RDC-RGADC Caraga intensifies campaign on VAWC
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The
Regional Development Council – Regional Gender and Development Committee
(RDC-RGDC) Caraga held a press conference on the 18-day Campaign to End
Violence Against Women (VAW) on Monday at the Department of Education (DepEd)
Caraga Regional Office conference room as part of its intensified efforts to
curb violence against women and children (VAWC).
Chaired by Commission on Human
Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, the
committee discussed the updates on the region’s VAWC cases and its programs and
services for the sector.
Major Marife Farol of the
Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga – Regional Women and Children
Protection Center (RWCPC) confirms the effectiveness of the campaign, citing
the significant decrease in the number of cases this year compared to last
year’s record.
Farol said that the 1,080 violence
against women cases regionwide was recorded last year but has dropped to 898 in
the current year. However, statistics on the violence against children has
maintained in which needed interventions have to be given priority such as
empowerment of the youth.
The Department of Education
(DepEd) also has been implementing policies to combat violence on children, particularly
within the academe. One of which is teaching children about their 12 basic
rights.
Meanwhile, Catherine Aranas,
Social Welfare Officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) Caraga emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating that the
violence against women is not just a health crisis, but also a human rights’ violation.
The objective of the campaign is
to solicit everyone’s commitment to put an end to the abuse inflicted on women
and children. The committee focuses on developing mechanisms that would prevent
VAWC from happening. A series of activities are lined up for the campaign,
beginning with an advocacy walk.
Atty. Bacang also urged the
individuals who joined the advocacy walk to wear their orange color shirt as
the bright color of orange signifies hope for a violence-free Carga
region.
The campaign also aims to spread
awareness on detecting signs of the various forms of abuse and how one can
address and combat them. The cooperation of everyone is essential to the
campaign, as it envisions to create a VAW-free community where equality,
equity, and respect for women’s rights and inclusivity are strongly observed.
(DMNR/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Army, Red Cross with partners aid quake-hit
Cotabato
By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Nov.
26 -- The Youth for Peace movement’s Propelling Our Inherited Nation through
our Youth (POINTY) organization, Sangguniang Kabataan Federations in Agusan and
Surigao del Sur, and the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) have
recently provided assistance to the Cotabato earthquake victims by donating
relief goods, which were delivered by the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC)
Agusan del Sur Chapter in Makilala and Kidapawan City.
“The greater role of the youth in
nation-building involves positive activism and peace-building and answering the
call to help those in need through genuine and relevant social responsibility.
This is a far better way than militancy, vandalism, street demonstrations and
fault finding,” said Roberto Laurente, Jr., Division-wide POINTY President.
The youth volunteers were
graduates of the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS), a youth training program
sanctioned by the government aimed at enhancing their leadership skills, good
citizenship and patriotism, cooperation, and participation in peace-building
activities. YLS also provides the youth a balanced perspective towards
approaching social issues affecting the society and equips them to think
critically to get rid of radicalized youth groups which could poison their
minds.
Involved were POINTY and SK
Federation organizations from Carrascal, Tandag, Tago, Bayabas, Marihatag San
Agustin, in Surigao and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur along with other
volunteers from the local government units (LGUs) and residents from the said
provinces.
Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn
commanding officer, expressed his great admiration to the youth volunteers,
sponsors and to PRC-Agusan Chapter administrator, Darwina Ligan.
“This is the kind of youth we need
today, those who are in towards peace and nation-building and those who can be
part of the country’s solution towards the many issues we face, rather than
those who cause rebellion, divisiveness, and destruction,” LTC Baybayan said.
“We also thank the LGUs, the
Philippine Red Cross, benefactors and other volunteers for providing the goods
and taking care of the delivery to our affected brothers and sisters in
Cotabato. May the Good Lord bless you all,” added Baybayan. (CMO officer,
3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Higaonon tribe denounces CPP-NPA, allied orgs
By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 26
-- A total of 349 Indigenous People (IP) leaders and members of Higaonon tribe
from different provinces of Mindanao expressed their support to the Executive
Order No. 70 and subsequently declared the Communist Party of the Philippines –
New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its allied organizations as persona non-grata
during the conduct of Dumalungdong Festival held recently in Sitio
Mahayonhayon, Barangay Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
The declaration was empowered
through Resolution No. 1 initiated and unanimously approved by the tribal
leaders during the conduct of the said activity. This was spearheaded by the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and at the same time the Municipal Tribal
Chieftain of Higaonon Tribe, Nilo Manpatilan alias “Datu Saulogan” and
witnessed by 1Lt. Don Johnet Dominguez, the company commander of Charlie
Company stationed in Poblacion, Esperanza.
Likewise, the said event was
initiated by the barangay Tribal Chieftain Edu Casugudan alias “Datu Pukawan”
which was attended by the different Higaonon tribal groups coming from the
provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
The resolution stated that the
Higaonon Tribe has intensified its support and commitment to the current
campaign of the government to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) for a
just and lasting peace. It further stated that due to the presence of CPP-NPA,
the Higaonon populace abandoned their homes because of fear which affected
their normal daily lives and earnings.
Meanwhile, 1Lt. Dominguez
applauded the action of the leaders of the Higaonon tribe in denouncing the
CPP-NPA. “The troops of the 26IB are thankful for your cooperation and
participation in the government’s move in attaining lasting peace, in support
also to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to ensure safety and
security of the IPs from the harmful NPAs. We assure you that the Philippine
Army will continue to protect the welfare of the sector,” he highlighted.
Also, Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea,
commanding officer of 26th Infantry Battalion, commended the said action of the
Higaonon tribe. “This action only proves that our fellow IPs are already tired
of all the atrocities of this leftist armed group. For this, I am calling the
attention of the different tribal groups here in Mindanao that it is now the
time for us to unite and end the insurgency," he said.
"As mandated to us by our
duty, we will assure you that we will truly stand and do whatever we can for
the welfare and development of our fellow IPs. With the support of the tribal
leaders and all stakeholders, through the implementation of Executive Order No.
70, it is possible for all of us to attain just and lasting peace for
sustainable development,” Jimenea added. (CMO officer, 26IB/ PIA-Agusan del
Sur)
IP clans in feud resolve conflict for lasting
peace and development
By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 26
-- In order to promote and commit a just and lasting peace towards sustainable
development in the community, two opposing clans had formally settled down and
decided to end their strife through a peaceful resolution and unite to guarantee
their support to Executive Order 70 in Barangay San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del
Sur on November 19, 2019.
Accordingly, said conflict between
the Banwaon and Manobo Tribes had caused fatality from both sides that brought
anxiety to the people, putting the whole community in a volatile peace and
order situation in the past years hindering the development within the area.
For this reason, the Local
Government Unit (LGU) and Municipal Tribal Council of San Luis, Agusan del Sur,
facilitated and organized the conduct of settlement for the two clans in
conflict through a peaceful resolution in accordance with the tribe’s customary
laws.
“Sisim Ha Lido,” native term for
“peace concord,” which legally based on Indigenous People’s Right Act (IPRA) of
1997, Chapter IV, Sec. 15 states that: “The IPs shall have the rights to use
their own commonly accepted justice system in conflict resolution institutions,
peacebuilding processes or mechanism and other customary laws and practices
within their respective communities and as may be compatible with the National
Legal System and with internationally recognized human rights.”
Wilfredo Napungahan alias “Datu
Makabanhaw,” the Municipal Tribal Chieftain of Banwaon Tribe of San Luis,
served as the mediator for the two tribes. The said settlement was also
witnessed by the municipal Vice-Mayor Ronaldo Corvera; Municipal Tribal
Chieftain, Raul Minglana alias “Datu Tumawan”; commanding officer of 26th
Infantry Battalion, Lt.Col. Romeo Jimenea; and representatives from the
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Barangay Indigenous People
Mandatory Representative (IPMR) from adjacent barangays, and the local populace
of Barangay San Pedro.
In his message, the municipal
tribal chieftain of Manobo Tribe in San Luis, Raul Minglana commended on how
the justice system of the IPs, in accordance with the IPRA Law is being
implemented. “For me, this action only proves that the Trial Court of the tribe
is the best Trial Court of the whole nation in dealing with this kind of
situation among the IPs in conflict. Less hassle, less time and money spent,
and with immediate result,” he bared.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Corvera
expressed his full support and gave blessing to the said activity especially to
the involved clans. He further said that putting an end to the conflict will
pave a way for the development outcomes in the barangay. “We have to forgive
and forget the past in order to move on. Because if hatred in our hearts will
reign, this will affect our daily lives and our tranquil way of living,” he
said.
Likewise, LTC Jimenea also
expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the facilitators who initiated the said
settlement. He also said that the Philippine Army will always give its full
support in the promotion of peaceful and binding settlement of conflict. He
also gave a piece of advice for the involved clans. “As the newly settled
clans, it is now your responsibility to maintain the peace within yourselves,
however for those who are not serious of this settlement, may I remind you that
this is not for us, but rather, for the future of our next generations,” he
added.
“Because of this clan conflict,
the communist terrorist New People’s Army took advantage in making the
situation worse. But now that the two parties had settled, the lasting peace in
this community will start and for sure, sustainable development will follow
through EO 70 with the cooperation of the local populace,” ended Jimenea.
The activity culminated with the
signing of peace resolutions from both parties and sealed their actions through
the exchange of pot and bolo knife as a symbol of moving on and to continue to
live in a normal way as part of their tribal customs and traditions. (CMO
officer, 26IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Army, PNP initiate refresher training to AgSur
BPAT
By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 26
- The 26th Infantry “Ever Onward” Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army has joined
forces with the local government unit of La Paz and Municipal Police Station
(MPS) of this province, as they initiated the one-day refresher training to the
Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members held on November 20, 2019, at
the Municipal Building Compound.
Punong Barangay Jonathan Sergio of
Barangay Langasian and Punong Barangay Ramil Castro of Barangay Comota,
together with the 24 BPAT members of the two barangays of La Paz, Agusan del
Sur participated in the said event.
Spearheaded by 1Lt. Alejandro Paz,
Community Support Program (CSP) officer-in-charge and PCpt. Michael John
Arandia, chief of police of La Paz MPS, the activity was aimed to refresh and
activate the knowledge of the BPAT members as to their responsibilities and
functions as peacekeeping personnel in their respective barangays.
Topics such as the do’s and don’ts
during Emergency Response, Basic Hand Cuffing Techniques, Awareness and Respect
to Human Rights under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and Republic
Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004,
were discussed during the training.
The training was made possible
through the effort of the CSP team deployed in the said barangays, aiming to
activate and intensify the enforcement of peace and order situation and paving
its way for the smooth implementation of government projects for the
sustainable development of every community.
“The core concept of this
refresher training is in the word itself - to refresh all the knowledge that
you’ve already learned during the regular training program of becoming a BPAT
member. As a member, it is your duty to actively participate in the AFP and
PNP’s fight against insurgency and criminality. This is also part of the Peace,
Law Enforcement and Development (PLED) Cluster’s effort of the Municipal Task
Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC),” 1Lt. Paz said as he
emphasized the background of the activity.
Also present during the activity
was the executive assistant of the mayor, Freddie Pendon. In his message,
Pendon commended all the personalities involved in making the training
possible. “On behalf of our Mayor, I am paying my utmost respect to the
Philippine Army and the PNP in their efforts of maintaining a harmonious
environment for our constituents,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea,
commanding officer of 26IB, applauded the immediate cooperation of the LGU-La
Paz in making the activity possible. “I am very pleased to witness the active
participation of our local government especially in the programs and activities
initiated by the AFP and PNP. This only manifests that the EO 70 is really working.
Hopefully, this action will be the start of the continuous collaboration and
hand in hand efforts of the LGU and law enforcement agencies in pursuing
lasting peace and sustainable development,” added Jimenea. (CMO officer,
26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
"Providing them with enough knowledge and clear understanding of
several issues and matters will surely keep them on the right track. I laud the
CLGU and the CSWD of Butuan City, MLGU and MSWD of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte,
PNP counterparts and the Department of Education for organizing such activity
for the children. This has also been a great opportunity for our unit to
actively take part in such an important occasion," Molina said. (CMO
Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Army takes part in national children's month
celebration
By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Nov.
26 -- In time with this year's National Children's Month celebration, the 23rd
Infantry "Masigasig" Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army, in
partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the city government
of Butuan has conducted an information drive to the students of Bagong Silang
National High School in Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City on
November 18, 2019.
Over 300 students of Bagong Silang
National High School headed by its School Principal Hipolito C. Rosalada, Jr.
have learned significant information particularly on the rights of children and
the government's initiatives that promote the welfare of the sector.
The Butuan City Social Welfare and
Development Officer (CSWDO) and the City Youth Development Officer (CYDO) also
witnessed the said activity.
Likewise, the municipality of
Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development
Office (MSWDO) also conducted the Children's Congress in order to capacitate
the participating-children and help them become more responsible and
well-informed citizens at their young age. Selected student-leaders from the different
schools in the entire municipality of Nasipit also participated in the said
event.
During the activity, the students
gained new knowledge through the series of lectures regarding the Recruitment
Strategy of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army -
National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF); Combat Life Saver; Prohibited Drugs;
and Common Crimes and Protection of Children by the subject matter experts
coming from the Army, PNP, CSWD and PSWD.
The 23IB troopers also distributed
leaflets regarding the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program
(E-CLIP) to the participants.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco L.
Molina Jr, Commanding Officer of 23IB, emphasized that the celebration of the
National Children's Month should be given importance because it empowers the
children at an early age to actively get themselves involved in the activities
that are beneficial to their respective community.
Listahanan ensures inclusion of hard-to-reach
communities in AgNor
CABADBARAN, Agusan del Norte, Nov.
26 -- To ensure that all communities will have an equal opportunity with the
ongoing 3rd round household assessment, with no households left unassessed, the
Listahanan enumerators of the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) Field Office Caraga reached out to the Mamanwa tribal communities in
Sitio Lusong, Barangay Puting Bato in Cabadbaran, this province.
It took four hours for the Listahanan
field workers to reach the far-flung community known as ‘Gintong Araw.’ They
rode on a habal-habal and walked miles from the drop-off point, since
motorcycles could no longer continue traversing the very difficult path, until
they reached the mountainous parts of Sitio Lusong.
A total of 664 households were
assessed by the enumerators, of which, 411 families are Non-Pantawid, and 411
are Pantawid beneficiaries (note that there are households composed of more
than 1 family).
Based on the 2015 Listahanan
result of 2nd round household assessment, a total of 1,602 poor Indigenous
Peoples (IPs) households were recorded in Agusan del Norte.
Listahanan, or the National
Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), is an information
management system that employs geographic targeting, household assessment, and
validation in order to provide national government agencies, development
partners, and other social protection actors with information on who and where
the poor are in the Philippines. This information is then used for the
identification and selection of potential beneficiaries for various poverty
alleviation and social protection programs. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
