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)

Kidapawan youth, local officials trained on good governance

BNEO GREAT LAUNCH. Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista makes a point during the opening on Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2018) of the three-day orientation for good governance and accountability, dubbed as “Basic Orientation for the Newly Elected Officials Towards Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent Barangays (BNEO GREAT) in the locality. (Photo by Kidapawan CIO)

COTABATO CITY – The local government of Kidapawan has launched an Oct. 3–5 a seminar on governance and accountability aimed at ensuring its youth leaders and newly-elected village officials know the essentials of good governance.

Dubbed “Basic Orientation for the Newly Elected Officials Towards Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent Barangays (BNEO GREAT),” the training started on Wednesday at the Department of Education convention hall in Kidapawan City.

It is being held in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista and DILG-Kidapawan Director Ging Kionisala led the orientation for the first batch of trainees, with the topics centering on public accountability, decentralization and governance, orientation on federalism, barangay government administration, development planning, financial administration, budgeting, auditing, procurement, solid waste management, legislation, and barangay justice system.

“Empowering the local leaders and the youth will help ensure effective and sustained good governance at the grassroots level,” Evangelista said in the vernacular.

Kionisala said that when local elected leaders manage the local governments effectively and with accountability, “the people will truly feel the government really exists and care for them”.

She said the DILG is ensuring that President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust on good governance is fully implemented down to the barangay level.

Kionisala said succeeding batches of village officials for the BNEO GREAT orientation are set on Oct. 9-11, 17-19 and 22-24. (PNA/By Edwin Fernandez/Re-posted by Becky D.de Asis-The Redline News )

Retiring army chief is next DSWD Secretary

MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday night named retiring Army chief, Lt. Gen. Roland Bautista, as the next Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Na-announce ko naman (I have announced), the next DSWD Secretary was just about a few days ---Rolly Bautista,” Duterte said in a speech before members of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association (PMAAAI).

In a command conference last month, Duterte bared that he wanted Bautista to replace resigned National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Jason Aquino.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea told reporters that Bautista did not decline the NFA post but was offered a new post as DSWD chief.

Duterte has yet to announce someone to replace Aquino, who resigned amid issues hounding the country’s rice supply.

Bautista will retire on Oct. 15 when he turns 56 years old.

Prior to being army chief, Bautista was also Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander.

Earlier, Duterte bared that he prefers military men in his Cabinet since they get the job done immediately.

DSWD Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo currently heads the agency. (PNA/By Azer Parrocha/ Re-posted by Becky D.de Asis-The Redline News)

ARMM Guv conduct peace and love festival to children's of war victims

Children's of war received gift from Gov. Mujiv Hataman during Peace and Love Festival in Sumisip yesterday

Basilan   -  ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman joined the  1,500 Children's of War and gave them gifts during the "Children of War, A Festival of Peace and Love" in Brgy Buli-Buli, Sumisip, Basilan yesterday, October 4,2018

Some  male children’s  surrendered their "toy guns" to Governor Hataman  in exchange  them a bag,  school supplies, slippers and bikes.

While other  childrens had no toy guns  they received also  an  school bags, slippers, hygiene kits, toys, books  coming from military, Local Government unit of Sumisip and other private partners to help the programs successful.

District Engineer Soler I. Undug  DPWH Basilan  also  give their supports to the program of Governor Hataman  and they provided food packs  for the said  festival.

"We should invest for our children's future now", Hataman said during the  festival.

These  Children's of War are children of former ASG fighters and family survivors of armed conflict in Basilan.(By: Becky D. de Asis/ With report by Myrna Jo Henry -ARMM-HEART)

Sitangkai mayor seeking help to Dep-Ed ARMM, for next year Senior High School enrollees

Mayor Serbin C. Ahaja

Bongao, Tawi – Tawi – Mayor Serbin C. Ahaja of Sitangakai  asking the help of the Department of Education Secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to give them an additional Senior High School Building projects because of growing population of senior high school students for next year class opening.

“I am worried about the growing population of our students for next year opening because we have no extra rooms for them, that is why I am asking now the help of Governor Mujiv Hataman through Dep-Ed Secretary Mitmug to help us to avail some additional buildings for the students.

However, the Department of Public  Works and Highways, Tawi - Tawi District said, the Senior High School building project in Sitangkai is under validation by their office but still no feedback from the Dep-Ed Engr. Martin Maing, Assistant District Engineer of Tawi –Tawi District Office said. (By Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Maguindanao town hands over loose firearms to military

YIELDED FIREARMS. Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Diosdado Carreon (right), inspects one of a dozen loose firearms surrendered by civilians from Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2018) as Datu Salibo Mayor Norodin Salasal (2nd from left) looks on. (Photo by 6th ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao--Military authorities accepted a dozen loose firearms handed over by town officials of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, a military official said Wednesday.

Datu Salibo Mayor Norodin Salasal led other town officials in Tuesday's simple ceremonies, where they turned over firearms surrendered by civilian constituents to the Army's 601st Brigade headquarters based in Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

"The overwhelming support of the local government of Datu Salibo brought about significant accomplishments on the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in the province,” Brigadier Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the Army’s 601st brigade commander, said in his speech.

The initiative was coordinated by Datu Salibo officials with the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion in the area. The firearms included three M79 grenade launchers, four Barrett sniper rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns, one KG9 machine pistol, one M203 rifle, and one 9-mm caliber pistol.

On Monday, officials in the towns of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Sultan Sa Barongis also handed over 11 assorted firearms to the military.

Major General Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief, expressed optimism towards gaining steady peace and security in Central Mindanao through their partnership with local government units and other stakeholders. 

"I strongly urge and call other towns of Maguindanao to do the same, support our campaign against loose firearms", Sobejana said in a statement. To date, a total of 1,158 assorted loose firearms were handed over to the 6ID this year alone.(PNA/Noel Punzalan/Re-posted by Becky D.de Asis-The Redline News)

After resignation, Uson open to run for senator

MANILA -- Following her resignation as communications assistant secretary, Esther Margaux “Mocha” Uson on Wednesday said she is open to run for a Senate seat, or even for a congressional seat, in next year’s mid-term elections.

Uson, however, said her decision whether to run or not in the polls would depend on the sentiments of the people.

“As President Rodrigo Duterte said, 'Let the people decide,'” she said during an interview after announcing her resignation during the hearing of the proposed 2019 budget of the Presidential Communications Operations office (PCOO) at the Senate in Pasay City.

Uson, who enjoys a large following on social media, noted that Filipinos are now in Facebook, and she would know their sentiments there.

“Kung ano po ang mababasa ko sa Facebook, kung ano ang sasabihin ng mga supporters doon, doon ko po titignan (Whatever I read from Facebook, what my supporters will say there, I’ll take it from there). Senator or Congress, open po tayo (we're open),” she said.

Earlier, upon announcing her resignation at the budget hearing, Uson said unlike other lawmakers who use their positions for their own agenda, she said she is ready to fight for the voiceless masses in society.

“Dadalhin ko ang laban sa Congress at Senado (I will bring the fight to Congress and the Senate),” she said.

When asked by reporters to elaborate, Uson said she is willing to fight for the ordinary Filipinos in any arena.

“Nakaka-frustrate e. Yung ilang mambabatas natin na andyan sila sa posisyon pero ang iniisip nila ay sarili nilang interes (It’s very frustrating. Some of our lawmakers there in position are just thinking about their own interests),” she said.

“Kailangang magkaroon ng boses ang ordinaryong tao, at gagawin po natin yan kung sa anumang paraan na pupwede (Ordinary people should have a voice, and we will do that by whatever means),” she added.

Uson tendered her resignation after lawmakers at the House of Representatives deferred twice the passage of the PCOO budget due to her absence in the deliberations.

Several lawmakers wanted Uson to appear before Congress to answer the criticisms against her.

However, she clarified that her resignation was not due to the criticisms, but to the “rotten system” perpetrated by certain lawmakers who do not want to be criticized themselves.

“Gayun paman, ganun na po talaga ang sistema natin ngayon, taon-taon ay sinasabihan po ako na huwag punahin ang ilang mambabatas para huwag ipitin ang budget ng PCOO (Nonetheless, that is the system now, being told yearly not to criticize certain lawmakers so that they will not defer the PCOO budget),” she said.

“Nakakaliit man ang sistema natin ng kasalukuyan, bulok man ito, ngunit kailangang sundin. Dahil po dyan, ako na po ang magsa-sakripisyo para maipasa na po ang budget ng PCOO. Ako po ay nagdesisyon na mag-resign na po (However demeaning and rotten the system now may be, it must be followed. Because of that, I am now making the sacrifice so that the PCOO budget would be passed. I have decided to resign),” Uson said at the hearing.

Uson warned her critics that she would not be backing off anytime soon.

Para po sa mga bumabatikos sa akin, huwag po kayong magkakamaling isipin na nagtagumpay kayo. Hindi ako nagbitiw sa posisyon dahil takot akong harapin kayo. Gusto ko lang na pag nagkaharap tayo, patas ang laban (To my critics, don’t ever think that you’ve won. I did not resign because I am afraid to face you. All I want is that when we face each other, the fight would be fair),” she said.

“Wait for my blogs. Bakbakan na ito, bakbakan na talaga ito (This will be war, this will be really war),” Uson said. (PNA/By Jose Cielito Reganit/Re-posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

House terminates deliberation of PCOO budget

MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday finally terminated the plenary deliberation of the PHP1.474-billion budget of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) for 2019.

The Lower House approved the budget of the PCOO-proper in mere minutes. The budgets of its attached agencies were approved on Tuesday.

This developed after PCOO Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson announced her resignation during an earlier Senate committee hearing.

House deferred twice the consideration of the PCOO budget due to her absence in the deliberations.

Uson earlier said Congress was purposely delaying deliberations on the PCOO budget because of her.

She described her decision to leave her post as a “sacrifice” to allow the passage of the PCOO budget.

In sponsoring the budget, Parañaque City Rep. Eric Olivarez said the PCOO is proposing a PHP1.474-billion budget for next year to deliver its commitment as the premier arm of the executive branch in engaging and involving the citizenry and the mass media to enrich the quality of public discourse on all matters of governance and build a national consensus.

"We have the assurances of Secretary Andanar that the resources shall be judiciously and creatively used to communicate the messages of the President and his government to the people," Olivarez said.

PHP1.474-billion budget for next year reflects a 2.75 percent increase of PHP39.434 million, compared to this year’s budget of PHP1.435 billion.

PCOO budget shall be distributed as follows: PCOO proper -- PHP360.988 million; Bureau of Broadcast Service -- PHP396.967 million; Bureau of Communications Service -- PHP37.186 million; National Printing Office -- PHP11.499 million; News and Information Bureau -- PHP124.677 million; Philippine Information Agency -- PHP337.486 million; and Radio TV Malacañang -- PHP205.180 million. (PNA/By Filane Mikee Cervantes/Re-posted by Becky D.de Asis-The Redline News)  

Almost 3,000 sacks of smuggled rice recovered by BOC-Zambo while 10,000 missing

By: Becky D. de Asis

Zamboanga City – Almost 3,000 sacks of smuggled rice recovered at Zamboanga  City private- owned warehouse last Tuesday evening.

Thus 3,000 sacks of rice are among the 20,000 smuggled rice recovered by Philippine Coastguard  in the city last week.

Martinez added, the other missing sacks of rice maybe distributed  already to the markets while others were still the hands of some smugglers and other retailers here in Zamboanga City.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC)  and the National  Bureau of Investigation (NBI) still investigating the incident and to recover the remaining missing smuggled rice.

According to Martinez, he  was  ordered  to Customs Police District Commander Filomino Salazar to safeguard the confiscated smuggled rice   inside  the  three (3) cargo vessels and  not  to allow them  to dispatch the said confiscated  rice without any legal documents presented by them or advice from the office before the incident happened.

But lately Martinez was surprised upon receiving reports  that almost 20,000 sacks of rice was already missing while under the custody of Salazar.

Lately Salazar promised to Martinez to  put-up more police inside the private pier to safeguard the said rice but later he received reports that parts of some smuggled rice were missing.

Immediately Martinez ordered to Salazar relieved from  his post last Tuesday.

Martinez added all  his employee's  are all under investigation and find out  who probably involve the alleged anomaly inside his office.

The Office of BOC filed administrative and Criminal cases against Salazar said Martinez.

Meanwhile, Atty, Moises Tamayo, director of NBI-9, had already a lists of rice traders who possibly involved those missing smuggled rice while under the custody of Customs Police District Commander Filomino Salazar. (By Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

23 LGUs in ARMM get Seal of Good Local Governance

COTABATO CITY –  A total of 23 provincial, city and municipal local government units (LGUs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were conferred with 2018 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced Monday.

The awardees are Basilan province, Lamitan City and 21 municipal LGUs across the region.

The SGLG awardees from the ARMM in the municipal category this year are Maluso and Sumisip in Basilan; Buadiposo-Buntong, Kapatagan, Piagapo, Taraka, and Wao in Lanao del Sur; Barira, Buldon, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Paglas, Guindulungan, Matanog, Parang, Shariff Aguak, South Upi, Sultan Kudarat, and Upi in Maguindanao; Talipao in Sulu; and Sibutu and Simunul in Tawi-Tawi.

With the latest feat, ARMM now ranks 5th in the country in terms of the number of SGLG awardees.

The region also has the most number of passers among Mindanao regions.

“Our efforts this year have resulted in the most number of SGLG passers in the history of the region,” ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said.

He, however, reminded that employees should work hard not only for recognition from the national government.

“We did this because this is the kind of public service that the people of the ARMM deserve,” he said.

DILG-ARMM Secretary Noor Hafizullah Abdullah lauded Hataman for making sure that the LGUS had every opportunity to showcase their excellence in the ARMM.

He also noted that the DILG-ARMM has consistently worked on its good governance targets since October last year.

To be a recipient of an SGLG award, an LGU needs to meet standards set by the national government including improvements on performance, accountability, transparency, and participation.

The standards encompass three core assessment areas: Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness, and at least one from essential assessment areas, namely Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, or Environmental Management.

“We salute our staff and all the ARMM agencies that have helped us achieve this year’s feat,” Hataman said.

In 2015, ARMM had zero SGLG passer. Nonetheless, through the good governance initiatives of the regional government, the region had six passers in 2016, which significantly increased to 22 in 2017.

Since then, Hataman said the ARMM’s focus has been on good governance and the DILG recognition this year is a clear indicator of its results. (PNA/By Edwin Fernandez -Re-posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)