ARMM economy remains resilient amid unstable peace

The region’s economy continued to gain resilient growth in the first semester of 2006 amidst infrequent peace and security issues.

Based on the accomplishment report of the Department of Trade and Industry-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) for the 1st semester of 2006, the total investments generated in the region amounted to P288.733 million.

This data shows a 12% increase compared to the investments generated for the same period in 2005 which was at P254.376 million.

“Our effective approach to contain the negative impact of recent conflicts in the different areas of the region has dramatically contributed to the improvement of the region’s economy,” said ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan.

The mobilization of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and the strengthening and coordination of Local Government Units (LGUs) have made possible the enforcement of effective mechanisms to mitigate armed conflicts and other peace and security issues.

The regional government has also extended strong support to LGUs which greatly facilitated the implementation of programs and projects designed to establish peace and development in the region.

Tawi-Tawi registered the highest investments with P103.353 million followed by Marawi City with P64.141 million, Maguindanao with P37.587 million, Lanao del Sur with P34.637 million, Sulu with P31.710 million and Basilan with P17.31 million.

The service expansion of a cellular company and putting up of hatchery projects contributed largely to the total investments in Tawi-Tawi. SMART Communications constructed 8 cellsites in 8 island municipalities in the province.

Only 18% of the province’s total investments were generated through business name registrations. Employment in the region has also improved this year in comparison to the same period in 2005.

The jobs generated for the 1st semester of the year totaled to 3,394 manifesting a 3% increase from the 3,282 jobs recorded in 2005.

Further, the number of business names approved grew by 36% from 301 to 470. Again, Tawi-Tawi recorded the highest with 175, followed by Marawi City with 91, Maguindanao with 86, Basilan with 62, Sulu with 29, and Lanao del Sur with 27.

“We hope to continuously improve the positive economic performance of the region through the sound implementation of the Regional Economic Agenda (REA),” Ampatuan said.

The recent conduct of the 5th ARMM Business Congress in Lamitan, Basilan is expected to draw in more investments into the region as well create additional business opportunities to local entrepreneurs.

Tawi-Tawi, which continuous to experience tremendous economic improvement, played host to the previous ARMM Business Congress.

The regional government is likewise implementing measures to jumpstart the region’s Halal industry. Foremost of which is the establishment of an arrangement for technical assistance with JAKIM, Malaysia’s halal certifying body. (BPI-ARMM)

Search for ARMM outstanding volunteers on

The Annual Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) is now ongoing in the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao.The search is an annual undertaking of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) through the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), an agency tasked to oversee volunteerism activities in the country.

In the ARMM, the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) is the lead agency and chairman of the Regional Search Committee (RSC) for the Regional Search for Outstanding Volunteers.

The SOV intends to encourage individuals and organizations that play a vital role in development thru volunteerism, offering their services without expecting any financial gain.

December of every year is the National Volunteer Month that aims to highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of volunteers in building strong communities across the country.

“Their personal commitment of time, effort and resources is a valuable contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of other people,” said Ms. Alia Raida Macaumbos of the RPDO- ARMM, who is also the head secretariat of the Regional Search Committee.

The search is open to all volunteers who have been engaging in volunteer activities or work without compensation or self-interest but contribute time, services and even resources to a non-profit cause that is beneficial to others.

The autonomous region has been participating in this undertaking for the last four years now since 2002. The regional winners will receive certificates of recognition and will be the official nominees for the national search in December.

The Regional Search Committee is composed of Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) as chairman, Commission on Higher Education (CHED-ARMM), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-ARMM) and Bureau of Public Information (BPI-ARMM) as members.

The search covers all residents of the region and individuals with sub-categories such as adult and youth. Another category is for organizations that provide voluntary service in the autonomous region.

The search for Outstanding Volunteers was conceptualized through Executive Order No. 635 creating the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency. Deadline for submission of nomination will be on or before August 18, 2006 for the regional level and September 2006 for national level. (BPI-ARMM)

A time for Moro Times
text SAMIRA GUTOC

Media is often allergic to religion. But not to the Pope or the mullahs. While the former symbolizes peace, the latter represents the enemy of the 21st century. The demise of communism led the way for Islam and its proponents to be considered the new global threat, the Green Menace or Green Peril. Consider how media views the beard as against Muslim thought. Beards convey age, authority and dignity in traditional Muslim society. Western media dislikes the beard.

The Islamic world has been consistently seen as alien and exotic. The causes fought for by the Muslims have not been able to capture the attention and sympathy of Western citizens. Instead, the actions and ideology of Muslim extremists “the fundamentalists of the popular culture” are seen to represent the entire body of Muslims.

The articulate, rational voices of Islamism are therefore systematically ignored or the multiplicity of voices within Muslim communities overlooked. When television journalism chooses to engage with Islamist movements, they often concentrate on its most frustrated fringes without locating them within a broader and social context. The authorized spokesmen of the Islamic movements, who can reduce these distances, are all too often viewed as too diplomatic and are dismissed when they do not conform to stereotypes.

The Philippines is a case in point, where several Muslim anti-state groups are sometimes treated as one, under the label “Muslim,” absorbing the majority who are apolitical among them. This is contrary to one survey which notes that Muslim-Filipinos would primarily identify themselves based on ethnicity. Not sympathy to a revolutionary group.

The anomaly of generalizing Muslims has its historic roots. The Mindanao Muslim as savage is based on what Columbia University professor, the late Edward Said, would call the Cultural Other. The colonial terming of Moros to encompass all “Mohammedans” of different sultanates, overlooked the territorial, cultural distinctions of the Muslim groups in the archipelago. A prejudice against the South was entrenched soon after the arrival of the Spaniards paving the way for sporadic wars between 1565-1898. They employed the derogatory term ‘Moro’ to describe those uncivilized natives who refused to convert to Christianity and Moro “pirates” to describe the unsubjugated natives.

And because the first Muslims had an oral culture, leaving no written narrative, Philippine history with the stereotyped Moro has been taught throughout generations of Filipinos.

The Moro identity carried a stigma but during the 1980s, left-leaning Muslims in Manila carried the name to symbolize the ferocity against colonization. Decades later, Moro is no longer about being a rebel. It is an ancestry. It has transformed with modernity.

Literature has been limited by our misconceptions of minorities. Mindanao, from the point of view of those sitting in air-conditioned newsrooms across Metro Manila, is front-page when there are guns, goons and gold. Manila “the seat of economic and political power and base of all national newspapers and radio and television networks” decides what is and what is not news for the rest of the country. The We versus They stories feed into the web and international news networks thereby reinforcing age-old stereotypes.

In multi-cultural societies like the Philippines, there is a need to deepen coverage of stories beyond calamities and conflict. It is not enough to know the 5 W’s of the story. More basic is the need to provide context which gives the background on why conflicts happened in the first place. There is a need to mainstream images of ordinary Muslims. Moderate voices also need space. Many significant activities such as peace-building and development assistance are happening on the ground.

Newspapers play an important role in shaping public opinion. Consider this worrisome survey by the SWS that many Filipinos have a negative perception about the Muslims. Is media then at fault? The inability to bridge the communication gap between the Christian majority and the Muslims is clear when UNESCO recognizes the need for mass media to build commonalities and unity among Muslims and Christians. The time to open the democratic space to minorities has come.

The Moro Times is an effort to counter an elite media - to say minorities should not feel minoritized, to write news that matters, to celebrate what’s best and in the process create better harmonious communities through information exchange. It’s work that should have come a long time ago, and maybe we would have avoided the wars that cost hundreds of thousands of lives. As one speaker at the 17th World Congress of the International Catholic Union of the Press cites, “The greatest change for us journalists is our possibility to go beyond all frontiers, physical and moral, and to eliminate fear and hatred among humans.”

Subscribe Now!

View Complete Contents Of Its Maiden Issue

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

All set for ‘The Moro Times’ launch tomorrow

text HADER GLANG

The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) is all set to launch The Moro Times on Friday at the National College of Public Administration and Governance's assembly hall at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

The monthly section paper is published by The Manila Times. It is devoted to Muslim issues and Mindanao and it feature articles on Muslim business opportunities, arts and culture, religion and history.

With this launch, PCID is expected to foster better understanding between Muslims and Christians and to fill the void of ignorance.

Amina Rasul, PCID Lead Convenor, said the Moro Times provides a door for all readers to enter the exotic world of the Muslims of the Philippines.

Below is the program prepared by the PCID in collaboration with Magbasa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI) and The Asia Foundation (TAF) for the launching of The Moro Times.

8:00 – 8:30 Registration
8:30 – 8:35 National Anthem and Prayer
8:35 – 8:40 Welcome Remarks
Dr. Alex B. Brillantes, Jr., Dean, National College of Public Administration and Governance, UP
8:40 – 8:50 Messages
Dr. Steven Rood, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation

Dr. Santanina Tillah-Rasul
Chairperson, Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc.
8:50 – 9:00 Overview of the Forum
Ms. Amina Rasul
Lead Convenor, Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy
9:00 – 9:20 Autonomy as a Politico/Governance Option
Atty. Randolph Parcasio, Fellow PCID
9:20 – 9:40 Federalism as a Politico/Governance Option
Mr. Musib Buat, Chairman, Technical Committee, MILF Peace Panel
9:40 – 10:00 Independence as a Politico/Governance Option
Mr. Abhoud Syed Lingga Executive Director, Institute of Bangsamoro Studies
10:00 – 11:20 Open Forum
11:20 – 11:50 Launch of Moro Times
11:50 – 12:00 Closing Remarks
Dr. Carmen Abubakar, Dean, Institute of Islamic Studies, UP

Emcee: Atty. Jose Iribani Lorena, Fellow PCID

300 young journalists to meet in Zambo confab

Some 300 campus journalists have pre-registered for the 2006 Zamboanga City Campus Journalists Conference to be held at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School gym on July 29-30.

More schools are still signifying their intentions to send students for this annual campus journalists conference hosted by the Mentoring Club Inc.

Philippine Daily Inquirer’s reporter and Zamboangueno journalist Armand Dean Natividad Nocum has been invited to be the guest and resource speaker during the conference.

Nocum, who recently joined the entourage to cover the trip of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Europe particularly in Spain, has been assigned to different beats like Malacanang Palace, Defense, Courts, the Church and other government and non-government agencies.

He was with the defunct The Morning Times in Zamboanga City under the editorship of the late Rene Fernandez when he transferred to Metro Manila and joined PDI.

The 2006 Zamboanga City Campus Journalists Conference is the third annual citywide journalism conference organized by the Mentoring Club Inc., a non-government organization actively involved in the development of academic and journalistic skills of students and pupils.

Mentoring Club Inc. chairman Mr. Bong Bue said this year’s journalists conference is in coordination with the Department of Education headed by City Schools Division Office Superintendent Dr. Abdu Rahim Kenoh and DPLMHS headed by its principal Mrs. Norma Macrohon.

Participants in the conference are given lectures and orientation on campus paper works in preparation for the yearly press conference’s contests among private and public schools.

Other speakers for the coming journalists conference are Atty. Eduardo Sanson, WMSU College of Law Dean, who will lecture on “The Law on Libel”; Ms Sheila Belen Enriquez-Covarrubias of DXMR Radyo Ng Bayan and Zamboanga Today (“Newswriting is Interesting”); Mr. Jovian Diesto, associate editor of Daily Zamboanga Times, ( “Editorial Writing”); Mr. Vic Larato, editor of Zamboanga Today (“Sportswriting and Feature Writing”); Mr. Rowell Quinlob (“cartooning”); Mr. Jose Maria Bue, Daily Zamboanga Times columnist and ex-editor of Sun Star Zamboanga (“Art of Newspapering and Photo Journalism”); and Mrs. Pilar Villanueva, English supervisor of DepEd’s City Schools Division Office (“Preparing for the Press Conference”).

City Councilor Asbi Edding, a campus journalist during his college days, has been invited to give the inspirational message while Dr. Abdu Rahim Kenoh will give the opening message.

The conference is open to all private and public schools. The participants will be distributed according to elementary, secondary and tertiary levels for purposes of the in-conference contests.

Interested parties may contact Mentoring Club Inc. at mobile- 09198041780, 09193204846; e-mail: mentoring_04@yahoo.com (PRESS RELEASE)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Students walk on the newly completed boat landing in one of the impoverished Muslim communities in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The homes of poverty-stricken families are built along the coastline of the island village, where facilities and resources are poor. (text & photos HADER GLANG)

OPINION

DURIAN
text AMINA RASUL, Former Presidential Adviser on Youth Affairs

The Moro Times and Jihad for peace

Sections of newspapers are devoted to inspecting minutiae about the loves and scandals of movie stars. Magazines are devoted to the lives of the rich, powerful and fabulous—what they wear, their parties, the problems of their favorite dogs. Why is there no such focus on a major segment of our population: the minorities? For instance, published information about Muslims in the Philippines is sporadic and emanates from a very political prism. News reports are usually about terrorism, corruption, electoral shenanigans.

Belonging to a Tausug clan steeped in the history of Muslims in Mindanao, my reality has been a collage of the global, modern world I work in and the world of my family in the islands of Sulu and TawiTawi. I could see how knowledge of one world would enrich the other—knowledge which could erase discrimination stemming from ignorance. I wondered why there was no medium to transfer such knowledge.

Wonder no more! The Manila Times will soon publish a new monthly section—The Moro Times—devoted to Muslim issues and Mindanao. It will feature articles on Muslim business opportunities, arts and culture, religion and history. A collaboration between The Manila Times and the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy, this new section can foster better understanding between Muslims and Christians. Since we fear what we do not know, The Moro Times will fill the void of ignorance.

The Moro Times provides a door for all readers to enter the exotic world of the Muslims of the Philippines. Find out about business opportunities in Muslim Mindanao and tie up with credible local businessmen. Ever wondered what halal food is? Read about how Maranaos celebrate weddings. Want to buy hand-woven textiles of the Tausug and Yakan and the best-priced pearls? Learn about Islamic art. Did you know that there is a spiritual site in TawiTawi that natives believe is protected by white monkeys?

This "virtual" door will allow the reader to take a peek—from the safe corner of your room—into our world. This door, unlocked, allows us to welcome you in. Do keep the door open.

***

Update from Sulu: 64 Sulu women from Indanan, Patikul and Jolo, recently went through a training program on peace advocacy and conflict transformation. Support came from the US Embassy, one of the grants given to strengthen civil society. Last Thursday the women organized themselves into Muslim Women Peace Advocates (MWPA) municipal councils, vowing to replicate themselves at the barangay level. The women will thus establish a homegrown network of peace advocates working to transform conflict and promote human rights, especially women’s rights.

Why is this little project worthy of notice? First, Patikul and Indanan are the arena of skirmishes between government troops and insurgents (Indanan is the seat of the Moro National Liberation Front.) Just last week my nephew, an Army sergeant, was killed in an ambush by unknown assailants on motorcycles, the third ambush in a week. Second, most bloody conflicts stem from feuds which could have been prevented by timely mediation. Third, the women community leaders were a diverse group: teachers and professionals, grade-school dropouts, barangay councilors, neo-literates, among others.

"Why is there conflict in your area?" Politicking was the number one cause. Only two from conflict-prone Indanan mentioned terrorism or insurgency. Amazing. Security experts, listen to women! You want peace in Muslim Mindanao? Tell Malacañang to stop dirty politics. Ambassador Kenney, please advise your government to empower more women instead of buying more munitions. (By the way, the women thank you profusely for supporting this program).

I wonder if the SONA will promise peace at the hands of the people or peace from the barrel of a gun…

Dr. Norma Abdullah, president of the MWPA-Sulu Council, the organizing group, summed up their task in a slogan "Jihad Pag Lag Sin Kasajahitraan." Simply put, the "holy fight for peace." "We will take hold of our lives," said one participant, realizing they can do more to protect their families if they intervene in their community. Then all the women rushed home to prepare dinner, eager to practice new skills on squabbling family members. Today my husband; tomorrow my world! You go, girls!

15 jeep passengers wounded in land mine explosion in Surigao del Sur
text HADER GLANG

At least fifteen people were seriously injured in northern Mindanao on Monday morning when their vehicle ran over a landmine, the military’s Southern Command public information office reported Tuesday.

The land mine went off as the jeep passed through the national highway in sitio Cabariot Cabugi, Unidos, Tago, Surigao del Sur at 8:00 a.m., said Capt. Jose Ritche Pabilonia, Southcom information officer.

All the victims were passengers of the jeep, which was hit by a pressure release landmines planted by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists, Pabilonia said.

Major General Cardozo Luna, chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said it was a well planned by the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front designed to embarrass the government during the State Of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Arroyo.

Luna said from the time the all out war was declared against the communist insurgency, many of the owners of the passenger vehicles who are long NPA's extortion victims, already refused to give the rebels the protection money.

“This is one way of scaring jeepney and bus owners. The Communist Terrorist must have to pay for this,” he said, as he called on the cause oriented groups in the province to surface and help condemn the attack.

“If they are true champions for Human Rights, especially giving help to the civilian innocent victims, then they should assist us to bring justice to these victims,” he added.

Southcom chief Major General Gabriel Habacon charged NPA rebels for violation of the Comprehensive Agreement with Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which bans the use of mines.

As this developed, Habacon ordered the Army’s 402nd Brigade and the 58th Infantry Battalion to launch a massive military operations against the NPA rebels.

The communist rebels, who claim to be defending the rights of the poor, have been fighting the government to create a state based on the ideology of Lenin.

Since it was founded, thousands of people have died in attacks and clashes between the guerillas and the government forces. Luzon and Visayas are the group’s stronghold. (ZS)

NYC invites ARMM youth leaders to the 6th NYP

The National Youth Commission (NYC) is inviting youth leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to take part in the 6th National Youth Parliament (NYP) to be held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol this October 2006.

The NYP is an assembly of youth leaders from the different sub-sectors and geographical groupings in the country. The assembly, which is being held once every two years, serves as the consultative mechanism that provides government policy makers recommendations on how to address pressing issues affecting the youth sector.

The program is open to all individual ages 15 to 30 years old; Filipino citizen; residing, studying or working at the place/institution for not less than six months; a president/officer of a youth organization (school, community, civic, religious, professional, tribal, and the like) or an SK Provincial Federation president (if representing the SK); must not be a member of any previous National Youth Parliament and must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

“The NYC has allotted 10 slots for youth leaders in the ARMM. We are encouraging all qualified individuals to send in their applications. The NYP would be a very good venue for them to voice out the foremost concerns of youths in the region,” said Bai Mayan A. Sinsuat, DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary.

Applicants should submit an application letter, five copies of accomplished application form; a maximum of 3 pages brief resume; 5 pieces 2”x2” pictures; a certified true copy of birth certificate; a certificate of residency from the barangay; 2 pieces self-addressed letter envelopes with P20.00 worth of stamps on each envelope, a nomination from youth organization represented; and a recent position paper or executive summary of case study/research conducted/facilitated by the youth organization.

The position paper/case study/research paper should be based on the following youth issues: Youth Migration (include issues and concerns such as urbanization, brain drain); Magna Carta of Students (position on the creation of Magna Carta of Students); Adolescent Reproductive Health (include adolescent health, reproductive health, drug and substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.); SK Reform (include suggestions and policy recommendation on how to improve current SK performance); Constitutional Reform (include position on charter change further recommendations and if not, suggestions on proposed alternatives to charter change focusing on its impact to youth sector); Youth Networking (include position in the institutionalization of local youth development planning); and Cyber Youth (include effects of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to youth behavior and socialization).

Applications must be submitted on or before July 31, 2006. An interview will be conducted on August 08, 2006 at the DepEd-ARMM Conference Room.

Interested applicants may get in touch with the Office of the Assistant Secretary, Department of Education-ARMM for more information and to avail of application forms. (BPI-ARMM)

For The Record
Bong Bue, former president of Zamboanga Press Club

Is Zambo still safe?

What is left when suspects are freed? Find the answer elsewhere in this corner.

* * *

Headline: “Mayor tells cops, AFP to enforce firearms ban.”

For The Record can see that La Bella’s Mayor Celso Lobregat is dead serious in his firearms ban campaign. But the question is: Are we gaining success over this campaign?

Hizzoner posted hundreds of firearms ban posters with his face in them in malls, department stores, government and private offices and other public places.

I believe there is no problem in enforcing this in places mentioned above.I believe security guards of different security agencies know their work.

This was properly established during the time of former City Police Director Sr. Supt. Mario Yanga, who really meant business when he enforced the gun ban in the city.

I know of an incident where Yanga pushed for the filing of a case of illegal possession of firearm against a Sulu official who tried to sneak in a local mall, thinking that Zamboanga City is still part of their war zone.

The apprehension of that official came when security guards of the mall immediately coordinated with the local police during Yanga’s time. And so the SWAT team of the local police rushed and cornered the gun-wielding official.

I’m not saying that the present PNP leadership is doing nothing on the gun ban issue. But I believe much has to be done. If Yanga showed a semblance of success in his gun ban drive where even the out-of-town pulitikos respected such arrangement like limiting the number of security escorts and eliminating the unnecessary brandishing of their weapons in public view, then the same must be done today.

The problem is in the streets where most of the killings occurred and where carrying of firearms is seemed irregularly checked. Checkpoints are established every now and then and I believe this is but just one of the good measures to counter the problem. But then anyone can just make a detour from it as they can see the checkpoints ahead already. And legally speaking, people manning the checkpoints cannot compel the car owners to open their vehicles for thorough inspection of possible concealed weapons unless they see them in public view.
More questions like: For whom is the gun ban? Who are the gun ban violators? And who are carrying guns around the city? For The Record will continue to discuss on this topic in one of our future issues as we need more time and space for this very interesting subject matter.

* * *

In several instances, suspects in criminal cases are freed. Now only their sketches are in custody.

* * *

And speaking of criminal incidents, last Saturday morning’s killing of a policeman along San Jose Road has caused many to ask “Is Zamboanga City still safe?”
It’s a natural reaction of people to fear for their safety when even policemen are being gunned down nowadays. Not long ago a PNP major was also shot dead along that San Jose Road. The rash of shooting incidents in Zamboanga City is something that the leadership of our local government unit should address instantly.

We cannot afford to hear more killings around… much more of policemen. This is really dragging us away from whatever growth and progress are at stake for us, if there is any.

* * *

It’s really very ironic! The city is very serious in its gun ban campaign as suggested by those posters with the face of the mayor in them, and yet we can see people roaming around with heavily armed bodyguards.

For The Record learned that there was one recent incident when two groups of leaders of a neighboring place almost figured in a shootout in a local hotel. Some would go to public places with their armed escorts that even the number of Mayor Lobregat’s or Congressman Erbie Fabian’s escorts could not match with theirs.

Is Zamboanga still safe? Well, I just have to contend with Superman’s positive attitude and borrow his favorite line with modification, and I say : “I believe Zamboanga City statistically is still the safest place in this planet.”

* * *

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “Only by being on the level can we rise in the eyes of others.”

China may invest in Zamboanga, if...

IMAGE OF THE DAY

People's Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Lin Jinjun (center) gesture during a press conference at City Hall in Zamboanga City. He is flanked by Mayor Celso Lobregat (right) and an interpreter. (text & photo HADER GLANG)

Chinese investors and tourists may pour in capital and frequently visit to Zamboanga City, if the security situation in the region improves further favorably.

People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Lin Jinjun made the remarks at a press conference with the local media held on Sunday at City Hall.

Lin Jinjun and a five-man delegation, including a military attaché, visited here to explore trade and investment potentials and to get first hand information about the city’s security situation.

He told reporters many Chinese businessmen are keen to invest in Zamboanga City but due to lack of information and misconception about the real situation here they shunned away.

“We do not have much information about Zamboanga. However, we are willing and determine to help the economic and social development of your city,” the visiting Chinese envoy said.

According to Ambassador Lin Jinjun, there are many opportunities in Zamboanga City for Chinese investors in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, fishery, housing, mining, industrial park and tourism.

Lin Jinjun assured that he would persuade investors and tourists from China to visit here after a thorough study on the real situation in the city and determining the areas of cooperation between China and Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, Mayor Celso Lobregat said that Ambassador Lin Jinjun brought up a very important point. He called on the media to promote Zamboanga and bring out the positive side of the city so that investors would come in.

“It’s really the understanding of people outside of Zamboanga. That’s why I’ve always been appealing to the media to be kind to our city. If you do not promote our city then nobody is going to come and invest here,” Lobregat emphasized.

It was gathered that the bilateral trade volume between the Philippines and China reached $9.4 billion in 2003, up by 78.7% from three years ago. (ZS)

Mindanao solon lauds SC decision declaring national ID system constitutional
text & photo HADER GLANG

House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Abdulgani "Gerry" Salapuddin on Saturday welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring as constitutional Executive Order 420 which sets an integrated national ID system for government agencies and government-owned and–controlled corporations.

"This signals 'all system go' for the implementation of a unified national ID system," Salapuddin, one of the principal authors of the proposed National ID System pending in Congress, told Zamboanga Southwall.

Salapuddin said it is high time that government adopts a functional multi-purpose ID card which it can use for people’s daily activities and transactions. He said President Arroyo can now certify for urgent passage the committee reports in the House on unified ID system so that it will pass into law sooner.

“I am truly elated by the Supreme Court’s ruling. The decision must energize government efforts to institutionalize a truly national ID system for all Filipinos that is tamper-and fraud-free and convenient,” he said.

Salapuddin said the implementation of a national ID system will conveniently reduce the weight of people’s wallets which have been burdened with numerous ID and other plastic cards.

“I firmly believe that the only ones who are against a national ID are those who have questionable identities or illegal transactions. To the PNP and other law enforcement agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and similar agencies, the ID system will boost their efficiency and effectiveness,” said Salapuddin.

He also believes that the Supreme Court's ruling has multifolds benefits. "A unified national ID system is an effective tool against criminality and the fight against terrorism. It'll also be a big boost for effective tax collection campaign and against tax cheats."

The Basilan congressman said in order to cleanse, reform and modernize the electoral process that has been plaguing the country’s political system due to allegations of fraud and cheating, the Commission on Elections should consult with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) being the lead agency in the national ID system task force to integrate or harmornize their data base to integrate into the national ID. (ZS)

MOA forged by ARMM-DSWD & ASFP to implement 2nd phase of CDA projects

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD_ARMM) has forged a Memorandum Agreement (MOA) with the ARMM Social Fund Project through its Project Management Office of the second phase of the Community Development Assistance (CDA) program.

The second program contract signing intends to achieve the expected outputs among which, the installation of 102 Municipal Multi-Sectoral Committee (MMSC), generation of 557 community-based infrastructures proposals, formulation of 167 community investment plans/barangay development plans, completion and turn-over of 751 technically and socially sound community-based infrastructure (CBI) subprojects and approval of 57 1 CBIS by approving body.

The CDA being one of the three main components of the ARMM Social Fund Projects spearheaded by the social and welfare department of the ARMM has been tasked to implement Community-Based Infrastructure (CBl) and Learning; Livelihood and Food Sufficiency (LLFS) programs since 2003.

Among its previously completed major projects are school building warehouse and solar driers, tire path, footbridges, water system, fish landing and multi-purpose centers in the selected and identified barangays in the five component provinces and one city of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao\n (ARMM).

ASFP Project Manager Atty. Arnel Datukon said that a total of P485,969,714.55 million will be released to DSWD-ARMM in tranches for the implementation of second CDA projects from July 18, 2006 to July 17, 2007, P428,721,584.55 million from the World Bank, P30,813,500 million from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and 26,434,630 million from the Government of the Philippines counterpart.

"As we forge our second CDA Program Contract today with the ARMM Social Fund Project through the Project\Management Office, we in the DSWD-ARMM have high hope of meeting our target as we have committed under the contract," stressed Sec. Ruby Sahali- Tan during the contract signing.

The MOA signing was attended by officials of the ASFP and DSWD-ARMM and members of the media. (BPI-ARMM)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Bananas are one of Mindanao's most important crops. The prospect of the region's bananas in the domestic and foreign market is still promising. Production of banana is mainly concentrated in Davao del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Maguindanao, Davao City and Misamis Oriental. (HADER GLANG)

ARMM-DSWD, UNICEF & Maguindanao LGU conducts orientation on child care

To ensure the speedy realization of programs and projects involving the welfare and development of children in the province of Maguindanao, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Maguindanao in collaboration with UNICEF and provincial government of Maguindanao has conducted an orientation and reorganization of Provincial Early Child Care and Development Coordinating Council (PECCDCC) for the province on July 19, 2006 at Hotel Castro.

The orientation and reorganization of the council are intended to motivate all concerned government agencies in the province as well as non-government organizations to work together in order to fast track the implementation of children related programs being implemented by the Council of the Welfare of Children (CWC).

It also aims to enable the participants to appreciate and orient them on the ECCD Act or Republic Act No. 8980 otherwise known as the Early Childhood Care and Development which attends to basic health, nutrition, psychosocial and learning needs of children from-conception to age six, and the Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2002-121 that enjoined all local government chief executives to organize/reorganize provincial, city, municipal and barangay Council for the Protection of Children (CPC).

The program is also line with the major thrusts of the administration of ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan for the promotion and protection of the welfare of the children.

ECCD Act provides a coherent and comprehensive national policy for an integrated approach to Early Childhood Care Development.It also provides for the establishment of a national system that is integrated and sustainable and involves multi­sectoral and interagency collaboration at all levels.

Among the objectives of the ECCD include, improving infant and child survival rates; enhancing the holistic development of young children such as physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual; facilitate a smooth transition from care and education provided at home to the community and to school; ensure that young children are adequately prepared for the formal learning system and establish an efficient system for early identification, prevention, referral and intervention for development disorders and disabilities in early childhood.

Meanwhile, the MC No. 2002-121, the organized Local Councils for the Protection of Children (CPC) take the lead for the efficient and effective implementation of all children's programs in their respective localities.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall oversee the organizations and functionas of the LCPC and shall initiate extensive information drive on this Circular in their respective areas of jurisdiction and encourage to conduct orientation/training on LCPCIECCD laws and its implementation.

UNICEF is also implementing programs and projects concerning welfare and advancement of children in the province through its Country Program for Children (CPC) VI.

The orientation was participated in by Maguindanao provincial line agencies such as PSWD, IPHO, DILG, DA, DepEd, Provincial Nutrition Council, Provincial Treasurer, Provincial Budget Officer, RPDO, BPI-ARMM, Provincial Attorney’s Office and representatives from non-government organizations (NGO). (BPI-ARMM)

Int’l trader visits Zambo for business ventures
text BONG BUE, former Zamboanga Press Club president

A Filipino businessman doing trading activities with international markets was recently in Zamboanga City to look for possible business ventures.

Salter A. Han, president and chief executive officer of HNH Aqua Marine Products, who holds bases in Germany and the United States was invited as guest speaker in the meeting of the Rotary Club of Metro Zamboanga last Wednesday night at the Grand Astoria Hotel.

“Zamboanga City deserves the best!” Han told the local Rotarians headed by its president Marel Catacutan and Zamboanga Rotary Club West president Jayvee Atilano and Rotary Club East Marilyn Martinez.

The international trader said he has been traveling around the Philippines to look for possible opportunities where international entrepreneurs could be invited and invest here.

Han was in Zamboanga City in the past and had established contacts with local businessmen.

Meanwhile, he told the Rotarians to start listing down their priority projects for the coming years for possible networking support with the international community.

Han said he was with Rotary Club of Makati in the past before he went into international marketing. (ZS)

Moro students thank Americans for CLIC programNotre Dame High School students in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi proudly display and wave Philippine and US flaglets, expressing their gratitude to American people for the Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) Program under a USAID-GEM Education Initiative. Under the CLIC program, GEM assists beneficiary schools in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and neighboring conflict-affected areas in the southern Philippines. (text & photos HADER GLANG)

EHEM!
Corruption in the Philippines is very serious.
Be sensitive! Be bothered! Be involved!

Philippines 21 Young Leaders Forum Call for Nominations

The 1st Philippines 21 Young Leaders Forum is an initiative by The Asia Society-Philippines and HSBC that will select the 10 most promising young leaders of the Philippines. These young leaders will be invited to attend a 2-day forum wherein they will discuss key issues concerning the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific Region. Aside from this, they will be the official delegates of the Philippines for the Asia 21 Young Leaders Forum to be held in Seoul, South Korea in November 2006. During this Asia 21 Young Leaders Forum, they will get the chance to meet and interact with fellow young leaders across the Asia and the Pacific Region.

We are currently looking for 25-40 year old young leaders in the following fields:
a.) Academe
b.) Business
c.) Non-Profit Sector
d.) Media
e.) Culture and the Arts
f.) Military
g.) Religious Sector
h.) Government (National and Local)
Our main criteria for selecting these leaders are as follows:
a.) Must be a Filipino citizen
b.) Must have already gained substantial leadership experience
c.) Must have demonstrated a commitment to serve Philippine society
d.) Must be willing to commit time and effort towards the achievement of the goals set before, within and after the Forum

If you would like to nominate someone, please email his/her resume to the Philippines 21 Secretariat at philippines21@gmail.com on or before August 5,2006.

Thank you very much!

Zamboanga EHEMgroups

14 killed in AFP troops vs. NPA rebels fighting
text HADER GLANG

At least 10 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and four government soldiers were killed during fighting at a remote village in Davao del Norte, Southern Mindanao, a belated report reaching the Armed Forces Southern Command headquarters said.

Officials said troops from the Alpha Company of the Philippine Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion intercepted more or less 30 fully armed Maoist rebels at Purok 1, Barangay Maniki, Kapalong town, triggering a 30-minute firefight, on Wednesday afternoon.

Communist rebels led by Verino Antolihao alias Commander Isko/Jopay, said to be secretary of the NPA’s Front Committee 35th, were reportedly had the intention of sowing terror in the Municipality of Kapalong during the celebration of town fiesta on that day.

But government troops foiled the plot after some concerned citizens of the neighboring place who monitored the rebels’ plan had reported to the nearest military detachment in the area, said Capt. Jose Ritche Pabilonia, Southcom information chief.

“This made the government troops to be alerted and put-up a checkpoint to intercept the approaching NPA who, during that time where on board two (2) civilian vehicles,” Pabilonia told Zamboanga Southwall.

The rebels tried to withdraw towards Barangay Kamuning, Asuncion of the same town, but they were blocked by troops at vicinity of the boundary between Kapalong and Asuncion of Davao del Norte.

Although some of the NPA's comrades were able to bring some of their fallen and critically wounded comrades, they failed to bring the dead body of their leader identified as Verino Antolihao alias Isko/Jopay, Pabilonia said.

Four M16 and two M14 US rifles of the NPA's fallen and critically wounded comrades were also left at the encounter site and recovered by government troopers. Four government troops were reportedly killed in action and two others were slightly wounded.

Military withheld the names of the fallen and wounded soldiers pending the notification of their respective families.

Major General Cardozo Luna, 4th Infantry Division chief, directed troops to continue the pursuit operation to track down and possibly corner the fleeing rebels. He also ordered troops to intensify operations in the area to identify possible NPA hideout.

“The Maoist rebels are now becoming Lily-Livered.They are afraid to fight head on with the government troops. Everytime they encountered the troopers they are tailing their firearms and scampered to withdraw in different directions,” he said.

NPA rebels have stepped up attacks against various government, military and police targets since they withdrew from peace talks in August 2004. They have been fighting the Philippine government since the late 1960s to replace it with a communist state. Thousands of people have died in the fighting. (ZS)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Sharks are endangered species and, worse, there seems little hope of saving them. Despite a government ban, unabated selling of sharks continues in the southern Philippines. Photo shows butchered sharks are being sold at a port in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Under the law, penalties for illegal possession of these fish, either the whole fish or parts such as teeth, meat, fins, etc. bring a penalty of imprisonment from 12 to 20 years and/or a fine of P120,000, as well as forfeiture of the specimens and cancellation of the perpetrator’s fishing permit. (HADER GLANG)

Cop killed, 3 others hurt in Sulu Abu Sayyaf attack
text & photo HADER GLANG

Soldiers from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 on board a military truck in the southern Philippines.

Suspected members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf group killed a policeman and wounded three others in an attack Tuesday in Maimbung, Sulu, the military said.

Capt. Jose Ritche Pabilonia, spokesman of the Armed Forces Southern Command, said the casualties were members of the Maimbung Philippine National Police (PNP).

No details on how the suspects carried out the attack, but Pabilonia said the group of Albader Parad perpetrated an ambush at Barangay Bualo around 9:00 a.m.

"Security forces were deployed to the area to assess the situation and conduct investigation on the incident," Pabilonia said.

The attack came just two days after gunmen also killed a soldier in Jolo, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group, blamed for a series of bombings and kidnap-for-ransom activities in the south.

Early this month, three Army soldiers were also killed in separate attacks in Jolo. One of the soldiers was riding a motorcycle when ambushed by two gunmen in Kasalamatan village and the other two were also ambushed in the village of Anuling in Patikul.

A $5 million bounty for the capture of known key leaders of the extremist Abu Sayyaf group, including its chieftain leader Khadaffy Janjalani, has been offered by the United States. (ZS)

Philippine Marines Deployment in Tawi-Tawi

Soldiers from the Philippine Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 stay put and disembark from the Philippine Navy (BRP) ship at a USAID-funded port in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi in the southern Philippines after a five-day voyage from Luzon. They were deployed to Tawi-Tawi to replace MBLT 11. (text & photos HADER GLANG)

IMAGE OF THE DAYUSAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) officials conduct ocular inspection at a newly-improved Bongao Port in Tawi-Tawi.

Traders hail USAID for Bongao port improvement
text HADER GLANG

The improvement at the Bongao Port, which was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has positively impacted on the traders’ operations and businesses in Tawi-Tawi, officials said.

Carlos Canda Tan, USAID contractor and GEM deputy program manager for infrastructure, who spoke to the Zamboanga Southwall said the upgrading of facilities and extension at the port have immensely benefited the businessmen’s operations.

“The business in the port at the moment is brisk due to extended and improved sea transport facility capable of servicing all sizes of seacrafts including RO-RO vessels and fastcrafts,” Tan said. “Right now the port has better docking facilities and additional berthing space for larger vessels.”

The Port of Bongao serves as the primary distribution node for inter-island transport of passengers in the area and the only port in the province that has the capacity to service large vessels (150 gross Tonnage and bigger).

Tan said the port right now is handling Ro-Ro type vessels, an additional 50 calls of medium-capacity vessels and fastcrafts and about 10,000 additional passengers per month that reduces passenger waiting time and vessel berthing time.

“The improvements at the port have contributed a lot to the increasing port productivity and to the growth of the local economy and regional development,” he added.

It will be recalled that prior to the port improvement, there are Roll-on, Roll-off type vessels from Zamboanga City calling on the port, but due to the absence of a Ro-Ro facility, these ships must load and unload cargo manually, adding congestion to the port.

The docking platform is too high to accommodate smalls and medium sized vessels. These types of vessels use the “Chinese Port”, a poorly managed port that is crowded with many passengers and traders who transit through the port daily.

Passenger fastcrafts plying the Zamboanga route use a makeshift landing dock located about 500 meters west of the main port. The existing port handled an average of 19,500 metric tons of cargo and 36,500 passengers a month. An average of 62 vessels a month called at the port regularly with a total deadweight tonnage of 28,775 metric tons per month.

USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program undertook the improvement of the port at a total cost of P53 million or $1 million US dollars, 31% of which is the ARMM’s Regional Port Management Authority (RPMA) counterpart.

Legalization of cross border trading

Traders hailed USAID for the port improvement and appealed to the government to expedite the legalization of “cross border trading” saying that the declaration of Bongao as a free trade zone would mean new jobs for the people and revenues for the improvement of the delivery of basic services to them by our local government.

Rolando Lim, president of Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TCCI), believes that the legalization of cross border trading would generate big revenues and promote better trade and business activities not only in the province but in the other areas of the ARMM.

“However, the government should not just look on the revenues aspect, it should also see on how to uplift the plight of the people in the province, being the second poorest province in the country,” Lim said.

For Redentor Lauddin, chairman of PJ Philsan Jaya Trading Corporation in Tawi-Tawi and external TCCI vice president, “if the cross border trading is legalized it will give more economic activities here (Bongao), more investor and employment.”

Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said the move to declare Bongao as a free port zone is now under deliberation in the regional planning board of the autonomous government. “It was started after the holding of the business congress here last year.”

“This (cross border trading) will greatly boost the economic activities in the province and promote better trade with the BIMP-EAGA areas,” Sahali said.

Tawi-Tawi good site for eco-tourism business

According to Sahali, Tawi-Tawi, which is the most peaceful province in the ARMM and very close to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia is a good site for eco-tourism business.

He added the province is probably one of the world’s best dive sites, “if not eco-tourism and investors could go to seaweeds and aquamarine industries.”

The governor also said the completion of the Ro-Ro wharf in Tawi-Tawi will eventually contribute to the development of business activities in the province.

Based on Mindanao Economic Report 2004, produced by the Mindanao Economic Development Council, the island’s “economy consistently showed remarkable resilience brought about by the strong support of the agriculture and services sectors.”

Mindanao’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors posted a growth of 3.8 percent. Its exports to Indonesia grew by 96.89 percent in 2003, $12.5 million, than in 2002, $6.4 million. Export to Malaysia for the same period also grew by 6.3 percent.

Mindanao’s value of exports grew by 14.07 percent last year than in 2003. Exports in 2004 were valued at $1.4 billion while in 2003 it was $1.2 billion. Its major exports are coconut oil, banana, tuna, pineapple, iron ore agglomerates, pineapple juice concentrates, rubber, nickel ores, and desiccated coconut.

A number of new investments continued to pour in Mindanao, according to the Mindanao Economic Report 2004, with registered projects shooting up by 38.1% in 2004 and targeted to generate 7,243 jobs. Total value of these registered investments reached P7.81 in 2004 or a 279.6% growth from P2.06 billion in 2003. (ZS)

RP's 1st Moro newspaper to start on July 28
text HADER GLANG

A new monthly newspaper called The Moro Times will launch in Manila this month, according to Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID).

The paper will be a supplement to the Manila Times that will provide general information to the public and mainstream views and images of Muslims, particularly in Mindanao.

Samira Gutoc, a freelance journalist and founder of the Young Moro Professionals, is the paper’s point person and the future editor-in-chief. Muslim writers conversant on Shariah laws, human rights and Islamic tenets will back her.

PCID Lead Convenor Ms. Amina Rasul-Bernardo, former presidential adviser on youth affairs, said the paper’s first issue theme is bringing peace and prosperity to Muslim Mindanao.

“Launch date (of The Moro Times) is July 28 during our monthly forum, which will be co-organized by UP NCPAG (University of the Philippines College of Public Ad),” she said.

PCID members will be the priority for contributors. Manila Times writers will also be involved but the focus will be Muslim Mindanao and current issues confronting the Muslims of today.

"One of the major problems we have identified in our advocacy work has been our lack of a vehicle to access the majority. With Allah's blessings, we hope this venture will be successful as we dream of having our own paper,” Ms. Rasul said. (ZS)

Peace advocates to government: Stop the war

THE Mindanao Peaceweavers (MPW) has called on the government to take steps in stopping the worsening armed conflict between the soldiers and the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao.

Fatchie Salapuddin of Bangsamoro Women Solidarity Forum (BWSF), a member of the MPW, said that humanitarian crisis looms large as the armed encounters in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao have spilled over to its neighboring municipalities.

Salapuddin is also a convenor of MPW, a network of non-government organizations working for peace in Mindanao.

The MPW has asked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to make good her promise to resolve the conflict in Mindanao when her administration started discussing solutions to the decades-old conflict with the Moro rebels.

“We call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to withdraw the military forces and resume the peace talks,” she said.

The group also urged the MILF leadership to effectively control its forces on the ground and “exercise maximum restraint” even when provoked.

“We now see thousands of families fleeing from their homes to avoid being caught in this nasty and senseless war,” she said.

The group is also concerned about the effects of the ongoing hostilities on the peace talks between the government and the MILF. (PRESS RELEASE)

Thousands flee homes in Maguindanao
text HADER GLANG

More than 4,000 families had fled their homes since last week, when the fighting between government militiamen and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels broke out in the province of Maguindanao in Central Mindanao.

Reports from the military said three fighters from the MILF and seven pro-government militiamen have been killed since last week. But the MILF claimed killing dozens of militiamen and soldiers in the attacks on security posts manned by Army-trained paramilitary forces.

A report posted at the Luwaran.com, the MILF’s official website, said badly affected in the on going clashes are the far-flung barangays (villages) in the towns of Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak and Datu Unsay.

ARMM social welfare secretary Ruby Sahali expressed deep concern and pity for the plight of the displaced families who are mostly minors, children and aged.

Sahali said though that people have to master how to live by this situation until the conflict will soon be settled peacefully. “They are at risk. Our social workers can’t penetrate the area because fighting is still ongoing,” she said.

Thousands of people in the evacuation centers and makeshifts in the interior areas were not reached by the relief and humanitarian operations due to security reasons and a hundred houses were burned and looted by pro-government militiamen, according to Luwaran.com report.

The military has denied burning and looting civilian houses, and has said relief goods from various government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), International NGOs and humanitarian groups were being rushed to villages.

The Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Muslim residents affected by the on going clashes in Maguindanao have all appealed a halt of the fighting immediately.

The fighting started when government forces assaulted two MILF commanders in the far-flung area in Shariff Aguak. Authorities tagged the two as behind the June 23 bomb attack near the town’s public market that killed 7 people and wounded several others. (ZS)

ARMM urges AFP, PNP swift action against bombers in Maguindanao

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan has called on the national government to take decisive action to put an end to the ongoing armed conflict in Maguindanao province and bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent bombing incident in Shariff Aguak.

The bombing, which occurred at the newly constructed terminal and public market of the municipality, instantly killed 7 people and wounded several others and rendered severe damages to some properties.

Government authorities believe that Maguindanao Governor Datu Andal S. Ampatuan, Sr. was the target of the attack.

Police investigations reveal that the people behind the bombing have strong connections with those who perpetrated a similar bombing incident in Datu Piang, Maguindanao on 2002, which has also killed several people including the late Mayor Datu Saudi U. Ampatuan.

Suspects of the two bombing incidents include some active members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Muslim revolutionary movement which is currently engaged in a peace negotiation with the Philippine Government.

However, authorities have not apprehended any of the suspects despite pending warrants of arrest.

In a resolution passed by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in a special meeting on July 03, 2006, the regional government is urging President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to direct the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to take an active and fast action against the perpetrators of the June 23, 2006 bombing in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

The resolution also calls on the government peace panel to implore the MILF to make good their commitment to help bring criminals/terrorists to answer for their acts.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Maguindanao had earlier passed a resolution requesting the help of President Arroyo in putting to justice the people behind these acts of terrorism.

"The adoption of this resolution should help us expeditiously resolve this problem," Regional Governor Ampatuan said.

The ongoing armed conflict has already displaced more than 3,000 families in the affected areas in Maguindanao.

Regional Governor Ampatuan said that he has directed concerned line agencies especially the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide relief assistance to the affected families.

DSWD-ARMM Secretary Ruby Sahali said initially her office has already served most of the evacuees. She has likewise called on all ARMM line agencies to contribute to the relief assistance either in cash or in kind. (BPI-ARMM)

Canada backs ARMM's halal certifying board
text EDD K. USMAN

With an estimated US$500-billion global halal industry yearly, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is positioning to gain some in-roads after Canada committed to support ARMM's planned Halal Certification Board (HCB).

The $500 billion figure was an estimate given by a Malaysian trade official based on a market embracing some 1.4 billion Muslims alone.

In the Unites States, halal food industry is now booming, with Washington's 140 restaurants advertising themselves as halal, said zabihah.com, and five states coming out with legislations on the Islamic cuisine.

ARMM Trade Secretary Ishak Mastura bared Canada's support Monday in the first day of the 5th ARMM Business Congress here, saying the Local Governance Support Program in ARMM, a undertaking of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), signed recently a “Partnership Agreement” with the regional Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-ARMM).

“The formation of the Halal Certification Board in ARMM is long overdue. As a Muslim region, access to halal food and non-food products is a fundamental need in the ARMM,” said Mastura.

Islam says “Muslims should only eat meat from livestock slaughtered by a sharp knife from their necks, and the name of Allah, the Arabic word for God, must be mentioned.”

Under the Shari\'a (Islamic Law), halal means allowable and, in the consumer world, it is a prescription for Muslims to consume or use only food and non-food products that pass stringent regulations pertaining to cleanliness, hygiene and health from farm to plate.

Simply said, these products must not contain pork or any of its derivatives and other substances that are un-Islamic.

To determine a product\'s halalness, it must be put under strict laboratory examination. Thus, a need for a halal certifying body.

Mastura, one of the organizers of the two-day forum, said this is in line with President Arroyo\'s five-year Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) that gives “full support for ARMM as the production base and processing center for the development of the halal industry.”

Target date for HBCB\'s activation is August this year, he said.

Mastura said halal market in the country already has about 5 to 6 million Muslims, which gives ARMM a “comparative advantage in halal trade.

Technical assistance of LGSPA, a P821.5-million five-year development program, to ARMM are support to the process of organizing the privately-held certification body, developing the Halal Certification Guidelines and the HCB\'s Manual of Operations,” said Mastura.

To ensure the guidelines and manual\'s conformity with the Shari\'a, Jose Deles, LGSPA\'s regional development manager, said Darul Ifta (House of Opinion and the region\'s muftis (high-ranking religious leaders) will be thoroughly consulted.

LGSPA and ARMM will be tapping Ustadhz Esmail Dimarob, Jamil Hamza Olermo, among others to gain wide support for the HCB.

The municipality of Lamitan headed by Mayor Roderick Furigay opened a halal slaughterhouse worth P2.5 million for local consumers.

Lami-Lamihan Fair

The participants in the Lami-Lamihan Fair, an annual festival coinciding with the founding of the Municipality of Lamitan, Basilan on June 26, 2006. The fair showcases the traditional Yakan tribe customs and traditions, music and dancess, and traditional crafts. (HADER GLANG)