by Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Mar. 8, (PIA)—Various activities have been lined up in commemorating the 100th year of International Women’s Day, in Iligan City, today, March 8.
The activity was highlighted by a parade around the city’s thoroughfare with the city officials led by Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz who graced the affair.
Spicing up the occasion was the selection of the Biggest Delegation, Most Colorful, Most Unique and Most Lively Group, the winners of whom were given cash prizes of P3,000 per category.
During the program following the parade, a dance contest was held for various groups composed of 15-20 dancers, 30 years old and above, wearing apparel in the 60’s and the 80’s.
Meanwhile, as opening salvo, an evening live musical show and a cultural dance was featured at the city public plaza, last March 4, with performers coming from the Iligan City Medical Center College “Kapagintaw” Band and Dance Troupe.
Women displayed their products through a booth installed at the public plaza, with prizes at stake for the selection of Best Booth and Best Product.
Women from different organizations of the city’s 44 barangays enjoyed doing the dance aerobics exercise on March 5 dubbed as “Hataw Iliganon,’’ with the hataw master in command taking the lead.
A 2-hour physical fitness program, the “Hataw Iliganon” aerobics exercises is held every Saturday, 6:00-8:00a.m., in the same venue.
That same day, a Night of Music, Dance and Poetry was held for women wearing attractive and colorful costumes as they innovatively performed their talents.
Also, they were privileged to have free dental consultation and haircut with hair stylists from different beauty parlors of the city.
A cooking contest dared women on a menu using indigenous vegetables, such as “puso ng saging” and “camote” tops as their main ingredients.
Meanwhile, a symposium on Women’s History and Human Rights was held, last March 7, at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), mini theatre, this city. (PIA-10)
Magna Carta of Women to highlight Women’s Month Celebration
by Charmaine P. Tadlas
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) – Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women will be one of the highlights of the Women’s Month observed in March, this year.
As such, the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be conducting an orientation on RA 9710 to the different levels of local government, which serves as the front-liners in implementing the said law.
This year’s celebration theme is “Magna Carta of Women Philippine CEDAW: In support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),” Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, Regional Director of DSWD-10, said.
The Magna Carta of Women is a comprehensive women’s rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against them through recognition, protection, fulfillment and promotion of the rights of the marginalized sector.
These rights include the equal rights in all matters relating to marriage and family relations, protection from all forms of violence, including those committed by the State, protection and security in times of disasters, calamities and other crisis situations, participation and representation;
Equal treatment before the law, equal access and elimination of discrimination against women in education, scholarships and training.
Equal participation in sports, non-discrimination in employment in the field of the military, police and other similar services, non-discriminatory and non-derogatory portrayal of
women in media and film and Comprehensive health services and health information and education and leave benefits. (DSWD/PIA-10)
March 8: A Free Day for Women Workers in Iligan City
by Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Mar. 8 (PIA)— March 8, 2011 is the centenary celebration of International Women’s Day.
As such, the City Government of Iligan, together with the rest of the world, recognizes the efforts and contributions of women in building a humane society.
By virtue of the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Iligan Resolution No. 05-186, series of 2005, today, March 8, is declared a “Free Day for Women Workers in Iligan City.”
Thus, all government employees, most especially women with “regular” or “casual” status of appointment, are enjoined to actively participate in the activities that have been lined up for the day.
And since this is a free day for women in the city, they are encouraged to participate in the parade and to wear an attire that bears the symbolic color for women which is violet.
The local theme for the celebration is “Celebrating 100 Years”. (PIA-10)
Mambajao underscores women’s month celeb w/ medical outreach and symposia
by Jorie C. Valcorza
CAMIGUIN, Mambajao, March 8 (PIA) – Women here enjoys free medical services from simple cough and sputum tests to breast and cervical screening as the town joins the nation in celebrating the Women’s Month, this March.
The event opened with a discussion on the Magna Carta for Women by Lorna Lago, the Municipal Social Welfare Development Officer (MSWDO) who briefed the municipal employees on the salient features of the law.
Drumming up the activity further, a motorcade followed the opening program in the municipal hall and went around town before it regrouped again at the Mambajao Municipal Gym for the day-round medical and dental outreach organized by the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI).
A series of symposia on various women’s issues and discussions on the role of women in the family and in environmental/climate change concerns, highlighted the celebration.
It also tackles women health care and pertinent issuea on the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).
A blooding letting activity was likewise organized to complement the medical and dental mission.
This year’s observance revolves around the theme “Magna Carta of Women, Philippine CEDAW: In support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”(PIA 10)
Newly elected barangay officials undergo basic training course
by Jorie C. Valcorza
CAMIGUIN, Mambajao, March 8 (PIA) – To unify moves towards achieving responsive and transparent barangays, the Liga ng mga Barangay, Mambajao Chapter, recently, conducted the Barangay Newly Elected Officers Orientation Program (BNEO).
Attended by all the newly installed barangay and Sangguniang Kabaataan (SK) officials, the activity was to immediately heed to the Provincial Memorandum dated February 15, 2011 of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The BNEO is mandatory for all newly elected barangay and SK officials and tackles about their responsibilities, roles and functions, as well, as the implications of running a local government unit.
The basic orientation training course will also lay the dynamics of good governance and help set common direction among barangay officials towards achieving a “Clean and Beautiful Mambajao” as envisioned by their town Mayor Ma. Luisa Romualdo.
This is under DILG’s Grassroots Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent Barangays or the “GREAT Barangays” program.
Held in three (3) batches, the 2-day activity is scheduled to run from March 9-17, 2011 at Bahay Bakasyunana sa Camiguin. (PIA 10)
ARMM completes more than 900 community dev’t assistance projects in Lanao del Sur
by Apipa Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Mar. 08 (PIA) --- More than 900 community development assistance (CDA) projects have been accomplished in the province by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through the Social Development Fund (SDF), as of December 31 2010.
This was reported by Norodin Lumambas, ASDF head for monitoring and evaluation during the recently-concluded ASFP additional financing orientation for local government units in Lanao del Sur (LDS) held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall last March 6 and 7, 2011.
One of the components of the ASFP, CDA empowers communities towards more active participation and management of their community affairs by providing resources for social preparation, organizing, capacity building and trainings, as well, as infrastructure and livelihood food sufficiency.
Lumambas said CDA which uses community-driven development approach includes packages of community-based infrastructure (CBI) sub-projects and learning livelihood and food sufficiency (LLFS) activities.
In terms of CBI, he said 430 sub-projects were completed for LDS-A while another 470 were accomplished for LDS-B which are classified into six sectors: agriculture, education, health, social services, transport, as well as water and sanitation.
Moreover, he said that 37 barangays in LdS-A and 48 barangays in LdS-B benefited from the functional literacy (FL), household & food sufficiency (HSFA) and income generating (IGA) activities under the LLFS.
Meanwhile, LDS-A is comprised of the towns of Balindong, Buadiposo-Buntong, Bubong, Bumbaran, Ditsaan-Ramain, Kapai, Lumba-Bayabao, Maguing, Marantao, Masiu, Mulondo, Piagapo, Poona Bayabao, Saguiaran, Tagoloan II, Tamparan, taraka, Tugaya and Wao including Marawi City.
On the other hand, LDS-B includes the towns of Bacolod-Kalawi, Balabagan, Bayang, Binidayan, Butig, Calanogas, Ganassi, Kapatagan, Lumbaca-Unayan, Lumbatan, Lumbayanague, Madalum, Madamba, Malabang, Marogong, Pagayawan, Picong, Pualas, Sultan Dumalondong, and Tubaran.
The ASFP is a government project that helps reduce poverty and builds peace in the communities of the ARMM through loans from the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). (PIA-10)
24 towns in ARMM to receive P1.5-M each under the ASFP block grant
by Apipa Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Mar. 8 (PIA) --- Some 24 towns in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be piloted to implement the Municipal Block Grant (MBG) under the additional financing of the ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP).
Nasser G. Sinarimbo, ASFP Manager, said the identified municipalities in the region will be awarded a block grant of P1.5-million worth of sub-projects, each, that will be implemented across or will benefit several barangays.
He said the 24 town-beneficiaries will be selected based on their performance ratings of which 60 percent (60%) will depend on the Performance Information System (PIS) and the remaining 40 percent (40%) will be generated from the community development assistance (CDA) records.
However, Sinarimbo disclosed that the selected local government units (LGUs) are required to provide counterpart fund of 30 percent (30%), the 20 percent (20%) of which, will be in cash and 10 percent (10%) in kind.
The MBG is part of the institutional strengthening and governance (ISG) component of the US$30-million additional financing of the World Bank which is being implemented by the ASFP.
He also said, the additional financing, which targets to reduce poverty by providing support mechanism for the promotion of a peaceful and safe environment in the conflict-affected areas in the ARMM, started on November 5, 2010 and will end on May 31, 2013.
Meanwhile, ARMM consists of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi including Marawi City.
He, likewise, emphasized that the MBG will also support the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The PCF is a program that aims to stimulate LGUs to put premium on performance in order to avail of the financial package they could use to jumpstart and sustain local economic development initiatives for the reduction of poverty in their areas. (PIA-10)
NPA ambush does not affect festivities – Malaybalay PNP
by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Mar. 8 (PIA) – The ambush which took place in the mountains, last March 6, does not affect the on-going Kaamulan tribal festival in Malaybalay City.
This assurance came from P/Supt. Erwin Bayani O. Meneses, Chief of the Malaybalay City Police Office who said police visibility has been observed in the city since the festivities opened last February 18 and ends on March 13.
Four (4) police officers were killed while four (4) others were wounded in a New People’s Army (NPA) ambush at 11:15 a.m. of March 6 at old logdeck Barangay Mapayag, this city.
Meneses said the rebels attacked one (1) Police L300 vehicle and one (1) Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) van in convoy responding to an earlier reported NPA killing of Mapayag ex-barangay Captain Antonio Pechora.
Killed were PO3 Joumar Cahig, PO1 Ronnel Bayta, PO1 Jaime Napil and PNP volunteer Rodel Dangup while the wounded are PO3 Zandrex Llido, PO3 Glenn Pamisa, PO1 Angelo Linaban and PO1 Xerxes Bon Palasol.
P/Sr. Insp. Sabellano Timbal said the rebels took three (3) nine-mm. pistols and one (1) M-16 rifle as they fled the scene. (PIA-10)
DOST extends Tulong-Kabahayan for Libya OFWS
by Tess Superioridad-Baluyos
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) - Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) on voluntary repatriation from Libya may seek alternative means of livelihood through the Tulong-Kabuhayan Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
This new program, initiated by DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, will provide free livelihood training to OFWs who were displaced and were voluntarily repatriated from Libya, Regional Director Alfonso Alamban of DOST, region 10, said.
Affected OFWs and their families can avail of DOST-Technology Resource Center’s (TRC) various hands-on livelihood trainings such as production of flavored and fortified juice, layers (table egg) production, manufacture of fashion accessories, herbal bath soap, perfumes and colognes, among others.
Those who are management-oriented can also avail of other trainings such as business operation, event planning and management, setting up a domestic ticketing office for airlines and shipping companies, bakery management, and others.
“This is a way of helping our displaced OFWs to quickly get back on track to being productive anew,” Montejo said.
“We want to show to our people that they can start their lives again through DOST’s technology training courses that will enable them to venture into entrepreneurship and business,” he added.
Meanwhile, the DOST Tulong-Kabuhayan also offers free assistance to these affected OFWs who want to avail of micro-financing through the DOST-TRC’s partner institutions,” Director-General Dennis Cunanan of TRC said.
The program aims to assist OFWs who voluntarily repatriated from Libya, including their families, to return to the mainstream and become productive again through various livelihood and business options.
The TRC is the science agency’s arm in providing technology-based products and services for livelihood and enterprise development of Filipinos.
Particularly, it provides expert business and livelihood technology training courses that can transform ideas into practice and profits.
Interested OFWs may contact Rene Oxina at the TRC Office located at 103 J. Abad Santos, Little Baguio, San Juan City, Metro Manila or call telephone number 727-6205.
Those OFWs going home to the provinces may contact the DOST Regional Office or its Provincial Science and Technology Centers.
Here in Region 10, they can contact these numbers: 8583931, 728102. Available trainings this march 2011 can be viewed at http://www.trc.dost.gov.ph/ (DOST/PIA-10)
DA’s HVCDP bares 2011-2016 strategic dev’t plan
by Joane L. Olson
DALWANGAN, Malaybalay City, Mar. 8 (PIA) – A convention to identify the systems of implementing the interventions under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), was recently held by the Dept. of Agriculture (DA), region 10.
Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Research Center (NOMIARC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, the activity was led by HVCDP Director Dante S. Delima.
The activity was aimed at envisioning productive farming communities across the island-region of Mindanao and was attended by the regional directors and HVCDP regional coordinators.
It was also attended by the planning staff and finance officers from the different DA regional field offices, as well, as other partners from the non-government organizations (NGOs) to tackle the program’s development plan for 2011-2016.
At the same time, it gave participants a thorough understanding of their key roles as integral part in the decision-making of realizing projects that would translate to empowerment among HVCD producers in their respective regions.
These priority HVCDP commodities include the industrial crops, such as rubber, coffee, cacao and abaca, vegetables, such as, lowland and upland spices and indigenous fruits and staple food crops and legumes, such as, banana (saba), root crops, “adlay” and soybeans.
Local priorities will be determined by each region and that a region is not obliged to implement all of the initiatives mentioned for CY 2011, Delima said.
However, he stated that the execution of projects would be relative to an area’s priority needs.
He added that although “adlay” and soybeans have been incorporated into the program’s priority commodities, he said that the two crops are still in its piloting stage, therefore, HVCDP would still need to check its adaptability in various regions. (DA/PIA-10)
Region 10 has Php40.2M for HVCDP initiatives
By Joane L. Olson
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) – An over-all budget of Php40.2M have been allocated for the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) initiatives of region 10 for CY 2011.
Of this amount, 37% will be spent on vegetables, 19% on industrial crops, 17% on staple food crops, 16% on soybeans and 11% on fruits, particularly, lanzones, mangosteen and mango.
Consequently, however, coffee and vegetables produced in Northern Mindanao would still be given priority interventions, HVCDP Director Dante S. Delima, said.
In general, HVCDP is required to carry out three Major Final Outputs (MFOs) as warranted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA).
These include delivery of agriculture and fisheries support services, creation, implementation and enforcement of regulations and development, implementation, supervision and evaluation of plans and policies.
For the first MFO, the program’s initiatives cover production support services, market development services, credit facilitation services, irrigation development services, other infrastructure and postharvest development services, and extension support, education and training services.
Under this move, proponents can avail assistance such as the provision of planting materials, seeds and farm equipment, the establishment or rehabilitation of production facilities and plants, aid in market studies and researches and among others.
Meanwhile, Delima emphasized that the current HVCDP interventions are output-oriented and employ the counter-parting scheme in its project implementations.
This will encourage the recipients to be more participative and have a sense of responsibility and ownership of the project, he said.
Under the second MFO, the program will grant help to beneficiaries by offering chemical residue analysis, quarantine inspections, development of production and product standards, and pests and diseases monitoring and surveillance.
To capably perform such initiatives, the Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI) would be closely working on the program, Delima said.
Lastly, the third MFO comprise initiatives ranging from evaluation and monitoring of projects, conduct of meetings/consultations and development of statistical systems to strategize the attainment of production increase in high value crops. (DA/PIA-10)
HVCDP gears for the creation of a Mindanao Coordinating Office
by Joane L. Olson
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) -- A Mindanao Coordinating Office have been created for the Dept. of Agriculture’s (DA) High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) in Mindanao.
The said office is now lodged at the DA-10 office in Cagayan de Oro City to facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of HVCDP projects within the island.
As project proposals are a prerequisite for fund release support in operating the HVCDP initiatives, delegates of the recently concluded HVCDP convention at Dalwangan, Malybalay City were informed on a detailed project proposal format and the process of its evaluation.
On this note, DA’s HVCDP Director Dante S. Delima encouraged the regional field offices, as well as the other agency partners, to be aggressive in making project proposals, that is, giving weight on the sustainability mechanism of the project.
To further discuss the priority interventions, resource sharing, network of services, the project implementation structure of interested production groups and its corresponding plan of action, a regional comprehensive planning schedule for the participating regions has also been agreed.
The initially targeted dates matching the regions, this year, are as follows: March 7-8 for Region 10, March 10-11 for Region 11, March 14-15 for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), March 21-22 for Region 13 and March 24-25 for Region 9.
The schedule for Region 12, however, was held on an earlier date, February 17-18, 2011. (DA/PIA-10)
MNCIAD projects for CY 2011 now on the Ground
by Grace Sta. Elena
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) – Some 20 municipalities in Region 10 are qualified to avail of the Mindanao North Coast Integrated Area Development Projects (MNCIADP), this year.
This was revealed by Regional Technical Director Constancio C. Maghanoy, Jr., of the Dept. of Agriculture, region 10 (DA-10), during the consultation with the local government units (LGU) held in the city, recently.
Maghanoy said the priority municipalities who could avail of the project are those who have not availed of the FMR projects from other DA-related programs and do not have an existing MNCIAD-funded project, as of today.
“The attendance of these municipalities to the consultation have shown their interest to the project, thus, they will be given priority to avail of the said funding source,” explained RTD Maghanoy.
However, DA still requires submission of the letter of intent and project proposals duly approved by the Municipal Mayor, he said.
He added that the evaluation and approval of the project is based on a first-come, first-served basis and that the LGU has also to provide the counterpart of 10% of the total project cost.
The forum was an opportune time for the LGU implementers and the DA to harmonize the activity for the smooth implementation of the project that will help attain agri-development in the country side.
Meanwhile, the 20 participating municipalities from the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin and Bukidnon attended the said forum with their Municipal Mayors, Municipal Agriculturists, Municipal Planning Officers and Municipal Engineers. (DA/PIA-10)
DA allocates Php40.1M for MNCIADP projects in 2011
by Grace Sta. Elena
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) -- A total of Php40.1M have been allocated for the projects under the Mindanao North Coast Integrated Area Development Projects (MNCIADP) for 2011.
Of this amount, Php32.1 M is allocated for the Farm-to-Market-Road (FMR), while Php2.0M is for the Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) projects and Php6.0M will finance other services, Carlota S. Madriaga, MNCIADP Regional Coordinator, said.
She, however, emphasized that the proponent are allowed to submit a one (1)- kilometer FMR project proposal worth Php4.9M or Php3.9M, if the project will be implemented by contract or by the administration, respectively.
During a recent consultation with the local government units (LGU), Madriaga said that the project implementation for the past four (4) years has reduced transport and hauling cost of agricultural products by 10-20%.
It also opened economic activities as investors will not hesitate to pour out their resources in the area because the access to various services provided by the different agencies is now opened.
It also improved peace and order situation in the area because residents are engaged in agri-livelihood projects that will boost the living condition of their families.
Thus, participants to the consultation agreed to submit the requirements and their project proposal not later than March 22, 2011.
The LGUs are hopeful that MNCIADP will be extended for another 5 years to bring in more benefits to the under-privileged farmers in the countryside, Madriaga added. (DA/PIA-10)
Hard life within movement causes surrender of 12 NPA members
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) – The struggle and hard life we suffered within the armed movement made us realize it was not worth it.
Thus, they expressed willingness to cooperate with the Philippine Army in giving names and information, as well, as help convince their comrades in the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender as well.
This was the common response given by at least 12 members of the NPA who, recently, surrendered to the Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) Team of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army at Barangay Lahi in Gigaguit, Surigao del Norte.
They disclosed that they were reorganized last 2009 purposely to conduct surveillance / casing to particular target of atrocities and active defense in monitoring military operations in the area.
As members of the NPA Militia ng Bayan (MB) under Squad 1 of Guerilla Front 16A of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC), they voluntarily surrendered without firearms to COPD Team Leader under 1Lt Jefriley DG Lumague based in the 30th Infantry Brigade at Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.
The surenderees were identified as follows: Juben Bausing (Ka Denden), Romel Bayang (Ka Ram), Francis Guergio (Ka Loloy), Ruben Bausing (Ka Roger), Michael Guergio Arguelles (ka Dodong), Macelo Bardillo Sumaylo (ka Jerry) and Binifacio Bayang Comandante (Ka Ibon).
Dante Sajolan Larong (Ka Dolfin), Allan Cuares Jamesola (Ka Allan), Jayson Larong (Ka Jonas), Renato Bayang (Ka Ren), and Ramil Jamesola (Ka Ramil), all residents of Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said that he is delighted with the large number of surrenderees and that this is a moment of proof in the effectiveness of the COPD teams in the field.
“This recent development is a clear indicator that NPA members are not satisfied with their lives within the armed struggle and they now trust our men in the COPD teams whom they came to understand as those who can improve the lives of people in their community,” the 4ID, PA Commander said.
The surrender was made possible by the effective training of 4ID’s COPD teams in the pursuit for lasting peace and development in the region, Maj. Eugene Julius Osias IV, Commander of the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, said. (4CMO/PIA-10)
Teachers: new extortion targets of desperate NPA’s
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) -- The desperation of the National People’s Army (NPA) to survive have now affected even the teachers.
This, as reports and revelations confirmed that the NPA are exacting revolutionary taxes against teachers in the province of Bukidnon.
It was learned that the schoolteachers who are assigned in far-flung barangays of San Fernando, like little Baguio, Namnam and Matupe, Hagpa and Kalabugao of Impasug-ong and others like in Upper Pulangi, Malaybalay City have been complaining that they are suffering hardship because they were forcibly giving P300.00 a month to the NPA.
Community leaders and Local Government Units are now fearful that there will be no teachers who would like to be assigned in these areas and therefore risking an increase in illiteracy rate in this part of Mindanao.
It can be noted that before, the NPAs were only extorting money from the mining companies and other business entities. But unfortunately because of their inability to survive in the mountains, even small farmers and other common “tao” are now being harassed by these terrorists.
Maj. Gen. Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (4ID,PA) said that he denounced the criminal acts by the rebels.
“The NPAs should be more compassionate to small people in their criminal activities since they are saying they are pro-poor. These are actions of common criminals, they are opportunist to prey on the helpless civilians in order for them to survive and have an easier way to make money for their personal interest,” he said.
Meanwhile, 4th ID Spokesperson Maj. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, Commanding Officer of the 4th Civil-Military Operations (Kasaligan) Battalion said that if the NPA wants to help the people in the community they should stop extorting money from them.
“Is this the kind of ideology they are espousing that even the teachers who have been sacrificing their lives to teach our children would be displaced by these harassments?” he asked.
Now it only proves that they are not really sincere in bringing peace and development to the countryside,” Osias added. (4ID/PIA-10).
Bukidnon LGU signs MOA to win peace against the NPA
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Mar. 8 (PIA) – In a commitment to win peace, Bukidnon Gov. Alex Calingasan and Col. Romeo L. Gapuz, Commander of the 403rd Brigade, Philippine Army (403rdBde) signed, recently, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the training of more Special CAFGU Active Auxilliary (SCAA).
“This MOA is a clear sign that the communities fully support the civilian populace and the government, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP),” Gapuz said.
He said the New Peoples Army (NPA) is now in a series of burning up heavy equipment in Bukidnon for frustrations of no longer getting support from the people especially from the business community of the province.
In every opportunity, the terrorist NPA would seize and destroy properties of anyone they suspect who could give them huge amount as revolutionary tax.
Unfortunately, they failed because civilians have come to realize that the NPA has transformed into savage fugitives that do not distinguish hard work and believes in carrying out their violent acts; and, that only the state can legally collect taxes.
Unsuccessful in their intent to rummage from the booming investment and business community, they resort to destroying equipment and properties of multi-national companies operating in the province.
Early last month, the NPA burned one (1) trailer truck of FSTA Company and ransacked a fastfood restaurant in Quezon, Bukidnon. Weeks later, they burned two (2) dumptrucks, two (2) backhoes and a pick up vehicle owned by PhilPost Mining Company operating in San Fernando town.
Likewise, they burned the banana sprayer truck owned by Dole Stanfilco in Sitio Gabunan, Casisang, Malaybalay City.
The latest destruction was the burning of two (2) sprayer trucks and one (1) water tank of Sumifru Philippines Corporation in Barangay Magsaysay, this city.
What these leftists did was just a conclusive evidence of their desperate act that the support of the people is waning, continuously losing their mass bases, even their political struggle to a certain degree.
Their vulnerability set them off to do these terroristic acts to intimidate and sow chaos in the peaceful and progressive province of Bukidnon.
The NPA lost their propaganda war as the citizens and other stakeholders continuously support peace and security efforts of the government.
Meanwhile, Gapuz condemned the continuous use of ploys by the terrorist NPA to gain support and earn sympathy.
Moreover, he reminded civilian populace and business community to be more vigilant as they are eyed targets by these terrorists.
He likewise called on the citizens and other stakeholders to help and support the provincial government, AFP and PNP by providing necessary information relative to the activities of the said bandits. (403Bde, PA/PIA-10)
NPA torches container truck in Surigao
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 8 (PIA) -- A truck carrying a container van of Dole Philippines was burned by the New People’s Army (NPA), between Barangays Amontay in Marihatag and Pontod of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur (SDS) at about 5:45p.m., last March 4.
The Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division has sent troops from the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion based at Barangay Aras-asan in Cagwait, SDS in response to the incident.
Reports indicate that more than five (5) members of the NPA with high powered firearms flagged down the truck carrying bananas on its way to Davao City. The rebels then torched the container van and the truck to the ground.
The burning incident is the 3rd for Dole, two of which started in Bukidnon after the company refused to give in to the extortion demands of the rebel group.
Maj. Gen. Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th ID condemned the recent attack on the civilian vehicle and called it an act of pure terrorism.
“This action against civilians is not anymore an act of righteous men but a cowardice act of loose bandits. The Civilian populace should be excluded from such form of violence and not be victimized by lawless pursuit of extortion,” Felix said.
The desperation of the rebel group is getting way out of hand and they should pay for such atrocities, Maj. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, Spokesperson of 4th ID and Commanding Officer of 4th Civil-Military Operations (Masaligan) Battalion, also said.
“Businesses which help our communities and economy are being harassed for the motive of profiteering. We are asking the full cooperation of the people and communities to help us end the illegal activities of the NPA,” Osias added. (4ID/PA-10)
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