Kidnapped Naga teachers now in Tuburan, Basilan

By Ping Deliverio, Sibugay Express

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - A reliable informant who is based in Basilan relayed information on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, that the three (3) kidnapped teachers from Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay were sighted recently in the remote and mountainous areas in Tuburan municipality, province of Basilan .

On conditions of anonymity, a government official who received the call from the informant divulged to Sibugay Express that the group who had taken captive of the three (3) public school teachers from Naga, have already joined with MILF forces based in the said area.

Accordingly, as a result of the pursuit and rescue operations conducted by the police, military and several civilian volunteers led by a former mayor of said town, Usman Lidjal and his group of bandits, who is believed to have taken captive of the Sibugay teachers, have sought refuge and joined the MILF forces allegedly numbering about a hundred armed elements in a mountainous area of Tuburan, Basilan.

The same informant said that allegedly, the group of a cousin of the late Abdusallam Akkiden also known as Commander Kiddie, was responsible for the kidnapping of the three (3) teachers in Bankaw-bankaw, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay on March 13, 2009. The teachers were later brought to Basilan and were turned over to the group of Usman Lidjal.

The kidnappers then demanded for a PhP 10 million in exchange for the release of the teachers. But the insistence of the Provincial Crisis Committee of the province of Sibugay to abide with the no-ransom policy of the government and not to negotiate with any ransom demand from the kidnappers prompted the kidnappers to reduce the ransom to PhP 300,000.00 representing as payment for ‘board and lodging’ of the 3 teachers.

Meanwhile, Asec. Crisanto “Monsi” B. Dela Cruz, Presidential Assistant for Western Mindanao , corroborated the information that the captive teachers from Zamboanga Sibugay are now in Basilan. In an interview with Sibugay Express, Asec De la Cruz said that he received reports that the three (3) teachers from Sibugay province are believed to be in Basilan, but he did not specify which particular place in the province. He further said that he has no knowledge whether or not they were joined with the three (3) other teachers and one (1) businessman who were also kidnapped in Zamboanga City and were brought to Basilan.

Asec. Dela Cruz further averred that he received specific instructions from Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to closely monitor the rescue operations in Basilan. He reiterated the government’s no-ransom policy on kidnapping.

In another development...

Naga teachers hesitant to go back to teaching posts

Public school teachers who are assigned in the public elementary schools in barangays Bankaw-bankaw, Mamagon and Kalintana all of Naga municipality, are now hesitant to report to their teaching jobs as the opening of classes on June nears.

Fearing that they might suffer the same fate as with their three (3) colleagues who were abducted last March 13, 2009 in Bankaw-bankaw, Naga, the teachers, who are mostly Christians, said that their jobs now have become very risky. Unless assured of their safety, the teachers will go back to their assigned posts, it was gathered.

Bankaw-bankaw, Mamagon and Kalintana are remote barangays in Naga municipality which are believed to be lairs of pirates, bandits and Muslim separatist rebels.

It can be recalled that on March 13, 2009 three (3) public school teachers were abducted while on their way home aboard a pumpboat from Bankaw-bankaw elementary school. A fourth teacher was spared by the abductors because she was a Muslim. Until now, the teachers are still with their captors and are believed to be in Basilan province.

Mrs. Fe Mejico, Principal II and District Supervisor of Naga District, lamented to Sibugay Express her dilemma as she said that once the teachers won’t report for work during the opening of classes, the remaining teachers will be overloaded with work because they will handle the sections or classes that will be left behind by the Christian teachers.

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Gov Panlilio holds consultative meeting in Iligan city

By: Armand Apolinario., Mangagawang Media Ng Mindanaw

Iligan City- Governor “Among” Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and in cooperation with the Tomas R. Cabili, Jr. Foundation hold a Consultative meeting with the media and all other sectors that was held in Maria Cristina Hotel on May 16, 2009, this city.

Panlilio was accompanied by Mr. Tomas R. Cabili, Jr., Mr. Patrick D. Pantaleon of Lasalle Ateneo at Lahat na and others. The forum were attended by about 100 people more or less coming from city government officials, brgy officials, youth, women, NGOs, CSOs and others.

In a speech by Panlilio, he said that he was here not to campaign rather to conduct a Consultative meeting with the media, government officials and all other sectors & people of Iligan as he was urged by many Filipino people to run for President this coming May 2010 Elections.

Panlilio disclosed that he had won as Governor in Pampanga in the last 2007 elections that his constituents fully supported him in the campaign to include its resources that came from the people as he all defeated his opponents; the Quarry Lord and Wetting-Gambling Lord in their province and he is now successful in his good & transparent governance with the support of his supporters in Pampanga, he did and showed the “Leadership by Example”. He collected about P234-million per annum on quarrying alone, he had eliminated the graft & corruptions especially in the bidding of government projects and others, “wala ng lagayan-grease money” and government employees work for an 8 hours a day.

Our country is # 3 in natural resources and # 5 in marine resources in the world but majority of our people are very poor due to mismanagement and graft of corruptions by some of our government officials. Filipinos are good, bright, best bayanihan, makikapwa & makisama but now all these “good moral values” have lost, we have to make reforms with our moral values, so we can attain & solve the plight & poverty problems of our people and we need good leaders that are not corrupt and competent who will hold offices in the government, Panlilio added.

With our current national budget about P1-trillion, allegedly 50% of that goes to personal pockets by some of our government officials. Many Filipinos have migrated to other countries in order to earn greener pasture but after 25 to 30 years, 40% of them want to come back in our country because they are borne here. He is much happy that the participants are still here & remained in the country, Panlilio said.

In an open forum, Panlilio asked that if he becomes the President of the Republic in 2010, what will he do in his 1^st year of office? Panlilio replied that he will first address the graft & corruption problems; to appoint secretaries & heads of different government offices that are competent, incorrupt & patriotic people.

On Mindanao peace & order problem, Panlilio will continue the honest to goodness dialogues with the rebels and talk about the root-causes of the problems, to include all people, the Christians, Muslims & Lumads. Also to solve the human rights violations, foods supply, education, infrastructure projects, health care & others. With the intervention of America in our internal affair-governance, we have to use our “political will” urge & and ask them (other countries’ leaders) not to intervene in the operation & implementation of our governance.

Panlilio assured the Filipino people to have a good & transparent governance, to solve the graft & corruption problems, the poverty problem of our poor people and the peace & development of the country.

Finally, Mr. Cabili, Jr. said that he was much thankful to the participants who attended this forum and he hopes that Iligan will soon come back its economic boom and its peace & order.

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20-T worth of “shabu” netted by City Finest’s

By PJTremedal

Pagadian City – More or less 20-T worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or otherwise known as “shabu” was netted by the Pagadian City finest in a joint buy bust operation against a single suspect selling the said dangerous drugs in the city, May 12, at ten o’clock in the evening beside a business establishment.

In a joint buy bust operation by the city olice under the supervision of Police Chief Inspector Michael Palermo and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency based in Pagadian caught red handed Orlando San Lorenzo y Sila, 41 years old, married and resident of Alano St., Santiago District.

The operation netted some 105 pieces of sachet/plastic heat sealed sachet containing white crystal suspected to be “shabu” estimated to 11 grams and worth 20 thousand pesos in the street from San Lorenzo.

“We been tailing the suspect for days and when our spotter saw him dealing we immediately conducted a buy bust operation” PCI Palermo said.

Meanwhile, TF Druga chief SP member Ernesto Mondarte said that the campaign against illegal drugs and other substance is now gaining grounds due to the help and support of the lower echelon of the government, the Barangays.

“They are helping us and the police to do the job and clean Zamboanga Del Sur against this menace of our society” SP Mondarte said.

SP member Ernesto Mondarte is the chairman on the Committee on Public Safety and Police in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga Del Sur and appointed by the Governor Auring Cerilles to led the Task Force “Druga”.

Meanwhile, Pagadianons are now asking the city government in their participation on the campaign especially the chairman of the committee on police and public safety of the Sangguniang Panlunsod who had been elected and to protect the people of Pagadian.

It may be recalled that DILG Secretary Puno had directed all LGU’s to implement Memo Circular 20090-09 and face administrative sanction if not implemented.

With this, the local chapter of the League of Municipalities led by Mayor Ace William Cerilles has passed a resolution in support to the campaign against illegal drugs and other substances in all of the 26 municipalities of the province.

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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TABAK Marks 73rd Founding Anniversary

Press Release: DPAO,1ID,PA

PULACAN, LABANGAN, ZDS – The officers, men and civilian employees of the 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army under the sterling leadership of Major General Romeo D Lustestica, AFP celebrated the division’s 73^rd Founding Anniversary, in its theme: “Team TABAK: Kaagapay sa Mapaya at Maunlad na Kinabukasan”, with Honorable Aurora E Cerilles, Governor of Zamboanga del Sur, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker on May 12, 2009.

The simple and austere but meaningful celebration began with a static display of armor and field artillery assets and demonstration of infantry rifle squad maneuvers performed by the troops from1st Division Training Unit. Afterwhich, the Tabak Troopers tendered a traditional military parade-in-review. Moreover, the Division Officers, Division Chaplains, and Division Sergeant Major conceptualized and composed a Tabak Toopers’ Prayer, has been first ever recited during the ecumenical prayer officiated by the Division Chaplains; Cpt Adzramien T Sahisa (representing the Muslims), Cpt Domingo L Labrilla (representing the Catholics) and Cpt Misael B Abueva (representing the Protestants).

Highlighting the ceremony was the pinning of awards to the best units, and medals to deserving officers and soldiers for their exemplary performance in the military service. Likewise, awards were also presented to civilian stakeholders who have contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the Command’s mission.

.Among the awardees are 102^nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, adjudged as the “Best Brigade” for CY 2008; 53^rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, as the “Best Battalion” for CY 2008; Sgt Ariel A Cedron (EODT) and Sgt Sim A Tac-an (103^rd Bde) received Bronze Cross Medal; and, 1Lt Clinton S Collados (55IB), 1Lt Norly C Oropesa (53IB), and 2Lt Regie O Briones (32IB) have been awarded with Military Merit Medal. The civilian awardees are Governor Mamintal A Adiong Jr, of Lanao del Sur; Juan C Regala, Board Member, 2^nd District of ZDS; Juanito B Gonzales, Board Member, 1^st District, Zamboanga Sibugay; Mayor Benjamin D Pilota, of Concepion, Misamis Occidental; Mayor Julius A Acosta, of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Dr Perlie P Sibud of Country Hospital, Titay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Dr Ulysses J Chiong, PHO II, of Zamboanga Sibugay Province for their invaluable services and support extended to the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division. Likewise, the provincial government of Zamboang del Sur has been recognized thru the presentation of Plaque of Appreciation which was received by Honorable Regala on behalf of Governor Cerriles.

As the Guest of Honor and Speaker, Governor Cerilles commended the Tabak Troopers for their professionalism and undying allegiance in upholding peace in Mindanao, “I salute you for your disciplined adherence to the welfare of the people,” she said. “I acclaim you for your unstinting support in our renewed campaign against crime and terrorism,” she added. As vanguards of peace, Governor Cerilles looks up to the gallantry of the soldiers and their self sacrifice in defending this nation against insurrection and other forms of threats that may hamper the of life of the people.

On the other hand, MGen Lustestica, in his anniversary message, expressed that Team Tabak is always focused, ready and capable of performing its mission to protect the people, secure the sovereignty of the Republic and defend the nation’s territorial integrity. “ Ang makasaysayang araw na ito, sama-sama nating sariwain at muling pagtibayin an gating pangakong maglingkod nang buong husay at katapatan sa sambayanang Pilipino,” he said. He emphasized, that through the years, the Tabak Division gained greater sense of maturity in upholding its institutional responsibility in preserving the democratic governance. “We grow throughout the years, time has toughened our spirit to be a servant of peace, a fighter for freedom and an agent of development,” he said.

The 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division takes it as a challenge to find innovative ways to touch-base with the people and make sure that the benefits of progress reach even the remotest villages in the archipelago. As the Tabak Division performs its part of bringing closer to the people, it remained geared towards victory in the battlefield and over the enemies of the state. Thus, the Tabak Division, through the Commander, calls for a culture of peace meted with love and determination to find non-violent solutions.

The week-long celebration commenced with the Sportfest competition - 14 May 09; Fun Run - 25 Apr 09; Blood Letting & Operation “Tuli” - 29 Apr 09; Enlisted Personnel Night Social - 06 May 09; Blessing of newly renovated facilities, Vermiculture project and Mass wedding - 07 May 09 and anniversary mass – 12 May 2009.

Present to grace the occasion are: Hon Juan C Regala, Board Member of the 2^nd District, Zamboanga del Sur; Hon Juanito B Gonzales, Board Member of 1^st District, Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Hon Samuel S Co, Mayor of Pagadian City; Hon Bonifacio C Vega, Mayor of Tukuran; Hon Benjamin D Pilota Jr, Mayor of Concepcion, Misamis Occidental; Hon Julius G Acosta, Mayor of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Hon Elicita Ruiz, Chairwoman of Upper Pulacan; PCI Rafael Odevilas as the Representative of PSS Ramon M Ochotorena from Camp Abelon, PSI Nesto Mantes Vicente Sr, the Chief of Police Tukuran; P/Insp Ryeah Llod Suegay Bato, OIC, Chief of Police, Labangan; Dr Perlie P Sibud MD from Country Hospital of Titaty; and Col Tatar M Boriongan PA (Ret) as the Representative of Governor Mamintal A Adiong Jr. The Brigade Commanders, Battalion Commanders and other officers, men and women, and civilian employees of Tabak Division also graced the said celebration.

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