BSP-9 welcomes new Regional Scout Director

By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Western Mindanao Region takes on a new leadership as Regional Scout Director (RSD) Jesus Meris assumed office on Feb. 7, 2015.

Meris hails from Davao City whose previous assignment is Eastern Mindanao. He now assumes the added responsibility for the Western Mindanao Region from outgoing RSD Pedro B. Penados.

In a simple turnover ceremony and installation of incoming and outgoing RSD held at the Western Mindanao Region BSP office in Pasonanca, Zamboanga City, Meris accepted the challenges of his new position. The event was witnessed by Senior Vice President and OIC Secretary General of BSP Wendel Eliot Avisado, Engr. Leo Lasacar, former Vice Governor of Camiguin and Former Vice Governor Al-Rasheed M. Sakkalahul of Basilan.

Zamboanga Sibugay Council Scout Executive Lucille P. Santos said Penados would assume his new assignment as the Finance Officer of the BSP National Office.

Council Scout executives of Basilan, Iligan, Maguindanao Cotabato, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte – Dipolog – Dapitan, and Zamboanga Sibugay attended the occasion to welcome the newly installed RSD.

DENR distributes land titles in Sergio Osmeña town

By Alfonso T. Ruda

Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte - A total of 128 land owners of this municipality have recently received their land titles from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 through the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (ZN-PENRO) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO)-Dapitan City.

The free patents were distributed during the conduct of Handog Titulo Program and One-Stop-Shop jointly conducted by regional office of DENR-9, ZN-PENRO and CENRO-Dapitan City in collaboration with the Provincial Register of Deeds last Feb. 10.

DENR-9 Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable together with Provincial Environment Natural Resources Officer Nelson D. Velasco, Community Environment Natural Resources Officer Jose Mario Reyes and some municipal officials distributed the free patents to the landowners.

Velasco said the One-Stop free patenting activity covers some 80.15 hectares in barangays Penacio, Biayon, Poblacion Bajo, Poblacion Alto, Liwanag, Labiray, San Juan, Pedagan, Venus, Dampalan, and Situbo all of this municipality.

Handog Titulo Progam aims to bring government services closer to the people wherein landowners receive their free patents right where they are, instead of going to the DENR offices and Land Registration Authority.

This program is being implemented in support of the goals of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) aimed at improving the lives of farmers and their families especially those living in the countryside. (with report from Maribel Acama)

Foreign, local birders to join 1st bird fest in Zambo

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT) here is now gearing up for the first locally-organized bird festival, tentatively scheduled on February 26-27. Foreign and local members of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines are expected to join.

“Because of last year’s Philippine Bird Festival in Zamboanga City, many foreign and local birders have recognized the city as a birding destination,” shared DOT Regional Director Maryjune Bugante in a press conference yesterday.

The 9^th Philippine Bird Festival was held February last year, barely six months after the siege. About a hundred members of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines came and joined in the activities. Many of them are foreign tourists coming from Denmark, France, England and other countries.

“Promoting this activity is a challenge, considering the peace and order situation. However, we would like to note that last year, the bird festival was the first big event in the city after the siege,” said Bugante. “We would like to continue what was started, and the Wild Bird Club has been supporting us.”

Bugante explained that it was the bird club’s recognition of Zamboanga as having the highest count of migratory birds in the entire country that led to the holding of this activity. “They do this bird count every year,” she added.

“We are expecting many birders to join since most of them want to see for themselves the rich species of birds here, of those that they only see on Facebook,” Bugante stressed.

Bugante emphasized that the bird festival is not just about promoting tourism. In part, it is also promoting environmental awareness.

Part of the activities includes bird watching in the ZSCMST ponds where several migrant Egrets have made their residence and breed. Other activities include film showings for students as well as lectures from the bird experts.

Meanwhile, ZSCMST President Milavel Nazario shared her excitement for the activity. “We are very proud to host this first Zamboanga bird festival,” she said. “This is a very positive development for Zamboanga, and we have to move on from what had happened,” she said.

The ZSCMST’s bird sanctuary is located in ground zero of the 2013 siege. “We want to show the public, local, national and international, that we have moved on.” 

It is our duty to support the peace process, says Tabak chief

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Tabak division commander BGen. Berardo Barrientos Jr. has reminded the soldiers that it is their duty to support the peace process pursued by the national government.

Speaking during the 65^th founding anniversary of 5^th Infantry (Duty Bound) Battalion on Wednesday at Kuta Major Cesar Sang-an, Barangay Pulacan in this municipality, Barrientos said a peace negotiation between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had started years ago that resulted in the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on March 27, 2014.

But the peace process has recently been be stalled following the unfortunate and tragic incident in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao where 44 elite members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were slain in a clash with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Barrrientos, however, said that sustainable peace could only be achieved through reconciliation and peace negotiation with the MILF amid “immense sacrifices, difficulties and challenges experienced by the soldiers.”

Barrientos added the government has constant meetings and dialogues with different MILF organizations in the division’s area of responsibility for quite sometime and that it did not “have specific engagement with the rebel group.”

“The conduct of series of meetings and dialogues is a manifestation of our support to the national reconciliation efforts,” Barrientos announced.

He said “if the civilians dream of a peaceful resolution to armed conflict, more so are the soldiers.” Every Filipino dreams of a lasting peace, the Tabak commander explained, as he urged the civilians to actively support the government’s reconciliation efforts.

Barrientos expressed optimism that the creation of the board inquiry into the Mamasapano bloody incident would pave the way for the solution to the imperiled peace talks with Moro rebels.

Meanwhile, Barrientos observed that in the 1^st Infantry division there is a a strong coordination between and among the local police force, the military and other law enforcement agencies particularly in the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or “Bayanihan” campaign.

 “The AFP and PNP forces have good relations here. We hope that this will be sustained through engagement and team building activities,” Barrientos proudly said.

Tabak chief cites CAFGU’s role in IPSP implementation

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Tabak commander Brigadier General (BGen.) Gerardo Barrientos Jr. on Friday lauded the 5^th Infantry (Duty Bound) battalion assisting the infantry division in the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or “Bayanihan.”

Speaking during the 65^th founding anniversary of the battalion, Barrientos said “the cadre unit is responsible for training the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGUs) as force multipliers to army troops in the conduct of its internal security operations.”

“The cadres composed of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) handling the 5,800 CAFGU members in the area underwent tough and rigorous trainings. They are not like ordinary soldiers. They are fully, completely trained and educated as far as military training is concerned,” Barrientos elucidated. 

The 5^th IB covers the area of Lanao Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur.

Barrientos said: “it is the cadres who trained CAFGU members to help the regular forces protect our county. After the training, CAFGUs are deployed in their respective communities so that they could easily accomplish their mission.”

The Tabak commander also recognized the vital role of CAFGUs saying “they are the ones giving information to their cadres since they have access to the different areas, have complete knowledge of the terrain, and they are the direct contacts in the community.”

“CAFGUs have the advantage in protecting their villages from outside threats as they are more familiar with their own communities,” Barrientos added.

Barrientos encouraged the cadres to motivate the CAFGU members for them to continuously support the community.

As a motivation to CAFGU members, Barrientos announced the increase in their subsistence allowance. In return he expects the CAFGU members to render their services efficiently.

In a related development, 5^th IB commander Lieutenant Colonel James Aseron underscored the crucial role of CAFGU members in the accomplishment of their mission.

“The CAFGUs play a vital role in protecting the communities since our regular troops could not cover the entire area in the Philippines. They are the ‘stay-behind forces’ and our first responders in times of calamities,” Aseron explained.

“As we celebrate our founding anniversary, I urged the troopers and CAFGU members to heartily serve the country in order to attain peace,” urged Aseron. 

Mindanao civil, religious groups call for lasting peace

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – People living in Mindanao long for nothing but genuine, lasting peace.

This was the gist of yesterday’s press conference held here by civil societies and religious organizations, tackling the Mamasapano incident and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

In a statement read before the members of the press, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) expressed its sympathies to the families of the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) killed in an “uncoordinated encounter with the members of the 105^th MILF based command and some members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom fighters (BIFF) in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano town, Mauindanao.”

The group also appealed to the public “to refrain from issuing statements that would aggravate the situation” and to exercise sobriety to attain peace in Mindanao.

It likewise called on the media practitioners to be always balanced, non-partisan, impartial and objective in disseminating information to the public, and to “avoid provocative reporting.”

On the other hand, Sultan Maguid Maruhom, Muslim convener of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace, admitted that that the Mamasapano incident had really affected the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) but he is hoping that it would still be considered as it would usher in lasting peace for Mindanao.

“It is easier for non-Mindanaoans to call for all-out war, but the people living here are already tired of war and all they want is lasting peace,” Maruhom stressed.

A similar call was aired by Rudy Arpon of the Social Action Center Apostolate, reiterating the Catholic Church’s support to the peace process.

Pastor Diosdado Marquez of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) here also said “the UCCP is always supportive of all efforts at attaining lasting peace in Mindanao.”

It could be recalled that the government had already forged a peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996 leading to the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Presently a peace negotiation has been going on with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the end view of putting an end to decades old Moro problem in Mindanao. 

Army artillery regiment to recruit soldiers

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) under the leadership of Brigadier General Leandro Loyao III is now accepting applicants who would like to join the military service.

Major Christopher Onuendo, executive officer of the 1^st Cavalry Squadron Batallion, Mechanized Infantry Division said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the unit was tasked to recruit candidates in its area of responsibility (AOR) to fill up the quota for calendar year 2015.

Onuendo added that the candidates should possess the following basic qualifications such as natural born Filipino citizen, at least 18-26 years old and must not be 27 years old or older on or before the date of appointment as candidate soldier, single and never been married, of good moral character, at least 5’ or 60 inches tall, must have passed the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) with a score of a least 80, must have passed the AAR pre-qualifying examination and physically and mentally fit for military training.

Other qualifications set are as follows: professionals (doctors, teachers, engineers, etc.); Graduate of MS43 and advanced ROTC; College graduate; with 72 units in college; high school graduate but possessed technical and/or vocational skills needed by the AFP such as: automotive mechanic, embalmer, electrician, carpentry, masonry, welding, driving and etc), technical and vocational skills shall be supported by a certification from the employer of at least one year work experience not including the On-the-job-training.

Onuendo announced that the registration/pre-admission started on the 2^nd week of January and will end on February 10.

Onuendo said a pre-qualifying exam would be conducted to the CS applicants on February 17, 2015 at 1pm at the headquarters f 1^st Field Artillery Battaltion, Kuta Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan.

“The pre-qualifying exam will be a 100 item math heavy exam (basic high school mathematics): 75 items will be devoted for mathematical examination and the 25 items will be for indicative or analytical exam,” he explained.

“The examinees are allotted only two hours to answer the test questions,” he added.

In consonance with the Philippine Army’s vision of becoming a world-class army that is a source of national price, Onuendo said it seeks to recruit new breed of soldiers, choosing the “best and brightest” among aspiring applicants. 

“The Artillery Army Regiment (AAR) Recruitment Board will select the best and brightest among aspiring applicants,” he explained.

Those who will be absorbed in the AAR will enjoy the benefits and privileges such as: stable job, high pay and allowances, local and foreign schoolings, and will get a chance to serve the country and fellowmen, he concluded. 

Interfaith jobs fair caps harmony week celebration in Basilan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY – An interfaith job fair marked the observance of this year’s Harmony Week celebration in Basilan with some 4,246 job vacancies for domestic and overseas up for grabs.

In commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week with the theme, “Celebrating Interfaith Harmony Week: A Journey Toward World Peace,” the Interfaith Council of Leaders (IFCL) in Basilan and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) organized a one-day jobs fair last Feb. 3.

In his message, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad appealed for public’s sobriety to hold on to the aspiration for peace in parts of Mindanao following the death of 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) last Jan. 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“Let us not be affected by our emotion, we have to be rational and reasonable,” he said.

The Bishop added that what creates an environment of peace is to bring investments and create job opportunities. He also encouraged job seekers to be instruments of peace.

“We can attain peace if we have decent jobs. We thank our partners here for bringing our job providers here,” he said as he told job seekers to take the opportunity and be instruments of peace by having a decent job in order to provide for the basic needs of their families.

“Let us remember that job opportunities can thrive only in an environment of peace,” he stressed.

Acting Assistant Regional Director Albert E. Gutib of DOLE-9 said “the agency recognizes that poverty continue to remain a social crisis for every country and that the agency is mandated to facilitate job generation to uproot families in the miseries of poverty.”

“Harmony should be every day and not only during harmony week. Poverty has been here, let us help one another in this quest as this is part of employment facilitation service of the department of bringing government closer to the people,” he said.

As DOLE brought employers, Gutib encouraged the job seekers to take advantage of their presence. He also encouraged those choosing to go abroad “to think it over and over and consult the family as working abroad is not very easy especially when we are receiving not so good news about the plight of some OFWs.”

Only two domestic employers were present at the jobs fair. Most job seekers, however, are seeking employment overseas believing it provides better pay than local employment.

Moreover, DOLE-Isabela City chief Engr. Wesly Tan said “while there is a good number of employment opportunities abroad, DOLE revealed that job mismatch remains a challenge as most job seekers do not have the required skills for the job available.”

Joel Zanoria, IFCL Coordinator for Basilan said that the Silsilah Dialogue Movement spearheads the observance of the Harmony Week and tapped the IFCL as the focal organization to lead the celebration here.

“We want to show to the world that although we live in a pluralistic society we can come up with concrete activity such as jobs fair for Muslims and Christians alike; that we can peacefully co-exist with one another. With the Mamasapano incident, we know the pain, but we need to move forward,” he said.

Zanoria further appealed to peace-loving Basilenos to transcend beyond religion and live a life that has respect for each other’s culture. 

6th SF battalion in Tungawan town has new commander

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – Lt. Col. Dante T. Bernillo has been installed last Feb. 1 as the new commanding officer of the 6^th Special Forces Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) based in Barangay Libertad in this muncipality.

The turnover of command was presided by Col. Ronnie S. Evangelista, commander of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

Bermillo, a native of Bicol, replaced Lt. Col. Rosendo C. Abad Jr. who had served the area for more than two years. He will be transferred to the Special Operations Command headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

In his speech, Abad expressed his gratitude to the local government of Tungawan, religious sectors/groups, media, provincial government of Zamboanga Sibugay, indigenous people of Zamboanga Peninsula, Muslim brothers, business sectors, Philippine National Police (PNP), non-government organization and other stakeholders for the unwavering support they have extended during his time of service.

Abad also lauded the officers and men of the Cafgu Active Auxiliary of the 6th Special Forces Battalion and other maneuver units like 44th and 10th Infantry Battalion, Task Force Zamboanga, 101st and 102nd Infantry Brigade and the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division in contributing to the accomplishment of the units’ mission.

A Military Merit Medal was awarded to Abad for his exceptional leadership and accomplishment in providing administrative control over all CAFGU Active Auxiliary in the whole of Zamboanga Peninsula resulting in the neutralization of lawless elements in the municipality.

The group also participated in quelling the Zamboanga Siege in September 2013.

Bermillo said he is ready to accept additional and bigger responsibility and expressed his commitment to continue the legacy of the unit.

He also emphasized that his unit would not compete with the other battalions, instead, complement the others for the good of the people, whom the military is sworn to serve.”

Fallen police officer offers life forpeace in the country

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Deep sadness gripped the family, relatives and friendsof Police Inspector RennieTayrus, one of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) slain in an encounter with the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) lastJan. 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Tayrus, 28,well-trained commando, lost his lifein that most tragic incident in the annals of Philippine history.

In a eulogy delivered by Tayrus’ eldest sister, Marilyn Tayrus-Sarcena, during the necrological service last Thursdayat the Church of Christ in Barangay Sto. Nino here, she said the whole family and relatives are grieving over the brutal killing of Rennie and the other 43 SAF members involved in the operation against Julkipli bin Hir alias “Marwan,” a Malaysian terrorist.

“It is very difficult for us to accept this unfortunate incident of our brother ‘Ren-Ren’ who gave his life for the sake of our country,” said Sarcenain between sobs.

A hero

Marilyn said“Rennie is a hero because just like his 43 comrades, he fought and died for the sake of our beloved country.”

Indeed, he lived up to the motto of PNPA class 2011: “Sacrifice yourself so that others may live.”

Marilyn said we are proud that “we have brother who offered his life for our nation but what we mourned and grieved overhis death was he is too young to die.”

A brother, second father

Marilyn said Rennie was not only a brother but also a second father to the family. “When our father Cresencio died in 2010, he acted as our second father,” she said.

“He wasever responsive, eager to extend a hand and provide safety to our family,” she added.

Loving and caring person

“When he is far away especiallyon missions, he would always call and text us just to check if we’reall okay,” Marilyn recounted.

Marilyn said “when ourfather was sick and bedridden, Renniewas hoping for his quick recovery, as he would like to him to Manila to witness his graduation in March 2011.”

“Papa nanghinaut ko sa madalionngapagrecoverkay kuyugonkanako sa Manila. Bisanug bedridden kaakokangpasakyonugeroplanoaronmosaksisaakong graduation sa Philippine National Police Academy sa Marso 2011,”Marilyn said quoting Rennie as saying.

(Father, I am hoping for your quick recovery because I will let you go with me in Manila. Even if you are bedridden, I will let you ridean airplane to witness my graduation at the Philippine National Police Academy in March 2011).

His father replied, “Dili komosakayugeroplano kay kung mahagsakiniangakongpatay’nglawasdilinamakitaninyo. Sa barkolang ko mosakay."

(I will not ride the plane because if it crashesyou cannot find my dead body. I would prefer to ride a boat.)

Unfortunately, his father died in November 2010, barely five months before his graduation.

“His hard work, dedication to his studies and success were alldedicated to our beloved father,” Marilyn narrated.

Friend and idol

Rennie wasan idol and friend to his nephews and nieces. He would always find time to go with them.

“During Christmas last year, he brought them to the city oval in Pagadianfor a carnival ride. He spent enough time just to make them happy. Little did we know that it was the last time for their bonding,” Marilyn cried.

As a gesture of love to their uncle, the 6-year old Francis RanierBalate, his nephew rendered a sentimental song, a Tagalog version of “Dance with my Father,” which he personally composed. He sang it while crying.

Responsible, service-oriented and down-to-earth

Marilyn said “wheneverRennieis home, he used to wear a T-shirt and short pant like an ordinary farmer. We thought he just came from our farm.”

She also recalled that even if his younger brother was attending a social gathering, when there’s an urgent call from his superior, he would immediately leave and ride a single motorcycle for Zamboanga City to go back to his barracks.

We don’t want him to join the Special Action Force (SAF) unit of the PNP because of the risks involved but he insisted for he wished to be one.

When we asked him why, he said: “Wherever we go and whatever we do, we will die according to the plan of God. There is nothing to be afraid of.”

Dedicated and devoted

When he joined the SAF, very seldom we have himin our family.

“I told our mother not to be worried. Instead she should accept the reality that we no longer owned Rennie’s time. Ninety percent of his time is devoted to his work, 9 percent to his family, and 1 percentto his lovelife,” Marilyn recalled.

No girlfriend

Marilyn said Rennie has not yet met the right woman in his life. When I confronted and suggested him to get marry because he had already a stable job, he quickly replied: “Marriage is not a competition. It rather needs a thorough preparation.”

As the dead body of Rennie was finally laid to rest at the Pagadian City cemetery, the bereaved family is still crying for justice to the fallen police officers. 

Pagadian celebrates ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Eighty values and Araling Panlipunan elementary and high school teachers have participated in a forum held on Feb. 5 at the Teachers’ Center at San Jose district here by the Movement for the Restoration of Discipline (MRDP) in partnership with the Interfaith Forum Solidarity for Peace (IFSP) during the World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration last week.

Republic Act No. 10525 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on April 23, 2013 declared the first week of February of each year as World Interfaith Harmony Week in the entire country, calling on the different government agencies and instrumentalities including government-owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units to carry out the observance of activities designed to advance the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in accordance with religious traditions and practices.

Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 served as one of the resource speakers in the said forum. She emphasized that “communication is a vital element in building a strong republic, thus, the Philippine government operates an agency tasked with responding to the information needs of the citizenry.”

Edaga said “PIA’s vision is to see to it that the citizenry will be well-informed, able to understand, discuss and vote on vital issues toward lasting peace and development.”

“PIA is primarily tasked to provide people with adequate information to help them make better decisions and identify opportunities that could improve their quality of life,” Director Edaga said.

This year’s theme was “Strengthening Love for God and Love for One Another: A Celebration of Hope for Life, Peace and Solidarity.” 

Zambo. Norte board members honor “Fallen 44”

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