Comelec: Report candidates using gov’t resources in campaign

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is calling on the public to be vigilant and report candidates who are using government resources to advance their campaign for May 9 elections.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the public can immediately report these unlawful election practices and the poll body can take action by immediately instructing their field personnel to investigate.

He said they can use these reports for filing a disqualification case or election offense case.

"Pwede niyong ma-videohan, ma-report lalong lalo na social media [you can take a video, report it especially through social media]," he said in a press conference here Saturday, March 26, responding to a report from a local media practitioner regarding the use of government vehicles in campaign caravans.

He emphasized that misuse of government vehicles and resources during the time of the campaign is a serious election offense punishable by one to six years imprisonment and disqualification under Section 16 of the Omnibus Election Code aside from the administrative liability before the Civil Service Commission.

As such, Garcia warned candidates not to engage in these unlawful campaign activities.

"Nakapahirap ng may disqualification case, sayang ang pinaghirapan niyo. Masisira ang campaign niyo at mawawalan kayo ng boto. Kaya iwasan nalang iyon. Just follow the law," he said.

[It's difficult to have a disqualification case, your hard work will be wasted. Your campaign will be ruined and you will lose votes. So just avoid that. Just follow the law.] (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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PNP vows to stay apolitical in May 9 polls

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The Philippine National Police vowed not to take sides in the May 2022 national and local elections.

Police LtGen. Jose Chiquito Malayo made this assurance during the first BARMM Peace Covenant Signing held Saturday, March 22, in Mindanao State University Gym, this city.

"From the PNP, we will assure that our people will be apolitical and will be totally neutral.  With that, we also promise to maintain peace during this activity by enforcing the law," he said.

Malayo, who represented PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos during the signing, also vowed that the police force will be running against private armed groups and will intensify its campaign against loose firearms so that the people could freely cast their vote.

The peace covenant signing in Lanao del Sur was spearheaded by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP. According to the poll body, similar Comelec-led covenant signing activities are also slated in other parts of the Bangsamoro region and identified hot spot areas of the country.

Meanwhile, Malayo acknowledged the presence of local political candidates in the covenant signing as a manifestation of their trust in the electoral process and leaving it to be carried out by the Comelec and the security forces. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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‘Abide poll’s lawful process’: AFP chief calls on candidates

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino has called on political aspirants to adhere to the lawful process during the election period with the voting proper now fast approaching. 

“I implore all political candidates here in the province of Lanao del Sur and the region to respectfully abide by the lawful process of the election campaign and especially during the actual voting… Our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters have long been aspiring for honest and genuine governance in this region of Mindanao. Together, let us embody the true spirit and heart of a true Filipino patriot fueled by selfless love for our country, the Philippines,” he said in his speech during the first peace covenant signing of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Saturday, March 26. 

Centino underscored that the free and peaceful exercise of the right to suffrage is one of the tenets of democracy and a fundamental human right stipulated in the Constitution. 

He stated that while the right to vote carries a huge responsibility of choosing the most capable and deserving leader to govern the communities and the country, it is the privilege to be voted upon that entails credibility, capability, integrity and sincerity to serve the people who not only cast their vote but their hopes and prayers for a better life in the future.

Along with his urge to the candidates, the AFP chief likewise conveyed that they will do their part as keepers of security and peace.

He assured the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that the whole force will discharge their duties and responsibilities delegated upon them and connect with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the orderliness and sanctity of the elections.

“Muli kong ipinagtitibay ang pangako ng buong Sandatahan ng Pilipinas na gampanan nang tapat ang aming sinumpaang tungkulin at responsibilidad na nakapatong sa aming balikat. Tungkulin namin na hayaan na mamayagpag ang kagustuhan at hangarin ng ating mga kababayan na bumuto ng nararapat na kandidato. The Armed Forces of the Philippines vows to perform our mandate with impartiality, integrity and professionalism,” said Centino.

[I reaffirm the promise of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines that we will faithfully do our sworn duties and responsibilities we carry on our shoulders. It is our duty to let the wish and desire of our fellowmen prevail which is to vote for deserving candidates. The Armed Forces of the Philippines vows to perform our mandate with impartiality, integrity and professionalism.] (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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DND urges Lanao Sur poll bets to honor peace covenant

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The Department of National Defense (DND) urged political candidates in the province to respect and observe the peace covenant they signed to ensure a safe and orderly election on May 9.

DND Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu told local candidates that to bring the agenda of peace forward, they should start by making the covenant morally binding for all and holding each other accountable. 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police spearheaded the first BARMM Peace Covenant Signing in Lanao del Sur on Saturday, March 26, where candidates for governor, vice governor, congressional representatives, provincial board members, and mayors in the province pledge for peaceful polls and signed an integrity covenant.

Mapagu also conveyed DND's support for the covenant signing emphasizing that they condemn all forms of electoral violence, harassment, and political intimidation. 

"We stand for a peaceful exercise of democracy as enshrined in our Constitution. It is our goal to let the voice of our people be heard and let them decide who will lead our country in the years to come," he said.

The covenant signing was witnessed by Comelec chairperson Saidamen B. Pangarungan, Comelec Commissioners George Erwin M. Garcia and Aimee T. Neri, AFP chief-of-staff LtGen. Andres Centino, Police LtGen. Jose Chiquito Malayo, Comelec BARMM regional director Ray Sumalipao, and other top officials of the PNP and the Philippine Army. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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Comelec chief reassures honest, orderly polls in Lanao Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur-- Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson Saidamen B. Pangarungan on Saturday, March 26, gave reassurance that the May 9 national and local polls will be honest, orderly, and peaceful elections.

Speaking before local political candidates here during the first BARMM Peace Covenant Signing, Pangarungan said he will never allow anyone to undermine the forthcoming election and that he will protect every single vote of every candidate.

"Makakaasa kayo na [Rest assured that] I am here to protect every single vote of every candidate in this coming election. Make no mistake. President Rodrigo Duterte is determined to ensure an honest, orderly, and peaceful election as part of his legacy and with the support of the defense, military, and the PNP, we, in the Commission on Elections are determined to implement that," Pangarungan said.

The Comelec chief also asked the candidates to do their part and work together for a safe and orderly poll.

"Let us hold the election and bring back the friendship and unity of our forefathers. Let us restore the values and close bond during their time," he said in Meranaw dialect.

The covenant signing held at the Mindanao State University Gymnasium, this city, is the first Comelec-led peace covenant in the Bangsamoro region where aspirants from congressional to mayoralty posts in the province signed the Comelec’s integrity pledge printed on a white tarpaulin.

Pangarungan said a similar covenant signing will also be held in other part parts of the region.

He also disclosed that election hot spots and areas that will be put under Comelec control will be announced in the coming days.

Other Comelec officials who witnessed the covenant signing were Commissioner George Erwin Garcia and Commissioner Aimee Neri. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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Comelec to activate multi-agency task force vs vote-buying

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is taking a proactive step to combat vote-buying ahead of the May 9 elections. 

Commissioner George Garcia disclosed in a press conference here Saturday, March 26, that the poll body is set to activate a multi-agency task force to conduct an investigation and act on reported vote-buying.

"Yan po ay [this is] multi-sectoral, multi-agency, headed by Comelec with the Department of Justice, Philippine Information Agency, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and National Bureau of Investigation," he said.

Garcia said the task force may carry out investigations motu proprio or without the need of complaints and issue a subpoena to individuals.

It can also act on formal complaints involving vote-buying from the citizens.

Garcia warned that Comelec takes seriously allegations of vote-buying in any part of the country adding that such an act is punishable by one to six years of imprisonment.

Under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, giving, offering, or promising money or anything of value to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote in the election is prohibited. 

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COMELEC lauds candidates’ presence in peace covenant signing

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) acknowledged the presence of the political aspirants of the city and the province of Lanao del Sur who were in attendance in the signing of the first peace covenant for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

COMELEC chairperson Saidamen Balt Pangarungan also extended similar recognition to the security forces as he shared the same pact shall also be pursued in other areas, especially those that are tagged as election hotspots. 

“Nais kong magpasalamat sa ating local candidates na dumayo sa first signing ng peace covenant dito sa BARMM dahil sa mga susunod na mga araw, magkakaroon din tayo ng peace covenants in some hotspot areas in the Philippines. Ako ay nagpapasalamat din sa ating mga defense, military and police officials for supporting our campaign for an honest, orderly and peaceful elections,” he said.

[I want to thank our local candidates who joined the first signing of the peace covenant here in BARMM because, in the next few days, we will also hold peace covenants in some hotspot areas in the Philippines. I am also thanking our defense, military and police officials for supporting our campaign for an honest, orderly and peaceful elections.]

Following his commendation, Pangarungan conveyed his order to support the mandate of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte which is to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful elections. 

He stressed that he will never allow anyone to undermine the people’s confidence in the forthcoming May 9 elections with every single vote protected.

“Make no mistake. President Duterte is determined to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful election as part of his legacy during his presidency and with the support of the defense, military and the PNP. We in the Commission on Elections are determined to implement that,” said Pangarungan. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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COMELEC-BARMM: Covenant reveals bets want peaceful polls

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--With the visible participation of local candidates from Marawi City and the province of Lanao del Sur in the first peace covenant signing Saturday, March 26, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) stressed that such an effort indeed signified their positive desire to push for orderly and peaceful elections.

BARMM Regional Election Director Atty. Ray Sumalipao expressed his delight to have witnessed the presence of concerned political aspirants who he knew are aiming for the same goal with them.

“I was indeed overwhelmed by your presence because that mere presence is an indication that we share a common vision of having honest, orderly and peaceful elections under a common denominator which is transparency,” he said.

With his earlier statement, Sumalipao expounded that an honest election is just easy to achieve whereby people, being the voters, are just allowed to vote with the note that nobody should be precluded from exercising the right to suffrage. 

He stated that there are various laws and resolutions promulgated by the COMELEC en banc to guide in all undertakings relevant to elections but what is challenging is to have a credible election as it entails not just the outcome per se but the mindset of the people, convincing them that truly, there was an honest, orderly and credible election. 

As the signing of the peace pact of the BARMM was realized, Sumalipao called on the candidates to follow all the stipulations, and that they must inculcate in their respective minds and hearts that they are not swearing to the Filipino people here but also to the Almighty Allah that they will maintain peace and upholding laws in every activity they have during the campaign period until the actual day of voting.

“The presence here of our dignitaries would signify and mean a very visible manifestation that we mean this clear. You must follow every provision of the peace covenant, otherwise, our officials will go against you under the full force of the law,” he said. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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LDS candidates ink first BARMM pact for peaceful poll

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--In line with the mission to secure free, safe, and credible national elections on May 9 this year, local candidates in this city and the province of Lanao del Sur signed Saturday, March 26, the Bangsamoro region's first-ever covenant to commit their involvement, especially in the kick-off of the campaign for peaceful voting.

Such a move was frontlined by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to extend the same goal to political bets here.

COMELEC chairperson Saidamen Balt Pangarungan underscored that it is through this endeavor that they will be able to convey how determined they are to live out the mandate of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte which is to hold just elections.

“That is my marching order – to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful election. I will never allow anyone to undermine the people’s confidence in the forthcoming May 9 elections. Makakaasa kayo lahat ng kandidato na [Candidates are assured that] I am here to protect every single vote of the candidate in this coming election,” he said. 

With the successful spearheading of the initiative, PLtGen. Jose Chiquito Malayo representing PNP chief PGen. Dionardo Carlos commended the effort of the candidates who allotted time to partake in the endeavor.

We are happy to know that the candidates of Lanao del Sur are one in signing this peace covenant. It would mean that you have trust in our process, leaving it to the Commission on Elections, the PNP, and the AFP,” he said.

Malayo further assured that their people will be apolitical and neutral, and will maintain peace during the elections through enforcing the law and running against private armed groups so that people may freely cast their vote.

Meanwhile, AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino reaffirmed the commitment of the AFP in taking their responsibilities, vowing that they will remain impartial towards this year's national and local elections with all their resources employed.

Additionally, he urged candidates to strictly adhere to the law as they aspire in their respective bids.  

“I implore all political candidates here in the province of Lanao del Sur and the region to respectfully abide by the lawful process of the election campaign and especially during the actual voting… Our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters have long been aspiring for honest and genuine governance in this region of Mindanao. Together, let us embody the true spirit and heart of a true Filipino patriot fueled by selfless love for our country, the Philippines,” he said.

Currently, the COMELEC is yet to release the number and names of particular places which are considered election hotspots. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur poll bets pledge for credible, peaceful polls

Aspirants of local posts in Lanao del Sur pledge to respect the sanctity of the May 9 polls and commit to ensure an honest, orderly, and peaceful election. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY (PIA)--Lanao del Sur candidates pledged to respect the sanctity of the May 9 polls and reject the use of violence, force, or threats to influence the outcome of elections.

These were among the promises contained in an Integrity Pledge that candidates aspiring for gubernatorial, vice-gubernatorial congressional representatives, provincial board members, and mayoralty posts in Lanao del Sur signed Saturday, March 26, in the presence of key election and security officials.

By signing the pledge, they promised to respect the will of the electorate and not seek to unduly influence them by offering money, influence, or other things of value, in exchange for votes.

The aspirants also vowed not to mislead or misinform the public and avoid dissemination of altered and manipulated media that impersonate other candidates including deep-fake videos.

They also committed to ensure that health and safety protocols against COVID-19 are observed during the campaign period.

Aspirants of local posts in Lanao del Sur pledge to respect the sanctity of the May 9 polls and commit to ensure an honest, orderly, and peaceful election. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

Incumbent Marawi City mayor Majul Gandamra who is seeking for reelection said he participated in the covenant signing as this signifies their commitment to a peaceful and orderly election in the entire province.

"With the presence of the newly-appointed chairman of the Commission on Election at siya po ay isang Meranaw, nakakasiguro po ako na kaming mga local candidates ay talagang we will abide by the rules of the Commission," Gandamra said.

[With the presence of the newly-appointed chairman of the Commission on Election and he is a Meranaw, I can be sure that we local candidates will abide by the rules of the Commission.]

Former Marawi mayor Fahad "Pre" Salic who is also running for the same position affirmed that they will likewise abide by the rules of Comelec. Salic expressed optimism in the peaceful and credible outcome of the election adding that the poll chairman, who is a Meranaw and a former governor, is already knowledgeable of the situation in the province every election. 

Meanwhile, COMELEC chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan said he is determined to ensure that the upcoming May 2022 elections will be honest, orderly, and peaceful.

He said he will never allow anyone to undermine the forthcoming election adding that he will protect every single vote of every candidate. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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Vaccination rollout in BARMM to continue during Ramadhan

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Bangsamoro region announced that the rollout of the vaccination against Covid-19 will continue even during the holy month of Ramadhan.

"Tuloy-tuloy naman ang ating vaccination...hindi nagrerelax ang ating mga health workers. Of course, there are arrangements during Ramadhan, like the vaccination will be done in the morning," said MOH Officer-in-Charge Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas in a press conference Tuesday.

[Our vaccination will continue ... our health workers are not relaxing. Of course, there are arrangements during Ramadhan, like the vaccination will be done in the morning.]

The Health Minister also reassured that it is safe to be vaccinated against COVID-19 while fasting during Ramadhan and the vaccine does not invalidate the fast.

The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta or the Islamic Advisory Council of the region has earlier issued a Fatwa backing the government’s inoculation campaign and explaining that the vaccine, which is for healing and a preventive measure, is halal (lawful).

The MOH reiterated its stand that the vaccine is safe and that vaccination remains the best protection against Covid-19.  (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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BARMM to conduct 'special vaccination days'

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--To further ramp up its vaccination drive, the Bangsamoro government is planning to conduct 'special vaccination days' in areas that still have low vaccination rates.

This was disclosed by MOH Officer-in-Charge Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas in a press conference Tuesday.

"Kami sa BARMM ay nakapag-isip na gumawa ng special vaccination days against Covid-19, katuwang ang ibang Ministries at stakeholders like the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), at Ministry of Basic,Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE)," he said.

[We at BARMM have decided to create special vaccination days against Covid-19, in collaboration with other Ministries and stakeholders like the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), and Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE)]

According to the Health Minister, there is a need for a multi-agency effort and aggressive activities for the Bangsamoro region to reach herd immunity.

MOH Director-General Dr. Ameril Usman backed Abas's statement citing the low vaccination coverage of the region as the main reason why BARMM is still under Alert Level 2.

"For the past months bumaba ang kaso but despite that hindi pa rin nag improve ang ating quarantine protocol. The main reason is our vaccination rate, na hindi tayo umaabot sa 50%. 960,000 lang ang fully immunized or roughly about 26.57% of the total population," he said.

[For the past months the number of cases has dropped but despite that our quarantine protocol has still not improved. The main reason is our vaccination rate, that we are not reaching 50%. Only 960,000 are fully immunized or roughly about 26.57% of the total population.]

Usman also emphasized that the involvement of all stakeholders especially local government units will be a big boost to the vaccination drive.

"Napakalaking bagay ang LGU involvement, sila ang haligi ng kanilang mga munisipyo at lugar, meron silang authority o kapangyarihan na hikayatin ang kanilang mga constituents magpabakuna," he said.

[LGU involvement is a huge thing, they are the pillar of their municipalities and areas, they have the authority or power to encourage their constituents to get vaccinated.]

Compared to the national vaccination days, the MOH officials disclosed that the special vaccination days will target areas that need a boost in immunization such as those geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and areas with 'zero' cases of Covid-19. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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MOH urges unvaccinated Bangsamoro to get vaccinated

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Despite the drop in the active cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the Bangsamoro region, the Ministry of Health (MOH) echoed its call to those who are not yet vaccinated to get their C​ovid​-19 shots.

MOH Director-General Dr. Ameril Usman reiterated that news claiming vaccines can cause one’s death or turn an individual into a zombie are baseless.

"MOH always stands firmly that vaccine really works against Covid-19, it is safe, Halal and free," he said in a press conference Tuesday.

He also reminded the public to not be complacent with the region being classified under Alert Level 2.

Under this level, establishments are allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70% outdoor venue capacity.

"We are still far away from 80% vaccination rate of becoming a herd immunity in the region. The cooperation of the general public and all sectors in the government including our media friends will play a crucial role in increasing the almost 27% or more than 900,000 total number of region's population currently vaccinated compared to 3.5 million target population," ​Usman said.

The number of ​Covid-19 active ​cases in the Bangsamoro Region has dropped with only 24 active cases as of March 24. Of the total cases, nine are from Maguindanao, five from Cotabato City, seven from Lanao del Sur including Marawi City. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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LGU Marawi continues call for IDPs’ bldg permit applications

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The local government of the city here echoed its call to internally displaced persons (IDPs) to have their building permit application be filed already at the Office of Building Official (OBO) or the City Engineering Office (CEO).

City Engineer Jamel Gandamra stressed that they are beyond willing to assist their IDPs since this process is necessary for their return to ground zero.

Additionally, those who have previously filed their applications but have not returned yet to check their status were also directed to visit the office to know their document deficiencies and comply with these.

“Kami ay nananawagan at iniencourage namin kayo na makipag-ugnayan dito sa Office of the Building Official para makapag-apply kayo ng building permit. Iyong dati na nakapag-apply na ng building permit na may mga deficiency, at least, malaman niyo kung ano ang deficiency niyo kasi hindi naman pwede kami magcomply doon. Nandito kami para mag-extend ng tulong. We are not here para lalo pahirapan kayo,” said Gandamra. 

[We are calling and encouraging you to connect with the Office of the Building Official so that you can apply for your building permit. Those who have already applied for a building permit but with deficiencies, at least you will know what your deficiencies are because we cannot comply with that. We are here to extend helo. We are not here to make you suffer more.]

He further underscored that it is the city mayor himself who strongly desires that displaced residents be able to rebuild or repair their homes in the most affected area (MAA) as soon as possible, thus, the firm mandate for concerned departments to aid the applicants in accomplishing all the necessities. 

As of March this year, Gandamra disclosed that his office has already accepted a total of 2,659 applications wherein 1,104 were already approved.

He likewise bared that while several residents were already into the process, others were still prompted to proceed firstly due to the issue of the proof of ownership. 

The office has accordingly addressed this by engaging appropriate barangay chairpersons for their certification whether such a person is a bonafide resident of their place of jurisdiction or not. 

With the call to file and follow-up applications for the building permit, the city engineer guaranteed a fast-tracked process without jeopardizing the posted requisites.

“Normally, ang application nagvavary iyan. It depends on the applicants. Kung nagcomply ka sa documents na nakalagay naman sa checklist, mabilis talaga ang processing… Bina-validate natin kasi mahirap na magkaroon tayo ng problema later [dahil] naging lenient tayo doon sa pagprocess at nagapprove tayo without digging further kung sino talaga ang may-ari [ng lupa],” said Gandamra. 

Normally, the application varies. It depends on the applicants. If you comply with the documents reflected on the checklist, the processing is fast… We validate that because it is difficult that we get to have a problem later [because] we were lenient as we processed and approved without digging further as to who really is the owner [of the lot].] (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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1,104 displaced Marawi residents issued building permits

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Following the resumption of the Kathagombalay in February this year, the city government through its Office of Building Official (OBO) has approved a total of 1,104 building permit applications of internally displaced families in the most affected area (MAA) of the city.

City Engineer Jamel Gandamra said 1,006 of the approved building permit applications were for the repair of houses while 98 were for the construction of new houses.

The approved applications are from displaced families in Tolali and Daguduban (432), Moncado Kadingilian (295), Kapantaran (201), Sangkay Dansalan (31), Wawalayan Marinaut (44), Sabala Manao Proper (26), Lilod Madaya (28), South Madaya (29), and Bubong Madaya (18).

Although more than a thousand applicants were already issued building permits by the city government, Gandamra said some have not started the actual construction or repair of their houses due to several factors such as financial constraints as some of them are still waiting for the approval of the compensation bill.

To date, the city government has already received 2,659 applications for building permits under the Kathagombalay, a program of the Task Force Bangon Marawi in partnership with the city government that involves a one-stop shop for processing of building permits for the repair or construction of houses within the MAA.

The city engineer explained that only half of the total applications have been duly approved due to the lack of required documents particularly the proof of ownership or property title on the part of the applicants.

He emphasized that such documents are needed to establish legal ownership of properties and avoid future disputes.

"Bina-validate natin kasi mahirap na magkaroon tayo ng problema later, na naging lenient tayo dun sa pagprocess, tapos nag-approve tayo without digging further kung sino talaga ang may-ari nito," he said.

[We validate because it would be difficult if we will have a problem later, that we became lenient in processing, and we approved without digging further who really owns it.]

Gandamra assured they are doing their best to expedite the release of building permits adding that the city government has exercised "flexibility" on the requirements by engaging the Punong Barangays to certify that the applicant is a bonafide resident of that particular barangay. 

He, however, clarified that such certification is just temporary as later on, they still will require the submission of the proof of ownership. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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LDS prov’l depts, gov’t agencies showcase DRRM interventions

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Various provincial departments and government line agencies presented their recent interventions in connection to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) at the provincial level.

During the 1st quarter regular meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Tuesday, March 22, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office’s (PSWDO’s) Mariam Balindong Casim shared that every occurrence of a disaster or calamity, they would usually magnify two types of response which are human-induced or man-made, and natural. 

She detailed that in the former, they first validate the identity of affected families and how severe the disaster was before they go on-field and distribute assistance and necessities. With this, she said that it would be better if they get beforehand an initial report from the Municipal or City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, as the case may be, regarding the transpired disaster or calamity to fast-track their action to the victims. 

For the second type of response, the focal stated they immediately respond through the distribution of assistance, especially rice. 

Casim then recalled that after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in December 2021, at least 36 severely affected barangays in the province received rice assistance distributed mostly through a house-to-house basis while those whose property or structures were totally devastated were given financial assistance. 

To augment this effort, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) has accordingly sent support as well. 

Casim further stressed that with regards to the most recent firefight incident in Maguing town here in the province, they, together with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), were closely monitoring roughly 892 impacted families wherein they have visited the displaced households in evacuation centers and rice distribution was also spearheaded. 

For its part, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here posted their hotlines which are available for residents. The representative said they are reachable through 09196412597 and 09171747933. 

In connection to the council’s clustering scheme, the line agency shared they may be linked with clusters on search, rescue and retrieval, emergency communication, health protocol, law and order operations, logistics, camp coordinator, and food and security.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that as part of their disaster response, they have been involved in road clearing operations to ensure availability, especially of vital road networks and passages, and their rescue initiative during the onset of Typhoon Odette in the province. 

Other agencies and departments that introduced their respective efforts were the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and MSSD, among others. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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