IMT, GRP-Milf peace panels visit Alagar: Peace? More talks have to be done, says panels

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City (By BEN BALCE) ALTHOUGH “substantive gains” have been achieved in the negotiation on ancestral domain during the exploratory talks held in Kuala Lumpur, last September, still the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels including the International Monitoring Team (IMT) have acknowledged that “more work had to be done” to finally resolve and achieve peace in Mindanao, panels said yesterday.

The issue on ancestral domain was the main reason why the two conflicting parties result a deadlock during their resumed talks in Malaysia.

“More work have to be done by both parties at the same time a serious talks need to push as to finally resolve issues on ancestral domain,” said Northern Mindanao police head Police Chief Superintendent Florante Baguio.

Baguio met the International Monitoring Team 3 in Malaysia led by IMT head of mission Major General Dato MD Ismail Bin Ahmad Khan including the joint GRP-MILF committee on Cessation of Hostilities peace panels in a courtesy call at Camp Alagar, this city.

Baguio appreciated the role of Malaysia particularly Khan and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in the ongoing talks between the GRP and the MILF.

“We are hoping that the issue on territorial dispute would be resolve soon with the help of the IMT,” Baguio said adding he is hoping that another round of talks be soon agreed by both parties so peace in Mindanao would be achieved.

“The roles and responsibilities of the IMT is to observe and monitor the implementation of cessation of hostilities, as well as the socioeconomic development of the agreements,” Baguio explained.

Meanwhile, Khan said that the IMT operations are carried out according to the specific role and responsibility it has been given.

Ahmad Khan also explained that they roles to both parties are: to conduct field verification and validate any reported violation; to coordinate closely with the Joint CCCH and LMT on the conduct of the field verification and validation of the reported violation; to report to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels its findings and assessment of the reported violation and to ensure that all reports are classified and treated accordingly.

“Malaysia is acting as a third international neutral party, is brokering the GRP-MILF negotiations,” Khan said.

He further explained that Malaysia is leading the IMT, a body tasked to prevent future hostilities between government security forces and MILF rebels, in efforts to help end the decades-old Moro rebellion in Mindanao.

“The IMT has been in Mindanao since 2001 to preserve a three-year-old bilateral ceasefire presently being upheld by both the government and MILF organization,” Khan said.

MILF, CCCH chairman Von Al Haq said that they are seriously focus to continue have talks with the government.

Al Haq also vowed that the MILF negotiators would continue the peace venture with the GRP seriously.

GRP, CCCH chairman Brigadier General Edgardo M Gurrea said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo instructed top military officials and government peace negotiators to continue the peace venture with the MILF despite an impasse on the territorial issue during the latest GRP-MILF peace panel meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“This is our role as peacekeepers, we at the military side is hoping to solve immediately the issue particularly in the “determination and delimitation of areas” that would be put under the prospective Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE),” Gurrea said.

In a press conference, both parties agreed to conduct “further ground validation” and collection of additional data to guide them in the resolution of the remaining items.

At present, the governance entity that focuses on the Bangsamoro is the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which comprises five provinces and one city among Mindanao’s 25 provinces and 27 cities: Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan and the Islamic City of Marawi.

Earlier, the Bangsamoro groups in Marawi unitedly appealed for the GRP-MILF peace negotiations to continue and honor the gentleman’s agreement in 1997.

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Tidbits of Asia Peacebuilders Forum in Oro

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PRO 10 on full alert until Nov. 3

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3 NPA camps captured, 3 rebels killed

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (BEN BALCE /OCT. 26) - TROOPS from the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based here killed three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and seized at least three camps of the guerrillas in a major offensive in Quezon, Bukidnon province starting Friday and in Agusan del Sur, an army officials said yesterday.

“The captured NPA camps were one of the big camps in southern part of Bukidnon,” said Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion Lt. Col. Benjamin Madrigal.

Madrigal managed to overrun the two NPA camps on Tuesday and the sub-command center of Front Committee 6 of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) reportedly overrun yesterday.

Madrigal said his men also killed at least three rebels and seized automatic rifles, ammunition, and other war materials from the newly captured New People’s Army camp in Quezon yesterday.

Earlier, the major attack against communist insurgents was conducted by the 26th Infantry Battallion on Friday in the jungles of Migbantay, Quezon.

Madrigal said they made the attack and that started last Friday morning and lasted until late afternoon.

"Our operating troops also captured rifles, assorted live ammunition, medical paraphernalias, foods and subversive documents with high intelligence value," Madrigal said.

4th ID’s commanding general Brig Jose Barbieto said that also a maneuvering combat battalions of 403rd Brigade are pursuing fleeing communist insurgents without let-up in Bukidnon province until yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, in another attack, Barbieto also reported that soldiers in Agusan del Sur seized several Armalite rifles and live ammunition and other war materials from a house in Sibagat.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo A. David Jr., commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, reported to Barbieto that the 23rd Cadre of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Battallion under the command of Lt. Col. Rolando Manalo raided a house of the rebels in Sibagat jungle and seized several war materials, including Armalite.

Government troops are pursuing the rebels up to press time according to Barbieto.
Report said that also a soldier was wounded in the two separate incidents.

David said that their offensive attacks on lairs of communist insurgents would continue until peace will reign in reported NPA stronghold in the Caraga. (with a report from MIKE BAÑOS)

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Army Troopers score vs NPA in Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Oct 26) Troopers of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division's 23rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Rolando Manalo engaged an estimated twenty (20) armed communist guerrillas believed led by Ricardo Manili alias Joker of the Front Committee 4A of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), CPP/NPA/NDF in a 15-minute firefight in the vicinity Sitio Mankilana, Bgy Lawan-lawan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte last October 20, 2006.

Troopers from the same unit led by 1st Lieutenant Wilfredo Dalisay later recovered two (2) M-16 Armalite rifles, a fragmentation grenade, one bandolier with magazines, ammunition and a jungle pack of subversive documents from the area.

4th ID Public Affairs Chief Maj. Samuel Sagun said the troopers were personally commended by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo P. Tolentino whose wired citation read: "It is my pride in commending 4ID particularly 23IB for the successful encounter against twenty (20) fully armed communist terrorists. Indeed, such accomplishment clearly demonstrates a high level of training and dedication to duty. Congratulations for a job well done and carry on the good work".

In another operation, Diamond Division Chief Brig. Gen. Jose Barbieto reported that soldiers in Agusan del Sur seized several Armalite rifles and live ammunition and other war materials from a house in Sibagat.

In a report filed with Barbieto, Brig. Gen. Ricardo A. David Jr., commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, reported that the 23rd Cadre of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Battalion under Lt. Col. Rolando Manalo raided a house of the rebels in Sibagat and seized several war materials, including Armalite. David said that their offensive attacks on lairs of communist insurgents would continue until the NPA units in the area were neutralized.

Improved intelligence gathering and processing by the 4th ID also led to the capture of two (2) NPA camps Tuesday in San Fernando and the sub-command center of Front Committee 6 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) Wednesday by the 26th Infantry Battalion in Quezon, Bukidnon.

Battalion commander Lt. Col. Benjamin Madrigal said this was one of the major NPA camps in Southern Bukidnon. He said his men also killed three (3) rebels and seized automatic rifles, ammunition, medical supplies, food and "high-value" subversive documents. The same unit launched a major assault against communist rebels in Migbantay, Quezon last Friday.

Barbieto said organic units of the 4th ID's 403rd Infantry Brigade are still conducting hot pursuit operations against fleeing communist rebels in the area. (with a report from Ben Balce)

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For linking AFP to rash of killing: Military hits back at CPP/NPA on purging

CAGAYAN de Oro City (BEN BALCE / Oct 24) - The Armed Forces yesterday said its evidences that communist party leaders ordered the purging of over a hundred rebels and civilians in the provinces of Leyte, Bukidnon, the two Surigaos and Agusans are stronger than that of linking the military to the rash of killings of leftist militants.

Capt. Ramon Zagala, deputy chief of the military’s public information office, said they have witnesses to prove that communist party founder Jose Ma. Sison ordered the purge in the ‘80s.

Aside from Sison, the other two top communist members linked by the military to the purge called “Operation VD,” were Luis Jalandoni, chief negotiator of the National Democratic Front, and Bayan Muna party list Rep. Satur Ocampo.

Jalandoni and Ocampo were then members of the central committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines, according to Zagala.

“It is historically proven that you (communist leaders) purge your ranks and you just cannot set aside statements tagging you as responsible for this (purge),” Zagala said.

The killings have been condemned by human rights groups and prompted President Gloria Arroyo to order an investigation. Left-wing groups have blamed the military, which has denied involvement.

Leaders of the underground Communist Party and its armed wing have acknowledged that up to 900 suspected spies and government informers were killed in the southern Mindanao region during the 1980s. More than 60 others were killed in Quezon province and outlying areas southeast of Manila, according to people who survived the purges.

The guerrillas later acknowledged the killings as among the most horrible blunders in the insurgency.

Earlier, AFP General Hermogones Esperon said the military, police and other agencies will file multiple murder charges against Sison and Jalandoni, both living in exile in the Netherlands, and opposition lawmaker Ocampo.

The military has been blamed for the killing of more than 100 militants since President Arroyo assumed the presidency in January 2001.

Unlike the Leftist groups, he said, the military has witnesses “who are saying you were the ones who did this (purge) so you have to be held responsible for this.”

The military earlier said one of their witnesses, a former rebel leader, can prove that Sison, Jalandoni and Sison signed a document ordering the “cleansing” of their ranks.

Among military officials being implicated in the rash killings is former Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, commander of the 7th Infantry Division. Palparan has called the allegations mere propaganda.

Meanwhile, Jesuit priest Fr. Romeo Intengan said it is possible that most of the militants recently killed were also victims of a cleansing ordered by CPP leaders to rid their ranks of suspected traitors and infiltrators.

Intengan, who is also the chairman of the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP), said there has been no change in the policies and character of CPP and NDF leaders who he said can easily order its armed wing, the New People’s Army, to liquidate party members believed to be traitors to the movement.

He said the “barbaric executions” carried out as far back as 20 years ago have not stopped.
He said the mass graves in Leyte and other places in Mindanao are evidence of “extreme paranoia and ruthlessness” of communist leaders.

Starting Aug. 26 until early this October, government troops from the 8th Infantry Division and the Army’s 4th Infantry Division here began digging up mass graves in different hinterland barangays in the country.

In Barangay Kaulisihan in Inopacan, Leyte, and in Bukidnon, about a hundred bodies of rebel and civilian remains were uncovered and were said to have been ordered executed in the 1980s on suspicion they were military spies.

Earlier, the 4th Infantry Division here, had recovered over 50 skeletal remains. Quoting initial forensic tests, the military said three of the victims were women while a fourth was below 18 years old.

“The Leyte killing fields resulted from the paranoia and insecurity that has characterized the CPP-NPA-NDF ever since,” Intengan said.

The killings and disappearances were blamed by the NPA and their supporters on the military and police so that the people would hate the government.

“More than 20 years after, it is only now that we realize the truth. To those who accuse government now of the same heinous crimes, the truth will come out at the right time,” he said.
Intengan further said the CPP has its internal procedures guided by democratic centralism.

“There are no deviations, no questions. NPAs in Leyte carried out the purging on what they believed were party directives,” he said.

Intengan said the execution of party members suspected to be government informants or deep-penetration agents continues up to now.

“It is despicable that the CPP-NDF-NPA has not stopped carrying out summary executions. It has been rabid in condemning alleged killings perpetrated by the military and police. Communist leaders have no right to point an accusing finger at the government when they themselves are behind many of the killings,” he said.

Intengan challenged the human rights group like Karapatan to send a fact-finding team to different places where there were claimed buried victims of extra-judicial killings to investigate the victims of the purge.

Karapatan is among groups tagging the military behind the recent spate of killings.
The group is yet to issue a statement on the military’s challenge.

Karapatan Northern Mindanao chairperson Atty. Beberly Musni earlier tagged the Arroyo administration for being responsible in the series of extra-judicial killings in the region.

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N. Mindanao’s most wanted fugitive falls

THE city police office scored big yesterday in their campaign against criminality when they successfully arrested a long-wanted suspected criminal who is No. 12 in the list of region 10’s most wanted persons.

City police director S/Supt. Aurelio Trampe presented to media yesterday murder suspect Jelsen Estrosas, who had been fugitive since 1998 for killing a certain Francisco Ragasajo of Zone 4, Tibasak, Brgy. Macasandig. A P75,000 reward was set for his arrest.

Estrosas, 33, was arrested yesterday morning by the Special Operations Group (SOG) led by C/Insp. Jason M Aguillon at Brgy. Consolacion by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Admiral P. Labis of the 10th judicial region branch 18.

Trampe said the successful operation was a result of the police’s continued efforts to curb criminalities in the city and eventually earn the total trust of the people.

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Cops urge bus rob victims to sue suspects

CAMP ALAGAR Cagayan de Oro City - (BEN BALCE / Oct. 22) -
NORTHERN Mindanao police head Chief Superintendent Florante Baguio yesterday urged victims of the RTMI bus robbery to come out and file charges against the suspects following their arrest by the police early this month.
Baguio said police in Bacolod town in Lanao del Norte arrested two of the six suspects in the highway robbery at Sitio Lawian in said town in Lanao del Norte.

“Victims should come out in the open and file formal complaints in court against the suspects,” Baguio said adding the filing against them (suspects) would help the victims in tracing the identities of the other four suspects.

Baguio said the suspects were identified as Rodel Labigan, 25 of Barangay Paiton, Tangub city and Cesar Estabas, 20 of Barangay Rebocon, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

Baguio also said, the arrest of the suspects would be a great help to policemen and including the victims.

Police said the suspects were the one responsible in the robbing of Rural Transit bus with bus number 1134 on September 12, 2006.

Earlier, Police Community Relation Division chief Rolando dela Vega said they already increased their personnel in securing bus and jeepney terminals in the region to avoid another possible highway robberies.

De la Vega said, the suspects arrested while they were on board a jeepney where one of the passengers named Richelle Hajiula who was likewise one of the victims during the said RTMI robbery.

Police investigators said the suspects were positively identified by policemen who among the robbers that robbed the RTMI bus.

Baguio said a cellphone, Nokia 6610 which turned-out to be the cellphone of Ritchelle Hajiula was seized from the possession of the suspects during their arrest.

Police said a case for highway Robbery/Brigandage was filed against the suspects docketed in Criminal Case number 12729 dated September 18, 2006 at the 12th RTC, Iligan City with a P30,000.00 bail recommended for their temporary liberty.

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Law men recover two more luxury vehicles carnapped in Manila, CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - (BEN BALCE / Oct 21, 2006) - NORTHERN Mindanao Regional Traffic Management Office regional chief PSupt. Felixberto Castillo, yesterday, announced the recovery of two more luxury vehicles stolen. One came from Metro Manila, while the other was carnapped in this city.

Castillo said they have intensified their anti-carnapping drive after Police Director General Oscar Calderon urged TMG director Chief Superintendent Errol Pan in Camp Crame to heighten the anti-carnapping drive nationwide.

Castillo, who heads the Regional Traffic Management Office 10 here, said the carnapped motor vehicles belong to Ricardo Cruz of Block 3, Lot 14, Saint Mark St., ES Villa Homes Subd., Antipolo City and Cesar Aquino of # 128 6th Division, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

Castillo said he received TMG Implan as one of the priority thrusts of Calderon and Pan ordering their officers in the entire TMG regional offices nationwide to conduct mobile checkpoints and to closely monitor passing vehicles to detect carnapped vehicles.

Cruz’s Mitsubishi Adventure Wagon with plate number YBR 308 was reported stolen while parked on July 7, 2004 at Corner Harizon-Buendia, in Makati City. It was recovered by RTMO 10 personnel on October 10, this year, in Iligan City.

“The alleged owner of the vehicle was then applying for motor vehicle clearance certificate when we apprehended it,” Castillo said.

The suspect, Naike Baibai Alos of Marawi City appeared at Iligan City TMO to apply for clearance certificate for the car’s transfer of ownership according to Castillo.

Meanwhile, one Michael Cabural Olaivar of Fatima, Ubay, Bohol who was the driver of the other stolen vehicle, alleged that the Isuzu Crosswind, with plate number KCR-519, was sold to them in Cebu City. He did not know that it was a stolen vehicle belonging to Aquino. Olaivar was driving the vehicle along Lapasan Highway, this City, when spotted by operatives.

The vehicle was reported missing since August 29, 2003 while it was parked unattended at the premises of 6th Division, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

Castillo said all the two recovered motor vehicles bore Land Transportation Office (LTO) registration papers; LTO Mis Occ (Javier); and Cebu-LTO (Pinoy).

Castillo however said that since the suspension of clearances for shipment of motor vehicles, as provided for under Section 11 of the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972, in 2001 carnapping business has become a lucrative business in Mindanao.

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Plebiscite is too late on chacha: Nene

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (BEN BALCE / Oct 21, 2006) - SENATE minority leader Aquilino Pimentel in a statement yesterday said it is too late for a plebiscite on amending the Constitution as this has been overtaken by preparations for the midterm elections next year.

Pimentel was reacting to claims of the Malacañang particularly Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita that a plebiscite can still be held before the May 2007 polls.

Pimentel said even the Commission on Elections has stressed that it needs at least three months of preparation for holding a plebiscite nationwide.

“By that time, the election process is already in high gear,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel’s statements coincided Cagayan de Oro’s local Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP) confirming Malacañang’s priority—the Charter Change.

PDSP Cagayan de Oro chair Fermin Jarales said that even the Congress leadership has remained Cha-cha the utmost priority.

In a collective meeting here, PDSP Manila Beth Angsioco said that reportedly no other thing except Cha-cha is now the Malacañang’s priority, changing the form of government from presidential to parliamentary.

Earlier, the Supreme Court has said that it will not be able to decide on the petition for people’s initiative for Charter change earlier than the end of October.

“Any high court ruling on the petition can still be appealed by the losing petitioner, which will take more time,” Pimentel said.

On the alternative option to convert Congress into a constituent assembly, the minority leader said this would create a bigger problem.

Pimentel said the Senate would scrutinize every word in any move to amend the Constitution. “But also because time is running out on our legislative calendar,” he said.

He said that when Congress resumes session in November, it has less than 18 session days before the Christmas break begins.

“By that time, members of Congress would be loathe to spend time breaking their heads in debates on whether or not a particular provision of the Constitution should be amended,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said all congressmen and 12 outgoing senators would be focused not on charter change but on their reelection or on the election of their local candidates.

“There is thus no time for discussing charter change which is just as well because amending the Constitution is not like changing the name of a barangay or municipality. It is much more fundamental than that and deserves the unqualified attention of those who amend it for the good of the country,” the statements said.

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Cagayan de Oro to host Asia Peace Builders Forum

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (By Mike Banos /19 October 2006) - This self-styled "City of Golden Friendship" seeks to expand its many facets into another dimension when it hosts the Asia Peace builders Forum next week, 26-30 October 2006.

With the theme "Exploring Asian Approaches to Peace building" the five-day forum will be joined by at least 50 key change agents from 14 Asian countries working in community and national level peace processes in the Asia Pacific region.

Action Asia was started in 1999 when a small group of peace practitioners from the Asia Pacific region met under the umbrella of ACTION International to pursue a long-time dream to form an active network dedicated to peace building.

"The group envisioned to actively support peace practitioners working in violent conflict areas of the Asia region; as well as identify and promote Asian models and understandings of peace building and conflict transformation approaches and processes," said, Balay Mindanao Foundation, Inc. (BMFI) president Charlito Manlupig whose Peace Center in Bgy. Bulua will host the activity.

"The first vision has been realised with ongoing work in Myanmar and Nepal carried out in conjunction with local peace practitioners, by Asian practitioners belonging to the network," said Ariel Hernandez, BMFI executive director. "The latter objective of finding the Asian approaches and models has been building momentum, and the realisation of this dream will come about through the Asian Peace Builders Forum next week.

Previously, much of the training and materials relating to conflict transformation and peace building has been generated and provided in Western countries. Organizations such as Responding to Conflict in the UK, and Eastern Mennonite University in the United States have led the field in equipping peace practitioners to do their work.

"The graduates of these programs are the primary members of the Action Asia network, but until next week, they have not had the opportunity to share their own thoughts, reflections and theories about the approaches to peace building which have been found to be effective in the Asian context," Manlupig said. "Yet there is a myriad of creative ideas and approaches which are being used to effectively address violent conflict, and promote and build peace in the region."

Specifically, the Asian Peace builders' Forum will create a venue to identify unique Asian approaches in conflict transformation and peace building; celebrate the vibrancy of the movement and highlight the success of various interventions; document and publish lessons learned from both success and failures in peace building and conflict transformation by practitioners at the community and national levels; deepen relationships between members for further exchange, collaboration and exposure; and profiling situations of Myanmar and Nepal for the purpose of regional solidarity and influencing work.

The forum that will run for 4 ½ days (please see Appendix One for Forum Schedule) will mainly focus on case study presentations exemplifying different themes from presenter's experiences. The themes would include but not be limited to Ethnicity and Identity; Women, Gender and Peace building; Peace Futures; Peace Museums; Peace Journalism; Peace Advocacy at National Level; Reducing Tensions During Elections;
Establishing Zones of Peace in Conflict Areas; Mediation; Conflict Prevention Mechanisms; Reconciliation and Asian Training Methodologies.

One of the highlights of the forum will be the keynote address of peace studies pioneer Prof. Johann Galtung, the founder and Director of Transcend, an organization promoting conflict resolution by non-violent means.

For over four decades Galtung has mediated conflicts in Israel and Palestine, China and Tibet, Peru, Sri Lanka and Burma, among others. He is the author of the United Nations' manual for peace workers and he continues to advise UN agencies on peace issues. He is Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Hawaii and other centers of peace learning.
Prior to workshop-presentations, speakers have been invited to open the morning plenary to talk on Peace building Efforts in the Asian Region from Various Faith Perspectives; Influencing Government Policies; and Mainstreaming Gender Sensitivity in Peace Building Work.

This Forum will also provide an opportunity for participants to strengthening the existing network and identify future collaborative actions, as well as giving core Action Asia members the chance to meet and discuss detailed future plans.

The forum's ultimate goal is the publication of a book containing several thematic case studies from experiences of peace advocates in the Asian region.

MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart) IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com

Rumors of war sweep Lanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (BEN BALCE / Oct 18) – Residents of a Lanao town where major fighting started between government forces and secessionist rebels in 2000 are bracing for a rebel offensive after the month of Ramadan.

Mayor Jackmar Maruhom of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, told his constituents to "get ready for an emergency" after Oct. 24, the end of Ramadan.

"Public schools in elementary and high schools will be the venue for evacuation centers as one the contingency plans of the local government," Maruhom said on Tuesday.

Maruhom said the reported attacks would come from the two MILF camps in the towns of Munai and Poona-piagapo also in Lanao del Norte.

MILF fighters based in Munai under a Commander Bravo reportedly have been given the mission of taking over Kauswagan in a repeat of the 2000 hostilities.

Kauswagan was retaken at the cost of scores of soldiers killed.

The Army’s 4th Infantry Division based here declined to comment on the reported threat.

In a press conference Monday, Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz quoted intelligence reports as saying MILF fighters are converging in the hinterlands of Lanao del Norte.

But the rebels could just be gathering for consultations on the peace talks between the MILF and government.

The peace talks in Kuala Lumpur have been suspended over a deadlock on the coverage of a proposed "ancestral homeland" for Muslims.

Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, vice chairman of the Bangsamoro Development Authority and a member of the MILF peace panel, said there was no order from the MILF leadership for the movement of troops.

"It’s only order is to prepare the MILF ranks for any untoward incident within their respective camps, meaning defensive positions," Dipatuan said.

Dipatuan said that if ever there are some movements of MILF troops, they should go back to their camps and take up defensive positions.

MALAYA, The National Newspaper

Marawi hospital hit by fire

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – (BEN BALCE / Oct. 18) - The 105-year-old Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City was destroyed by fire at around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

SFO1 Sibana Camid, arson investigator, said the fire could have originated from the ceiling of the intensive care unit or the janitorial room and could have been due to electrical overload.

Some 40 patients, two of whom were in ICU, were safely evacuated by hospital staff before two huge blasts believed to be exploding nitrogen tanks rocked the burning building.

Damage was placed at P45 million.

"Though electrical overloading is our theory, we do not discount the possibility of Arson," hospital chief Dr. Amer Saber said.

"We would like to ask for an official investigation by the NBI authorities to come up to the real cause of the incident," said Saber.

Saber also appealed to the Department of Health and local officials for immediate assistance in the form of equipment donations.

The hospital, constructed by the Americans in 1901-1902, was originally used as barracks by American scouts and was only converted into a hospital in the early ‘30s.

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Basit Usman's deadly profile

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao ((JOHN UNSON / October 16) — Abdulbasit Usman, the principal suspect in last week’s bombings in Central Mindanao, once served as cook and janitor for policemen holding him in detention for his alleged involvement in a terror attack four years ago.

An ethnic Maguindanaon better known as "Basit," Usman was first implicated in the April 2002 bombing of the Fitmart department store in General Santos City, which led to his detention for a couple of months at the headquarters of the 1206th Provincial Police Mobile Group, then under Chief Inspector Auselito Cabang, in Alabel, Sarangani.

Usman was driving a van, on his way to South Cotabato, when Region 12 police from General Santos City stopped him at a checkpoint in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat and served him a warrant of arrest in connection with the Fitmart bombing.

Usman’s name in the warrant, however, was incorrect, prompting the Region 12 police to put him under the custody of Cabang at the 1206th headquarters while prosecutors were initiating the required amendments to his case.

While in detention, Usman was not regarded as a suspect in an extremely heinous offense. He was free to move around the premises working as janitor, cook, and as "spotter" for other terrorists operating in the South-Cotabato Sarangani-General Santos City (Socsargen) area.

Usman eventually escaped on Oct. 22, 2002 and has since gone underground. A year later, Usman’s custodian, Cabang, then due for promotion as police superintendent, and a subordinate, were found tortured and shot in the back of their heads by unidentified men while allegedly negotiating the surrender of Pentagon gang leader Tahir Alonto in a remote guerrilla enclave at the border of Tulunan, North Cotabato and Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

Police and Army intelligence communities believe Usman could have set up the surrender of Alonto, wanted for more than 30 kidnappings in Central Mindanao , to lure Cabang and avenge Usman’s detention in Alabel. Usman’s family in Bentong District in Polomolok has since left and is believed to be in hiding somewhere in Maguindanao, where they have relatives both in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front. Usman, his relatives said, was still a member of the MILF when Fitmart was bombed in 2002.

Before Usman’s escape, his family had questioned the legality of his arrest and had even sought the help of the Commission on Human Rights to secure his release.

His relatives in Maguindanao are convinced that Usman may have indeed established a link with the Jemaah Islamiyah through some Indonesians in General Santos City who gave him sanctuary after his escape.

It was in General Santos City where the slain JI operative Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi was arrested in early 2000 for possession of explosives. Usman was again on the military’s watch list after he was rumored to have been spotted with Abu Sayyaf chief Khadaffy Janjalani and JI operatives Dulmatin and Umar Patek in Maguindanao from June to September in 2004.

There had been talks of Usman’s involvement in the deadly Dec. 23, 2003 bombing in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, which left 18 people dead and more than 20 others wounded.

One of the fatalities in the Datu Piang bombing was Mayor Saudi Ampatuan, son of Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan. MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said Usman was long dropped from the roster of the front due to his alleged involvement in heinous crimes.

Highly placed sources from the military’s intelligence community said they are now validating reports from civilian informants that months before the Oct. 10 bombings, Usman was in the hideout of a Moro separatist commander and preacher who had trained abroad.

There are also reports detailing links between Usman and Egyptian national Dia Al-Gabre, who was arrested at the Cagayan de Oro airport some three years ago, together with a Maranaw bomb expert Muklis Yunus, while waiting for his Manila-bound flight. Al-Gabre himself has a shady personality.

He resided in Cotabato City in the 1990s and introduced himself to neighbors and friends as a journalist. He was always present in multisectoral peace dialogues then and traveled extensively from Cotabato City to parts of the Zamboanga peninsula.

Al-Gabre made a black umbrella and chessboard handy and played chess with friends in areas he frequented. Region 12 police had said they would file criminal charges against Usman, and Indonesian-born Dulmatin and Patek for the October bombings in Makilala and the cities of Cotabato and Tacurong.

Chief Superintendent German Doria, Region 12 police director, told the Notre Dame Broadcasting Network in Cotabato City that they have gathered enough evidence against the three terror suspects. The attacks, according to Doria, were carried out in retaliation for the arrest in Sulu two weeks ago of Dulmatin’s wife and two sons.

John Felix Unson

Bombing alert up in Oro, region 10

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Karapatan says Ablon, others in military’s list of battle

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (By BEN BALCE/ Oct. 14) -
HUMAN rights group Karapatan, bared over the weekend, that priests from the Philippine Independent Church have either received information that they are in the military’s order of battle or have been harassed by death threats.

The alleged list include Fr. Terry Revollido of Pangasinan, Fr. Romeo Tagud of Negros, Fr. Marco Sulayao of Panay, and Fr. Sonny Teleron of Western Mindanao, and this city’s PIC priest Fr. Roberto Ablon.
The Philippine Independent Church here reported that Fr. Ablon and the four other priests, received death threats following the murder of Bishop Alberto Ramento in Tarlac City.

Karapatan northern Mindanao coordinator Beberly Musni said Fr. Antonio Ablon received the threat through a text message on Friday at 4:45 p.m.
She said that like Ramento, Ablon is an outspoken critic of the Arroyo government , while the other activist priests and pastors are all members of PCPR and connected with the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).

According to several militant groups, Ramento received death threats before he was found dead from multiple stab wounds in his convent Tuesday last week.

Musni said Ablon is also a secretary general of the human rights group Karapatan in the region and is a member of the Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR) National Council based in Cagayan de Oro.

The text message said: “Fr. Ablon patay gani ang supreme bishop ikaw pa kaha, I-sample ka namo dinhi sa CDO” (Fr. Ablon, even the supreme bishop was killed, we will make you an example here in Cagayan de Oro).”

Musni said Ablon also asked the police to blotter the said cellular number for future reference and for possible tracing of the whereabouts of the suspect.

Musni said the message, which was sent from cellphone No. 09203546270, clearly warned that Ablon could be the next victim of extrajudicial killings.

“Still unknown, but at least I have the suspect’s cellular number,” Ablon said
Police on Friday said Ramento was not a case of extrajudicial killing as militants claim, but a simple case of robbery with homicide.

Police said four suspects who were arrested Thursday on Ramento’s killing were members of a criminal gang involved in robbery and cellphone snatching, among others.

Musni, however, said the text message allegedly came from the State Security Forces.

“We strongly suspect that the source of this message could only be the military agents who are dutiful in their mission to intimidate, suppress and brutally silence the voices of dissent that have exposed the fraud, corruption and human rights abuses of the Arroyo administration,” Karapatan said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Musni added that the group Karapatan is still conducting its own investigation on Ramento’s killing and has so far came up with an initial report that may not necessarily tally with the police claims.

“There are still things that don’t add up. There were death threats against Bishop Ramento just before his murder,” Musni said.

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Dog bites increasing, city health office warns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Committee on health chaired by City Councilor Simeon Licayan is now apprehensive on the tremendous increase of dog bite cases in both urban and rural barangays in the city.

Licayan said that recent report submitted to his committee revealed that no less than three cases of dog bites reported to the City Health Office (CHO).

"This is very alarming. This means that the number of stray dogs are already increasing," he said.

Even with the number of cases brought to the CHO for treatment, Dr. Rachel Dilla said they have enough supply of medicines for cure against possible rabies infection.

"Bisan daghan nadala sa clinic naa pa gihapon ta'y mga tambal nga ikahatag. Pero mas maayo gyud nga masulbad na kining pag-pamaak sa mga iro sa kadalanan," she said.

The recent incident included a government employee assigned at the Hall of Justice who was bitten by a suspected rabid dog several meters from the City Veternary Office (CVO).

The City Veterinary Office is tasked to conduct "Operation Pamatong" against stray and suspected rabid dogs. They are also tasked to vaccinate dogs against rabies disease.

Licayan said his committee has recommended for the massive apprehension of stray dogs within the residential and commercial areas in the city including those in the subdivision area.

He said he received several complaints that residents in the subdivision area were chased by stray dogs who roamed around the streets looking for food.

Kung makapaak kini dili nimo maila ang tag-iya,? he added.

City Veterinary officer-in-charged Dr. Perla T. Asis said they only had one-team who conducted the Operation Pamatong in the entire city.

She said for the month of August alone, they had able to apprehend some 132 stray dogs from the area of barangays Kauswagan, Iponan, Carmen, Lapasan, Consolacion, Patag, Bulua and Upper Balulang.

Of the 132 apprehended only 15 were claimed by the owners after paying administrative fine of P250.00. Those unclaimed were being subjected to euthenasia.

During the committee meeting, De Asis suggested that those dogs remain unclaimed would be sold to the crocodile farm owned by the Limketkai located at Opol, Misamis Oriental.

"Mas maayo na lamang nga ibaligya para maka-collect of revenues ang siyudad," she said.

Mindanao Gold Star Daily

IMT Expresses Satisfaction on Ceasefire, Peace Process

CAMP ALAGAR, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – (By Mike Banos / Oct. 5) - The International Monitoring Team 3 (IMT-3) overseeing the GRP-MILF Peace Process today expressed satisfaction over the progress of the peace process, and in particular on how the ceasefire mechanism has managed to keep the peace between the two factions.

Maj. Gen. Dato Md Ismail bin Ahmad Khan of Malaysia, head of mission, IMT-3, said his country remains committed to overseeing the peace process for the Philippines in general, and Mindanao in particular, to help Filipinos attain "everlasting peace."

Ismail was accompanied by Brig Gen Edgardo M. Gurrea, chairman of the GRP Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and his counterpart in the MILF, Mr Von Al Haq.

Gurrea said the purpose of the IMT-3's visit was to orient Ismael, who is the third head of mission of the IMT overseeing the GRP-MILF peace process since 2004.

"Our purpose is to orient Gen Ismail and introduce him to the various heads of the LGUs, AFP and PNP commands covered by the GRP-MILF conflict areas," Gurrea said. "Despite the impasse in the peace panel talks, we are happy to note the ceasefire mechanism at all levels is still in place and discharging its intended purpose to keep the peace."

The IMT-3 was on the second leg of its orientation tour which included the two Lanao provinces, Cagayan de Oro and was scheduled to visit Bukidnon province later the same day to meet with Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri,Jr. before proceeding home to Cotabato city. During the first leg of its visit, the team toured Cotabato city, Davao city and the Socsksargen region. The final leg of the tour will cover Western Mindanao including Zamboanga City and Sulu.

Gurrea clarified that while the ongoing peace talks were focusing on three main talking points (security, rehabilitation and development of conflict areas and ancestral domain, or the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity), the ongoing orientation tour was more focused on the former, including the monitoring of the peace and order situation in the identified conflict areas, to ensure that criminal activities of alleged mujahideen would be properly addressed by anti-crime elements of the AFP and the PNP and not deteriorate into a wider conflict involving forces of the GRP-MILF and possible jeopardize the ongoing peace talks.

Gurrea said that prior to the start of the peace process and the organization of the IMT, the GRP-MILF conflict areas had over 700 violence-related incidents. After the tour of the IMT-1, this was reduced to approximately 500, and went down further to only 10 last year under the tour of IMT-1.

"We are happy to note that there has been no incidents reported under IMT-3, and our fighting target is to maintain this zero level for the duration of the one year tour of Gen. Ismael,"he added.

Ismail also noted that the present areas of disagreement between the GRP and MILF peace panels were focused on "political and diplomatic" issues and not conflict related, which demonstrates that the CCCH mechanism is working to prevent violent conflict from breaking out between the AFP and MILF armed forces.

For his part, Al Haq expressed satisfaction that all parties involved in the peace forces were facing and working towards one direction, which is the attainment of a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

"The essence of Ramadan is sacrifice, and all of us should offer a measure of sacrifice for the greater good of a just and lasting peace," Al Haq said.

Not the least, Gurrea cautioned that despite the zero incidence of GRP-MILF violence-related incidents under IMT-3's stewardship, "We must continue to be vigilant against those who seek to disrupt the ongoing peace talks."

"What's important is the mechanism of the CCCH is holding and keeping the peace, to allow the GRP-MILF peace talks to continue under an atmosphere conducive to negotiation and settlement," he added.

Other members of the IMT-3 team accompanying Ismail were Lt.Col. Nazeri bin Ismail, Maj. Mustaffa bin Ibrahim, Lt. Cmdr. Muhd Shakir bin Salleh, Capt. Azuan bin Salehuddin, Capt (DR) Amran bin Amir Hamzah, Cpl. Zainal bin Othman, and Encik Hisham bin Rosle, all of Malaysia.

MIKE BAÑOS
501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,
Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City
Philippines
Primary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)
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IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com
alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com

PNP Claims 19 of Militants Killings Solved

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Oct. 4) - The Philippine National Police Task Force Usig claims it has solved 19 of the extrajudicial killings in the country, well ahead of the 10 cases target President Gloria Arroyo tasked them to solve by October 10, this year.

PNP Dir. Gen. Oscar C. Calderon said during a speech at the PNP Regional Office 10 yesterday: “On October 10, the 10-week deadline set by our President to solve at least 10 cases of militant and media killings will expire. With these, I am happy to announce that as of today (Tuesday, October 3, 2004), there are already 19 cases solved, way past our target.”

However, Calderon cautioned the PRO-X personnel present that they must remain vigilant and pro-active in preventing more slayings in order to restore order in the streets and maintain stability in peacekeeping and law enforcement.
During a press conference held later the same day at a local hotel, Calderon said by “solved”, he meant the appropriate cases have been filed and the suspects arrested.

“We have arrested 12 suspects and 70% of the cases involving journalists have been solved,” he said.

Calderon attributed the relatively higher solution rate in the solution of the killings of journalists to the cooperation extended to the PNP by the victim’s families and the ability of the media community to encourage key witnesses to come forward to identify the perpetrators of the crimes.

“We have also found that most of the killings involving the media people are not job-related,” Calderon added, meaning the motives for the murders were not related to the stories published or investigated by the victims.

However, he admitted having a hard time getting the cooperation of the families of militants since they don’t trust the motives of the PNP in helping them solve the murders of their kin.
“There are presumptions already existing about the PNP so it is quite difficult to convince the families of militants’ victims we are here to help them, and protect their kin from being harmed,” Calderon said.

After a pass-in review at the PNP PRO-10 headquarters, Calderon also graced the groundbreaking for the housing project of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (COCPO) at Bgy Canitoan and the blessing of the new Cugman police station donated by the Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Alwana Business Park, before proceeding to Bukidnon to continue his inspection.

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Jaraula pushes split of CDO into two districts

CAGAYAN de Oro Lone District representative Constantino Jaraula pushed House Bill No. 5658, an act creating a second congressional district in Cagayan de Oro City by splitting the present lone district.

Jaraula’s bill was recently approved in the House committee on local government.

But the National Statistics Office until now does not specifies whether the present population of the city has reached to at least 500,00. A new census that would justify creation of one legislative district, under constitutional provisions, is 250,000 population.

Jaraula’s proposed legislation aims to address the city’s phenomenal growth by providing more funds in addition to a more effective bureaucracy by establishing another representation at the house of representatives.

Jaraula clarified that he has been moving for the division of Cagayan de Oro into two congressional districts, and not two cities.

In his explanatory note, Jaraula said the Bill was filed with the 12th Congress and approved as House Bill No. 1195 but was not acted upon by the Senate at the time of its adjournment.

The City of Cagayan de Oro was chartered on June 15, 1950 under Republic Act No. 521. It has since become the center of commerce, economic growth, investments, and industrialization.

Jaraula said the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) rates Cagayan de Oro as having the highest percentage of growth throughout Mindanao.

House Bill No. 5658 under Section 1 states that “there is hereby created a Second Congressional District in Cagayan de Oro City by splitting the city into two districts, with the Cagayan de Oro River as the natural boundary running from north to south.”

The bill also states that the first district shall comprise the territory west of Cagayan de Oro River and all the barangays located therein, while the second district shall comprise of the territory east of the Cagayan River and all the barangays located therein; provided that those living within the islands or sandbars shall belong to the District where their Precincts are located without prejudice to the effects of dredging and reclamation.

Jaraula’s Bill also stated that the first separate election for each District shall coincide with the regular elections of 2007 and the incumbent Representative shall continue to represent the entire city until his term expires.

Jaraula also clarified that the city would be divided by two and not by CDO-1 and CDO-2, but two representatives and under one mayor and one vice mayor.

The Mindanao Gold Star Daily

Moreno hits Olano, calls Abbot an ingrate

MISAMIS Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, yesterday, repeateadly accused provincial board members Henry Clyde Abbot and Butch Olano of orchestrating an alleged demolition campaign against him even as he called Abbot a “traitor” and “ingrate” (walang utang na loob).

Moreno lashed out at Abbot after he received reports that his accusers - radio blocktimers Ronnie Waniwan and Eddie Dangcal - have been frequenting the latter’s office at Stronghold Insurance beside the Cagayan de Oro press club, for the past few days.

“I helped Abbot during the last elections, even campaigning for him just to make himwin. How come he still did all these things, “Wala syang utang na loob,” Moreno said.

Moreno challenged Abbot to “be man enough” and face him openly and prove all his allegations.

“Dangcal was seen at the office of Abbot yesterday (Sept. 29),” Moreno said adding that in the past few weeks Waniwan and Dangcal has allegedly been seen coming “in and out” from Abbot’s insurance office.

“If Abbot has evidences,” let him prove it and he should not use any dummy or other persons for his own personal interest,” said Moreno . He said Abbot should not hit him at theback. “He should face me openly, and squarely, “ Moreno said.

Abbot did nothing at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan until this time, according to Moreno.

“He (Abbot) got angry and offended after his name was not included at the billboard,” Moreno said adding Abbot’s name was not included as he was just one of the SP members who approved the project.

“Billboard is required by law, but placing names on the billboard has two meanings: Credit of the persons who really worked for the projects and the persons responsible of the projects in case of any irregularities,” Moreno said.

“If I included the persons who are really not behind the project,’it loses the value of the recognition,” Moreno said.

Moreno also said that he lost his thrust on Abbot for claiming things that he is not. “I am not comfortable with his (Abbot) attitude anymore.”

Earlier Waniwan and Dangcal, known for buying radio airtime so they could broadcast stinging political commentaries, have filed two complaint for graft against Moreno before the ombudsman. They charged Moreno with graft and technical malversation of funds before the ombudsman here in connection with a controversial audit report. The report showed that the capitol spent some P12.6 million for fuel used by the private vehicles including the alleged shopping of medicine.)

Over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, Moreno denied any wrongdoing. He even reiterated his challenge on Waniwan and Dangcal including Abbot to show their proof instead of inventing stories.

Moreno also explained that copies of the COA findings now in the hands of his accusers are “no basis at all.”

“They are holding documents without exit conference,” Moreno said adding that capitol was already cleared and verified after the said “exit conference” with the COA officials.

Moreno said he had thought of bringing the findings to higher ups as the COA released their findings without any exit conference, but added that he has second thoughts because it would only be a waste of time.

“Many people need the Capitol’s support, and several projects have to be prioritized,” Moreno said.

Mindanao Gold Star Daily

Mindanao coal plant to operate in December

VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental (MIKE BAÑOS/Sept. 30) - Construction of the Mindanao coal-fired power plant is proceeding as scheduled and should be online by the end of the year, plant officials said.

"We are on the final stage of the power plant's commissioning. The first unit has passed the guarantee and efficiency test while the second unit is gearing-up for a reliability test in preparation for full operation by yearend," said Jerome Soldevilla, communications officer of Steag State Power Inc, (SPI), the project company of the Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant.

"Commercial operations will begin as planned not later than 31 December 2006 and we will have our official inauguration in January 2007" he added. "As of 27 September 2006, the power plant project attained a weighted progress achievement of 99%. Based on this figure vis-à-vis the timelines, we are on track and confident that it will commence commercial operations as committed."

Oliver Brock, head of Steag's commissioning team, has been working closely with his counterpart Y. Onishi, head of the Kawasaki Plant Construction, Inc. (a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries) since the first quarter of the year for the commissioning of the first 105MW unit even as the second 105MW unit is being assembled nearby.

That may sound like good news for an island where demand is fast outstripping available power supply, but power supply in the island remains critical, as oil fired plants come down and repairs in its hydroelectric plants continue.

Emmanuel Abellanosa, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Mindanao, said they have been constrained to implement voluntary power curtailment or "power shedding" at various times last summer due to imbalances between the available power from National Power Corporation (NPC) and the demand from residential, commercial and industrial users.

"There's not enough spinning reserve in the Mindanao grid to address contingencies," Abellanosa said.

NPC figures show the system gross reserve in Mindanao from the latter half of 2005 to year end 2006 was already insufficient to meet the 11.9-percent load following/frequency and spinning reserve requirements.

NPC president Cyril C. del Callar, earlier warned that "recurring power shortages are expected especially during peak periods, when generators and or associated transmission lines are on forced outage."

Peak power demand in Mindanao last summer topped 1,100 megawatts but the NPC only managed to supply an average of 1,050 megawatts to the Mindanao Power Grid. As a result, whenever there's a glitch in the distribution system, power is cut in some areas as the grid seeks to balance the remaining available power throughout the delicately balanced system.

Abellanosa said NPC's total power generation was curtailed due to rehabilitation works in the 92MW Agus IV Hydro-Electric Power Plant at Iligan City, the 255-megawatt Pulangi IV Hydro Electric Plant in Bukidnon and the 25MW Iligan Diesel Power Plant in Ditucalan, Iligan City, turned over a few years back by independent power producer Northern Mindanao Power Corporation.

As a result, power supply to the Zamboanga peninsula and nearby areas was curtailed by 50MW causing up to three hour power outages although Cagayan de Oro city managed to get by thanks to the 18MW Mindanao Energy Systems (Minergy) power plant which augmented available power to the local utility (Cagayan de Oro Electric Power & Light Co. or CEPALCO).

Rufino T. Magbanua, communications officer for Transco NCMA, said at least 85 percent of Mindanao has already been tapping independent power producers (IPPs) and NPC power barges particularly in key areas.

That's for the short term. Over the medium and long term, even if only ongoing base load coal-fired power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental comes online as scheduled by year end, it's merely going to patch things over but not fix it.

Although the grid is being weaned away from its traditional dependence on hydroelectric power plants, the bulk of generated power in the island is still being sourced from the Agus Hydroelectric Power Plants in Iligan City and Lanao del Sur and the Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plants in Maramag, Bukidnon.

The Regional Development Council in Region 10 (RDC-10) has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating power situation in Mindanao.

Arsenio L. Sebastian III, RDC-10 vice-chairman and Dr. Modesto Babaylan, RDC 10 infrastructure committee co-chairman, disclosed recently that Pulangi is producing only 100-120MW of its 255MW rated capacity due to accumulated siltation in the Pulangi River feeding its catchment basin.

Besides the lack of available funds to dredge the Pulangi river, Sebastian said they also have no place to dump the dredged silt taken from it.

Sebastian is also concerned the Mindanao Coal –Fired Power Plant might not be sufficient to meet energy demand in the island, citing Department of Energy statistics show a rising demand for power that the present supply might be unable to meet even with the new base load plant online.

NPC President del Callar earlier said that from 2007 to 2008, power supply in Mindanao would be stable as the system gross reserve remains sufficient to meet the LFFR and spinning reserve with the scheduled commissioning of the 200 MW coal plant.

The average power supply reserve margin in the Mindanao grid from 2005 to 2008 is 7.26% with 2008 having the lowest projected power supply reserve margin of 3.93%. By 2009, peak demand for power in Mindanao will start to exceed the existing power capacity, with additional new capacity of about 57 MW to be needed for the year and an average of 116 MW every year thereafter.

But the environmental advocacy group Task Force Macajalar (TFC) has called on the NPC to review its projections.

TFM spokesperson BenCyrus Ellorin said Mindanao can sustain its power needs without resorting to fossil fuels like oil or coal because its existing hydropower plants are sufficient to meet the island's needs if their full potential of 12,000MW is tapped.

Latest NPC figures only show an existing power band of 982 –1,500 MW with independent power producers (IPPs) capable of another 543 MW.

NPC expects power demand in Mindanao to grow 11.8 percent from 2005-2011 and would need an installed capacity of 2,830MW by the end of this period with the Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant filling the gap.

Ellorin believes Mindanao would be better off if it rehabilitates its present hydroelectric power plants and reforest the watersheds that support them or inter-connect with the rest of the Philippine grid with the Leyte-Mindanao Inter-connection project.

The Mindanao grid is divided into three sub-grids - North, West, and South Mindanao. Of these, only North Mindanao enjoys an excess capacity while the West and South Mindanao grids have to import from the North Mindanao sub-grid to sufficiently address peak power demand in their respective areas.

The country's Power Development Plan for 2005 to 2014 stresses the importance of putting up more power generating plants in order to avert a power shortfall in the major islands of the country, particularly in Mindanao since the previous surplus has been effectively erased with the reopening of the National Steel Corporation (NSC, now Global Steel International, Inc. or GSII) steel plant in Iligan City.

In a recent forum to determine just how real the Mindanao Power Crisis is, CEPALCO Sr. Vice President David Tauli said there's no large power plant (e.g.., 100MW or larger) scheduled for construction in Mindanao from 2007-2011 after STEAG State Power Inc's 210MW coal-fired power plant goes online this year end.

By 2009, Tauli's projections show Mindanao's energy demand at 9,150 gigawatt hours while dependable power supply, SPI's coal-fired power plant included, would only be 9,200 GWh, way below the 11.9-percent load following/frequency and spinning reserve requirements of Transco and a generating system that's no longer "N-1" reliable.

Tauli said this would result to widespread and lengthy brownouts when a section of the transmission system goes on the blink. A drought like the one expected to hit the island soon would worsen this situation.

In the same forum, former National Power Corp. President Guido Alfredo Delgado concurred with Tauli's observations, citing how energy prices in Mindanao are too low, hence the lack of an economic incentive to add new capacity to the island's power grid.

"There are no creditworthy off-takers and no long term market, hence no long term funds available in the local market for investments in power generation, which by its very nature calls for long-term funds," Delgado noted. "On top of that, there are the stranded costs of Napocor and distribution utilities Mindanao power consumers are mandated to pay under the EPIRA."

Tauli, Delgado and Ellorin all agree the passage of the Renewable Energy Bill which has been languishing in Congress to include a mandatory "renewable power supply portfolio" for distribution utilities should lead to investments in renewable sources of electricity, but chances of the bill's passage before Congress goes into recess next month look dim.

MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippines Primary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com

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Oro students criticize GMA’s re-take order

NURSING students from Northern Mindanao who passed the controversial June 2006 nursing board examinations from two universities in Cagayan de Oro cried foul yesterday criticizing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's order for a re-take of the said examinations.

“The order of the President is not equal for us here in Mindanao,” spokesman for Capitol and Liceo de Cagayan nursing students, Christopher Abellanosa, said. “Its unfair and unjust.”

Abellanosa added that the re-take order is not in principle only, since secretary Eduardo Ermita disclosed it to media on Wednesday.

“The order is another burden not only to those who passed the board examinations but the entire family including their parents,” Abellanosa said.

Abellanosa said the leakage reportedly took place in Luzon. “Why are they including us here in Mindanao, when we were not party to the anomaly?, he asked.

According to Abellanosa, Capitol and Liceo de Cagayan nursing students who passed the nursing examination are contemplating to take necessary actions so that Arroyo would hear their side and their mental anguish. He adds, they will try to ask the President to reconsider her Order.

Earlier, Arroyo explained through Ermita that a re-take order of the June 2006 nursing board examinations would cover the entire batch of examinees .

Ermita noted that the Chief Executive reached such policy decision during the Cabinet meeting early this week, to reclaim the integrity of Filipino professionals and PRC-administered examinations.

“For us, the order remains unclear, whether the re-take examination will be selective or not, but still the order is an order to re-take and that order is very inimical on our part,” said Abellano.
Abellanosa also criticized the Arroyo administration of “inconsistency,”in its decision.

“The June 2006 nursing board passers already took their oath. How come Malacañang ordered for re-takes? It?s purely a form of harassment to those who honestly passed the examinations without any leakage ,” Abellanosa said.

Abellanosa also said that Malacañang should focus their investigation ongovernment agencies which took part in the alleged irregularities during nursing board examination.

“Why did Malacañang failed to immediately initiate an investigation of officials who administered the examinations? Including those floated to have been involved in the leakage?, he asked.

He said that until now no single official has been named and even punished. “The leakages they were talking about are baseless if no one is investigated or punished,” he commented.

Abellanosa also denied that students in Mindanao benefitted from the leakage, and that the accusation for cheating. should not be generalized. “Why have they not accused the examiners of cheating also?, he asked.

“This is foul. No leakage reached us here in Mindanao and it is not true that some of the students benefitted from it”, Abellanosa said adding that not even a single questionnaire was leaked to examinees here in Mindanao.

“The leakages reportedly started in Baguio and Manila. So the focus of investigation should be there,” Abellanosa lamented.

“The investigators themselves disclosed that based on their computerized investigations, no single questionnaire was used here in Mindanao,” Abellanosa said, adding that the re-take order is not as easy for them even if the government would shoulder the examination fees.

“The problem now is the expenses during the re-take like the board and lodging, especially for examinees who lived in distant places,” he concluded.


Mindanao Gold Star Daily

Lanao cops nab suspects of Rtmi bus robbery

POLICE authorities in Bacolod town arrested two of the six (6) suspects in the highway robbery at Sitio Lawian,in said town of, Lanao del Norte, police officials said yesterday.

Police said the suspects were the ones responsible in the robbing of Rural Transit bus number 1134 on September 12, this year.

Regional Police Community Relation's Division chief Police Senior Supt. Rolando Dela Vega identified the suspects as Rodel Labigan, 25, of Brgy Paiton, Tangub City and Cesar Estabas, 20, of Brgy Rebocon, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

"The immediate arrest of the two suspects would be a great help to our policemen in looking for the four remaining suspects," Dela Vega said.

Dela Vega said they already increased their personnel securing bus and jeepney terminals in the region to avoid another possible higway robberies.

"Personnel of Regional Traffic Management Group are now guarding highways by tightening their checkpoints," Dela Vega said adding that even management and personnel of bus companies are now cooperating for the immediate arrest of the remaining suspects.

Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Florante Baguio said the suspects were arrested at Sitio Lawian, Brgy Esperanza, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte by the elements of Bacolod Municipal Police led by SPO3 Candido Briones.

Baguio said the suspects were arrested while they were on board a jeepney where one of the passengers named Richelle Hajiula who was likewise one of the victims during the said RTMI robbery, was present.

“The suspects were positively identified by our policemen as among the robbers that robbed the RTMI bus,” Baguio said adding that a hot pursuit operation is still being conducted for the arrest of other suspects.

Baguio has previously ordered Lanao del Norte provincial director PSSupt. Linog Bagul to conduct investigation right after the incident to identify and file appropriate charges in court against the suspects in order to facilitate their immediate arrest.

Baguio also said that they are still conducting operations for the immediate arrest of suspects in a separate highway robbery incident which victimized a bank in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro. The robbers got P4- million supposedly to be deposited for Ficco, a cooperative.

“We’re still investigating if the suspects arrested in Lanao have some connection to the Gusa highway robbery,” Baguio said.

Baguio said a cellphone, Nokia 6610 which turned-out to be the cellphone of Ritchelle Hajiula was seized from the possession of the suspects during their arrest.

Police said a case for highway Robbery/Brigandage was filed against the suspects docketed as Criminal Case number 12729 dated September 18, 2006 at the 12th RTC, Iligan City with a P30,000.00 bail recommended for their temporary liberty.

Mindanao Gold Star Daily