Saturday, December 14, 2024

Tag: BSKE

NorMin 2023: New chapters, calls for justice

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 27, 2023) – Northern Mindanao will always have a story to tell every year. In 2023, the region did not disappoint, bringing in a considerable amount of national attention

In particular, Misamis Occidental province had more of that this year.

The aftermath of the December 2022 shear line floods compelled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to visit the province and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental as well, in early January.

Marcos’ meetings with regional and local officials with Cabinet members have created long-term policies, especially in adding disaster-resilient infrastructure projects and social welfare programs.

Since then, the provincial government has rolled out cash assistance in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for flood-affected residents.

Crime, deaths

Misamis Occidental also brought stories that call for justice – one being the death of community broadcaster Juan Jumalon, who was killed while livestreaming inside his house in Calamba town on Nov. 5.

His death prompted a series of condemnations from media groups, public officials, and even Marcos himself.

Suspects were identified, and murder charges were filed.

The incident led Gov. Henry Oaminal to direct the provincial police and the Police Regional Office (PRO-10) to arrest the culprits and revisit the investigation of other assassination attempts.

These included the Oct. 15 blast in Clarin which hit his convoy; the Oct. 23 shooting of Calamba Municipal engineer Jopson Baones; and Oct. 28 grenade-throwing incident at the house of Calamba Mayor Luisito Villanueva.

Almost a month after Jumalon’s murder, the province will again mourn the death of Riza Ramos Daniel, 49, who was killed in a blast inside the Mindanao State University-Main Campus gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Dec. 3.

Daniel was the mother of El Dritz, who was also injured in the blast, both of Tangub City. El Dritz was a third-year Computer Studies student at MSU-Main. Daniel decided to work in Marawi City to be closer to her son.

MSU-Marawi incident

The incident in MSU-Main brought the provincial government of Lanao del Sur and the Marawi City government together to coordinate with the police and military.

Within the week, the Islamic State militants claimed the attack, followed by the arrest of suspects Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa, who are said to have links with local terrorist group, Dawlah Islamiyah. Both had prior arrest warrants for murder and kidnapping charges.

Other than Daniel, the three other fatalities were students Janine Arenas and Junrey Barbante, and faculty member Evangeline Aromin. The blast also injured some 50 people.

Change of command, anti-insurgency

Meanwhile, this year saw major changes in the region’s military and police leadership.

Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II replaced Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag as the commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) in March. Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug also replaced Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop as PRO-10 director in October.

As soon the two assumed office, they had their hands full in continuing the mandates of the national government in securing the peace and order situation in the region.

The 4ID under Cuerpo continued its operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, and even on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, troops under the 403rd Infantry Brigade killed 10 rebels in Bukidnon.

Cuerpo said the Army has maintained its position of allowing NPA rebels to surrender or face a military operation, wherever they may be in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

PRO-10 also accepted rebel surrenderers who brought in firearms and ammunition. Those who surrendered were assisted in the programs of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

On anti-drugs, Layug said the police has continued its anti-illegal drug campaign with a series of buy-busts in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

With the introduction of “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, PRO-10 followed suit in promoting a holistic approach to addressing illegal drug issues.

Village polls

Layug and Cuerpo would again have their hands full in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) that were finally held on Oct. 30 after several years of delay.

Police and military troops were deployed to keep the peace.

While reports of vote buying by the local chapter of the National Citizens; Movement for Free Elections, and tensions among supporters in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, both PRO-10 and 4ID reported a “generally peaceful” BSKE.

On election gun ban operations, PRO-10 reported that from August 28 to October 30, a total of 77 operations were launched that resulted in the arrest of 90 persons, confiscation of 55 firearms, 41 deadly weapons, 367 rounds of ammunition, and an explosive.

But in Lanao del Sur province, which is part of the Bangsamoro Region, the BSKE was marred with heated confrontations among political supporters, voting delays in precincts, and occasional violence that led to a death in the town of Butig.

Rice, economy

The limited rice supply and increase in its prices prompted the national government to issue Executive Order 39, which put a ceiling on prices and provided assistance to affected farmers and small-scale retailers.

Bukidnon province, the region’s food basket, was also affected by drought that some had attributed to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon being experienced in the country.

However, according to the Department of Agriculture, the lean months between August and September would be offset by the fresh harvests that came in October.

And so it did, as the Philippine Statistics Authority Region 10 released its monthly inflation reports and regional economic status in the following month, showing a rosy picture of the regional economy. The National Economic and Development Authority-Region 10 forecasts a stable overall economy for 2023.

Based on the 2022 gross regional domestic product, NEDA-10 Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said Northern Mindanao achieved a GRDP of 7.2 percent or PHP935 billion, compared to the 6.3 percent growth in the previous year, which was impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (By Nef Luczon/PNA)

CMU-BTL tension arises anew

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MALAYBALAY CITY (Nov. 22, 2023) – Another tension has arisen between the security personnel of Central Mindanao University (CMU) and members of a farmer’s group called Buffalo, Tamaraw, Limus (BTL) on November 21 afternoon

The commotion occurred near Sayre Highway, Purok 21-A, Dologon, Maramag, when CMU security personnel attempted to drive away farmers who had been erecting temporary structures within the university’s gated area, particularly at the university’s Beef Cattle Project.

According to the report, four people were injured as a result of the beating with sticks and stone-throwing that erupted between the two groups. As reported, one of them was CMU security personnel.

The tension subsided only when personnel from Maramag Municipal Police Station (MMPS) arrived.

The university administration has released a memorandum advising its faculty members of the implementation of a flexible/outcomes-based Teaching/Learning Arrangement the day following the incident to protect the safety and security of the students.

BTL members have infiltrated, occupied, and built shanties in the Beef Cattle Project area fronting the Sayre Highway ahead of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE).

CMU’s agriculture, veterinary, and forestry students would use the area as a laboratory.

To recall, on October 31, 2023, CMU personnel removed part of the shanties in the region with the presence of police and soldiers, but BTL members resisted. Later, the Mayor of Maramag and his Vice Mayor arrived, and a discussion took place.

BTL has yet to issue a statement on the incident as of this writing. (melbmadera)

Defeated candidate, brother confess to Bukidnon election-related killings

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COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The police have clamped down a defeated candidate and his brother who killed two elders of a reelected barangay chairwoman in Kibawe, Bukidnon, who had refused to endorse his candidacy for kagawad during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections

Rosilo Tecson and his sibling, Cesar, who surrendered one after another on Friday to the Damulog Municipal Police Station in Damulog, Bukidnon, had both confessed to having shot dead the couple Mario and Carmelita Fabian, relatives of Jenelyn Fabian, who was reelected last Monday as chairwoman of Kiorao in Kibawe town in the same province, which is under Administrative Region 10.

Tecson had told local officials, in the presence of policemen, that the attack was precipitated by the barangay chairwoman’s having turned down his request for her to include him in her lineup of candidates for barangay kagawad in Kiorao, an upland area in Kibawe close to the border of Bukidnon and Cotabato province in Region 12.

Major Marvin Enciso, chief of the Kibawe Municipal Police Station, and local officials in the municipality had confirmed to reporters on Saturday that Tecson and his brother are now detained, awaiting prosecution.

Enciso said the duo barged into the residential yard of the reelected barangay chairwoman on Tuesday night and when they found out that she was in another village, shot her two elders dead.

Tecson had confirmed that it was Fabian whom they planned to kill.

Enciso told reporters the Tecson brothers first hid in a secluded area in Damulog for two days but eventually voluntarily turned themselves into the police station in the municipality through the intercession of relatives and barangay leaders in Kiorao. (John Unson/Philstar)

2 alleged election law violators nabbed in Bukidnon

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Police have apprehended two men who were suspected of violating election laws separately

The first suspect was a 25-year-old laborer who is reportedly residing in Sitio Tinubale, Barangay Sta. Ines, Malitbog, Bukidnon.

He was netted at a COMELEC Checkpoint at Crossing Sta. Ines, Malitbog, Bukidnon around 2:25pm on October 29, 2023.

Police reports said that recovered from the suspect were bundles of cash amounting to Php 43,250.00 and paper election flyers.

According to the report, a case for violation of section 261 of the Comelec Omnibus Code was prepared against the suspect.

Meanwhile, the other suspect was a curfew violator held by the police.

He was a 19-year-old residing in Balangay 1C, Poblacion, Quezon, Bukidnon.

Initial investigation revealed that while the said PNP and AFP personnel were conducting random checks on the curfew violators, particularly at Balangay 5, Pob, Quezon, Bukidnon, the said suspect was asked to provide his identification card.

As he took his ID card from the right pocket of his worn jacket, accidentally, a piece of sample ballot fell off on the ground with a stapled Php 50.00 bill.

The police disclosed that they also recovered more sample ballots with attached bills amounting to Php 2,350.00.

As of press time, the apprehended person is now under the custody of Quezon PNP for proper disposition.

The apprehension was inlined on the strict implementation of the Comelec to ensure a peaceful and orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) 2023 on October 30. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

Comelec confiscates campaign materials in Bukidnon

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Valencia City, Bukidnon — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Valencia City, Bukidnon confiscated nearly a thousand illegal campaign materials for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) during simultaneous operations on October 22 this year

Despite repeated warnings, some candidates and their supporters continued to defy rules on posting posters and other campaign paraphernalia only in designated areas.

The local Comelec office also said 18 candidates have already received show cause orders for premature campaigning.

Earlier this month, the Comelec held a candidates’ forum at the Valencia City gym addressing its rules and policies, highlighted by the agency’s Kontra Bigay campaign against vote-buying and vote-selling.

Provincial Comelec Supervisor Atty. Aleli Dayo-Ramirez urged all aspirants in Bukidnon to take precautions and not violate election guidelines to avoid penalties.

She said candidates from the towns of Cabanglasan, Quezon, Malitbog, and Maramag have been accused of illegal campaigning.

Candidates are prohibited from donating or distributing anything of value during and after the campaign, including t-shirts, ballers, and bags. Providing food, beverages, and transportation are also not allowed. (Melchor Velez/CNN Philippines)

Bukidnon Comelec needs public help vs. poll violators

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, urged the public to not only report campaign violations during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) but to file charges as well

Lawyer Danilo Dividina, the Comelec-Malaybalay officer, said they need the help of concerned individuals who would pursue cases in the court.

“When cases are filed, and you are not there when it reaches the court, the cases will not prosper if not substantiated,” Dividina said in a statement on Friday.

He added that the public can execute an affidavit attesting that violations of election rules were committed by BSKE candidates.

Cagayan de Oro BSKE

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) spokesperson Major Evan Viñas underscored the importance of “collective efforts of all concerned sectors” to uphold safe elections and maintain peace and order in the city, especially on the first day of the BSKE campaign period on Oct. 19.

“Last month, the COCPO successfully initiated the conduct of Walk for Peace, BSKE candidates briefing, pledge of commitment, and covenant signing which was collaboratively conducted by government agencies and BSKE candidates,” he said.

In addition, Colonel Salvador Radam, COCPO officer-in-charge, assured the public that all 80 barangays would be covered by the police during the polls with the active support of allied agencies, force multipliers, and the community.

He said the Revitalized Police Sa Barangay in the city are ready to cater to all the concerns of constituents in their respective area of assignment.

AFP, PNP in Lanao Norte

Also in Lanao del Norte, Governor Imelda Dimaporo appealed to the uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for the constant monitoring and surveillance in every community throughout the province from the campaign period to the election day.

Dimaporo cited law enforcement’s role in safeguarding the electoral process, especially when reports indicate that some local government officials may intervene.

She called for collaborative efforts that aim to create an environment where residents can exercise their right to vote without fear and intimidation.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, said being apolitical in the upcoming BSKE must be observed among the ranks of the military in the area.

“Let’s focus on shielding the organization from political influences that are not supposed to be influencing us,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

SP Bukidnon urges BIR to refund BSKE registration fee

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The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Bukidnon is urging the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to refund the Php535.00 collected registration and official receipt booklet fee of the candidates for the October 30, 2023, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE)

On September 26, the 27th SP during its 59th regular session unanimously passed the resolution on the purpose upon motion of SP member Nemesio B. Beltran Jr.

In a statement, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) said that the SP considered the resolution as urgent.

The SP also resolved that copies will be sent to the Revenue District Office (RDO) – 99 of the BIR based on Malaybalay City and to all its field offices in Bukidnon and other concerned government agencies for their information and reference.

Earlier, the SP passed a resolution upon motion by Beltran urging the BIR and Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold in abeyance the requirement of registration by the BSKE candidates pending appropriate information campaign by the BIR legally acceptable answers to the valid and legitimate queries and concerns of the citizens of the province of Bukidnon. It also sought the swift intervention and assistance of Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri.

The previous resolution came out in response to the implementation of the Memorandum Circular No. 22-2022 dated February 21, 2022, requiring all candidates to submit duly accomplished BIR forms and payment of the Annual Registration Fee (ARF) within 30 days after filing their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) with the Comelec.

Beltran said that the memorandum caused undue confusion among the BSKE candidates in Bukidnon as they are caught off-guard with these requirements due mainly to the lack of a substantial and appropriate information dissemination campaign on the part of the BIR.

On September 20, 2023, the Comelec through the Deputy Director for Operations timely issued an Urgent Advisory to all Regional Election Directors and Provincial Election Supervisors nationwide, to notify all candidates in their respective jurisdiction by whatever means possible that “BIR registration and payment of the corresponding BIR registration of candidates are not required for filing of a certificate of candidacy nor are they prerequisites for continuing as candidates”.

As disclosed by the SP, based on the Comelec list, there are more than 15,000 candidates who are vying for the BSKE positions from the 464 barangays in the province.

As of press time, the Central Mindanao Newswatch is seeking comments from RDO-99 regarding the issues. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)