Int'l groups support Zambo rehab program
Black Eyed Peas rapper Apl.de.Ap to help Zamboanga rehab efforts PAGE 2
Pinoy nurse dies in Saudi 'Tent City' PAGE 4
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SSS rakes criticisms
Teachers problemado pa rin sa dagdag sweldo!
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Help continues for displaced persons in Zamboanga City PAGE 9
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Nur Misuari (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
John Kerry cancels Philippine visit U.S. warns citizens of new terror threats in Mindanao MANILA – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has cancelled his trip to the Philippines due to a brewing storm, but this coincided with an emergency alert put out by the U.S. Embassy in Manila of credible threats on American citizens in the country. Kerry made his announcement in Brunei with Filipino Foreign Minister Alberto del Rosario on the sideline of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan. “I’ve just had a communication with President Aquino and the Foreign Minister. And we have agreed for a decision that we have made, because of the judgment of our pilots and the airlines, that with the approaching typhoon we are going to postpone the trip that I was going to make to the Philippines,” Kerry said. But he was quick to say that: “But the good news is I am absolutely committed to returning within a month or so. I’m coming back to the region, and I look forward to
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visiting with our friends in the Philippines. And I’m very grateful to President Aquino and to the Foreign Minister for their understanding of this situation. This is a big storm. Obviously storms can change paths at the last minute. We wish the people in the Philippines safety, and their well being is our concern over the course of the next days.” Promise to P Prresident Aquino Del Rosario said Kerry has promised President Benigno Aquino that he would be coming to the Philippines before the year ends. “We regret the postponement of Secretary Kerry’s visit to Manila. And this is due to the possibility, increasing possibility now, that there is a major typhoon that could be entering Philippine responsibility,” he said. “We are – nonetheless, we are looking forward to the visit of Secretary Kerry. He has promised the President that he would be coming before the end of the year. So we’ll see him then,” Del Rosario said. gency Aler U.S. E mer Alertt Emer mergency It was unknown whether
Del Rosario or Aquino have been informed or aware of the new U.S. warning, but the U.S. Embassy told its citizens that a series of credible security threats have been identified in southern Mindanao, particularly in Region 11 or the Davao Region; Region 12 in North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and Maguindanao provinces. “Individuals associated with known extremist and insurgent groups are believed to have been conducting surveillance on a number of public locations in these areas, as possible targets of interest. Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and other destinations, whether frequented by foreigners or locals,” the U.S. Embassy said. “As a result, the Embassy has placed restrictions on all U.S. government travel to these areas. The Embassy ad-
Southern Mindanao
Davao
vises all U.S. citizens residing in southern Mindanao to exercise extreme caution and re-evaluate their personal safety situation. The Embassy strongly reiterates its recommendation that U.S. citizens exercise extreme caution when travelling to Mindanao and keep personal safety and security in mind during any stay in Mindanao,” it added. The Embassy reminded American citizens to remain vigilant and maintain an appropriate level of personal security in all circumstances by reviewing personal safety plans; remaining aware of their surroundings, including local events; and monitoring local news sources for updates. The U.S. warning came barely a month after separatist Moro National Liberation Front rebels loyal to Nur Misuari simultaneously attacked Zamboanga City in Mindanao, where other rebel groups, including terrorist organizations such as Jemaah Islamiya and its allies are actively operating. (Mindanao Examiner)
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uthor ities hav e launched a manhunt for uthorities have for mer rrebel ebel chieftain N ur M isuar former Nur Misuar isuarii who is being blamed for deadly attacks that left o ver ov 400 people dead and wounded in Zamboanga City City.. Misuari signed a A local court has ordered the arrest of Misuari, peace agreement with leader of the Moro National Manila in September 1996 Liberation Front, in con- ending decades of bloody nection to the September 9 fighting in the southern attacks. The fighting lasted region. After the peace for three weeks and resulted agreement was signed, Misuari became the govin a humanitarian crisis. About 400 separatist ernor of Muslim autonorebels led by Ustadz Khabir mous region. But many former Malik simultaneously stormed villages and seized rebels were disgruntled over 200 civilians and used with the accord, saying, them as shield against secu- the government failed to rity forces as they tried, but comply with some of its failed to fly MNLF flags at provisions and uplift their City Hall. At the end of the standards of living. They street battles, over 200 accused the government rebels had been captured or of failing to develop the surrendered to state forces war-torn areas in the and are also facing criminal South, which remain in mired in poverty, heavily charges. Judge Eric Elumba militarized and depensigned the arrest warrant dent financially on Mafor Misuari and three of his nila. In November 2001, on lieutenants – Bas Arki, Assamin Hussin and Malik the eve of the elections in – and other people impli- the autonomous region, Misuari accused the govcated in the attacks. Chief Inspector Ariel ernment of reneging on Huesca, a regional police the peace agreement, and spokesman, who has a copy his followers launched a of the arrest warrant, said new rebellion in Sulu and Misuari’s group is facing re- Zamboanga City, where bellion and other string of more than 100 people were criminal charges, including killed. Misuari escaped by violation of the Republic Act Number 9851 or the boat to Malaysia, but was Philippines Act on Crimes arrested there and deagainst International Hu- ported back to the Philipmanitarian Law, Genocide pines. He was eventually and other crimes against freed in 2008 after Manila dropped all charges humanity. Just early this month, against him for lack of sufpolice raided the bungalow ficient evidence. Despite his fiery accuof Misuari in Zamboanga City and recovered explo- sations against the governsives and anti-government ment and even while in propaganda, but failed to jail, Misuari still ran thrice capture the former Libyan for governor in Sulu provfirebrand, who is reportedly ince, but terribly lost all planning to escape to Ma- elections. And in May this laysia or Indonesia and year, he also ran for govertravel to a Muslim country nor in the Muslim autonoto seek political asylum. mous region, bragging his Malik also escaped a mas- aspiration is supported by sive dragnet in Zamboanga millions of Muslims, but he and could have rejoined ended up losing again. Misuari. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zamboanga Peninsula
The Mindanao Examiner 2 Black Eyed Peas rapper Apl.de.Ap to help Zamboanga rehab efforts ZAMBOANGA CITY – Apl.de.ap of the pop group The Black Eyed Peas has arrived in Zamboanga to help in rehabilitation efforts here following three weeks of fighting between military and separatist rebels that devastated many areas and displaced over 100,000 people. The Filipino-born rapper, whose real name is Allan Pineda Lindo, met with Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar and other government officials and led the ground breaking ceremony of school classrooms in the village of Talon-Talon. Lindo, wearing a black vest and pair of black jeans and black boots, and a Mohawk hairstyle, also posed with children and other officials. He also spoke with children, who showed him their art drawings. Salazar and Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman also briefed Lindo on the current situation in Zamboanga and the plight of refugees and showed him the housing models for those displaced by the fighting. The mayor has praised Lindo for his humanitarian concern and thanked him for his support in the rehabilitation efforts of Zamboanga. More than 400 people were killed and wounded in three weeks of street battles that began September 9 after Moro National Liberation Front rebels launched simultaneous attacks in the villages and seized some 200 people and used them as shield. (Mindanao Examiner)
Oct. 14-20, 2013
Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III links arms with Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Kingdom of Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Brunei Darussalam His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Republic of the Union of Myanmar President Thein Sein, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techno Hun Sen, Republic of Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and Malaysia Prime Minister The Honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, for a group photo souvenir during the 16th ASEAN – Japan Summit at the Muzakarah Hall, Brunei International Convention Center in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam (October 09, 2013) at the sidelines of the 23rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. (Photo by Robert Viñas)
2 MNLF stragglers killed
Apl.de.ap with Zamboanga City officials led by Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar in these photos posted on the politician’s Facebook page.
SECURITY FORCES killed two Moro National Liberation Front rebels in a recent clash during a clearing operation in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said. Officials said the two bearded stragglers were armed with M14 rifles and a machete when they attacked a group of soldiers and policemen in the village of Santa Catalina, scene of deadly clashes between security and rebel forces led by Ustadz Khabir Malik last month. One of the slain rebels was carrying an identification card bearing the name of Nasser
Dawali, of Sulu province. Police have launched a manhunt for Misuari, who is being blamed for deadly attacks on September 9 that left over 400 people dead and wounded in Zamboanga. The fighting lasted for three weeks and resulted in a humanitarian crisis. About 400 separatist rebels stormed villages and seized over 200 civilians and used them as shield against security forces as they tried, but failed to fly MNLF flags at City Hall. At the end of the street battles, over 200 rebels had been captured or surrendered to state forces and are also
facing criminal charges. Judge Eric Elumba signed the arrest warrant for Misuari and three of his lieutenants – Bas Arki, Assamin Hussin and Malik – and other people implicated in the attacks. Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, who has a copy of the arrest warrant, said Misuari’s group is facing rebellion and other string of criminal charges, including violation of the Republic Act Number 9851 or the Philippines Act on Crimes against Inter national Humanitar ian Law, Genocide and other crimes against humanity. (Mindanao Examiner)
PAGADIAN CITY – A village chieftain in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur narrowly escaped death after gunmen strafed his house with automatic weapons, police said. Police said the armed men opened fire on the house of Leopoldo Selada in the village of Nuboran
in Labangan town. The assailants escaped after the shooting. Selada said he was sleeping alone in the house when the attack occurred. He told police investigators that he hid in the house as the gunmen opened fire and reported the matter after the assailants escaped.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but police said it is investigating the shooting. Police said investigators recovered at least 11 bullet casings of M16 rifle. The attack occurred ahead of village elections this month. (Mindanao Examiner)
Kidnapped Pagadian trader freed in Zamboanga Sur Zambo Sur village chieftain escapes death KIDNAPPERS HAVE freed a Chinese trader four days after he was seized in the southern Philippine province of Zam-boanga del Sur, officials said. Officials said the 37year old Lee Tan, who was kidnapped on October 5, has been recovered by police forces in the village of Esperanza in Ramon Magsaysay town. It was not immediately known how much ransom was paid by his family in
exchange for his safe release, but his wife, Melfe, earlier told police the kidnappers demanded P500,000 for his freedom. Lee was kidnapped on his way to pay a Filipino creditor in Zamboanga del Sur’s Aurora town. His Filipino wife, Melfe, has reported the kidnapping to the police in Pagadian City where the couple runs the Dong Lee store. The woman said she spoke to her husband on
his mobile phone shortly after he reached the town, but was shocked when a man phoned her to say that they kidnapped Lee. She said the trader was travelling alone in a van. Police have recovered Lee’s van abandoned in the village of Eastern Bobongan in the town of Ramon Magsaysay. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 14-20, 2013
Int'l groups support Zambo rehab program
Photo from the Facebook page of Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabella Salazar shows some officials headed by the politician during the Donors Forum held recently in Manila. Pedro Rufo Soliven, president of the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., stands behind Salazar. ZAMBOANGA CITY – International donors have identified several plans aimed at helping in rehabilitation efforts in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines following three weeks of street battles between security and rebel forces. The local business sector has taken an active role by meeting with various organizations which have pledged to help in efforts to restore economic normalcy and other humanitarian programs. Pedro Rufo Soliven, president of the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., has recently met with representatives of different international donors and government agencies in Manila and briefed them about the current situation in Zamboanga. Soliven, in his briefing, underscored the urgency for government action to stimulate the local economy. The top-level meeting was attended by representatives from the United Nations, International Labor Organization, World Food Program, Australian Aid, Japan, the United States and foreign embassies in the country, and the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment and
the Department of Social Welfare and Development, among others. The meeting was aimed at drafting a memorandum of understanding for the Zamboanga economic recovery plan that will be relevant and sustainable that will also focus on livelihood and enterprise building. “A sustainable livelihood intervention is imperative so that the victims of the September attack will not have to depend on dole outs but rather learn to fend for themselves in the long run. We need support in terms of livelihood projects that will help Zamboanguenos help themselves with dignity. The projects need to be sustainable as well as contribute to the local economy not only in the here and now, but also the medium- and long term, focused on the overall macroeconomic fundamentals of the city,” Soliven said. He said donors and partners have identified several short-term responses that would transition into medium-term plans and among these are livelihood assessment and employment skills; an initial $50,000 for cash-forwork program from International Labor Organization to carry out emer-
KISMET Cable Channel 63 Pagadian City
gency work to prepare the affected community assets and infrastructure for reconstruction; and convergence and coordination with established partnership during and after work to ensure sustainability of the interventions and skills level of beneficiaries. A team of representatives from international donor organizations is expected to arrive in
Zamboanga City to assess the plan for its immediate implementation. Soliven, the private sector representative in the Crisis Management Committee of Zamboanga City, has been tasked to head the economic cluster which will draw up a Marshall Plan-like intervention for the city to get its economy back to its level prior to the crisis. (Mindanao Examiner)
A man reads the headlines of various newspapers in Zamboanga City in Southern Philippines, scene of deadly clashes between troops and separatist rebels that left more than 400 people dead and wounded. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Bishops plan fact-finding mission in Zamboanga PAGADIAN CITY - The Mindanao Bishop Conference is planning a fact-finding mission in Zamboanga City following three weeks of fierce fighting that killed and wounded over 400 people. Bishop Delfin Callao Jr, convener of the Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Mindanao and chairman of the Mindanao Bishops Conference of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, said the mission aims to "thresh out the truth from the war propaganda which was usually tilted towards the Aquino government." "It is time to ferret out the truth and rehabilitate the victims of the all-out offensives,” Callao said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
He said they are also coordinating with humanitarian aid groups in conducting solidarity and mercy missions to Zamboanga City. “Justice and restitution is owed to the people of Zamboanga City and Mindanao,” Callao stressed. He said Sowing the Seeds of Peace will seriously assess the statement of peace advocate Grace Rebollos that the government scored a “pyrrhic victory” in the Zamboanga conflict. "There should be an independent assessment of the costs of the all-out offensives and the AFP should be accountable for the use of taxpayers' money. They cannot simply waste money like they have a cache of military pork barrel," Callao said.
Instead of political negotiation which is closer to the 'straight path', the Aquino government intentionally took the 'warpath' in the Zamboanga crisis. "Aquino's war has clearly led to a bigger problem than its intended outcome," Callao said. "What is clear for now is the AFP’s military victory. But we doubt if the government scored a political victory after the smoke has cleared. In fact, it has merely succeeded in further deepening the wound in the Mindanao peace process and in the Moro people's quest for the right to selfdetermination." He said they will document violations to human rights and international humanitarian law and submit their re-
port to churches, the human rights and peace committees of the House of Representatives, and international human rights and peace bodies. He said the Moro National Liberation Front "will also have to be accountable if found violating international humanitarian law and if its actions are deemed as military adventurism." Callao said he obser ved that 'hawks in government' have always swayed state responses to ar med revolutionar y movements towards militarist solutions. "As history points out, all-out war approaches have failed to bring about peace. There is silence in the front in Zamboanga now. But that does not mean peace has been achieved," he said.
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 14-20, 2013
Pinoy nurse dies in Saudi ‘Tent City’
Sa kabila ng pagbuhos ng ulan ay pilit pa rin na isinasaayos ng mga refugees ang kanilang tent sa labas lamang sports complex sa Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Ely Dumaboc)
Zambo refugees lubog sa baha ZAMBOANGA CITY – Nagmistulang fish pond ang ilang mga refugee shelters sa Zamboanga City dahil sa bagyong pumasok sa Mindanao at maraming mga barangay rin ang lubog sa baha. Libo-libong mga refugees na biktima ng tatlong linggong sagupaan sa pagitan ng militar at rebeldeng Moro National Liberation Front ang halos walang matulungan dahil sa binaha ang kanilang mga tent sa Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex. Halos magmakaawa ang mga refugees dahil sa sinapit na kalamidad – gutom at lamig ang tanging reklamo ng mga ito. Maging ang grandstand na sinisilungan ng karamihan ay pinasok rin
ng ulan at apektado ang mga bata doon. Maging sa labas ng sports complex na kung saan ay nagtayo rin ng mga tent ang maraming refugees ay halos maiyak sa hirap na dinaranas. Kakulangan sa mga tent, latrines o palingkuran at pagkain ang inirereklamo ng karamihan. “Wala kaming masilungan dahil may kanya-kanyang po kaming lugar. Baha na sa loob ng aming tent at sana maawa naman sila sa amin,” ani Melchor San Jose sa Mindanao Examiner. Donasyon ng United Nations ang mga tent sa sports complex ngunit hindi lahat ng refugees ay nabigyan nito. Maging sa Barangay Santa Maria na kung saan ay maraming mga refugees ang pansamantalang nasa com-
The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Ahmed Baldomero Joanna Valerie Wee Graphics/Video Editor Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES Mark Navales Central Mindanao Richard Suarez Pagadian City Zamboanga del Sur
Alan Navales North- South Cotabato Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Richard Falcatan Basilan Province Ely Dumaboc Zamboanga Peninsula The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines. The Mindanao Examiner Television is broadcast in KISMET Cable TV and Pagadian Cable Television Channel 63. Our business and editorial offices are located at Units 15, 3rd Floor, Fair Land Bldg., Nuñez St., Zamboanga City Phone & fax: 062- 9925480 Mobile: 0917-7103642 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
pound ng isang paaralan ay lubog rin sa baha kung kaya’t napilitan ang mga ito na lumikas sa ibang evacuation center. Pinayagan naman ng Crisis Management Committee ang mga residente na makabalik na sa kanilang mga barangay matapos ng isinagawang clearing operations ng pulisya. Sinabi sa Mindanao Examiner ni Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, ang regional police spokesman, na dapat pa rin mag-ingat ang mga residente at ipagbigay alam sa kanila kung may matagpuang mga bala o pampasabog sa kanilang mga lugar. “Barangay officials are urged to remind constituents to be wary of foreign objects and to report any sighting of such to nearest police and military outpost immediately. Barangay officials are also directed to facilitate the orderly return of the residents to their homes,” pahayag pa ni Huesca. (Mindanao Examiner)
MANILA – A 36-year old Filipino nurse stranded in Saudi Arabia has died from a lingering illness, according to the Filipino migrants rights group Migrante-Middle East and North Africa (M-MENA). It said Louie Bedaho Belista, a native of Nueva Vizcaya, died at the “Tent City” in Jeddah. Citing reports from Jeddah, Migrante said the distressed Filipino died from his long battle with asthma. Marlon Gatdula, chairperson of Migrante-Jeddah, said the Filipino had been helping sick and stranded Filipino workers at the Tent City since April. Distressed Filipino workers have put up tents and stayed besides the Philippine Consulate building as they demanded government assistance for their repatriation. According to Gatdula, Belista was twice confined in hospital in Jeddah, but unfortunately there were no proper medication given to the Filipino without assistance from the Philippine Consulate. “His remains lies at King Fahad Hospital morgue. His kin was already informed by
our Migrante official. Prior to his death, Mr. Belista sought assistance from Migrante after he complained no medical assistance from Philippine Consulate and labor officials,” Gatdula said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Belista was the 6th Filipino to die at the Tent City. John Leonard Monterona, Migrante MENA coordinator, who said two children and an old woman, who was sick, died in June at the Philippine Consulate shelter. Two others also perished in the shelter. Monterona said they have repeatedly warned the Aquino government and the consulate to fast track the repatriation of distressed and stranded Filipinos, especially those with children, and sick women and the old. Migrante has condemned Manila’s inaction at the plight of the stranded Filipinos in Saudi. “We condemn the government inaction and hold the Aquino administration accountable on the deaths of the six distressed, stranded old and
sick OFWs in Jeddah. Amid its posturing that it is ready to provide assistance, distressed and stranded OFWs are crying for government on-site assistance,” he said. “Six reported death already at the Tent City since April. We are not counting, but the numbers may increase if there is no medical assistance and their supposed immediate repatriation has been delayed noting that the November 1 deadline imposed by the Saudi government,” Monterona said. “Ipinapain lang ng gobyernong Aquino, tulad din ng mga nakaraang administrasyon, ang pondo ng gobyerno na dapat para sa social services at on-site protection na mga OFWs. Bilyung-bilyong piso ang nakukurakot ng mga kurap na politiko samantalang tinitipid at pahirapan maglabas ng pondo para sa kagalingan at proteksyon naming mga OFWs,” he added. Migrante-MENA said there are at least 400 stranded OFWs in Jeddah who are seeking repatriation. (Mindanao Examiner)
Army hails perished soldiers in Zambo siege PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division has recognized the bravery of its soldiers who died fighting separatist rebels in Zamboanga City. Troops clashed for three weeks with Moro National Liberation Front rebels under Nur Misuari who stormed several villages on September 9. The fighting killed and wounded over 400 people. “As the smoke of standoff subsides, different acts of heroism emerged to tell their own story in the historic defence of Zamboanga City against organize threat groups under Nur Misuari. But two members of 1st Infantry Division will no longer
tell their stories to their families and friends. They were among those killed during the crisis,” said Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. He said 33 of 192 soldiers wounded in the clashes are also under the Division The two slain soldiers – Pfc. Julmuin Abdulahid and Cpl. Hakim Jaafar – both from the 32 Infantry Battalion, were former MNLF rebels who were integrated in the military after the signing of the 1996 peace accord with the government. Abdulahid was a native of Indanan town while Jaafar was from Parang town, all in Sulu province. Abdulahid was killed
when the fighting erupted in Santa Barbara village while Jaafar was slain on September 30 in the same area while defending the village from the rebels. Trinidad said he sympathized not only to the bereaved families of the two fallen troopers, but also of other soldiers. “Before, they were among our brothers who took arms against the state, now they are heroes defending our state. They were true to their oath of loyalty to the Philippine Flag. The Division was very lucky having them, they are warriors and heroes, and they will never be forgotten,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Oct. 14-20, 2013
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The Mindanao Examiner
Congresswoman Lilia M. Nuño Zamboanga City District 2
“Let us all pray for the fast recovery of our dear La Bella Zamboanga from the devastation brought about by man-made and natural disasters. Let us be strong and stand united and help in rebuilding Zamboanga. May the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar continues to guide us through this difficult times and show us the path to a better and stronger Zamboanga. Viva Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar! Viva Zamboanga Hermosa!”
Republic of the Philippines ZAMBOANGA CITY WATER DISTRICT Pilar Street, Zamboanga City Customer Service TELEPHONE HOTLINE Nos. 955-1004 to 1009
ADVISORY ZCWD would like to inform all customers that it does not authorize any individual/s, outside of its official payment/collection centers, to receive payments of water bills and other service fees/charges. The following sites are presently the only AUTHORIZED PAYMENT/COLLECTION CENTERS OF ZCWD: 1. Groundfloor, ZCWD Main Office, Pilar St. (Tel.no. 991-1338) 2. Roofdeck, ZCWD Main Office, Pilar St. (Tel.no. 991-1556 loc.8129/8123) 3. ZCWD Ayala Sub-Office, beside Ayala Elementary School (Tel.no. 982-0310) 4. Al- Amanah Islamic Bank, Veterans Avenue (Tel.no. 991-4158) 5. Philippine Postal Savings Bank, Valderroza St. (Tel.no. 990-2353) - ZCWD Management
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 14-20, 2013
“Let us all pray for the fast recovery of our dear La Bella Zamboanga from the devastation brought about by man-made and natural disasters. Let us be strong and stand united and help in rebuilding Zamboanga. May the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar continues to guide us through this difficult times and show us the path to a better and stronger Zamboanga. Viva Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar! Viva Zamboanga Hermosa!”
Our Patrons Vice Mayor Cesar S. Iturralde Distric 1 Coucilor Myra Paz Abubakar Zenaida Jaime ( City Secretary ) Antonio Orendain Jr. ( City Administrator ) Elmeir Apolinario ( Assistant City Administrator ) Attorney Eric Elias ( City Civil Registrar )
“Let us all pray for the fast recovery of our dear La Bella Zamboanga from the devastation brought about by man-made and natural disasters. Let us be strong and stand united and help in rebuilding Zamboanga. May the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar continues to guide us through this difficult times and show us the path to a better and stronger Zamboanga.
Engineer Luis Despalo ( City Engineer ) Engineer Rodrigo Rebollos ( Assistant City Engineer ) Rodel Agbulos (City Health Officer )
Viva Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar! Viva Zamboanga Hermosa!”
Director Victor Lioso ( Board of Director of Zamcelco )
-Mr. Raymond Go
Rachel Domingo ( Sanggunian Panglungsod Staff )
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 14-20, 2013
SSS rakes criticisms
Editor Ahmed Baldomero hands over the Mindanao Examiner donation to the local chapter of the Red Cross in Pettit Barracks in Zamboanga City.
Media firm joins humanitarian efforts for Zambo children ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper has donated books and school supplies, used clothing and toys, among others to the Philippine National Red Cross for distribution to children who were displaced by three weeks of fighting between troops and separatists rebels in Zamboanga City. The fighting, which began September 9, forced over 100,000 people to flee their
homes and are now staying in temporary shelters. The donation was made possible with the assistance of The Asia Foundation, Ron Bates, from the United States and employees and families of the Mindanao Examiner. Editor Ahmed Baldomero handed over the donation to the local chapter of the Red Cross in Pettit Barracks in Zamboanga City. The Mindanao Examiner earlier assisted in the dis-
tribution of 200 bottled water and about 195 sandwiches donated by friends Ellen Diaz, Mary Grace Jacinto, Joan Oribello and Maritess Fernandez for soldiers and policemen in the frontlines. The media company has its own pro-poor program as part of its social responsibility to help the less fortunate and poor sector of the community. (Alvin Lardizabal)
Maguindanao lubog sa baha MAGUINDANAO - Muling lumubog ang malaking bahagi ng lalawigan ng Maguindanao matapos ng walang humpay na pagbuhos ng ulan sanhi ng masamang panahon na dulot ng Intertropical Convergence Zone. Sa bayan ng Sultan Kudarat ay lampas dibdib
ang baha ng umapaw ang ilog sa lalawigan at tulad sa mga nakaraang bagyo ay libo-libong pamilya at ariarian na naman ang nasalanta ng matinding pagbaha. Sinabi ng Department of Social Welfare and Development na mahigit sa 90,000 katao ang apektado
ng pagbaha sa Mindanao at ilang bahagi ng Visayas na kung saan ay mahigit sa isang dosenang katao ang nasawi. Mas matindi ang pagbaha sa Maguindanao kung ihahambing sa Zamboanga City na kung saan ay 5 araw ang itinagal ng pag-ulan. (Mark Navales)
Ito ang Barangay Bulalo sa bayan ng Sultan Kudarat sa Maguindanao province matapos ng ilang araw na pag-buhos ng malakas na ulan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
MANILA – The Social Security System continues to rake criticisms for fat bonuses – P286 million – that went to the Board of Directors and employees of the state-run pension fund. Rep. Neri Colmenares, who is the House senior deputy minority leader, said this happened as the SSS is set to hike its membership premium, claiming that it does not have enough funds to cover retirement and other benefits beyond the year 2039. “Ang kakapal naman ng mukha ng Board of Directors ng SSS, hirap na hirap na nga ang mga pensioners nila sa napakababang nakukuhang pension, isama pa na dagdagan ang singil sa premium tapos ngayon ay kumukubra pa sila ng napakalaging mga bonus. Hindi ba sila nahihiya?” he asked. Colmenares blamed President Benigno Aquino
for the SSS premium increase because at his last State of the Nation Address, he pushed for the supposed need to increase the premium instead of the pension. “This belittles the sufferings of our senior citizens who are pensioners,” he said, adding Aquino made it look like that SSS was in dire straits but the fact is it has the figures which do not call for a premium increase - their assets and investments which amounted to P345 billion in 2010; their yearly income of P21-23 billion; the collectibles of P8.5 billion; and the perks and bonuses that the SSS management receive which should be subjected to scrutiny. “Recall the P200 million that SSS executives received in 2010, kailangan pa nga bawiin yun, tapos ngayon ay P286 million naman. Let's not even
mention the overcharging they did for members' loans in 2011. It is the efficiency of the SSS management that really has to be increased to prolong the fund life of SSS,” Colmenares said. “President Aquino should instead support House Bill 175, increasing the SSS pension. HB 175 reflects the real clamor of the pensioners who are our senior citizens.” The eight members of the Board of Directors got P10 million while the rest were distributed to employees, but Emilio de Quiros, who is SSS president and CEO, said there was nothing illegal in the granting of the 2012 bonus because it is performancebased incentive system which is being allowed on all government-owned and controlled corporations. The SSS has 29 million members.
4 killed in Basilan clashes BASILAN PROVINCE – Four people were killed in fierce clashes between government troops and Abu Sayyaf rebels in Basilan province in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, an army spokesman said. Captain Jefferson Somera, of the 1st Infantr y Division, said two wounded rebels under Juhair Aliman were also captured near the village
of Mebak in Sumisip town. He said the fighting erupted after the military launched an operation aimed at clearing the circumferential road from lawless elements. “The purpose of the (military) operation is to clear the Basilan circumferential road to ensure the safety of the civilian motorists. The operation also intends to neutralize the lawless elements threatening the major
thoroughfare along the villages of Sapah Bulak and Upper Cabengbeng both of Sumisip town,” Somera said. He said the wounded rebels were evacuated to hospital. Authorities have blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the spate of kidnappings and terrorism in Basilan and other provinces in the autonomous region. (Mindanao Examiner)
8
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 14-20, 2013
After the war, Zamboanga now devastated by typhoon TYPHOON QUEDAN has left a trail of destruction in a large part of Zamboanga City, flooding many areas that affected thousands of people and paralyzing the local economy just as it is slowly picking up the pieces left by three weeks of fierce fighting between security forces and separatist rebels. But the bad weather continues due to Intertropical Convergence Zone which severely affected central and southern Philippines where nearly 93,000 people had been displaced or affected by flash floods. Weather experts are also monitoring a new typhoon code named Danas. Several people were reported missing after flash floods submerge many villages here. Heavy rains continued since October 4 and flooding has shut down the local airport and sea travel was suspended, trapping many travelers in Zamboanga. Many signboards and billboards were also destroyed by strong winds. A landslide was also reported in Tungawan town just outside Zamboanga, but it was not immediately known if Heavy rains flooded many areas in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, shutting down air and sea travels and affecting thousands of people in the aftermath of the typhoon (Quedan). (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
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there were casualties or none. In downtown Zamboanga, shops were also forced to close due to the rising floodwater. The Yubengo Mall also shut down after floodwater sipped through the department store and submerged its parking area. Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar has suspended all works in government and private offices, including classes in all levels in both public and private schools due to heavy rains and massive flooding, but exempted those providing frontline services. She said rescue teams were deployed in affected villages to rescue those trapped in the floods. “Rescue teams have been dispatched to flooded areas and barangay officials are directed to utilize 5% Calamity Fund and mobilize resources to assist their constituents. People residing along riverbanks and low lying areas are advised to seek safer grounds while weather condition remains abnormal,” she said. Victor Liozo, of the local chapter of the Red Cross, said several houses near
riverbanks or shorelines were destroyed. Five days of rains have flooded a huge part of central Zamboanga and shut down government and private offices, including the airport whose runway has virtually turned into a huge pond with herons picking on small preys. Rivers overflowed and landslides were reported in various areas here as flash floods ravaged low-lying villages and killed at least 5 people. Several riprap used to armor riverbanks were also destroyed and further aggravating the flood problems. Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar said the floods destroyed or damaged farmlands and fishponds worth nearly P57 million on top of the devastating effect it has in the local economy. The devastation came just barely a month after fighting left over 400 people dead and wounded in Zamboanga following simultaneous attacks by Moro National Liberation Front rebels. The violence displaced more than 100,000 people. (Mindanao Examiner)
Teachers problemado pa rin sa dagdag sweldo! MANILA - Protesta ang isinagawa ng mga guro sa bansa sa paggunita ng World Teachers' Day dahil umano sa hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin linaw sa hinihinging increase ng clothing allowance, at iba pa. "Anong magandang balita sa World Teachers Day para sa mga guro? Wala," ito ang naging pahayag ni Benjie Valbuena, tagapangulo ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers. "Ngunit ang tanong pa rin ng maraming guro sa ngayon may dagdag ba sa sweldo natin sa ngayon o may increase ba sa clothing allowance o chalk allowance man lang? May medical allowance na ba tayo? Kailan ba namin matatanggap ang PBB, ibang Dep Ed dibisyon nakuha na nila. Bakit delayed ang aming sweldo?" tanong pa nito. Ito ang reyalidad na di mapagtatakpan ng mga masasayang selebrasyon sa
pagunita ng WTD, ayon kay Valbuena. Ngunit sa kabila nito ay kaliwa't kanan naman ang selebrasyon ng World Teachers' Day sa mga paaralan bilang pagunita sa mga naging kabayanihan at kadakilaan ng mga guro. "Kumakailan lang naipasa na sa kongresso ang budget para sa 2014. Kami ay sadyang na-dismaya sa kabila ng paglaki ng Dep Ed budget na P336.9 bilyon mula sa P293.4 bilyon noong 2013, wala man lang katiting na dagdag na pondo para sa aming kahilingan sa dagdag na sweldo o kaya dag dag sa clothing o chalk allowance o di kaya pondo para sa libreng medical checkup ng mga teachers na naka saad naman sa mag nacarta for teachers," wika pa ni Valbuena sa pahayag nito sa Mindanao Examiner. "Habang bilyong piso ang pondo nilalaan sa pork barrel at Disbursement Acceleration Program o DAP
ng Pangulong Aquino, patuloy naman kaming tinitipid sa aming kahilingan dahil wala daw pondo ang ahensya. Ngunit ang katotohanan may savings naman ngunit na hijack na ito ng Budget department upang gawing Pondo para sa DAP na panuhol sa mga senador at kongresista," ani pa ni Valbuena. "Isang halimbawa nito ay ang aming honorarium para sa darating na barangay eleksyon, mula sa P4,000 pesos noong nagkaraang eleksyon ginawa itong P2,000 ngayong darating na barangay eleksyon at nakadepende pa sa mga LGU ang dagdag na P500 para sa transpo allowance. Hindi ba sadyang pambabarat na ito sa aming mga guro." Hindi nagbigay ng pahayag ang Education department ukol sa reklamo ng mga guro.
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9
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 14-20, 2013
War refugees at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Help continues for displaced persons in Zamboanga City Z AMBOANGA CITY After more than three weeks of fighting, the city of Zamboanga is slowly getting back on its feet. Many people have not only lost family members but, with homes and livelihoods destroyed, also find their prospects in tatters. While continuing to distribute food rations to nearly 9,900 displaced people and essential relief items to as many as 50,600 in various evacuation centres, the ICRC and the Philippine Red Cross are further adjusting their services to meet the needs of people facing prolonged displacement. "These people have been exposed to violence. Now they are living under difficult conditions in evacuation centres. That adds up to a lot of stress, especially for vulnerable and elderly people," said ICRC doctor Luca Falqui. “In addition, we need to provide safe water, de-
cent sanitation and a disease monitoring system to prevent the outbreak of disease.” Annalyn Birong, a 21year-old pregnant mother of four children who has been displaced since 9 September was kept in the observation area of the basic healthcare unit supported by the Philippine Red Cross and the ICRC to rest and recover. "I'm worr ied about the health of my children, as I don’t know how long we'll have to continue to live like this." Over the past few days, the Philippine Red Cross has been working with ICRC support to improve sanitation, basic health-care services and overall living conditions for the displaced by the following: Setting up a six-tent basic health-care unit in the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex, manned 24 hours a day, every day, by doctors and nurses from the Philippine Red Cross, the
Philippine Department of Health, and the City Health Office of Zamboanga. The medical staff are involved in the triage of patients, medical screenings and assessments, outpatient services, observation areas and maternity and child care. Since the start of the conflict, over 7,000 people have received basic health care; launching a mass immunization campaign that includes administration of vitamin A, de-worming and nutrition assessment.To date, 438 children under the age of 15 have been treated; arranging for the immediate transfer to hospital of 146 patients in ser ious condition through the Philippine Red Cross ambulance service; having about 200 emergency latrines installed by 30 evacuees paid through a cash-forwork scheme; launching a clean-up campaign involving 139 evacuees and the constr uction of a
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temporary day-care centre by 12 evacuees paid through a cash-for-work scheme. Meanwhile, ICRC staff, including two doctors, have visited and registered 230 people de-
tained by the authorities in Zamboanga in connection with the conflict. They have monitored the conditions in which the detainees are being held and the treatment they receive. In addition,
the detainees have had a medical screening and received clothes, slippers, soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Food and medical supplies for the detainees were given to the detaining authorities.
Pencing By Jun Feliciano (Zamboanga City) CSWO came under fire... THE WORD: “MAN DOES NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMETH FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.” THERE are these ‘gossips’ floating right now among well-meaning sectors in here that P-NOY was forced to spend his sojourn in our embattled city the past days on the supposed pretext to be at the helm of the September bloody standoff (with the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari misguided forces,) but that he was actually avoiding the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) issue that even led to a much bigger scam amongst top national officials. THE bigger shenanigan or scam is the DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program) said to be Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s own handiwork. THERE are talks as well that P-NOY was actually into something else like those similar flirtations that attract most movie scribes whose intriguing stories about the President land in the front pages of most tabloids and even in broadsheets. Vosotros ya lang cuidao man guess, he he he.. AND there are these tales that link the President’s life being under grave threat as there are disgruntled elements supposedly from the AFP, out to stage a coup in a bid to topple the Aquino government in the light of the series of exposes with regards to both PDAF and DAP scandals. PNOY’s rating , accordingly, has improved at present as a result of the Zamboanga crisis episode - portraying him as the ‘messiah’ of the Zamboangueños. OUR local leaders, during that 1-night momentous meeting at Western Mindanao Command Headquarters, virtually, threw in the towel and allowed Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III to have the final say in resolving the Zamboanga City bloody blitz staged by the MNLF-Misuari misguided forces, being the Commander-InChief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. BUT, don’t get me wrong, these are all plain talks that could either be trash or could pervert as true, as well. AFTER all, Filipinos’ favorite pastime is mostly on ‘telltales.’ On October 9, the City Council held its first regular session following mere special sessions that came while placed on call by the Crisis Management Committee headed by the City’s Chief Executive Lady Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar. ONE important measure, agreed on by the August Body, sans the need to pass a resolution is respect the mayor’s discretion in the appointment or designation of a permanent head of the City Social Welfare Office.
Their unanimous choice is its own OIC Evelyn M. Las Marias. AS OIC, Mrs. Las Marias, presently, can’t fully exercise her job well, as the people under her aren’t supposedly towing the line in synch - to the detriment of the said office in the urgent delivery of the social services in times of the two gargantuan crises that hit us badly right now. DISTRICT 2 Councilor Kim Elago II cited amongst the reported bad experiences stemmed from the many victims themselves during the flash floods in Barangay Sta. Maria. SOME 30 old women—meaning they’re our own senior citizens in the community, were desperately trying to reach for immediate help from the CMC, and that help never came even up to midday of that day. KIM narrated, when he took the podium during that plenary session, how deeply disheartened these all-female elderly of ours with our CMC here when they were told by certain staff of the OCSW that the responsibility should first fall upon their own barangay/s in addressing them their immediate needs at the height of the flash floods that day before the City could take over. And, he added that the order supposedly came from Mayor Beng herself. THE City Dad from Barangay Tetuan went on to defend the Lady Mayor - casting strong doubts on the OCWS’s supposed claim. “They could have misconstrued the Mayor’s supposed order. I doubt if ever she’d do that,” Councilor Elago strongly surmised in defense of Mayor Beng. AND therefore, the council, in a consensus, came up with a decision, for the Mayor to already appoint a permanent CSWO head with OIC Evelyn Maravilla Las Marias as her preference. DISTRICT 1 Councilor Pinpin Pareja’s attestation of Mrs. Evelyn Las Maria’s tireless efforts as its office’ head at the height of the City’s huge crisis - the September bloody siege of Zamboanga by the MNLF-Misuari armed faction and the present deluge due to the persistent heavy downpours - saved Mrs. Las Maria’s head from the chopping board. Pencing personally endorsed OIC Las Marias in a permanent capacity of the said office, as well. I have seen her work like a carabao, so give her what’s due her, no matter how short her stint maybe. Mrs. Las Marias is said to be retiring this year. DISCL AIMER: The views and opinions DISCLAIMER: expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Mindanao Examiner or any of its staffs and employees.
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Oct. 14-20, 2013
ARMY SHELLS MILF BASES
THE PHILIPP INES gest M uslim rrebel ebel gr oup nePHILIPPINES INES’’ lar largest Muslim group ver nment has accused the gov ernment gotiating peace with the go militar y of attacking its for ces in the souther n pr ovmilitary forces southern pro ince of B asilan. Basilan. Von Al Haq, a rebel and kidnappings for ranspokesman, said troops som in the troubled provfired cannons on MILF ince. The army said troops positions in the village of Ulitan in Ungkaya Pukan clashed with Abu Sayyaf town. He said troops, un- rebels headed by Juhair der Colonel Carlito Aliman in Basilan and Galvez, attacked several killed two fighters, but two rebel bases sparking a soldiers were also slain in the violence. It said the opfirefight. He said it was not the eration was launched to first time that Galvez, freer the circumferential commander of army road from lawless eleforces in Basilan prov- ments. But Al Haq said the ince, targeted the MILF which has signed a cease- military operation was fire agreement with the launched against the MILF Aquino government to al- in the guise of pursuing low peaceful negotiations Abu Sayyaf rebels. “As in aimed at ending decades the past cases, military opof bloody fighting in the erations were directed at the MILF in the guise of southern Philippines. “The military at- running after the Abu tacked our forces again Sayyaf. We have bases in and fighting erupted be- Basilan and these bases are cause of the military as- protected by the cease-fire sault,” Al Haq told the agreement, but spoilers of peace are targeting us. The Mindanao Examiner. It was not immedi- military violated the ceaseately known if there were fire accord,” he said. The MILF said milicasualties in the fighting, but the army said the tary shelling also hit civilmilitary operation tar- ian communities and vilgeted the Abu Sayyaf, a lagers have fled to safer small, but the most noto- areas. Abbas Salung, chairrious rebel group blamed for the spate of terrorism man of the MILF Cease-
A government soldier looks at his rifle scope in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales) fire Committee based in Basilan province, said he sought an immediate ceasefire with the military, but “it would seem the Colonel Galvez was recalcitrant.” “We could not understand why the attack was irresponsibly conducted
against our forces and the shelling not being stopped. The government forces assaulted our troops and bombarded civilian communities. These are utter violations of the government and MILF ceasefire accord and agreement on the civilian
protection, human rights and international humanitarian laws by Philippine Army troops,” Salung said. He said Galvez has undermined the cease-fire accord. “This is not the first time that Colonel Galvez undermined the
cease-fire accord and the primacy of the peace process between the government and MILF,” Salung said. The MILF said it will file a protest with the government cease-fire body against Galvez. (Mindanao Examiner)
Medical mission sa mga pilgrims sa Saudi pinuri
Si Sulu Governor Totoh Tan at Hajja Nurunisah Tan, pinuno ng Sulu Provincial Women's Council sa pilgrimage sa Saudi Arabia.
ARMM
Southern Mindanao
Davao
Manila
COTABATO CITY – Tulad ng nakagawian ng pamilyang Tan bawat taon, isang medical mission muli ang mapapakinabangan ng napakaraming pilgrims sa Saudi Arabia sa pangunguna ni dating Sulu First Lady Hajja Nurunisah Tan at ang grupo nito. Si Hajja Nurunisah na mas kilala sa tawag na Ka Indah ay isang registered nurse at siya rin tumatayong pinuno ng Sulu Provincial Women’s Council. Bawat taon ay isang malaking medical mission ang bitbit ni Ka Indah sa tuwing pilgrimage nito sa Mecca at hindi lamang mga taga-Sulu ang pangunahin nakikinabang dito, kundi ang iba pang mga Pinoy at dayuhan na nangangailangan ng tulong-medikal sa Saudi. Bagamat ayaw ni Ka Indah na mailabas sa media ang tradisyonal nitong medical at humanitarian mission sa Saudi ay kalat naman sa
mga pilgrims ang tulong na ibinibigay nito at ng kanyang pamilya, partikular si Vice Gov. Sakur Tan at ang anak nitong si Gov. Totoh Tan. Kasama ngayon taon ni Ka Indah si Gov. Totoh Tan na kanyang katuwang palagi sa pilgrimage. Sa mga nakalipas na taon ay kasama rin sina Vice Gov. Tan at Dr. Farah Omar sa pilgrimage sa Saudi. Likas na matulungin ang pamilyang Tan na kilalang mga pilantropo at noong nakaraang buwan lamang ay pinangunahan rin nina Ka Indah, Gov. Totoh Tan at Vice Gov. Sakur Tan ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga apektado ng kaguluhan sa Zamboanga. Umabot sa P3.7 milyon ang inisyal na naibigay na cash at relief donation ng grupo ni Ka Indah kay Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zamboanga Peninsula