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Cotabato gov’t officials give nod to peace talks

Thursday, 17 May 2012 00:00

KORONADAL City--Government officials in South Cotabato gave their nod to ongoing talks in consultation-meetings with government of the Philippines peace panel member Miriam Coronel Ferrer held last week. South Cotabato Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. expressed optimism that "the problem of confl ict in southern Mindanao which has long existed" will fi nally be resolved. Vice-Governor Elmo Toloso thanked the GPH panel for taking the time to hear the stakeholders' views on the peace process. "The panel must be doing something right," he said, because there have been no recent armed encounters with the MILF for several months now. "The guidelines of President Aquino are very clear. The process must be inclusive and transparent. It must uphold the consent of the governed," Ferrer emphasized.

During the consultations, she discussed the Decision Points on Principles signed by the two parties during the 27th formal exploratory talks held April 24 in Kuala Lumpur. Aside from the creation of a new autonomous political entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the points laid out in the signed document include introducing the ministerial system, strengthening of the Shari'ah courts, protection of the people's basic rights, and power and wealth sharing between the national government and the autonomous body.

No details yet

Ferrer said that the discussions on substantive agenda that will "shape the envisioned new autonomous political entity" are moving forward but this will "take time" owing to the complexity of the issues and the need to consult stakeholders in and outside of government. Responding to queries from the South Cotabato offi cials on the geographic coverage of the proposed autonomous political entity, Ferrer underscored that this matter was not included in the signed document because the two parties have not yet agreed on the mode and scope of jurisdiction for the autonomous entity. "Our proposal is that prospective areas first indicate their interest in joining, after which a plebiscite will be held to get the vote of their constituents," Ferrer said. "But this has to be deliberated further."

Other than provincial and municipal offi cials, Ferrer met with tribal leaders, members of the media, and Mindanao teachers in South Cotabato province and the cities of Cotabato and General Santos to promote public understanding on the peace process between the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Various concerns noted

While generally positive, issues and concerns were brought up during the consultations. The provincial offi cials reported sightings of a possible satellite camp of the MILF in one or two of their barangays. Ferrer advised them to refer the matter to the Local Monitoring Teams in the province and the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities for verifi cation and proper action.

In Lake Sebu, municipal offi cials and Muslim and tribal leaders raised concern over Land conflicts in the area. A tribal leader handed over a written question, "Will Land conflicts disappear when an agreement is signed?" Ferrer said that Land confl icts involve different sets of actors. Most cases would need a multi-agency approach, with the local governments in the frontline of preventing the escalation of violence. Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Funga thanked Ferrer for visiting their place and updating them on developments in the peace talks.

Teachers' roles

Alvin Rex Magbanua Lucero, Region 12 Coordinator of the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC), also commended the efforts of the GPH panel to reach out to stakeholders especially the grassroots. He recalled that the 2008 Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was opposed by different sectors because it did not undergo consultations, Lucero noted. Other Mindanaoan teachers attending the teachers' conference highlighted their role in bridging understanding between Muslims and Christians for peaceful co-existence.

Teduray rights

Teduray leaders led by Timuay Alim Bandara and Sannie Bello, meanwhile, asked the panel's assistance in securing their ancestral domain claims in the ARMM. Ferrer noted that they need not wait for the peace agreement for them to secure their ancestral Land claims through the appropriate agencies like the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the OIC-ARMM government. The meeting also explored possible inclusion of provisions in the GPH-MILF peace agreement on IP rights to political representation, customary law, tribal courts, wealth-sharing, and ancestral Land, as provided in the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act.

Other feedback

Meanwhile, David Gorman, mediation advisor and country representative of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, said in an interview that the Decision Points on Principles is a "very solid agreement that lays the groundwork for a future agreement." He stated that "both parties will need trust and support from their leaders, their constituents and those affected by the confl ict in Mindanao because there will be many tough decisions ahead as they work to fi nd a fi nal agreement." The CHD is one of four NGOs that sit in the International Contact Group.* TENG L. DATU/MARIEGIL BENITO

By TENG L. DATU AND MARIEGIL BENITO

ABS-CBN, 6ID offer free circumcision

Monday, 07 May 2012 00:00

Maguindanao - A total of 780 young boys from nearby communities and municipalities availed of free circumcision dubbed as "Kaya ni Juan, Kalusugan Patrol Operation Tuli" sponsored by ABS-CBN Central Mindanao and the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division at 6ID Gymnasium in Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao on 28 April.

6ID Commander Maj. Gen. Rey C. Ardo offered the "Kampilan" Gymnasium as the venue and provided 20 medical personnel from Camp Siongco Station Hospital to carry out the circumcision and dozens of support personnel to ensure an orderly and safe conduct of the day-long activity. Though originally intended to serve 600 patients due to limited medical supplies, this year's "operation tuli" far exceeded last year's record in terms of the number of benefi ciaries. Parents and guardians, as well as the boys themselves, expressed thei r hear t fel t thanks and appreciation to the program, the organizers and the participating agencies. Medical personnel and staff of participating agencies and the benefi ciaries, including their parents and guardians, were welcomed by the "Kampilan" Marching Band and entertained by 6ID Combo throughout the activity. The Division also provided video presentations to keep patients amused while waiting for their turn. Other groups which participated in the activity were: Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 (MBLT-7), International Monitoring Team-7 (IMT-7), Integrated Provincial Health Office- Maguindanao, ARMM-DOH and Share, Help and Care. SHAHECA/ TENG L. DATU

Alpha Sigma Phi convention a success

Monday, 07 May 2012 00:00

COTABATO City--A big number of participants coming from different parts of the country converge in Jolo, Sulu for its 19th National Biennial Convention held on April 20-22. The affair was jointly hosted by the Lupa Sug Alumni Association, undergraduate members of Sulu State College (Beta Lambda) and Notre Dame of Jolo College (Beta Mu). Jolo Municipal Mayor Hussin U. Amin as host of the convention has showed their hospitality showing full support of the activity. The Sambuwangan Alumni Association also had their humble share of accommodating the delegates during their stay in Zamboanga City.

The convention's theme: 'Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines Southern Convergence: addressing the present challenges geared towards excellence in Leadership, Strengthening True Brotherhood and Sisterhood and focus on Economic Gorwth" has further boosted the enthusiasm of the participants. They unanimousaly decided to defer the reading of the 18th NBC minutes held in Malolos, Bulacan. This will be referred and deliberated during the Constituitonal Convention which will coincide with the National Leadership Conference scheduled at Dipolog City. Highlights the three day activity were the presence of the keynote speakers. The offi ce of Vice-President Jejomar Binay and Sulu Governor Abdulsakur M. Tan had their offi cial representative welcomed and inspired the participants. In the second day, Governor Esmail 'Toto" Mangudadatu of Maquindanao took his turn of sharing wisdom how the organization could further its objectives the way his administration is serving the constituents of Maguindanao as public servant. The third day was graced by honored guest Madame Margarita "Tingting" Conjuangco. As expected the final day was the bidding of the next National Convergence in 2013 and 2014. The National Leadership Conference cum Constitutional Convention will be in Dipolog City by 2013 and the 20th NBC will be hosted by the Cebu Alumni Association in Cebu City by 2014.

National Offi cers for 2012- 2014 were as follows: President Abellano "Belly" Batocael, Vice President Aladin "Al" Sumail, Executive Director Rosa Manayon, Treasurer, Al-Hussin Lakibul, Auditor Roberta "Ruby" Riga, Herald Hosnie Biston, for Board of Director: Juliebee Muksan, Wenceslao Magallanes, Joel Jaranilla, Tony Tompar, Glicerio Alfonso, Ray Dy-Reyes, Lolito Tenorio, Mhay LLander and Grace Villarosa. It was indeed a very historical event in Jolo, Sulu for the Alphi Sigma Phi. The participants had their visit and tree planting at Camp Bud Datu where the Legendary Muslim Leader Rajah Baguinda was buried. Some participants hold isLand hopping at Panglima Tahil where they experience the hospitality of the host province. The participants extend their thanks to Director Joselito Jilhano together with the host member for a warm welcome of the group participants and that they deserve commendation for the Job done. NANO DATUKAN

Guv eyes consultation between LGUs, NSO

Friday, 04 May 2012 00:00

COTABATO City--In an effort to dispel speculations surrounding the results of the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, ARMM OIC-Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman is initiating a consultation between local offi cials and the National Statistics Offi ce in the autonomous region. Hataman said the consultation aims to clear and resolve issues regarding the 2010 Census of Population and come up with measures that maybe helpful in the conduct of census in the future as he underscores the importance of the 2010 Census on Population and Housing as a baseline data and economic indicators.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael "Toto" Mangundadatu and several other town mayors have expressed dismay over the noted decrease of the population in almost all of the provinces and towns in the ARMM citing the looming reduction of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) adversely affecting implementation of ongoing programs and projects and delivery of basic services. Figures in the 2010 Census of Population and Housing show that ARMM's total population decreased to 3,256,140 from 4,120,795 in the 2007 data.

In reaction to calls of local officials for a re-survey, Hataman said, the issue being raised is the pending reduction in the IRA and the dissolution of newly created municipalities that failed to meet the required population of 25,000 as mandated by law. "Umaapela tayo na sana huwag masyadong nakatutok at umaasa sa Internal Revenue Allotment at dapat magsilbi ito isang challenge sa atin," Hataman said. Hataman said, he is not surprised that except for the old towns newly created municipalities in ARMM by virtue of the legislation enacted by the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) would be dissolved. Earlier, NSO-ARMM Regional Director Atty. Commando Pilimpinas said, President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed the 2010 Census of Population and Housing making the same final and official. PBCHANGCO/ TENGDATU