Agusan Norte launches dev’t agenda
By Nora L. Molde
Agusan Up stands for Agricultural
and Processing Productivity Optimization; Genuine Concern for the Welfare of
the Poor and the Marginalized, Youth and Children, Differently Able
Persons, Elderly and the Indigenous Peoples; Utilizing, maximizing Government
Assets for Revenue Raising; Sustaining the Gains of the previous administration
and strengthening cooperation by working closely with the National Government
Agencies; Advance the cause of Peace and the Rule of Law and Order; Natural
greening of the environment and Resiliency to Disasters; Unity of Vision,
complementarity of Mission and close coordination in the implementation of
programs and projects among all Government Functionaries in the province; and
People's participation.
With Agusan up, many opportunities
are now available for the residents of the province, with Governor Dale Corvera
taking the lead in realizing its development vision for the province.
“With Agusan Up!, we are embarking
on a development vision of rising as an Agri-Forest Province and Economic
Processing Zone of Caraga by year 2027 and deliver for us caring communities
where opportunities abound for us to nurture better lives,” Corvera said.
Prior to its launching on November
8, various activities as a pre-launch were made by the local government units.
The city and municipal mayors, together with their constituents expressed their
support to the development agenda of the province – the Agusan Up.
Also, with her full support to the
program, 2nd congressional district representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell M.
Amante-Matba congratulated the initiatives of the province. “The development of
the province does not have boundaries anymore,” she said.
With Agusan Up, governor Corvera
said that the province would initiate efforts for it to stand as reliable
partner of the municipalities in their efforts to take on the following roles:
Buenavista would stand as the center of coconut and agri-forest cluster and
recreation and leisure tourism; Carmen would serve as center for mango cluster
and the secondary center for eco-tourism; Jabonga would serve as the center for
tourism, agri-aqua and hydro power development; Kitcharao would likewise
serve as the center for tourism and agri-aqua but would also take on the role
as center for ago-forestry; Santiago would be the center for agri-industrial
and eco-tourism; Tubay center for agri-processing and eco-tourism
development; Las Nieves would stand as center for coffee, rubber,
high-value crops and the regional dairy stock farm development; RTR would
be the center for rice, eco-tourism and agri-forest development; Magallanes
would be the aqua farming capital of the province, the historical tourism and
the forest cluster development center; Nasipit would not just be the
agri-industrial center with the full development of the Nasipit Agusan del
Norte industrial Estate (NANIE) but also host to a highly developed
international port; and Cabadbaran City would not just serve as the center
of banana and abaca clusters but also stand as the administrative, commercial
and educational center of the province.
“With each municipality backed up
by the province, the national line agencies and other development institutions
taking on their respective roles, the development scenario is seen to become
realities in the next eight years,” Corvera added. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Two female NPA minors surrender to Army
By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Nov.
14 -- Another two female members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who are minors
voluntarily surrendered to the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) in
the months of September to October 2019.
The two surrenderees were
identified as alias "Gethel" (Political Guide), 17 years old and
alias "Christine" (Medic), 17 years old. They were recruited by alias
"Ron-ron," a member of Sub-Regional Command (SRC) 3, SAGAY, North
Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) through black propaganda regarding
the present situation of the country. They were deceived and promised to be
given a brighter future including their families once they join in their group.
Prior to the recruitment, these
two surrenderees were studying, but they were not able to finish their studies
because of the exploitation, deception and manipulation of the NPAs.
They were not clearly informed
that they will be joining the armed movement. Contradictory to their promises,
they only suffered from loneliness, exhaustion and starvation until they find
an opportunity to escape from the said group.
Meanwhile, Gethel expressed her
resentment against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s
Army Terrorists (CNTs). “I was a student by the time I was recruited by the
CNTs. Due to the hardship and hunger I experienced inside the movement, I
decided to go back to the folds of the law. I am also afraid to lose my dreams,
future and precious life because of the continuous military operation. At
first, I was afraid because our leader told us that there’s a big possibility
that the military will torture and kill me upon knowing that I am an NPA
member, but I stand firm with my decision. I am so glad that the soldiers of
23IB never fail to help me and they assisted me to start a new life," she
said.
Moreover, Christine also revealed
the struggle she encountered inside the armed movement. “I didn’t know that I
am going to be a member of CPP-NPA. My parents also do not know that I became a
member of the NPA. We were not allowed to visit our parents and even prohibited
us to contact them. Later, I knew that my family received a death threat
telling them that once they will report to the authorities regarding my
situation, they will be killed. They were also forced to leave our home
and stay away from our barangay," she recalled.
Lieutenant Colonel Francisco
Molina, Jr., commanding officer of 23IB continuously reminds the youth to be
vigilant to the alarming NPA recruitment. "Some of the leaders of the NPA
have already surrendered to the folds of the law, but it was so alarming that
even the female youths are also fighting against the government troops just
like what happened to Gethel and Christine. They were recruiting the young ones
to be victims of their false ideology and these innocent youths will be
suffering their entire life being enslaved by the CNT leaders. The recruitment
of the youth is a big violation to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and
Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children against Abuse Exploitation
and Discrimination Act)," he said.
Molina further reminded the youths
to become active peace advocates towards a brighter future. "Be vigilant!
Do not fall victim to their trap," he added. (CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA
Agusan del Norte)
Gov’t troopers conduct feeding program to school
kid in Mainit town
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte,
Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The soldiers from the Community Support Program (CSP) of Alpha
Company under the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army generously
conducted feeding program to day-care pupils in Barangay Tolingon, Mainit, this
province.
Acting commanding officer Lt.
Jonel G. Castillo said the activity aims to give hope and happiness to the
children in their area of operation, provide assistance, and uplift the morale
of the students who are inspiration to their families.
He said securing the future of the
student is very important for them and seeing smiles on every face of these
children gives them the inspiration to perform their duties well to achieve
lasting peace and development.
Lt. Castillo said that the feeding
program assisted by the military is a great opportunity for them to help
children in rural areas that need a complete meal in a day.
“The army serves as a volunteer
and teacher at the same time. They not only perform duties on the battlefield
but serve the needy children through a collaborative effort, cooperation and
involvement of various stakeholders,” Lt. Castillo added. (Susil D. Ragas/30IB,
Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
402nd Brigade welcomes little brigade commander
By Major
Francisco P. Garello, Jr.
Officers and other personnel of
the 402nd Brigade warmly greeted Nina Mae Pugtol, from Manila De Bugabos
National High School, in a reception line led by Col. Cerilo C. Baloro, Jr.,
deputy brigade commander, that was followed by a meet and greet session to
start the day of being the little commander.
The city government of Butuan
through the Council for the Welfare of Children chaired by City Councilor Rema
A. Burdeos has partnered with the 402nd Brigade and other government agencies
to allow the children to enjoy a day of experiencing the role of being a local
official.
It aims to inculcate to the young
minds the principle of public service and trigger their interest to join the
government service and become a public servant.
Pugtol currently led the Supreme
Student Government (SSG) of their school as the president. She was given the
opportunity to preside a military-style command conference with unit
information briefing presentation held with the presence of all brigade staff
officers and attached units of the camp.
“Hadlok man diay mag-preside sa
conference kay daghan kag need nga mandoan kung unsa ang angay buhaton arun
ma-keep ang peace. The more hinoon na mas na-inspire ko nga mag military.
Gusto jud nako mag military kay aside sa taas sweldo kay maka serve pako sa
katawhan (I was a bit petrified when presiding because I had to decide and
delegate the things that need to be done to enforce peace and security. The
more I am inspired and convinced to join the military service, not only for the
high salary that I will be earning but more importantly to be able to serve the
people and the country),” Pugtol said.
Also, Pugtol was given a brief
orientation on the different individual and crew-served weapons. As the little
commander, she visited and inspected different tenant units attached to the
brigade and toured around the camp to see the different aspects of soldiery. To
conclude her duty, Pugtol was treated with a lunch at the officers’ mess hall.
“Ms. Pugtol was overjoyed upon
serving as our little brigade commander and we cannot help but be proud and
honored that she was inspired and wanted to be one of us," said Col.
Balaoro.
Meanwhile, Brigade Commander Col.
Maurito L. Licudine vowed full commitment in upholding the children’s rights.
“We are always committed to supporting the children. This is in recognition of
the importance of the children in nation-building and as part of our mandate to
protect the welfare of the children against those who violate their rights
under the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and the fundamental laws
of the land,” he said. (402nd Bde-CMO Officer/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Manobo tribe to NPAs: Stop killing IP leaders
By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J.
Punsalan
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Nov.
14 -- As indigenous peoples (IPs) in Caraga region become more empowered and
determined to halt the atrocities of the New People’s Army (NPAs’), the Lianga
Tribal Council of Elders has pushed the issuance of Resolution No.1, series of
2019 condemning the NPA’s killing of certain members of the Manobo tribe.
This was signed by the Lianga
municipal chieftain, Datu Constancio Duhac, and adopted by the local government
unit of Lianga led by mayor Novelita M. Sarmen.
The indigenous peoples mandatory
representative (IPMR), with the tribal chieftains representing the whole Manobo
tribe of Lianga, Surigao del Sur (SDS) called on the communist NPA terrorists
(CNTs) to stop supplanting legitimate IP leaders citing that this causes
divisiveness and the disintegration of their customs and traditions in Barangay
Diatagon, Lianga, SDS.
“Our customary laws and traditions
were disrespected as the NPAs forcefully supplant legitimate tribal leaders
with communist-influenced IP leaders in the far-flung sitios so they can
control and advance their armed and political struggle. “Stop exploiting us,“
said Hawudon Jumar Bucales, IPMR of Lianga.
The tribal council leaders also
urged the Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) to honor and
respect the legitimate IP leadership to exercise the traditional tribal
governance system based on the customary laws of the tribe and the authority of
the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
“You (MAPASU) must not dictate the
tribal council. You must adhere to our legitimate IP leadership. You are not
supreme over the tribal council of elders and you must abide by our traditional
governance system. You talk about fighting for self-determination and
self-governance but your group is the first to violate our customary laws by
defying the tribal council elders,” Datu Duhac said.
The MAPASU has resorted to lobby
the support of Bayan Muna partylist representative Eufemia Campos Cullamat, the
sister of Pablito Sinzo Campos (alias Batik), the communist NPA top
propagandist and root cause of terror in Agusan and Surigao provinces who was
nabbed by the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and the PNP in February 2018.
The tribal council of elders has
steadfastly and repeatedly stated that not even Cullamat could dictate them
because she is not the legitimate IP representative, citing that being a
political leader does not necessarily equate to legitimate IP traditional
leader.
The council further urged Cullamat
to focus on crafting laws that will benefit the IPs instead of using her
authority and privilege as a member of the Congress to discredit the government
and the military in the IP communities during her privilege speeches.
The IP council urged the IP communities
not to join or attend any CPP/NPA-oriented activities such as “bakwit” and any
violent tactical offensives targeting government troops and defenseless
civilians just to highlight the CPP’s founding anniversary on December 26.
(CMO, 3SFBn/PIA-Caraga)
Higaonon sa Agusan
del Sur suportado ang EO 70, CTG kinundina
By Venus L. Garcia
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Nobyembre 14
(PIA) -- Nagtipon-tipon ang mga lider at miyembro ng tribung Higaunon sa
isinagawang “Dumalongdong” sa barangay Sinakungan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur
para talakayin ang usaping pangkapayapaan, at iba’t ibang hamong kinakaharap ng
indigenous peoples (IP) community.
Dinaluhan rin ito ng mga opisyal
ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict o NTF-ELCAC,
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), National
Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG), Philippine Army, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), obispo
ng Diocese of Butuan, at iba pang government stakeholders.
Layon nitong tugunan ang mga
pangangailangan ng nasabing tribu at ipaabot ang suporta ng goberyerno sa
pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng basic services sa kanilang lugar.
“Ngayon na meron nang NTF-ELCAC,
mas lalo pang mabibigyan ng pansin at atensyon hindi lamang ang tribu
(Higaonon) ninyo kundi lahat ng tribu sa buong Mindanao at Pilipinas,” sabi ni
Leouel Santos, director for operations ng NTF-ELCAC.
Ayon naman kay Atty. Leuben
Lingating, chairperson ng Indigenous Peoples’ Peace Panel ng OPAPP, nais nitong
palakasin at tugunan ang panawagan ng bawat katutubo na maipatupad ang
Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 upang sa gayun ay tuluyan
nang makamit ang minimithing kapayapaan at kaunlaran.
Nakiisa rin sa Higaunon ang mga
tribu ng Banwaon, Omayamnon at Polangiyon galing sa probinsiya ng Agusan del
Norte, Misamis Oriental at Bukidnon para suportahan ang Executive Order 70 ni
Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.
Kinondena rin nila ang communist
terrorist group o CTG na kanilang itinuturing na kalaban at hadlang sa
kaunlaran lalung-lalo na ang pakikialam nito sa kanilang katutubong lupa at
paglabag sa kanilang karapatang pantao.
Sinabi naman ni Inday Lindahog,
isang Higaonon sa Agusan del Sur, na isinagawa nila ang Dumalongdong upang
mapag-usapan at masolusyonan ang mga propaganda ng CTG.
“May karapatan kami na ipaglaban
an aming tradisyon, kultura at lupain dahil dito kami namumuhay at minana pa
namin ito sa aming mga ninuno,” sabi ni Lindahog.
Tiniyak din ng DILG-Caraga at NICA
na tutukan ang kahilingan ng nasabing tribu.
Ipinaabot din ni Jun Bringas ng
NICA na “ang NTF ay mananatiling kasama ng iba’t ibang tribu sa kanilang
pangayaw laban sa NPA.”
Samantala, nagbigay ang NTF-ELCAC
ng tulong pinansyal sa nasabing tribu.
Matatandaan na ang barangay
Sinakungan ay inatake ng mahigit kumulang isang daang rebeldeng NPA taong 2018
sa araw mismo ng eleksyon ng barangay kung saan nagdulot ng pananakit sa ilang
Higaonon. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
