said Sobejana.

On the other hand,   Sobejana expresses also his support to the ongoing war on drug program of the PNP because drug problem in the country is getting worst aside the terrorism problem. He pointed out the recent incident in Matalam, North Cotabato that there were more casualties in favor to drug suspects while the policemen  conducted  buy bust operations  earlier. “I support the PNP on their war on drugs  and to hinder criminalities in the country”, he added. (By: Becky D. de Asis)

DILG to check on choice of 4Ps beneficiaries

 MANILA -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to probe the choice of beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a government poverty alleviation program that gives some cash to indigent families.

"We will check if they are really deserving to benefit from the program of the government (under 4Ps)," DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño said in a Saturday press briefing held in a school in Caloocan City for the urban poor.

Diño cited speculations that some beneficiaries had been covered under the poverty alleviation program only through the influence of some barangay captains in the past.

Diño said he had heard some stories of barangay captains, who had certified their relatives as poor, to qualify for cash transfer under the program.

"If we find out that they were certified as poor by the Barangay Captain but they are not really poor, we will penalize the Barangay Captain," he said, adding that the DILG would also make sure barangay officials did not abuse their authority to favor their relatives.

Lawyer Noel Felongco, chairperson of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) said the concept of the 4Ps itself needs re-evaluation.

"We have to re-evaluate if it’s a dole-out. It seems that there is a big problem if it is a dole-out," Felongco said.

He cited the old proverb that instead of giving "fish" to the poor, they should be taught to catch fish instead.

"There have already been proposals to re-evaluate or rethink the 4Ps," he noted.

4Ps is a program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), focusing on the health and education of the poor, especially the children. It was a flagship program of the past administration.

Under the program, a household beneficiary receives a monthly cash grant on the condition that they send their children to school, have regular health checkups at health centers, and attend family development sessions.

At present, aside from the regular cash grants, household beneficiaries also get rice subsidy in the form of cash every month. (PNA/By Leilani Junio)

Coast guard activates station in Turtle Islands town

Small motorboats waits for passengers at the coast of downtown Bongao, Tawi-Tawi to be ferried to other parts of the province. (File photo by: Teofilo P. Garcia Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has activated a station in the Turtle Islands Municipality, Tawi-Tawi, the south-western tip of the country, a top PCG official said Saturday.

Capt. Ronnie Gil Gavan, South Western Mindanao Coast Guard District commander, said the facility, known as the Coast Guard Station Western Tawi-Tawi, was activated on Tuesday.

Gavan said the new coast guard station is located in Taganak Island, the largest island in the municipality of Turtle Islands.

He said the station will ensure the effective delivery of PCG services in the far flung areas of Turtle Islands, including the strict enforcement of maritime laws. He pointed out that most of the vessels transiting in the area are left unguarded and unchallenged in terms of maritime safety.

He said the area of responsibility of the CGS Western Tawi-Tawi included the whole waters of Turtle Islands. It has two operating units, namely the Coast Guard Sub-Stations Taganak and Bakungan.

The PCG is mandated and responsible to perform maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime environmental protection and maritime security. (PNA/By Teofilo Garcia, Jr)

ITCZ to bring scattered rain showers over parts of Mindanao Saturday

 MANILA -- The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao will bring scattered rain showers over parts of the region, the state weather bureau said Saturday.

Western Visayas, Caraga, northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The bureau warned these areas of possible flooding or landslides due to light to moderate, and at times, heavy rains.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country, on the other hand, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, light to moderate winds will prevail over the entire archipelago with slight to moderate seas, PAGASA said. (PNA/By Ma. Cristina Arayata} 

)

Brig. Gen. Cerilito E. Sobejana assume as new 6ID Commander of Phil. Army

 Cotabato City –  Brigadier General Cerilito E.  Sobejana assumed post as new Division Commander of 6th Infantry Division of Philippine Army in a simple ceremony at  6ID headquarters in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Lt. General Arnel Dela Vega was turned over his command this morning to  Brigadier General Cerilito Sobejana after he assumed post yesterday as new WMC-AFP Commander  while Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr assumed command as entire AFP Chief earlier.

A 52 year old Brigadier General and previous Task Force Sulu Commander and recipient  of the Philippine Highest military award for courage, the Medal of Valor and he is gone a battle  and war against the CPP-NPA-NDF rebellion, Moro conflict in Mindanao like: BIFF or Bangsamoro Freedom Fighers in Maguindanao and Abussayaf in Sulu and  also he is the hero of some kidnap victims in Sulu for their early released lately before he assumed as new commander of  6th Infantry Division of Philippine Army today. (By: Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

DFA checking for Pinoy victims in Ontario blast, US shooting

MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday it has yet to confirm whether Filipinos were among those injured in the recent explosion at a restaurant in Ontario, Canada on Thursday and the school shooting in the US state of Indiana on Friday.

According to DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto has been monitoring the aftermath of the explosion at an Indian restaurant in Mississauga, Ontario, which is home to some 40,000 Filipinos.

The improvised explosive device was set off by two unidentified men.

According to reports, the suspects walked into the Bombay Bhel Indian restaurant around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, detonated the device, and fled.

While the manhunt continues as of posting, Consul General Rosalinda Prospero said of the 15 people reported wounded in the incident, three persons were critically injured.

Meanwhile, Cato said the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago is also reaching out to authorities and leaders of the Filipino community following the incident at the Noblesville West Middle School in Hamilton County north of Indianapolis in the US.

No name has been disclosed but reports said the victims include a student and a teacher.

The suspect was also a student, who reportedly asked for permission to leave the classroom and returned armed with two handguns.

The Consulate General said the lone suspect was already taken into custody following Friday’s incident.

The DFA said the Filipino community in Indiana has approximately 17,000 members. (PNA)

Col. Ibnohasim Undug (Ret) - Port Manager, RPMA-Jolo, Ramadan Message.

I hope this Ramadan bring cheers, prosperity and peace in our life.

Let us pray that we gain enough strength to accept the highs and lows of life with equanimity.

May Allah send his love like sunshine, In his warm and gentle ways, To fill every corner of our heart,

And our  Life with lots of happiness.

My whole  Family and I wishing everyone  a Happy Ramadan Mubarak!...

Greetings from:

Col. Ibnohasim Undug (Ret)

Port Manager

RPMA-Jolo

New Zealand gives P18-M humanitarian assistance to Marawi

MANILA -- The New Zealand government is coursing an PHP18-million humanitarian assistance to the affected people in Marawi conflict, through the World Food Programme.

The announcement was made by New Zealand Ambassador David Strachan on Thursday, following the first year anniversary of the siege on Wednesday (May 23).

“New Zealand recognizes the magnitude of the challenges confronting the authorities in the Philippines and is committed to doing what it can to supplement the efforts of central and local government to help the displaced persons in Marawi,” the envoy said in a statement.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte imposed martial law for the entire Mindanao and cut his trip short in Russia on May 23 last year to supervise government efforts in quelling the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City.

The city had been witness to numerous ground and air assaults, leaving large parts of the town destroyed and thousands of people displaced.

According to international child rights organization Save the Children, at least 23,000 families of the more than 350,000 displaced persons in Marawi have been able to return to their homes a year after the conflict. (PNA/By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

1st Engineering District of Sulu continue working - While Enrico Nee freed by his captors last Monday

By: Becky D. de Asis

The Working Engineer  in Sulu 1st Engineering District who did his best for the good of everybody. He work hard every day just to serve his constituents religiously.

Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul constructed several projects of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in respond the poverty alleviation program of the President Rodrigo Duterte to the poor among the poorest residents in the country more particularly  in Sulu wherein  the people are victims of some terroristic attack  by the Abussayaf and other criminal groups proliferated in the province.

Hadjirul took the  projects  for 1st District which  his areas is very controversial and haven of criminals and Abussayaf.  “ I do my job religiously, I am here to help the people, construct their rough roads into a concrete roads, give them water, we build school for their children and help them to  alleviate their living condition “, said Hadjirul .

Recently, during his projects inspection along Patikul area, there was sightings of Abussayaf  at hinterland areas were triggered the workers to stop for a while for safety but later they continue their construction because the Philippine Army coming from 32nd Battalion  headed by Commanding Officer Ronaldo Mateo immediately secured  the area.

Hadjirul urging the people of Sulu to please support the project of the government more particular  the Department of Public Works and Highways " we will  constructed more projects just for your own good and for  your children’s future", he said  He hopes that someday, Sulu , a well-developed and progressive province soon.

 

Kidnap victim Enrico Nee (center) with Atty. Jess Dureza (left) and Brig. Gen. Cerilito Sobejana of JTF Sulu. The turned over occured at Edwin  Andrews Air Base, Zamboanga City..

Meanwhile,  Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Jess Dureza  personally flew to Zamboanga City last Monday, May 21, for the release of Enrico Nee, an employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Ist Engineering District  based in Jolo under District Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul.

The release of Mr Nee came Two (2) days after the released of Two ( 2) policewomen who kidnap last month along Patikul area,

According to Brig. Gen. Cerilito Sobejana  the victim was left  by his captors in town of Patikul at around 9 am last Monday, and it create tention along Bitih area regarding the reports.

Enrico Nee was kidnap last February 14, 2018 in Jolo, Sulu. (By: Becky D. de Asis/The Redline News

Engr. Martin D. Maing Ramadan Message - Bongao, Tawi -Tawi

May the festival of Ramadan brings us joy, prosperity and wealth in your life during this Holy Month of Ramadan.

My Family and I, would like to extend our greetings to all my fellow Muslim's  this Holy Month of Ramadan most especially the people of Tandubas and the whole Tawi -Tawi province, May peace reign upon us, Happy Ramadan to everyone!....

Engr. Martin Dahi Maing

Assistant District Engineer

Tawi-Tawi Engineering District

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

AFP installs new Western Mindanao Command chief

National Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana hands over the command flag to Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, who assumes as the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Wednesday, May 13, as Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., the Armed Forces Cheif-of-Staff and outgoing Westmincom chief looks on. (Photo courtesy: Westmincom PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday installed newly-promoted Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega as the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

The installation of dela Vega, a seasoned military officer, coincided with the commemoration of the first year anniversary when the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups occupied the city of Marawi.

National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presided over the turnover of command that saw the installation of dela Vega as the 10th commander of Westmincom.

Dela Vega, the current commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, replaced Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., who was promoted as AFP chief of staff on April 18.

Lorenzana said Westmincom is fortunate to be led successively by two bemedalled officers, Galvez and dela Vega.

“Both are very good officers,” Lorenzana added, citing both officials have served as his subordinate officers when he was still in the military service.

Lorenzana said both Galvez and dela Vega have worked together in crushing the ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups in Marawi City.

Galvez said dela Vega was the first commander to send reinforcements to government troops when the fighting broke on May 23, 2017 in Marawi City.

Previously, dela Vega was assigned as the commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, the command that pursues the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)( By Teofilo Garcia, Jr/PNA)

Sulu 1st Engineering District constructed more projects inside ASG territory

By: Becky D. de Asis

Areal fotage of 2 km road project in Bitih, Bunbun, Patikul (Photo 
courtesy of 32nd Battalion, PA)

For faster delivery of  goods or products to the market, the Farm-to-Market- Roads projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways, 1st Engineering District of Sulu under District Engineer Abdumunir I. Hadjirul about to completes the 2 kilometers  Bun-Bun – Tuwak  roads in Patikul  by next quarter this year.

The said 2 km roads construction triggered the DPWH workers  earlier  because of the constant appearance or presence of Abussayaf members in the area. But the DPWH never unshaken instead they continue to construct the projects with the help of the 32nd Infantry Battalion under Commanding Officer Ronaldo Mateo to protect the workers.

 

Engr. Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul personally maneuuver the speed boat  going to Bitih, Bunbun for road project inspection.

Aside the 2 km roads construction here  Hadjirul also added that they constructed also a water system wherein thousands of families benefited in 3 barangays of Sitio Bitih, Bunbun and Timpok.

According to Certain Mohammad in  Bitih, his family are very thankful about the effort of District Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul that he responded immediately the problems of his constituents which is the potable water for their families. “maraming salamat talaga kay Engineer, dahil hindi niya kami pinabayaan at nabigyan kami ng magandang serbisyo at lalo na ang tubig, dahil napaka importante ito sa amin”, said Mohammad. “ Itoy napakalaking tulong sa amin dahil napakaganda ng kalsada at meron pa kaming bagong Mosque na maari na kaming makapagdasal araw-araw at salamat na rin sa  ARMM kay Governor Mujiv Hataman the Badjao resident added 

Hadjirul said during the interview regarding the 5,000 core shelters for Muslim Communities in the Autonomous Region including Sulu,The housing projects is part of the “Apat na Dapat” program ARMM-Bangsamoro Regional Inclussive Development for Growth and Empowerment or ARMM-BRIDGE. Hadjirul said  that  Sulu 1st Engineering District has 50 houses have been finished.

He told reporter earlier that his office will continue  to construct more roads and bridges including the Abusssayaf areas in order to give a good services even risk their lives, said Hadjirul.

The  DPWH never sleep by giving  service to the people:  a good roads - to travel, water to drink, good school to study, mosque to pray because we are the engineer, the public servant, we were going to be in a position to change the region, from rough to concrete, and we develop and infrastructuring the province”, Hadjirul added.(By: Becky D. de Asis- The Redline News)

Ozamiz residents were on mixed emotion after Ardot Parojinog arrested in Taiwan

Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog 

By PHILIP JAMES M TREMEDAL

     and JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (May 24, 2018) – The residents in Ozamiz City were on mixed emotion after Board member Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog was finally arrested by the Taiwanese Police in Tung-kang Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan past 6pm on Wednesday by Taiwanese Police.

As reported by national TV networks, Online News Sites and other Social Media account, Ozamiz City Chief of Police, P/Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido confirms the arrest of Ardot Parojinog.

Parojinog evaded the authorities for 10 months, after his brother Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog Sr was killed together with his younger brother Misamis Occidental 2^nd district Board member Octavio Parojinog Jr., Aldong’s wife Susan, and another sister during the daring raid by the PNP-CIDG and local City Police led by COP P/Chief Inspector Jovie

Also arrested during the raid the son of mayor Reynaldo Jr. and City Vice Mayor Nova Princes Parojinog and were now in the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame facing criminal charges in violation of RA 10591 and RA 9165 in July 30, 2017.

City Councilor and Misamis Occidental PCL President and seat as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ardot Parojinog escape from the raiding team led by Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido at his residence in Bagakay, Ozamiz City

According to the report, the fugitive has been located after his former colleagues who earlier arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed his current location that led the PNP to coordinate with the Taiwanese authorities, which resulted at the end of his 10-month hiding of the City Councilor. Malacanang is not yet giving any comment on the arrest of Parojinog.

Parojinog is expected to face cases for possessing illegal drugs and heavy firearms.

Two weeks ago, authorities confiscated several high-powered firearms and bombs from the board member owned Dottie’s Inn and MORP Security Agency Office owned and managed by Ms. Meme Luansing, MisOcc 2nd District Board member and common law wife of Ardot and also wanted by the police in violating RA 10951.

The Police seized 2 antitank rockets, 2 rocket-propelled grenades, several rifle grenades and different firearms and also confiscated 2 packs of suspected illegal drugs and several explosives at the farm house which allegedly owned by the Parojinogs.

The newly appointed Officer in Charge of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (MOCPPO) Police Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Hebron in lieu of PD Senior Superintendent Jaycen de Guzman who is accordingly on leave for 15 days in an press interview said that he is happy. “The arrest of Ardot indeed is an accomplishment of the police as it implemented the war on drugs policy of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and with the help of the Interpol and Taiwan Police the later was finally arrested,” he added.

US relays SCS militarization concern with China

MANILA -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday relayed to his counterpart in Beijing Washington's "consistent concerns" on the alleged militarization in the South China Sea amid latest developments in the disputed waters in the region.

Pompeo, who met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the first time, did not elaborate the talks about the disputed sea lane, but said they had a "good discussion" on the subject.

"We had a chance to talk about that. And I will leave to our militaries to talk about their efforts together," he said during the joint presser with Wang in Washington.

Wang, in Washington for a stopover after attending the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Argentina, confirmed that concerns on Chinese activities in the area were raised, but denied there is militarization.

Last week, Beijing reportedly landed Chinese bombers, including a long-range H-6K, in one of its reclaimed islands in the South China Sea.

"On the so-called militarization in the South China Sea, we talked about this issue. China is only building civilian and some necessary defense facilities on our own islands. That is the right to self-defense and preservation of every sovereign state," Wang said.

"It is a normal deployment and has nothing to do with militarization, just like the US has military presence in Hawaii, in Guam. And China’s deployment is at a much smaller scale than the US. It’s just out of necessary defense purposes. We don’t hope to see any exaggeration or hype-up of this matter," he added.

The strategic waterway, where a trillion-dollar worth of trade passes annually, is contested by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

While not a claimant state, the US sees itself as an interested party in the South China Sea. It has repeatedly stressed it will continue to conduct regular freedom of navigation operations in the region. (PNA/By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora )