Search for the Next Mining Engineer is On!

by PJTremedal

Pagadian City, Philippines – the Office of Congressman Victor J. Yu, of the First District of Zamboanga del Sur, in coordination with the Growth in Equity in Mindanao (GEM3) Program is pleased to announce that scholarship slots are now available to interested students who would like to pursue a career in Mining Engineering.

The Chamber of Mines estimates that the industry will require 100 new mining engineers annually due to the unprecedented expansion in the mining industry. This need is partially filled by an average of only 17 engineers who pass the yearly licensure examinations. Added to this is the fairly low enrollment in the degree of mining engineering in a few universities that offer such course.

The search is now on for students coming from under-represented communities and/or conflict-affected areas, who are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mining Engineering, starting in Academic Year 2009-2010 (B.S. in Mining Engineering is a five-year program). Candidates for scholarship will include current enrollees in various engineering courses who wish to shift to mining engineering, or graduating high school students, including those from GEM-supported schools throughout Mindanao.

The mining scholarship will enable the recipients to earn a B.S. in Mining Engineering degree and to give students from historically under-represented communities the opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, the expansion of the mining industry.

Participating schools are: College of Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman; College of Engineering and Architecture, Saint Louis University, Baguio City; and the Mining Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Architecture, Cebu Institute of Technology, Cebu City.

Scholarship benefits include: full or partial tuition fees, living allowance, dormitory or housing allowance, transportation between residence and school, supplies and materials, laboratory fees, miscellaneous fees, and if appropriate, air travel from hometown to college or university. The range and mix of benefits may vary by grantee, to be responsive to individual needs and situations, which will be confirmed during the application process. The nominee must take part in the application process of the targeted college or university and pass the requirements for admission. Upon acceptance, the scholar will receive financial assistance to cover the costs required for the year. The college or university will assess the scholar’s performance as a basis for the continuation of funding for the succeeding year.(With Reports from Acoy Soriano)

For more information, please direct your inquiries to:

The Office of Congressman Victor J. Yu

2/f Zamboanga Motor Supply Building,

Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City, Philippines

Telephone No.:062-2151389

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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AIPh holds Growth and Activism Training

By PJTremedal

Pagadian City- Thirty-Nine participants from the Visayas and Mindanao cities attended the two-day GAT training of the Amnesty International Philippines this weekend, March 28-29, 2009 at Daniel Hall, Roxan Hotel this city. Participants came from the cities of Pagadian, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao and one from Bacolod City in Negros Occidental.

The Growth and Activism Training is designed by the Amnesty International Philippines thru a strategical framework to achieve a sustained growth of its membership and supporters in number, diversity and activism to contribute to greater human rights impact.

Said training has also sighted Specific objectives such as; Develop basic organizational leadership knowledge and skills, Develop knowledge and skills for activism at the local level , and Developed knowledge and skills for mobilization and retention of members and supporters at the local level .

Sultan Maguid Maruhom, of the Ulama Fi Salam (UFS) and an incumbent AIPh Board Member for Mindanao, said that, the hosting of the training for the first time in Pagadian will surely enhance the skill of the members to promote advocacy in human rights.

“Yes this is the first, in Pagadian. And with this, will surely enhance our capability, especially to the AI Pagadian to be stronger in the advocacy for human rights.” He said.

Meantime, Dr. Aurora Corazon A. Parong, Section Director, Amnesty International Philippines said that, “Amnesty International Philippines will mobilize people who will contribute to greater human rights impact. AIPh will engage with diverse sectors, organize members and supporters, heighten their activism and structure their participa- tion into the organization.”

Amnesty International, as a membership-based organization, observes a formal system of accountability as set out in our International Statute. AI is also committed to meeting best practice standards in operational excellence, confidentiality, public reporting and transparency.

Amnesty International seeks to comply fully, with public standards for financial reporting and with the International Non-Governmental Organizations’ (INGO) Accountability Charter.

However, it is work for and with individuals whose rights are at risk lies at the heart of AI mission and so it is to them that owe deepest accountability. Methodologies such as impact assessment and stakeholders’ analysis enable to ensure Amnesty International is delivering real and positive change for those people for whom we work.

AI is an international movement with members all over the world. In order to work together AI's activities are organized through the following basic structures:

At a local level, AI members form groups of five or more, who work together on AI actions; Individual members also participate in AI actions in various forms and may involve themselves with the groups.

At a national level, the work of AI members and groups is developed, supported and coordinated by sections or other coordinating structures. At an international level, the work of the sections, groups and members is developed and supported by the International Secretariat, AI's central office. It is at the International Secretariat that AI's research into human rights abuses is coordinated and where most of the campaigning actions undertaken by the worldwide membership are initiated.

AI is democratic and self-governing. That means that the members decide what issues AI should be working on, and how AI should work.

The two day activity ended distributing certificate of attendance to the participants and made them learned on the Organization of Amnesty International Philippines, Governance and Management, Human Rights Campaigning, Planning, Mobilizing People, and Communicating Amnesty.

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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Crusading Mayors Joins Against Drug Abuse

By PJTremedal

Pagadian City – With the leadership of Governor Aurora Enerio Cerilles, Zamboanga Del Sur Mayors thru their league had pad passed a resolution supporting the latter’s campaign against drug abuse and other substances in the province.

PNP, PDEA and other law enforcement agencies witnessed said commitment by the mayors led by their president, Dumalinao’s Mayor Ace William Cerilles during the joint meeting of the regions two distinguished councils to preserve life and uphold peace and order.

Said joint meeting of the Regional Peace and order Council (RPOC) and the Regional disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) was held at the Hotel Alindahaw last March 25, 2009.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Zamboanga del Sur Chapter presented their Resolution No. 02 series of 2009, expressing their solidarity to support the provincial government to eradicate drug abuse and other substance especially in their own municipalities, Said resolution was read by their secretary, Josefina town mayor, Hon. Maria Fe Pitogo.

“ Prevalent social problems felt in the country today are mostly caused by drug abuse and other substance which ruins many lives, a study of the Dangerous Drugs Board shows that drug abuse problem is predominant among the young, 12-24 years old even as 18 years old is the average” she reads.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency(PDEA) of Region 9 thru its Regional Director Adzhar Albani who brief the participants that their point of operations is now focused within the Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental and Cotabato City, but Albani said. Zamboanga City is still the transshipment point of the illegal trade to Sandakan, Malaysia.
To enhance their operations, RD Albani said that he is downloading other PDEA agents in addition to the existing agents and with the instruction from PDEA Central Office that Zamboanga Del Sur is the priority.

“I am had downloading more agents to augment our existing team here in the area with the instruction from central office that this province will be the priority.” RD Albani said.
In related development, “Task Force Kontra Droga” was created by the provincial governor and to be headed by Board member Ernesto Mondarte, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Committee on Peace and Order, to capacitate operatives in the pursuit against illegal drugs and other substances in the province.

It may be recalled that, Governor Aurora Enerio Cerilles had issued an order to all law enforcement under her supervision to eradicate drug abuse and other illegal activities in Zamboanga Del Sur.(WITH REPORTS FROM REMAI ALEJADO)

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Kidnappers identified; demand 10 million ransom

By Ping Deliverio

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - Task Force Bancao-Bancao Chief and PNP Provincial Director P/Senior Superintendent Federico Castro released during a press conference held at the provincial capitol on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, released photos and cartographic sketches of suspects involved in the kidnapping of the three (3) public school teachers in Naga town last March 13.

The alleged suspects were identified as Camsa Asdanal, his two (2) un-identified sons, Ging-ging Calon and Mohammad Arani alias Gigi. P/Supt. Castro said that the group allegedly are notorious pirates and extortionist operating in the waters of Sibugay.

Castro further revealed that the kidnapping of the three (3) teachers could possibly be a retaliatory act of Camsa’s group. Accordingly, that on March 10, elements of the 18^th IB encountered Camsa’s group in the waters along RT Lim and Tungawan and engaged in a brief firefight that resulted in the wounding of one of Camsa’s kin. Camsa’s kin reportedly died the next day and was buried on March 12. Castro said that the plan to kidnap was probably hatched after the burial.

Castro disclosed while they count on the possibility that the kidnappers could have fled towards Tipo-tipo in Basilan, he added that, “there is also a possibility that they are still in our area considering the naval blockade established, it might have been difficult for them to leave the area.”

Castro further disclosed that ransom money has already been demanded by the kidnappers, but he refused, however, to divulge how much. But in a separate press conference at Kapamanok, San Pablo, during the visit of President Arroyo last March 17, PNP Regional Director of Region 9 P/Chief Superintendent Angel Hipolito T. Sunglao, divulged that a PhP 10 million ransom was demanded by the kidnappers in exchange for the safe release of the three (3) kidnapped public school teachers. Initially, thru a negotiator only known as alias ‘Bobby’, the first demand was PhP 30 million, and then was later reduced to PhP 20 million, until finally on the evening of March 16, the ransom demand was reduced to PhP 10 million.

Meanwhile, P/Supt. Castro allayed fears and rumors that one of the captives might already be dead, by saying that the last contact that was made with the kidnappers was around 2 pm Wednesday, March 18. Accordingly, the negotiator from the government side was able to hear the voices of the three (3) teachers.

Castro further added that they are abiding the no-ransom policy of the government. Atty. Nicerio Napigkit, speaking in behalf of the provincial governor, strongly condemned the kidnapping of the ‘poor, hapless and helpless teachers’. Napigkit appealed to all civic-minded Sibugaynons to join in the collective effort for the safe release of the teachers.

Kins plead to kidnappers for unconditional release

Through the media, relatives and loved ones of the kidnapped teachers appealed to the kidnappers for the safe, unconditional and early release of their kins. Helen Tarukan, sister of kidnapped Jocelyn Inion, said, “Pobreng teachers lang sila, siguro may mga anak din kayo na nag-aaral. Para sa kanila naman ang ginagawa ng kapatid ko at mga kasamahan niya. Wala silang pinipili na turuan, mapa-Kristiyano man o Muslim.” Tears welled in her eyes as she made her earnest appeal. Jocelyn Inion, has been teaching in the Bancao-bancao Elementary School for the past 9 years.

Elmer Mandi, husband of kidnapped Noemi Mandi, pleaded for her wife’s early release because of her frail health. Noemi Mandi, only recently, undertook an operation for removal of a cyst in her ovary. Elmer Mandi said that she needs to take her medicines daily and she only brought along with her her medication good for one week. Mandi has taught in the Bancao-bancao Elementary School for the past 13 years.

Rodel Enriquez, husband of captive Jocelyn Enriquez, brought along their 3 sons the youngest of which is still need to nurse from her mother’s milk. He made the same appeal if only for the sake of their youngest child.

Meanwhile, Bancao-bancao Elementary School was rendered no classes after the kidnapping incident. It can be seen with children playing outside but with classrooms padlocked. Accordingly, the remaining teachers refused to report for work for fear of being kidnapped.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council of Zamboanga Sibugay in their statements made during a press conference held at the provincial capitol, said that they are instituting measures to protect teachers from being kidnapped. They elaborated that security will be provided to teachers assigned in critical areas.

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KIDNAPPING, Fear or Favor

By PJTremedal

Kapamanok, San Pablo, ZDS - Kidnapping in Basilan, Jolo, Zamboanga, or in any part of the country is purely creating fear and paralyze government’s service, this is the pronouncement of Congressman Antonio Cerilles in an interview during the visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo here last March 17, 2009.

Congressman Cerilles commented about this menace in our society now a day after series of kidnappings had hit the country since 2006 and before. Lately another three low salaried teachers from Bangkaw-bangkaw, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay had been kidnapped by suspected lawless elements to get ransom for their favor.

According to the Regional Police Command, Regional Director P/Chief Superintendent Angel Hipolito Sunglao said as operations continues against the suspects, from 20 million ransom, the kidnappers accordingly ask for 10 million.

" I cannot confirm or deny this allegation but our intelligence sources said it goes down to 10 million, P/CSupt Sunglao said

“Why Teachers? They cannot even feed their families with their salaries.” The congressman questioned. Kidnapping is purely to create fear and paralyzes the government’s service to its people, especially in Mindanao.

A leading risk consultancy group declared the country as kidnapping hotspot in 2006 and cited corruption and ineffective law enforcement contributed to the unending halt of kidnap-for-ransom activities in the country.

In its report, the Pacific Strategies and Assessments (PSA) said that the government had failed to address” these factors with any consistency or political will “and as a result kidnapping was likely to flourish in this Southeast Asian nation of 84 million people.

In a press statement, Senator Loren Legarda said that it is the failure of this government to maintain law and order. “The Arroyo Government has failed in maintaining law and order with the continued spate of kidnapping, Definitely no question ask about it, there’s a lack that is why these are happenings” she said.

Meanwhile, Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, Philippine Marine (PN) Commandant said, that they will keep their offensive against the ASG in Basilan with-out let up. “The only way to prevent those (KFR’s-ASG-other Lawless Elements) is to go after them and if possible neutralize the group to prevent them in to another kidnapping activity.” He said.

Lately, another 3 teachers from Bangkaw-bangkaw, Naga, Zamboanga had been kidnapped by the suspects, they are: Joselyn Asuelo Inion, 39 years old a resident of Barangay Crossing, Sta Clara, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, Jocelyn Valdehueza Enriquez, 42 years old and a resident of Barangay Lapaz, Naga and Noemi Lachica Mandih, 39 years old a resident of Poblacion Naga. The victims were all regular teachers.

According to Senior Insp. Lorenzo, information officer of the Zamboanga Sibugay provincial PNP office, the police are certain that the abductors and their victims have not gone far away and are still within the area around Zamboanga Sibugay. He added, that the Task Force Bangkaw-bangkaw was organized to conduct follow-up operations.

The task force Bangkaw-bangkaw is composed of the elements of the police, army, navy, CIDG and local officials. Checkpoints are now set up by the army and police along the highways while naval blockades are being established along the seas. With reports from Ping Deliverio and the Mindanao Monitor

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PGMA orders DA Sec Yap to start San Pablo Road Project

By PJTremedal

Kapamanok, San Pablo, ZDS – A long dream came true, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who arrives in Barangay Kapamanok, Municipality of San Pablo, Zamboanga Del Sur ordered DA’s Secretary Arthur Yap to start the 16.7 Kilometers road improvement and rehabilitation.

With 20-Million budget to jumpstart said road project will be put in place a month from now, as Secretary Arthur Yap promised the people of San Pablo. Said provincial Road connects the municipalities of Guipos and San Pablo that traverse 11 barangays whose economic sources are agricultural and marine products.

With the arrival of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who visited Kapamanok today (March 17 at 10:00 AM via her Presidential Helicopter) the people of San Pablo now’s hopes for the implementation of the project with a total cost of 334.9-Million.

President Arroyo since she assumed the presidency in 2001 has vowed to push for the modernization of infrastructures including telecommunications, roads, airports, and seaports to accelerate development and progress in the countryside.

During the visit, Mayor Belman Mantos of San Pablo thank the president for a dream comes true not only for the people of San Pablo but for the rest of the 2nd District of the province, said project traverses Barangays Canunan and Guling of Guipos municipality and Payag, Mabuhay, Mulansong, Pangapong, Kapamanok, Villakapa, Upper Pantad, Pantad and Poblacion of the municipality of San Pablo.

“This is one-way of giving thanks the people of Zamboanga del Sur particularly the people of San Pablo who supported me” the President said.

Meanwhile, Congressman Antonio H. Cerilles with his wife Governor Aurora E Cerilles who meet the President in his visit was also accompanied by other dignitaries Congressman Victor J Yu of the 1^st District, RD P/CSupt Hipolito Sunglao of PNP RO9, RD Oscar Parawan of DA-RFU9, and other Regional Directors, DepED personalities, national and local officials of Zamboanga del Sur and other dignitaries to include the full forced of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, members of the ZDS Mayors League headed by Mayor Ace William Cerilles.

The 20 minute visit of the President gives the people of San Pablo their widest smiles as they watch the choppers landing in a coconut field. The visit is the first in San Pablo and second of the President this year, it may be recalled that PGMA start her day’s work in 2009 at Midsalip last January 5, 2009.

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3 Naga public school teachers abducted

By Ping Deliverio

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay --Three public school teachers of the Bangkaw-bangkaw Elementary School, Naga municipality, were abducted at around 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon Friday, March 13, 2009.

Initial reports revealed that the three public school teachers, namely; Noemi Lachica Mandi, 39 years old, Jocelyn Azuelo Inion, 30 years old, and Jocelyn Valdehueza Enriquez, 42 years old, were on board the motorized pumpboat along the waters of Sibugay bay on their way home to Poblacion Naga from their teaching jobs when ordered to stop by four (4) armed men on board another motorized banca. The pumboat operator Tajir Abdurahim, their regular boat driver, jumped overboard for fear of his life when the four (4) suspects aimed their high-powered firearms at them.

A fourth teacher, Arquiza Jumawan Yusop, who rode along with them was spared. She said that she was left behind when one of the abductors ordered that muslim teachers will be spared. The armed group, together with the abducted teachers then sped off towards the high seas in an undetermined location.

Elements of the police and the military are now continuously conducting pursuit operations amid the declaration of the provincial PNP headed by P/Supt. Federico Perez Castro for a full red alert in the entire province.

According to Senior Insp. Lorenzo, information officer of the provincial PNP office, the police are certain that the abductors and their victims have not gone far away and are still within the area around Zamboanga Sibugay. He added, that the Task Force Bangkaw-bangkaw was organized to conduct follow-up operations.

The task force Bangkaw-bangkaw is composed of the elements of the police , army, navy, CIDG and local officials. Checkpoints are now set up by the army and police along the highways while naval blockades are being established along the seas.

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ZPRAA 2009 Opens

By PJTremedal

Dumingag, ZDS – The hall of famer in the child friendly movement in region once again open it doors to the people of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region as it host this years Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) DepED Sports Competition 2009.

March 15 (Sunday) up to the 19th of the month, The Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) of the Department of Education Region IX formally opens it sports competition attended by more or less 3,000 athletes, coaches, chaperons, local officials, and DepED Technical Officiating Officials from eight (8) member DepED School Division delegations.

The eight (8) DepED School Divisions were: Division of Zamboanga del Sur; with 168 Athletes (Elementary Level), 205 Athletes (Secondary Level), 57 coaches, and 12 DepED Officials, Division of Zamboanga del Norte; 112 Athletes(Elementary Level), 99 (secondary level), 30 coaches, and 16 DepED Officials, Division of Zamboanga Sibugay with 162 (Elementary level athletes), 196 (Secondary Level Athletes), 57 coaches, and 9 DepED Officials, Division of Isabela City with 80 (Elementary level athletes) 147 (Secondary Level athletes), 30 coaches, and 16 DepED Officials, Division of Pagadian City with 76 (Elementary Level Athletes) 99 (Secondary Level Athletes), 27 Coaches and 9 DepED Officials, Division of Dipolog City with 91(Elementary Level athletes),144 (Secondary Level Athletes), 34 Coaches, and 3 DepED Officials, Division of Dapitan City with 20 (Elementary Level Athletes), 78 (Secondary Level Athletes), 11 coaches, and 3 DepED Officials, and the biggest delegation came from the Division of Zamboanga City with 174(Elementary Level Athletes) 209 (Secondary Level Athletes) 48 Coaches and 22 DepED Officials.

As host municipality, Mayor Nacenciano Pacalioga Jr. warmly welcome the delegations together with other local Officials of the province of Zamboanga del Sur led Governor Aurora Enerio Cerilles, Congressman Antonio H. Cerilles of the 2nd District who was the Guest Speaker, Congressman Victor J Yu of the First District, Mayor Ace William Cerilles, President of the Zamboanga del Sur Mayors League, City Mayor Samuel S. Co of Pagadian, Municipal Mayors, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, and DepED Region 9 Officials led by OIC Regional Director Dr. Walter O Albos.

In his message, Congressman Antonio H. Cerilles who has been very supportive to sports and health program of the government said that, this is only the beginning of which our students both in the elementary and secondary to change their views in participating this kind of activities as part of their education and growing up.

“Our local officials, Government and the Department should be in the look out of this young generation, to be competitive to other region, first they should be nourish with good food, good training to be a champion in their games.” Congressman Cerilles said.

“Sports competition needs stamina, endurance, strength, how can we achieve if this ingredients are not satisfied with our young athletes? This is a challenge for us officials” He adds

Meanwhile, Host Mayor Pacalioga assured every delegation on security, support, sanitation, billeting, and other needs in the ZPRAA Regional Athletic Meet 2009.

On security matters, PNP Provincial Director P/SSupt Ramon Ochotorena has augmented the Dumingag PNP Municipal Station with elements from other PNP Municipal Station all over the province, a team from the 906th PNP Provincial Mobile Group, and in coordination with the 5th Infantry Battalion of the army’s premier division.

The activity ended up with flying of balloons with the hope of unity, peace, sportsmanship, and responsibility.

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Cop’s Wives formed and organized.

By PJTremedal

Camp Abelon, Pagadian City – With the enthusiasm as Regional President of the Philippine National Police Ladies Club, Professor Ma. Carla Althea Ochotorena who followed what the national president, Mrs. Cynthia Verzosa had said to her, “Every policeman wife should be his only one” formed and organized the wives of all policemen in the province.

Not because of this reason alone but to help and support the wives of every policeman in her husband command be taught of all the reason why they marry their husbands. To fully understand their husbands work and become the shield of comfort to his co-wives and families.

“Forming ourselves and grouping us into one is the very reason why, as your regional president has dream of, putting things in order. With our grouping we can now be a force to reckon with, not for our husbands alone, but our families, our children and our community” she said.

Last March 15, two(2) Police Municipal Station cop’s wives were organized and take their oaths as their husbands’ supporters and members of the local PNP Ladies Clubs.

Dinas PNP Municipal Station under P/SInsp Nurhasan Pailan together with his wife, Eteth, formed and organized the PNP Ladies Club with Ms. Melcita C. Lomocso as President, VP was Mrs. Gliceria Mejorada, Secretary- PO2 Roselyn C. Edao, Treasurer- Mrs. Cherry B. Asoy, Auditor- Mrs. Alyn P. Cosar, PIO- Mrs. Irene A. Asoy and Sgt –at-Arms were Mrs. Guendulyn Dumasig and Mrs. Fredilyn Palada and there adviser were Mrs Eteth Pailan and Mrs. Vecinta Y. Asoy.

In the oathtaking ceremony, Mayor Wilfredo Asoy Sr. and Vice Mayor Fatima Lamparas assured of their commitment to help and support the cop’s wives being a part and parcel of the local community.

“Woman Empowerment is now the call of a well develop and peaceful community, being your mayor I assure you of my help and commitment” the Mayor said.

Meanwhile, in the town of Molave, P/SSupt Boy Sinajon and P/SSupt Flor Sinajon, husband and wife police officers formed and organized the Molave PNP Ladies Club not as a mandate by the National PNP Ladies Club but to achieved and favors the organization to be of help with the members of the Molave Police Force.

The duo as the highest officials in the local police force see to it that the wives of every policeman in the community will participate and be of help in there husbands mission and jobs.

“Like any other organization, camaraderie, projects and programs, especially livelihood, will definitely help our police families, and by doing these, problems within their families will be solved” P/SSupt Ramon Ochotorena said.

In the Molave PNP Ladies Club, JO2 Remosa Ramillano takes her oath as the President and followed by her Vice President Mrs. Riza Apat, Secretary- Mrs. Nanette Banuelosa, Treasurer- Mrs. Dioclesia Lingatong, Auditor-Mrs. Ma. Zelda Asok, PIO- Mrs. Fe Supapo, and Business managers- Mrs. Andrea Apat and Grace Colipano.

“This organization will foster good relationship with other policeman wives. As we understand our husbands work, this can strengthen the morality and integrity of our families” Professor Ochotorena said as she reiterated on the goals and objectives of forming the local PNP Wives into one solid group.

Meantime, Mrs. Linda Mira Saniel, the only wife of Mayor Flavio Saniel Jr who was the guest speaker shared words of inspiration to the newly installed officers of the Molave PNP Ladies Club.

Last month, the ZDS PNP Ladies Circle has also supported the formation of the Dumalinao PNP Ladies Club and the Tukuran PNP Ladies Club.

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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ZamdeSur Butterfly Park Opens

by PJTremedal

Dao, Pagadian City – sprawling in a 5,480 square meters plus a 560 sq meter butterfly c-doom designed and managed by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturists, the ZamdeSur (Zamboanga Del Sur) Butterfly park is now open for the Zambosurians.

Today (March 13, 2009) Together with the Governor Aurora Enerio Cerilles, Congressman Victor J Yu of the province 1^st District, Rev. Fr. Nestor Ramaso of the Santo Niño Parish (who led the religious ritual), Provincial Agriculturists Marilyn Bersales, Provincial Tourism Officer Tatton Padayhag, local Media, and employees of the provincial government, the private sector, and representatives from other government offices both the regional, local and national offices attended the launching of the park.

Said Butterfly Park is a collaborative effort by the provincial government offices to establish economic enterprise to enhance the promotion thru the local tourism industry by creating the Provincial Agro-Tourism, Cultural Heritage Complex.

“This will be an economic enterprise for the province, and with our effort to promote our potentials, be it man made or natural tourism destination. “ Governor Cerilles said.

The Park was made to not only to promote the tourism industry of the Cerilles Administration but to make it as an educational park to the children of Zamboanga del Sur. And can be of use as a public place for lovers, families, friends, and business professionals.

“As we had planned, to promote the province tourism and cultural heritage, we establish this provincial agro-tourism, cultural heritage complex to house this kind of economic enterprise, such as the butterfly park is one of the attraction establish by the provincial Agriculturists office, this will be our vehicle to enhance our social activities.” Toruism Officer Padayhag added.

Meantime, Provincial Agriculturist Bersales confirmed that the establishment of the Butterfly Park is their commitment to the complex, initial funding are charge to the department’s MOEE and support from the Governor’s Office.

“ Yes, as part of our commitment to help and support the plan of establishing the Provincial Government Agro-Tourism and Cultural Heritage Complex, our department decided to create and designed this park in our designated area.” She said.

The Provincial Government Agro-Tourism and Cultural Heritage Complex started to be establish was during the province hosting of the DOT’s WOW Regional Showcase and the Megayon Festival of 2006.

As part of the province plan to fully develop the province potentials thru the 7 point agenda of the Cerilles administration, the complex was establish in Barangay Dao which is formerly, the PADAP(Philippine-Australian Development Assistance Program) compound.

Al Khalifa: Environmental Source Book launch

Pagadian City – An environmental source book especially researched, designed, and written for the Filipino Muslim was formally launch by the EcoGov 2 project of Zamboanga del Sur to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of Region 9.

“Al Khalifa” Arabic word that means the steward is environmental source books specifically design for the Filipino Muslims to encourage environmental protection and preservation in their own language and produced by the Philippine Eco Gov Project funded by the USAID.

The Al-Khalifa advocates the management of natural resources as both a moral and legal obligation of Muslims with injunctions from the Holy Quran. From this perspective, the sourcebook urges all Muslims to take a proactive role as stewards of the earth. The sourcebook was developed by EcoGov in consultation with Islamic scholars and the Assembly of the Darul Ifta of the Philippines and released in 2007.

Mr. Edward Lim, EcoGov2 Project Coordinator for Western Mindanao said that,

“Al Khalifa will surely help the Filipino Muslim understand what is environmental preservation and protection in there own language.”

The environmental source book was launch during the regional management conference attended by DENR personnel’s and chief of offices led by Regional Environment Director Maximo Dichoso.

“We are glad to hear and see the effort of this project to help us in our goals and objectives and encourages our Muslim brothers to understand fully our role to protect and preserve our environment,” RED Dichoso said.

The EcoGov is a non-government organization funded by the people of America known as USAID with expertise in giving out technical assistance concerning environmental management and working with Local Government Units with the support from the Department of Environment and natural Resources (DENR).

Moreover, during the launching of the environmental source book testimonies from Mayor Wilfredo Asoy of Dinas on how EcoGov project help his local government in achieving its environmental responsibilities to become an environment friendly municipality.

Representatives from the Office of Muslim Affairs, and other guests welcomed and appreciated the distribution of the Al Khalifa.

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
CALL OR TEXT ME : 0929-589-6390
OR E-MAIL ME : pjtremedal@gmail.com
visit my website: www.pag-enews.tk

M.R.S. is DOTC Priority- USEC Mamondiong

Pagadian City – M.R.S. or the Mindanao Railways System is a priority project of the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Arroyo Government . The national government has given much thought on the development of Mindanao banking on its huge agricultural production potential.

USEC Guiling Mamondiong , DOTC Under Secretary for Railways, who recently visit Region 9 as Area Development Officer during the Regional Management Council conducted its Planning Workshop in Pagadian City, the new Regional Center for the Zamboanga Peninisula, said that,

Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Leandro Mendoza said the department has given priority in the construction of the railway system in Mindanao despite the ongoing conflict in certain areas in the island.

The Mindanao Railway System (MRS) is expected to enhance the prime investment in Mindanao as site in the East Asian Growth Area (EAGA), a growth polygon composed of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines (BIMP).

“Some time next month, the Mindanao Railway Project Office will be establish in Cagayan De Oro City to facilitate the conduct of a Feasibility Study of the Master Plan that will be funded by the government.” He said.

USEC Mamondiong as overseer of the MRPO added that, the government will be putting 52-M to fund the said study and other technical possibilities to the 2,000 kilometers railway.

Further, USEC Mamondiong said the government has approached Poland, Saudi Arabia, Spain for overseas development assistance (ODA) for the project, but as of this time it is India who is very interested. The said railway system will cost the government around $800 million to $1 billion — more than the initial estimate of around $700 million for the project.

The railway system will also link two vital Mindanao gateways,USEC Mamondiong said. These are the Laguindingan International Airport and the Mindanao Container Terminal. It will have passenger and cargo operations.The route is being prioritized, since the covered stretch is the industrial gateway and a key trade center of Mindanao.

Accordingly, the Arroyo Government will be creating a coordinating committee composed of the DPWH, NEDA, DOTC, DBM and Speaker of the Lower House Prospero Nograles as its Adviser. The Mindanao Railways System will start in the Cagayan-Iligan Corridor (CIC) or Jasaan, Misamis Oriental to Linamon, Lanao del Norte coastal line.

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
CALL OR TEXT ME : 0929-589-6390
OR E-MAIL ME : pjtremedal@gmail.com
visit my website: www.pag-enews.tk

New Media Alliance Founded

By PJTremedal

Iligan City, Philippines – After a long debate on media rights and welfare, Media practitioners from Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Ozamis City, Oroquieta City, Pagadian City and Davao City who attended the two-day Mindanao Media Forum on Peace, Conflict and Security hosted by the Civil Society Organization-Forum for peace Inc. based in this city organized themselves and founded a new alliance of media workers of Mindanao.

Calling themselves, “Mangagawang Media ng Mindanao (MMM)” is not a political driven organization of media workers, but an alliance to promote media rights and welfare of all practicing media personalities, clubs, or chapters of national media organization, technical people, from broadcast, print, television and online media outfits based in Mindanao.

The group’s objective is also to capacitate member workers in trainings, skills, and continuing media education. Mangagawang Media Ng Mindanao also adhere to environment preservation and protection, gender sensitivity, and sustainable societal development.

In the founding of the alliance of media workers, fifteen delegates where elected as board of trustees to form the first set of officers to led, they were: Philip Ken Jaudian of the Iligan Tri-media Association, Iligan City as President, Frank Dosdos of ICPC as VP for Internal Affairs, Philip James M. Tremedal of NUJP Pagadian Chapter and www.Mpilgrim.tk as VP External Affairs, Voily Gloria of MindaNEWS as Corporate Secretary, Arman Apolinario of CSO-FP as Treasurer, Ric Clet of GMANEWS.TV as Auditor, Phil Paalan of ICPC as Executive Director.

Other members of the Board of Trustees were: Pastor Tenorio Jr. of CSO-FP, Tony Abejo of Malindang Tribune,Oroquieta City, Rocky Reyes of DXSY Ozamis City, Ted Khan Juanite of ICPC, Jnu enriquez of CSO-FP, Noel Manapzal of DXSY Ozamis City, Toto Alquizar of Lanao Mail, and Jong Cadion of Mindano Monitor and www.Mpilgrim.tk .

Mangagawang Media Ng Media (MMM) will be formally launched on March 22, 2009 during the celebration of the Mindanao Peace Day.

On Random Drug Test , “We Go For It” – SERRATO Says

By PJTremedal

Pagadian City – Zamboanga del Sur Division Superintendent Vizminda Serrato of the Department of Education recently told this outfit that they go for the DepED Random Drug Testing as it will open the next school year 2009-2010.

“We go for it” she says.

The Random Drug Testing to be adopted by the Department is a vital step to protect students from dangerous drugs and to provide them (victims) with assistance to stop them from further use.

“It should be viewed as a purely health issue designed to stop students from falling into the trap of substance abuse” Said ZSNHS Principal Roberto Bibanco.

“Random Drug Testing will also be helping us a lot and support us in eradicating drug abuse in our schools”, Div Supt Serrato added.

Lately, the government’s campaign against drug abuse in the schools thru the random drug testing met negative reaction especially with the human rights group.

However, Educators said that this will be resolve if the schools will be clean from drug abuse and other substance which is now a problem of every school administrator.

In Zamboanga Del Sur, the provincial government recently launches an iron arm against drug proliferation and abuse. With the help and support of the PNP, Military, PDEA, Local government units and other non- government organizations the anti drug campaign will be strengthen.

“Enough is enough this would be stopped”, Governor Aurora Enerio Cerilles strongly said.

No Plate No Travel Policy Strongly Imposed

By PJTremedal

Pagadian City – The Zamboanga del Sur PNP Provincial Command has implemented the “No plate, no travel policy “to fast track on the PNP's drive against criminality. This could be of help to the police in the anti-criminality drive especially on suspected gun for hires and other criminals in tandem by using motorcycles without plate numbers.

This is the statement of the Zamboanga Del Sur Provincial Command under P/SSUPT Ramon M. Ochotorena who believed in the LTO’s Administrative Order 2008-015 which prescribes the rules and regulations for the use and operation of motorcycles on highways.

“We strongly implement this administrative order of the Land Transportation Office in this area to collar suspected criminals who ride in tandem with motorcycles without plate numbers.” He said.

Meantime, City Police Director P/CINSP Parson Juljani Asadil with the directives from higher headquarters conducts random police checkpoints in major thoroughfares of the city that are frequently used by motorcycle riders.

Students, professionals, and even husband and wives in tandem are stopped to be ask whether they have complete pertinent papers on their motorcycles.

“We always conduct random checkpoints especially during night time. To check on motor riders, late this we week we had apprehended motor riders without OR/CR. No plates, unregistered, and improvised motorcycles.” Asadil said.

For the past years, motorcycles were used in criminality not only for gun for hires but also to transport illegal substances like the dreaded illegal drugs “shabu”.

It may be recalled, that there were reported killings in the past where gun for hires used motorcycles as there get away vehicles. They always ride in tandem.

“Yes, we are aware with this kind of modus operandi that is why we frequent the city with random checking of motorcycles especially with rides at the back thru the No Plate No Travel Policy adopted by this government to help us in our anti-criminality campaign.” P/CINSP Asadil further said.

In a recent incident, a police officer was shot by two riding suspects in a Yamaha DT Motorcycle along Ariosa corner Sanson St in Pagadian City.

78 Years Old Lola Robbed, Killed

By PJTremedal

Pagadian City – The Pagadian City finest’s is now facing a blank wall who are the suspects in killing a 78 year old Lola inside a bathroom strangled and tied and left dead.

Martina Vasaylaje Vde Gumapon, 78 years, a widow was found by his grandson lifeless inside their bathroom , hogtied, blindfolded, and the whole house was in disarray after unknown suspects robbed and carted away cash and other valuables to include his fathers Isuzu Crosswinds as a get-away car.

Lola Martina is the mother of former Technical Manager Engineer Henry Gumapon of the Zamsureco I Electric Cooperative and that time was in the town of Aurora attending a member cooperative meeting.

Police report disclosed that, last March 1, 2009 at 2:45 P.M. they received a police assistance from Ray Vincent Gumapon, 12 years old, Lola Martina’s grandson who reported that he came home from school with his four (4) other classmates found their house robbed and his Lola sprawled inside the bathroom dead.

Police chief P/CINSP Parson Asadil immediately sent his investigation team and called the Provincial PNP SOCO (Scene of the crime operatives) to help in the investigation, while the NBI under Atty. Moises Tamayo, Provincial Head also investigate the reported robbery.

NBI and Police investigation found out that suspects was able to enter the house and hogtied, blindfolded, and to silence her put her inside the bathroom and ransacked the whole house and carted away valuable things from the masters bedroom to include (1) cellphone Nokia N-90, (1) Sony Video Camera, (1) Sony cybershot camera, (1) sony DVD, and cash money amounting to 154-T pesos and 10-T US dollars.

In a local TV interview, Engr. Gumapon said that his mother was always left alone in their house if all are in school or in office.

“My mother is always our caretaker when all of us will be going to our offices and the children in school. He said.

On the robbery, Engr. Gumapon further said that, it is the third time that they were robbed but this is the must shocking when his mother was killed by the robbers.

Mean time City Police Chief, P/CINSP Asadil said that they are now investigating the crime and in joint efforts with the NBI in tracking the suspects who carted away the Isuzu Crosswind SUV with plate number KCW-844 which later was recovered by the NBI team in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte 75 kilometers away from the crime scene abandoned.

Barangay Chairman Shot, suspect dressed as a Gay

By PJTremedal

Pagadian City – After attending a relief operation by Congressman Victor J Yu, of this province’s 1st District in his Barangay which suffered from a fire were 137 families homeless, Barangay Chairman Ronald “Toto” Navarro was shot by a lone gunman in a woman dress.

In the morning of February 28, 2009, Congressman Victor J Yu, Congressman of the province 1st District came and distributed cash assistance to the fire victims of Barangay Santiago with Chairman Ronald Navarro and his Barangay officials, Barangay tanods, and other visiting guest to include the local media who covered the congressman’s relief assistance.

After the cash assistance, the congressman left while Barangay Chairman Navarro was interviewed by the local media, and after thirty minutes the media left the area.

Navarro, together with some victims and his Barangay tanods was preparing to leave for home shots were fired from nowhere and people scampered for safety.

Witnesses disclosed that a 5”7”, fair complexion man, wearing a sleeveless shirt, short pants, bringing along a shoulder bag and a headband in his head and look like a gay with a caliber .45 pump bullets to the Barangay chairman hitting him in the body and legs and one of his tanods was also shot.

In the Police Investigation, disclosed that, the suspect fled on foot as he shot it out with the other tanods however escaped.

Chairman Navarro was brought immediately to the Pagadian City Medical Center with four (4) gunshot wounds and his tanod known as Concordio Natingga Y Lozano, 32 years old, married a resident of Barangay Santiago with a lone gunshot wound in his stomach. However they were pronounced safe by attending physicians.

Meanwhile, P/CINSP Parson Asadil who led the police investigation said that they are now fully investigating the case and finding out possible angles of what are the motives of the crime.