CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 7
23-29 November 2019
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REGIONAL NEWS RDC-RGADC Caraga intensifies campaign on VAWC DSWD-13 provides augmentation support to Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN DSWD conducts stakeholders media forum to strengthen partnership 595 police personnel got promoted Police Caraga launch 8-bullet challenge
Agusanons support proposed PH constitutional reform
Volume III, No. 67
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Farmers point location of anti-personnel mine in AgSur
Army, Red Cross with partners aid quake-hit Cotabato Higaonon tribe denounces CPP-NPA, allied orgs IP clans in feud resolve conflict for lasting peace and development Army, PNP initiate refresher training to AgSur BPAT Army’s CSP team shares school supplies to young learners Rotary Club AgSur supports PH’s counterinsurgency efforts Army takes part in national children’s month celebration Listahanan ensures inclusion of hard-to-reach communities in AgNor Provincial Health chief urges partners to support ‘Patak Kontra Polio’ in SurSur ‘Intense battle’ erupts between Army, Surigao tribes Opisyales sa embahada sa Amerika mibisita sa Dinagat
MINDANAO NEWS
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Gov’t to start building infrastructure in Marawi in December Piñol calls for complementation among BIMPEAGA members
NATIONAL NEWS
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South Korea may introduce visa-free policy for Filipinos, says envoy SSS WDLG program collection reaches P30.5M PRRD hopes for swift passage of 2020 budget
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News Briefs Lianga Bay is positive with a toxic microorganism that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) based on the laboratory examination conducted by BFAR-Caraga. As a precautionary measure, the public is advised to refrain from gathering, selling and eating all types of Shellfish locally known as “alamang” or “hipon” from Lianga Bay to avoid possible shellfish poisoning. (BFAR-Caraga)
The Strategic Communications Cluster under the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as the lead agency presented the accomplishments of the member-agencies of said cluster. Fryan Abkilan, asst. regional director of PIA-Caraga emphasized that close coordination and constant communication among memberagencies are important for the cluster’s implementation plan to be effective and efficient. As part of the agenda of Caraga Conference of Peace and Development (CCPD) to promote peace through inter-religious dialogue, the IP and Christian participants were invited to witness the khutba (equivalent to the Sunday Mass performed by the Catholic Church) of the members of the Muslim community at Narra Road, Brgy. 26 New Society Village, Butuan City.
People from various local communities in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte who are gathered at St. James the Great Parish chant “Mindanao? Kalinaw!” as the bell is being hoisted and installed in the parish. Truly, today (Nov. 28) is memorable for everyone present in the celebration, as it marks another milestone in the history not only of the municipality of Buenavista, but also of the whole peace process being campaigned nationwide by the government & various stakeholders.
Cover Story Agusanons support pro PH constitutional reform By Jennifer P. Gaitano
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UTUAN CITY - With the proposed constitutional reform in the country, the Agusanons are supportive and have vowed to participate in the activities for the fulfillment of the campaign gearing towards the reform in government system. During the Constitutional Reform Provincial Roadshow in the province of Agusan del Norte, the local chief executives, representatives from civil society organizations, and media practitioners learned about the salient features of the proposed political and electoral reform provisions to the 1987 constitution being pushed by the Center For Federalism And Constitutional Reform (CFCR). According to Heraldeco Asares, president of Mamanwa-Manobo Indigenous Peoples Organization in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte,
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there are provisions in the Philippine constitution which are necessary to be changed, to make it more suitable to the current needs of the Filipino people. “We should be able to exercise our right to experience a better government through this effort towards constitutional reform,� said Asares. Elenita Cadeniag of Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte expressed her hopes that with the constitutional reform, taxes would be utilized within the local government unit.
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Regional director Lilibeth Famacion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga explained that the conduct of provincial roadshows would give the Filipino people a better understanding on the constitutional reform and its benefits.
“I’m optimistic that once the constitutional reform would be realized, the taxes from respective local government units would be utilized well and could help in establishing more developmental projects,” Cadeniag said. In this campaign, these four pillars are highlighted: decongestion of Metro As a private media practitioner, Manila and enriching the provinces; Mike Crismundo said the change in the a government for the people, not for charter would enhance the economic the traditional politicians; an open growth of the regions and the country economy that will bring hope for the in general. “I think it’s about time that people; and a new constitution for the we experience a better life with better new generation. (JPG/VLG/NLM/PIAlivelihood,” he cited. Caraga) November 23-29, 2019
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REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News
RDC-RGADC Caraga intensifies campaign on VAWC By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY - The Regional Development Council – Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGDC) Caraga held a press conference on the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on Monday at the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga Regional Office conference room as part of its intensified efforts to curb violence against women and children (VAWC). Chaired by Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, the committee discussed the updates on the region’s VAWC cases and its programs and services for the sector.
Major Marife Farol of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga – Regional Women and Children Protection Center (RWCPC) confirms the effectiveness of the campaign, citing the significant decrease in the number of cases this
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Regional News year compared to last year’s record.
The objective of the campaign is to solicit everyone’s commitment to put an end to the abuse inflicted on women and children. The committee focuses on developing mechanisms that would prevent VAWC from happening. A series of activities are lined up for the campaign, beginning with an advocacy walk.
Farol said that the 1,080 violence against women cases regionwide was recorded last year but has dropped to 898 in the current year. However, statistics on the violence against children has maintained in which needed interventions have to be given priority such as empowerment of the youth. Atty. Bacang also urged the individuals who joined the advocacy The Department of Education walk to wear their orange color shirt as (DepEd) also has been implementing the bright color of orange signifies hope policies to combat violence on children, particularly within the academe. One for a violence-free Carga region.
of which is teaching children about The campaign also aims to spread their 12 basic rights. awareness on detecting signs of the Meanwhile, Catherine Aranas, various forms of abuse and how one Social Welfare Officer of the Department can address and combat them. The of Social Welfare and Development cooperation of everyone is essential to (DSWD) Caraga emphasized the the campaign, as it envisions to create importance of the campaign, stating a VAW-free community where equality, that the violence against women is not equity, and respect for women’s rights just a health crisis, but also a human and inclusivity are strongly observed. rights’ violation. (DMNR/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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November 23-29, 2019
Regional News
DSWD-13 provides augmentation support to Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN BUTUAN CITY The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has extended augmentation support to DSWD Field offices XI and XII to provide assistance to the Disaster Response Operation for the 6.6 Magnitude Earthquake that hit Southern Mindanao. It can be recalled that at 9:04 a.m. of October 29, 2019, a 6.6 Magnitude earthquake struck the region, with the epicenter in the municipality of Tulunan, North Cotabato with a tectonic origin and depth of focus of 7km (DSWD DROMIC Report #12). This was also felt in the neighboring municipalities all over the island region.
A total of 4,800 families or 24,000 persons who are displaced and are taking temporary shelter in 34 evacuation centers in Region XI and XII. And there are 1,493 families or 7,465 persons currently staying with their relatives and/or friends. In response of the Disaster Relief Operations, DSWD Caraga sent a total of 3,000 family food packs amounting to P1,223,460, as well as non-food items amounting to P1,902,160.75 to FO XI. This consists of Hygiene kits, Mosquito nets, Blankets, Malong, Plastic mats, and rolls of Laminated sacks.
According to DSWD Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), as of November 4, 2019, a total of 37,706 families or 188,533 individuals were affected by the earthquake incident from 238 Barangays in Region XI and XII.
For Region XII, a total of 2,000
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Regional News family food packs amounting to P745,240.00 were delivered. Along with it was non-food items such as family kits and kitchen kits worth P1,842,685.50.
assistance to take temporary shelter in designated evacuation centers, to be safe and have easy access to food and non-food items.
One family food pack (FFP) costs P372.62, which contains 6-kilo rice, four canned sardines, four cans of either beefloaf/ corned beef, and eight sachets of powdered cereal milk or coffee which is expected to feed a family of five for 2-3 days.
There are occurrences where remote barangays are not yet reached by the department’s relief operation due to landslides or inaccessible roads.
DSWD Displaced
Although there may be delays on the arrival of the assistance, DSWD assures everyone that the agency is doing its has advised Internally best to serve those Mindanaoans that Families who needs are affected. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
DSWD conducts stakeholders media forum to strengthen partnership BUTUAN CITY - As the agency recognizes the important role of media in disseminating correct information to the general public, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga recently concluded the conduct of Stakeholders’ Media Forum on November 14, 2019 at Almont City Hotel, this city.
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November 23-29, 2019
Regional News The forum which aims to update the media on the status of the on-going 3rd round household assessment and to answer queries related to Listahanan, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Unconditional Cash Transfer, Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens, and Disaster Response, was attended by media outfits from Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. Assistant Regional Director for Operation Nerisa Murih, together with the different Division Chiefs, and Program Focal Persons comprised the panel. Also present were DSWD National Household Targeting Office (NHTO) Director Andrew Ambubuyog and Operations Division Chief Aljo Quintans who were more than eager to answer queries from the media. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also attended the forum, and was represented by Local Government Operations Officer Ednon John Aparicio. DILG reiterated its support, together with the LGU’s commitments to the Listahanan 3 implementation during the forum. DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Ramel Jamen, welcomed all the participants by delivering the message on behalf of Regional Director Mita Chuchi Lim, who was able to visit the event during the open forum after attending prior commitments.
outside of the region. Media could easily bridge the communication gap that we have with the rest of the region. This way, we can assure every Caraganon that they have equal opportunities to the programs and services of the Department,’’ Jamen said. DSWD sees the impact of the programs being aired and published news from media in the region. This is why the field office has been partnering with national and regional tri-media to be able to disseminate pertinent information to the public. “We want to strengthen our engagement with our local tri-media that is why we are conducting the Stakeholders Media Forum as we want you to update on the implementation of our programs, specifically, regarding on the on-going Listahanan 3rd round household assessment, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Unconditional Cash Transfer as well as our augmentation support to the Disaster Relief Operations in Southern Mindanao,’’ he added. During the forum, Quintans discussed the Listahanan overview, while Regional Field Coordinator Aldie Mae Andoy reported the updates on the implementation of Listahanan 3 in the region.
Based on the report as of November 5, 2019, a total of 160,261 “Media plays an important households were already assessed by role in informing the public of what the enumerators – 426 barangays have is happening in the region, and even already been assessed. There are 115 November 23-29, 2019
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Regional News barangays with on-going household the MCCT implementation was also assessment, while 770 barangays tackled. are scheduled for assessment in the following days. Augmentation support for the quake incidents in Southern Mindanao “The barangays that are not was also tackled during the open yet covered will have its schedule forum. The DSWD staff present provided based on the deployment plan of the appropriate answers to the questions Listahanan Area Supervisors that is why raised, leaving a good impression our households need not to worry as among the media practitioners. we will ensure that all will be assessed,” Andoy said. Assistant Regional Director for Operations Nerisa T. Murih closed During the forum, some of the questions raised from the media are concerns on the conduct of the assessment, especially on the safety concerns in the assessment of households in GIDA and critical areas. The media also raised the issue of the timeline for the household assessment, which is supposed to run for 45 days, covering the activity, conveying the agency’s all possible households in the region. appreciation to the participating media outfits. There were also questions raised regarding the Social Pension Program “We thank everyone for being implementation. Participants wanted with us today so that you can help the clarification of the reassessment done Department in disseminating accurate to cleanse the list of beneficiaries. and fresh data and information on Pantawid Pamilya was also a hot what DSWD is doing for the benefit of commodity among media partners. The the poor people in Caraga. We are pending issue of the conversion of the looking forward for another discussion cash grant allocation for rice subsidy like this in the near future,’’ Murih said. to actual rice rations was asked, and (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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November 23-29, 2019
Regional News
595 police personnel got promoted
BUTUAN CITY - Police Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr, Regional Director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 led the oath-taking ceremony and donning of ranks of 595 police personnel held at the PRO13 Grandstand, Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Butuan City on Monday, November 25. Of the 595 promoted personnel, 21 were Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) and 574 were Police NonCommissioned Officers (PNCOs) assigned to different police units of Caraga. PBGen. Esquivel congratulated the promotees and emphasized that their promotion does not only imply more authority; but greater responsibility that needs more responsive career development to adequately meet the demands of higher positions appropriate to their new ranks.
The promotion was a result of the merit system to give recognition to the PNP uniformed personnel and uplift the morale of the police force. “Our promotion comes from God and we are answerable to Him for the services we give to the public. I am looking forward also that you will become good role models of competence, discipline, excellence, and professionalism in the police force,� RD Esquivel added. (PRO13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News
Police Caraga launch 8-bullet challenge
BUTUAN CITY - As part of the campaign pushing for amendments to the Constitution, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, in coordination with the Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform Project Management Office (CFCR-PMO), will hold here a Civil Society Organizations’ Coalition Building on November 15, 2019. Police Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel, Jr, PRO13 Director, signed Command Memorandum Circular Number 32-2019 with subject “PRO13 8-Bullet Challenge” which set the guidelines and procedures to be undertaken by PRO13 to enhance the weapon and shooting skills of all PNP personnel in Caraga.
In his message, Police Colonel Jimili Macaraeg, Deputy Regional Director for Operation, challenged all personnel to continue practicing even after passing the 8-Bullet Challenge to become proficient in handling firearms. “I encourage all Police Officers to go to the range, once a month to certify ourselves that we can hit the target The challenge requires all and basically to defend ourselves and participants to go through four stages. In to defend others,” said PBGEN Esquivel, stage 1, the target is 5 meters in distance Jr. which must be hit by the participant using two bullets in 3 seconds. Stages The challenge is mandatory in 2, 3 and 4 will be 7 meters, 10 meters nature which requires all Caraga Police and 15 meters in distance, respectively. to participate on the activity on their No participant will proceed on the next stage unless he/she passed the prior scheduled date and venue. (PRO13/ PIA-Caraga) stage.
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November 23-29, 2019
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News
Farmers point location of anti-personnel mine in AgSur By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur - Concerned civilians, mostly farmers have reported recently to the 8th Special Forces “Dragoons” Company (8SFC) and 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn), a claymoretype improvised explosive device (IED) emplaced by the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) in their farmlands in Purok-7, barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The Mabuhay Citizen Armed Force Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Patrol Base under the 8SFC immediately composed a team to disable, recover and dispose the IED to prevent any damages from both the civilians and government troops.
Philippines (AFP) and the farmers strongly condemned the terroristic act of the CNTs citing that they (NPAs) are the reason why there is a decrease of farm production in some of their areas. “The NPAs are the reason why most of the farmers don’t attend to their farmlands anymore. We are The Municipality of Prosperidad, worried because we might become Mabuhay Barangay Local Government victims if the IEDs explode anytime. Unit (BLGU), Armed Forces of the The NPA terrorists severely disturb our
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November 23-29, 2019
Provincial News farming activities because aside from planting IEDs they always ask for their share during harvests even if they did not work hard for it. The farmers get less than what they deserve,” said alias “Jun.” (true name undisclosed) The NPA terrorists and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) are declared by the Philippine government as terrorist organizations in 2017 and declared by the U.S. State Department, European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy as a foreign terrorist group. Meanwhile, the 3SFBn under the 401st Infantry “Unite and Fight” Brigade (401BDE) lauded the efforts of the citizens who acted promptly to prevent further damage to any potential targets of opportunities of the CNTs.
Col. Allan Hambala, commander of 401st Brigade said that this is the positive effect of the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict. “The peoples’ support greatly hurts these terrorists because they have nowhere to run. This is the reason why they try so hard to discredit the Executive Order 70, military’s presence and the construction of Patrol Bases in the conflict-affected communities. The masses, whom they can terrorize before, already found their genuine ally towards ending the NPAs’ atrocities through the Task Forces to end communist insurgency,” he said. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Army, Red Cross with partners aid quake-hit Cotabato By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur - The Youth for Peace movement’s Propelling Our Inherited Nation through our Youth (POINTY) organization, Sangguniang Kabataan Federations in Agusan and Surigao del Sur, and the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) have recently provided assistance to the Cotabato earthquake victims by donating relief goods, which were delivered by the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Sur Chapter in Makilala and Kidapawan City. November 23-29, 2019
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Provincial News with other volunteers from the local government units (LGUs) and residents from the said provinces. Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn commanding officer, expressed his great admiration to the youth volunteers, sponsors and to PRC-Agusan Chapter administrator, Darwina Ligan. “This is the kind of youth we need today, those who are in towards peace and nation-building and those who can be part of the country’s solution towards the many issues we face, rather than those who cause rebellion, divisiveness, and destruction,” LTC Baybayan said.
“The greater role of the youth in nation-building involves positive activism and peace-building and answering the call to help those in need through genuine and relevant social responsibility. This is a far better way than militancy, vandalism, street demonstrations and fault finding,” said “We also thank the LGUs, the Roberto Laurente, Jr., Division-wide Philippine Red Cross, benefactors POINTY President. and other volunteers for providing the The youth volunteers were goods and taking care of the delivery graduates of the Youth Leadership to our affected brothers and sisters in Summit (YLS), a youth training program Cotabato. May the Good Lord bless sanctioned by the government aimed you all,” added Baybayan. (CMO at enhancing their leadership skills, good officer, 3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur) citizenship and patriotism, cooperation, and participation in peace-building activities. YLS also provides the youth a balanced perspective towards approaching social issues affecting the society and equips them to think critically to get rid of radicalized youth groups which could poison their minds. Involved were POINTY and SK Federation organizations from Carrascal, Tandag, Tago, Bayabas, Marihatag San Agustin, in Surigao and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur along
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November 23-29, 2019
Provincial News
Higaonon tribe denounces CPP-NPA, allied orgs By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - A total of 349 Indigenous People (IP) leaders and members of Higaonon tribe from different provinces of Mindanao expressed their support to the Executive Order No. 70 and subsequently declared the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its allied organizations as persona nongrata during the conduct of Dumalungdong Festival held recently in Sitio Mahayonhayon, Barangay Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. The declaration was empowered through Resolution No. 1 initiated and unanimously approved by the tribal leaders during the conduct of the said activity. This was spearheaded by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and at the same time the Municipal Tribal Chieftain of Higaonon Tribe, Nilo Manpatilan alias “Datu Saulogan” and witnessed by 1Lt. Don Johnet Dominguez, the company commander of Charlie Company stationed in Poblacion, Esperanza. Likewise, the said event was initiated by the barangay Tribal Chieftain Edu Casugudan alias “Datu Pukawan” which was attended by the different Higaonon tribal groups coming from the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
current campaign of the government to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) for a just and lasting peace. It further stated that due to the presence of CPP-NPA, the Higaonon populace abandoned their homes because of fear which affected their normal daily lives and earnings. Meanwhile, 1Lt. Dominguez applauded the action of the leaders of the Higaonon tribe in denouncing the CPP-NPA. “The troops of the 26IB are thankful for your cooperation and participation in the government’s move in attaining lasting peace, in support also to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to ensure safety and security of the IPs from the harmful NPAs. We assure you that the Philippine Army will continue to protect the welfare of the sector,” he highlighted.
The resolution stated that the Also, Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, Higaonon Tribe has intensified its commanding officer of 26th Infantry support and commitment to the Battalion, commended the said action November 23-29, 2019
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Provincial News of the Higaonon tribe. “This action only proves that our fellow IPs are already tired of all the atrocities of this leftist armed group. For this, I am calling the attention of the different tribal groups here in Mindanao that it is now the time for us to unite and end the insurgency,” he said.
we will assure you that we will truly stand and do whatever we can for the welfare and development of our fellow IPs. With the support of the tribal leaders and all stakeholders, through the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, it is possible for all of us to attain just and lasting peace for sustainable development,” Jimenea added. (CMO “As mandated to us by our duty, officer, 26IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
IP clans in feud resolve conflict for lasting peace and development By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - In order to promote and commit a just and lasting peace towards sustainable development in the community, two opposing clans had formally settled down and decided to end their strife through a peaceful resolution and unite to guarantee their support to Executive Order 70 in Barangay San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur on November 19, 2019.
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November 23-29, 2019
Provincial News recognized human rights.”
Accordingly, said conflict between the Banwaon and Manobo Tribes had caused fatality from both sides that brought anxiety to the people, putting the whole community in a volatile peace and order situation in the past years hindering the development within the area. For this reason, the Local Government Unit (LGU) and Municipal Tribal Council of San Luis, Agusan del Sur, facilitated and organized the conduct of settlement for the two clans in conflict through a peaceful resolution in accordance with the tribe’s customary laws. “Sisim Ha Lido,” native term for “peace concord,” which legally based on Indigenous People’s Right Act (IPRA) of 1997, Chapter IV, Sec. 15 states that: “The IPs shall have the rights to use their own commonly accepted justice system in conflict resolution institutions, peacebuilding processes or mechanism and other customary laws and practices within their respective communities and as may be compatible with the National Legal System and with internationally
Wilfredo Napungahan alias “Datu Makabanhaw,” the Municipal Tribal Chieftain of Banwaon Tribe of San Luis, served as the mediator for the two tribes. The said settlement was also witnessed by the municipal Vice-Mayor Ronaldo Corvera; Municipal Tribal Chieftain, Raul Minglana alias “Datu Tumawan”; commanding officer of 26th Infantry Battalion, Lt.Col. Romeo Jimenea; and representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Barangay Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) from adjacent barangays, and the local populace of Barangay San Pedro. In his message, the municipal tribal chieftain of Manobo Tribe in San Luis, Raul Minglana commended on how the justice system of the IPs, in accordance with the IPRA Law is being implemented. “For me, this action only proves that the Trial Court of the tribe is the best Trial Court of the whole nation in dealing with this kind of situation among the IPs in conflict. Less hassle, less time and money spent, and with immediate result,” he bared. Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Corvera expressed his full support and gave blessing to the said activity especially to the involved clans. He further said that putting an end to the conflict will pave a way for the development outcomes in the barangay. “We have to forgive and forget the past in order to move on. Because if hatred in our hearts will reign, this will affect our daily lives and our tranquil way of living,” he said.
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Provincial News Likewise, LTC Jimenea also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the facilitators who initiated the said settlement. He also said that the Philippine Army will always give its full support in the promotion of peaceful and binding settlement of conflict. He also gave a piece of advice for the involved clans. “As the newly settled clans, it is now your responsibility to maintain the peace within yourselves, however for those who are not serious of this settlement, may I remind you that this is not for us, but rather, for the future of our next generations,” he added.
the communist terrorist New People’s Army took advantage in making the situation worse. But now that the two parties had settled, the lasting peace in this community will start and for sure, sustainable development will follow through EO 70 with the cooperation of the local populace,” ended Jimenea.
The activity culminated with the signing of peace resolutions from both parties and sealed their actions through the exchange of pot and bolo knife as a symbol of moving on and to continue to live in a normal way as part of their tribal customs and traditions. (CMO “Because of this clan conflict, officer, 26IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Army, PNP initiate refresher training to AgSur BPAT By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - The 26th Infantry “Ever Onward” Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army has joined forces with the local government unit of La Paz and Municipal Police Station (MPS) of this province, as they initiated the one-day refresher training to the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members held on November 20, 2019, at the Municipal Building Compound.
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November 23-29, 2019
Provincial News Punong Barangay Jonathan Sergio of Barangay Langasian and Punong Barangay Ramil Castro of Barangay Comota, together with the 24 BPAT members of the two barangays of La Paz, Agusan del Sur participated in the said event.
program of becoming a BPAT member. As a member, it is your duty to actively participate in the AFP and PNP’s fight against insurgency and criminality. This is also part of the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development (PLED) Cluster’s effort of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Spearheaded by 1Lt. Alejandro Conflict (MTF-ELCAC),” 1Lt. Paz said as Paz, Community Support Program he emphasized the background of the (CSP) officer-in-charge and PCpt. activity. Michael John Arandia, chief of police of La Paz MPS, the activity was Also present during the activity aimed to refresh and activate the was the executive assistant of knowledge of the BPAT members as the mayor, Freddie Pendon. In his to their responsibilities and functions message, Pendon commended all as peacekeeping personnel in their the personalities involved in making respective barangays. the training possible. “On behalf of our Mayor, I am paying my utmost Topics such as the do’s and don’ts respect to the Philippine Army and during Emergency Response, Basic the PNP in their efforts of maintaining Hand Cuffing Techniques, Awareness a harmonious environment for our and Respect to Human Rights under constituents,” he said. the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and Republic Act 9262 or the Anti- Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Romeo Violence against Women and their Jimenea, commanding officer of Children Act of 2004, were discussed 26IB, applauded the immediate during the training. cooperation of the LGU-La Paz in making the activity possible. “I am The training was made possible very pleased to witness the active through the effort of the CSP team participation of our local government deployed in the said barangays, especially in the programs and aiming to activate and intensify activities initiated by the AFP and PNP. the enforcement of peace and This only manifests that the EO 70 is order situation and paving its way for the smooth implementation of really working. Hopefully, this action government projects for the sustainable will be the start of the continuous collaboration and hand in hand efforts development of every community. of the LGU and law enforcement “The core concept of this refresher agencies in pursuing lasting peace sustainable development,” training is in the word itself - to refresh and all the knowledge that you’ve already added Jimenea. (CMO officer, 26IB/ learned during the regular training PIA-Agusan del Sur) November 23-29, 2019
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Provincial News
Army’s CSP team shares school supplies to young learners
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - The Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army took part in the celebration of the 27th National Children’s Month as they distributed school and office supplies and conducted supplemental feeding to the daycare learners of Barangay Mahayahay, San Luis, Agusan del Sur on November 22, 2019. A total of 40 preschoolers benefitted from the supplemental feeding and received school supplies donated by the Provincial Social Welfare Development (PSWD)-Agusan del Sur.
of crayons, 10 pieces scissors, seven boxes of pencils, five boxes of play dough, two boxes sharpeners and other office and teaching materials.
Said activity was made possible through the help of Rachel Montemor, The soldiers distributed 80 pad PSWD officer, in collaboration with papers, 40 pieces notebooks, 30 boxes 1Lt. Percival Carido, the civil-military
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November 23-29, 2019
Provincial News operations (CMO) officer of 26th IB as part of the lined-up activities for the said celebration with the theme “Karapatan Pambata: Patuloy na Pahalagahan at Gampanan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan.” “As we celebrate the special month for our young generation, this activity forms part of our commitment to impart community service and other efforts to win the people’s trust and support. We have to instill in the minds of the children that our personnel is here to help,” 1Lt. Carido said. Touched by the said distribution, Arcita Cervantes, one of the daycare teachers, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the CSP team. She expressed that she did not expect that her request to the troops regarding the school materials will be granted. “Thank you very much Philippine Army and other involved personalities for making this activity possible. This only proves that our soldiers are not only trained for war, but also for social and charity
works,” she said. Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, commanding officer of 26IB also emphasized that this effort forms part of the government’s implementation of Executive Order 70 or the wholeof-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict. “This simple gift-giving activity initiated by our CSP with the help of PSWD-Agusan del Sur is a proof that EO 70 is very effective contrary to allegations of the leftist groups that EO 70 is a junk and that our troops are abusive and troublemakers,” he said. “We are glad to see smiles painted on the faces of these young children. As part of the government, it is our joy that we bring a glimpse of hope and happiness to them. We will continue to collaborate with other agencies and other stakeholders to support EO 70 most especially in providing these young individuals a safe and comfortable place for learning,” added Jimenea. (26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
November 23-29, 2019
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Provincial News
Rotary Club AgSur supports PH’s counter-insurgency efforts By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur - The Rotary Club Chapter in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur under its president, Jonathan Baňas, represented by Norma Salon has joined the nation’s quest towards ending insurgency by pledging the support for the upcoming gift-giving activities of the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) to the communist conflict-affected Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) communities in Agusan and Surigao Sur held on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 in Barangay 5, San Francisco, this province. “The Rotary’s purpose to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace around the world fits our wholeof-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict to attain sustainable peace. It is the reason why we chose to seek their support. We know they will never say “No” if we talk about goodwill and peace,” said Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, commanding officer of 3SFBn. “We express our sincerest gratitude to the Rotarians for their commitment to Peace. Your purpose and deeds are worth emulating,” LTC Baybayan added.
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The Rotary Club donated two
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boxes of ballpens, 10 dozens of notebooks, one box of crayons, and six dozens of pencils to aid the IP beneficiaries in their educational needs as they put premium to education as a way to equip them to become resilient enough to protect themselves against the deceptive propaganda and recruitment strategies of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists. Just last October, the 3SFBn cited that public-private partnership can greatly impact the whole-of-nation approach to end local conflicts by addressing the basic issues through convergence in corporate social responsibility during their partnership with Solaire Resorts to aid Caraga hospitals. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIAAgusan del Sur)
November 23-29, 2019
Provincial News
Army takes part in national children’s month celebration By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - In time with this year’s National Children’s Month celebration, the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army, in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the city government of Butuan has conducted an information drive to the students of Bagong Silang National High School in Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City on November 18, 2019. Over 300 students of Bagong Silang National High School headed by its School Principal Hipolito C. Rosalada, Jr. have learned significant information particularly on the rights of children and the government’s initiatives that promote the welfare of the sector.
and the City Youth Development Officer (CYDO) also witnessed the said activity.
Likewise, the municipality of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) also The Butuan City Social Welfare conducted the Children’s Congress in and Development Officer (CSWDO) order to capacitate the participatingNovember 23-29, 2019
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Provincial News children and help them become more responsible and well-informed citizens at their young age. Selected studentleaders from the different schools in the entire municipality of Nasipit also participated in the said event. During the activity, the students gained new knowledge through the series of lectures regarding the Recruitment Strategy of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF); Combat Life Saver; Prohibited Drugs; and Common Crimes and Protection of Children by the subject matter experts coming from the Army, PNP, CSWD and PSWD.
Molina Jr, Commanding Officer of 23IB, emphasized that the celebration of the National Children’s Month should be given importance because it empowers the children at an early age to actively get themselves involved in the activities that are beneficial to their respective community. “Providing them with enough knowledge and clear understanding of several issues and matters will surely keep them on the right track. I laud the CLGU and the CSWD of Butuan City, MLGU and MSWD of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, PNP counterparts and the Department of Education for organizing such activity for the children.
The 23IB troopers also distributed leaflets regarding the Enhanced This has also been a great Comprehensive Local Integration opportunity for our unit to actively take Program (E-CLIP) to the participants. part in such an important occasion,” Molina said. (CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco L. Agusan del Norte)
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November 23-29, 2019
Provincial News
Listahanan ensures inclusion of hard-to-reach communities in AgNor CABADBARAN, Agusan del Norte - To ensure that all communities will have an equal opportunity with the ongoing 3rd round household assessment, with no households left unassessed, the Listahanan enumerators of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga reached out to the Mamanwa tribal communities in Sitio Lusong, Barangay Puting Bato in Cabadbaran, this province. It took four hours for the Listahanan field workers to reach the far-flung community known as ‘Gintong Araw.’ They rode on a habal-habal and walked miles from the drop-off point, since motorcycles could no longer continue traversing the very difficult path, until they reached the mountainous parts of Sitio Lusong. A total of 664 households were assessed by the enumerators, of which, 411 families are Non-Pantawid, and 411 are Pantawid beneficiaries (note that there are households composed of more than 1 family). Based on the 2015 Listahanan result of 2nd round household assessment, a total of 1,602 poor Indigenous Peoples
(IPs) households were recorded in Agusan del Norte. Listahanan, or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), is an information management system that employs geographic targeting, household assessment, and validation in order to provide national government agencies, development partners, and other social protection actors with information on who and where the poor are in the Philippines. This information is then used for the identification and selection of potential beneficiaries for various poverty alleviation and social protection programs. (DSWD-13/PIACaraga)
November 23-29, 2019
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Provincial News
Provincial Health chief urges partners to support ‘Patak Kontra Polio’ in SurSur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Eric Montesclaros on Wednesday urged the local chief executives and representatives, civic organizations, media and the parents to take their part, and support the polio outbreak response immunization round one activities scheduled on November 25-December 7, 2019. Dr. Montesclaros said during the orientation conducted held in Tandag City recently that all children aged 0-59 months regardless of immunization status will be vaccinated with monovalent Oral Polio Vaccine (mOPV2). “The ‘Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio’ will be synchronized across all targeted areas and should be completed within two weeks time,” Montesclaros added. Each round of the polio outbreak response immunization (Nov 25-Dec 7, 2019, and Jan 6-18, 2020) shall be conducted over a period of two weeks (14 continuous days), including
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weekends and holidays. This is to ensure that children can be caught up at home during Saturdays or Sundays for immunization. According to Montesclaros, Polio is a contagious disease transmitted through the fecal-oral route caused by the poliovirus and may result in lifelong paralysis and even death, but a vaccine-preventable. “The vaccine is exclusively distributed by the WHO through the Department of Health (DOH) and not commercially available,” Dr. Montescalros noted. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
November 23-29, 2019
Provincial News
‘Intense battle’ erupts between Army, Surigao tribes
By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
LIANGA, Surigao del Sur - A fierce battle on the basketball court commenced on Monday between the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Community and the Community Support Teams (CSTs) in Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. This is the first intersitio basketball league in the conflict-affected area in Andap Valley Complex organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Diatagon, Diatagon Barangay Local Government Unit, the IP residents and the CSTs composed of the troops from the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn), 401st Civil Military Operations (CMO) Company and the Philippine National Police (PNP). The basketball court was constructed through the efforts of both Kilometer 9 IP residents and the composite Army and PNP personnel being falsely accused by the militant group, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang a Sumusunod (MAPASU), a local affiliate of Bayan Muna Partylist represented by Eufemia Campos Cullamat, the sister of Pablito Sinzo Campos, alias Batik, a Communist NPA Terrorist nabbed by the 3SFBn and currently detained in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
tribo ditto sa KM 9, pero sa basketbolan. Okay kaayo,“ laughingly said by a resident of the sitio. “The IP Community is happy with the latest development in their area. Before they are a bit skeptical about the military’s presence but the sincerity of the government to attain sustainable and genuine peace made this possible,” Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan said.
Ten teams from neighboring “May labanan na nagaganap sitios in Andap Valley participated ngayon sa pagitan ng Army at mga in the league to include residents November 23-29, 2019
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Provincial News from Kilometer 16, (Sitio Han-Ayan) in Diatagon where Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), an alleged hub of the CNTs exists.
communist armed conflict is the truth. No matter how many lies and propaganda the CNTs and their allied groups throw at us, the truth will always prevail,� Col. Allan Hambala, 401st “Our main advantage and Infantry Brigade Commander said. (3rd weapon in our quest to end local SFBn-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Opisyales sa embahada sa Amerika mibisita sa Dinagat By Susil D. Ragas
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - Mga opisyales sa embahada sa Amerika mibisita niadtong Nobyembre 19, 2019 sa Don Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. Memorial National High School (DREESMNHS) ug sa Provincial Police Office (PPO) ning probinsya. Ang duha ka opisyales nga gikan sa embahada sa Amerika nga nakabase sa Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines mao sila Political Officer Christopher R. Farlow ug Environment, Science and Technology Specialist Maria Theresa N. Villa.
ug mga oportunidad ngadto sa kabataan nga gusto mu-eskwela sa abroad ug sa laing unibersidad.
Sumala sa duha ka opisyales ilang nakita sa probinsya ang kahapsay ug kalinaw sa komunidad nga diin ilang nasinati sulod sa tulo Ang katuyuan sa pagbisita sa ka adlaw nga pagbisita sa lain-laing duha ka opisyales mao ang pagsuta parti sa probinsya. sa kahimtang sa mga mulupyo sa probinsya sa Dinagat Islands diin Dugang pa nila nga sila andam ilang gipadayag nga andam ang Embahada sa Amerika sa paghatag mu suporta sa mga programa ug ug tabang sa nagkadaiyang mga plano sa lokal nga pangagamhanan aspeto sama sa pagpalambo sa sama sa pagtukod ug mga negosyo relasyon sa panggobyerno sa nasud ug kumpanya nga makatabang sa pagpalambo sa ekonomiya sa sa Amerika ug Pilipinas. Dinagat Islands. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/ Lakip na niini ang paghatag PIA-Dinagat Islands)
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November 23-29, 2019
MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao News
Gov’t to start building infrastructure in Marawi in December By Jigger Jerusalem and Ercel Maandig
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The construction of new public infrastructure in the most affected area (MAA) in Marawi City will start this December as the retrieval and disposal of unexploded bombs near completion, an official said. During a press briefing Thursday (Nov. 28) here, Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, chairperson of both Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and Housing and Urban Coordinating Council, said the government can now begin to build infrastructures destroyed by the war in Marawi as the military’s clearing operation of unexploded ordnances
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(UXOs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is already 95 percent complete. The MAA or the ground zero, scene of the fiercest battles between the Islamic State-inspired militants and government forces, is already 99 percent cleared of IEDs, the official said. “The heart and soul of Marawi
November 23-29, 2019
Mindanao News rehabilitation as far as infrastructure is setting aside PHP3.5 billion from the 2020 concerned is focused on the MAA,” Del budget for the construction of various Rosario said. public infrastructures. TFBM has set the timeframe for the construction of vital government infrastructures between December 2019 and March 2020.
Debris management and the creation of a masterplan--two important components of the Marawi infrastructure rehabilitation efforts--have already been completed, said Roderick Ibañez, National Housing Authority regional director for the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
To be given priority are school buildings with 200 classrooms, 24 barangay halls with a health center and a madrasa, 50-bed capacity hospital, and the Grand Padian market. The construction of the Marawi City Ibañez said the groundbreaking Police and Bureau of Fire Protection for the sports complex in Marawi is headquarters will follow. expected to be held December, “to Most of these structures, De Leon boost and show that the rehabilitation is said, will be built in the reclaimed moving forward”. 10-hectare land owned by the Marawi Meanwhile, Ibañez announced city government in the MAA. that there are already over a thousand He said the reconstruction and of Marawi residents that applied for rehabilitation of Marawi are all sourced building permits to voluntarily rebuild from the national budget. their own houses and that over 200 households were already given building Del Rosario said the government is permits. (PNA)
Piñol calls for complementation among BIMP-EAGA members By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY - The head of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has asked members of Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) to complement instead of competing with each other. November 23-29, 2019
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Mindanao News Secretary Emmanuel Piñol made the call during the BIMP-EAGA Senior Officers and Ministers Meeting in Kuching, Malaysia on Sunday, where he urged the regional bloc to cooperate --especially the issues on the prices of palm oil products. In his Facebook post on Monday, Piñol said the regional bloc should work based on “complementation and not on competition” to face the strong He also urged the establishment lobby waged by other vegetable-oil of a “Digital Market Linkage” between producing countries. producers and buyers that would allow “This lobby, especially in Europe, prospective buyers to determine where has resulted in the very low palm oil they could source the products they prices, which also adversely affected need while the producers, farmers the coconut industry,” he pointed out. and fisherfolk, would know where their goods are needed and at what price. Piñol said that during the meeting, he proposed the creation of the BIMPEAGA Palm Oil Council to represent the interests of all palm oil farmers in the region and initiate a concerted effort to promote the product. Aside from this, the MinDa chief also proposed that BIMP-EAGA members create a “virtual common production strategy and common market” aimed at complementing each other’s production potentials and identify what the region needs, which the member-countries can supply. “There are, however, issues which have to be resolved, among which are the absence of logistical services and the restrictive policies of some member countries on the entry of agricultural products from their neighbors,” Piñol said.
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“This program was implemented by the Department of Agriculture when I was still the secretary and I believe it could be useful in connecting the buyers and sellers in the BIMP-EAGA Region,” he said. He also added that during the meeting, he emphasized the need for BIMP-EAGA member-countries not to restrict trade among the people in the region. “Our people have been trading among themselves for centuries long before our governments were established. Why should governments impose restrictions on traditional trading which has existed for centuries, long before there were customs duties and sanitary and photo-sanitary requirements?” he pointed out. (PNA)
November 23-29, 2019
NATIONAL NEWS
National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
South Korea may introduce visa-free policy for Filipinos, says envoy BUSAN - South Korea may extend visa-free privileges to Filipinos once steps are taken to reduce the estimated 15,000 “illegal” Filipinos living in the country, according to the South Korean ambassador to Manila.
scheduled to arrive in this southern port city on Sunday to attend the 2019 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit, which would be held on Monday and Tuesday. Philippine and South Korean officials are expected to sign on the sidelines of the summit an agreement to continue discussing a free-trade deal next year. Earlier on Sunday, Noe Wong, the Philippine ambassador to South Korea, said the Philippines was trying to negotiate a reciprocal visa deal for Filipinos to rectify the “imbalance” in visitor exchanges between the two countries. “We are trying to raise that issue on a quid pro quo [basis] because almost every time Filipinos come here, we need to get a visa,” he told a separate briefing.
Wong said there had been informal discussions about a reciprocal agreement between Manila and Seoul “We hope in the near future we on visa-free privileges. can have a [visa-free] policy between Korea and the Philippines but, so far, Koreans are the top tourist arrivals there are certain numbers of illegal in the Philippines and they do not need Filipinos in Korea,” Han Dong-man told visas for visits shorter than 30 days. The visiting Filipino reporters here on Sunday. Department of Tourism aims to draw 2 million Korean visitors by the end of Han said there were 15,000 2019. undocumented Filipinos living or Long visa process working in South Korea, a number that But Filipinos need to obtain visas was “increasing.” to visit South Korea under a stringent Asean-Korea summit application process that may take up President Rodrigo Duterte was more than a month.
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November 23-29, 2019
National News Wong said fewer than 500,000 application process for Filipinos, he Filipinos visited South Korea in 2018. By added. contrast, 1.6 million Koreans traveled to the Philippines. “There are many delays in issuing visa, so I asked my staff in charge of “It’s just that I saw the, shall we visa to facilitate, to simplify the visa say, inequality. I don’t know if the term documents, so more Filipinos will be is right, because there’s no need for able to visit Korea,” he said. visa for them to go [to the Philippines] on a specific time,” Wong said. “But every day we receive 1,500 applications. We will try to bring more “And in fact, I hear so many steps … to facilitate the visa process,” complaints about the length of time he said. now to get a visa from the South Korean Embassy, right? From 15 days to 30 days In a separate briefing, Presidential to even 45 days now,” he said. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Mr. Duterte would press Wong said he was unaware if for a peaceful resolution of the Korean the matter would be discussed during conflict during the summit. Mr. Duterte’s bilateral meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on “[The President] has repeatedly Monday. said that he does not want to have a conflict [on] the Korean Peninsula. Han said his government We’re talking here of nuclear arms and might introduce a visa-free policy nuclear power. . .We are so close to for Philippine passport holders if the South Korea,” Andanar said. number of undocumented Filipinos could be reduced, citing South Korea’s “Definitely not only the Philippines experience with its visa waiver program will be affected by this, but the entire with another Southeast Asian country, world will be affected,” he added. Thailand. Andanar said he could not say “Accordingly there are many, what exactly Mr. Duterte would raise many Thai people staying illegally [in during the summit, but definitely “he South Korea],” he said. will advance the interest of [the] Filipino people, and that includes regional “That’s why our basic policy is security.” instead, if the Philippines decreases [the Democratic South Korea and number of illegal people], naturally you communist North Korea are technically can have [visa-free] policy,” Han said. still at war. The Korean War, which Simplifying requirements broke out in 1950, ended in 1953 with The South Korean Embassy in an armistice and not with a peace Manila is working to simplify the visa agreement. By: DJ Yap / Inquirer November 23-29, 2019
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National News
SSS WDLG program collection reaches P30.5M
QUEZON CITY - The state-run Social Security System (SSS) has collected more than P30.5 million contribution delinquencies from 71 employers who were served with assessment notices by its branches under one of its aggressive collection efforts. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said the employers settled their delinquencies after being served with Preliminary Assessment Notices (PANs) and Final Assessment Notices Before Seizure (FANS’) under the process of serving Warrants of Distraint, Levy, and Garnishment (WDLG). “This is only an initial amount as we have identified 93 other employers with combined contribution delinquencies amounting to nearly P200 million,” Ignacio said. Serving assessment notices are the initial procedures of the SSS’ WDLG Program. These are given to delinquent or non-compliant employers to give them the option to either settle their
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delinquencies, avail an installment payment scheme or file a request for reconsideration or reconciliation. Failure to avail of any of the said methods will lead to the issuance of WDLG. As of September 2019, two delinquent/non-compliant employers with a total delinquency of over P2.91 million are set for warrant execution. The pension fund is coordinating with the Land Registration Authority, Land Transportation Office, and various banks to ensure the compliance of the said employers. “The employers under the especially
November 23-29, 2019
SSS has allowed these to fulfill their obligations Social Security Act of 2018, by offering a Contribution
National News Penalty Condonation Program (CPCP) The SSS has initially collected over from March until September this year, P3.06 million from them, excluding but they still failed to comply,” Ignacio installment payments from the CPCP. said. “We would like to remind non “We recognize that employers are compliant employers to obey the law our partners in providing social security and remit religiously the SSS contributions protection to private-sector workers. of their employees. This is your obligation However, if they still neglect their duties not only under the law but also show under the law, we need to enforce your empathy to your employees who their strict compliance and therefore have been your partners in business. conduct this aggressive collection Give them the social safety net they effort,” Ignacio added. deserve,” Ignacio said. Since April 2018, 13 delinquent/ non-compliant employers including the two mentioned above have been referred to the SSS’ Employer Delinquency Monitoring Department for WDLG. Of the other 11 employers, one paid through the garnishment of bank account, one has levied properties for public auction, one has encumbered properties, while eight have availed of the CPCP.
Aside from warrant or seizure of properties, the SSS conducts its Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign and Tokhang against delinquent employers with issued warrants of arrest from courts. As of October 2019, the SSS, in partnership with the Philippine National Police, has so far conducted 14 execution of warrants of arrest and 29 RACE operations nationwide. (SSS)
PRRD hopes for swift passage of 2020 budget By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA - President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday urged the bicameral conference committee to hasten the passage of the proposed PHP4.1 trillion national budget for 2020. Duterte made the call as he wanted the proposed General Appropriations Act to be signed into law by December.
“Ito ngayon (Now), we’re waiting. Wala pa eh (It is not yet with me). So we hope to pass the law, hopefully, (by) December,” he said in an exclusive
November 23-29, 2019
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National News
interview with CNN Philippines. “Kung He warned that another budget maaari, Congress, paki naman (If impasse would harm the Philippine possible, Congress, swiftly approve it).” economy because this would hinder the implementation of his administration’s The Senate on Wednesday policies and programs. unanimously approved the budget bill on third and final reading. The House of “When there is no public spending, Representatives, meanwhile, passed its your economy will slow down,” Duterte version of the annual spending plan on said. September 20. On Wednesday, Presidential The two chambers of Congress Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said convened in a bicameral conference the Palace was optimistic that the committee on Friday to thresh out bicameral panel would approve the differences in their respective versions budget bill “without prolonged partisan of the proposed 2020 budget spending. discussion and undue delay.” The President expressed hope that lawmakers would avoid a repeat of the delay in enacting next year’s national budget.
Panelo also noted that the proposed 2020 budget aims to fund programs and projects “that will help accelerate investments in public infrastructure, improve anti-poverty The national government measures, and intensify employment operated on a reenacted budget generation.” from January to April this year after Congress’ failure to pass the proposed He guaranteed that the spending 2019 General Appropriations Act last plan would undergo “careful” scrutiny year. by the President. (PNA)
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November 23-29, 2019
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