Army urges security reclassification of Lanao Sur towns

 

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — The Philippine Army, through the 103rd Infantry Brigade (Bde), recommended the threat reclassification of three municipalities in Lanao del Sur to address rising security concerns ahead of the upcoming elections.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) first quarter joint meeting, Col. Noel Ian Ignes, commander of Task Force Marawi and office-in-charge of 103rd Bde, presented the proposed changes in security classifications, highlighting the need for heightened measures in certain areas due to ongoing violence and historical incidents of election-related unrest.

Specifically, the municipality of Taraka is proposed to be upgraded from a yellow to a red category following a recent strafing incident. Sultan Dumalondong is recommended to move from orange to red due to its history of election-related violence, including shootings. Lumbayanague is also recommended for an upgrade from yellow to orange because of intense political rivalry contributing to frequent violence.

In December 2024, the Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordination Committee (PJSCC) identified varying levels of concern across the province. As part of their assessment, 18 municipalities were classified as “red” (areas of grave concern), due to a history of intense violence, such as shootings, grenade attacks, and indiscriminate firing. Nine (9) municipalities have been placed in “orange” category (areas of concern), while nine (9) municipalities were classified as “yellow” (areas of potential concern) due to sporadic election-related conflicts. Only seven (7) municipalities have been placed in the “green” category, reflecting peaceful and stable conditions.

“Marawi City was categorized as an area of grave concern due to reported incidents of commotion from parties, election-related shooting incidents, and grenade-throwing. The city was also placed under COMELEC (Commission on Elections) control during the previous election. The seventeen municipalities classified as areas of grave concern have a history of intense political violence and election-related incidents such as shootings, indiscriminate firing, and ballot snatching, with seven of these municipalities being placed under COMELEC control in the previous election,” said Ignes.

Meanwhile, the seven (7) municipalities identified as areas of concern were due to their history of intense political rivalries and election-related incidents. In comparison, nine (9) municipalities were categorized as areas of potential concern due to a history of political rivalries and election-related incidents like fistfights.

The Army also proposed several actions such as collaboration with the provincial COMELEC, police, and local government units to ensure heightened security measures in at-risk municipalities. For municipalities in the “red” category, the Army recommended COMELEC control in eight municipalities, allowing the Commission to directly manage election security. Furthermore, quick reaction forces with armed assets should be deployed in 10 municipalities to ensure immediate response capabilities to any incidents.

The 103rd Bde has set up three Election Monitoring Action Centers (EMACs) across the province to coordinate efforts, monitor developments, and enable quick deployment of security forces when necessary. The provincial EMAC is based at the Kampo Ranao headquarters in Marawi City, while the sub-provincial EMAC for the first district is in Barangay Ragayan, Poona Bayabao, and the sub-provincial EMAC for the second district is in Barangay Liong, Bayang. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Lanao Sur police intensify operations against loose firearms

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) —The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) is ramping up its efforts against loose firearms to reduce shooting incidents and other election-related violent activities.

These efforts include increased checkpoint and chokepoint operations to control the possession and use of illegal firearms, according to Police Major Santos L. Monares, chief of the LDSPPO Operation Unit.

“The province’s peace and order situation remains generally peaceful but volatile due to the presence of armed groups, clan conflicts, and political tension,” he said during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) first quarter joint meeting on March 5.

Citing past elections, Monares said shooting incidents could become a major concern in the province, especially during this year’s national and local elections, and the first Bangsamoro parliamentary election.

From January to February of this year, the LDSPPO recorded 20 shooting incidents, a 20 percent increase compared to the 16 incidents reported during the same period in 2024. The most recent incident occurred on February 26, resulting in the death of Abdulazis Aloyodan, the former mayor of Lumbaca-Unayan town.

In addition to checkpoint operations, the LDSPPO is addressing clan conflicts to prevent further escalation by collaborating with local government units, traditional leaders, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to facilitate or encourage “rido” settlements.

Meanwhile, the LDSPPO has outlined its election deployment plan, which involves 1,483 personnel. The deployment includes 41 election monitoring centers and 240 polling centers. Moreover, 333 personnel will be assigned as Quick Response Teams in areas of concern, while 150 personnel from the provincial headquarters will remain on standby. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Marawi hospital now PhilHealth-accredited for heart bypass surgery

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — Patients needing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery can now access the Z-Benefit Package at Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC), following a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between APMC and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PhilHealth-BARMM) on March 3.

The CABG Z-Benefit Package provides eligible members up to 550,000 pesos in coverage, including medicines, laboratory tests, operating room fees and professional fees.

“With the opening of APMC’s Heart Institute in August 2023, and now the Z-benefit accreditation for CABG, APMC is on its path to becoming a regional apex multi-specialist center in Mindanao,” said Datu Masiding M. Alonto Jr., PhilHealth-BARMM regional vice president.

Alonto said the MoA strengthens the partnership between APMC and PhilHealth. He also announced a new PhilHealth circular for Z-Benefit Packages covering open-heart surgeries, aiming to address the high cost of such procedures.

“Open-heart surgeries are some of the most costly operations causing extreme financial burden to Filipinos,” Alonto said. “It is therefore necessary that the support value for open-heart surgeries and other high-cost medical procedures and diseases be increased.”

Dr. Shalimar Sani-Rakiin, APMC chief, said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to accessible healthcare in Mindanao. She said the accreditation fulfills APMC’s goal of providing life-changing treatment.

Rakiin acknowledged the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) and Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) for their guidance. She also thanked PhilHealth-BARMM.

“Your dedication to making healthcare more accessible and inclusive is a powerful force in bridging the gaps in medical services,” Rakiin said.

Dr. Ali T. Macatanong, head of the APMC Heart Institute, encouraged patients in Lanao del Sur and nearby provinces to use the CABG Z-Benefit Package. He said the package allows patients to receive the surgery without out-of-pocket expenses. He also assured that PhilHealth will cover expenses for indigent patients. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

PSA outlet in Marawi enhances access to vital documents for Lanao Sur residents

MARAWI CITY (PIA) —The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has launched a new Civil Registry System (CRS) outlet in Marawi City, aimed at improving access to essential civil registry documents for residents of Lanao del Sur and nearby towns within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The ceremony, held at the PSA Lanao del Sur Provincial Office on February 26, was led by Deputy National Statistician Clemente S. Manaog. He highlighted the importance of the new CRS outlet in meeting the growing demand for easier access to civil registry documents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, which are crucial for various personal and government-related transactions.

“We responded to that need of our kababayans dito sa Lanao del Sur, sa Marawi, specifically in BARMM – the need for documentation. Because sa ngayon hindi tayo pwedeng gumalaw na wala tayong documentation. Kaya sabi natin, dapat kung kukuha ang ating mga kababayan ng kanilang dokumento para gamitin sa kanilang transakyon, gawin natin itong mas madali at mas mura, pero yung integridad o kredibilidad ng dokumento ay totoo at maaasahan,” he said.

(We responded to the need of our fellow citizens here in Lanao del Sur, in Marawi, specifically in BARMM – the need for documentation. Because, right now, we cannot move forward without proper documentation. So, we said that if our citizens need to obtain their documents for their transactions, we should make it easier and more affordable, while ensuring that the integrity and credibility of the documents remain genuine and reliable.)

Manaog reflected on the evolution of the civil registry process, noting that before the year 2000 when PSA was still the National Statistics Office (NSO), civil registry requests were processed manually with physical folders. Citizens had to travel to Manila to access essential documents, which was costly and time-consuming, especially for those in remote areas.

He also emphasized the advancements brought about by PSA’s digitalization project, which has transformed the agency from handling paper-based records to managing 197 million digital records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. These records are now securely stored and accessible through a centralized digital system, allowing citizens across the country—and even overseas—to request and receive their civil registry documents without traveling to the PSA main office in Manila.

“Kung ang iyong record ay nadigitalize namin, nailagaynamin ito sa aming database, pwede ka nang magrequest dito sa Marawi City. Ang dokumentong iyon ay tatanggapin kahit saan mo ito gamitin. Kasi ano ang makukuha mo sa Manila or sa ibang outlet, yun din ang makukuha mo dito sa Marawi City. Ganyan kahalaga dahil ang layunin natin ay gawing madali at mailapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayan,” Manaog said.

(If your record has been digitized and added to our database, you can now request it here in Marawi City. That document will be accepted wherever you use it. What you receive here in Marawi City is the same as what you would get in Manila or any other outlet. This is how important it is, as our goal is to make government services easier and more accessible to our fellow citizens.)

“Ang ipinangako ng PSA at Unisys ay kapag nakapagbayad ka, makukuha mo ang dokumento sa loob ng isang oras,” he added.

(What PSA and Unisys have promised is that once you make a payment, you will receive your document within an hour.)

According to Manaog, their goal is to open 80 CRS outlets nationwide, with five outlets planned for BARMM. Three of these outlets are already operational in Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, and Marawi City, with new outlets set to open in Sulu and Basilan later this year.

Nor-ain M. Magadapa from Ditsaan Ramain shared her positive experience with the CRS outlet in Marawi. She explained that she learned about the outlet while in Iligan City for an appointment, where she encountered issues with her documents. She was advised to visit the Marawi CRS outlet for assistance.

“Alhamdullillah, kasi yung experience ko dito sa Marawi CRS outlet ay smooth naman at lahat ng mga staff dito ay approachable and kind,” she expressed.

(Praise be to God because my experience here in the Marawi CRS outlet was smooth with all the staff being approachable and kind.)

Magadapa encourages fellow residents of Lanao del Sur who need their civil registry documents to visit the CRS outlet in Marawi, which is located across from the Lanao del Sur Schools Division 1 in Brgy Datu Saber. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Local governments celebrate civil registry outlet launch in Marawi

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The opening of the new Civil Registry System (CRS) outlet in Marawi City has received strong support from local government officials who recognize the facility’s positive impact on public service delivery. Officially opened on February 26, the outlet is expected to benefit not only the people of Marawi but also residents from nearby municipalities in Lanao del Sur.

Norombae Manalocon-Sumandar, Vice Mayor of Piagapo, commended the decision to locate the CRS outlet in Marawi City as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to make public services more accessible.

“The opening of the CRS outlet significantly forms part of the government’s policy on bringing public service closer to the people,” said Sumandar.

Marjorie Ann Sani, planning officer representing Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr., emphasized the CRS outlet’s importance in improving government service delivery.

“For many years, securing birth, marriage, and death certificates has been challenging for many of our constituents. The need to travel far, endure long lines, and overcome bureaucratic hurdles has made what should be a simple task into a difficult burden. But today, with this new CRS Outlet in Barangay Datu Saber, Marawi City, we are taking a giant leap forward in making these services closer to the people,” she said.

Engr. Sadick Mohamad, Project Management Director from the Office of the City Mayor, who represented Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, spoke about the broader vision behind the outlet’s establishment. He highlighted that the project is part of a larger plan for a modern, digital, and responsive civil registry system.

“By embracing technology and innovation, we streamline processes, reduce wait times, and safeguard against fraud or errors, ultimately ensuring the integrity of the system and the rights of every citizen,” he said.

He also noted that the CRS outlet brings government services closer to the people, offering a more accessible and user-friendly way to obtain essential documents.

“The outlet provides an easier path for many to secure their civil records for personal, work, travel, or legal purposes,” he added.

Local government representatives thanked the PSA for collaborating and making the CRS outlet in Marawi a reality. With the CRS outlet now open in Marawi, residents can expect greater ease in accessing civil registration services, opening up new opportunities for them and their families. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

PSA brings civil registration services closer to Lanao Sur communities

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The opening of the Civil Registry System (CRS) Outlet in Lanao del Sur brings civil registration services closer to its residents and nearby areas. This long-awaited facility aims to address the residents’ logistical challenges in securing vital documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.

During the launch, Engr. Akan G. Tula, OIC Regional Director of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the Bangsamoro region, emphasized the outlet’s role in improving access to civil registration services.

“This outlet represents a milestone in our collective efforts to make civil registration services efficient and accessible. For years, residents coped with long and expensive trips just to secure necessary documents. Now, they no longer have to endure such hardships,” he said.

Tula explained that Marawi City was selected as the location for the outlet due to its central position in the province, enabling it to serve both Marawi City and neighboring municipalities.

He also pointed out that the CRS outlet would reduce the need for residents to travel to distant cities like Iligan or Cotabato, which often involved high transportation costs.

“Pag galing ka ng Bayang, or galing ka ng Kapatagan, pupunta ka pa ng Iligan, o bababa ka pa ng as far as Cagayan de Oro, or bababa ka pa ng as far as Cotabato City. It really required pamasahe papunta ng Iligan,” he added.

Tula further noted that establishing CRS outlets is part of PSA’s ongoing effort to improve civil registration services and promote inclusivity.

“Civil registration is the backbone of governance, ensuring that every birth, marriage, and death is properly recorded, allowing individuals to access their rights and opportunities. With this facility, we streamline the process and foster inclusivity,” he said.

Mohammadali R. Alonto, OIC-Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA Lanao del Sur, expressed his appreciation for the efforts behind the CRS outlet.

“The opening of this Civil Registration System outlet in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City is more than just completing a physical structure. It stands as a powerful symbol of accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity in civil registration services,” he said.

He also noted that the launch coincides with Civil Registration Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of civil documents in securing identity, rights, and opportunities.

“What better way to honor this month than by bringing these essential services closer to the people, ensuring that vital records like birth, marriage, and death certificates are now easily accessible to our communities,” Alonto said. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

New PNP personnel carriers vital for enhancing safety, security in Lanao del Sur, says DBM chief

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) underscored that the turnover of new police personnel carriers to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Lanao del Sur is vital in ensuring a safer and more secure environment for citizens in the province and neighboring areas.

In her message during the ceremonial turnover held at the Marawi Convention Center, Pangandaman emphasized that the new 4×4 all-terrain vehicles would enhance the ability of law enforcement to quickly respond to emergencies and strengthen their presence across the province, particularly in areas where access can be challenging due to terrain and weather conditions.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga vehicles na ito, mas mapapaigting natin ang pagpapatupad ng mandato ng ating mga kapulisan na itaguyod ang kapayapaan, kaayusan at kapakanan ng bawat bayan,” she said.

A total of 40 vehicles were officially handed over to the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) on February 20. These vehicles will be distributed to Marawi City and the 39 municipalities within Lanao del Sur, ensuring that police forces are better equipped to serve and protect the local communities.

Police Brigadier General Romeo J. Macapaz, Director of PRO BAR, accepted the vehicles on behalf of the PNP, expressing gratitude for the continued support and commitment from the national government to enhance the region’s law enforcement capabilities.

Sharing a lighthearted comment about the popular joke of police arriving late to emergencies, the Budget Chief expressed confidence that with the new vehicles, the police would now be able to respond more promptly, ensuring the safety and security of the communities.

“It is our fervent hope that these PNP vehicles will further help in ensuring the welfare of our people by increasing police visibility, lowering crime rates, and responding to emergencies,” she added.

Pangandaman, who hails from Lanao del Sur, expressed her personal connection to the province and its people, noting that this initiative would greatly impact her hometown and neighboring municipalities. She also highlighted the importance of the turnover as part of the national government’s efforts to foster peace and security throughout the country. (APB/PIA-10)