ZAMPENEWS 2

DA-MRDP HELPS TIGBAO FARMERS

2010-10-21T10:22:00.001+09:00

Proud MRDP farmer-beneficiaries: Alberto Omas, Romel Alegarbes and
Anastacia Omas of Begong People's Organization during the harvest of
the former's palay last October 7. Omas swears he produced organic
rice using all organic inputs.
His yield records 97 cavans for one hectare as first MRDP beneficiary
to harvest his palay. (PHOTO BY REMAI ALEJADO)

LAND TITLE

2010-10-18T14:34:00.001+09:00

DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes (left), assisted by Cong. Arlene "Kaka" Bag-ao of AKBAYAN partylist and Dr. Norman Ramos of San Miguel Foods (right), hands the Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to Yoyong Merida, Chairman of PANAW Sumilao MPC. Partly hidden at the back are PARO Jun Celestiano of Bukidnon, Cong. Jess Paras of the 1st District of Bukidnon and Cong. Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao. (PHOTO CREDITS: DAR-10)

Zambosur’s pride

2010-10-14T09:36:00.001+09:00

Annie Sitjar of Lantian, Labangan, is the 2008 National Gawad Saka
awardee and one of the Top 10 Outstanding Rural Women of the
Philippines 2010. A farmer strictly adhering organic agriculture, she
feeds her swine with agua de cacao, a potential source of protein,
fat, fiber. She also spreads rice straw back to her paddies as natural
fertilizer. (PHOTO CREDIT: REMAI ALEJADO)

Khalid calls 4Ps beneficiaries to program guidelines

2010-10-12T09:12:00.000+09:00

Lanao del Norte Gov. Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo urges the beneficiaries to adhere to guidelines set by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for this will ultimately result to better nutrition, better education and improved health for their family especially for children aged 0-14 years old. (PHOTO CREDITS: VNL/PIO-LDN)

EXPLANATION

2010-10-10T20:14:00.001+09:00

Mayor Sammy Co meets with media, Friday, regarding the death of
councilor and retired judge Aniceto Galon Jr. with the mayor is
Galon's son, Shamer and aide Armando Abalandre. (PHOTO CREDITS: REMAI
ALEJADO)

Tourism National Convention winner

2010-10-07T09:31:00.001+09:00

The colorful Sagingan Festival of Tubod, Lanao del Norte gets national attention by winning 1st place in the Cultural Tourism event during the recently concluded Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) 11th National Convention held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, October 3-6. (PHOTO CREDITS: VNL/PIO-LDN)

ICRC MEDIA WORKSHOP ON CONFLICT REPORTING

2010-10-05T10:11:00.001+09:00

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Zamboanga City head
officer Chistophe Gillioz is flanked by the officers of
Zambosur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc (ZPPI). The ICRC recently
conducted a media workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and
conflict reporting in Zamboanga City recently. (PHOTO CREDITS: REMAI
ALEJADO)

New 3-in-1 building in Sta. Lucia

2010-09-30T16:30:00.002+09:00

DILG Provincial Director and OIC City Local Gov't Operation Officer Hadji
Abcede Asjali (LEFT) witnesses the turn-over of a dictionary donated
by Councilor Arnold Gavenia (SECOND FROM RIGHT) to Sta. Lucia Punong
Barangay Nasser Cauba while City Librarian Samuela Oceña looks on. The
activity coincided with the opening of the new building beside the
Barangay Hall which will house the Barangay Library, Lupong
Tagapamayapa Office and the Señior Citizen Center. (PHOTO CREDITS:
JONG CADION)

New corn developed by UPLB planted in Zanorte

2010-09-29T11:13:00.001+09:00

Corn farmer Artemio Esolana and his family, a native of Ilihan, Jose
Dalman, Zanorte, shows an IBP Variety 6 corn which he recently
harvested. Developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IBP)
University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna (UPLB), the IBP
Variety 6 corn is described as with "big corn ears which are
comparable to the ears of a hybrid." (PHOTO CREDITS: DA-9)

Lady enforcers

2010-09-29T11:07:00.001+09:00

Lady members of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Enforcement
Team-9 were mobilized along the national highway in Pagadian City to
help implement transportaion laws during their first day of duty.
(PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

Ozanam Special awardee

2010-09-29T11:05:00.001+09:00

Human Rights group Ummah Fi Salam (UFS) Executive Director Sultan
Maguid Maruhom accepts the Ozanam Special Award in Manila, Sept. 26
given by the Adamson University during the St. Vincent de Paul (SVP)
National Awards to outstanding organization whose project made a dent
in serving the poor and the marginalized in the country. (PHOTO
CREDITS: UFS)

Suspected killers of Dumalinao businessman surrender

2010-09-29T11:01:00.001+09:00

The three suspects in the killing of a certain businessman from
Dumalinao named Donglas Duran surrendered to the police, Sept. 23.
They gave their names as (from left) Eric Yulina Limino, minor Joel,
and Alfredo Repormado Cabatingan. They claimed that the victim's
sister paid them P10,000 to murder the victim. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG
CADION)

Long and winding road

2010-09-26T11:18:00.001+09:00

The road along barangays Tuburan and Bulatok, which is currently
undergoing a P20-million worth of widening by the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH) is almost finished. This photo, taken along
Camp Abelon in Lumbia going to the airport road crossing is said to be
60% finished, the DPWH said. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

Inmates' welfare

2010-09-26T11:12:00.001+09:00

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP-9) Chief Logistic
Division J/Insp. Salidin Saipudin hands over to Pagadian City
Reformatory Center (PCRC) jail warden Mamerto Baroro several plastic
kitchen supplies for the 209 inmates. Witnessing the turn-over is JO3
Rico Gernaldo from the Inmate Welfare Division (extreme left) and
BJMP-9 regional director Jail Chief Supt. Deogracias Tapayan. PCRC is
part of the itinerary of the BJMP-9 group and will join other jails in
Dipolog and Dapitan. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

'WALK FOR A CAUSE'

2010-09-20T20:18:00.001+09:00

Governor Antonio Cerilles hands over to the Philippine National Red
Cross (PNRC)-Pagadian City Zamboanga Chapter a total of P8,000 as
proceeds during the "Walk for a Cause" held as part of the opening
salvo of the of the 58th Founding Anniversary of Zamboanga del Sur
last Sept. 13. The "Walk for a Cause" was simultaneously made in
Dumalinao, Tawagan Sur and Danlugan in Pagadian and ended at the
Capitol. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

New aflatoxin opened laboratory in Zamboanga City

2010-09-19T16:14:00.001+09:00

The Department of Agriculture recently established its own Aflatoxin Laboratory at DA's Feed Laboratory in Tumaga, Zamboanga City to detect the presence of aflatoxin contamination among livestocks. High aflatoxin levels damage animal liver, cause hemorrhage, edema of the brain, abdominal pain, vomiting, pulmonary edema, convulsions, fever and death. (PHOTO CREDITS: DA-9)

Miss Zambosur 2010

2010-09-19T16:08:00.001+09:00

Besting other 26 lovely ladies, Shery Jee Batican, 22, representing
Pagadian City, came out as the winner and was crowned Miss ZamboSur
2010. The search highlights this year's 58th Provincial Anniversary, a
week-long celebration also known as Megayon Festival. (PHOTO CREDITS:
JONG CADION)

Boodle fight

2010-09-19T16:04:00.001+09:00

Governor Antonio "Tony" Cerilles and Vice President Jejomar Binay
partake in a "boodle fight," a military style of eating where food is
prepared on top of banana leaves and eating is with the use of bare
hands. The "eating combat" also included Vice Gov. Juan Regala, Major
General Romeo Lustestica of Tabak (partially hidden) and the 26
municipal mayors of Zambosur and scout masters of the Boy Scouts of
the Philippines (BSP)-Zamboanga del Sur Council during its court of
honor and closing program last Sept. 17 inside the BSP mini-jamboree
camp site located in Dao, Pagadian. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

Miss Zambosur 2010 winners

2010-09-19T15:55:00.001+09:00

Winners of the Search for Miss Zamboanga del Sur 2010 in their
posterity shot: Pagadian City bet Shery Jee Batican (mIddle), crowned
Miss ZamboSur 2010 with First Runner-up and Lapuyan candidate Junelyn
Montemayores (second from right) and Aileen Ruales of Kumalarang.
Flanking the beauties are Gov. Antonio Cerilles, Sen. Francis Joseph
"Chiz" Escudero and Mayor Samuel Co of Pagadian. Escudero was the
guest speaker during the coronation night of the search, Sept. 16,
that highlight this year's 58th founding anniversary of Zamboanga del
Sur. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

Opening of the Fish Section

2010-09-17T17:50:00.001+09:00

Mayor Samuel Co (center) inspects the fish section to check if the
price of fish sold to the consuming public is cheaper following the
opening of Fresh Fish Section inside the Agora in Brgy. Sta. Lucia
recently. With Co are Councilors Arnold Gavenia, Carlos Madarang and
Fish Vendor Association President Sangcadra Dimasar. (PHOTO CREDITS:
JONG CADION)

Manzur on NERBAC

2010-09-17T17:44:00.001+09:00

DTI-9 Regional Director Nazrullah Manzur said the creation of the
National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) at
the DTI-ZDS Provincial Office, in Capitol Site, prevents the so-called
red tape and is considered as one of the solutions of corruption in
government agencies. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

Mayor Samuel during the Fish Section opening

2010-09-17T17:27:00.001+09:00

Agora's Fish Section opened

2010-09-17T17:25:00.001+09:00

Mayor Samuel Co (center) led the opening ceremony of Agora's Fish
Section last Friday with Councilors Arnold Gavenia and Carlos Madarang
III accompanied by Fish Retailers Association President Sangkadra
Dimasar and several members of the local media. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG
CADION)

Eid Mubārak

2010-09-11T14:56:00.001+09:00

Prayerful Muslims in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur perform the
congregational prayer or Mass Sambayan for the Hari Raya Puasa Ed'l
Fitr Al-Mubahrak, the festival of the purification after completing
the Fasting Month of Ramadan. The activity held at the MA'HAD compound
in Brgy. Dalapang also involved a Food Festival. Muslims are commanded
by God in the Qur'an to complete their fast on the last day of Ramadan
and then recite God's praises all throughout the period of Eid. (PHOTO
CREDITS: JONG CADION)

Miss Zamboanga del Sur 2010 candidates

2010-09-07T11:08:00.055+09:00

AURORA

DIMATALING

DINAS

BAYOG

DUMALINAO

DUMINGAG

GUIPOS

JOSEFINA

KUMALARANG

LABANGAN

LAKEWOOD

LAPUYAN

MAHAYAG

MARGOSATUBIG


MOLAVE

MIDSALIP

PAGADIAN

RAMON MAGSAYSAY

SAN MIGUEL

SAN PABLO

SOMINOT

TABINA

PITOGO

TAMBULIG

TUKURAN

VINCENZO SAGUN

NEW LN2 PLANT

2010-09-07T10:57:00.001+09:00

Mayor Samuel Co and Department of Agriculture-9 chief of Operations
Edgardo Tabal during the ribbon cutting and opening of the Liquid
Nitrogen plant in Brgy. Danlugan. (PHOTO CREDITS: REMAI ALEJADO)

New Liquid Nitrogen Plant in Danlugan

2010-09-06T09:57:00.001+09:00

Mayor Samuel Co inspects the new Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) machine during
the launching and blessing recently at the Pagadian City Processing
Complex in Brgy. Danlugan, this city. The LN2 plant is the seventh in
the country and the third in Mindanao. Co said this new equipment will
augment the livelihood of the livestock farmers through the
sustainable implementation of artificial insemination using the LN2
for animal semen preservation. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

AGORA FISH SECTION, ARCHIE D AND SAMMY CO

2010-09-03T10:40:00.001+09:00

Say "Ahhh"

2010-09-03T10:37:00.001+09:00

A Tabak dentist attends to his patient during the Radio Mindanao
Network (RMN) medical mission last Saturday, Aug. 28 at the City
Gymnasium. Aside from First Infantry "Tabak" Division, the whole day
activity was also participated by different private organizations and
government agencies. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

ALL RICE

2010-08-19T18:22:00.001+09:00

Rice shipments from Cebu arrived in Pagadian City yesterday and
unloaded 35,000 bags of imported rice. This is part of the 354,000
bags intended for the NFA warehouse and Zamboanga del Sur's
allocation.

(PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

New ZSMS President takes oath

2010-08-16T10:43:00.001+09:00

Dr. Reynaldo Ortiz takes his oath as the newly-elected president of
the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Society (ZSMS) during their Golden
Anniversary Celebration and Induction of Officers. Philippine Medical
Association (PMA) President Dr. Oscar Tinio, assisted by PMA Governor
for Western Mindanao Dr. Aurito Ampong, conducted the oath-taking
rites conducted in Hotel Guillermo last Aug. 12. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG
CADION)

C3 BIDDING

2010-08-12T14:46:00.001+09:00

Mayor Samuel Co (center), assisted by former city councilor and now
newly designated C3 operations manager Engr. Noli Garcia (left),
checks on several submitted documents during the first bidding
intended for the former occupants of the of the old shopping center to
occupy stalls inside the C3. The P500-million mall built by the city
is a 5-storey building which will have its soft opening this December.
(PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

BEATING THE TAIL

2010-08-12T14:37:00.001+09:00

Pagadian City residents flock to the City Comelec office to register
for the upcoming barangay and SK elections in October. The Comelec has
announced the deadline for regular registration will be today, August
13 while this the SK will end this Sunday, August 15. (PHOTO CREDITS:
JONG CADION)

HAY BUGAS!

2010-08-12T14:28:00.001+09:00

Members of the Pagadian City Police Station headed by C/Insp. Michael
Palermo wee all smiles when they received their monthly rice allotment
from Mayor Samuel Co the other day. (PHOTO CREDITS: JONG CADION)

NEW PNP HEAD FOR ZAMBOSUR

2010-08-12T14:25:00.001+09:00

FORMER Jolo PNP Provincial Commander S/Supt. Elmer Veran Escosia now
sits as acting police head of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial
Office (ZSPPO) replacing P/Supt. Jose Bayani Gucela. PNP Chief,
Director General Jesus Verzosa has designated Gucela as OIC provincial
director of ZSPPO last July following the re-assignment of S/Supt.
Ramon Ochotorena who already finished his tour of duty in the province
and is now stationed in Zamboanga City as PNP-9 Chief of Staff. (PHOTO
CREDITS: JONG CADION)

Rice harvester

2010-08-11T18:45:00.002+09:00

Farmers in Labangan test the combined rice harvester and thresher provided by the Department of Agriculture. (PHOTO CREDITS: REMAI ALEJADO, DA-9)

Irish leader hosts big reception for Sinnott

2009-12-27T20:13:00.001+09:00

FATHER Michael "Mick" Sinnott celebrated his 80th birthday last Dec.
17 in his hometown in Ireland, a day after Irish President Mary
McAleese held a reception in his honor at the Irish leader's residence
in Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin, Fr. Seán Coyle, editor of Misyon
magazine, said in his blog.

Sinnott left for Ireland last Dec. 3, weeks after he was kidnapped by
still unidentified armed men in Pagadian City and released a month
following government negotiations.

Coyle wrote that McAleese has been close to the Columbans since
childhood when the Irish official "used to sell our magazine, Far
East."

During the reception, McAleese McAleese praised the "quiet and modest
work" of Irish religious missionaries and paid tribute to a member of
the Kiltegan Fathers who was robbed inside his home in Kenya and
brutally murdered last Dec. 11.

The Columban Fathers and the Kiltegan Fathers were both founded in
Ireland and are societies of secular priests - not religious.

McAleese said some of the stories of 2009 had brought triumph in the
face of adversity and Sinnott's was a glowing example of that, adding
the story of the priest's captivity "started out very badly; It did
not start out a good story."

"It was a very bad story, the kidnapping of a priest of almost 80 who
was not in the full of his health. It had the potential to be a real
tragedy, with at times it seemed, small chance of a happy ending," the
president said.

Yet, McAleese said, Sinnott had come home fresh and well and was with
his family in the Áras just days before the celebration of his 80th
birthday. "It really is a privilege for this house to welcome a man of
such courage, faith and grace under fire," she remarked.

The President explained it was ironic that Sinnott's kidnapping
provided a chance to learn about the work which Irish priests "do so
quietly and modestly" and that "wonderful work which brings huge
benefit to the people [they] help and [it] also brings rightly high
regard for the Columbans."

"But it also brings, importantly, very high regard for Ireland. You
are the hands of very important work and you are the heart of that
work," she added, recognizing likewise Ireland's Ambassador, Dick
O'Brien and everyone from the Irish, European and Philippine
governments "who had worked so hard to secure Fr Sinnott's release."

McAleese then wished Sinnott "the happiest of birthdays" while Coyle
wrote a message to his fellow priest: "I thank him for his example,
his integrity, his prayerfulness and his total dedication as a priest.
I see in him a man who is truly 'configured to Christ'."

"He is a light in these dark times for the Church in Ireland," the priest added.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Health, peaceful polls top media wish for 2010

2009-12-26T13:55:00.001+09:00

THE year 2009 has brought drama and achievement in the lives of
journalists too. This is the year when media personalities—for their
part—cement their evolution and unity as they are becoming prominent,
making themselves part of the news they impart.

But accustomed to such good (or bad) moments or not, several of them
contend 2009 was such an awful year, with all the problems besetting
the industry as well as their personal lives.

Apparently, the ones who replied to this paper's text survey all
together agree, given their answers and their tone for this year's
wishes was probably to set a new mood for 2010 when they see a new
bailout.

And while it seems to go beyond their desperation and awareness of
their immense role as a committed partner in the community, their
retrospection of next year's general elections is first on their list
of wishes.

Appreciating what the automated election has brought in terms of
modernizing the country's electoral process, it is sad to know that
still several, if not, many of the provincial journalists has to find
time to learn the automated election system (AES).

"Peaceful polls," was RMN-DxDR Ramil Bangues' text message to this
paper when asked of his wish for 2010. Charnyl Albarracin of the
Pagadian Express seconded.

"Peaceful, orderly elections," was DxOC-AM reporter Reynaldo Rosal's
absolute reply.

"Peaceful, clean elections in May," Ping Deliverio, editor of the
Sibugay Express, makes another inclusive answer.

"Maturity among politicians to stop killing media people," Vic del
Pilar of Mindanao Balita Local and Frontline Mindanao Online
recommended the most suitable setting.

"Good health and no more media attack," said Neptalie Batolenio of
Malindang Herald, leading the pack of mediamen who wanted to grasp
favorable vigor and wellbeing.

"More blessings, good health and success," replied Jong Cadion of
Mindanao Balita Local and Frontline Mindanao Online.

"Maintain a happy family," also said Marive Jongco of DxBZ-Radyo
Bagting, waxing her maternal instincts.

"Financial stability and salary increase," this one from Lea Agonoy of
Ummah Fi Salam while Divina Suson of RMN-DxIC wished for a car and
another raise in her salary.

For Elmer Maghanoy of RMN-DxPR, he wants "continued blessings and
guidance in relaying the truth and God's protection in times of
trouble."

John Mark Cocos of DxWO-FM may sound funny when he wished for a
"sports car and to become the president of ABS-CBN," but he later set
it right with the words "Good relations with other mediamen."

Reflecting on what worked in 2009, what didn't, what media loved and
hated and what they could have done better, Wendell Talibong of CBCP
News and DxDD-AM told this paper: "Daghang patay ug katalagman.
Naghari ang mga tikasan sa gobyerno ug midaghan ang nag-antos sa
kalisod."

Agonoy butted in, "Maguindanao massacre, a president who is not
willing to retire, typhoons, volcano eruption, climate change, MILF
and global financial crisis.'

"Worst year, full of disasters and tribulations—a sign that Jesus is
coming," quips Mark Laride of DA-RAFID.

For Ryan Rosauro of Philippine Daily Inquirer, it is because of the
upcoming political exercise in May that the social atmosphere is ripe
for intrigues, mudslinging and double talk.

"The year 2008 is better than 2009 as the latter is marred by bloody
events and calamities. People wanted better life in 2008 after the
elections but their hopes dimmed when politicians reneged on their
promises," said Ellen Ajijul of MIT-RTVN.

"These trials and challenges will be an eye opener to the people and
will reflect in their decision come 2010," explains Cadion.

Albarracin, on the other hand, observed that there was little
upliftment of economic stability in the country from the recession and
only boxer Manny Pacquiao only got richer and more famous.

"The year was full of hardships and success. Nevertheless, its time
nga magpasalamat kita sa kahitas-an sa mga kaayuhan nga gihatag ug
sugaton nato ang bag-ong tuig nga puno sa paglaum," ended Maghanoy.

Well said, the next step now is to see media's goals and wishes come
in the upcoming year. Inevitably, the future is moving in that
direction.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Roy leads LP’s reform-oriented bets

2009-12-25T17:32:00.001+09:00

THE ranks of the Liberal Party (LP) in Zamboanga del Sur may be few
but it sure is composed of reform-oriented local officials and
candidates led by incumbent Vice Gov. Roseller "Roy" Ariosa.

Ariosa, former ally of Gov. Aurora Cerilles in Lakas-Kampi, is running
against the governor's husband, 2nd District Rep. Tony Cerilles, for
the governorship.

Ariosa ties up with another of Cerilles' former protégé, Lakewood
mayor Domingo "Doming" Ariosa.

"We are ready to face and present to the people our platform together
with my line-up," Ariosa told this paper over the weekend.

He adds LP's platform is to have a "change in the system through the
implementations of new programs and good services to the people
without any political color."

Running against the governor in her bid for the representation in the
second district is lawyer Romeo "Boyet" Vera Cruz, vice chairman of
the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

Broadcaster Dinah Marasigan, Cesar "Diolo" Dacal, Mario Fermindoza,
Hope Florendo of Labangan and former NBI agent and lawyer Glen Peralta
compose LP's lineup for the first district provincial board.

Lawyer Tersindo "Dodong" Poloyapoy is running against the governor for
congressman in the second district along with colleagues Emiliano
Deliverio, Andres "Andy" Nacilla, Dr. Lucas Leonardo Jr. of Guipos,
former Tabina mayor Romulo Vic Lomo and former Bayog mayor Emercindo
Fullo as guest candidate for the second district.

"We did not put-up candidate for mayor in Pagadian City except for
lawyer Tata Quicoy and mediaman Anacleto "Boy" Deliverio because we
believe in the leadership of Mayor Sammy Co, his programs and
development for the city," Ariosa justified.

However, the vice governor said that in the municipal level for the
first district, the LP has filled up candidates from Mayor down to the
municipal councilor except in Ramon Magsaysay.

For the second district, they only filled five towns with complete
line-up: San Pablo, Dinas, Tigbao, Tabina and Lakewood while in
Dumalinao, the LP fielded one candidate for vice mayor along with
candidates for the Sangguniang Bayan. The rest of the municipalities
have guest candidates.

"I hope that the people will vote wisely and choose right the person
they believe can give real public service. With the election
automation, I believe that cheaters will have no chances to do their
schemes," Ariosa said.

REPORT BY JONG CADION

RP rebels eye deadlock with government

2009-12-25T12:25:00.001+09:00

OZAMIZ CITY—Maoist rebels in the country has vowed to achieve a stage
of "strategic stalemate" between its strength and government's within
the next five years as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)
observes on Saturday its 41st year of founding as a revolutionary
organization.

In its traditional anniversary statement, the CPP's Central Committee
said that if this goal is carried out successfully, "we can look
forward to still greater revolutionary possibilities within the next
ten years…"

The CPP's pronouncement mocks the 2010 deadline set by President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to reduce into insignificance the communist
insurgency in the country.

A yearend statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has placed
the current number of New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels on a decline.

"The CPP/NPA's strength in January 2002 was pegged to be around
12,000. Today, their strength is down to 7,100; a reduction of about
5,000," the statement reads.

"With the sustained operational gains and momentum against the
communist terrorists, the AFP is optimistic of the CPP/NPA's eventual
defeat as their political and military influence continues to
dwindle," the statement continued.

But the NPA counters the Arroyo administration "has utterly failed to
realize its pipe dream of destroying or reducing the armed
revolutionary movement of the people to inconsequentiality."

The rebel group also crowed about its ability to prevail over 14 years
of Ferdinand Marcos' strongman rule "and all the succeeding regimes
that have pretended to be liberal democratic…"

The CPP said its "revolutionary optimism" is based on the lingering
crisis affecting "the world capitalist system," referring to the
global economic depression, and its corresponding burden imposed on
"the domestic ruling system."

The CPP also claimed it has "the sufficient strength and critical mass
to carry out the tasks and plans for advancing from the strategic
defensive to the strategic stalemate (of) the people's war within the
next five years."

The CPP leadership emphasized the need to increase its number of NPA
units and guerrilla fronts "from around 120 to 180 in order to cover
the rural congressional districts and gain the ability to deploy armed
city partisan units in the urban congressional districts."

To achieve this, it said the rebel group "must intensify the
recruitment and the politico-military training of the Red fighters" as
well as "intensify our tactical offensives…"

"The weapons for arming new units of the NPA at the levels of the
district, province and region must be obtained mainly from the enemy
through ambuscades, raids and other operations," the CPP anniversary
statement read.

The local communist leadership also pointed out the key role of land
reform campaigns "to win the steadfast support of the poor peasants,
farm workers and lower middle peasants" and so provide it foothold
into the rural communities.

Organized in 1968, the CPP has been waging four-decade warfare against
the government to impose its socialist-oriented economic ideology and
has since engaged in an on-and-off negotiation for a political
settlement.

REPORT BY RYAN ROSAURO, PECOJON

NUJP-Misoc condemns slay attempt on fellow broadcaster

2009-12-25T00:28:00.001+09:00

OZAMIZ CITY--The city chapter of the National Union of Journalists of
the Philippines (NUJP) condemned another slay attempt on one of its
colleague whose house was lobbed with a grenade last Sunday evening.

Reports from NUJP-Misamis Occidental identified the media man as
Danilo Pilar, a hard-hitting radio commentator and presenter of
"Analysis," a weekly current affairs program airing on a local
television.

Pilar was said to be active in denouncing shenanigans from political
celebrities and public offices in the province.

Ronda Balita, a nightly broadcast airing in Ozamiz City, showed this
paper its interview with Pilar a day after the incident where he
narrated that he was at the back of his house when two unidentified
persons lobbed a grenade in their front terrace around 7:00 in the
evening of Dec. 20.

The blast tore through his house located in Barangay Tabo-o damaging
the window jealousies.

The shrapnels likewise injured Pilar's father in law, identified as
Rodolfo Dulam, who was then immediately brought to Medina General
Hospital in Ozamiz.

Pilar said he could not recall anybody having a grudge against him
since he has been on break from his weekly television program for
almost a year although he admitted later that he has returned for two
weeks already.

He believes the attack is politically motivated and is related to his
work as a presenter in his weekly television program.

This paper learned that Pilar was doing research on a certain public
officials and that the said person may have been tipped off about
Pilar's inquiries.

In a statement emailed to this paper, NUJP-Misamis Occidental
president Ryan Rosauro condemned the attack and expressed the
chapter's view on the attack.

"Ang NUJP hilabihang naalarma ug naguol sa pagpangatake kang Danny
Pilar pinaagi sa usa ka granada nga gilabay sa iyang panimalay…Bisan
paman nga ang usa ka halalom nga imbestigasyon ang kamulo'ng
gipahigayon kalabot niini, among gipasalamatan ang PNP sa Misamis
Occidental, sa paspas nga pagresponde sa panghitabo. Hinaut nga
masustenir kining paningkamot sa pagsulbad sa kaso aron makaangkon og
hingpit nga hustisya si Danny Pilar," the statement reads.

"Dili madiskwento ang posibilidad nga ang pagpangatake adunay
kalambigitan sa pulitika ug ang trabaho ni Danny isip tigbalita.
Nahitabo kini human maplastar ang kandidatura sa mga pulitiko alang sa
nagkadaiyang posisyon. Gani, matud ni Danny, kung adunay nag-interes
sa iyang kinabuhi tungod sa lain pang rason, kaniadto ra siya hamyang
kaayo sa pagpangatake."

"Tungod niini, among gihangyo nga unta malinawon nga pamaagi ang
ipatuman sa mga pulitiko subay sa ilang personal nga interes nga
maagni ang katawhan sa pagdapig sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka kandidatura."

To recall, a few weeks ago, Ozamiz journalists expressed they were
incensed over the killing of their colleagues in Maguindanao and
called for the need to initiate a treaty among politicians as a
promise not to repeat the gruesome incident.

"Atong panawagan ngadto sa mga politiko: di magdayon ang panagbingkil.
Mahimo nga ang manag-away karon managsuud sa sunod ug vice versa.
Hunongon na nato kini nga cycle of violence nga maoy nagpatigbabaw
dinhi sa ato," they said then.

"After all, sa mga politiko, ang pagpapili para man mangalagad, dili
ang mohawod sa katilingban. Himuon nato nga matarong. Ang pagpatay s
mga kaaway sa politika pagpangalagad lamang sa atong kaugalingon ug sa
atong katuyuan."

The NUJP has been urging politicians in the province to assure the
public not to use violence in pursuit of their political interest,
especially with the 2010 general elections just around the corner.

"Among giawhag ang mga pulitiko nga mosaad atubangan sa katawhan nga
magdumili sa dugoon nga mga paagi aron mapalawig ang kinaugalingong
pulitikanhong interes," the journalists said.

"Ang pagpapili sa pulitikanhong posisyon usa sa mga hulagway sa
pagtunhay sa demokrasya. Kaubang hulagway niini ang kagawasan sa
pagpadayag," they concluded.

As of press time, the PNP has yet to submit to the journalist's group
their findings on the slay attempt on Pilar.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

ZPPO conducts 12th leg of ‘makeover caravan’

2009-12-24T23:53:00.001+09:00

THE Zamboanga Del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) recently
conducted the 12th Leg Transformation Caravan participated by staff
officers, respective police chiefs in the province and their
personnel, members of the Pagadian City Hikers Joggers Association
Inc., and the PNP Retirees Association of Zambosur.

Police Provincial Director S/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena presently heads the ZPPO.

The 12th Leg of the PNP Transformation Caravan is hosted by PNP Region
9 after which will pass on to PNP Region 10 with the "Transformation
Torch."

This torch symbolizes the changes undertaken by the present PNP
administration in an effort to transform the organization into a
capable, effective and credible law enforcer, Ochotorena said.

"The torch of the PNP symbolizes the continuity of the PNP
transformation Program which aims to resolve organizational
dysfunctions and improve the quality of police services; to strengthen
law enforcement capabilities; and to enhance the welfare and benefits
of our personnel and dependents," a ZPPO press statement emailed to
this paper said.

"Likewise, it also promotes the culture of reform in the PNP personnel
and stakeholders through advocacy programs and development updates of
the Integrated Transformation Program (ITP)," the press statement
continued.

The caravan started with the torch run at the Balintawak junction
going to the city proper and culminated inside Camp Abelon, followed
by an integrated transformation briefing at the ZPPO conference room.

There, Ochotorena turned over the transformation torch to all chiefs
of police, represented by P/Supt. Ranulfo Sinajon of PNP Molave.

The PNP Transformation Torch run covers 17 regions around the country
and 20 National Support Units and was conceptualized by Police Chief
Jesus Verzosa, who said that he will make effective leadership "a way
of living in the PNP."

The PNP aims that by 2015, it will no longer have reasons for not
making any part of this country a more peaceful, orderly, and safe
place to work, invest, and do business.

Cerilles leads Pasko Nato ’09 opening

2009-12-24T23:32:00.001+09:00

GOVERNOR Aurora Cerilles led the formal opening of the Pasko Nato 2009
last Dec. 16 at the Agri- Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) in Brgy.
Dao amid a big crowd of eager spectators who wanted to take a glimpse
of the blinking fairy lights of the Giant Christmas tree located
within the area.

The Pasko Nato '09 is the third ZamboSur Christmas Festival initiated
by the Provincial Government.

As usual, the lighting of the Giant Christmas Tree coincided with the
AHC Kids Caroling Contest and the first judging of the AHC LGU
Christmas Bazaar Contest that evening.

Cerilles, who is in her last term as the province's chief executive,
said she was happy with the fortitude shown by Zambosurians and
expressed her gratitude to the people for all the support she got.

"Your love, respect and cooperation have been my strength to pursue
big dreams and work even harder for the good of us all," Cerilles told
the crowd.

The governor added that despite the struggles she confronted during
her three terms, these were all conquered and she prevailed because
"we all worked together with one vision and one purpose."

She then congratulated all the Capitol employees, even calling them as
her "extended family who gave their best at the frontlines of
service."

The governor then reiterated her advocacy against illegal drugs and
mentioned her strong condemnation of the Nov. 23 massacre in Ampatuan,
Maguindanao, which killed 57 people including some 30 journalists.

"Let us therefore renew our commitment to work together in restoring
the dignity and peace in Mindanao, making it a land of fulfilled
dreams," she urged.

The opening and lighting activity at the AHC ended with a grand
fireworks display.

Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Anthony Padayhag said everybody
is welcome to visit the Provincial Government Center's nightly
activities of Pasko Nato '09.

Most of these activities are in collaboration with the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts under the Dance Season program of
the Provincial Tourism Office, he added.

REPORT BY PROVINCIAL PRESS BUREAU

RM, Sominot, Midsalip ink pact on mojon project

2009-12-24T23:14:00.001+09:00

THREE municipalities from the first district of Zamboanga del Sur
recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in support of the advocacy of
protecting and conserving geodetic control points or mojons.

The latest press release by the Provincial Press Bureau identified the
towns of Ramon Magsaysay, Sominot and Midsalip that will be installed
with mojons by DENR and the National Mapping and Resource Information
Authority (NAMRIA).

The said project is under the Adopt a Mojon Program of the PRS 92
which will provide a standard survey and mapping reference coordinate
system that will be used by agencies in all their developmental
programs.

The DENR has said that mojons will serve as reference points of
geodetic engineers in the conduct of all kinds of surveys in the
municipality.

These mojons, added the environment office, will form part of the
national network of geodetic control points used as reference in all
kinds of survey activities of all agencies.

Through these mojons, land titling will be easily facilitated
including the transfers of land titles; land or property boundary gaps
and overlaps; improve land administration and tenure system and
improve surveying and mapping capabilities.

The MOA signing between the DENA and the respective LGUs were done
between Mayors Pacifico Bulahan Jr. of Ramon Magsaysay, Teodoro Acosta
of Sominot, Leonida Angcap of Midsalip and DENR regional executive
director Maximo Dichoso.

Governor Aurora Cerilles, represented by Provincial Administrator
Pepito Degamo in the MOA signing activity, expressed her support and
said that she anticipates commendable outcomes in promoting a unified
reference system through the LGU's commitment.

It was learned also that with the reference points in place, geodetic
engineers will find it easy to locate the said mojons and thus the
cost of surveys will be made cheaper for land claimants.

NUJP-Misoc Statement on "Analysis" broadcaster Danny Pilar: Ang pagpapili ug ang kagawasan sa pagpadayag parehong hulagway sa pagtunhay sa demokrasya

2009-12-22T15:14:00.001+09:00

Disyembre 22, 2009

Ang NUJP hilabihang naalarma ug naguol sa pagpangatake kang Danny
Pilar pinaagi sa usa ka granada nga gilabay sa iyang panimalay didto
sa Taboo, Jimenez niadtong adlaw'ng Dominggo, Disyembre 20, 2009. Si
Danny kabahin sa komunidad sa mga tigbalita sa Misamis Occidental.

Bisan paman nga ang usa ka halalom nga imbestigasyon ang kamulo'ng
gipahigayon kalabot niini, among gipasalamatan ang Philippine National
Police (PNP), ilalom sa liderato ni Supt. Leonilo Cabug, provincial
director sa Misamis Occidental, sa paspas nga pagresponde sa
panghitabo. Hinaut nga masustenir kining paningkamot sa pagsulbad sa
kaso aron makaangkon og hingpit nga hustisya si Danny Pilar.

Dili madiskwento ang posibilidad nga ang pagpangatake adunay
kalambigitan sa pulitika ug ang trabaho ni Danny isip tigbalita.
Nahitabo kini human maplastar ang kandidatura sa mga pulitiko alang sa
nagkadaiyang posisyon. Gani, matud ni Danny, kung adunay nag-interes
sa iyang kinabuhi tungod sa lain pang rason, kaniadto ra siya hamyang
kaayo sa pagpangatake.

Tungod niini, among gihangyo nga unta malinawon nga pamaagi ang
ipatuman sa mga pulitiko subay sa ilang personal nga interes nga
maagni ang katawhan sa pagdapig sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka kandidatura.

Sa maong panghitabo, among giawhag ang mga pulitiko nga mosaad
atubangan sa katawhan nga magdumili sa dugoon nga mga paagi aron
mapalawig ang kinaugalingong pulitikanhong interes.

Ang pagpapili sa pulitikanhong posisyon usa sa mga hulagway sa
pagtunhay sa demokrasya. Kaubang hulagway niini ang kagawasan sa
pagpadayag.

RYAN D. ROSAURO
Chair,
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (NUJP)
Misamis Occidental Chapter

Guns, groans and goad

2009-12-16T13:35:00.001+09:00

<div style="text-align: justify;">The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has described the Philippines as the world's "most murderous" country for reporters. But this does not cite a position that any media member under threat may own and carry a gun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Journalists allowed to carry guns for self-defense in the wake of a growing number of murders of reporters and editors in the country does not in any way score, decrease, cut down or diminish the aggression against members of the fourth estate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) could only tell its press members that there are provisions for safety and assistance to media workers under threat but carrying a firearm is practically not one.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The International News Safety Institute (INSI) explains it well. Journalists increasingly are being targeted in conflict largely because they have lost, in the eyes of certain elements, their status as neutral observers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A journalist with a gun may have removed himself from this premise, as he unbuckles his cellular phone and exchanges it for a holster with .45-caliber pistol and some bullet clips. This clearly breaks the entrenched taboo against journalists carrying—and using—guns. Such a move is not beneficial to the press—or the threatened journalist—it will only place their lives and their peers further in danger.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">True, we journalists have to protect ourselves because the government does not protect us anymore and so the need for guns protruding in our shirts. But wait, this will only open the floodgates of never-ending cycle of attacks against us. Somehow, there are media people also who are slack, immature and reckless, and arming them might only bring harm or injury to their colleague seated next to them.</div>

2009-12-16T13:33:00.001+09:00

<div style="text-align: justify;">The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has described the Philippines as the world's "most murderous" country for reporters. But this does not cite a position that any media member under threat may own and carry a gun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Journalists allowed to carry guns for self-defense in the wake of a growing number of murders of reporters and editors in the country does not in any way score, decrease, cut down or diminish the aggression against members of the fourth estate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) could only tell its press members that there are provisions for safety and assistance to media workers under threat but carrying a firearm is practically not one.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The International News Safety Institute (INSI) explains it well. Journalists increasingly are being targeted in conflict largely because they have lost, in the eyes of certain elements, their status as neutral observers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">A journalist with a gun may have removed himself from this premise, as he unbuckles his cellular phone and exchanges it for a holster with .45-caliber pistol and some bullet clips. This clearly breaks the entrenched taboo against journalists carrying—and using—guns. Such a move is not beneficial to the press—or the threatened journalist—it will only place their lives and their peers further in danger.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">True, we journalists have to protect ourselves because the government does not protect us anymore and so the need for guns protruding in our shirts. But wait, this will only open the floodgates of never-ending cycle of attacks against us. Somehow, there are media people also who are slack, immature and reckless, and arming them might only bring harm or injury to their colleague seated next to them.</div>

Market execs seize tampered weighing scales in Agora

2009-12-14T20:13:00.001+09:00

THE city market monitoring team headed by Enrique Alawi, market
superintendent, warned fraudulent vendors of sanctions should they
fail to stop using defective and unsealed weighing scales to sell
their consumable items.

Monday, Dec. 14, Alawi's team conducted their surprise random
inspection at the meat and rice sections inside the Agora and
confiscated a total of 16 tampered and unlicensed weighing scales.

Alawi informed this paper that the scales were called "tampered"
because of the falsified actual measuring read-out or purposeful
incorrect measurement as a result of a maneuver in the instrument by
the dishonest vendor.

The market official said this practice has caused several consumers to
lodge repeated complaints to their office, urging them to conduct
periodic inspections every now and then.

It was also learned that last Monday's surprise inspection was the
second conducted by Alawi and his group, just a week after they
confiscated 20 tampered weighing scales at the fresh fish section.

Alawi explains tampered scales can be easily detectable by their
office because of the use of a calibrated weight tester.

He said he was surprised that after conducting such method, he found
that most of the weighing scales tipped to about one gram to
one-fourth heavier than the normal.

Alawi laments that aside from scolding the vendors, they can only slap
erring vendors P50 for the calibration fee and another P200 as penalty
for violating RA 7394, known as the Consumers Act of the Philippines.

In a separate conversation with Joseph Sapong, assistant market
superintendent, he said that some crooked market vendors were making a
heyday with such malpractice after the Timbangan ng Bayan was
destroyed by fire last year.

Last September, acting on the complaints of consumers, the inspection
team of the City Treasurer's Office conducted their own surprise
inspection on weighing scales used by vendors inside the city market
and confiscated about 30.

Alawi said that because of repeated gripes from consumers victimized
by this rampant modus operandi of market vendors, he will ask the city
government to again install the Timbangan ng Bayan.

REPORT BY JONG CADION

Statement on Ampatuan's ill gotten wealth, election fraud

2009-12-11T16:21:00.001+09:00

In recent days, military raids in Maguindanao have revealed much more
than high-caliber firearms; the raids have made public 16 homes in
Davao City and 14 mansions in Maguindanao, all belonging to the
Ampatuans.

While the Ampatuans wallow in splendor and grandeur, their
constituents suffer the hardship of squalor and poverty that is
prevalent in the third poorest province in the country.

The question is, where did all this wealth come from? Gov. Andal
Ampatuan's Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SALN) for 2002 shows
only a net worth of P11 million. As public servants, Gov. Ampatuan and
the rest of his family must answer to the people for amassing a
suspicious amount of wealth while in power.

More importantly, the discovery of thousands of voter's identification
cards and other election materials in the home of Shariff Aguak Mayor
Anwar Ampatuan is a tell-tale sign of the source of their wealth, and
is further evidence of the long-standing rumors that the powerful
Ampatuan clan was involved in rigging the 2004 and 2007 elections.

It is no secret that the Ampatuans count themselves as the staunch
allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and that the province
where the Ampatuans have wielded their iron grip for more than a
decade is a known bulwark of the administration. The tragedy in
Maguindanao has now shed light into the ghost of electoral fraud that
has continued to haunt GMA's presidency.

We have had enough. We call on the Office of the Ombudsman and the
Department of Justice to conduct an immediate and impartial
investigation into the apparent ill-gotten wealth that is a stark
example of the corruption that has eroded our democracy, and the
fruits of this administration's efforts to deceive our people of its
legitimacy.

ATTY. EDWIN LACIERDA
Spokesperson (0917-6293416)
Presidential Campaign of Benigno S. Aquino III

Slowly digging one’s own grave

2009-12-11T10:20:00.001+09:00

THE ones responsible for the Maguindanao massacre should be arrested and castigated to the highest terms. Theirs deeds are too barbaric to contemplate, with no human sense and very hideous in the eyes of a civilized nation.

Imagine the new statistics of journalists killed in the Nov. 23 massacre is now at 37 with one more missing and unaccounted. All over the world, the Philippines stand embarrassed with this unfolding within our very eyes—the scattered bodies of innocent civilians, lawyers and journalists—some of whom were tortured, raped before being killed and a handful were buried alive.

We admit that many members of the fourth estate are affected by the deaths of our colleagues. We are not acting pretentious this time nor make exaggeration of this issue. Such deaths deserve our anger and indignation. It deserves our united call for justice.

Since we, as pillars of information, only work for the good of the public, we strive to give professional service for the community's collective interest in knowing what is happening around the world, in our country and our respective neighborhoods. No more, no less, not even politics.

Like our counterparts in other parts of the planet, we express their collective outcry to demand justice for the 31 journalists and media workers killed in Maguindanao. To this administration, let us once and for all stop this culture of impunity in our country, which is contributing to the string of deaths of media practitioners.

We send this statement of protest to President Gloria Arroyo for her to see the persistent episodes of this social malady. It doesn't need to have more than 100 journalists killed in their work desks or beats to rally support for our poor circumstances.

If the Philippines is one democratic country, why are there so many journalists being threatened and killed? We have been expressing this question and outrage for a long time already to no effect despite the fact that we who are left behind find it unpleasant that we too had to slowly dig our own graves. God forbid. God help us.

Pagadian, Ozamiz media light candles for fallen peers

2009-12-10T17:30:00.001+09:00

JOURNALISTS pledging memberships with the provincial chapters of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) recently held its candle-lighting tribute to the fallen journalists in Maguindanao.

NUJP chapter president Hirohito Cadion said the activity also called to mind the lives and advocacy of the five Pagadian journalists killed in the line of duty since the 1990's.

Cadion identified the five as publisher Billy Yu (1998), Olympio Jalapit (1999), Edgar Damalerio (2001), Edgar Amoro (2005) and Rolly Cañete (2006).

The lighting of candles was done in front of the Jose Rizal Monument near Plaza Luz and joined by members of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace, students, churchgoers and some media members from Ozamiz City.

The activity form part of the week-long annual celebration of the Mindanao Week for Peace, which ran from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2.

Cadion, in a statement relayed to this paper, said the condemnation and the protest of Pagadian journalists will not end up with the burial of the 30 working journalists slain in Maguindanao but will continue until justice will be served.

It can be recalled that of the five media practitioners killed in the Pagadian City, only the case of Edgar Damalerio earned justice with the arrest and prosecution of the supposed suspect.

Meanwhile, Ozamiz journalists were also indignant over the killing of their colleagues in Maguindanao and called for the need to initiate a treaty among politicians as a promise not to repeat the gruesome incident.

Led by NUJP chapter president Ryan Rosauro of Philippine Daily Inquirer and Jovencio Godoy Jr. of the national directorate, the journalists gathered for a 30-minute prayer vigil outside the city metropolitan cathedral and voiced out their call.

"Let us try hard not to sacrifice innocent lives in the political process or action. With what was happening in Maguindanao, I think there should be distinction but we saw none," Godoy said.

"Atoang iampo nga maundang ni kay kung magpadayon ni, nagtoo ko nga wala nay mag-media pa nga mubarog ug modala sa tingog sa katawhan kay lungguan man sa ulo og dili mauyunan ang ilang baruganan," he added.

"Atong panawagan ngadto sa mga politiko: di magdayon ang panagbingkil. Mahimo nga ang manag-away karon managsuud sa sunod ug vice versa. Hunongon na nato kini nga cycle of violence nga maoy nagpatigbabaw dinhi sa ato," Godoy continued.

"After all, sa mga politiko, ang pagpapili para man mangalagad, dili ang mohawod sa katilingban. Himuon nato nga matarong. Ang pagpatay s mga kaaway sa politika pagpangalagad lamang sa atong kaugalingon ug sa atong katuyan.

The journalists then called on the community to exercise the same vigilance. "Tabangan ninyo kami kay kung mawala na ang mga mensahero nga nagdala sa inyong mga tingog, mahimo na nga walay bili ang atong pagpuyo niining kalibutan," they said.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Famed anti-gambling bishop dies of liver cancer

2009-12-10T17:28:00.001+09:00

A bishop based in Ozamiz City who once spoke his piece vocally against illegal gambling has died of cancer, reports the Malindang Herald website.

News of Monsignor Emie Bienes' death was announced, Dec. 7, by Ozamiz Clergy President Fr. Edgar Canama, who said the 63-year old prelate died in Cebu City last Dec. 4 due to complications of liver cancer.

Bienes is the vicar general of the Ozamiz archdiocese and formerly the parish priest of St. Michael Parish in the neighboring Tangub City.

January, this year, the bishop was suddenly rushed to the hospital after he complained of abdominal pains and blurred vision while in the middle of his homily.

A source from the Bishop's Palace said then that Bienes once confided he has diabetes which also affected his liver.

"The Catholics of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz have lost a kind and dedicated priest, a good friend and trusted member of the board of consultors," Canama followed up his brief announcement.

Born on Sept. 3, 1946, Bienes was ordained priest on April 21, 1976. In his early years as a seminarian, Bienes volunteered as one of the teaching staff of St. Mary's Theologate Seminary in Gango, Ozamiz City.

The late bishop once hogged headlines for his stand against the so-called Small Town Lottery (STL), stating that "gambling breeds laziness and dependence on luck rather than hard work for livelihood."

The archdiocese will offer a nine-day requiem mass for the vicar general in all parishes and has called on priests and religious to include in their intentions the eternal repose of his soul.

At present, the bishop's remains lie in state at the St. Michael Archangel Parish in Tangub and will be brought to his hometown in Tudela on Dec. 14, where a concelebrated funeral mass will be held.

He will be interred on the same day at the San Isidro Labrador Catholic Cemetery.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

ZPPI changes guards

2009-12-10T17:24:00.001+09:00

AS a matter of urgency and necessity, the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) met last Saturday, delivered all the reports and elected its new set of officers.

Charnyl Albarracin of Pagadian Express was elected president, replacing Elmer Maghanoy of RMN-DxPR who served his full term. Albarracin's executive vice president is ex-board member Maria Dinah Marasigan, also of DxPR.

The vice presidents who will sit in the respective media divisions are Leo Santillan (MIT-RTVN) for broadcast; Jong Cadion (Mindanao Balita Local-Frontline Mindanao Online) for print; and Michael Medina (Zamboanga Peninsula News) for online.

Provincial press officer Radem Gutang was re-elected secretary while Vanessa Cagas of Baganian Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) is the new treasurer and Zamsureco information officer Levi Cabatcha as auditor.

Tony Bayamban (Mindanao Biznews), freelance journalists Leah Agonoy and Lualhati Belen, and Vic del Pilar (Mindanao Balita Local-Frontline Mindanao Online) compose the members of the board, in addition to the three past presidents: Marive Jongco of BBC, Remai Alejado of DA-RAFID and Maghanoy.

In a huddle after the election, Maghanoy told this paper his wishes to the new officers as he exhorted other fellow members: "Unta suportahan nato sila aron mapakita nato nga nagkahiusa ta bisan pa man ug managlahi ang atong outfit nga gitrabahoan."

For Albarracin, Maghanoy has these words: "Normal man sa usa ka organization nga adunay mga miyembro nga dili nato ma-satisfy, kinahangalan nga dawaton nato sa dakong pagpahiubos."

"Usahay lisod lang kayo dawaton ang kamatuoran, pero bisan pa ug unsaon nimo, mangayo lang ta ug pasaylo nga wala nimo mahatag ang tahas isip usa ka leader," he added.

More wishes for ZPPI, this time from Marasigan: "Malaumon ko nga mamahimong usa ka malambuong organisasyon ang ZPPI ug mapadayon ang nasugdan na sa grupo."

Del Pilar butted in: "Charnyl is the timely guy to rule the club. With him, we hope a new image and new challenge will emerge."

For Julius Breva of Mindanao Chronicle and Agonoy, both recognized the fresh and unsullied personality of Albarracin, who, they said, will bring innovation to ZPPI.

"This is a welcome development and Charnyl has integrity to lead. Mas makaayo kini alang sa media in Zambosur. May we practice this sense of volunteerism and always think of development for the group and not for personal interest," they said.

Jong Cadion of NUJP-Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur Chapter also said that he is 100 percent supporting Albarracin's leadership. "Aduna siya'y aggressiveness ug isip batan-on pa, he will be idealistic but nevertheless I will support him."

In response, Albarracin said he will try his best to bring together the local media and run ZPPI for the good of all.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

MisOc gets a taste of 3-in-1

2009-12-10T17:20:00.001+09:00

The battle lines in the top political echelon in Misamis Occidental have been drawn and it's a toe-to-toe, three cornered fight among incumbents who are former allies and acquaintances.

Pitching in for the royal rumble for the congressional seat of the second district is incumbent Gov. Loreto Leo Ocampos, Ozamiz mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and Tangub mayor Jennifer Wee-Tan.

Also courting the votes of some 321,843 Misamisnons for their gubernatorial bid are Rep. Herminia Ramiro, Vice Gov. Francisco Paylaga Jr. and Ozamiz Vice Mayor Carlos Patricio Bernad.

Except for Ramiro and Parojinog who retained their loyalty with the ruling party, the other politicians mentioned in this report are once strong movers of Lakas-Kampi coalition.

Both Ocampos and Bernad are now pledging memberships with the Liberal Party (LP) while Paylaga opted to be a Nacionalista (NP) and Tan is in the Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC).

Cracks in the Lakas-Kampi in Misamis Occidental started to show when Paylaga jumped overboard last March after being recruited by Sen. Manny Villar, followed by Bernad who tied up with Sen. Noynoy Aquino's group last November and Tan crossing towards Danding Cojuangco's camp. Lately, Ocampos' took his turn to bolt out from the ruling party and into LP, joining the surprised Bernad.

Even with this unexpected change, records from the provincial Comelec office shows Lakas-Kampi still reigning with 14 bets, followed by NP with 12, PMP with 8, LP with 4, 6 independents and a lone NPC candidate.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Bernad surprised on Ocampos’ name in LP ticket

2009-11-26T16:52:00.001+09:00

PHILIPINE Politics really has a way of making even classmates and bosom buddies become strange bedfellows and for Vice Mayor Carlos Patricio Bernad, it may take a while before he gets used to shaking hands with his friend and former ally, Gov. Loreto Leo Ocampos.

Ocampos, who was formerly a staunch Arroyo supporter and the titular head of the provincial council of Lakas Kampi, recently bolted out of the administration party and joined Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s Liberal Party in his quest for the congressional post in next year’s polls.

Sworn in with Ocampos is mayoralty candidate and Ozamiz councilor Maria Constancia Lim.

“Ocampos may have gained the backing of Senator Aquino but not mine,” said Bernad, who is LP’s current provincial chair.

The vice mayor added that he was “surprised and disappointed” of Ocampos’ membership in LP, adding he was not consulted by it and was only informed last Wednesday that the governor has taken his oath as the province’s standard bearer for congressman in the second district.

Ocampos’ decision in defecting Lakas was said to be borne out of his displeasure on the selection process of the ruling party which rejected his demands that all “favored candidates” in his faction “must be included” in the 2010 elections under the ruling party.

Ocampos, in his earlier disclosure to the media, said that he pushed for Lim to be the mayoralty standard bearer for Lakas in accordance with party principles and guidelines but it was not granted. He also recommended several names as candidates for the two districts but again it was not approved.

It was also learned that the governor’s decision to bolt out of Lakas came four days after Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and his daughter, Nova Princess Echavez, received their respective certificates of nomination as Lakas’ official candidate for congressman and mayor.

“Nalipay na lang sad ko nga gipahibalo ko nila. Sa ato pa, wala na pangayoa ang akong recommendations ug diretso na lang gidawat didto,” Bernad told this paper, saying further that had he been given time to evaluate Ocampos’ request for affiliation with LP, he will give his negative views and a two thumbs down to the governor.

Saying likewise that it did not go into normal procedures, Bernad surmised that Ocampos was readily accepted because “he is the incumbent governor” and “the president of the governors’ league.”

To recall, Bernad has said that Ocampos “has a loyalty problem” with Lakas Kampi and he doesn’t want that the same will happen to the LP.

Although he said he will not question Ocampos’ entry to LP, Bernad asserts he has already committed his full support to both Parojinog and Echavez.

REPORT BY NEPTALIE BATOLENIO & MICHAEL MEDINA

NUJP-CDO statement on Maguindanao massacre

2009-11-26T16:17:00.001+09:00

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines

Cagayan de Oro Chapter

No words can describe our shock and grief over Monday’s massacre in Maguindanao. The carnage, committed by men against their fellowmen, is simply incomprehensible. The killings were, indeed, senseless and dastardly.

We mourn over the loss of journalists whose only fault—if that was ever a fault—was to go on field in hopes of finding a story to tell. Instead of telling a story, they became the story themselves. They were out to tell a story about a politician who dared to challenge another politician. They would never tell their story because beasts silenced them forever.

How can we say that the Philippines has the “freest press in Asia” when the massacre corroborated claims that our country is among the most dangerous places in the world for journalists today? The country now holds the record of having the most number of journalists killed in a single day.

The carnage and other senseless killings before raise too many questions about the kind of democracy we have. The Philippines is emerging as a classic case of a failed democracy. Sad to say, Philippine democracy is now on trial.

Strong physical evidence and clear motive have led into the identification of the brains and the group responsible for the slaughter. There is therefore no reason the dastards could not be arrested and brought to justice.

Enough with the government’s motherhood statements; we demand swift action and not a state of emergency in Maguindanao. We demand that the full force of the law fall upon the perpetrators and masterminds of Monday’s carnage without fear or favor. We call on the government to do its duty in enforcing our laws without any political consideration. We demand that the killers be arrested and tried. We want government to send a strong message that crime does not pay. We want it done not tomorrow but TODAY.

NUJP-Cagayan de Oro

25 November 2009

Statement on the death of 21 journalists in Maguindanao

2009-11-24T13:48:00.000+09:00

THE hostage-taking and killing of 21 media members in Maguindanao last Nov. 23 is a horrible illustration of a social order gone awry, an inhumane act and unequalled in recent history.

Those working journalists killed in the line of duty were only doing their job as correspondents, innocent of the political rivalry and were not even partakers of the culture of violence already happening in the territory.

We, who felt no safer even as we are away from the same danger, are also distressed and mourn the death of our colleagues who have become victims of this senseless violence and carnage.

We are also alarmed that media can now be a target of blatant assault of political enmities. The fact, that 21 of our colleagues are dead and others still missing highlights the state of political warlordism and their ugly grapple for power still being observed in some areas of the country.

We hope that government authorities will go after the persons responsible for the acts, charge and prosecute them for the crimes. May there be no more knee-jerk response but a permanent commitment by this regime to uphold our democratic ideals and protection of all working journalists.

The media, however passionate we are of our work in spreading news and information, is always neutral. We are public servants and even unfortunate volunteers who sometimes become victims of warring people of influence and power who espouse the culture of impunity, with no sense of responsibility and respect for human life.

MICHAEL MEDINA

Online editor

The Philippine Preview

Board of director, NUJP-Ozamiz City

Pioneer, Misamis Occidental News Bloggers atbp.(MONBA)

Freedom and Mick Sinnott

2009-11-12T16:54:00.000+09:00

THE news of Columban priest Michael Sinnot’s release from his abductors today shows the government putting the priest’s life and health a priority, having had demanded and worked out for his liberty in just one month.

Had Sinnott’s freedom been extended a day more and a wholesale collapse in the negotiation with the captors, we have nobody else to blame or villify. Remember that Sinnott’s case is different than Gabriel Canizares’, who was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf over a miscommunication in the demand for ransom.

It also appears that Sinnott’s kidnapping was being built into a case against the MILF, which had earlier offered to help rescue the priest in response to the request of Irish Ambassador Richard O’Brien. The government had been trying to undermine the MILF offer due to intelligence reports initially linking the MILF to the snatching. Added to that is the verbal slip of DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno who accused a MILF commander to be the one hiding the elderly priest.

Again, with Sinnott’s kidnapping, we can see also that the MILF Central Committee has no control over their forces, regulars or the rogue ones, who are only out to disrupt the peace talks with their bombing, kidnapping and ambush escapades.

Now, with the finger pointed at the MILF, they can always say that they were never at fault but their “rogue” elements, even when these “rogue” elements are in their controlled territory and listed as active members, of good standing in the MILF separatist army.

On the other side, the MILF have tried to show goodwill on their part by offering help and were successful indeed. Similarly, those in the military should do the same.

This being said, we wish those who worked round the clock for the release of Sinnott. Well done.

Tasking with greater force for Sinnott

2009-11-06T13:14:00.002+09:00

FATHER Michael Sinnot's kidnapping brings to fore a lot of lessons for everyone involved for his safe release, including those in the media and the watching public. Such an incident, however recurring it may seem in these parts of Mindanao, needs special attention.

And so is the Irish priest. Whoever is subjected to an evil act deserved to be helped in every way possible, this clear attitude now coming from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which was initially suspected of abducting the aged priest.

The MILF, which has offered to help track down Sinnott's kidnappers, should also welcome the government's request to conduct an internal probe to verify reports that the priest's kidnappers are from its ranks, if they are that sincere in supporting any action towards the solution to this crisis.

And as to the Crisis Management Committee (CMC), all its efforts to help in the rescue of the kidnapped priest must be exerted without endangering the life of the priest. Their objective must be for the harmless return of Sinnott through peaceful measures including negotiations.

As to the media, both the local and national journalists should strive to report with exactness and based on facts alone, rather than destroy an already aggressive image-building effort for Mindanao as a peaceful island. News items come and go but the indispensable factor is the truth and precision of the stories, especially when one is tempted to be careless and report the baseless and the controversial just to beat the deadline..

To the authorities, including the politicians, they should be cautious also not to mislead media with their enigmatic information, as if hiding the reality for a more selfish motive. There have been earlier kidnappings in the past and the media have always been reporting it for the benefit of everybody.

Sure, everyone has boundaries: the MILF, CMC, the police, military, church, politicians and the media. But what is important is that everybody seeks to fast track Sinnott's release and that news gets reported fairly and objectively not through a cheap propaganda mileage and an affront to the current efforts.

Many have said that Sinnott's abduction was unthinkable especially after having served in Mindanao for the past 40 years. We don't know for sure what came into his heartless captors but all we know is that Sinnott has made valuable service in animation and education to mission for Mindanao. Let us therefore repay it by praying for his safe, early return.

KFR groups in Mindanao getting bold

2009-10-13T16:26:00.001+09:00

THE recent abduction of Columban missionary Fr. Michael “Mick” Sinnot only shows the increased presence of kidnap for ransom (KFR) syndicates in Mindanao despite the government’s efforts in flushing out this dreaded minions of Satan.

With Fr. Mick’s location and health situation still unknown until this time, there is but little hope left that the elderly man of peace, who had a heart bypass operation a few years ago, will be returned without harm to his residence.

As has been pointed out by his fellow priests, the thought of Fr. Mick surviving a day in capture without his medicines should be able to nudge our government officials to act decisively and swiftly for Fr. Mick’s safe homecoming

Have we not grown tired of these crimes? Such hostage taking activities perpetrated by criminal groups are becoming intense and sophisticated. In the past, only foreign tourists and Chinese-Filipino nationals are being abducted. Now, priests are included.

And to think, a peaceful city like Pagadian has easily become a subject to such crime and attack. This is not reassuring. We may not be safe anymore. Imagine the fright, shock and horror among residents if just any simple body gets snatched in the middle of the day by a gang of radicals and gets advertised later for a ransom.

Imagine the threat of being kidnapped. Surely, the recent incident is one that needs to be addressed quickly by authorities. The public wouldn’t be able to hold our breath in fear that one KFR group is lurking in the next corner, ready to make off with any defenseless resident. There has to be a way in stopping this.

EDITORIAL

City Jail to mark 14th NACOCOW

2009-10-13T14:30:00.001+09:00

THE Pagadian City Reformatory Center (PCRC) in Brgy. Lenienza is at present busy preparing for the annual celebration of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) called the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW).

This year’s week-long celebration is the 14th, said PCRC Jail Warden J/Supt. Mamerto Baroro, carrying the theme, “Be a Light to others…Instrument of Healing and Reconciliation.”

Baroro, who is also the Provincial Jail Administrator, disclosed that during NACOCOW, inmates will find time to fellowship with each other as well as exercise their agility in sports with their scheduled intramurals.

“It’s a boost to theirs, and at the same time, to our moral as we play together during the NACOCOW celebration,” Baroro said.

The jail warden added the lined up sports competitions for NACOCOW are basketball, volleyball, chess, sack race, tug of war and statue dance.

In the mornings, inmates’ families and relatives are allowed visitations along with the different scheduled appointments by members of various philanthropic organizations in the city who will distribute gifts and or conduct seminars.

Monday, Oct. 19, will be the opening ceremony and the program will be attended by BJMP Reg. Dir. Jail C/Supt. Deogracias Carreon Tapayan. This will be followed by the distribution of gifts by the parishioners of Brgy. Danlugan.

October 20 will be the Balangasan Parishioners’ turn to visit and distribute gifts while a seminar on Christian Leadership will be conducted by the Diocese of Pagadian. Also, parishioners from Sta. Lucia will visit and distribute gifts in the afternoon.

Early morning of Oct. 21 will be the Hataw Dance Contest, followed by the gift giving activity of the Catholic Women’s League-Pagadian City Chapter, followed by an orientation seminar on Parole and Probation Laws.

In the afternoon will be the San Pedro Parishioners’ visit and giving of gifts, to be followed by a consultation meeting with the Judiciary, Public Attorney Office and Prosecution Office Officials.

October 22, San Jose Parishioners will have their gift-giving time to the inmates. The Hataw Dance Contest will continue on the next day, followed by the BJMP Tennis Tournament.

October 24, the City Government and the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Hospital will hold a half-day medical and dental outreach inside the jail compound. The finals and championship games will be held in the afternoon.

In the morning of Oct. 25 will be the finals for the Hataw Dance Contest, which will be followed by a Literary and Musical Contest. The culmination program and awarding of prizes in the afternoon will wrap up the NACOCOW celebration.

Baroro said that being in detention is not a barrier to get the best out of a person and that the jail facility is also a place for change and development.

That is why, he added, rehabilitation programs like sports and recreation, religious activities and livelihood for the inmates are being implemented in the city jail under his watch.

REPORT BY JONG CADION

‘Everybody is now looking for Fr. Mick Sinnot’

2009-10-13T14:25:00.002+09:00

AS concerns mount for the kidnapped Fr. Michael “Mich” Sinnott of the Missionary Society of Saint Columban (MSSC) assigned in Pagadian City, appeals from church leaders, civil society groups and government officials were aired to the kidnappers to free the ailing priest.

Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar of the Pagadian Diocese joins the faithful and worried residents of the city in condemning the recent kidnapping of the Columban priest last Sunday evening at his residence.

In a press conference called by Gov. Aurora Cerilles last Monday afternoon, Cabajar took a minute a read his official statement and expressed his sadness on the unfortunate incident befalling to a church worker.

“The priests, religious and lay people of Pagadian Diocese are deeply saddened by the forcible abduction of Fr. Mick” who has worked for a long time in the diocese and is giving an invaluable service to the people, especially the children, through the Hangop Kabataan Foundation,” he said.

“As we urge the people to pray for his safety, we also appeal to his abductors to treat him with respect and release him soonest,” he added.

The bishop went on to say that Sinnot may not be in the best of health at this time, having had undergone a heart bypass operation a few years ago and must take his daily dosage of medicine.

“Whatever medicine he may have with him may only be good for a day. It is urgent that some arrangements be made to ensure that Fr. Mick takes his medicine,” an uneasy Cabajar said.

The prelate also aired his message to Sinnot’s kidnappers as he appealed for a show of humanity to the elderly priest. “My appeal to the good sense of the abductors to respect and provide Fr. Mick with all his needs, especially medical needs. He is a man of peace, please allow him to go back to his charitable work.”

Cerilles, meanwhile, asked the public “to unite and help in the immediate release of Fr. Mick.”

She said that any resident may do so by providing authorities any giving vital information that might be helpful and which may lead to the whereabouts of the Columban priest.

“Any information regarding his whereabouts please inform us,” Cerilles urged.

As for Mayor Samuel Co, he disclosed that the city government will give a cash reward to those who can provide accurate information on the location and situation of the priest and his abductors by simply texting 09089553238 and 09277153025.

It was learned that the crisis committee of the Provincial Peace and Order Council created a “Task Force Sinnott” to look for the kidnapped priest.

The special task force composed of Cerilles as chair and the NBI, PNP, PA 1st (Tabak) Division, Co, Cabajar and DILG Prov. Dir. Abcede Asjali as secretariat.

By Tuesday, a report from Manila forwarded to this paper said that Irish Ambassador to Singapore Richard O'Brien came over the country to to discuss Sinnott’s kidnapping with foreign ministry officials and police.

A MAN OF PEACE

Sinnot, who spent almost half of his age in Mindanao, mostly in the entire Zamboanga del Sur and in Pagadian City, is a native of Barntown, Co Wexford.

Soon to be 80 yrs old this Dec. 17, the Columban Father has been to many assignments, in Lanao del Norte and del Sur during the 50’s at the age of 24.

He took a brief vacation to Ireland in 1966 where he was appointed as a theology staff in Dalgan Park, Navan in Ireland. In 1973, he was transferred to Zambosur serving in various pastoral works of the MSSC.

His abduction came a day after President Gloria Arroyo visited Pagadian City and almost three weeks after security forces recovered in Basilan the three kidnapped teachers from Bangkaw-Bangkaw, Zamboanga Sibugay last March.

As of press time, authorities do not yet know who is behind the abduction as no group has claimed responsibility.

Two working students witnessed Sinnot’s abduction that evening and said they saw Sinnot mauled and forcibly taken by his kidnappers. Both were subjected to therapy and counseling after being traumatized.

Sister Auring Luceño, one of the lay missionary who knows Fr. Sinnott for 16 years said that the priest is a nonchalant person.

“He is a man of peace. He does not want to make any comment to any issues and problems he heard except advice us just to pray for the solution,” she said.

“I can not believe why Fr. Mick was kidnapped. He is a good and peace loving person,” Daisy Reyes, a parish worker of San Jose Parish Church likewise told this paper.

Reyes recalled that on Sept. 24, while accompanying Sinnott in his trips to Iligan, Kapatagan, Karomatan and Malabang, the people there called the priest by his first name. Sinnot then told her that the reason why he was easily recognized in the area was because of his previous duties as a young missionary in Lanao.

REPORT BY JONG CADION

NUJP Normin chapters to take sessions on election reporting

2009-10-12T22:05:00.000+09:00

LOCAL chapters of the NUJP in Northwestern Mindanao declared they will push through with their respective plans to promote best practices and professsionalization of their colleagues through continued seminars and workshop.

NUJP stands for National Union of Journalists of the Philippines. This early, members of its two chapters—Ozamiz and Pagadian—announced they will organize consecutive trainings in election reporting for the month.

Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent Ryan Rosauro heads NUJP-Ozamiz while Jong Cadion heads the Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur chapter.

Rosauro said the NUJP Election Reporting Seminar for Misamis Occidental media will be held in Tangub City, whole day, on Oct. 18 while Cadion announced theirs is being slated on Oct. 25.

Prior to that, on Oct. 17, Catholic-run DxDD radio will conduct its special seminar on election coverage and news treatment, called “Election Reporting with the Perspective of the Church,” to be held at the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park in Sinacaban.

NUJP Director and Treasurer Rowena “Weng” Paraan will give the lecture on the three seminars.

Rosauro estimates a total of 45 journalists from around Misamis Occidental will be present on Oct. 18 while another 50 is expected to attend in the DxDD-organized lecture.

Cadion, meanwhile, said that his chapter, now in its second year of being revived, will start on profiling and recruiting new members in order to organize massive support for the campaign to uplift provincial media’s economic rights.

Underscoring media’s economic rights is NUJP’s thrust this year as the organization tackled on the comprehensive conditions of media members in Mindanao.

At present, talks are in the offing among the three NUJP chapters of Ozamiz, Pagadian and Iligan of an upcoming media sportfest this December as a way of preserving journalists’ comradeship and as a breathing space from media work.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Labangan green thumbs covet National Gawad Saka ‘09

2009-10-12T21:34:00.002+09:00

EMPHASIZING the replicated achievements of Zamboanga del Sur in the National Gawad Saka Award 2009, Department of Agriculture (DA) regional executive director Oscar Parawan disclosed that for this year, the same was coveted by Labangan.

It’s the second time around when the national winners for the Gawad Saka search came from Labangan, Parawan added during DA’s Regional Management Committee (RMC) meeting last Oct. 8.

The outstanding agricultural achievers are Bonifacio Corpuz of Dalapang for the Rice category while couple Reynaldo and Anita Montanez and family of Lower Pulacan were chosen in the Farm Family category.

The two winners will each receive cash reward of P100,000 and plaques of recognition.

Gawad Saka is DA’s yearly program of giving due recognition to individuals and institutions whose exemplary accomplishments in agriculture and fisheries are deemed worthy of emulation.

Parawan explains this quest for outstanding farmers nationwide is to acknowledge farmers’ contribution to the attainment of national food security goal of the national government.

It was learned that since 2007, the Zamboanga Peninsula Region is a prominent Gawad Saka frontrunner, holding a record of at least two awards each year.

“Let’s us keep it up and continue to harvest more awards,” Parawan said, joking afterwards, saying Labangan is “a Gawad Saka addict” taking into account that for 2008, the outstanding livestock farmer honored by DA was from Labangan too.

On Oct. 15, Parawan will accompany the winners in the awarding ceremonies to be held in Malacañang Palace along with Labangan municipal agriculturist Henry Failma and this province’s Gawad Saka coordinators.

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, DA-9 RAFID

Gloria listens, admires Mahayag farmers’ gains

2009-10-12T18:37:00.005+09:00

PRESIDENT Gloria Arroyo last week visited two municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur to meet farmers, indigenous peoples and peasant women and see for herself the success of the government’s agri-business programs in the region.

Arroyo’s visit to Josefina and Mahayag last Oct. 9, actually, was her third time in Zambosur for this year, as she wanted to inspect the agricultural development programs at the community level.

Her first stop in the morning was in Pagadian where she led the simple program inaugurating the newly extended city airport.

She then dropped by in Josefina for the “Common Tao” Day, which was spearheaded by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakers Office (PCSO) where medical, dental, and optical services were provided to residents.

The President then set out for Mahayag to join farmers in Lourmah where she headed the forum on climate change and solid waste management at San Isidro Central School.

There, community folks were able to interact with Arroyo and seek intercessions for their problems and common good.

Another activity witnessed by the chief executive is the Milestone Event for rice farmers where the 15th million cavans of palay bought by the National Food Authority (NFA) was highlighted.

Mahayag is considered as the rice granary of the Salug Valley area.

In a symbolic act, Arroyo handed a check worth P62,996 to Felipe Baterna, manager of Upper Salug Daku Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, for the 83 cavans of palay sold to NFA.

Another farmer, Wilfredo Munar, was given a check worth P41,613 for his 40 sacks bough at P17 per kilo.

NFA deputy administrator Pedro Hernando briefed the President that the total 123 cavans of palay bought in Mahayag were part of the 15 million sacks of palay bought by the Arroyo administration under the Pagkain sa Bawat Mesa Laban sa Kahirapan Program.

The event was witnessed by Gov. Aurora Cerilles, Reps. Victory Yu and Antonio Cerilles, Mayor Paulino Fanilag, members of the Provincial Board and town officials.

The President then conducted a personal dialogue with three local farmers and asked them how the projects and programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) improved their productivity. The farmers told Arroyo that the flat-bed dryers, Tulay ng Pangulo and the distribution of certified seeds helped them a lot.

To recall, DA regional executive director Oscar Parawan was able to distribute last year 156 units of flatbed dryers in the whole of Zamboanga Peninsula. Another 30 units will be installed before this year ends.

A flatbed dryer is a post-harvest facility which uses rice hulls and corn cobs as fuels.

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, DA-RAFID 9

Religious groups denounce Sinnott's kidnapping

2009-10-12T17:43:00.003+09:00

RELIGIOUS communities in Mindanao have expressed their grief over the kidnapping of Fr. Michael Sinnot by still unidentified men, Sunday evening, Oct. 11, inside the St. Columban Residence in Gatas District, Pagadian City.

Sinnott, a native of Barntown, Co. Wexford, is the coordinator of Hangop Kabataan, a Community Based Rehabilitation for Special Children (CBR) based here.

He was assigned in Mindanao since 1957, briefly left the country in 1966 to return to Ireland then went back in 1976 where he has served in a variety of pastoral and administrative roles in several towns around Zambosur.

A report from the city police blotter said that the 79-year old priest was taking a stroll inside the compound after dinner when about five men suddenly stormed in, forced the missionary to board a multicab and whisked him away to a squatter area in Sta. Lucia District.

There, the abductors tried to burn the multicab before fleeing in a pump boat at the coastal area.

A witness, who declined to be named, said she saw the priest being led to a motorized boat wearing only jogging pants. "His front and back were bloodied. He was dragged to a waiting pump boat," she said.

Last Monday, Fr. Sean Martin, fellow Columban priest, appealed to the kidnappers for the safe recovery and compassion on the aged kidnapped clergy, saying Sinnot has a heart ailment and has to take his medicines regularly.

“He may not be able to walk long distances. Nagtoo ako nga aduna pay kalooy nga nabilin sa ilang kaugalingon ang mga mi-kidnap kaniya nga anaa unta siya sa maayong kahimtang,” Martin was quoted as saying in Cebuano.

The same call was also published in the Columban Lay Missionaries-Philippines website.

"Columban Father Fr. Michael Sinnott was kidnapped on Sunday evening in Mindanao. He has worked with the people of Mindanao for more than 30 years because of his love to them. He is old, weak and with heart problem," the website said.

"To those holding Fr. Michael Sinnott, we appeal to you to please handle him with great compassion and care," the appeal went on.

As this developed, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)-RMC, Zamboanga Peninsula and the Ummah Fi Salam released a statement condemning Sinnot’s abduction, calling it “an act against the morality of Islam.”

“In solidarity, we join our Christian brethrens in strongly condemning this act. We also pray for his safety and immediate release.

“Even as we say this we also appeal for calmness and sobriety and ask that we work together in solidarity for the early and unconditional release of Fr. Sinnot.”

The CBCS-RMC likewise described Sinnot as “a respected member of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace in Pagadian City…who who has contributed a lot in bridging understanding and peace building.”

A report from DxDD-AM, a catholic radio based in the nearby Ozamiz City, also quoted Columban regional director Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue expressing shock and disbelief over the incident. He further said they have no idea as to the motive of the kidnapping and has not received any ransom demand as of press time.

Police Provincial Director S/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena, meanwhile, said they are still validating the kidnapping at the moment and establishing the identities of the abductors. He added that a combined police and military operation has been launched to find the priest.

Sinnot is the third Irish priest kidnapped in the Western Mindanao-Lanao area during the last 12 years.

On Oct. 27, 1997, Fr. Desmond Hartford was abducted in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. He was freed days later.

August 28, 2001, Fr. Rufus Halley, another Columban missionary, was shot dead in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, while resisting a kidnap attempt.

In June 2007, gunmen kidnapped Italian missioner Giancarlo Bossi of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay while rogue MILF rebels of the dreaded Pentagon Gang snatched Fr Giuseppe Pierantoni in Dimataling, Zambosur in 2001.

Sinnott’s kidnapping came almost three weeks after security forces recovered in Basilan the three kidnapped teachers from Zamboanga Sibugay last March.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

RPOC pushes for special courts for drug cases

2009-07-12T14:33:00.001+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE growing incidence of illegal drugs and the increase of drug-related cases have nudged the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) to pass a resolution requesting for a special court in Zamboanga del Sur, which will exclusively try drug cases.

Resolution No. 01 series 2009 contains RPOC’s request, as pushed by the council chaired by Gov. Aurora Cerilles, duly motioned by Mayor Samuel Co and seconded by B/Gen. Jovencio Magalso of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

The RPOC noted the statistics presented by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which showed “a remarkable increase” of drug related cases.

The council likewise mentioned that despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, the PDEA and PNP, only a negligible percentage has been resolved.

“Whereas to dispel doubts on the impartiality of our justice system, there is an imperative need to place responsibility in the prosecution of drug-related cases in a particular court,” the RPOC resolution reads.

Last June, the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) raised the possibility of holding a dialogue among the so-called pillars of the criminal justice system in order to complement each others action and or interpretation of the law, especially on drug-related cases.

PADAC noted the need to harmonize community involvement, law enforcement, prosecution, court and the correctional institution in the provincial government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

PADAC was suggesting the move based on the case of one illegal drug suspect who was caught red-handed by police in a drug buy-bust operation but was granted bail by the judge.

Congressman Antonio Cerilles, himself said in an interview that he is agreeable to the proposal put up by Chief Justice Reynato Puno, which calls for the creation of a three-member special court that would exclusively try drug cases.

Cerilles said he is open to the said proposal; especially that it goes with the establishment of a separate penitentiary exclusively for drug offenders in order to isolate them from their drug networks.

Article 6, Section 90 of RA 9165 referred to special courts to be designaged by the Supreme Court from among the existing Regional Trial Courts in each judicial region to exclusively try and hear cases.

It likewise added that “The DOJ shall designate special prosecutors to exclusively handle cases involving violations of this Act.”

May, this year, the House committee on dangerous drugs approved the bill creating the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Dangerous Drugs (OSPDD), as filed by Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez.

The OSPDD, which would be under the Office of the President and with an initial budget of P200 million, will solely handle controversial drug cases against drug offenders who may include government officials.

DOLE hands out livelihood funds to Zambosur rubber farmers group

2009-07-12T13:59:00.000+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), last week, turned over a P500,000 livelihood check to the Tubod Farmers Association (TFA) of Lakewood, this province.

Ponciano Ligutom, DOLE-9 director, said the funds will be distributed as a grant-in-aid to TFA for their rubber nursery project in the municipality.

Rubber is the top 12 agriculture produce of Mindanao, with 404.05 metric tons produced in 2007, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics said.

The turnover was made possible by Ligutom and DOLE Provl. Dir. Virginia Bonbon, also witnessed by Gov. Aurora Cerilles, who represented the provincial government as DOLE’s accredited co-partners (ACPs).

ACPs are tasked to assist DOLE in monitoring the development of livelihood undertaking of a particular group or association to ensure that the grant-in-aid is put to good use.

The half-a-million pesos aid is under the economic resiliency program of the government which aims to provide emergency employment and or livelihood to probinsiyanos.

Ligutom, in a huddle, said that their department is responding to the possible impact of global financial crisis and has stepped up efforts aimed at providing immediate interventions to those who will be affected.

In Zamboanga Peninsula, Ligutom identified the workers from canning, coconut and rubber industry as those likely to be affected by the looming crisis.

In Zamboanga City, last June 12, DOLE has facilitated the turnover of several emergency employment contracts and livelihood programs under its Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs (CLEEP) in the amount of P46,552,372 including scholarship grants worth P8,000,040.

DOLE also awarded P33,742,466 for training agreements of CLEEP agencies and another P3,594,004 in livelihood checks to municipalities around the region.

In Zambosur, the grant will be used to start various livelihood projects such as the boneless danggit production, cassava and broiler production and seaweed farming.

Cerilles, in her message, thanked DOLE for the financial support as she urged the beneficiaries to make their livelihood ventures useful in order to get the best benefit.

Pagadian takes steps against dengue

2009-07-08T17:06:00.003+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

IN an effort to help decrease dengue incidence in the city, a week-long fogging activity was conducted by the Provincial Government in several villages here identified as having high prevalence of dengue hemmorhagic fever (DHF).

The activity came after reports from the City Health Office (CHO) stated that the city, as of June, noted an increase of dengue cases documented in the barangays.

Although City Health Officer Noel Ceniza said he does not endorse fogging, he said in a conversation that for this time only, he is giving in to the request of local government to fumigate barangays suspected with dreaded dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Both Gov. Aurora Cerilles and Mayor Samuel Co have each set aside funds for the fumigation activities and Ceniza said he has likewise mobilized health teams to conduct information dessimination campaigns about the dangers of dengue in identified high-risk barangays.

The barangays subjected to fumigation last June 29 to July 3 were Sta. Lucia, Dumagoc, Sto. Niño, Gatas, Kawit, san Pedro, Tiguma, San Jose, Balangasan and Napolan.

Fogging, according to the Department of Health (DOH), is used to kill adult mosquitoes infected with the virus to immediately stop transmission.

But fogging, added the DOH, is recommended “as a preventive measure” only as it will be very costly to do fogging every seven days since mosquito larvae thrive and became adult in 7-8 days.

Despite the suspected presence of the Influenza AH1N1 virus all around, the DOH said that dengue is still a major concern that should also be addressed by barangays and town officials.

2009 figures from the CHO listed Tiguma, Balangasan, San Pedro, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Niño, San Jose, Tuburan and Banale were among the so-called high-risk villages when it comes to incidence of dengue cases.

Zambo drug route ‘closely watched’

2009-07-07T15:18:00.003+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE Philippine Drug Enforcemnent Agency (PDEA) last week said they are “closely monitoring” the so-called backdoor routes of drug syndicates as they disclosed they are “strengthening their strategies” to combat the continued proliferation of illegal drugs.

PDEA Reg. Dir. Adzhar Albani disclosed that drug syndicates have been keeping their illicit transport of shabu under wraps through land, sea and air logistics.

During the Regional Peace and Order conference last week, Albani reported to the council that the usual drug routes have not changed and still tag along that of the integrated transport network system, from the National Capital Region down to the east-west nautical highways including that of Misamis provinces.

Down south, one can see the straight path from China in the west border and the Sandakan, Malaysia-Zamboanga Seaport link, which also involves Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) areas.

So overwhelming were the interchange and the volume of drugs being transported in this network that the PDEA started to monitor closely those smuggling illegal drugs by large quantities.

By this appraisal, Albani said they have categorized Zamboanga del Sur as a “critical area” along with Sulu.

Albani further stated that PDEA’s “Task Force Foxtrot” is watching over Regions 9, 10 and ARMM over these illicit drug trafficking.

He added that drug trafficking in these areas is controlled mostly by locally based drug group and sometimes, by politicians acting as protectors and or drug lords.

Albani explained that PDEA’s assessment is consistent with that of intelligence reports received from their counterparts in the Philippine National Police (PNP) placing Zambosur and Sulu in equal level.

This is so because, as he affirmed, of the presence of armed groups affiliated with the locally-based drug organizations and the emerging narco-politics in their responsibility areas.

Albani adds that shabu “is still the number one choice of drug” in the region, presently with a prevailing price between P9,000-P11,000 per gram.

This increase in price, he said, is attributed to the pounding buy busts and raid operations jointly conducted by PDEA, PNP, NBI and the 53rd IB, which eventually lead to the dwindling supply of the illicit drugs.

To recall, in a press conference called by Gov. Aurora Cerilles last May, attended by Task Force Kontra Droga (TFKD) action officer and board member Ernesto Mondarte, the lawmaker claimed that they have suppressed circulation of shabu illegal in the province, resulting to the increase of shabu street price due to dwindling supply.

Prices have increased five times, from P100 per sachet to P500, said Mondarte, as evidenced by relentless entrapment and buy-bust operations against drug traffickers in identified barangays in Pagadian.

“The price now is high because of the diminishing supply,” Mondarte disclosed.

Mondarte adds the supply reduction and their strategy against shabu proliferation have been successful in the mentioned areas because they saturated the secondary and tertiary schools through information campaign on the dangers and effects of illegal drugs.

Likewise, the legislator said that he requested each town to activate their municipal anti drug abuse councils, which they did, and intensified advocacies on radio airtimes and media reports in the all out war against illegal drugs

“Nakita nato ang effect niining nanglabay nga confiscations, tungod sa scarcity sa supply, mimahal ang shabu. Magdungan ning supply and demand reduction and the community has done well, I hope kita tanan, with the parents and all sectors in the society will help flush out illegal drugs in our communities,” Mondarte said.

As of June 29, about 13 anti-drug operations have been conducted by the PDEA resulting to the arrest of 23 suspects and the confiscation of 247.77 grams of shabu with 25 cases filed against the alleged suspects.

As to the joint operations, 74 drug buy bust and raids have been effected resulting to the arrest of 117 suspects the confiscation of 132.4228 grams of shabu.

As to Cannabis or marijuana, PDEA has uprooted some 1,500 hemps worth P300,000 in Brgy. Punungan in Talipao, Sulu.

Cerilles, in her response to Albani’s report, said that she “was saddened in knowing that Zambosur is still considered as critical” despite the significant accomplishment of the authorities in the anti-drug campaign in the province.

“Honestly, you’ve heard about the accomplishment of Task Force Kontra Droga running after drug personalities in Zambosur. Their action has brought about the scarcity of drugs,” Cerilles said.

Even so, drug lords in the province are now “transferring,” added the governor, to which Albani corrected that some may have, to the so called “friendly areas.”

“Don’t worry maam, there’s no boundary limit in our campaign. We can cross those places and arrest those people. We only need to continue our coordination and the community’s participation and involvement,” Albani assured.

For his part, PNP Provincial Director Ramon Ochotorena, when asked by this paper what he thinks of the report, said the information was a good eye-opener.

“Nindot na aron ma-focus sad ang PDEA dinhi sa atoang probinsiya. As for the PNP, we also need to double our effort,” he said.

Maceda praises Cerilles

2009-07-07T15:17:00.004+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

FORMER ambassador and Senator Ernesto Maceda was full of praise when he spoke of the Cerilles and Enerio families last weekend with ex-president Joseph Estrada and company visited Pagadian City for their “Lakbay Pasasalamat.”

Estrada and son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, actor Rex Cortez and Maceda were welcomed and billeted by provincial officials led by Representatives Antonio Cerilles and Victor Yu, Mayor Samuel Co, members of the provincial board and village chieftains.

In his short speech at the multimedia center stage of the AEC, Maceda recalls his past visit in the city when he proclaimed all the candidates of the Cerilleses in the Nationalist Peoples Coalition provincial convention.

“I must congratulate the Cerilles and Enerio families for their more than 50 years of service to Zamboanga del Sur,” Maceda said, explaining his familiarity with former governor and congressman Vicente Cerilles and the late Rep. Canuto Cerilles who served the province for many years

“The best proof of their long service is the fact that you the voters of Zambosur keep on sending them to office because you have seen and you have decided that they have done a good job in running this province especially the incumbent Governor Auring Cerilles,” the former ambassador said.

“Earlier, Governor Inting reminded me that when I was executive secretary, I was the one he approached for the release of the funds for Salug Valley Irrigation project and the approval and implementation of PADAP,” Maceda recalls.

“I am grateful that during the time of Governor Vicente Cerilles I was made an adopted son of Zambosur and nalipay gyod ako nga nakabalik ako dinhi sa atong pinalanggang lungsod,” he added.

Saying further that he won’t be running again this May synchronized election but hopes that when Estrada returns to Malacañang, he will be given a position so that he can help the people of Zambosur.

Maceda then give details of their visit and explained the possible direction of Estrada this coming May 2010.

“Bakit ba kailangan ibalik si Erap sa Malacañang? Fair play and justice dictates that dapat ibalik si Erap because he was unsconstitutionally removed after two and a half years inspite of having won by a landslide of six million votes,” was Maceda’s words.

“Not satisfied with that, he was imprisoned for six and a half years. Tama lang, its just right and fair na dapat, kung papayagan ninyo, ibalik naman siya uli bilang presidente ng Pilipinas,” he bellowed, as the audience clapped their hands.

“There are many presidentiables at present but sino ba ang dapat piliin? I would like to recommend to you the following reasons: Experience, yong may malawak ang karanasan, with more than 30 years in public.”

“Maturity—as you grow older you become mellower, you become more deliberate and understanding,” he said.

“And especially for a person who has served six years in jail, you have gone to a feeling of reflection and penance. He has gone to a process of purification and conversion and therefore having been in the shoes of somebody who has been imprisoned, who has been unjustly treated, he knows what it is to be a person na naapi at pinahirapan.”

“And therefore when he makes decisions as a president in the future, he will be objective, balanced and Chistian-like and he will never be a dictator.”

The former senator said that Estrada will likely win if the voice of the people, the “charisma factor” and the “underdog factor” plus the “sympathy votes” prevails.

Maceda recalls that past presidents like Ronald Reagan got re-elected at the age of 73 and became the best president the US ever had; likewise with Nelson Mandela—a Nobel Peace Prize winner— who was elected president of South Africa at the age 84 and Charles Nicole, who was elected at the age 70 and became the greatest president of France.

“Huwag na tayong mag-take a chance sa 40-45 anyos na kandidato na kulang pa sa karanasan, kulang pa sa maturity at experensiya sa kahirapan ng buhay dito na tayo sa taong mahaba ang karanasan at isang taong dako ang kasing-kasing para sa mga pobre ug motabang gyod sa mga pobre,” Maceda concluded.

A dinner party was held for Estrada and company that evening, at Hotel Alindahaw after which a film showing of Estrada’s “Ang Mabuhay para sa Masa” was shown to guests.

The dinner was attended by provincial, city and municipal executives, Jaycee members, PNP officials and media.

Roads are ‘real drivers of development in Mindanao’

2009-07-07T15:16:00.002+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

ROADS are important not only for travel and relocation but it can also be seen as the “real drivers of development,” MEDCo Usec. Virgilio Leyretana Sr. said.

Farm-to-market roads, for example, drive farmers to produce something to be harvested, collected and bring in to the market,” he told journalists.

“Circumferential roads and bridges facilitate movement and mobility of people and make the goods people bring at low cost. Roads really are a big incentive to producers and boost Mindanao’s development, he added.

Leyretana visited Pagadian last week for the 12th Mindanao Super Region inter-Agency meeting with other stakeholders and attended also by provincial and city officials led by Rep. Antonio Cerilles, Gov. Aurora Cerilles and Mayor Samuel Co as hosts.

“Roads, for law enforcers, make it easy for patrolling the barangays,” Leyretana continued, “greatly benefitting the community,” along with big infrastructure projects like airport rehabilitations all over the island.

The undersecretary mentioned that portions of roads from Surigao to Bislig need improvement, including the Sibuco-Siraway network.

“With good roads, Mindanao will not be anymore a fragmented geographical region. Farming, tourism, trading and commerce will then expand. The integrated system of tourism development will boost job generation and everybody lives,” Leyretana said.

“What Mindanao needs today is a logistical hub for the import and export of goods and distribute these to other regions. We also need to build lateral roads and make it a holistic and balanced development,” he stressed.

Raw 2007 data of infrastructure utilities from the Department of Public Works and Highways stated that some 4,359.06 kilometers in length are classified as paved national roads in Mindanao while another 2,650.63 are unpaved national roads.

“With this, Mindanao will then be a self-sustaining, integrated, borderless sconomy. But we first need to protect our environemtn, rivers, lakes because no living things will survive without these,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cerilles commented that in setting up developments in Mindanao, population frequency should be considered.

“We should look into the poverty incidence in the island and the disparity between the poor and rich,” the congressman said.

In her 2006 State-of-the-Nation Address, President Gloria Arroyo unveiled the concept of “super regions,” noting the importance of grouping selected regions and provinces by their economic strengths to stimulate economic growth and development.

Arroyo’s EO No. 561 dated Aug. 19, 2006 mandated the formation of Mindanao Super Regions (MSRs) to strap up the island’s competitive advantage in agribusiness, through major infrastructure support.

MSR projects, to date, have a total budget of P62.555 billion until 2010 for the implementation of its programs, projects and activities. The whole amount does not include those for additional projects.

A MEDco briefing paper stated that there are still unfinished businesses in Mindanao like the widespread and chronic poverty, the need to address long-standing conflict, strengthening of weak institutions and the need to increase public and private investments.

Zambosur warms up for Megayon ‘09

2009-07-07T15:16:00.001+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE Provincial Government is currently putting things in order for the one-week affair of the 57th Megayon Festival 2009.

This early, Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Officer Anthony Frederick Padayhag has called on a number of meetings attended by the different assigned clusters.

Padayhag explains the Megayon Festival for this year will be the last under the leadership of Gov. Aurora Cerilles so he wants to make it more impressive than the previous ones as well as more memorable.

Megayon, a Subanen word for unity, traces its history as an artist-led cultural event started in 1996 at the foot of Mt. Timulan.

In 2006, the Provincial Government, through Ordinance No. 016-2006, officially adopted the Megayon Festival for the annual celebration of the founding anniversary of the province.

It was learned that Cerilles has directed Provincial Administrator Pepito Degamo to head the Steering Committee, which composed of board member Felicidad Funtanilla, Mayor Ace William Cerilles and Exec. Asst. Tyrone Singgo as vice chairmen.

For the 57th Megayon Festival, about 50 working committees are being organized and divided into four clusters.

The Physical Preparation Cluster is being headed by Diego Suela of Provincial General Services Office; the Sports, Culture and Arts Cluster by Padayhag; the Activities and Program Cluster by OIC Provincial Agriculturist Marilyn Bersales; and the Administration Cluster by Allan Cabatingan of the Barangay Affairs Office.

Padayhag said that they have come up with a tentative theme for the celebration, which is, “Lig-ong Pangagamhanan, Tuburan sa Kalambuan, Legasiya sa Kasamtangang Pamunuan.”

The Megayon Festival will be officially opened this coming Sept. 11 and will culminate on the 17th, the province’s anniversary and coincidentally the governor’s birthday.

Padayhag noted that the annuall beauty pageant “Search for Miss Zamboanga del Sur 2009” is still included in the list of activities along with a band festival, skate boarding, mountain bike race, video kasiyahan and others.

A consolidation meeting was just concluded and the budget proposal is now the main concern being deliberated by Padayhag and company.

Zambosur offers eco-adventure tourism

2009-07-07T15:15:00.001+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

LOCAL government initiatives being implemented to develop the Agro-Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) in Dao, this city, has already produced good results and generated interest among visitors.

The AHC, a novel innovation by Rep. Antonio Cerilles and Gov. Aurora Cerilles, has been the customary venue for the annual Megayon Festival.

The AHC is said to be the harbinger of the ambitious promotion of the province as an eco-adventure tourism destination in Zambosur.

Within its grounds one can find the famous Butterfly Park, Canopy Walk and Zipline and other amenities for adventure-loving people to explore and venture.

Last April, the AHC hosted the 2nd Summer Youth Fest (SYF) and gathered together youths from as far as Jolo-Sulu and Misamis Occidental for an educational-cultural immersion on the dances and rituals of the Subanen people.

The Zambosur SYF was conceptualized by Provincial Tourism Officer Frederick Anthony Padayhag in accordance with the thrust of Cerilles for youth development in arts and sports.

The event was coincided with the celebration of the 1st League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Zambosur Week, led by Dumalinao mayor Ace William Cerilles.

Padayhag said the AHC was the center of attraction in their promotion to other areas like Ozamiz, Iligan, Cagayan, Dipolog and Dapitan cities, though the conception of “Laag Zamboanga del Sur.”

Padayhag reveals that the Provincial Government is [ayong attention to the promotion of tourism that will cater to adventure, escapades and exploration.

These adventure come-ons, Padayhag said, will be diverse and unique from other tourist destinations with the help of improved domestic transportation and the re-opening of this city’s airport in the coming months.

Provincewide, Zambosur boasts of pleasureable resorts and attractions like the Lapuyan Falls, Lakewood’s Biswangan Resort, Lake Dasay in San Miguel, Mount Timolan Protected Tourism Landscape in Tigbao, Sominot Cave and the Pulacan Falls and camping site.

Dive sites can also be found in San Pablo and Tabina, where white sand beaches abound along with giant turtles in the so-called Panikian Island.

In Pagadian City, one can visit Dao-Dao Islands, White Beach, Bomba Beach, Mt. Susong Dalaga, Lourdes Waterfalls, Mt. Pinokis in Lison Valley and Manga Falls, a two-layered cascading fall surrounded by huge trees which are home to white monkeys.

By itself, this city’s motorcab is already a tourist attraction, with its one-of-a-kind aerodynamic design—the sidecar tilted upwards.

Last June, during the 40th Araw ng Pagadian, the city government lined up 2,000 motorcabs in single file along F.S. Pajares Avenue, in its bid for a Guinness World Record for the longest motorcycle parade.

Based on raw data from the Department of Tourism, for 2007, total tourist arrivals in Zamboanga Peninsula accounts for 11.2 percent of the total arrivals in Mindanao.

Booming businesses liven up in Zampen

2009-07-02T16:18:00.000+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

AMID the financial crisis besetting the world today, certain investors have come to put up their booming businesses in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Nick Nacaytuna of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Dipolog City said example of this observation is POMS Venture Corporation (PVCorp).

PVCorp, a manufacturer and exporter of high-grade quality crude and refined coconut oil products, has put up a processing plant for dried mango and mango puree at the Provincial Agri-Industrial Center (PAIC) in Irasan, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte.

Its products are now being sold here and abroad.

Asia Milk and Cream Inc., a company owned by an Indian national, likewise showed interest in putting up a dairy plant in Dipolog City.

With these developments, Nacaytuna surmised business activities in Zamboanga Peninsula have perked up despite the economic downturn that sweeps across the world.

With the favorable peace and order condition in the province more particularly in the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan coupled with the proximity to the markets in the Visayas, more businessmen are expected to come and start investing here, he said.

In Pagadian, during the launching program of the National Disaster Consiousness Month, PNP Reg. Dir. C/Supt. Angelo Sunglao said that Zamboanga Peninsula enjoys big investor confidence, citing for example the establishment of a 24-hour operation of the Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI).

RTMI routes in Zamboanga Peninsula, Sunglao observed, start from Zamboanga up to Davao and vice versa daily, which is different from that of General Santos, which closes at 3:00 in the afternoon because of security problems.

He also noted his travels to and fro, seeing the rapidly increasing construction of hotels in Zamboanga, Dipolog and Pagadian cities, an indication of growing tourist visits in the region.

Another example the police director cited is BIR-91 in Dipolog, which topped its 2008 tax collection goal in Region 9 with 504.1 million, registering an excess of P337 million plus, as stated by the Department of Finance (DOF) for 2008.

And in Pagadian too, Sunglao said that as a regional center, the city has a lot to offer for investor come-on.

“Because Zamboanga Peninsula delivered a good mandate in 2004 to President Gloria Arroyo, nakikita ninyo na laging bumibisita ang pangulo sa ating lugar. Ganyan tao kamahal ni PGMA,” he stressed.

Mayor Samuel Co said Pagadian is seeing improved business climate with the opening of Best Emporium and Gaisano Capital and the recent branching out of Rural Bank of Dipolog Inc. (RBDI)-Pagadian.

Governor Aurora Cerilles too once said that businessmen investing in the city give a big boost to local employment. WITH REPORTS FROM PIA

DOH confirms first AH1N1 case in Zambopen

2009-07-02T12:22:00.003+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE influenza A(H1N1) protection barrier in Zamboanga Peninsula is breached after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed its first A(H1N1) case.

This information was from DOH Reg. Dir. Aristides Tan, who said that a Grade 3 student from Ateneo de Zamboanga was positively tested for the virus.

The boy was reportedly infected after coming into contact with a woman who came to Zamboanga from Manila last June.

It was not known whether the woman was the boy’s relative or not as the DOH has promptly subjected the said woman for quarantine and medication after she went back to Manila.

The DOH likewise reported several suspected infections in other government elementary schools in the city but laboratory tests are still on going.

Tan also said that they already were recording several suspected cases since May 14 after several patients showed symptoms of A(H1N1).

Following DOH protocols, the identities of the patients were classified confidential.

So far, the number given by the DOH is 12 as Tan explained that half of the number showed negative results while the other half still has to be received from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) which made laboratory analysis of the patients’ swab samples.

Health officials there said two of the suspected cases came from Isabela City in Basilan, two in Zamboanga del Norte and one from Zamboanga del Sur.

Dr. Norvie Taruc, chief of DOH’s Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU), confirmed to Pagadian reporters the lone case of A H1N1 patient from this province during a press conference held during the launching of the National Disaster Conciousness Month at the Liga City.

However, Taruc assured mediamen that the individual was still being sorted out as a “case under observation” pending the release of laboratory results.

The doctor declined to tell the place where the Zambosur patient lives as she urged the public to “bear with us” since specimen results “would take a lot of time to arrive.”

Taruc added that DOH has already shifted its control strategy from containment to mitigation, which means that A(H1N1) cases will now be treated as an ordinary flu.

A DOH update No. 35 has stated that “Those manifesting with mild symptoms can be managed and monitored at home so that only patients at risk who develop complications will have to be hospitalized.”

A(H1N1) virus is spread from person-to-person and is transmitted as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people through coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled or contaminate hands or surfaces.

Signs of A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose.

Health Sec. Francisco Duque III disclosed that as of June, there are 1,709 confirmed A(H1N1) cases reported. He said 1,485 of these cases have already recovered, while the rest are still under treatment.

As this developed, the DOH has already designated the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) as the Regional Satellite Referral Hospital to handle treatments and or confinement of any victim of A (H1N1) in the region.

ZCMC has also stacked 5,000 Tamiflu capsules and organized its personnel protection equipment like mask, goggles, and gowns including the assignment of trained nurses for A(H1N1) patients.

RPOC makes fuzz on MNLF streamer

2009-07-01T18:00:00.009+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

A streamer which specifies the location of the headquarters of the so-called Bangsamoro Republic in Labangan became a big topic in the recently concluded meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

The streamer in question was hung by Labangan mayor Abubakar Afdal in front of his residence a few months back, which voluntarily announced MNLF’s presence in Zamboanga del Sur.

The said streamer, actually, was also brought out during the Provincial Peace and Order Council as the ruling body fumble about what specific violation was committed by the mayor.

Afdal, in an interview with several Pagadian reporters, admitted he is an active member of the MNLF or the Moro National Liberation Front under Prof. Nur Misuari’s faction.

The mayor further claimed that Misuari appointed him as in-charge of MNLF’s civil and military affairs in the whole of Region 9.

Afdal accordingly said that his intentions of revealing his affiliation with the MNLF was for “peaceful means,” a move he wished “will help bring serenity in his home town" after authorities placed Labangan under close watch due to alleged rampant drug peddling activities by illegal drug syndicates.

Lately, in an interview aired over RMN-DxPR, Afdal said that as an entity recognized by the Philippine government, there is nothing wrong with his membership with the MNLF, maintaining this same stand in his action of hanging a streamer outside his house.

Afdal, in the same radio interview, concluded by saying: “Kung unsay akong sala, ipaagi lang unta sa balaod, dili lang ta ipersonal.”

It was not known, however, whether Afdal’s group has been making recruitment activities in large numbers or not as several reactions came about from government officials in the province.

Brigadier General Jovencio Magalso, assistant division commander of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, was quoted by a report from the previous RPOC meeting last March as having said that as long as recruitment activities fall under lawful means like forming cooperatives for livelihood purposes and peaceful assemblies, these are justifiable and allowed by the law.

But Magalso added that in the case of arms build-up, establishment of camp with the presence of armed groups, wearing of uniforms and insignias and battle gears, these are strictly prohibited.

As an addition, PNP Directorate for Intelligence head Felizardo Serapio said that MNLF activities in the region are being closely monitored and that they have already warned on the use and display of any Bangsamoro emblems or flag, establishment of camps and the wearing of unauthorized military uniforms.

He added that if found, they will not hesitate to dismantle the same.

But for Gov. Aurora Cerilles, as chair of the RPOC, she said she won’t take the issue sitting down.

“As marshalls of peace and order in the region, we highlight the importance of convergence and keep an eye on external security, operational efforts and giving support to authorities, agencies, military and police,” she said.

“The hanging of a streamer by my mayor in Labangan bearing the words Bangsamoro Headquarters, Bangsamoro Armed Forces instills fear and apprehension among the people. We shall delve into the legality and propriety of the hanging of such streamer,” the governor added.

“There is only one Republic of the Philippines and embracing another republic is a betrayal (of trust) and a threat to our country. Kinahanglan siguro we need a clarificatory statement from the national government kung unsa ba gyod ni and that we might be enlightened (on this matter),” Cerilles said.

As for Usec. Nabil Tan of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), he explained: “The establishment of the headquarters of the Bangsamoro and the putting up of streamer may not be illegal per se.

“However, it may pose as a threat to the peace situation of the area especially when they (the Bangsamoro) converge and display or carry their firearms in the public. This constitutes illegal assembly and illegal carrying of firearms,” he added.

Tan further mentioned that recruitment of any kind by the MNLF; especially for the regional security force of the regional police command of the autonomous region is being withheld at present.

As a sense of history, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MNLF signed its historic agreement in 1996 ending a 25-year conflict in the country.

The agreement was said to be a culmination of previous accords signed by both parties since 1976 and was meant to serve as a final peace agreement paving for the creation and self-rule of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Misuari was then appointed Regional Governor of ARMM while institutions were established to channel aid to the region. Some 7,250 MNLF fighters were then also integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

15 Mindanao airport projects fast tracked

2009-07-01T17:59:00.001+09:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

FIFTEEN airports in Mindanao classified as priority infrastructure projects will be completed by December, this year. Three of these are the big airports of Zamboanga, Dipolog and Pagadian cities.

A press release distributed by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) during its 12th Mindanao Super Region (MSR) inter-agency meeting here, stated that works of the the three airport upgrade projects are sped up for completion before 2010.

The said airfields have a combined funding of P1.28 billion and are being implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communication in close coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines under the MSR strategy.

Works of the project components of the mentioned airports include the continuation or completion of the asphalt overlay of runways, rehabilitation or construction of terminal and fire station buildings and the procurement of air navigational facilities, among others.

Of the total amount, the Dipolog airport gets the biggest chunk with P478.05 million, followed by Zamboanga City with P428.5 million and Pagadian with P379.46.

The status report paper of the MSR stated that total funding requirements for both Dipolog and Pagadian airports have already been released while that of Zamboanga City has a total of only P127 million or 29.64 percent released.

“By fasttracking the upgrading ofour airports, we would be able to improve our connectivity with the rest of the country. This would lead to more economic activities and generate employment and business opportunities in Mindanao,” said MEDCo chair Usec. Virgilio Leyretana Sr.

Leyretena, who is also MSR’s deputy development champion, added that the rehabilitation and contructions of the airport facilities will contribute to the safe and efficient airport operations as well as ensure safer and smoother landings.

Presently, 35 other infra projects with a total budget of P62.555 billion are under MSR, a concept which aims to spruce up Mindanao’s potential as an agribusiness center through major infrastructure support.

Aside from the Pagadian City Airport, two other infra projects are mentioned as 100 percent completed under MSR. These are the P9.97 million Aurora General Hospital in Aurora, Zambosur and the P20 million Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Hospital, now renamed Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC).

The ZSMC project involves the construction of a CT Scan facility and repairs of the doctors’ quarters, OPD and PT rooms and OR and laboratory rooms, improvement of the administration building, construction of the two-storey building, construction of dialysis center and facilities and the gas pipe-in connections.

2009-06-29T17:15:00.000+09:00

Lakewood Subanens learn cassava planting

REPORT AND PHOTO BY REMAI ALEJADO

A three-day seminar in natural farming system (NFS) concerning the cassava rootcrop was initiated the other week with the Subanens from Lakewood.

READ FULL STORY

2009-06-29T17:07:00.001+09:00

5 Zambosur towns stand out in 2008 MELLPI

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

MARGOSATUBIG, Molave, Vincenzo Sagun, Dinas and Dimataling came out as the top five municipalities or Municipal Nutrition Councils (MNCs) who scored big in the 2008 Provincial MELLPI.

READ FULL STORY

Lakewood Subanens learn cassava planting

2009-06-29T15:39:00.000+09:00

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO

A three-day seminar in natural farming system (NFS) concerning the cassava rootcrop was initiated the other week with the Subanens from Lakewood.

Cassava in local parlance is kamoteng kahoy or balanghoy.

Provincial Agriculturist Marilyn Bersales and Agricultural technologist Ramon Rodrigo Jr. trained the Subanens on NFS while supervising cassava livelihood coordinator Jothan Marc Agad assisted.

Board members Eriberto Sumalinog and Ernesto Mondarte likewise participated in the training as resource speakers, tackling on the two important advocacies of the Provincial Government which is Better Quality of Living and the Anti illegal drugs campaign, respectively.

Primarily, the training was for Subanen tribal leaders and members to know NFS for sustainable rural development and food security.

Interest in NFS has been advocated by Gov. Aurora Cerilles since 2001, as she sees this essential to agricultural production in the province, aside from health and environment considerations it gives to consumers.

Thus, preferring to plant only organically-produced crops, Cerilles sees an opportunity for farmers to cash in on cassava and perhaps, after the training, the 54 timuays and their tribesmen will become model-trainers in their Lumad community for the cultivation of cassava.

With NFS applied to cassava planting, there’s what they call the “Cerilles method,” which means and as Rep. Antonio Cerilles would always suggest, require the use of compost or organic fertilizers.

Not only realistic but sensible since cassava can withstand periods of prolonged drought, and therefore the use of organic fertilizer is highly recommended.

Cerilles has employed livelihood coordinators all over the province who are tasked with teaching farmers in 681 villages about the “Cerilles method” and transform their land into productive farms.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NICP) Regional Director Abdul Puengan sponsored the training in part along with NCIP Provincial Director Marita Miñao, who distributed pick mattocks as digging tools for planting.

The Provincial Government also handed out cultured trichoderma samples to the participants for development into organic fertilizers.

2009-06-25T12:52:00.000+09:00

Motor parade aims for Guinness record

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

MAYOR Samuel Co showed city residents a glimpse of what it’s like when all the city motorcabs assemble in single file and parade itself around the city proper. READ MORE

2009-06-25T12:01:00.000+09:00

Anti-drug council seeks new scheme

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO

THE Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) last week has raised the possibility of holding a dialogue among the so-called pillars of the criminal justice system in order to complement each others action and or interpretation of the law, especially on drug-related cases. READ MORE

2009-06-25T11:11:00.001+09:00

DAR-Zambosur’s feat on CARP

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

VOLUNTARY Land Transfer (VLT) composes the bulk of lots accomplished by the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for their land acquisition and distribution (LAD) under CARP for the period covering 1972 until Dec. 31, 2008. READ MORE

2009-06-25T11:11:00.000+09:00

CHO cites need to drop Dengue data

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

WHEN it comes to solid figures as to which city barangay is “Dengue prone” or has the most cases of the mosquito-borne virus, Balangasan District is a topnotcher, a report paper submitted by the City Health Office (CHO) said. READ MORE

2009-06-25T11:10:00.000+09:00

NUJP cites Tony's effort in stalling ROR’s passage

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) lately acknowledged Rep. Antonio Cerilles’ helping move in stalling the passage of the Right of Reply (ROR) Bill in the House of Representatives.READ MORE

2009-06-25T11:09:00.000+09:00

Tony sees cassava’s role in stifling global crisis

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO & MICHAEL MEDINA

CONGRESSMAN Antonio “Tony” Cerilles foresees the immense participation of the agriculture sector in mitigating the hard impact of the looming financial slump hitting the country by next quarter of this year. READ MORE

2009-06-18T18:04:00.000+09:00

Cop escapes death after shooters miss

A policeman barely escaped death after he was shot four times by two motorcycle-riding assassins, mid-morning last Tuesday. READ FULL DETAILS

2009-06-18T17:25:00.000+09:00

Illegal drugs get in the way of prosperity

ONE hundred eleven years since the Philippines was emancipated from Spanish rule but Filipinos are still squirming from foreign intervention as well as from the quagmire of its own social problems.READ FULL DETAILS

2009-06-16T19:17:00.000+09:00

5 PCSO millionaires live in Pagadian

FIVE multi-millionaires live in Pagadian City, this information from the briefing paper of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Vis-Min data on sales, outlets and social services for online lottery sector. READ FULL DETAILS

2009-06-16T18:35:00.000+09:00

PCSO in Pagadian

IN celebrating its 75 years of charitable endeavors, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) continues to feed thousands of hungry children, give medicines to the poor patients and relief assistance to calamities. READ FULL DETAILS

Prov’l Legal Office adds new lawyers

2009-06-10T15:21:00.000+09:00

THREE home-grown lawyers are added to the Provincial Legal Office (PLO) last week. Provincial Legal Officer Mark Anthony Padayhag introduced last Monday, during the flag ceremony, lawyers Gia Luy Ariosa, Stahrl Kristine Guadalquiver Montealto and Benison Mahawan. READ FULL DETAILS

DAR-Zambosur observes 21st CARP anniversary

2009-06-10T14:24:00.000+09:00

THE regional and provincial offices of the agrarian reform department (DAR) jointly observed the 21st anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) last June 9 with DAR Reg. Dir. Julita Ragandang and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Glenn Sabijon leading the celebration along with the DAR family. READ FULL DETAILS

Cerilles meets Zampen expats

2009-06-10T14:19:00.000+09:00

REPORT & PHOTO BY REMAI ALEJADO, ZAMBOSUR PPB

GOVERNOR Aurora Cerilles recently met and chat with returning Filipino expatriates or OFWs from this province.

Some 1,200 of the expats and their families cheered and shook hands with Cerilles at the City Gym during the celebration of the 13th Migrant Workers Day last June 7.

Cerilles was the invited speaker for the occasion, which was spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-9).

There, the governor saluted the OFWs and their families who participated in the Thanksgiving Day bearing the theme: “Araw ng Pasasalamat: Pagpupugay sa Kakayahan at Talino ng Expat Pinoy.”

Cerilles said she was happy OWWA held the affair in Pagadian as the gathering boosted this city’s description as the new regional center in Region 9.

OWWA’s effort likewise received the same admiration from Mayor Samuel Co.

The 13th Migrant Workers Day honored six outstanding OFWs from across the region, who each received plaques of recognition and cash rewards from Globe Communications.

The outstanding OFWs are incumbent councilor Arnold Gavenia, Hatta Ali of Zamboanga City; Akas Baradzar of Muricay, this city; Teodoro Sabate Jr. of San Jose District, Engr. Alfonso Homecillo of Santiago District, and Ambrosio Rillera.

Another two OFWs were also awarded: 78-year-old Ambrosio Rillera as the most senior surviving OFW and Nena Benigno.

Gavenia once worked in Saudi Arabia and Taiwan while Ali is a global stage performer; Baradzar a utility worker in Saudi Arabia and presently a public school teacher here.

Cerilles, in her message, called the Filipino expatriates as the “living heroes of the country,” bitterly surviving on unpleasant and hostile environments just to give their loved ones and families a better life and contribute to the country’s economy.

The whole day affair also included a raffle draw of the Kabuhayan Showcase, livelihood and trade fairs and dental outreach.

DOLE Reg. Dir. Ponciano Ligutom and Provincial Labor Officer Virginia Bonbon said they both support the affair.

IN DUE TIME

2009-06-08T21:56:00.000+09:00

Mayor Samuel Co shows his multi-million, five-storey City Commercial Center (C3), calendared to be finished by early 2011, during a recent meeting with journalists. Co explained the project--conceptualized in 2006--has been delayed for a while because of changes in its original design, which, he said, has been disregarded by architects because of impracticality.

PHOTO BY REMAI ALEJADO

EMAIL US : zampenews@gmail.com
CONTACT : 0921-441-8310

City needs millions for firefighting upgrade

2009-06-08T16:25:00.000+09:00

REPORT BY JONG CADION
ZAMPENEWS ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

THE city needs to upgrade its fire hydrants and standpipes and construct it in strategic places around the urban areas, aside from procuring ten more fire trucks for fire emergencies, this statement from City Fire Marshal Christopher Morales.

At present, there are only 11 water hydrants around the city, according to the Pagadian City Water District (PCWD). Then there are only three fire trucks covering nine towns, Morales added.

Engineer Henry Topia, head of PCWD’s engineering department, said the water hydrants are situated in fire-prone areas while one is placed in Tiguma. Four standpipes can also be found in different subdivisions in the city.

With PCWD’s proposed additional six hydrants to be installed in the city proper, the city needs to have at least 23 and another three more standpipes while city fire trucks needs to reach the ideal ten for the city’s present population.

Morales said that the number of additional hydrants should be put to nine. It was learned that a single hydrant costs between P80,000 to P100,000 while a fire truck will most likely fetch P10-million.

With the upgrade, the BFP can then serve and response to fire calls without delay to the municipalities of Tukuran, Labangan, Dumalinao, Tigbao, Kumalarang, Lakewood, Bayog, Guipos and San Pablo.

Around the province, only the towns of Aurora, Molave, Dinas and Margosatubig own fire trucks but these areas also have their assigned jurisdictions in an event of fire calls from neighboring places.

Example, in case of fire emergency, the fire truck from Dinas is tasked to cover that of San Miguel, Dimataling, Tabina and Pitogo.

But with the planned upgrade, the city is faced with the dilemma as to where to get the money. Some councilors proposed that the city avail of the financial assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office or from senator-friends s or through loan assistance.

But Mayor Samuel Co said this is not his priorities for the meantime, adding the BFP can solve its own problems.

It can be recalled that on March 2006, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) launched a loan facility for BFP known as LGUs Fire Protection Program.

During the MOA signing, LBP made available assistance to LGUs for the acquisition of necessary firefighting equipment like fire trucks, ambulances and other fire fighting equipment.

Also included are funds for the prevention training and the purchase of fire hydrants including rehabilitation of existing water supply lines and the improvement of fire stations.

Provinces, cities and municipalities are eligible to avail of the loans which can be paid within five years while for the construction, improvement and rehabilitation of fire stations, a maximum term of seven years is given to a loan.

Search for city’s five prettiest starts

2009-06-08T12:26:00.000+09:00

REPORT BY PHILIP JAMES TREMEDAL

THE City Tourism Office (CTO) is pushing through with the Search for Ms. Pagadian 2009, this time renaming it to “Search for Pagadian’s Five Prettiest.”

The beauty pageant is part of this city’s main activity for its 40th Araw ng Pagadian, which will be commemorated from June 11 to 21.

Tourism Officer Jewelo Barrios said Mayor Samuel Co has already given his go signal to get the event going as many residents were expecting it.

The scrapping of the June 19 beauty pageant was thought of during the preparation and planning activities due to financial and venue problems.

However, those assigned in the beauty pageant thought it best to continue with the pre-audition and the physical groundwork, just in case the mayor changes his mind. Two of the candidates have already withdrawn from the search.

This year’s theme is “Pagadian: Kakugi Padayon Aron ang Dakbayan Magmalambuon.”

Two dead in Sta. Lucia massacre

2009-06-08T12:11:00.000+09:00

REPORT BY PHILIP JAMES TREMEDAL

A former city government employee and a fireman were killed, Thursday, by masked gunmen inside a makeshift dwelling of the compound owned by one of the victims in Purok Pagatpat, Santa Lucia District, this city.

Police Chief Inspector Michael Palermo identified the two victims as FO1 Myles Cirunay and Pedrito Escario Jr., a retired government employee.

It was not known what the two victims were doing inside the compound at the time of the shooting.

Police investigators said they found several empty bullet shells of .45 caliber pistol near the two lifeless bodies of Escario and Cirunay.

Also found were aluminum foils and empty plastic sachets used for packing methamphetamine hydrochloride, some lighters and drug paraphernalia.

The police further said, quoting eyewitness accounts, that about five to six masked, gun-toting men arrived inside the compound early evening of June 4 in three motorcycles then without warning fire at the two.

Palermo added that they are still investigating the incident as he disclosed City Fire Marshal Christopher Morales has already confirmed Cirunay is a member of the city fire station and that the department is cooperating fully in the probe.

BFP wants city to set up own ERS

2009-06-05T18:22:00.000+09:00

REPORT BY JONG CADION
ZAMPENEWS ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

PAGADIAN city needs to have an Emergency Response System (ERS) for prompt delivery of emergency help, like medical, fire or police, this suggestion coming from Fire Marshal Christopher Morales.

In general view, Morales, said the city should establish a command structure that will promptly respond during fire emergencies or disaster and oversee the implementation of peace and order by installing an electronic device designed to summon help in such cases.

This was how Morales evaluated the urgent situations they encountered in the past months involving fire tragedies and that’s when ERS came into his mind.

Morales said that other cities like Davao and Puerto Princesa have implemented ERS in their localities, composed of several agencies working together in support of local emergency committees like the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC).

Chaired by local chief executives, the CDCC is responsible for ensuring the protection and welfare of city residents during disasters or emergencies.

An ERS is composed of a small radio transmitter or a console connected to a user's telephone; and an emergency response center that monitors calls, in this case, fire calls.

When fire emergency help is needed, for example, the ERS user transmits a signal to the console, which will then automatically dial 160, BFP’s pre-selected emergency telephone number.

The fire marshal then mentioned two frustrations they always encounter during fire alarms—the unconstrained crowd of kibitzers and lousy traffic control in areas where a fire incident is happening--which Morales laments, ineffectively hinder firefighters’ movements.

Morales added that with ERS in place, emergencies and fire crisis can be abated and or suppressed in lesser time.

City councilors, noting the fire marshal’s good judgment and insight, forwarded the suggestion to the committee on public safety, headed by Eric Bersales, for the formulation of a City Ordinance.

Army lieutenant dies after jeep collides with Rural Bus

2009-06-05T12:20:00.000+09:00

NEWS REPORT BY PHILIP JAMES TREMEDAL

TIGBAO, ZAMBOSUR--An army officer died on the spot after the vehicle he was riding collided with a Rural Transit of Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) bus along the national highway in Brgy. Nilo, this town.

Tigbao PNP Station named the victim as 1Lt. Julius Cesar Miranda of the 53rd Infantry Battalion based in Guipos.

The RTMI bus, which was travelling from Zamboanga City at the time of the accident, was driven by a certain Eusebio Gicale.

On the wheel of the military jeep was PFC Abraham Muhairan with Miranda and five others identified as 1Lt. Norly Oropesa, and Privates Garmay. Calago, Silod and Bartolome. They were on their way to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The swift impact of the colliding vehicles injured four passengers of RTMI when the bus turned on its side after the crash. Those taken to the hospital were identified as Teresita Cruz, Jimmy Yap, Elsa Acuran and Neil Monton.

Police surmised the road that time may have been slippery because of intermittent rains.