Mindanao Examiners Newspaper

Mindanao Daily

Founded 2006

mindanaoexaminer.com

P10/RM1

Zamboanga City, Philippines

Oct. 1-7, 2012

Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales) THE PHILIPPINES expressed renewed optimism that it would be able to sign a peace accord with the country’s largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The MILF is fighting for self-determination in Mindanao where security forces are battling Muslim and communist insurgents.

“We are hoping to sign a comprehensive peace agreement with the MILF this year,” Marvic Leonen, the chief government peace negotiator, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said President Benigno Aquino wanted to sign a peace accord early with the MILF early so the government can immediately focus its peace and development efforts in the mineral-rich, but troubled region of Mindanao. ”It is better to sign the peace accord sooner than later. We don’t want to sign it on the last minute of the President’s term (in 2016) and then let the next administration fulfill this (accord),” Leonen said.

Peace negotiators have signed early this year the so-called “10 Decision Points on Principle” in Malaysia, which is brokering the talks, and included in the agreement is the creation of a new autonomous political entity that would replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao comprising the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao.

The MILF said the new autonomous region is actually a Muslim sub-state, but the detail of how this would be governed is yet to be defined.

Mohagher Iqbal, the MILF chief peace negotiator, said: “(Just like) the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, (the) sub-state, New Autonomous Political entity” (as termed by Philippine government) are descriptions, not specific names. In the end, the two (Philippines and the MILF peace negotiators) parties will have to agree what specific name they call the new entity. Personally, these are choices - Moro state, Moro sub-state, Moroland, Moro coun-

ARMM

try, or simply Bangsamoro,” Iqbal said, adding “the Muslim sub-state in essence is a form of federal state.”

Iqbal said the peace talks are now centered on the issues of power sharing, wealth sharing between the Philippine government and the proposed autonomous political entity, among others.

But Leonen insisted that what was agreed upon by the peace panels is only an autonomous region and not Muslim sub-state. “We can only sign what we can deliver and that is the instruction of the President,” he said.

“Whatever agreement we shall sign should not be an appeasement, but rather to address the problems of Mindanao.”

When asked if Manila would ask Congress to change the Constitution to allow the shift from the current Presidential form of government to Parliamentary, or amend or pass a law similar to Republic Act No. 6734, also known as the Organic Act, that created the ARMM in 1989, Leonen said “a plebiscite is likely to be held in areas covered by the new autonomous region.”

Aquino's peace adviser Teresita Deles previously said that the government is committed to the peace process and wanted to pursue peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

“The President is committed to resolving the problems in Mindanao and we wanted to sign a peace agreement with the MILF soon so we may achieve true and lasting peace and purse development in the region,” she said.

Murad Ebrahim, the secluded chieftain of the MILF, said the transition mechanism of the new autonomous political entity will translate the rebel group’s political aspirations into pragmatism and how these would lead to the actual empowerment of the Muslims to exercise self-governance is part of the larger agenda.

The MILF has previously said it would not sign a peace deal unless the Aquino government agrees to its demand for a Muslim sub-state in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

Northern Mindanao

Davao

President Benigno Aquino's Bridge Program.

Tawi-Tawi gets new bridges from DPWH-ARMM TAWI-TAWI - The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are set to inaugurate two of three modular bridges it recently completed in the remote southern province of Tawi-Tawi, officials said.

Officials said the development project, worth around P327 million, is part of the President Benigno Aquino’ Bridge Program, aimed at enhancing the trade and commerce in Tawi-Tawi, one of five provinces under the ARMM. The amount included the

Manila

civil works and a road connecting the bridges in the capital town of Bongao. The total length of the steel bridges is about 172 meters.

“The third bridge is nearing completion and we hope to inaugurate the two completed modular bridges. This project will further boost the local economy and help hasten trade and commerce in Tawi-Tawi,” DPWH-ARMM Secretary Emil Sadain told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said before the construction of the bridges, trad-

ers and residents will have to travel nearly three hours to get from one point to another, but the modular bridges have cut the travel time drastically to only 30 minutes.

“We are really working hard to bring peace and development projects to different areas and provinces in the autonomous region and we are continuing this ‘daan na matuwid’ that President Aquino is espousing as part of the government’s reform program,” Sadain said.

(Mindanao Examiner. With a report from Mark Navales)

Zamboanga Peninsula

2

The Mindanao Examiner

Oct. 1-7, 2012

CSOs hold peace rally, call for genuine reforms in Muslim region

Members of civil society organizations hold a peace rally in Davao City in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Nickee Butlangan)

DAVAO CITY – Calls to appoint Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan as the government's candidate in next year's polls in the Muslim autonomous region continue in many parts of Mindanao following mounting support from various civil society organizations and religious groups in the southern region.

Just recently, more than a Assembly appointed by the thousand people rallied in president to cradle the reform Davao City to dramatize their mechanism for the Muslim calls for reforms and peace Autonomy to ascend.”

“The ARMM is now at efforts in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao its healing stage. Notwithstanding, the old and obsti(ARMM).

The peace rally, held a nate bureaucratic culture left public park, was attended by in the institution on its remembers of various civil so- maining 8 months (to count) ciety organizations, and lasted many were still hoping that several hours. Those who institutional reforms can be joined the rally held placards established and corruption is and streamers urging Manila reduced as government sinto decide on whom to appoint cerely invested in its transition mechanism.” in next year’s polls.

“The reform mechanism In a statement sent to the regional newspaper for the ARMM is one of the flagship Mindanao Examiner, organiz- commendable ers of the peace rally led by achievements of President the Movement for Sustainable Benigno Aquino as far as Good Governance and the Mindanao Peace and DevelUnited Muslims, Christians opment Agenda is concern. and Lumads for Peace and Hence, duty demands the Development in Mindanao, multi-stakeholders of the said the concern multi-stake- ARMM all over the country holders of the ARMM has to promote this achievement shown cognizance on the is- by increasing their driving sues of governance and lead- force and popular participaership in the autonomous re- tion in all efforts,” the statement said. gion.

It said the achievement of It said the postponement of the 2011 ARMM elections the President deserves trust by virtue of Republic Act and confidence of the people 10153 was recognized by the in Muslim Mindanao and ARMM constituent popula- should be protected against tion because “it was a logical stereotyped political wrandesign to allow ARMM tran- gling of some inept politicos sition and with OIC Governor who lived-by the old conspiraMujiv Hataman, OIC Vice cies to divide Muslim leaders governor Bainon Karon and by creating scenarios that OIC the members of the Regional Regional Governor Mujiv

Hataman is appointed by the President to tactically earn political “winability” in the 2013 synchronized local, regional and national elections.

“Let it be known to people in the ARMM that the President and Mujiv Hataman good relations are for goodwill and assure the social contract with the people that Governor Mujiv Hataman pronounced is real that he will not run for election neither his appointment as OIC Regional Governor is a political scheme for his anointment by the president to become the official administration candidate for ARMM governorship this 2013 elections.”

“It is for these precise views and facts that we in the Movement for Sustainable Good Governance endorse our alternative Muslim leader Sulu Governor Dr. Abdusakur M. Tan to run for regional governor in the 2013 elections as official administration candidate and a standard bearer of the country’s leading Liberal Party. We issued this press statement in firmest solidarity to His Excellency’s mission for democratic reforms. We remain,” the statement said.

Aquino previously said that those he would appoint as OIC in the ARMM should not run in any electoral positions in next year’s polls.

(With a report from Nickee Butlangan)

Oct. 1-7, 2012

The Mindanao Examiner

3

Passage of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012: A Restrictive Mindset

OFW jailed in Saudi Arabia appeals to Manila for help MANILA – A Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia continues to suffer in prison despite the completion of his is jail term and has appealed to the Philippine government to provide him a lawyer to defend him in court pending the resolution of the private aspect of the one million rial embezzlement case filed against him by his employer.

The Filipino migrants’ manded one million rials, but rights group called Migrante- raised this for five million Middle East said the man - rials. who worked as a salesman for “What is appalling on his 16 years for a company in case is that the OFW was not Dammam that sells concrete provided a local lawyer who - was allegedly forced to sign should represent and defend a document written in Arabic him in court during hearings. in 2009 which Saudi authori- He already completed his jail ties claimed were an admis- term covering the public rights aspect,” Monterona sion to the crime.

John Leonard said.

Monterona said they Monterona, Migrante regional coordinator, said a came to know the case only on Saudi court sentenced the Fili- August this year. “We cerpino to one year and 6 months tainly believed that he was a in prison, and 250 lashes of victim of a trumped-up charge cane. His employer also de- noting that he had filed a res-

ignation letter prior to the filing of a case against him and he expected to get his end of service benefits after working for 16 years,” he said.

Monterona said they already conveyed to Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis the case and requested the Philippine official to provide the Filipino with a lawyer so he can defend himself.

“As we all knew there is no undersecretary yet for Migrant Workers Affairs of the DFA, thus we coursed through our request to Usec. Seguis who has always been cooperative to us especially cases of distress OFWs and those in jail,” Monterona said.

(Mindanao Examiner)

The successful passage through the legislative mill and their immediate signing into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III of bills affecting the media and their fundamental task of gathering and disseminating information, among them the Data Privacy Act (Republic Act 10173) last August, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175) this September, suggests how restrictive rather than expansive is the mindset of the country’s legislators, and of Mr. Aquino himself when it comes to enshrining in the law those principles—accountability and transparency, press freedom and free expression, etc.—to which he has repeatedly declared he is committed.

RA 10173 and 10175 breezed through stopped talking about the need for one, after both houses of Congress within months after pledging during the 2010 campaign for the they had been introduced in 2011, and appar- Presidency that he was all for it in behalf of ently were in no danger of being vetoed once transparency and as a means of insuring government accountability. The bottom line, apthey reached Mr. Aquino’s desk.

The Data Privacy Act, among other pro- parently, is that neither Congress nor Mr. visions, penalizes those in government who Aquino want an FOI act passed, period.

The passage of the Cybercrime Prevenrelease information of a personal nature, which seems a reasonable enough restriction in be- tion Act also suggests among other possibilihalf of the right to privacy—until one recalls ties that both Congress and Mr. Aquino have that information on the personal lives of gov- chosen to ignore the 2011 declaration of the ernment officials often has a bearing on their United Nations Human Rights Committee performance as public servants accountable to (UNHRC) that the Philippine libel law is exthe citizenry, and is therefore among the le- cessive because it penalizes violators with imprisonment, contrary to the human rights progitimate concerns of the news media.

The Cybercrime Prevention Act, mean- tocols to which the Philippines is a signatory, while, incorporates the 82-year old libel law and therefore must at least be reviewed towards in the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in including decriminalizing libel.

Either that, or the authors of the bills, and libel among the crimes that may be committed through the use of computers. Under the Mr. Aquino himself, are unfamiliar with both provisions of the RPC on libel, the penalty for the UNHRC declaration, as well as with the violators is imprisonment of six months for long-standing demand to decriminalize libel in order to put an end to the use of the libel every count of libel committed.

Libel as a criminal offense has been used law to intimidate and silence journalists. Apby past administrations as well as local offi- parently there is little hope that libel will ever cials today to harass and intimidate journal- be decriminalized, RA 10175 having in effect ists. The outstanding example of its use against further strengthened it by widening its applijournalists was the filing by Jose Miguel cation.

Finally, a word of caution. RA 10175 is “Mike” Arroyo of 11 libel suits against 46 journalists during the disputed presidency of his the first law affecting communication through wife Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. And yet Con- cyberspace that has been passed in this coungress has through the decades ignored the de- try since the eCommerce Act of 2000. Prior to mand from journalists and human rights its passage, the Philippines had been distinguished among its Asian neighbors for the groups for the decriminalization of libel.

Compare the speed with which RA 10173 absence of regulatory legislation affecting the and RA 10175 were passed—in both instances Internet.

It can signal the opening of the floodgates with only perfunctory public hearings—with the difficulties Congress is having with pass- of Internet regulation that will affect Filipino ing a Freedom of Information Act (FOI), and netizens, given the restrictive mindset of the with Mr. Aquino’s by now obvious aversion to country’s leaders. It is a distinct possibility to which journalists and bloggers, ordinary citiit.

And yet certain honorable members of zen and anyone committed to free expression Congress have not been miserly with their lip through whatever medium, should be alert, and service to the alleged need for an FOI. As for must be prepared to combat. (Center for MeMr. Aquino, since he became President he has dia Freedom and Responsibility)

4

The Mindanao Examiner

Oct. 1-7, 2012

SPAMAST Student Ranks 2nd in Agricultural Engineering Board Examination

Dr. Irvin G. Generalao (left), Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology president, congratulates Engr. Ryan Art M. Tuling for topping the agricultural engineering board examination during a victory party thrown by SPAMAST for its board passers in its Digos City satellite campus recently.

DIGOS CITY - A student from the Southern Philippines AgriBusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) has placed 2nd in the board examination for Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering graduates putting his alma mater in the country’s league of top performing schools in agri-engineering.

The 20-year old Engineer that his son placed second in Ryan Art M. Tuling, is among the board, he said they were the 293 board passers out of shocked. “Dili jud me the 530 agri-engineering makatoo (We can’t believe graduates who took the ex- that he did top the board amination in August. His av- exam),” said his proud father. erage score of 81.70% is only "We are so proud of him.” one point shy of getting the PREPARATIONS top rank.

Tuling graduated in April Tuling, the 3rd and only this year and spent his vacaboy in the four children of tion scribbling mathematical Mario and Carmelita Tuling formulas in his reviewer. of Sulop in Davao del Sur “Naga-review nako ug mga province, has not shown any formula maski wala pa ko signs of academic excellence nisulod sa review center (I in his elementary and high have been doing my own exschool years according to his ercises and review of formufather. las even before enrolling to an “Wala jud na siya’y honor accredited review center)”, he kadtong elementary ug high said. school pa s’ya. Pero kabalo me Following the summer, nga maayo ang iyang pag- he enrolled in a review center eskwela sa SPAMAST (Our at the Mindanao State Universon has never received any sity in General Santos City for academic recognition in el- two months. There he inementary and high school. dulged himself with intensive What I know is he is doing exercises on mathematical well in college)," he said. formulas, equations and engiWhen the news broke out neering theories.

The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Gregorri Leaño Francisco Mendoza III Video Editor Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES Mark Navales ARMM

Giovanni Solmerano Eastern Mindanao

Merlyn Manos Iligan City

Geonarri Solmerano Southern Mindanao

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Asa Madale Lanao Provinces Ely Dumaboc Zamboanga Sibugay/Zamboanga del Sur/Zamboanga del Norte John Shinn III California The Mindanao Examiner Newspaper/Business Week/Mindanao Daily is published weekly/daily in Zamboanga City and Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao, Philippines.

The Mindanao Examiner Television is broadcast in Skycable 54 in Zamboanga; Lupah Sug Cable in Sulu province and Basilan Cable in Basilan province.

Our business and editorial offices are located at Units 15, 3rd Floor, Fair Land Bldg., Nuñez St., Zamboanga City Phone & fax: +63 62 9925480 Mobile: +63 9152756606 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

PRESSURE Tuling said that even before the board exam, the pressure whether to pass or top the board is already mounting. He revealed that his department has been teasing him to vie for top one. “I received a lot of encouragements from my mentors and friends at SPAMAST,” he said, adding that he was really not sure if he can meet their expectations.

Tuling said that the last time the state college has produced an agricultural engineering board top-notcher was in 2008. “A SPAMAST graduate has already raised the bar placing third in the board,” he said.

He added topping the board seemed elusive for him but he still would want to try his best shot- this time for either 1st or 2nd.

“All the sleepless nights and my anxiety paid off,” he said, adding that he is elated by the fact that he has given his parents so much joy and that SPAMAST has regained its reputation for producing quality graduates in agri-engineering.

SPAMAST has recently thrown a victory party for him and his fellow board passers at its satellite campus here. He also received P10,000 cash incentive for topping the board from the School Administration.

FIRST JOB OFFER Asked about where he plans to work now that he is a licensed engineer, Tuling said he would be glad to teach at SPAMAST. “I think it’s time to return the favor,” he said, adding that Dr. Irvin Generalao, SPAMAST president, has offered him a post in the agricultural engineering department of the statefunded tertiary school.

Although teaching is really not his forte, Tuling said he has already turned down a job offer from a private company in order to pursue his career as college instructor for a start.

AGRI STUDENTS Agriculture and agribusiness will remain the primary growth driver for Mindanao’s economy in the next twenty years according to the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, the island-region’s peace and development roadmap for 2011-2030.

The Plan also noted that in order to sustain the islanregion’s growing economy, Mindanao would need enough supply of manpower. However, the number of high school graduates enrolling

agriculture-related courses in tertiary education is seen dwindling over the years.

Studies show that Filipinos dislike farming in general labelling it as menial and humiliating chore. For his part, Tuling said that a lot of high school graduates have no idea about the courses in agriculture.

“When it comes to engineering, they only know about civil, mechanical and electronics and communications”, he said, adding there are many agricultural companies in Mindanao who can offer good pay- something he said “not known to many.”

“Agriculture doesn’t look enticing for most of the high school students,” but Tuling said he wants to change that notion by building a good career in this field.

In 2008, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development launched the program “Enhancing the Demand for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Graduates through Science and Technology” where SPAMAST took an active participation.

“We see to it that our programs cater to the demand of the entire AFNR industry not just in Mindanao but for the rest of the country,” said Generalao.

He said that their AFNR programs are geared towards honing and producing highly competent, development-oriented and globally competitive individuals.

“This is evident in the recent board exam for agricultural engineering,” he said, pointing out that aside from a SPAMAST graduate landing second in the board, the school was also able to surpass the national passing average of 47.7% by three notches.

He encouraged incoming college students to consider enrolling a course in AFNR and see for themselves the vast opportunity that await them in the future. “And they can also consider enrolling at SPAMAST too where tuition fees are affordable and students are assured of quality education,” Generalo said.

Aside from Agricultural Engineering, SPAMAST also offers Bachelors of Science in Agri-Business, Agricultural Technology, Agro-forestry and Agri-business management among others. Its main campus is located in Malita, Davao del Sur with satellite campuses in Digos City; Kapatagan also in Digos City; Sulop, Davao del Sur; and Buhangin in Davao City.

A photo released by the Migrante-Middle East to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner shows Filipino worker Mateo Amaro barely two weeks before his death.

Sick Filipino worker in Saudi dies MANILA – An elderly Filipino man suffering from diabetes and tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia had died barely two weeks after he appealed to the Philippine government to help him return home, according to Migrante-Middle East.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante’s regional coordinator, who quoted reports by Marlon Gatdula, chairman of Migrante in Jeddah, said the 72-year old Mateo Amaro died at the King Fahad Hospital.

Migrante and other Filipino workers who took pity on the plight of Amaro brought him to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.

“His being undocumented deprived him to be home - just like the thousands of undocumented overseas Filipino workers - and reunite with his family,” Monterona said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Monterona said Migrante officers and members in Jeddah have already contributed to provide air ticket for Amaro after failing to get any assistance from Philippine diplomatic officials in Saudi Arabia.

“Though we already paid and secured an air ticket for Amaro, still he could not be repatriated pending the issuance of exit clearance from his sponsor-employer,” Monterona said.

He said Migrante officers in Jeddah had been following up Amaro’s repatriation when he was still alive, but Philippine labor attaché Vicente Cabe and a certain Qassim, of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, allegedly ignored the Filipino’s appeal.

Amaro, who hailed from Caloocan City, had been working without proper documents in Saudi Arabia for the past 20 years. (Mindanao Examiner)

Oct. 1-7, 2012

The Mindanao Examiner

5

6

The Mindanao Examiner

Oct. 1-7, 2012

Oct. 1-7, 2012

7

The Mindanao Examiner

Electric coop turns 37, but power problems still persist SULU – Acting Sulu Governor Abdusakur “Tutuh” Tan, Jr. called on the Sulu Electric Cooperative Incorporated and the National Power Corporation to exert more effort and jointly embark on a workable solution to the prevailing problems in the supply of electricity on the island-province in the southern Philippines.

Tan, who is also the represented his father, was Chief-of-Staff of his father SULECO’s guest of honor.

Governor Abdusakur Tan, “Being the sole power urged SULECO to be a reli- provider in Sulu carry with it able partner in moulding a heavy responsibilities and abdeveloped and better Sulu. sorbing the inevitable critiHe made the call during cisms and unkind comments the recent 37th Founding An- resulting from disruptions in niversary celebration of the the service are the order of electric cooperative in the things that SULECO has to capital town of Jolo. Tan, who accept,” the young Tan said.

Tan was referring to the disruptions of power resulting in sectoral brownouts due to generator breakdowns and other technical problems SULECO and NPC are currently experiencing.

“It is unfortunate that such a situation serves as a backdrop as SULECO is commemorating its founding anniversary. Power outages and disruptions are now almost part of the daily routine of the people. The residents’ seemingly coming to terms with prevailing realities or quiet

acceptance of daily occurrences of brownouts should not, however, result in complacency on the part of SULECO and the NPC,” he said.

Concluding his message, Tan wished the best for SULECO in its anniversary with the hope that it will be a reliable partner in the government’s efforts to create better and convenient lifestyle for the people. (Press Office Office of the Provincial Governor)

Davao City seaside school gets PICE greening project DAVAO CITY - As part of its commitment to the protection of the environment, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) - Davao City chapter once again donated one rainwater tank and ten garbage bins to a seaside village elementary school of Aledia in Paquibato District in Davao City in Mindanao.

It said the project aims to raise the level of awareness of the school and the community on proper waste disposal and management by providing each recipient school adequate garbage bins and provide rainwater collector tank for water supply conservation.

In a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner, Engineer Erdsan Rene S. Suero, PICE chapter president, said

that this is already their sixth month of conducting the greening existing school project that started last April under the auspices of the Project Green Engineering Philippines with the leadership of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Romeo S. Momo, the PICE national president.

Other recipient schools of the same greening facilities in the region are Diego Silang Elementary School of Matina Aplaya; New Carmen Elementary School of Tugbok; Gatungan Elementary School of Bunawan, all in Davao City. And Nawan Primary School of Malita North district in Davao del Sur province and recently Ladian Elementary School of Marilog district in Davao City.

Sulu OIC Governor Abdusakur "Tutuh" Tan, Jr. during the 37th Founding Anniversary of the Sulu Electric Cooperative Incorporated. (Ahl Salinas - Special to the Mindanao Examiner)

Workers wearing no safety harness take down a huge tarpaulin billboard in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.(Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Youth group accuses PNoy of ‘dictatorship’ MANILA - On the 40th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, the youth group Anakbayan said that the dictatorship is "continuing in essence" under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. “There is no change, except in name: from Martial Law to Oplan Bayanihan, from cronies to ‘KKK’,” Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan, said.

Crisostomo said despite the President's repeated claims that his family was a victim of the Marcos regime, Aquino’s first two years has been marked with rise in the number of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, illegal arrests, and other forms of persecution against activists and other government critics.

So far, he said, there have been 102 cases of extra-judicial killings, the latest of which was a 23-year old lumad youth leader in Agusan del Sur province in Mindanao. Majority of these people are anti-mining activists, other environmentalists, journalists, and peasant leaders.

There has also been an upsurge in the number of political prisoners. The military and police have arrested 107 activists, filing trumped-up charges against them. Many, such as National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultants Tirso Alcantara, Allan Jazmines, and Renante Gamara, have been subjected to torture and inhumane living conditions. Crisostomo said cronyism continues under the current administration, according to

Crisostomo, but albeit under a new name: KKK or Kaibigan, kaklase, at kabarilan (friends, classmates, and shooting-range buddies).

He said as proof Aquino’s recent political appointments: DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, who was the President’s running mate in 2010, and Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno, who favored the retention of Hacienda Luisita in Cojuangco-Aquino hands in a 2011 decision.

“Forty years after, the same social ills plague our nation. The only difference is the name of the president who presides over the military repression and names his cronies. The struggle for genuine social change, justice, and peace continues under this administration” he said.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Imbestigasyon sa banta sa buhay ni Vice Mayor patuloy PAGADIAN CITY – Patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad sa tunay na motibo at kung sino ang nasa likuran ng tangkang pagpatay sa vice mayor ng bayan ng Labangan sa Zamboanga del Sur province matapos itong atakihin sa Pagadian City.

Pinasabugan ng granada ng di-kilalang lalaki ang convoy ni Vice Mayor Ukol Talumpa sa downtown Pagadian City habang pabalik na sana ito sa kanyang lugar. Naganap ang atake nuong nakaraang

linggo lamang at hinihinalang pulitika ang dahilan nito.

Sugatan ang isang police escort ni Talumpa sa naturang ambush.

Agad naman nagpadala ang militar ng mga army explosives experts upang tumulong sa pulisya sa kanilang imbestigasyon.

Walang umako sa bigong pagpatay, subalit sinabi naman ni Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, ang regional army commander, na tutulong sila sa security patrol sa pulisya upang

masigurong ligtas ang publiko sa anumang banta ng kriminalidad.

“We are closely coordinating with the police to ensure peace not only in the province, but Pagadian as well,” ani Cruz sa Mindanao Examiner.

Nuong 2010 ay inatake rin si Talumpa sa Maynila at nasugatan ito at ang kanyang pamangkin matapos na birahin ng mga armado ang kanilang sasakyan.

(Mindanao Examiner)

The Mindanao Examiner 8 Electric jeepneys win grand prize in prestigious Inclusive Mobility Challenge tilt

Yuri Sarmiento, CEO of EJTC, accepts the top award for the "eJeepney" from the organizers of the Inclusive Mobility Challenge held September 21. Electric jeepneys gained more ground after receiving the top award from the Inclusive Mobility Challenge 2012. iCSC pioneered the first of its electric jeepneys with the support of Stichting Doen, an Amsterdam-based foundation.

MANILA - The celebrated electric jeepney received the top award of sustainability jurors once more, this time from a country-wide contest dubbed the Inclusive Mobility Challenge.

"This is foremost an award to all eJeepney commuters and drivers who through their patronage prove each day the commercial and technical viability of our initiative," Yuri Sarmiento, chief executive officer of Ejeepney Transport Corporation, said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Sarmiento received the grand prize with Reina Garcia, program head of EJTC's partner Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities or iCSC.The pioneering eJeepneys first captured national and international attention when it was launched by iCSC in 2007. The iconic, emission-free public utility vehicle received the main prize for transport solutions in 2008 in a global contest run by the Ecopolis Program of Discovery Channel.

Funded by Stichting Doen, an Amsterdam-based foundation, iCSC was awarded the prestigious Fr. Neri Satur Award for Environmental Heroism in 2009 for its work on sustainable transport.

"Since its launching five years ago, the eJeepneys have been driven by the very criteria used by Inclusive Mobility to assess its contestants.

Green innovation is at the heart of our work together with social entrepreneurship.

We are excited to receive the award," Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento in his acceptance speech also announced that a national commercial bank is set to open the country’s first lending facility for electric vehicles in the next couple of months.

The Ateneo School of Government and Rockefeller

Foundation teamed up to run the Innovation at the Base of the Pyramid in Southeast Asia Program, which is implementing the Inclusive Mobility Project. The contest was launched in June, with a broad public call inviting nominations and applications to the competition. The contest evaluated participants largely through the yardsticks of social innovation, sustainability, replicability, scalability and evidence of successes.

“All of us dream of a Metro Manila where people, including the poor, the children, the elderly, and PWDs, can get around in comfort and with dignity,” said Dr. Marie Danielle V. Guillen, manager of the Inclusive Mobility project. “The innovation energy shown by the Challenge winners gives us a lot of hope.

It reassures us that ingenious Filipinos and their groups are already working hard to make that dream a reality.” The second and third prizes were awarded to Bikes for the Philippines, a project that gives bikes to help students stay in school, and the Wheelmobile initiative which provides transportation for under-privileged persons with disabilities.

"It is not enough to share common goals with the private sector. We must attain sustainable development objectives together. This is a green win for everyone," Reina Garcia said. iCSC is a Philippinebased non-profit organization working on sustainable energy solutions and fair climate policy. It is the pioneer of the electric jeepneys project, which represents a third of the ground-breaking ClimateFriendly Cities initiative.

The awarding ceremonies for the competition were led by organizers from the Ateneo School of Government, Rockefeller Foundation and the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Army engineers hand over completed Basilan day care project ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Army’s 55th Engineer Brigade handed over to provincial officials a completed 38-unit Day Care Center project constructed in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, officials said.

Officials said the project was part of the stimulus fund of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Col. Arnold Rafael Depakakibo, deputy commander of the 55th Engineer Brigade, and Lt. Col. Nestor De Vera, commanding officer of the Engineer Maintenance Support Battalion (EMSB) led the Army Engineers during the hand over ceremony held in Zamboanga City.

Depakakibo did not how much was spent on the

Abaca coop gets twinning equipment DAVAO CITY – Members of the San Isidro Abaca Farmers Association in the town of Manay in the southern Philippine province of Davao Oriental have received Abaca twinning and spinning machines as part of the government’s Abaca Comprehensive Development Assistance Project.

Army soldiers helped in the delivery of the machines and provided security during the hand over ceremony. The program was implemented in coordination with the municipal and provincial governments, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Fiber Industry Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, the 67th Infantry Battalion and village officials.

“The transportation assistance and security to the equipment intended for the livelihood of the farmers in Manay (town) is our simplest gesture of support to the programs of our Government counterparts,” Lt. Col. Krishnamurti Mortela, the battalion commander, said.

Albert Degamo, Provincial labor director, said praised the military for its support to the program. (Mindanao Examiner)

project, but EMSB, which had previously constructed day care centers in Basilan, is a support battalion of the 55th Engineer Brigade under Brig.

Gen. Michaelo Salvaleon.

“Army Engineers is continuously performing its mandate to assist the government in term of socio-economic development program particularly the 55th Engineer Brigade here in western part of Mindanao,” said Depakakibo.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Oct. 1-7, 2012

Oct. 1-7, 2012

9

The Mindanao Examiner

Calls widen for rigorous implementation of ARMM Law SULU– Provincial Governor Abdusakur Tan called for the rigorous implementation of the provisions of Republic Act 9054 or the Expanded ARMM Law passed on March 31, 2011.

ARMM refers to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to which Sulu and four other provinces – Basilan, Maguindanao, TawiTawi and Lanao del Sur, including the cities of Marawi and Lamitan belong.

Tan made the call in a speech read by his Chief of Staff, Abdusakur, Jr. during a recent public consultation on the study and review of RA 9054 held at the Notre Dame of Jolo. A copy of the speech was obtained by the Mindanao Examiner.

The consultation was organized by the Committee on Amendments, Revisions and Codification of Laws of ARMM’s Regional Legisla-

tive Assembly.

“I have been consistent with my espousal for a reformed ARMM and I think I am the first among the governors of component provinces in the region to have publicly called for changes in the autonomous region, and even went as far as calling for its abolition, if only to draw attention to the growing discontentment and displeasure relative to governance or the lack of it,” Tan said.

He said that the ARMM leadership is now racing against time to fulfill the need for substantial reformative initiatives to satisfy the clamor of the constituents for concrete and visible changes.

“For more than two decades the region failed to lift itself from being one of the poorest in the country despite the substantial resources at its disposal,” said Tan, who cited his province’s experience of

recovering from the ill-effects of war and security threats and the parallel implementation of the peace process and other development efforts.

“We are proud of our achievement along this line of policy and there is indeed no reason why we in the region cannot replicate this if we move truly as one cohesive autonomous region; united in resolve and determination,” Tan said, adding there are some provisions in the RA 9054 which were intended to open opportunities “that we may showcase our capabilities and qualifications to hold high national positions.”

“We have yet to be fully informed on the steps that have been taken or the steps the Regional Government and the Honorable Regional Assembly will take to rigorously pursue these provisions of the law,” Tan said. (Press Office Office of the Governor)

NPA leader yields in Western Mindanao

Provincial Chief of Staff Abdusakur Tan reads the statement of Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan during a public consultation in the province. (Photo by Kim Uddin)

PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Army is holding a ranking member of the communist rebel group New People’s Army who surrendered to authorities in Zamboanga del Sur province in Mindanao, officials said.

Officials said Roger Apog, who goes by his aliases Ka Rey and ka Bajik, belongs to the Western Mindanao Regional Committee, and is now being held by the 53rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Victor Tanggawohn.

Apog surrendered to the army in the town of Bayog and is now cooperating with

the investigations by the 1st Infantry Division.

Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, the regional army commander, said the surrender of Apog is big blow to the rebel group operating in Zamboanga del Sur. “Your return to the folds of the law is a joy to your family. We only facilitated your safe surrender and please help the others so they may follow your footstep. Let us all get involved in Bayanihan works to achieve peace and progress in the countryside,” Cruz told the Mindanao Examiner.

The Philippine Army is

expected to provide Apog a package of livelihood assistance and other aid that would help him and his family start a new life under the government’s Social Integration Program (SIP).

The SIP, formerly called Balik-Baril Program, involves a set of intervention for ex-rebels and their eventual transition to civilian life.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is fighting for decades now to overthrow the democratic government and install a Maoist state. (Mindanao Examiner)

DPWH-ARMM CY 2012 ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT The Mid-Year Accomplishment Report for CY 2012 is the product of transformed DPWH-ARMM under its Reform Agenda for 2012 geared towards transparency and accountability. The accomplishments that are being achieved were strongly guided by institutional reform that is embodied in our Reform Agenda.

The DPWH-ARMM, being the show window of development of the Autonomous Region, is in the forefront of advocating change in the ARMM bureaucracies in line with the program of good governance of OIC-Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, and as a respond to the slogan of President Benigno S. Aquino “Daang Matuwid”.

1. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM), in support to the program and thrusts of the President and the Regional Governor, Honorable Mujiv S. Hataman, came up with its own Reform Agenda 2012 after a series of consultative meetings with the officials of the department including those in the District Engineering Offices in the ARMM and the DPWH administrative offices whose area of responsibility is very much proximate with the ARMM; 2. With the formulation of DPWH-ARMM REFORM AGENDA 2012 and in support to its mandate to carry out the Infrastructure Development Programs of the Autonomous Region where its effective implementation can greatly contribute to the socio-economic development of the Region. The DPWH-ARMM together with District Engineering Offices (DEOs) conducted full validation/assessment of all candidate priority projects within ARMM for CY-2012 Infraastructure projects categorized as national roads and bridges, strategic and other infrastructures and completed the national road condition data (RoCond) survey for all 992.58907 km paved/ unpaved national roads to determine the actual condition and investment requirement of the region; 3. Come up with a Project Proposal for availing the prefabricated modular-steel bridging materials from DAR National under the Tulay ng Pangulo sa Magsasaka to be use as bridge superstructure for the proposed construction of twenty (20) units emergency bridges in the conflict/calamity affected areas within the Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) submitted to the Office of the President thru the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Agrarian Reform and the Department of Public Works and Highways; 4. Initiated the Proposed Expanded ARMM Development Support Program costing P 2.461 billion for concreting of the remaining 107.01 kms unpaved national road submitted on April 20, 2012 to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson to ensure connectivity of all national roads in the ARMM; 5. Prepared project concept for funding request; focus on potable water supply projects that will ensure sufficient supply of safe drinking water in the ARMM, particularly in the depressed Island Provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi; 6. The Department has successfully gained the support of the Regional Economic and Development Planning Board (REDPB) in the proposed reform in the utilization of the P1.0 billion 2012 infrastructure funds during the 1st Board Meeting on June 20, 2012 held at Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City. The Board further agreed to rationalize the mode of programming of that infrastructure fund doing away with the previous technical criteria as part of the reform being undertaken by the Autonomous Regional Government and same shall be incorporated in the provisions of the 2012 Public Works Act to be enacted by the Regional Legislative Assembly; 7. The Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) supported the initiative of the DPWH-ARMM in amending the yearly Public Works Act citing among others the flaws (technical aspect, financial and legal aspect) as observed by DPWH-ARMM in the previous Public Works Act as basis for the implementation of infrastructure projects.

The Regional Public Works Act for CY 2012 has been passed into law on June 26, 2012 by the Regional Assembly and approved by the Regional Governor on July 3, 2012, allocating the P1.0 billion 2012 infrastructure funds for concreting of national roads and other strategic roads which is entirely different from the previous allocation of regional, provincial and district impact projects which are commonly used for opening of farm-to-markets roads (FMRs). The passage of this Public Works Act strengthens the policy of the regional government of “no more gravelling and re-gravelling of FMRs”, instead; priority is given to the concreting of national roads in order to lessen the gap on un-paved roads in the region; 8. For CY 2012 regular infrastructure, a total of fifty-three (53) various infrastructure projects with an appropriation of one (1) billion pesos are being programmed for implementation in the five provinces of the ARMM consistent to the 2012 General Appropriation Act categorized as National Roads and Bridges that includes the upgrading and rehabilitation of 15.828 kilometers of national road and construction of 130.92 lineal meters of national bridges costing P 446. 629 million, Strategic Infrastructure in support to peace and development in conflict-affected areas, agriculture, tourism, public health, assets preservation and roads to address bottlenecks, among them is upgrading seven (7) strategic road projects, construction of twenty (20) units modular steel bridge, two (2) units of ports and six (6) units of water supply costing P 538.371 million and the preparation of five feasibility studies on various strategic and high impact projects for ARMM costing P 15 million; 9. The Department implemented various maintenance works along the 992.589 kilometers of National Roads and 6,723.8 lineal meters of Bridges in the ARMM through the 8 Engineering District Offices and undergoing some Roadside Maintenance Projects funded under the MVUC Fund through memorandum of agreement with DPWH Regional Offices of Region IX, X and XII; 10. In the first and second quarter of the year, prudent fiscal control and proper use of MOOE and Repair & Maintenance Funds have been adopted by DPWH-ARMM and resulted in the generation of savings amounting toPhp 59.2 Million of which DPWH-ARMM is earmarking for the procurement of construction and maintenance equipment, survey instruments and laboratory apparatus; 11. One of the Strategic Goals in the DPWH-ARMM REFORM AGENDA 2012 is to transform the organization and its office personnel with an objective of developing good public perception and image of DPWH-ARMM. To attain this specific objective rehabilitation (repainting and repair) of DPWH-ARMM Buildings were completed to boost image build-up and to have a conducive, safe and healthy working environment for employees, visitors and its clients.

12. Extend technical assistance in the preparation of design and estimates of the Proposed renovation of DTI-ARMM Building; 13. Established Basilan Satellite Engineering Office and work for the devolution of powers and function of Basilan District Engineering Office from DPWH National to Autonomous Regional Government; 14. The Department is closely monitoring the implementation of the stimulus fund (Investment Support Program for ARMM) being implemented by DPWH national through its Regional Offices in Region IX for Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Region X for Lanao del Sur and Region XII for Maguindanao and resource accessing with DPWH National, DBM and ODA institutions; 15. For CY 2013, the Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM shall continue placing top priority the implementation of the needed infrastructure, focus on transport infrastructure aimed at provid-

ing effective and reliable road network and other infrastructure support facilities in the five (5) provinces and two (2) cities of ARMM to spur development of agriculture, marine and aquatic resources, eco-tourism, trade, commerce and industry, enhancing peace and security in conflict affected areas and basic delivery of basic services.

A total of P 1,983,854,000.00 proposed budget for FY 2013 shall fund programs/projects and services in support of its mandate , which will provide priority infrastructure projects that is urgently needed and give impacts to the region. Seventy six (76%) percent or P 1,510,181,000.00 of the total proposed budget is for Capital Outlay.

Among the proposed infrastructure projects under the 1.51 billion pesos capital outlay, includes the Construction/Rehabilitation/reconstruction/Upgrading of 63.465 kilometers of national and local roads with a total cost P 1.219 billion; construction and expansion of 3 units ports costing P 25.00 million; other structures in support of tourism costing P 9.00 million and project development and engineering services costing P 20.00 million. About 15 units water system projects costing P 237.00 million are also included in the said capital outlay in order to address the reduction of high mortality rate in ARMM particularly the Island provinces, most significant is poor health condition brought about by lack of access to safe water supply; 16. Creation of Management Committee (ManCom) , the policy making body of DPWH-ARMM aimed at ensuring that functions and responsibilities are being efficiently and effectively carried out in order to attain its mandate, goals and objectives based on established policies, guidelines and government regulations; 17. Composition of Personnel Selection Board (PSB) to ensure that the selection process on hiring and promotion are in accordance with merit and fitness as provided by the Civil Service Rules and Law; 18. Reconstitution of Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Infrastructure Projects, Goods and Services of DPWH-ARMM in pursuant to Section 11, Rule V of the Republic Act No. 9184 “An Act Providing for the Modernization, Standardization and Regulation of the Procurement Activities of the Government and for Other Purposes”; 19. Installation of Biometric Machines in order to ensure that officials and employee are properly observing the regular government office hours as prescribed by the Civil Service Commission; 20. Installation of CCTV camera as a deterrent to possible theft and destruction to property, conflagration and possible bombings in conspicuous locations within the DPWH-ARMM compound; 21. Empowering DPWH-ARMM Key Officials and Staff through trainings: 21.1 Value Formation 21.2 Complete Staff Works 21.3 Integrity Development & Strengthening 21.4 Project Engineers Training Course 21.5 District Engineers Training Course 21.6 Team Building 21.7 Training on Visual Road Condition (RoCon) Survey 21.8 Training on Procurement of Civil Works, Goods, and Services

21.9 Training in Contract Management 21.10 Training on Materials and Works Quality Control of Infrastructure Projects 22. Procurement of various Heavy Equipments, Motor Vehicles and Survey Instruments, re-bid on September 19, 2012 which budget derived from the MOOE savings; 23. Forward Schedule 23.1 Launching of DPWH-ARMM Website on September 11, 2012; 23.2 Launching of the Proposals on five(5) Feasibility Studies on Various Strategic and High Impact Projects for ARMM:

* Feasibility Studies and Detailed Design of Sumisip Water Supply Project and Drainage Improvement * Feasibility Studies and Detailed Design for the Rehabilitation and Expansion of Jolo Water Supply Project under Public-Private Partnership. * Feasibility Studies and Detailed Design for Jolo National Road and Drainage Improvement Project. * Feasibility Studies for the Development of Lamitan-Sumisip Transcentral Road. * Feasibility Studies for the Development of Molundo-Wao National Road.

24. Inauguration of Sanga-Sanga-Lapid-Lapid Bridges on September 27, 2012, a milestone of DPWHARMM jointly with DPWH National through Presidents Bridge Program Office and the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi aims to connect the Island of Bongao which is the economic center and the mainland of Tawi-Tawi; 25. Ground Breaking of Bongao Water Supply Project on September 27, 2012; 26. Ceremonial Turn-Over of RoCond Instruments and Infrastructure Management Manual by JICA Philippines to DPWH-ARMM on September 27, 2012; and 27. Procurement of Civil Works for five (5) Contract Packages for ARMM.