Zamboanga del Sur leaders vow “no walls, no barriers” kind of leadership

PAGADIAN CITY – The new leaders of Zamboanga del Sur delivered simple yet weighty words during their speeches at the oath-taking ceremony on Friday, few days before assuming their respective offices.

Speaking before hundreds of local officials, families and supporters, Governor Victor Yu shared the unbelief of his colleagues regarding his team’s victory throughout the province. He said that it was the people of Zamboanga del Sur who decided for their fate.

“Dili katuo ang uban nganong nakadaug atong team…It’s the people who decide. Ang mga tawo mas nalipay nga midaug ta,” Yu said.

He vowed that his administration will not instill fear but will give love and care to the people.
“Our new administration will be open to all, no walls, no barriers…” the governor said.He encouraged the mayors to maximize their movements to help the people and considered the next three years as an opportunity to make a legacy.

He also pledged his support to the police, military and government agencies in all their efforts for the province. Congresswoman Divina Grace Yu, 1st District Representative and now first lady of the province, emphasized in her speech that they will use their positions to perform their responsibility as public servants.

“Ang atong posisyon dili gahom. Ang atong posisyon responsibilidad,” the congresswoman said.Congw. Yu expressed her advocacies for the women, youth and tourism saying specified budgets will be allocated in these sectors.

She also assured his constituents that she won’t meddle with the work of his husband-governor. Meanwhile, Vice Governor Roy Ariosa stressed the value of service in his address. 

Citing the Biblical statement “to whom much is given, much is expected,” the vice governor believes that the people’s clamor for change has positioned them to where they are now and that they need to take by heart the mandate that was given to them.

On the other hand, Congressman Leonardo Babasa challenged the mayors to be visible with their constituents. He also inspired his co-public servants to surround themselves with people with good track record and utilize their potentials for the benefit of their service.

With all these words and promises from the newly-elected officials, the province of Zamboanga del Sur is now ready to take off in its brand new leadership, forging new achievements and victories for the common good of the entire Zambosurians. - ZAMBO SUR MEDIA BUREAU.

Lanao Norte residents yield 28 unlicensed guns

Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

  June 26, 2019

UNLICENSED GUNS. Mayor Rafael Rizalda of Maigo, Lanao del Norte leads the turnover of loose firearms to the military Tuesday (June 25, 2019). (Photo courtesy of Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Residents of the Lanao del Norte town of Maigo surrendered a total of 28 loose firearms with hundreds of ammunition, military officials said Wednesday.

Capt. Clint Antipala, Army’s 1st Infantry Division acting information officer, said the firearms were surrendered to the Army's 5th Mechanized Battalion in a ceremony held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Mindanao State University in Maigo, Lanao del Norte.

Antipala said the surrendered firearms consisted of an AK-47 rifle, one Bushmaster, one .30-caliber M1 Garand rifle, two .30-caliber carbine rifles, one M4 rifle, one M16 A1 “Baby Armalite” rifle, two .22-caliber rifles; three 40 millimeter-grenade launchers; nine 12-gauge shotguns and seven handguns.

Outgoing Mayor Rafael Rizalda of Maigo, who facilitated the surrender of the firearms, thanked the Army for their efforts in sustaining peace and development in the municipality during his stint as the town executive.

Brig. Gen. Ezra James Enriquez, Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander, who has operational jurisdiction over Lanao del Norte, said the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms aims to ensure that “the people would feel more secure and safe in their daily activities.”

Enriquez urged the people to cooperate and report to proper authorities the proliferation of firearms in their communities.

Lt. Col. Rolando Orengo, commander of the 55th Mechanized Battalion, said the concerted effort and intensified collaboration among the troops, local communities, local chief executives and other stakeholders resulted to the surrender of the loose firearms in Maigo town.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) commander, lauded the troops, the local government unit and stakeholders of Maigo, Lanao del Norte.

"I urge everyone to continue our efforts in pursuing lasting peace not just for Mindanao but for the whole country. Let us conquer the challenges ahead of us and step up the momentum in sustaining our gains for our common aspiration,” Ancan said. (PNA)