Sultan Sharif Pulalun brings cheers to Zamboanga scavengers, fire victims
text & photos HADER GLANG

Poor residents in Lumbangan and fire victims in two other Barangays in Zamboanga City found cheers early Sunday after Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun personally handed to them food assistance.

The Sultan, along with supporters, led in the distribution of rice, noodles, and sardines at the “Zamboanga’s poverty hill” with a hundred of scavengers in the area. At the same time, he carried out a house-to-house distribution of goods in Barangays Canelar and Moret with village officials.

“It really feels good that you have at least help in a small way,” Sultan Pulalun later said in an interview.

He also called on the people, especially those well-to-do families, to share their blessings because the poor residents in the said barangays really need foods and medicines.

An elderly woman, who spoke in behalf of the Lubangan scavengers, said that they are very grateful to the assistance extended by Sultan Pulalun to them.

“Gracias gayud con el attention ya dale canamon aqui…bien grande ayuda ya gayud este (we are very thankful to the attention that has given by Sultan to us…this is a big help),” she said.

Lumbangan, about 10 kilometers east of Zamboanga City, is a dump site for tons of garbage that could be anything from a harmless piece of rubber duck toy to more toxic materials such as computer and television parts or even a bottle of pesticide.

For its residents, the village is a man-made hill of poverty, a symbol of a struggle for many who brave the heat and cold in search of scrap, wrote Al Jacinto, a freelance journalist, in his feature news published in the national dailies late last year.

According to Jacinto, the dump is a place of opportunity for many jobless people in the village, but there are dangers to face as well and many scavengers are suffering from different diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma and skin allergy.

Early this year, a big fire hit one of the city’s urban village leaving some 6,000 families (mostly squatters) homeless in the congested barangay Canelar. The fire destroyed about 1,500 houses. Many of the fire victims are still not relocated or re-housed up to now.

IMAGE OF THE DAY

The moro mosque at Barangay (village) Taluksangay (a fishing community, about 20 kilometers north east of Zamboanga City is the site of the oldest mosque in Western Mindanao). The Senate has declared recently the oldest mosque in the Philippines constructed in Tawi-Tawi by then Sheik Karimul Makhdum, an Arab missionary from Saudi Arabia in A.D. 1380, as a national shrine. (HADER GLANG)

Pres. Arroyo & Speaker De Venecia appoint Governor Ampatuan as Lakas-CMD party chairman for ARMM

REGIONAL Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has been designated Regional Chairman of the Lakas-Christian-Muslim Democrats Party for the ARMM.

The designation of Gov. Ampatuan was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as party chairperson and Speaker Jose De Venecia as party president. The effectivity of the designation is retroactive to January of 2006.

“In accordance with existing rules and authority vested upon us by the Party, you are hereby designated as Regional Chairman for ARMM. By virtue thereof, you are authorized and mandated to exercise the prerogatives of your office to ensure the consolidation, unification and strengthening of the Party in pursuit of its Christian – Muslim Democratic ideology and its proper role in advancing the welfare, interests and nationhood of the Filipino people,” the designation said.

Governor Ampatuan thanks President Arroyo, Speaker De Venecia and the entire leadership of the Lakas-CMD for the trust and confidence given him, even as he vowed to exert all possible efforts to promote the interest of the Party and the Filipino nation.

“I am so thankful to Her Excellency Madame President Arroyo, Hon. Speaker De Venecia and the entire leadership of the Lakas-CMD for their trust and confidence. I assure them that with this new responsibility given to me, I will do all I can to push for the interest and welfare of the Party in particular and the Filipino people in general.

Regional Gov. Ampatuan, son of Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr., was the official candidate of the Lakas-CMD during the August 8, 2005 ARMM regional elections. He won overwhelmingly over other candidates, some of whom were former ARMM Governor Dr. Parouk Hussin, former ARMM Vice Governor Mahid Mutilan and businessman Ibrahim “Toto” Paglas due to the massive support of the people and many local government officials in the region.

Gov. Ampatuan believes that it will not difficult for him to consolidate and unify the Party in the region considering that at least 95 percent of the more than 80 municipal mayors and all the five provincial governors and Marawi City mayor and other local officials are supportive to his administration in ARMM.

“With the support of my party mates in the region and our constituents, I am confident that we can easily consolidate, unify and strengthen the Lakas-CMD in ARMM,” he said. (BPI-ARMM)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Sunset over Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City. (HADER GLANG)

AFP refutes CBCP’s charge of disinformation

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday denied the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) accusation that the military sow public disinformation to discourage the Church and people from pushing through the Charter Change rallies.

The AFP clears that what has been said in the media about threats of terrorism is based on reports gathered by the intelligence units. In fact, there was nothing new in the statements released in media about the country’s present security situation.

It is a known fact that in any assemblage of big crowd, threat of terrorism is always possible. Terrorists can or may take advantage of these rallies to sow fear and inflict injury among our people through terroristic activities. Thus, there was no disinformation as what the CBCP claimed.

To inform and remind our people of the present security situation and to caution them to be careful do not mean stopping them from participating any rally. As protectors of the people and defenders of democracy, the AFP highly respects the right of the citizens to assembly and expression of grievances through peaceful means.

We are just doing our jobs to secure the public. The objective is to advise our people to be more careful to preempt any unlawful undertakings of the rebel groups.

Moreover, the government forces are doubling their efforts to ensure the safety of the participants to the prayer rally. The safety of the civilians is the military’s paramount concern. (PRESS RELEASE - 4th CRG, CRSAFP)

U.S. Deputy Chief and House Speaker Urge Muslim Congressional Interns to Continue Dedication to Leadership and Government

The participating students and representatives of MSU with (seated left to right, center row) House Speaker Jose de Venecia; acting DCM Jon Linborg; and Frank Donovan, acting Mission Director, USAID.

Demonstrating the U.S. and Philippines’ commitment to investing in people, democracy, and peace, U.S. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Jon Lindborg, who is also Mission Director, U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), and Philippine Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia hosted a December 15 completion ceremony for 25 Filipino students from the “Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders” (CIPYML).

The CIPYML Program, which has been ongoing for more than two years, gives qualified graduates from colleges in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other conflict-affected areas of Mindanao the opportunity to work for four months at the House of Representatives and gain hands-on experience in legislation and policy formulation.

The CIPYML Program is managed by USAID and implemented in partnership with the House of Representatives and Mindanao State University (MSU). The American people are proud to help open doors so these young leaders from Mindanao can expand their knowledge of and experience in government and leadership. The internship program not only helps these young leaders learn more about democratic governance, but brings their unique perspectives and experiences to the halls of Congress.

The 25 interns are the sixth batch to go through the program, which typically hosts two groups of interns each year. Both Acting DCM Lindborg and Speaker de Venecia delivered remarks during the ceremony and encouraged the young leaders to continue seeking opportunities to increase their own knowledge of democratic governance, and to share with others what they learned during their internships. (PRESS RELEASE)

Misuari is running for Sulu governor in 2007 polls

This file photo originally taken by Hader Glang in Barangay Taluksangay few days after the signing of peace agreement in September 1996 shows MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari, former Zamboanga City Mayor Vitaliano Agan (left), and a representative of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Detained Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari will run for governor in the May 2007 elections following his registration at the Jolo municipal Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Sulu Thursday.

A political observer, who requested anonymity, commented that Misuari’s running for governor will be the last nail that will seal whatever pretension he has as a revolutionary and the peace pact that he signed with the government will be dead forever.

The source said that this action by Misuari is understandable, because he seems to be no longer fighting for his principles and his people but his personal future and happiness after he has been subjected to untold sufferings inside jail.

Jolo town councilor Cocoy Tulawie, in a television interview in Zamboanga City, also confirmed that the detained MNLF leader is running for governor in next year’s elections. He did not elaborate.

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) had repeatedly urged government to release Misuari. The OIC also wants Misuari to attend the tripartite review of the 1996 peace agreement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on February 6 to 8 next year.

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, a revert to Islam and currently chairperson of the government Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), accompanied Misuari in his trip to Jolo Thursday after the court granted the latter’s petition to register in Sulu as voter.

Misuari signed a peace agreement with Manila on September 2, 1996, but the MNLF complained until now that the pact has not been implemented fully by the government.

He is facing rebellion charges after a failed MNLF uprising on Jolo Island and Zamboanga City in 2001. He was accused by the military of allegedly masterminding the attacks.

Until his arrest in Malaysia and imprisonment in Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa Laguna in 2002, Misuari was the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

IMT MEDCAP treated hundreds of patients in 2 conflict-ridden areas in central Mindanao

A Medical and Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) team of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) has treated hundreds of patients in conflict-ridden areas in the southern Philippines.

(A refugee in central Mindanao in makeshift housing near a mosque)

The IMT’s MEDCAP team has provided treatment, free medicines and vitamins to around 700 patients mostly children, women and old folks from Barangays (villages) in Datu Saudi Ampatuan and in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province.

Major Genera Dato' Md Ismael bin Ahmad Khan, IMT head of mission, said they are now in full swing with their MEDCAP and gradually shifting their focus on humanitarian and socio-economic programs “so that the people will start to reap and enjoy the dividends of the peace process.”

He said the MEDCAP was implemented in coordination and cooperation with the Joint GRP- MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), and Local Government Units (LGUs).

“Common sickness that were diagnosed included body pains, abdominal pain, headache, colds, fever, cough, eye problems, hypertension and asthma,” said Dr. Amran, the Medical Officer of the IMT.

He said patients experiencing eye problems, particularly cataract, were advised to immediately see an ophthalmologist as they could not attend to them considering that the case involves surgical operation.

The physician promised to bring up to the Malaysian government the predicament of those patients experiencing eye problems, even as he called for other institutions and humanitarian organizations to help in attending to these cases involving eye problems.

Meanwhile, village leaders and elders in Maguindanao hailed the IMT, which composed of officers from the governments of Malaysia, Brunei, Libya and Japan, for the big contributions it is giving in the search for genuine and lasting peace and development in their war ravaged communities.

Zamboanga No. 1 seller in olive oil sardines

Mindanao's small and medium sized companies made some major sales at the recent Yamang Mindanao trade exhibit.

Trade officials said the businesses earned some P40-million in cash and booked sales for 128 mostly small producers who participated. DTI records showed products from Region 9 (Western Mindanao) topped the sales at nearly P19 million followed by Region 12 (Southwestern Mindanao) at P17.2 million.

“The exhibit sales was realized through the purchase and bookings made by 29 institutional buyers from Europe, the United States, Manila, Cebu and walk-in buyers from the area,” the trade and industry deparment said.

The best sellers included sardines in olive oil (Zamboanga City), organic muscovado (Pres. Quirino, Sultan Kudarat), banana tissue (Federation of North Cotabato Banana Farmers, Inc.), processed cashew and mango products (South Cotabato), driftwood furniture (Sultan Kudarat) and tuna value-added (General Santos City).

"Exhibitors presented their companies and products to a panel of interested buyers. Outright orders, negotiations and bookings took place right there and then," she said.

Delegates to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area Joint Cluster Meeting for Tourism Development also graced the event.

Some 40 small-and-medium enterprises from Region 12, 30 from Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) and Caraga, 23 from Region 11 (Southeastern Mindanao), three from Region 9, and two from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao participated in the trade exhibit. There were also two guest exhibitors from Region 8.

A total of six seminars or training programs were also conducted during the duration of the event to enhance the capability of the SMEs in the area and make them more competitive in the market.

These include seminars on financing programs (Small Business Guarantee Fund Corp., EU Funding Windows and National Livelihood Support Fund); Applying for Organics Certification and Market Opportunities for Organics Products; Potential Export Channels for Value Added Marine Food Product, Challenges and Improvements and; Seminar on ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System.

Sultanate of Sulu calls RP Muslims to support 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu

The influential Sultan of Sulu, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, on Friday called on Filipino Muslims to support the Philippine hosting of the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu province.

The four-day summit, beginning Dec. 10, will bring together the Economic Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to the central Filipino island where they are to sign the Blueprint on the Cebu Declaration on the Acceleration of the Establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015, five years ahead of the original target of 2020.

The ASEAN Economic Ministers will also finalize seven documents for signing during the Summit.

The blueprint -- which will focus on how ASEAN could benefit from the elimination of tariff for the ASEAN-6 by 2010 and for the new ASEAN members by 2015 -- is one of the most important documents to be signed by the leaders when they meet in Cebu.

Sultan Pulalun said the holding of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu only proves the Philippines continues to enjoy the support of the international business community and other nations and is a safe place for every body to go.

"We hope this historic event would be most remembered by many Filipinos that the Philippines is still strong and that our leaders continue to work for the country and everybody's benefit."

"I call on all Muslims in the Philippines and around the world to continue supporting the government effort for this ASEAN Summit to be successful and bring peace to all nations of the world, particularly in Asia," Sultan Pulalun, a peace advocate and active in humanitarian works, said.

The 50-year old Sultan said the Summit would further strengthen the relationship and foster unity among ASEAN member countries.

Over the years, ASEAN has seen the growth of regional networks of non-governmental organizations.

One of the most active of these groups is the ASEAN Peoples' Assembly, which is an important partner of ASEAN in moving forward its integration initiatives.

At the 12th ASEAN Summit, the Philippines will support the holding of the 5th ASEAN People's Assembly, which coincides with the ASEAN Leaders' Summit. President Arroyo has chosen the theme for the 12th ASEAN Summit, entitled "One Caring and Sharing Community."

The theme will reflect the initiatives to be taken by the Philippines in ASEAN community building and common people's participation.

Last year, Malaysia hosted the 11th ASEAN Summit and discussed seven main issues -- the spread of bird flu, southern Thailand conflict, democracy in Myanmar, crude oil prices fluctuation and poverty, investment and trade and an ASEAN charter.

This year, the Summit will be hosted by the Cebu Metropolitan Area, composed of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City and Lapu-Lapu City.

The ASEAN is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (PRESS RELEASE)

Korean seaman lost at Sulu sea

A Korean seaman has disappeared aboard a Korean ocean-going vessel while it was sailing at Sulu on November 26, 2006, authorities said.

Authorities identified the missing Korean seaman as Yoon Suk Lee, 23, a 3rd Engineer of Korean registered ship, C.March.

Sources said that the vessel’s skipper, Capt. Shin Jong Chul, reported through radio message that Yoon Suk cannot be located in the ship on Nov. 26.

It said that the missing Korean ship engineer was last seen about 9 p.m. of November 25 sipping red wine with shipmates, but the following day, when the skipper conducted a headcount, Yoon Suk did not show up.

Capt. Jong Chul said Yoon Suk’s cabin was intact with his personal belongings inside. He said they left Australia on Nov. 17, carrying ore shipment on the way to China passing the Sulu Sea, where Yoon Suk was last seen.

The ship had eight Korean and 16 Filipino crewmembers, according to the source. The family of a Korean seaman have put up a reward for anyone in Zamboanga City, Sulu, Basilan or Tawi-Tawi who can locate their son.

The father, brother and uncle of Yoon Suk arrived in Zamboanga City to launch a search for him after the vessel’s skipper.

They said said Yoon Suk has boarded the vessel only about a month ago. They could not figure out what happened to him, but expressed hope that he is still alive.

They said that if he had fallen into the sea, there is a good chance he survived, because at that time (Nov. 25), there were several fishing boats within the vicinity of the Sulu Sea where C. Match was sailing through.

The relatives have asked the assistance of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard to help locate Yoon Suk. They also distributed posters with Yoon Suk’s face.

Thousands of Zamboangueños march for peace

text & photos HADER GLANG

Pupils carry placards with anti war markings during the walk for peace as part of the celebrations of "Week of Peace."

Thousands of Zamboangueños took to the streets on Wednesday to celebrate the Week of Peace, which aims to raise consciousness for a culture of peace among the peoples of Mindanao.

Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ), the organizers of the yearly celebration, have given more emphasis on environmental issues with the theme "In the Name of the Almighty, God of Harmony, Care for the Earth!"

Around 20,000 people including concerned government agencies and instrumentalities and members of the private sector and civil society marched from Pettit Barrack to the Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex.

Some students carried banners and placards with "No for war and yes for peace fight! For freedom!!! And "Make peace not war for the love of the world" slogans. Others performed street dance.

"The Subanun people can never accept the undergoing environmental destruction of our forest by indiscriminate logging and the destruction of our ancestral domain. We also renounce war," said 48-year old Subanun tribal leader.

Father Angel Calvo, PAZ president, said they have seen the people in Mindanao are more conscious now of the peace advocacy than ever, trying to incorporate the element of peace in their society.

"The peace advocacy we're seeing is getting more and more…people from all walks of life are taking center stage and participating with enthusiasm as never before in the history of Mindanao," Calvo said.

But he cautioned the people that unless they build a strong civil society that is able to withstand or counteract conflict through peaceful solution they would never attend lasting peace in their community.

A statement from indigenous group in support to peaceful means of resolving the conflict in Mindanao read that, "We can never believe that a lasting peace could be attained by means of guns and bullets."

"There is really an urgent need for a new approach in dealing with the insurgency and other disgruntled armed groups in Mindanao rather that pursuing the policy of all out war against those armed groups."

In North Cotabato, the peace and development communities (PDCs) have conducted a contest on the search for the most peaceful camp.

In Cagayan de Oro City, a walk for peace was also held while in other key cities and provinces in Mindanao have conducted symposiums on peace and environmental issues and sportsfest among Muslim and Christian religious sector as well as an interfaith prayer vigil.

The Mindanao Week of Peace is celebrated each year from the last Thursday of November to the first Wednesday of December. It is a comprehensive promotional activity that involves various GOs, NGOs, and PO's in advocating the culture of peace in the Southern Philippines.

PAZ and SALAM Foundation initiated it in Zamboanga City in 1997. It has snowballed into a Mindanao-wide event as adopted by the Bishops-Ulama Conference and perpetuated as an annual observance through Presidential Proclamation 127, S. 2001.

Muslim leaders hail Senate Bill declaring Sheik Makhdum mosque in Tawi-Tawi as national shrine

text HADER GLANGThis is the first and oldest mosque in the Philippines constructed in Tawi-Tawi by then Sheik Karimul Makhdum, an Arabian missionary from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in A.D. 1380.

Muslim leaders in Mindanao hailed the Senate’s declaration of the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque in Tawi-Tawi as a national shrine, saying it is a milestone in the Philippine history.

The Senate on Friday approved on third and final reading a bill authored by Senator Edgardo Angara declaring the Philippines’ oldest mosque in recognition to the contribution of Islam in the development of culture and civilization in the country.

"This will symbolize as a great honor to the Islam faith,” said Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun. "We are overjoyed by the recognition being given to the contribution of the Islamic faith to the country's history.”

History tells that the six centuries-old mosque in Tubig Indangan, Simunul, considered as the oldest structure and first mosque in the Philippines, was constructed by an Arabian missionary, scholar and judge, Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, in AD 1380.

The Sheikh set foot in the island of Tubig Indangan 615 years ago, 140 years before the arrival of Magellan (the Spaniard who discovered the Philippines) in the Philippines. He introduced the first Islamic civilization in the country.

The mosque is held with great esteem and emulation by the Muslims and even non-muslims and is considered sacred. Domestic and foreign tourists frequently visit the mosque to pay respect and homage to the shrine.

The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through its Legislative Assembly has already passed a law declaring the inclusion of the Sheikh Makhdum centennial celebration as one of the Islamic events entitled to a special non-working holiday within the five provinces under the ARMM.

House deputy speaker for Mindanao Abdulgani “Gerry” Salapuddin said the declaration of Sheik Macdum mosque is a great honor and recognition to the Filipino Muslims, particularly to the people of Tawi-Tawi.

“It is only appropriate that the Congress of the Philippines have given this recognition. As a Muslim I feel honored about this but I really don’t know if there is a counterpart bill from
the House…if there is none...I’m willing to be one of the sponsors,” Salapuddin added.

Earlier, Sultan Pulalun appealed to Senator Angara that the mosque in Likup village in Indanan town in Jolo, Sulu be declared also as a national shrine being the country’s second oldest mosque and because events of historical importance took place at the mosque.

AKBAYAN calls for public debate on platforms of governance of Zamboanga political rivals
text HADER GLANG

A party-list organization has called on political rivals in the city to hold a public debate on their respective platforms of governance following the proliferation of alleged sex video of former priest Crisanto “Monsi” dela Cruz.

The video showed two men having oral sex, but Dela Cruz, a staunch supporter of President Arroyo and standard bearer of the united opposition in the city for next year’s elections against incumbent Mayor Celso Lobregat, denied he was the man in the video.

“We would like to appeal to all candidates in our city not to allow local politics to degenerate into something that is abominable,” said AKBAYAN Island Rep. for Mindanao Edgar Araujo.

Araujo, also a political professor of Western Mindanao State University, hopes that the media and other concerned organizations would help the population understand what to be done in the city, especially this coming elections.

He said the voters should support an election that will be decided on the basis of the candidates’ vision for the city and not on the basis of below the built tactics or mudslinging that insult their senses.

As taxpayers, he emphasized, they deserve better politics and better leadership for this city, saying that for the past several years, they have seen the city transforming itself into a violent city, sinister city, and a city of intrigue.

“Let’s invite all these candidates to a forum and allow them to debate themselves who can present the better platforms. They should focus the campaign on issues, rather than on dirty tricks,” he said.

Asked his view on a purported de la Cruz’s sex video, Araujo replied: “What a private person does in his own private time is not my concern, but what concerns me is what public officials do using public money during both their private and public moments."

Multi-sectoral groups, youth and religious leaders have endorsed the call for a debate among administration and opposition candidates in the city on their respective platforms of governance.

Mindanao solon asks probe on guns proliferation in Basilan

House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Gerry Salapuddin has asked the Lower House and other concerned government agencies to look into the alleged proliferation and acquisition of illegal firearms by politicians in the island province of Basilan.

Salapuddin raised the issue, saying that this was how the election fever has been manifested in his province – with heavy armaments being used for warfare and the maintenance of private of illegal firearms by politicians.

“Politically-related killings have escalated in Basilan,” he said. “It took much time and efforts to rid my province the image of Abu Sayyaf. Sadly, now the threats come from the politicians.”

The Basilan congressman said the acquisition and proliferation of firearms was supposedly intended to maintain peace or for security or defensive measures.

“Unfortunately, unscrupulous politicians have been planning to use the firearms to guarantee victory at the polls through the use of violence and intimidation,” Salapuddin said.

According to Salapuddin, the unscrupulous politicians are unmindful that they will disenfranchise the voters who, as citizens of the country, are the very particles of popular sovereignty and ultimate source of established authority.

In a privilege speech on Wednesday, Salapuddin called on the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to immediately look into the situation in his province.

He also asked the agencies to implement a program to contain the proliferation of illegal firearms and armed groups, and to ensure that election laws would be enforced.

Salapuddin likewise directed the committees on national defense, local government, and suffrage and electoral reform to conduct a joint congressional inquiry and come up with appropriate remedial measures.

“I believe that the matter, if not addressed, will again tarnish the forthcoming conduct of elections,” the lawmaker added.

Ambassadors of 6 Nations Visit Zamboanga and Basilan; Focus on Programs for Peace and Prosperity

(Joint Press Release by the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States of America)

In a unique event demonstrating international support for peace and prosperity in Mindanao, six Ambassadors visited Zamboanga and Basilan on November 13: Ambassador Tony Hely of Australia, Ambassador Peter Sutherland of Canada, Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki of Japan, Ambassador David Pine of New Zealand, Ambassador Peter Beckingham of the United Kingdom, and Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney of the United States of America. Also traveling with the party was Undersecretary Nabil Tan of the Philippine’s Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process.

These six countries all support myriad development projects in Mindanao, focusing on education and job skills training, small business development, local governance, improved healthcare, agricultural sustainability, poverty alleviation, peace building, and counter-terrorism. They coordinate their efforts with one another and with the national and local governments in the Philippines. During their visit, the Ambassadors discussed greater coordination and synergy among their various programs, which will help them more effectively benefit citizens of Mindanao and the Philippines.

The Ambassadors visited Armed Forces of the Philippines WESTMINCOM Commander Major General Cedo for a briefing on security activities; met with Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat to talk about partnership programs in development; and talked with members of the Basilan Chamber of Commerce about improving economic prospects on the island. Pictured above are the six Ambassadors with Basilan government and business leaders at Jollibee Restaurant in Isabela City, including Mayor Rodolfo Tan (far left) and Governor Abdulwahab Akbar (5th from left).

They also participated in an official turnover ceremony of computers and Internet connections to the Islamic Institute of the Philippines in Zamboanga City under USAID’s Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) program. In Lamitan, Basilan, they attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a community learning center donated by the Australian Government under AUSAID’s Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM) program and celebrated a Canadian Government computer equipment handover under CIDA’s Local Governance Support Program for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (LGSPA).

ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan Delivers 2nd State of the Region Address

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan delivered his second State of the Region Address (SORA) before the members of the 5th Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) at the start of their session on November 13, Monday at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, ARMM Compound in Cotabato City.

During the SORA, Regional Governor Ampatuan report on the efforts his administration had made for the past one year.

He is also expected to lay down his priority programs and thrusts for the next two (2) years and submit to RLA his proposed measures.

Foreign diplomats including envoys from member-countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), foreign donor nations, congressmen, provincial governors and mayors and other leaders have been invited to hear him deliver his SORA.

Ampatuan reported to the Assembly the efforts made by his administration on his five priority programs – on peace, public order and security, development administration and good governance, economic, infrastructure and social services development.

The regional governor stressed the importance of the full support and cooperation given by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) the leadership of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the good people of the ARMM.

“We have maintained an environment of peace and stability in the region compared to some areas in Mindanao,” he said.

He said he is re-affirming his commitment and support to the resumption and up to the conclusion of the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MILF.

The governor believes that the next generation deserves peace and the time to have peace is now. For this reason, he is joining the fervent prayers and appeal of Mindanaoans to the government and to the MILF leadership to return\n to the negotiating table.

The regional governor said that records show that crime incidence in the region has decreased from 462 in 2005 to 311 this year.

With the good reform we are instituting in the ARMM, Ampatuan said that Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has extended more assistance to the region for us to realize our plans and programs for our people.

The assistance from the president include P500 million development fund to financed various infrastructure projects; P190 million, which the region used as financial assistance to our teachers who did\n not receive their salaries for the month of September 2005 and P166 million for water system under the President’s priority program.

To address the issue on transparency, Ampatuan said that his leadership adopted a policy of transparency and accountability that have brought good results to the ARMM. A policy requiring all agencies to remit to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on a monthly basis all GSIS shares and premiums of the employees."

“We have maintained an environment of peace and stability in the region compared to some areas in Mindanao,” he said.

The regional governor will also report to the RLA Speaker that the region was able to generate a total collection of P487 million from January to September 2006 this is due to a better cooperation built between the ARMM and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The regional economy according to the Regional Governor is sound and healthy. Our rice and corn program continued to yield higher production including the livestock and fishery program reached better results.

The seaweed industry in the region is gaining great production and expansion which netted 503,002 metric tons in 2005 and it generates income and revenues to our people in the region.

As of June 2006 the investment in the region had grown to about 12% registering an investment of P288million compared to P254 million in 2005.

The industry sector showed about 3% increase in employment from 3, 282 jobs generated in June 2005 to 3,394 in June 2006. The agriculture sector posted 21,959 jobs for 2006.

With the launching of the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board, Inc. last October 16, 2006 in Manila, ARMM is now ready to accept investment proposals on the Halal Industry.

The region has also made important improvements in social services and development with decisive gains in the field of education, child and maternal care, health services, job generation and other human development issues.

In addition to the intensified efforts of concerned line agencies, Ampatuan likewise cited the noteworthy contributions of several funding institutions that have projects in the region such as the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM) and the Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS), which support Madaris and community-based education in critical areas in the ARMM, and the UNICEF for their Country Program for Children VI and support to the Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) program.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has allotted 40 scholarships to qualified students in the ARMM for school year 2006-2007.

Some projects were also undertaken to improve the region’s labor resource with 144 skills training carried out by TESDA benefiting 3, 320 workforce. The DOLE on the other hand conducted a job fair to facilitate job seekers land potential jobs both locally and abroad.

Ampatuan mentioned the important steps that are being taken by the region to improve health services. Foremost of which is the development of vital health facilities in key areas in the region, the allotment of P20 million for the enrolment of indigent constituents to PhilHealth and the adoption of the ARMM Strategy for Health Improvement (ASHI) and the guidelines on contraceptive self-reliance.

Further, trade and commerce in the region is expected to get a bolster with the completion of vital infrastructures in strategic areas. A total of 38 bridges under the Tulay ng Pangulo sa SZOPAD are either 100% completed or under final phase of construction.

There were also massive implementation of 629 projects categorized as regional, provincial and district impact projects.

The Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE), a project funded by the USAID and other donor institutions, currently caters to the electrification needs of 190 barangays in the ARMM.

Ampatuan said that ARMM continues to move forward. Although in a slow pace, the gains being made definitive. “We will have a long way to go. We still have a lot to accomplish, and as your regional governor, I am confident that we will be able to reshape the region into its better form.” (BPI-ARMM)

Plight of Lake Lanao Highlighted
text SAMIRA GUTOC

Marawi City – Amidst the sounds of gongs and kulintangs, more than 200 representatives of academe, local governments of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, the National Power Corporation, the Sultanates, Ulama League of the Philippines, government agencies, military and people’s organizations joined the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC), a national NGO, in a dramatic signing of a “Covenant to Conserve and Protect Lake Lanao, the second largest freshwater lake in the Philippines and one of the 5 oldest in the world.”

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, in her first visit to Marawi, also joined the women and youths in “standing up to protect the environment” in her keynote speech rendered at Marawi Resort Hotel during the Conference-Workshop on Environmental Conservation with the theme, “Stewards of Mother Nature, Stand Up to Protect Lake Lanao.”

Lanao del Sur Governor Aleem Bashier Manalao in his speech said the presence of the US Ambassador in the “summer capital of the South will help us in preserving the rich natural resources we have for our people and the whole of Mindanao.”

“We take pride in showing to you the beauty of our province endowed with the panoramic beauty of the place, its fertile soil, cool climate and the source of power for Mindanao, the enchanting Lake Lanao with the Sleeping Lady serving as backdrop.”

Sectoral leaders gave their pledges to conserve Lake Lanao. The president of the 16 Royal Sultanates of Lanao, Mayor Topaan Disomimba, said “losing the great Lanao Lake is losing as well the idiosyncratic identity of the Maranaws, the people of the Lake.”

Others who gave pledges were Dr. Aleem Mahid Mutilan, President of the Ulama League of the Philippines, Vice-President Dr. Pasayud Macarambon’s representative of the National Power Corporation, General Manager Baliamen Mamainte of the Lanao Sur Electric Cooperative, Col. Ramiro Alivio of the 1st Marine Brigade, the Department of Education-Marawi City representative and Ambassador Abulkhayr Alonto, founding Vice-Chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front.

PMWC President Omera Dianalan-Lucman, who was former Undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development said that PMWC was building alliances and partnerships with all stakeholders to protect and develop Lake Lanao.

“We aim to create a critical mass with political will out of the participants of this conference.”Supported by the United States Agency for International Development through the ECOGOV, the conference-workshop aimed to convene stakeholders and raise awareness on the need to promote solid waste management and advocate the implementation of the Lake Lanao Development Authority.

The organizer, PMWC, while acknowledging other movements such as Save Lake Lanao Movement (SALAM) and Ranao Claims Against the Power Plants (RCAPP) that have internationalized the environmental degradation of Lake Lanao, hopes to collaborate on programs to conserve and develop the Lake for the future generations of lake dwellers, the Maranaos.

Last October 2, the Diliman-based Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) issued an advisory discouraging residents from “using affected water for cooking and drinking.”

This is due to the discoloration attributed to the presence of cyanobacteria that can cause diseases ranging from liver damage, paralysis or even death, based on the report of BFAR-Region 10, Cagayan de Oro City, confirmed by MSU-Naawan.

PMWC attributed the degradation of Lake Lanao to “human and industrial waste and non-compliance of environmental compliance certificate by the DENR.”

Lake Lanao specialist Pipalawan Naga of SALAM said there used to be 40 endemic species in the Lake before the installation of the National Power Corporation (NPC) in the Agus rivers around the lake, but the hydroelectric power plants have affected the water level of the lake.

Naga said the aquatic biodiversity is threatened due to previous government interventions of introducing predatory species which destroyed the 18 endemic species in the lake.Workshop outputs on the causes of environmental degradation of Lake Lanao included concern for illegal logging causing deforestation, use of fertilizers causing water pollution, ignorance of the people on environmental laws, construction of regulatory dams and lack of sewerage system.

The participants recommended stronger political will by local government units to enforce and monitor environmental laws such as compliance with the Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the DENR, environmental education/ information drive to raise awareness on solid waste management and watershed reforestation and people’s participation

For The Record
BONG BUE, former president of Zamboanga Press Club

‘Vinta City’, not Latin

Why did typhoon “Guaping” didn’t proceed to the Philippines? Find the answer elsewhere in this corner.

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Speaking of typhoons, Zamboanga City was fortunate that Milenyo and Neneng didn’t show its battering power here. Weather experts said what we had was ITCZ (inter tropical convergence zone). I don’t know how they simplify that term, which the ancianos simply describe it as habagat.

Many areas in Zamboanga City came under water as a result of the ITCZ. Had the typhoons hit us… only God knows what would happen to us.

In the STATFACTS WMSU MPA survey the inadequacy of drainage that led to the flooded streets in downtown Zamboanga lately is ranked number sixth most serious problem in La Bella.

Fellow columnist Rey Banagudos wanted to call Zambo as Asia’s “Venice City” than “Latin City.” But I prefer it to be the “Vinta City.” I think the giving of vinta miniatures to our visitors is justified as we can start preparing small vintas for our flooded streets everytime rains come.

But on a second thought --- I said why vinta? How about “Saguan City”? Saguan is more accurate because that’s where Zamboanga’s name came from if we trace back from the ancient times.

Really, Zamboanga City is having a hard time now in its identity crisis. We do not know what we should call our city. The moniker “City of Flowers” is apparently not a favorite theme anymore as there are not much flowers to talk about.

I find Prof. Clem Bascar’s claim of naming Zambo as a “City of Tarpaulines” to be accurate. But again it’s not only in Zambo where tarpaulines of politicians are displayed all over the places. We have a lot of competitors because politicians of other cities and local government units are also doing the same.

How about “Sardine Capital of the Philippines”? It’s fine. But the problem many of the canning factories here do not operate regularly. Some have to layoff their workers because of low productions.

I remember former Vice Mayor Susan delos Reyes was one time vouching to make lokot-lokot as Zambo’s delicacy like Cebu’s otap, danguit or Davao’s durian, the sweet mangoes of Guimaras, the lansones and buko pie of Laguna and so on and so forth. But then it sounds uncomfortable if we call Zambo as “City of Lokot-Lokot.” (But I like the delicacy and actually ate plenty during Councilor Asbi Edding’s hariraya celebration recently.)

Legendary Mayor Cesar Climaco at one time called Zambo as the “City of Armalites” at the time when killings and brandishing of weapons (particularly armalites) was rampant in La Bella.

In another point, I am thinking that we may also call Zambo as the “City of Smugglers.” There are plenty of smuggling activities around. One of them is the rampant smuggling of rice passing through the backdoor and authorities concerned particularly the National Food Authority is doing nothing about it. (Watch for another expose on the NFA issue here in For The Record soon).

How about calling Zambo as “City of Badjaos” as there are so many of them roaming the road intersections posing dangers not only to themselves but to the motorists as well.

Or we can also name Zambo as “City of Beggars” for there are many streetchildren and other forms of beggars (professional and the unprofessional). Try to visit the Guardia Nacional in the evening and early morning they are there sleeping along the sidewalks. Go to the place in front of Master’s Bakery at night and there are bountiful of them.

What else do we fight for Zambo’s identity? We can have many titles if we want!

* * *

Typhoon “Guaping” was supposed to come to Metro Manila but changed its mind because the weather was bad.

* * *

Headline: “Celso still confident on Cristobal”

That’s really something! For a City Mayor to have so much confidence on our city police chief amidst the series of crimes happening in the city for the past months is something unusual.

For The Record learned that the city police chief himself already wanted to be transferred elsewhere but something is keeping him. Why? And why?

Zamboangueno police officer Supt. Jose Bayani Gucela, the current deputy of the city police chief, is to my mind a best choice to be the next police director even in an acting capacity.

What we need now is somebody who knows what’s happening in Zambo with all the killings going around. Who else is safe that even policemen are being killed?

* * *

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “A happy marriage is a union of two good forgivers.”

WESTMINCOM receives Sultan De Rossi's 5 donated ambulances

Commander of Western Mindanao Command, Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, formally received five (5) ambulances with a simple turn – over ceremony in front of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) headquarters on Wednesday morning, October 25, 2006.

The five (5) ambulances were donated by the Promotion of Peace and Prosperity (3P) Foundation of the United States, a non – government organization, thru the effort of chairman and co – founder, Sultan Andy De Rossi. It was also part of the Project Handclasp of the US Navy; a partnership program convened by US military forces, government and private organizations.

De Rossi, together with the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF – P) personnel headed by Maj. Redfield, formally turned – over the donated ambulances to Cedo.

The second – hand ambulances came all the way from Massachusetts to Manila then later ferried to Zamboanga City on board the USS Harpers Ferry.

Cedo expressed thankfulness and acknowledged De Rossi’s benevolence in his brief speech during the ceremony saying that the donation of the ambulances “is a manifestation of brotherly love” among people of the south.

The ambulances were conferred to government sectors in Southern Mindanao namely Zamboanga City Fire Station, Jolo Red Cross, Jolo Rescue Network, Camp Asturias Hospital and a clinic in Tawi – Tawi.

In an interview, De Rossi said that the ambulances were donated “for the benefit and good of the people in the south, especially the indigents.”

Asked why they chose Mindanao, De Rossi simply replied, “People from United States love Mindanao.”

Accordingly, the ambulances will soon be transported to the location of the respective recipient sectors. (PRESS RELEASE)

October 23 is declared Eidl Fitr holiday in ARMM

ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan has declared October 23, 2006 as a special non-working holiday in the entire autonomous region in meaningful observance of the Eidl Fitr or the Feast of Fast-Breaking.

Eidl Fitr, one of the two major Islamic holidays (Eid), marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. It is signaled with the sighting of the new moon.

“The regional government joins the entire Muslim world in the celebration of this blessed day,” said Gov. Ampatuan.

On this day, Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) enjoin Muslims to take part in a communal prayer in the early morning in an open space in their community. (BPI-ARMM)

Ampatuan appoints new ARMM Social Fund chief

Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has appointed another lawyer as new Project Manager of the ARMM Social Fund Project for Peace and Development, replacing the erstwhile project manager, the slain Atty. Arnel Datukon.

Gov. Ampatuan appointed lawyer Mustapha Sambolawan, a native resident of Maguindanao province, to head the multi-million dollar World Bank funded project because of his wide and long experiences not only in the field of legal matters but as well as public administration and project implementation.

“I was surprised with my appointment because I did not expect the Hon. Regional Governor to place me here. But never the less, I thank him for his trust and confidence in me. We will do our best to cope up with his expectations in the proper and fast implementation of all the programs and projects of the ASFP. What we need here is a strong determination to implement the projects for the benefit of our people,” Sambolawan said.

The position of project manager of the ASFP was vacant for few weeks following the ambush to death in Cotabato City of Datukon, who was also credited for his expertise in the field of project implementation and public administration. As good public servant, he was a great lose to ARMM and to the peace loving people of the Region.

Before joining ARMM, Sambolawan was a trial attorney in the Citizens’ Legal Assistance Office (CLAO), Cotabato City District Office from 1978-1980; Acting Regional Director of the then Ministry of Muslim Affairs in Region 12 from 1980-1987; Director, Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs, Office on Muslim Affairs from 1988 -1989; Amerul Haj (Head of Mission of Filipino Muslims Pilgrims to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1995; a Provincial Attorney of Sultan Kudarat province; Asst. Provincial Prosecutor of Sultan Kudarat.

He was also detailed at the Bureau of Immigration as Chief Immigration Officer in Glan, Sarangani Province and hearing officer at the Port of Davao.Upon his assumption to Office in September 2005, Regional Governor Ampatuan appointed Sambolawan as his Regional Cabinet Secretary until his appointment as ASFP Project Manager on October 12,2006.

Meanwhile, Governor Ampatuan appointed Asst. Cabinet Secretary Nurodin Mamaluba as full pledge Regional Cabinet Secretary, replacing Sambolawan.

Likewise, Mamaluba has also a wide range of experiences in governance and public administration.He was a Kabataang Barangay Regional President in Region 12 from 1976 – 1978; Assemblyman of the Interim Batasan Pambansa from 1978 – 1984; Asst. Regional Manager of the KB Regional Office 12 in Cotabato City from 1985 – 1986; Provincial Board Member of Maguindanao Second District for three consecutive terms from 1992 – 2001; Political Consultant of the provincial government of Maguindanao from 2001 – 2004; Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan of Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao from 2005 – 2006.

Another appointees are Atty. Norodin Kasim as head of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) in a concurrent capacity, being the Deputy Executive Secretary and Haron Felmin as Assistant Secretary of the Region’s Department of Tourism. Felmin was former Executive Director of the Bureau on Cultural Heritage-ARMM. Before he joined ARMM, Felim was a City Councilor of Cotabato City. (BPI-ARMM)

WMSU conducts survey on 24 vote-rich villages

The STATFACTS-WMSU MPA has partially released its latest results on opinion surveys conducted in twenty four vote-rich barangays in Zamboanga City from October 7 to 15.

The partial results covered 12 barangays in District 1 (city proper towards west coast) which included Sinunuc, Recodo and Ayala. The results of the other 12 barangays in District 2 will be out anytime next week.

Prof. Bien Fernandez, STATFACTS director and professor of the Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program of the Western Mindanao State University’s College of Public Administration and Development Studies (CPADS), said that 30 MPA students undertook the survey covering 460 household respondents, 60 barangay officials who are all registered voters of the city.

Fernandez said this is the sixth year STATFACTS-WMSU has been conducting the opinion survey since 2000. At least two surveys are conducted every year by STATFACTS-WMSU on political, social and economic issues.

The survey group bolstered the integrity of STATFACTS-WMSU when it came out with accurate predictive results of the 2001 and 2004 national and local elections.

The results of the survey in District 1 (west coast) showed that Congressman Erbie Fabian, Mayor Celso Lobregat and Vice-Mayor Beng Climaco obtained high satisfaction ratings in their performance for the last six months.

City Councilors Mannix Dalipe, Mila Velasquez and Asbi Edding emerged as the top three best performing city councilors during the same period.

Topping the list of probable candidates for City Councilor in the May 2007 election are former City Councilors Charlie Mariano, Jimmy Cabato and former Vice-Mayor Bong Ko.

Vice-Mayor Beng Climaco is highly recommended to run for Congressman in the newly-created District 1 followed by City Councilor Sang Jimenez.

The following questions were asked of the 460 household respondents (in District 1):

1. Are you satisfied or not satisfied with the performance of our top local government officials in the last six month? Congressman Erbie Fabian: Satisfied (70%), not satisfied (15%), not sure (15%). Mayor Celso Lobregat: Satisfied (69%), not satisfied (19%), not sure (12%). Vice-Mayor Beng Climaco: Satisfied (76%), not satisfied (10%), not sure (14%).

2. Who do you think are the five (5) City Councilors who performed best in the last six months? Cited in rank order are: Mannix Dalipe(56%), Mila Velasquez(53%), Asbi Edding(41%), Sang Jimenez(33%), Kim Elago(33%), Luis Climaco(28%), Elong Natividad(28%), Rey Candido(28%), Nonong Guingona(26%), Ely Enriquez{24%), Cesar Ituralde(20%), Rudy Lim(19%), Aman Nuno(11%), and John Dalipe(11%). Respondents who selected no one as best performing city councilors constituted 12%. Those who selected less than five constituted 9%.

3. In the May 2007 election, who do you want to run for Congressman in your newly-created District 1? Beng Climaco (52%), Sang Jimenez (20%), Vic Solis (6%), Jomar Lobregat (6%), and other names: WMSU president Dr. Eldy Gonzales, Vit Agan, Asbi Edding and. those with no choice constituted 16%.

4. Other than Mayor Celso Lobregat, who do you want to run for Mayor in May 2007 election? Mannix Dalipe (30%), Monsi Cris dela Cruz (21%), others (6%) are: Erbie Fabian, Beng Climaco, Le Peng Wee and Vit Agan. Significantly, no choice constituted 43%.

5. Other than Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, who do you want to run for Vice Mayor in May 2007 election? Mila Velasquez (32%), Mannix Dalipe (22%), Nonong Guingona (13%), Kim Elago (8%). Asbi Edding and Sang Jimenez with 1%. Those with no choice constituted 24%.

6. In the May 2007 election , who do you want to run for City Councilors in your newly-created District 1? Can you name five (5)? Cited in rank order are: Charlie Mariano (52%), Jimmy Cabato (52%), Bong Ko (40%), Max Enriquez ( 35%), Vic Alvarez (32%), Ric Baban (32%), Bong Bue (31%), Jun Orendain (30%), Rudy Bayot (25%), Litong Lacandalo (25%), Mel Sadain (23%), Mike Apostol (23%), Gerky Valesco (23%), Manny Luna (20%), Jun Arquiza (18%), Rosendo Castillo (18%), Rolly Gregorio (18%), Vic Liozo Jr. (15%), Lynette Abarro (15%), and Mario Roca (113%).

7. Are you satisfied or not satisfied with the performance of your barangay officials in the last six months? Barangay chairmen: satisfied (59%), Not Satisfied (30%), Not Sure (11%). Barangay Kagawad: Satisfied (55%), Not Satisfied (29%), Not Sure (16%).

8. Are you satisfied or not satisfied with the performance of our local police in the last six months? Satisfied (30%), not satisfied (54%), not sure (16%).

9. Are you in favor or not in favor of the proposed Charter Change or CHA-CHA? In favor (20%), not in favor (59%), not sure (21%).

10. Are you in favor or not in favor of having election in May 2007? In favor (87%), not in favor (7%), not sure (6%).

11. Are you in favor or not in favor of the proposal to convert part of Zamboanga City into a province? In favor (18%), not in favor (70%), not sure (12%).

12. Can you name five most urgent and serious problems the city is facing at present? Drugs (72%), unemployment (70%), garbage collection (64%), high prices (62%), traffic congestion (46%), inadequate drainage (46%), increasing number of crimes (39%), sanitation (31%), bomb threats (27%), and water shortage (18%). Other problems cited are noise pollution (videoke), prostitution, mendicancy, street children, and inadequate traffic lights, among others.

Meanwhile, Fernandez stressed that careful planning was made for the survey to come up with the right mixture of socio-demographic characteristics of respondents like ethnicity, sex, age and income.

Strong winds injure 2 people; destroy over 200 houses in Basilan

At least two people were injured and hundreds of people left homeless after Muslim communities in Maluso, Basilan Province were hit by strong winds, officials said Wednesday.

The strong winds, which struck in 14 barangays (villages) in Maluso, have destroyed more than 200 houses, officials said.

They called on the Office of Civil Defense and other government agencies to provide emergency relief to those affected.

“Strong winds hit many parts of Maluso causing extensive damage to houses… So they (affected families) need humanitarian assistance urgently,” Basilan DPWH District Engineer Madsmo Hasim told Zamboanga Southwall.

The winds blew away roofing and caused complete destruction. Seaweed farms in some coastal areas and several fishing boats were also destroyed, according to Hasim.

Typhoon Milenyo, the strongest to hit in Metro Manila in a decade, displaced 1.33 million people and blacked out Luzon, leaving 43 million people in the dark.

The storm wrecked 146,000 houses and tens of thousands of hectares of farmland. Some 171,000 people displaced by floods and gales remained in evacuation centers. (HADER GLANG)

Top world negotiators studying option - Dureza

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza on Monday said “new perspectives” are being studied and crafted as a way forward in the ongoing impasse on ancestral domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.

Speaking from Madrid where he is meeting with other international peace negotiators, Dureza told reporters in the sidelines of a forum that although the impasse is “serious”, there is always a way forward.

He pointed out that "just like in the many more problematic situations the world, a peaceful settlement can be achieved provided both sides are determined to mutually seek peace."

Dureza said: “I know the Moro Islamic Liberation Front wants peace for the bangsamoro people in the south. We in government and the rest of the people who are tired of conflict also aspire for peace. Looking for the way is what this is all about. It may not be easy. But President Arroyo and the whole nation are determined to seek the path to peace”.

The Philippine official sounded off to the top negotiators convened in Spain on possible options that can be studied for the Philippine case that other nations are able to adopt successfully. Dureza however said the Philippine case may be unique in its own way but lessons learned in other parts of the world can be “insightful”.

About a dozen top government negotiators were invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development of Spain in a 3-day forum in Madrid.

Aside from Dureza, the Philippines is represented by government panel negotiator Anabelle Abaya, a conflict resolution expert who sits in the negotiations with the communist party.

Peace talks with the Filipino Maoist rebels are also on standstill at the moment. The University of Culture of Peace in Barcelona facilitated the closed door marathon sessions.

Discussed during the forum aside from the Philippine peace process were Columbia, Darfur, Congo, Burundi, Azerbaijan, Aceh Indonesia, Sahara, Pakistan and others.

The Philippine official said a panel headed by Secretary Silvestre Afable is now back to the drawing boards to study options upon orders by the Philippine president.

What is significant in the Philippine talks is that in spite of the impasse in the table, the ceasefire is holding with the assistance of international monitors led by Malaysia. Also development initiatives with the moro rebels’ designated agency are underway with the donor community’s support even before a final peace accord is forged.

While in Madrid, the Spanish State Foreign Minister Leon Bernardo informed Dureza that a seasoned Spanish diplomat had already been chosen to lead a team of human rights monitors who will assist to look into the human rights situation in the country upon invitation of President Arroyo during her June visit this year. (PRESS RELEASE)

Message of Ramadan

We observe Ramadan every year. Do we also listen to it?

Ramadan is the most important month of our calendar. It is a tremendous gift from Allah in so many ways. In our current state of being down and out, it can uplift us, empower us, and turn around our situation individually and collectively. It is the spring season for the garden of Islam when dry grass can come back to life and flowers bloom. But these benefits are not promised for lifeless and thoughtless rituals alone. They will be ours if our actions are informed by the message of Ramadan.

Today the message of Ramadan tends to get drowned out by much louder voices of the pop culture that have an opposite message. We have become so accustomed to them that many of us remain enslaved to them even during Ramadan.

The most important message of Ramadan is that we are not just body. We are body and soul. And that what makes us human beings and that determines our value as human beings is the soul and not the body. During Ramadan we deprive the body to uplift the soul. This is all simple and familiar. But we can understand its significance if we remember that the message of the materialistic hedonistic global pop culture that has engulfed every Muslim land today -- just like the rest of the world -- is exactly the opposite. It says that body is evrything. That the materialistic world is all that counts. That the greatest happiness -- if not virtue -- is in filling the appetites of the body. This message produces endless appetites and consequently endless wars to fill those endless appetites through endless exploitation. It produces endless frustrations since the gap between desires and achievements can never be filled. It produces endless chaos and endless oppression. Yet this trash comes in such beautiful and enticing packages that we can hardly resist it. We equate this slavery with freedom. We consider this march to disaster as progress. and with every movement, we get further and deeper into the mire.

Ramadan is here to liberate us from all this. Here is a powerful message that it is soul over body. Take a break from the pop culture. Turn off the music and TV. Say goodbye to the endless and futile pursuit of happiness in sensory pleasures. Rediscover your inner self that has been burried deep under it. Reorient yourself. Devote your time to the reading of the Holy Qur'an, to voluntarily worship, to prayers and conversations with Allah. Reflect on the direction of your life and your priorities. Reflect on and strengthen your relationship with your Creator.

On the last day of one Sha'ban, Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) gave a Khutbah about the upcoming month of Ramadan. It is a very important Khutbah that we should carefully read before every Ramadan to prepare ourselves mentally for the sacred month.

It begins: "Oh people! A great month is coming to you. A blessed month. A month in which there is one night that is better than a thousand months. A month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer to Allah by performing any of the voluntary good deeds in this month shall receive the same reward as is there for performing an obligatory deed at any other time. And whoever discharges an obligatory deed in this month shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligayions at any other time. It is the month of Sabr (patience), and the reward for Sabr is Heaven. It is the month of kindness and charity. It is a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without the latter's reward being diminished at all."

The hadith continues and contains many other very important messages. However let us take the time to highlight two of the statements contained above. First, that Ramadan is the month of sabr. The English translation is patience but that word has a very narrow meaning compared to sabr. Sabr means not only patience and perseverance in the face of difficulties, it also means being steadfast in avoiding sin in the face of temptations and being persistent in performing virtues when that is not easy. Overcoming hunger and thirst during fasting is part of it. But protecting our eyes, ears, minds, tongues, and hands, etc. from all sins is also part of it. So being persistent in doing good deeds as much as possible despite external obstacles. Ramadan requires sabr in its fullest sense and provides a training ground for that very important quality to be developed and nurtured. Here is a recipe for the complete overhaul of our life, not just a small adjustment in meal times.

The highest point of Ramadan is itikaf, an act of worship in which a person secludes himself in a masjid to devote his time entirely to worshipping and remembering Allah. Some in every Muslim community must take a break and go to the masjid for the entire last ten days of Ramadan. Others should imbibe the spirit and do whatever they can.

But we must differrentiate between worldly pleasures and worldly responsibilities. We take a break fromt the former and not the latter. Syedna Abdullah ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) was performing itikaf, when a person came and sat down silently. Sensing his distressed condition Ibn Abbas enquired about his situation, learnt that he needed help, and proceeded to leave the masjid to go out and help him. Now this action does nullify the itikaf, making a makeup obligatory. So the person, though grateful, was curious. Explaining his action, Ibn Abbas related a hadith that a person makes efforts to help his brother, he earns the reward for performing itikaf for ten years.

This brings us to the second statement to consider: that Ramadan is the month of kindness and charity. With those in distress in the millions in the world today, the need for remembering this message of Ramadan cannot be overstated.

Unfortunately, today another scene seems to be dominant in some parts of the Muslim world. Here Ramadan is the month of celebrations, shopping, fancy iftars at posh restaurants, entertainment and gossip. People stay up at night but not for worship; they while away that time watching TV or wandering in the bazaar. Ramadan here is a more a month of feasting than fasting.

No one can take away our Ramadan from us; we just give it away ourselves. And if we realize the utter blunder we have made, we can take it back.