Lanao del Sur promotes healthy lifestyle through SHAPE program

Islamic City of Marawi (26 November) --- The provincial government of Lanao del Sur is focused on ensuring physical fitness and healthy living among its workers.

Early this month, it implemented a health and fitness program to encourage and motivate its employee to maintain healthy lifestyle.

Nasser M. Ganda, provincial information officer, said the Sports, Health and Physical Exercise (SHAPE) program is line with the sports development agenda of Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr.

The agenda, he said underscored the importance of a physical fitness program as an effective tool for boosting the productivity and efficiency of provincial government employees in their respective jobs.

The provincial information officer further said the program will not only help them stay fit but it will also improve their morale, relieve their stress from daily work and minimize health risks.

Staying fit increases the work performance of employees and decreases the chance of incurring absences due to illness, Ganda stressed.

The various sports and physical exercise activities are regularly conducted every Sunday and Tuesday from 6am to 7am, and every Thursday from 3pm to 4pm at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health have always emphasized that exercise and physical activity are integral in the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases.

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GRP-MILF must carry on with peace talks with utmost sincerity, integrity - MSU Dean

Islamic City of Marawi (25 November) -- The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must proceed with the peace negotiation with utmost sincerity and integrity to both sides to come up with a comprehensive peace policy package for the Muslims and all those who will be affected.

Maguid T. Makalingkang, Dean of Mindanao State University (MSU) - Maguindanao Graduate School, said this during the roundtable discussion (RTD) on governance and peace held yesterday at the Marawi Resort Hotel.

He stressed that said policy package should have socio-economic and political components acknowledging the various socio-economic, political and cultural differences of the Filipino people.

He said the conflict in the Bangsamoro homeland requires a comprehensive and simultaneous approach because it involves multi-faceted grievances deeply rooted on history, culture and governance.

The approach must be non-violent recognizing three main issues, such as the subordination of the Qur'an and Hadith of the Prophet of Islam to the Philippine Constitution; Sovereignty of Allah against Sovereignty of the people; and the Separation of the Church and the State, he further said.

In his paper, "Governance for the Bangsamoro: Need for Paradigm Shift," Makalingkang cited that the government have tried'all-out war,''carrot and stick,''assimilation and integration,' and'decentralization through autonomy' to address the conflict but the still the Moro armed struggle continue to exist.

The government, he said, cannot expect to end the problem for as long as it remains using traditional conflict resolution mechanisms.

Another appropriate approach as suggested by him is giving minorities space in the fundamental law through policy reformulation.

The MSU Dean said the Moro aspiration for Islamic system of life and governance particularly in predominantly Muslim areas in Mindanao is a legitimate aspiration to fully secure their identity and way of life.

This aspiration should be accommodated by the Christian Filipino majority and by the Philippine constitutionalism as a way through to lasting and comprehensive peace solution to the Mindanao conflict, he added.

On the other hand, Dean Antonio Gabriel M. La Viña of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) underscored in his paper, "Peace and Governance: What are the Options?," the link between governance and peace.

He said good governance must be a component in the peace agreement between the GRP and MILF.

The peace agreement must deliver good governance as an outcome, he stressed.

The ASoG Dean also highlighted in his presentation the vision for Mindanawon governance as culture-sensitive, self-reliant, responsive and accountable governance with each political unit at various levels able to assert internal self-determination, all of them integrated by a soundly defined relationship of complementariness with each other and with the national government.

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Roundtable discussion on Mindanawon governance held in Marawi

Islamic City of Marawi (25 November) --- Selected group of stakeholders from various institutions and agencies here convened yesterday at the Marawi Resort Hotel and engaged in a productive roundtable discussion (RTD) on governance and peace.

With the theme Mindanawon governance, the RTD tackled specific issues and challenges as well as the different paradigms and frameworks of governance that can address the sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao.

It was conducted by the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS) and the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) with the support of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

During the forum, Dean Maguid T. Makalingkang of Mindanao State University (MSU) - Maguindanao Graduate School presented his paper entitled "Governance for the Bangsamoro: Need for Paradigm Shift" while Dean Antonio Gabriel M. La Viña of ASoG presented his paper, "Peace and Governance: What are the Options?"

According to Abhoud Syed M. Lingga of IBS, said RTD was the second part of the Mindanao Horizons, a monograph series which analyzes peace and development in Mindanao.

The first edition of the series was also presented during the forum along with the launching of the website, www.mindanaopeace.org, where the monogram can be accessed.

Sam Chittick of the AusAID meanwhile hopes for the wider dissemination of the Mindanao Horizons monograph.

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OCD-10 conducts orientation on DRRM in Marawi

Islamic City of Marawi (23 November) -- The Office of Civil Defense in region 10 (OCD-10) in partnership with the city government of Marawi conducted an orientation on Republic Act No. 10121 otherwise known as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act.

OCD-10 Director Carmelito A. Lupo said RA 10121 seeks to promote community-based disaster management to be implemented through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council which is empowered with policy-making, coordination, integration, supervision, monitoring and evaluation functions.

He stressed that said DRRM orientation aimed to raise awareness about the government's program on disaster management such as identifying the causes and impacts of disasters as well as mitigating their effects by developing the right approaches, strategies and actions.

The other objective of the orientation, he further said, was to re-organize the Marawi City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

An overview of Contingency Planning, Incident Command System, and Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis were also tackled during the orientation.

The one-day orientation was held at Mamitua Saber Research Center in Mindanao State University (MSU) campus here and participated by city heads of offices, local representatives from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire and Protection, civil society organizations, academe and media.

Marawi City was placed under the temporary supervision of OCD-10 as far as disaster management is concern after the OCD in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was deactivated sometime in 2009.

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OCD-10 head enjoins Marawi stakeholders to undertake disaster risk prevention

Islamic City of Marawi (23 November) --- The Office of Civil Defense in region10 (OCD-10) enjoined all stakeholders here to actively take part in reducing the adverse impacts of disasters.

The call was made by OCD-10 Director Carmelito A. Lupo during the one-day orientation on disaster risk reduction and management held Monday at Mamitua Saber Research Center in Mindanao State University Marawi campus.

He underscored in his discussions the importance of cooperation and participation of all stakeholders on disaster risk reduction and management.

Everybody, Lupo said, is responsible to undertake disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation activities in order to prevent or decrease disaster risks thereby ensuring one’s survival and safety during emergency situations.

He further stressed that among the four framework of disaster risk reduction and management, mitigation and preparedness remain the most effective strategies in minimizing the adverse effects of disasters.

Community involvement like proper waste disposal and compliance of laws such as the building, zoning and fire codes can be the key to disaster mitigation and preparedness.

The disaster risk reduction and management orientation was conducted by OCD-10 in partnership with the city government of Marawi.

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65th IB gets new commander

Islamic City of Marawi (22 November) -- The new commander for the 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion was officially introduced at the change-of-command presided by Brigadier General Rey C. Ardo, the commanding officer of the 103rd (Haribon) Brigade.

Lt. Col. Seigred J. Espina formally replaced Lt. Col. Jed G. Motus as the 65th IB commander in a simple turnover of command ceremony held recently at Agus 1 Compound, barangay Datu Saber, this city.

Espina, who felt good and happy because he is closer now to his hometown, expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence of giving him the opportunity of commanding the Stalwart battalion.

He stressed that he will do his best to accomplish the tasks given to him.

I know, I cannot surpass the accomplishments of Lt. Col. Motus, but as much as possible I will exert more effort in performing the tasks given to me, he said.

He also asked the support of the officers and men of the battalion to help him perform the tasks with utmost commitment and dedication.

Espina also emphasized in his assumption speech that civilian authority will always be above the military authority vowing to continue serving for the welfare of the people and for the peace and progress of the community.

Lt. Col. Motus, on the other hand, expressed his heartfelt thanks to all the people who gave their support during his incumbency.

He recognized that he would never be successful in accomplishing his tasks without the support of the officers and men of the Stalwart battalion, media, local officials and the people whom the battalion served.

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Qurbani project benefits poor Muslims in Marawi

Islamic City of Marawi (18 November) -- Poor Muslims here benefited from the Qurbani Project 2010 Philippines in celebration of this year's Eidl Adha or Feast of Sacrifice.

The Qurbani was conducted by IGMG Hilfs Socialveren in coordination with the Philippine Muslim Teachers' College, Mindanao Healthcare Professionals and the Commission on Higher Education of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CHED-ARMM).

According to Fatih Kara, a 30-year old Turkish and member of the IGMG, two hundred (200) cows were slaughtered and distributed yesterday to poor and needy people in the city.

We were surprised because we didn't know that there were also poor Muslim brothers here that need assistance, he said.

We cannot promise but we will do our best to help them, he further said.

He added that after the Qurbani, they will also be looking for more educational projects for this part of the region.

He also stressed that their organization will provide support to all the needy irrespective of religion.

ICMG do not just hold and give donations and projects to Muslims but we are also helping our Christian friends, he cited. (With report from Princess Habibah Sarip/NBN-Marawi City)

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Special elections in Tugaya town peaceful

Islamic City of Marawi (15 November) -- The special elections in Tugaya town, Lanao del Sur province was generally peaceful.

Col. Jed Motus, commanding officer of the army's 65th IB, said the voting went smoothly although there were some minor disturbances that happened in some precincts while the casting of votes was underway.

He stressed that these minor incidents did not stop the board of election inspectors from conducting the special elections because military and police forces were strategically prepositioned securing the polling places.

Tugaya was the most controversial of the eight (8) towns in the province that conducted elections last Saturday.

It can be recalled that the town's former mayor, Alimatar Guroalim, and four other companions died in an ambush on September 10, 2010 while they were on their way to attend Eidl Fitr celebration.

The elections for the town's 24 barangays were held in five (5) polling centers namely Tugaya Central Elementary School, Pagalamatan Elementary School, Sugod II Elementary School, Kayagan Elementary School, and Pandiaranao Elementary School.

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Lanao Sur Comelec says PCOS machines for special polls tested, sealed

Islamic City of Marawi (12 November) --- The Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that will be used for the special elections in Lanao del Sur tomorrow, November 13, have been successfully tested and sealed.

Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Nasib Yasin said the testing and sealing was conducted by police trainees at the provincial capitol yesterday with no problems noted.

He added that the poll body has issued a resolution designating police trainees from PRO-10 as board of election inspectors (BEIs).

Yasin further said that the PCOS machines will be opened only at the start of the voting hours tomorrow emphasizing that voting hours will be from 7am to 7pm.

The special elections will be held in forty-eight (48) barangays in the towns of Marantao (1), Buadipuso Buntong (1), Kapai (10), Calanogas (6), Ganassi (4), Tugaya (24), Lumbatan (2), and Pagayawan (1).

The elections in these areas were declared failure during the May 10 national and local elections due to election-related violent incidents.

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AFP, PNP ready for special polls in Lanao del Sur

Islamic City of Marawi (12 November) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are ready for the conduct of the special elections tomorrow, November 13, in forty-eight (48) barangays in Lanao del Sur.

Brigadier General Rey C. Ardo, commanding officer of the 103rd Brigade based here in Kampo Rana said they are ready to oversee and supervise the security operations in the areas where the special elections will be held.

He said that they have fine-tuned the security requirements for the coming special polls after series of conferences and meetings with the provincial police and the poll body.

Ardo also said that they have tightened the security measures especially in Tugaya and Kapai towns which are considered as hot spot areas.

He also cited request to the provincial joint security control center that security requirements for these areas should be handled by the military.

I asked them not to deploy local PNP in these areas, if ever, there will be police forces to assist in the security, it should come from the regional office, he stressed.

On the other hand, Police Superintendent Cosanie M Derogongan, PNP Provincial Director, said the local police force is well-prepared to ensure the conduct of credible and orderly elections.

He disclosed that 262 police trainees from PRO-10 already arrived in the province to serve as board of election inspectors while other 80 police personnel from PRO-11 also arrived to help them during the polls.

Derogongan further said that for this special election, there was no election-related violent incident reported.

Both the military and police forces is positive that this special elections will push through.

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PNoy declares November 16 as national holiday

Islamic City of Marawi (10 November) -- To mark the celebration of Eid'l Adha, President Benigno C. Aquino III has declared November 16, Tuesday, as a national holiday in celebration of Eid'l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice).

Proclamation 60 which was based on Republic Act 9849 was signed by the President on November 9, 2010.

RA 9849 provides that the tenth day of Zhul Hija shall be declared as a national holiday for the observance of Eid'l Adha wherein Muslims pay homage to Abraham's supreme act of sacrifice signifying mankind's obedience to God.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos has confirmed that tenth day of Zhul Hija falls on November 16.

During this day, Muslims in every part of the globe will troop to mosques early morning to start the observance with a congregation prayer since the celebration is considered as one of the holiest Islamic holidays throughout the globe.

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Lanao Sur celebrates harvest festival

Islamic City of Marawi (10 November) -- A 'kandore' or thanksgiving for the Rugnan River Irrigation System was held in Barangay Dimayon, Taraka town in Lanao del Sur to celebrate the bountiful harvest of local farmers.

Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. accompanied by National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Engr. Antonio Nangel, NIA-10 Regional Manager Engr. Julius Maquiling, and Rugnan Federation of Farmers Irrigators Association (RUFFIA) President Mocammad Rasuman led the ceremonial crop cutting and kandore of the Rugnan RIS.

With a service area of 3,000 hectares, the Rugnan RIS is bounded by six (6) towns namely Lumba Bayabao, Poona Bayabao, Tamparan, Taraka, Molundo and Maguing.

The Phase 1 of the system costing P261,642-million was launched and inaugurated on April 8, 2010.

Located in Taraka town, Rugnan RIS Phase 1 has a service area of 1,350 hectares boosting the agricultural productivity of 1,360 farmers.

The Provincial Governor and the NIA Administrator also led the viewing and judging of food booths and exhibits showcasing the diversified products that can be produced by farmers from their abundant harvest.

Winners of the food booths and exhibits were awarded plaques plus P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000 respectively for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placers while other participants were given certificates plus P1,000 cash incentives.

The booth of Basak Gatub Development Irrigators Association won 1st place while Al Ihsan Farmers Irrigators Association and Rugnan PAPS Women Association won 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

A ceremonial signing of the Joint System Management contract between NIA and RUFFIA representatives was also held where as its counterpart responsibility, RUFFIA committed to pay an irrigation pay starting 2011.

Governor Adiong meanwhile thanked NIA for the support they provided to the province citing the beneficial impact of their contribution to the agricultural productivity of the farmers and the farming industry of the province.

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NIA administrator cites importance of irrigation to agricultural productivity

Islamic City of Marawi (10 November) -- The newly installed administrator of the National Irrigation Administrator (NIA) underscored the crucial role of irrigation system in boosting the agricultural productivity of farmers.

Engr. Antonio S. Nangel highlighted the important impact of irrigation during the recent harvest festival and kandore (thanksgiving) of Rugnan River Irrigation System in Taraka town, Lanao del Sur province.

He said it was his first time to visit Mindanao since he was installed as NIA administrator and he was happy to witness the success of local farmers in doubling their harvest because of the irrigation system.

He further said that NIA will continue to advance the welfare of these farmers in terms of helping them increase productivity.

Nangel disclosed they will do everything to construct the 1,700 hectares service area of the Rugnan RIS Phase 2 in Maguing town.

He also said they will evaluate other suitable areas in the province for the possible inclusion the 2011-2013 irrigation projects.

In addition, the NIA administrator revealed that he has issued an order to all NIA regional managers to conduct inventory of the areas that should be given priority stressing that the national government has set aside irrigation system budget to reach the goal of rice sufficiency by 2013.

In fact, he said, an additional 10,000 hectares service area for region 10 will be prioritized from 2011 to 2013.

Nangel also cited in his message the contributions of the local government units, Department of Agriculture, PhilRice, National Food Authority, and lending institutions in the success of the farmers.

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Lanao Sur police arrests suspected carnapper

Islamic City of Marawi (9 November) -- An alleged carnapper was intercepted yesterday dawn by the operatives of Lanao del Sur Police Headquarters and the 1st Maneuver Platoon at Pantar Bridge Detachment in barangay Pawak, Saguiaran town.

Provincial Police Director Superintendent Cosanie Derogongan identified the suspect as Ruel Clarin Torillo alias Jeffrey Torillo, 21 years old, single, and residing in barangay Sumirap, Tangub city, Misamis Occidental province.

He said that the arrested person is an identified member of a carnapper gang operating in Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Ozamiz, Iligan and this city.

Derogongan disclosed that Torillo was riding a blue single Honda XRM motorcycle bearing plate number 8895 LR without any pertinent documents when apprehended by the police operatives while they were conducting checkpoint operation.

He said their investigation showed the suspect stole the said motorcycle around one o'clock in the morning on November 8 while it was parked somewhere in Naawan town of Misamis Oriental province.

Further investigation revealed that Torillo has a standing warrant of arrest dated August 23, 2004 for robbery at Tangub city with case number TC-2004-076 issued by Judge Nimfa Sitaca.

Torillo and the motorcycle are now in the custody of the provincial police office, he said.

Derogongan added that they have also coordinated with Naawan Police Station to identify the owner of the motorcycle.

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Lanao del Sur PNP strengthens security for Nov 13 special polls

Islamic City of Marawi (08 November) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) here is intensifying its security preparations for the coming special elections on November 13.

Police Superintendent Cosanie Derogongan, PNP provincial director, said they are strengthening their security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of special polls on Saturday.

He said anyone found to be disturbing the conduct of elections will be apprehended emphasizing that the rule of law will be applied at the full extent.

The provincial director further said that additional forces from the Police Regional Office of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM) will augment the provincial security forces.

Although our security forces here are enough to manage the special polls on the eight (8) towns, an augmentation from PRO-ARMM will still be arriving to help us make sure the elections will be orderly and peaceful, he added.

We are well-prepared for the coming special elections and with our security preparations we can assure that we can have credible elections on Saturday, Derogongan stressed.

Based on Comelec Minute Resolution 10-0776 dated August 17, the towns of Buadipuso Buntong, Kapai, Marantao, Calanogas, Ganassi, Lumbatan, Pagayawan and Tugaya will hold special elections for all municipal elective positions on Saturday, November 13.

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PCOS machines for Lanao del Sur special polls to be tested, sealed in provincial capitol

Islamic City of Marawi (08 November) -- The final testing and sealing of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines which will be used in the November 13 special elections in Lanao del Sur will be held at the provincial capitol or the designated areas in the towns involved.

According to Atty Nasib Yasin, Provincial Election Supervisor, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has resolved to move the venue for the final testing and sealing from the polling precincts to the designated areas in the municipalities or cities.

He stated that the Comelec Resolution No. 9084 requires the board of election inspectors (BEIs) to convene at least three days before the November 13 special polls in the designated testing and sealing area in the city or municipality to test and seal the PCOS machines.

Yasin said that the testing of the PCOS machines in the province will be conducted after the training of the appointed BEIs composed of police trainees from region 10.

After the testing, the PCOS machines will be sealed and will be opened only at the start of voting hours on November13, he further said.

He added that the voting hours on Election Day will be from 7am to 7pm.

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8 Lanao Sur towns to hold special polls on November 13

Islamic City of Marawi (08 November) -- Eight (8) towns in Lanao del Sur will conduct special elections for all municipal elective positions this coming Saturday, November 13.

Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Nasib Yasin disclosed the towns to hold special polls on Saturday include Buadipuso Buntong, Kapai, Marantao, Calanogas, Ganassi, Lumbatan, Pagayawan and Tugaya.

He said special elections in these areas only involve some barangays except for Tugaya which was declared a total failure.

Yasin further said that the numbers of barangays involved are: one (1) in Buadipuso Buntong, 10 in Kapai, one (1) in Marantao, six (6) in Calanogas, four (4) in Ganassi, two (2) in Lumbatan, one (1) in Pagayawan, and twenty-four (24) in Tugaya.

The conduct of elections in these areas was declared a failure during the May 10 polls.

The Provincial Election Supervisor stressed that the elections in these barangays on May 10 did not push through due to poll-related violence.

Last May 10 elections, members of the board of election inspectors (BEIs) also refused to come out because of security concerns, he added.

Yasin also revealed that the poll body has recently passed a resolution designating police trainees from region 10 to serve as BEIs during the November 13 special elections.

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Family of Lanao Sur town councilor calls for justice

Islamic City of Marawi (4 November) -- The family of Pacundao 'Pacs' Abolais, councilor of Bacolod Kalawi town in Lanao del Sur has appeared at the Provincial Prosecutor's Office today seeking for justice to be served.

Pacs Abolais was fatally shot on the evening of October 24, 2010 by five (5) gunmen using M16 rifle at barangay Mantapoli, Marantao town.

His wife, Sittienaida Romero Abolais, filed criminal charges for murder and frustrated murder against Salic, Aminoding, and Abdul Codarat Macaraya Bandrang as well as Alioden and Bara Codarat for allegedly shooting Pacs and wounding his companion, Anuar Manabilang.

The local police said the motive was believed to be family feud but the victim's family and Manabilang said the motive could be due to intense political rivalry between the victim's wife and the suspects in relation to the October 25 barangay polls.

Based on the police spot report, the victim and Manabilang, went to the mini-market in the said barangay to buy chicken barbecue but unidentified suspects arrived and without apparent reason shot the victim several times leading to his instantaneous death while wounding Manabilang on his left arm.

Manabilang meanwhile narrated that he and the late councilor went to mini-market to monitor for the barangay elections when they saw the group of Salic approaching them with Amino and Alioden armed with M16.

"Suddenly, the two fired their M16 upon us fatally hitting Pacs who died on the spot and wounding my left arm," Manabilang narrated.

The group, he said, fled towards the residence, Mohamadali Abinal, the town's mayor.

Mayor Abinal however denied that he is hiding the suspects. He said he ordered his men to search for them and assured that he will surrender the suspects once they are found.

On the other hand, Police Senior Inspector Michelle Olaivar, Chief of Marantao Police Station, said she has elevated the case to the provincial police headquarters to avoid alleged cover-up and whitewash in the investigation.

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