Slain suspect was a member of Abu Sayyaf group: police

From the Mindanao Times (May 4): Slain suspect was a member of Abu Sayyaf group: police

AUTHORITIES yesterday confirmed that the slain alleged terrorist last May 2 was an active member of the Abu Sayyaf group.

 

City police spokesperson, Sr. Insp. Maria Theresita Gaspan, told reporters yesterday during the AFP-PNP press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel that the Intelligence Division confirmed the identity of the suspect who went by the name alias Bin Laden.

“However, we could not determine his identity as of now because no family has come forward to claim the body in the funeral parlor,” Gaspan said.

The suspect was said to have transported components of improvised explosive device (IED) into the city but was intercepted at checkpoint while on board a motorcycle along with another passenger. He was killed in a shootout with authorities around 3 a.m. on May 2 in Barangay Magtuod, Talomo District. A .38 revolver and grenade were recovered from his possession.

Gaspan said they are still conducting follow-up investigation if the attempt of the suspect to enter the city is related to the arrest of Supt. Maria Christina Nobleza, the police officer who allegedly tried to help her terrorist boyfriend evade authorities in Clarin, Bohol.

But she quickly added that they received information about members of the Abu Sayyaf group who will enter Davao City. These members were identified as Saqdat, Omar and Bin Laden. The slain suspect was accompanied by two others who managed to escape.

 

She said the successful operation was “a consequence of our intensified intelligence monitoring and the information gathering from other intelligence community.”

Meanwhile, Benito De Leon, chief of the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), said they could not yet draw conclusions about the latest incident, specifically on whether or not Davao City is the target of Abu Sayyaf.

“Although the threats are there, and our police and military have been preparing for everything,” he said, adding that the intelligence community is also continuously monitoring internal and external threats.

Meanwhile, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said that the terrorist group is always seeking to take advantage of any gaps in security mechanisms of the city. “The bottom line is how fast the security forces can react, of course, with the help of the community,” he added.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/slain-suspect-was-a-member-of-abu-sayyaf-group-police/

City on lockdown after rebel attack, slay of alleged terrorist

From the Mindanao Times (May 4): City on lockdown after rebel attack, slay of alleged terrorist

THE POLICE and military yesterday said they are strengthening security measures to prevent a repeat of what happened this past Saturday when New People’s Army torched equipment and structures of Lapanday.

 

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel, Benito De Leon, the chief of Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) , said the city has already crafted a new security plan .

“The military and police have already executed it like the redeployment of forces, augmentation of forces and you will note that part of it is additional personnel,” De Leon said.

“We review our security protocols continuously to find the gaps, and fill those (gaps),” he added, explaining that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has already given them the authority to put the city on lockdown.

The mayor wants an extensive security plan that will involve not only the law enforcement agencies, but also other stakeholders as well in order to “build resilient communities,” and not just focus on the security aspect.

“Like in the plantation, we can to involve them in coming up with appropriate security structures, and even their personnel have even tied up with us already,” De Leon said.

By involving the communities, the military and police can strengthen their reporting mechanisms coming from the communities themselves.

 

De Leon said they will also help the companies to I improve their facilities in terms of security measures to resist any attacks.

The private security of plantations and businesses that are vulnerable to attacks will be retrained on firearm handling and security tactics.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said that they are still waiting for the result of joint briefing of military and police officials for additional deployment of troops in the city.

“These bad elements are always seeking gaps where they can take advantage,” he said. “We are already strengthening our security measures with the help of the Police.”

He also cited the recovery of the improvised explosive device on Tuesday in Barangay Malagos as a foiled attempt of the armed group.

 

“It is another attempt of the lawless elements to conduct another atrocity here in the city but a civilian gave information to recover the items,” he said. “Even very little information is vital.”

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/city-on-lockdown-after-rebel-attack-slay-of-alleged-terrorist/

Cop killed in Maguindanao province

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 4): Cop killed in Maguindanao province

Motorcycle gunmen shot dead a police officer in a broad daylight attack in the troubled province of Maguindanao in southern Philippines, officials said Thursday.

Officials said PO2 Jonald Clarino was driving his motorcycle when the assailants, who were tailing him, shot him repeatedly in the village of Simuay around 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The 24-year old policeman, assigned with the 15th Regional Public Safety Battalion, was killed on the spot, according to Inspector Razul Pandulo, a spokesman for the provincial police force.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the murder.

Gun attacks and killings are not uncommon in Maguindanao, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. Police said it is investigating the killing.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/cop-killed-in-maguindanao-province/

Sultan Kudarat coastal towns get P39.5 M DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS projects

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 4): Sultan Kudarat coastal towns get P39.5 M DSWD  Kalahi-CIDSS projects


Dahil sa layo ng aming lugar sa bayan, hindi na umabot ng buhay ang aking isang anak habang papunta kami sa pinakamalapit na ospital dahil sa sakit na diarrhea,” says Aurelio C. Candado, 56, a resident of Barangay Villamonte, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.  (Because our village is far from the town proper, I lost my child while on our way to the nearest hospital.)

Villamonte is located in the northeastern part of town, which is 42 kilometers from the town proper and considered as the farthest and hardest-to-reach village among 27 barangays of Lebak.

Aggravating the situation of Candado and the rest of the villagers of Villamonte, is the fact that they need a huge amount for vehicle rental -- ranging from P6, 000 to P7, 000 -- to bring a person who needs immediate medical care to the nearest hospital.

The struggles of Villamonte’s villagers will soon to be a thing in the past after their proposed one unit rescue vehicle with amenities amounting to P1.35 million was chosen as one of prioritized projects during the town’s recent municipal inter-barangay forum (MIBF) conducted under DSWD-Kalahi-CIDSS Program in towns of Lebak and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

MIBF is a prioritization process employed by DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS in which instead of local officials that determine which villages will avail the funds and projects; it is given in the hands of ordinary people of barangays.

Other community projects that will be funded under the Program in Lebak town include garbage compactor truck of Poblacion III (P.62 M), T-breakwater inTibpuan (P4.24 M), health centers of  Christiannuevo (P1.2 M) and Bolebak (P1.57 M) and an evacuation center in Barurao 1 (P1.87 M).

Village of Poloy-Poloy will also soon have rescue vehicle (P1.35M), solar street lights for Pasandalan (P2.22 M) and Pansud (P1.71 M) while Purikay villagers will soon have water refilling station (P1.31 M) and water system for Nuling amounting to P502,000.

Pearly Santillana, the town’s area coordinator said that these projects, which are in far-flung communities , are considered to be most pressing needs with the total amount of P20.65 million.

“We hope that these projects will address the struggles of villagers and be the vehicles to access other government services and programs,” Santillana said.

Meanwhile, Genelyn Concemino, the town’s program area coordinator in Kalamansig said that some P18.85 million of community projects will be benefited by 11 villages under DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS Program.

Concemino said that villagers of Santa Maria will soon have training center with amenities (P2.10 M), a rescue vehicle with amenities (P1.34 M) for Hinalaan, while darkness will soon to be thing in the past for villagers of Obial and Cadiz with solar street lights amounting to P1.69 M and P1.68 M, respectively.

Solar driers will also be constructed in villages of Datu Wasay (P2.05 million) and Sangay (P2.95 M), birthing clinic in Limulan (P1.49 M), sanitary toilets and pitcher pumps in Dumanggas Nuevo (P1.47 M), and nutrition health posts with amenities in Datu Ito Andong (P1.29 M).

Concemino added that villagers of Nalilidan and Santa Clara will have potable water system amounting to P1.44 M and 1.30 M, respectively.

Kalahi-CIDSS, which stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-A Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, is a national community-driven development program of DSWD in partnership with the local government units.

The program aims to bring together different stakeholders so that grassroots communities work cohesively and transparently to move toward progress, leaving no one behind in terms of development.

Like in Candado village, their long-awaited rescue vehicle has finally come into reality. At the least, he hopes that no more father to feel the excruciating  pain he experienced because of the absence or lack of government project to help them.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1611493860620/sultan-kudarat-coastal-towns-get-p39-5-m-dswd-kalahi-cidss-projects

NPA attack incurs P2-billion losses, hundreds of workers displaced

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 4): NPA attack incurs P2-billion losses, hundreds of workers displaced

The New People’s Army attack last April 29 on Lapanday’s box and manufacturing plant in Mandug destroyed about P2-billion worth of investment and displaced 700 to 1000 workers.

The rebels simultaneously attacked the box and plastic plant in Mandug, the Lapanday ranch in Calinan and the Macondray Plastic Plant in Bunawan.

In a press conference held by the company last May 3, Manolito Dangatan chief financial officer of Lapanday Foods Corporation said the destroyed facilities was the company’s biggest investment in Davao City and will take two to three years to rebuild the plant.

The boxing plant has about 20,000 square meters of floor area and is said to cost P1.5-biliion to P2-billion.

Dangatan said the company has contributed P600-million to various stakeholders for the last five years, including P130-million to its employees.

“It’s really unfortunate that this investment in Davao City will suffer in this damage,” Dangatan said.

“The fact that they become jobless, this made it more difficult for them now, give that in a next couple of weeks school time opens.” Says Hernani Geronimo strategic and shared human resource services officer of Lapanday.

 “We will do everything we can to help cushion the impact as we have done in other instances where calamities have struck we were there to provide not just to the workers but also the community.” Geronimo added.

Meanwhile the City Government of Davao has promised aid to the displaced workers like providing skills training to the employees. The Davao City Police Office had also distributed relief goods to the families of affected workers.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541493885655/npa-attack-incurs-p2-billion-losses-hundreds-of-workers-displaced

Free tuli benefits 107 boys in SurSur town

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 4): Free tuli benefits 107 boys in SurSur town

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – One hundred seven (107) school-aged boys benefited a free circumcision dubbed "summer operation tuli" held on Tuesday at the Cagwait Elementary School in Cagwait town of this province.

According to 36th Infantry Battalion spokesperson Captain Al Anthony Pueblas, aside from circumcision, other services such as shoe repair and haircut were also offered to the local residents.

Pueblas said the activity was aimed to cater to the physical needs and holistic development of school-aged boys.

Pueblas added that it was realized thru the sponsorship of the Cagwait Teachers and Employees Cooperative (CAGTEC) in collaboration with the 402nd Brigade and the 36th Infantry Battalion, Phil. Army.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741493854742/free-tuli-benefits-107-boys-in-sursur-town

U.S. Embassy, CHED renew scholarship agreement

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 4): U.S. Embassy, CHED renew scholarship agreement



The United States Embassy in the Philippines and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recently renewed its agreement for the Fulbright-CHED Scholarship Program.
                           
United States Ambassador to the Philippines, Ambassador Sung Kim, an honorary Philippine-American Educational Foundation Board Chairperson and CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that continues the Fulbright-CHED Scholarship Program for Graduate Studies in the United States.

Fulbright-CHED Scholarships enable faculty and staff from higher education institutions to pursue masters and doctoral studies, including thesis or dissertation research, in higher education institutions in the United States.

In 2016, CHED and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) formally established the Fulbright-CHED Scholarship to build capacity for higher education in the Philippines and strengthen people-to-people ties between our two countries.  The 2016 MOA provided scholarships for 17 faculty and staff to pursue graduate degrees in fields including Socio-Cultural Anthropology, Agricultural Education, Fisheries Technology, and Maritime Law and Policy in the United States during the 2017-2018 academic year.

The renewed MOA will offer additional graduate education scholarships to college faculty for the academic year 2018-2019.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/241493800731/u-s-embassy-ched-renew-scholarship-agreement

Davao mayor expresses sadness over death of fish vendor hit by NPA landmine

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4): Davao mayor expresses sadness over death of fish vendor hit by NPA landmine



Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio expressed sadness Thursday over the death of a fish vendor, who was hit by a landmine explosion planted by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during their attack of the box and plastic plants of Lapanday Foods Corp. last Sunday.

"I am sorry we lost Larry, a victim of delusional people living in an alternate universe who are now celebrating their so-called victory against oppression. But it is a celebration that means nothing except grief for the true victims,” the mayor said in a statement.

Fish vendor Larry Buenafe succumbed to multiple wounds in the head early morning Thursday, four days after he was hit by a landmine that exploded while he was passing through Tigatto road to sell fish. The landmine was planted by the NPA rebels who launched the attack against Lapanday.

Mandug was Buenafe’s usual route in selling fish. He's a resident of Agdao in downtown area.

Dr. Ricardo Audan, chief of clinic of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), said Buenafe died "due to severe head injury secondary to blast injury."

Also contributory to his condition was the hypovolemic shock, an emergency condition in which severe blood or fluid loss makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body, the physician said.

The mayor said Buenafe was "murdered by people who think that it will make a difference if they punish the Lorenzos by burning their factories."

It did make a difference, but definitely not to the Lorenzos because their wealth is still there, tucked safety somewhere, she said.

Duterte-Carpio expressed sympathies to Buenafe's family as well as to the hundreds of workers who lost their jobs because of the NPA attacks.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985017

2 suspected Abu Sayyaf members nabbed in Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4): 2 suspected Abu Sayyaf members nabbed in Bohol

Two men suspected to be the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who entered Bohol were arrested on Thursday morning in Barangay Tan-awan in Tubigon town, Bohol.

PO2 Ronald Manlangit, desk officer of Tubigon Police Station, said the two armed men were sighted at 5:00 a.m. on Thursday in Barangay Tan-awan asking for food and clothes.

One of the men was identified as suspected ASG member Saad Samad Kiram, 36, who is now detained in the Bohol Provincial Police Office.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 Deputy Chief Hector Amancia said Kiram and his companion were fed in one of the houses in Tan-awan.

While the two were eating, the owner of the house called the attention of troops from the 41st Infantry Brigade to apprehend them. The two did not resist arrest.

Amancia said the authorities seized a loaded handgun and a hand grenade from the suspects.

Police said they were still verifying the identity of the other suspected ASG member.

Tubigon is a town next to Clarin, where the second clash between the ASG and government troops took place on April 22, which led to the death of sub-leader Joselito Melloria, an Inabanga, Bohol native who joined the bandit group and three others.

The first clash between suspected ASG members and government troops in Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga, Bohol on April 11 resulted in the death of five suspected ASG members, three soldiers and a policeman.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985037

PHL Navy's second SSV now headed for home

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4): PHL Navy's second SSV now headed for home

The country's second strategic sealift vessel (SSV), the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), has left PT PAL (Persero)'s shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia and started her voyage home Wednesday afternoon.

Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA said the SSV's departure was witnessed by Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Gaudencio C. Collando and his party.

Departure of BRP Davao Del Sur took place 12 noon Wednesday. She is expected to arrive at the Manila South Harbor on May 8.

The SSV and her 120-strong crew will be most likely welcomed by PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado on May 10, Lincuna added.

Commissioning ceremonies will be announced later.

The PN spokesperson said the second SSV would boost the Navy's capability to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions alongside with its troop and cargo missions.

The BRP Davao Del Sur was launched last Sept. 29. She is the sister ship of the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), currently the largest Filipino warship in commissioned.

BRP Tarlac was commissioned during short ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last June 1.

She arrived in the Philippines last May 14 after a five-day journey from PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya, which started on May 9.

BRP Davao Del Sur is also a Makassar-class landing platform dock like her sister ship BRP Tarlac.

Its delivery to the Philippines, tentatively scheduled this coming May, will complete the two-unit SSV procurement project with an approved budget contract of Php 4 billion sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund.

Just like the BRP Tarlac, the PN's latest SSV will serve as a floating command-and-control ship, especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response and will also serve as a military sealift and transport vessel.

The ship has an overall length of 120 meters,breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

She has a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

BRP Davao Del Sur can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985000

One more ASG bandit bagged in Bohol operations

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4): One more ASG bandit bagged in Bohol operations

One of the three remaining Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) stragglers in Bohol were arrested by government security forces in Bohol Thursday morning.

This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, citing reports coming from Central Command head Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao and other ranking military commanders in the area.

The arrest of the ASG bandit took place around 7 a.m. in Barangay Tanawan, Tubigon town, he added.

This was made possible thanks to the cooperation of civilians in the locality.

Identity of the arrested bandit is still determined as of this posting.
Padilla said that the suspect is among the 11-man team ASG sub-leader Muamar Askali alias "Abu Rami" took to Inabanga town, Bohol last April 10 in a bid to raise havoc in the province's tourist trade.

However, prompt government response resulted in Askali's death and three other bandits last April 11 along with three soldiers, one police officer and an elderly couple.

Pursuit operations in Barangay Bacani, Clarin town resulted in the death of ASG contact Joselito Milloria and three other brigands last April 22.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985006

Joint patrols with China requires treaty -- Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4): Joint patrols with China requires treaty -- Esperon

National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Thursday clarified that joint exercises military with China could not be immediately implemented without the presence of a visiting forces agreement (VFA) or a treaty.

Esperon made the clarification during a press briefing in Malacañang following statements made earlier by President Rodrigo Duterte allowing joint exercises with China.

Last Monday, Duterte said that China can have joint military drills with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Mindanao particularly the Sulu Sea.

"When the President gives out a pronouncement, we take that as an order from him. How to implement it? And as we see it we now have to look at the requirements for us to be able to do that," Esperon said.

"In joint exercises, you must have a visiting forces agreement and probably a treaty, if there need be, and other requirements like delineation of exercise areas," he said stressing that China could not just enter internal Philippine waters without the required agreements.

"But we will, together with the Department of National Defense and other agencies in the security cluster, we will study that. Because if that is the desire of the President, then we will do it," Esperon said.

In the meantime, the Security Adviser said that joint patrols in the Sulu Sea would be beneficial to the country given the threats of ISIS and kidnapping in the area.

He added that with the recent launching of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ferry service, potentials for other trade routes are huge.

“Halimbawa, kasabay nung ano, kasabay nung Ro-Ro line ng Bitung-Gensan-Davao ay magkakaroon din tayo ng linya dito sa Tawi-Tawi, Sabah, Labuan na barter trade. So kung matahimik ‘yung area na ‘yun, you can just imagine the commerce and trade that will be generated in that area,” he said.

“If we have enough patrols there, then you will be assured that that Ro-Ro trip will be secured and will bring prosperity to the area,” Esperon said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985045

3 killed, one hurt in UH-IHD crash in Tanay, Rizal

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4): 3 killed, one hurt in UH-IHD crash in Tanay, Rizal

A Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilot was killed along with his two crewmen while another one was injured when their UH-IHD "Huey" combat utility helicopter crashed in Tanay, Rizal Wednesday.

1st Lt. Xy-zon Meneses, 2nd Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the mishap took place 3 p.m. at Sitio Hilltop, Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.

He declined to identify the casualties pending the notification of their loved ones and families.

Initial reports indicated that the UH-IHD had just finished conducting air-to-ground and disaster rescue operations training with troops stationed in 2nd Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Capinpin along with some 12 police operatives when it encountered some mechanical trouble, forcing it to crash-land.

Investigations are still ongoing to determine exact cause of the mishap as of this posting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985081

MILF: Editorial -- Historic ties revived

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (May 1): Editorial -- Historic ties revived

The historic ties between the Philippines particularly Mindanao and Indonesia have been revived and strengthened anew. This came about by the recent agreement between Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo to open up a new shipping route, which links the Philippine cities of Davao and General Santos to the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi.

This new trade route will reduce both travel time and cost for nationals of both countries. It can also make both peoples closer to each other. It came also at a time countries in Southeast Asia are facing challenges brought about multiple and conflicting claims over various islands or islets in the South China Sea. China, which is no longer a sleeping giant, is lording it over all other claimants.

For centuries, relations between the peoples of the Philippines especially Moros and Indonesia have been very warmth and close. During the Moro-Spanish War, the Indonesians especially those of Ternate were helping the Moros battle the Spaniards, and much of the supplies of gunpowder, brass cannons, and some warriors emanated from Indonesia. Makassar was an ordinary marketplace for the Moros in olden times; in fact, one very popular type of rice among them was called “Makassar”, which was obviously brought from there by Moro traders or “pirates”.

In physical features, Moros are nearer to the Indonesians. This is not surprising because it is believed that most of the Moro tribes came from the Indonesia. In fact, the Sangils of Sarangani and Davao are “moroized” or “Filipinized” Indonesian. They speak an entirely different dialect from other Moros. However, in some aspects, their dialect resembles much with those of the Sama of Tawi-Tawi.

Philippine-Indonesian relations came to sore during Martial Law during the hated Marcos dictatorial regime when hundreds of Sangils including those who were still Indonesian citizens were massacred by blood-thirsty Philippine troops accusing them of aiding the MNLF in its war of secession against the Philippine state.

We hail both heads of state for another milestone in their careers as presidents. This agreement will certainly help small to medium traders.

However, the only worry is that chances that big time businessmen will monopolize this trade opportunity. In fact, the Davao mafia, which is composed of elites of society who are mainly in energy, mining and big corporations, will control this trade route. If this happens, then the good intention of both heads of state will be in vain.

But our worry is held aback by our trust and confidence that President Duterte will not allow this monopoly to prosper under his administration. We know how he thinks and acts.

Let us hope for the best!

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/editorial/23-1st-issue-1-7/1170-historic-ties-revived

MILF: 1st UBJP Eastern Mindanao Region General Assembly held in Panabo, Davao del Norte

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (May 2): 1st UBJP Eastern Mindanao Region General Assembly held in Panabo, Davao del Norte



The 1st General Assembly of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) Eastern Mindanao Region was held in Maahad Panabo Al-Islamie, Barangay Datu Abdul Dadia, Panabo, Davao del Norte on April 29-30, 2017.

The said regional event was participated by five hundred eighty four (584) UBJP officers and members coming from the provinces of Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and city of Davao. There are also some invited guests including Atty.

Benedicto “Benny” Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG), and some other personalities in the government sector.

Atty. Bacani, on his part, restated his commitment to continually extend technical support to the party.

The said event was also blessed by some invited MILF Central Committee members. However, Ghazali Jaafar was not able to come to witness the success of the event due to hectic schedule and previous commitment.

The highlight of the program was the discourse of Sammy Al-Mansour, the UBJP Secretary General, who was invited to deliver his Keynote Speech. During his speech, he highlighted some major points as to why UBJP exists and encourage members of the UBJP in the region to continue its struggle of expanding its membership and geographical coverage.

BTC Commissioner and UBJP Eastern Mindanao Region Vice President Hussein Muñoz, on one hand, emphasized the need of the officers and members of the organization to keep moving for the “winner never quits”, he said.

During the organizing effort, a number of civil society organizations extended their willingness to help and assist in the facilitation of the program. At the end part of the program, the five (5) Provincial Executive Officers and one (1) City Executive Officer strongly gave their commitment and support to the cause of the party.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1171-1st-ubjp-eastern-mindanao-region-general-assembly-held-in-panabo-davao-del-norte