MASHOD SALIK
COTABATO CITY—Some 88,843 people from 33 of the 37 villages of this city have been displaced by the flood caused by typhoon Dodong.
The flooding, which started last June 7, has affected a total of 25,375 families of this below sea level city.
The Cotabato Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) had already started to usher more villagers to safer grounds as water level continue to rise, specifically in Barangays Poblacion mother, Poblacion 1 to 4 and 7 to 9, including those from Rosary Heights 2 to 3 and 5 to 9. Bagua 1 and 2, Kalanganan 1 and 2, Tamontaka Mother, Tamontaka 1 to 5 have also been flooded.
The poor affected civilians stayed at the 20 evacuation sites since June 07, 2011. The evacuation sites categorized into 3 categories such as 10 sites using schools, 12 sites using open areas like higher grounds and 8 sites using mosque, chapels, day care centers and multi-purpose centers.
Veranda W. Samson, assistant city social welfare and development officer, said that aside from the fact that the city is below sea level, water lilies have also caused the clogging of river tributaries of Rio Grande de Mindanao, causing an overflow of water from the largest river in Mindanao.
“We have to accept the reality that Cotabato City is below sea level and we are the catcher of the water from the upstream,” Samson said while reporting that they had been trying to provide food and other relief assistance to the flood victims.
“I think we need to strengthen the capability building of the barangays to respond the case of calamities. Mitigation and disaster preparedness on the part of the stakeholders are very important,” she said while recalling several flooding that happened in the city in the recent past.
Dr. Marlow O. Ninal, the city health officer said they were doing their best to deliver the priority health needs for the flood victims who are in 20 evacuation sites.
Many of these evacuation sites are makeshift tents established along the roads and bridges with no access to drinking water and toilet facilities. Among the common diseases monitored in evacuation sites are cough, fever, diarrhea, skin lesions, cough and fever, the city health officer said.
Patients with cough registered 101, fever 70, skin lesions 63, cough with fever 60, wound 36 and diarrhea 30, among others, bared Ninal, who believed that the illnesses were caused by poor sanitation in the tents.
“We have adequate medicines so far. We are also supplying drinking waters and portable toilets. We have 10 functional health centers and eight temporary health centers that are open 24 hours,” he said.
The city had been experiencing flooding since 1990. In August 2008, typhoon Frank hit 29 barangays of the area. Thousands of residents of the city also fled their homes due to flooding in September also of 2008. Typhoon Jolina also hit the city in 2009.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Flood displaces over 80,000 in Cotabato City
(Update) Displaced people already reached over 80,000 as of Saturday.
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Some 66,000 people from 14 of this city’s 26 villages have been displaced by flood caused by days of heavy rains that showed no signs of abating on Friday.
Many of the evacuees are staying with relatives, neighbors and friends but 12,000 have needed to be taken to basketball courts and other government facilities converted into evacuation centers.
Cherry Veloria, supervising administrative officer of the Office of City Social Welfare and Development Services, said they have already identified 16 evacuation centers but worried they may need more should the number of evacuees increase.
In some low-lying villages near the Supermarket area and Datu Liwa Candao village, bancas for hire have become the mode of transportation, taking over routes normally plied by jeepneys and pedicabs.
“Umabot na ang baha sa mega market. Papalaki pa ang tubig (The flood has already reached the mega market. The water keeps rising),” said Sam Mundas, the city’s market supervisor.
Veloria, while thankful for the relief goods donated by various organizations, worried the supplies they have may not last for long.
Mundas said they were also concerned about a possible outbreak of diseases.
“Some areas stink,” he said as he emphasized the need for health offices in the city and in Central Mindanao to “try to be proactive” in preventing any outbreak.
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Some 66,000 people from 14 of this city’s 26 villages have been displaced by flood caused by days of heavy rains that showed no signs of abating on Friday.
Many of the evacuees are staying with relatives, neighbors and friends but 12,000 have needed to be taken to basketball courts and other government facilities converted into evacuation centers.
Cherry Veloria, supervising administrative officer of the Office of City Social Welfare and Development Services, said they have already identified 16 evacuation centers but worried they may need more should the number of evacuees increase.
In some low-lying villages near the Supermarket area and Datu Liwa Candao village, bancas for hire have become the mode of transportation, taking over routes normally plied by jeepneys and pedicabs.
“Umabot na ang baha sa mega market. Papalaki pa ang tubig (The flood has already reached the mega market. The water keeps rising),” said Sam Mundas, the city’s market supervisor.
Veloria, while thankful for the relief goods donated by various organizations, worried the supplies they have may not last for long.
Mundas said they were also concerned about a possible outbreak of diseases.
“Some areas stink,” he said as he emphasized the need for health offices in the city and in Central Mindanao to “try to be proactive” in preventing any outbreak.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Anak Mindanao says no to postponement of polls, no to appointment
This has been the position of Anak Mindanao Party List even prior to the passage of the Senate’s version postponing the ARMM Election and synchronizes it with the 2013 mid-national elections of the country. We just want to reiterate this position.
We have expressed our position and we are not alone with this. Surveys and our own study showed that the local populations and leaders of ARMM are calling for elections as scheduled. Only Malacanang and the new elites are in the position for postponement. But Malacanang has been successful in forcing the bill to pass in the Senate.
AMIN vehemently opposed to ARMM Election postponement and appointments contrary to the position of Malacanang and the President. This is not only divisive albeit, violates the Philippine Constitution and the creation of the autonomous region but also takes for granted the struggles of the peoples in ARMM for self-governance and harmony. Yes, this is true that ARMM needs reform, but the Palace can institute reforms involving the majority masses and by fulfilling the peoples’ democratic right to choose their leaders. Why deny the people from such right? It is the sole duty of the state to fulfill as such and secure to the highest the sanctity of that right and the whole democratic process.
This is also to inform the general public that, we, from Anak Mindanao Party List strongly denies the group claiming to be Anak Mindanao personalities. AMIN never supported postponement nor endorsed candidates for election and or appointment. These persons are using AMIN as their political organization only to have base and credibility for elective and appointive posts in ARMM. On the issue of legitimacy, these persons were expelled from the party during the 4th National Special Congress called by the Executive Committee on February 1-2, 2008 due to actuations and behavior contrary to the principles of Anak Mindanao. In addition, these groups lead by Mr. Isa Del Monte and Mujiv Hataman are instrumental in sowing intrigues, division and confusions to the whole membership.
Our appeal to Malacanang, Hear the peoples’ voices! Join them in reforming the region and do not impose anything over them. Journey and walk with them in the “matuwid na daan” and not simply put them to your “matuwid na daan.”
Dear Mr. President Aquino III, we only want to remind you of your “KAYO ANG BOSS KO!” pronouncement. Is this for real?
To the general public, ANAK MINDANAO Party List will never take advantage any political climate and opportunities for the party and individuals alone instead it should be to the best interest of all marginalized Mindanaoans that it will always uphold.
Related to our website, it was shut down due to maintenance problem but we will be back on air very soon. Our gratitude to Mindanao Tri-People Youth Center which temporarily host this current AMIN website.
Elizabeth M. Padilla
National President
5th National Congress
Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List
We have expressed our position and we are not alone with this. Surveys and our own study showed that the local populations and leaders of ARMM are calling for elections as scheduled. Only Malacanang and the new elites are in the position for postponement. But Malacanang has been successful in forcing the bill to pass in the Senate.
AMIN vehemently opposed to ARMM Election postponement and appointments contrary to the position of Malacanang and the President. This is not only divisive albeit, violates the Philippine Constitution and the creation of the autonomous region but also takes for granted the struggles of the peoples in ARMM for self-governance and harmony. Yes, this is true that ARMM needs reform, but the Palace can institute reforms involving the majority masses and by fulfilling the peoples’ democratic right to choose their leaders. Why deny the people from such right? It is the sole duty of the state to fulfill as such and secure to the highest the sanctity of that right and the whole democratic process.
This is also to inform the general public that, we, from Anak Mindanao Party List strongly denies the group claiming to be Anak Mindanao personalities. AMIN never supported postponement nor endorsed candidates for election and or appointment. These persons are using AMIN as their political organization only to have base and credibility for elective and appointive posts in ARMM. On the issue of legitimacy, these persons were expelled from the party during the 4th National Special Congress called by the Executive Committee on February 1-2, 2008 due to actuations and behavior contrary to the principles of Anak Mindanao. In addition, these groups lead by Mr. Isa Del Monte and Mujiv Hataman are instrumental in sowing intrigues, division and confusions to the whole membership.
Our appeal to Malacanang, Hear the peoples’ voices! Join them in reforming the region and do not impose anything over them. Journey and walk with them in the “matuwid na daan” and not simply put them to your “matuwid na daan.”
Dear Mr. President Aquino III, we only want to remind you of your “KAYO ANG BOSS KO!” pronouncement. Is this for real?
To the general public, ANAK MINDANAO Party List will never take advantage any political climate and opportunities for the party and individuals alone instead it should be to the best interest of all marginalized Mindanaoans that it will always uphold.
Related to our website, it was shut down due to maintenance problem but we will be back on air very soon. Our gratitude to Mindanao Tri-People Youth Center which temporarily host this current AMIN website.
Elizabeth M. Padilla
National President
5th National Congress
Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Church among peace spoilers, says MILF
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Saturday, June 11, 2011
Modern prisons eyed under PNoy’s PPP policy
With President Aquino capitalizing on public-private partnership (PPP) as the fulcrum of the national economic program, Congress has been urged to look into the state of the country’s prisons, with a view to recommending reforms, including the option of relegating to private firms the construction, operation and maintenance of modern detention, correction and rehabilitation facilities.
Rep. Arnel Ty of the party-list LPG/MA has filed House Resolution 1380, urging the appropriate House committees to weigh the feasibility of eventually asking private investors to build and run the nation’s next generation prisons under Mr. Aquino’s PPP policy.
Irregularities at the Bureau of Corrections, including privileged accommodations for preferred detainees in exchange for bribes, have recently put the spotlight on the dilapidated and congested conditions of national prisons.
Last week, the Department of Justice ordered the transfer of more inmates to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, to ease severe congestion at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the President sees the transfer of more inmates to Iwahig as a short-term solution to the overcrowding of the country’s main prison, while government draws up a long-term solution.
“The State has the duty to protect the public from felons by keeping them locked up under humane conditions. However, there is no law which prevents the State from contracting out to private firms, under rigorous government supervision, the performance of this duty,” said Ty, a member of the House committee on public order and safety.
“Two things are evident: The overcrowding of our detention facilities will worsen as their populations grow, and government does not have the wherewithal to build and run our future prisons,” he pointed out.
“In other parts of the world, there are already cost-effective private entities in the business of running facilities that provide board and lodging as well as rehabilitation services to detainees in a highly secure environment. There is no reason why we cannot duplicate this model here,” Ty added.
He cited the case of The GEO Group, which delivers correctional, detention, and rehabilitation services to government agencies in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa, offering a turnkey approach that includes design, construction, financing, and operations.
GEO’s worldwide operations include the management and/or ownership of some 80,000 beds at 116 correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities.
Ty also cited the case of Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), which provides partnership corrections to federal, state and local governments in the U.S., operating 66 facilities, including 45 company-owned facilities, with some 90,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Besides providing the residential services for inmates, CCA facilities offer rehabilitation and development programs, including education, vocation, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment.
Both GEO and CCA are publicly held entities based in the U.S., with their shares of stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Rep. Arnel Ty of the party-list LPG/MA has filed House Resolution 1380, urging the appropriate House committees to weigh the feasibility of eventually asking private investors to build and run the nation’s next generation prisons under Mr. Aquino’s PPP policy.
Irregularities at the Bureau of Corrections, including privileged accommodations for preferred detainees in exchange for bribes, have recently put the spotlight on the dilapidated and congested conditions of national prisons.
Last week, the Department of Justice ordered the transfer of more inmates to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, to ease severe congestion at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the President sees the transfer of more inmates to Iwahig as a short-term solution to the overcrowding of the country’s main prison, while government draws up a long-term solution.
“The State has the duty to protect the public from felons by keeping them locked up under humane conditions. However, there is no law which prevents the State from contracting out to private firms, under rigorous government supervision, the performance of this duty,” said Ty, a member of the House committee on public order and safety.
“Two things are evident: The overcrowding of our detention facilities will worsen as their populations grow, and government does not have the wherewithal to build and run our future prisons,” he pointed out.
“In other parts of the world, there are already cost-effective private entities in the business of running facilities that provide board and lodging as well as rehabilitation services to detainees in a highly secure environment. There is no reason why we cannot duplicate this model here,” Ty added.
He cited the case of The GEO Group, which delivers correctional, detention, and rehabilitation services to government agencies in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa, offering a turnkey approach that includes design, construction, financing, and operations.
GEO’s worldwide operations include the management and/or ownership of some 80,000 beds at 116 correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities.
Ty also cited the case of Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), which provides partnership corrections to federal, state and local governments in the U.S., operating 66 facilities, including 45 company-owned facilities, with some 90,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Besides providing the residential services for inmates, CCA facilities offer rehabilitation and development programs, including education, vocation, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment.
Both GEO and CCA are publicly held entities based in the U.S., with their shares of stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
House panel OKs bottled water price control during crisis
The House committee on trade and industry has approved a bill which would subject potable water in containers, noodles, fruits, household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene to automatic price controls during severe shortages, calamities and similar emergencies.
House Bill 4801 is an expanded version of a measure originally introduced by House Deputy Majority Leader and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, proposing to classify bottled drinking water as a basic necessity to safeguard consumers against possible pricing abuses during disasters and other adversities.
Under the Price Act, or Republic Act 7581, prices of all "basic necessities" are instantly frozen whenever a locality is declared a disaster area, in a state of calamity, under an emergency or martial law, or in a state of rebellion.
On top of bottled drinking water, Romulo said the committee chaired by Bataan Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia added noodles, fruits, household LPG and kerosene to the basic necessities list.
At present, the Price Act’s list of basic necessities is limited to rice, corn, root crops, bread; fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products; fresh pork, beef and poultry meat; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk; fresh vegetables; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap and detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health.
Under the Price Act, Romulo said that unless sooner lifted by the President, the automatic price freeze on basic necessities would remain effective for the duration of the condition that brought it about, but not for more than 60 days.
As to basic necessities wholly imported or deregulated under existing laws, such as household LPG and kerosene, he said the bill approved by the House committee confines the price control to not more than 15 days.
Romulo said that under the Price Act, government may also use a special buffer fund to procure, purchase, import or stockpile any basic necessity and devise ways to distribute them for sale at reasonable prices in areas where there is insufficient supply, or a need to effect changes in prevailing prices.
He said the law also authorizes the President, upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council, to impose a price ceiling on any basic necessity under certain conditions.
Romulo warned that essential water resources in general and bottled drinking water in particular would be extremely vulnerable to hoarding and profiteering during widespread flooding, a severe dry spell, or similar emergencies.
He added: "Due to lack of access to clean water, many families now use potable water in containers. Even the poorest of the poor have been forced to consume bottled drinking water to keep their infants, children, and nursing mothers safe. They deserve adequate protection during a crisis.”
House Bill 4801 is an expanded version of a measure originally introduced by House Deputy Majority Leader and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, proposing to classify bottled drinking water as a basic necessity to safeguard consumers against possible pricing abuses during disasters and other adversities.
Under the Price Act, or Republic Act 7581, prices of all "basic necessities" are instantly frozen whenever a locality is declared a disaster area, in a state of calamity, under an emergency or martial law, or in a state of rebellion.
On top of bottled drinking water, Romulo said the committee chaired by Bataan Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia added noodles, fruits, household LPG and kerosene to the basic necessities list.
At present, the Price Act’s list of basic necessities is limited to rice, corn, root crops, bread; fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products; fresh pork, beef and poultry meat; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk; fresh vegetables; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap and detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health.
Under the Price Act, Romulo said that unless sooner lifted by the President, the automatic price freeze on basic necessities would remain effective for the duration of the condition that brought it about, but not for more than 60 days.
As to basic necessities wholly imported or deregulated under existing laws, such as household LPG and kerosene, he said the bill approved by the House committee confines the price control to not more than 15 days.
Romulo said that under the Price Act, government may also use a special buffer fund to procure, purchase, import or stockpile any basic necessity and devise ways to distribute them for sale at reasonable prices in areas where there is insufficient supply, or a need to effect changes in prevailing prices.
He said the law also authorizes the President, upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council, to impose a price ceiling on any basic necessity under certain conditions.
Romulo warned that essential water resources in general and bottled drinking water in particular would be extremely vulnerable to hoarding and profiteering during widespread flooding, a severe dry spell, or similar emergencies.
He added: "Due to lack of access to clean water, many families now use potable water in containers. Even the poorest of the poor have been forced to consume bottled drinking water to keep their infants, children, and nursing mothers safe. They deserve adequate protection during a crisis.”
Outstanding Philippine soldiers for 2011 named
Manila, June 12 – Recognizing the selfless acts of gallantry of Filipino men and women in the service of the nation, Metrobank Foundation Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro recently named 10 awardees of The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) this 2011.
Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepena announced the TOPS awardees at the Lakambini Hall of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commissioned Officers Club inside Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The 10 awardees are Col. Daniel A. Lucero, MSgt. Sixto P. Navarrosa and CMSgt. Billy C. Benebile from the Philippine Army; Col. Alexander F. Balutan, TSgt. Rommel Carbon and Data Processor 3 Jairus M. Cenabre from the Philippine Navy; Col. Raul del Rosario, MSgt. Maria Teresa M. Bitong and MSgt. Nelson S. Mercado from the Philippine Air Force; and Col. Alexis Tamondong from the Technical Services.
Among the judges of the prestigious search is Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles.
“In the peace process, the AFP is a major partner especially as it embarks on the new internal national peace and security plan of Bayanihan,” said Deles. “I am glad to participate in an effort that would highlight the good work of our soldiers as they impart their professionalism, resourcefulness and discipline.”
In her sharing to the media, Deles highlighted her experiences during the panel interviews. She related that she appreciated hearing how the new framework of ‘Winning the Peace,’ in which AFP is an integral part of the implementation process, is not just being discussed at the highest officer level but is now permeating into the perspectives of those in the rank and file.
Another member of the multi-sectoral Board of Judges is former AFP Chief-of-Staff, Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo F. Biazon who gave his highest compliments to the awardees and extended his congratulations by bidding them with the statement: “Soldiers, you make us proud.”
The event was attended by current AFP Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Oban Jr. along with members of the Board of Judges including Associate Justice Jose Perez of the Supreme Court and De La Salle University President Mr. Narciso Erguiza FSC.
The TOPS awardees were chosen by Metrobank Foundation and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro among the many admirable men and women of the AFP who have made a mark while in service, especially in the name of nation-building.
They will be honored later this month in a ceremony expected to be graced by President Benigno Aquino III, and will also be presented with a cash prize of P300,000 each and trophy courtesy of Metrobank.
Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepena announced the TOPS awardees at the Lakambini Hall of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commissioned Officers Club inside Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The 10 awardees are Col. Daniel A. Lucero, MSgt. Sixto P. Navarrosa and CMSgt. Billy C. Benebile from the Philippine Army; Col. Alexander F. Balutan, TSgt. Rommel Carbon and Data Processor 3 Jairus M. Cenabre from the Philippine Navy; Col. Raul del Rosario, MSgt. Maria Teresa M. Bitong and MSgt. Nelson S. Mercado from the Philippine Air Force; and Col. Alexis Tamondong from the Technical Services.
Among the judges of the prestigious search is Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles.
“In the peace process, the AFP is a major partner especially as it embarks on the new internal national peace and security plan of Bayanihan,” said Deles. “I am glad to participate in an effort that would highlight the good work of our soldiers as they impart their professionalism, resourcefulness and discipline.”
In her sharing to the media, Deles highlighted her experiences during the panel interviews. She related that she appreciated hearing how the new framework of ‘Winning the Peace,’ in which AFP is an integral part of the implementation process, is not just being discussed at the highest officer level but is now permeating into the perspectives of those in the rank and file.
Another member of the multi-sectoral Board of Judges is former AFP Chief-of-Staff, Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo F. Biazon who gave his highest compliments to the awardees and extended his congratulations by bidding them with the statement: “Soldiers, you make us proud.”
The event was attended by current AFP Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Oban Jr. along with members of the Board of Judges including Associate Justice Jose Perez of the Supreme Court and De La Salle University President Mr. Narciso Erguiza FSC.
The TOPS awardees were chosen by Metrobank Foundation and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro among the many admirable men and women of the AFP who have made a mark while in service, especially in the name of nation-building.
They will be honored later this month in a ceremony expected to be graced by President Benigno Aquino III, and will also be presented with a cash prize of P300,000 each and trophy courtesy of Metrobank.
Friday, June 10, 2011
GPH panel consults Tawi-Tawi local officials
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Peace group to GPH and NDFP: Avert looming postponement of formal talks
The Sowing the Seeds of Peace calls on the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to persevere in overcoming current issues that can possibly stall the scheduled continuation of the peace negotiations in June this year.
We call on both parties to comply with the “GPH and NDF Oslo Joint Statement of 21 February 2011” signed in Oslo, Norway in the presence of the representatives of the Royal Norwegian Government.
The pertinent sections of that statement read:
“… Based on the Joint Notes dated January 18, 2011, the GPH shall continue to work on appropriate measures to effect the expeditious release of all or most of the fourteen (14) NDFP listed JASIG consultants and personalities before the second round of formal talks, subject to verification as provided in the JASIG Supplemental Agreement dated June 26, 1996, or on the basis of humanitarian and other practical reasons. The NDFP added four (4) names (Danilo Badayos, Leopoldo Caloza, Alan Jazmines and Ramon Patriarca), whose release shall be subjected to the same process.
The GPH as confidence-building measure reiterated its commitment to undertake steps for the release of prisoners and detainees, including those committed to be released as found in the Second Oslo Joint Statement of 2004…”
We believe that the spirit and intent of that joint statement calls for continued confidence building measures to sustain the peace talks. With this in mind, we were thus pleased when peasant rights advocate Angelina Bisuna Ipong, the country’s oldest woman political prisoner, was released on 17 February 2011 as the GPH-NDPF peace talks were being held in Oslo.
The NDFP has announced a possible postponement of the talks pending release of political prisoners which, they say, has not been complied with by the GPH. We see this as an unfortunate development worthy of serious consideration by both sides and of advocates like us who are supporting the peace process.
We call on President Benigno Aquino III to ensure that the talks are not stalled anew on this account. We hope that the GPH will eventually uphold its civilian authority over voices within the AFP which, at the moment, are opposed to such release. Political authority should be of primordial consideration over tactical concerns of the military establishment. After all, it is incumbent upon any state to release “prisoners of conscience” in adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law.
The same principle applies when NPA prisoners of war are released on humanitarian grounds and as an exercise of the political authority of the NDFP over its armed revolutionary army. On an equal vein, we call on the NDFP as well to release prisoners of war as a way to reciprocate confidence measures which we expect the GPH to adopt in the days ahead.
We call on both sides to agree to a definite timeline that will allow GPH compliance with release of political prisoners. We believe that whenever there is political will from both protagonists in the armed conflict, there is time.
Our hope lies in the following paragraph which the Oslo Joint Statement of 21 February 2011 contained:
“The two Panels expressed satisfaction over the achievements of the first round of formal talks. They also expressed their determination to make progress in forging agreements on the remaining items of the substantive agenda on social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. (emphasis ours)”
As Mindanawons and as Filipinos who have a stake in the resolution of the roots of the armed conflict, for immediate benefits through concrete reforms, and for the eventual attainment of a just and lasting peace, we express to both the GPH and NDFP the people’s desire for sustained peace negotiations.
Convenors
ARCHBISHOP ANTONIO LEDESMA
Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro
Bp MelzarCo-Chair, Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform
HON. VICENTE Y. EMANO
Mayor
Cagayan de Oro City
BISHOP FELIXBERTO CALANG
Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Chair, Initiatives for Peace in Mindanao
BISHOP MELZAR LABUNTOG
United Church of Christ of the Philippines
Ecumenical Bishops Forum
SR. FRANZ BLANDO, RGS
Sisters’ Association in Mindanao
We call on both parties to comply with the “GPH and NDF Oslo Joint Statement of 21 February 2011” signed in Oslo, Norway in the presence of the representatives of the Royal Norwegian Government.
The pertinent sections of that statement read:
“… Based on the Joint Notes dated January 18, 2011, the GPH shall continue to work on appropriate measures to effect the expeditious release of all or most of the fourteen (14) NDFP listed JASIG consultants and personalities before the second round of formal talks, subject to verification as provided in the JASIG Supplemental Agreement dated June 26, 1996, or on the basis of humanitarian and other practical reasons. The NDFP added four (4) names (Danilo Badayos, Leopoldo Caloza, Alan Jazmines and Ramon Patriarca), whose release shall be subjected to the same process.
The GPH as confidence-building measure reiterated its commitment to undertake steps for the release of prisoners and detainees, including those committed to be released as found in the Second Oslo Joint Statement of 2004…”
We believe that the spirit and intent of that joint statement calls for continued confidence building measures to sustain the peace talks. With this in mind, we were thus pleased when peasant rights advocate Angelina Bisuna Ipong, the country’s oldest woman political prisoner, was released on 17 February 2011 as the GPH-NDPF peace talks were being held in Oslo.
The NDFP has announced a possible postponement of the talks pending release of political prisoners which, they say, has not been complied with by the GPH. We see this as an unfortunate development worthy of serious consideration by both sides and of advocates like us who are supporting the peace process.
We call on President Benigno Aquino III to ensure that the talks are not stalled anew on this account. We hope that the GPH will eventually uphold its civilian authority over voices within the AFP which, at the moment, are opposed to such release. Political authority should be of primordial consideration over tactical concerns of the military establishment. After all, it is incumbent upon any state to release “prisoners of conscience” in adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law.
The same principle applies when NPA prisoners of war are released on humanitarian grounds and as an exercise of the political authority of the NDFP over its armed revolutionary army. On an equal vein, we call on the NDFP as well to release prisoners of war as a way to reciprocate confidence measures which we expect the GPH to adopt in the days ahead.
We call on both sides to agree to a definite timeline that will allow GPH compliance with release of political prisoners. We believe that whenever there is political will from both protagonists in the armed conflict, there is time.
Our hope lies in the following paragraph which the Oslo Joint Statement of 21 February 2011 contained:
“The two Panels expressed satisfaction over the achievements of the first round of formal talks. They also expressed their determination to make progress in forging agreements on the remaining items of the substantive agenda on social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. (emphasis ours)”
As Mindanawons and as Filipinos who have a stake in the resolution of the roots of the armed conflict, for immediate benefits through concrete reforms, and for the eventual attainment of a just and lasting peace, we express to both the GPH and NDFP the people’s desire for sustained peace negotiations.
Convenors
ARCHBISHOP ANTONIO LEDESMA
Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro
Bp MelzarCo-Chair, Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform
HON. VICENTE Y. EMANO
Mayor
Cagayan de Oro City
BISHOP FELIXBERTO CALANG
Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Chair, Initiatives for Peace in Mindanao
BISHOP MELZAR LABUNTOG
United Church of Christ of the Philippines
Ecumenical Bishops Forum
SR. FRANZ BLANDO, RGS
Sisters’ Association in Mindanao
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Cordilleran IP rights advocate takes NCIP helm
Manila, June 10 – Zenaida Brigida Hamada-Pawid, a Cordilleran and a staunch advocate of Indigenous People’s (IP) rights and current National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Commissioner representing the Cordilleras, on Tuesday took her oath of office as the new Chairperson of the Commission administered by Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles in a ceremony held at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) headquarters in Ortigas, Pasig City.
Present to witness the ceremony included relatives such as former communications director and chief peace negotiator Yong Afable; fellow NCIP Commissioners Dionisia Banua, Percy Brawner, and Conchita Calzado, Executive Director Basilio Wandag; and Viel Aquino-Dee, staunch IP advocate and sister of President Benigno Aquino III, among others.
Pawid, who is fondly called “Manang Briggs” by friends and fellow advocates, was first appointed as NCIP Commissioner in November last year. Her appointment was one of the first to be made by the President in the re-organization of the NCIP that became beleaguered with complaints from IP communities for allegedly facilitating entry of mining companies in ancestral domain areas over the communities’ protests.
A former member of the Cordillera People’s Forum (CPF), Pawid actively participated in the consensus building processes on the Social Reform Agenda that led to the crafting and passage of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA), the law that created the NCIP as an independent agency that will formulate and implement plans and programs to promote and protect the rights and well-being of IP communities and recognize their ancestral domain as well as their rights.
Also known as a peace advocate, Pawid became a member of the government peace panel negotiating with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines during the Ramos administration. And in 2005, she was one of the 27 Filipinas nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize along with 1,000 women from different parts of the world.
Learning from Manang Briggs
Deles, who had worked with Pawid as civil society advocates in the early years, said that she felt “awed” by the occasion of administering the oath to someone who taught her about ancestral domain.
The peace adviser who also acts as the cabinet oversight official on the NCIP, recounted days when she studied and understood ancestral land issues with Pawid. They would trek the mountains and sit at the table after meals to talk lengthily about IP issues.
“There was constant learning, not only conceptual learning but the stories of the people who in this difficult terrain have made a home, have made a monument of these rice terraces. It was awesome for me as a lowlander to realize that there were in fact parts of the Philippines that have memory of what we were before the colonizers came,” she narrated.
NCIP directions
In a message delivered after the simple oath-taking ceremony, the new Chair declared that one of the first things that NCIP will pursue is a legal audit of all the cases filed against the agency in relation to IPRA, as well as address the issues on CADTs or Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles.
“Over and above everything else, we’ll seriously look at the CADT as the beginning of resource ownership management. That, perhaps, is the biggest problem of the NCIP,” she stated, adding that there are IPs who hold CADTs and CALTs (Certificate of Ancestral Land Titles) over their ancestral lands but it is other people who continue to benefit from these.
Pawid also said that they will try to lay a firm foundation for the NCIP by setting up a “truly credible and responsible database for IPs with the interpretation and analysis of all the data,” and by building a human resource pool in the NCIP.
The agency, she declared, will work on helping manage conflict that has erupted in IP areas especially since these have been frequent battlefields of government and New People’s Army (NPA) forces. “Because of this, the IPs are tagged as “communists not as communalists.”
Deles, congratulating Pawid, stated that part of NCIP’s responsibility is “to make sure that everyone will know what the IPRA law is all about.”
“I know it will be hard work. There are so many things that need to be done. This is the moment she (Pawid) has been called for and I can only give her the trust and confidence that she will be able to live up to the responsibility,” she stated. “I believe that she will be able to deliver that at the end of her term, the next chair will not have to pick up the pieces.”
Viel Aquino- Dee in a short message delivered before the oath-taking likewise expressed her optimism that Pawid can deal with the challenges NCIP has been faced with. “Knowing how huge the concerns are in the NCIP, I know that Manang Briggs can overcome the hurdles.”
Pawid’s appointment as NCIP Chairperson was made to replace Atty. Roque Agton Jr. who was appointed in the said position by the previous administration. Atty Agton will still remain in NCIP and continue as Commissioner for Southern and Eastern Mindanao until his term expires.
According to law, the Chairperson of NCIP is appointed by the President from among the commissioners.#
Present to witness the ceremony included relatives such as former communications director and chief peace negotiator Yong Afable; fellow NCIP Commissioners Dionisia Banua, Percy Brawner, and Conchita Calzado, Executive Director Basilio Wandag; and Viel Aquino-Dee, staunch IP advocate and sister of President Benigno Aquino III, among others.
Pawid, who is fondly called “Manang Briggs” by friends and fellow advocates, was first appointed as NCIP Commissioner in November last year. Her appointment was one of the first to be made by the President in the re-organization of the NCIP that became beleaguered with complaints from IP communities for allegedly facilitating entry of mining companies in ancestral domain areas over the communities’ protests.
A former member of the Cordillera People’s Forum (CPF), Pawid actively participated in the consensus building processes on the Social Reform Agenda that led to the crafting and passage of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA), the law that created the NCIP as an independent agency that will formulate and implement plans and programs to promote and protect the rights and well-being of IP communities and recognize their ancestral domain as well as their rights.
Also known as a peace advocate, Pawid became a member of the government peace panel negotiating with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines during the Ramos administration. And in 2005, she was one of the 27 Filipinas nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize along with 1,000 women from different parts of the world.
Learning from Manang Briggs
Deles, who had worked with Pawid as civil society advocates in the early years, said that she felt “awed” by the occasion of administering the oath to someone who taught her about ancestral domain.
The peace adviser who also acts as the cabinet oversight official on the NCIP, recounted days when she studied and understood ancestral land issues with Pawid. They would trek the mountains and sit at the table after meals to talk lengthily about IP issues.
“There was constant learning, not only conceptual learning but the stories of the people who in this difficult terrain have made a home, have made a monument of these rice terraces. It was awesome for me as a lowlander to realize that there were in fact parts of the Philippines that have memory of what we were before the colonizers came,” she narrated.
NCIP directions
In a message delivered after the simple oath-taking ceremony, the new Chair declared that one of the first things that NCIP will pursue is a legal audit of all the cases filed against the agency in relation to IPRA, as well as address the issues on CADTs or Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles.
“Over and above everything else, we’ll seriously look at the CADT as the beginning of resource ownership management. That, perhaps, is the biggest problem of the NCIP,” she stated, adding that there are IPs who hold CADTs and CALTs (Certificate of Ancestral Land Titles) over their ancestral lands but it is other people who continue to benefit from these.
Pawid also said that they will try to lay a firm foundation for the NCIP by setting up a “truly credible and responsible database for IPs with the interpretation and analysis of all the data,” and by building a human resource pool in the NCIP.
The agency, she declared, will work on helping manage conflict that has erupted in IP areas especially since these have been frequent battlefields of government and New People’s Army (NPA) forces. “Because of this, the IPs are tagged as “communists not as communalists.”
Deles, congratulating Pawid, stated that part of NCIP’s responsibility is “to make sure that everyone will know what the IPRA law is all about.”
“I know it will be hard work. There are so many things that need to be done. This is the moment she (Pawid) has been called for and I can only give her the trust and confidence that she will be able to live up to the responsibility,” she stated. “I believe that she will be able to deliver that at the end of her term, the next chair will not have to pick up the pieces.”
Viel Aquino- Dee in a short message delivered before the oath-taking likewise expressed her optimism that Pawid can deal with the challenges NCIP has been faced with. “Knowing how huge the concerns are in the NCIP, I know that Manang Briggs can overcome the hurdles.”
Pawid’s appointment as NCIP Chairperson was made to replace Atty. Roque Agton Jr. who was appointed in the said position by the previous administration. Atty Agton will still remain in NCIP and continue as Commissioner for Southern and Eastern Mindanao until his term expires.
According to law, the Chairperson of NCIP is appointed by the President from among the commissioners.#
Nokia launches Dual Sim Phone in Davao City
MEDIA ADVISORY
What : NOKIA Dual Sim Phone Launch Invite
When : June 14, 2011
Where : Apo View Hotel I Cattleya Function Room
150 J. Camus St., Davao City
Who : Nikka Abes
Brief:
Nokia Dual Sim Phone Launch will unveil the newest addition to the company’s array of products: the Nokia Dual Sim Phone.
With this newest innovation, Nokia wants its loyal customers and future buyers to experience ease and convenience in mobile telecommunication—only the best from a world leader in the telecommunications industry.
See you!
Stef Suarez
Accounts Management Team
prworks, inc.
Tel. +63 32 4134062
Fax +63 32 4167159
prworks.wordpress.com
Rworks Visayas-Mindanao at Facebook.
What : NOKIA Dual Sim Phone Launch Invite
When : June 14, 2011
Where : Apo View Hotel I Cattleya Function Room
150 J. Camus St., Davao City
Who : Nikka Abes
Brief:
Nokia Dual Sim Phone Launch will unveil the newest addition to the company’s array of products: the Nokia Dual Sim Phone.
With this newest innovation, Nokia wants its loyal customers and future buyers to experience ease and convenience in mobile telecommunication—only the best from a world leader in the telecommunications industry.
See you!
Stef Suarez
Accounts Management Team
prworks, inc.
Tel. +63 32 4134062
Fax +63 32 4167159
prworks.wordpress.com
Rworks Visayas-Mindanao at Facebook.
ARMM poll watchdog submits electoral reform agenda to Comelec
COTABATO CITY—An election watchdog operating in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has raised with the Commission on elections “three major electoral reform agenda” to improve the electoral system in ARMM, the so-called cheating capital in the country.
Automation of elections, delisting of double and multiple registrants, and a non-partisan military are the “three major electoral reform agenda” that the Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reform Inc. (C-CARE) submitted to the Provincial Election Office of Maguindanao today.
This developed as the Senate voted to synchronize the national and ARMM elections, a development which was welcomed by the C-CARE which at the same time called on the Comelec to “make use of the suspension of election as an opportunity to implement the badly needed electoral reforms.”
C-CARE, which earlier favored the synchronization of the ARMM and national elections citing the “immediate need” for electoral reform, said that “the move to synchronize the elections will be meaningless if the Comelec will not maximize it as an opportunity to work on the long overdue improvements and modifications in the electoral system.”
Jumda Sabaani, chair of C-CARE, said that “two years is more than enough for government to work on the needed changes in the electoral system. After two years, the hitches in the last automated elections should already be addressed.” With the synchronization of elections, the Comelec has until 2013 to prepare for the next elections.
“In the spirit of partnership and cooperation, C-CARE humbly submits to your good office the hereunder electoral reform agenda that the electorates have ventilated during the continuing voters’ education that we have been doing in all provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. We are aware that these legitimate suggestions from the voters themselves would remain meaningless unless forwarded to your office, which is in the position to act on many, if not all of the herein enumerated concerns,” said the letter that Sabaani’s group sent to the Provincial Election Supervisor of Maguindanao yesterday.
The letter also sought for a dialogue between officials of C-CARE and the Comelec so the election watchdog could relay electoral reform agenda suggested by the electorates during their continuing voters’ education.
Aside from the automation of elections, C-CARE also called on the government to call for a general registration of voters using “Biometrics, which has to be online to really get rid of multiple registrants.” Under the system, C-CARE said that the machine will automatically prompt up a denial of registration to a person who has already registered.
C-CARE also appealed to the Comelec to appreciate the importance of continuing voters’ education and complement their efforts.
“Defective as some PCOS machines may be, the electorates are one in saying that the automated election last year has significantly curbed election cheating in this so-called cheating capital in the Philippines. Most pronounced among the justifications that were raised is the fact that the automated voting was able to eliminate fabrication of election returns which they said was “rampant and common way of cheating” in ARMM. Dagdag-bawas and voting under the trees are sure not to happen in an automated election,” said Sabaani in her letter to the Comelec.
She also noted that “despite an existing order from the Comelec to delist double and multiple registrants, the same has yet to be done. Unless the delisting process is started immediately, electorates are not assured of a clean election.”
The C-CARE also relayed to the Comelec an observation of the voters in Maguindanao province who said that the last ARMM election “was relatively peaceful, orderly and credible because the military stayed neutral—they did not favour any candidate.”
“There has to be a strong directive from the government that the military should stay non-partisan,” Sabaani who relayed that during the reign of the Ampatuans, “the voters claimed that the military was observed to be partisan.” She declined to name who the candidates that were favoured by the military.
“The last presidential election showed and proved to the electorates that the military can actually stay neutral and, in fact, its neutrality could contribute a lot in making a fair, honest and orderly election. Hence, the electorates express willingness to actively support any effort of the Comelec towards sustaining the neutrality that the military has displayed in ARMM in the last election,” said the C-CARE letter submitted to the Comelec.
“To manifest our strong support and desire to help the Comelec address these concerns of our constituents, we will appreciate a dialogue meeting with you to thresh out how we could possibly complement our efforts in addressing these delinquencies if we may call them such. Let our dialogue meeting also serve to confirm some of these concerns that were all raised by the grassroots people in our meetings and voters education sessions with them,” said the letter to the Comelec that was signed by Sabaani. ###
Automation of elections, delisting of double and multiple registrants, and a non-partisan military are the “three major electoral reform agenda” that the Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reform Inc. (C-CARE) submitted to the Provincial Election Office of Maguindanao today.
This developed as the Senate voted to synchronize the national and ARMM elections, a development which was welcomed by the C-CARE which at the same time called on the Comelec to “make use of the suspension of election as an opportunity to implement the badly needed electoral reforms.”
C-CARE, which earlier favored the synchronization of the ARMM and national elections citing the “immediate need” for electoral reform, said that “the move to synchronize the elections will be meaningless if the Comelec will not maximize it as an opportunity to work on the long overdue improvements and modifications in the electoral system.”
Jumda Sabaani, chair of C-CARE, said that “two years is more than enough for government to work on the needed changes in the electoral system. After two years, the hitches in the last automated elections should already be addressed.” With the synchronization of elections, the Comelec has until 2013 to prepare for the next elections.
“In the spirit of partnership and cooperation, C-CARE humbly submits to your good office the hereunder electoral reform agenda that the electorates have ventilated during the continuing voters’ education that we have been doing in all provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. We are aware that these legitimate suggestions from the voters themselves would remain meaningless unless forwarded to your office, which is in the position to act on many, if not all of the herein enumerated concerns,” said the letter that Sabaani’s group sent to the Provincial Election Supervisor of Maguindanao yesterday.
The letter also sought for a dialogue between officials of C-CARE and the Comelec so the election watchdog could relay electoral reform agenda suggested by the electorates during their continuing voters’ education.
Aside from the automation of elections, C-CARE also called on the government to call for a general registration of voters using “Biometrics, which has to be online to really get rid of multiple registrants.” Under the system, C-CARE said that the machine will automatically prompt up a denial of registration to a person who has already registered.
C-CARE also appealed to the Comelec to appreciate the importance of continuing voters’ education and complement their efforts.
“Defective as some PCOS machines may be, the electorates are one in saying that the automated election last year has significantly curbed election cheating in this so-called cheating capital in the Philippines. Most pronounced among the justifications that were raised is the fact that the automated voting was able to eliminate fabrication of election returns which they said was “rampant and common way of cheating” in ARMM. Dagdag-bawas and voting under the trees are sure not to happen in an automated election,” said Sabaani in her letter to the Comelec.
She also noted that “despite an existing order from the Comelec to delist double and multiple registrants, the same has yet to be done. Unless the delisting process is started immediately, electorates are not assured of a clean election.”
The C-CARE also relayed to the Comelec an observation of the voters in Maguindanao province who said that the last ARMM election “was relatively peaceful, orderly and credible because the military stayed neutral—they did not favour any candidate.”
“There has to be a strong directive from the government that the military should stay non-partisan,” Sabaani who relayed that during the reign of the Ampatuans, “the voters claimed that the military was observed to be partisan.” She declined to name who the candidates that were favoured by the military.
“The last presidential election showed and proved to the electorates that the military can actually stay neutral and, in fact, its neutrality could contribute a lot in making a fair, honest and orderly election. Hence, the electorates express willingness to actively support any effort of the Comelec towards sustaining the neutrality that the military has displayed in ARMM in the last election,” said the C-CARE letter submitted to the Comelec.
“To manifest our strong support and desire to help the Comelec address these concerns of our constituents, we will appreciate a dialogue meeting with you to thresh out how we could possibly complement our efforts in addressing these delinquencies if we may call them such. Let our dialogue meeting also serve to confirm some of these concerns that were all raised by the grassroots people in our meetings and voters education sessions with them,” said the letter to the Comelec that was signed by Sabaani. ###
MILF peace panel to consult Iligan, CDO
Press Release:
June 10, 2011
For immediate Release
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The peace panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is set to dialogue with non-Moro and Moro leaders of civil society organizations (CSOs), business, church, local government, media and academic institutions in Northern Mindanao in response to calls for inclusiveness and participation in the government-MILF peace negotiations.
The MILF peace panel, led by Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, will first stopped in Iligan City on Saturday (June 11) to dialogue with non-Moro CSOs at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology MSU-IIT) from 9am to 3pm.
MSU-IIT chancellor Dr. Sukarno D. Tanggol, DPA, will be hosting the event in partnership with the Forum for Peace, led by Managing Director Jun Enriquez.
In the morning of June 12, the MILF panel will be at the International Center for Peace (IC Peace) in Barangay Bulua, this city to dialogue with leaders of Moro CSOs and Lumad groups.
On June 13, Iqbal’s team will consult with non-Moro leaders of CSOs, business, church, LGUs, media and academic institutions at the IC Peace from 9am to 3pm.
More than a hundred non-Moro participants are expected to attend Monday’s (June 13) consultation, which is being organized by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (ACDO), Balay Mindanao Foundation Inc, (BMFI) MPC and FREEJourn, Inc., an organization of Mindanao journalists working for empowerment, equality and welfare of media practitioners.
In all these consultations, the point of discussion will center on the MILF’s peace agenda contained in the Comprehensive Compact it submitted to the government peace panel, led by Dean Marvic Leonen.
“This forum seeks to promote better understanding of the attending issues in the negotiations,” said Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D.
“It will also serve as a unique opportunity for us to take part in shaping viable and sustainable options to resolve the root causes of the armed conflict in Mindanao,” added BMFI Executive Director Paul Richard A. Paraguya.
Iqbal said that the MILF does not want a repeat of what happened to the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which is why early in the negotiation they wanted to conduct the dialogues with various sectors in the country in order to get their views, ideas, and questions on the MILF’s proposals in the negotiations.
The Northern Mindanao consultations is the fourth leg in the ongoing nationwide dialogue the MILF peace panel has been conducting.
Prior to the consultations, the FREEJourn, Inc., in partnership with MPC, has organized trainings on peace reporting, which stressed on the need to cover the MILF-GPH peace talks. More than 20 select media personalities in Cagayan de Oro City underwent the training on May 28.
Some 20 journalists in Iligan City also underwent a similar training yesterday in through the efforts of the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace in partnership with FREEJourn Inc, and the MPC. (Bong D. Fabe, FREEJourn, Inc., Peace Collective)
June 10, 2011
For immediate Release
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The peace panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is set to dialogue with non-Moro and Moro leaders of civil society organizations (CSOs), business, church, local government, media and academic institutions in Northern Mindanao in response to calls for inclusiveness and participation in the government-MILF peace negotiations.
The MILF peace panel, led by Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, will first stopped in Iligan City on Saturday (June 11) to dialogue with non-Moro CSOs at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology MSU-IIT) from 9am to 3pm.
MSU-IIT chancellor Dr. Sukarno D. Tanggol, DPA, will be hosting the event in partnership with the Forum for Peace, led by Managing Director Jun Enriquez.
In the morning of June 12, the MILF panel will be at the International Center for Peace (IC Peace) in Barangay Bulua, this city to dialogue with leaders of Moro CSOs and Lumad groups.
On June 13, Iqbal’s team will consult with non-Moro leaders of CSOs, business, church, LGUs, media and academic institutions at the IC Peace from 9am to 3pm.
More than a hundred non-Moro participants are expected to attend Monday’s (June 13) consultation, which is being organized by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (ACDO), Balay Mindanao Foundation Inc, (BMFI) MPC and FREEJourn, Inc., an organization of Mindanao journalists working for empowerment, equality and welfare of media practitioners.
In all these consultations, the point of discussion will center on the MILF’s peace agenda contained in the Comprehensive Compact it submitted to the government peace panel, led by Dean Marvic Leonen.
“This forum seeks to promote better understanding of the attending issues in the negotiations,” said Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D.
“It will also serve as a unique opportunity for us to take part in shaping viable and sustainable options to resolve the root causes of the armed conflict in Mindanao,” added BMFI Executive Director Paul Richard A. Paraguya.
Iqbal said that the MILF does not want a repeat of what happened to the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which is why early in the negotiation they wanted to conduct the dialogues with various sectors in the country in order to get their views, ideas, and questions on the MILF’s proposals in the negotiations.
The Northern Mindanao consultations is the fourth leg in the ongoing nationwide dialogue the MILF peace panel has been conducting.
Prior to the consultations, the FREEJourn, Inc., in partnership with MPC, has organized trainings on peace reporting, which stressed on the need to cover the MILF-GPH peace talks. More than 20 select media personalities in Cagayan de Oro City underwent the training on May 28.
Some 20 journalists in Iligan City also underwent a similar training yesterday in through the efforts of the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace in partnership with FREEJourn Inc, and the MPC. (Bong D. Fabe, FREEJourn, Inc., Peace Collective)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Globe Prepaid’s Super Party with Vice Ganda Live in Davao
PRESS RELEASE
3 June 2011
Globe Telecom storms Davao with Super Party, a live concert and performance show featuring Globe Prepaid endorser and Showtime premier judge Vice Ganda.
The Globe Prepaid Super Party will be held at the Matina Gym of the University of Mindanao on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Gates open at 6:00PM.
To see Vice Ganda live and watch him perform his funny antics and jokes, new Globe subscribers only need to buy a Globe Prepaid SIM at a discounted price of P20 and load P30 for a general admission ticket, P80 for a bronze ticket, P180 for a silver ticket and P280 for a gold ticket. For existing Globe subscribers, load P50 for general admission, P100 for bronze, P200 for silver and P300 for gold. Experience Vice Ganda like you never have before!
Invite all your friends to “party, party” and get updated with the latest happenings with Globe Prepaid’s exclusive offer to Davaoenos, the GLOBE SUPERLAHAT20. With GLOBE SUPERLAHAT20, enjoy unlimited texts to Globe/TM, make 100 call minutes to Globe/TM, surf the internet for 1 hour and send 5 international text messages to 190 destinations* nationwide for only P20 valid for 1 day. Both the 100 call minutes and 60 minute-mobile surfing are consumable by the minute. Text SUPERLAHAT20 to 8888 to register. Users will receive a text message confirming their registration to GLOBE SUPERLAHAT20. A P1 maintaining balance is needed to enjoy the service.
Aside from SuperLahat20, prepaid subscribers in Davao can also enjoy UnliTxt10, which gives them unlimited text messages to Globe/TM for only P10 valid for 1 day and EverybodyTxt10, which enables subscribers to send 75 text messages to Globe/TM and 10 text messages to other networks for only P10 valid for 1 day. Text UNLITXT10 or EVERYBODYTXT10 to 8888 to register.
# # #
*Text ITXT INFO to 8888 for list of countries
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Yoly Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom
Tel. No. 730 2627
Fax no. 739 3075
E-mail: globe.corpcomm@gmail.com
3 June 2011
Globe Telecom storms Davao with Super Party, a live concert and performance show featuring Globe Prepaid endorser and Showtime premier judge Vice Ganda.
The Globe Prepaid Super Party will be held at the Matina Gym of the University of Mindanao on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Gates open at 6:00PM.
To see Vice Ganda live and watch him perform his funny antics and jokes, new Globe subscribers only need to buy a Globe Prepaid SIM at a discounted price of P20 and load P30 for a general admission ticket, P80 for a bronze ticket, P180 for a silver ticket and P280 for a gold ticket. For existing Globe subscribers, load P50 for general admission, P100 for bronze, P200 for silver and P300 for gold. Experience Vice Ganda like you never have before!
Invite all your friends to “party, party” and get updated with the latest happenings with Globe Prepaid’s exclusive offer to Davaoenos, the GLOBE SUPERLAHAT20. With GLOBE SUPERLAHAT20, enjoy unlimited texts to Globe/TM, make 100 call minutes to Globe/TM, surf the internet for 1 hour and send 5 international text messages to 190 destinations* nationwide for only P20 valid for 1 day. Both the 100 call minutes and 60 minute-mobile surfing are consumable by the minute. Text SUPERLAHAT20 to 8888 to register. Users will receive a text message confirming their registration to GLOBE SUPERLAHAT20. A P1 maintaining balance is needed to enjoy the service.
Aside from SuperLahat20, prepaid subscribers in Davao can also enjoy UnliTxt10, which gives them unlimited text messages to Globe/TM for only P10 valid for 1 day and EverybodyTxt10, which enables subscribers to send 75 text messages to Globe/TM and 10 text messages to other networks for only P10 valid for 1 day. Text UNLITXT10 or EVERYBODYTXT10 to 8888 to register.
# # #
*Text ITXT INFO to 8888 for list of countries
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Yoly Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom
Tel. No. 730 2627
Fax no. 739 3075
E-mail: globe.corpcomm@gmail.com
GPH seeks support of religious for peace talks with NDFP
Manila, June 7 – As the government raises its stakes in the peace process, it constantly seeks the support of stakeholders in moving forward the negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
In a recent dialogue with Catholic bishops, priests and lay leaders from the cities of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati, Government of the Philippines (GPH) panel member Ednar Dayanghirang urged the religious sector to back the decades-old peace talks and continuously engage the community by providing information on the substantive agenda of the talks. The religious sector can also offer spiritual and moral guidance particularly with regard to lowering levels of tension, violence and atrocities.
During the monthly Presbyterium Meeting of the Diocesan Clergy of Tagum at the Clergy Development Center in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, the panel member delivered updates on the peace process between the GPH and the CPP-NPA-NDFP. The meeting was attended by Bishop Wilfredo D. Manlapaz D.D. and more than 50 priests.
Fr. Ulysses Perandos said Dayanghirang's inputs were “very informative and comprehensive," and pledged, on behalf of his fellow clergy, “to do our share as we’ve always been doing and to encourage other people to participate in the government's peace initiatives.”
The Tagum diocese covers the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, among the top NPA hotspots in the country. Abundant in mineral resources, these provinces are home to banana plantations which dominate agribusiness investments in the area. These provinces also share borders with other NPA hotspots in Mindanao--Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur.
Dayanghirang graced a bigger gathering of Catholic religious and lay leaders at the Benedictine Sisters Monastery in Digos City, Davao Del Sur. The meeting was led by Archbishop Fernando Capalla, Bishop Manlapaz, Bishop Patricio H. Alo of Mati City and Bishop Jimmy Afable of Digos City.
Dayanghirang appealed for the support of the Catholic leaders in sharing the information with their respective parishioners. He also stressed that engaging the people in a meaningful peace dialogue will bring their voice to the negotiating table, crucial to the success of the peace talks.
Dayanghirang observed that the call for reduced levels of violence was a common sentiment. Best expressed by one bishop: “What is most important is the urgent need for violence to stop so that the people can continue living normal lives while negotiations are pursued.”
In a recent dialogue with Catholic bishops, priests and lay leaders from the cities of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati, Government of the Philippines (GPH) panel member Ednar Dayanghirang urged the religious sector to back the decades-old peace talks and continuously engage the community by providing information on the substantive agenda of the talks. The religious sector can also offer spiritual and moral guidance particularly with regard to lowering levels of tension, violence and atrocities.
During the monthly Presbyterium Meeting of the Diocesan Clergy of Tagum at the Clergy Development Center in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, the panel member delivered updates on the peace process between the GPH and the CPP-NPA-NDFP. The meeting was attended by Bishop Wilfredo D. Manlapaz D.D. and more than 50 priests.
Fr. Ulysses Perandos said Dayanghirang's inputs were “very informative and comprehensive," and pledged, on behalf of his fellow clergy, “to do our share as we’ve always been doing and to encourage other people to participate in the government's peace initiatives.”
The Tagum diocese covers the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, among the top NPA hotspots in the country. Abundant in mineral resources, these provinces are home to banana plantations which dominate agribusiness investments in the area. These provinces also share borders with other NPA hotspots in Mindanao--Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur.
Dayanghirang graced a bigger gathering of Catholic religious and lay leaders at the Benedictine Sisters Monastery in Digos City, Davao Del Sur. The meeting was led by Archbishop Fernando Capalla, Bishop Manlapaz, Bishop Patricio H. Alo of Mati City and Bishop Jimmy Afable of Digos City.
Dayanghirang appealed for the support of the Catholic leaders in sharing the information with their respective parishioners. He also stressed that engaging the people in a meaningful peace dialogue will bring their voice to the negotiating table, crucial to the success of the peace talks.
Dayanghirang observed that the call for reduced levels of violence was a common sentiment. Best expressed by one bishop: “What is most important is the urgent need for violence to stop so that the people can continue living normal lives while negotiations are pursued.”
LET THE PEACE TALKS PROCEED
PEOPLE POWER VOLUNTEERS
for REFORM – CARAGA
LD Apartment, Santan St., Butuan city
We, members of the People Power Volunteers for Reform – Caraga (PPVR-Caraga), read the news on the proposition of the National Democratic Front (NDF) “to postpone the scheduled resumption of the peace talks this month until the imprisoned rebels have been freed” with fear that the fresh round of the peace negotiations may end up, like those in the past, a failure. We see in such tit-for-tat scheme a pattern of the ways that preceded withdrawals of the NDF’s peace panels from the negotiation table in past. And we dread the thoughts of having this another chance at forging peace go down the drain because of just one unmet demand that for us is far from the substantive issues that have to be resolved in the negotiations.
A multi-sectoral organization that takes peace building as one of its advocacies to help make the quality of life in the region better, PPVR-Caraga is among those active in promoting the current round of peace talks as a way to peace. We have initiated the conduct of peace forums in the past weeks and more activities are lined up to keep the people in the region at pace with the progress of the peace talks and in some ways have their voices and positions on the issues that surround the 42-year old insurgency be considered in resolving the conflict.
We are doing all these fully aware that we have gone so far in the ways of war. We live in a region where the armed conflict between the government forces and elements of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been more pronounced than the other regions in the country and been there for decades.
Of course we understand if the NDF would ask for the release of detained comrades and other requests in the course of the negotiation. We would also welcome if in the process the government side would give way to those requests. They could be all parts of the process. But we hate it if at this very early stage conditions that could be hollow for us and the public to appreciate are dangled as conditions for the talks to proceed. After all it is us, the public, who suffer most in this armed conflict.
We, therefore, appeal to the NDF panel not to postpone the scheduled resumption of the talks this month just because of the non-release of the arrested comrades. We are expressing this appeal in the same breath that we also ask the government to consider the merits of such request in the light of what is best to attain a lasting peace in the land.
We urge both panels to let the peace talks proceed. June 7, 2011
CONCEPCION C. ASIS
CHAIRPERSON
PEOPLE POWER VOLUNTERS
FOR REFORM - CARAGA
for REFORM – CARAGA
LD Apartment, Santan St., Butuan city
We, members of the People Power Volunteers for Reform – Caraga (PPVR-Caraga), read the news on the proposition of the National Democratic Front (NDF) “to postpone the scheduled resumption of the peace talks this month until the imprisoned rebels have been freed” with fear that the fresh round of the peace negotiations may end up, like those in the past, a failure. We see in such tit-for-tat scheme a pattern of the ways that preceded withdrawals of the NDF’s peace panels from the negotiation table in past. And we dread the thoughts of having this another chance at forging peace go down the drain because of just one unmet demand that for us is far from the substantive issues that have to be resolved in the negotiations.
A multi-sectoral organization that takes peace building as one of its advocacies to help make the quality of life in the region better, PPVR-Caraga is among those active in promoting the current round of peace talks as a way to peace. We have initiated the conduct of peace forums in the past weeks and more activities are lined up to keep the people in the region at pace with the progress of the peace talks and in some ways have their voices and positions on the issues that surround the 42-year old insurgency be considered in resolving the conflict.
We are doing all these fully aware that we have gone so far in the ways of war. We live in a region where the armed conflict between the government forces and elements of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been more pronounced than the other regions in the country and been there for decades.
Of course we understand if the NDF would ask for the release of detained comrades and other requests in the course of the negotiation. We would also welcome if in the process the government side would give way to those requests. They could be all parts of the process. But we hate it if at this very early stage conditions that could be hollow for us and the public to appreciate are dangled as conditions for the talks to proceed. After all it is us, the public, who suffer most in this armed conflict.
We, therefore, appeal to the NDF panel not to postpone the scheduled resumption of the talks this month just because of the non-release of the arrested comrades. We are expressing this appeal in the same breath that we also ask the government to consider the merits of such request in the light of what is best to attain a lasting peace in the land.
We urge both panels to let the peace talks proceed. June 7, 2011
CONCEPCION C. ASIS
CHAIRPERSON
PEOPLE POWER VOLUNTERS
FOR REFORM - CARAGA
WE WANT PEACE
(A Call by Civil Society Organizations in Caraga in Support of the Ongoing Peace Process. Issued on the occasion of the conduct of a Peace Forum on 19 February 2011 at the regional capital of Butuan City)
We want peace and we welcome the resumptions of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (GPH – NDF) and the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH – MILF) this month.
We want peace and we call on everyone to initiate or support activities that would lead to the successful conclusion of the peace negotiations.
We are making this call fully aware that we have gone so far in the ways of war. We live in a region where the armed conflict between the government forces and elements of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been more pronounced than the other regions in the country and been there for decades.
We respect those who take up arms as an option to correct what could actually be said as injustices in our midst in the same way that we understand the government’s armed forces in unleashing the machines of war. But we hate seeing in the process so much blood spilled, disruptions and destructions, lost lives, insecurities and missed opportunities to improve our well being.
We will work for the necessary transformation in the same way that we will defend a threatened state. But let that be done in the ways of peace. The resumptions of the peace talks therefore deserve all the support we can extend. Along this line we commit to take the following activities as support to the peace process:
Initiate or join a peace forum or discussions in our localities
Initiate a peace wall signing in the offices or coordination centers of our organizations or schools
Conduct signature campaign in our offices, schools or communities
Initiate candle lighting for peace in front of houses, along the streets
Call on other organizations to also take the initiatives to support the peace process
Support activities of other entities that support the peace process
We want peace and we place our stake into it in the ongoing peace process.
We want peace and we welcome the resumptions of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (GPH – NDF) and the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH – MILF) this month.
We want peace and we call on everyone to initiate or support activities that would lead to the successful conclusion of the peace negotiations.
We are making this call fully aware that we have gone so far in the ways of war. We live in a region where the armed conflict between the government forces and elements of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been more pronounced than the other regions in the country and been there for decades.
We respect those who take up arms as an option to correct what could actually be said as injustices in our midst in the same way that we understand the government’s armed forces in unleashing the machines of war. But we hate seeing in the process so much blood spilled, disruptions and destructions, lost lives, insecurities and missed opportunities to improve our well being.
We will work for the necessary transformation in the same way that we will defend a threatened state. But let that be done in the ways of peace. The resumptions of the peace talks therefore deserve all the support we can extend. Along this line we commit to take the following activities as support to the peace process:
Initiate or join a peace forum or discussions in our localities
Initiate a peace wall signing in the offices or coordination centers of our organizations or schools
Conduct signature campaign in our offices, schools or communities
Initiate candle lighting for peace in front of houses, along the streets
Call on other organizations to also take the initiatives to support the peace process
Support activities of other entities that support the peace process
We want peace and we place our stake into it in the ongoing peace process.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Statement of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles Regarding the NDFP’s proposal to defer peace talks and demand to release consultants
The statements made by National Democratic Front of the Philippines' (NDFP) chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni and NDF panel member Fidel Agcaoili are most unfortunate.
I would like to refer to the statements made in January of this year, of government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla, after the preliminary negotiations between the government and the NDFP. I quote negotiator Padilla, who said in his statement that “the government agreed to work, on best effort basis, for the release of NDFP consultants and personalities who are qualified under the JASIG so they may meaningfully participate in the negotiations."
"The resumption of the formal negotiations with the NDFP will focus on the remaining substantive agenda on: socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. To avoid unwarranted disruptions of the negotiations, the Parties also established sidetable mechanisms to review and address procedural and non-substantive issues such as JASIG implementation, the release of alleged political prisoners (APOs), and confidence-building and goodwill measures."
In line with this, the Government reiterates its sincerity and commitment to this process. In fact, in February of this year, before the start of the formal talks in Oslo, Norway, we facilitated provision of travel documents for NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio Economic Reform (RWC-SER) members Rafael Baylosis and Randall Echanis and NDFP consultant Angelina Bisuna Ipong. Likewise, the GPH took effective remedies to ensure the participation in the February talks of NDFP consultants Vicente Ladlad and Elizabeth Principe.
As far as I know, there has not been any changes on the agreements between the government and the NDFP. Preparations for the substantive agenda are moving forward. The Panel is fully aware of the developments brought about by the statements issued by Jalandoni and Agcaoili. I am confident that the Panel will manage this issue well and shall release its own official statement soon.
I am also confident that given the opportunity, the mechanisms set-up by both Parties to address the non-substantive issues will work towards the resolution of this issue. We enjoin the NDFP to continue having faith in this mechanism. The government remains committed to stay the course and discuss whatever it takes to bring a just and lasting peace for the country.
I would like to refer to the statements made in January of this year, of government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla, after the preliminary negotiations between the government and the NDFP. I quote negotiator Padilla, who said in his statement that “the government agreed to work, on best effort basis, for the release of NDFP consultants and personalities who are qualified under the JASIG so they may meaningfully participate in the negotiations."
"The resumption of the formal negotiations with the NDFP will focus on the remaining substantive agenda on: socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. To avoid unwarranted disruptions of the negotiations, the Parties also established sidetable mechanisms to review and address procedural and non-substantive issues such as JASIG implementation, the release of alleged political prisoners (APOs), and confidence-building and goodwill measures."
In line with this, the Government reiterates its sincerity and commitment to this process. In fact, in February of this year, before the start of the formal talks in Oslo, Norway, we facilitated provision of travel documents for NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio Economic Reform (RWC-SER) members Rafael Baylosis and Randall Echanis and NDFP consultant Angelina Bisuna Ipong. Likewise, the GPH took effective remedies to ensure the participation in the February talks of NDFP consultants Vicente Ladlad and Elizabeth Principe.
As far as I know, there has not been any changes on the agreements between the government and the NDFP. Preparations for the substantive agenda are moving forward. The Panel is fully aware of the developments brought about by the statements issued by Jalandoni and Agcaoili. I am confident that the Panel will manage this issue well and shall release its own official statement soon.
I am also confident that given the opportunity, the mechanisms set-up by both Parties to address the non-substantive issues will work towards the resolution of this issue. We enjoin the NDFP to continue having faith in this mechanism. The government remains committed to stay the course and discuss whatever it takes to bring a just and lasting peace for the country.
Thousands walk, race against hunger in Mindanao conflict areas
Manila, June 2 – More than 3,000 hunger advocates from different sectors walked and raced as they took a stand to fight hunger in conflict-laden southern Philippines.
Some participants walked two kilometers while others ran five and 10 km in the United Nations World Food Programme’s (UNWFP) annual campaign against child hunger and malnutrition dubbed “Walk the World – Pilipinas,” which was held over the weekend at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.
Initiated by WFP along with corporate giants TNT, Unilever and DSM, the event aims to raise awareness and funds to feed hungry and malnourished children in Mindanao. Proceeds will support more than 80,000 school children in 300 schools in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
The campaign, which is a global effort, was also held in 79 countries.
Attending the affair were WFP Country Representative Stephen Anderson, UN Development Programme Resident Coordinator Jacqueline Badcock, UN Food and Agriculture Organization Representative Kazuyuki Tsurumi, actress and WFP Philippines Ambassador against Hunger KC Concepcion, actor Richard Gomez, TNT Country General Manager Celtin Yalcin, Unilever Philippines Managing Director for Foods Carl Cruz, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary Jehanne Mutin, and Department of Social Welfare and Development Asst. Sec. Camilo Gudmalin, among others.
OPAPP sponsored the event together with various organizations.
Walking the talk
Police Senior Inspector Lyra Valera, who joined the race in her own capacity as a peace advocate, said that she hopes to contribute to ending hunger among Filipino children even in her own little way.
"Dapat maging layunin ng ating henerasyon na wala nang batang Pilipino sa susunod na henerasyon ang kailangan pang magutom (It should be the goal of our generation that no Filipino child in the next generation will go hungry),” she stated.
Valera, who is also a lawyer, believes that hunger drives conflict. “In the years to come, widespread hunger due to prevalent poverty is predicted to pose a grave threat to our security as a state. It will become a serious source of conflict if not immediately addressed.
Kailangan din ng gobyerno ng tulong para matugunan ang problemang ito (The government also needs help to address this).”
Melinda Severo from Pizza Hut Philippines, one of the largest pizza chains in the country and among the sponsors of this year’s “Walk the World – Pilipinas,” lauded the organizers for their effort to “somehow lessen the problem of hunger” particularly in conflict communities.
Pizza Hut, she said, has always been supportive of WFP’s feeding programs. “Actually, some of the managers and staff in the company visited a conflict-affected area in Mindanao to see for themselves the plight of children and how WFP is alleviating their situation.”
“I hope that the communities will be able to rise above poverty and be given opportunities to help themselves so as not to become dependent of external aid,” added Severo.
Battle against apathy
Anderson stressed that the Filipinos’ lack of concern in the hunger dilemma that hounds not only Mindanao, but the rest of the country, has been a constant challenge.
“The biggest battle is against apathy. This is what really hurts us,” he said. “Without proactive, unified efforts from all of us, it would not get better.”
Anderson noted that everybody always looks at the government to solve the problem. “But I think it comes from all of us to complement these efforts, to further the cause, to make a tangible, visible impact.”
He added that anybody can make a difference with a few pesos. “With just P 10, you can provide a nutritious meal to every child in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.”
Congratulating the participants, Anderson called all of them winners in the fight against hunger.
“Because all of us are here, representing the Philippines, from all walks of life. We have a common vision – to have a healthy, strong and vibrant Philippines,” he stated. #
Some participants walked two kilometers while others ran five and 10 km in the United Nations World Food Programme’s (UNWFP) annual campaign against child hunger and malnutrition dubbed “Walk the World – Pilipinas,” which was held over the weekend at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.
Initiated by WFP along with corporate giants TNT, Unilever and DSM, the event aims to raise awareness and funds to feed hungry and malnourished children in Mindanao. Proceeds will support more than 80,000 school children in 300 schools in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
The campaign, which is a global effort, was also held in 79 countries.
Attending the affair were WFP Country Representative Stephen Anderson, UN Development Programme Resident Coordinator Jacqueline Badcock, UN Food and Agriculture Organization Representative Kazuyuki Tsurumi, actress and WFP Philippines Ambassador against Hunger KC Concepcion, actor Richard Gomez, TNT Country General Manager Celtin Yalcin, Unilever Philippines Managing Director for Foods Carl Cruz, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary Jehanne Mutin, and Department of Social Welfare and Development Asst. Sec. Camilo Gudmalin, among others.
OPAPP sponsored the event together with various organizations.
Walking the talk
Police Senior Inspector Lyra Valera, who joined the race in her own capacity as a peace advocate, said that she hopes to contribute to ending hunger among Filipino children even in her own little way.
"Dapat maging layunin ng ating henerasyon na wala nang batang Pilipino sa susunod na henerasyon ang kailangan pang magutom (It should be the goal of our generation that no Filipino child in the next generation will go hungry),” she stated.
Valera, who is also a lawyer, believes that hunger drives conflict. “In the years to come, widespread hunger due to prevalent poverty is predicted to pose a grave threat to our security as a state. It will become a serious source of conflict if not immediately addressed.
Kailangan din ng gobyerno ng tulong para matugunan ang problemang ito (The government also needs help to address this).”
Melinda Severo from Pizza Hut Philippines, one of the largest pizza chains in the country and among the sponsors of this year’s “Walk the World – Pilipinas,” lauded the organizers for their effort to “somehow lessen the problem of hunger” particularly in conflict communities.
Pizza Hut, she said, has always been supportive of WFP’s feeding programs. “Actually, some of the managers and staff in the company visited a conflict-affected area in Mindanao to see for themselves the plight of children and how WFP is alleviating their situation.”
“I hope that the communities will be able to rise above poverty and be given opportunities to help themselves so as not to become dependent of external aid,” added Severo.
Battle against apathy
Anderson stressed that the Filipinos’ lack of concern in the hunger dilemma that hounds not only Mindanao, but the rest of the country, has been a constant challenge.
“The biggest battle is against apathy. This is what really hurts us,” he said. “Without proactive, unified efforts from all of us, it would not get better.”
Anderson noted that everybody always looks at the government to solve the problem. “But I think it comes from all of us to complement these efforts, to further the cause, to make a tangible, visible impact.”
He added that anybody can make a difference with a few pesos. “With just P 10, you can provide a nutritious meal to every child in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.”
Congratulating the participants, Anderson called all of them winners in the fight against hunger.
“Because all of us are here, representing the Philippines, from all walks of life. We have a common vision – to have a healthy, strong and vibrant Philippines,” he stated. #
Bike for Peace signifies collective action, determination, imagination to stay the course - Deles
Upi, Maguindanao, June 2 – More than a show of support to the Mindanao peace process, the “Bike for Peace” event is a symbolic act and a reminder that the work for peace involves collective action, determination and imagination to stay the course to achieve a just and lasting peace in southern Philippines, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles.
“This exercise as envisioned is meant to simulate our own collective experience of making and waging peace, in addition to getting a wider public interest and support for the Mindanao peace process. It is a symbolic act and a reminder to us all of what the work for peace entails: peace is action, peace is effort, peace is community, peace is reaching out, peace is going the extra mile,” Deles stressed during the bikefest held recently from Cotabato City to Upi, Maguindanao.
With the theme “Going the Extra Mile for Peace in Mindanao,” the Bike for Peace was initiated by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to gain heightened public support on the peace process. More than 600 participants from various sectors pedaled the 36-kilometer route from Cotabato City Hall to Upi Municipal Gymnasium.
Deles also said that the bikefest is a reminder of what it takes to achieve the goal of peace. “If it is not your training that will help you to stay the course, it will be your determination that will. If it is not your determination, it will be your companion who will. And if this would still not be enough, it will be your imagination that will help to bring you to the end of the journey.”
‘Walang iwanan’
In her message, the peace adviser likewise underscored the “promise of faithful accompaniment that riders make to each other before embarking on a long and difficult journey,” which means nobody will be left behind.
“And this, in the peace process, is the appeal I want to make to all of you – walang iwanan. Magkakasama tayo hindi lang sa mga panahon ng tagumpay, kundi lalo na sa mga panahon na malubak ang kalsada at may mga kasamang nadadapa (Nobody shall be left behind. We shall be together not only in times of triumph, but especially in times when the road is rough and our companions stumble),” she said.
“When one of our companions in the peace process falls, I hope we will be like the bikeriders who faithfully provide accompaniment to their fallen fellow riders, instead of breaking away to get ahead of the pack. More than the experience of camaraderie is the experience of faithful accompaniment that I know we will truly experience today,” added Deles.
Public support to peace process
The Bike for Peace culminated at the Upi Municipal Gymnasium where Upians also held a program in celebration of their 11th anniversary of “Day of Peace.”
Deles attended the unveiling of the Tree of Peace marker that symbolizes the desire of the Upians to attain lasting peace in Mindanao.
“I hope the public will continually be involved in the peace process,” she stated. “Peace constituency is needed and this event has shown us how ordinary people can go the extra mile for peace.”
GPH panel chair Marvic Leonen called on the participants and the people of Upi to “spread the word: The government is resolute in achieving peace in Mindanao with the principled and pragmatic cooperation of the MILF and with the help of the people.” #
“This exercise as envisioned is meant to simulate our own collective experience of making and waging peace, in addition to getting a wider public interest and support for the Mindanao peace process. It is a symbolic act and a reminder to us all of what the work for peace entails: peace is action, peace is effort, peace is community, peace is reaching out, peace is going the extra mile,” Deles stressed during the bikefest held recently from Cotabato City to Upi, Maguindanao.
With the theme “Going the Extra Mile for Peace in Mindanao,” the Bike for Peace was initiated by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to gain heightened public support on the peace process. More than 600 participants from various sectors pedaled the 36-kilometer route from Cotabato City Hall to Upi Municipal Gymnasium.
Deles also said that the bikefest is a reminder of what it takes to achieve the goal of peace. “If it is not your training that will help you to stay the course, it will be your determination that will. If it is not your determination, it will be your companion who will. And if this would still not be enough, it will be your imagination that will help to bring you to the end of the journey.”
‘Walang iwanan’
In her message, the peace adviser likewise underscored the “promise of faithful accompaniment that riders make to each other before embarking on a long and difficult journey,” which means nobody will be left behind.
“And this, in the peace process, is the appeal I want to make to all of you – walang iwanan. Magkakasama tayo hindi lang sa mga panahon ng tagumpay, kundi lalo na sa mga panahon na malubak ang kalsada at may mga kasamang nadadapa (Nobody shall be left behind. We shall be together not only in times of triumph, but especially in times when the road is rough and our companions stumble),” she said.
“When one of our companions in the peace process falls, I hope we will be like the bikeriders who faithfully provide accompaniment to their fallen fellow riders, instead of breaking away to get ahead of the pack. More than the experience of camaraderie is the experience of faithful accompaniment that I know we will truly experience today,” added Deles.
Public support to peace process
The Bike for Peace culminated at the Upi Municipal Gymnasium where Upians also held a program in celebration of their 11th anniversary of “Day of Peace.”
Deles attended the unveiling of the Tree of Peace marker that symbolizes the desire of the Upians to attain lasting peace in Mindanao.
“I hope the public will continually be involved in the peace process,” she stated. “Peace constituency is needed and this event has shown us how ordinary people can go the extra mile for peace.”
GPH panel chair Marvic Leonen called on the participants and the people of Upi to “spread the word: The government is resolute in achieving peace in Mindanao with the principled and pragmatic cooperation of the MILF and with the help of the people.” #
Poll watchdog pushes automation of ARMM election
ROMY ELUSFA
COTABATO CITY—An election watchdog, which earlier pushed for the postponement of the election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to facilitate electoral reforms, has strongly suggested an automation in the coming political exercise if the voting pushes through in August.
The call for the automation of election was called by the Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reform (C-CARE), an election watchdog, following published reports of a plan to revert to manual voting the August 8 political exercise in the so-called “cheating capital in the Philippines.”
Earlier, it was reported that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was contemplating of reverting to manual voting the election in ARMM, citing deficiencies of the PCOS machines used in the last presidential election.
The Citizen’s CARE had wanted to move the voting in ARMM and synchronize it with the national elections to give the Comelec ample time to implement electoral reforms like the cleansing of the voters’ list in the region.
But if the government is bent on pursuing the ARMM election in August, the Citizen’s CARE said that the “matuwid na daan (right path) to do it is to still use the PCOS machines used in the last presidential elections.”
Frustrated that their earlier call for the postponement of the ARMM elections was unheeded, Jumda Sabaani, chair of C-CARE, said: “If the government could no longer buy a bit of time to institutionalize electoral reform before conducting any election in the autonomous region, then it should not even entertain reverting back to the manual voting.”
Sabaani said if ever some of the PCOS machines malfunctioned in the last Presidential election, “still the result of that political exercise was far better from any of the manual voting that we have had in the past. So, I could not understand why we should revert back to manual voting, especially in the ARMM, which everyone knows is the cheating capital in the Philippines.”
The C-CARE claimed that many Filipinos, “especially the residents of this so-called cheating capital of the country, have enliven hopes for meaningful change under the present administration, but if this government allows a reversal to manual election in the ARMM, that will simply make the pronouncement of taking the matuwid na daan a lip service—a moro-moro.”
“Let this set the record straight: We were for the postponement of the ARMM election because we know a lot of electoral reforms need to be set in place and it would be best for this government to see these reforms initially realized before any election could be again done in the country. For one, there is a need to clean the voters list in ARMM. But since government is entertaining to pursue with the election in August, the more that it should use the PCOS machines despite real defects that the machines have,” said Sabaani.
Sabaani’s group, which bragged of more than 20 member organizations in ARMM, reminded the government that “the scale of election fraud and violence in the ARMM remains high and requires citizen’s active vigilance to ensure transparent, credible, honest, safe and clean polls. But if government itself will allow reversal to manual election, all efforts of the people will be rendered futile.”
The Citizen’s CARE said that while manual election may cost lesser than an automated one, “the savings from the difference could not compensate for the fraud, manipulation, tampering of votes and even manufacturing election returns that we all know have always happen in ARMM.”
Sabaani also noted that an automated voting could save a lot of time for the entire election process, citing the fact that transporting election returns from many areas in ARMM could take even two days due to some villages’ inaccessibility to land transportation.
She stressed that “transporting of ballot boxes and election returns has already been proven very vulnerable to all sorts of election frauds and violence, hence, we could not really understand why government should even consider reverting to manual election in ARMM.”
The Board of Election Inspectors, in an automated election, need not extend time in manning polling places that actually exposes them all the more to fraud and violence,” Sabaani said.
She suggested for government to instead “immediately fix the defective machines, which they could have done a long time ago.”
She said that the Senate and the Comelec should instead “use all means to protect the integrity of votes of the electorate in ARMM. The lawmakers must appropriate and approved sufficient budget to allow the election body to purchase “much better and more reliable election machines.” ###
COTABATO CITY—An election watchdog, which earlier pushed for the postponement of the election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to facilitate electoral reforms, has strongly suggested an automation in the coming political exercise if the voting pushes through in August.
The call for the automation of election was called by the Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reform (C-CARE), an election watchdog, following published reports of a plan to revert to manual voting the August 8 political exercise in the so-called “cheating capital in the Philippines.”
Earlier, it was reported that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was contemplating of reverting to manual voting the election in ARMM, citing deficiencies of the PCOS machines used in the last presidential election.
The Citizen’s CARE had wanted to move the voting in ARMM and synchronize it with the national elections to give the Comelec ample time to implement electoral reforms like the cleansing of the voters’ list in the region.
But if the government is bent on pursuing the ARMM election in August, the Citizen’s CARE said that the “matuwid na daan (right path) to do it is to still use the PCOS machines used in the last presidential elections.”
Frustrated that their earlier call for the postponement of the ARMM elections was unheeded, Jumda Sabaani, chair of C-CARE, said: “If the government could no longer buy a bit of time to institutionalize electoral reform before conducting any election in the autonomous region, then it should not even entertain reverting back to the manual voting.”
Sabaani said if ever some of the PCOS machines malfunctioned in the last Presidential election, “still the result of that political exercise was far better from any of the manual voting that we have had in the past. So, I could not understand why we should revert back to manual voting, especially in the ARMM, which everyone knows is the cheating capital in the Philippines.”
The C-CARE claimed that many Filipinos, “especially the residents of this so-called cheating capital of the country, have enliven hopes for meaningful change under the present administration, but if this government allows a reversal to manual election in the ARMM, that will simply make the pronouncement of taking the matuwid na daan a lip service—a moro-moro.”
“Let this set the record straight: We were for the postponement of the ARMM election because we know a lot of electoral reforms need to be set in place and it would be best for this government to see these reforms initially realized before any election could be again done in the country. For one, there is a need to clean the voters list in ARMM. But since government is entertaining to pursue with the election in August, the more that it should use the PCOS machines despite real defects that the machines have,” said Sabaani.
Sabaani’s group, which bragged of more than 20 member organizations in ARMM, reminded the government that “the scale of election fraud and violence in the ARMM remains high and requires citizen’s active vigilance to ensure transparent, credible, honest, safe and clean polls. But if government itself will allow reversal to manual election, all efforts of the people will be rendered futile.”
The Citizen’s CARE said that while manual election may cost lesser than an automated one, “the savings from the difference could not compensate for the fraud, manipulation, tampering of votes and even manufacturing election returns that we all know have always happen in ARMM.”
Sabaani also noted that an automated voting could save a lot of time for the entire election process, citing the fact that transporting election returns from many areas in ARMM could take even two days due to some villages’ inaccessibility to land transportation.
She stressed that “transporting of ballot boxes and election returns has already been proven very vulnerable to all sorts of election frauds and violence, hence, we could not really understand why government should even consider reverting to manual election in ARMM.”
The Board of Election Inspectors, in an automated election, need not extend time in manning polling places that actually exposes them all the more to fraud and violence,” Sabaani said.
She suggested for government to instead “immediately fix the defective machines, which they could have done a long time ago.”
She said that the Senate and the Comelec should instead “use all means to protect the integrity of votes of the electorate in ARMM. The lawmakers must appropriate and approved sufficient budget to allow the election body to purchase “much better and more reliable election machines.” ###
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