Marawi supports Mindanao Week of Peace celebration

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, November 23 (PIA) --- The city government has expressed its all out support for this year’s observance of the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWoP).

“This is a chance for us to show to the world that we, here, are united against violence and other issues besetting our beautiful city,” said City Mayor Fahad “Pre” Salic during a recent meeting with the representatives from the army’s 103^rd Infantry Brigade (Bde) to iron out plans and activities for the weeklong celebration.

Spearheaded by the Bishops-Ulama Conference, this year’s MWoP celebration which will run from November 24 to 30 is anchored on the theme COMMON WORD between us and you: Love of God, Love of Neighbor.”

Here in the city, the 103^rd Bde, through the spirit of “Bayanihan,” is responsible for urging the local government to participate in this year’s celebration.

A Peace Rally will highlight the celebration on November 30 to be participated in by the various stakeholders in the city, including non-government organizations.

The youth sector will also be given the chance to voice their concerns regarding peace and security during the peace rally.

More coordination meetings will be conducted for a smooth flow of events and for wider participation, said Major. Abdullah D. Mocsana, CMO Officer of the 103^rd Bde.

Meanwhile, the mayor expressed hope and confidence that the celebration will bring positive changes to the image of the city.

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Army revives Dimalna Peace and Order Council

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, November 23 (PIA) ---The leadership of the 65^th Infantry Battalion pursued the conduct of Barangay Peace and Order Council for Barangay Dimalna, this city last November 20, 2011.

Discussed during the meeting were the AFP’s Bayanihan, DENR’s environmental management, and PNP’s Barangay Defense System.

Heading the troops was Major Dhoc K. Equing, the executive officer of 65^th Infantry Battalion. Accordingly, the unit involved the local police of Marawi City under PSupt. Jaime Mojica and the PENRO represented by Forester Alimon D. Gamon through the spirit of “Bayanihan.”

Equing likewise held a dialogue with the officials after the lectures and urged them to pursue peace and security programs for their barangay emphasizing that it is still the barangay officials are the primary responsible in responding to situations before PNP forces could respond.

The barangay officials expressed their support to the Army’s programs and thanked them for their effort.

“We hope that the Army will continue this kind of program to include the nearby barangays for the involvement of more people in the campaign of peace and security,” Barangay Chairwoman Hadja Sobaida M Salic said.

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Army develops barangays’ solidarity

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, November 23 (PIA) --- At least eight (8) barangays participated in the Inter Barangay Sport Fest 2011 on Monday at Sitio Bago Ingud, Brgy Udalo, Piagapo town, this province.

The 64^th Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt Aslim M. Ulangkaya, Commanding Officer “B” Coy, initiated the conduct of first inter barangay sport fest in support to army’s civil military operation activities in the area.

Municipal Vice-Mayor Asnawi L. Bato, expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Army for being concerned to the physical condition and camaraderie of every barangay in his town.

He also emphasized the importance of sports to all delegates saying that being active in sports will help maintain good health and avoid different vices.

Ulangkaya, on the other hand, said the troops will continue working with the local government units in the province to support the needs of the populace as part of its Bayanihan program.

The sport fest will culminate on December 16, 2011.

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Army, PENRO join hands in promoting environmental protection in Lanao

SAGUIARAN, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 16 (PIA) --- Some 600 persons attended a short program on environmental awareness facilitated by the Philippine Army (PA) stationed, here.

Organized by the 64th Infantry Battalion (64IB), PA, the program anchored on the theme "Tree Planting for Sustainable Development" was held at the Pantar Centeral School, today, in observance of the Environmental Awareness Month this November.

Col. Tatar Boriongan (Ret,), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Lanao del Sur graced the ceremony which was highlighted with the conduct of tree-planting activity.

At least 200 pieces of various non-fruit bearing trees were distributed to and planted by the participants.

In support to the program, the soldiers also distributed at least 500 pieces of educational materials regarding care for the environment to the students.

The municipal policemen of Pantar led by Police Inspector Salman M. Saad, also joined the activity.

Boriongan urged the people to keep on planting trees. "Mas malaki ang ating mapapakinabangan lalo na ang ating mga anak kapag marami tayong naitanim na punongkahoy," he said.

The Army represented by 1Lt. Randolf Manding, likewise, vowed to support the PENRO as mandated in the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan program.

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Phil. Army, LTO step-up campaign against illegal motorists in Marawi City

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 13 (PIA) --- At least 29 various types of motor vehicles (MVs) were apprehended during the recent one-day checkpoint operation conducted by the Philippine Army (PA) units in two different locations, here in the city.

The checkpoint operations were based on the deputation order number AMM-061-2011, issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for specified members of the 103^rd Infantry Brigade (103^rd Bde), 1^st Infantry Division, PA, stationed here.

As a result, various types of MVs ranging from private sports utility vehicles (SUVs), motorcycles, tricycles, CAB-type, multi-cabs and public utility vehicles (Pus) were apprehended and temporarily impounded at the main headquarters of the 103^rd Bde at Kampo Ranao.

Offenses committed by drivers or operators ranged from: no registration, expired registration, expired drivers’ license and driving without license.

The effect was that there were no more MVs plying the area with similar expected offenses the following day.

Also, most of the vehicles were already released to their respective owners after paying appropriate penalties through LTO-Marawi City branch.

According to LTO-Marawi and Iligan branches, their respective collections increased for the past few weeks due to the publicized deputation of the elements of this unit to LTO.

It’s been noted that suspected carnapped vehicles were brought in the area and utilized for illegal activities, such as drug trade and other syndicated crimes.

Meanwhile, Col. Daniel A. Lucero, commander of the 103^rd Bde, vowed to help restore public order and confidence of the populace through strict implementation of laws and implementation of checkpoints.

It also plans to step-up inspection to include checking possible illegal contrabands, such as firearms and prohibited drugs soon.

As part of the aspirations of the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”, the 103^rd Bde will continue pursuing support operations for the protection of the populace against unscrupulous groups within Lanao provinces, Lucero said.

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Illegal constructions inside private bldgs. top security issues in Lanao Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 13 (PIA) --- The discreet construction of hardened gun-fighting positions inside private buildings and the ill-constructed road humps that restrict the flow of traffic topped the security issues in the province.

These issues surfaced during an open forum that was conducted, as part of a training/seminar on Radio Land Mobile, at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Cafeteria, yesterday, November 12.

Col. Daniel A. Lucero, commander of the 103^rd Infantry Brigade (103Bde), 1^st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, who was one of the guest speakers, pointed out the importance of communications for peace and development.

“As users of the radio, we shall take advantage of the tool to help solve crimes in the province of Lanao,” Lucero said.

Taking advantage of his presence and that of P/Sr. Supt. Romeo Magsalos, director of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, an open forum was held regarding security issues in the area.

Some of the issues clarified were abut the discreet construction of hardened gun-fighting positions inside private buildings, which accordingly implied the ill-intent of the owners.

Another was the ill-constructed road humps that restrict flow of traffic, which Lucero said, was properly acted upon by the army in coordination with the police, especially in the Lumba Bayabao area.

Initiated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), some 300 members, from 20 various radio clubs in the province, attended the training, which was aimed to educate the radio operators on how to contribute for the good of the communities.

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How to solve “Rido” tops concern of Lanao del Sur peace advocates

PICONG, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 11 (PIA) --- Problems on how to solve "rido" or family feud topped the concerns of some 300 delegates from various sectors who attended the Multi-Sectoral Peace Forum at the municipal gymnasium, here, last November 8.

Jointly organized by the Philippine Army (PA) and the local government unit (LGU) of Picong, the delegates mostly sectoral leaders, showed their commitment to support the campaign against lawlessness, "rido," and promotion of the observance of the justice system and support to the authorities.

Picong Mayor Alinader M. Balindong led the civilian delegates while Col. Daniel A. Lucero, Commander of 103rdBrigade (103Bde), PA led the security sector.

Several speakers shared their programs to the participants, like Lt. Col. Ceasar Marlon M. Yadao, Commander of 51st Infantry Battalion (51IB) and the main organizer of the event who discussed the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan (unity and cooperation)” of the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP).

This was followed by a sharing about the campaign against illegal drugs by Feliciano Alejandro A. Serino II of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Likewise, delegates from the International Monitoring Team (IMT) -Mindanao discussed the peace process mechanisms and their campaign on non-violence, while discussions on religious matters and the Local Government Code were shared by concerned sectoral representatives.

The participants were also given a chance to give questions according to the lectures, most of which were centered on how to resolve “Rido,” which is a problem besetting the peace in the province.

In addition to the activities, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by the various sectoral leaders to show their commitment of support to the campaign against lawlessness, “Rido” and promotion of the observance of the justice system and support to the authorities of Picong.

Another MOA was, likewise, signed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) represented by the Picong Municipal Police Station Commander and the 51IB for the creation of a Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center for Picong.

Meanwhile, the 103Bde Commander, who was the guest of honor and speaker, emphasized the role of the Army, particularly, his troops as protectors of the Maranaos.

He, likewise, assured the people that all soldiers under his command had to undergo a Cultural Sensitivity Seminar before being deployed.

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Muslim Filipinos celebrate Eidul-Adha

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 6 (PIA) --- Muslims all over the country observed today Eidul Adha with religious fervour and renewed spirit of sacrifice.

They have gathered in their respective local mosques where the Eidul Adha congregational prayers were offered.

One of the two Islamic Festivals, Eidul Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the great act of sacrifice Abraham (Ibrahim among Muslims) was willing to make in order to submit to the will of Allah.

Muslims celebrate this occasion to remember the willingness of Abrahan to sacrifice his son Ishamel as an act of obedience to God, said Aleem Khairuddin Hanapi.

He said before Abraham was able to sacrifice his son, Allah replaced Ishmael with a sheep, thus, sparing his life.

That is why Muslims remember this momentous event by sacrificing a sheep, camel, cow or goat, and sharing the meat from the sacrifice to others, especially the poor, he added.

Meanwhile, President Benigno S. Aquino III, has praised Muslim Filipinos for their earnest conviction for their beliefs and steadfast fulfillment of their religious obligations citing these as an inspiration to their fellow countrymen.

In his Eidul Adha message, the President said Eidul Adha is a reflection of a tale about unconditional trust reminding Muslim Filipinos that sacrifice is a test of one's principles amid the challenges and complexities of life.

This occasion also imparts the lesson of courage, motivating a believer to be more accepting of the trials along the way of his enlightenment, he added.

Furthermore, the President also expressed hope that Muslim Filipinos will remain committed in helping create an environment of stability through harmonious relations among all Filipinos.

In line with the celebration, President Aquino has declared November 7, 2011 as a regular holiday throughout the country in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eidul Adha to the fore of national consciousness.

Eidul Adha is the 12^th regular holiday being observed

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Lanao del Sur holds 2nd coop congress

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 4 (PIA) -- Close to 200 cooperative members in the province converged here, recently, to advance the cooperative movement in this part of the country.

Organized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), in collaboration with the Provincial Cooperative Office, the 2nd Lanao del Sur Cooperative Congress aimed at raising public consciousness on the contributions of cooperatives on the socio-economic development of the country.

Anchored on the theme “Kazalimbutad A Kapamagogopa: Kambayorantang, Kapuromasay, Kaphiaphia, Kathigur Ago Kapanglimbabaan Para Ko Lalayon A Kalilintad Ago Kathagompia (Transformative Cooperative: Advancing People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace),” the congress also aimed to promote the spirit of cooperativism as a vehicle for social transformation for the people, planet, prosperity and peace.

“The theme is fittingly appropriate as this advocacy is never an affair of the government, alone, but also the concern of all stakeholders of the society, especially the people themselves,” expressed Lanao del Sur First District Representative Hussein Pacasum-Pangandaman.

He said the promotion of cooperatives is one of the major interventions of the government to minimize, if not totally eradicate, poverty.

By enhancing the capabilities of non-government organizations, livelihood associations, people’s organizations such as cooperatives, and self-help groupings dedicated to the people, the government is building-up the capacity of the masses, he added.

Pangandaman, who was the keynote speaker of the coop congress, also underscored that active participation and strong adherence to the spirit of cooperativism is the one of the necessary ingredients to achieve prosperity and peace.

He said what is admirable in the cooperative is that it will only decide in favor of the common good and not on a particular person’s vested interest.

Hence, he expressed the need for strong cooperatives that are guided by transparency and accountability to ensure that the cooperatives’ interest will prevail in the community.

Pangandaman also urged the participants to transform into cooperative efforts the admirable culture and tradition of Maranaos towards the concept of “kapamagogopa,” a Mranao term which means helping one another for prosperity and peace within the challenging environment.

Meanwhile, Mindanao State University (MSU) Director for Research and Extension Dr. Amer A. Comadug, has expressed commitment to support the CDA in its agenda of advancing human resource development.

He said MSU, through technical assistance, will assist CDA and the newly-organized Cooperative Union of Lanao del Sur in enhancing their skills and capabilities to make them effective in carrying out endeavors to advance cooperativism.

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Lanao officials hail PNoy’s “no all-out war” stand

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Coop Union in Lanao del Sur urges GPH-MILF to continue peace talks

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CDA targets expansion of cooperative membership

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 2 (PIA) -- The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is planning for the massive expansion of cooperative membership in this province.

Lawyer Paisalin Tago, CDA Administrator for Mindanao, said one of the agenda of the authority is to increase the total membership to 20 million by 2013, compared to the current total membership of more than seven (7) million, only.

He said the CDA is encouraging cooperatives to register again, as mandated by Republic Act 9520, citing that currently only more than 20,000 cooperatives are registered compared to the more than 90,000 registered cooperatives before the enactment of the new cooperative code.

One of the speakers during the recent second provincial cooperative congress held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol, here, Tago emphasized that putting up a cooperative is a solution to minimize poverty, reduce unemployment, and promote peace and order.

he disclosed that they are also eyeing conversion of the so-called electric cooperatives (ECs) into genuine cooperatives as a strategy to increase membership.

Under RA 9520, ECs cannot enjoy the privilege of tax exemption unless they are registered with the CDA and registering will mean the member-consumers of ECs will then and there become cooperative members.

Aside from the expansion in membership, the CDA will also boost and enhance its delivery mechanism and provide an enabling environment for the strengthening and development of cooperatives in the country.

As provided in the Philippine Cooperative Medium-Term Development Plan (PCMTDP) for 2011-2016, the CDA will ensure access of cooperatives to global markets, provide viable linkages and networks to support cooperatives and establish appropriate quality system.

It will also create appropriate environment for partnership among cooperatives, both local and international, local government units (LGUs), national line agencies, non-government organizations, people's organizations, and the private sector.

Such policies will ensure viable, competitive and sustainable cooperatives as engine of growth and development.

Furthermore, CDA will also promote cooperativism as the vehicle for social transformation to build strategic and synergistic alliances between and among stakeholders in the cooperative industry.

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