DILG-ARMM strengthens capacity of law enforcement agencies in filing drug cases

The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) is improving the capacity of law enforcement agencies in the region with respect to the filing of cases on illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms.

DILG-ARMM conducted, on February 7, a one-day orientation on ‘Strengthening the Legal Capacity of Persons and Agents in Authority on Filing Drug Cases’.

The participating agencies were Philippine National Police-ARMM, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-ARMM, prosecutor’s offices from Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-ARMM, National Bureau of Investigation-ARMM and the Department of Justice.

Atty. Noor Hafizullah Abdullah, DILG-ARMM Secretary, said the orientation was conducted to boost the capacity of persons and agents in authority specifically those involved in filing drug-related cases as well as in cases of illegal possession of firearms.

Sec. Abdullah said the orientation seminar is in response to the issue of low conviction rate of drug cases in the region and is part of the continuing legal education on filing drug cases in courts.

Since 2003, there were 1,854 cases of illegal drugs in the region, 177 of which were filed in 2016. Out of these cases, only three resulted in conviction, two in 2003 and one in 2011.

“There are certain cases also na at the prosecution level ay dini-dismiss na agad ang kaso,” the DILG-ARMM Secretary said. Cases dismissed immediately were recorded at 732, or about 40 percent of the total illegal drug cases in the past 14 years.

Valente Carino, Director II of PDEA-ARMM, said that 90 to 95 percent of illegal drug cases were dismissed because of lack of probable cause.

Atty. Rohairah Lao, Maguindanao provincial prosecutor, said there are common mistakes committed by persons and agents in authority that result in the dismissal of cases. 

Lao said these include lack of elements of the crime charged, inconsistent or contradictory statements of arresting officers in their affidavits during the inquest, and lack of vital documents and evidence, among others. (BPI/PIA-10)

Seven ecozones eyed in ARMM

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is eyeing at least seven fully operational economic zones by 2020.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman made the pronouncement in his speech during the opening ceremonies of the Mindanao Ecozone Summit on February 2.

The two-day event, held in Davao City, was organized by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) aimed at completing and finalizing the ecozone masterplan in Mindanao.

“Our goal is to establish at least one ecozone in each of the ARMM provinces – Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi – as well as in the cities of Marawi (Lanao del Sur) and Lamitan (Basilan) by the year 2020,” Gov. Hataman said.

The move is designed to attract investments, help generate local jobs and enhance the region’s overall economic performance. The governor said the regional government is institutionalizing the operation of the Regional Economic Zone Authority, which was created by Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 154, as cited in Republic Act 9054 (Art XII, Sec.4).

The ARMM currently has only one operating ecozone, the Polloc Freeport and Economic Zone (PFEZ) in Maguindanao that generated an income of P27.9 million and revenues amounting to P134 million for the Bureau of Customs as of 2016.

Gov. Hataman said his declaration of the PFEZ as “halal hub” is in support to the PEZA’s “mission to expand into new frontiers” and takes advantage of the region’s “potential as a gateway of the Philippines to the multi-trillion dollar halal industry.”

He said the region will focus on economic sectors where it has a competitive advantage and these include agro-industry, tourism, trading, halal investment, and Islamic financing.

The ARMM government, he said, has already established a link with countries in the Middle East and in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to explore possible collaborations on economic development projects that will benefit not only the region but the rest of the country as well. (BPI/PIA-10)

ARMM to be culturally sensitive on issue of condom distribution in schools - Hataman

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government will be “culturally sensitive” should the program on the distribution of condoms in schools is implemented in the region, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said.

The governor made the statement during the ‘Tapatan sa ARMM’, a regular media forum held on  January 26 at the ARMM's seat in Cotabato City.

Secretary Paulyn Ubial of the Department of Health (DOH) earlier said the program will be implemented nationwide this year as part of efforts to stop the increasing number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among the youth.

The program would be implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), which has expressed reservation on the plan.

In a statement, DepEd said it recognizes the need to stop the surging spread of HIV/AIDS among the youth and  discussions with DOH on this matter will soon be conducted.

In the ARMM, where most places are conservative and people consider sex-related topics taboo, Hataman said the ARMM government will undertake measures to deliberate on the plan.

“Definitely, the ARMM government will be culturally sensitive,”  Hataman said.

He also said Islamic religious leaders such as the Regional Darul 'Ifta, which is the authority on religious and cultural values of Muslims in the region, would be consulted on this issue.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has warned that condom distribution in schools will encourage pre-marital sex among Filipino youth noting it could even condone sexual activity among students.

The DOH has explained that the distribution of condoms will be accompanied by guidelines and measures, and will not be distributed indiscriminately to students.

Those receiving condoms will undergo counseling, and sex education discussions with their parents. Teachers, it noted, will be trained on how to impart lessons on sex education.

In the Philippines, 32,099 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported from 2011 to October 2016. Government data also showed 9,066 HIV/AIDS cases reported during the five-year period were traced to those aged 15 to 25.

The ARMM has remained at the bottom of the DOH’s list of regions with cases of HIV/AIDS. Despite this, the Infectious Diseases Cluster (IDC) of the ARMM’s Health department warned citizens not to be complacent.

“Whether we like it or not, we have HIV cases in the ARMM,” said Soraida Amilil, IDC cluster head. As of October this year, 13 cases of HIV have been reported while none emerged as a full-blown AIDS case.

The region reported two AIDS cases and seven HIV cases in 2014. Since 1984, the region’s Health department has reported a total of 76 cases of HIV while 11 were reported to have led to AIDS.

The DOH has allocated a P1-billion fund for the HIV/AIDS program, with P50 million to P100 million intended for the procurement of condom. The department has launched awareness drives on preventive measures for HIV leading to AIDS. (BPI/PIA-10)

ARMM embarks on BRIDGe Project to boost business, investments

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is embarking on a project to empower both the communities and businesses to engage in sustainable business enterprises.

Dubbed “Brokering Business Investments in the Bangsamoro to achieve Inclusive Development and Growth” (BRIDGe), the project aims to facilitate the development of Bangsamoro-specific business investment standards and protocols.

It will be implemented by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Hineleban Foundation in collaboration with the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI)-ARMM.

BRIDGe is funded by the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The formal partnership among the players was sealed on January 23, 2017, at the ARMM Manila Liaison Office in Makati City through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PBSP and ARMM Regional Government through RBOI.

The memorandum cites the roles and areas of cooperation of each participant agency for the successful implementation of the project.

PBSP recently conducted a Development Partners’ Meeting with the Program Advisory Committee to generate inputs on the formulation and finalization of the Business Sustainability Framework in Bangsamoro and how to improve the project’s implementation.

Such framework seeks to define the role and behavior of corporations and partner communities that would make agribusiness investments in the Bangsamoro sustainable and responsible.

Lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, chairman and managing head of RBOI, said part of the project outcome will strengthen the capacity of RBOI to facilitate investments in the ARMM, help capacitate local communities to engage in business development, and promote businesses in the region among local and international investors.

“The project is very relevant and timely because this will prepare us, especially on the business aspect, in the possible transition from the present form of government to federalism, which is what the Duterte administration is now pushing in congress,” Mastura said.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman expressed his optimism about the project. “In line with the initiative of President Duterte to promote and encourage business investments from big businesses and tycoons to the ARMM, this project will enhance the capacity of our communities to receive those investments,” Gov. Hataman said. (BPI/PIA-10)

ARMM convenes network of regional IOs

The  Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) convened for the first time this year its Guild of Information Officers convened for the first time this year, at the Bajau Hall, Office of the Regional Governor, Tuesday, January 17, 2017.

The major plans of the Guild for this year including the conduct of skills enhancement trainings for all information officers, the election of its new sets of officers, and the re-branding of the ARMM government messaging were discussed during the meeting.

The Guild also plans to conduct enhancement trainings on technical and news writing, social media use and campaign, and the effective ways of communication.

ARMM Bureau of Public Information OIC Executive Director Cris Gaerlan challenged the Guild members to strategically communicate the reforms in the region in a unified and consistent manner. 

Gaerlan said all ARMM agencies’ messaging must be anchored and related to the regional government’s primary goal this year – poverty alleviation and the attainment of peace and security.

The ARMM Guild of Information Officers is a society of information and public relation officials who work together on the development of their specific crafts on communication. (BPI/PIA-10)

Former ARMM Information Chief is now Head of Office of Bangsamoro Youth Affairs

 

 

Youth advocate, journalist, and erstwhile executive director of the ARMM Bureau of Public Information, Amir Mawallil is the new head of the Office of Bangsamoro Youth Affairs. Mawallil steps into the shoes of Salic Sharief, Jr. after the former's appointment was signed by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman on January 12, 2016.

Hataman based his choice on Mawallil's advocacies of youth awareness, vis a vis the numerous issues that Moro youth need to deal with. Hataman expects the new OBYA Executive Director to take the lead towards empowering the youth at all levels. It is time that the Bangsamoro youth take an active role in their communities, engaging their leaders to bring youth awareness to the fore.

“The youth is constantly faced with a lot of challenges, especially here in the ARMM where poverty has proven to be a pervasive problem,” Mawallil said. “Poverty makes our youth vulnerable, especially with the rise of extremism that preys on the youth’s idealism and hope,” he said. Add to that the clear and present danger of terrorism now targeting the youth, making Mawallil's job cut out for him.

Mawallil believes that the youth should go beyond the education that they get from schools, and that opportunities should be provided for this, alongside the regional government's efforts to make basic social services available to all.

“We have been working hard to provide quality services and job opportunities across the region, especially for the Bangsamoro youth,” Mawallil said. “The OBYA is committed to ensuring these efforts translate to real opportunities, which translates to the growth and development of our region.”

The young Mawallil has had years of experience in human rights work and communications, and has served as the Executive Director of the BPI-ARMM for more than three years, prior to his appointment as OBYA head.

The OBYA was established in recognition of the vital role of youth in regional development and nation building. It is mandated to develop, promote and protect the well-being of the Bangsamoro youth in various aspects, including their moral, social, and political growth as citizens. (Bureau of Public Information)

ARMM gov’t. to prioritize poverty alleviation in 2017

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government will focus on poverty alleviation in the region this year.

In a media forum dubbed Tapatan sa ARMM, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said there is a P4-billion allocation for various programs and projects aimed at eliminating hunger and malnutrition in the region. 

Governor Hataman also responded to various issues affecting the ARMM as well as policies of President Rodrigo Duterte specifically on the war against illegal drugs and criminality and its effects in the region.

He also expressed full support to the President’s initiative to eliminate illegal drugs and criminality in the country.

With regards to terror threats and drug-related violence, Governor Hataman disclosed that the 6^th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police have intensified security measures and will definitely be on top of the situation, along with the regional government’s support, to ensure peace and order stability in the region.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in the ARMM at the provincial levels are also on high alert after the recent jailbreak in North Cotabato involving high-profile inmates, the regional governor said.

The local government units of areas where the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operates have created teams led by the Cooperative Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture to implement productivity activities aimed at helping local communities, including families of ASG members, he further said.

Governor Hataman also clarified the cause of delay in the release of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) payouts that sometimes take as long as five months.

“Ang control ng Department of Social Welfare of Development (DSWD) sa ARMM at regional government ay monitoring lamang, kahit mag huhumiyaw ang DSWD-ARMM at ang regional government na bayaran na, kung walang paper for the contractor to pay it, walang mangyayari,” he said.

DSWD-ARMM has already scheduled a meeting with the DSWD central office to discuss about the technical problems the program is facing and to clear out issues on inconsistencies.

As to the economy, the regional government is expecting this year around the same level as 2016’s investment inflow.

He said his administration is looking at inviting more job-generating investments this year to provide more opportunities to his constituents. (BPI/PIA-10)

ARMM okays P10.1B worth of infra projects in 2017

A total of P10.1 billion worth of infrastructure projects are expected to be implemented in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2017. 

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and regional legislators signed Public Works Act of 2017 on December 15, authorizing the appropriation of P10.1 billion for infrastructure projects in ARMM.

The region’s Public Works and Highways department (DPWH-ARMM), through its district engineering offices, will implement the approved projects.

These cover construction of major roads and bridges, water supply, seaports, shores, drainage canal, flood control, strategic infrastructure projects in support of tourism, agriculture, peace and security, public health or sanitation, and other socio-economic development activities and those in conflict- or calamity-affected areas.

 The appropriation will be effective even beyond Fiscal Year 2017 until fully released, obligated, and disbursed for the purpose. The infrastructure funds will be properly distributed to the five provinces and two cities in the region.

 “We will make sure that all the provinces will receive development projects from the regional government,” Gov. Hataman said.

DPWH-ARMM Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha Loong noted that the implementation of the projects will be undertaken through competitive public bidding.

 To effectively oversee the projects, the Regional Project Monitoring Committee, inclusive of the legislative assembly members or representatives, will conduct periodic checking and validation of the status of project implementation based on the approved program of work, project specifications, and time frame of completion. (BPI/PIA-10)