Former mayor denies violating election rules

Becky D. de Asis and Judys G. Cogo

  

Jolo, Sulu – Former Mayor Abdulsali K. Asmadun of Lugus town denied today the allegation of Una Partylist bet of harrasing its leaders  last April 7 by pointing guns while posting election materials at the warf.

Ret. Col Hasan Alamia with former mayor Abdusali K. Asmadun

Hadar Hajiri, businessman, will run as mayor in Lugus as Una Partylist bet.

Asmadun said in an interview he never harass anybody else, saying, he knows the Comelec rules.

“I will not put the law into my hands and I know this allegation is not true and this is only fabricated just to destroy my image because my son is an incumbent and undefeated mayor… ,“ he said.

“The allegations and the case filed  against us with the affidavit of some media men is not fair for us because I am very good with them and they are free to go in our place and do interviews with me fairly.”

He  also denied the allegation that they have many firearms .

Asmadun said  the story is not true because he went to the area just to ask the media why they were there and the media answered him, saying, there were there for coverage.

He added he never uttered profane words against them and degrade them.

“This is a merely a political harassment against us telling fabricated news,” he said.

The former  mayor admitted the harassment is the second time and the first time is when they were accused  of earning money from the beneficiaries of Pantawid Program of the government.

“Buang ba ako na kukunin ko yung para sa taong bayan tsaka pagkakaalam ko niyan diretso na yan beneficiaries from the DSWD national, how come na makuha ko” he added.

“Pwede nyo naman tanungin ang DSWD from national down to local about that issue kung totoong bang hindi nakarating sa beneficieries ang 4Ps na yan.”

The Municipal Social Worker Officer of DSWD in Lugus   Imelda Kangiluhan also denied the allegation dahil hindi naman daw ito totoo at ito daw ay puro kasinungalingan lamang at paninirang puri, sa katunayan daw ay mayroong 2,000 mahigit na beneficieries sa loob ng 16 barangays ng Lugus at ito ay naibigay direkta sa kanila mula sa national government”, said Kangiluhan  in phone patch interview while she helping deportees in Malaysia today.

Governor Cora Malanyaon denied on Rice Issue

By: Becky D. de Asis

The Governor vehemently denies the charges of the protesters who came by bus and vans from COMVAL, Butuan, Bukidnon, Cotabato and Davao City that she ever used rice intended for Pablo victims to boost the candidacy of her chosen candidates in Mati City.

The protesters numbering about 300 who are members of Barug Katawhan and Balsa Mindanao the same groups involved in the protest actions in  Montevista Compostela Valleyand DSWD Davao City staged a rally at the center of the city after they were given a permit to rally by City Mayor Michelle Rabat.

The Governor said that there is no reason for her to commit an indiscretion on rice distribution for the following reasons that the Governor is running unopposed for reelection and 2^nd  the World Food Program do not give any kilo of rice to Mati. These agencies allocate, account and monitor the distribution of relief goods to Pablo victims in the hard hit towns of Baganga, Boston and Cateel.

All rice consistently distributed by DSWD and World Food to typhoon victims are NFA Rice. No NFA Rice has been distributed by any of anointed candidates of Malanyaon particularly by CARLO RABAT’s team contrary to the allegations of Mayor Michelle Rabat, which is the subject of the protest of the out of town rallyists.

Therefore  Mati City and all residents in Davao Oriental know that Malanyaon gives only Class-A rice to beneficiaries over the years.

Malanyaon even boldly said “ I will resign as Governor if you can prove your allegations.” The charges are nothing but cheap and malicious propaganda hurled by local candidates hurt by Malanyaon’s endorsement of their opponents.

 The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has been commended by all agencies, organizations, local and international, including those under the umbrella of the United Nations for its leadership, transparency and for its effective collaboration in the disaster response operations. 

PNoy cites programs to strengthen country’s education system

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 23 (PIA) -- President Aquino on Monday cited some of the government programs which aims to strengthen the education system in the country. 

In his keynote speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mindanao State University’s (MSU) College of Information Technology (CIT) building, the President said the government has launched the K+12 program to ensure that the Filipino youth can keep up with the graduates of other countries. 

He also said his administration has cleared the backlog on textbooks that it inherited for the Department of Education in 2012. He added that they are determined to address the 66,800 classroom shortage before the end of 2013. 

President Aquino also mentioned the Public Higher Education Roadmap of the Commission on Higher Education which aims to improve the instruction facilities of the country’s state universities and colleges. 

“Nariyan din ang Industry-Based Training for Work Scholarship Program ng TESDA, na may higit sa 76,300 scholars na ang sinanay para sa IT at kaugnay nitong mga industriya (There is also the Industry-Based Training for Work Scholarship Program of TESDA that has more than 76,300 scholars trained for IT and associated industries),” the President added. 

The President meanwhile pointed out that the construction of the CIT building in MSU main campus is part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to invest in the skills of its people and strengthen the foundation of education in the country. 

“Oras na matapos ang proyekto, makikinabang ang mga estudyante at komunidad ng pamantasan sa mas modernong computer training center, bagong teleconferencing at multimedia room at mas maraming silid-aralan at laboratoryo para sa pagtuturo ng information technology (Once the project is completed, students and the communities of the university will benefit from the modernized computer training center, the new teleconferencing and multimedia room and more classrooms and laboratories for teaching information technology),” he added. 

President Aquino said this will correspond to a higher level of training in the field of technology and modern communication as well as new professionals which will open more doors of opportunity for his countrymen. 

Honasan dared: Admit all, accept people’s justice in Olalia-Alay-ay double murder case

With the legal proceedings continuing to show signs of being used by the military and government to clear the names of accused military officials, Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson, dared Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan to admit his role in the ultra-rightist plot of Rebulsyong Alyansang Makabayan or RAM to kidnap, torture, and kill Rolando Olalia and Leonor Alay-ay. “As the 27-year quest for justice of former KMU chairperson and respected labor leader Olalia and his aide and labor activist Alay-ay continues, we dare Sen. Honasan to admit his role and submit to people’s revolutionary justice,” Labog said.

The hearing for the Olalia- Alay-ay double murder case resumes tomorrow, 23 April 2013, 2:30 in the afternoon, as Ret. Col. Eduardo "Red" Kapunan takes the witness stand at Antipolo Regional Trial Court 98. 

“It is clear that the special protection being given to principal-suspect Ret. Air Force Col. Eduardo Kapunan who was placed in military custody by the court, despite the militant demand of KMU for him to be placed in police custody, is to pressure his former comrades-in-arms to toe the revolting party line of the ruling clique composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, its reactionary patrons Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Gringo Honasan, as they support the neoliberal, anti-labor policies of the Aquino regime,” he added.

“That is why from the start we expressed doubt over the courts’ and the government’s sincerity. The April 16, 2013 statement of former Sergeant turned state-witness Eduardo Bueno in the Antipolo Regional Trial Court, that Honasan was the commanding officer of the Special Operations Group (SOG) when the killings occurred, is merely a ruse to give the appearance of progress in the case,” Labog said.

“The truth is, the so-called surrender of Kapunan, and the new testimony against Honasan, is all designed to deny the toiling masses even the appearance of so-called bourgeois justice. In the end, no direct evidence against Honasan will be provided, Kapunan will be given immunity as a so-called state-witness, and the repression of the laboring class will continue,” Labog revealed.

“Instead of denying his guilt, Honasan must face justice from the people and we call on all people’s organizations to impose the true verdict he deserves from the Filipino workers and people,” he warned.

VOTER’S EDUCATION AND STAKEHOLDER’S CONSULTATION SCHEDULED FOR THE VISAYAS

The National Youth Commission (NYC), the Voice and Advocate of the Youth, through the Office of the Commissioner representing Visayas, will hold series of Voter’s Education Fora in Visayas.  With the leadership of Commissioner Erwin Andaya, Commissioner representing Visayas, the NYC conducted its 1^st Voters’ Education Forum last February 23, 2013 in Cebu City (Region VII) and April 19 in cooperation with the Commission on Elections.

“We want to encourage young voters to be change makers”, says Commissioner Erwin C. Andaya.

Responding to the request from youth organizations to conduct Voters’ Education Forum and Stakeholder’s Consultation Fora in the Islands of the Visayas, the NYC will hold its 2^nd leg of the same forum at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Tacloban City, Leyte (Region VIII) on April 26, 2013 and its 3^rd leg at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo, Ilo-ilo City (Region VI) on April 30, 2013.  The activity will be attended by youth organizations, youth-serving organizations, youth volunteers, youth leaders and government agency representatives.

Included in the said forum is the Stakeholders Consultation of the 2014 Budget that seeks to gain feedback and recommendations from the stakeholders on what programs and projects the NYC should prioritize for the Filipino youth, empowering them to participate in the affairs of the government. 

 “This is one of our ways to hear on what the youth of the Visayas really needs and to present the recommended policies and coordinated programs of NYC”, says Commissioner Andaya.

The activity also features a presentation of the NYC’s budget details vis-a-vis the agency’s targets and accomplishments for the last three years aside from directly consulting the youth stakeholders’ on what priority projects and activities the Commission should set.

The National Youth Commission is the lead government agency created under Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-building Act to formulate policies and coordinate programs for youth development and youth participation.

ROCO PARTY ENDORSES RISA HONTIVEROS AND BAM AQUINO

MANILA - Aksyon Demokratiko (Aksyon) the party founded by the late Sen. Raul S. Roco, has endorsed the senatorial candidacies of former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros and former National Youth Commission Chairman Bam Aquino, both of Team PNoy. In a jam packed press conference held at The Lounge in Quezon City.  

Atty. Bobbit Roco, son of the late senator read in a statement that Hontiveros and Aquino epitomizes what the party has always stood for; honest governance, women's rights and youth empowerment.

According to Aksyon's acting president, his late father would have been proud to associate the party he founded with Risa Hontiveros as she has consistently shown passion in championing women's rights and being the voice of the poor and marginalized. Risa Hontiveros was present and graciously accepted the endorsement saying that she has fought along with Aksyon and the late senator in the many battles against corruption and honest governance.

Also present during the press conference were chairs of different chapters of Aksyon from the provinces of Cavite, Rizal, Sorsogon, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bataan, Isabela and Tarlac and the cities of Mandaluyong,  Quezon and Paranaque. Aksyon candidates from different parts of the country including Mandaluyong Vice Mayor Danny de Guzman who is contesting the mayoral post against Benhur Abalos were also around.

Vice Mayor de Guzman denounced LP Mandaluyong's chairman, Rep Boyet Gonzales for stopping them in campaigning for Team PNoy in the city. He also lamented the lack of facilities, equipment and medicines of the city's hospital that made access to quality health care difficult for their constituencies and reiterated that when he assume as mayor, health care for the poor will be one of his prioritIes.

Carlito Padaca Jr, brother of Aksyon gubernatorial candidate Mario Angelo Padaca of Isabela and COMELEC Commissioner Grace Padaca tearfully recounted how Aksyon and Sen Roco had helped his sister become governor in 2004 against the Dy dynasty of Isabela.  Norbin Cuerpo, representing Rodriguez, Rizal mayoralty candidate Roy Cuerpo for his part reiterated what  his father, former Monatalban mayor Ping Cuerpo has fought for when he was still executive of the town, access to the management of the landfill. This is in light of the recent tragedy where at least four persons were buried alive in the mountain of rubbish.

The young Cuerpo also alleged that there were more than four casualties.

Leaders and candidates present vowed to ensure the victory of Risa Hontiveros and Bam Aquino in the upcoming May polls.

53 Yr Old Businessman kidnap in Jolo

Becky D. de Asis and Judys Cogo

JOLO, Sulu -   Renato  Palermo Yanga, 53 and owner of Top-Spot coffee shop at Brgy Walled of this

Renato Yanga, kidnap victim (photo provided by his family)

municipality  was abducted  more or less  5- armed men  about 5:30 in the morning, April 20  and escaped toward south-western portion of town with the blue multicab and 1 back-up motorbike. Police said.

P/SSupt. Antonio Jamero Freyra, PNP provincial director, said his policemen were immediately alerted after they received reports from the family that resulted to the recovery of the get-away vehicle used by the abductors.

The police recovered one multicab, one motorbike and 20-rounds of live ammunition magazine while   conducting pursuit operation against the kidnapper.

Police said Renato Yanga was already abducted last April  10, 2005 and he was  released after 3-months without any ransom .

However, operatives were disappointed after the family of the victim showed no supports.

“We need cooperation both from the family and civilians for the early solution and recovery of the victim,” police said.

Elsewhere, Freyra said they immediately conducted a dragnet operation on the entire Sulu province just to corner the abductors but failed due to heavy rains and lack of cooperation of family and civilians.

“But we were doing our best to resolve this ongoing problem… ,” said Freyra in an interview.

Raymar Yanga, son of the victim, said earlier their problem is that they have no capacity to pay ransom if the abductors would demand money.

“We have no choice but to wait… My father has a high-blood illness… We worried about his health,” said Raymar.

Meanwhile, Mayor Hussein “Iting” Amin  of Jolo  said the abduction is not politically motivated.

“We conducted  several meeting with the businessmen here in Jolo  to put-up CCTV cameras and lights  outside and inside of their business establishments, however, owners are not cooperating with us,” said Amin.

“We have more than 10 CCTV cameras in our municipalities as of now but we planned for  additional installation for the safety of our constituents… ,” the Mayor added.

Chief of Police, P/CInspt. Al-Shariff  Galbon also said they are doing their best to recover the victim as soon as possible. 

Una bet files complaint against former mayor

Becky D. de Asis

LUGUS, Sulu – Hadar Hajiri the Una  Partylist candidate here filed  complaint against the former Mayor Al-Zhudurie Lim Asmadon of violating the Comelec rules and regulation by not allowing his campaigners to post his posters  among the six barangays last week.

Hadar told reporters that the said ex-mayor is showing his ignorance by not allowing his campaigner and tothing them by their guns more or less 20 armed-men against them including the alleged Five media men who were in the area during the incident.

Hadji Hadar Hajiri

“I need a legal action against the [former] mayor because this is a worst incident… and this is against the law,” said Hadar in an interview.

“I never do that in my bailiwicks… they are open and free to post their posters anywhere… we only comply the Comelec regulation…  I need a fastest and legal action about this because my followers are afraid to pursue their campaign in Lugus proper because the [former] mayor warns them of not entering his area.”

Hadar said the six women campaigners filed their affidavit of complaint at the Comelec office and blotter the former mayor immediately at the police station of harassment his men have done to his leaders that resulted to their withdrawal of fear got killed.

“I need the immediate action of the Comelec regarding these, this is a [plain violation of the law],” said Hadar. 

Five mediamen who were present on the incidents also filed their affidavit of complaint of same experiences they were harassment.

As of press time Asmadon cannot be contacted for interview to have his side.

PREPAREDNESS IN THE WAKE OF THE SABAH CONFLICT

March 2, 2013- Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan convened the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) to discuss contingencies on the possibility that people might flee Sabah due to the conflict. “I am worried that our resources are not enough to accommodate the number of evacuees that would come to our shores” Tan Explained.  He also mentioned the negative impact on the peace and order situation that it might cause. “Our province must be prepared for any eventuality that may arise from the situation in Sabah” Tan Emphasized to the members.

Resolutions that were approved during the meeting are:

Creation of an Ad Hoc Task force thru the Sulu Area Coordinating Center (SACC) consisting of different agencies to facilitate handling of evacuees that will arrive from Sabah

Resolution Requesting the Philippine Government and Malaysian Government to work for the cessation of hostilities in Sabah

Resolution calling on all Tausug to unite and work for a peaceful resolution to the Sabah Situation

Resolution from the ULAMA to appeal to the Malaysian Government not to deport Filipinos staying in Sabah

Resolution asking for clemency from the Philippine government not to file charges against members of the sultanate

Resolution requesting the National Food Authority (NFA) to allow and made available the direct  procurement of rice to citizens in case of shortage

Resolution creating a Price Watch committee to monitor prices of commodities

March 4, 2013- Task Force created. Gov't. Line Agencies: SACC (Chair), DSWD, IPHO,PNP-SPPO, AFP(JTF-SULU, 2MBDE) ,BFP, PCG, DILG, DA, RPMA, PEO,    PPDO, DPWH. MARINA, TESDA,  DTI, PIO, POPCOM, DXSM, DXMM, C HR-ARMM, OWWA, NFA, DENR, DOLE

CSO/NGO: PHIL. RED CROSS - SULU, JOLO EMERGENCY RESCUE NETWORK INC., D'ALERT LUPAH SUG, LSAPDI, GLOBAL-FUND PSF

March 6, 2013 – First reported  Case. Point of entry was Jolo wharf, a total of 17 persons. Upon interview by authorities, it was known that affected persons were deported due to lack of documents. Therefore they were deportees and not evacuees as initially suggested. They were processed, assessed, and well served in DSWD Region IX. They were provided with food assistance, travel allowance. medical attention and psychological intervention.

Hadar power shining in Lugus

Becky de Asis

Jolo, Sulu – Hadar Hajiri, Una Partylist bet, is a successful businessman and now turned politician. He decided to inter politics with a desire to help his constituents economically able which is a part of his vision to build the town where his parents live and make him a good person.

In a survey Hadar now got 80% supporters against Mayor Asmadon, the incumbent mayor.

The municipality of Lugus has 8,040 registered voters more or less and in the survey Hadar garnered about 6,000 voters who favor his candidacy. The survey makes him optimistic he will win in this coming mid-term national and local election comes May 13.

Hadar has promised if will win his bid he will develop the place to benefit the people.

He proposed to implement farm-to-market roads, water system and electricity projects.

“I have a mission to do so, because I grew up here, and my parents live here for a long time… I need to build my own legacy because I want to go to heaven when I expired,” said Hadar in an interview.

“Kailangan ko nang kumilos para sa lahat dahil sa katagalan ng munisipyo na ito [walang pagbabago],” said Hadar.

 As of now, Hadar said he has already build his own municipal building worth P5 million. He has also finished the construction of a multi-purpose building, health center and wharf bridge.

The flight of Marines in Sulu – a successful landing

Becky D. de Asis

Everybody knows about Sulu’s story. Even the young ones are afraid to hear about it because of the unforgettable happenings and tragedy that everybody can never forget more particular the victims of war in this war-torn province in the west.

I recalled the story about the kidnapping of Grace Burhams and her husband that their story rocks the whole world about their experienced in Abu Sayyaf when they were kidnapped for months when Grace Burham survives while his husband died in the hands of Abu Sayyaf.  Her husband had attempted to escape by their abductors.

The other incident is the five Marines including their officer when they were beheaded along the hinterlands of Patikul. While beheading their victims, the bandits prayed first and shouted Allahu Akbar which means God is precious. What a ridiculous prayer? I think the prayer should only be addressed to Satan because of that barbaric act. Killing what is considered an enemy to them is a dignified act.

Hagedorn visits Sulu

Becky de Asis and Judys Cogo

JOLO, SULU – The undefeated mayor of Palawan Ed Hagedorn visited Sulu yesterday just to campaign his candidacy as senator this coming mid-term May 13 election.

Hagedorn, an independent candidate, was surprised upon arriving in Sulu where more supporters seen waving their hands for their approval and supports.

“I was very surprised because I don’t expect I have more supporters here in Sulu,” said Hagedorn.

He expressed appreciation over the hospitality of the people in the place.

“It is a great experience that people accepted me and supports me even I am [just] an independent candidate,” said Hagedorn in an interview.

Governor Sakur Tan also showed elation on the visit of Hagedorn of Palawan, where the 7-wonders of the world is found, said Tan.

“It is my pleasure to have Hagedorn here now in Sulu. I think the people are free to choose and vote on the incoming election,” said Tan.

He added that Hagedorn is a development-oriented man and very successful in his political carrier.

Hadar Hajiri – The shining armor of Lugus

Becky D. de Asis and Judys G. Cogo

LUGUS, SULU - Traders and importers from Sulu are very popular on local and national businesses in the Philippines.  We should be proud if we have successful businessman in our country more particular in our own community. Because business is the intestine of our country.  It is the life of every mankind.

This building will soon to be municipal office of Lugus if  Hadji 
Hadar Hajiri win for 2013 election as Mayor of the said town.

Hadar Hajiri is a well-known Muslim businessman in western Mindanao more particular in Sulu, a place with full controversy in terms of peace and order. A place where kidnappings, killings and even political issues known nationwide. Somebody has alleged that Sulu is a dangerous place to tourist.

He, former member of Moro National Liberation Front, an ordinary man and a farmer, is now known as a successful businessman and a millionaire. He joins the MNLF forces against the government before but decided to return back to the fold of law after President Aquino gave chance to the Moro rebels to sit on the negotiating table. Hadar was once the President’s friend because of his sincerity and dignified man member of MNLF.

Abu Sayyaf group attacks marines in Sulu

Becky D. de Asis

Jolo, Sulu – A group of Abu Sayyaf ambushed a patrolling marines led by 1Lt. Romelito Macaraig of MBLT-2 while conducted a foot patrol along the vicinity of Sitio Unod Lupa, barangay Kiyutaan, Talipao, Sulu today, April 6.

Deputy Director Police Superintendent Roel Lamiing said there are more or less 30 Abu Sayyaf men equipped with assorted high powered firearms led by certain ASG Sub-leader Idang Susukan in the place.

Police identified the two wounded as Cpl. Marlon B. Balatayo and PFC Ryan delos Reyes.

Lamiing said last April 4 at around 5:30 in the morning, explosion and shooting incidents transpired at barangay Sandah, Patikul, this province where 20 unidentified armed men planted improvised explosive devised or EID  and fired three grenade launcher at the vicinity of barangay Sandah, Patikul.

After the explosion a firefight between the government troops and the armed men took place that lasted 5 minutes and residents started to leave the place.