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4 more agencies join BARMM anti-child labor campaign
Four more Bangsamoro ministries have joined the inter-agency bloc addressing child labor and use of children in the autonomous region as combatants......»»
BARMM social services ministry fuses ranks with anti-child labor bloc
The Bangsamoro social welfare ministry is the latest addition to a bloc of local and foreign entities working together to address child labor in Cotabato City and in the six provinces of the autonomous region......»»
Foreign-funded anti-child labor campaign expanded to 2 Bangsamoro towns
A foreign assisted project addressing child labor and use of children as combatants shall expand to two remote upland Bangsamoro towns next week as part of a transnational initiative to put an end to both problems in support of the Mindanao peace process......»»
‘Palestinian children should be killed’
No, that heartless advice did not come from a mentally deranged man or an ordinary man on the street. It came from a top Filipino diplomat who has worn many hats in government. He is in fact a lawyer, journalist, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to the United Nations, Press Secretary, Congressman, and presently Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s (United Kingdom) and concurrently Special Envoy to China for special concerns. In my book, those bona fides could easily qualify him as a revered Filipino statesman — but for his indiscretion, uncouth words, and disrespect for the feelings of others. I refer, dear readers, to Teodoro Lopez Locsin Jr. I have to emphasize the descriptive word “Jr.” because, from accounts I have read, he is far different from his namesake, Teodoro Locsin Sr., who fought the Japanese and the dictatorial regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a fearless publisher of the news magazine Philippines Free Press for which he was imprisoned during the Marcos martial law regime. Did the “apple fall far from the tree?” In his Twitter account, Locsin Jr. said: “That’s why Palestinian children should be killed: they might grow up to become as gullible as innocent Palestinians letting Hamas launch rockets at Israel ...They are Muslims...” In the diplomatic community, we call that a faux pas. Perhaps realizing the callousness of his gaffe, he immediately deleted the tweet with the following lame expression of mea culpa: “I immediately deleted my sarcastic response to a tweet as I realized it could be misconstrued ...My apologies to those who did misconstrue my sentiments and did, in fact, get triggered...” That statement did not wash away the disastrous effect of his slip. If one reads between the lines, they were subtle words to camouflage the booboo, not a real entreaty for clemency. His admission of his mistake, though, may work to mitigate the imprudence. Remarkably, the Department of Foreign Affairs, anticipating its far-reaching negative effect, disassociated itself from the statement, saying it was made in Locsin’s “personal capacity.” I wanted to distance this column from the ensuing uproar. But being the de facto medium for Filipino Muslims’ concerns and sentiments on political and social issues, it cannot default from its moral responsibility. I was afraid that repeating the obnoxious remark might gain traction — and psychologists warn about the “repetition-induced truth effect.” I did not want to dignify it. After all, he had shown remorse and apologized for the impropriety of his words, and, as a sage says, “There is no need to beat a dead horse.” But the storm of controversy has spread like wildfire in Morolandia that I have to add my voice of indignation. Silence amid the din of protest is a sin. I have not seen in a long time such a display of revulsion and rage from the Moros, reminiscent of the time foreign invaders came to their shores and, for 300 years, the Moros dug in, resisted, and repelled the hegemonistic colonization campaign. Muslim netizens promptly denounced the statement as xenophobic, insensitive, and unbecoming of a diplomat. Their protest and outcry reverberated from the halls of the Houses of Congress, the Regional Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the cramped temporary shanties of the Marawi war evacuees and the shores of the Sulu seas. For a single moment in their lives, the tribes of Morolandia set aside their tribal identities. They spoke in one thunderous voice, calling for a sanction for what they perceived was the misconduct of a diplomat who, to preserve his honor, must perform a Japanese seppuku or self-sacrifice by resigning from his post. Articulating the collective position of the Deputies of the BARMM interim Regional Parliament, Speaker Pangalian Balindong issued a public statement rich in a poignant message condemning the “insensitive and irresponsible social media post ...for its Islamophobic, racist, and anti-Semitic undertones.” (To be continued) amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post ‘Palestinian children should be killed’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community
Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao - In a significant stride towards ensuring equal rights and protection for the LGBTQIA+ community, the Municipal Council of Panglima Sugala has passed a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance, No. 001. This landmark decision comes after a series of campaigns, highlighting the pressing need for safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Bangsamoro region, amidst increasing acts of violence and discrimination. HUMAN RIGHTS Caravan headed by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines, along with Google, Commission on Human Rights and implemented by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. The urgency to address the plight of the LGBTQIA+ community was also recognized by the Bangsamoro Parliament through resolutions 524 and 526 in 2021, which called for a thorough investigation into instances of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Emphasizing the significance of these resolutions, they are expected to contribute towards protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals from illegal acts, while preventing discrimination, harassment, and inhumane treatment. Human Rights Training/Workshop lead by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. Bangsamoro Region has been marked by a series of reported cases of LGBTQIA+ members being subjected to harassment, physical attacks, and even murder in recent years. The passage of this ordinance is seen as a crucial step towards curbing these acts of violence and promoting tolerance, acceptance, and equality within the community.The passage of the ordinance was spearheaded by Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali, with support from the Mujer LGBT+ Organization, the Commission on Human Rights, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany through their Human Rights Caravan program. The collaborative efforts of these organizations and individuals have been instrumental in ensuring the successful enactment of this legislation along with the members of the Municipal legislative council. This landmark passage was welcomed by the Executive Director of Mujer LGBT+ Organisation Alvin ''Toni Gee'' Fernandez, saying "Our organization is overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the news of the passage of the landmark law. For years, we have dedicated ourselves tirelessly to create a safe and inclusive space for the Moro LGBTQIA+ community in Bangsamoro. The importance of anti-discrimination ordinances has never been more crucial than now. We firmly believe that these measures serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where every Moro individual is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of our community, and we will continue our unwavering commitment to championing equality and justice for all in Bangsamoro." Panglima Sugala Municipal Government Officials with Mujer LGBT+ Organisation What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the lack of a national anti-discrimination law in the Philippines, which has remained unresolved in the Congress for the past 24 years. This void has left LGBTQIA+ communities reliant on local legislation for protection and deprived them of their basic human rights for decades. The passage of this ordinance is a strong message that local communities are determined to initiate change and create an inclusive and safe environment for all. Panglima Sugala Municipality - Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance No. 001 Under the newly enacted anti-discrimination ordinance, the LGBTQIA+ community in Panglima Sugala will be afforded vital protection against all forms of discrimination, including denial of access to public services, education, employment, and healthcare due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The ordinance also empowers victims of discrimination to seek legal redress by providing a clear avenue to file complaints and ensuring the enforcement of penalties against offenders. ''Whether people agree with it or not, it is a fact that people with different SOGIEs are humans as well. They deserve protection along with every Filipino in the Philippines. The passage of this ordinance is sending a message of inclusivity and acceptance to my colleagues in the Bangsamoro region. It shows that Panglima Sugala local government recognizes the rights and needs of all sectors of society, including those with varying SOGIEs and those living with HIV. By enacting this ordinance, we hope to set a precedent and inspire other municipalities in the Bangsamoro region to follow suit and implement similar measures to protect the rights of marginalized groups.'' - Vice Mayor Sahali strongly affirmed. Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali This historic passage of comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance No. 001 adds momentum to the ongoing struggle for equal rights in the Bangsamoro region. It is seen as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community, setting a precedent for other municipalities and cities in the region to address their own local legislation and embrace inclusivity.While this ordinance is a positive step forward, advocates and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to push for the timely passage of the national anti-discrimination bill in the Philippines Congress. The hope is that such a law will provide comprehensive protection and recognition of the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the country.As society progresses towards acknowledging and respecting the diversity of its citizens, the passage of this anti-discrimination ordinance in Panglima Sugala is a commendable milestone in the long journey towards equal rights and acceptance for all, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity. The post Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More agencies join Bangsamoro anti-child labor bloc
The foreign-assisted anti-child labor campaign in six southern provinces got a boost this week with pledges of cooperation from more local executives, law enforcement and state security entities......»»
Over P7-M shabu seized
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities arrested four individuals during separate sting operations in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and seized at least 1.125 kilos of suspected shabu worth P7.659 million. Police Regional Office in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region director P/Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza on Friday narrated that anti-narcotics agents arrested two drug peddlers during the first drug buy-bust operation at Hayfah compound, Barangay Gadongan in Marawi City about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Nobleza identified the arrested drug peddlers as Rahib Solaiman Cayugan alias Mosep, a resident of Making, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte and Norain Anto Gunda, a resident of Barangay Pindolunan in Butig in Lanao del Sur. Seized from the two suspects were 1.025 kilos of suspected shabu worth P6.97 million. Police disclosed that two other individuals were able to elude arrest after sensing that the group was dealing with government anti-narcotics operatives. Those still at large were identified as Aripoden Kiram Ander and Rania Musor Maca-angcos, both residents of Tubod in Lanao del Norte. Nobleza said Cayugan and Gunda were arrested after they sold to a police poseur-buyer 25 grams of shabu worth P170,000. Also recovered from the possession of Cayugan and Gunda was a piece of Green Chinese Tea bag labeled “Chinese Pin Wei” containing one piece of an open transparent plastic bag. Cayugan and Gunda are now detained at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency BARMM Jail Facility while cases for violations of Republic Act 10640 are being prepared to be filed against them. In the other anti-illegal drug operation, P/Col. Robert S. Daculan, director of Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office reported the arrest of Sarip Osngan Mamangacao and Alihassan Ampuan Mangacop in Barangay Bobonga-Marawi in Marawi City at 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday. Daculan said anti-narcotics agents recovered from the possession of Mamangacao and Mangacop were 100 grams of suspected shabu worth P689,000 and buy-bust money. Mamangacao and Mangacop and recovered pieces of evidence were brought to Marawi City Police Station for proper disposition. The post Over P7-M shabu seized appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sectors join anti-child labor campaign in Bangsamoro areas
A big cross-section bloc had pledged during a foreign assisted workshop here to maximize cooperation against child labor and use of children as combatants, a problem prevalent in the Bangsamoro region......»»
Sulu sting ops yield P13-M shabu
JOLO, Sulu Province — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao reported on Thursday that its operatives nabbed a former Moro National Liberation Front member and his cohort in an anti-illegal drug operation last Wednesday. Authorities seized two kilos of suspected shabu worth P13 million and arrested the suspects identified as Janang Bairulla and Anton Jubail following an entrapment operation conducted by members of the PDEA-BARMM. PDEA-BARMM director Christian Frivaldo said that the operation was also joined by police agencies and soldiers in Barangay Poblacion, Maimbung town in Sulu province at about 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Frivaldo said that Jubail was a former member of the MNLF who was removed from the group by senior leaders of the front due to his involvement in the sale and distribution of shabu in the provinces. Bairulla and Jubail are now detained at the Sulu Provincial Police Office in Jolo, Sulu. In a similar operation, a policeman and a drug peddler were killed during a shootout in Barangay Kajatian in Indanan town in Sulu on Wednesday. Indanan Municipal Police chief Police Major Edwin Catayao Sapa said the anti-narcotics team was about to arrest the suspect identified as Jundol Abdurahman and his companions when they fired at the policemen. During the brief shootout, Police SSgt Julmakar Paddam Alih was hit by a bullet to the face that penetrated the back of his neck. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician. Abdurahman also died in the shootout. Four of Abdurahman cohorts were also arrested and were identified as Jibal Hassan Sabtal, Itik Arrang Maldisa, Mansul Buddi Ali and Binang Hailil Alano. Police seized about P242,000 worth of shabu from the four arrested suspects who are all now detained at the Indanan Municipal Police Station. In Zamboanga City, anti-narcotics policemen conducted a buy-bust at the Atilano Pension House in Barangay Pasonanca which resulted to the arrest of Christian Jumanan Siose alias Chan, a resident of Gov. Ramos Avenue, Barangay Sta. Maria in Zamboanga City. Confiscated from Siose possession during the operation were four pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 197.40 grams worth P1.34 million. The post Sulu sting ops yield P13-M shabu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Attempted NGCP tower bombing foiled
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military on Tuesday reported that its troops and police personnel discovered four powerful improvised explosive devices at the foot of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Tower 39 in Pikit town, Cotabato province. Joint Task Force Central commander Major General Alex S. Rillera on Tuesday narrated that soldiers recovered and disarmed three IEDs found at the foot of the NGCP tower in Sitio Punol, Batulawan in Pikit on Monday. The soldiers visited the area after civilians reported to them that an IED exploded in the vicinity of the NGCP Tower 39 on Monday morning and during their search, they recovered three IED anti-personnel mines. Rillera added that aside from the three APMs found, another Unexploded Ordnance made from an 81mm high explosive was also found by the residents of Barangay Kadigasan, Midsayap town in Cotabato on Monday. While Rillera did not disclose any armed group of operating in the area which is part of the Special Geographic Area of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, he ordered the implementation of a high alert level status to ensure the safety of the people in the area. “That’s why your military continues to guard the vital installations of the government and the private sector that stimulate the economy while we don’t put aside the safety of our people,” Rillera said. “So, we in the JTF-C in collaboration with other security forces will not hesitate to hunt down the bad elements responsible for sowing violence and destroying the peace and continued economic development of Central and South Central Mindanao,” he added. Meantime, Lt. Col. John Miridel Calinga, municipal police station chief, said that the EIDs bore the signature style of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operating in the area. “It was not meant to harm civilians but only the NGCP tower,” Calinga said, adding that the site is far from residential areas. The discovery of IEDs here came a day after residents of Barangay Kadigasan, Midsayap town, North Cotabato, also found a homemade bomb fashioned from an 81-mm mortar explosive. Bomb experts safely deactivated the ordnance. The post Attempted NGCP tower bombing foiled appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jolo sting ops leave 2 dead
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two high-profile drug peddlers and notorious gun for hire in Jolo, Sulu were killed in a shootout with anti-narcotics operatives while seven of their cohorts were arrested during a drug buy-bust operation. Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director Pol. Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza on Monday narrated that policemen from Jolo Municipal Police Station — backed by other police units in Jolo town — conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Raymundo on Saturday. Nobleza said an armed encounter ensued when the suspects sensed that they were dealing with a police agent who posed as a poseur buyer. “They pulled out their pistols and fired at the operating officers, who then reacted by firing back at the suspects, killing two of them and arresting seven others,” Nobleza said. Those who were killed were identified as Julman Damming Hasanan alias “Julman” and Alnajer Damming Hasanan alias “Alnajer” while those who were arrested were identified as Moises Abdulahab Saidul alias “Mos”; Parasat Aming Sangkula alias “Pal”; Ibrahim Sarani Hasanan, alias “Ibs”; Fadzrameir Asanan Saidul alias “Fadz”; Alvin Asdali Biting alias “Alvin”; Jayzon Saddi Pereyra alias “Jay” and Alnaser Abdurasul Alamhali alias “Lam”. The anti-narcotics operatives seized from the possession of the killed suspects were medium pack transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu: one-unit Cal. 45 pistol Colt Mk IV and one-unit Cal. 45 pistol Armscor. Operatives also seized several pieces of small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing shabu and a P500 paper bill which the operatives used as buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia. The arrested suspects and confiscated items and other pieces of evidence were brought to Jolo MPS for proper disposition while the remains of the killed suspects were turned over to their families for Islamic burial rites. The post Jolo sting ops leave 2 dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LGUs support BARMM, UN anti-child labor campaign
Local executives on Saturday took turns pledging support for the expanded joint anti-child labor campaign of an agency of the United Nations and the Bangsamoro government......»»
BARMM acquires more anti-COVID-19 equipment from foreign donors
The New Zealand Embassy has donated 35 biosafety refrigerators to the Bangsamoro regional government to boost its anti-COVID-19 efforts in five provinces and three cities in its core territory......»»
Military optimistic of more BIFF terrorists would soon surrender
The military is expecting the surrender soon of more members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters due to its continuing anti-terror operations in central Mindanao......»»
Anti-Terror Law worsens human rights situation in Maguindanao
Hundreds of families have been forced to evacuate since the imposed lockdown due to continuous military operations allegedly against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). But the aerial bombings and mortar shelling victimized civilians; the latest casualties include two children and a pregnant woman. The post Anti-Terror Law worsens human rights situation in Maguindanao appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
UN anti-drug agency donates facemasks, COVID-19 supplies in BARMM
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes has donated 79,360 biohazard facemasks and other supplies for anti-COVID-19 frontliners in the Bangsamoro regional police......»»
BANGSAMORO SPEAKS: In The Name Of Love
QUEZON CITY (MindaNews / 15 August) — July 23, 2020 was a fantastic day for the four of us upon, finally, filing our petition questioning a law that would be used, as a tool, to legitimize curtailment of our liberty and freedom. And love. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will, most likely, victimize innocent Moro. […].....»»
Sandugo: ‘Uphold our constitutional rights, defend national minorities! Junk the Anti-Terror Law!’
We, indigenous and Bangsamoro people of the Republic of the Philippines, stand before the Supreme Court today with a petition and a prayer. Through these, we humbly ask the highest court in the land to declare null and void Republic Act No. 11479, and immediately forbid its implementation. This Anti-Terror Law is recognized even by […].....»»
Citing prejudice against their communities, Moro lawyers join fight against anti-terrorism law at SC
Four lawyers from the Bangsamoro region, whose continuing history is rife with struggles against terrorism, filed the 15th petition against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020......»»
Bangsamoro hopes for representation in Anti-Terrorism Council
"Rest assured that we will support the implementation of the law and commit to continue the conversation within the Bangsamoro, in our effort to provide the National Government realistic content on the ground," Ebrahim said. .....»»