Sunday, June 29, 2008

Gov. Migs in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 30, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez talks before municipal officials and employees of Maitum at the flag ceremony Monday, June 30, and encourages them to help displaced residents. The governor reiterated the quest for lasting peace but if the lives of our people are at stake, we have to defend them. He also encourages his constituents to return to normal life and not to be overcome by fear. We encourage our officials and employees to help our displaced people. He said this is the time that our constituents need us, and we escort them home if need be to rebuild not just trust and confidence but to rebuild communities. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Evacuees watch boxing

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 30, 2008) – Evacuees at the municipal gym watch the Pacquiao-Diaz bout live Sunday, June 29, courtesy of Blackstone Cable TV and the municipal government to keep the evacuees entertained even as they still have to recover from the trauma of fleeing armed rogue groups that attacked their villages last week. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Relief

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 29, 2008) – Volunteers and government workers express relief that donations continue to pour in for evacuees. Gov. Migs Dominguez has instructed concerned agencies to maintain sanitation and cleanliness of all evacuation centers, and make sure that all evacuees are well-fed. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Goods

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 29, 2008) – Goods arrive at the municipality Saturday, June 29, for distribution to evacuees displaced by rogue armed groups that attacked three villages. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Food packs

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 29, 2008) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Mayor Elsie Perrett receive food packs for evacuees Saturday, June 29. Donations from the RD Foundation and the Senator Manny Villar Foundation arrived to help out some 4,441 evacuees staying at the municipal gym and public school. The Alcantara Foundation, Petron Corporation and Southern Philippines Power Corporation earlier delivered their donations. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Distribution

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 29, 2008) – Volunteers distribute bags of relief goods to evacuees Saturday, June 28, at the municipal gym. The Kabalikat Civicom Maitum Chapter joined the ABS-CBN Bantay Bata Foundation and Golden State College in the distribution. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Victim

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2008) – Fear and innocence paints the face of this evacuee who is among the thousands of victims of atrocities committed by rogue armed groups coming from the direction of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on June 25. While the residents of Maguling and Ticulab were massed up at Maguling National High School, the hostile forces reportedly looted and plundered their houses. Valuable possessions of civilians were reportedly grabbed by the rebels. Civilian inhabitants were forced to vacate their homes to gather in one place as human shield for the rebels for several hours. (Photo by Warlito Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Food line

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2008) – Kid brother and sister fall in line at the community kitchen set up by the local government with food donations from the private sector and non-government organizations. These children belong to some 4,441 individuals seeking refuge at the municipal gym and elementary school in poblacion Maitum after rogue armed groups coming from the direction of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat attacked barangays Maguling, Mindupok and Ticulab on June 25. The armed men reportedly ransacked houses when residents fled. (Photo by Warlito Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School key

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 28, 2008) - Mayor Rom Falgui (right) gives the ceremonial key to Charlie Gomeri, principal of Tamadang Primary School, during the blessing and turn-over ceremony Friday, June 27, of a two-classroom building from the national government at barangay Tamadang. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFORMATION CENTER)

Olive Ridley

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 28, 2008) - Mayor Rom Falgui (2nd from right) leads the release of 137 pawikan hatchlings of Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) Friday, June 27, together with Mer Oldiva (extreme right) of The Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov) Project 2, Dirie Acabaning OIC-CENRO (beside Mayor Rom), Joaquin Balanag, Jr. (partly hidden) the barangay captain of Suli and members of Suli barangay council during the culminating activity of environmental month. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFORMATION CENTER)

Friday, June 27, 2008

Polio victim

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 27, 2008) – Polio victim Nelia Saura, 8, manages to smile despite the hardship of living in an evacuation center. As of Friday, June 27, 4,124 individuals are seeking refuge at the municipal gym and elementary school in poblacion Maitum after rogue armed groups attacked western villages near the border with Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. Armed looters reportedly ransacked houses when residents fled from barangays Maguling, Mindupok and Ticulab. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Singing away

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 27, 2008) - Noel Dawang, 11, sings his troubles away Friday, June 27, with this lyrics "ang Diyos lang ang ating pag-asa, huwag tayong tumalikod sa Kanya kahit gaano kadilim ang ating hinaharap (God is our only hope, we should not turn our back from Him no matter how dark the future we might be facing)," despite the traumatic experience he encountered. Dawang and other kids from barangay Ticulab have set up a videoke at their evacuation center. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

USWAG press conference

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Board Member Art Lawa (center), Sanggunian committee chair on trade and industry, speaks at the launching program and press conference of the Unified, Strong, Wealthy And Globally competitive Sarangani (USWAG) Thursday, June 26, stressing on the role of the local government in strengthening the private sector-driven activity. Sarangani celebrates the national Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMED) week in the whole month of July with this year's theme "Sa Negosyo, Abot-kamay ang Asenso". With Board Member Lawa are trade and industry director Nenita Barroso (left) and Bronx Hebrona (right) chair of Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (Photo by Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Unveiling ceremony

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Officials unveil "Nuyom Sarangani" tarpaulin at the launching program and press conference of the Unified, Strong, Wealthy And Globally competitive Sarangani (USWAG) Thursday, June 26. Sarangani celebrates the national Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMED) week in the whole month of July with this year's theme "Sa Negosyo, Abot-kamay ang Asenso". (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Stronger SMEs

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Nenita Barroso, Department of Trade and Industry provincial director, encourages the private sector to become entrepreneurs and strengthen the province's small and medium enterprises. Sarangani celebrates the national Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMED) week in the whole month of July with this year's theme "Sa Negosyo, Abot-kamay ang Asenso". (Photo by Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Refugee

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – A senior citizen temporarily makes the municipal gym home Thursday, June 26, pending clearing operations by authorities in three villages attacked by rogue armed groups. (Photo by Warlito Y. Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Safety first

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon checks the living conditions of evacuees at the municipal gym Thursday, June 25. The vice governor never left the municipality since the crisis broke out. Governor Migs Dominguez said in a statement that the provincial government together with the military adheres to the primacy of the peace process but will not allow the safety of plain civilians to be compromised. (Photo by Warlito Y. Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Transients

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Evacuees arrive Thursday, June 26, at the poblacion even as the peace and order condition in three villages attacked by rogue armed groups begin to normalize. (Photo by Warlito Y. Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor's watch

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, the acting governor, confers with villagers who are seeking shelter at the municipal gym. The vice governor never left the municipality since the crisis broke out. (Photo by Warlito Y. Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Baby evacuees

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Mothers place the safety of their infants above other concerns by moving to the municipal gym Thursday, June 25, to join evacuees from three villages that came in the night before due to rogue armed groups. (Photo by Warlito Y. Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Displaced children

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Families staying at the municipal gym wait for word about their villages as the situation returns to normal Thursday, June 25. Gov. Migs Dominguez said in a statement that providing an atmosphere of safety will be the local government's utmost concern in the days ahead together with the Armed Forces. (Photo by Warlito Y. Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Evacuation stage

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – The stage of municipal gym becomes a safe sleeping place for evacuees who were fleeing three villages where firefights broke out after heavily-armed men ambushed government troops Tuesday. (Photo by Warlito Y. Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lunch

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Lunch and other meals for these kids and the rest of evacuees are provided by a community kitchen set up by the municipal government, with augmentation from the provincial government and private donors. Government workers set up a community kitchen to feed some 1,468 evacuees fleeing the gunmen from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. (Photo by Warlito Y. Tanedo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Colonel-led army troops "liberate" MILF hostages

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 26, 2008) – Civilians held hostage by heavily-armed men early Wednesday (June 25) in the boundary of Maitum with Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat have been "liberated" by Philippine Army troops and policemen, a military officer said last night.

Col. Gaudencio Pangi­linan, who led his troops towards barangay Maguling "with much firefight," reported to Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Mayor Elsie Perrett at around 9:00pm at the municipal hall.

"So far yung may na-hostage na sibilyan doon sa Maguling and then doon sa area ng boundary ng Pinol, na-liberate na namin yun," said Pangilinan, commander of the 1002nd Army Brigade.

"It took us about half a day with much firefight," he said.

Pangilinan said "we have two casualties. Siguro mas marami silang casualty."

"It is our commitment to the mayor to make sure to secure her people and we will abide by that commitment. We will do this for as long as it takes," Pangilinan said.

Mayor Perrett said last night the situation was returning to normal.

Perrett said firefights broke out when heavily-armed men ambushed government troops who were on their way to a crime scene where a civilian volunteer was reportedly killed Wednesday morning by rebels in barangay Ticulab. A soldier was wounded in the ambush.

Truckloads of evacuees from the barangays of Maguling, Mindupok and Ticulab arrived later in the night to take shelter at the municipal gym. Government workers set up a community kitchen to feed some 1,468 evacuees fleeing the gunmen from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

The MILF-triggered evacuation came as villagers were returning to their homes in the aftermath of flashfloods caused by typhoon Frank. Local officials were calling on the Philippine National Red Cross, through Senator Richard Gordon, to send food, medicines and bedding.

According to a "progress report" from Maitum Police Station released 8:00 pm. Wednesday (June 25), police personnel led by PSInsp. Lurobe Paunon Rojo Sr. together with troops of the 27th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army led by 1Lt. Edwin Pia who were "trapped at Brgy. Mindupok have already passed and withdrawn at the positioned stronghold of the MILF rebels after the Philippine Army field artillery battalion mortar shelling."

"Later, attack helicopters launched rocket missile towards the MILF rebels," the report said.

The police identified the gunmen as being led by certain commander Ustadz Mursod, commander Ting Jakiri, commander Dante and commander 511 of the 104th brigade BIAF MILF based at camp Batang Bagras, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Helicopter attacks "prompted them to withdraw to the mountain ranges of barangay Mindupok wherein the army troopers conducted their continuous hot pursuit operation," according to the police report.

Mayor Perrett together with PCSupt. Felizardo Serafio, PNP regional director; PSSupt. Danilo Peralta, provincial director; and Vice Governor Solon convened Wednesday afternoon a crisis management team and simultaneously created a unified command post established at the municipal hall to monitor enemy troop movements.

PNP personnel from the Regional Mobile Group 12 led by PInsp. Oida, a team from the Sarangani Provincial Mobile Group led by PSInsp. Henrietto Villamor and a PNP team from Maitum was "dispatched to strategic places wherein possible route of the MILF rebels to the poblacion to prevent the overrun of the police station and other government installations."

Earlier, a 2:00 pm. "spot report" from PNP Maitum reported an "ambush incident" involving Maitum PNP personnel.

The report said policemen on board a patrol car together with Philippine Army troops on board a 6 x 6 truck were ambushed at barangay Mindupok while on their way to barangay Ticulab to respond to the reported shooting incident of "a certain Leloy who was allegedly ambushed by the group of MILF rebels in the area."

Investigation conducted disclosed that the ambush casualty was identified as SSgt. Benly Rizano y Salazar, 35, of the 27th IB, Philippine Army.

The soldier "sustained gunshot wound on his right thumb, left middle ring and little fingers and splinter on his right arm and the police has no casualty, only the new police patrol car which was hit with bullets and damaged on its left side door."

"The victim was evacuated from the scene of crime and later brought to the Maitum Municipal Hospital for medical treatment. The perpetrators established position at the mountain before the approach of the Luan Bridge, barangay Mindupok when the incident happened. The responding PNP elements this office led by PSInsp. Lurobe Rojo Sr. and the members of the 27th IB Philippine Army who conducted visibility patrol and assessment on the area were trapped in the area until reinforcement arrived," according to the police spot report.

Some civilians from barangay Maguling evacuated and sought refuge at barangay Pinol as they could not pass through barangay Mindupok where the MILF stronghold was established.

The Philippine Army field artillery battalion reinforced their comrades and the police in the area and conducted mortar shelling towards the rebels at the mountain ranges of barangay Mindupok and at around 3:25 pm. attack helicopters arrived and conducted air-to-ground attack on the rebels. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

2nd press statement of Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett

“Kaganihang alas saes pasado sa buntag, nagpahigayon ug security patrol ang atong kapulisan kauban ang mga elemento sa 27th IB Philippine Army... kini human na-report ang usa ka kaso sa pagpamusil-patay sa barangay Ticulab nga diin pa usa ka civilian volunteer ang biktima… sa dihang padulong na sa crime scene ang atong mga otoridad, gi-ambush sila sa usa ka armadong grupo… nagka-sinukli-ay ug buto, usa sa mga rebelde ang napatay…

Salamat lang kay walay namatay sa tropa sa gobyerno gawas lang sa usa ka police nga naigo sa iyang kamot nga bahin… si Staff Sergeant Benly Rizano ang luwas na ug padayong gi-atiman karon sa Maitum Municipal Hospital…

Walay kamatuoran ang report nga ang usa ka 6x6 truck nga puno ug sundalo gitira ug RPG… base kini sa pagpaklaro ni Army Capt. Patricio Tomales sa 1002nd Brigade nga naka-base sa Sarangani Province… wala usab kamatuoran nga ang mga gikaingong rebelde adunay gatusan ka mga hostage nga mga residente sa Mindupok…

Pipila ka residente sa Brgy. Ticulab, Kalaong, ug Mindupok atong gipahiklin sa mga luwas nga evacuation areas… nagpadala kita ug medikal team aron makaatiman kanila…

Sa pagkakaron, padulong na sa normalidad ang sitwasyon… salamat sa inyong mga pag-ampo… atangi ang akong paghatud ug impormasyon sa mga musunod nga pipila ka gutlo… daghang salamat…

2nd press statement of Vice Gov. Solon, Acting Governor

“Hinay-hinay nang mikalma ang tensyon karon dinhi sa Maitum, ilabi na sa mga barangay nga una nang gika-report nga gihasi sa mga armadong grupo… hinuon, atong gina-alalayan ang atong mga kaigsoonan gikan sa Brgy. Ticulab, Kalaong ug Mindupok nga anaa karon sa atong gipangbutang nga mga evacuation centers… alang sa ilang seguridad, gipahiklin nato sila ug gi-atiman nato ang tanan nilang gikinahanglan… Walay angayng kabalak-an tungod kay anaa sila karon sa luwas ug maayong kahimtang…

Atong gimando ang double security dinhi sa atong lugar… gisiguro nato ang police visibility alang sa atong public market, terminals, mga balay-alampuanan ug uban pang mataong lugar… Mas makita karon ang siento porsiyentong presensya sa atong kapulisan ug militar…

Sa mga musunod nga oras, mas mu-normal na ang dagan sa atong munisipyo… normal ang dagan sa tanang buhatan sa gobyerno, normal ang atong patigayon ug komersyo… mamahimong normal ang sitwasyon tungod kay ang sitwasyon kontrolado na karon sa inyong gobyerno…

Ako, si Vice Governor Steve Solon, kauban ang inyong mga opisyales sa probinsya ug munisipalidad, mao mismoy muhatag ug klarong impormasyon ngadto sa publiko… hangyuon ko kamo nga dili dayon mu-too sa mga hilaw ug wala ma-biripikang impormasyon aron malikay ang walay kapuslanang pag-panic sa katawhan… hangyoon usab nako ang akong mga kababayan nga kung mahimo, likayan nato ang pagpakatag ug mga balita nga dili tinuod tungod kay makamugna kana ug kabalaka sa publiko… unta, mutabang na lang kita nga ma-stabilize ang sitwasyon…

Maghiusa kita, kayang-kayang natong malutsan kining krisis…”

1st press statement of Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett

“Anaa karon sa kritikal nga kahimtang ang atong munisipalidad… adunay mga pwersa nga nakahatag ug kaguliyang dinhi sa atong lugar… isip inyong inahan, ginahangyo nako ang tanan nga magpabiling kalmado ug dili kita magpada-og sa mga kabalaka…

Akong ginapaniguro, nga pinaagi sa panaghiusa natong tanan, malutsan ra nato kining krisis, ug mahibalik ra kanato ang normalidad… ang matag lumulopyo kinahanglang kalmado apan alerto… ayaw pag-hesitate sa pagkig-coordinate sa inyong mga purok o barangay leaders o sa atong mga otoridad… i-report agad kung may ma-obserbahan kayong mga tao o grupo na ginadudahan ninyong threat sa atong peace and security…

Pinaagi sa pagkakaisa natong Maitumians, anaa kita karoy kumunidad nga ang direksiyon padulong na sa tinuod nga kauswagan… ipadayon nato kini… pinaagi gihapon samang panaghiusa, atong pakigbisogan nga makab-ot ang tinood ug sustainable peace and development dito sa bayan ng Maitum…”

1st press release of Vice. Gov Solon

1st Press Statement of Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Acting Governor, to the People of Maitum and Sarangani Province

“Wala pa man kita nakabangon gikan sa mga kalamidad nga mihapak sa atong lugar, aduna na usay laing pagsulay nga mihagit karon sa atong solidarity…

Adunay mga armadong grupo nga karon nagamugna ug kasamok sa pipila ka barangay dinhi sa Maitum… ang inyong gobyerno maoy amigo nga kasaligan sa katawhan nga gusto ug kaayuhan sa ilang minahal nga nasud… apan kini usab ang number one nga kaaway sa mga gustong mupatay sa soberinidad, kahapsay, kalinaw ug seguridad sa atong lungsod, probinsya ug nasud… sa prangka nga pagkasulti, ang Maitum ilalom karon sa usa ka kritikal nga sitwasyon… apan dili kana rason aron nga kita mahadlok… ginahimo sa inyong gobyerno ang tanang posible niining mahimo aron mubalik sa normal ang atong mga kinabuhi… kanunay kitang musandig sa wisdom sa panggamhanan aron ang nasugdang kalinaw dili mahanaw…

Si Gov. Migs naghatag ug mensahe sa iyang mga minahal nga kababayang Sarangans: ‘Mga kababayan nakong Sarangans, dinhi masukod ang atong dedikasyon nga pangita-on ang sustainable peace sa atong munisipalidad ug tibuok probinsya… wala kitay angayng kahadlukan apan kinahanglan kitang mahimong vigilant ug ihatag nato ang atong kooperasyon ngadto sa mga otoridad aron pabiling luwas ang atong kumunidad…’

Samtang anaa pa sa taas nga alerto ang atong munisipalidad, ginatambagan nako ang katawhan nga likayan usa ang pag-gawas gikan sa ilang panimalay… hugpungon nato ang tanang miyemro sa pamilya ug hi-usahon ang mga pag-ampo nga unta matapos na kining krisis ug mubalik na sa normal ang tanan…

Ginasukod karon ang tinuod nga karakter sa mga Maitumians… karon, kinahanglan kitang mukuha ug kusog sa usa ug usa… sa mga panahon nga susama niini, kinahanglan nga magmalig-on kitang tanan… magpabilin kitang kalmado ug dili matarog ug hapsayon nato ang atong mga huna-huna…

Nasayud ko nga kayang-kaya nato ni…”

Wave victims

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 25, 2008) - Cecile Dominguez (in white shirt), executive director of Alcantara Foundation, leads the distribution of relief goods from Southern Philippines Power Corporation Tuesday, June 24. Some 41 families living in coastal communities in barangay Kamanga were forced to evacuate their houses during the weekend because of big waves. Flashfloods and big waves spawned by typhoon Frank across the coastal towns of Maitum, Kiamba, Alabel and Maasim totally damaged 415 houses made of light materials, with 247 houses partially damaged. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Free rice

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 25, 2008) – Coastal residents get free rice and other foodstuffs Tuesday, June 24, from Southern Philippines Power Corporation through the Alcantara Foundation at barangay Kamanga multi-purpose center. Private and business sector donors have been giving relief assistance to Sarangani flashflood victims to augment government resources. Big waves destroyed 10 pumpboats in Maasim. The total number of families affected province-wide is 1,775 with 7,160 dependents. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Donor, Capitol deploy "food caravan" for Frank victims

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 24, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said private and business sector donors were giving relief assistance to Sarangani flashflood victims to augment government resources.

"We have received many donations even as of today for families affected by flashfloods caused by typhoon Frank," Solon said.

Some donations like rice, by now about 600 sacks, canned goods, and used clothing for displaced families came from Petron Foundation, You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP), Smart Communications, ABS-CBN, Red Cross, Alcantara Foundation, and Senate President Manny Villar, according to the vice governor.

Even residents from here and Davao City, and local church groups have been donating goods and used clothing.

Earlier on Saturday, the vice governor visited the towns of Maitum, Kiamba and Maasim to ensure that the evacuees were taken cared of.

Solon presided over an emergency meeting Sunday (June 22) of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) in Alabel where he directed local disaster councils to ensure that evacuees don't go hungry in evacuation centers.

A "food caravan" was deployed Monday to MAKIMA (Maitum-Kiamba-Maasim) side and two teams handled Sarangani's eastern side, according to provincial social welfare and development officer Hermelo Latoja.

In Maitum, Latoja said Mayor Perrett has been able to bring back most evacuees to their homes.

The Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council of Kiamba "was able to manage those families whose houses were partially or totally damaged."

"Relief operations in Alabel and the three other coastal towns affected by flashflood and heavy flooding will continue," Latoja said.

He echoed Governor Migs Dominguez' instruction to relief workers that "no one from the displaced families or any individual will be left hungry."

"By noon today (Monday), the Sangguniang Panlalawigan officially declared the province in the state of calamity," Solon said.

"So we are using our five percent calamity fund to immediately provide assistance to the victims," he added.

A disaster monitoring report issued by the PDCC Tuesday (June 24) disclosed that flashfloods and big waves spawned by typhoon Frank across the coastal towns of Maitum, Kiamba, Alabel and Maasim totally damaged 415 houses made of light materials, with 247 houses partially damaged.

Big waves destroyed a large fishing boat in Maitum and 10 other pumpboats in Maasim.

The PDCC report placed the total number of families affected at 1,775 with 7,160 dependents. In barangay Lomuyon , Kiamba, two girls – Jessamor Adom, 9, and Mary Jane Panatoc, 11 – died "due to uprooted coconut trees" at the height of the flooding Saturday, according to the PDCC report. Teresita Tasig, 12, of barangay Kalaong, Maitum was reported missing on June 20.

Damage to property was placed at P34 million – in agriculture, environment and infrastructure.

The PDCC shall move to convert relief activities into food-for-work after the next three days.

"We will mobilize the displaced families to rebuild their houses and improve their environment as part of our disaster management plan," Latoja said. (RGP/Sarangani Information Office)

Rice and canned goods

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 24, 2008) – Part-list group You Against Corruption And Poverty (YACAP) delivers food to flood victims taking shelter at Alabel municipal gym Tuesday, June 24. A Capitol worker hands in five kilos of rice and canned goods to one of the hundreds of displaced residents of Ladol, a coastal barangay in Alabel town affected by the weekend flashflood caused by typhoon Frank. The provincial government continues to accept and distribute relief goods to flood victims. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Food for flood victims

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 24, 2008) – You Against Corruption And Poverty (YACAP) party-list Representative Carol Lopez (left) joins Sarangani on its continuing relief operation Tuesday, June 24, at Alabel gym, by giving food to families displaced by Saturday's flashflood in Ladol, a coastal barangay in Alabel town affected by typhoon Frank. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Smart donation

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 24, 2008) – Engineers from Smart Communications (from left) Juar Manada, Kits Clemente and Berfe Inocencio pass on relief goods to flood victims Monday night (June 23) as Mayor Rom Falgui and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon look on. Smart Communications and Petron Corporation are among corporate donors helping out flashflood victims in Sarangani. Family friends, politicians and business sector partners of Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon have also been donating resources to hasten relief operations in Sarangani. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum delivery

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 24, 2008) – Mayor Elsie Perrett (extreme right) receives bags of rice, canned goods and grocery items from Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Hermelo Latoja, provincial disaster coordinator, as Red Cross volunteers from General Santos City unload goods for flashflood victims Monday night (June 23). Relief goods distribution continues with local government supplies, while private donations have been coming in for flashflood victims. Governor Migs Dominguez has directed local disaster councils to ensure that evacuees don't go hungry in evacuation centers. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Evacuees

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 24, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right) and Mayor Rom Falgui (center) comfort flashflood victims at an evacuation center Monday night (June 23) with delivery of rice, canned goods and grocery items. The provincial board has placed the entire province under a state of calamity to hasten relief operations and rehabilitation of affected villages. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

Evacuees' rice

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (June 24, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) and Hermelo Latoja, provincial disaster coordinator, map out the rice distribution scheme for flashflood victims as they pick up 200 sacks of rice at the National Food Authority warehouse Monday (June 23). Governor Migs Dominguez has directed local disaster councils to ensure that evacuees don't go hungry in evacuation centers. Floodwaters spawned by typhoon Frank over the weekend affected 1,736 families with 7,160 dependents across the towns of Maitum, Kiamba, Maasim and Alabel. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, June 23, 2008

Medical service to inmates

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 23, 2008) - Dr. Reymond Cagape provides free medical checkup to an inmate. Together with dentist couple Drs. Asesclo and Leonora Madrid, more than 300 inmates were given free medical and dental services on June 18 at Sarangani Provincial Jail. (Photo by Gandhi Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI PROGRAM)

Jail visit

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 23, 2008) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon visits inmates at Sarangani Provincial Jail during a medical mission on June 18. More than 300 inmates received free medical and dental services while 20 trained on reflexology. (Photo by Gandhi Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI PROGRAM)

Colors of malong:Blending progress and tradition

By Russtum G. Pelima

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2008) – At the town festival called Pakaradyan last week, I have learned what's more to see in the malong as a Muslim traditional dress.

Janaria Magangcong, after working two years abroad, found herself on her way back into the old craft of malong weaving she learned when she was thirteen.

"It signifies the Muslims' rich and strong tradition," she said in vernacular.

"The weaving process needs a lot of patience. You usually see these bright colored threads we use, the same colors we use in our decorations and ornaments during festivals."

"Now we make this as our source of living."

Janaria has organized a group of women in Balungis to form a cooperative who sell their products to the Blaans, the town's most dominant indigenous group.

Like the attractive combination of colors in a malong, Malapatan has built a colorful multi-tradition of Muslims, tribal groups and Christians putting it in Pakaradyan, more colorful than any other town festival in the province.

Pakaradyan is a Maguindanao word for festival. Bright colored buntings decorate the road sides and the municipal landscape, bringing about a festive mode to visitors and community alike.

Malapatan was coined from two Blaan terms mala (pepper) and fatan (place), noting the abundance of pepper in the place. Blaans were the native inhabitants here.

Islam and Datuism introduced by Sarip Kabungsuan who arrived in Kuta Wato from Arabia during the 15th century developed and spread Maguindanaos, Maranaos, and other lumads in Mindanao which bundled the tribes into a complete unity.

For more than 39 years, as this town marks this year's anniversary, multi-culturalism has finally bred development and harmony while preserving a wonderful Muslim-tribal tradition.

Over the past three years, Malapatan's thirst for health care, education, livelihood, and its quest for peace and development has been addressed:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been building schools, and providing reading materials, building footbridges and other infrastructure, and giving livelihood assistance to the community.

The Japanese government and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation has been doing the same in education by building a ten-classroom building that solved the classroom problem in Malapatan National High School, and environmental conservation by building a septage treatment facility as the other coastal towns in Sarangani.

During the past three years, the national Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) piloted the municipality in its people-empowerment objectives through school building projects, water systems, and road openings.

At the Pakaradyan's tribal day on June 18 spearheaded by the tribal council, the Blaans showcased their tribal practices such as maral (dance) and tribal sports such as Sbuno (wrestling), gamti (archery), sakmi (planting), and mbak falimak (gong playing).

On another day, Maguindanaon's malong weaving, tinagtag and other Maguindanaon delicacies, and kulintangan were exhibited.

This small town feasts on its unique history of peoples and the fruits of community endeavor, like the malong that weaves colors to something wonderful. It happens during Pakaradyan in the middle of June. (RGP/Sarangani Information Office)

Malong weaver

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2008) – Malong weaver Janaria Magangcong organized a group of women in Balungis into a cooperative of weavers and sellers of malong. (Photo by Russtum Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Colorful malong

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2008) – After working two years abroad, Janaria Magangcong (left) is back into the old craft of malong weaving she learned when she was thirteen. (Photo by Russtum Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Relief goods distribution

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 23, 2008) – Mayor Rommel Tomas M. Falgui hands over a pack of relief goods Saturday (June 21) to Bailyn Musa, one of the 2,570 flashflood victims. The swollen Tual river breached its banks at Tabok, Barangay Poblacion due to heavy downpour brought by typhoon Frank coupled with the high tide. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFORMATION CENTER)

Disaster council meeting

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 23, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) presides over an emergency meeting Sunday (June 22) of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) where he directed local disaster councils to ensure that evacuees don't go hungry in evacuation centers. The PDCC, convened by Solon as acting governor, passed a resolution requesting the Sangguniang Bayan to declare Sarangani province under a state of calamity. The government's response comes in the aftermath of typhoon Frank's heavy downpour that caused flashfloods in the towns of Alabel, Maitum, Kiamba and Maasim. The total number of affected families reached 1,775 with 6,917 dependents and total damage to property at P34 million. Additional relief goods needed are around 250 sacks of rice, 30 boxes of canned goods, kitchen utensils, medicines and milk. (Photo by Jun Ramos/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Friday, June 20, 2008

Sarangani OFWs

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 19, 2008) – Officers of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) provincial federation are shown with regional director Allan Ignacio of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (6th from left), Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Board Member Art Lawa during the group's first regular meeting and induction of officers Thursday, June 19, at the Capitol. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

OFW federation

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 19, 2008) – Officers of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) provincial federation are sworn into office by Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (2nd from right), with Board Member Art Lawa (extreme right), during their first regular meeting and induction of officers Thursday, June 19, at the Capitol. The officers are (from left) Erlinda Castro of Kiamba (business manager), Gloria Penafiel of Malungon (public information officer), Edgardo Simporios of Glan (auditor), Alejandro Siarot of Maasim (treasurer), Adela Guarderama of Maasim (secretary), Roy Cabrido of Maitum (vice president), and Solaiman Kamad, Al Haj, of Kiamba (president). (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rubber nursery

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 19, 2008) – Mayor Elsie Perrett and agricultural technicians inspect the polybagged rubber nursery Wednesday, June 19, in barangay Upo, site of the Farmers Information and Technology Services center. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

FITS center

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 19, 2008) – Mayor Elsie Perrett opens the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) center of Maitum for Science Technology Based Farming Wednesday, June 18, in barangay Upo. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farm technicians

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 19, 2008) – Farm technicians known as "Local Techno Gabay" go around Lamlunay Research and Learning Center (LRLC), a 108-hectare facility that maintains nurseries of fruit trees and other crops in barangay Upo. Mayor Elsie Perrett opened the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) center of Maitum for Science Technology Based Farming at LRLC Wednesday, June 18. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Town hall cornerstone

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 18, 2008) - Mayor Rommel Falgui drops the time capsule during groundbreaking rites for the improved municipal building Wednesday, June 18, assisted by Vice Mayor Elmer de Peralta. Standing from the left side of the mayor are former Mayor Joe Pimentel, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, former Mayor Sis. Antonia Falgui and Kagawad Wilhelmina Espa. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFORMATION CENTER)

Improved town hall

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 18, 2008) - Mayor Rommel Falgui (3rd from left) leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the improved municipal building Wednesday, June 18, assisted by Vice Mayor Elmer de Peralta (extreme right), COA Auditor Herman Jumilla (partly hidden), Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (standing next to Mayor Falgui), Former Mayor Sis Antonia Falgui, Kagawad Eva Villamor, former Mayor Joe Pimentel and Annalyn Doceo, local government officer. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFORMATION CENTER)

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Malapatan Tribal Day

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez addresses the Tribal Day program Tuesday, June 17, as mayors Aida Singcoy of Malapatan and Elsie Perrett of Maitum look on. The day features tribal games and contests like "maral" (tribal dance), "sbuno" (tribal wrestling), "gamti" (archery), "sakmi" (tribal way of planting rice) and "mbak falimak" (gong exhibition) as part of the town's 3rd Pakaradyan (festival) and 39th foundation anniversary on June 15-21. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Conferment

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2008) – Women tribal leaders confer the title as "Bae Mabe-Banwe Malfatan" (Queen-Leader of Place Malapatan) to Mayor Aida Singcoy during the town's Tribal Day program Tuesday, June 17. A conferment manifesto was signed by 22 tribal chieftains "in recognition of her outstanding leadership as Bae Mabe-Banwe." The municipality is celebrating its 3rd Pakaradyan (festival) and 39th foundation anniversary on June 15-21. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, June 16, 2008

Mepranum win featured in GMA News TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/video/24238/QTV-Pinoy-boxer-kampeon-ng-WBO-Oriental-Flyweight-division

Sarangani's Mepranum gets WBO title

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 16, 2008) – Hometown pride and boxer Richie Mepranum captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title after beating Tanzanian Juma Seleman Fundi in "War in Sarangani" on June 14.

"Maasim has now a world champion," Mayor Aniceto Lopez declared right after the Mepranum-Fundi fight, headlining the night event.

The "War in Sarangani" is an international card and professional boxing event hosted by a local government unit, which "other big cities were not able to do so," according to Games and Amusement Board official Vicente Cabalog.

Fundi had an undefeated record of 7-0-0 with four knock outs before that.

"He's going to be in big pain," Fundi's manager Emmanuel Mlundwa boasted in a press conference at the Kasfala Hall, Capitol ground, the day before the fight.

But at the same conference, boxing analyst and sports commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz predicted otherwise, saying Mepranum will pin down the Tanzanian boxer by a knock out.

Mepranum's first big leap to his dream to become like his boxing idol Manny Pacquiao dramatizes Maasim town's transformation from being once most depressed area of the province.

"Maasim is not about guns anymore, but fame in the field of sports particularly in boxing," Lopez said.

The Ireneo Miguel Lopez Promotion under Mayor Lopez groomed Mepranum as amateur boxer in 2004 until his speedy shot to a world title and the hope of his hometown.

Mepranum defeated Fundi using his formula of hitting Fundi's body to weaken his stamina, resulting to a no-knockout but equally lopsided 119-109 unanimous win. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Saturday, June 14, 2008

WBO Oriental flyweight champ

Maasim, Sarangani (June 15, 2008) – Richie Mepranum of Maasim, the Philippines No. 1 ranked flyweight, celebrates his unanimous decision victory against erstwhile undefeated Juma Seleman Fundi of Tanzania after their WBO Oriental flyweight title bout Saturday, June 14. It was Mepranum's 17th win in 19 fights and 1st loss for Fundi, previously with a 7-0, 4 knockouts card. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

War in Sarangani

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 15, 2008) – Maasim's Richie Mepranum (right) and Tanzanian Juma Seleman Fundi exchange blows during their WBO Oriental flyweight title bout Saturday, June 14, won by Mepranum via a unanimous decision. The bout dubbed "War in Sarangani" is the first international fight staged by Maasim Mayor Jojo Lopez and Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez here. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mepranum outclasses Tanzanian

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 15, 2008) - Reigning Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight champion Richie Mepranum (right) is poised to strike Tanzanian Juma Seleman Fundi during their WBO Oriental flyweight title bout Saturday, June 14. Mepranum outclassed the erstwhile undefeated Fundi by a unanimous decision to capture the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Friday, June 13, 2008

Unity pose

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 13, 2008) – Beneficiaries, government workers and officials make a unity pose at Juanico Ville Thursday, June 12. The provincial government provided the land at a cost of P5.11 million, while the municipal government has a counterpart of P1 million for land development. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)