Bangsamoro Parliament approves P10-billion from 2020, 2021 Special Development Fund

 Repost by Becky de Asis/The Redline News 

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Parliament unanimously approved a bill appropriating P10-billion from the 2020 and 2021 Special Development Fund on third and final reading.

A total of 40 members of the Parliament, both physically and virtually present, voted in favor of Parliament Bill 139 sponsored by the Government of the Day, with no other member voting against it or abstaining from voting.

Following a series of committee hearings, Atty. Ubaida Pacasem, vice-chair of the Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management, presented the committee report to the plenary on Friday, which includes the measure's final amendments.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law provides a special development fund of 5 billion pesos a year for 10 years to rebuild, rehabilitate, and develop conflict-affected communities in the Bangsamoro region.

Eduard Guerra, chair of the Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management, stated that the Bangsamoro Government would provide additional projects to conflict-affected communities in the region as a result of the measure's passage.

"The SDF is the result of negotiations between the MILF and the Government of the Philippines to rehabilitate conflict-affected communities," MP Guerra explained, adding that the Bangsamoro Government will not only implement infrastructure projects but also provide programs for widows and orphans.

The SDF will be utilized based on the Bangsamoro Development Plan, which the Parliament and Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council has approved in 2020.

Composed of 13 chapters, a 354-page document, the region's development plan articulated the overall direction of the BARMM and was consistent with the development thrusts of the national government.

The plan serves as the roadmap for the region's development, containing strategies and priority projects responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro people.

The Bangsamoro government has identified eight (8) development goals for which priority actions would be focused, including:

●     Establishing the foundations for inclusive, transparent, accountable, and efficient governance;

●     Upholding peace, security, public order and safety, and respect for human rights;

●     Creating a favorable enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable economic development;

●     Promoting Bangsamoro identity, cultures, and diversity;

●     Ensuring access to and delivery of quality services for human capital development;

●     Harnessing technology and innovations to increase socio-economic opportunities and improve government services;

●     Increasing strategic and climate-resilient infrastructure to support sustainable socio-economic development; and

●     Improving ecological integrity and promoting and enhancing climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction to sustain the resilience of communities.

Under the approved bill, releases from this fund shall be made by the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management to the implementing ministries and offices subject to the approval of the Chief Minister and upon the submission of a special budget request.

The MFBM is authorized to issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the cash budgeting system.

For transparency of infrastructure projects, ministries and offices shall post a detailed description of the projects and actual cost on their respective websites. Ministries are also required to submit their quarterly financial and physical reports to the MFBM.

A technical working group will be formed to facilitate the development and consolidation of the programs, projects, and activities and ensure that it is consistent with the BDP. (Publication and Media Relations Division)

 

MTIT conducts trainor’s training, monitoring of tourism projects in Tawi-Tawi

 Repost by Becky de Asis/The Redline News

TAWI-TAWI — The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its tourism bureau conducted a trainor’s training and monitoring of tourism projects in this far-flung province on October 7-9.
 
According to Engr. John Lomboy, regional office's chief tourism operation officer, the 3-day training aimed at strengthening the human resource of the Bureau of Tourism (BOT) and MTIT tourism officers in the entire region.
 
Participants include provincial directors and tourism officers from Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan,  and Sulu.
 
The training focused on customer service, Filipino brand of service, tourism event organizing, tourism awareness, and tourism value chain as topics of discussion, which were lectured by different resource speakers of the MTIT to include Engr. Lomboy himself.
 
Engr. Lomboy said that they are using a general approach with their tourism promotion while waiting for the completion of the regional tourism development plan.
 
“Katunayan ang MTIT ay nag-hire ng consultant upang i-formulate ang nasabing plano sa tourism development ng BARMM,” Lomboy added.
 
Meanwhile, Phemeena Mambatawan, MTIT regional information officer, said that monitoring of tourism related establishments (TRE) particularly restaurants and sites in the province, was one of the ministry’s activities in the visitation aside from conducting the training.
 
This aimed for accommodation and accreditation of the TRE into the regional tourism board, and Hadji Uppay Eco-Farm was among the visited areas as part of the MTIT tourism project. 
 
The Hadji Uppay Eco-Farm in Lapid-Lapid, Bongao, popularly known as the “rubber tree farm” has turned into a tourist site for the locals in the province.
 
MTIT Tawi-Tawi Provincial Director Termizie Masahud said that they have been so busy for the last eight days roaming around Tawi-Tawi together with the hired MTIT consultant to identify tourism related establishments in the province.
 
“This is in consonance with the crafting and formulation of the regional tourism development plan of the Bangsamoro government,” Masahud said.  (Bangsamoro Information Office)

Japan’s vaccination showing results as Tokyo posts lowest cases

 Repost by Becky de Asis/The Redline News

ANKARA – Japan’s anti-coronavirus vaccination campaign is showing results as the capital Tokyo registered the lowest Covd-19 cases in at least one year, authorities said Monday.

The Japanese government revealed that more than 64 percent of the country’s 126 million population was “fully vaccinated” against the coronavirus, public broadcaster NHK News reported.

“Over 93.1 million people, or 73.6 percent of the population, have received their first shots, and that more than 81.4 million people, or 64.3 percent, have had two shots,” the government figures showed.

The data was released on the same day when Tokyo registered 49 coronavirus cases, which is the lowest daily number of cases since June last year. It is the third consecutive day that the capital registered decreasing number of coronavirus cases.

Japan is witnessing a “steady decline” in infections across the country which has reported 1.7 million COVID-19 cases, including 17,941 deaths, so far.

Authorities are also mulling third booster vaccine shots by the end of this year while the government has secured millions of more vaccines from US manufacturer Pfizer in a deal signed last week. (Anadolu)

Christians for Peace Movement sets up BARMM Settlers, Communities office

By: Mark Navales

Post by Becky de Asis/The Redline News Editor

Stakeholders of the settler communities sharing ideas and solution, mostly coming from the Christians for Peace Movement composed of the Institutional Churches in the Bangsamoro Region gathered for a direction setting and strategic planning for the newly constituted Office for the Settler Communities (OSC-BARMM). Photo byMark Navales

 

General Santos City  - The key stakeholders of the settler communities, mostly coming from the Christians for Peace Movement composed of the Institutional Churches in the Bangsamoro, gathered for a direction setting and strategic planning for the newly constituted Office for the Settler Communities (OSC-BARMM) in the Bangsamoro on October 4-6, 2021 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City, Philippines. 

Edgardo B. Ramirez, the first ever appointed Office Executive Director by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod ‘Alhaj Murad’ B. Ebrahim, and lead convenor of the Christians for Movement.

“The activity was very critical to jumpstart the Office operation as an attached agency to the Office of the Chief Minister, the Office serves as the primary agency responsible in promoting the welfare and addressing the issues and concerns of Christian dominated settlers’ communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region”. Ramirez said.

 Edgardo B. Ramirez gestures while he was delivering his message to the stakeholders, he is the first ever appointed Office Executive Director by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod ‘Alhaj Murad’ B. Ebrahim, and lead convenor of the Christians for Movement. ( ByMark Navales)

 

In his opening message, Chief Minister Alhaj Murad Ebrahim, expressed that the Office operationalization is another chapter of the BARMM.

“Being a political infrastructure working for inclusive and moral governance, as chief Minister, my leadership consciously makes its effort to engage all peoples, ethnics and sectors in governance of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region”. Murad said.  

His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD, on his part, manifested his appreciation to the BARMM government leadership in constituting the Office through the appointment of Prof. Ramirez to head the Office.

“l challenged the participants to look into reality on how can the Office facilitate a productive dynamic among the settler communities and the other peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao”. Quevedo said.

The three-day direction setting and planning is a foundational activity the OSC-BARMM  and a concrete manifestation of the commitment for the collaboration and partnership among the OSC-BARMM, Church Institutions, Christian dominated local government units in the BARMM, International Organizations such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as part of its Office’s organizational development and capacity building being a newly created Office.

The Office for Settler Communities is mandated to ensure that settlers enjoy the rights guaranteed to them by the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Constitution, and all other laws as may be enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

The Office has the following powers and function based on the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 13, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Administrative Code:

Provide advice and assistance to the Chief Minister in the formulation, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of policies, plans, programs, and projects affecting settler communities;

Coordinate with concerned ministries, agencies, and other offices, when necessary, in the performance of its function;

Act as the primary agency for coordination with Settler Communities for the purpose of raising their concerns requiring assistance from the Bangsamoro Government, and as the primary agency for coordination with relevant ministries and agencies of the Bangsamoro

When necessary, provide additional support to ministries, agencies, and offices in implementing programs and projects assistance in relation to Settler Communities;

Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Chief Minister. ( ByMark Navales)

 

CA confirms promotion of 40 AFP senior officers

 By Priam Nepomuceno  

 

CONFIRMED. Forty officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) take their oath before the Commission on Appointments in a confirmation hearing at the Senate on Wednesday (Sept. 1, 2021). The AFP said the promotion of senior officers signifies the advancement of military officers in their career as soldiers and implies the crucial responsibilities that they have to carry in support of the AFP’s mission of protecting the people and securing the state. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday approved the promotion of 40 generals, senior officers, and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said the CA confirmed the ad interim appointments of Army Brig. Gen. Jose Augusto V. Villareal, Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon, Brig. Gen. Danilo D. Benavides, Brig. Gen. Steve D. Crespillo, and Navy Commodore Mac Raul B. Racacho.

It also added the CA also gave its consent to the nomination of Air Force Col. Jeffrey M. Vilela to the next higher rank of Brigadier General.

Also confirmed were the ad interim appointments 18 Army Colonels; two Navy Captains; eight Air Force Colonels; one from the Medical Corps; one from the Corps of Professors; one from the Chaplain Service; one from Medical and Administrative Corps; and two from the Veterinary Corps.

• Col. L Rodel Tan, PA

• Col. Jorry L. Baclor, PA

• Col. George M. Bergonia, PA

• Col. Jones Brisal P. Otida, PA

• Col. Lawrence A. Aninag, PA

• Col. Dexter A. Macasaet, PA

• Col. Yasser R. Bara, PA

• Col. Jason V. Jumawan, PA

• Col. Anthony O. Samonte, PA

• Col. Domingo G. Dulay Jr., PA

• Col. Joel Benedict G. Batara, PA

• Col. Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II, PA

• Col. James C. Sababan, PA

• Col. Arlene A. Epe, PA

• Col. Joel N Sobrera, PA

• Col. Leonardo A. Soratos, PA

• Col. Saudi E. Nur, PA

• Col. Bernard T. Ragus PA

• Capt. Santiago P. Pacis Jr., PN

• Capt. Oliver P. Fernandez, PN

• Col. Rolando Conrad B. Peña, PAF

• Col. Nolan Anacleto G. Tumesa, PAF

• Col. Alan Dolorito Macatingrao, PAF

• Col. Rex D Templonuevo, PAF

• Col Benedict A. Bodegon, PAF

• Col. Lino D. Inahid, PAF

• Col. Ric Michael G. Baring, PAF

• Col. Joseph C. Revilla PAF

• Col. Nealon Eugene P. Batalla, MC

• Col. Aristotle D. Maglasang, PROF

• Col. Daneck E. Dang-Awan, CHS

• Col. Jason A. Aguila, MAC

• Col. Villiam A. Averion, VC

• Col. Peter Tom T. Alangui, VC

"Promotions of generals and senior officers in the AFP signify not only the advancement of military officers in their career as soldiers; it also implies the bigger and more crucial responsibilities that they have to carry in support of the military’s mission of protecting the people and the state," Zata said. (PNA)

 

Feature Story: A Man of Action return

By: Rebecca "Becky" de Asis

Life is too short but the small things we did,  it might be a big gift and remarkable on someone’s life.

It was 26 years ago since he was featured in 1995 in Sultan Kudarat Times in Isulan. Sultan Kudarat  in my weekly column titled “A Man of Action” SPO4  Ely S. Cuencia.  

He was recognized not because of his popularity and economic status but recognized by his good deeds, accomplishments, Integrity and loyalty of his profession as policeman.

Being a journalist/columnist, I am so proud and overwhelmed about the result of my works, recognized, appreciated  by someone “na isang Policeman na  nagbigay ng isang napakagandang halimbawa at nakaukit na sa puso ng isang bayan.

PLt. Ely  S. Cuecia, (Ret), I salute you Sir “A man of Action” of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. I am so proud  of you  “ hinahanap n’yo po ako upang pasalamatan dahil sa isang Feature Story ko tungkol sa iyo  na nailathala ko sa isang pahayagan.

1995 SKTimes Newspaper

After  26 years of keeping this newspapers, I am so amazed because the said paper is still complete and intack.

Sir Thank you, 

You are one of a Million!!!

Happy Birthday Sir (September 02, 2021) and May God Bless You!!!

 

 

Zubiri: Bill postponing BARMM elections now on final stage

COTABATO CITY – "We, in the Senate, are in the final stages of passing the bill postponing the BARMM elections," Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri announced here in his remarks at the Bangsamoro Governance Summit 2021.

The postponement, according to him, will allow the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to fulfill its mandated duties in achieving elusive peace and prosperity in the Bangsamoro region.

"In shaa Allah, within a month, we will get it done," he added.

Senate Bill No. 2214, a bill that would move the BARMM's first regular elections from 2022 to 2025, was discussed on the second reading in June.

This August, Congress will resume deliberations on the proposed bill.

Once passed into law, the transition period will be extended for another three years. The bill aims to provide enough time for the interim government to accomplish the transition requirements cited in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), including the passage of the six priority legislation.

Three of the six codes—administrative, civil service and education code—were already approved in the Parliament.

Other key measures, such as the local government, electoral, and revenue code, are currently in the appropriate committees and are ready to be presented in the plenary.

“We still need to do a lot more and we need more time. It is along these lines in which strong partnership between the Bangsamoro government and local government units is of high importance,” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said.

Ebrahim and Speaker Atty. Ali Pangalian Balindong believed that the promotion of moral governance and priority projects to be implemented within the region can be accomplished in good time.

During this year's governance summit, Zubiri assured the Bangsamoro people that he would provide all the help he can give to the region.

"I am always here as your ally, a fellow Mindanaoan who believes in the just and lasting peace that you are all striving for," he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has voiced his support and admiration for the BTA.

"I, together with President Duterte, will continue to extend our full support to the BARMM as it undertakes endeavors for the Bangsamoro people,"  he stated in his written address to the Bangsamoro read by Sec. Salvador Panelo, chief presidential legal counsel.

"Mahal po namin kayo mga kapatid naming Muslim at Mindanaoan. Hinding hindi namin kayo pababayaan ni Pangulong Duterte, ipaglalaban namin ang inyong mga karapatan at kapakanan upang mabigyan kayo ng mas mapayapa, maginhawa at komportableng buhay para sa inyong komunidad," he added.

(We love our Muslim and Mindanaoans brothers and sisters. We will not forsake you, we will fight for your rights and welfare to give you and your community a more peaceful and comfortable life.) (Publication and Media Relations Division)

 

Water system project in Lanao del Sur nears completion

Cotabato City  – The P2.9-million water system project in Brgy. Buadi-Amaloy Masiu, Lanao del Sur, is now a month away from completion, according to Member of Bangsamoro Parliament Diamila Disimban-Ramos.

Ramos funded the project through her Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) and it was implemented by the Ministry of Interior and Local Government.

"I'm very very much overwhelmed na binigyan ako ng opportunity to identify ano ang magandang proyekto na dapat sa isang community. And I was able to identify one through your request na kailangan ninyo po ng water system" Ramos said during the groundbreaking ceremony in May.

(I’m very much overwhelmed that I was given the opportunity to identify the appropriate project for a community. And I was able to identify one through your request that you needed a water system.)

She mentioned that water, as a basic need, is necessary for the health and religious practices of the Bangsamoro people, notably when Muslims perform ablution before every Salah or prayer.

The project would not only serve the people in the community but also those who pray in the Grand Mosque Jamaah—the biggest mosque in Masiu, Lanao del Sur.

Grand mosque’s Imam (Muslim religious leader) Ali Nader expressed his gratitude to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, particularly the office of MP Ramos.

According to him, the water system is the best project that the community has received. (Publication and Media Relations Division)

 

BARMM launches Covid vax registration portal

COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Government launched on Monday, Aug. 9, a web portal that will allow its constituents to easily register for Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination. 

Health Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph said the portal is a result of the collaboration of the members of the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19.

“This was made to provide a way, an avenue na magkaroon ng magandang approach on the pre-registration for Covid-19 vaccination, para matugunan ang problema in registering to get vaccinated,” Dr. Latiph said.

The website shows updated statistics of the region’s vaccination efforts and Covid-19 cases.

Residents who wish to register may visit https://covid19.bangsamoro.gov.ph.

“The online system means people can submit their details and find out what to expect at their appointment using their devices, with links to further information about the vaccines and the Bangsamoro Government’s rollout program,” Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua said.

Officials of the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) on Covid-19 launched the online platform for Covid-19 vaccination registration.

As of Sunday, August 8, the BARMM has fully vaccinated 144,153 individuals—91,282 of them were vaccinated with single dose Janssen vaccine.

“We have successfully conducted vaccination efforts to the priority groups as prescribed by the national government,” Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said.

All of the region’s 23,351 frontline healthcare workers, or A1 priority group, were vaccinated with their first dose, and 18,508 of them were fully vaccinated.

The province of Sulu has fully vaccinated 42,630 individuals—the highest vaccination rate among the region’s five provinces.

Maguindanao has vaccinated 24,021 individuals, Lanao del Sur with 33,043, Basilan with 24,775, and Tawi-Tawi with 19,689 individuals.

The region has recorded a total of 9,507 Covid-19 cases. It added 13 fresh cases on Sunday, making the active cases statistics at 462.

BARMM shows 8,678 recoveries, or above 90 percent recovery rate. However, there were 367 deaths since March 2020. (Bangsamoro Information Office)

 

 

 

14 states, jurisdictions removed from PH ‘green’ list

 By Ruth Abbey Gita-

MANILA – At least 14 countries and jurisdictions have been removed from the Philippines’ “green” list, Malacañang said on Friday.

The latest development came after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved Thursday the updated list of “green” countries and jurisdictions classified as “low-risk” for the coronavirus disease 2019, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force on Thursday, August 12, 2021, approved and updated the list of considered ‘Green’ countries/jurisdictions/territories,” said Roque, who concurrently acts as IATF-EID spokesperson.

Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Dominica, Kosovo, Laos, Marshall Islands, Moldova, North Macedonia, Saba (Special Municipality of the Kingdom of Netherlands), Saint Barthelemy, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, and Togo have been removed, based on the revised roster of “green” states and jurisdictions.

On the other hand, Cameroon and Sudan have been added to the updated list.

The countries and jurisdictions included in the new “green” roster are as follows:

Albania

American Samoa

Anguilla

Australia

Benin

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brunei

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cayman Islands

Chad

China

Comoros

Cote d’ Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Djibouti

Equatorial Guinea

Falkland Islands

Gabon

Grenada

Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)

Hungary

Mali

Federated States of Micronesia

Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)

New Caledonia

New Zealand

Niger

Nigeria

Northern Mariana Islands

Palau

Poland

Romania

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Slovakia

Sudan

Taiwan

The Department of Health has classified the “green” states and jurisdictions as “low-risk countries or jurisdictions based on disease incidence rate.”

The IATF-EID, in its Resolution 128-A issued on July 22, has modified the protocols for fully-vaccinated individuals who can qualify for “green lanes”.

Under IATF-EID Resolution 128-A, fully-vaccinated individuals who can avail of green lanes must meet the four conditions set by the task force to allow them to observe a shorter quarantine period of seven days in an isolation facility.

The arriving passengers must make sure that their port of origin is a “green” country or jurisdiction and they stayed there exclusively in the past 14 days before arriving in the Philippines.

They must also be fully vaccinated, whether in the Philippines or abroad, and their vaccination status can be independently verified by Philippine authorities as valid and authentic upon their arrival in the country.

Fully vaccinated individuals who will be given green lanes are mandated to take a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test on their fifth day in the country.

Even if they yield a negative RT-PCR test, they are still required to complete the seven-day facility-based quarantine. If the RT-PCR test is, however, positive, prescribed isolation protocols must be followed. (PNA)

 

Leader of an armed group, followers, surrender in Maguindanao

CIDG-BAR chief operation witness the ceremonial turn-over in Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao. (Photo by:Mark Navales)

COTABATO CITY -- A leader of a notorious private armed group surrendered on Tuesday along with his followers to authorities in Maguindanao as the central government steps up its crackdown on criminals operating in the region.

Tamano Kamaong Mamalapat, a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander, was presented along with his four colleagues to Maj. General Albert Ignatius Ferro, National Director of Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, during his visit to Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

Mamalapat alias Datu Tammy was included in the Director Intelligence watch list. The group was formerly utilized by late Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom as his private army.

Mamalapat, 49, and his companions, Butokan Latip Dodi, Adan Dibalaten, Mamalapat, Toto Bela Bugado, and Abidin Sabang Guimat, also surrendered assorted high-powered firearms that include an M16 Armalite Rifle, one M-79, two M1 Garand rifle and one homemade 50 Caliber barrett.

At the same time, during Ferro's visit to the town, seven weapons returned by locals were also handed over by Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Edris Sindatok during the ceremonial turn-over.

"I am fully committed to supporting the disbandment of private armed groups so that we will achieve peace and development," Sindatok said.

“The program's aim is to recover loose firearms deliberately to pave the way for a peaceful and honest upcoming election and also to encourage other PAG’s members and lawless elements to return into the fold of law to live peacefully in the community together with their respective family”. Ferro said.

Same day, Mayor Bai Leah Sangki turned over on Tuesday afternoon the firearms collected a total of Seven (7) Loose Firearms from unauthorized gun holders in their area during the visit of Maj. General Albert Ignatius Ferro in Ampatuan Municipality in the same province.

CIDG RFU BAR in receiving seven (7) firearms described as follows; two (2) units of Elisco M16A1 assault rifle with defaced serial number, three (3) units of Caliber 30M1 Garand Rifle One (1) unit improvised long firearm no serial number and one (1) unit of Homemade Shotgun without serial number.

Nationwide, around 155 private armed groups operate, of which nearly half are highly active.  The government identifies them as organized groups hired by politicians to intimidate or sow violence against opponents.

These guns-for-hire exist because of long-running gun culture in the Philippines, coupled with the presence of feuding clans in tribal areas as well as rival political dynasties trying to outdo each other. The Philippine Constitution stipulates that private armies and other groups not recognized by a duly constituted authority shall be dismantled.

The group’s surrender was made possible thru the joint efforts of CIDG RFU BAR, PIU Maguindanao, TOG 12, Field Station- Eastern Mindanao 300 Air Intelligence Security Wing, PDEG and Datu Saudi Ampatuan MPS, and local officials in relation to the CIDG Flagship Project OPLAN PAGLALANSAG OMEGA and OPLAN SALIKOP. (Mark Navales)

 

Mabini opens Covid 19 Molecular Lab

 By: Becky D. de Asis

Dr. Jovit Royales explains about the use and benefits of Covid 19 Molecular Lab.

Mabini, Batangas, Philippines  -  The joint efforts of the Local government of Mabini, Batangas  and the owner of  Best Care Medical Clinic and Diagnostic Center Dr. Jovit  Royales to build Covid 19 Molecular Laboratory was very successful and truly boost the morale of Batanguneos. 

Mabini Mayor Noel B. Luistro  said that he was very thankful to the private sector for their supports extended to the LGU of Mabini in order to help his constituents to fight against this Covid 19 pandemic.

Luistro also added that his next goal is to construct rooms in order to cater more covid 19 patients and among others.

The said Molecular Laboratory is the only Laboratory in Region 4 and capable of monitoring and detecting Covid 19 infected individuals according to Dr. Jovit Royales.

Dr. Royales also claims that they are now catering some adjacent regions such as Region 1, 3, 5 and NCR. He added that the LGU  Mabini need this laboratory to help their constituents by having their own testing center with a very minimal costs with the amount of P3,500 with the result available within 12 to 24 hours only, Royales lauded,

Accordingly, the opening of this Molecular Covid 19 Molecular Lab is a welcome development to Mabini government to  ensure that their community are healthy and safe from Covid 19. 

 

 

 

 

3 DSWD officers get 8 years for anomalous meds deal

 By Benjamin Pulta 

MANILA – The Sandiganbayan has found three officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) liable for corruption in connection with anomalies in the awarding of a government contract for medicines worth over PHP5 million in Cotabato City in 2001.

In a recent decision, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division convicted former DSWD regional director Kunesa Sedik Sekak, and social welfare officers Fatima Abobakas and Jesus Enjambre Flores for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and sentenced them to up to eight years in prison.

They were also found liable for the PHP5.781 million, equivalent to the value of the contract illegally awarded by them as the bids and awards committee of DSWD Field Office 12 and were found guilty of awarding the contract to Pharmazel Inc. without public bidding and giving unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference to the firm.

The case against a fourth accused, Bai Monerah Abas-Asim, was dismissed after she died before the termination of the proceedings.

“There was evident bad faith and manifest partiality on the accused when they did not conduct a public bidding despite the knowledge that it was required under the circumstances,” the court said.

It added that the procurement exceeded the prescribed cost limit of PHP1 million under shopping as a method of procurement.

“Medicines are considered supplied under procurement laws. However, the purchase of the medicines did not fall in any of the instances of shopping because the cost of the medicines was beyond the PHP1 million limit for shopping,” the tribunal said. (PNA)

 

New policy sets mining exploration period's automatic renew

 Repost by Becky D. de Asis

(PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is targeting to facilitate the continuity of mining exploration projects in the country.

A still-unnumbered and soon-to-be-published DENR Administrative Order (DAO) will provide guidelines for automatic renewal of the exploration period covering such projects and timely declaration of mining project feasibility under various mining tenements, noted Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Mining Tenements Management Division OIC chief Danilo Deleña.

He said the DAO will cover all exploration permits and mineral production sharing agreements, financial or technical assistance agreements, and other similar mining tenements under the exploration stage.

"That DAO's issuance aims to ensure continuous conduct of exploration activities by all permittees, contractors and other holders of mining tenements,' he said Tuesday during the virtual MGB stakeholders' forum on government mining policies.

The existing renewal process is for parties concerned to submit all required documents and pay the renewal fee so MGB can evaluate their applications and approve these if justified, he noted.

He said MGB has been studying how to facilitate the process as several mining stakeholders already clamored for this, citing difficulty in complying with renewal requirements.

"The DAO answers their clamor," he said.

Such DAO will still require mining stakeholders concerned to pay the renewal fee and MGB to review their applications, he added.

Unlike the existing renewal process, he said documentary requirements in the DAO are minimal but stakeholders concerned must submit these 60 days before their respective exploration periods expire.

"If all's well with their applications, they'll be automatically renewed," he said.

According to Deleña, preparations are already underway for the DAO's publication in a newspaper of general circulation and submission to the University of the Philippines Office of the National Administrative Register.

"We're hoping to have the DAO published in a few days," he said.

MGB said of the Philippines' total land area of 30 million hectares, some nine million hectares have high mineral potential.

However, only 2.42 percent of the country's total land area was covered by mining tenements as of May 31, 2020, noted MGB.

The country's primary mineral commodities are gold, nickel and nickel products as well as copper, MGB said.

Available MGB data showed mining contributed some PHP102.3 billion to the country's gross domestic product last year.

National and local taxes, fees, and royalties from mining totaled PHP25.52 billion during the said period, MGB added. (By Catherine Teves / PNA)

 

PNP to work with other gov't bodies vs. cashless vote-buying

 

(File photo)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will work with other government agencies against possible cashless vote-buying schemes ahead of next year's elections.

“Hindi po malabong mangyari ito dahil nakagawian na rin po ang cashless transactions lalo ngayong may pandemya. Talagang maiisip ito ng mga taong nagplaplanong manghikayat sa publiko na ibenta ang kanilang boto (It's not impossible for this to happen because cashless transactions have become common especially now amid the pandemic. People who plan to persuade the public to sell their vote can really think of this scheme),” PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

He said the PNP would start reaching out to concerned agencies, including the Commission on Elections (Comelec) so that mechanisms will be put up to counter vote-buying via electronic money transfer services or online banking.

“Bubuo po tayo ng mekanismo hinggil dito. Pero magiging malaking tulong po kung tayo mismo ang magsumbong sa mga otoridad ng mga ganitong gawain (We will develop a mechanism in this regard. But it would be a great help if we ourselves report such activities to the authorities),” said Eleazar.

Eleazar also urged voters not to engage in this kind of activity and report any information on this form of electoral fraud.

Vote-buying and vote-selling are violations under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.

“I urge the public to be vigilant and report to authorities if they have information on vote-buying done through online platforms. Tulungan ninyo kaming mapanatiling malinis at maayos ang gagawing halalan (Help us keep the elections clean and orderly),” he said.

He said politicians who engage in vote buying clearly have ill motives in seeking public office.

"Oras na makaupo ang mga ito ay tiyak na babawiin lang ang nagastos niya na ipinangbili ng inyong boto (Once they are elected, they will surely only recover what they spent in vote buying),” he added.

Earlier, Eleazar directed the police to work closely with the military in preventing communist terrorists from collecting “permit-to-campaign” fees from politicians with less than a year left before the elections.

This, after the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it will coordinate with the PNP and local government units to stop the illegal activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA).

Eleazar also warned politicians planning to run in the 2022 elections against giving “permit-to-campaign” fees to the CPP-NPA as this will only contribute to the communist rebels’ illegal activities.

He said the money collected by the communist rebels will definitely be used in the purchase of more firearms and other logistics to sustain the CPP-NPA’s senseless and pointless “armed struggle".

Eleazar added that giving in to the communist rebels’ demand for money would only embolden them to continue their extortion activities. (PNA/ By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan )

Winners emerge in BARMM Qur’an recitation competition 2021

From left to right) Mojhahir Bito and Ayman Abdulatip, the winners of BARMM’s Qur’an reading and memorization 2021, posed with Bangsamoro Wa’lī Sheikh Khalipha Nando on Friday, May 7, 2021 in Cotabato City.

COTABATO CITY—Cotabato City and Maguindanao bets emerged as champions of the month-long series of Qur’an reading and memorization competition 2021 in the Bangsamoro region.

During the grand finale of the said competition on Friday, May 7, held at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center in the city, the Office of the Wa’lī announced Ayman Abdulatip from District 8 of Cotabato City and Mojhahir Bito from Markaz Ibrahim, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao as champions.
 
Abdulatip secured the top spot for the Qur’an Reading Competition (senior category), while Bito won the Qur’an Memorization Competition (junior category). Each received certificates of recognition, cash prizes worth Php20,000.00, cellphones, and gifts from the Office of the Wa’lī and other BARMM officials.
 
Meanwhile, here are the following runners-up who also received certificates of recognition, cellphones, gifts, and cash prizes worth Php15,000.00, Php12,000.00, and Php10,000.00, respectively :
 
Senior category:
1st runner-up: Ahmad Haron, Tamontaka 4, Cotabato City
2nd runner-up: Usman Lucman, Maguindanao Province
3rd runner- up: Abbas Agilan, Sigayan Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat
 
Junior category:
1st runner-up: Ayan Ulama, Ma’had Imam Ibn Aljazarie
2nd runner-up: Nur Ma’arif Silungan, Markaz Ibrahim
3rd runner-up: Zuhair Silongan, Markaz Ginakit
 
Bangsamoro Wa’lī Sheikh Khalipha Nando said this activity is in line with the observation of the Holy Month of Ramadhan 1442H (2021), wherein it aims to “increase the faith of mankind and keeps us on the right track.”
 
In Islamic faith, reading the Qur’an is one of the acts of worship, aside from praying, fasting, and charity giving. It is also believed that Qur’an was revealed in the Month of Ramadhan, making it even more significant.

This year’s conduct of “Ramadhan and Qur’an in the Bangsamoro” was spearheaded by the Office of the Wa’lī, in partnership with the various Members of the Parliament, Hay-ato Ulama El-Muslimina Bil-Filibbin, Inc., Committee on Noble Qur’an- Tarbiya Sub-Committee, Da’wah Committee and Masajid Affairs, and the Union of Muslim Youth Organizations (UMYO). (Bangsamoro Information Office)

On legislative measures: Recapping Bangsamoro Parliament’s sessions

COTABATO CITY - More than two years since the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, members of the Bangsamoro Parliament accomplished most of its tasks, including the passage of two priority codes cited in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The Bangsamoro Parliament passed the Administrative Code and Civil Service Code in October 2020 and February 2021, respectively, after a series of public consultations and deliberations.

Local Government and Education codes advanced to second reading and are now referred to appropriate committees for final deliberation, the Committee on Rules for Local Government Code and Committee on Basic, Higher, and Technical Education for Education Code. 

Other priority bills such as Electoral Code, Revenue Code, and Indigenous Peoples Code are yet to be filed.

Some of the approved bills facilitated the inauguration of commissions on human rights, women, youth, and sports.

To date, the Parliament has passed 17 bills, including:

Bangsamoro Administrative Code;

Bangsamoro Civil Service Code;

Adoption of the Bangsamoro Flag;

Adoption of the Official Bangsamoro Emblem;

2020 Bangsamoro Appropriations Act;

Bangsamoro Human Rights Act;

Bangsamoro Attorney-General’s Office Act;

Bangsamoro Socio-Economic Development Planning System Act;

Bangsamoro Hymn Act;

Bangsamoro Women Commission Act;

Recruitment Agency Regulation Act;

Bangsamoro Youth Commission Act;

An Act Defining the Power of Appointment in the BARMM;

Bangsamoro Sports Commission Act;

An Act Extending the Availability of the 2020 Bangsamoro Appropriations to December 31, 2021;

2021 General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro; and

Adoption of the Official Seal for the Bangsamoro Parliament.

A total of 122 resolutions were also discussed and passed in the plenary. 

Atty. Pangalian Balindong, Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker, said that the Parliament has been working for the past two years to pass legislative measures that address the needs of the people.

Despite the serious health crisis brought by the pandemic, Speaker Balindong said the Parliament has stepped up its efforts to enact priority legislative measures to operationalize the Bangsamoro government's foundation.

"The Parliament was able to enact the Administrative Code and the Civil Service Code on time and is currently on track to legislate Local Government Code, Education Code, Electoral Code and Revenue Code," Atty. Balindong said.

"The adverse conditions and difficulties we are facing did not prevent us in the Parliament from fulfilling our duties, and we also assure the Bangsamoro people that we are all working in the Parliament to accomplish our tasks, especially during the transition period," he added.

Article XVI of the BOL lists the priorities of the BTA during the transition period: (1) the enactment of priority legislation; (2) determination of parliamentary districts for the first regular election; (3) organization of the Bangsamoro government bureaucracy; (4) full transfer of powers and properties of the Autonomous Regional Government in Muslim Mindanao to the Bangsamoro Government, except those properties, land, and structures located outside of the ARMM; and (5) disposition of the personnel of the ARMM.

There are also about 100 bills and 430 resolutions filed before the Parliament. 

The BTA serves as the interim government in the Bangsamoro region during the transition period. (Publication and Media Relations Division, BTA)

 

 By Priam Nepomuceno  

(PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called the end of the holy month of Ramadan a good opportunity for all Filipinos to unite for peace and prosperity.

"As our Muslim brothers and sisters mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, we reflect and renew our sense of hope and devotion. Indeed, this celebration is an opportune moment to come together in our collective drive to achieve peace and prosperity for our country," Lorenzana said in a statement as the Muslim faithful celebrates Eid-al-Fitr on Thursday.

Despite the trials caused by the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Lorenzana said he is grateful for the compassion and unity showed by Filipinos from all walks of life in caring and helping the less fortunate members of society,

"May the spirit of harmony and understanding according to the teachings of the Islamic faith continue to inspire us all as we work together to heal as one. Eid al-Fitr Mubarak from your One Defense Team! May the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon us!" Lorenzana further said.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also joined Muslim Filipinos in the celebration of a meaningful and inspiring conclusion to the holy month of Ramadan.

"The pandemic that has persisted in the past year and months have indeed compounded the existing challenges to Filipino Muslim communities here and abroad," AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

He also expressed hope that Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr have given Muslim brothers and sisters fortitude and strength, and empowered them to live their best life according to their faith.

"Rest assured that the AFP will continue to stand beside you in all the challenges that will come our way. A solemn and blessed Eid-al-Fitr to all!" Sobejana said.

Share dream of peaceful, progressive country

In his message for the occasion, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar urged Filipino Muslims to share the dream of a peaceful, harmonious, and progressive community

"(Eid-al-Fitr) reminds us not of our differences, but of the ideals and goals that unite us as one people, as Filipinos seeking to rise above difficulties and to triumph amid adversity," Eleazar said.

He also expressed hope that Filipinos, despite having different beliefs, will unite in the pursuit of peace, equality, and progress.

"We affirm that all human beings are brothers unto one another. With this, let us be one in building a strong nation with continuous economic growth and with good and honest leaders," he added. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)