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Wage board holds public Zamboanga consultation

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) started on Tuesday the conduct of public consultations to determine whether there is a need for a wage hike in Region 9.
The first consultation was held in this city. It will be followed on March 7 in Isabela City; March 13, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; March 14, Pagadian City; and, March 15, Dipolog City.
Joel Ijirani, RTWPB secretary, told the Philippine News Agency that those who attended the first public consultation were from the employer and labor sectors and other stakeholders.
Ijirani said they discussed the socio-economic indicators such as the inflation rate and consumer price index during the consultation.
He said all the data taken during the consultations would be collated to be used as basis in the decision-making by the wage board.
He said they are taking actions motu propio despite there was no petition for wage hike from the workers sector.
The last time the RTWPB issued a wage order in the region was on October 1, 2016.
The existing wages of workers based on Wage Order No. 19 are as follows: PHP277, plantation workers; PHP267, non-plantation workers; PHP283, retail service establishments; PHP267, cottage handicraft enterprises; and, PHP296, non-agricultural including private hospitals, educational institutions, security agencies, janitorial and retail/service establishments.
The wage board consisted of two representatives each from the employers and workers sectors, and one each from the National Economic Development Authority and Department of Trade and Industry.
Ofelia Domingo, as Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional director, sits as the Board chair. (PNA)

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Bronze Cross Medal awarded to Fleet-Marine team in Zamboanga

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) awarded on Monday the Bronze Cross Medal to the gallant sailors who foiled a hijack attempt of a cargo vessel by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-linked pirates off Basilan province.
The awardees were the personnel assigned with the three patrol crafts--PC381, PC386 and BA485--and Naval Special Operations Unit-6 (NAVSOU6) of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem).
Lt. Commander Ferraren and Lieutenant Jeffrey Mendoza, skippers of PC386 and BA485, respectively, received the awards on behalf of the gallant sailors.
The others who received the award were GM1 Heremias Quijada, Petty Office-in-Charge (POIC) Gunnery, PC386) and S1UO Jay Ancheta of the NAVSOU6.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, and Read Adm. Rene Medina, Navforwem commander, led the awarding ceremony, which was held during Monday’s flag raising ceremony at Camp Basilio Navarro.
Camp Navarro houses the Westmincom headquarters in this city.
“I am happy for the ability displayed by Rear Adm. Medina as the leader of the Anti-kidnapping Joint Task Force. The quick and immediate response only proves the readiness and effectiveness of our Fleet-Marine Team,” Galvez said.
He said the award accorded to the gallant sailors “merits their selfless devotion to duty at all times to protect our waters against any threat and terror acts.”
“I hope these soldiers will serve as an example to all who are ready to serve anytime and as the need arises,” he said.
The timely response of the sailors coupled with evasive maneuver have prevented the ASG-linked pirates to hijack a cargo vessel, M/V Kudos 1, in the evening of February 18 near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
The M/V Kudos 1 was on its maiden voyage from Davao to Manila when around 12 pirates aboard on three motorboats pursued and tried to board the ship.
The ship, which was loaded with tons of steel bars, is manned by a 27-man crew, including the skipper.
The pirates, who are equipped with hooks and ropes, tried but failed to climb on the ship as the crewmen splashed them with hot water mixed with oil. (PNA)

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Soldier, NPA reb killed

in Zambo Norte clash

A soldier and a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel were killed in a firefight with government forces in the nearby province of Zamboanga del Norte, the military reported.
Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed the firefight took place at around 8:34 p.m. Saturday in Barangay San Isidro, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.
Patria said the clash broke out while his troops led by 1Lt. Abner Pilando conducted a strike operation following the reported presence of a group of NPA rebels in Barangay San Isidro.
Patria said the clash lasted for about 15 minutes that resulted in the death of a soldier and a rebel after which the rest of the NPA rebels scampered to different directions.
He said the slain NPA member, whose remains were left behind by his comrades, was not immediately identified. An AK-47 assault rifle was also recovered at the clash site.
The name of the slain soldier was withheld pending notice to his family.
Patria said the NPA rebels were harassing the civilians when the clash ensued.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, condemned in the strongest terms the continued atrocities of NPAs against the hapless civilians.
“Our soldier died a hero while protecting our people and our communities. We will vigorously pursue these NPA terrorists until they will be left with no choice but surrender or get killed,” Murillo said.
“The cooperation of the civilians who reported the armed group’s presence in their area is a strong manifestation that civilians have long been tired of these NPA’s terroristic activities in forms of extortion and harassment,” he added. (PNA)

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PRO-9 community

relations officer

promoted

Madzgni Mukaram, Regional Police Community Relations Division (RPCRD) chief of the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) formally took his oath as newly-promoted Senior Superintendent on Monday at Camp Col. Romeo Abendan which houses the PRO-9 headquarters in this city.
Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, administered the traditional oath-taking and donning of rank insignia to Mukaram during the flag raising ceremony.
Mukaram along with six Senior Police Officers were officially promoted to the rank of Police Senior Superintendent in permanent status effective February 12, 2018 by virtue of General Orders Number 394 as approved by President Rodrigo Duterte and duly signed by Eduardo M Año, OIC-secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, PRO-9 information officer, said Mukaram during his stint as the Chief of RPCRD initiated various projects in support to the plans and programs of PRO-9.
Galvez said among his innovative projects were as follows: Counter-Violent Extremism; Counter-Radicalization; and, Wellness and Recovery Program of the drug surrenderers. (PNA)

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PRO-9 awards  Medal

to officers, personnel

The Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) on Monday awarded Merit Medal to the policemen from its different units and Regional Supports Unit for exemplary performance that led to the accomplishment of their tasks.
Awarded the Merit Medal (Medalya Ng Kagalingan) were the personnel of the Regional Intelligence Unit-9, headed by Supt. Dominador Matalang, and 10 others composed of Senior Insp. Lee Jan Ungria, Senior Insp. Leonel Roncesvalles, SPO2 Jess Rick Mendoza, SPO2 Ronaldo Remoto, SPO1 Edylyn Dato, SPO1 Armela Angeles, PO3 Lunvie Ortega, PO3 Rodel Vergara, PO3 Eric Montanez, and PO2 Almonjade Luddin.
Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, PRO-9 information officer, said they were recognized for the arrest of two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members namely Isa Sampang and Paisar Sampang on January 27 in Barangay Mariki, this city.
Both ASG members were arrested for the crimes of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention. They were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of 15 workers at the Golden Harvest plantation on June 11, 2001 in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan.
Galvez said that Chief Insp. Hazel Fernandez, SPO4 Orlando Gellecania, SPO3 Eduardo Covarruvias, PO2 Asmie Joe and PO1 Edgar Gaganting, all from the Police Station 4, this city, were cited for the arrest of another ASG member identified as Mudrim Akbar on January 23 in Barangay Sangali, this city.
Akbar was arrested for the crimes of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention and involved in the Golden Harvest Kidnapping in Lantawan, Basilan on June 11, 2011.
Galvez said also awarded the Merit Medal were Senior Insp. Felixberto Rule of the Zamboanga Del Sur police office, Insp. Marjan Sali and PO1 McStuart Balang, both of Regional Mobile Force Battalion-9, and Senior Insp. Oscar Buenaobra of the Regional Intelligence Division 9.
She said they were awarded for their operational accomplishment in their respective area of responsibility.
Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, led the awarding ceremony, which as held during Monday flag-raising at Camp Col. Romeo Abendan in Barangay Mercedes, this city.
Beltran said the awardees, who exemplified the icon of a true and dedicated public servant having earned honor and prestige, worthy of praise and emulation not only by their peers, in particular, but also for the entire Philippine National Police, in general. (PNA)

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PH must learn to produce own CMS, other military equipment

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The Philippines must produce its own combat management system and other related defense equipment in order to protect its military capabilities.
"The only way we can do that is to make our own. We produce our own CMS, everything, so nobody will know about it," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during Monday's Senate hearing about the Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP).
He also admitted that as long as the Philippines sub-contracts ships and other military equipment from other nations, there is nothing the country can do to prevent others from knowing about its capabilities.
The FAP has a contract of PHP18 billion including the weapon systems and munitions.
Earlier, the DND chief said that using the Thales Tacticos CMS would shoot the price of the frigates by USD7 million per ship or USD14 million for the two vessels.
In Monday's hearing, Lorenzana defended the decision of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to pick Hanwha as the supplier of the CMS for its two frigates over Thales Tacticos, the manufacturer preferred by former PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado.
While acknowledging that Thales Tacticos is a good CMS brand, the DND chief said the Hanwha CMS being selected to fit the Navy's first two missile-firing capable frigates are equally capable.
"We are not buying a lesser product. we are buying an equally capable product to be put into our ship(s)," he added.
Also, Lorenzana emphasized that Mercado's relief last December was brought about by the latter's refusal to comply with two of his memorandum on the CMS and pronouncements that he will have the project cancelled if Thales Tacticos was not selected to supply the above-mentioned equipment.
"(The reason for his relief as FOIC was) dahil dalawang beses na memo ko hindi n’ya sinusunod tapos, sa mga conference niya (sinasabi) na pag hindi (na)tuloy ang (Thales) Tacticos, ika-cancel niya ang FAP (The reason for his relief as FOIC was he disobeyed my memos twice and he says in his conferences that he will have the FAP cancelled if Thales Tacticos will not be selected)," the DND chief pointed out.
Also, Lorenzana said that it was Mercado who had the specification "Tactical Data Link 16" or the ability to transmit and receive data from various platforms in a bid to justify the preference for the Thales Tacticos CMS. (PNA)

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Ex-Zambo del Norte town mayor, 
others face raps on bidding scam

 The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Labason, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Wilfredo Balais and Vice Mayor Virgilio Go for falsification of public documents over the alleged irregularities in the 2011 procurement of a Nissan Patrol Wagon.
Likewise charged were Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairman Melchor Chipoco; BAC members Christy Buganutan, Philip Balais, Aida Villamil, Ceriaco Sabijon; BAC Secretariat Glenda Eslabon. and a certain Thelma Antoque.
Charges for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act were filed against Chipoco, Buganutan, Eslabon, Philip Balais, Villamil, Sabijon, and Antoque.
Records showed that on Jan. 28, 2011, the municipality, through the then Vice Mayor Go, acquired a second-hand 2001 Nissan Patrol Wagon from Eduardo Ayunting of the Oro Cars Display Center worth PHP960,000.
A review of the bidding documents showed fraud in the procurement of the vehicle, as bid documents, such as the Abstract of Bids and Minutes of the opening of bids, were falsified to make it appear that two other bidders joined the bidding.
The probe also found that the vehicle procured by the respondents was the same vehicle sold by the then Mayor Balais to Ayunting for only PHP500,000 under a deed of sale dated Nov. 26, 2010.
In its resolution, the Ombudsman said: “It cannot be denied that the above-named respondents have control over the documents in their respective capacities and signed these documents even when they contained utter falsities. In their effort to come up with an impression of regularity, they made it appear that bidders, including the alleged winning bidder, participated in the procurement of the vehicle when in fact these bidders did not. Clearly, the elements of the offense attend this case.”
Meanwhile, in the related administrative case, Philip Balais and Sabijon, who were found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty, were ordered dismissed from the service.
Balais and Sabijon were also meted with the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility, and forfeiture of retirement benefits.
In case of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to the respondents’ salaries for one year. (PNA)

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CBCP insists,

No to divorce

 

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Public Affairs Committee (CBCP-PAC) on Tuesday reiterated its stand against the divorce bill being pushed by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman.
“Cong. Lagman is twisting the truth on divorce. The Catholic Church strongly opposes the measure,” CBCP-PAC executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP-PAC said on his Facebook account.
He also explained the difference between Canonical nullity and the dissolution of marriage.
“Canonical nullity is different from dissolution of marriage (divorce). The former is a declaration that marriage is null and void from the very start while the latter invalidates what is otherwise a valid marriage,” the Catholic priest added.
Secillano said that instead of creating laws that will strengthen marriage, lawmakers are destroying its beauty and sanctity by introducing measures that may break couples.
“Some Congressmen, however, understand it differently. Instead of formulating laws that will strengthen it, uphold its beauty and sanctity, they’ve bastardized and destroyed it by introducing measures, such as divorce, that hasten the disintegration of couples,” he said.
“Marriage enjoys the ‘favor of the law’. No less than the 1987 Constitution and the Family Code treat it as an inviolable social institution that should be protected by the State,” the CBCP-PAC official added.
Lagman has expressed confidence that the measures introducing divorce in the country will be passed into law before the 17th Congress ends in 2019.
The Albay representative heads the technical working group consolidating and discussing the measures filed to introduce divorce.
Aside from the Vatican, the Philippines is the only country in the world which does not allow divorce. (PNA)

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Zambo still

“uncomfortable”

over new BBL

By  Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, (PIA) -- During the Senate public hearing on the new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) here last Friday (February 9), the city’s two congressional representatives still expressed concern over the bill’s “opt-in” provision, which could still resonate to the city’s possible inclusion in the Bangsamoro in the future.
Congressman Celso Lobregat for his part emphasized that based on the current drafts, Zamboanga City could still be “included in a plebiscite.”
“Why don’t we limit the area of the Bangsamoro to what it is right now? Any expansion would have to pass Congress,” he said.
Congressman Lobregat has been a critic of the BBL, as he maintains that he is “for peace, but not for appeasement at the expense of the Republic.”
Meanwhile, Congressman Manuel Jose Dalipe III shared a similar opinion. “The opt-in provision seems uncomfortable. If you want things to succeed, everyone must be comfortable.”
Zamboanga City’s officials led by Mayor Beng Climaco, the City Council, to include the leaders of the 98 barangays have been continuously voicing out their vehement position: to “never include Zamboanga in the Bangsamoro, now or ever.”
“The position of Zamboanga is firm. We want peace in Mindanao, and the BBL must be inclusive,” declared Mayor Climaco during the hearing. “We must continue dialogues with the MILF and the MNLF to address grievances. And we expect the Senate and Congress to pass a BBL that is consistent to the Constitution, to end conflict and not to appease.”
Given the city’s position on the issue, BBL sub-committee chair Senator Migz Zubiri reassured Zamboangueños that the city was never included, although he admitted that based on the draft, a people’s initiative in a popular vote and plebiscite could make a city or municipality be part of the Bangsamoro. However, Zubiri said, “we plan to include additional safeguards, maybe increase the percentage of registered voters who need to petition for inclusion.”
Senate President Koko Pimentel shared that their position on BBL in the Senate is “solid to the last member.”
“All of us are in favor of the BBL’s concept, and we hope that by March, it would pass the Senate,” he said.
Congressman Lobregat nevertheless assured his constituents that he will continue to make representations in Congress to totally exclude Zamboanga in the Bangsamoro. “I will be there till the very end, fighting for Zamboanga City’s interest, standing firm for what is best for Mindanao, defending the Constitution and protecting the Republic.”
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte certified the BBL as urgent, which he hopes would correct the injustices of the past and put an end to the decades of struggle and violence in Mindanao. (ALT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

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Pro-BBL, supporters rule

public hearing in Basilan

 

by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, (PIA) -- Supporters and pro-BBL groups, individuals, and organization dominated the joint public hearing on the Bangsamoro Basic Law Bills held recently at Basilan State College, this city.
 At least six senators, including Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III arrived in Basilan, together with Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen Risa Hontiveros, Sen Sonny Angara, Sen Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, and the sub-committee chairman on the BBL, Sen Juan Miguel F. Zubiri.
 The senators’ pronouncement that the entire Senate supports the passage of BTC (Bangsamoro Transition Commission) version of the BBL was welcomed with a loud applause from attendees.
 “The President is prioritizing the BBL. We want to assure you today that we have timeline in place,” Sen. Zubiri said.
 Zubiri said that the passage of the BBL has the overwhelming support of the Senate. He said that at least one-fourth of the Senate is in Basilan, a manifestation that the Senate is taking the BBL seriously and that public opinion and inputs are important. He added that after the Feb. 13 last public hearing, a plenary deliberation follows and by March 22, the Senate will vote for its passage on third and final reading.
 Moreover, Senate President Pimentel concurred with the statement of Sen. Zubiri that the idea and concept of the Bangsamoro Basic Law has the solid support of the Senate.
 “We are doing this in the name of peace or a means to achieve peace. Kaya dinadala sa mga lugar for the details para ma-discuss at makakuha ng input galing sa inyo (Thus, we are bringing this in the areas in order to gather details and input from the ground),” Pimentel explained.
 He said that the Senate commits to be open-minded and that they will listen to the people and harmonize everything.
 “But we must have this kind of a law which will improve the autonomous region in our beloved Mindanao,” he said.
 Pro-BBL individuals expressed their insights, to include, Nurkaisa E. Alidain for the women’s sector, Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud, from the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council, and Isabela City Councilor Atty. Faigdar Jaafar, among others.
 Councilor Jaafar however asked the Senate to conduct a massive information drive on the BBL to the grassroots in order for the people of Isabela City to have an informed choice. For the past two plebiscites, Isabela City has voted twice against its inclusion in the current ARMM.
 Due to limited time for the public hearing and the need for it to be finished before noon for the Friday prayer obligations of Muslims, many “other” voices were not heard in the public hearing.
 Some sectors observed that the hearing was rashly done and that those who were given the opportunity to speak on the floor were all pro-BBL. The “opt-in” provision of the BTC version also raised great concern, saying that “an opt-in option should also be complemented with an opt-out option.”
 Meanwhile, peace adviser Secretary Jesus G. Dureza urged the public to take time to study the BBL and reminded that the passage of the Bill is not like electricity that when you switch on, it will light immediately.
 “Marami pa tayong gagawin pag naaprubahan po to. At hindi lang opisyales ng bagong autonomous region, di lang legislative, di lang executive kung saan dapat ang suporta at pagbabago, hindi sa batas kundi sa tulong ng taongbayan (We still have a lot to do when this is approved. The support and effort does not rest only on the new autonomous region, the legislative, or on the executive. The responsibility is on the people. Ang pagbabago ay hindi sa batas, ang pagbabago ay sa sarili natin (The change is not on the law, change rests on ourselves),” Dureza stressed.
 The Senators immediately left Basilan for another public hearing in the afternoon in Zamboanga City. (ALT/RVC/PIA-Basilan)

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First female PAF aviator

to avail USAF scholarship

PAGADIAN CITY, PIA) -- 2nd Lt. Catherine Mae Gonzales recently became the first female aviator from the Philippine Air Force to be selected for the Aviation Leadership Program (ALP), a United States Air Force scholarship program which provides undergraduate pilot training to select officers from other nations’ air forces.
Gonzales, who was among the top ten members of her graduating class at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), will attend the program from February 2018 to May 2019.  During the program, she will receive 164 hours of flight training in the T-6A Texan II aircraft, as well as 239 hours of flight operations ground training.  Gonzales says she is excited to learn how to fly a new aircraft, as well as to experience American culture.
Gonzales’ inspiration to become a pilot stems from witnessing the important role aviation assets played during the 2013 Zamboanga Siege, which took place in her hometown.
“Since then, I started to dream of becoming a pilot,” Gonzales said.
“During those times, I really felt a great eagerness to defend my hometown, and I thought I could be of great help to that mission from above, since insurgents are vulnerable from this point,” she added.
Gonzales is honored to serve her country, and feels proud that the Philippine Air Force selection board chose her to attend the ALP.
“Serving my country as a female officer shows how the military profession has matured and opened for great changes by allowing us, female officers, to lead,” she explained.
The ALP is designed to build relationships between future leaders of the United States Air Force and other participating air forces, as well as increase overall cooperation and partnership between countries. (ALT/CAL/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur/US Embassy Press Release)

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