Marawi cops arrest 3 kidnappers

Islamic City of Marawi (28 September) -- Elements of the Marawi City Police Station arrested three (3) suspected kidnappers in front of Cali Clinic in barangay Banggolo, this city, around 11:30am yesterday.

According to Superintendent Cosanie M. Derogongan, Lanao del Sur Police Director, arrested kidnappers were identified as Amenoding Naga, 26 years old, married, and farmer; Esmail Baute, 21 years old, married, and driver; and Tocod Mohammadali, 29 years old, married, also a farmer.

He said Naga is a resident of barangay Bualan, in Balindong town while both Baute and Mohammadali are residents of barangay Biaba Damag, this city.

Derogongan further identified the rescued victim as Hashim M. Otto, 18 years old, single, student and a resident of Munai in Lanao del Norte.

Initial investigation disclosed that Otto was on his way to school when forcibly taken by the suspects on board a two (2) single motorcycles. When he sighted the approaching police mobile car, he shouted for assistance and caught the attention of the patrolling police elements.

The police director said the motive behind the incident is believed to be personal gain.

He added that the arrested suspects are now temporarily detained at Marawi City Police Station detention cell for filing of appropriate charges in court.

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PNP Lanao Sur apprehends gun ban violators

Islamic City of Marawi (28 September) -- Two (2) persons were arrested here in violation of the COMELEC gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Police Superintendent Cosanie M. Derogongan, Lanao del Sur PNP Director, disclosed that Samad Natangcop and Salic Managsa Batawi were separately apprehended by police elements while conducting COMELEC checkpoint operations.

According to him, Natangcop, 32 years old and a resident of Barangay Tolali was arrested around 10:45pm of September 26 along Gomisa Avenue in Barangay Banggolo while Batawi, 32 years old and a resident of Barangay Datu Saber was arrested around 6:30pm of September 27 in Barangay Kilala detachment.

Taken from Natangcop was Caliber.45 pistol M1911A1 bearing serial number 818359 with one (1) magazine and three (3) live ammos, Derogongan said.

On the other hand, an M16 Rifle Caliber 5.56 bearing serial number 9021961 with one (1) magazine and seventeen (17) live ammos were confiscated from Batawi, he added.

He further said the recovered firearms were held at the custody of the provincial police headquarters and a case on the violation of the COMELEC gun ban will be filed against the arrested suspects.

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Lanao PHO chief calls on non-PhilHealth members to register

Islamic City of Marawi (September 28) -- The head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is encouraging Lanao del Sur constituents to go out and take advantage of the government's universal health program to secure their healthcare needs.

I'm calling all our constituents, especially non-members, to visit designated registration desks on Saturday, October 2, and avail of this opportunity to be registered with PhilHealth, stressed Dr, Alinader Minalang.

He is encouraging those employed but have not yet enrolled in the program as well as those who have not renewed their membership to go to the registration desks in the PhilHealth Marawi Service Office and Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School, this city.

For constituents outside this city, designated registration desks can be found in Malabang National High School and Wao District Hospital, he added.

The IPHO chief is also inviting financially-challenged individuals not included in the list of indigents identified by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to go to the designated service desks and fill-up the registration forms so that their registration can be validated by the DSWD and PhilHealth.

Minalang further revealed that their office will also provide medical services that include Vitamin A, deworming, and immunization on the big day.

Moreover, the IPHO will establish a command post at their office and will set-up hotline 09173674251 in support of the Nationwide PhilHealth Registration Day (NPRD).

The NPRD, with the theme 'PhilHealth Sabado, Magseguro, Magparehistro,' is in line with the priority agenda of President Benigno S. Aquino III to ensure the all Filipinos will have universal health care in three years time.

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Nationwide PhilHealth Registration kicks off on October 2

The Nationwide PhilHealth Registration Day (NPRD) scheduled this Saturday, October 2, is the start of the continuing campaign to ensure that all Filipinos can have access to quality health services, said Kassandra Louisa Mamainte, PhilHealth Marawi Service Office head.

Dubbed as 'PhilHealth Sabado, Magseguro, Magparehistro,' it aims to increase the awareness and knowledge of our constituents about PhilHealth member's benefits, rights and responsibilities as well as encourage and facilitate membership registration she further said.

The activity provides an opportunity for the indigents families identified in the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to be enrolled under the sponsored program, she added.

Mamainte cited that the NPRD also intends to reach-out to the informal sector, OFWs, and non-indigents for their enrolment under the individually paying program.

She said prospective registrants under this program must bring any valid ID card and P300 as premium payment for the first quarter.

Those who wish to declare dependents outright must also bring supporting documents such birth certificates and marriage contracts certified by the NSO, Mamainte further cited.

She also disclosed that registration desks manned by PhilHealth personnel will be set up in PhilHealth Marawi Service Office, Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School, Malabang National High School, Wao District Hospital, and one rural health unit or district hospital yet to be identified.

The NPRD is in consonance with the announcement of President Benigno S. Aquino III during his first State of the Nation Address that there will be universal health insurance coverage for all Filipinos within three years.

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Lanao Sur gears up for nationwide Philhealth registration day

Islamic City of Marawi (28 September) -- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), in collaboration with PhilHealth, spearheaded yesterday an inter-agency coordination meeting in preparation for the Nationwide PhilHealth Registration Day (NPRD) set on Saturday, October 2.

NPRD is in line with President Benigno S. Aquino III priority agenda ensuring that all Filipinos, especially the poor, shall have access to healthcare services through universal health care in three years time.

According to IPHO chief, Dr. Alinader Minalang, the objective of the meeting is to come-up with strategies on how to maximize the registration day and increase public awareness on the importance of being a PhilHealth member and the benefits to be derived from the program.

The meeting was well-participated by representatives from partner-agencies in the implementation of the NPRD such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), League of Municipal Mayors in the province, and non-government/professional/civic organizations.

The DSWD will provide the list of indigents identified through the National Household Targeting System-Proxy Means Test (NHTS-PMT). It will also assist in the mobilization of eligible indigent families as well as assess and evaluate other indigents identified during the registration day.

The DepEd will organize information drives through PTAs targeting parents of students and informing them regarding the PhilHealth benefits and responsibilities. It will also assist the PhilHealth in establishing PhilHealth desks in public schools.

The DILG, on the other hand, will issue appropriate policies to enjoin local government units (LGUs) to participate in the conduct of the NPRD while the League of Municipal Mayors will enjoin member LGUs to organize the DSWD NHTS-PMT identified for insurance coverage and likewise pass a resolution linking PhilHealth registration of the informal sector with issuance of business permit, sanitary permit and other LGU-issued permits.

Non-government/professional/civic organizations are also encouraged to join and support local level advocacies in support of the NPRD.

PhilHealth Marawi Service Office head, Kassandra Louisa Mamainte, meanwhile disclosed that the training of PhilHealth AKO (Advocacy and Knowledge Officers) will start today, September 28.

She said the PhilHealth AKO will do the dissemination of information regarding PhilHealth programs.

A dry run for the NPRD will be conducted on September 30 and October 1 for areas outside and within this city, respectively, Mamainte added.

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Elders, PKF, local officials settle MSU shooting incident case

Islamic City of Marawi (24 September) -- After a month-long negotiation by the Provincial Council of Elders, Mindanao State University (MSU) Peace Keeping Force, and local officials, the families of Ticson, Sosillo and Barangay reached an amicable settlement over the MSU shooting incident case.

Mark Anthony Ticson, 21 years old, and Ever Sosillo, 17 years old, were shot in front of the MSU campus tennis court on August 21 by Moamar Barangay, 23 years old.

Five (5) days after the incident, Barangay voluntarily surrendered to the local police and admitted that he was the one who shot the victims.

Provincial Police Director Superintendent Cosanie Derogongan said Barangay confessed that he shot the victims because he was hungry and had problems during that time.

Derogongan said the family of Barangay went to the Shariah Court and asked for an amicable settlement of the case which the Ticson and Sosillo families accepted.

He said the parties signed an agreement that in case Barangay should commit the same crime in the future, he will be imprisoned and his case will not be resolved again in accordance to Shariah Law.

According to Derogongan the signing was witnessed by the MSU Peace Keeping Force represented by Sultan Pendatun Sacar and mayors of Bacolod-Kalawi, Madalum, and Madamba in Lanao del Sur as well as of Pantar in Lanao del Norte who had taken the initiative to resolve the crisis between the two parties.

An undisclosed sum of money was also given to the victims' family as financial support.

The Ticson and Sosillo, on the other hand, said they have forgiven Barangay and that they will continue to reside in the city despite what had happened.

They also expressed gratitude to the local officials and other mediators who helped in the negotiation.

The Police Provincial Director said the settlement is in accordance with Shariah Law. It offered both parties to agree and come-up with conditions acceptable to both sides that eventually resulted to the amicable termination of the case.

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Lanao Sur police ready to implement total gun ban for Barangay, SK elections

Islamic City of Marawi (23 September) -- Police authorities in Lanao del Sur is all set to enforce the total gun ban to secure the synchronized Barangay ang Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls on October 25.

Police Provincial Director Superintendent Cosanie Derogongan said they are still waiting for the rules and regulations on the bearing, carrying and transporting of firearms as well as the employment of bodyguards in relation to the October 25 synchronized elections.

He said they will strictly enforce the gun ban once they receive the implementing guidelines.

In its Resolution 9019, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) directed the police and the military to implement a nationwide gun ban during the election period which will run from September 25, 2010 until November 10, 2010.

During this period, the carrying of firearms and the use of bodyguards by candidates will be prohibited, unless otherwise assigned by the Commission, upon proper application.

According to the COMELEC, they will implement the total gun ban again because it was proven successful in reducing the number of election-related violence during the May 10 automated national and local elections.

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Young Muslims call for peace and unity

Islamic City of Marawi (23 September) -- The young members of the Bangsamoro Civil Society have called on leaders to set aside partisan politics and political interests and promote the interests of the Moro people instead.

In a joint statement, the group expressed disappointment with the recent fighting over government positions stressing the negative impact of divisive politics.

The group believes that the way forward is to focus efforts and work for the Moro people through masuwara or consensus-building, public-private partnership and supporting a Moro agenda.

"Unity and peace prompted us to write in public because we cannot remain silent in the presence of the deafening noise of politics brought about by the privilege speech of Representative Tupay Loong of Sulu questioning the process of appointment in the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)," the group said.

"While we support Loong's assertion for preferential appointments of Moros in the national government with recommendations from politicians as provided in the Organic Act creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), we are also aware that Muslim appointees in Cabinet must bear the trust and confidence of the President," the group further said.

The said statement also reiterated that Moros with proven competence, education, merit and experience should be appointed and that an Islamic leadership background is advantageous in the NCMF because of its administrative management in the conduct of religious obligations of Hajj (pilgrimage), Umrah, among others.

They further believed that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is ably administered by a Secretary who has a strong background in civil society and a deep concern for Muslim Mindanao.

And as an institution under the Office of the President, OPAPP should be given the same opportunity to recommend the said appointment in the NCMF.

The group also welcomed the new appointment of the chairperson in the NCMF which completed the GRP peace panel saying it is the last act to put the peace process in motion.

They also hoped for the development of mechanisms for the consultation of Muslim Filipinos in the selection of the commissioners of the NCMF.

The statement also demanded the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao government, the Regional Legislative Assembly to attend to the pressing needs of the people and to address good governance, development and anti-corruption among other issues.

The joint statement was signed by Engr. Don Loong, President, Movement for Economic Development in Sulu; Councilor Jehanne Mutin, Jamiatul Shabbatil Mutaalimat; Atty. Algamar Latiph, Bangsamoro Circle; Tambas Yahya, Former Coordinator, Aksyon Demokratiko; Jolly Lais, Secretary General, AMANAH; Mohammad Matarul, MARADEKA; Pendatun Disimban, National President, Assalam Bangsamoro People's Association, former NYC Commissioner; Engr. Abdullah Datucala, Muslim Students Union; Ranao Council; Prof. Alber Husin, Ateneo de Zamboanga University; and Atty. Maisara C. Dandamun-Latiph, Private Integrated Madaris Forum convenor.

The said statement was made in line with the observance of the International Day of Peace.

The United Nations designated September 21 as the International of Peace urging all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities for the day and inviting all its member-nations to commemorate the day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

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Filing of COCs for Barangay, SK polls starts on October 1

Islamic City of Marawi (23 September) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here announced that the filing of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections will run from October 1, 2010 to October 13, 2010.

Atty. Tanjie Macadindang, city election officer, said they will start accepting the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of applicants aspiring for Barangay and SK seats from 8:00AM to 5:00PM on said dates.

The officials to be elected on October 25 for the Barangay polls include a Punong Barangay and seven (7) Barangay Kagawads while a Chairman and seven (7) Kagawads for the SK polls.

Under COMELEC Resolution 9029, candidates for the Barangay elections must be: Filipino citizens; at least 18 years old on election day; able to read and write Filipino or any local language or dialect; and registered voters of the Barangay where they intend to run for office and residents thereof for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the day of the election.

On the other hand, qualified to run for the SK polls are: Filipino citizens, at least fifteen (15) years old but less than eighteen (18) years old on Election Day; able to read and write Filipino, English or the local dialect; qualified voters of the Katipunan ng Kabataan of the Barangay where they intend to run for office and residents thereof at least one (1) year immediately preceding the election; and must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

Meanwhile, the COMELEC slated October 14, 2010 until October 23, 2010 as the campaign period.

According to the poll body, voters can cast their votes from 7:00AM to 3:00PM on October 25, 2010 while the counting and canvassing of votes will immediately start after the casting of votes.

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Filing of COCs for Barangay, SK polls starts on October 1

Islamic City of Marawi (23 September) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here announced that the filing of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections will run from October 1, 2010 to October 13, 2010.

Atty. Tanjie Macadindang, city election officer, said they will start accepting the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of applicants aspiring for Barangay and SK seats from 8:00AM to 5:00PM on said dates.

The officials to be elected on October 25 for the Barangay polls include a Punong Barangay and seven (7) Barangay Kagawads while a Chairman and seven (7) Kagawads for the SK polls.

Under COMELEC Resolution 9029, candidates for the Barangay elections must be: Filipino citizens; at least 18 years old on election day; able to read and write Filipino or any local language or dialect; and registered voters of the Barangay where they intend to run for office and residents thereof for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the day of the election.

On the other hand, qualified to run for the SK polls are: Filipino citizens, at least fifteen (15) years old but less than eighteen (18) years old on Election Day; able to read and write Filipino, English or the local dialect; qualified voters of the Katipunan ng Kabataan of the Barangay where they intend to run for office and residents thereof at least one (1) year immediately preceding the election; and must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

Meanwhile, the COMELEC slated October 14, 2010 until October 23, 2010 as the campaign period.

According to the poll body, voters can cast their votes from 7:00AM to 3:00PM on October 25, 2010 while the counting and canvassing of votes will immediately start after the casting of votes.

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Bangsamoro people rally against burning of Qur'an

Islamic City of Marawi (20 September) -- More than 5,000 Bangsamoro people gathered here Sunday and staged a rally to denounce the burning of the Qur'an, the most sacred and holiest book of Islam.

Participated in by various Moro groups and sectors based in the city, the mass rally dubbed as "Bangsamoro Action against Islamophobia" aimed to condemn in the strongest terms the recent spate of Qur'an burning in various states in the United States (US) to mark the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

In a manifesto given to the media, the demonstrators called on the US government to immediately arrest Reverend Pastor Terry Jones and all those who participated in the so-called 'Burn a Qur'an Day.'

They also demanded that the people responsible for this outrage should publicly apologize to the Muslim world and for the American media to censor all forms of hatred directed against Islam and the vilification of Muslims to minimize the spread of Islamophobia.

In addition, they also urged fellow Muslims to remain calm and not to resort to violence that will harm innocent Americans and Christians.

However, if real intention of the blasphemous act is to unite all Christians and wage war against Islam, the Bangsamoro people, they said, will fight to the death alongside their brothers and sisters in the Muslim world.

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Feature: Proper solid waste disposal an engine for earth conservation

Conserving and preserving the earth is everyone's best interest

This is the heart of proper solid waste disposal. Solid wastes can be an environmental hazard when disposed improperly. These wastes can be very harmful to the atmosphere increasing pollution, speeding-up global warming, clogging-up canals and waterways causing environmental disasters such as flooding.

In line with this, the Department of Trade and Industry ENERCON Management Team issued some basic pointers toward proper waste disposal.

The first step is to segregate waste at source. Wastes can be broadly classified into three types: biodegradables, non-biodegradables that can be recycled or reused, and non-biodegradables that cannot be sold which become residual waste.

For biodegradables, compost these waste and use the compost as soil conditioner for plants and garden. If there is space within your home, school or office, establish a vegetable garden or an herbal garden and use the compost for these gardens. Saving the eggshells can also be helpful in organic farming.

Recycle paper, cartons, bottles, plastic containers, aluminum foils and metals or sell them to junk dealers.

In addition, coordinate with your local government or with some environmental non-government organizations for the processing and safe disposal of the residual waste.

Avoid throwing candy wrappers and other small waste on the streets. Keep them in your pocket or bag instead. Do not also throw anything into the water when riding a boat or any water vehicle even of the material is biodegradable.

Also reduce the use of plastic and paper bags by using reusable totes. If you use plastic grocery bags, reuse them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners. When going to the market, use a'bayong' or similar reusable bags. Moreover, make use of reusable containers instead of plastic or paper bags when bringing lunch at work.

Waste can also be lessened by minimizing the use of disposable cutleries and plates during parties. Rags can also be made out of old towels and t-shirts.

Sharing a magazine subscription with a friend will not only reduce your subscription cost but it would also cut down the amount of trees used for the magazine paper. Another alternative is to read magazine subscriptions and newspaper online.

It would likewise be smarter to think before printing emails and attachments. Print only necessary documents. Reuse scrap paper in printing and use clean paper only for external communications.

Online distribution and posting of company information and materials is also helpful in minimizing waste.

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Kidnapped Muslim businessman reunites with family

Islamic City of Marawi (15 September) -- After two weeks in captivity, Abdulcader Magarang was finally reunited with his family today.

He was freed by his abductors early this morning at barangay Bubong-a-Madaya this city.

According to Police Superintendent Cosanie M. Derogongan, the release of the kidnap victim was made possible through negotiations conducted by the Provincial Council of Elders with the kidnappers.

A well-known businessman in the city, Magarang, was kidnapped by five unidentified armed men last August 31 along Ampuan Street in barangay Lilod Madaya while he was on his way to the public market.

Derogongan said they are currently coordinating with the Magarang family for the filing of appropriate charges in court.

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Lanao Sur police steps up manhunt against Tugaya ambush perpetrators

Islamic City of Marawi (13 September) -- The Lanao del Sur Police authorities is intensifying its manhunt operations to track down the perpetrators of the gruesome attack that killed the former mayor of Tugaya town and one (1) of his companion while wounding three (3) others.

According to Police Superintendent Cosanie M. Derogongan said former mayor Alimatar Pacalna Guroalim and his party were on board a maroon Mitsubishi Pajero bearing plate no. ALM-444 when undetermined group of armed men ambushed the vehicle in barangay Dilimbayan, Tugaya around 6:30am, September 10.

He said Guroalim's group was on their way to Poona Tugaya, barangay Cayagan to perform the Eidl Fitr prayer there.

Guroalim who suffered multiple gunshot wounds at the head died on the spot while Kasim H. Asgar, 25 years old, who also obtained multiple gunshot wounds at his head died at Amai Pakpak Medical Center in this city while undergoing medications.

The other two (2) companions namely Khalid Saidali, 25 years old, single, and Asrin Ampao, 19 years old, who both sustained multiple gunshot wounds at the different parts of their bodies were in critical condition and now being treated at the Mercy Community Hospital in Iligan Citywhile the 19-year old, Jamil Alampang, who sustained slight gunshot wounds was later discharge from the hospital after medication.

Derogongan said the motive of the attack is still unknown.

However, investigators are looking at long-time family feuds and political rivalry as the possible motives behind the ambushed noting that due to violent incidents, Tugaya was declared'partial failure of election' during the May 10 national and special elections.

The army's 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander Gen. Rey C. Ardo meanwhile disclosed that one (1) company of the 65th Infantry Battalion were immediately deployed in the area while armor vehicles were emplaced in the town and waterborne assets were prepositioned in the lakeshore of Tugaya in order to prevent entry and exit of relatives on both sides.

Prepositioning of army assets was made to show physical security in the municipality and somehow to alleviate the tension in the place, Ardo said.

On the other hand, Provincial Governor Mamintal 'Bombit' A. Adiong Jr. also complemented the police and army efforts by convening the crisis management committee and talking to religious leaders and influential people to help in the creation of a peace keeping group to address the on-going problem and prevent the escalation of tension to avoid further loss of lives.

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US Embassy official turns over school building, learning materials to schoolchildren in Marawi

Islamic City of Marawi (09 September ) --- In an effort to increase access to quality education in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett turned over Wednesday the P1-million worth two-classroom school building to Abdul Azis Elementary School in Barangay Kadayunan 2, this city.

The classrooms were equipped with student chairs, teacher tables, reading cabinets, blackboards, fans and toilets as well as electrical and water facilities.

The construction of the school building is part of the Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The EQuALLS2 project aims to increase learning opportunities for children and youth through community support for education; strengthened capacity for teaching English, Science and Math at the elementary level; and improved relevance of education and training for out-of-school children and youth.

USAID partnered with Petron Foundation and both pledged US$1.25 million each for the construction of 120 new classrooms and the repairing of 480 existing classrooms to address the shortage of classrooms in Mindanao areas most affected by conflict and poverty.

The school building was constructed by Petron Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, a public-private alliance under EQuALLS2, with the support of the local community.

Aside from the building, the Abdul Azis Elementary School also received a package of support from EQuALLS which includes provision of learning and instructional materials, training of teachers and administrators, capability building of its parent-teacher association (PTA), and $100 grant each year for the Department of Education’s school maintenance program dubbed as Brigada Eskwela.

Moreover, the school was also given an EQuALLS2 Community Incentive Grant with $1,000 from the USAID and an equivalent amount as leverage from the community for the needs of the school as identified by the PTA or the community members.

The turnover ceremony was also graced by US Embassy Deputy Mission Director Elzadia Washington, Petron representative Mattee Uylangco, city vice mayor Noryasmin Calandada, city councilor Abdani Alonto, TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata Mapandi and DepEd officials.

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City mom expresses gratitude to US government

Islamic City of Marawi (9 September) -- City Vice Mayor Noryasmin Calandada expressed appreciation to the US government for all the help extended to the city as she witnessed yesterday the inauguration of the Health and Nutrition Post (HNP) in Barangay Mipantao Gadungan and the turnover of the two-classroom building to Abdul Azis Elementary School in Barangay Kadayonan 2.

Both projects were made possible through the support and assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under its Sustainable Health Improvements through Empowerment and Local Development (SHIELD) and the Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) projects, respectively.

She said the projects symbolizes the strong partnership between the US government and the Philippines particularly this city.

We express our sincere appreciation to the USAID for the valuable technical assistance being extended to the City Health Office through the SHIELD project and helping us in providing quality education to our schoolchildren through the EQuALLS project, said Calandada.

She likewise acknowledged and thanked the partner agencies of the USAID in the implementation of these projects such as the Petron Foundation, Synergeia Foundation and the Habitat for Humanity.

The lady vice mayor also vowed that they will treasure all the support and assistance the US government had shared to them.

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CHAT makes health care services accessible to far-flung folks

Islamic City of Marawi (9 September) -- The health care services is now accessible to folks in far-flung barangays through the Community Health Action Team (CHAT).

With the technical assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under its Sustainable Health Improvements through Empowerment and Local Development (SHIELD) project, the communities were mobilized to take active involvement in responding to the health needs of the people through the organization of the 30 CHAT in the city, said City Health Officer Dr. Faisal Idris.

According to Idris, CHATs are composed of community volunteers who promote preventive health services, health education and assist clinic staff.

He said 210 CHAT members have been oriented on the different health programs of the City Health Office.

They were also trained on small group discussions to orient community members on basic health topics such as immunization, vitamin supplementation, breastfeeding and family planning as well as basic health procedures such as blood pressure measurement, thermometer reading and growth monitoring, he added.

The city health officer said eight (8) of the 30 CHAT in the city have constructed Health and Nutrition Posts (HNPs) in collaboration with barangay chairmen and the community to respond to the lack of health facilities in far-flung barangays.

The HNPs serve as an alternate health center in providing basic health care services, Idris further said.

Yesterday, one of HNPs which is expected to benefit about 800 constituents was inaugurated in Barangay Mipantao-Gadungan.

Barangay Mipantao-Gadungan is three kilometers away from the nearest barangay health station.

The inauguration was graced by the US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett and Deputy Mission Director Elzadia Washington.

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EQuALLS2 benefits Marawi school children and OSCY

Islamic City of Marawi (9 September) -- The Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) project of the United States Agency for Development (USAID) has benefited elementary schoolchildren and out-of-school children and youth (OSCY) in the city.

EQuALLS project being implemented by the Synergeia Foundation under the auspices of the Education Development Center, a US based non-profit organization, in partnership with the Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority has assisted 10 elementary schools with a total of 4,400 students enrolled in SY 2009-2010.

Based on the EQuALLS2 report, Synergeia Foundation has constructed two (2) classrooms, repaired seven (7) classrooms, refurbished nine (9) community learning centers and assisted one (1) madaris as of September 3 of this year.

The report also showed that it distributed 12,219 textbooks and learning materials to different elementary schools and provided training to 440 teachers/educators in English, Science, and Math.

The project also extended support to fifteen (15) Parents Teachers Association (PTA) or similar school governance structures and awarded three (3) Community Incentive Grants at $1,000 each.

Its alternative basic education learning programs likewise generated 1,411 OSCY participants while the livelihood skills training yielded at least 261 OSCY participants.

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Lanao Sur police provides practical tips on crime prevention

Islamic City of Marawi (7 September) -- The Lanao del Sur police authorities said the best way to deal with crime is to take every step possible to prevent it from happening.

At the very least, every individual should know the basic yet important crime prevention tips that will keep him and his family safe and secure, stressed Police Provincial Director Superintendent Cosanie M. Derogongan.

He said there are many things individuals can do to reduce their chances of becoming a victim and prevent crime from happening.

Derogongan has appealed to the public to stay alert against snatchers by not wearing expensive jewelries when riding a public transportation such as jeepney or taxi.

He said they should also avoid carrying large amounts of money and using cellphones while walking in public places.

He likewise called on them to avoid walking in dark shortcuts and tight spots citing that isolated and unlit places are the hang-outs of criminals.

The police director also warned parents and guardians to exert efforts in ensuring the safety of their children since kids are easy victims of crimes because of their innocence.

Children must be instructed not to stay outdoors without the guardians and must be told not to talk to strangers and accept anything from them, he said.

He also recommended that parents should conduct a background check on persons they intend to hire such as household help or baby sitter, and require them to secure clearances from the barangay, police and NBI.

To prevent kidnapping, he advised possible targets to avoid falling into predictable routines such as travel routes to and from their residences.

He also emphasized that their companions in the house and officemates should be told not to give away information about them and their daily routines.

Knowing neighbors and communicating with them frequently can also be a source of information on suspicious people who are asking questions, he further said.

Finally, Derogongan stressed that if a crime occurs, the public should report it to the police.

If you don't report a crime, it will allow criminal to operate without hindrances, he added.

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