Protection of Mount Pinukis gained supports

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOSUR - The move to protect Mount Pinukis is gaining support with the signing of a covenant by concerned stakeholders during the “Panaw-Sinati

uban sa Kabuhatan” (Walk-experience of Creation) last week.

Mount Pinukis, which has a height of 1,562 meters above sea level, is located in the municipality of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

The signatories are representatives from the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace; Civil Society Organizations (CSO); Local Government Units; National Government Agencies; police, military; and, other environmental groups that supports the move to protect Mount Pinukis.

Prior to the signing of the covenant, the signatories and more than 1,000 people gathered in front of San Jose Parish Church in Pagadian City and travelled in convoy to Barangay Lison Valley for the PANAW as part of the culmination in the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace and also of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Basileňos tops soldier’s training

ZAMBOANGA del Sur—A candidate from Isabela City was rewarded with a top place during a closing ceremony at the Tabak grand stand Sunday, December 15, Tabak said early in a statement.

The six months military training was implemented last June 15 by the 1^st Infantry Division’s training school in Labangan town in this province.

Candidates  Soldiers

Rodel Babao of Isabela City was rewarded the top position out of the 138 individuals who took Candidate Soldier Course (class 318-13) with Jungle Warfare Mountaineering Operation Course.

Babao was followed by Richard R. Aninion and Nover B. Rillera all of Molave, Zamboanga del Sur as second and third in standing, respectively.

The training has originally a regular quota of 144 members, however, only 138 passed the military trainings and discipline this year.

Tabak chief addresses new grads

Commander of the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division encouraged candidate soldiers to stay disciplined during a closing ceremony.

In his speech, BGen. Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad Jr. told candidate soldiers that their trainings are just a preparation for more challenges yet to come.

The specialization training, Trinidad said, is an assumption of new life now a pubic servants ready to render services to serve the country without reservation. 

Trinidad 

The candidate soldiers are now the new regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as the Tabak chief declared them new graduates during the ceremony Sunday, December 15 at the Division Grandstand.

At least 138 candidates from the class 318-13 will be sent off to their respective area of responsibility this month.

Aside the parents of the candidates, members of the Tabak Press Corps were also seen around covering the occasion.

After the program, the parents and the soldiers took dinner at a gym and shared fellowship with one other as they refreshed themselves from months of training.

The 138 candidates have undergone six months cross-trained specialization training such as jungle warfare among others. 

ZamPen police donates P.5-M

ZAMBOANGA City—Police regional office of Zamboanga Peninsula donated P.5 million to the victims of the super typhoon Yolanda, police said in a statement early.

To reached its target, police here suggested to commit P100.00 each as donation for the victims, it said.

Led by police chief Superintendent Juanito B. Vaño Jr., PNP 9 regional director, the cash donations were turned over at once to the chief of the Philippine National Police.

Zamboanga Peninsula has the number of 5,896 police force functioning as law enforcers in the provinces and municipalities of the entire region.

Vaño said, “Ang ating kapulisan ditto sa PRO9 ay nakikiramay at handing tumulong sa libo-libong nasalanta ng bagyo saVisayas. Saka tunayan ang ibang pulis na nagbigay ng P100 ay nasunugan ng bahay noong nakaraang Zamboanga standoff with the MNLF. Peromagkaganun pa man, sila ay hindi nag dalawang isip na tumulong sa ating mga kababayan na labis na naapektuhan ng super typhoon Yolanda.”

The priority recipients of the amount donated will be PNP members who were typhoon victims.    

Typhoon Yolanda, which was said to be one of the most destructive cyclone in history, has devastated several provinces in the Visayas region. 

This effort, a brainchild of the regional director, was repeatedly announced as voluntary, such that those who do not want to give will not be forced to do so.

At least 100 per cent of the personnel from the PNP regional office 9 have responded positively as they manifested clearly their intentions by affixing their signatures as among those who are willing to donate P100.00.

This assistance is one way of showing that police here are sensitive to the plight of their “kababayans,” especially their brother-policemen and policewomen, in the typhoon-ravaged regions. –-With Judys Cogo

Man shot in Molave

MOLAVE, Zamboanga Del Sur—Certain Erwin Cardoza Reazol, 25 and married, was shot by a suspect identified as Jesus Vilarde Cardoza, 73 and married, all of this place, police said.

Suspect used a shotgun rifle in shooting the victim which wounded Reazol’s face and ear.

Immediately, the victim was brought to a nearby hospital but later was transferred to Ozamiz City for more medical attention.

Police operatives arrested the suspect but the firearm he used in shooting was allegedly thrown into the river.

Investigators disclosed that Reazol has drank and act disruptively with a bolo but when reproved did not obey his grandfather which resulted to an accidental shooting.

Suspect is now facing criminal charges before the court.

Man kidnapped in Labangan

LABANGAN, Zamboanga Del Sur—One Edmund Estepa Corpuz has been missing since November 25, police said.

Investigators said that Corpuz, 31 and a resident of Barangay Dalapang in this town, went and got his relative at Zamboanga Del Sur National High School in Pagadian City last November 25. However, he had failed to return home.

An abduction was confirmed by relatives when a call was made by an alleged kidnapper asking certain amount in exchange of the victim’s release.

Pagadian City, capital of Zamboanga del Sur, is 7 kilometers west of Labangan.

Zamboanga del Sur police has created a special task group and launched an operation to track down the location of the victim and the identity of the perpetrator.

The Anti-Kidnapping Group is also helping on the rescue operation.

Kidnapping in this place is uncommon. —With Judys Cogo

P3-M fire razes 36 houses

MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur—About 36 houses were razed by fire here and destroyed P3 million worth of properties, police said in a report early.

Investigators said the fire broke out at a residence in Barangay Culo, this town, about 1:40 in the morning of December 8 and were believed caused by a faulty electrical wiring.

Houses in the area were made of light materials, which caused the swift spread of fire.

Fire personnel here and from Ramon Magsaysay (in this province) went to the place to prevent fire from spreading to the neighborhood.

Police were also in the area to prevent possible looters who may take the advantage of the situation.

At least two persons were injured during the blaze and the victims were brought at once to a nearby hospital for medication.

Firefighters put the blaze under control at around 4:00 in the afternoon that day. –With Judys Cogo

Man arrested for theft

JOSE DALMAN, Zamboanga del Norte—A man was arrested by police after robbing an establishment in this town on Tuesday, December 3, police said.

Investigators said one Ronie Siatol Dialogo, 34, married and a resident of Manukan, this province, entered at the Double ‘A’ Hardware and Merchandize store and took a half sack of rice amounting to P1,000 which was displayed at the store while a manager was busy attending customers.

The establishment is owned by certain Antonieta Ramiso Eudela which is managed by Catherine Ramiso Ejas.

However, the incident reached the police station and arrested the suspect. The item he took from the store was also recovered.

Meanwhile, last December 5 inside the detention cell, Dialogo destroyed a bed where he was detained which had resulted to another case now malicious mischief charged against him.

He was advised to pay P6,000 as bail bond.

Farmer stabbed in Mahayag

MAHAYAG, Zamboanga del Sur—One farmer in this town was stabbed with a hunting knife by a suspect, police said recently.

Victim identified as Julito Cabellan, 27, single, farmer, was wounded on his stomach and was brought by residents to a community hospital for medication.

Investigators said the incident occurred at Barangay Guripan (in this town) last December 7 when a suspect identified as Richard M. Coronel, 23, single and a famer of this place, suddenly approached the victim and thrust him with a knife without a plain reason.   

Fortunately, the suspect was arrested by police and was brought to the police station and be sued in a lawsuit. 

FAKE UN REP DANIEL XAVIER ARRESTED

In the morning of November 26, 2013 at around 3:30, Joint operatives Regional Criminal Investigation And Detection Unit Region 10, 1th Intelligence Division and 4^th Intelligence Division and Regional Intelligence Division Region 10 effected the arrest of Daniel Xavier at the vicinity of Bus Terminal in Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City by virtue of warrant of arrest under criminal case number 28212 and 28213 for violation of section 4b of Republic Act No. 9851 and criminal case no. 28214 for Rebellion issued by the Regional Trial Court, 9^th Judicial Region, Branch 15 Zamboanga City.

Arrested person was brought to the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit Region 10 office for proper documentation.

Earlier, the police filed charges of rebellion and violation of the international humanitarian law against Daniel Xavier along with other MNLF member including Chairman Nur Misuari relative to the Zamboanga City Siege incident

The suspect pretended to be a representative of the United Nations and assured the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman of the UN’s support in his declaration of independence._RPIO9

KIDNAPING INCIDENT IN ZAMBO SUR

On or about 6:00 in the morning of November 27, 2013, one Eleazar Corpuz reported to Labangan Police Station informing that his brother identified as Edmund Estepa Corpuz, 31 years old and a resident of Purok Maliwanag, Barangay Dalapang, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur allegedly kidnapped by the unidentified suspect/s and demanded for unspecified amount in exchange for his safe release.

The demand was relay thru a cellphone call made by the suspect/s to the victim’s family. Based on the investigation conducted by the PNP elements of Labangan Police Station, the aforesaid victim proceeded to Zamboanga Del Sur National High School in Pagadian City at about 2:00 in the afternoon of November 25, 2013 to fetch his relative and failed to return home up to this date.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Del Sur Police Provincial Office has now created Special Investigation Task Group- Corpuz and coordinated with anti- kidnapping group (AKG) for the possible rescue of the alleged kidnapped victim._RPIO9

Robber enters dormitory through window

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay—An unidentified suspect entered a dormitory and took three sets of closed circuit television camera and one mobile phone, police said recently.

The incident took place last December 5 in this town when suspect entered a dormitory inside the Alliance Church compound.

Investigators said the suspect entered the dormitory through a window glass on the second floor of the building.

However, the suspect’s face was captured clearly by the camera before its cables were cut by the former.

Meanwhile, suspect had left the area before the operatives came. Operation was launched to track the suspect’s location.

2 lasses found dead along road

PAGADIAN City—At least two young women were shot and died in an attack by undetermined number of killers at the road of Barangay Bulatok, this city last evening of December 6, police said early.

Victims indentified as Manilyn A. Besirel, 14, and certain Mar-Mar, 18 all of Agora, this city were wounded on their bodies and were found by residents lying beside the road dead.

About eleven bullet casings of a .45-caliber pistol were found in the area but no attackers were indentified.

Investigators said that while a resident was viewing a television program with his family he heard gunfire just few meters away from their house.

Curious what was going on, the witnessed (of the incident) went outside and saw two dead bodies lying along the road which reported the incident to the authority with other villagers.

After an examination, investigators brought the corpses to a nearby funeral homes.

Police have launched an operation to hunt down the assailants.

Farmer tagged in crime fell

SAN MIGUEL, Zamboanga del Sur—A farmer was arrested for a crime by police operatives over the weekend in this town, police said early.

The arrest was made after a police team, led by Senior Police Officer 1 Leo Malinao Ellazo, launched an operation to hunt down the accused identified as Jessie Bantulina Hintapan, 34, single, farmer and resident of Barangay Liboganan, this town.

Hintapan was accused for a crime of serious physical injuries before the court here.

Man escapes death after attack

PAGDIAN City—A motorcycle gunmen shot a suspect in Barangay San Francisco Wednesday, December 4, police said.

Victim identified as Janno Lukman Ajijul, 32, single, motorcab driver and resident of the town of Labangan in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, was wounded on the different parts of his body.

Villagers brought the victim to a nearby hospital.

Police said Ajijul was on his mortorcab driving when shot in Barangay San Francisco, this town who (suspects) followed him until in the area. Hit on his body, the victim bumped the KIA vehicle parked near a bar.

The attackers, wearing black jacket and mask, escaped on a motorbike after the shooting.

Unfortunately, the police who were at a bar failed to run after the attackers when blocked by students coming out from a nearby school unconsciously.

Investigators said they found five bullet casings of an undetermined firearm, but the motive of the attack is still unknown.

Soldiers initiates healing sessions for MNLF-MG dependents

         KUTA SANG-AN – The 104^th Infantry Brigade in partnerships with NAGDILAAB Foundation, LGUs and other stakeholders initiated the conduct of dialogue and healing session to the Moro National Liberation Front – Misuari Group dependents as part of the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace in Brgy Parangbasak, Lamitan City, Basilan Province last December 4, 2013.

 

According to Col Carlito G Galvez, Commander of 104^th Infantry Brigade, the initiative came in consonance with the Celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace 2013 with this year’s theme; “Dialogue and Hope: Our Key to Peace, Heal our Land”, with the goal of reaching out the dependents of MNLF-MG who participated during the September Zamboanga Siege.

 

“With the help of our partners, we were able to distribute foods and cash assistance to the dependents.” Col Galvez Said. “The families with great resentment against the military are beginning to open-up and approach and embrace the military and police as a sign of their gesture of appreciation to the dialogue and healing activity.”  Col Galvez added.

 

Meanwhile, BGen Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr, Commander of 1^st Infantry Division, ordered the propagation of the said activity to reach out the dependents of other MNLF-MG members in other areas of the command by saying. “Only thru this effort that the MNLF-MG dependents understand what happened in Zamboanga City that took the lives of their loved ones. By acting in their predicaments, we will foster the spirit of Bayanihan, for the people and for the achievement of long lasting peace in this part of the Philippines._

 DPAO TABAK

Rape Incident

On or about 2:00 in the morning of November 19, 2013 at Barangay Longmot, Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur, one Gina Malayan Y Bajao, 14 years old and a resident of above-mentioned place was raped by his brother identified as Ronel Malayan Y Bajao, 26 years old and a resident of aforementioned place.

 Investigation conducted by the PNP elements of Tigbao Police Station disclosed that the victim and suspect were left at their residential house before the incident happened.

The suspect later molested and raped his sister taking advantage of his superior strength and threatened to be killed if she will tell to anyone about the incident.

 But victim escaped and seek assistance to the Barangay Secretary Librado Dumato while the suspect fled away to unknown direction after the incident.

 Meanwhile PNP elements of Tigbao Police Station conducted hot pursuit operation against the suspect resulting to his successful arrest at the vicinity of the barangay. He was brought and detained at said police station detention cell while an inquest case for the crime of rape is being prepared against him._ RPIO9

Fire Incident

On or about 2:00 in the afternoon of November 19, 2013 at Purok Narra, Barangay San Pedro District, Pagadian City, two residential houses owned by Tata Elmidulan and Lilibeth Elmidulan, both of legal age and two other houses owned by Laila Omandam which was rented by Meshel Alabata and Agad-Agad family were razed to ground by fire.

PNP elements of Pagadian City Police Station proceeded to the place of incident and conducted area security as well as traffic control to avoid looters who might take advantage of the situation. Investigation conducted disclosed that the fire started particularly at the house of Tata and Lilibeth Elmidulan and escalated at the adjacent houses.

Meanwhile, no casualty was reported during the incident. The estimated cost of damaged was amounting to four hundred thousand pesos (P400, 000.00) while the cause of fire is still to be deter by the Bureau of Fire and Protection investigator. _RPIO9

Shooting Incident

On or about 4:00 in the morning of November 19, 2013, shooting incident occurred particularly at Meat Section, Public market, Pagadian City wherein victim identified as Mandangan Akmad Y Guialil, 56 years old, meat delivery van driver of Local Government Unit of Pagadian City and a resident of Purok Sunshine, Santiago District, Pagadian City was shot by two unidentified suspects.

Initial investigation conducted by the responding PNP elements of Pagadian City Police Station disclosed that upon arrival of the victim at said place he disembarked from his driven meat delivery van and went nearer to the two persons and asked to light up his cigarette when suddenly one of the suspect drew a undetermined type of handgun and without apparent reason shot him several times.

Victim sustained gunshot wounds at his both legs and managed to run for safety. He then boarded a passenger tricycle and went to Pagadian City Medical Center for medical treatment while the suspects fled to unknown direction right after the commission of the crime onboard with Honda wave 100 color blue without plate number attached.

Recovered at the crime scene were four fired cartridge case for caliber .45 pistols and were now under the custody of said police station for subsequent submission to provincial crime lab office for ballistic examination.  Pagadian City Police Station is now conducting discreet investigation for possible identification and arrest of the suspects._ RPIO9

Stabbing incident

 On or about 11:00 in the evening of October 29, 2013, a stabbing incident took place Purok Uno, Barangay Bobuan, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, wherein, one Myco Bulawan y Lumawan, 29 years old, married, farmer and a resident of Sitio Guigang, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, stabbed by Carlito Ande, of legal age, single, also farmer and a resident of Purok Sais, Barangay Canoayan, Bayog. 

Victim sustained stab wound on the left side of his stomach and was rushed to Bayog Municipal Health Unit for medical treatment and was later transferred to Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, Pagadian City. 

 Suspect immediately escaped and fled towards unknown direction after the incident.  

Investigation conducted disclosed that prior to the incident, victim and suspect together with their friends were having drinking session at the house of Rosendo Bulawan. 

 However, at the height of their drinking spree, suspect stabbed the victim.  

Bayog Municipal Police Station is conducting manhunt operation for the arrest of the suspect._RPIO9

Shooting incident

On or about 11:10 in the evening of October 20, 213, a shooting incident took place at Barangay Datagan, Pagadian City, wherein, one Hernani Polenzon y Carpentero, 32 years old, married, construction worker and a resident of Purok Saging of same barangay, shot and wounded by unidentified suspects with the use Caliber 45 Pistol.

  

Victim sustained gunshot wound on his right leg and was rushed to Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center for medical treatment, while suspects immediately escaped and sped away boarded on two (2) single motorcycles, an XRM Honda and SYM, colored read and red respectively without licensed plate.

Responding police recovered five (5) empty shells and two (2) metal slugs of Caliber 45 at crime scene. Initial investigation conducted by Pagadian City Police Station disclosed that prior to the incident, victim together with his friends were having drinking session at lobby of the house owned by  Ramon Polenzon y Canencia, Barangay Chairman and his uncle, when suspects surfaced riding in tandem on two (2) single motorcycles, then one of the suspects opened fire towards them, thus, hitting the victim.  

 Police theorized that motive of the incident was politically motivated. Pagadian City Police Station is conducting follow-up investigation to determine the identities of the suspects, while recovered items were forwarded to Zamboanga del Sur Crime Laboratory Office for examination.—RPIO9 

Stabbing Incident

On or about 8:00 in the evening of October 20, 2103, a stabbing incident occurred at Sitio Paril, Barangay Tabuan, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, wherein, one Robinson Pameron y Baclado, 35 years old, married and a resident of San Jose District, Pagadian City, stabbed by Julieto Renit, Domingo Renit Sr and Domingo Renit Jr, all residents of the said place with the use of hunting knife. 

Victim sustained multiple stab wounds on his body and was rushed to Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center for medical treatment, while suspect immediately escaped and fled towards unknown direction.

 Investigation conducted disclosed that prior to the incident, victim together with his brother identified as Jeserel were on heir way towards the chapel purposely attended Novena Mass, when suspects hurled stones towards them.

Thereby, victim approached the suspects, but, they continued stoning him, but he was not hit.  After which, Julieto approached the victim and stabbed him several times. 

Tukuran Municipal Police Station is conducting manhunt operation against the suspects, while appropriate charges will be filed in court against them.-- RPIO9.   

Strafing incident

On or about 8:20 in the evening of October 21, 2013, a strafing incident took place at Purok Caimito, Barangay Lenienza, Pagadian City, wherein, a residential house owned by Gaudioso Deñiga y Flores, 55 years old, married, Barangay Chairman of the said barangay, strafed by three (3) unidentified gunmen with the use of Caliber 45 Pistol.  Luckily, no one of the house occupants was injured.   

Responding police recovered two (2) empty shells and two (2) metal slugs of Caliber 45 Pistol at the crime scene. Initial investigation conducted disclosed that prior to the incident, the village chief was watching television program at the sala of their residence, when suspects opened fire towards their residence.  Thereby, suspects fled from the crime scene and then, they boarded on two (2) single motorcycles, Kawasaki KX 150 without licensed plate and sped away towards unknown direction. 

Follow-up investigation is being conducted to determine the identities of the suspects and their motive as well, for manhunt operation for their immediate arrest.--RPIO9.

The Grand Deception

Thirteen days ago or on September 9, 2013, to be precise at 5:30 AM,the people of Zamboanga were disturbed with the rapid exchange of fire.  At first,they were unaware of current developments elsewhere in the city, particularly in Sta. Barbara, though the feeling of terror has started to come up due to the persistent sound of gunfire.

By 6:00am, sketchy reports were coming in from several sources, both civilian and government forces, that Zamboanga City was encountering a kind of aggression from an unknown group. As the day was developing, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) through their commanders allowed media interview, claimed, they are here for a Peace Rally, the pronouncements however and their very presence in Zamboanga City, encountered fierce reactions from peace loving inhabitants of Zamboanga. 

Still in disbelief, after years of tranquility, the unthinkable happened.

Thrust into a situation, the City government, together with, the Military and Police have no recourse but to fight fire with fire to pacify residents, and to show that the government is addressing the problem. Loud explosions and gun fires can be heard all over the city, especially during the night and throughout the day.

The Joint Police and military campaign in the last few days are bringing in good results in their theater of operation, but the destruction as a result of this siege is extensive and may take years to rehabilitate.

Casualty report, as of September 22, 2013:

Government Side	Killed in Action	Wounded in Action	Total
PNP	3	13	13
AFP	11	129	140
MNLF Side	Number Killed	Number Arrested	Number Surrendered	Total
	82	95	49	226

Civilian Side	Killed	Wounded	Total
	11	70	81

The figures above represent, the number of casualties so far, not to mention the more than 126,147 evacuees and still counting, scattered temporarily in thirty (30) evacuation centers around the city.

During interrogation recently conducted by the PNP to those who surrendered, particularly the Yakan MNLF members, specifically coming from Basilan, they consistently maintained that they were here for a “Peace Rally”, and Php 10,000.00 will be given to them after the peace rally for these purposes.

Thus, explains why they agreed to travel with Commander Habier Malik to Zamboanga City and they even  sold almost all of their belongings in order to have funds to defray their expenses. 

But what actually happened when they arrived here, shocked their senses, for instead of a “peace Rally”, they were surprisingly issued high-powered firearms.

Confused of their predicament and being now caught in the middle , they also fought with the government forces as they felt that they have no more choice and join what was clearly now, an attack on Zamboanga City. 

However, as they were firing their guns, a realization of the consequences of the attack and its futility as well as the deception employed by Malik has come upon them. 

They have decided to stop the fight and cease fire, unfortunately, repeated attempts by the Yakan group, to contact the government and state their opposition to Malik’s action, and failed, as the fighting in many fronts advanced rapidly. 

Given no choice, they decided to escape, as that was the only option left for them, to break away from the real attackers. 

Their insistence to return to Basilan and refusal to obey orders from Malik to continue the fight ignited his anger. 

The yakan group who were greatly dismayed of the situation and of their  being deceived,tried to escape , but they were prevented by the men of Malik and their attempt to escape failed . Malik subsequently ordered his men to disarm the Yakan group and two of them were killed.

The extent of destruction, to both the human life and property may not be conclusive at this time, but we are confident of victory as we await the last nail in the coffin.

We do not desire a recurrence in the future, so we beg the general public to be extra vigilant in their surroundings and to report to the proper authorities of any unusual or suspicious activities in their areas or wherever they may be, to prevent a repeat of the recent events and contribute to the peace and order of Zamboangacity. --RPIO9.

Humane Treatment Arrested MNLF Rebels

Reports are circulating around the city and even in the social media that arrested MNLF members were not given humane treatment and government forces are subjecting these rebels to some maltreatment.

Police Director General Alan La Madrid Purisma Chief, Philippine National Police upon his arrival at the Zamboanga City, strongly reiterated to the ground commanders the observance of Police Operational Procedures while in the pursuit of these rebels, that is to faithfully observe the rule of law; and uphold the rights of victims and all individuals, including criminals.Such that, in all police intervention operations, every PNP personnel shall, first and foremost, be mindful and considerate of the protection of every citizen’s honor, human rights and safety in the pursuit of its responsibility of law enforcement and mission accomplishment.

The arrested MNLF rebels were properly informed of their constitutional rights as arrested persons upon their arrest and they were subjected to proper medical examination. They were provided with appropriate food and day to day sustenance, in fact, in one instance, food intended for PNP personnel who were in the middle of firefighting and whose food ration can no longer be given, were handed to the arrested MNLF members. Since day one (1) of this crisis, all that the government forces have done is Calibrated military and police response.

To prove further, the paramount considerationof the government in transferring the arrested MNLF rebels   to the San Ramon Penal Farm is to protect and insure their welfare and to decongestthem. To the family and friends of the arrested MNLF rebelsrest assured that they don’t have to worry of how the MNLF rebels will be treated, because everything will be done in accordance and in compliance with existing law and our government troops are fully aware of these.---RPIO9

  

ARMM, UN agency collaborate in emergency response effort

COTABATO City—The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government gets support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the establishment of the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team, an emergency rapid response team intended to help curtail impact of disasters in the region.

The two parties inked a memorandum of agreement Thursday (August 22) afternoon to formalize and outline their collaboration, with the UNHCR giving an initial funding of US$20,000 to help bankroll the launching of the program in identified pilot areas. 

UNHCR has earmarked a total of US$100,000 for the program, in addition to the technical support and a vehicle it is going to provide to the response team.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said they are pushing for the creation of the ARMM HEART in view of the huge humanitarian impact of man-made and natural disasters in parts of the region.

Data gathered by the UNHCR and the Regional Human Rights Commission for ARMM show that at least 54,745 persons have experienced various displacements in ARMM over the last 18 months.

A breakdown of the cumulative data reveals natural disasters as the leading cause of displacements in the ARMM, accounting for 57% of total displacements or 199,979 persons, followed by armed conflict at 20% (70,989 persons), crime and violence at 12% (41,587 persons) and rido or clan feuds at 11% (40,885 persons).

Lawyer LaisaAlamia, the region’s executive secretary, said that apart from responding to emergencies, ARMM HEART will help ensure the protection of internally displaced persons. 

The autonomous region groups the island-provinces of Basilan Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the mainland-provinces of Maguindanao and Lanaodel Sur. 

City Day Care Center, one of the region’s best in vegetable gardening

COTABATO City—Barangay Rosary Heights 9 has brought honor to the city as its Day Care Center after it won 3^rd place in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Regional Competition of the Best Vegetable Garden.

assistant Social Welfare Officer Veranda Samson said the competition is part of the observance of the Nutrition Month last July.

team was created by the DSWD 12, its nutrition council, and the DA 12 to visit and inspect all participating Day Care Centers if their gardens have the presence of leafy vegetables, legumes, and fruits.

“The vegetable gardening is usually practiced only by Day Care Centers in rural areas. But we, in the city, also encourage our Day Care Centers with enough space to also have a vegetable garden. Aside from the healthy food that the children get, having a garden also develops camaraderie among the pupils’ parents and barangay officials,” said Samson.

1 Day Care Center per city or municipality was allowed to join in the competition and among all the participants in the whole Region, our representative won 3^rd place.

President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat garnered 1^st place and President Roxas, Cotabato Province placed in 2^nd.

Winners have received a cash prize and certificates.

R.H 9 barangay Chairman Anacleto Cesneros said he is very proud of the accomplishment of the parents and teachers in their Day Care Center.

They have been maintaining the garden for quite some time already and surely their efforts did not go to waste, said Cesneros.

“Matagal na po naming ginagawa ang gardening sa aming Day Care Center. Everytime na mayroon na tayong pwedeng pitasin sa ating mga halaman, nagsasagawa ng feeding ang ating parents sa kanilang mga anak sa Day Care Center. So we are also promoting healthy living among our children para kahit sa murang edad, matututo silang kumain ng masustansya”, Cesneros said. --Becky D. de Asis