PDEA-ARMM commemorates Int'l Day Against Drug Abuse

Islamic City of Marawi (28 June) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) conducted a one-day inter-high school basketball tournament and series of lectures in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT).

The IDADAIT is being celebrated every June 26. This year's theme is "Think Health Not Drugs."

Being the lead agency in the anti-drug campaign, we have the moral obligation to inspire the people and mobilize support for drug prevention through activities that provide the public, particularly the young people with the information, skills and opportunities they need to make healthy choices, including the choice to avoid using harmful drugs, PDEA-ARMM Acting Regional Director Bryan B. Babang said.

Babang also encouraged the youth to stay healthy and take part on the battle against illegal drugs.

The fight against illegal drugs is everybody's concern, especially the youth, the hope of our nation, he stressed.

PDEA-ARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur as well as the cities of Cotabato and Marawi.

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MinDA chair assists in release of Comelec exec's son

Islamic City of Marawi (25 June) -- Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Jesus Dureza visited this city once again to assist in the safe release of Comelec Commissioner Elias Yusoph's son who was abducted last Sunday night.

"I'm here to complement the initiatives being undertaken by the authorities by being a conduit of information," Dureza cited.

He said he have met with different sectors who could possibly help them.

"I have talked with the Council of Elders, Congresswoman Faisah Dumarpa, representative of the city mayor in the person of his brother former mayor Omar'Solitario' Ali, and also former city mayor Abbas Basman.

He stressed that they have commissioned a specific group to undertake the recovery of Yusoph's son.

"After evaluating the progress, we feel that there will be a positive development," he further stressed.

Dureza also said that he has communicated with Commissioner Yusoph and has informed him of the development.

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Lanao Council of Elders assures peaceful release of Commissioner's son

Islamic City of Marawi (25 June) -- Members of the Council of Elders gave assurance that they will do their best to negotiate peacefully the release of Commissioner Yusoph's son from his abductors.

In a meeting with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Jesus Dureza today, they extended their gratitude to the crisis management committee which is composed of PNP and AFP high ranking officials and chaired by Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. for seeking their assistance in the safe release of Yusoph's son.

However, they expressed that they cannot do what is expected them unless they have the details on where and whom to negotiate.

On his part, CMC spokesperson and Police Provincial Director SSupt. Paniares Adap said the CMC have already gathered various information from their assets on the field and they are still validating these.

He also stressed that they have initially deployed their troops in places where they think the victim might be brought.

"We have also strengthened our routine checkpoints in the entire province, he added.

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PGMA visited far-flung Lanao Sur towns during her term

Islamic City of Marawi (24 June) -- Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the only President who have visited remote towns in Lanao del Sur and made huge investments in infrastructure and social projects to sustain peace and improve the lives of its residents.

During her visit in the town of Taraka alone, she inaugurated the town's P3.5-million public market and led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of its P30-million potable water system project of Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

In Masiu town, the President inaugurated the three-storey municipal hall and led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P8-million potable water system project there.

President Arroyo also allocated a P20-million modern water system in Ganassi town.

Her other projects included the Rognan River Irrigation System in Taraka and Malaig Irrigation Project in the town of Butig both designed to boost the town's farm productivity.

In her Lumbatan town visit, she witnessed the signing memorandum of agreement between the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) to institutionalize the fight against hunger and malnutrition in the region.

Provincial Governor Mamintal'Bombit' Alonto Adiong Jr. expressed gratitude to President Arroyo for all the programs and projects undertaken by her administration to spur positive growth in the province.

He said the President has allocated funds for infrastructure development particularly farm-to-market roads, public markets, and irrigation systems that provided means for farmers to be more productive ensuring food security in the province.

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Lanao residents grateful to President Arroyo for social programs

Islamic City of Marawi (24 June) -- Residents of Lanao del Sur are thankful to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for all the programs and projects undertaken by her administration to spur development in the province.

Provincial Governor Mamintal'Bombit' Alonto Adiong, Jr. said the province is one of the beneficiaries of social services programs of the government.

He cited that the programs include the monthly stipends for the elderly more known as the Katas ng VAT, Pera Para kay Lolo at Lola; the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps for the marginalized families through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); school feeding program of the Department of Education (DepEd), free vaccination of the Department of Health (DOH); and Pangulong Gloria Scholarships (PGS) through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Tarhata Tarosan, a Pangulong Gloria Scholarships (PGS) beneficiary expressed gratitude to the President for extending scholarship slots in Lanao del Sur.

"I am thanking President Arroyo for coming-up with this scholarship program and giving us the chance to improve and enhance the quality of our lives," she said.

In addition, Salam Maraki, one of the 4Ps beneficiaries, also extended thanks to the President because 4Ps gave her a chance to send her children to school and to the health center for regular check-up.

"My husband is a farmer and the amount he earns is not sufficient for our daily expenses. But with the 4Ps, we were able to buy school supplies and clothes for our children.

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Lanao Council of Elders tapped to negotiate release of Yusoph's son

Islamic City of Marawi (23 June) -- The Crisis Management Committee will tap the Council of Elders in Lanao del Sur to do the negotiations for the safe release of Nuraldin Yusoph.
Nuraldin Yusoph, son of Commissioner Elias Yusoph, was abducted by unidentified men last Sunday night after he walked out of a mosque near their house this city.
The abductors allegedly demanded the nullification of votes in the towns of Taraka, Masiu, Picong and Malabang in exchange for the Commissioner son's freedom.
Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Paniares Adap, spokesperson of the crisis management committee, said they already have leads on the perpetrators but refrained from divulging the details in order not to compromise the negotiations.
The Council of Elders will report to the chairman of the committee whenever they have new information, what is paramount is the safety of the victim, he stressed.
Adap also disclosed that Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag has organized the Task Force Yusoph which will serve as the operating arm of the crisis management committee.
Adap expressed confidence that the crisis management committee together with the council of elders, local officials and security forces as well as the religious and civic groups would be able to facilitate the safe release of the Commissioner's son.
On the other hand, re-electionist provincial governor Mamintal 'Bombit' Alonto Adiong Jr, chairman of the crisis management committee stressed that this incident is far different from other kidnapping incidents in the province because it is politically-motivated.
He, however, appealed to the abductors to return Yusoph's son saying that there is a right practice of filing electoral protest.
The governor also hopes that this incident will be solved immediately so that the special elections in some parts of the province will push through.
The uncle of the victim, Fahar Pangcoga, meanwhile said their family has agreed to leave the crisis management committee to address the situation.

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IPHO spearheads observance of National Kidney Month in Lanao Sur

Marantao, Lanao del Sur (18 June) -- In its desire to disseminate information at the grassroots level in order to prevent the people especially the children from acquiring renal diseases, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Lanao del Sur conducted a massive information and education drive on renal disease control program (REDCOP) yesterday, June 17, at Bacayawan Elementary School, this town.

The campaign highlights this year's Kidney Month celebration with the theme "Healthy Kidneys, Healthy Family."

PHO Dr. Alinader Minalang who led the information and education drive briefed the school children, teachers and parents about kidney diseases that may lead to renal failure.

He encouraged everyone to drink plenty of water or fruit juices and to avoid drinking soft drinks and eating salty foods.

More than 100 grades four (4) to six (6) pupils and their teachers listened attentively to the lectures on renal diseases and dengue prevention held in one of the classrooms of the said school.

While the lectures were going on, the other IPHO medical staff were also busy conducting free urine strip examination and random blood sugar screening to the other school children, teachers, and parents.

Minalang said that those found to have kidney problems will be given the necessary medicines.

The school principal, Miralinda Gote, meanwhile thanked Dr. Minalang and his staff for choosing their school as the venue for the observance of the kidney month.

Presidential Proclamation No. 184 declares every June as National Kidney Month in the country with the aim to increase public awareness on the importance and care of the kidneys and the prevention and control of kidney ailments.

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IPHO Lanao del Sur conducts 'search and destroy' operation against dengue-causing mosquitoes

Marantao, Lanao del Sur (18 June) -- Armed with broomsticks and determination, Lanao del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) led more than 500 pupils, teachers and parents in conducting a 'search and destroy' operation against possible breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes yesterday at Bacayawan Elementary School, this town.

Aside from its information and education campaign through the tri-media, IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang said it is best to bring dengue awareness to every school as much as possible.

He said it is easier to teach the school children because they learn fast.

"They are our advocates against dengue when they go back to their respective homes," he stressed.

Minalang fears that the number of dengue cases in the province could go higher than last year's figure.

There were eighty (80) dengue cases last year with two (2) deaths and six (6) of the total number of cases were reported in this town, he disclosed.

"In the first six (6) months of this year, sixty (60) dengue cases were already reported by our municipal health officers and rural health workers and this figure could even rise if we do nothing about it now," he added.

Minalang is currently coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) officials in the province to be able to conduct a similar 'search and destroy' operation in other schools to ensure the safety of school children from the dreaded dengue hemorrhagic fever which has already cost the lives of so many people, mostly children.

The month of June has been declared as Dengue Awareness Month in the country. This year's theme is "ToDOH toDOH Kontra Dengue, Goodbye Kiti-Kiti, Goodbye Dengue."

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Marawi demonstrators condemn Israeli brutalities

Islamic City of Marawi (7 June) -- More than 500 members of the Coalition of Moro Movements in Mindanao gathered here Saturday morning to condemn the raid by the Israeli forces towards Gaza Freedom Flotilla last Monday, May 31.

The demonstrators carrying streamers and tarpaulins congregated at Plaza Cabili and burned the Israeli flag in their protest dubbed as Bangsamoro Action Against Israeli State Terrorism. 

On Monday, Israeli naval forces stormed Freedom Flotilla, an aid convoy, en route to Gaza in international waters killing civilians on board. 

The Israeli authorities claim that Freedom Flotilla violates the maritime blockade they imposed on Gaza and that the convoy was carrying contraband allegedly intended to destabilize their military forces. 

Saffrullah Dipatuan, chairman of the Bangsamoro Development Agency, said they denounced the state terrorism of Israel against the peace-loving activists who just want to deliver humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who have been suffering because of the inhuman blockade. 

"What they have done is an example of a very indecent and immoral act so we [are] appealing to all paragons of justice, especially the United Nations Security Council, to have a more unbending and expeditious approach in bringing the perpetrators to justice," Dipatuan said.

He further said that a proper investigation by an independent body must be conducted.

The protesters likewise urged their Muslim brothers and sisters to boycott Jewish produced commodities. 

The Israeli action also led to strong condemnation from around the world and from international organizations. 

Moreover, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in a statement signed by its vice-chairman for Military Affairs Alim Abdulaziz Mimbantas, salutes the Arab and Muslim states, African Union members states and the European Union states as well as international organizations who have already condemned the barbaric incident. 

"They have shown to the world the sacrosanct value of brotherhood in religion and brotherhood in humanity as well," the statement reads.

"We, the Bangsamoro people in the south of the Philippines, join the clamor of our Muslim brothers in Gaza and affirm our unity and solidarity with the international community in condemning the brutal and heartrending incident, the statement further reads.

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Special elections in Lanao Sur towns peaceful - PNP

Islamic City of Marawi (4 June) -- Elections in the seven towns in Lanao del Sur appeared to be generally peaceful although there were some isolated incidents that did not disrupt the election process.

"The elections now is the most peaceful and orderly elections that happened in the province," said Police Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, Regional Director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

There was harassment in Sultan Dumalondong where an unknown armed group using M60 machine gun, 40mm grenade launcher and other high powered firearms hounding government troops, Latag disclosed.

However, joint troops from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP reinforced the engaged troops and safely secured the polling places, election paraphernalia and voters of the said town, he added.

Legal Network for the Truthful Elections (LENTE) commended the AFP and PNP for their efforts in maintaining peace and order.

Atty. Carlos Medina Jr., LENTE co-convenor, said the polls is abnormally peaceful and they are thankful for the presence of both troops.

Based on our own observations, the special polls now is generally and peaceful, however, we are not prepared to say that the results is 100% truthful, he added.

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Special elections in Tubaran peaceful

Tubaran, Lanao del Sur (3 June) -- The special elections held in the 3 polling centers of this town is generally peaceful. 

The voting did not however started on time due to lack of electricity.

In Tangcal Elementary School, the voting started around 10am. 

Military and police personnel are also strategically scattered around the polling center securing the area. 

During the delivery of (PCOS) machines and other election paraphernalia earlier this morning, two military officers accidentally fell on their military vehicle due to slippery road. 

The two suffered minor injuries and were rushed to the nearest hospital in Marawi city. 

Tubaran is one of the seven towns in Lanao del Sur conducting special polls today. The other towns are Sultan Dumalondong, Lumba Bayabao, Masiu, Lumbaca Unayan, Marogong and Bayang.

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Troops confiscate 2 pistols in Sultan Dumalondong town special elections

Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur (3 June) -- Combined troops from army?s 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) of the 9th Division (9ID) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) apprehended and confiscated one caliber .45 Colt 1911 loaded one magazine with ammunitions allegedly in possession of certain Malic Amintao. 

Amintao is a resident of Brgy. Lumbac, this town, where said military and police troops were performing their duty to the ongoing special elections. 

Moreover, one caliber .45 Colt model with one magazine loaded with ammunitions was also confiscated to certain Tahir Macalipot. 

 

It was apprehended by the members of 1st Platoon of Bravo Company, 65IB while conducting Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoint operation at barangay Bacayawan, here. 

Both firearms were turned over and under the custody 10th Police Regional Mobile Group (PRMG).

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Seven towns in Lanao Sur will conduct special polls—COMELEC

Islamic City of Marawi (02 June)—Acting Lanao del Sur Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Josllyn Demesa revealed that the special elections tomorrow will be conducted only in the seven towns where there was a total failure of elections.


With a total of 190 clustered precincts, these towns are Sultan Dumalondong with 11 clustered precincts, Lumba Bayabao with 38, Masiu with 35, Tubaran with 22, Lumbaca Unayan with 9, Marogong with 26 and Bayang with 49 clustered precincts.


Atty. Demesa said the commission has not yet issued an order on the conduct of special elections on the other 23 barangays in the province that have partial failure of elections.

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Everything is in place for the special polls in Lanao Sur—COMELEC

Islamic City of Marawi (02 June)—The Commission on Elections here in Lanao del Sur is ready for the conduct of the special elections tomorrow, June 3.

According to Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Josllyn Demesa, everything is in place except for the members of Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs).

“We are still awaiting for the arrival of police trainees from regions 10, 11 and 12 so that we can start testing and sealing the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines,” she said.

In terms of security, the acting PES said that the security plan of the AFP and PNP is all set.

“They have organized well the augmentation and deployment of their troops to secure the conduct of special elections here in the province.

Atty. Demesa also disclosed that the manner of voting, counting and canvassing is still the same except for the transmission of results.

“Because of the lack of signal in some of the towns, the transmission of results will probably happen in the Provincial Capitol gym where the canvassing will be conducted, she added.

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