Chief Minister Murad Ibrahim conduct meetings to MPWH engineers

Cotabato City  -  The newly assumed post as Interim Chief Minister  of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Al Haj Murad Ibrahim (center) conduct meeting with the  most top working men in the BARMM government, the engineers in the Ministry of Public Works and Highways ( from left to right),   District Engineer  Az- Zamier N.Arbison - Sulu 2nd Engineering Disrtict, District Engineer Tony Kamlani - Tawi-Tawi Engineering District, District Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul - Sulu 1st Engineering District (center-standing, with blue painted polo), District Engineer Soler Undug, MPA of Basilan Engineering District (2nd from right-standing), together with other engineers coming from Lanao Sur and Maguindanao also attended. just earlier.(Redline News)

Speedboats from Japan to boost PCG drive vs. piracy, terrorism

The Philippine Coast Guard has received two speedboats from Japan which will be used to strengthen its campaign against piracy and terrorism. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard) 

MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has received two speedboats from the government of Japan which will be utilized to strengthen its campaign against piracy and terrorism.

The two 12-meter high speedboats were handed over in a ceremony graced by Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda which was held at the PCG national headquarters in Manila last Wednesday.

The boats can carry eight personnel and has maximum speed of 50 nautical miles per hour.

“The speedboats will boost the law enforcement capability of the PCG especially in the Southern Philippines where it will be utilized for anti-piracy and terrorism campaign of the government,” said PCG Commandant, Admiral Elson Hermogino, in a statement.

The speedboats are part of the anti-terrorism packages under Japan’s Grant Aid for the Social and Economic Development Program for the Philippines as requested by President Rodrigo R. Duterte from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during one of his visits in Japan.

The government of Japan has turned over last year 10 seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boats which are now being utilized by the PCG for coastal security patrol in Palawan, Visayas and southwestern Mindanao. (PNA/By Aerol John Pateña)

MILF chief formally assume Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Post

Governor Mujiv Hataman of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, turn over the documents during the handover ceremony to Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chief Al Haj Murad Ebrahim as Chief Minister (center), on Tuesday February 26, 2019 while OPAPP Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr looks on (left) in Cotabato City. Chief minister Murad will assume the leadership of an interim body that will govern the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Amid voices of discontentment from their colleagues that warned to establish a new faction in protest of their alleged dictatorship in the new Muslim homeland. ( Photo by Mark Navales)

  

Cotabato City----The leader of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is now officially a government official after he assumed on Tuesday the leadership of the expanded autonomous region in southern Philippines.

In  turn-over ceremony, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim assumed the top post of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center here.

Ebrahim, who led the 10,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during decades of separatist rebellion, swapped his bush jacket for formal clothes as he took the reins as interim leader of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Now the government that we have longed dreamt of, fought and struggled for, is finally establish in our homeland,” Murad said. “The trust and responsibility over the Bangsamoro government is now in our hands. We are accountable for it.”

Ebrahim now heads an 80-member team in leading the BARMM, a zone made up of at least five southern provinces where MILF will oversee self-rule until local voters elect their own parliament by 2022.

The historic event was witnessed by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary 

Carlito Galvez Jr. and more than 5,000 Bangsamoro people.

The autonomous Muslim region was ratified by most voters in at least five southern provinces through a Jan. 21 and Feb. 6 plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which granted autonomy to MILF.

The referendum was the final step in a peace pact that MILF signed with Manila four years ago.

The BARMM is the result of more than 20 years of peace negotiations between Manila and the MILF. After assuming the post, Ebrahim announced some of his regional cabinet members who will help him run the affairs of the new political entity.

Ebrahim assured ARMM civil government workers that they shall remain in office in the meantime but those who are co-terminus with the elected officials may go.

“All those in the bureaucracy will remain intact,” Ebrahim said as the current ARMM employees who feared of losing jobs when the new leaders assume office lauded his statement.

Ebrahim also announced the officials that would assumed plum positions in BARMM. These include Mohagher Iqbal, the former MILF chief negotiator who will now be minister for education, and Sammy Al-

Mansour, the MILF’s military chief, who will take over as the new environment minister.

At the same time, MILF Vice Chair for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar was named speaker of parliament, while Naguib Sinarimbo will be minister for local government. Ebrahim will hold his concurrent position as the head of public works.(with reports by Mark Navales- Cotabato City, Philippines).

23 news agencies to strengthen cultural, people co-existence

By Gigie Arcilla   

DUBAI, UAE – Despite diversity in culture and religion, some 23 news agencies from different parts of the world vowed to promote the principles of tolerance and co-existence.

In a rare gathering on the sidelines of the World Government Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 10-12, leaders of different media outfits signed an agreement dubbed as “News Agencies’ Tolerance Charter”.

Initiated by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) through its Executive Director Mohamed Alrayssi, the Tolerance Charter signing at the Mina Al Salam Hotel in Jumeirah on February 10 was in line with the UAE declaration of 2019 as the “Year of Tolerance”.

It is anchored on the “importance and role of the media’s message and realization of responsibilities and duties towards the community, its institutions and individuals, and towards the media profession” with the following principles:

• Development of media tools through technologies and innovations that contribute in supporting the manufacture of media content for what is in the interest of humankind;

• Constant media follow-up, which sheds light on its role in achieving the values of peaceful coexistence among the peoples of different religions, sects, doctrines, ideologies, and all other differences;

• Exchange of written news, pictures, video clips and any other journalistic materials with different news media, related to the topic of tolerance, regardless of the location of events;

• Strengthening of media content, which is related to tolerance and employing media tools to raise the level of this content and shedding light on international successes in strengthening this value to serve humanity, out of the positive influence of tolerance in protecting peoples from following hatred, intolerance, sectarianism, terrorism, and other dark and misguided ideas;

• Foreseeing the future of practices that instill the values and principles of tolerance in peoples in all sectors and aspects of life, both personal and professional; and

• Shedding light on the role of youth in building tolerant communities, and pushing towards strengthening their participation in decision-making and drawing up future plans, and addressing them with language and media content that are appropriate to the nature of their aspirations and their ways of thinking.

The Tolerance Charter specifies the following: news exchange to strengthen the concept of coexistence among cultures and peoples, regardless of differences; news about initiatives and projects that aim to strengthen the values and principles of tolerance; news about dialogues conducted among various cultures and civilizations. News about cultural and social programs, which contribute to building tolerant communities; and news about implementing and formulating legislation and policies that contribute to planting cultural and religious tolerance.

Signatories to the Charter are WAM, Philippine News Agency (PNA), Saudi News Agency, ENEX, Yemen News Agency (SABA), Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Cyprus News Agency, FANA News Agency, Slovenian Press Agency, Bahrain News Agency, National News Agency, Prensa Latina (Cuba), Agency News KABAR, Trend News Agency, Jordan News Agency Petra, Oman News Agency, Bulgarian News Agency-BTA, Middle East News Agency, Associated Press of Pakistan, BERNAMA-Malaysian National News Agency, LUSA AGENCIA DE NOTICIAS (Portugal), Press Trust of India (PTI), and Sputnik (Russia). (PNA)

PRRD to tap Gray as PH tourism ambassador: DOT

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray faces the media after her meeting with Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at the DOT office in Makati City. (Photo by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

 

MANILA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue working with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in promoting the Philippines as President Rodrigo Duterte seeks to tap the beauty queen as the country's tourism ambassador, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Tuesday.

"We want her to be our tourism ambassador. According to the President he really wants her to be our tourism ambassador," Romulo-Puyat told reporters when asked if the agency will ask Gray to serve the role after her reign as Miss Universe 2018.

Romulo-Puyat said Gray herself was excited in further promoting the country's destinations.

"She wants to promote all, she was saying there's so much to offer, so much to show the world," Romulo-Puyat said.

Gray on Tuesday paid courtesy calls on Senate President Vicente Sotto III prior to her meeting with Romulo-Puyat and other ranking DOT officials in Makati City.

During her speech, Romulo-Puyat stressed that Gray has vigorously promoted the country even before she won the prestigious pageant in 2018.

The DOT has been instrumental in her introduction clip for the Miss Universe competition featuring the beauty of the world-renowned Palawan and Mindanao, among others.

"Cat has already been promoting the Philippines even before she won and thank you for that for promoting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. You have made our country proud," she said.

"Because of you becoming Miss Universe, the Philippines... there is now awareness all over the world," she noted.

Gray, meanwhile, said promoting the Philippines is "something she is very passionate about."

"I feel like if people will see what we have to offer, the level of interest will spike. We have so much potential to share that with the rest of the world. I hope that in my own way of being Miss Universe 2018, I could work in promoting the Philippines," she said. (PNA/By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora )

DND, DPWH lead groundbreaking for new OCD building

MANILA -- The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday led the groundbreaking ceremony for the seven-story administration building of the Office of Civil Defense.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar spearheaded the event, which took place in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

OCD administrator Ricardo Jalad, in a statement, said the building will house the difference offices of the agency.

"A total amount of PHP275 million was allotted by the DPWH for the construction of the building and is expected to be completed by April of 2020," Jalad added. (PNA/By Priam Nepomuceno )

MILF Chairman assumed gov't post as BARMM Minister

By: Becky D. de Asis

Cotabato City - The BARMM is the result of more than 20 years of peace negotiation between the government and the MILF which resulted the success of ratification of this Bangsamoro Organic Law to embodied the dreams and aspiration of some Bangsamoro people  in Mindanao.

MILF Chair Alhaj Murad Ibrahim assumed the top post of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Tuesday together with his 80  BTA members  of the said new Bangsamoro government who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte earlier.

Interim Chief MInister Ibrahim assured the ARMM employees and workers that they shall remain intact in the office in the meantime.

Ibrahim said, the new government of Bangsamoro (BARMM) will be inaugurated next month as the 1st session of BARMM parliament.

The Minister announced some of his cabinet members who will help him run this new political entity in Autonomous Region. In concurrent capapacity would be Minister of Public Works and Highways, Other appointees include Minister of Finance - Architect Eduard Guerra, Minister of Finance, Budget and Management ;  Minister of Social Services -  Atty. Raissa Jajurie;  Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Mohagher Iqbal;  Minister of Health - Dr. Zafrullah Dipatuan; Minister of Indigenous and People's Affairs - Timuay Melanio Ulama; Minister of Local Government - Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo;  Minister of Environment and Natural Resources - Abdoraof Macacua;  Minister of Fisheries and Agrarian Reform - Mohammad Suib; and MInister of Public and Safety - Hussein  Munoz. While the other agencies or Ministers  are still in waiting capacity... 

Meanwhile,Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman turned over his post to MILF Chair Al Haj Murad  Ibrahim including the assets and liabilities of the Regional Government from ARMM to BARMM at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center here.

Hataman has begged-off from becoming an automatic member of the BTA because of his intent to focus on serving his constituents in his hometown province of Basilan.

He said he is confident that the officials of the interim government are competent enough to continue the reforms that the Autonomous Regional Government has already started for the Bangsamoro region.

"Kung ano man ang mga trabahong hindi pa natin natatapos, tiyak kong itutuloy nila; kung ano man ang pagkukulang ng ating administrasyon, tiyak kong mapupunan nila ito, Hataman said .". (By Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Stop making death threats to priests: Duterte

MANILA -- Amid concerns raised by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle that priests have been receiving death threats from persons claiming to be working for the Presidential family, President Rodrigo R. Duterte warned impostors to lay off or face him.

Duterte made this remark during the campaign rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in Cebu City on Sunday night.

“Either Muslims or Christians, they had nothing to do with us. Do not do it. Do not try to do it. Religious [leaders] has nothing to do with the vagaries of life. Lay off! Stop threatening them or ako ang makalaban ninyo (you’ll have to face me),” Duterte said.

The President cautioned impostors using his name and urged them to leave religious leaders alone since they have “nothing to do with politics.”

“Oras na galawin ninyo ang mga madre o pari o Imam… wag niyo silang galawin (The moment you touch nuns, priests, or Imam…don’t touch them). Those are religious people,” he added.

During the event, Duterte read to the public the message he received from Tagle about some priests receiving death threats.

“Good day po, greetings from Rome. I was informed that Bishop David and some priests got death threats from someone claiming to be working for the President’s family. Just to let you know, baka may naninira (Perhaps someone is trying to damage the President’s reputation). Thanks, we pray,” Tagle’s message read.

agle is in Rome to attend the recently-concluded four-day Vatican summit on sex abuse by priests.

Duterte said former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go has also assured Tagle that the administration had no hand in sending these death threats.

“Wala pong ganun Cardinal. Salamat (There is no such thing, Cardinal. Thank you). Just to let you know that there are persons using the name of the President and his family,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Duterte reiterated accomplishments halfway through his term including a "harsher" drug war.

The President also thanked Cebuanos for helping him garner more than a million votes in the 2016 presidential election and urged them to support PDP-Laban's candidates in the mid-term elections. (PNA/By Azer Parrocha)

The message of Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul to the Interim Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh....

May Peace,  Mercy and Blessings of Allah be Upon Us)...

"Success is always on the new ventures you take every now and then" ,,, this new beginning  and success reign  upon the whole Bangsamoro people in Muslim Mindanao open more opportunities to make their dreams comes a reality.

In behalf of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Sulu 1st Engineering District and the whole officialdom and my family would like to congratulate the new Chief Minister of new Bangsamoro Autonomous  Region in Muslim Mindanao for the success of ratification of this Organic Law to enable and create a new environment that will conducive  and peaceful living condition of  Muslims, Christians,Lumads and other tribes in Mindanao.

The assumption of new Bangsamoro or BARMM always embody the dreams and aspirations of some great men and women who fought to achieved this great victory of Bangsamoro people.

Again, My family and I together with my workaholic District Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul would like to extend our congratulation to men and women in BARMM.

Our congratulation to Chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim as Interim Chief Minister with his  entire officials in BARMM.

Go BARMM.... Congratulation and MABUHAY......

Engr. Ajan S.Ajijul

Chief, Construction Section 

DPWH - Sulu 1st Engineering District

Jolo, Sulu

EDSA commemoration reminder of patriotism, unity: AFP

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is one with all Filipinos as the country commemorates the 33rd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary.

"We will continue to imbibe the lessons of nationalism, patriotism, and most importantly, unity. 

These are the values that make your Armed Forces a dependable institution that is always ready to protect the people and secure the sovereignty of the state," AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

He added that the commemoration reminds all citizens of their roots as Filipinos.

Detoyato also mentioned that the EDSA commemoration means whatever challenges the country faces, despite the differences in organizations and groups, Filipinos remain united and loyal to the country and its Constitution.

"Rest assured that the AFP, together with the PNP and other security forces, is here to ensure the safety of the people present in today's celebration. 

We will not let our guards down for any possible threat that may arise," Detoyato added. (PNA/By Priam Nepomuceno )

Engr. Martin Maing with his congratulation message to BARMM Interim Chief Minister

In behalf of the Department of Public Works and Highways of Tawi-Tawi  District Engineering Office and my whole family "Maing Family" would like to greet the new Bangsamoro government " Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)   for a  realization of Bangsamoro dreams and end armed struggles in our beloved Mindanao.

This new BARMM government will lead us  a new beginning and  to start  our own destiny  with the help of some  men and women  who fought to recognized our rights and struggles for the good of Bangsamoro people  in our beloved country more particular  here in Mindanao.

My family and I, would like to  extend our gratitude and congratulations to Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim as Interim Chief Minister of Bangsamoro Transition Authority  for  a job well done..

Congratulation Sir for our Interim Chief Minister...

Go Bangsamoro, Go BARMM, Mabuhay...

Engr. Martin Maing

Assistant District Engineer

Tawi-Tawi  District Engineering Office
Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

P8.6-M ‘shabu’ seized from bizwoman in Zambo City

Joint police and PDEA agents seize some P8.6-M worth of shabu from Sofia Ibno, 32, a businesswoman, in a buy-bust operation in Tumaga, Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of Zamboanga City Police Office PIO)
 

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a businesswoman and seized some PHP8.6 million worth of illegal drugs in an anti-drug operation in this city, an official announced Sunday.

Senior Supt. Thomas Joseph Martir, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, identified the arrested businesswoman as Sofia Ibno, 32, who is into trading of dry goods from Malaysia to this city.

Martir said Ibno was nabbed in a buy-bust operation around 7:30 a.m. Sunday along Uranus Street, Dulaca Drive, Barangay Tumaga, this city.

Martir said Ibno’s companion, Medson Kalim, eluded arrest as he fled upon sensing the presence of the lawmen.

He said the arresting team confiscated from the possession of Ibno some 1.2 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of PHP8.6 million and PHP1.3 million boodle money with PHP1,000 bill as marked money.

Ibno will be charged for violation of Section 5 and 11, Article II of Republic act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Ibno said it was her first time to be involved in the illegal drug trade, and claims to be a resident of Isabela City, Basilan. (PNA/By Ely Dumaboc )

BTA to assume ARMM leadership Feb. 26

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BARMM 'realization' of Moro dreams and end armed struggle: PRRD

MANILA -- The newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is a realization of everyone's dream to end the armed struggle in Mindanao, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Friday.

"The successful ratification of this Organic Law will enable us to create an environment that will be conducive to the peaceful coexistence between the Muslims, Christians, Lumads, and all tribes of this planet as indigenous peoples and settlers who will consider Mindanao as their home," Duterte said in his speech during the ceremonial confirmation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite canvass results and oath-taking ceremony of the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) at Malacañang Palace.

Duterte assured various stakeholders that his administration will ensure good governance in BARMM.

"Your courage and determination will never be put to waste. I guarantee that you and this administration will use all the resources within its disposal to ensure better governance and inclusive political empowerment in this new Bangsamoro region," he said.

The President recalled the hardships of the peace process and expressed hope for permanent peaceful co-existence with the ratification of the BOL.

"We would like to see an end of the violence that has rocked Mindanao and have cost so many lives for nothing.If there is any problem at all or in the future, let me assure you that for the remaining years of my work as a government work here, here in this building,

"I assure you, Insha’Allah, I will always do what the law says and what is yours, to what extent that we can give you, not only comfort but happiness to the Muslims of Mindanao," he said.

Duterte challenged the 80 newly-appointed members of the BTA to fulfill a better future for the people of BARMM by committing to the values of the rule of law, good governance, and democracy.

"Always embody the dreams and aspirations of the great men and women who came before you and fought for the recognition of your right to determine your future," he told them.

The President announced the appointment of Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim as Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

The BOL, considered as one of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s biggest legislative achievements, is expected to give the Moro people the basic legal tools to chart their own destiny within the country’s Constitutional framework. (PNA/By EJ Roque )

UN chief hails establishment of Bangsamoro transition body

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We don’t need NPA, we’re distributing lands: Duterte

MANILA -- It is unnecessary to join the communist struggle because the government is willing to distribute lands, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Monday.

He made this remark in his speech before more than 700 beneficiaries during the ceremonial distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) in Buluan, Mindanao.

“Up to now, I have about 60,000 hectares already nung na-Presidente ako (when I became President). Hindi na natin kailangan ang NPA (We no longer need the New People's Army). What for?” Duterte said in his speech.

“‘Yan man ang mga kampanya nila -- ibigay nila ang lupa sa tao. Kaya ko mang ibigay ‘yan. Ibinibigay ko na nga (Their campaign is to give land to the people. I can give them that. I have actually already given land),” he added.

Duterte also slammed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison for justifying the communist rebels’ collection of revolutionary taxes for what the exiled revolutionary leader calls the “people’s government.”

“Ano bang hindi namin maibigay? Fifty-three years kayong nakipaglabanan sa gobyerno, ni hindi kayo makahawak ng isang barangay. Tapos gusto niyo patayan lang palagi (What can’t we give? You’ve been fighting against the government for 53 years and you can’t even conquer one barangay. Then you just want to perpetrate the killing),” he said.

The President described the collection of revolutionary taxes as a form of extortion.

“Tapos mag-dream ka na kailangan ka mag-extort kasi ‘yung inyong gobyerno kailangan mabuhay. ‘Yun ang statement ni Sison. Anong gobyerno? Kailan ka ba nagkaroon ng gobyerno? (And then you dream that you need to extort money because your government needs to be funded. That’s Sison’s statement. What government? When did you ever have your own government?)" he added.

Last week, Duterte offered to reopen peace talks but Sison shut it down and described it as an “insult to the revolutionary movement.”

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo advised Sison to instead rejoin society and contribute his intellect and expertise to peaceful dialogues for the betterment of all Filipinos.

“Sison must step down from his ivory tower and extend his hands for peace, for his own sake, for his followers, for the Filipino people, for his country he loves so well,” Panelo said.

“It is time to rejoin society. There is nothing dishonorable in accepting defeat. There is another path for change other than armed struggle. Filipinos cannot continue killing Filipinos,” he added.

In 2017, Duterte terminated peace talks with the communist rebels following continued attacks against government troops and their insistence to collect revolutionary taxes.

The CPP-NPA has been tagged as a terror group by the United States and the European Union. (By Azer Parrocha /PNA)

Comelec begins printing of 63-M ballots for May polls

BALLOT PRINTING BEGINS. A foreign consultant supervises the printing of official ballots to be used in the May 13 mid-term elections at the National Printing Office in Quezon City on Saturday (Feb. 9, 2019). (PNA photo by Oliver Marquez)

MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday started the printing of the more than 63 million official ballots to be used in the May 13 National and Local Elections (NLE) at the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City.

Ma. Victoria Dulcero, vice chairman of the Comelec Printing Committee, said they are looking to finish before April 25 the printing of the 63,662,481 ballots for the local polls and overseas absentee voting (OAV).

Of the number, a total of 61,843,771 ballots will be used in the local polls while 1,818,710 ballots are for the OAV.

“In the printing of official ballots, our agency partner is NPO. The NPO is providing us with three printers for this project, which will run 24/7,” the poll official said in a press briefing.

Dulcero added that aside from the official ballots, they will print a total of 1,142,063 ballots to be used in the final testing and sealing (FTS) to test the vote counting machines (VCMs).

“The FTS ballots will be used by our Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) or Electoral Boards to test the VCMs,” she explained.

Dulcero added that they expect to print one million ballots per day.

Meanwhile, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the OAV ballots will be the first to be printed, to be followed by those for Mindanao provinces, the Visayas provinces, Luzon and the National Capital Region (NCR).

“The first to be printed are overseas ballots, because elections overseas will start on April 13. The OAV election would be ongoing while we print the ballots for the rest of the country,” Jimenez said.

As for the printing of the local ballots, the poll body official said they usually start from the farthest areas.

“The order of printing starts from the farthest. Far-flung areas first and then the last few deliveries will be NCR since it the nearest destination,” he added.

Jimenez also noted that the ballot has its normal security features, such as barcodes, and ultraviolet (UV) marks.

“The ballots will have the normal security features that we normally have -- thumb marks, barcodes, etc. And there are a few others that I cannot tell you because of security. The UV marks can be read by the machine. If the machine is not reading it, then it will be rejected,” he said. (By Ferdinand Patinio /PNA)

Filipino Youth Groups Recognized at the 16th TAYO Awards

 

Ten out of more than 300 entries from all over the Philippines were recognized as the best youth organizations with projects, programs, and advocacies aimed to bring about meaningful changes in their respective communities last January 23, 2019 at the GSIS Theater, GSIS Complex, Pasay City. 

Both our individual and collective stories form the weave of hope for a better future - The TAYO Awards recognizes Filipino youth groups that have done great contributions in their communities through projects and programs that solve challenges on education, environment, culture and the arts, livelihood, and health. 

All of which lead to how these small acts of bravery, excellence, and perseverance create the weave of how young people are invested in nation building.. 

This year, the Ten Acccomplished Youth Organizations are: 

● The Sun Crew from Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, with their project, Sustainable Smart Surfers, addresses the problem of students’ lack of interest in school, by using surfing as a tool to incentivize students in the form of surf points. Not only do they encourage kids to go back to school, they also teach the kids to be mindful of the ocean and the environment - with this, they schedule regular beach clean ups and eco-bricking activities. 

● Tuklas Katutubo from Malungon, Sarangani, with their project, KASAMBUK (Karunungan ay ang Susi sa Mayaman at Buhay na Katutubong Kumunidad), constructed a school through bayanihan in a far-flung community in Sarangani Province. This school gives the primary school access for the Indigenuous peoples’ community to be educated, to learn how to read, count, and write, and to dream on its own. 

● Centre for Sustainability, with their project, The Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat Project, is the first youth organization-led critical habitat declaration which resulted in the protection of 41,350 hectares key biodiversity area in the Puerto Princesa City, Palawan - the biggest critical habitat in the whole country! 

● Association of Young Environmental Journalists from Dumaguete, with their project CAMP SEWI: Student's Environemtal Writing Initiative, is a youth-led environmental news network that aims to engage civic society on environmental sustainability, stewardship, and conservation through youth engagement and environmental journalism in Dumaguete City. They’ve already published their articles in several local newspapers, blogs, and editorials in the City and in university organs. 

● Cuartero National High Sschool Taliamba Ensemble from Cuartero Capiz, with their project, Enhanced Lowa Documentation Initiative (ELOWDI), preserves oral traditions in Cuartero, Capiz, specifically the dying tradition of Lowa by ensuring that these are properly gathered from the elders in the municipality, and then documented in both hard and soft copies.

 ● Team Bakunawa from Iloilo, with their project, Project: BakUNANAYS: Bakuna Ng Kabataan Ugaliin Nang Anak Ay 'di Sakitin, implemented a community-based project that aims to promote immunization and to improve the compliance to School-Based Immunization (SBI) specifically for the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccinations. Their project resulted to 100% compliance and vaccination of Grade 2 elementary students of Ungka II Elementary School in Pavia, Iloilo. 

● Aqilah from Marawi, Lanao Del Sur, with their project, MHarawi (Mental Health for Marawi), addressed the mental wellness in Marawi by giving Psycho-Social Intervention program incorporated by Islamic Teaching and Methodology designed especially for the conservative Muslim IPs affected by the arm conflict in Mindanao particularly – the Marawi Siege.

 ● Philippine Accessible Disability Services from Cebu City, with their project, Paddle for All, seeks to provide an entry point for Persons with Disabilities through adaptive sports to help them ease in to and be included in all aspects of the society with their project. They have programs for dragon boat racing, wheelchair basketball, skipping volleyball, and chess. 

● MIMAROPA Young Leader from Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, with their project, Project Danum, improved the knowledge, attitude and practices of the TadyawanMangyan community in Sitio Byanan I, Brgy. Concepcion, Oriental Mindoro regarding the importance of clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene, and reduced the cases of diarrhea.

● Francisco Laya Memorial Integrated Sschool YES-O from Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte, started a school mushroom farming project made into an income-generating livelihood project for their rural high school in Iligan City. The proceeds of their mushroom sales are used to improve school facilities. 

The ten winners for the 16th TAYO Awards received a trophy sculpted by Toym De Leon Imao, a Php 50, 000 cash grant from the co-presenter of the Search, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) and San Miguel Corporation. 

The finalist organizations: Karaw Craftventures, Food Secure Philippines, Junior Chambers international Central Davao, TauSpartan Lead Com, Xavier University Night School Program, Binhi Creatives, UP Visayas College of Management Student Council, University of San Agustin Little Theater, Ecowatch - Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Kidlikasan- Kabataan- Kalikasan also received a trophy and a Php 20,000 cash grant from Coca-Cola Foundations Philippines, Inc and San Miguel Corporation for the development of their projects. 

 The following  organizations also received various special awards during the awarding ceremonies: 

● University of San Agustin Little Theater - People’s Choice Awards 

● Aqilah - Georgina P. Nava Women’s Leadership Award 

● Xavier University Night School Program - Lenovo Tech Visionary Award 

● Philippine Accessible Disability Services - Smart Communities Awards 

● Team Bakunawa - SMC Better World Award 

● The Sun Crew - Coke Barkada Award 

These youth groups and organizations continue to inspire more people to create meaningful impact in their own spheres of interest and influence.

With the hopes to enjoin other people, young and younger alike, to weave in their stories to our collective efforts of nation building, they bid their advices for their fellows with: tuloy tayo! 

The search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) is the sole award-giving body that grants nationwide recognition to formal and non-formal youth organizations for their outstanding contributions to nation-building and development. 

It is organized by the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, Inc., co-presented by Coca Cola Foundation Philippines and San Miguel Corporation; sponsored by Ayala Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation, SMART Communications, and Megaworld; Official IT Parter, Lenovo Philippines. 

The annual Search will once again open its doors to more aspiring Filipino youth organizations this April. Applications may be downloaded via the official website www.tayoawards.net. (photo taken by Mr. Jonathan Tal Placido)

UK Embassy to lead active crusade on media freedom

MANILA -- Throughout 2019, the British Embassy in Manila would be leading Britain's global campaign on media freedom in the Philippines.

"In the coming months, you will see us in the Embassy very active on this issue," British Ambassador to Manila Daniel Pruce told reporters during a reception at his residence in Makati on Thursday.

"You will see us standing up for media freedom where we see it under threat. You will see us sharing our experience of how free media is an essential element of any genuine democracy," he added.

Among the activities lined up in 2019 are lectures on media literacy, and events focused on supporting professional journalism and encouraging exchange of views on media regulation.

The envoy said 2018 was one of the "deadliest years ever for journalists," where at least 348 media workers were detained, and 80 killed, “including six from the Philippines.”

Around the world, Pruce noted that journalists and media organizations are targeted and harassed, "often under the thin veneer of due process.’

He noted that supporting a free media "means countering the incoming tides of disinformation."

"While it has never been easier to publish and receive information, it has also never been easier to spread lies and conspiracy theories. So the professional standards of courageous, objective, fact-based journalism have never been more important," Pruce said.

In July, the UK will be hosting an international conference in London, which seeks to gather countries and individuals to mobilize a consensus behind the protection of journalists. (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora /PNA)

NYC spearheads training for 30 registered nurses from Marawi City

The Basic Training Course on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies and Disasters begins today in Cagayan de Oro City. 

The training course will be held from February 6-8, 2019 at the New Dawn Hotel and is jointly undertaken by the Department of Health Region 10-Cagayan de Oro City, the Islamic City of Marawi and the National Youth Commisson that make up the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

It is expected that these registered nurses will gain substantive basic information and insights on how to deal with the victims of calamities and various types of disasters, both man-made and natural.

This training was proposed earlier by the NYC to augment the government responders with the competencies and equip them with skills that are applicable and doable during calamities and disasters.

Mental Health is one of the centers of youth participation under the 2017-2022 Philippine Youth Development Plan, that is considered a major concern especially for those unwilling victims of disasters and calamities. 

The trauma caused by calamities truly affect the psychosocial make up of every victim. And the Task Force Bangon Marawi believes that, aside from the usual food and medical assistance, the psychological make up of the victims must also be given importance.

It is hoped that the participants will be able to put into actual practice what they have learned from the three-day course.

1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion recovered firearms and assorted ammos in Maguindanao

Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao – Troops of 1st Mechanized Infantry (Lakan) Battalion under LtCol James B Fernando CAV (GSC) PA, recovered an arm cache during the conduct of combat clearing operation in Brgy Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao  last  February 7, 2019 at around 7:30 in the morning. 

The reecovered firearms in  placed inside the vacant comfort room at the back of Brgy hall of Brgy Buayan were one M653 carbine, one M653 carbine COLT AR-15, one M203 40MM GL, one cal .45 pistol, one cal .38 revolver and assorted magazines and ammunitions.

Concerned populace immediately reported to the lakan  troopers regarding the presence of the armed group believed to be members of BIFF that prompted the members of 14th Mechanized (Excellence) Company under Cpt Dominador G Tagorda III (CAV) PA to conduct immediate clearing operations that resulted the recovery of the said firearms and ammunitions.

BGen Carreon, 601st Infantry Brigade Commander said, that his military troops involved for the successful conduct clearing  operation due to the  support of the community around by providing significant information which resulted a successfull military operation.

“The timely and accurate information provided by the concern civilian led to the recovery of said valuable war materials”, 6ID Commander, Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana  also added.

“We will sustain our commitment to ensure the safety and security of the people in Central Mindanao against the BIFF who sow terror and create fear in the community.” Major General Sobejana said. (Posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)