Roxas urges DOJ to act fast on Legacy complaints

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today urge the Department of Justice (DoJ) to act swiftly on the complaints filed against officials of the Legacy Group led by owner Celso de los Angeles, to bring justice and relief to the victims of the company’s schemes.

“Pupukpukin natin ang Department of Justice, kakalampagin natin hanggang sa mag-file na sila ng kaso laban sa Legacy, lalo na kay Celso (We will continue to pound on the DoJ for them to immediately file cases against Legacy officials, especially de los Angeles),” the chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce said.

“Ang lahat ng ito ay nasa kamay ngayon ng Department of Justice dahil ito ang mag-fa-file ng kaso laban kay Celso de los Angeles. Babantayan natin ito. Hindi natin papayagan na na idri-dribble lang ito hanggang sa magkalimutan na lang (All these are now in the hands of the DoJ because it will be the one which would file cases against Celso de los Angeles. We will watch them closely. We will not allow them to sit on the cases until the public forgets about them),” he also said.

Complaints have been filed before the DoJ against the Legacy owner and his cohorts by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and various investors, all of which have been referred for preliminary investigation to the “Task Force Legacy.”

Members of the task force have told senators that the preliminary investigation into the complaints would begin on March 21 after all pleadings and counter-pleadings have been filed by concerned parties.

The Ilonggo senator said it was imperative for the Justice department to employ fast action on the cases so aggrieved pre-need planholders and bank depositors and investors could recover the investments they made to the various Legacy companies, such as the Legacy Consolidated Plans Inc., Legacy One Card and its 13 rural banks.

He exhorted prosecutors not to follow the path of the 2005 Task Force against Bank Frauds, which until now has yet to file a single case in relation to the complaints referred to it when it was created.

“Ang tanong ngayon, paano si Nanay Beth? Si Nanay Mila? At iba pang biktima? Paano ang pera nila? Paano mananagot ang dapat na managot dito? Kailangang agarang kumilos ang DoJ para makakuha ng hustisya ang mga kawawang biktima ng Legacy (The question now is, how about Nanay Beth, Nanay Mila and the other victims? How about their savings? Will the persons responsible for this scam be held responsible? DOJ should act swiftly so justice will be served for sake of Legacy’s victims),” he said.

“Itong kamay na bakal na ipinapakita ng gobyerno natin laban sa mga kritiko nito ay dapat gamitin nila dito laban sa mga nanloko, sa mga nagnakaw ng pera mula dito sa mga pangkaraniwang Pilipino (The iron fist that this government is using against its critics should be used instead against these scheming individuals who victimize ordinary Filipinos),” he added.

He also deplored De los Angeles for imputing politics in the pursuit of justice for his own victims and for skirting the issue about his liabilities to them.

“Ito po ay tungkol sa mga kawawang kababayan natin na naghahabol lang ng paraan para maibalik ang pera nila at managot kung sino ang dapat managot kasi nawala itong mga pera nila (This is about the victims who are desperate to get their monies back and who demand justice from those who stole from them),” he said.

He added: “Ang babaw-babaw, lumang tugtugin na po ito, bulok na itong style na ito. Ito ang style ng lahat na walang isasagot (sa mga legal na isyu) kaya inililihis na lang, lilituhin ang publiko at sasabihing pulitika raw (The claim of politics is too shallow, it’s old news, it’s an old excuse. It is the alibi of those who cannot answer the legal issues and who are trying to divert the issue by injecting political motives against those who are running after them).”

The senator was referring to a statement from De los Angeles that the supposed hype over the dissolution of his Legacy group of companies was being used for partisan political interests.(Ms. Jenny Bugarin

Tel. 832-82-80 / +63920-950-6140)

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63 internally displaced families in Barangay Paiton returned home

ILIGAN CITY (Oct 24 2008). Pakigdait Incorporated facilitated the safe return of sixty three (63) families from the evacuation centre of the Madrasah in Ceanuri Subdivision, Iligan City to their home in Brgy. Paiton, Municipality of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

The sixty three (63) families had been under the custody of Ustadz AbdulKarim Ambor since after the August 18 MILF attack in Kauswagan and Kolambugan.

“It’s about time for the families to go back home and continue with their lives”, said Ambor during the coordination meetings.

The initiative was coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, duly supported by the AFP’s 104th Infantry Brigade under the leadership of Col. Benito L. de Leon through the Capt. Alonto T. Maamo, Civil Military Operations Officer (CMO) of the 1st Infantry Division.

Over the last couple of weeks, these families had been expressing their wishes to go back home and get back to normal living. But the AFP had to assess the feasibility of the areas for safety and security before they finally gave clearance for the evacuees to go back home in a coordination meeting held at the Ceanuri evacuation centre on October 20, 2008.

“There is no place like home”, was heartily expressed by one evacuee as they started to ride the military trucks to bring them home. A convoy of four (4) military trucks serviced the sixty (63) families in going back home.

The convoy also paid a courtesy visit to the Municipal Mayor of Kauswagan, Hon. Yasser Samporna at the Municipal Hall followed by a distribution of relief assistance to the families by the MSWDO and Pakigdait.

The Chairwoman of Brgy. Paiton, Hon. Monaida A. Mactamok, warmly welcome the convoy in the Poblacion where she expressed gratitude to Pakigdait, the MSWDO, and the AFP for assisting her people in coming home.

“It was truly a hopeful realisation to see the civil society, the government and the military establishment cooperate in such initiative, for the people”, she expressed with so much enthusiasm and gratitude.

The initiative is a component activity of the Humanitarian Assistance Project in response to the impact of the conflict and displacement in Lanao del Norte. The Humanitarian Assistance Projects is jointly implemented by the Pakigdait and EcoWEB in partnership with the Diocese of Iligan through the support of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD-UK).

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U.S., RP partners expand Jolo airport runway

U.S. –RP PARTNERS EXPAND JOLO AIRPORT RUNWAY. U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney (2nd from right) and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan (3rd from left) lead the groundbreaking for the Jolo runway improvement project. The airport project, a partnership among the Department of Transportation and Communications, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Sulu provincial government and USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, will replace and widen the asphalt runway, and extend it from 1,200 meters to 1,845 meters, to ensure safer airport operations and higher-capacity air linkages between Sulu and the rest of the country. Joining them for the ceremony on October 14 were (l-r): USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidula, Governor Abdusakur Tan, and Undersecretary Nabil Tan of the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (BEN BALCE)

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Oro media invited to presscon for indie film "Hunghong sa Yuta"

CAGAYAN de Oro City (By MIKE BAÑOS / Oct 3) - The Brothers of the Sacred Heart based in Matina, Davao City is inviting members of the local media to a press conference at the Sunriva Restaurant 10:30am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 11, 2008 regarding the indie film "HUNGHONG SA YUTA".

Bro. Levie O. Requilme said the press conference is in preparation for the sneak preview of Arnel Mardoquio's film about war and peace in Mindanao scheduled later the same day at the Xavier University Little Theatre from 3:00-5:00pm. The preview is intended for tri-media partners, heads of schools, government and non-government organizations, the private sector and other groups advocating for peace.

In his invitation to Cagayan de Oro Press Club President Jerry Orcullo, Requilme said the sneak preview is in preparation for the Peace Advocacy Mission and Campaign which aims to show the film to all sectors of society.

Bro. Joe P. Palabao said the premier screening of "HUNGHONG SA YUTA" has been scheduled for the second week of December 2008 at SM Cinema, Cagayan de Oro City.

In a film review published in a national broadsheet, Bienvenido Lumbera, National Artist for Literature, wrote: "What distinguishes it from the usual advocacy project is the meticulous care given by the director and his staff, and the passion and excellence of the finished project."

In a column entitled "War and Peace in a Movie," noted female columnist and feminist Rina Jimenez-David decribes how Mardoquio made the movie with a single camera and under harsh conditions. Despite these, she found the movie "unexpectedly engrossing, moving and entertaining.

When she asked Mardoquio if the violence in the movie was somehow off-putting in a movie about peace, the director said that to him "the message of the movie is also about the ugliness of war," especially the fact that often the biggest victims are civilians, especially children, and that to get across the cruelty of armed violence, he needed to show it in all its horror.

"I believe only a Mindanawan can make a movie about the conflict in Mindanao," Mardoquio said.

HUNGHONG SA YUTA is an advocacy project of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Youth Ministry under the leadership of Bro. Noelvic Deloria SC. in cooperation with Lozadren Foundation and Sky Phoenix Production.

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Misuari meets Sulu governor; commits to help maintain peace, development

A US soldier scribbles a note as former Moro National Liberation Front rebel leader Nur Misuari speaks to Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during a meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2008 in Patikul town in the southern Filipino island of Sulu. Misuari has committed to help peace and development efforts in Sulu, one of six provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, where US forces are currently deployed and helping Governor Tan in various humanitarian and development projects and at the same time training Filipino troops.

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Misuari meets Sulu governor, commits to help maintain peace, development in Sulu

A US soldier scribbles a note as former Moro National Liberation Front rebel leader Nur Misuari speaks to Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during a meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2008 in Patikul town in the southern Filipino island of Sulu. Misuari has committed to help peace and development efforts in Sulu, one of six provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, where US forces are currently deployed and helping Governor Tan in various humanitarian and development projects and at the same time training Filipino troops.
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50 Normeca’s linemen help restored 90% Panay’s power system supply

CAGAYAN de Oro Journal (Ben Balce / July 25)- Some fifty Northern Mindanao Electric Cooperative Association (NORMECA) linemen lend a hand to assist the typhoon (Frank) victims in Panay after 90 percent of the island’s power system was adversely affected.

Linemen from Moresco-1, Moresco 2, Moelci, Buseco, Fibeco, Laneco and Camelco went to Panay on June 25 on its mission helped out restoring and alleviating the living condition of the residents after the typhoon.

Panay was one of the islands typhoon Frank vehemently heaved on during its visit in the country. Almost 90% of the island’s power system was not working.

With the situation, Rural Electrification secretary Fr. Francisco Silva with National Electrification Administration (NEA) Editha Bueno initiated immediately “Task Force Kapatid Panay” that has alleviated if not restored the living conditions of the residents after the typhoon.

As part of NEA’s guidance and supervision, the ECs have always been and will continue to give support to one another to achieve its missionary objective which is rural electrification, among others to its member-consumers.

On July 16, the Normeca’s linemen was given a grand welcome home program commending the task force for a job well done at the Moresco’s training center in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

“The major task were accomplished in a week’s time instead of the resident’s anticipation of a two-month-power-restoration,” said Normeca president Pedrito Baculio.

The task force restored the different affected barangay of Panay in tandem with Akelco, headed by general manager Chito Peralta and other electric cooperatives in the Visayas region.

“Daghan na ang mga kalampusan sa mga electric cooperatives (EC) nga isig ka EC ra usab ang nakahibalo,” said Baculio adding: “Apan alang sa kasayuran sa publiko, kini nga kalampusan nagtuki ra gihapon sa maayong serbisyong nahatag sa EC ngadto sa mga membro o kunsumador niini.”

Baculio said the “bayanihan” culture has always been embedded in the electric cooperatives of the Philippines.

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:: Malaya - The National Newspaper ::

Fire razes 40 houses in CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A fire on Thursday razed some 40 houses made of light materials and left 300 persons homeless near the seashore in Barangay Tablon this city.

Cagayan de Oro city fire marshal F/Chief Insp. Benigno Amomonpon said almost all the residents in the area were using flying connections and the substandard electrical wiring and overloading caused the fire.

He said strong winds and narrow roads exacerbated the problem, slowing the arrival of firemen by half an hour which left them very little else to save.

Amomonpon said the fire started at the house of an Elmer Endoma of Purok 13. He said initial estimate of damage was P350,000 up to P400,000. - Benjamin Balce

:: Malaya - The National Newspaper ::

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Sulu officials support possible term extension of AFP chief

JOLO, Sulu (January 25, 2008) – Sulu provincial officials expressed support Friday on the possible extension of the term of Armed Forces chief General Hermogenes Esperon.

Esperon, a veteran army commander in Mindanao, is set to retire on February 9 at age 56, but government sources said President Gloria Arroyo is likely to extend his term so he can continue his programs and reforms in the military.

Arroyo is in Switzerland since Tuesday for a series of meetings with the officials of the Aragon Financial Group (AFG) and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. The AFG could help the Philippines in its policy to ensure continuous and adequate supply of energy through integrated and intensive exploration, production, management and development of the country's indigenous energy resources such as oil and natural gas.

The President may announce Esperon's extension when she returns to Manila, sources said on Friday.

"General Hermogenes Esperon has done a very a good job and he is one of the proponent of many AFP-related humanitarian program in Sulu. We are very supportive of General Esperon and will support his extension as Chief-of-Staff," Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan said.

Tan said business and religious leaders and the mayors in Sulu are also supporting Esperon's possible term extension. "We have a relatively good peace and order condition in Sulu because of AFP and other stakeholders of peace. The AFP is our partner in peace and progress and we are the government's partner in nation building," he said.

Tan has previously hailed Esperon for creation of the National Development Command, a new unit in the AFP that especially focus on the basic socio-economic development and infrastructure projects in conflict-affected areas.

Through the NDC, the AFP hopes to contribute in the convergence of efforts by the different line agencies of government in the repair and construction of schools, health centers, sources of potable water, roads and bridges and in the process rebuild lives that have been disrupted by terrorist activities and violence.

Esperon on Friday inspected troops in Sulu and Basilan provinces as part of his farewell visit in southern Philippines, where he started his military career. Esperon said it would be an honor is President Arroyo extends his term.

Radio reports on Friday quoted Esperon as saying: "Hindi ko alam kung magkakaroon ng announcement. But kung magkaganoon man, tulad ng sinasabi ko, I'd be very honored to serve for some more time kung gaano katagal ibibigay sa atin na extension lalong lalo na, kailangan nating pursue ang ating momentum nagawa natin against the New People's Army and Abu Sayyaf terrorists." (I don't know if there will be an announcement (by the President), but if there will be as I have said, I would be much honored to serve for some more time. We need to pursue the momentum (of what we have already achieved) against the New People's Army and the Abu Sayyaf terrorists.) (Sulu Media Desk)

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Sulu launches own ID system

SULU, Philippines (Jan. 21, 2008) – Sulu province in the southern Philippines has launched its own citizen identification system aimed at curbing crimes and deter terrorism and served as a database for local census, officials said Monday.

Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan said the provincial ID system was launched over the weekend in the town of Patikul, whose population now is more than 50,000.

"We are going to issue identification cards in all towns and we have the support of the local government officials and the citizens themselves," Tan said.

Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, has 19 towns – Hadji Panglima Tahil, Indanan, Jolo, Kalingalang Caluang, Lugus, Luuk, Maimbung, Panamao, Omar, Pandami, Panglima Estino, Pangutaran, Parang, Pata, Siasi, Talipao, Tapul and Tongkil.



PATIKUL town Mayor Kabir Hayudini shows reporters his Citizen Identification Card during the launching of Sulu province own version of the National ID Card. Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan says the ID system will help deter crimes and terrorism in the province. (Sulu Media Desk)


Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini said his town will serve as a model for the implementation of the citizen identification card in other areas in the province, about 950 kilometers south of Manila.

"The people are really very supportive of the ID system and that's why we have Patikul as model for this citizen identification card system in cooperation with the Sulu provincial government, the military and police authorities and the national census (office)," Hayudini told reporters, adding, that those covered by the ID system are citizens 12 years old above.

Tan said the provincial government shouldered all expenses needed for the ID system.

"The identification card system in Sulu province is a collaborative effort between local governments, the Armed Forces (of the Philippines), the Philippine National Police and other stake holders of peace and development in the province."

"The ID system will deter crimes and prevent terrorism because it would be easy to identify those who are not from Sulu and this will protect the citizens. It will also be beneficial for business and other transactions," he said.

Tan said the local ID system is not part of the proposed national ID system.

"This is our initiative and while politicians and other groups in Manila argue about the national ID system, my province is already implementing our own citizen identification card system. This will also establish an accurate census in Sulu," he said.


A census is an enumeration of all the people of a village or a systematic and complete count of all who are living in specified places.

The local ID system includes a photo of the holder and the following information - the date and place of birth, civil status, blood type, age, address, thumb prints and sex among others.

Provincial mayors and Muslim religious leaders and business groups lauded the ID system in Sulu province. The launching of the ID system in Sulu coincided with the closing of the two-day peace caravan joined by thousands of Muslims.


The caravan was a collaborative effort of government agencies and various non-government agencies to address the immediate health, education and livelihood needs of communities affected by conflict.

Tan said the caravan, which began on Friday in the town of Jolo went around Patikul and Kalingalang Caluang towns, scene of previous clashes between rebels and soldiers.

He said the caravan was also aimed at consulting with the communities on their medium and long term concerns particularly on livelihood and employment aspect as well as provides a humanitarian face to the ongoing conflict in Sulu.


He said the caravan provided several millions of pesos in aids to support peace and development in Sulu. The Department of Education also pledged to send at least 15 tons of assorted books to different government schools in the province, Tan said.

Tan also released buffaloes for local farmers and led government officials in medical and dental missions in far-flung villages in Luuk and Patikul town during the caravan.

A similar caravan was also held Monday in Basilan province, which is also part of the Muslim autonomous region. (Sulu Media Desk)


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MAAS urges Court of Appeals to reverse 60-day TRO

NO TO AERIAL SPRAYING. Members of the Davao based Mamamayan Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying (MAAS) in an indignation rally in front of the 22nd Division Court of Appeals in Barangay Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City to ask the appelate court to reverse a 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) issued on November 16, 2007 that favors companies producing bananas in Davao. The protesters are opposing aerial spraying due to health reasons. (Photo by DANTE SUDARIA)

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Storm surge displaces 5,000 in 16 coastal towns in Misor; kills 1

CAGAYAN de Oro Journal (Ben Balce / Nov 29) - Massive flooding caused by big waves and strong winds submerged some 16 coastal towns in Misamis Oriental early dawn on Wednesday.

“Big waves and massive flooding left hundreds of destroyed houses and thousand of homeless people,” said Misamis Oriental provincial disaster coordinating council coordinator Teddy Sabugaa.

Sabugaa said the worst flooding that hit several towns in the province, which is situated below sea level, displaced at least 5,245 people or 1,049 families in 44 villages in the said 16 towns.

Sabugaa said the towns affected were Balingasag, Lagonglong, Villanueva, Tagoloan, Balingoan, Sugbong-Cogon, Lugait, Initao, Salay, Jasaan, Libertad, Manticao, Kinoguitan,Naawan, Binoangan, and Magsayasay.

Sabugaa said the storm surge composed of intense waves started at 7 p.m. Tuesday until 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Over local radio (Bombo radio), an unidentified old man in Jasaan town was reportedly killed in heart attack due to big waves and strong winds.

“We are still looking the real caused of his death including his identity,” said Jasaan town Mayor Redentor Jardin.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology (Philvolcs) based in Camiguin province confirmed that strong winds and big waves were due to the effect of typhoons Lando and Mina.

“Walang tsunami, dahil nasa lupa ang effect,” said resident volcanologist Salugsugan.

Salugsugan even said that earthquake happened in some areas in the country including Metro Manila on Tuesday afternoon affected and have the storm surge.

According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Misamis Oriental, some 165 houses were destroyed while 373 others were partially damaged.
Sabugaa said heavy floods also damaged a 4.2 hectares rice field in Lagonglong and CVO (Civilian Volunteer Office) out post in Lugait town.

He also said the effects of giant waves damaged several fishing boats. Number of fishing boats that were totally damage were 2 in Lagonglong, 5 in Magsaysay, 2 in Binoangan, and 2 in Kinoguitan.

Sabugaa even said the storm surge also damaged a 12-meter sea wall in Naawan as it was totally washed away by big waves including sea wall in Manticao that was partially damaged.

Sabugaa said the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist did not yet give the total crop loss as they were still waiting other reports.

“Distributions of relief goods are ongoing in the east and west part of Misamis Oriental, as victims really need used clothes and foods in the evacuation centers in their respective areas,” said Sabugaa.

Misamis Oriental Philippine Rescue 2000 president Michael Angelo Bustamante said the affected families were in terrible need of assistance from concerned partners and individuals.

“Most of the displaced persons do not have a home to go back to because these were either swept away by the tidal surge,” said Bustamante.
Bustamante said the victims of floods were also in need of food, materials to build shelter, medicines, clothes, kitchen utensils, and other basic necessities to augment their everyday living.

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Arroyo urges Mindanao leaders to unite

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AFP hosts BUC-AFP-PNP peace forum

CAGAYAN de Oro Journal (Ben Balce / Nov 21) - The Armed Forces of the Philippines hosted a two-day Bishops-Ulama conference (BUC) APF-PNP Forum for Peace with the theme: "Building Bridges with our Peace officers" relative to the 33rd general assembly of the BUC held at Pryce Plaza Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, military officials said Tuesday.

"This forum promotes a greater understanding in the attainment of lasting peace where the military and police are given good insight about their role in peace process," said AFP chief General Hermogenes Esperon.

Esperon in his welcome remarks said in the process, this activates their support command to peace and development area by which it complements in the work of the Bishops-Ulama Conference.

Primarily the office of the AFP's J7 under Brigadier General Alfredo Cayton hosted the two-day forum.

The Army's 4th Infantry Division commanding general and the BUC-AFP-PNP committee chairman Major General Jose Barbieto said the AFP's participation in this endeavor will enhance closer relationship with the various Christians and Muslim religious groups in Mindanao.

"It is an opportunity for the AFP to showcase its sincerity in supporting the peace advocacy of the inter-faith groups," said Barbieto adding that the government is an active partner in pursuing peace and development in the region.

4ID's civil military operations chief Lt. Colonel Emmanuel Sinogba said the participants are composed of 24 catholic bishops who are members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, (CBCP), 26 Ulama and Ustadz, members of the Ulama League of the Philippines, (ULP), and 18 Protestant Bishops and Pastors who are members of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines.

Sinogba said that 38 military officers including military chaplains from the AFP headed by EASMINCOM chief Lieutenant General Cardoso Luna and 14 officers from the PNP led by Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) head Chief Supt. Teodorico Capuyan.

The Convenors of the conference were Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao Archdiocese, Ulama League of the Philippines president Dr. Mahid Mutilan, and Bishop Mariano Gomez Jr, Bishop Emeritus of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines.

"All the participants were given a chance to participate during the discussion," said Sinogba adding that a healthy and constructive dialogue with the peace officers through out the region participated.

Sinogba said that a lawyer Alonto of Marawi City asked the BUC to resolve and asked the DepEd to integrate Peace Education in elementary and high school levels.

Cagayan de Oro's 1st District Representative Rufus Rodriguez mentioned that he proposed for a meeting with BUC and Mindanao legislators to come up with a better interfaith understanding.

Archbishop Capalla, the BUC convenor, mentioned that the CRSAFP orchestrated a Peace Initiative in Mindanao and he also requested the AFP and PNP ground commanders to attend peace initiatives at the local level.

The Bishops Ulama conference is in pursuit of a common vision, these religious leaders organized themselves whose mission is to support the ongoing peace process in the region to promote mutual knowledge and understanding, acquaintance and friendship as well as reconciliation through repentance and forgiveness as indispensable dements of the culture of justice and peace for total development and progress in Mindanao.

Sinogba said the last day of the conference was held at the Dynasty Hotel, in Cagayan de Oro City as continuing efforts on peace building.

The forum was formally opened at 9:30 am at the conference of the Dynasty Hotel with interfaith prayer led by religious leaders (Priest and Imam) and followed by the opening statement of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro City.

Archbishop Capalla, one of the convenor, read about the Proclamation Nr. 127 signed by PGMA last Nov. 26 2001, declaring the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year, as the "Mindanao Week for Peace" celebration.

Sinogba said that all the participants came up with their plans for the forthcoming Mindanao Week for Peace Celebration on Nov. 29 until Dec. 5, 2007.

The groups came up as they presented their output during the conference according to Sinogba.

The groups came up with their plans such as: "Bishops and Ulamas inter religious gathering for interfaith prayers," "Walk for Peace," "Caravan for Peace," and "Convocation Program of all Elementary, High School and College Level" in their respective areas in commemoration of the Mindanao Week for Peace Celebration.

"Even Archbishop Capalla was impressed on the result of the workshop presented by the different group leaders," said Sinogba.

"The BUC forum with its life long processes on dialoguing with the different stakeholders in the society, continue to exert efforts by making a covenant to share the dynamics happening from the top down to lowest level," said Sinogba adding that the efforts have been filtered in achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in Mindanao.

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food for thought for journalists and editors

not to promote denzel, but to think on the questions asked at the end of the message -- food for thought for journalists and editors... indeed, WHY???

The Media Missed this one!!!! Please read this,

then send it to everybody you know. They'll thank you as they forward this to others as well.

Subject: Denzel Washington, and Brooks Army Medical Center Don't know whether you heard about this but Denzel Washington and his family visited the troops at Brook Army Medical Center , in San Antonio , Texas (BAMC) the other day. This is where soldiers who have been evacuated fromGermany come to be hospitalized in the UnitedStates, especially burn victims. There are some buildings there called Fisher Houses. The Fisher House is a Hotel where soldiers' families can stay, for little or no charge, while their soldier is staying in the Hospital. BAMC has quite a few of these houses on base, but as you can imagine, they are almost filled most of the time.While Denzel Washington was visiting BAMC, they gave him a tour of one of the Fisher Houses. He asked how much one of them would cost to build. He took his checkbook out and wrote a check for the? full amount right thereon the spot. The soldiers overseas were amazed to hearthis story and want to get the word out to the American public, because it warmed their hearts to hear it.

The question I have is why does:

Brad Pitt,

Madonna,

Tom Cruise

and other Hollywood fluff

make front pa ge news with their ridiculous antics and Denzel Washington's Patriotism doesn't even make page 3 in the Metro section of any newspaper except the Local newspaper in San Antonio .

This needs as wide a distribution as we can create
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First Mindanao agriculture forum starts today

CAGAYAN de Oro Journal (Ben Balce / Nov 21) — The College of Agriculture of Xavier University, in collaboration with its partners, is convening the First Mindanao Agriculture Forum starting today until Friday.



Trel Borja, forum coordinator, said the forum intends to articulate issues, formulate resolutions and adopt a declaration as a commitment towards a more sustainable and equitable agriculture development in Mindanao.

Borja said the this year’s forum carrying the theme, "Strengthening Partnerships in Agriculture for Mindanao Development" will bring together the leaders in agriculture, including farmers, agri-industries, civil society organizations, academe and research institutions, local government units, financial institutions and government agencies.

Borja said that they are expecting over 200 participants in a side forum in which students from agriculture schools will compete in 10 skills and four literary contests.

The competing seven schools in Northern Mindanao are Central Mindanao University, Mountain View College, Misamis Oriental State College of Science and Technology, Misamis University, Camiguin Polytechnic State College, Northern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology, and Xavier University.

On Nov. 23, Friday, a multi-stakeholder Mindanao Agriculture Forum will culminate the event at the Pryce Plaza Hotel covering a wide range of topics including climate change to be presented by XU President, Fr. Jett Villarin; Agriculture for Peace and Development by Usec Dimasangcay Pundato of the Office of Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process; and Prospects for Mindanao by Carolina Figueroa Geron of the World Bank.

The Mindanao Agriculture Forum is made possible with the help of its partners: Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc., Philippine Development Assistance Programme, Peace and Equity Foundation, Asian NGO Coalition, Xavier Science Foundation and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 10, together with national government agencies and local government units.

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Floods hit Iligan, Mis Or towns, 1 killed, 2 missing

CAGAYAN de Oro City (Ben Balce / Nov 20) — One person was killed and two others were reported missing after flashfloods hit Iligan City and towns in Misamis Oriental Monday.

Chief Insp. Benbo Jumalon, police chief of Opol town, identified the fatality as an Eliza Osip, 47. Those who were reported missing in Manticao and Tagoloan have not yet been identified.

Jumalon said Osip was living under the Iponan bridge and fell into the water. She was found dead on the shore of Zone 1 later.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno said continuous rains and flooding caused landslides in Manticao and Magsaysay.

He said, however, that the floods are "manageable," relief operations are already ongoing and the provincial engineering office is working at the repair of roads made impassable by landslides.

Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz said over DxIF Bombo Radio that residents of nine barangays have been affected by flashfloods.

In a phone interview, he said all vehicles going to Lanao del Norte are being rerouted to Barangay Tambacan after Tubod Bridge cracked reportedly due to a cyclone.

Cruz said they are still quantifying the damage wrought on farms and other sources of livelihood in the area.

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Mindanao religious leaders, AFP, PNP hold peace forum in Oro

CAGAYAN de Oro City (Ben Balce / Nov 16) — The entire city has been placed under heightened security alert and police personnel have been augmented since Thursday by City police director Supt. Antonio Montalba with the two-day peace forum between the Bishop-Ulama Conference and the Armed Forces and National Police ongoing at the Pryce Plaza here.


President Arroyo was supposed to arrive past noon yesterday to join the meeting with the 79-strong BUC membership of Muslim and Christian religious leaders based in Mindanao, and 51 officers of the AFP and the PNP but her trip was cancelled due to bad weather.


President Arroyo, with the AFP, was also scheduled to host the peace forum today as BUC holds its 33rd general assembly at Dynasty Court Hotel in this city.


Montalba said the scheduled conferences will go on today even if the President does not make it here. He said tight security plans, encompassing travel route, activities, and accommodations, are already in place for the President as well as the 500 participants in the forum.


The forum’s theme is "Building Bridges of Peace with our Peace Officers."


Lt. Col. Emmanuel Sinogba, civil military operations’ chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the forum’s purpose is to promote inter-faith understanding, religious tolerance, friendship and constructive dialogues.


Msgr. Rey Monsanto, vicar general of the Cagayan archdiocese, said the forum will identify problems and difficulties blocking the achievement of peace in Mindanao and an action agenda will be drawn up to "strengthen local mechanisms for peace."


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Sagun: Curfew is for everybody

CAGAYAN de Oro City (Ben Balce / Nov 15) - The army's 4th Infantry Division spokesman Major Samuel sagun Tuesday maintained that the curfew implemented inside the camp is legal.

"The curfew is for everybody. No exemption and apply it even you are a civilian or military personnel. The camp is doing it for security reasons," said Sagun.

Sagun answered a complaint after a certain Elizabeth Suganog asked some help over a local radio Wednesday accusing some high-ranking military officials of implementing the curfew" illegally."

"This is too much. We believed that they are doing this as if we are the plaintiffs," said Suganog.

Suganog with Camp Evangelista Neighborhood Association Inc. president Rogelio Serquina, a retired colonel, went to Bombo Radio yesterday to ask for some help to hear their grievances against the alleged barring of Cenai members from entering the Camp.

The 4ID and Cenai has an ongoing land claim dispute.

The solicitor general ordered the 4ID officials to demolish and clear the camp from informal settlers.
Suganog even called the military officials particularly 4ID commanding general Jose Barbieto as implementing rules and regulations with no consideration.

"We arrived at 8:15 p.m. (Tuesday night) and not yet on their 10 pm curfew, but upon knowing that I am Suganog (one of the plaintiffs and a member of Cenai) gi-hold nila ang akong salakyan without clear violations," said Suganog.

Suganog claimed that she is the Sons and Daughters of Veterans regional director in Region 10.

"Basta miyembro ka sa plaintiff hindi ka na makasulod sa Camp," said Suganog over DxIF Bombo Radio.

Suganog was even shocked as the military police barred from entering even her 70-year-old mother who she claimed has been living inside the camp for more than 40 years already.

She said that she was asked by the military police to sign as she is known and allow her to get inside, but still it did not happen.

"How come they barred us from entering the camp? We are residents and hasa been staying inside there a long time ago," said Suganog adding even her mother's car which is always entering in and out of the camp was disallowed to get inside.

However, Sagun replied: "Hindi na bago yan (curfew) inside the camp. The camp implemented that a long time ago."

Sagun said the curfew is being implemented even before the dispute started with the informal settlers, particularly the Camp Evangelista Neighborhood Association Inc. (Cenai).

"Even myself was the victim of the said rules inside the camp, walang specific sa rules, apply ni sa tanan," said Sagun adding: "As long as you enter late of 10 p.m., the rule would be implemented."

Sagun even said that all military camps nationwide are enforcing curfews as part of the protection of the Camp from any threat.

"The 4ID is a military camp and not an ordinary place or land that is open 24 hours to the public," said Sagun.

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Anonymous said...
we,as residents of camp evangelista, have known that there is curfew observed in the camp. this was implemented years and years ago, and we hav curfew at 10pm. we also have IDs to identify that we live inside the camp. Major sagun,we do not question that rule, however, whenever we ask the guard to let us enter, handing them our IDS, when they know that we live from a zone who filed a complaint against the command, the military police /security wont let us enter. that is what ms. suganob is trying to ask,and question.
major sagun is not clearly answering the question/issue raised by ms.suganob! i hope people wont be biased. residents know better because we experienced this intimidation ourselves.