PGMA to reaffirm RP's commitment to achieving MDG targets by 2015
NEW YORK -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will reaffirm the Philippines’ commitments to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015 when she delivers on Thursday (10 a.m. NY time) the Country Report on the progress made by the Philippines in eliminating poverty.
The special MDG meeting of heads of states, representatives of the private sector and the civil society at the United Nations (UN) headquarters here will be convened by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
To be discussed at the high-level MDG event are specific ways to energize the efforts of all UN-member nations in achieving the MDG. This year marks the halfway point of the MDG.
As she did in her address during the opening session of the 63rd UN General Assembly (UNGA) last Tuesday, the President is expected to set out concrete plans and practical actions to be taken by the Philippines to ensure the country’s compliance with the MDG target date.
In her address before the opening session of the 2008 UNGA, the President enumerated specific actions that the Philippine government has taken and continues to take to weather the high prices of oil and food in the global market.
The high-level MDG meeting will also review the progress, identify gaps, and commit to concrete efforts, resources and mechanisms to bridge the gaps.
The President is expected to report on the highlights of the progress made by the Philippines in achieving the goal since the Oct. 2007 midterm report on the MDG.
The midterm report, which was prepared by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), stated that the Philippines ''has made considerable progress particularly in poverty reduction, nutrition, reducing child mortality, combating AIDS and HIV, malaria and other diseases and access to safe drinking water and sanitary toilet facility.”
However, the report said that the Philippines needs to work harder on targets concerning universal access to education, maternal mortality and access to reproductive health services.
The Philippines is a signatory to the 2000 Millennium Declaration that rolled out the time-bound MDGs as a global agenda for development by 2015.
The eight MDGs are: halve poverty and hunger; universal primary education; gender equality; reduce child mortality; improved women's health; stop and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases; environmental sustainability; and global partnerships for aid, trade and debt relief.
The Millennium Declaration was signed by 189 member states, including the Philippines.
Earlier at 8 a.m. today (NY time), the President attended the Women Leaders Meeting at the Waldorf Hotel.
The President and US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice had a few minutes of one-on-one meeting, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said.
The President, who will leave New York for Manila after the UN event tomorrow is expected to arrive in Manila on Saturday morning.
Romulo to oversee preparations for RP hosting of interfaith dialogue next year
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo to oversee the preparations for the country’s hosting of the Special Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting on Inter-Faith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development (MMIFDC-PD) in May next year.
A total of 118 heads of state or governments have already acceded to the Philippines’ offer to host the NAM-MMIFDC-PD. The country made the offer during the 14th NAM Summit in Havana, Cuba in Sept. 2006.
Romulo’s designation as lead NAM meeting officer was contained in Administrative Order No. 238 which the President signed last Aug. 28, two weeks before she left for New York to address the opening session of the 63rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where she also invited the heads of states assembled to the NAM ministerial meeting in the Philippines.
In her speech at the UNGA last Sept. 23 (NY time), President Arroyo stressed, “We maintain high hopes in interfaith dialogue as a means to build bridges rather than barriers between communities of different cultures and ethnicity.”
“In continuation of this effort, the Philippines will host the first-ever special Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue for Cooperation and Development in May next year,” she added.
In the same speech, the President thanked the UN, European Union (EU), the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and at least nine countries for the role they played in advancing peace and development in Mindanao.
She also informed the world body that her administration is refocusing the peace talks “from one that is centered on dialogues with rebels, for one of authentic dialogues with the communities, (and that) the context of our engagement with all armed groups shall subscribe to the UN-recognized principle of demobilization, disarmament and reintegration (DDR).”
In AO 238, the President stressed that “inter-faith initiatives have always been the cornerstone of Philippine policy and, as such, the Philippine government created and maintained the enabling environment which will ultimately lead towards peace and development.”
She added that “the Philippines has always maintained its lead on inter-faith initiatives in the international community.” This is evidenced by three world events that the Philippine government has so far hosted since 2005.
These are the Philippines’ “successful chairing of the First Informal Meeting of World Leaders on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace in the United Nations in Sept. 2005; the hosting of the Second Dialogue on Regional Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, Development and Human Dignity on March 2006 in Cebu; the launching and chairmanship of the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace; and the continuous advocacy of the UNGA Resolution on the Promotion of Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace since 2004.
The President underscored the “need to constitute a national committee to organize and carry out efficiently and effectively all the scheduled activities relative to the hosting of the Special NAM Meeting.”
Under AO 238, the local governments of Manila and Pasay, together with 13 national government offices and agencies will provide support for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in organizing the NAM ministerial meeting.
These are the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), the Departments of Budget and Management (DBM), Education (DepEd), Finance (DOF), Interior and Local Governments (DILG), National Defense (DND), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism (DOT), Trade and Industry (DTI),Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Presidential Council for Values Formation (PCVF), and the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
PGMA to preside over PNP turn-over of command
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will witness this Saturday the turnover of command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from outgoing PNP Chief Avelino Razon to his successor, PNP Deputy Director General for Administration Jesus Versoza.
The President will arrive from the United States early Saturday (Sept. 27) in time for the 10 a.m. formal turnover ceremonies at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Among those attending the turnover rites are top government and police officials led by Vice President Noli de Castro, Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and members of the diplomatic corps.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Magilas Class of 1976, Versoza was earlier chosen by the President as the 15th PNP chief vice Razon who will reach the mandatory military and police retirement age of 56 on Sept. 27 (Saturday).
PNP deputy chief for administration is the second highest position in the 125,000-strong PNP.
Versoza, who chairs the PNP Housing Board, is a recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Lingkod ng Bayan Award from the Civil Service Commission, two Cavalier Awards from the PMA Alumni Association, and several service medals for efficiency, merit, and outstanding achievement.
“Upon graduation from the PMA in 1976, Verzosa saw action in the field as platoon leader and later as company commander under the 54th PC Battalion in Tuburan, Basilan and in Parang, Maguindanao during the height of the Mindanao campaign,” according to the PNP website.
“Upon his return to Luzon, he was assigned to various positions in the PC Metrocom until he returned to field in 1986 as Chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Branch of the Rizal PC/INP Command,” the PNP added.
Before his designation as deputy chief for administration in October last year, Verzosa occupied other leadership positions in the command group and directorial staff, as well as in the various regional police offices and key national support units.
He was deputy chief, PNP for Operations (DCO) (Sept. 2007); chief, directorial staff PNP (Jan. 2007 – Aug. 2007); director, CIDG (2006); regional director, (CALABARZON) PRO 4 (2005); regional director, PRO Cordillera (2004); director, intelligence group (2003); director, aviation security group (2002); deputy director, CIDG (2001); and chief, DILG – REACT (1999).
Verzosa is also the executive director of the PNP Program Management Office (PMO), the prime mover and overseer of the internal reforms being undertaken by the national police under its Integrated Transformation Program (ITP).
The incoming PNP chief has a law degree, and a master's degree in business administration (MBA).
Born in Dasol, Pangasinan on Dec. 25, 1954, Versoza is married to Cynthia Verzosa, and they are blessed with two children, Joyce, a BAR candidate, and Eric, a medical student.
Palace calls the public to report any unofficial use of government vehicles
MALACANANG has asked the public to report any unofficial use of government vehicles as part of the government's intensified energy-saving and anti-graft and corruption campaigns.
The Palace made the call as contained in Administrative Order no. 239, which prohibits all the government agencies and offices on the use of government vehicles for purposes other than official business.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in her directive, encouraged the public to report any unofficial use of government vehicles to the Presidential Action Center (PACE).
The report shall contain, among others, the type of vehicles, plate number, and the place and time where the government vehicle is found, preferably with pictures.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is also enjoined to closely coordinate and render assistance for the prompt and efficacious implementation of the directive, particularly in the identification of the reported government vehicles.
Strict compliance by all officers and employees of the government, including those of government-owned and controlled corporations, is also enjoined.
Anyone found violating any of the provisions of the order, shall be sternly dealt with in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
President Macapagal-Arroyo said the continuous rise in the prices of oil in the world market calls for the government to exert efforts to promote the judicious use of the country's energy resources through intensified conservation effort and efficient utilization.
Under AO 239, all government agencies and offices are prohibited from using government vehicles for purposes other than official business.
Provided, that in every case, the trip ticket authorizing the use of the vehicle shall be displayed on the windshield or in another conspicuous place on the vehicle.
The use of government vehicles by bureaus and offices shall be authorized only through the issuance for each trip of a serially numbered ticket, duly signed by an authorized official.
These motor vehicles shall be used strictly for official business, bear government plates only, and after the office hours or during weekends and holidays kept in a garage designated/provided therefor by the bureau or office to avoid the unauthorized use.
The Order also states that the use of government vehicles on Sundays, legal holidays, or out of the regular office hours or outside the route of the officials and employees authorized to use them, or by an person other than such officials or employees, shall unless properly authorized, be prima facie evidence of violation.
The President also ordered all government agencies and offices to limit the use of government vehicles to essential activities and to review their travel program and schedules to minimize unnecessary trips. (PNA)
Japan donates P5M core shelter for Antique typhoon victims
SAN JOSE, ANTIQUE -- The Japanese government donated a total of $80 thousand for the construction of 100 Core Shelter for typhoon Frank victims in the municipalities of San Remigio and Sibalom.
Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura himself tuned-over the amount to Mayors Elizabeth Coloso and Virginia Lotilla of San Remigio and Sibalom respectively in simple rites at Barangays Trinidad, San Remigio and Sido, Sibalom.
Ambassador Katsura said that the government of Japan was quick in granting the aid to the victims knowing the difficulties they encountered during those trying times when not only properties were lost but also lives.
The ambassador was impressed by the warm hospitality given him and other guests with children lining the streets carrying flaglets of Japan and the Philippines. It was the first time a barangay was visited by an Ambassador and Senator in the person of Loren Legarda.
It was Legarda who facilitated the donation of the Japanese government for the core shelters.
Legarda said, "she will do everything she could to help her 'kasimanwa' recover from the sufferings brought about by the calamity. I am proud to be an Antiqueña and am very much willing to help you move on".
Senator Legarda also turned-over cash assistance in the amount of P1 million each for the towns of San Remigio, Sibalom and Valderrama, the badly hit municipalities of typhoon Frank and P.5 each for other towns out of the eighteen (18) towns in the province. The assistance will be used to construct Multi-purpose buildings.
In her message, Governor Salvacion Z. Perez said the visit of Japanese Ambassador and Senator Legarda is historic in the sense that it was a first visit to the place by such dignitaries. The donations also helped the victims to move on and look forward for a brighter tomorrow.
On the part of Mayor Elizabeth Coloso she was emotional in expressing her gratitude to the donors of the core shelter. She told her constituents that after the storm, the sun rises thus brighter future await each victims.
The construction of the core shelter project totaling to P5 million is expected to last for 45 days with a P50 thousand budget each housing unit. The Provincial Government and Municipal Government also put in their counterparts. (PIA)
RP to attain 60% energy independence in 2 years – PGMA
THE Philippines will be 60-percent energy independent in the next two years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo told the United Nations yesterday (Sept. 23, NY time).
Thus far, the country has “increased our energy independence by 17 percent through greater use of geothermal, bio-fuel and other renewable sources,” she said.
“We expect to attain 60-percent energy independence in two years,” the President said in her speech at the opening session of the 63rd UN General Assembly.
“Biofuels have been cited for being a positive factor for clean energy. At the same time, they have also been cited as a negative factor that contributes to high food prices,” she said, citing the Philippine government efforts to locate alternative fuel sources.
“We are pursuing a policy of using non-food bio-fuel sources planted on land unusable for food production purposes. We see this approach as a way for countries to seek a sustainable balance between food and energy needs,” she added.
The President cited her administration’s efforts to wean the Philippines away from dependence on fossil fuel and the various steps that it has taken to cushion the impact of the current global financial turmoil on the country’s economy.
“Since the volatile global economies became apparent in its situation many months ago, in the Philippines, we have increased and stabilized the supply of rice and delivered targeted subsidies to the poor.
“We have reached out to neighbors like Vietnam and others in ASEAN and elsewhere to ensure a stable supply and affordable prices. We have clamped down on price gouging, and invested more billions in planting and agricultural modernization,” the President said.
“We have increased our energy independence by 17 percent through greater use of geothermal, bio-fuel and other renewable sources. We expect to attain 60-percent energy independence in two years,” she added.
The “developing world is at a tipping point,” President Arroyo said, as she shared the Philippines’ survival tactic – a new paradigm for self-reliance that gave the country “running room” to weather the first wave of global price shocks.
“In the Philippines, we feel the pain of high prices of food, fuel and rice. Our people pursue the universal dream of a better life for themselves and their children: better education, better healthcare, higher wages, a dignified retirement,” she said.
“We are proving the value of a new paradigm for self-reliance through the use of: first, a targeted strategy with a precise set of prescriptions to ease our price challenges; second, food self-sufficiency and more energy independence; and third, long-term reforms. This is a positive example we wish to share with the rest of the world,” she added.
The President said that the gains achieved by the Philippines in the “last seven years were hard-earned. We made tough and sometimes painful decisions to reset our economy – tax increases, banking reforms, crackdown on smugglers, and tough fiscal discipline, to name a few.
“Thankfully these reforms have given us some running room to weather the first wave of global price shocks that reverberated across the world earlier this year,” she pointed out.
President Arroyo praised Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for the latter’s timely decision to organize this year’s agenda around the impact of the global economy on the poor.
“He deserves our highest praise for his quick and decisive action on the global food crisis. His comprehensive framework for action involving the UN, donor countries, civil society and the private sector seeks to achieve food security through the right combination of policies, technologies and investments. This is a model of the United Nations in action.”
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Gov. Dimaporo cites LGU cooperation in LMG manhunt
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte) 9/25 – Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte has cited the local chief executives of Munai, Poona Piagapo and its adjoining towns for their cooperation in the campaign to capture Kumander Bravo of the lawless MILF group (LMG).
“Actually they are the ones who inform us of the mobility of the LMG,” Dimaporo said during a press briefing at the Information Command Center in Tubod, LDN.
The Governor made the comment when asked about the local officials’ sincerity to the government.
“We have to understand that the LCE’s in these areas do not have private armies, so that if you put them in your shoes, you have to deal with the lawless MILF group (LMG) for political and personal survival,” he said.
But they are the ones feeding us information and letting us know about the movement of the LMG, in their areas,” said Dimaporo.
Meanwhile, the Governor said he is trying to gain the sympathy of the rest of the municipality because so that their constituents will understand that any discomforts that they are experiencing now in the evacuation center is all because of Bravo.
They have to leave their livestock and they are now caught in the fight between the LMG and the military,” he said.
“This is not the government’s fault but Bravo’s and his men who came down to the coastal towns and killed the civilians, that is why there is military operation in the interior parts of our province,” said the Governor.
Again, we are asking the civilians not to harbor and protect the LMG, that is what we are trying to do, Dimaporo reiterated. (Lorry V. Gabule/PIA Iligan)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Transco assures LDN residents of reliable power supply
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte), 9/25 – The electric power supply in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur including the whol of the Mindanao island is generally reliable and stable.
This was the assurance of Julieto S. Manlawe, officer-in-charge of the National Transmission Corp. (Transco), during today’s media briefing at the Information Command Center (ICC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Tubod, Lanao del Norte (LDN).
He said Transco continues to supply power to the whole island, including the coastal towns of Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan and Tubod, all of LDN.
“At the moment, we are repairing Transmission Tower 41 in Barangay Lanipao, Lala, LDN and Tower 25 in Ramain Bubong, Lanao del Sur (LDS),” he said.
These transmission towers were simultaneously attacked by the lawless MILF groups (LMG) at 12:13am, September 21, 2008 in the said barangays.
The tower had all of its four (4) columns strapped with explosives. However, only two (2) exploded but enough to topple the tower which caused tripping of the power supply but no affected customers had been reported.
Linemen and laborers were hired to undergo the immediate restoration of power of the affected lines but Transco has yet to repair Towers 58 and 59, all located in Buadi, Puso Buntong, LDS when military escorts are available.
Malawe said cases are being readied for filing in the proper court against those responsible for destroying the power transmission towers. (Jenny G. Tantuico, PIA-10)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
LDN needs P78.5M to fund rehabilitation plan for IDP’s
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte), 9/25 – The province of Lanao del Norte (LDN) needs at least Php78.5 million for the rehabilitation plan of its internally displaced persons (IDP) resulting from the attacks of lawless MILF group (LMG).
The plan however, is considered “indicative” meaning it is still a “work in progress” that excludes the cost of interventions of concerned national line agencies (NLA) and the local government units (LGU), explained Brigida Tangonan, Provincial Planning and Development Officer (PPDO).
Tangonan presented the plan during the recent joint meeting of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) and the LDN Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) held at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Tubod, LDN’s capital town.
She said basic needs top the list of components in the plan which includes the provision for food of IDP’s in the affected areas consisting of supplemental feeding for 10,000 malnourished children for 120 days and food for work for 305 individuals or 61 families with a minimum of five (5) members each who are provided with 3 kg. of rice per day for 30 days.
Another is food assistance to 17,864 displaced families who returned to their places of origin and who are also provided with food packs for one (1) day, rice subsidy of 5,054 sacks of rice and clothing sets, as well, as kitchen wares, mats and household items for 6,457 families at Php500/family.
The other components are housing for 85 families who lost their homes and financial assistance to casualties, particularly, given to the surviving families of 37 persons killed by the LMG at Php10,000 each and another 37 persons injured at Php5,000 each.
Tangonan said the plan also include the component on infrastructure which are mostly for the reconstruction of classrooms burned by the LMG and provisions for the IDP’s livelihood and capability building.
Also included are agriculture and fisheries, health, education, psycho-social interventions, peace building and conflict transformation and institutional building for the concerned IDP’s, she added. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, PIA-10)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
LMG attacks in Lanao del Norte affect 152,768 persons
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte) 9/25 -- A total of 35,253 families involving 152,768 persons were affected by the man-made disaster which resulted from the atrocities of the lawless MILF group (LMG) in Lanao del Norte (LDN).
In today’s media briefing at the information Command Center (ICC) in Tubod, LDN, Ana Cañeda, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Coordinator for LDN said these figures are actually a cumulative total of families and persons affected by the LMG atrocities.
The OCD data show a total of 11 out of 22 or 50% of LDN’s municipalities were affected including the city of Iligan covering some 156 villages or barangays.
These include the coastal municipalities of Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo and Kolambugan, as well, as the hinterland areas of Matungao, Pantao-Ragat, Poona Piagapo, Magsaysay, Tangkal and Munai.
Cañeda said the most recent data of OCD-10, the office tasked as principal coordinator for the distribution of relief and humanitarian assistance show the following:
Forty-two individuals were killed, 38 of whom were civilians, three (3) were elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) one (1) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Sixty-four persons were injured, of which 57 were civilians and seven were also elements of the AFP. Two persons were declared missing while two others were held hostage.
Fifty-five houses, nine commercial buildings and one unit each of a privately-owned jeep and a patrol car of the PNP were burned with an estimated damage of P18.769 million.
Fifteen business establishments and 20 houses were ransacked and looted with an estimated damage of P2.33 million.
Sixty-seven classrooms were totally damaged while a Home Economics building was partially damaged, both estimates of which are still to be worked out.
Meanwhile, Cañeda said about 13,159 families involving 57,240 persons are still served inside and outside the evacuation centers (EC).
Of these figure, 1,373 families with 5,871 persons are severely affected, meaning these IDP’s are still inside the ECs.
Also, 11,686 families with 51,369 persons are moderately affected, meaning they go home to their houses during the day and return to the EC’s at night, she added. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, PIA-10)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Health providers for LDN IDPs also need PSI--DOH
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte) 9/25 – Even the health providers of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) assigned to the complex emergency situation in Lanao del Norte (LDN) need psycho-social intervention (PSI).
This concern was pointed out by Dr. Jose A. Llacuna, Jr., asst. regional director of DOH-CHD-10, who said their medical personnel assigned in communities affected by the attack of the lawless MILF group (LMG) are too stressed-out because of the situation prevailing in those areas.
During the joint meeting of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council in the region and the LDN PDCC held at the Provincial Capitol in Tubod town, recently, Llacuna has recommended that PSI training for the local medial staff had to be conducted.
“This is to increase coverage of the critical incident stress debriefing among the direct victims, health providers, military and other people affected by the complex emergency situation in the province,” he said.
Llacuna even suggested that the training be held in Tubod to support the stand of the Gov. Khalid Quibranza-Dimaporo that anything which has something to do with LDN had better be held within it to “send a strong message that things had began to normalize in the province.”
The other recommendations of the DOH-CHDNM include the activation of the Inter Local Health Zone to compensate the lack of personnel in affected municipalities with evacuation centers (EC) and continue the monitoring and surveillance of diseases in these EC’s.
These will then answer the concern on the limitation of lack of health personnel who are considered “security risks” as they could become targets for kidnapping by the LMG and that of the other EC’s which were not validated because of this security risk problem, Llacuna also said. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, PIA-10)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Dimaporo expresses confidence in AFP, PNP operations
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte), 9/25 – Gov. Khalid Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte expressed his full confidence on what the military and the police forces are doing in the campaign against the lawless MILG group (LMG) led by fugitive Commander Bravo.
The Governor made the statement in today’s press briefing at Provincial Capitol in the town of Tubod, LDN as he reiterated his all-out support to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s full military offensive against the LMG in Mindanao.
However, the young Governor also underscored the need for closer coordination networks among the local government officials, the line agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
This also goes well with the peace-loving citizens of the province in trying to protect and secure the area, particularly, the coastal towns in the event the LMG will stage another attack.
The Governor also cited the application of social pressure approach in trying to catch-up Bravo and his men.
He then asked the media to play vital role in the arrest or capture of Commander Bravo by urging people to help and provide the military and police operatives information that will lead to the immediate capture of the fugitive rebel groups. (Rex T. Dumarpa, PIA Marawi City)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Dimaporo wants to use US Army equipment vs Bravo
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte), Sept 25 (PNA) – Lanao del Norte governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo on Thursday said he will favor the use of American forces equipment to run after rogue MILF guerrillas should it be allowed by Philippine laws.
The young governor was speaking out of the urgent need to flush-out fugitive Moro rebel leader Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo who is being hunted by authorities for pillaging villages in Lanao del Norte last month.
Dimaporo described the hunt as like looking for a needle in a haystack.
"We want to use sophisticated equipment to track down Bravo an get him, but, only the US forces have it," he said.
Existing laws will not allow the use of American military equipment on the ongoing campaign by Philippine military against rogue MILF groups.
He said, however, that unless the MILF will be labeled as a terrorist group, "only then that the American Armed Forces will allow us the use of their equipment."
The current drive to get Commander Bravo has so far led to clashes and the capture of Bravo's main camp and a training camp along the slopes of Mt. Gurain, which straddles the towns of Madalum and Piagapo in Lanao del Sur and the town of Munai in Lanao del Norte.
At least three brigade of soldiers, backed by artillery, armor and helicopter gunships have been scouring the vast jungles of Gurain and nearby mountain ranges. (PNA)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Dimaporo eyes new army division
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte), Sept 25 (PNA) – Local executives here have expressed apprehensions on the province's security should the augmentation troops and additional policemen be pulled out as situation in the province gradually returns to normal.
Lanao del Norte governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo said they are looking at the possibility of creating of another Army division in order to ensure enough security forces in the region.
There are currently four army battalions deployed in Lanao del Norte, two being augmentation units which could be redeployed in other places, Dimaporo said.
Senior Supt. Rogelio Nuneza, deputy director for operation of the police in Region 10, said they have augmented policemen in Lanao del Norte by fielding 168 rookie cops and the deployment of 190 policemen in police mobile groups in certain towns of the province.
He said they have deployed 30 new policemen in the towns of Kauswagan, Baolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Linamon and a detachment in Libertad, Kolambugan.
Many residents fear that an eventual pull out of soldiers from the province will also allow lawless groups to attack again communities like what the group of Moro rebel leader Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo did in August 18.
Bravo and his followers were behind the killing of over 40 persons and the destruction of millions of pesos worth of business and properties in several towns in Lanao del Norte.
Dimaporo, whose father is Lanao del Norte Rep. Abdullah, said he already discussed with his father and other lawmakers the possibility of forming a new army division that will take care the security requirements of the region and Mindanao as a whole. (PNA)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Mere info can get P10M reward on Bravo
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (Tubod, Lanao del Norte) Sept 25 (PNA) – Authorities here clarified that the P10-million reward for the capture of rogue Moro rebel leader,Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo will be given to whoever gives a confirmed information about the fugitives whereabouts.
Lanao del Norte governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo said one need not capture or hand over Bravo to authorities in order to get the P10-million reward.
"Just a simple verifiable information that can lead to his arrest is enough," Dimaporo said.
The young governor made the clarifications amid query if the reward money would require the turning in over Bravo.
He said the reward on Bravo's capture should also be raised in order to put pressure on Bravo and the people around him, Dimaporo said.
Dimaporo also called on his fellow Maranaos to take advantage of the reward by providing authorities with information. This is the time that they must show that they are part of the community, he added.
Anyone who hass information about Bravo's presence can send SMS or text messagee to the following numbers: 09196525939, 09276586920 and 09298283878 . (PNA)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City Dispatch
Firefights in Maguindanao escalates as Ramadan about to end
ICC-COTABATO CITY, Sept 25--An encounter ensued between elements of the 64th Infantry Batallion and about 50 lawless MILF group (LMG) under Commander Umbra Kato at South Gawang, Barangay Dapiawan, in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Maguindanao.
6th ID Spokesperson Lt. Col. Julieto Ando reported that government troops monitored the arrival of enemy reinforcement in a motorized banca that led to a firefight that lasted the whole day with two slightly wounded soldiers identified as PFC Ronald Bonita and Pvt. Richel Umbal while the LMG suffered heavy casualty.
Meanwhile, two lawless MILF were killed and an undetermined number were wounded in barangay Guiawa, Kabuntalan, Province of Shariff kabunsuan when army troops engaged LMGs clad in black uniform on board two motorized bancas who immediately opened fired at the Ganta detachment.
On same day, the 2nd company of the 461B engaged in a 3-hour gunbattle LMGs led by Wahid Tundok and Basit Usman at barangay Muslim, Guindolungan town, Maguindanao. The LMGs then withdrew towards unknown direction.
Ando said, the holy season of Ramadan has not yet ended but LMGs continue to commit atrocities.
“If these LMGs observed the sanctity of Ramadan, then it would have dawned upon them that terrifying civilians does not reconcile with Islam. The AFP fully respects Ramadan and will not let this LMG desecrate its sanctity,” the 6th ID spokesperson stressed.
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City Dispatch
Japanese govt. to continue programs in Mindanao despite GRP-MILF talks collapse
ICC-COTABATO CITY, Sept 25– The Japanese government remains steadfast on continuing its socio-economic and rehabilitation programs in war-torn areas of Mindanao despite the recent collapse of the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiation.
“With or without the help of partner foreign donor countries, the Japanese government would continue its ongoing projects in Mindanao,” stressed Japanese Embassy to the Philippines First Secretary Tomonori Kikuchi in a huddle with newsmen here.
He is also set to join the next batch of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), if the talks would pursue as planned later this month following its recent collapse. Apart from Malaysia, other 56-man IMT personnel came from the countries of Brunei Darussalam, Libya, Egypt and one socio-economic and rehabilitation expert from Japan, among others.
“You know our (Japan) government somehow felt frustrated with the collapse of the talks but we have to cling to that slim chance of hope for the talks to resume as the Philippine government earlier declared the scrapping of the negotiations following attacks launched by rogue MILF factions to civilian communities in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte provinces,” Kikuchi said.
Amid this, Kikuchi said the Japanese government supports the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration approach being pursued in the talks “as such initiatives would surely crumble if both Philippine military and MILF guerrillas would not silence their guns.”
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City Dispatch
Solar energy lights up holidays in Mindanao a different Ramadan
ICC-COTABATO CITY, Sept25 - For those residing in remote villages like Barangay Kulimpang in Buldon, Maguindanao, the observance of the annual month-long fast of Ramadan is somewhat different from that in other Muslim communities.
The village of Kulimpang has no electricity and is one of the country's few remaining off-grid villages whose connection to the power lines is generally deemed inefficient or uneconomical by commercial providers or electric cooperatives.
"There is no electricity here," says village leader Mike Macararab, a father of four. "Kerosene is our source of light and it is costly," he laments. Majority of families in the village are using kerosene lamps and candles. On a monthly basis, each household spends some Php200 for their lighting needs. Sometimes, kerosene is not available at all, leaving them to grapple in the dark.
Though Barangay Kabuling has been spared by the recent fighting in Mindanao, commemorating Ramadan without electricity is challenging to villagers residing in off-grid areas. The road to the mosque is dark. Every time they pray at dusk, there are no lights to light their way.
It's even tougher for wives in the village as they have to prepare meals without the benefit of electricity. Ramadan requires Muslims to fast for 30 days. During those thirty days, they can only eat supper after the sun sets and take their morning meals before the sun rises.
According to Macararab, his wife has to feel her way around in the dark while getting ready for prayers, or when cooking.
In 2007, the Alliance for Mindanao Off-grid Renewable Energy Program (AMORE) helped solve the villager's problem by putting up solar-powered electricity. AMORE's work began in Kulimpang in 2007 and energized a total of 30 households with 20-watt solar home systems.
A community organization put in place hopes to expand the number of households with a 100 percent access to electricity.
AMORE is a rural electrification program that fosters collaborative work among various stakeholders led by the United States Agency for International Development as its major funding partner, the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE), former Mirant Philippines Foundation, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and the U.S.-based non-profit organization, Winrock International.
To date, AMORE has brought light to over 11,000 households in the most remote, extremely poor, conflict-affected areas mostly in the ARMM.
With the gift of light, Barangay Kulimpang is now alive. The little village store remains open until wee hours of the morning. There is illumination on the streets, and women prepare dishes with ease.
The solar-lighted mosque is now packed with devotees unlike before when there was no electricity in the village, with the faithful even praying on an adjacent pathway.
The Philippine government has made rural electrification a top policy priority because of the potential to improve rural standards of living and reduce poverty as it has also been working to implement such policy and aims to achieve 100% electrification of rural communities by 2010.
According to the DOE, a total of 40,752 barangays across the country (roughly 97% of the total) now have access to electricity services, leaving just 1,438 more barangays still to be energized. These communities are scattered across mountainous areas or on islands, where it is not economical to extend power transmission lines. Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes reported that all barangays are expected to have access to electricity by next year.
The ARMM continues to have the lowest electrification rate in the country, with under 90% of barangays electrified. But with renewed commitment to rural electrification, homes in Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi can hope for a better tomorrow as household electrification takes the number one spot on the Department of Energy's list of priorities.
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City Dispatch
PNP-12 enhances concerted police effort
ICC-COTABATO CITY (Gen. Santos City), Sept24--As Ramadan ends, the Philippine National Police here has “ushered in new strategies” to strengthen its defense against criminalities and terrorism.
Central Mindanao police chief PCSupt. Felizardo M. Serapio Jr. ordered the immediate implementation of “a concerted police strategy” to foil any activities from the MILF side as Ramadan nears its end.
The strategy, according to Serapio includes the enhancement of the regional command’s quad defense seeing the need to boost deployment and expansion of police as effective course of action.
The effort is expected to bolster “security preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery to combat criminalities and terrorism.”
On September 30, Muslims will break their month-long fast and will celebrate Eid’l Fitr on October 1.
The police are anticipating that lawless MILG group (LMG) may take advantage of the culmination and advance their selfish move to attack more civilian villages including that of AFP and PNP detachments.
Intelligence reports said that renegade MILF led by Commanders Umbra Kato, Bravo and Pangalian are readying their acts to spill over hostilities outside the areas of Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan and Pikit (PALMA-P) and Maguindanao areas.
Serapio said it’s better to be always prepared for any eventuality than being caught flat-footed stressing further, that police forces will never be cowed by criminals.
The police will be there to protect the people by all means, he said. But he is more concerned with the many families that would become displaced should fights between government troopers and rogue MILF erupt anew.
The police chief also ordered the city and provincial directors including group directors of PNP mobile groups “to establish strong point detachments, monitoring points, enhance checkpoints and organize rapid deployment of troops.”
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City Dispatch
LGU-PNP-AFP join international broadcast network in feeding young evacuees
ICC-COTABATO CITY, Sept2--The local government unit of Pikit, North Cotabato, Philippine National Police and the 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army participated today in the feeding program for the young evacuees of Barangay Takepan, Pikit .by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Asia.
Police Inspector Elias Dandan, chief of the Pikit Police Station said the LGU thru the municipal social welfare office has been extending assistance to the remaining 400 evacuees in Barangay Takepan by tapping NGOs like the CBN Asia which donated the main ingredients in the feeding held today.
The beneficiaries of the feeding program are 75 kids in the evacuation centers at the barangay hall of Takepan and at the San Isidro Chapel who were given nutritious plate of food which is a mixture of vegetables and beans and fresh milk donated by North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan.
Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Vergelita Guilaran revealed that aside from food assistance the province distributed rice, blankets, tents and other food commodities not only to the 400 evacuees of Pikit but likewise to the remaining evacuees of Aleosan and Pigkawayan.
Despite assurance from the military of their safety in returning to their homes, the evacuees chose to stay because of fear that the firefight between the military and Lawless MILF Groups will erupt again, Guilaran said.
Governor Sacdalan, according to Guilaran, has assured the availability of trucks to bring them back to their barangays just like the evacuees in Midsayap and the other towns.
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