Cover Story BALO-I, Lanao del Norte – In the midst of war, a small gesture of kindness to ease the pain of those who fled their homes and brought nothing but fear in their hearts, is what a family in this municipality did to the hundreds of Marawi residents who moved to Iligan City due to the clashes between the government troops and the Maute terror group on May 23.
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Offering free food and water to the hungry and weary civilians, H. Salahuddin “Abner” Lope Sulog recalled how he was in tears when he saw distraught people, prompting him to have his wife and 13 children prepare some food for the displaced civilians, Muslim and Christian alike. At first, the family offered ice water and bread while waiting for the rice and eggs to be cooked. When they ran out of stocks, they resorted to sweet potato. “Every time na may nabibigyan, umiiyak sila at nagpapasalamat kasi na trapped sila sa traffic ng 8-12 hours, hindi nakapaghapunan, breakfast at lunch. Wala silang mabilhan kasi lahat ng mga tao ay tumatakas palayo sa Marawi,” said Norjannah Sulog, Abner’s seventh daughter. (Every time we get to give food, they cry and are thankful for what we have offered because they were trapped in a traffic for 8-12 hours without taking in dinner, breakfast and lunch. They could not buy food
since all of the people are trying to get out of Marawi.) Tapping helping hands On the night of May 24, Norjannah said they called up some relatives in Saudi Arabia to send money for them to continue their relief efforts. “We started as family lang tapos tumulong na ang mga kapitbahay sa distribution (We started the act as a family then the neighbors started to help in the distribution),” she said. Abner’s nephew, Amer Riga, posted the family ‘s effort on social media. It became viral and many netizens reached out to the family and offered to donate. “Sa Facebook post ko nagsimula ang pagdagsa ng tulong. We never expected it and we never ask for any donations. Wala akong ibang intensiyon dun sa post ko, pinakita ko lang na masaya kami na nakatulong ang pamilya namin kahit konti,” Amer said. (It was in my Facebook post when the help started to pour. We
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1-15 June 2017 never expected it and we never asked for any donations. I have no other intentions in my post but to show how happy our family is to provide help even in our own little way.) Everyone can help Amer travels to Iligan City to get the donations and purchase goods for their relief packs. One relief pack consists of sugar, coffee, noodles, sardines, 2 kilos of rice, 2 kilos of corn flour. “We hand out our relief packs to evacuees staying with relatives in remote areas of Balo-i,” he said. Amer further expressed that as
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long as they receive donations, they will continue extending relief good to the evacuees. To date, the Sulog family has distributed 1,989 relief packs in six barangays in Balo-i. “Every individual has the capacity to help others, you don’t have to be rich or poor, old or young, man or woman, you just have to feel in your heart the misery of others and aim to help without any desire of reward or praises from the public and the Almighty Creator will do the unexpected,” Abner said.(APB/PIA10)
AFP warns netizens to cease support on Maute’s terror campaign in social media ILIGAN CITY – “I called on netizens to avoid sharing in social media any posts that has to do with violence, terrorism or any malicious photos they notice while browsing their newsfeeds as these are all misinformation that only aggravate the problem that our country is facing right now,” underscored Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesperson of 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, as he urges public to be wiser in using social media. He considered it misinformation to mislead the army in the conduct of its operations. “However, we stay watchful and analytical of their
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postings because we want to protect the people and control the spread. Social media is very effective and the materials they produced propagate
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negative imprints or even cause a stigma of making feel people afraid,” he added. Lt. Col. Herrera added that Maute terrorist groups are fond in using social media. “This is their way of expressing their twisted views and beliefs. They use it as a medium to radicalize young individuals and is being utilized to recruit and get support from individuals in the country and in other nations,” he said. When asked to give a figure as to the number of Maute individuals revolting in in Marawi City, Lt. Col. Herrera revealed an approximate of 300 to 400 insurgent Mautes. “Reports are never true. They are not increasing in count, but they are burgeoning because we allow them through social media,” he remarked. This is the reason why the
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Philippine Army established a social media team responsible to espouse in distributing information about the real situation in Marawi City. Lt. Col. Herrera is also encouraging collaborative support from partner stakeholders and netizens to heighten the stories of heroism of soldiers rather than promote the messaging about terrorism and violence. “We need others to help us. Developing a critical mass who would advocate in pinning down the Maute groups’ terrorism campaign in the cyber world is the true power of social media,” underlined Lt. Col. Herrera. He also pushed for the use of hashtags #UnitedMarawi #UnitedAgainstMaute so that people may have deep realization about terrorism and its adverse impacts in communities. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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DSWD assures faster relief operations for Marawi IDPs
ILIGAN CITY – To facilitate orderly distribution of relief goods for evacuees severely affected by the ongoing clashes between government forces and Maute terror group in Marawi City, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has established a logistics hub in the auditorium of Linamon, Lanao del Norte for repacking and storage of relief items.
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In a cluster briefing, DSWD-10 Regional Director Nestor Ramos said that this logistics hub was earlier set up in Tomas Cabili gymnasium in Iligan City, but was transferred to Linamon town in Lanao del Norte in order to break distance barriers and speed up relief operations. As of Sunday, June 4, Ramos
reported that nearly P12 million worth of non-food items and family food packs have been delivered to all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) sheltered in different evacuation centers in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. He said city government of Iligan also offered a total of P1 million
1-15 June 2017 worth of relief goods, while Lanao del Norte provincial government provided aid in the amount of more than P800 thousand for all IDPs both in evacuation centers and those who are living with relatives. To reinforce the government’s continuous relief efforts to the more than 45,000 families composed of over 224,000 individuals who fled their homes amidst Marawi crisis, various government and non-government organizations, religious and civic groups such as National Commission on Muslim Filipinos-Caraga, Young Moro Professionals Network, La Salle Academy, New Life, Philippine Muslim
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Students Alumni Association, Sultan Topaan Disomimba Foundation, and Duterte’s Kitchen Cagayan de Oro shared volumes of kitchenware, grocery items, and sacks of rice. Ramos said all donated relief goods are stored and released in the logistics hub to monitor the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet IDPs needs. “This logistics hub aims to hasten the process of releasing and receiving relief goods from various donors and benefactors,” he said. (RLRB/PIA-10, Bukidnon)
DOE ensures affordable, reliable power through WESM CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To enhance the power of choice for the consumers, and ensure quality, reliable, secure and affordable electricity, the Department of Energy (DOE) will launch the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in the region some time in June 2017. “The spot market is where the demand and the supply of electricity meet so that there will be an increased efficiency in the use of energy,” DOE Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella said as he explained that the spot market is like a “dating place” where
compatibility among potential partners is determined. As for the startup of the real commercial operations in Mindanao, Fuentebella stressed that this will depend on the readiness of the industry players.
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Ferdinand Binondo of DOE further explained that in order to put up WESM in Mindanao, the requirements should be established first such as the infrastructure, metering and communications. They have also conducted an orientation to the stakeholders for the transition arrangement since the latter need to be fully equipped before
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they can be part of the spot market. Binondo also stressed that DOE will still have to assess the requirements before the WESM will be established in an area. Once in place, stakeholders are expected to observe “fairness and transparency. That is the bedrock of the rules to have a level playing field for the good energy participants to shine,� Fuentebella said.(RTP/PIA10)
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Iligan City continues curfew hours amidst Marawi clearing operation ILIGAN CITY – The local government of Iligan City is continuing its implementation of curfew hours to control and maintain stability of peace and order in the area amidst ongoing clearing operations of the government troops in Marawi City. In a press briefing at the Regional Command and Coordinating Center, Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia explained that curfew hours are implemented to secure the people of Iligan meantime Marawi operation is still ongoing. A total of 54,993 families with 268,524 individuals are displaced because of the clash in Marawi City. These families are housed at various evacuation centers in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City. Meanwhile, most of them are home-based living with their relatives. Almost all residents of Marawi are already living in nearby towns with relatives which makes Marawi, a ghost city, he said. However, the need to conduct profiling is highly prioritized in Iligan City for the evacuees. He added that purok presidents have given a lot of help as well as barangay officials in getting the exact figures of the evacuees so that there is also monitoring of the youth in cases of terrorist recruitments.
Meanwhile, Patrick NuĂąez, head of Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) revealed that the local government unit (LGU) of Iligan needs the help of the local City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Marawi and Lanao del Sur because there are additional 40 families to be placed in the evacuation center. He explained that the city has a shortage of manpower and CSWD to man the evacuation center. At the same time, they also validate home-based on the 44 barangays in Iligan. He added that Department of Health (DOH) and City of Iligan has agreed to do a pre-assessment of buffer evacuation, Suarez gym. Is it conducive as evacuation center? Is culturally sensitive? Meanwhile, facilities should be in place before Internally Displaced Individuals (IDPs) are accepted. On the other hand, P/Supt Isralin Laurin of Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) said since curfew has been implemented, 996 individuals of legal age were caught and brought within
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their respective police station areas. The city has also issued guidelines in this implementation. For the first offense, there will be community service with P300 fine and not less than two hours temporary restraint. Second offense penalty of P3000 and not less than four hours temporary restraint, and third offense is P5000 or proven in the court not guilty or six months imprisonment. However, the affected businesses are the ones who operate at night, but they understand that this is
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only temporary in nature, this will just subside, because security is important than profit. So far, it was never recognized as major problem. The ones that are greatly affected are the 24/7 convenience stores and other businesses that operate at night. (JMOR/PIA10)
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DA conducts InfoCar in Camiguin MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO10) continues its advocacy of informing farmers and fisherfolks about the different programs and services in the agriculture sector through its conduct of an Information Caravan here. Around 200 farmer-participants attended the event which was spearheaded by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) of DA along with its partner agencies and the provincial agriculture and veterinary offices of Camiguin. RAFIS Chief Mary Grace B. Sta.Elena encouraged the farmerassociations to be active and to avail of the different programs and services of the government since these projects will not be given to farmers without the submission of letter of intent. With the theme, “Insaktong Impormasyon sa Agrikultura, Kaabag sa Mabungahong Pagpanguma,”
an open forum was held following the presentations to hear out the issues and concerns of the participants. One of the issues raised was the suggestion for the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to visit Camiguin at least once a week to tend to farmers and fishefolks’ insurance fees so that farmers would not have to go to the agency’s office in Cagayan de Oro City. To this, Grizela Mae B. Vitorillo of PCIC stated that farmers and fisherfolks could pay their insurance fees through LBC and that she will report this matter to their agency. (AMBManto, DA-RFO10/PIA10)
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Govt ensures access to safe drinking water for Marawi displaced persons
ILIGAN CITY – Unsafe drinking water has been an identified concern at evacuation centers located in Balo-i, Pantao Ragat and Pantar towns in Lanao del Norte province.
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In a meeting with the Regional Command and Coordination Center (RCCC) in Iligan City, National Incident Management Team (NIMT) Commander Col Mario Verner S Monsanto reported that based on the assessment of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) unsafe drinking water has been a recurring concerns under the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and Health clusters.
To address this, Col Monsanto, overseer of the Cagayan de Oro City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) department, said they have coordinated with the Balay Mindanaw Foundation and borrowed the Skyhydrant water ultrafiltration unit and came up “how we can produce water” with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). According to Aili Gatuslao of Balay Mindanaw, this low-pressure membrane technology donated by
1-15 June 2017 Disaster Aid International (DAI) can produce 1,000 liters of water per hour and is highly effective in removing all non-dissolved species in feed water. This also meets and exceeds the requirements for key criteria to produce “safe” drinking water and is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective in pathogen removal. Further, the potable water produced from this 16 kgs. unit will cater to the evacuation centers in three municipalities of Lanao del Sur—Balo-i, (3,506 families) PantaoRagat (1,268 families), and Pantar (854 families). Because of the unit’s unique feature which can be carried and moved freely and readily and does not need electricity, many evacuees can have access to clean water for drinking and cooking. Meanwhile, DSWD and DOH have provided jerry cans to evacuation centers to the three towns.
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Monsanto also reported that the NIMT was able to come up data on internally displaced persons (IDPs) using a map which can be viewed through the Facebook account at NIMT Marawi Crisis and they are able to trace IDPs including different hospitals located in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. NIMT has been activated following the clashes between the government and the Maute terror group. The team is tasked to ensure safety of the responders, IDPs among others; address welfare of IDPs in evacuation centers; identify the critical resources that would be given in evacuation centers; and coordination. DAI and Balay Mindanaw have been major partners since 2011, after Typhoon Sendong hit Cagayan de Oro. Balay Mindanaw’s Skyhydrant was utilized during Typhoon Pablo, Super Typhoon Yolanda, Bohol Earthquake and Tandag evacuation.(EOR/PIA10)
Liberation from fear, terror is true independence, says DOLE chief CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “We are called to continue our fight to nation’s liberation from fear, terror and illegal drugs.”
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1-15 June 2017 This has been stressed by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre H. Bello as he noted that there could be no true independence unless the people’s liberty is fully protected and exercised during the 119th celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12 at Kiosko Kagawasan, Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City. While the fighters of the state work hard to eliminate the criminal bandits and eventually win the war and restore freedom, Bello urges the people to “give our government our full support and give our army the trust of its capability including the Philippine National Police.” As for the declaration of martial
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law in Mindanao, the secretary stressed that the president vows to finish off the bandits and terrorists of Marawi and the rest of Mindanao. “The declaration of the martial law wasn’t meant to snatch our people’s independence and individual’s liberties as it meant to protect our people’s lives and properties,” Bello said. Furthermore, he said that the Filipinos may have been enjoying independence for more than 100 years but the struggle to free the people from the clutches of drugs continues. Hence, he encouraged everyone to join the president as he leads the people to total liberation.(RTP/PIA10)
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Malaybalay commemorates 119th Philippine Independence in spectacular Flag Caravan MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To preserve the patriotic spirit and raise Bukidnon’s appreciation on the symbolic and historical essence of the Philippine flag, a spectacular ‘Flag caravan and Salute to the flag’ highlighted the 119th Philippine Independence commemoration rites in Malaybalay, the capital city of Bukidnon. With the theme “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin,” the celebration started with a convoy of more than 200 flagbearing motorcycles and vehicles from both north and south points of the city, passing along ten rural and urban barangays at 7:00 a.m. of June 12. The cars carried standard-sized flags, while motorcycles fluttered flaglets. Led by police patrol cars, the size of the caravan increases as participants from other barangays along the way joined the convoy. Upon the synchronized arrival of the caravan at Ereccion del Pueblo in Rizal Park where more than 1,000 peace-loving people eagerly wait, Boy Scouts of the Philippines and army halyard pullers swiftly marched to the flagpole. The flag-raising ceremony; the singing of national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” by Bukidnon State University brass band; and the “Panunumpa sa Watawat (pledge of allegiance)” recited by Girl Scouts of the Philippines
from Bukidnon National High School, signalled the start of the program. Reminiscing on historical events, city vice-mayor Roland F. Deticio in his message said “this is the time that we must be tough and move on with the challenges we are now facing.” “Let us be inspired with the bravery and heroic deeds of our soldiers who gave up their lives just to save other people’s lives during Marawi siege, as they (government soldiers) fought against the Maute terror group in order to achieve lasting peace,” he said. As an offering to the fallen soldiers in Marawi City and the country’s heroes who fought for freedom and liberty, the Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade performed the 21-gun salute. Also, while the song “Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas,” is being sung, public officials, employees, school institutions, including private sectors and civil society groups offered dozens of colourful flower bouquets at the Rizal Shrine.(RLRB/PIA 10, Bukidnon)
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HisCom launches first CDO history primer CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To inculcate patriotism and enforce the Republic Act 9155 or the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001 through enriching the history, the city government through the Historical and Cultural Commission (HisCom) launches the resource material on the history of the city on June 13.
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“We need to be reminded of our historical past and learn from that,” Mayor Oscar Moreno said emphasizing that in times of crisis, solidarity and compassion would not have the meaning they ought to have if history is not understood. Hence, the launching of the city history primer as Moreno stressed is timely as it could provide solutions to the issues arising in the present time. “We need the lessons of history much more than in any other time,” Moreno said. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma affirms the mayor’s appreciation in reviving the city’s history saying that doing such would enable people “to
do even better than what was done in the past.” He also urges everyone to rethink, relive and continue the legacy that was received from the forefathers to do what is good for everyone. HisCom Commissioner Kristian Ian Sulmayor further discussed the significance of the resource material in instilling love for country among students. He said that the primer is important in contextualization emphasizing that a strong local history will help rectify the flaw on generalizing history. He also shared that the different modules would aid in checking veracity and accuracy of history as well as creating check and balances in the
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way history is interpreted. As for information dissemination, Sulmayor said that the primer is important in teaching people “to appreciate our own identity and our being Filipino� since the material will present stories of rich civilization and cultural prowess. Written by local writers and academicians, the resource material as regarded by Sulmayor as an enjoyable material to learn on, is something that the Kagay-anon could relate to, touch and comprehend easily. Schools Division Superintendent Elena Borcillo also expressed her support to impart the material to the students in the city saying that studying about the history means that people can start to discover new things and how they can contribute to
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the advancements of the city. She cited seven points that make the material a great contribution in strengthening appreciation for history and these include the understanding of society, providing sense of identity, understanding change, teaching warning signs, inspiring people, preserving stories, and constructing identity and sense of pride. HisCom Chair Erlinda Burton said that the material is just the first part of the whole primer project. The completion of such is targeted on 2018. The launching of the resource material is one of the activities lined up by the HisCom to celebrate Himugso, the city’s charter on June 15.(RTP/ PIA10)
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