Saturday, February 15, 2025

Gihangyo sa gobyerno ang mga rebeldeng NPA nga mosurender sa dili pa matapos ang amnestiya

Ang taas nga opisyal sa militar sa Bukidnon nag-awhag sa mga myembro sa New People’s Army (NPA) nga molihok dayon

Sumala sa report sa PIA Bukidnon, si Brig. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr., komandante sa 403rd Infantry Brigade, niingon nga ang amnestiya dili magpadayon hangtod sa kahangturan. Gipahibalo kini ni Anayron sa panahon sa pakigsulti sa Bukidnon Interaction niadtong Enero 12, 2025, nga nadungog sa 15 KBP-accredited radio stations sa Bukidnon

Gipadayag sa gobyerno ang 2025 peace and development road map, nga naglakip sa usa ka programa sa reintegration sa mga kanhi myembro sa NPA pinaagi sa pagtanyag sa pinansyal nga tabang ug pagbansay sa panginabuhi.

Ang pag-awhag sa mga rebeldeng NPA nga nagpadayon sa paglihok sa mga hinterland nga mosurender sa dili pa matapos ang programa sa amnestiya sa Marso sunod tuig. Ingon ni Anayron, ang plano bahin sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) usa ka haligi sa reintegration ug peacebuilding efforts.

Gisubli niya ang gibug-aton sa paglihok karon aron makuha ang usa ka malinawon ug mabungahon nga kinabuhi, tungod kay ang bintana sa amnestiya naghatag og gamay nga higayon alang sa pag-usab sa mga rebelde nga dili mahadlok sa pag-prosekusyon. (melbmadera)

Ang programa naglihok ubos sa Executive Order No. 70, nga nag-organisar sa tibuok nasud nga pamaagi aron maabot ang paglakip ug malungtaron nga kalinaw. Ang direktiba nagtukod sa National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), nga nag-uswag sa kolaborasyon sa mga ahensya sa gobyerno. (melbmadera)

87 NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon (January 27, 2025) — Eighty-seven members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB) in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, on Friday

Lt. Col. Antonio Bulao, commander of the 89IB, introduced the former rebels and presented 17 firearms they surrendered during a ceremony in Barangay Nacabuklad, San Fernando. The group includes 54 regular NPA members, 29 Militiang Bayan members, and four mass supporters from the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC 2, NCMRC).

Each of the 87 former rebels received ₱10,000 as immediate cash assistance, along with individual identification cards.

Datu Jimboy Mandagit, also known as Waway and a former high-ranking NPA member, encouraged his former comrades to surrender and take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and amnesty offerings.

“I extend my gratitude to the Army for providing a wonderful opportunity for those of us who were victims of a false communist doctrine and became insurgents,” Mandagit stated in the local vernacular. “I urge the rest of our comrades to surrender because the government is always ready to help us,” he added.

The ceremony was witnessed by Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, MGen. Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, BGen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Municipal Mayor Rogelio Yeke, and other local officials.

In his message, Hambala assured the returning rebels of government support to help them start new lives. Yeke also promised to deliver projects aimed at improving farm-to-market roads and education for families in remote villages.

Flores expressed his gratitude and support for the former rebels’ return to the fold of the law. (The Manila Times)

COMELEC Prepares for 2025 Elections, Issues Voter Guidelines

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the number of registered voters in Northern Mindanao has surpassed 3 million, covering the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin. Misamis Oriental leads with over 1 million voters

Atty. Carlito Ravelo, Misamis Oriental’s Provincial Election Supervisor, highlighted that Region 10 ranks among the Philippines’ vote-rich regions, with a total of 3,190,362 voters across five provinces.


“Region 10 ranks among the vote-rich regions of the Philippines, with 3,190,362 voters spanning five provinces,” Ravelo said.


Ravelo also provided a breakdown of voter distribution across two congressional districts in Misamis Oriental:
District 1 (Balingasag to Magsaysay, including Gingoog City) has 302,235 registered voters and 429 clustered precincts.
District 2 (Lugait to Jasaan, including El Salvador City) has 393,285 voters.


In Cagayan de Oro, the 1st District (24 barangays) has 212,016 registered voters and 233 clustered precincts, while the 2nd District (56 barangays) accounts for 204,885 voters and 249 precincts. Combined, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro have 1,112,421 voters and 1,452 clustered precincts.


Election Schedules and Processes


As the 2025 elections approach, COMELEC emphasized the importance of key dates and processes:
• The national campaign period begins on February 11, 2025, and ends on May 10, 2025.
• The local campaign period starts on March 25, 2025, and ends on May 10, 2025.


Election Day, May 12, 2025, will see voting from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Special voting hours for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women will be from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with priority polling places operating from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.


Special arrangements will be made for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), with special electoral boards ensuring that PDL voters can cast their ballots from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.


Voters will elect 12 senators, one party-list representative, one congressional representative per district, a provincial governor, a vice governor, provincial board members, mayors, vice mayors, and municipal councilors. Misamis Oriental voters will elect five board members for each district, while Cagayan de Oro voters will select eight city councilors per district.


Ensuring Transparent and Secure Voting


COMELEC assured the public of the security of the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) used in the May 2025 elections. These machines are equipped with rechargeable batteries to prevent interruptions, and backup machines are on standby, along with technical personnel for repairs.


To prevent transmission issues, COMELEC will utilize satellite technology, including Starlink, to ensure 100% nationwide transmission from ACMs. The transparency of the process will be further supported by parallel counting conducted by accredited organizations and political parties, ensuring credible results.


Election results will be transmitted to the City/Municipality Board of Canvassers, Central Server, Accredited Citizens’ Arms 1 and 2, Dominant Majority, Dominant Minority, and Media Server.


Voters are reminded to check the list of registered voters posted outside their precincts to confirm their sequence and number. After identity verification and ensuring their finger is not marked with indelible ink, voters will follow the procedure to cast their ballots and feed them into the ACM.


Voters are advised to shade the circles fully on their ballots for accurate counting. Ballots contain security features, so it is prohibited to mark them in any way that may cause rejection. Voting receipts will be issued and must be deposited in designated compartments at the precinct.


COMELEC reiterated its commitment to upholding electoral integrity and maintaining public trust and encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote and actively participate in the upcoming elections. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA-10)

36 Ex-NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Thirty-six former New People’s Army (NPA) leaders and combatants recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. They were presented to the Bukidnon provincial government on January 10 at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City

The surrenderees turned over 55 high-powered firearms, including an M-60 machine gun, and pledged allegiance to the government.


Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed gratitude to the former rebels, calling their surrender a significant step towards peace and stability in Northern Mindanao.

“Akong pagpasalamat sa atong mga sundalo, pulis, local government units, civil society organizations, ug concerned citizens for participating in the ELCAC campaign. Kini nga kampanya involves municipal, provincial, and line agencies. Naa sila gatabang sa ato pinaagi sa paghatag sa support services sama sa livelihood assistance, skills training, ug uban pa, aron masulbad ang insurgency problem sa nasud labi na dinhi sa atong probinsya sa Bukidnon,” he said.


(I thanked the military, police, local government units, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens. They help provide support services, such as livelihood assistance and skills training, to address the insurgency problem in the country, especially here in Bukidnon.)


He urged remaining insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.


Arnel Arcaya, alias Sky, a former NPA leader, shared his difficult experiences within the rebel group and thanked the government for supporting his reintegration into society.


In a press conference, Arcaya expressed his desire to leave his past behind and start anew, inspired by the government’s reintegration efforts.


The military credited Cong. Jonathan Keith T. Flores of the 2nd Congressional District for facilitating the surrender of former NPA leaders, highlighting the success of the whole-of-nation approach.


Cong. Flores emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in defeating insurgency and thanked the surrendered NPA members for rejoining society.


“The presence of government agencies in the mountains, delivering essential services to marginalized communities, has encouraged many to return to peaceful lives,” he said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

2 killed, 5 injured in Bukidnon highway accident

COTABATO CITY (January 7, 2025 | 5:04pm) — Two individuals were killed and five others severely injured when a refrigerated truck loaded with frozen fish collided with a van and a motorcycle, causing all three vehicles to plunge into a roadside ravine in Quezon town, Bukidnon, on Monday, January 6

Senior officials of the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office and the Police Regional Office-10 told reporters on Tuesday, January 7, that Mohammad Exan Bola, 53, of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, and the 26-year-old Jayser Pendorat Bautil, a resident of Barangay Kalilangan in Pantar, Lanao del Norte, were declared dead on arrival by doctors in a hospital where emergency responders transported them for treatment.

An initial report from the Quezon Municipal Police Station, released to reporters early Tuesday, revealed that the driver of the refrigerated truck lost control of the vehicle when its brake system malfunctioned while navigating a steep, downhill stretch of highway in Barangay Palacapao, Quezon. The truck collided with a motorcycle and an L300 van ahead, causing all three vehicles to plunge into a deep ravine alongside the route.

Witnesses who spoke with police investigators said that all three vehicles involved in the accident rolled over multiple times before landing in an open field about 50 meters down the ravine.

One of the two fatalities, identified as Bautil, was a helper of the driver of the refrigerated truck, which bore the license plates ZAD 6080. The truck was driven by 45-year-old Solaiman Baco Moctar, a resident of Digos City in Davao del Sur.

The road mishap left five others, including Moctar, the driver of the L300 van and the motorist that his truck rammed, badly injured.

Police investigators and barangay officials have confirmed to reporters that the right arm of one of the victims got severed from the shoulder and was found in a grassy spot several meters away. (John Unson – Philstar.com)

Lunsod Lunsad award midunol og P2-M nga proyekto ngadto sa Malaybalay

Ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Malaybalay nakadawat og grant nga nagkantidad og Php 2 milyon gikan sa 2024 Lunsod Lunsad nga proyekto sa Department of Trade and Industry

Ang Malaybalay isa sa tulo ka siyudad sa Rehiyon 10 nga nakaangkon sa maong grant alang sa Creative Industry pinaagi sa paghatag og proposal nga proyekto.

Ang proyekto ginganlan ug 7Tribes Museum Shops (digital museum, digital marketing/e-commerce), nga nagtinguha sa pagdasig sa mga lumad ug local nga artists sa pagpromote sa nagkadaiyang kultura, produkto, arts sama sa paintings, ug uban pang kalihokan nga makahatag ug bili sa atong lumadnong piyesa ug kahibalo, alang usab sa paghatag ug dugang kakitaan sa mga miyebro sa komunidad.

Magmalipayong gidawat ni Mr. Romeo Lapeciros ang sertipiko nga pagkadawat sa award niadtong Agosto 6, 2024 sa Philippine Trade Training Center sa Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Si Lapeciros isip focal person sa proyekto ug nagrepresentar alang ni Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran.

Dako ang iyang pasalamat nga mahimo ang maong proyekto kauban sa kolaborasyon sa nagkalain-laing opisina sa dakbayan, lakip ang Tourism Office, LEDIPO, ICT-Innovation Council, Council of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, CPDO, Konsehal Kiril Dinlayan, Mr. Erlow Talatala, ug uban pang project technical partners. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

7 sites sa Bukidnon nakaangkon og free Wi-Fi access

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (August 15, 2024) – Nakaangkon og free Wi-Fi access ang pito ka mga barangay sa Bukidnon bag-ohay lang

Ang pito ka mga dapit lakip sa activated nga 600 ka mga lugar sa nasud nga natabonan sa Connectivity, Capability, and Resiliency through Free Wi-Fi for All (CoRe FW4A) project sa Department of Information and Technology (DICT uban sa United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Nahigayon ang nationwide launching sa proyekto sa People’s Hall sa Malaybalay City, Bukidnon kaniadtong Agosto 15, 2024.

Diha sa programa si Mr. Paul Tuason, director sa DICT, Ms. Vivien Suerte-Cortez, team leader sa UNDP Philippines Institutions and Partnerships, Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, ug uban pa.

Duha sa mga proyekto sa Bukidnon ang lakip sa Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) diin ang Free Wi-Fi naplastar sa Barangay Hall sa Cabadiangan, Kadingilan ug sa Santa Felomina Barangay Hall sa Quezon.

Samtang ang lima pa anaa sa Indigenous People’s (IP) communities nga naplastar sa Saint Peter Barangay Hall sa Malaybalay City, Dolorosa Barangay Hall sa Dangcagan, Maraymaray Barangay Hall sa Don Carlos, Kalabugao Barangay Hall sa Impasug-ong ug Sampaguita Barangay Hall sa Kibawe.

Ang CoRe FW4A project direktang gipatuman sa UNDP nga nagsuporta sa pagpatuman sa DICT sa Free Wi-Fi for All (FWFA) Program niini subay sa R.A. 10929 kon Free Internet Access in Public Spaces Act of 2017.

Ang programa gikatakdang matapos sa Disyembre 31, 2025. (melbmadera)

Buntis Summit 2024 gipahigayon sa Upper Pulangi district

Ang Buntis Summit 2024 gipahigayon kaniadtong Hulyo 9, 2024 sa Upper Pulangi District

Sumala sa kasayoran sa city government sa Malaybalay, nagkatigum sa Brgy. Mapulo ang mga batan-ong babaye ug high-risk pregnant women alang sa comprehensive day sa edukasyon ug suporta.

Ang summit gitumong sa pag-edukar sa mga partisipante sa kamahinungdanon sa luwas nga pagka-inahan, paghatag og importanteng impormasyon ug mga kahinguhaan aron matabangan sila nga luwas sa ilang mga pagmabdos ug makahimo og mga desisyon nga may kasayuran mahitungod sa ilang panglawas ug kahimsog sa ilang mga masuso.

Lakip sa mga gihisgotan ang prenatal care, nutrisyon, pagpanganak, postpartum care, family planning, ug STI/HIV awareness and prevention.

Ang Buntis Summit 2024, kabahin sa serye sa mga summit nga gipahigayon sa lima ka distrito, nga nagtanyag og mga lecture, libre nga hemoglobin, syphilis, ug HbsAg nga mga pagsulay, ug mga token sa mga partisipante.

Kini nga inisyatibo nagtinguha sa paghatag gahum sa kababayen-an nga adunay mas himsog nga pagmabdos ug pagpanganak pinaagi sa komprehensibo nga edukasyon ug suporta. (melbmadera)

Bukidnon schools first to orient in agri e-learning upgrades

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (July 12, 2024/PNA) – Schools in the province of Bukidnon are the first in the Northern Mindanao region to re-orient updated course modules of e-learning on agriculture

In an interview Friday, Jan-Ariss Jadaque, technical support focal person of the Agricultural Training Institute in Region 10 (ATI-10), said 60 teachers from 15 schools in Malaybalay City attended the re-orientation.

“One of the objectives we also aim for the briefing is to develop a plan for a possible partnership with the different schools from the (Department of Education’s) Division of Malaybalay City,” he said.

The e-learning briefing for teachers guided them in the new website, which was relaunched in 2023.

Its goal is to promote agriculture and fishery to youth through the integration of an e-learning program into the curriculum of these schools’ Technical- Vocational- Livelihood track at the senior high school level.

Victhor Palarca, ATI-10 Media Production Specialist, said the e-learning program started in 2010, but the agriculture modules are part of the electronic extension program which dates back to 2007. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Bukidnon approves historic IP Code to protect rights, promote cultural growth

MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code on its third and final reading on July 2

The provincial legislators carefully examined the provisions, weighing the potential impacts on the province’s seven tribes and considering various perspectives.

Their rigorous discussions and debates during the first and second readings ensured that the ordinance aligned with constitutional rights, resulting in a consensus emphasizing the importance of protecting and fostering the cultural development of Bukidnon IP communities.

Championed by Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) lawyer Arbie Llesis, the ordinance aims to protect and foster the cultural development of the seven tribes by establishing mechanisms to preserve their traditions.

“The newly approved ordinance focuses on empowering IPs in the province through several key elements: First, it grants rightful ownership and control of ancestral domains, recognizing their deep connection to the land. Second, it promotes social justice by ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for these communities. Third, it preserves cultural heritage by protecting languages, traditions, and customs essential to their identity. Lastly, it safeguards IP rights, ensuring they are respected and upheld across all aspects of society,” he said.

Officially known as Ordinance No. 052-2024, or An Ordinance Providing for the Comprehensive Indigenous Welfare and Development Code in the Province of Bukidnon, it represents an advancement in aligning local governance with the mandates of the United Nations, the Philippine Constitution, and national laws concerning IPs.

Llesis clarified that the ordinance aims to create an inclusive environment by honoring IP traditions, empowering them to shape their future, recognizing their vital role, and ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive.

“The IP Code addresses historical exclusion faced by Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing their land rights and culture preservation while promoting self-determination. It supports development programs and ensures Indigenous communities have access to government resources,” he added.

Former IPMR Richard Dinlayan Macas emphasized the importance of the IP Code, aligning it with the tribes’ aspirations.

“It embodies the dreams of our ancestors, who yearned for recognition of their rights. We are all thankful for its approval as we collectively work towards the province’s progress,” Macas said.

Datu Migketay Victorino Saway, chair of the provincial tribal council, underscored the code’s broader implications.

“The IP Code strengthens our commitment to peace and order, promoting IP recognition and cultural identity. As a community, standing together to support the IP Code uplifts not only Indigenous Peoples but the entire province of Bukidnon,” he said. (Jessa M. Cleopas/PIA-10/Bukidnon)