Death toll in Kabacan ambush rises to 9; Bangsamoro gov’t, BIAF want probe
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews/ 31 August) – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will conduct a separate probe into Saturday’s ambush-slay in Kabacan, North Cotabato, as the death toll rose to nine when the lone survivor died in the hospital. “These senseless violent acts have no place in a progressive society, especially at a […].....»»
EXPLAINER: Why did the Baltimore bridge collapse and what is the death toll?
(Reuters) -Divers recovered the remains of two of the six missing workers more than a day after a cargo ship smashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bodies of two men were found in a red pickup truck submerged in the icy waters of the Patapsco River. Rescuers pulled two workers from the water.....»»
Probe continues to determine fault in Cotabato van-truck collision
Investigators are still trying to establish who between two drivers was at fault in Monday’s collision of a van and a dump truck that both burst into flames in an accident in Antipas, Cotabato that resulted in the death of 17 individuals......»»
EDITORIAL — The cost of negligence
As of early evening yesterday, the death toll from a vehicular collision in Cotabato stood at 17, with four others needing hospitalization for injuries and severe burns......»»
Angeles toddlers’ death inside car prompts probe into parental accountability
Autopsy results show the two toddlers died of asphyxia by suffocation.....»»
4 dead in separate Mindanao ambush incidents
Four individuals were killed in separate ambush incidents on Thursday in the provinces of Agusan del Sur in Region 13 and in Maguindanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao......»»
BARMM Governors Caucus, for what?
As this column had predicted, it was bound to happen. There is no stopping the confrontation between the leadership of the Bangsamoro Regional Government, dominated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the incumbent governors in the region. It’s a clash between status quo and change. The emerging Moro leaders in the region were personified by the governors advocating reforms versus the well-entrenched dynasties. Everything pointed to it happening. They can swear to high heavens that no such thing will happen, but their actions betray their intentions. This column sees them as being civil to each other only for public consumption. But below the sea of calm is a raging current with each side preparing to unleash their powers. Their body language says it all. A political showdown is imminent for what Moro political opinionist, Sultan Pangnal Datu Ramos, describes as a Battle Royale. In a move that was nothing but an alignment and consolidation of political forces, the five elected governors in the BARMM convened what they conveniently called the “BARMM Governors Caucus (BGC)” in Cagayan de Oro City on 6 June. Present were Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. (Lanao del Sur) who played host, Abdusakur Tan (Sulu), Bai Mariam Mangudadatu (Maguindanao del Sur), Ysmael Sali (Tawi-Tawi), and Malusso Mayor Hanie Bud, president of the Basilan League of Municipalities, representing Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman. This was not the first time they met. In fact, after every major political development in the region that they saw as a threat to their political sway over their turf, they met and made known their position which was not always in sync with that of the BARMM leadership. In a press statement heavy with motherhood phrases meant for public consumption, they claimed that the BGC is “a platform that will advocate and promote the issues our constituents have identified as critical. The Caucus will engage in dialogue toward greater cooperation and collaboration with the national and regional governments and multisectoral groups.” If their intention is honest and true, why did they not involve the BARMM as the immediate tier in the governance set-up in addressing critical issues? Why sideline the regional government which could help them promote the interest of their public? Why was the newly appointed governor of Maguindanao del Norte not invited to the caucus? Is it because he is identified with the leadership of the BARMM having been a senior minister before his appointment by the President? If they wanted a dialogue, why didn’t they involve national and regional officials or their representatives in the forum? The manifesto likewise said that “the Caucus is committed to supporting the peace process and the BARMM. But of course, who would want unpeace? A disruption of the peace will adversely affect their decades-old dynasties. Their actions belie their claim of support for the BARMM. They look at BARMM as nothing but a threat to their political grip on their individual fiefdoms. The BGC is the sum of past dialogues and meetings of these governors with the agenda manifestly not in tandem with the interest of the BARMM leadership. When BARMM was being conceptualized and was later submitted for legislation, Gov. Tan challenged the move before the Supreme Court and when the BARMM officials lobbied for the postponement of the parliamentary election which led to the extension of their terms of office, most governors opposed it. And they likewise opposed certain provisions of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code which was passed by the regional parliament over their objection. The recent ambush of Gov. Adiong alerted these governors to a serious threat to their leadership and they decided to band closer together to protect their political interests. They raised concerns about the non-completion of the decommissioning process, which has allowed the armed MILF to continue carrying their firearms in public with impunity. How can you face and win over an enemy whose followers are allowed by the government to pack six shooters? This scenario could definitely put the MILF’s Bangsamoro Justice Party at a huge advantage. These factors and many more gave birth to the Caucus. More on this in my next column. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post BARMM Governors Caucus, for what? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP, PNP nab top suspect in Gov. Adiong ambush
The joint operatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police on Thursday arrested the primary suspect in the ambush of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. that killed his driver and three police escorts on 17 February. The 42-year-old suspect, identified as Lomala Baratumo, alias “Commander Lomala”, was arrested at a checkpoint in Sitio Morales, Barangay Centrala, Surallah, South Cotabato on 25 May. Col. Andre Santos, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander, said the Joint Task Force Central of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division and the PNP have been working together since February to locate the suspect. According to the Kampilan Division, Baratumo has a standing warrant of arrest for murder and is tagged as the fifth most wanted person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. He was also one of the most wanted persons in Lanao del Sur. The alleged mastermind of the ambush, identified as Oscar Tacmar Capal Gandawali, leader of the Gandawali private armed group, was killed in an encounter with police officers earlier this month. South Cotabato Provincial Police Office temporarily took custody of Baratumo pending his turnover to the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office. The post AFP, PNP nab top suspect in Gov. Adiong ambush appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 BIFF members suspected of spying for authorities shot dead by companions
Alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters killed in an ambush Friday in Maguindanao del Sur two companions suspected of spying for the police and military......»»
VP Sara condemns slay try on Lanao Sur guv; probe underway
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Vice president Sara Duterte-Carpio on Saturday condemned the ambush of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto-Adiong Jr. as Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Region (PRO-BAR) launched a task force to identify the gunmen."As a nation, we should collectively reject thi.....»»
Suspects in ambush of Lanao Sur governor identified
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 18 February) — At least ten suspects in Friday’s ambush of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. have been identified, Bangsamoro Minister for Interior and Local Government Naguib Sinarimbo announced in a press conference here on Saturday afternoon. Sinarimbo did not divulge the names of the suspects pending results […].....»»
VP Sara condemns slay try on Lanao Sur guv; probe underway
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Vice president Sara Duterte-Carpio on Saturday condemned the ambush of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto-Adiong Jr. as Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Region (PRO-BAR) launched a task force to identify the gunmen."As a nation, we should collectively reject thi.....»»
EU envoy nakidalamhati sa Lanao del Sur governor sa ambush
MANILA, Philippines- Naghayag ng pakikiramay si European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron nitong Sabado, maging kahilingan na gumaling si Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. matapos tambangan ang kanyang convoy. Ipinahayag ng envoy ang kanyang mensahe sa Twitter kung saan naka-tag pa ang official Twitter account ng Bangsamoro government, maging ang […] The post EU envoy nakidalamhati sa Lanao del Sur governor sa ambush appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Suspek sa sa Maguindanao ambush, kinasuhan na
MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR – Sinampahan na ng kaso ng mga awtoridad noong Huwebes ang 10 miyembro ng teroristang grupong Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) kabilang ang kanilang lider sa pananambang-patay sa mga pulis na ikinamatay ng dalawa kabilang ang hepe ng Ampatuan-PNP, nitong Agosto 30. Ayon kay Major Reggie Abellera, tagapagsalita ng Maguindanao del Sur […] The post Suspek sa sa Maguindanao ambush, kinasuhan na appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Winds destroy houses in two Central Mindanao towns
Around 40 houses were destroyed by strong winds that pummeled lowlands in the adjoining towns of Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur and Kabacan, Cotabato amid heavy rains on Thursday afternoon......»»
Claudine Barretto remembers ex-boyfriend Rico Yan on 22nd death anniversary
Actress Claudine Barretto paid tribute to late ex-boyfriend Rico Yan in time for his 22nd death anniversary. .....»»
Contagious pertussis disease continues spreading in Philippines
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The contagious pertussis has continued spreading in the Philippines, where it has caused at least 40 death cases, after a province near the capital region reported an outbreak of the disease. In a social media post on Wednesday night, the Cavite government posted a resolution declaring the province under a state of calamity "due to the outbreak of pertussis" after logging 36 cases an.....»»
Money lending firm collector killed in Zamboanga del Sur ambush
Gunmen killed a collector of a local money lending firm in a daytime ambush in Barangay Lutlutan in Dimataling town, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday......»»
Ministry helping improve BARMM’s business climate names 10 new officials
The Bangsamoro chief minister has filled out ten regional positions in one of the ministries under him to boost its operation as requested by business blocs enticing foreign investors to venture into viable businesses in the region......»»
Spy Wednesday
What significant event took place on the Wednesday of the Holy Week? If Maundy Thursday was all about the Last Supper, the betrayal of Jesus, etc. and Good Friday was all about the kangaroo trial, torture and crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and Easter Sunday was the glorious resurrection of our Lord, what, I wondered, happened on the Wednesday before......»»
Metro Manila, Davao, Zamboanga sizzle as heat index rises
Metro Manila sizzled on Monday after the heat index reached 42 degrees Celsius......»»