CONTENTS Caraga Infocus
11 - 17 January 2020
REGIONAL NEWS
12 13 14 15 16 Crusade for peace: a hope for Higaonon tribe to thrive
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Caraga Army to resume operations vs CNTs as truce expires 8 CNT members surrender to Caraga police
Revenue collection ng LTO Caraga tumaas ng mahigit dalawamputtatlong milliong pesos sa taong 2019
12 police officers graduate with honors, Caraga police show support PSA starts agricultural wage rate survey in Caraga Region
Volume IV, No. 03
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Caraga police seize illegal hot logs in AgSur Bridging the future: Groundbreaking of P6.2M warehouse under Project ConVERGE Anak ng pinatay na IP leader sa Agusan Sur, humihingi ng hustisya Conflict-affected IPs in SurSur form women’s org Army troopers seize NPA cache in SurSur 2 young NPAs surrender in Surigao Sur DTI grants biz certificate to Mamanwa’s handicraft P200-M Siargao sports complex completed Frontline services sa mga ospital gipalig-on Caraga police, military seize CNT-owned items Laing 370 ektarya na-cover sa ocular inspection alang sa Agusan Up project Revival sa mango processing sa Carmen, gisugdan na
MINDANAO NEWS
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Mindanao advocacy group reiterates support for federalism MinDA introduces livelihood programs to Lanao del Sur
NATIONAL NEWS
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Dropped communication vs. Duterte ‘sucker punch’ to ICC: Andanar 73% of Pinoys believe drug users decreased since PRRD took office Duterte creates task force on ‘zero hunger’
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News Briefs The city government of Bayugan as host of the 4th Meeting of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) on January 23, 2020 in Bayugan City is all set and is working closely with the member agencies of the task force to ensure the safe and secure conduct of Peace Caravan at the barangay gymnasium of Mt. Carmel in Bayugan City.
The city of Butuan hosted its official flag raising on January 17, 1899 and was presided by Governor Wenceslao Gonzales. Such event in the city’s history held a much deeper context since it became a candidate on the issue on which province hosted the first flag raising in Mindanao alongside Surigao and Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental. In addition, Butuan City houses one of the four major flagpoles in the country, three of which are situated in Luneta Park in Malate, Manila, Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, and Subic Bay.
In the Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio round 1, Agusan del Norte has the highest vaccination coverage among the 5 provinces while Tandag City was the highest among the 6 cities in Caraga region. (DOH Caraga) As per Presidential Decreee No. 760, the whole month of January is known as Zero Waste Month. This environmental celebration focuses on promoting and advocating the design and management of products and processes that will help avoid/eliminate the volume and toxicity of wastes and materials. This year’s theme is “Zero Starts Now: Reducing Wastes, Sustaining Actions.”
Crusade for peace: a tribe to thrive By Venus L. Garcia
Crusade for peace: a hope for Higaonon tribe to thrive
In a mountainous and most remote village of Sinakungan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur in the island of Mindanao dwells the Higaonon, a peace-loving indigenous tribe, also called “people of the wilderness.” Over the years, they are a staunch defender of their ancestral homelands; keen in preserving their rich culture, beliefs, and traditions; and are determined to retain their ancient way of conflict resolution that works well in keeping a peaceful community. Higaonon’s confronts challenges These days, it is unfortunate that the enormous diversity among communities of indigenous peoples (IPs) is facing challenges. These created an impact which is detrimental to the enjoyment of a harmonious life.
Sur, by the savagely cruel New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists.
Alias “Gali,” the fifth among the six siblings who were left orphaned, recalled in detail his traumatic experience about the unfavorable The most recent incident that death of their father, Datu Bontola, in tested the resiliency and strong ties the hands of the rebels. within the circle of Higaonon community was the brutal killing of defenseless It was midday of December 31, Datu Bontola Tinaghao Mansinugdan, 2019, until the early morning of January a respected community leader in 1, 2020, that the adversity of event Kinamaybay, Esperanza, Agusan del transpired.
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a hope for Higaonon Kinabonglohan Creek and stayed there during the course of a night. “We were not given with food until it’s morning. I was very afraid and after a while, I heard a gunshot a few steps away from where my father was executed by the ruthless NPA,” said Gali. He cried her heart out upon seeing the lifeless body of his father lying on the ground. “I swiftly ran back to our village in fear that they would do the same to me,” he said. The remains of Datu Bontola was buried by her relatives in the spot where he was mercilessly shot to death.
The 11-year-old Gali narrated that he went along with his father in going to the Upper Agsabo, in the hinterlands of Kinamaybay, to inspect the traps they set up for wild boars.
For a young Gali, he could never ignore the surge of anger towards the NPA and expressed of becoming a soldier one day.
The Higaonon tribe had long been threatened by the hostile actions and human rights atrocities brought about by the NPA in retribution to their decisiveness to dissociate from the He said they stumbled upon more communist-terrorist group (CTG). or less 30 fully armed NPA terrorists. There was one who approached them and Pursuing conflict resolution called his father “bayaw” or brother-inlaw. “They were talking and then tied About 45 kilometers away from my father’s hands,” described Gali. the city proper of Butuan City, the
They
were
brought
near
officials of the National task Force to
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End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and representatives from the local clusters, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Army, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Bishop of the Diocese of Butuan, and other government stakeholders managed to traverse the mountains just to reach the neck of the woods where a community of Higaonon resides in barangay Sinakungan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
‘Ininay’ and ‘Inamay,’ or mother and father of their entire lineage prayed and blessed all the food at the ‘Bangkaso,’ the most sacred space where only the tribal leaders and individuals with significant accomplishments who were recognized by the influential parents of the tribe were given the privilege to come near it. Prior the conduct of Dumalongdong, the Higaonon leaders from the provinces of Bukidnon represented by Datu Agolio Nanulan; Misamis Oriental by Datu Kailingan Asapon; Agusan del Norte by Datu Revise Mandahinog; and Agusan del Sur by Datu Malumabyong Lidanhog reported their efforts in peace and order, community livelihood, leadership achievement, and other important undertakings.
It can be recalled that said barangay was attacked by roughly a hundred of NPA rebels in 2018 during the local election that harmed some members of the Higaonon, one previous account of the persistent intimidation They all came together to give of the revolutionary movement of the honor, seek guidance, and express faith leftists. to the Magbabaya (Supreme Creator). Amidst the tireless struggle of the Higaonon people to achieve peace and independence as a tribe, the leaders and members of the tribe converged in a ‘Dumalongdong,’ the highest form of ritual, in order to discuss the major concerns, resolve issues and conflicts. The ceremony began with a special introductory performance called ‘Pamada,’ the Higaonon’s way of greeting and showing hospitality to the guests.
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The ritual followed in which the
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The gathering also aimed to determine and address the indigenous peoples’ plight and to close the gap by bringing the basic services of the government right at their doorsteps. Pledge of support to EO 70 In time with the Dumalongdong, the tribes of Banwaon, Omayamnon and Polangiyon from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon, together with the Higaonon tribe, had also expressed their solid stand to support the Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte.
January 11-17, 2020
They likewise condemned the communist terrorist group whom they declared as an enemy force for orchestrating atrocities; for stealing peace and development in their community; radicalizing the IP youths; and for the gross violations of human rights by the CTG. “Even before the issuance of Executive Order 70, we, the Higaonon tribe, had already agreed to cut ties with the NPA rebels as they only violently attempt to disrupt the peacefulness in our community,” said Inday Lindahog, Basbasunon nga Babaidan of the Higaonon tribe in Sinakungan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. She cited how their ancestral lands became a battleground for killing innocent tribal members during encounters and snatching the life of tribal leaders who opposed to the demands of the NPA. Lindahog said they want to quell violence as practiced by the NPA terrorists. “They encroach in our individual liberty to enjoy the riches and resources of our very own ancestral domains. We have the right to defend our living traditions, culture, and our dwelling place which we inherited from our line of descent,” she added. They have continued to live in the forested mountains. Traditional farming has been their source of livelihood. They grow January 11-17, 2020
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organics, consume native rice and root crops. Their practice of protecting and conserving the natural environment manifests the abundance of their harvest.
development,” Lingating said. The DILG and NICA also assured to prioritize the needs of the indigenous peoples.
They had to offer a thanksgiving “Our office is open at all times to the “Magbabaya,” the ruler of to those who want to consult about all, in a ritual performance called certain issues and concerns. We are “Pamamahandi.” ready to help you so do not hesitate “ N o w to approach that the NTFus. Let’s work ELCAC is together in solving established, the problems in this begins your community,” the giving of assured Donald attention not Seronay, assistant only to the regional director needs and of the DILG clamor of the Caraga, adding Higaonon in that peace and Caraga but of order is also their all the tribes Department’s in the whole of Mindanao,” prime concern. said Leouel Santos, director for operations of NTF-ELCAC who was Seronay also said the DILG supports present during the Dumalongdong. the indigenous peoples’ mandatory representative (IPMR) program in Atty. Leuben Lingating, chairman which more local government units of the indigenous people’s peace (LGUs) were already accepting the panel of OPAPP also emphasized the involvement of IPMRs. call to strengthen the implementation of the “The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights “Seeing all of you today, I can Act of 1997” (IPRA) law. affirm the strength of your tribal structure. I look forward to your continued support “The government aims to further to our government and participate in empower the IP communities. The IPRA any work-for-peace undertakings,” law had opened greater opportunities said Seronay. and measures to protect the rights of IPs were implemented in the respective Meanwhile, Jun Bringas of NICA communities in order to achieve relayed to the Higaonon that the IPs the dream for genuine peace and themselves are the reason for the
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establishment of NTF-ELCAC. “President Duterte knew the NPA rebels are preying on you and because of this, the government is taking bold steps to rescue you from such oppression. Duterte would not allow them to shatter your tribe by their cruel, unreasonable acts,” Bringas said. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) officer-in-charge, directorgeneral Abner Caga was also grateful to have joined them in the Dumalongdong. He took the privilege to discuss to them the thrusts of the Agency. “The CPP-NPA is relaying the wrong information to the public in a context that would discredit the government. Be discerning enough about what they say or post on social media. PIA is on track in fighting the spread of variety of fake news. That is why we increased our efforts in communicating down to the grassroots. I’ve learned your stories and will certainly disseminate these for other appropriate interventions to come through,” said Caga. As for any religious faith and social diversity, the Higaonon remains a solid tribe who takes pride in the mountain range where they inherited from their aborigines.
how they defended their lands from infiltration of the NPA terrorists. “I’m in awe of how you advocate in protecting our common home, our motherland, your ancestral domain. Your place is holy because it is where you get your foods and medicines. Continue aligning your efforts with the government’s strategic plans for IP communities in order to achieve the target goals for lasting peace and development,” said Almedilla.
Most Reverend Cosme Damian Almedilla, Bishop of the Diocese of Butuan, has truly heard from the Meanwhile, the visiting team horses’ mouth, the tribal leaders, about through the NTF-ELCAC officials handed January 11-17, 2020
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over an initial cash assistance to the of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs), Higaonon community inhabiting the serbisyo caravans, and livelihood site in Sinakungan, Agusan del Sur. trainings, among others. Call for peace For decades, the Higaonon people are able to maintain their cultural integrity and function as intermediaries to solve internal conflicts, imploring the wisdom of counsel of the leaders of the tribe. “We have high respect for our leaders. We may have varied opinions but heed and adhere to what the leaders would decide. Our tribe always considers peaceful means of solving a problem,” said Lindahog. She mentioned that their elders and members are glad for the attention given and for the programs and projects offered by the government to the IPs, citing the scholarship grants from the NCIP, awarding of the Certificate
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However, they also seek justice for the harassment and killings of the innocent tribal leaders. They also hope that the lies and deceit of the NPA through continuous recruitment and propaganda, including the urge to overthrow the government and staging of the “bakwit” tactic will be over. Known for their nature of peaceful approaches and behaviors, the Higaonon community not only seeks for their guardian spirits but for everyone to help out in solving the problem on insurgency. The native people deserve a guarantee of equal protection from the endangerment by the terrorist NPA in order for their tribe to thrive. (Venus L. Garcia/PIA-Caraga)
January 11-17, 2020
REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News
Caraga Army to resume operations vs CNTs as truce expires BUTUAN CITY –BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 13 -- The 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade, Philippine Army is set to continue its offensive operations against the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in its Area of Responsibility (AOR) after the expiration of the holiday ceasefire between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples ArmyNational Democratic Front on January 7, 2020. BGen. Maurito Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander, expressed the determination of his troops to resume operations, especially after the CNTs violated the holiday truce.
the truce as attacks happened in the different parts of the country, the first of which was in Labo, Camarines Norte on December 23, 2019. Attacks were also reported in Compostela Valley on December 30, 2019, and in “We adhered to the provisions Cabanglasan, Bukidnon on January 4. of the ceasefire and saw to it that no violations will be committed by our In Caraga region, the reported troops. With the ceasefire officially attacks were concentrated on the terminated, our troops will continue province of Agusan del Sur. Civilian our hunt for the CNTs as they have trucks were burned in Brgy Libertad, never ceased inflicting sufferings to our Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and people,” he said. recently, Datu Bontola Tinaghao Mansinugdan was killed mercilessly by The CNTs have failed to honor the CNTs.
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Regional News The national government has called for the CNTs to prove their sincerity in committing to honor official agreements should they wish to proceed with their operations in line with the preconditions set by the government of which was reiterated by BGen. Licudine. “Time and time again, the government has gone the extra mile to honor the requests of the CNT but we are yet to see the same level of sincerity from their part. They must show
their ability to honor agreements so that innocent lives will be spared and lasting peace can be attained,” he added. President Rodrigo Duterte declared a nationwide unilateral ceasefire as per the request of the CNTs, effective from 12:00 AM of December 23, 2019, to 11:59 PM on January 7, 2020. This also served as a confidence-building measure before the resumption of the formal peace talks. (402nd Brigade/PIA-Caraga)
8 CNT members surrender to Caraga police BUTUAN CITY – Eight members of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) voluntarily surrendered to the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Police Office (SDSPPO) on January 15.
The said surrenderees were identified as Alias Urban, 67 years old, squad leader Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) Cahalinan, Davao City, resident of Banacan, Brgy Purisima, Tago, Surigao del Sur; Alias Diokno, 48 years old, Financial Logistic Officer (FLO) of the Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU) Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 19, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), from Brgy. Sumo-sumo, Tago, Surigao del Sur; Alias Ryan, 60 years old, farmer,
Vice Commanding Officer (VCO) of the ESPADA UNIT, GFC 16, NEMRC of Banacan, Brgy. Victoria, Tago, Surigao del Sur with caliber .45 Taurus pistol with SN: 912506. Alias Bryan, 48 years old, farmer, member of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG), GFC 19, NEMRC, resident of Brgy Sumo-sumo, Tago, Surigao del Sur; Alias Gamay, 30 years old, farmer, member of SDG, GFC 19, NEMRC,
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Regional News resident of Brgy. Kauswagan, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur with caliber .38 S&W revolver without SN; Alias Rustom, 22 years old, farmer, member of SDG Platoon 1, GFC 19, NEMRC, resident of Brgy Kauswagan, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur with caliber .38 S&W revolver without SN; Alias ASHLEY, 22 years old, farmer, Medic, SDG, Platoon 1, GFC 19, NEMRC of P-1, Brgy. Kauswagan,
San Agustin, Surigao del Sur; and Alias Jonifer, 25 years old, farmer, member of Platoon 8, GFC 19, NEMRC of P-3, Brgy Hanipaan, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. The now-former rebels will be receiving livelihood assistance from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Plan (E-CLIP). (DMR/PRO13/PIA-Caraga)
Revenue collection ng LTO Caraga tumaas ng mahigit dalawamput-tatlong milliong pesos sa taong 2019 By Nora C. Lanuza
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Dahil sa pusposang kampanya ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga sa iba’t ibang probinsya at bayan sa rehiyon, tumaas ang kanilang revenue collection ng mahigit P23 milyon mula buwan ng Enero hanggang Nobyembre sa taong 2019.
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Regional News Ayon kay DOTr director Nordy enforcement operations na umabot sa Plaza, mula sa mahigit P376 milyon 7,411, mas mataas kompara sa 5,884 noong 2018, umabot sa P399 milyon operations noong taong 2018. ang kanilang collection sa taong 2019. Kompyansa si Plaza na mas Dagdag pa ni Plaza, sa taong tataas pa ang kanilang collection 2019 nakapagregister din sila ng 286,580 dahil sa patuloy na kampanya at law motor vehicles; at nakapag issue ng enforcement operations nito kung 190,695 licenses. kaya’t pinaalalahanan din ng opisyal Naniniwala din si Urbano Maglines ang mga vehicle owners at mga drivers Jr, ang LTO Caraga focal person for na magrenew ng kanilang expired road safety, na nakatulong sa nasabing registrations at licenses. (NCLM/PIA pagtaas ng collection ang kanilang law Caraga)
12 police officers graduate with honors, Caraga police show support BUTUAN CITY - Twelve police commissioned officers who finished with academic distinctions were commended during the graduation ceremony of the Public Safety Basic Officers Course (PSOBC) recently in Davao City.
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Regional News Police Lieutenant (PLT) Joseph L. Arnaiz graduated as the Class Valedictorian, Top 1 of Class 201955, and Top 1 for the 100% Firearms Proficiency. Among those who joined Arnaiz are PLT Venecar S. Rosialda – Top 1 of Class 2019-60; PLT Cherry M. Ato – Top 3 of Class 2019-55; PLT Noel Cres C. Buque – Top 3 of Class 2019-60; PLT Raymark L. Gentallan – Top 4 of Class 2019-55; PLT Anne B. Cubio – Top 5 of Class 2019-55; PLT Fritzcel V. Cubillan – Top 5 of Class 2019-61; PLT Noel C. Barde – Top 7 Class of 2019-60; PLT Adeline S. Intencion – Top 8 of Class 2019-57; PLT Januario
U. Pontillo – Top 8 of Class 2019-58; PLT Bernardo B. Abian – Top 9 of Class 201958. The twelve officers were among the 397 newly appointed police commissioned officers from Police Regional Offices (PROs) in Regions 10, 11, and 13 including the National Support Units. The PRO 13 will be awarding the ‘Medalya ng Kasanayan’ to the students who finished first in the class while the rest will receive the ‘Medalya ng Papuri’ as recognition for their achievements. (DMR/PIA-Caraga)
PSA starts agricultural wage rate survey in Caraga Region By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Statistics Authority in Caraga (PSA-13) said it has started the month-long Agricultural Wage Rate Survey (AWRS) on Monday. In a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency, PSA-13 Director Rosalinda Celeste-Apura said the survey aims to generate estimates of the average wage rates of workers in the agriculture sector in the region.
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Celeste-Apura also called on the public “to support the conduct of the AWRS that will end on January 31, 2020,” which focuses on the cost of farm labor or the daily wage rates of palay, corn, coconut and sugarcane workers in the region.
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Regional News
Through this survey, the government will be able to determine the national and regional averages and variations on wage rates. It will also generate gender-based data for wage rates and determine the extent of women’s participation in agricultural production activities. Celeste-Apura said a total of 140 sample households will be interviewed in the entire region by 11 statistical researchers.
The region is composed of the
provinces Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur and six cities -- Butuan, Cabadbaran, Bayugan, Surigao, Tandag, and Bislig She added that all the data and information collected by the researchers will be considered confidential and will not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of Republic Act 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013. (PNA)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News
Caraga police seize illegal hot logs in AgSur
BUTUAN CITY - An estimated P49,038.00 worth of logs acquired illegally were seized by the Caraga police on January 12 in Trento, Agusan del Sur. Through the joint cooperation of the 1303rd Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, Trento Municipal Police Station, and present Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel, assorted sizes of mixed dipterocarp lumber were confiscated and resulted in the arrest of the four suspects identified as Alpha A. Valisado, and three other minors whose identities remain confidential from Brgy. Manat Trento, Agusan del Sur. Seized from their possession were four units of motorcycle Rusi-Chariot both color red, without plate number, loaded with a total of 521 pieces
of undocumented lumber with an estimated volume of 2,451.9 bd ft. The identified suspect was handed over to the custody of Trento Municipal Station while the three minors were referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk of the said station. The confiscated items are temporarily placed at the custody of Trento Municipal Police Station and will be turned over to the DENR for proper disposition. The suspects will be charged for violating the Presidential Decree 705, also known as the Forestry Laws, Rules and Regulations. (DMRosales/PRO13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Provincial News
Bridging the future: Groundbreaking of P6.2M warehouse under Project ConVERGE By Rechel D. Besonia
“As we mark the beginning of this construction, we affirm the ideals of which this building will stand. We are living up to our commitment in helping our farmerbeneficiaries in any way we can.� This was the statement of Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II, Jamil P. Amatonding Jr. of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur, during the ceremonial groundbreaking of the P6.2-M Warehouse/ Multi-Purpose Building which provided space for the Multi-Pass Rice Mill and Recirculating Mechanical Dryer on January 14, 2020.
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2 (I-SHARED) of the Project Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (Project ConVERGE) of which the recipient ARBOs are given the provision of different infrastructures to support the goal of the project which is to help them increase their income by 30 percent.
Project ConVERGE in Agusan Said building is part of component del Sur, which operates in VETREBUNS
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Provincial News ARC Cluster focuses on rice value chain particularly on rice production, processing, and marketing wherein the Southern Agusan Seed Producers Cooperative (SASEPCO) is the lead ARBO. In his message, Municipal Mayor William E. Calvez urged the ARBO to value the project. “We are so privileged that DAR has eyed the needs of our rice farmers here in VETREBUNS. We must put our hearts into this because this will bring forth better opportunities in the
future,” he said. Upon completion of the construction in five months, huge changes in the income of rice farmers are expected to follow. “We are so glad that the long wait is finally over now and we can’t wait for the project to be fully operationalized. Until then, we will see the impact of the project has brought to our lives,” said Edwin Tabano, SASEPCO chairman. (DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Anak ng pinatay na IP leader sa Agusan Sur, humihingi ng hustisya By Jennifer P. Gaitano
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Sa pagpasok ng bagong taon, isang masamang balita ang natanggap ng pamilya ni Datu Bontula Tinaghao Mansinugdan, Indigenous Peoples-leader sa isang barangay sa bayan ng Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. January 11-17, 2020
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Provincial News Siya ay walang awang pinatay ng teroristang grupong Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) nitong January 1 sa Kinabanglohan Creek, Barangay Kinamaybay, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Sa kanyang murang edad, naglakas-loob ang 11-taong gulang na anak ng datu na si Gali’ (hindi niya totoong pangalan) na dumulog sa National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga, kasama ng kanilang punong barangay at nanawagan sa gobyerno na tulungan silang mabigyang hustisya ang regional director Ferdausi Saniel Cerna, magbibigay ng karampatang pagkamatay ng kanyang ama. tulong ang komisyon maging ang iba Sa kwento ni Gali, hindi niya pang kinauukulang ahensiya sa mga matanggap at maintindihan hanggang naulilang anak ni Datu Bontulan. sa ngayon kung bakit pinatay ang “Unang-una sa lahat, kinokondina kanyang ama. Kasama siya ng kanyang ama noong December 31 ng komisyon ang insidenteng ito kung nang pwersahang ginapos at dinukut saan pinaslang ang ating IP leader sa Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Magbibigay ito ng mga NPA. ng tulong ang komisyon kasama ng Ang nakakalungkot pa dito, isa sa iba pang ahensiya para sa naulilang mga NPA ay bayaw ng kanyang ama pamilya ni Datu Bontula,” ani ni Cerna. na sumali na sa grupo. Samantala, umaasa rin si Datu “Larry” Mansinugdan Habang ibinabahagi niya sa Manligonan media ang nangyaring pagpatay sa na matugunan ng gobyerno ang kanyang ama at kanyang pagtakas, pangangailangang seguridad ng mga sinabi niyang hinding-hindi niya ito IPs sa kanilang komunidad at tuluyan malilimutan hanggang sa paglaki niya. nang mawakasan ang insurgency. “Nais naming malagyan ng patrol base ang aming komunidad upang maprotektahan ang mga IPs sa mga karahasang naidudulot ng makakaliwang grupo,” sabi ni Ayon naman kay NCIP Caraga Mansinugdan. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Si Gali ay pang-limang anak ni Datu Bontula na nais na maging sundalo paglaki upang maprotektahan ang kanyang tribu.
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Provincial News
Conflict-affected IPs in SurSur form women’s org TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Aimed to prepare the community for the implementation of several government livelihood programs of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTFELCAC) in Surigao del Sur, the conflict-affected Indigenous Peoples (IP) Community formed a women’s organization named, Km9 Simuwao Kabudangan Association (KSKA) on January 12, 2020, an army official confirmed.
According to 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) Civil-Military Operations Officer Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, 40 women of Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9) in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur have joined the women’s organization.
Community Support Program (CSP) teams composed of the 9th Special Forces Company, 3SFBn, 41st CivilMilitary Operations Company, Lianga Police Community Relations, IP Tribal Council of Lianga and the Barangay Local Government Unit of barangay Diatagon facilitated the drafting of “This is one of the IP community’s their constitution and by-laws. Their steps to become a resilient and next activities will include leadership empowered to any conflict,” said Lt. and livelihood training. Punsalan. In the previous years, Kilometer Based on the report, the 9 IPs were exploited by the alleged January 11-17, 2020
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Provincial News Communist NPA Terrorist (CNTs) linked and turned down their demand anti-government and militant groups immediately. through the conduct of “Taktikang Bakwit,” a military report said. Meanwhile, the IP council mulled for the establishment of a detachment However, according to Lt. that will serve as an inter-agency facility Punsalan, through the local government to address criminality, insurgency and unit (LGU)-led effort to win the peace environment exploitation in Kilometer 9 through the Task Force ELCAC and to further boost their quest to have a CSP, an environment of genuine resilient community. (with a report from peace and reconciliation between the 3rd SF Battalion CMO/PIA-Surigao del government to include the military and Sur) the IP Community was fostered. On the previous dialogue conducted, some of the IPs were still doubtful, but with tangible results of sustainable development and people empowerment by the government such as the rehabilitation of farm to market roads, installation of electricity lines, and the delivery of various government basic services, the IPs found a real ally against the CNTs who exploited them. “We now realized that the only way to attain the tribe’s preservation and development is to make ourselves resilient. We don’t need to rely always on the government. Instead, we have to strive to have a better life,” said alias “Inday,” a mother from KM9. The Bayan Muna and Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa mga Sumusunod (MAPASU) attempted to stop the government’s implementation of Executive Order No. 70 and demanded to pull-out the military from the community but the provincial government and the IP community remained steadfast to their commitment to end insurgency
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January 11-17, 2020
Provincial News
Army troopers seize NPA cache in SurSur By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Government forces seized a New People’s Army (NPA) arms cache in Mount Gacob, Sitio Magkahunaw, Barangay Buhisan in San Agustin town, this province on January 10, 2020. Based on the report received from Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, CivilMilitary Operations Officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), the joint elements of the 9th Special Forces “Hounds” Company and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) recovered two caliber 30 Garand rifles, and assorted ammunition, and explosives.
Alias John and Alias Dave surrendered to the army last January 9, 2020, it was learned.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn Commanding Officer, emphasized that the effort and support of the local government particularly the provincial government thru the declaration of persona non-grata against the members of the Communist “The recovery is a result of the NPA Terrorists (CNTs) play a vital role on follow-up interviews of the two rebel the influx of rebel surrenderees in the surrenderees (alias John and alias entire province. Dave) who revealed the location of the arms cache,” Punsalan said. “The declaration of persona January 11-17, 2020
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Provincial News non-grata to the members of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) by Surigao del Sur province and the institutionalization of the Local Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) of the province down to its municipalities play a role on the influx of rebel surrenderees in Surigao Sur” Lt. Col. Baybayan said. Also, Col. Allan Hambala, 401st (Unite and Fight) Infantry Brigade Commander, has lauded the provincial government of Surigao del Sur for its steadfast support to end insurgency through the plans and
programs under Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. “In the whole region of CARAGA, the province of Surigao del Sur was the first to declare CNTs unwelcome,” Col. Hambala said. Meanwhile, the Army and the Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict continuously call on the remaining CNTs to abandon armed struggle and avail of the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for rebel surrenderees Lt. Punsalan noted. (with a report from 3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
2 young NPAs surrender in Surigao Sur By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - It’s a new life for the new year for the two young New People’s Army (NPAs) who are included in the army’s watchlist and chose to surrender on January 9, 2020 to 7th Special Forces “Spartans” (SF) Company under 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) in Barangay Mararag, Marihatag town this province. They brought along with them one 5.56 M16A1 rifle, one M653 rifle, two long magazines with 86 rounds of ammunition.
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January 11-17, 2020
Provincial News Based on the report, both surrenderees are members of the communist NPA terrorists, CNTs’ Weakened Guerilla Front 19 (WGF19), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). Alias John who was only 17-yearold then and alias Dave, who requested anonymity for security reasons, were buddies and both are residents of Barangay Mahaba in Marihatag town. Alias Julian recruited them in the vicinity of Baliad in Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. As curious young individuals, they explored and joined the terrorist group but regretted their decision in the end because of miserable experiences. Starvation, exhaustion and the irrelevance of their existence as a terrorist group were factors for their surrender. They had a chance to quit from the group when they were tasked to plead for food in the far-flung communities outside their guerrilla base. Both became squad leaders and stayed in the group from April to October 2019 and they formally surrendered this year. “Gutom, pagod at takot sa aming buhay lang ang inabot namin. Mali talaga ang desisyon namin sa pagsali. Kaya nang inutusan kaming kumuha ng pagkain, tumakas nakami at ayaw na naming bumalik,” John said. It can be recalled that last December 2019, the Marihatag Municipal Task Force to End Local
Communist Armed Conflict (MTFELCAC) hosted a peace dialogue in barangay Mahaba spearheaded by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur as the lead agency for Poverty Reduction, Employment and Livelihood Cluster. The Enhanced Local Comprehensive Integration Program (E-CLIP) for NPA surrenderees was discussed and disseminated in the community through leaflets distribution and the Community Support Program teams that were immersed in the barangay last year. Colonel Allan D. Hambala, 401st ”Unite and Fight” Infantry Brigade commander, urged the members of the task force to be more active in delivering the basic services in the conflict-affected areas because the government’s visibility will surely create an impact to disprove the CNT’s promises and will weaken the CNTs’ will to fight which can induce for more surrenders in the future. (CMO-3rd SFBn/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)
January 11-17, 2020
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Provincial News
DTI grants biz certificate to Mamanwa’s handicraft
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte has recently granted a business certificate to Emely Maquilan, a mamanwa from Tagbasingan Mamanwa Community of Barangay Mat-i, this city. Maquilan was granted a business certificate for finally pursuing her business, which is the Mamanwa’s Handicrafts Manufacturing. Maquilan is one of the recipients of DTI’s Strike Team Program for Indigenous People (IP), a program giving entrepreneurial trainings and product development and linking them to financial institutions, among others; and OTOP NEXT GEN.
among others. The Mamanwa’s Handicraft Manufacturing produces eco-friendly bags and baskets made of rattan, nito and wild romblon.
According to DTI Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Celestino Negapatan, it is very timely since Surigao City is now implementing an ordinance prohibiting single-use plastics like styrofoam, plastic straws, plastic cellophane, and plastic sando OTOP NEXT GEN is a package of bags. assistance from DTI to capacitate MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) For inquiries and orders, you primarily on product development with may contact at cellular number 0938the goal of leveling up the products in 1338319. (SDRagas/DTI-Surigao del the areas of design, quality, volume, Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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January 11-17, 2020
Provincial News
Gov’t help sought to find IP villager seized by NPA in Surigao By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Caraga Region (DPWH-13) has announced the completion of the PHP200million sports complex in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.
In a press statement on Wednesday, DPWH-13 Director Pol delos Santos said among the completed facilities inside the sports complex include the PHP50million two-unit dormitory, and the PHP150-million gymnasium.
In the same statement on Wednesday, DPWH-SDN 1st DEO District Engineer Alex Ramos said the gymnasium’s features include two courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton with rubberized flooring, while the basketball backboards are all The dormitories are designed to made of fiberglass. serve as two-story six classroom multipurpose buildings, delos Santos added. “The entire building is fully airconditioned with a specially-designed “The sports complex is now ventilating system to cool down the completed and ready for use. Siargao more than 3,000 spectators who will Island now can host the next major sit on the surrounding bleachers,” he sporting event in the region,” he said. added. Delos Santos added that the sports complex will also serve as an additional tourist attraction in Siargao Island which is now considered a top destination in the country and one of the best in the world.
The sports complex, situated in Barangay Osmeña in the town of Dapa, has a total land area of 63,157 square meters. It also houses the oval with two grandstands-cum-multi-purpose buildings. (PNA)
January 11-17, 2020
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Provincial News
Frontline services sa mga ospital gipalig-on
By Jessica O. Mellejor
DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN Gihatagan og otoridad sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera aron sa pag-pirma sa usa ka Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) sa ngalan sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte ug medical practitioners para pagsuporta sa frontline services sa mga hospital nga gidumala sa probinsya. Ang kagamhanang probinsiyal sa Agusan del Norte sa paningkamot nga mapaayo ang paghatag sa mga serbisyo sa panglawas gi-prioritize nga ang tanan nga mga ospital nga gidumala sa probinsya adunay mga doctor nga mo-duty 24/7 aron dali sa paghatag serbisyo medical kaabag sa DOH licensing ug PHIC accreditation. Ubos sa maong Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) nga pirmahan ni Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera ug sa Medical Practitioners, maghatag ang medical practitioners og 24 hour services sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital, Nasipit District Hospital (NDH); Cabadbaran District Hospital (CDH); Jabonga District Hospital (JDH);
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Kitcharao District Hospital (KDH) ug Las Nieves District Hospital (LDH). Ang MOA naglangkob kini sa mga termino ug kondisyon, ingon man usab ang mga responsibilidad sa matag partido nga suportahan ang mga serbisyo sa mga ospital nga gidumala sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte. Giaprobahan ang maong paghatag otoridad pinaagi sa Sangguniang Resolution No. 0247-2019 atol sa sesyon regular Disyembre 13, 2019. Gipanginahanan kini ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
January 11-17, 2020
Provincial News
Caraga police, military seize CNT-owned items
BUTUAN CITY - Four abandoned steel plates owned by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) were recovered by the Caraga police and the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23rd IB), Philippine Army in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Saturday, January 11. The operating troops of Alfa Company of 23rd IB discovered the abandoned steel plates in the hinterlands of Sitio Tabon, Brgy. Aclan in Nasipit during the conduct of the operation.
of barangay officials in the area. According to the investigation, the said steel plates are suspected to be used as force protection during their conduct of tactical offensives and harassments to the unwary police stations, checkpoints and military The recovery of the said items was detachments. (DMRosales/PRO13/PIAmade possible through the cooperation Caraga)
Laing 370 ektarya na-cover sa ocular inspection alang sa Agusan Up project By Annalie Jean A. Mag-aso
DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN - Laing 370 ektarya nga gikomiter nga tamnan ubos sa Plant! Plant! Plant! Project sa AGUSAN UP! ang na-cover sa ikaduhang adlaw sa ocular inspection nga gihimo sa probinsya kaganiha, Enero 9. Niini, 623 ektaryas na ang total karon sa giandam nga tamnan pagarangkada sa pananum nga gitakda sa tungang bahin ning tuiga.
inspection sa lungsod sa Las Nieves nga 210 ektaryas ug sa Kitcharao nga 160 ektaryas. Nauna niini niadtong Enero 7 ang 253 ektaryas sa Buenavista.
Ang nadugang nga 370 ektaryas naglangkub sa inisyal nga na-cover sa sa
Mahinumdoman nga mokabat 8,000 ektaryas ang nakuhang
January 11-17, 2020
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Provincial News commitment sa inisyal nga batch sa grupo sa mga mag-uuma nga miapil sa konsultasyon sa milabayng Disyembre ug magsilbi kining panukaran sa Plant! Plant! Plant!. Ubay-ubay pa sa mga maguuma ang mipadayag usab og interes nga moapil sa kampanya ug nalantaw sa probinsya nga makabot ang gipunting niini nga 125,000 ektaryas nga matamnan pag-abot sa 2027. Gihimo ang mga ocular inspection sugod ning semanaha pag-determinar sa mga gikinahanglang kalsada ug ubang mga panginahanglan sa mikomiter nga grupo o indibidwal aron masugdan na ang pagtanum. Apil sa mga mikometer nga grupo sa lungsod sa Las Nieves mao ang mosunod: Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Incorporated (CAWFAI), 100 ektaryas; Palmavera Small Coconut Farmer Beneficiaries Cooperative (PASCOFBC), 50 ektaryas; Ibuan Agro Forestry Farmers Association ( IBAFA) 30 ektaryas, ug; Cassava Farm Association (CFA), 30 ektaryas. Sa Kitcharao, mikometer ang Small Coconut Farmers Builder Beneficiary Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SCOFARBIMOLCO) og 160 hectares alang sa nagakalain-laing crops. Ang planong itanum ning maong mga grupo sa mag-uuma mao ang abaca, saging, cacao, kape, ug balanghoy nga apil sa mga crops nga tutokan ubos sa AGUSAN UP!.
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Ang AGUSAN UP! mao ang walo ka punto nga development agenda sa Team Agusan del Norte nga maoy gihimong gambalay sa kampanya sa kalambuan sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera. Gipunting niini nga makab-ot sa probinsya ang panglantaw niini nga mahimong agriforest processing center ug economic zone sa Caraga pag-abot sa tuig 2027, makunhoran ang gidaghanon sa mga pobreng pamilya gikan sa 34% karon ngadto sa 15% na lang ug matagamtam sa mga Agusanon ang arang-arang nga kaimtang sa pagpuyo. (Agusan up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
January 11-17, 2020
Provincial News
Revival sa mango processing sa Carmen, gisugdan na By Angel Lyn F. Gaviola
DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN - Dala ang kadasig sa direksyon sa pagpalambu nga gitahak sa probinysa karon, gisugdan na sa lungsod sa Carmen ang pagpakusog sa kampanya pag-revive sa mango industry ang mahimong mag-una nilang programa pagpa-angat sa ekonomikanhong kahimtang sa mga mulupyo ug tampo sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa kalambuan sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera. January 11-17, 2020
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Provincial News Ang unang gihimong lakang sa lungsod mao ang pag revive sa mango processing plant nga pipila na ka tuig nga wala nag-operate tungod sa pipila ka mga babag. Kini ang magsilbing flagship project sa lungsod sunod sa Process! Process! Process! Project ubos sa Agus 3Ps or Plant and Process for Prosperity, usa sa mga flagship programs sa AGUSAN UP! Ang mango processing plant kabahin sa nahimong proyekto sa Philippine Cold Chain Project sa United State Agency for International Development nga gi-turn over na sa munisipyo. Sumala pa ni Joseph de los Santos, ang municipal agriculturist sa Carmen, nga dasunan ang mango processing pagpalambu sa mga uma sa mangga pagseguro nga naay igong suplay sa proyekto sa probinsya ubos Agus 3Ps, hilaw nga materyales nga iproseso sa dugang ni De los Santos. planta. “Ang atong mangga dinhi Dugang ni De los Santos nga nag bear na gyud og fruits. Wala na ang tinuod tulo ka tuig na nga walay kaayo nag-planting dinhe, wala na ka nananum og mangga sa Carmen. expansion. Three years nga wala nay Apan lapad na ang mga uma sa planting. Wala na sab ga-require og mangga sa lungsod ug ang mahimong planting materials sa mango, kanang tutokan na lang mao ang pagpabunga pabunga na gyud. So kung duna mi sa kasamtangang nagbarug nga mga mga planting karon kaning programa lagi sa Agusan Up! nga Plant! Plant! punoan. Plant! kadto nang sa banana, cacao, Gawas sa pagpabaskug sa pineapple, cassava, calamansi mao to kasamtangang mga punoan sa among gi-require nga pwede daghan mangga mokampanya usab ang gyud motanom ato,� pasabot ni De los lungsod pagpananum og ubang Santos. mga high value crops sama sa saging, Subay niini, nagpadnagat usab cacao, pinya, balanghoy, ug uban pa, isip supporta sa panawagan sa ang Department of Agricultre (DA) og probinsya sa Plant! Plant! Plant!, laing inputs pagpadaghan sa bunga ug pest
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January 11-17, 2020
Provincial News control, fertilizer lakip na ang suporta sa pruning, dugang ni De Los Santos. Nagtabang usab ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sa pagdevelop sa merkado sa inisyal nga naproduce sa processing plant, sumala pa ni Mari Criz Obedencio, Senior Business Counselor sa Negosyo Center sa Carmen. Sa bahin sa LGU sa Carmen, padayon ni De los Santos, nag-hire kini og mga tawo nga mo-spray isip suporta aron mamunga ang mga mangga unya ang bunga maoy isulod sa planta. Ug karon bag-o lamang, gipursige na gyod sa munisipyo nga masugdan na ang revival sa processing plant. Sa kabahin sa probinsya, nahibaw-an gikan sa AGUSAN UP CORDINATING UNIT nga nakatakda nga i-host niini sunod bulan ang panagtagbo sa mga stakeholders sa industriya aron himoon ang kinatibukang development roadmap sa industriya sa mangga ug malatid ang angay himoon ug gikinahanglan pang mga suporta. Gilatid usab niini karon ang panginahanglan sa kalsada sa mga uma aron mapangitaan og paagi nga mahimo kining accessible. Ang AGUSAN UP! mao ang walo ka punto nga development agenda sa probinsya nga gilangkuban sa upat ka flagship programs: 1. Agus 3Ps o Plant and Process for Prosperity (alang sa ekonomikanhong kalambuan), 2. Amumang Agusanon (alang sa sosyal nga kalambuan), 3. Lunhaw’ng Agusan (alang sa pagpasiuli sa kabaskug sa
kinaiyahan), ug 4. Hiniusang Lihuk Agusan (alang sa mga serbisyo pagpalambu sa sistema ug proseso sa pagdumala). Ubos sa Agus 3Ps gipunting nga 125,000 ektaryas ang matamnan sa walo ka priority commodities nga mao ang mangga, abaca, saging, kape, cacao, bulanghoy, coconut, rubber ug kahoy pag-abot sa tuig 2027. Gipunting usab nga makapabarug og pinakaubos 20 ka small, medium and large processing projects ilabina gikan sa nahisgutan nga mga crops sa mosunod nga walo ka tuig. Pinaagi niini nga mga programa gipunting nga makab-ot sa probinsya ang panglantaw niini nga mahimong agri-forest processing center ug economic zone sa Caraga pagabot sa tuig 2027, makunhoran ang gidaghanon sa mga pobreng pamilya ug matagamtam sa mga Agusanon ang haruhay nga kahimtang sa pagpuyo. (AGUSAN UP, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
January 11-17, 2020
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MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao News
Mindanao advocacy group reiterates support for federalism By Jigger Jerusalem
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A group engaged in peace-building and social justice initiatives in Mindanao has reiterated its support for a federal form of government amid renewed efforts by lawmakers to amend the 1987 Constitution for a shift from the current unitary system. January 11-17, 2020
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Mindanao News In a statement posted on Facebook --a repost of its original stand in 2018--Balay Mindanao Foundation Inc. (BMFI) said it remains open to “principled, frank and constructive dialogue and collaboration with Federalism advocates and movements.”
Aside from the shift to federalism, other proposed amendments include the lifting of the economic provisions limiting the foreign ownership of corporations, the tandem voting for President and Vice President, and the extension of terms of elected officials from three to five years.
However, BMFI warned that any Constitutional amendment to shift to a For BMFI, however, a Constituent federal system should not be exploited Assembly (Con-Ass) was not an ideal by political leaders for their own gains. method to change the Constitution. “We continue to believe and hope that a shift to Federalism can indeed provide a structural and systemic opportunity for the Mindanaons and Filipinos, in general, to confront and correct the unjust skewed relationship between the center and the periphery, the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless,” the group said Tuesday.
“It [Con-Ass] denies genuine people’s participation. It is vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation by vested interest groups, especially by traditional politicians,” it added.
The group was also alarmed by the most prominent proposals as both promote consolidation of powers into a strong president, which it says may open the doors to the rise of another BMFI said a decentralized dictatorship. government can “create and offer more BMFI is apprehensive over spaces for the peoples and communities to empower themselves politically, the proposed transitory provisions that suggest, among others, the economically and culturally.” postponement of elections and term In previous statements, 2nd District extension of the current elected officials. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the constitutional amendments, has expressed optimism that the proposed Constitutional amendments would be passed by both Houses of Congress within the year.
“We call for more spaces allowing genuine dialogue and maximum participation of peoples and communities in the constitution writing and state-building,” it said, adding that the promise of subsidiarity, solidarity and One of the proposals was for the democracy under a federal setup is best creation of nine federated regions, with attained and nurtured through and by three senators to be elected per region. democratic processes. (PNA)
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January 11-17, 2020
Mindanao News
MinDA introduces livelihood programs to Lanao del Sur By Allan Nawal
DAVAO CITY - At least seven Lanao del Sur towns have signed up for the livelihood projects that the government is introducing this year, Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said Thursday. January 11-17, 2020
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Mindanao News Lanao del Sur is among Mindanao provinces that have high poverty incidence at 71.2 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
with PILMICO supplying the feeds and providing the technical training for woman groups. The eggs could be sold locally but any excess production will be absorbed by UltraMart, a Cebu Piñol said the livelihood projects, based supermarket chain,” he added. which include Cattle Fattening, Dairy Goat Multiplier Farm, Duck Raising and For the tilapia project, the specific Tilapia Fish Cage Farming, are aimed town-recipients are Balindong and at addressing poverty incidence in the Mulondo while those beside the vast province, which is a component of the Lake Lanao will also become recipients Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in of the duck raising project under the Muslim Mindanao. Itik Pinas program of the Department of Agriculture (DA). “The basis for their selection was very simple: the mayors of the towns “Two towns will host a Dairy Goat showed deep interest in the program Multiplier Farm Project with 20 does by attending the livelihood orientation and two bucks while all of the towns will and staying from the opening time in the morning until the end of the program,” have pilot farms for Sorghum farming which is being introduced to support Piñol said. the backyard chicken and duck raising He identified five of the towns as projects and also for goat and cattle Taraka, Pualas, Balindong, Mulondo, raising. Cattle fattening projects will and Butig, the birthplace of the Maute also be established in all of the seven group and the erstwhile stronghold of pilot towns,” Piñol said. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels. He said MinDA also partnered with the Philippine Fiber Development “All seven towns will have a Pilot Authority (PhilFiDA), an agency of the Project for Chicken Egg Production DA for start-up abaca nurseries in the consisting of 200 layers housed in pens seven towns. to be crafted by Maranao carpenters “All of these projects are expected patterned after the steel egg laying cages, which cost about PHP200,000,” to serve as the show window for the other towns to follow. By introducing he said. these projects only in the towns whose attended the livelihood Piñol said several MinDA private mayors sector-partners will help in the livelihood orientation, I am sending a message program for residents of the seven to the local government leaders that we could only help them improve the Lanao del Sur town. lives of their people and the economy “PILMICO of the Aboitiz group of their towns if they show interest in the will provide the Ready-To-Lay Pullets projects,” Piñol added. (PNA)
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January 11-17, 2020
NATIONAL NEWS
National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
Dropped communication vs. Duterte ‘sucker punch’ to ICC: Andanar
and tainted information,” Andanar said in a statement. Andanar explained that Sabio’s move only revealed that it was “nothing more than political propaganda of oppositionists against the administration.” He condemned the opposition anew for undermining the President and this administration’s effective crackdown on illegal drugs. The PCOO chief also insisted that the administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign has always respected due process and the rule of law. He also assured that the administration never condoned extrajudicial killings perpetrated by rogue cops and paid vigilantes.
The government, he said, MANILA The International continues to cleanse its law enforcement Criminal Court (ICC) got a “sucker agencies.
punch” when lawyer Jude Sabio dropped the communication he lodged against President Rodrigo Duterte, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
“Despite malicious muckraking, this government will continue President Duterte’s programs and campaigns against criminality and illegal drugs as part of this administration’s legacy of peace and order and public safety,” Presidential Communications Andanar said. “Let’s all keep in mind Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary that truth will continue to prevail.” Martin Andanar said he anticipated Sabio to drop the communication since In a separate statement, they were “baseless and unfounded.” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador “This revelation is a sucker punch to the Panelo said it appeared that Sabio ICC and all the human rights groups was merely tapped by former Senator that have been deceived by the Antonio Trillanes IV to file the complaint perpetrators of unreliable, fabricated, against the President.
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January 11-17, 2020
National News
“The professional tie between the two has since turned sour owing to Trillanes’ alleged failure to pay Sabio’s professional fees leading to the latter’s withdrawal of his complaint before the ICC,” he said.
of a full-blown investigation into the Philippines’ campaign against the narcotics trade.
The Philippines was officially out of the ICC on Mar. 17, 2019, but the international body still proceeded “Trillanes must be squirming in with its preliminary examination of the his disgraced retirement by Sabio’s anti-narcotics campaign initiated by turnabout,” he added. Duterte despite the country’s exit. Panelo said the ICC should be awakened to the fact that Duterte’s enemies want to fulfill the “impossible dream” to topple the current administration.
In February 2018, the ICC launched a preliminary examination of Duterte’s crackdown on illegal drugs based on Sabio’s communication that accuses the President of committing crimes against humanity for the killings “The ICC has to wake up from its of thousands of drug offenders from stupor if not ignorance,” Panelo said. July 1, 2016 to Mar. 31, 2017. In its report on “preliminary examination activities” for 2019, the ICC sought the conclusion of its initial review of Duterte’s drug war by 2020 to determine the possible conduct
On Tuesday, Sabio asked ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to remove his name from the communications sent to the international tribunal. (Azer Parrocha/PNA)
January 11-17, 2020
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National News
73% of Pinoys believe drug users decreased since PRRD took office MANILA - At least 73 percent of the Filipinos believe that the number of illegal drug users have dropped since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in July 2016, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.
The SWS survey, conducted from December 13-16, 2019, found that around 28% of the number said the drug users have “fallen a lot” while 46% noticed the drug personalities have “fallen somewhat”. On the other hand, 14 percent of Filipinos believe that the number of illegal drug users have increased while 12 percent said it stayed the same.
Enforcement Agency (PDEA) showed that a total of 151,601 anti-illegal drug operations have been conducted resulting in the arrest of 220,728 individuals and 5,552 suspects killed from July 2016 to November 2019. In the same period, a total of 2,799 children involved in illegal drug activities were rescued during anti-drug operations.
In March 2019, Duterte said there are 7 to 8 million drug users in the A total of 8,185 high-value targets country, which is double his estimate of (HVTs) have also been arrested from between 3 to 4 million users in 2016. July 2016 to November 2019, it added.
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Data from the Philippine Drug
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January 11-17, 2020
In
a
statement,
Presidential
National News Spokesperson Salvador Panelo Other deaths are results of welcomed the recent SWS survey internecine or killings within the drug results as “a fact the Filipinos feel in their organization, he added. communities”. ‘Aggressive strategies’ “This is what matters most - a genuine and meaningful change. This To successfully eliminate the illegal is the reason why President Duterte drug trade, Panelo said “aggressive continues to enjoy massive approval strategies” were required against those and trust from the Filipinos,” Panelo who have been used to being coddled said. by those in power. ‘Undeserved currency’
Panelo emphasized that regardless of the consequences of his However, the same survey found that drug war, Duterte remained “obedient” 76 percent of Filipinos believe there to the constitutional command to serve have been many human rights abuses and protect the people. in the administration’s war on illegal drugs, and 24 percent say there have “The President is unconcerned been few. about the popularity of his policies,” Panelo said. Panelo said the Palace is unsurprised with the survey finding, He assured the public anew noting that the Administration’s war that the government will continue to on drugs has been “demonized” by uphold human rights of its citizens as it the President’s critics, the political continues to enforce laws in eliminating opposition, and some media outlets. illegal narcotics. Denying that the extra-judicial killings (EJKs) were state-sponsored, Panelo State agents who abuse their said the President’s critics continued authority will be punished, he added. to tag them to the government’s drugrelated operations. “As the President says, as against them, there will be hell to pay,” Panelo “This constant vilification have said, encouraging victims or witnesses gained an undeserved currency,” to alleged abuses to file complaints so Panelo said. that justice will be served. The Palace official reiterated that drug-related deaths are the result of violent resistance by the suspects in buy-bust and police operations and that law enforcers simply practice selfdefense.
Duterte’s sincerity The SWS survey also showed that 44 percent of Filipinos believe that the President was sincere in appointing Vice President Leni Robredo as Co-
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National News Chairperson of ICAD, while 27 percent admission that the drug war is failing say he was insincere. while 30 percent were undecided about the matter. Meanwhile, 56 percent said they already knew about Robredo’s Robredo was appointed as removal as ICAD co-chair at the time co-chair at ICAD on Oct. 31 to help of the survey, while 43 percent said Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency they learned about it only during the (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino interview for the survey. in efforts to curb the drug menace. It also found that 49 percent agree that Robredo’s sacking was an admission by the administration that its war on illegal drugs is failing.
She was originally tasked to assume the role of ICAD co-chairperson until June 30, 2022 but was stripped of her role following her failure to present new measures in curbing the On the other hand, 21 percent drug proliferation in the country. (Azer disagree that her removal is an Parrocha/PNA)
Duterte creates task force on ‘zero hunger’
MANILA To free more Filipinos from hunger and achieve food security, President Rodrigo Duterte has created an interagency task force on zero hunger.
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National News Duterte signed Executive Order 101 on January 10 creating an inter-agency task force on zero hunger which will be chaired by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
roadmap for achieving zero hunger, taking into consideration existing laws and issuances, as well as international law and treaty obligations.
Members of the task force include the Agriculture Secretary, Agrarian Reform Secretary, Budget Secretary, Education Secretary, Environment Secretary, Health Secretary, Labor Secretary, Interior Secretary, Trade Secretary, Science Secretary, Communications Secretary, National Economic and Development Authority Director-General, and the Commission on Higher Education Chairperson.
It will coordinate and rationalize the efforts of concerned government agencies and instrumentalities to ensure a “whole-of-government” approach to attaining zero hunger and at the same time evaluate, through the identification of key performance indicators, the government’s progress in ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
In the EO, Duterte recognized that involuntary hunger, food security, undernutrition, and child wasting, stunting and mortality, continue to be serious concerns in the country.
Technical working groups from among its member-agencies will also be formed to address particular concerns relative to the implementation of this Order.
“There is a need to carefully coordinate, rationalize, monitor and assess the efforts of concerned government agencies and instrumentalities to ensure a whole-ofgovernment approach to eradicating hunger and achieving food security,” Duterte said.
Finally, the task force will also prepare and submit to the President annual reports on the state of hunger, food security, nutrition and agricultural production in the country, as well as the task force’s initiatives and recommendations.
Under the NFP, initiatives for Serving as his vice-chairperson ending hunger, achieving food security, is Social Welfare Secretary Joselito improving nutrition, and promoting Bautista. sustainable agriculture will be identified.
The task force will be assigned to formulate a National Food Policy (NFP), which will outline national priorities based on a comprehensive understanding of the problem of hunger and related issues, and will provide a
Support and assistance of other government agencies and instrumentalities may also be sought by the task force. Meanwhile, local government units are enjoined to render necessary assistance to the task force.
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National News
Philstar.com Initial funding requirements for the implementation of this order will be charged against the current appropriations of the memberagencies of the task force.
million families in March 2019.
Nograles expressed hope that fewer Filipinos will suffer from hunger with programs like the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), However, budgetary requirements an initiative to help mitigate hunger, for the succeeding years will be included ensure food and nutrition security, in the annual budget proposals of the and reduce poverty in urban and rural concerned agencies. communities, including marginalized communities. The order takes effect immediately. Agencies which are a part of Based on the third quarter of 2019 EPAHP are the Department of Social Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey Welfare and Development, Department results fielded from Sept. 27 to 30, of Agrarian Reform, Department 2019, 9.1 percent or an estimated 2.3 of Agriculture, the Department of million families experienced involuntary the Interior and Local Government, hunger at least once in the past three Department of Education, Department months. of Health, Department of Science and Technology, Department of The figure is lower than the 10 Trade and Industry, National Antipercent or an estimated 2.5 million in Poverty Commission, National Irrigation June 2019 and 9.5 percent or about 2.3 Administration, and Landbank. (PNA)
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