ICRC conducts media workshop on IHL, reporting conflict

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducted on Saturday, February 26, a workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Reporting of Conflict for media practitioners in Northern Mindanao, Caraga region and the Lanao provinces.

The one-day workshop was aimed to equip media practitioners with some knowledge on the IHL, their role in reporting conflict and humanitarian issues, and to present to them the activities of ICRC in the country particularly in Mindanao.

The activity held in Cagayan de Oro City was the first media workshop conducted by ICRC this year.

Jean-Robert Jorda, head of ICRC Mindanao sub-delegation, underscored the vital function of media practitioners in reporting situations especially during conflicts.

He also explained to the media participants the need for them to be sensitive and careful in reporting conflict.

Jorda further cited the importance of IHL for media practitioners and the need for them to know how the IHL can protect them in armed-conflicts as well as to be advocate of the law of armed conflict.

ICRC Communications Officers Allison Lopez and Albert Madrazo discussed the ICRC’s work in the Philippines and Briefing on International Humanitarian Law respectively.

The IHL according to Madrazo is a set of rules which protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities. It aims to protect human dignity and prevent human suffering in times of armed conflict by placing restrictions on the use of weapons and means of warfare.

In addition, veteran journalist Red Batario of the International News Safety Institute tackled the challenges in reporting about the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and issues on humanitarian reporting.

He stressed that the key to conflict reporting includes a thorough understanding of the complexities of the situation.

He also gave useful tips on how to avoid danger when covering conflict situations.

The participants were also invited to join the Red Cross Award for Humanitarian Reporting 2011 which seeks to recognize stories on the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts for populations and/or the importance of IHL.

Deadline for the submission of entries is on March 12, 2011 and winners will be announced during the regional media conference on conflict reporting to be held on the Red Cross Day in May 8, 2011.

The ICRC is an impartial and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence, and to provide them with assistance. It has actively pursued its humanitarian activities in the country for more than 25 years.

In accordance with its international mandate, it provides assistance to civilians affected by armed confrontations, conducts visits to persons detained in relation to the insurgency and carries out dissemination of the IHL as well as reminding all parties of their obligations under the IHL. (APB/PIA 10 Marawi)

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Youth group in Lanao del Sur urges PNoy to create search committee for ARMM-OICs

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 25 (PIA) – A youth group based here in the province are urging President Benigno Aquino III to create a search committee who can help him in finding the right officers-in-charge for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In a text message to Philippine Information Agency, Abulkhair Alibasa of the Bangsamoro Successors Generation Network – Ranao Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development said they lauded the determination of the President’s to implement reforms.

As such, they are recommending and appealing to the President to create a search committee who will find out the most ideal person to handle the region.

He said the members of the search committee should come from the various sectors representing the different stakeholders of the autonomous region such as the youth, women, academe, religious and business sectors.

The message was sent after two committees of the House of Representatives approved a measure calling for the postponement of the ARMM elections.

On Tuesday, the House Committees on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms as well as on Muslim Affairs had decided to approve the synchronization of the ARMM elections to the 2013 national and local elections.

ARMM includes the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the city of Marawi.

The group believes that the recent development could be a challenge to the Aquino administration especially matter on how and in what way he will appoints OICs for the region. (APB/PIA-10 Marawi)

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Abductors free two hostages in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- A faculty member and a student kidnapped on Feb. 19 inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus here were released by their abductors after being held in captivity for five days.

Chris Niel Anthony Gulfan, 22, faculty member of Al Kwarizmi International College (AKIC), and Aubrey Vertudez, 19, third year BS Information Technology student at MSU were freed at Barangay Panggao in Saguiaran town at around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24.

The safe release of the two victims was facilitated by City Mayor Fahad Salic who stressed that the abductors were pressured to free the victims due to the series of manhunt operations conducted by the military and police.

“After receiving information that Gulfan and Vertudez were abducted, we immediately convened the crisis management committee and coordinated with the local military to launch a pursuit operation,” said Provincial Police Director Senior Superintendent Pedrito delos Reyes.

On the other hand, Colonel Daniel Lucero, commanding officer of army’s 103rd Brigade, said they have been conducting joint military and police operations for the past four days and they were happy to note that the victims were freed unharmed.

He also thanked those who assisted and helped them in recovering the victims especially the locals who have been giving positive information not wanting the presence of kidnappers in the area.

Salic fetched the victims at Barangay Panggao and turned them over to the 103rd Brigade headquarters in Kampo Ranao here at around 6:00 p.m.

The city mayor said no ransom was paid for the release of Gulfan and Vertudez.

The two were then brought to Amai Pakpak Medical Center for check-up and later brought back again to Kampo Ranao for a short debriefing.

They were handed over to their respective families after the debriefing.

Lucero meanwhile emphasized that they will do everything to support the local police for the eventual stoppage of such nefarious activity in the province.

He said they will see to it that the perpetrators will regret what they have done to the victims.

The brigade commander further said that they will convince the victims to file charges against the perpetrators.

“We have enough laws to deter and punish those who committed such crime and we will see to it that they will answer in court and hopefully bring them to justice,” he added.

Lucero also disclosed that he have talked with MSU President Macapado Muslim for the strengthening of security inside the university campus.

He said they will be having a conference with the administration of MSU next week to strengthen the security in the campus and to secure the university students as well. (APB/PIA-10 Marawi)

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Wao Police nabs wanted person in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 24 (PIA) --- The elements of the Wao Municipal Police Station (MPS) showed again their commitment in fighting criminality in the province after it arrested a wanted person in the area on Tuesday.

Based on the report furnished by the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, the Wao police force nabbed Abraham Sausal Paderes at Barangay Muslim Village in Wao town around 2:30p.m. of February 22.

The 22-year old Paderes from Barangay Malaigang of the same town was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest with case number 6363-10 for murder issued on December 1, 2010 by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 9 of the 12th Judicial Region here.

According to the police report, the arrested person was brought to Wao District Hospital for medical examination and temporarily detained at Wao MPS detention cell pending his turn-over to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Last year, elements of the Wao MPS also apprehended two wanted persons in two separate operations.

On August 16, they nabbed Arnulfo Alison who had a warrant of arrest with case number 6296-10 for murder and on October 6, they too arrested Roy Abapo who had a warrant of arrest with case number 10-951W for estafa. (PIA10 Marawi)

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700 students in Lanao del Sur to get jobs this summer

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 23 (PIA) – About 700 students here is set to benefit from the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Management (DOLE) this April.

The SPES is an annual program of the government to create jobs to help poor but deserving students augment their income by providing them work during summer vacation.

Sambatara Bandera, senior labor and employment officer of DOLE-Lanao del Sur, said the program is open to students ages 15 to 25 years old, and enrolled during the present school year/semester immediately preceding the summer vacation, or to drop-outs who intend to continue their studies this year.

Qualified students according to him will be employed for 29 working days.

He said qualified students will be given an allowance based on the minimum wage rate of the province which is P222 per day.

Under the program, 60 percent of the students’ allowance will be paid by the local government where the student will be deployed while the remaining 40 percent will be shouldered by the DOLE.

Interested applicants are required to submit a duly filled-up registration form to the provincial labor office together with a photocopy of birth certificate, card rating and good moral character certification, parents written consent, barangay clearance, and barangay certificate for those students whose parents annual income does not exceed P36,000. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

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TESDA-Lanao del Sur bares TVET accomplishments in 2010

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 23 (PIA) --- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here unveiled its achievements for the year 2010 in providing Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the province.

The TESDA-Lanao del Sur presentation during the Provincial TVET Forum held yesterday, February 22, at the Provincial/City Manpower Development Center (PCMDC), showed that it has exceeded its skills training target for 2010 by more than 24 percent from 3,100 to 3,857 beneficiaries.

Sultan Yahya Manalocon, PCMDC administrator, said their skills training program is classified into four areas: Community-Based Training, Center-Based, School-Based and Community-Based Training and Enterprise Development.

He said their School-Based training has benefited 1,227 individuals while 964 have availed of the Community-Based Training and Enterprise Development, 876 for the Community-Based, and 809 for the Center-Based.

In terms of the type of beneficiaries, Manalocon revealed that 2,090 were out-of-school youth (OSY), 156 were in-school youth (ISY), three were persons with disability (PWD), 65 were employed and 1,098 were unemployed.

He further revealed that 75% or 2,684 of the trained individuals came from the 1st District of the province while 25% or 907 came from the 2nd District.

The 1st District covers 17 municipalities and the city of Marawi while the 2nd District covers 22 municipalities.

Aside from the offering of 14 skills training courses, Manolocon likewise added that the TESDA provincial office also provides career guidance and counselling, training methodology course, blue desk and technical consultancy services.

In a separate interview with Provincial Director Tarhata Mapandi, she disclosed that they have signed a memorandum of agreement with Tactical Foundation Training and Assessment Center, Inc. and Discovery Internet Services to strengthen the tracer and impact study of all their graduates.

"We will be intensifying our impact study this 2011 to find out how the trainings helped our graduates, as well as to determine what areas in our operations need improvements," she further said. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

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TESDA’s community-based training targets 3,102 beneficiaries in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 22 (PIA) – More than 3,000 constituents here are set to benefit from the skills training program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) this year.

TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata S. Mapandi said they are targeting about 3,102 beneficiaries in the province under their community-based skills training program.

The program aims to create livelihood opportunities for the poor and marginal groups who cannot access or are not accessible by formal training provisions.

The skills training is a way to empower them to get into productive undertakings and help them improve their living conditions, Mapandi said.

In line with this, she said they have inked a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Balabagan town for the conduct of community-based training in the town next week.

The skills training that will be carried-out in eight barangays include carpentry, small engine servicing, commercial cooking, baking, organic fertilizer making and bamboo furniture making.

Mapandi said TESDA will be responsible for the training arrangement, trainers and some tools and materials while the local government of Balabagan, as its counterpart, will secure the trainers, arrange for the venues and provide other facilities, supplies and materials needed for the said training.

"Hopefully we can replicate the training and partnership with the other local government units in the province, "she added.

In addition, the provincial director also disclosed that as of press time a training on dressmaking is being conducted in two barangays in Saguiaran town.

25 constituents in Barangay Batangan while 32 in Barangay Poblacion have availed of the free training program, she further added. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

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Lanao Sur TESDA to conduct Provincial TVET forum

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 21 (PIA) -– The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here is set to conduct a province-wide Technical-Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) Forum tomorrow, February 22.

The forum will be held at the Provincial/City Manpower Development Center of TESDA in Maliwanag, this city.

It will be participated in not only by the registered technical vocational institutions under TESDA but also other partners and line agencies that will be joining us in our cause to provide manpower development programs and activities for the entire province, said TESDA provincial director Tarhata S. Mapandi.

Among the line agencies identified to take part are the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Research and Extension Office of the Mindanao State University (MSU).

The TVET Forum will encompass the scholarship programs being implemented by TESDA, and issues and concerns on the operations of the TVET in the province, Mapandi said.

Accordingly, the current labor market situation, possible demand courses and qualifications and other works that can be addressed by TESDA will be tackled during the TVET forum.

Citing the effectiveness of integrating the different programs and projects of the government, the provincial director further said that discussion on possible tie-ups with the line agencies will also be conducted. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

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Parties resolve poll-related rido in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 17 (PIA) – Two contending parties during the October 2010 Barangay elections finally settled their rido (feud) using the traditional system of “taritib” and “igma” or customary laws.

The settlement was held on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Hall inside the City Hall building here.

During the dialogue, both the families and relatives of Hadji Nasser Baraucor and Said Dimapinto came to an agreement to put an end to their conflict and promised to co-exist peacefully.

Their conflict started during the recently-concluded barangay elections where Dimapinto lost to Baraucor for the Barangay chairman post at Bubong Madanding in Marantao town.

On Friday, Feb. 11, a firefight ensued between the two groups causing damage to one residential house, one white Revo with plate number XMX 893, one blue Tamaraw FX with plate number KCB 650 and one gray Hilux with plate number KDK 187.

The reconciliation was initiated by City Mayor Fahad Salic, former congressman Benasing Macarambon, former mayor of Ganassi town Baguio Macapodi and Marantao vice-mayor Bagumbaran Baraocor.

The settlement was also witnessed by 103rd Brigade Commander Colonel Daniel Lucero, 65th Infantry Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Seigfred Espina, Marantao Chief of Police Inspector Michelle Olaivar, Marawi Chief of Police Superintendent Jaime Mojica Jr and religious leaders in the province.

Lucero meantime urged the parties to respect and not to violate their agreement.

He said he understands the concept of ‘maratabat’ or pride however he reminded the parties that their right to preserve self-esteem should end when the rights of other people in the community to live peacefully begin.

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Army to hold consultative meetings with LCEs in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 14 (PIA) --- The 64th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army is set to conduct a series of consultative meetings with the local government units (LGUs) within its area of responsibility to better address insurgency and other peace and order issues.

Lieutenant Colonel Darwin Bucawit, 64th IB commanding officer, said the consultations aim to seek the opinions of local chief executives (LCEs) on how to deal with the barriers of peace and order as well as ways to forward the development in their localities.

“Through this, we can give chance to the LCEs to take the lead role in addressing such barriers to achieve permanent peace and pave the way for progress and development,” he said.

Bucawit further said the military and other line agencies would just give support to LGUs in their peace advocacy campaign and other projects.

The series of consultative meet kicked-off on Sunday, Feb. 13, in Mulondo Municipal Hall.

With 26 barangays, Mulondo is located at the eastern part of the Lanao del Sur.

Farming, fishing and government employment are the means of livelihood of most of its residents.

Mulondo town elected officials headed by Mayor Machol ‘Jalal’ Abdulsalam expressed appreciation to the 64th IB troopers for visiting their town first.

Aside from protecting the people from insurgents, Abdulsalam said, the presence of the military in the town gives them assurance of peace and helps the ordinary people to live a normal life.

Bucawit, on the other hand, emphasized that the meeting is a step to reach-out and communicate to local leaders that the military is their friend and protector citing that the military are not invading their town.

He said he encourages his soldiers to always respect the Muslim belief and Maranao culture in order to gain the trust, sympathy and respect of the civilians, he further cited.

Among the important concerns discussed were the priority agenda of the Mulondo local government, impression of the local residents about the military and their perceived expectations on how the military can contribute to the progress of the town.

The causes and ways to fight insurgency were also tackled during the meeting. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

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Adiong calls postponement of ARMM polls as ‘most practical’

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 09 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government headed by acting regional governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong backs the postponement of the 2011 ARMM elections saying it is the most practical alternative that the national government can adopt.

In a statement, the autonomous regional government has proposed for the postponement to let the new administration solve conflict-related issues in the region.

It called for the postponement of the regional polls to a later date when issues related to the history of election violence and failures and on the ongoing peace process between the GRP and MILF as well as the GRP, OIC and MNLF Tripartite Review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement are fully resolved.

The regional government believes that another election this year would only complicate unsolved social issues such as the absence yet of a negotiated political settlement and the worsening conduct of polls.

Further, elections have transformed the region into a violent arena dragging families and clans into feuds that goes on for countless years.

During the May 2010 national and local elections, eight towns in Lanao del Sur and two in Basilan declared failures of election. Four months later, in what many believe is election-related, a former mayor of Tugaya, Lanao del Sur was killed in an ambush. On November 20, 2010, the vice-mayor of Barira, Maguindanao was gunned down in Davao City. His death is also widely believed as connected to the recently conducted SK and barangay polls.

The regional government cited it is not surprising that special elections always have to be called for by the COMELEC. In June 23, 2010 seven municipalities in Lanao del Sur have to undergo special elections. Even the recent October 25, 2010 Barangay and SK Elections have not been spared either. A total of 178 barangays have to conduct special elections. Strikingly observable is the perennial low turn-out of voters that is attributable to election fatigue and the massive vote-buying.

The ARMM government also proposed the extension of the term of the incumbent ARMM elected officials citing it as the logical and publicly acceptable means of preserving the integrity of regional autonomy.

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the postponement of the ARMM elections will be one of the 17 priority bills President Benigno Aquino III will present to lawmakers at the end this month.

He said the Aquino administration wants to prevent the abuses that happened in the past ARMM elections.

Under the bill, the next ARMM regular elections shall be held on the second Monday of May 2013.

The elected regional governor, vice governor and members of the regional legislative assembly will have a three-year term of office.

The bill also states that the incumbent officials of the ARMM shall hold office only until September 30, 2011.

The President will also appoint officers-in-charge who will be in post until the next officials are elected. However, the appointed officials shall be ineligible to run in the next regular elections.

Lacierda also said that the government would also save money with the holding the political exercise simultaneously with the midterm elections in May 2013. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA 10 Marawi)

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Civil society groups, army join ‘light up for peace in Mindanao’

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Feb. 09 (PIA) --- Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in the two Lanao provinces together with the men and women of the 601st Brigade, Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police gathered yesterday evening and joined the rest of the nation in lighting candles for peace.

The candle lighting event held at the 601st Brigade headquarters in Barangay Maria Cristina, this city, is in response to the call of President Benigno Aquino III to the public to join the ‘Light Up for Peace’ event as part of the run up for the upcoming resumption of peace negotiation with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Colonel Leo Cresente Ferrer, commanding officer of the 601st Brigade, said their participation to the event showed their commitment to the attainment of just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

He also hopes that everything will turn-out right with the government and the MILF citing that the resumption of the peace talks is an opportunity to put an end to the decades-long Mindanao conflict.

Filled with the spirit of joy and peace, Pakigdait Inc. Director Musa Mohamad Sanguila expressed appreciation to the 601st troopers for giving the CSOs an opportunity to celebrate the event with them.

He said their prayers for the resumption of the peace negotiations have been heard.

Sanguila also stressed that it is better for both the GRP and the MILF to sit down and find ways to achieve comprehensive and lasting peace in Mindanao without the use of arms.

Prior to the candle-lighting ceremony, Pakigdait Inc. and the 601st Brigade in collaboration with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) commenced the three-day Culture of Peace Workshop for Civil Military Officers.

Sanguila said the culture of peace workshop will serve as an eye opener to understand how the different people in Mindanao can better relate with each other.

The workshop which will culminate on Thursday, Feb. 10, aims to foster unity in diversity among the participants through mutual acceptance, to provide an opportunity for the participants to become peace builders and to encourage them to be more responsive and sensitive in dealing with the cross-cultural and varied ethno-religious nature of the community, he added. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

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CHED-ARMM launches The Green Jihad

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb.8 (PIA) -- In an effort to contribute to the preservation and protection of the environment, the Commission on Higher Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CHED-ARMM) launched The Green Jihad on Monday, Feb. 07.

The launching highlighted the opening ceremony of the 2011 ARMM Solidarity Games, Academic and Cultural Competition held at the Provincial Gymnasium here.

The Green Jihad is a Muslim Environmental Advocacy Center that was organized on October 2010 with the purpose of repackaging environmentalism as a religious obligation incumbent upon those who profess Islam as their faith.

Dr. Norma Sharief, CHED-ARMM Commissioner, said the Green Jihad foot soldiers will be institutionalized as advocates for environment protection and preservation.

In addition, she announced that CHED-ARMM will be issuing a memorandum order to all higher education institutions in the region to incorporate and integrate environmental education and protection in the tertiary curricular programs.

Sharief also disclosed that all college students in the autonomous region will be required to plant one tree every year as their concrete contribution to the preservation of the environmental resources that are essential for human survival and development.

She cited this in response to Executive Order 23 signed recently by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Aquino issued EO 23 declaring an indefinite log ban all over the country and creating an Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force to be headed by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary.

EO 23, entitled “Declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the national and residual forests and creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force,” was issued in light of the widespread flooding and landslides in some parts of the country. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

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CHED opens 2011 ARMM solidarity games

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 08 (PIA) --- Selected students from the higher education institutions in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are set to show their athletic, academic and cultural talents as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has formally opened the weeklong regional sports competition on Monday, February 07.

The opening ceremony, participated in by 23 higher education institutions throughout the autonomous region, was held at the Provincial Gymnasium here.

With the theme, “Safe Sports Education and Sustainable Environment: The Keys to Healthy Bangsamoro Nation,” the 2011 regional solidarity games, academic and cultural events competition is set to culminate on February 14.

The regional solidarity meet is an annual academic, sports and cultural games which aims to train college students to be more vigilant and sports-minded, said Dr. Norma Sharief, CHED-ARMM Commissioner.

She said the competition will also help produce service-oriented and disciplined citizens of the ARMM.

The lady commissioner likewise challenged the participants to compete well since the best students in the different sports, academic and cultural events will represent the region in the national competition scheduled in Manila at the end of February.

Meantime, acting regional governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong expressed support to the CHED and congratulated its officials for paying attention to the sports and cultural events as important dimensions of a well-rounded education and personality development.

Adiong, who graced the launching, hopes that the competition will bring college students in the region together leading to a stronger Bangsamoro environment. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

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Police conducts thorough investigation on shooting incident in Marawi

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 07 (PIA) --- The Marawi City Police Station is now conducting an in-depth investigation on the shooting incident that took the life of an unidentified person.

Police Inspector Glen Elevera disclosed that the incident happened at about 11:50 a.m. today, Feb. 7, at Maruhom Street., Barangay Panggao Saduc, this city.

He said the victim was shot to death while he was on board his gray Isuzu Hilander bearing Plate No. WEZ-898.

Based on the police spot report, the vehicle came from the city proper but upon reaching the corner of Mapandi and Maruhom Streets, one of the suspects allegedly directed the victim to transfer to the passenger side in the front seat of the vehicle.

After few meters, the unidentified suspects shot the victim hitting different parts of his body with the use of a caliber .45 pistol per evidence of empty shells recovered from the crime scene and together burned the vehicle with the victim still inside, the report said.

The suspects then fled away to unknown direction on board a black XRM motorcycle color, the report further stated.

The police is still on the process of ascertaining the motive behind the incident and identifying the victim and the suspects for filing of appropriate charges in court. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA 10 Marawi)

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BANGSA holds roundtable discussion on ARMM reform agenda

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- The Bangsamoro Solidarity Movement (BANGSA), Inc. in partnership with The Asia Foundation conducted on Thursday, Feb. 03, a roundtable discussion here bringing together key stakeholders to develop a reform agenda that is responsive to the needs of the people in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The roundtable discussion dubbed as "Prospects for Reform in ARMM Amidst Burning Issues on Peace Talks and Upcoming ARMM Elections” aims to bring to the national policy makers the different perspectives of the major stakeholders in the region.

Around forty (40) stakeholders from various government, private and civil society sectors based here and in the Lanao provinces actively participated in the roundtable.

The organizers led by former Youth Commissioner Pendatun Disimban believe that it is important to hear the views and insights of the local stakeholders in the region.

They are optimistic that the reform agenda can help and guide national policy makers in addressing the problems and challenges in the ARMM.

The direction of the region must not only be based on the judgement of those who live in the national capital but also by those who can personally feel the problem on a daily basis, Disimban said.

They are ultimate beneficiaries and the real victims of the complex problems of the autonomous region, he added.

The roundtable also tackled issues on the role of the autonomous region in relation to the GRP-MILF peace process as well as the holding or postponement of ARMM elections. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA 10 Marawi)

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DOH-ARMM to deploy 300 nurses in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 03 (PIA)--- The Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) will be deploying around 300 nurses to poor communities in Lanao del Sur next month.

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, ARMM health secretary, said more than 700 registered nurses will be deployed in the unserved or underserved communities of the region starting March 1 under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN HEALS).

Of these numbers, 301 will be deployed in Lanao del Sur, 235 in Maguindanao, 91 in Sulu, 68 in Tawi-Tawi, and 50 in Basilan.

The RN HEALS project aims to make necessary health services available to all Filipinos by training and deploying 10,000 unemployed nurses in poor communities identified by the DOH in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The nurses will be given an allowance of P8,000 per month by the DOH while the local government unit (LGU) where they will be assigned will also provide additional monthly allowances and benefits worth P2,000.

The LGU will likewise supervise them, ensure their safety and security, and provide modest board and lodging.

A certificate of competency and employment will be given by the DOH, DSWD and the Professional Regulation Commission to those who will satisfactorily complete the requirements.

The recruitment of these nurses is being administered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its regional offices.

Sinolinding said more than 500 applicants have already submitted their applications to the DOLE-ARMM as of press time.

He further said that the DOLE-ARMM is still accepting applicants for the project.

Registered nurses who are physically and mentally fit and willing to serve in their municipalities may apply online at the DOLE website.

The deadline for the submission is on February 15, Sinolinding added. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA 10 Marawi)

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Tagalog News: Marawi City nanganganib mawalan ng supply ng tubig

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 03 --- Nanganganib ang lungsod na ito na mawalan ng supply ng tubig kapag hindi nakapagbayad ang Marawi City Water District (MCWD) ng mga pagkakautang nito sa Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO).

Sa pakikipanayam ng Radyo ng Bayan, ibinunyag ni MCWD General Manager Sultan Alexis Malna na sa kasalukuyan ay umaabot na ng mahigit 40 milyong piso ang utang ng MCWD sa Local Waterworks Utilities Administration (LWUA) at halos ganoon din kalaking halaga ang utang nito sa LASURECO.

Umaabot sa 250,000 piso ang binabayaran ng MCWD sa LWUA kada buwan at ang buwanang bayarin nila sa LASURECO ay naglalaro sa 300,000 hanggang 400,000 piso, ayon pa kay Malna.

“Sumulat na sa akin ang pamunuan ng LASURECO at hinihiling nila na kahit ang current bill lang muna ang bayaran namin dahil sinisingil na rin sila sa kanilang pagkakautang sa NAPOCOR at sa NEA. Kapag hindi ko nakuha sa pakiusap ang manager ng LASURECO na isantabi muna ang iba pa naming utang ay maaaring mapipilitan din silang putulan kami ng kuryente,” dagdag pa niya.

Kapag naputulan ng kuryente ang MCWD ay hindi na makakapag-operate at ang ibig sabihin nito ay mawawalan ng supply ng tubig ang mga kabahayan na pinaglilingkuran nito.

“Magko-collapse ang water district kapag nangyari ‘yon. Wala kaming standby generator sets at hindi namin kayang bumili nito dahil ang bawa’t isa ay nagkakahalaga ng halos dalawang milyong piso. Kailangan namin ng lima nito para sa lima naming water pumps,” malungkot na sinabi ni Malna.

Ang tingi-tinging pagbayad ng halos tatlong libong active concessionaires ng Marawi City Water District ang siyang itinuturong dahilan ni Malna upang hindi nila mabayaran ng buo ang kanilang mga utang.

“Seventy five porsiyento lamang ng kanilang current bill ang aming nakokolekta mula sa kanila. Ang dami nilang idinadahilan para hindi makabayad ng buo,” dagdag pa niya.

Ayon kay Malna, ang MCWD ay wala namang budget mula sa pamahalaang nasyunal. Tanging koleksiyon lamang ang kanilang inaasahan upang patakbuhin ang water district na ito, kasama na pati ang pangsweldo sa kanilang mga kawani.

Dahil dito, muling umaapela si Malna sa lahat ng kanilang concessionaires na bayaran ang kanilang arrears at kumpletuhin din ang bayad para sa kanilang current bill upang patuloy ang serbisyong maibibigay sa kanila ng Marawi City Water District. (Bobby Ilupa/DXSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi)

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DoLE awards livelihood support to 147 displaced workers in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur Feb. 1-- The Department of Labor and Employment in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOLE-ARMM) will award this February livelihood assistance package to 147 displaced workers of the Mindanao Textile Industry (Mintex) - a textile and clothes manufacturing firm in Maguindanao that was forced to close down in 2009 due to the global economic crisis.

DoLE-ARMM Secretary Myra Alih said each of the former Mintex workers will receive a Kabuhayan Starter Kit or a livelihood package amounting to P5,000 that would include a startup capital and the supplies needed for their livelihood.

The business proposals of recipients all had to pass a feasibility study before they were approved by DoLE-ARMM, according to her.

Mintex was once the biggest exporter of textiles and clothes not only in ARMM but the whole of Mindanao. The garments industry was one of the severely hit sectors in the worldwide economic slowdown. At least a total of 1,600 workers of Mintex were left jobless when the company finally closed down in May 2009.

Alih said they had some difficulty in contacting the displaced workers since most of whom have either returned to their original hometown of sought employment in other parts of the country or overseas.

The livelihood package is meant not only to help the displaced workers but also part of our thrusts to encourage self-employment throughout the region, Alih said. (BPI-ARMM)

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Army troops in Lanao del Sur secure MILF movement

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